World Cup 2010 Review

Seven days have passed since the closing of the greatest show on earth.  The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa provided plenty of drama.  Over 140 goals in 64 matches, with some giants of the game found wanting, stars of the international game flopping dramatically and some fairytale stories, that would capture the imagination of any World Cup fanatic fan.  This is my comprehensive review of the tournament, picking out twenty moments that made this World Cup stand out, both off and on the pitch.

All the Fears Were Unnecessary

There was a lot of anticipation, but also fear in the build-up to Africa’s big moment.  It was reported that terrorists were planning to attack the England v USA group match in Rustenberg, and after what had happened to the Togo national team in Angola, when they were ambushed at January’s Africa Cup of Nations, there were always going to be increasing concerns about the safety of fans, players, the worldwide press and local South Africans.  Thankfully, these fears totally turned out to be no more than threats.  Despite the odd issue, such as a match steward’s strike and a pre-tournament fan crush before a Nigeria game in the days leading up to the spectacular, but overall, South Africa 2010 turned into a rousing success.  Travel was hardly an issue, tickets sold on the black market were eliminated and hooliganism simply did not exist.  It was a carnival for the fans, and a pleasing success for the tournament’s organisers. 

The England Failure, But Who Was To Blame?

We can talk about this for years to come.  Quite frankly, I’m fairly bored of the entire topic, but I do feel I should express my viewpoint before shutting up on this issue for good.  Fabio Capello made some massive tactical blunders during the tournament.  For example, no back-up plan if the team got into trouble, the goalkeeper situation – as he had no idea who to earmark as a No.1 and telling the team two hours before a crucial match who would start.  However, although the buck must stop with Capello, the team must take some of the stick too.  Wayne Rooney was hopelessly unfit and useless; Emile Heskey looked like Bambi, not an international striker.  Robert Green needs to learn how to catch a football, it’s not hard – whilst Steven Gerrard lacked the passion he shows week in, week out in a Liverpool shirt.  Even the energetic Ashley Cole looked a yard short all throughout the finals.  John Terry aside, the passion for the shirt must be called into question for these failures.  This generation has had its chance, TWICE!  They have blown it and now, its time for the youth to get a crack at the whip.  Sadly, I don’t think England has much chance in the international game, unless the fundamentals dramatically change.

The ‘Woe Cup’ on ITV

When ITV decided to ditch Formula One at the end of 2008, to entirely focus on Football, it seemed like a risky, but successful move.  Two years on, Michael Grade might well be regretting that move.  Yes, the studio base, just outside Soccer City was top-notch as was the theme music – ‘When You Come Back,’ by Vusi Mahlasela, which is the best football theme I’ve heard since the legendary ‘Nessum Dorma,’ by Pavarotti for BBC’s coverage of Italia 90 and Marcel Desailly was a charismatic and passionate pundit.  However, that is where all the positives end.  Taking a commercial break seconds before Steven Gerrard’s opener for England v USA in Rustenberg was a blunder of the first magnitude.  Robbie Earle was sent home in disgrace, for a ticketing scam, whilst Adrian Chiles truly proved that he is not cut out for live television.  He should just stick to GMTV; at least Steve Rider knows what he is talking about.  Craig Burley’s commentator voice is more suited to funerals, whilst Gareth Southgate forgetting who Holland were playing in the semi-finals just about summed it all up.  This was a nightmare World Cup for ITV, and one they will need to forget very quickly.  Their reputation has taken another battering, and they still have the FA Cup and Champions League rights.  This concerns me a lot.

Diego Maradona – What a Character!

Diego Maradona may have his fans, and those who will never forgive him for the ‘Hand of God,’ in 1986.  However, no-one can diminish his passion and love for the game of football.  His story was remarkable, and it was a largely happy and united Argentina camp throughout South Africa 2010.  Once again, they played the best football in the group stages – dismantling South Korea and missing a hatful of chances to overcome Nigeria.  Defensively, there were concerns, but with the attacking prowess of Carlos Tevez, Diego Milito, Gonzalo Higuain, Martin Palermo and Lionel Messi, these errors could be easily covered up in the early exchanges.  However, when it came to the crunch, Germany exposed Argentina’s weaknesses to the fore, leaving a nation in tears.  Maradona has been offered a new four-year deal to stay on as manager and I hope he does, because his gestures and passion from the touchline was one of the stand-out moments of the finals.

The Jabulani – The Worst Football in History!

