Well, I should have gotten round to this sooner, I suppose, but I'm at a friend's house cat sitting, and I couldn't get my new netbook to their wireless router. I could have sworn that they didn't have it set up with any security, but... ah, well, as long as I can hook up directly to their modem, I'm in, so let's get to it, shall we?
Today's (soon to be yesterday's) World Cup match was entertaining enough, with both Uruguay and Germany playing rather relaxed, attacking futbol. Just as in their Semifinal, Uruguay fell to a 3-2 score line, and had a last minute chance when the Germans gave up a freekick just outside of their penalty area. This time, however, Diego Forlan couldn't find the net.
I was really hoping for Uruguay to pick up third place, but, again, no reason not to feel good about themselves. It's not like they let the Germans run riot all over them, blowing them out 4-0, or anything like that.
Truth is, the only time I enjoyed much of this match up was when the South Americans scored. I'm not sure why I dislike the Germans so much (hmmm... they faced Argentina in the Final back in 1986 and 1990, losing the first, winning the rematch... and then there is that little fact of them knocking Argentina out in the Quarterfinals for two World Cups in a row now.) Thing is, I actually have some German ancestry, so you'd think that I'd enjoy seeing them do well.
When it comes to national sides, Argentina, which is where I learned to love the game, the USA, which is where I was born and have spent most of my life, and Wales, as I have Welsh heritage on both my mother and father's side of the family (though I also have at least one sibling who insists that it's English.)
Argentina have won two World Cups before, and will certainly go on to win more. The USA are still a long wa
ys from lift the cup, but I'm certain that they will eventually do so. Wales, on the other hand, would need a miracle. In fact it might take one just for them to qualify. In fact, they have only reached one so far, the year prior to my birth, in fact. If they do manage to reach the Finals with in my life time, knowing my luck, they'll be drawn into a group with both the USA and Argentina, and then will see where my loyalties really lie.
And that brings us to tomorrow's Final with Spain facing the Netherlands. I'm to sure where I really stand on this one. I'm thinking I'd like to see the Dutch take the Cup, this being their third trip into the last match of a World Cup. For Spain, it's their first Final. Surely it would be asking far too much to expect them to ruin it for the Netherlands.
Surely they will do their best to do so.
Showing posts with label Uruguay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Uruguay. Show all posts
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Netherlands, Uruguay Produce A Semifinal To Remember
Netherlands make their way into the Final at a World Cup for the first time sense 1978, defeating Uruguay in a 3-2 thriller.
That isn't to say that Uruguay came away as losers. Down 1-0, they came fighting back to even the score. When they fell behind 3-1, they could have folded, but instead pressed on, earning their second goal in injury time, and they were still pressing for the equalizer right up until the referee blew his whistle for the final time. They may have lost the Semifinal, but they don't deserve the "Loser" tag because a) they made it to the Semifinal, and b) they went down fighting right up until the end.
Don't ask me why, but, between the four Semifinalist, it was the two team that played today that I'd like to see win it all. Perhaps for Uruguay it's because they were the last South American team in the tournament. The Netherlands? I don't know, maybe it's just that they've been so close, so many times, with so many great teams that could have, perhaps should have won.
As for the match tomorrow, I'm hoping that Spain and Germany play a strenuous, physically grueling match. Even better if it goes all the way to penalties. That way, no matter which team gets through, they'll be ripe for the boys in Oranje.
Now, some might argue that my reasons for wanting the Netherlands to win the Final should also apply to Spain. All I can say is, hey, I can't explain it, other than to say that Spain came in to the tournament as favorites. They are considered by many to be the greatest national team going. Some might argue that they might even stand up to some of the greatest national teams ever assembled. That will make the Netherlands underdogs, provided Spain gets past the Germans.
As for the Germans, they're always deceptive. Between major tournaments they can look weak, but once they are involved in matches that matter, look out. The bigger the tournament, the more difficult they are to knock off.
Tomorrow, things could get very interesting, indeed.
That isn't to say that Uruguay came away as losers. Down 1-0, they came fighting back to even the score. When they fell behind 3-1, they could have folded, but instead pressed on, earning their second goal in injury time, and they were still pressing for the equalizer right up until the referee blew his whistle for the final time. They may have lost the Semifinal, but they don't deserve the "Loser" tag because a) they made it to the Semifinal, and b) they went down fighting right up until the end.
Don't ask me why, but, between the four Semifinalist, it was the two team that played today that I'd like to see win it all. Perhaps for Uruguay it's because they were the last South American team in the tournament. The Netherlands? I don't know, maybe it's just that they've been so close, so many times, with so many great teams that could have, perhaps should have won.
As for the match tomorrow, I'm hoping that Spain and Germany play a strenuous, physically grueling match. Even better if it goes all the way to penalties. That way, no matter which team gets through, they'll be ripe for the boys in Oranje.
Now, some might argue that my reasons for wanting the Netherlands to win the Final should also apply to Spain. All I can say is, hey, I can't explain it, other than to say that Spain came in to the tournament as favorites. They are considered by many to be the greatest national team going. Some might argue that they might even stand up to some of the greatest national teams ever assembled. That will make the Netherlands underdogs, provided Spain gets past the Germans.
As for the Germans, they're always deceptive. Between major tournaments they can look weak, but once they are involved in matches that matter, look out. The bigger the tournament, the more difficult they are to knock off.
Tomorrow, things could get very interesting, indeed.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Bye, Bye Brazil
Should I be so happy that Brazil have been knocked out of the World Cup? Well, I could be happier, it could have been Uruguay knocking them out in the up coming semifinals. Even better had they gone on to lose to Argentina in the final.
