Viva La Monde :)

Seems like it was only a few days ago that we were all counting down to the biggest month of football on the calender. I was hesitant about completing this blog as this is to be the last one I will do and it's made me realise that it's all over. It's a sad moment as for the last month or so it's become a huge talking point between men, women and children. Everybody in my work who wouldn't all know about football got involved and excited about it, which was great to see.

People have made the point that the standard of the World Cup might not be as high as the European Championships. I will take that point and it is very true but the World Cup is and always will be about more then just football. It is about uniting the World. For those moments in which a little South African boy can dream of one day reaching the heights that Iniesta reached. The world comes to a standstill to witness the beautiful game. It truely allows everyone to dream that no mountain is unreachable. The World Cup allows countries like New Zealand to show fight and spirit and lift the whole country. No other competition has the power to allow players to become God like to their fellow man. Look at Roger Milla and his goal 20 years ago. It is not forgotten to this day and is unlikely to be forgotten in another 20 years. It is for these reasons that make the World Cup truely the best competition in the World.

2010 World Cup

Top 5 Moments

1. Spain. The champions played some great stuff despite the fact they didn't score as much goals as some of the rest. It's a joy to watch these guys. Xavi and Iniesta in a class of their own. Love Cassilas, Villa. Delighted to see them win.
2. Van Brockhorst goal. Amazing finish brilliant.
3. Germany. Showed that you can never rule out the Germans no matter what. Ballack or no Ballack.
4. New Zealand .Equalising against Slovakia. A brilliant moment in which a never say die believe was on show. Anything can happen in Football. Unlucky to not make the last 16.
5. Atmosphere and Fun. South Africa put on a great show and represented the best competition in the world with pride. Great to see football in a new continent. vuvuzela and Jabulani footballs helped make this world cup one of the most memorable. The emergence of Paul the Octapus aswell.

To conclude I predicted at the start of the tournament that Spain would go the whole way and create history. They did it and David Villa became joint top goal scorer. Also my predicted man for player of tournament made a great attempt grabbing 5 goals and reaching the final. Well done and hard luck Wesley Sneijder. FIFA represents a lot of controversy but Overall I loved this World Cup as it really represented the motto "For the Game For the World".

A new name on the trophy

Its been quite a while since my last post.I picked Brazil to win this tournament and they got knocked out by Holland. It was another important reminder that football is a mental game and that those players with the best mentality,ultimately suffice!!

"Show me a player with skill and show me a player with character.....and I will pick the player with character every time!"

Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United Manager)

We have seen some wonderful teams fall from grace in this competition already. Some very skillfull players have not been on form.I think that the two teams remaining have both of these qualities that Sir Alex quoted. Perhaps Spain do not get enough credit for their character,it took a lot of guts to turn things around after the Switzerland defeat. People talk about the pressure getting to England but Spain have been the favourites throughout the whole competition. They have wonderful players all over the pitch.Xavi and Iniesta......what else can you say.Xabi Alonso has impressesd me this year. He had a fantastic season with Real Madrid. David Villa has produced on the biggest stage. However, all of these players won't be remembered unless they go on and win the World Cup.

Holland have these qualities too. Robben is a magic player. Van Persie has not light it up yet but the final is as good a chance as any. Wesley Sneijder has been amazing,his passing,touch and shooting!!!Kuyt is one of those characters who will give his all and never give up. Holland have these players in abundance. Van Bronckhorst is playing his last ever football game (although a lot of player's who have said this,have changed their mind). This guy is a great pro and I for one would love to see him finish on a high.

As for my prediction......well its too hard to see past Spain.Its a country I have lived in for 3 months and visited a lot during my teens.The people are great,passionate and show great pride in their country. It would also be great for their economy.As a Manchester United fan,it is also a pleasure to see how far Pique has come.I wtahced him a lot in the reserves and he has become an awesome defender.Who knows,maybe he will pop up with a goal.

Gary

Great Final

Ro V

Charlie

Charlie and Ro former best pals will be turning on one another this sunday as they have a chance to put thier name on the Wollstonecraft Hall of Fame and become a Wollstonecraft World Cup Winner.