Receiving a lot of criticism throughout the tournament was the Jabulani football used for the sixty-four matches.  Quite simply, it is the worst football to have ever created.  Goalkeepers found it difficult to control, midfielders couldn’t dribble as much as they would have liked to and when it came to free-kicks, there was more chance of the football ending in orbit, rather than the back of the net.  Diego Forlan and Japan aside, no-one seemed to be able to cope with the Jabulani from a dead ball situation and although the negativity in some of the opening games was painful to watch, the ball didn’t help matters.  I hope the makers of the Jabulani, Adidas are hanging their heads in shame.  Let’s hope Nike get an exclusive FIFA contract for the 2014 finals in Brazil.

Why Did So Many Superstars Flop On The Greatest Show On Earth?

That is a question that will be difficult to answer, was it the dreaded Jabulani? Were they tired after a long, tiring domestic and international season?  Do the lack the passion for the international game?  Whatever the answer maybe, Kaka, Samuel Eto’o, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba and Wayne Rooney all flopped horrendously at this World Cup.  Rooney limped throughout the finals, Eto’o simply didn’t step up to the plate for a failing Cameroon, which suggested major friction between him and the now former coach, Paul Le Guen.  Kaka was unluckily sent off against the Ivory Coast, but continued where he left off for Real Madrid, playing poorly.  Ronaldo did score against North Korea, but was left a frustrated and forlorn figure as Portugal played defensively in three of the four matches they competed in.  Drogba was nursing a shoulder injury during the group stages, meaning his physical advantages in his game could not be used and Torres lacked form and match sharpness, which culminated in him being dropped from the semi-final onwards.  So, why did so many superstars flop on the greatest show on earth?  The answer is several reasons, but the main reason is – they just didn’t perform when the chips were down.

Germany – A Joy to Watch

The Germans are normally associated as a team that grinds out results to make the showpiece events.  This wasn’t the case in South Africa.  The team played with flair, fluidity and showed no fear whatsoever.  Yes, Serbia did surprise them in the group stages in Port Elizabeth, but that was largely on a bad day for Joachim Low’s side, when nothing went right.  They blitzed Australia and ripped apart England and Argentina in the knockout stages.  Only a well-drilled Spain crushed their dream in the semi-final.  However, the likes of Meszut Ozil, Sami Khedira and Thomas Muller are here to stay, and with such an impressive young unit, Germany could well dominate the international game for at least the next five years.

FIFA Embarrassed With The Lack of Technology – Surely It Must Be Used Now?

Six minutes before half-time in Bloemfontein and Frank Lampard hits a cute chip, that beat Manuel Neuer in the Germany goal, and drags England back to 2-2 in their last sixteen encounter.  However, it wasn’t given – as the incident was missed by the hopeless Uruguayan officials.  Television replays confirmed what we had all previously thought – the ball had gone miles over the line.  I personally hope Sepp Blatter, who can’t stand the use of technology, was squirming in his seat.  Later that night, the Italian officials awarded a goal to Argentina’s Carlos Tevez against Mexico, despite him being at least five yards offside.  England and Mexico were the unlucky ones this time, with the lack of technology.  Surely FIFA and the game in general must use the equipment and resources available to them; otherwise there will be a lot more hard luck stories to be heard of in the future.

Italy – A Tournament Too Far For the Ageing Champions

Italy came into these finals playing down their expectations.  However, everyone expected them to cruise through a group consisting of debutants Slovakia, inconsistent Paraguay and the ‘amateurs’ from New Zealand.  However, the defending champions made a limp start, drawing 1-1 with Paraguay in Cape Town.  It set the tone for their tournament, always having to come from behind to save themselves.  Eventually, it caught up with them, as Slovakia punished them to maximum effect in one of the best games of the tournament on June 24^th.  Injuries didn’t help, with Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon playing less than ninety minutes between them, but it was a tournament too far for the ageing champions.  The Azzuri were dethroned, and left with egg on their face.  Finishing behind New Zealand, a country that doesn’t even have a professional league is staggering!  Thank goodness England didn’t end up as bad as they did; this could well be the end of a golden Italian generation.

The Vuvuzela – The New Feature of Football Sound

The controversial and very noisy ‘vuvuzela’ made their debut in the World Cup finals and whether it has taken onto the European game in the next season remains to be seen.  In the early games, the sound was just plain annoying, sounding like a ‘swarm of bees.’  In the later stages, they just added to the occasion.  I hope they don’t turn up in the Premiership next season, and can see a ban being imposed if they were.  However, they added to the atmosphere and the drama of World Cup 2010, and if that’s how the Africans like to appreciate their football – let them embrace it in their own style.

