June 15th Preview

Preview for Sunday June 15th 2010

 VERSUS

Time: 1330h
Match: New Zealand v. Slovakia (Group F)

Overview: One of the least anticipated matches of the World Cup with two teams that everyone thinks are inferior to the competition. Slovakia, is however a highly interested team with a number of excellent players, while New Zealand has a lot of physique, one good player, and an imagination stimulated by the Lord of the Rings Production in their country. Both countries are share the fact that their countrysides are often used for filming fairy tales and medieval-based motion pictures. A game worth watching as it might remind viewers of the battle for the White City! Based on playing style, the Slovaks are hobbits and the Zealanders have the technique and strength of Uruk-Hai...

Venue: Rustenburg - Royal Bafokeng Stadium
Capacity: 44530 People
Referee: Damon Jerome (South Africa) – A short, bald referee known for looking the other way too often, might be a bit relaxed with his whistle.

Country:South Africa
Date of Birth: 04.04.1972
Height: 176 cm
Occupation: English and life skills teacher
Mother tongue: English
Other languages: Afrikaans
International since: 2000
First international: Swaziland-Botswana (22.06.2003)
Hobbies: Watching sports (rugby & cricket) and working with young people
Fondest memory: 4th official FIFA World Cup Germany 2006, African Cup of Nations 2008 match for third place: Ghana v Côte d'Ivoire, Beijing Olympics 2008, referee candidature FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010

Analysis: Slovakia have a number of good attacking players, although journalists are rambling about Martin Skrtel, these Orcs only watch the premiership. Names like Hamsik, Weiss, Vittek, Holosko, and Stoch have dazzled fans in Italy, England, France, Turkey and Holland respectively over the past season. In a footballing sense, this match should heavily favour a Slovakian win. 

New Zealand however, are tough and resolved. They would furthermore love, love, love, love to win their first game to have an advantage over their hated overseas neighbour Australia. Ryan Nelsen is a player who can organize a good defense, and a couple members of the national team actually play football better than rugby!

Form: 

Slovakia are in a cloud of success. They qualified from Slovenia’s group after their famous victory over the Czech Republic in Prague, and looked a very strong team throughout. 

New Zealand have lost much of their friendlies, but are living the hype of representing the continent of Oceania and all its millions of fish and Islands.

Key Players: 

Marek Hamsik, 17, is one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe at the moment, having scored 12 goals for Napoli from midfield last season, and having a significant playmaking and scoring talent like Ballack when he was younger.

Shane Smeltz, 9, is a star of the New Zealand side. He is kind of a strong midfielder that can lead his team to destruction over a Fiji team (yes Fiji now have a big enough population to field a team). He has power in his feet, and can be dangerous, especially at halftime or during pre-match warm-ups. Then there is his Frodo Bagins luck... he always manages to escape the orc armies and get the ring to where it belongs.

Danger Men:
Ryan Nelsen, 6, is a strong, capable Premiership defender and could actually contribute to New Zealand having a good defence this Cup. But one player doesn’t make a team.

Chris Killen, 10, is N.Z.’s other serious player, scoring loads of important goals and playing his club footie, sorry Soccer, with Middleborough in the English Championship (2nd Division).

Filip Holosko, 13, of all the Slovaks this very fast winger/forward could make a real impact during this cup. A terrible injury kept him from blooming with Besiktas, but since his recovery he has started making a name for himself again. Beware of his speed.

Miroslav Stoch, 15, might be a sub tomorrow, but on loan from Chelsea to FC Twente this season he was among the best right wing players in the Dutch league, and contributed significantly to the surprise Championship win of his adopted team. His dribble and creativity are to be expected.

Playing style: Slovakia play a classic 4-4-2, but attacking as much through the middle as the wings. Their defence led by Liverpool giant Skrtel is relatively tough. They are dangerous close to goal, and have many options for scoring.
New Zealand play a conservative 4-4-2, and rely on strength and speed, and loads of Kiwi luck to score. Most importantly they keep a tight backline and support it heavily from midfield. They are, like Australia, skilled, rough tacklers.