Paul seals victory for Spain.

So it seems the Prophet has seen what the future will bring. Yes Paul has predicted that the Spanish will lift the great price this coming Sunday. He has become public enemy number one this week when he predicted the Spanish would beat Germany. This guy knows his stuff having predicted all of Germany's results perfectly this World Cup. He has also called Germany to beat Uruguay and become the Bronze team fromSouth Africa 2010.

Let's hope these last two games will be incredible and spectaculor for all of us. Saturday is no real pressure for both which should allow a good game. Sunday is an all European final and both teams want it bad. The Spanish are favourites but the Dutch remain undefeated and will definetly want to remain so.

Also delighted Howard Webb is the referee this Sunday. Having met the man in real life I got a lot of respect for him. He is a legend and one of my hero's. I hope he represents England better then the English team. The former Policeman won't put up with Van Bommel's crap.

Plenty of Match Winners for both sides so I hope we get a great game. I said Spain from Day one so going to stick with them.

Viva Espana

Conor

Ro V Dani

Dani

V

Ro

Dani is ready to take on Goliath in this battle of skill &determination. Former housemates but no love will be shared when they step out on field. Dani needs to fight Cullen Style.

Ro's Dodgey Predictions

With the world cup now at fever pitch, Dani ruthlessly disposed by Ro last night, who will be next to take on the might of the orange army. Charlie or Amy? Not even I can attempt to call which way this one will go.

In other news, Port Utd now have a speedy new attacking midfielder making headlines in all the papers. All interested parties should contact Gary Daly "Licensed FIFA Football Agent"

Charlie V Amy

Amy

Versus

Charlie

Semi Final 2

Charlie and Amy face off in this contest for a place in the Grand Final. Amy has been scoring lots of goals in this competition and keeping us all entertained. Charlie on the other hand has been winning without being too convincing. Charlie may well be friends with Amy and her boyfriend Tom but there will be nothing friendly about this affair.

World at their feet.

It's do or die time now for the four remaining teams in this competition. I'm excited about what's going to happen over the last four games.
Here is how I see it going down.

• Uruguay:
  

This side qualified last for the competition finishing fifth in their south American qualifying group and having to go to a playoff. Getting to the last 4 is an awesome achievement for these guys. I won't bring up the handball saga but let's just say we can all understand the decision. Either way it paid off. They are the underdogs and will have most of the world behind them which is always an advantage.They got nothing to lose so will be going out without as much pressure as Holland. One other thing that Ro said about Uruguay was he guaranteed this would be their last game. Ronan thinks they are planning on boycotting the 3rd and 4th Place play off. I certainly hope not :).

• Germany:

The old saying never write off the Germans has never been more truer. This side has helped light up this competition with goals and plenty of excitement. They came into this tournament without their star player and captain Michael Ballack. This was perhaps a good thing as it resulted in the Germans being underrated by the other teams. They will have a tough game against Spain though and will need to continue with their high pace and army like performance. Klose is looking to achieve the top goalscorer of all time so will be fired up for their game. At the moment it is their cup to lose.

• Holland:
  

I see this team reaching the final and then who knows. I have had my eye on this team like Ro. they just have a lot of quality. I hope my early prediction of Wesley become player of tournament comes through. With 4 goals he is looking good. He was instrumental in gaining the win against Brazil. It is good to see Europe kick the worlds butt. Van Persie needs to pull up his socks.

• Spain:
  

As Ro put it the Spanish team without a doubt has the best man to man team but we all know that it's not individuals who win competitions but teams. The Spanish team is winning games but just not as easily as the German team. This is either a sign of a good team or else just a team not good enough to be champions. David Villa is on fire with 5 though and if he can continue it will go along way to defeating the Germans. Torros needs to show up in this game as upto this point
the team has been carrying him. I hope these teams can provide us with a classic game.


In conclusion I see a Holland and Germany/Spain Final lol. Jokes my heart says Spain so I'm going to stick with my heart.

Come on the final 4. Let's hope the real winners of these games will be football.