France – Disgraced and Defeated

The worldwide media were predicting either a France team that could cause a surprise, or most likely pick the self-destruct option.  Unsurprisingly, they chose the latter option.  A dull goalless draw with Uruguay in their opener set the tone for a flimsy and pathetic tournament.  Coach Raymond Domenach couldn’t control the squad, and on the touchline against Mexico, really couldn’t care less about what happened out on the pitch.  Playing left-back Eric Abidal in centre-half must be one of the most ridiculous tactical decisions I have seen in my life.  Thierry Henry was a frustrated spectator throughout, who could only laugh at the fracas.  Temperamental Nicolas Anelka was sent home for a blazing row with Domenach, and then the team refused to train, in support of the Chelsea striker.  Captain Patrice Evra was dropped for the final group game, and behaved like a dog all throughout the shameful episode.  To be honest, a 6-year old could control the team better than Domenach, and they got what they deserved – eliminated with 1 point, 1 goal and flying home in economy class! France were disgraced and defeated and Laurent Blanc has got some job in reviving their fortunes. 

Negative Football Is a Disappointment

The amount of negativity from some teams was a real disappointment to witness.  Argentina and Germany were the only total attacking sides, out of the main superpowers throughout the finals.  The early games were punctured, with some very tedious games – many totally afraid to lose their opening game.  The main concern was the lack of attacking intent from some on display, which was very disappointing to see.  However, these results don’t win you tournaments.  Both Japan and Portugal paid the price in the knockout stages and likewise, Greece and Ivory Coast in the group stages.  So, it was good to see more attacking styles from most in the knockout stages onwards.

Chile – Full of Thrills and Entertainment

Chile arrived at these finals believing in themselves.  However, they were written off by many as a side just there to make up the numbers.  Driven on by a flag at their training camp, in remembrance of those who perished in the devastating earthquake in the country at the beginning of March, their thrilling football was a joy to watch.  Marcelo Biesla knows how to play attacking football, and it paid off against Honduras and Switzerland, with two devastating attacking displays, even though the 1-0 scorelines don’t suggest this.  Sadly, their tendency to go forward left them exposed against better opposition in the form of Brazil and Spain, but with a talented young squad, like Carlos Carmona, Alexis Sanchez and Matias Fernandez, Chile could well be a major threat in major competitions in the coming years.  They won a lot of fans, including myself for the fluid approach to the game at these finals.

Howard Webb – A Very Successful Tournament

England may have flopped miserably on the world stage, but Howard Webb’s reputation increased massively, with his well-disciplined approach to the games he refereed.  His performances in his three preliminary games (Spain v Switzerland, Slovakia v Italy and Brazil v Chile) were exemplary.  Full credit also must go out to his assistants, Darren Can and Mike Malarkey too for their eagle eyes, when it came to tight offside calls.  Some will question his performance in the final, but any referee would have struggled to control that match last week, and I thought he handled the situation very well actually.  He deserved to get the final in the first place, and it wasn’t a disastrous performance either.  At least England did have a finalist in the end.

The Hand of Luis Suarez

In the dying stages of a pulsating quarter-final in Soccer City, Ajax striker Luis Suarez showed that his goalkeeping ability is second to none.  The Uruguayan hitman deliberately handled on the line, to deny Ghana a last-gasp winner in extra-time.  Rightly, Suarez was dismissed for his actions, but Asamoah Gyan went on to smack the bar with his spot kick.  Suarez’s reaction afterwards was very unsportsmanlike, but his efforts had helped Uruguay win a surprising semi-final place.  The incident wasn’t very sporting, but if that was replayed 99 times out of 100, he and many others would have done exactly the same.  Though his actions robbed Ghana out of a semi-final berth, it was an instinctive reaction, not deliberate cheating.

The African Continent Disappoints

Despite Ghana’s fairytale run to the quarter-finals, Africa’s entries disappointed at these finals, and showed that the continent still has some way to go, if they want to challenge the heavyweights of Europe and South America in the near future.  Nigeria and Cameroon were major letdowns, and are living far too long on former glories.  Algeria always were at the finals for the party and nothing more, the Ivory Coast were in a horrible group, yet had their chances to punish Portugal’s lack of ambition, but didn’t take them.  In the end, despite the expected early elimination, the hosts did very well in the circumstances.  They beat a disorganised French unit and probably should have beaten Mexico in the tournament opener.  Had it not been for a more wooden display against Uruguay, they might well have escaped Group A.  However, they left their home tournament on a high and far from disgraced.  What the African champions Egypt could have done, no-one really knows, but apart from the Ghana drama, it was a disappointing conclusion once more for the host continent.