Previous Matches:
These teams have never met in professional completion.
Most likely scenario:
Slovakia dominate, but concede a goal from a set piece 3-1.
A slight surprise would be:
Slovakia struggle to a 1-0 win.
A real shocker would mean:
New Zealand winning... a real shocker igniting the 17th War of the Ring.
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 VERSUS

Time: 1600h
Match: Ivory Coast v. Portugal (Group G)

Overview: An extremely anticipated clash. Football’s Mickey Mouse Cristiano Divealdo “leads” a Portuguese team that usually plays better without him against an Ivory Coast classic team with a last chance to achieve something to match their talent before impending retirement. Ivory Coast are possibly without Drogba. This should be an explosive match.

Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth - Port Elizabeth Stadium
Capacity: 48459 People

Referee: Jorge Larrionada (Uruguay)
Country:Uruguay

Date of Birth: 09.03.1968
Height: 176 cm
Occupation: Clerk
Mother tongue: Spanish
Other languages: English
International since: 1998
First international: Chile-Bolivia (20.06.1999)
Hobbies: Breeding animals (birds, dogs, parrots etc.)
Fondest memory: FIFA Confederations Cup France 2003 semi-final: France v. Turkey; Olympic Football Tournament Athens 2004 Bronze Medal Match: Italy v. Iraq

Analysis: Portugal is dangerous since they drafted a good attacker and managed to improve their play. Ivory Coast had a nightmare African Nation’s Cup, Didier Drogba is injured, and Sven Goran Erikson has only had 47 days to prepare the team. All signs point to an Ivory Coast team failing to reach its massive potential, and leaving the international stage without anything to show for it. But that is exactly the type of stimulus that could produce something special and get them past the Group of Death.

Form: 

Ivory Coast are on horrible form. They lost 2-0 to a friendly in Seoul, and Sven seems to have managed to get them a bit more integrated or effective, but we will not know how much until the game tomorrow.

Portugal dispatched Mozambique 3-0, and are on a rise in form. They will be dangerous at the very least.

Key Players: 

Liedson, 9, if it was Cristiano Ronaldo that got all the press attention despite playing poorly for Portugal, it was Brazillian born Liedson who fired home the impressive goals to actually do the work of qualifying them. Fast, technical, great in the air, and many years a top scorer in the Portuguese league, he is Portugal’s real danger.

Kader Keita, 18, just like Liedson, Keita is the player that has the incredible dribbling and scoring talent that mattered for Ivory Coast in key moments. His inconsistency forces managers to bench him, but will Sven start him? If he does the reward could be clear, as Keita is a great attacker waiting for an opportunity at the World Cup, and probably his last. He scores many goals of the bench if not a starter.

Danger Men:
The Toure brothers, Kolo and Yaya are the defensive power of Ivory Coast that has just not functioned well the last 4 months. Kolo has the job of shutting down the attacks from defence like he used to at Arsenal, and Yaya is the defensive midfielder that will have to keep Deco and co. Silent for most of the match while launching Portugal’s attacks from the back with good passes.

Simao Sabrosa, for Portugal his wingplay has been much more effective than his commercial counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo, his play more honest, and his freekicks more effective. His crosses and teamplay are the key to Portugal’s successes.

Previous Matches:
This is the first time these two important teams meet.
Most likely scenario:
Portugal beats the stretched Ivory Coast team 3-2 in a stunner.
A slight surprise would be:
Ivory Coast beats an unconvincing Portugal 3-2 in a rough match... or Portugal wins easily 3-0.
A real shocker would mean:
Ivory Coast obliterates Portugal.
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VERSUS

Time: 2030h
Match: Brazil versus North Korea (Group G)

Overview: Both of North Korea’s state television channels will be broadcasting this. To be more precise Channel 2 will broadcast, and Channel 1 will have a policeman sitting and telling people to turn to Channel 2. Whatever happens this will be fun... a hardworking, mysterious team emerging out of the axis of evil to play everybody’s favourite over-talented, overpaid divers.
Venue: Johannesburg - Ellis Park Stadium
Capacity: 62567 People


Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary) – will the Hungarian lean towards his Communist nostalgic past or his present capitalist tendencies as a Sales Manager? Perhaps he will continue the good refereeing in this tournament so far!

