Day 3 Results: Netherlands 1-0 S&M, Mexico 3-1 Iran, Portugal 1-0 Angola

Portugal 1 - 0 Angola

Scorer:
Portugal - Pauleta 9;

Seriously, if you think that the England vs Paraguay match was poor, this game was worst. Everyone expected Portugal to trounce Angola as they did for the previous accounts and how they prove everyone wrong. Like England, they started off really brightly with Pauleta going really close just 10 seconds in and you thought we're in for a goal-fest. Right. Anyway the goal did came and it was down to Figo's excellent work as he nutmegged an Angolan defender before placing the ball nicely for Pauleta to finish it. Oooh, whipping boys you thought!

But right after that, Portugal seemed to take their foot off the gas pedal and went to sleep almost completely. They passed around sheepishly and Cristiano Ronaldo as usual, gets wind-up and got really angry and starts to throw hissy fit and shooting freekicks into the stands. Simao was sub-standard and Figo seemed alittle off paced. Anyway Angola started to steady themselves a little and I must say after the goal, they defended flawlessly and never really given the Portugese much chances. And the match wore on and it was turning into the ultimate bore-fest. Portugal were looking like they're in a cup final game, keeping hold of the ball and passing around without much passion or rythmn. They took Ronaldo off for a defensive midfielder and you could see that coming eh? And it goes...on and on...and on...

A foul-ridden game to be honest. 29 fouls from the Angolans and 20 from the Portugse. There was really no rythmn in the game and it seemed like the Portugese are happy wiht the really slender lead. To be honest if the Angolans learnt to be alittle less naive, or you should say more experienced, they would have given them a sucker-punch. Anyway 3 points for Portugal and seriously, what's wrong with all the European teams? Turning into Greece?

How to 'mark' Cristiano Ronaldo: Get someone who's really good at winding up players. Kick him a few times and watch him explode! Even with him playing, Portugal will seemed like a 10-men team. Cheers!

Serbia & Montenego 0 - 1 Netherlands

Scorer:
Netherlands - Robben 18;

The Netherlands got off to a great start in the group of death, as they beat defensive stonewall, Serbia & Montenegro. Previously the Serbs had only conceded one goal in their qualifying group and looked a real solid and disciplined side. But today, they were tore apart by Arjen Robben. Well, nearly. He IS the man of the match by a huge margin and is the most influencial player on the field throughout the entire game. Hats off to him, he ran the Serbian defence ragged and could have added a 2nd or 3rd himself.

In the second half, Serbia & Montenegro substituted Zigic, their own version of Peter Crouch and Koroman, one of the bright sparks in the game, and they really did made the game a little more interesting and they certainly started well. But the Dutch were disciplined and stopped them from creating too many chances.

The match was not as boring as the England vs Paraguay game, but this game is one that many of the big star players failed to shine and were subdued. Maybe due to the 'weather' ? Van Nistelrooy, van Persie and Sneijder were not at their best and were largely annonymous. So did Kezman, Stankovic and Milosevic. But an entertaining game and a very good result for the Dutch, especially with Argentina winning last night.

Mexico 3 - 1 Iran

Scorer:

Mexico - Bravo (28, 76), Zinha (79);
Iran - Golmohammadi (36);

Drogballs: Haha, my prediction was spot on. 3-1!

Tags: World Cup 2006. Portugal, Angola, Serbia & Montenegro, Netherlands, Holland, Robben, Mexico, Iran, Football

WC Day 3 Preview

Zentralstadion, Leipzig

1) Serbia & Montenegro (44) vs Netherlands (3)

Mark van Bommel of Barcelona has shaken off his knee injury and is expected to start in the heart of the Dutch team. He will certainly add abit of steel and experience to this young Dutch side. Meanwhile, ManYoo cum S&M defender Nemanja Vidic is set to miss the opener as he is suspended and will miss the chance to be up against his team mate Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Drogballs' Prediction: Serbia & Montenegro 1-1 Netherlands

Frankenstadion, Nuremburg

2) Mexico (4) vs Iran (23)

Drogballs' Prediction: Mexico 3-1 Iran

Rhein Energie Stadion, Cologne

3) Angola (57) vs Portugal (7)

So, its the former colony vs the colonial master in this match. Portugeezer striker, Pauleta warned Angola not to turn this match into a grudge match. During the last meeting between this 2 nations, the match was abandoned within 20minutes due to the sending off of 4 Angolans players (wow). This will be the first appearance in World Cup by Angola