Paul the ‘Psychic’ Octopus

Despite being 6,000 miles away from South Africa, Paul the ‘Psychic’ 8-legged octopus has become a star overnight and left football pundits shaking in their boots.  Their jobs at predicting the games are suddenly under intensifying threat.  He got all his predictions right, including an early Italy elimination, Argentina’s quarter-final defeat and a Spain World Cup win.  Well done Paul, you are a legend!

Holland Scrape Through, Then Lose Their Heads

Previous Dutch sides have a reputation for their camp to be split down the middle, between two units and for their football to be explosive, but lacking the rewards it deserves.  This time around, the Dutch showed a grittier side to their game, and a more determined steel which their coach has created.  Apart from a super second-half display to eliminate the Brazilians in the last eight, Holland missed the usual ‘Total Football,’ tag that is normally associated with this country.  Sadly in the final, they decided to kick their opponents, rather than attempt to outscore them.  Their tactics were dirty, unnecessary and won themselves no plaudits.  It was a good result for football then, to see the team that actually wanted to play football, win the World Cup.

Spain Finally Fulfil Their Potential

After years of underachievement and failure, Spain has finally produced the goods, when it matters most.  When they lost their opener to Switzerland in Durban on June 16^th, it left them on the brink and many questioning, whether this crop of players was going to go down the same route that many predecessors had managed.  Instead, they managed to grind themselves into the last four, with sketchy performances against Paraguay and Portugal, yet produce moments of inspiration that got them through.  Against Germany and Holland, they played the better football in both games, and that makes them worthy champions.  Congratulations to Vicente Del Bosque and his men on achieving this well-deserved success.

The Awards

A brief word on some of the awards I would give out for the 2010 FIFA World Cup:

Player of the Tournament:                          Diego Forlan (Uruguay)

Young Player of the Tournament:               Thomas Muller (Germany)

Golden Boot Winner:                                Thomas Muller (Germany)

Golden Glove:                                           Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Best Defender:                                          Carlos Puyol (Spain)

Best Midfielder:                                        Wesley Snejider (Holland)

Team of the Tournament:     Manuel Neuer (Germany), Sergio Ramos (Spain), Arne Friedrich (Germany), Carlos Puyol (Spain), Fabio Coentrao (Portugal), Andreas Iniesta (Spain), Wesley Snejider (Holland), Meszut Ozil (Germany), Thomas Muller (Germany), David Villa (Spain), Diego Forlan (Uruguay)

SUBS: Iker Casillas (Spain), Giovanni Van Bronckhorst (Holland), Andre Anyweu (Ghana), Alexis Sanchez (Chile), Dirk Kuyt (Holland), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Miroslav Klose (Germany)

Goal of the Tournament:                              1^st: Giovanni Van Bronckhorst (Holland v Uruguay)

                                                                                2^nd: Fabio Quagirella (Slovakia v Italy)

                                                                                3^rd: Luis Suarez (Uruguay v South Korea)

Match of the Tournament:                          1^st: Uruguay 1-1 Ghana – Quarter-Final, 2^nd July

                                                                                2^nd: Slovakia 3-2 Italy – Group Stages, 24^th June

                                                                                3^rd: Uruguay 2-3 Germany – 3^rd Place Playoff, 10^th July

Roll on Brazil 2014!

World Cup Memories - Part 5

The countdown is getting ever closer to that first kick-off between the hosts and Mexico, which will open up the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals.  For the first time, Africa will stage the world’s biggest show and over four weeks and sixty-four matches, we really will find out who is the best in the world. 