Country:Hungary

Date of Birth: 10.09.1975
Height: 189 cm
Occupation: Sales manager
Mother tongue: Hungarian
Other languages: English
International since: 2003
First international: Slovakia-Luxembourg (18.08.2004)
Hobbies: Sports, cinema
Fondest memory: FIFA Olympic Football Tournament, Beijing 2008

Analysis:  North Korea are not pushover. They run, work and score. Their speed and technique is surprising. They are no Brazil, and they will make mistakes due to inexperience. This should be no contest, but then again the Brazilians are often terrible when not challenged.

Form: 
North Korea is on excellent form, having had a lot of preparation time, and narrowly losing to Nigeria in a friendly last week.
Brazil are in excellent form, dispatching axis-of-evil Zimbabwe last week with a 3 goal bonanza.
Key Players:

Despite everything, Champions League winning defender Lúcio will have the tough task of dealing with everything that North Korea can throw at Brazil. They are fast and mysterious, and he has the experience to cope. His main role will be to keep Brazil focused and motivated as captain.

Jong Tae-Se, number 9, is good. He runs and dribbles and scores often. Perhaps one of the best Asian offensive prospects currently playing. They call him the Korean “Rooney” but I think he has more brains and motivation than his stronger English counterpart.

Danger Men:

Hong Yong-Jo, 10, the highly successful North Korean attack is built on their captain, who rips down the right wing feeding dangerous balls into the penalty area and often scoring. He has lit up the Russian Premier League with modest Rostov, and his speed and work ethic are well known there.

Robinho, 11, babyface is back. After his departure from Manchester City the innocent looking dribbler has found his groove in Brazil, and is a key player for his country. Against an inexperienced defence like North Korea’s his flair, pace and dribbling should be key in Brazil’s win.

Previous Matches:
None
Most likely scenario:
Brazil will win 4-0
A slight surprise would be:
Brazil only win 1-0
A real shocker would mean:
North Korea draw or win, and put on a show for George Bush.

Recommended Menu for the day:
Coming soon.

June 14th Preview

Preview for Sunday June 14th 2010

 VERSUS

Time: 1330h

Match: Netherlands v Denmark (Group E)

Overview: The best team who have never won anything at the World Cup kick off today with massive expectations versus an always difficult opponent Denmark. The Danish might not have the tremendous talent of previous generations, but they certainly have a magnificent defence and can prove dangerous to anyone that faces them with their strict application of teamwork and wing play in a classic well-practiced 4-4-2 system. Will the Dutch manage to live up to the expectations? With Holland’s arch-rival Germany putting in an excellent performance last night, the pressure is on.

Venue: Johannesburg – Soccer City Stadium. The cursed vuvuzelas will  be blaring again as we go back to the same stadium that held the kick off game and opening concert. The cameras were a bit distant and there was too much long camera angles and too little close ups, I hope that gets improved. 

Capacity: 91141 People

Referee: Stephane Lannoy (France)

Country:France  

Date of Birth: 18.09.1969

Height: 185 cm

Occupation: Salesman

Mother tongue: French

Other languages: English

International since: 2006

First international: Spain-Croatia (07.06.2006)

Hobbies: Reading, cinema

Fondest memory: UEFA U-21 Championship Netherlands 2007

Analysis: Holland are still playing their highly entertaining attacking style after all these years. The tandem of Robben, van der Vaart, and Sneijder can leave any team dreaming jealously, but injuries and fatigue from difficult European seasons could take its toll. Holland have a lot of question marks defensively, and Stecklenburg the goalkeeper is just plain good at best.

Denmark are clear underdogs, but they are a team that is very well integrated, balanced and playing a simple but effective 4-4-2 system with attacking down the wings. Man of the Danish players played and graduated from the Dutch league, and they now their opponents well, probably well enough to know how to frustrate them... or more.

Form: 

Holland are on electric form having scored an impressive 24 goals in their pre-tournament friendlies. Too many friendlies perhaps, as star player Arjen Robben, already tired after the Champions League final injured himself performing a heel pass two weeks ago and is in doubtfull shape. Denmark’s form is questionable, and included a loss to tournament hosts South Africa in a friendly. But then again, friendlies don’t mean a thing.

Key Players: 

Wesley Sneijder deserves to be recognized as one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, but he rarely gets that credit. The Dutch number 10 was unwanted by Real Madrid last season and sold to Inter, where he was a key player in winning the triple crown of Seria A, Italian Cup and Champions League. If anyone can tame the shady ball being used in this tournament its him. His freekicks and play down the middle is very dangerous to opponents.

