By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The World Cup is right around the corner. The World Cup is right around the corner!
That’s the buzz circulating throughout the country.
But it’s becoming a negative buzz …and quick.
Well, here’s a perfect example of why the sport isn’t as popular here in the U.S. (because we don't like crying in any sport) like it is in other parts of the world.
Can you believe that the major headlines regarding the World Cup right now is the new ball designed by Adidas, dubbed, “Jabulani.”
Everyone, I mean everyone, from goalies, to strikers to midfielders are stomping their feet and crying about how this new ball is so different …in a bad way of course.
The players are saying that they ball “changes trajectory” in flight, sort of like a dancing knuckleball, perhaps, in baseball terms.
This ball is creating quite a stir. I guess change can be bad, but how much different can a round ball be? This whole “issue” with the ball is just baffling. It seems to me like complaining just for the sake of complaining.
But if the ball is THIS bad, then the World Cup committee better go back to an old ball, and quick. Because we don’t want the overall play to be affected in a negative way. That would be bad, I mean very bad for soccer.
Seriously, players, adjust to the new ball. Granted, it may feel and play a tad different than the old one – I get that – but get over it and move on. It’s too bad that now the best story line to come out of the World Cup is going to be about this stupid new ball.
One thing I do know is: I’m even more excited for the World Cup to begin now (honestly, joking, if you didn’t know). I can’t wait to see this new ball unveiled, and see all these players verbally assault the ball during a match and blame it on the reason why they lost.
This World Cup might be the best ever!
Showing posts with label Soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Soccer. Show all posts
Monday, May 31, 2010
Monday, June 22, 2009
Soccer should be in your hearts, too
By Jorge Bannister
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
What’s a sports Web site without futbol? Excuse me — soccer.
The 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup — the second biggest soccer tournament in the world, behind only the World Cup — has been relatively nondescript.
Brazil has done what it’s supposed to in Pool B — namely, a 3-0 record with a goal differential of plus-7 in its pool. The South American powerhouse blew past two opponents (it defeated both the United States and Italy, 3-0), but that was after struggling with Egypt. (A Kaka penalty-kick goal in injury time lifted the Brazilians in a tough match.) Clearly, Brazil overlooked its first opponent and clearly it didn’t make the same mistake twice in pool play.
The United States lucked out that Italy was blanked by the Brazilians on the last day of pool play. That same day, the U.S. defeated Egypt, 3-0. By virtue of a goals-for tiebreaker, the U.S. (four) advanced while Italy (three) packed its bags.
Actually, the only surprise of this tournament, at least to many casual fans, has been South Africa in Pool A. Being the host country, RSA had an automatic bid and it has not disappointed its local faithful. After going 1-1-1 in pool play, RSA is the No. 2 team in Pool A, behind undefeated Spain (3-0-0).
Speaking of Spain, Fernando Torres has been on a tear. He had a hat trick against New Zealand, and David Villa scored one goal in each of the next two games in this tear. Spain’s goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, has been one of the best goalkeepers in the tournament. He’s made eight saves, including five against New Zealand in the opening match.
When Spain won UEFA Euro 2008, Casillas was one of three goalkeepers on the Team of the Tournament (which is what they called their All-Tournament team), while Villa (four goals) won the Golden Boot (given to the person who scored the most goals) and Xavi (a midfielder) won Player of the Tournament.
All four of those players are still on the club and carry with them more international experience.
Semifinals
Wednesday, the United States will face off against Spain, while on Thursday Brazil will go against South Africa.
Spain’s 2-4-5 tactical lineup (two strikers, four midfielders and five defensemen) has been its staple and many teams have had a difficult time stopping them. The U.S. had a difficult time stopping Brazil’s 2-4-5 attack, and could be in trouble stopping the Spaniards, too.
The U.S. may be able to stymie the Spaniards for a bit, however offensive powers Torres and Villa, and stellar defense and goalkeeping puts Spain in the final.
Brazil should continue its steamrolling ways past RSA setting up a Spain-Brazil final.
Finals
Brazil-Spain should be one for the ages. The Spaniards are still young and may get caught up in the moment. However, if Spain plays its game — as it’s done this whole tournament — we’re in for one great final.
Spain could win this thing, but you certainly cannot count out Brazil. The Brazilians are probably the favorites at this stage of the tournament, especially the way they’re playing.
So, what’s my prediction? Spain. It’s going to be a rock fight, but the Spaniards take it.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
What’s a sports Web site without futbol? Excuse me — soccer.
The 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup — the second biggest soccer tournament in the world, behind only the World Cup — has been relatively nondescript.
Brazil has done what it’s supposed to in Pool B — namely, a 3-0 record with a goal differential of plus-7 in its pool. The South American powerhouse blew past two opponents (it defeated both the United States and Italy, 3-0), but that was after struggling with Egypt. (A Kaka penalty-kick goal in injury time lifted the Brazilians in a tough match.) Clearly, Brazil overlooked its first opponent and clearly it didn’t make the same mistake twice in pool play.
The United States lucked out that Italy was blanked by the Brazilians on the last day of pool play. That same day, the U.S. defeated Egypt, 3-0. By virtue of a goals-for tiebreaker, the U.S. (four) advanced while Italy (three) packed its bags.
Actually, the only surprise of this tournament, at least to many casual fans, has been South Africa in Pool A. Being the host country, RSA had an automatic bid and it has not disappointed its local faithful. After going 1-1-1 in pool play, RSA is the No. 2 team in Pool A, behind undefeated Spain (3-0-0).
Speaking of Spain, Fernando Torres has been on a tear. He had a hat trick against New Zealand, and David Villa scored one goal in each of the next two games in this tear. Spain’s goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, has been one of the best goalkeepers in the tournament. He’s made eight saves, including five against New Zealand in the opening match.
When Spain won UEFA Euro 2008, Casillas was one of three goalkeepers on the Team of the Tournament (which is what they called their All-Tournament team), while Villa (four goals) won the Golden Boot (given to the person who scored the most goals) and Xavi (a midfielder) won Player of the Tournament.
All four of those players are still on the club and carry with them more international experience.
Semifinals
Wednesday, the United States will face off against Spain, while on Thursday Brazil will go against South Africa.
Spain’s 2-4-5 tactical lineup (two strikers, four midfielders and five defensemen) has been its staple and many teams have had a difficult time stopping them. The U.S. had a difficult time stopping Brazil’s 2-4-5 attack, and could be in trouble stopping the Spaniards, too.
The U.S. may be able to stymie the Spaniards for a bit, however offensive powers Torres and Villa, and stellar defense and goalkeeping puts Spain in the final.
Brazil should continue its steamrolling ways past RSA setting up a Spain-Brazil final.
Finals
Brazil-Spain should be one for the ages. The Spaniards are still young and may get caught up in the moment. However, if Spain plays its game — as it’s done this whole tournament — we’re in for one great final.
Spain could win this thing, but you certainly cannot count out Brazil. The Brazilians are probably the favorites at this stage of the tournament, especially the way they’re playing.
So, what’s my prediction? Spain. It’s going to be a rock fight, but the Spaniards take it.
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