It also gives me the opportunity to lookback at some classic FIFA World Cup moments from down the years, a mixture of romance, drama, controversy, disgusting foul play, heartbreak and joy.  Every picture, every match tells its different type of story.  In this five-part series, I will be looking back at my top 50 FIFA World Cup memories, starting, ranging from 1958 to the most recent tournament in Germany four years ago.  Coming up is the final part, and in the no particular order.  Here are the final ten memories:

Mexico 1986: Maradona’s Hand of God

Despite the decline in his career which saw his disgraced in USA 94, there can be no doubt about Diego Maradona’s impact on his playing career.  Single handily, he won the 1986 World Cup for Argentina, as Mexico 86 simply belonged to this new genius.  However, with Maradona, there was always a little bit of controversy, which is no surprise with him.  Unfortunately, it was England who fell afoul of him and the ‘Hand of God,’ in the Azteca Stadium.  With the quarter-final deadlocked at 0-0, ten minutes into the second half, Bobby Robson’s men were holding on valiantly, when Maradona made one of those mazy runs, then after a misjudged clearance from Terry Fenwick, leaped above Peter Shilton and punched the ball into the net.  Everyone saw it in the stadium, except for the blinded Tunisian referee and his officials.  What made things worse was that Maradona never admitted his blatant guilt, even today.  Three minutes later, he hurt England again, with a wonderful run that is quite simply, the best goal in FIFA World Cup history.  His magnificence stole the show; it’s just a shame that the hand gets all the attention, rather than Maradona’s wonderful skills.

Germany 2006: Zidane Leaves in Disgrace

On July 9^th 2006, the scene was set perfectly for Zinedine Zidane’s final match as a professional football player, by skippering France to the World Cup trophy.  However, everyone was gobsmacked by the final outcome in Berlin’s Olympicstadion, which saw the great Zidane leave the game, in absolute disgrace.  Having literally dragged a mediocre France to the final, Zidane made the perfect start against Italy in the final showdown, scoring an early cheeky penalty.  His later nemesis, Marco Materazzi equalised for the Azzuri, overpowering Patrick Vieira in an aerial battle, to head home Andrea Pirlo’s corner.  In extra-time, Luca Toni had a goal disallowed, before the main event.  Materazzi was rolling around on the ground and Zidane was being confronted by angry Italians.  Television replays quickly showed the crime.  Materazzi may have provoked Zidane, as Zinedine was jogging back towards the centre circle, but then what Zidane did next was inexcusable.  He turned around and head butted Materazzi in the chest.  Luckily, the linesman saw the offence, alerted the referee, who promptly sent Zidane off.  France lost the final on penalties, but the night and Italy’s triumph was badly tarnished by the actions of a great footballer, which left him bowing out of the game in disgrace.

England 1966: They Think It’s All Over, It Is Now

Maybe, just maybe England will match this feat in the summer.  If not, the pain of perennial failure will stretch further than the current forty-four years it stands at the moment.  Thanks to the help of a Russian linesman, our only current success came on home soil in 1966.  Spearheaded by the hard-working Nobby Stiles and Alan Ball, and led by the inspired captain, Bobby Moore, England stormed into a 2-0 lead in the final against West Germany, through goals from the West Ham double act, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters.  The Germans pulled the game back to 2-2, to take the final into extra-time, but the Three Lions could not be denied.  Hurst’s second goal was originally disallowed, but then allowed to stand by the Russian linesman.  His hat-trick goal, in the final minute will be best remembered for the ‘They Think It’s All Over, It Is Now,’ commentary from Kenneth Wolstenholme.  For four years at least, England could call themselves World Champions.

Spain 1982: Italy 3-2 Brazil – Quite Possibly the Best Ever Match in World Cup History

The Brazilian side of 1982 was amongst one of the greatest in football history, but they were downed in this amazing match of swinging fortunes by the more measured, if not so charismatic Italians.  Coming into this group deciding match, for a semi-final berth, Juventus Paolo Rossi was in national disgrace.  Banned in 1980 for match-fixing, Rossi had served a two-year ban and become a surprise inclusion in Italy’s World Cup squad, much to the chagrin of many Italian supporters and experts.  To be honest, Rossi played like a donkey in the group stages, hopelessly lacking confident and having the fitness levels of a tortoise.  However, it all clicked together against the masterful Brazilians, as he broke into form, scoring a stunning hat-trick.  In just ninety minutes, he had become a national hero, from a national scapegoat.  Despite the goal of the game from Falcao, this amazing Brazilian team, containing Zico and Socrates amongst others, was denied the ultimate prize by an inspired Rossi.