Simon Kjaer, Denmark’s defensive rock wearing number 3, is one of the most coveted young defenders playing in Europe. He has had two extraordinary seasons in Serie A, and his consistency partnering Liverpools Daniel Agger, number 4, is a major reason why Denmark qualified. If anyone can stop the Dutch from scoring its these two. Kjaer could be missing today through injury.

Danger Men:

Ibrahim Affelay, 20, can definitely fill in more than adequately if Robben happens to be injured. This young prodigy is fast, technical and very dangerous with unexpected, powerfull shots... in fact exactly like Robben, as both developed their skills with PSV Eindhoven and both have been trained to the same extraordinary standards.

Martin Jorgensen, Dennis Rommedahl and Jesper Gronkjaer. The three veterans have been at the center of the Danish team’s success over the years, and for Jorgie and Jesper this is certainly the final curtain call.  The three share the fact that they have been excellent wingers, and they are central to the Danish system of 4-4-2 in providing great service to the not-so-bad attackers and scoring an occasional goal themselves.

Playing style: Denmark attacks down the wings, and feeds its two hard-working target men in attack with exceptional crosses and through balls. They defend as a team, and work as a team. Not an easy opponent for anyone.

Holland invented “total football” in the 70s, it became the symbol of clubs like Barcelona and Ajax. They still practice it. Flood the opponent with skilled, hard working offensive play, wear them down, and just keep scoring.  This style also has a tendency to leave defences vulnerable, and Denmark is exactly the team to make life hard for Holland on their debut. 

Previous Matches:

Never played each other amazingly enough.

Most likely scenario:

The Dutch win but not convincingly. Something like 2-1.

A slight surprise would be:

A draw.

A real shocker would mean:

Denmark’s win.

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 VERSUS

Time: 1600h

Match: Japan v. Cameroon (Group E)

Overview: A clash of civilizations, Cameroon would be the favourites if not for their poor form. The Japanese have some good players, but have looked very, very shaky over the past two years. This game is the key three-pointer in the group for both teams, a loss would seriously hurt their chances for the next round.

Venue: Mangaung/Bloomfoentain – Free State Stadium – The City of Roses, as South Africa’s third city is known hosts this interesting encounter.  

Capacity: 48000 People

Referee: Olegario Benquerenca – His name means the “well-loved” – let’s see.

Country: Portugal  

Date of Birth: 18.10.1969

Height: 184 cm

Occupation: Professionnel d'Assurance

Mother tongue: Portuguese

Other languages: French, English, Spanish

International since: 2001

First international: Spain-Paraguay (07.06.2002)

Hobbies: Music, singing, racing cars

Fondest memory: FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007

Analysis: Cameroon are on a poor run, but their physical abilities will pose a significant threat to the Japanese team. On the other hand, work ethic is something the Japanese team doesn’t lack, and with the addition of a really brilliant player in Keisuke Honda to the team, this game could have some surprises.

Form: 

Cameroon underperformed at the African Cup of Nations, but not badly enough to have Paul Le Guen the coach removed. They are still a dangerous team, even more dangerous if double Champions League winner Samuel Eto’o finally starts playing well for his team.

Key Players: 

Samuel Eto’o, 9, sold by Champions League winner Barcelona only to go on an win the trophy again with his new team Inter. This clever, good natured forward has just not performed for Cameroon at major tournaments.  If he is at the top of his game, he is unstoppable.

Keisuke Honda, 18, was a real star in Holland with my friend’s hometown team VVV Venlo, before moving to CSKA Moscow and putting in some excellent performances. This attacking midfielder is growing into what might be Japan’s greatest player yet, but the World Cup is definitely the place to prove that.  His runs, dribbles, freekicks and scoring ability are truly impressive... although the the Japanese team has a lot of problems and he might not be able to show that yet.

Danger Men:

Achille Emana, Cameroon’s no.10 is exactly the player who Japan might just be incapable of coping with, as his speed, power and physical strength allow him to simply run down the middle of the pitch and score.]

Shunsuke Nakamura, Japan’s no.10 has been a great and important player with Celtic, but after his move to Spain his form dropped, and he appears to be a shadow of himself. Will he rediscover his goal scoring and passing abilities in South Africa?

