It seems nowadays there are more and especially longer lasting injuries. I think this is caused by the amount of matches players play in a season. Up to 70 matches every year or often more is common in the modern football. Most competitions exist of 38 matches, all countries have a national cup competition, which is up to about 10 matches and Champions League is a 13 match tournament for the teams in the final. Together 61 matches, and it isn't the end. There are (qualification) matches for the World Cup and the European Championship, qualification matches for continental competitions (Champions League, Europa League ea) and friendly matches with the national team and the clubs. It's when the players are tired and not fully concentrated when the worst accidents happen. I think there shouldn't be this much matches in every season. If there are fewer teams in the national and international competitions, there are less matches and the players will be able to play with more power and there will be less injuries. Another solution is allowing more substitutions or allowing players to return in the field after benching, like what happens in hockey. The matches will be more interesting to see and visit, so everyone, the players and the spectators, wins. However, as long as Sepp Blatter is boss of the FIFA and therefore boss of the football, such developments will not take place.
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
Injuries
As usual, a lot of national team players got injured before the World Cup. It's always disappointing to have an injury and not to be able to play matches, but when you have to miss the World Cup, it's just terrible. This time, some world stars are upon the victims. Radamel Falcao, the Colombian striker playing for AS Monaco, has been suffering a serious knee injury since January. As no one expected him to recover before June, Falcao himself announced that he might be fit enough to play in the World Cup. In May, he took his words back and said he had to wait until the next season to start playing again. Theo Walcott is another great forward with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. For him, recovery didn't go as fast as expected. Originally, he had good odds of being able to play at the World Cup, but along the way, he turned out less fortunate.
Monday, 9 June 2014
Promotion/Relegation Matches
I think the promotion/relegation matches are the most exciting matches of the year. For the clubs, it might be a chance to reach the top competition for the first time in years. On the other hand, some teams will have to compete in a lower division the next season. This year I started following the matches because one of my favorite teams had a chance to promote to the Eredivisie. FC Dordrecht had been leading the Jupiler League, Holland's second division, for the whole year, but only a few matches before the end of the season, Willem II captured the first place and they didn't give it away. Fortunately, the second place gave a good starting position for the playoffs.
First, FC Dordrecht had to beat VVV in a double match. This didn't cause much problems for the "Schapenkoppen". The second and last round was another double matche against Sparta Rotterdam. I expected Dordrecht to beat them easily, because Sparta had finished at the sixteenth place in the Jupiler League. Nevertheless, the first match in Rotterdam ended 2-2. The match in Dordrecht had to decide who would be in the Eredivisie. Unfortunately, I couldn't get tickets. I'd have loved to see the match in the stadium. After only five minutes, Funso Ojo scored the lucky first goal: the keeper couldn't see the ball coming, so he misjudged the place it would come. At the end of the first half, Paul Gladon headed for the 2-0. Gladon was contracted by Sparta, but loaned to FC Dordrecht for the whole season. He was one of the surprising stars that lead FC Dordt to the second place. Ten minutes in the second half, Mimoun Machi gave Sparta new hope: he scored 2-1. In the last minute of the match, all Sparta players were in the box of FC Dordrecht for a corner. A defender managed to head the ball away to Giovanni Korte. After a long run to Sparta's half, he scored the decisive goal. All FC Dordrecht fans in the stadium, me too, went crazy. The celebrations afterwards were great to see. FC Dordrecht definitely deserves the promotion.
First, FC Dordrecht had to beat VVV in a double match. This didn't cause much problems for the "Schapenkoppen". The second and last round was another double matche against Sparta Rotterdam. I expected Dordrecht to beat them easily, because Sparta had finished at the sixteenth place in the Jupiler League. Nevertheless, the first match in Rotterdam ended 2-2. The match in Dordrecht had to decide who would be in the Eredivisie. Unfortunately, I couldn't get tickets. I'd have loved to see the match in the stadium. After only five minutes, Funso Ojo scored the lucky first goal: the keeper couldn't see the ball coming, so he misjudged the place it would come. At the end of the first half, Paul Gladon headed for the 2-0. Gladon was contracted by Sparta, but loaned to FC Dordrecht for the whole season. He was one of the surprising stars that lead FC Dordt to the second place. Ten minutes in the second half, Mimoun Machi gave Sparta new hope: he scored 2-1. In the last minute of the match, all Sparta players were in the box of FC Dordrecht for a corner. A defender managed to head the ball away to Giovanni Korte. After a long run to Sparta's half, he scored the decisive goal. All FC Dordrecht fans in the stadium, me too, went crazy. The celebrations afterwards were great to see. FC Dordrecht definitely deserves the promotion.