Drogballs' Prediction: Angola 0-3 Portugal

World Cup Day 2 Round Up

AOL-Arena, Hamburg

Argentina 2 - 1 Ivory Coast

Scorers:
ARG - Crespo 24; Saviola 38;
CIV: Drogba 82;

World Cup favourites (and my pick to win the WC) kicked off the campaign with an emphatic 2-1 win over dark horses from the Africa, Ivory Coast although just surviving a late onslaught from 'the Elephants'. This match undoubtedly is the most exciting match of this World Cup already with end to end stuff. Argentina uses abit of their skill to get behind Ivory Coast's defence while the Ivorians using their sheer speed, strength and tenacity to have a go at Argentina and it caught Argentina off-guard a few times.

Even in the early stage of the game, the Ivorians showed everyone that they're not afraid of anyone and really, really, had a go at the Argentinians and you could see that the Argies aren't very used to these type of tactics and therefore they were under quite a lot of pressure for the starting few minutes. And throughout the whole first half, they were quick to come out of their shell and really attack Argentina. But Argentina showed everyone, including Diego Maradona who's a spectator and played no part the game, that they are 2 times World champions.

First, Riquelme had a free-kick at the left wing and he floated a ball into the box, causing confusion among the defenders and Hernan Crespo, the marksman, was on hand to poke the ball into the net. Then in the 38minute, Riquelme held up the ball on the left, before unleashing a perfect through-ball for Saviola, who perfected the timing of his run and he was there just fast enough to slid a shot under the Ivorian keeper's leg. It was harsh, but a very clinical first half for the Argentinians. The Ivorians were just unlucky to go two down, and a little harsh to be fair.

To be honest, Argentina's ball-retention were superb and although they're under a lot of pressure from the Ivorians, they help up the ball really well and you could see that the possesion was 40-60 in favour of the Argies. During the second half, Argentina sat back a little and tried to slow the game down a little. But the Ivorians refuse to accept defeat so easily in their first World Cup game, gave their every ounce of energy just to get a goal, and deservedly so. In the 82nd minute of the game, Drogba, the one man battering ram was in the box all by himself and he held up the ball superbly, laying to off to an impressive Arthur Boka and getting a return from him, and he drove the ball into the net. 2-1. By then the Argentinians were holding on and they made it out of there jut alive. But what a clinical performance from Argentina. Got their chances and finished them well.

Certain players caught my eyes actually. Dider Zakora was really hardworking and a perfect workhorse midfield any team would want. Arthur Boka, the hailed 'Roberto Carlos' of Africa was pretty impressive and Dider Drogba. Yes I know I love to crticize this big man, but seriously if he puts all his theatrics aside, he IS a very good target man. He's got the strength, guile and a power to hold up the ball all by himself. A superb game reall. More to come!

SHOCKER: Trinidad & Tobago 0 - 0 Sweden

BORE-FEST: England 1 - 0 Paraguay

Tags: World Cup 2006, Argentina, Ivory Coast, Cote I'voire, Trinidad & Tobago, Sweden, England, Paraguay

This IS The Story Of The Tournament!

Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund

Trinidad & Tobago 0 - 0 Sweden

Dear oh dear. What a story. 10 MEN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO held Sweden to a goal-less draw. What a shocker! And it's only the second day of the World Cup! I don't know why but I think this World Cup will be a cracker and already, T&T made history, on their first game in the WC finals and holding favourites, Sweden to a draw and rightly so. Sweden had loads of chances but they just wasted it all and Ibrahimovic is frankly, too selfish to be a target man and is certainly over-rated in my own opinion.


Anyway some of you might know that the referee of the match is a Singaporean and he was the first referee in the tournament to issue a red card. But overall he did well and didn't have a tough time.

Good on you Tobagos, everyone including me predicted that you'll get the b*llocks kicked today but did really well and defended with all your heart, even with 10 men. Hats off to you and truly, a shocking result. This will go down into the history books of World Cup.

