Busy at work lar =P
Okay not really as recently the peak is dying off. I just feel lazy after coming home from office everyday haha. I hope everyone is doing fine and sitting comfortably like a potato couch at home watching football =D
Back to topic. I gotta say, the latest edition of the World Cup in South Africa has got to be one of the best. EVERY TEAM playing has a chance of winning the games they play, thus giving some extra bite to the excitement, rather than watching the big teams bully the weaker teams which was usually the case in previous World Cups.
Even in the group stages itself, there were already notable shocks:
Shock No. 1 - France
Playing as bad as they can get, it is never expected they came to a stage whereby even the word disgrace is never sufficient in describing France's fall from grace. Though already playing badly prior to the World Cup, they were still expected to progress relatively far in the tournament. Then there is this expulsion of Nicholas Anelka, which then provoked a refusal from the players to conduct training. Abysmal.
Shock No. 2 - Italy
With a side showing signs of aging, Italy still boasts a wonderful record in the World Cup, having won the previous World Cup using their vast experience in major tournaments. However, the intensity of football matches nowadays does not bode well with a team with an average age of 28-29 (maybe more). That is clearly shown in their shameful draw with New Zealand, NEW ZEALAND, which caused their downfall. Cannavaro used to be the best defender in Europe, now?
Shock No. 3 - England
As usual, whenever England qualifies for a major tournament, the hype of exaggerating England's chances of winning the tournament is inevitable. This is similar in this World Cup, whereby you just CANNOT stop reading comments about England.
"Fabio Capello brought new faith and mentality to the team"
"Rooney will lead England to World Cup glory"
"No more WAGS"
Well? None of these happened, AT ALL. In a way, England plotted their own downfall by playing MISERABLY in the group stages against the USA and Algeria. Algeria for that matter, could have won England 4-0 if not for some woeful finishing. To be honest, England was playing like a team fearing of a loss rather than playing for pride and country, just like how the South American teams play in this tournament.
Then somehow they still made it to the second round, against Germany, who was also struggling with form. England were talking about penalties. Well? That was not required. England was totally destroyed by Germany in the first 20 minutes.
Yes there was this goal being disallowed by the linesman (which I also was amused how on earth that goal wasn't given) in which England could have drawn level, but England could have used that as a motivation to fight all the way. Instead, some woeful defending, plus lack of commitment from the midfield and strikers to press forward, enabled Germany to put a sword on England by scoring 2 quick counter-attacking goals.
England has the players, but nothing to show for it. The Germans have an average team, but showing loads and loads of promise. Over-confidence, to me was the one that dashed England's hopes.
After yesterday's match, I can't help but to admire this young German player, who in my opinion, has the ability to shine in this tournament.
Mezut Oezil
I just realized I did not blog for a month sigh. Gotta try and update my blog more =)
No comments:
Post a Comment