World Cup 2014 Brazil Group H
Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Russia, Korea Republic
The Belgian team is currently a golden generation. The "Rode Duivels" were absent the last two World Cups, but this time, they are stronger than ever before. Youngsters Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard (both Chelsea), Romelu Lukaku (Everton) and Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) are some very talented and young, none of them is over 23 years old, midfielders and forwards. With a steady and experienced defense with ie bodybuilder look-a-like Vincent Kompany, Belgium might be as succesful as they were in 1986, when they reached the semifinals in Mexico.
At the three World Cups Algeria managed to qualify for, they never reached the round of sixteen and I don't think they will now. Valencia midfielder Sofiane Feghouli is probably the best player of the team. He reached the semifinal of the Europa League with Valencia, but Feghouli has been in a bad form for most of the season. He wont help "The Fennec Foxes" to the round of sixteen.
The Belgian team is currently a golden generation. The "Rode Duivels" were absent the last two World Cups, but this time, they are stronger than ever before. Youngsters Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard (both Chelsea), Romelu Lukaku (Everton) and Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) are some very talented and young, none of them is over 23 years old, midfielders and forwards. With a steady and experienced defense with ie bodybuilder look-a-like Vincent Kompany, Belgium might be as succesful as they were in 1986, when they reached the semifinals in Mexico.
At the three World Cups Algeria managed to qualify for, they never reached the round of sixteen and I don't think they will now. Valencia midfielder Sofiane Feghouli is probably the best player of the team. He reached the semifinal of the Europa League with Valencia, but Feghouli has been in a bad form for most of the season. He wont help "The Fennec Foxes" to the round of sixteen.
Russia is said to have a great
team spirit. Although one has to be careful with any Russian information, I
think it's right, because all players of the squad play in the Russian Premier League. Russia doesn't have word class
players, but attacking midfielder Alan Dzagoev is
only 22 years old and very talented. The average age is one of the highest in
the World Cup, so "Sbornaya" won't lack experience. Overall, I think Russia will reach the round of sixteen.
South Korea is so far the only
Asian team to have reached the semi finals at a World Cup, but there's pretty
much no chance this will happen again. "The Red Warriors" mostly rely
on forward Son Heung-Min (Bayer Leverkussen), Park Chu-Young (Arsenal) and Ji
Dong-Won (Borrusia Dortmund). Their midfield and defense, however, isn't World
Cup worthy. If the strikers manage to do a great job, South Korea will have to
compete with Russia for the second place in the group.
My expectation:
1. Belgium
2. Russia
3. South Korea
4. Algeria
Tuesday, 3 June 2014
World Cup 2014 Brazil Group G
Group G: Germany, Portugal, Ghana, United States
Germany is always one of the favourites for the World Cup, and this time they surely are again. Manuel Neuer is one of the best goal keepers in the world. Especially Germany's midfield is world class. Mario Götze, Toni Kroos, Mesut Özil and Bastian Schweinsteiger are just four of the great German midfielders. The only thing "Die Mannschaft" really needs is a striker. The 35-year old Miroslav Klose is the only real forward in the World Cup squad. I'm afraid this will cause some problems, but I still think Germany will win the World Cup.
The second best team is this group is Portugal. Super star Cristiano Ronaldo is currently in a great form. He broke the all-time record of most goals scored in a Europa Cup I/ Champions League season (17) and he won the Champions League with Real Madrid. With a player like that, "A Selecao" will most likely reach the round of sixteen.
Probably the best African team is Ghana. The "Black Stars" almost reached the semifinals at the World Cup 2010, but they missed a penalty deep into extra time and in the penalty shoot-out, they were beaten by Uruguay. Captain Asamoah Gyan, midfielder Michael Essien and and defender Sulley Muntari are some players Ghana relies on, but the real stars are Kwadwo Asamoah and Kevin-Prince Boateng. Asamoah has had a great season with Juventus, so maybe he can hold his form till the World Cup.