Tags: World Cup 2006, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, Shocker

Negative England Relief

Frankfurt

England 1 - 0 Paraguay

Scorer:
England - Gamarra (own goal) 3;

I have just wasted 2hours of my life on this really boring match. 3 points in the bag for England for sure, but how happy would they be? I think they should be more relief than happy, that Paraguay lacked a goal scorer. Or if today England's gonna play against Brazil or Germany they would have been destroyed. So, England started really well when Beckham floated in a perfect free-kick into the penalty box and Carlos Gamarra, under pressure from Terry and Owen, had to take touch of the ball and it went straight into the net. Worst thing is that the keeper, Villar injured himself clearing aloose ball and the latest I heard is he is OUT of the competition.

Anyway England took the lead and had loads of possesion. Joe Cole was the most active player on the field throughout the entire match and created lots of chances. Paraguay were really, really nervy at the start and they looked short of confidence. English sharpshooter Lampard and Gerrard had chances but both are having a competition on who's going to put the ball into row Z first. It seemed like England's gonna put a few goals in by the end of the half, but it didn't came and at half time it was 1-0.

2nd half was the start of the bore tug of war between a revived Paraguay and a distinctly negative looking England. Paraguay started really brightly and caused some problems for the England back four, or should I say the back 9. And the negative approach got them pegged back for the ENTIRE second half and they only had 2 shots on goal. Another thing worth noting is the refereeing standards of this game. He is seriously, too fussy, like a woman and his judgement lacks consistency. Peter Crouch was being penalised throughout the entire game for being too tall and there was constant decision against the foul throws. It makes the game really unbearable to watch and frustrates the fans and players alike.

Is England the most over-rated team ever? Perhaps. They boast the likes of Lampard, Gerrard and Beckham. Yet there is a problem for them playing together and today, we've again seen the shortcomings of England and IF they really want to relive the '66 glory, then they better improve and start to come out of their shell abit more.


Drogballs' Man of the Match: Joe Cole. Very lively throughout the game and his constant twisting and turning makes him the most threatening player tonight.

Tags: World Cup 2006, England, Paraguay

WC Day 2 Preview: England vs Paraguay; T&T vs Sweden; Argentina vs Ivory Coast

Waldstadion, Frankfurt

England (9) vs Paraguay (33)

England will start their campaign against South American, Paraguay in Frankfurt. There was a late injury scare for Steven Gerrard just yesterday but SHOULD be fit for today's game. If he doesn't pass the fitness test, Michael Carrick will probably step in and take his place. Roque Santa Cruz of Paraguay will certainly start tonight even though he's carrying a slight injury.

England: Robinson, G Neville, Terry, Ferdinand, A Cole, Beckham, Gerrard / Carrick, Lampard, J Cole, Crouch, Owen;

Paraguay: Villar, Caceres, Caniza, Gamarra, Toledo, Acuna, Bonet, Paredes, Riveros, Santa Cruz, Valdez;

Drogballs' Prediction: England 3-0 Paraguay;

Signal Iduna Park

Trinidad & Tobago (47) vs Sweden (15)

Drogballs' Prediction: T&T 0-4 Sweden

AOL-Arena

Argentina (4) vs Ivory Coast (32)

Sevilla striker, Javier Saviola will partner Chelsea striker, Hernan Crespo in attack while wonderkid Lionel Messi will sit out of this game. Wow, what a match. I'm looking forward to this game and we shall see how much African football have grown over the years. GAME ON!

Squad List Coming Soon -

Drogballs' Prediction: Argentina 2-2 Ivory Coast

The Offside Rule, Explained With Stickman!

Latest: Steven Gerrard Fit For Paraguay Game


Offside Rule, The Basics:


Alright, so yesterday during Germany vs Costa Rica game, Sylvia came and asked me on MSN what's an offside. Yes I know some of you out there are erm 'pretending' to know, but in actualy fact you thought it's just a rule that stops team from scoring goals. Well actually it's right, it stops team from scoring some goals, but of course there's a reason behind it. Remember in primary school when we played football, the striker is ALWAYS the one that stands right infront of the opponent goalkeeper. Then when he receives the ball, all he needs to do is to turn and shoot and GOALL.

Yes, generally offside is to stop teams from placing their striker just right infront of the goalkeeper and score some cheapo goals (Bolton will be world champions then). It is also a rule to catch those lazy strikers (VanNistelrooy, Inzaghi, etc) off guard and for the camera to show their faces more. No just kidding. Okay, let me show you what is an offside.