Always watching
conor

Ro's Dodgey Predictions

Well....! What an awesome world cup! Definitely expected another call from the land lord today after all of my shouting at the tv late at night over the weekend. And yes!!! I have moved the TV to block my bedroom door so I can shout at it in the comfort of my own bed.... I recommend this to you all. The benefits far outweigh the fact that my balls get a right squeezin every time I need to go to work or get a glass of water for half time.

In my own personal opinion I reckon there are only four teams that can win it now. . . . With only four teams left in the tournament, I think all of you logical readers out there can deduce who these four teams I am talking about are.... Correct! Holland Holland Holland and the Netherlands. I rub my bookies docket for luck before each game! Van Persie will really need to lift his game for me though, I am confident that he is saving his best for last though.

Uruguay, where I do rate them and love Mr. Forland will play their last game this Wednesday. They've done well to make it this far thought, (all be it by a shootable hand ball offence). It may cost them a life or two if they don't keep low to the ground while still in Africa but never the less "fair play". Take one for the team!!!

What a crackin team Germany have turned out to be. Of course it does help when you've been playing with a new ball for a year before every other team. I wonder why klose couldn score before?? I smell a rat! Watch this space.... the euro is about to jump in value!! The new Jabulani economy is upon us! As gary says .... I just cant see them holdin the trophy though. The Germans always think too big, trying to take over the world and such. Their evil Jabulani plan won't work this this time either, the other teams have now got used to the ball which levels the playing pitch (pardon the pun). Spain, the best man for man team in it, have left it too late to hit top form I fear. I do hope torres shows his class before the end of the competition though.

In Summary:

There's only 4 teams in it......

Quote of the Tournament (Fuckin Hilarious)

Maradona pre Germany Game in cheap German accent:

"Vhat's de matter vith you, Schweinsteiger, are you nervousssh?"

Best Quote ever!!!!!!.... Man I miss him.

Euro 2010

World Cup 2010 was officially changed to Euro 2010 last night!

With Holland, Germany & Spain competing in the Semi-Finals you would be forgiven for confusing the WC with a Euro Championship; with Uruguay the only exception.

In two of the most exciting games so far, Holland & Germany sent the two South American superpowers crashing out of the Cup with convincing performances. Neither Brazil nor Argentina could answer the European's attacks.

It's been a mixed bag for European teams so far this year with France, Italy & England bowing out with disappointing form while their 3 counterparts fight it out for the cup. However South America had some serious contenders with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay & Chile all producting some amazing performances. However their only hope rests with Uruguay after Spain scraped past Paraguay last night.

In my opinion the South African World Cup will be remembered for two things: Vuvuzelas & the controversial Jabulani football. There's no doubt in my mind the ball has benefited a couple of teams over others i.e. Germany!

Joe

Divided Loyalty

So in my earlier predictions I thought Paraguay would be the surprise team of the tournament. I thought they would get out of the group and maybe go out in the next round. So why are people not raving about them?

The football they are playing is not winning them too many fans. They are to the World Cup what Greece was to Euro 2004. They are playing really solid football and I think we are going to see the shock of the tournament against Spain.

Spain have found it hard to get going against very compact teams like Switzerland and Portugal and I think Paraguay are very good defensively. Spain have quality all over the pitch but where they suffer is with their width. Players like Navas and Pedro need to have very good games out wide and hope the likes of Villa and Torres can get the service they need.

I know I have Spain as the runners up to Brazil but I love the football they play and the type of players they have. So my predictions for tonight is as follows:

Brazil to beat the Netherlands comfortably. Brazil will close down the likes of Sneijder and Lucio will have Van Persie in his pocket. I hope Holland start with Robben and two up front to help out Van Persie.

Uruguay will beat Ghana with Forlan to have a bit too much for the Ghana defence.

Argentina v Germany! I'll be honest I don't have a flucking clue who is going to win this game! I have a feeling Messi is due a big game and this could be the one. If Argentina do win I think I will have to start taking Maradonna seriously and that is a scary thought...

Enjoy the games!

Charlie