Corner flag (vol 2.12) - Van Persie to score

Been taking stock on the bets / calls thats been made and pretty pleased as to how its all turned out. Especially, the Year of the Tiger theory. Ha.

Spain vs Holland, one of the favourites at the outset vs. a peripheral figure of the elite bunch of footballing nations. Both under achievers on the world stage for the longest time and we will have a new winner. All the chat at office is how the Spaniards are going to cruise it. Another day, another favourite. Not without reason though. Euro '08 champions and a core group of Barcelona players who have won titles together.

The Barcelona core were very effective against a rather polite German side, who were not used to sides not making mistakes in possession - like the Argentinians and the English in the previous rounds. The Germans couldn't get hold of the ball and were slowly worn down. The Dutch, I think, will have more of an edge about them and with players more than capable of scoring goals, its going to be a hard fought game. And of course, the Dutch will emerge as winners.

Either way, Arsenal will soon have a World Cup winner in the squad and I hope its Van Persie scoring the winning goal in the 85th minute of a hard fought game.
                                              

Corner flag (vol 2.11) - Forget the Germans

is what I have been trying to tell the people at office. After their effortless dispatch of the Argies on Saturday night, not one person can think of any other team but the Germans to win the cup. Yes, they have played some amazing football and with a low-profile, young bunch of talented players, makes them an easy target for the underdog seeking World Cup fan. I can't quite remember the last time there was such overwhelming backing for a team.

So I have gone ahead put a bet on Spain beating them in the semis. Not driven by logic, neither emotion (which I have made clear earlier), but just a counter-consensus punt. Spain have not pulled out the breathtaking football that they are capable of and I wonder if its going to be a case of peaking at the right time. Similar to the Robin Van Persie story for the Dutch, who I obviously think will go through to the finals. And win it. So there.

The time has come to smile - in joy or agony. Its all terribly exciting.

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One of the more talked of episodes this World Cup was Suarez's save. Cheating vs Passion - and as expected, the British bandwagon jumped onto how unjust life is. But on BBC last night, I was watching the presenter speaking to fans in Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Amsterdam, Berlin and everyone said that any footballer would have done the same. The poor fucker.

                                                    

Corner flag (vol 2.10) - Maradona is a cat

Not a tiger, but a cat. With 9 lives: Hand of God almost got him lynched, the Camorra nearly bumped him off because even they got tired of his maniacal ways, got thrown out of USA 94 in a drug fueled daze, his dogs ate his ears while sleeping with him, his stomach nearly burst open one morning, was quite close to not qualifying with the most talented side for this world cup and now he is taking on Schweinsteiger over here - hilarious:




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Here is the cat on Mourinho - perfect bedfellows:
"I like Mourinho a lot. I've got his phone number, I might call him. We spent hours talking about football, attacking and defensive tactics. He seemed to me a guy to take to your bedside table and ask him each time you need something."

And on Messi:
"And he talks to [Juan Sebastián] Verón and I spy on them: La Bruja [the Witch] is an intellectual of football, because he knows much more of football than Leo, but they start talking about it and the bastard answers back."

Recounting his days in the psychiatric ward:
"They were all crazy in there. One guy said he was Napoleon and they didn't believe him. I said I was Maradona and they didn't believe me, either."

And here is the wonderful Richard Williams on the cat. He does write well though the fucker.

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The Big Brazilians just went out against the Dutch. Robben, Schneider together quelled a spirited Brazilian set up, but as the game wore on the Dutch were better constructed to pull it off. Even from being a goal down from the 10th minute. Felipe Melo set up the goal, then scored an own goal and finally got sent off - hopefully his market value deteriorates even further; Arsenal can possibly afford him now.
                                                       

From the Guardian. The two architects of a famous Dutch win                                      

                                                                              

Corner flag (vol 2.9) - Its still Holland

There are bets flying all over the place, and most people are snickering at my theory. Especially, when there are the Germans (who rightly bulldozed the English), the Big Brazilians (steadily moving ahead) and the Argentinians (the most talented bunch) still around. But with some of these names playing each other shortly, the big names will eventually drop out - and people will move on. I am still going with my theory and expect either the Dutch or Spain to take it. And given its Orange for me, I am hoping that the Dutch beat my tournament favourites Brazil tomorrow.

1. Holland vs Brazil
The Dutch have been effective, but not anywhere as fluid as I expected them to be. While the Brazilians are playing as expected, it will be an upset if the go out at this stage. Its a Dutch win for me.

2. Uruguay vs Ghana
Tough one - but it will be Uruguay, as they look a good balanced side and not being rated because they have been no where for many years.

3. Argentina vs Germany
Its going to be the Argies, with their experience and quality, that will go through against the quality of the Germans.

4. Spain vs Paraguay
Spain to squeeze it, but with Fabregas not playing, there is only that much (very little) that I think of them.

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An Eboue classic


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Quote of the day from the 20 year old German hero Thomas Muller - on the English:

"England have so many top stars in their squad that they will always be part and parcel of the international football scene. But there are so many 'alpha males' in their squad. It is difficult to have so many alpha males and have them row in the same direction. You don't only need chiefs. You also need a few Indians."
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One of the best players in the tournament for me: Diego Forlan

 Courtesy: The Guardian