Football is one of the few sports the United States don't rule. Nevertheless, "The Stars and Stripes" have been present at the World Cups since 1990. Captain Clint Dempsey is one of the most experienced and probably best player in the squad. Together with defender DaMarcus Beasly and supertalent Julian Green, Dempsey will have to surprise everyone if the USA wants to reach the round of sixteen.
My expectation:
1. Germany (winning chance 40%)
2. Portugal
3. Ghana
4. United States
Germany is always one of the favourites for the World Cup, and this time they surely are again. Manuel Neuer is one of the best goal keepers in the world. Especially Germany's midfield is world class. Mario Götze, Toni Kroos, Mesut Özil and Bastian Schweinsteiger are just four of the great German midfielders. The only thing "Die Mannschaft" really needs is a striker. The 35-year old Miroslav Klose is the only real forward in the World Cup squad. I'm afraid this will cause some problems, but I still think Germany will win the World Cup.
The second best team is this group is Portugal. Super star Cristiano Ronaldo is currently in a great form. He broke the all-time record of most goals scored in a Europa Cup I/ Champions League season (17) and he won the Champions League with Real Madrid. With a player like that, "A Selecao" will most likely reach the round of sixteen.
Probably the best African team is Ghana. The "Black Stars" almost reached the semifinals at the World Cup 2010, but they missed a penalty deep into extra time and in the penalty shoot-out, they were beaten by Uruguay. Captain Asamoah Gyan, midfielder Michael Essien and and defender Sulley Muntari are some players Ghana relies on, but the real stars are Kwadwo Asamoah and Kevin-Prince Boateng. Asamoah has had a great season with Juventus, so maybe he can hold his form till the World Cup.
Football is one of the few sports the United States don't rule. Nevertheless, "The Stars and Stripes" have been present at the World Cups since 1990. Captain Clint Dempsey is one of the most experienced and probably best player in the squad. Together with defender DaMarcus Beasly and supertalent Julian Green, Dempsey will have to surprise everyone if the USA wants to reach the round of sixteen.
My expectation:
1. Germany (winning chance 40%)
2. Portugal
3. Ghana
4. United States
Saturday, 31 May 2014
World Cup 2014 Brazil Group F
Group F: Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, Nigeria
By far the best team in this group is Argentina. Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel di Maria and Ezequiel Lavezzi (the so-called Big Five) are five of the best forwards in the world. Carlos Tevez is another great striker, but he has a bad relationship with coach Alejandro Sabella, so he is hasn't played for Argentina since 2011. Javier Mascherano, Ezequiel Garay and Martin Demichelis are other experienced defenders/midfielders. "La Albiceleste" will not have any trouble finishing first in this group.
Bosnia and Herzegovina debuts in this World Cup. Since their split-up from Yugoslavia in 1992, "The Dragons" have never been present at a World Cup, so this is tournament for them. Midfielder Miralem Pjanic and forward Edin Dzeko are the stars, but midfielder Zvjezdan Misimevic, defender Emir Spahic and striker Vedad Ibisevic are experienced and very important players. In this weak group, Bosnia and Herzegovina might surprise themselfves and reach the round of sixteen.
Despite the non-football culture, it's the fourth time for Iran to be present at a World Cup. "Sahzadegane Parsi" never reached further than the group stage, and it's not likely that they will this year. Most of the players play in the highest division in Iran and only Daniel Davari and Ashkan Dejagah play in European top competitions. At least Irans participation will give football some attention over there.
Nigeria has always had international stars, but they never reached further than the round of sixteen. The average level of the players is often too low. John Obi Mikel is a very skillful an for his age experienced midfielder, but Nigeria lacks other stars. Midfielder Ogenyi Onaze an former VVV-Venlo forward Ahmed Musa are very talented players, but unable to lead "The Super Eagles" at a World Cup. Nigeria will have to compete with Bosnia and Herzegovina for the round of sixteen.
My expectation:
1. Argentina
2. Bosnia and Herzegovina
3. Nigeria
4. Iran
By far the best team in this group is Argentina. Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel di Maria and Ezequiel Lavezzi (the so-called Big Five) are five of the best forwards in the world. Carlos Tevez is another great striker, but he has a bad relationship with coach Alejandro Sabella, so he is hasn't played for Argentina since 2011. Javier Mascherano, Ezequiel Garay and Martin Demichelis are other experienced defenders/midfielders. "La Albiceleste" will not have any trouble finishing first in this group.