Italy 1990: ‘Spitalia’ 90

The game in the San Siro between Holland and West Germany at Italia 90 was meant to be one of the most eagerly anticipated games in the World Cup.  In the last sixteen, the Germans wanted revenge for the Dutch knocking them out of Euro 88, in their own backyard.  It was clear that there were scores to settle and the two nations did not like one another.  The game was end-to-end for ten minutes, until Frank Rijkaard and Rudi Voller started a personal civil battle, which ruined the contest.  Voller dived over Rijkaard in the 17^th minute, which saw the AC Milan defender booked.  On his way past Voller, Rijkaard spat at him, leaving a disgusting piece of flab in Voller’s dreadlock.  From the resulting free kick, Voller clashed with the Dutch goalkeeper and Rijkaard started provoking him.  Despite Jurgen Klinsmann’s best efforts to act as peacemaker, the referee sent off both Voller and Rijkaard.  On his way off the pitch, Rijkaard spat at Voller again, which such precision, you wondered whether he had practiced it on the training pitch.  West Germany won the game 2-1, but quite frankly, no-one cares.  Italia 90 should be renamed ‘Spitalia 90.’

Japan/Korea 2002: South Korea and Turkey Rise into the Spotlight

The 2002 tournament in the Far East was when the underdog ruled.  Senegal and the United States had their moments, but the tournament’s main shocks, came from Turkey and co-hosts South Korea.  In only their second World finals, Turkey, under the guidance of Senel Gunes, reached the semi-finals, by playing an attractive element of football.  On the other hand, South Korea set the world alight, with their giantklling perform aces.  Poland and Portugal were beaten in the group stages, then Italy were stunned in the last sixteen, by a golden goal from Ahn-Jung Hwan, who played his club football in Italy for Perugia.  Spain was next, shot down in a penalty shootout, and only Germany’s Michael Ballack denied the Koreans a famous final appearance in Yokohama.  Nevertheless, Guus Hiddink had put South Korea into the spotlight, with some folklore performances that shall never be forgotten.

USA 1994: Bulgaria’s Dream Run

Before the 1994 tournament, Bulgaria had never won a World Cup game at the finals.  When debutants Nigeria won 3-0, with apparent ease in the Group D opener, it looked like this distinguished record was set to continue.  However, their fortunes suddenly turned, under the stewardship of Boris Mikhailov.  Greece ended up being slaughtered 4-0, although two of the Balkans goals were penalties.  Next up was a Maradona-less Argentina, outplayed 2-0, and looking lost without their leader.  In the second round, penalties were required to see off a brave Mexican challenge and all of a sudden, Bulgaria had made the last eight.  Surely, they would be beaten by the world champions, Germany.  A blatant Klinsmann dive won the Germans a penalty, converted by the efficient Lothar Matthaus.  Four minutes later, Hristo Stoickhov scored a stunning free kick to equalise for the unfancied Bulgarians, then the dream run headed for the semis, when the ugly-looking Iordan Letchkov stole half a yard on his marker, Thomas Hassler and powered a delicious header, past the despairing Bodo Illgner.  An Italy inspired Baggio put paid to Bulgaria’s hopes in the semi-finals, but their amazing run was one of the standout stories in America 94.

 

Germany 1974: The Dutch Version of Total Football

Brazil’s 1982 side was not rewarded for its amazing football, and neither was Holland’s 1974 Total Football extraganvanza.  Conducting the masterful show was Johan Cruyff, who was on top of the world, by the far the best player of his generation.  The ‘Cruyff Turn’ against Sweden is one of the most memorable pictures of World Cup history.  Unfortunately, West Germany won the final 2-1, but the tournament shall always be remembered for the birth of ‘Total Football,’ the way we all want football to be played today.

France 1998: Sorry Scots Continue Perennial Failures

An embarrassing 3-0 loss to Morocco in their final Group A game ended another miserable campaign for Scotland.  Eight times the Scots have reached the World Cup tournament; eight times they have failed to advance past the group stages.  Who will forget Alan Hansen’s 1982 clanger against the USSR, Costa Rica’s shock 1-0 success which ruined Scotland’s hopes in Italia 90 and Tommy Boyd’s cruel own goal in the opening match of France 98.  Let’s all laugh at Scotland, the team which fails perennially the most.

Germany 2006: Ronaldo’s Wink

Once again, it was quarter-finals and bust for England in Germany four years ago, inspired by Manchester United’s maestro, Cristiano Ronaldo.  Shortly into the second half, his United team-mate Wayne Rooney, frustrated by his lack of penetration in the match, stamped on Ricardo Carvalho’s nuts.  It was right underneath the nose of the referee, who looked set to book Rooney, until Ronaldo interfered.  He started cornering the ref, urging him to send off Rooney.  Rooney pushed Ronaldo away, and that was enough to send the temperamental striker off.  Moments later, we watched in horror at Ronaldo, winking to the Portuguese bench, hinting that this was a pre-plan action.  Scoring the winning penalty in Gelsenkirchen sealed his place as public enemy No.1, and once more, England had failed in a penalty drama.