OFFSIDE:

Don't mind my drawing! That's the statement here. Okay anyway you'll be seeing lots of this in the World Cup and this IS offside. Usually the 4 (or 3) defenders will form a defensive line and most teams tend to play 'offside trap'. In the picture above, you can see when player A passed the ball to player B, player B's position is behind that blue line, or lets call it the defensive line. So that means he is nearer to the goal than the defenders and therefore he is deemed offside.

ONSIDE:

Looks familiar? Yes this happened it last night's game. Costa Rica's first goal to be precise. When player A passed the ball, player B looks to be in an offside position. But at a closer look, there was a player on the right that wasn't aware of the situation, stood behind that line and therefore he is said to have 'played player B onside'. So player B is not offside and referee will not stop play.

Of course there are exceptions to the offside rule. Remember always that throw ins doesnt constitute to offside and that if it's a defender's back-pass, then there will not be offside. There is also a change of rule by FIFA, about the interfering with play or not, but simple Drogballs doesn't give a toss about that rule because it makes no sense. If you're offside you are. If you're not then you're not. Why make it so complicated? Anyway the rule that I'm saying is that if you're in offside position and the ball is passed in your direction and yet you don't touch it, the referee will NOT stop the play. Yea, confusing? Nevermind about that. End of the off-side lesson guys. Recap:

It is not an offence in itself to be in an offside position. A player is in an offside position if:

• he is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent.

A player is not in an offside position if

• he is in his own half of the field of play or
• he is level with the second last opponent or
• he is level with the last two opponents.

A player in an offside position is only penalised if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by:

• interfering with play or
• interfering with an opponent or
• gaining an advantage by being in that position

That's about it guys. If you have any more doubts, head over to FIFA.com and check the rules out. It's important that you should at least understand the basics of the rule before watching. Anyway I hope I ain't wrong in any of those drawings! Or I'll get sued! Peace guys.

Tags: World Cup 2006, England, Steven Gerrard, Offside Rule

World Cup Group A: Germany 4-2 Costa Rica; Ecuador 2-0 Poland;

Allianz Arena, Munich

Germany 4 - 2 Costa Rica

Scorers:
Germany - Lahm 6; Klose 17,61; Frings 87;
Costa Rica - Wanchope 13, 73;

World Cup host, Germany kicked off their campaign with a thrilling 4-2 win over minnows Costa Rica. Frankly this game proves to be the perfect opening match with loads of quality goals and action. Germany started the game without talismanic captain Michael Ballack but that doesn't seemed to affect the Germans too much.

As early as the 6th minute, Philippe Lahm, recently one of the nominees over here in the hottest footballer poll, cut in from the left and using his favoured right foot struck a fantastic curling shot that arrowed into the top left hand corner of Jose Porras' net. 1-0 Germany and game on! The World Cup 2002 hero, Miroslav Klose, celebrating his 28th birthday, struck twice in the game as well in the 17th minute after great work from Bastian Schweinsteiger and in the 61st minute, Lahm did the good work as he ran down the left and delivering a perfect cross for Klose to head home. Although Porras was on hand to save the shot, Klose got the opportunity to sweep home the rebound.

Of course Germany is not without problems themselves. They are really rocky at the back and lacks pace. Paulo Wanchope, the former ManCity striker, beats 2 of their offside trap and score both when he's through one on one with Arsenal keeper, Jens Lehmann. I personally think that Germany needs to tighten up their defence before they could really go on to claim the world title.

But when it's 3-2 and Costa Ricans looked for a equaliser, Torsten Frings, on his first touch, rifled home an absolute scorcher from 35 yards out and broke the Costa Rican's heart. A fantastic opening match compared to the lacklustre opening 4 years ago. No banana skin this time and I think Germany did well, just.

Arena AufSchalke, Schalke

Ecuador 2 - 0 Poland



Scorers:
Ecuador - Tenorio 24; Delgado 80;

Wow, this IS the banana skin. Everyone expected Poland to beat Ecuador, comfortably. But they started the game very conservatively and made to pay, as Ecuador showed that they are no push-overs. Nothing much from this game actually. It wasn't a footballing spectacle, but good enough, especially for this Ecuadorians whom went all the way to Germany and to those who thought that Ecuador will get thrashed.

Anyway Ecuador scored when Poland were dominating. Then Poland went in search of the equaliser and it just won't come. Then they were hit by a sucker-punch when Delgado scored an easy tap-in and game over for Poland. Now it looks bleak for Poland to go through.