Bosnia and Herzegovina debuts in this World Cup. Since their split-up from Yugoslavia in 1992, "The Dragons" have never been present at a World Cup, so this is tournament for them. Midfielder Miralem Pjanic and forward Edin Dzeko are the stars, but midfielder Zvjezdan Misimevic, defender Emir Spahic and striker Vedad Ibisevic are experienced and very important players. In this weak group, Bosnia and Herzegovina might surprise themselfves and reach the round of sixteen.
Despite the non-football culture, it's the fourth time for Iran to be present at a World Cup. "Sahzadegane Parsi" never reached further than the group stage, and it's not likely that they will this year. Most of the players play in the highest division in Iran and only Daniel Davari and Ashkan Dejagah play in European top competitions. At least Irans participation will give football some attention over there.
Nigeria has always had international stars, but they never reached further than the round of sixteen. The average level of the players is often too low. John Obi Mikel is a very skillful an for his age experienced midfielder, but Nigeria lacks other stars. Midfielder Ogenyi Onaze an former VVV-Venlo forward Ahmed Musa are very talented players, but unable to lead "The Super Eagles" at a World Cup. Nigeria will have to compete with Bosnia and Herzegovina for the round of sixteen.
My expectation:
1. Argentina
2. Bosnia and Herzegovina
3. Nigeria
4. Iran
Thursday, 29 May 2014
World Cup 2014 Brazil Group E
Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras
Switzerland is the surprising group leader of Group E. The "Schweizer Nati" held the 8st place at the FIFA ranking, just before Holland, that made them group leader. Stephan Lichtsteiner and midfielder Gökhan Inler are the best players, but Xherdan Shaqiri is a very talented winger and could be the next superstar. The only problem for him is the lack of matches he plays with Bayern München. Switzerland might surprisingly reach the quarter finals.
Ecuador has only been present at the World Cups twice, in 2002 and 2006 and they never reached further than the round of 16. Only Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia plays in a top competion, the Premier League, so "La Tri" are not likely to reach any further. The 1-1 draw against current runner-up Holland last week doesn't actually mean they still have chances, it only shows the terrible level and form of the Dutch team.
The national team of France has been in the news a few weeks ago because Samir Nasri was clearly not happy that he wasn't in the World Cup squad. Around the World Cup 2014, similar disturbances led to a very bad performance. If Franck Ribery, Paul Pogba, Karim Benzema and the other stars can bring the calmness back to "Les Bleus", France might be an outsider for the World Cup.
Honduras is one of the weakest teams in this World Cup. "Los Catrachos" mostly rely on the experienced defenders Emilio Izaguirre and Maynor Figueroa and midfielder Wilson Palacios, all playing in the UK. Carlo Costly is the only forward whose skills may be sufficient for an international tournament. Overall, I think Honduras lacks creative players who can bring extra power when they need it, which will be very often.
My expectation:
1. France
2. Switzerland
3. Ecuador
4. Honduras
Switzerland is the surprising group leader of Group E. The "Schweizer Nati" held the 8st place at the FIFA ranking, just before Holland, that made them group leader. Stephan Lichtsteiner and midfielder Gökhan Inler are the best players, but Xherdan Shaqiri is a very talented winger and could be the next superstar. The only problem for him is the lack of matches he plays with Bayern München. Switzerland might surprisingly reach the quarter finals.
Ecuador has only been present at the World Cups twice, in 2002 and 2006 and they never reached further than the round of 16. Only Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia plays in a top competion, the Premier League, so "La Tri" are not likely to reach any further. The 1-1 draw against current runner-up Holland last week doesn't actually mean they still have chances, it only shows the terrible level and form of the Dutch team.
The national team of France has been in the news a few weeks ago because Samir Nasri was clearly not happy that he wasn't in the World Cup squad. Around the World Cup 2014, similar disturbances led to a very bad performance. If Franck Ribery, Paul Pogba, Karim Benzema and the other stars can bring the calmness back to "Les Bleus", France might be an outsider for the World Cup.