Previous Matches:

The teams have played three competitive matches, and surprisingly Japan has won 2 and 1 was a draw.  Even more surprisingly Japan scored all 4 goals and Cameroon none.

Most likely scenario:

Cameroon edge Japan 3-2.

A slight surprise would be:

Japan edge Cameroon 2-1

A real shocker would mean:

If Japan were to clearly beat Cameroon.

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 VERSUS

Time: 2030h

Match: Italy v. Paraguay (Group F)

Overview: The defending champions Italy face one of the best team’s in South America during qualification for their opening match. Paraguay are without a key player Salvador Cabanas, who was shot in the head last December and will  be supporting the team symbolically, and possibly without injured talent Oscar Cardozo, a tall forward who is exploding in ability. Italy might be missing Andrea Pirlo, the World Cup winner through injury.

Venue: Cape Town – Green Point Stadium – this beautifull stadium on the sea was the setting for France-Uruguay and will be hosting this exciting match. 

Capacity: 69070 People 

Referee: Benito Achundia (Mexico)

Country:Mexico  

Date of Birth: 21.03.1966

Height: 170 cm

Occupation: Lawyer and economist

Mother tongue: Spanish

Other languages: English

International since: 1993

First international: USA-Greece (28.05.1994)

Hobbies: Playing football, physical training, playing video games, reading

Fondest memory: Friends made during tournaments

Analysis:  Italy are always a strong team, but they often start their tournaments weakly. Paraguay are a true force in attack and defense, even though they have been very unlucky with hard to replace injuries. An interesting figure is new recruit for the National Team Lucas Barrios, who has had an exceptional season with Borussia Dortmund in Germany. Lippi might be leaving Serie A top scorer Antonio Di Natale on the bench.

Form: 

Neither team is in good form, with Paraguay having played a lot of friendly games and having done slightly better than Italy.

Key Players: 

Justo Villar, 1, the Paraguayan goalkeeper, long a star in the Argentine League, has been a key figure in qualification. His shot stopping ability and command of his defensive players is slightly reminiscent of the famous Chilavert who once was such a figure in France 1998. If he can put in a performance against Italy Paraguay have a genuine chance.

Fabio Cannavaro, 5, the player who was man-of-the tournament and lifted the World Cup trophy is not the same anymore. He had a miserable season with Juventus, and moved to the Qatari league in May. Italian fans are sceptical as to wether he is not too old and slow to play well in South Africa. The fact doesn’t change that Fabio is still one of the best defenders in the World, slow or not.

Danger Men:

Lucas Barrios, 19, was drafted into the Paraguayan team thanks to his Paraguayan mother in April, and started scoring bags of goals, like has been doing in the Chilean League, then the Bundesliga, and now wearing the white, blue and red stripes of Paraguay. His speed, and runs, along with his determination make him a classically dangerous South American forward.

Daniele de Rossi, 6, famously sent off the previous World Cup, he has matured as a player with Roma, and if Italy are to do well this World Cup, much of the responsibility is shouldered by De Rossi. His defensive abilities in midfield, combined with his eye for goal are key to the Azurri.

Previous Matches:

Italy have won both of the matches between these teams outscoring Paraguay 5-1.

Most likely scenario:

Italy win by a small margin, like 2-1.

A slight surprise would be:

Paraguay manage a 1-1 draw.

A real shocker would mean:

Paraguay humble the champions 2-0.

Recommended Menu for the day:

Lots of fish today, as Group E is the fish Group.

For lunch a feast of Japanese Sushi and Dutch and Danish Herring, combined with Cameroon’s shrimp.

Since Italy’s form is something unknown as Green Pesto Spaghetti has to accompany the dinner. If that is not enough carbohydrates Paraguayan Empanadas are in order for the second course.

All of this should be washed down with Danish beer, just to make sure the seafood has something to swim in.

Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Special equipment needed: A food processor (Check Amazon.com's sales on Cuisinart food processors)

METHOD

1 Combine the basil in with the pine nuts, pulse a few times in a food processor. (If you are using walnuts instead of pine nuts and they are not already chopped, pulse them a few times first, before adding the basil.) Add the garlic, pulse a few times more.

2 Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Makes 1 cup.

Serve with pasta, or over baked potatoes, or spread over toasted baguette slices.