So, there you have it.  50 favourite World Cup memories, and there is bound to be plenty more in South Africa over the next few weeks.  The greatest show on earth is now less than 48 hours away, I can’t wait.  COME ON ENGLAND!!!!


FOR PART 1: http://happydude88.blogspot.com/2010/04/world-cup-memories-part-1.html
FOR PART 2: http://happydude88.blogspot.com/2010/05/world-cup-memories-part-2.html
FOR PART 3: http://happydude88.blogspot.com/2010/06/world-cup-memories-part-3.html
FOR PART 4: http://happydude88.blogspot.com/2010/06/world-cup-memories-part-4.html

World Cup Memories - Part 3

The countdown is getting ever closer to that first kick-off between the hosts and Mexico, which will open up the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals.  For the first time, Africa will stage the world’s biggest show and over four weeks and sixty-four matches, we really will find out who is the best in the world. 

It also gives me the opportunity to lookback at some classic FIFA World Cup moments from down the years, a mixture of romance, drama, controversy, disgusting foul play, heartbreak and joy.  Every picture, every match tells its different type of story.  In this five-part series, I will be looking back at my top 50 FIFA World Cup memories, starting, ranging from 1958 to the most recent tournament in Germany four years ago.  Coming up is Part three, and in the no particular order.  Here are the next ten memories:

France 1998: England’s Exit Results On a Nation Turning On Beckham

At 2-2 in a tense and exciting World Cup second round match between Argentina and England, a moment of madness from David Beckham ruins the chances of Glenn Hoddle’s Three Lions reached the quarter-finals.  Around four minutes into the second half, Diego Simeone pushes Beckham in the back, giving away a free-kick in the process.  What happened next was petulant, as Beckham flicked a boot at Simeone’s thigh, the Argentine doing no favours by producing a dramatic reaction.  However, it was right under the nose of Danish referee Kim Milton Nielsen, who promptly sent Beckham off.  England were knocked out again on penalties, and the next few months would turn out to be very difficult for Beckham, as we, as a nation, turned on him and blamed him fully for England’s exit in France 98.

Mexico 1970: Bonetti’s Blunder Blows England’s Chances

Another hard luck story for England at the World Cup was during the finals in scorching Mexico.  Our boys touched down for the 1970 finals as defending champions, and despite being bravely beaten by a far superior Brazil in the group stages, Alf Ramsay’s men were confident of holding onto the Jules Rimet trophy.  In the quarter-finals, there was a showdown with our bitter enemies from West Germany.  2-0 up at half-time, England was coasting, before Chelsea reserve goalkeeper Peter Bonetti, deputising for the ill Gordon Banks, let Franz Beckenbauer’s tame effort squirm through his body.  It was a calamitous moment, and from then on, England collapsed.  Gerd Muller scored the winning goal in extra-time, as West Germany got their revenge for being beaten in the final four years ago.  Thanks to Bonetti’s blunder, England’s world champion’s reign had come to a sticky end.

Spain 1982: Justice is Served & Tardelli Becomes a Folk Hero

The 1982 World Cup final in Madrid, saw Italy come up against West Germany.  West Germany and particularly, Harold Schumacher were villains of the World Cup that year, following the clear fix against Austria in the group stages, and that bruising crunch on Patrick Battiston during the World Cup semi-final in Seville.  Italy went onto win the final 3-1, their third World triumph, their first since World War II.  Justice had been served and the moment of that game which stands out, was Italy’s second goal, which was scored by Marco Tardelli and his emotional celebration afterwards, which made him a true folk hero.

USA 1994: Maradona Sent Home In Disgrace

By USA 1994, Argentina were still heavily dependent on the performances of an ageing Diego Maradona, in their quest for success.  Having been banned in 1991 for twelve months, testing positive for drugs whilst playing in Serie A with Napoli, there was major pressure on him to clear up the tarnished image he had received.  In Argentina’s opening match, a 4-0 drubbing of Greece in Detroit, Maradona scored a wonderful goal on the stroke of half-time, reminding us of his fantastic genius.  He then went to the US cameras, producing one of the most memorable and wackiest celebrations of all time.  After the South Americans second match, a narrow win against Nigeria, Maradona was randomly chosen for a drugs test.  He failed it and was banned for eighteen months, sent home in disgrace.  He could only watch on in tears, as Argentina limped out of the competition in the last 16, 3-2 against unfancied Balkan outfit, Romania.  This was a sorry way for one of the World’s best to finish his playing career.  See you as manager in South Africa then Diego!