Honduras is one of the weakest teams in this World Cup. "Los Catrachos" mostly rely on the experienced defenders Emilio Izaguirre and Maynor Figueroa and midfielder Wilson Palacios, all playing in the UK. Carlo Costly is the only forward whose skills may be sufficient for an international tournament. Overall, I think Honduras lacks creative players who can bring extra power when they need it, which will be very often.
My expectation:
1. France
2. Switzerland
3. Ecuador
4. Honduras
Monday, 28 April 2014
World Cup 2014 Brazil Group D
Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy
Uruguay is the leader of the "group of death". In a double match against Jordan, Uruguay was the last team to qualify for the World Cup. Nevertheless, "La Celeste" is an outsider (or even more) for the World Cup. Luis Suarez (Liverpool) and Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint Germain) are two of the best forwards in the world. Suarez is currently the top scorer in the Premier League with 30 goals. If he can keep playing like this at the World Cup, Uruguay might reach the semifinal or so, like in 2010.
The weakest team of this group is Costa Rica. This is the fourth time "Los Ticos" have qualified for a World Cup, 2006 was the last time Costa Rica was present, in Germany. Joel Campbell is a very talented player, who has played 30 caps at the age of 21. He is contracted by Arsenal, but is loaned to the Greek Champions League participant Olympiakos. Bryan Ruiz, whom PSV loaned for half a year, is the other top player for Costa Rica. I don't think Costa Rica will manage to reach the round of sixteen.
England is one of the three teams that could reach the round of sixteen in this group.
"The Three Lions" rely on the experience of captain Steven Gerrard and co-captain Frank Lampard, but England has more world class players. Wayne Rooney is probably the most important player. Unlike most other teams, nearly all of the players play in their own Premier League. From all players that were called up in the last year, Jermain Defoe is the only one that doesn't play in the UK.
The last team in Group D is Italy. Along with goalkeeper Gianluige Buffon and forward Mario Balotelli, the midfielders are the strongest weapon. Andrea Pirlo, Daniele de Rossi and Marco Verratti are some of the players that will have to lead the "Azzurri" to the victory. Especcialy Verratti is very talented. He plays most of the matches for Paris Saint Germain, the French team that reached the quarter finals in the UEFA Champions Leaugue this year. I think Italy will reach to the semifinals at least.
My expectation:
1. Italy (winning chance 10%)
2. Uruguay
3. England
4. Costa Rica
Uruguay is the leader of the "group of death". In a double match against Jordan, Uruguay was the last team to qualify for the World Cup. Nevertheless, "La Celeste" is an outsider (or even more) for the World Cup. Luis Suarez (Liverpool) and Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint Germain) are two of the best forwards in the world. Suarez is currently the top scorer in the Premier League with 30 goals. If he can keep playing like this at the World Cup, Uruguay might reach the semifinal or so, like in 2010.
The weakest team of this group is Costa Rica. This is the fourth time "Los Ticos" have qualified for a World Cup, 2006 was the last time Costa Rica was present, in Germany. Joel Campbell is a very talented player, who has played 30 caps at the age of 21. He is contracted by Arsenal, but is loaned to the Greek Champions League participant Olympiakos. Bryan Ruiz, whom PSV loaned for half a year, is the other top player for Costa Rica. I don't think Costa Rica will manage to reach the round of sixteen.
England is one of the three teams that could reach the round of sixteen in this group.
"The Three Lions" rely on the experience of captain Steven Gerrard and co-captain Frank Lampard, but England has more world class players. Wayne Rooney is probably the most important player. Unlike most other teams, nearly all of the players play in their own Premier League. From all players that were called up in the last year, Jermain Defoe is the only one that doesn't play in the UK.
The last team in Group D is Italy. Along with goalkeeper Gianluige Buffon and forward Mario Balotelli, the midfielders are the strongest weapon. Andrea Pirlo, Daniele de Rossi and Marco Verratti are some of the players that will have to lead the "Azzurri" to the victory. Especcialy Verratti is very talented. He plays most of the matches for Paris Saint Germain, the French team that reached the quarter finals in the UEFA Champions Leaugue this year. I think Italy will reach to the semifinals at least.
My expectation:
1. Italy (winning chance 10%)
2. Uruguay
3. England
4. Costa Rica
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