Tags: World Cup 2006, Opening Match, Germany, Costa Rica, Miroslav Klose, Ecuador, Poland

World Cup 2006 Opening Match Preview

World Cup 2006
Group A

Germany vs Costa Rica
Allianz Arena, Munich

Allianz Arena:


Yeap, you see it right. This is the stadium where the much antcipated World Cup 2006 opening match between Germany and Costa Rica will be held. Home of German giants Bayern Munich, this brand new stadium was completed just last year and in time for this year's World Cup. I must say that this stadium is one of the most modern and awesome stadium I have seen. There are tubes on the exterior of this stadium that will change colours and it holds 66,016 spectators. Watch this 'pillow' glow!

Ooh, it looks so hot!

The Real Match Preview:

Alright, so the latest news is that Michael Ballack will be available for the opening match as he himself declare fit and is raring to go. This will certainly give the Krauts a boost in terms of their attack as well as mentally, as they'll have a real leader on the field tonight. Well, the Germans looked to be really fired up for this as this will be played on home soil and certainly will want to give their home fans something to cheer about and also not to 'lose face' and become a laughing stock like the French did 4 years ago.

Drogballs' Prediction: Germany 3-1 Costa Rica - Costa Ricans will certainly not be a push-over and let the Germans run all over them. I see them scoring a goal as Germany isn't very convincing at the back. But the return of Ballack certainly will help them get the results they wanted and also don't discount the 12th man, the fans.

Probable Line-up:

Germany (4-4-2):

1-Jens Lehmann; 3-Arne Friedrich, 21-Christoph Metzelder, 17-Per Mertesacker, 16-Phillip Lahm; 18-Bernd Schneider, 8-Torsten Frings, 13-Michael Ballack, 7-Bastian Schweinsteiger; 20-Lukas Podolski, 11-Miroslav Klose

Costa Rica (3-5-2):

18-Jose Francisco Porras; 4-Michael Umana, 3-Luis Marin, 12-Leonardo Gonzalez; 20-Douglas Sequeira, 5-Gilberto Martinez, 8-Mauricio Solis, 10-Walter Centeno, 6-Danny Fonseca; 11-Ronald Gomez, 9-Paulo Wanchope

Tags: World Cup 2006, Opening Match, Allianz Arena, Germany, Costa Rica

Latest On Cisse's Injury And It's Impact

Note: Please continue to vote for the hottest footballer's wife/girlfriend. The poll is below the tagboard and the pictures are on the post below!

Cisse To Return By Early November

A little glimmer of hope, as Cisse should be back in action as early as early November. It's already a good news that he will recover, and that soon? Well, we'll wait and see. Anyway the suegeon who did the surgery on him said that the surgery was a success. Lots of people feared that his season might be over, but according to Liverpool club doctor, Mark Waller, he will be back in a matter of months. And this time round, it isn't as bad as the previous one he suffered at Blackburn. Sounds like..a not too bad news for me.

But Wrecks Liverpool's Summer Transfer Plans

Yesterday, Rafa Benitez spoke of Cisse's horrific injury and his thoughts. He was really straight-forward in this and I think he'll have a real tough summer this time round. He sent his best wishes to Cisse, and also spoke that this has sent Liverpool's transfer plans this summer into disarray.

Now I think he will have to rethink about the plans of bringing in the more expensive players like Aimar(?) or even Kuyt. The 7-8 million we expected will not be available anymore and its increasinly difficult to sign players on a cheap after the World Cup. It looks a little grim, especially after what happened during Gerard Houllier's last summer at Liverpool, when upon building on his 2nd place finish by splashing millions and screwing up big time in the summer. Now I hope Rafa will carefully rethink about the plans and I have confidence in him, that he will get the best out of the meagre few million we have now. In Rafa we trust.

One Of The Most Comical Own Goal!

I know. I showed you guys loads of comical own goals. But this one is the most recent and it happens yesterday. It was during a France vs China friendly game and IF Cisse didn't get injured, I think would be a talking point!




World Cup's 10 Hours Away!

Uhm, aren't you excited? It happens only every 4 years and honestly, the last World Cup was forgetable. Let's hope this time round it will be a true footballing spectacle. Cheers! And enjoy the one month of pure football!

Tags: Liverpool, Djibril Cisse, World Cup, Rafael Benitez