Japan/Korea 2002: France, Argentina & Portugal All Bite The Dust

The group stages of the 2002 FIFA World Cup in the Far East saw many of the world superpowers humiliated on the premier stage.  World and European champions France limped out of the competition, with one point and no goals in Group A.  Pre-tournament favourites Argentina lost to England in Sapporo in Group F and then were held by Sweden in their decider, which took the Swedes through and sent the South Americans packing before the knockout stages for the first time ever.  Italy only just managed to scrape through Group G, needing a critical leveller from the inconsistent Alessandro Del Piero to rescue a draw against Mexico and Portugal, highly-rated with stars such as Luis Figo lost their temper, their discipline and were eliminated by co-hosts South Korea.  The group games here certainly did not disappoint, as the established managed to bite the dust.

Germany 2006: The Battle of Nuremberg

Look up ‘The Battle of Nuremberg’ on Wikipedia, and you will find a website dedicated to this.  No not a famous battle in the Second World War.  Instead a tempestuous second round clash between Portugal and Holland.  Russian referee Valentin Ivanov produced a shambolic display, failing to keep control of the game, by brandishing a record 16 yellow cards.  Four players (Costinha, Khalid Boulahrouz, Deco and Giovanni van Bronckhorst) were all sent off, as this game turned more into a WWE fighting contest, not a football game.  It was cynical, dirty and ugly confrontation and showed football up to its worst attributes around.  Oh, and by the way, Portugal won 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Maniche, but no-one seems to remember that! 

Argentina 1978: Holland Stunners Leave Zoff Hapless

In the World Cup semi-final between Holland and Italy, Dino Zoff was left hapless by two absolute stunners, which sent Holland into another World Cup final.  Italy took the lead in a tense and thrilling match, courtesy of an early own goal from Erny Brandts.  Five minutes after the interval, Brandts made up for this, with a stunning strike from just outside the penalty area, and then with fifteen minutes left, Arie Haan hit and even better belter, which left Zoff sprawling and Holland into the final.  Sadly, as in 1974, they would come up short again.

Japan/Korea 2002: Ronaldo’s Final

Four years earlier, Ronaldo had disappeared into obscurity, after his laboured display in the final against France.  In 2002, he put those demons to rest in Yokohama, with two goals to secure Brazil’s fifth World title.  Before the match with Germany, a lot had been made of the battle between Ronaldo, the player of the tournament and Olivier Khan, the goalkeeper of the tournament.  In the 67^th minute, Kahn split a tame shot from Rivaldo and Ronaldo pounced quickest to slam the ball into the net.  Twelve minutes later, he coolly placed a second strike past Kahn and his rehabilitation was complete.  This was truly Ronaldo’s final.

Italy 1990: The Indomitable Lions from Cameroon

Cameroon stunned the World stage in Italia 90, and ended up being one of the plus points of a tournament full of vicious fouls, poor matches and regular penalty shootouts.  After the glamorous Milan opening ceremony, the Africans beat world champions Argentina in the opening match, courtesy of a goal from Omar Biyik.  This was despite their kick-the-opponent attitude, which saw two players rightfully dismissed.  In the second game, they beat Romania 2-0, courtesy of two goals from 38-year old super sub Roger Milla.  The Milla corner flag dance soon became a planned routine, shown again with another two goals in the second round against Colombia.  Only did their clumsy tackling and Gary Lineker’s spot kick efficiency saw the Indomitable Lions knocked out in the last eight by England.  However, they had made their impact on the world scene, and in amazing fashion.

Sweden 1958: Pele Bursts onto the World Stage

In the 1958 World Cup finals, Brazil won their first Jules Rimet trophy, overcoming hosts Sweden 5-2 in an end-to-end final.  It marked the birth of the world’s greatest player, Pele.  An unknown 17-year old, he took centre stage in the second half of this final, with two spectacular goals.  Pele’s first goal was a stunning, precise lob over the Swedish goalkeeper Bengt Gustavsson, and then followed it with a precise volley.  With the game tied at 1-1 before his impact, the game really belonged to Pele and the trophy to Brazil.  It was the start of a marriage made in heaven – Pele & Brazil.