Netherlands beat Brazil in a come from behind thriller 2-1. As soon as the team from Europe scored the go ahead goal, the Brazilians started to lose their composure. Five minutes later, Felipe Melo received a red card after having not only fouled a Dutch player, but continuing to kick the man after the whistle had blown. This wasn't the Brazil of the Beautiful Game, but the ugly Brazil, who can't deal with a team that isn't intimidated by them, a team that had gone down 1-0 ten minutes into the game, but fought back to win.
The Brazilians eventually regained their composure, or at least Kaka did, but down a man with only some twenty minutes to work with they just couldn't find a way to take the game level... and I laughed and celebrated, not that the Netherlands had gone through, but because Brazil, the almighty Brazil, the nation who has won more World Cups than any other, are heading home.
Ah, life's simple joys.
On the day's other match, Uruguay and Ghana played to a 1-1 draw. Ghana nearly won it in the dying minutes of the second over time. In a mad goal line scramble, Uruguayan forward Luis Suárez, who was back helping out in defense, was on the line when a nearly sure goal came his way. Unable to get a head on it, he forgot that he wasn't the goalkeeper and deflected the ball away with what was clearly a hand ball. In this case, the referee spotted it, red carding Suárez and pointing to the penalty spot.
Fortune smiled on Uruguay as Ghana's Asamoah Gyan beat the keeper, only to slam the ball against the crossbar. Suárez thus earns the distinction of having perhaps the most tactically sound red card ever earned at a World Cup.
Really, this was one of those matches were neither side deserved to lose, so it was only just that the game be decided by way of the penalty shoot out. I still wish there was a better way of deciding these things, but it's all we have for the moment. Uruguay proceeded to move on, winning the shoot out 4-2.
Tomorrow we'll see Argentina vs Germany, a rematch of both the 1986 and 1990 finals, and Spain vs Paraguay. Both Argentina and Germany will be going into their match against each other full of confidence. Paraguay, however, must pray for a miracle against Spain.
Villar, Cardozo... just remember, as good as Spain may be, they aren't invincible. Switzerland beat them in the first round, the USA at last year's Confederation Cup. Why not Paraguay in the World Cup quarterfinals?
Netherlands beat Brazil in a come from behind thriller 2-1. As soon as the team from Europe scored the go ahead goal, the Brazilians started to lose their composure. Five minutes later, Felipe Melo received a red card after having not only fouled a Dutch player, but continuing to kick the man after the whistle had blown. This wasn't the Brazil of the Beautiful Game, but the ugly Brazil, who can't deal with a team that isn't intimidated by them, a team that had gone down 1-0 ten minutes into the game, but fought back to win.
The Brazilians eventually regained their composure, or at least Kaka did, but down a man with only some twenty minutes to work with they just couldn't find a way to take the game level... and I laughed and celebrated, not that the Netherlands had gone through, but because Brazil, the almighty Brazil, the nation who has won more World Cups than any other, are heading home.
Ah, life's simple joys.
On the day's other match, Uruguay and Ghana played to a 1-1 draw. Ghana nearly won it in the dying minutes of the second over time. In a mad goal line scramble, Uruguayan forward Luis Suárez, who was back helping out in defense, was on the line when a nearly sure goal came his way. Unable to get a head on it, he forgot that he wasn't the goalkeeper and deflected the ball away with what was clearly a hand ball. In this case, the referee spotted it, red carding Suárez and pointing to the penalty spot.
Fortune smiled on Uruguay as Ghana's Asamoah Gyan beat the keeper, only to slam the ball against the crossbar. Suárez thus earns the distinction of having perhaps the most tactically sound red card ever earned at a World Cup.
Really, this was one of those matches were neither side deserved to lose, so it was only just that the game be decided by way of the penalty shoot out. I still wish there was a better way of deciding these things, but it's all we have for the moment. Uruguay proceeded to move on, winning the shoot out 4-2.
Tomorrow we'll see Argentina vs Germany, a rematch of both the 1986 and 1990 finals, and Spain vs Paraguay. Both Argentina and Germany will be going into their match against each other full of confidence. Paraguay, however, must pray for a miracle against Spain.
Villar, Cardozo... just remember, as good as Spain may be, they aren't invincible. Switzerland beat them in the first round, the USA at last year's Confederation Cup. Why not Paraguay in the World Cup quarterfinals?
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Mateo, Barrientos, Achurcarro In - Road Trip To Uruguay Announced
Newell's have already added three in coming players: midfielders Diego Mateo (from Gimnasia y Esgrima de Jujuy,) Hugo Barrientos (from Huracán,) and paraguayian forward Jorge Achucarro (from Atlas de México.) Mateo and Barrientos are both in their 30's, while I believe Achucarro is 27.
Achucarro scoring during a game in 2007
For Mateo, it's a home coming. After spending the last three years with three different teams, he will come back to the team that he started his career with. If this is any indication, Newell's will continue playing with two defense midfielders, though, if I'm not mistaken, he has also been used as a defender in the past.
Ivan Pillud is off to Spain, with Espanyol on loan, but he was only on loan from Tiro Federal to start with, so no incoming cash for Newell's on that deal. Armani will no doubt return to Tiro Federal.
Salcedo's rumored to want to go to Independiente. Considering his lack of form for River during the Apertura, and then with Newell's in the Clausura, I have to wonder why anyone would want him at all.
Hernán Bernadello is going to Almería in Spain. This, in my opinion, is the biggest loss for Newell's so far this off season. Hernán, who will be 23 on August 3rd, has played a solid role as a holding defender, and was a threat to score with his strong right foot when allowed to venture forward. He's a huge fan favorite, and will be missed by every Lepra the world over.
Atalanta in Italy are interested in Leonel Vangioni. Leo has held the left side of the midfield admirably. He has a good shot with both feet, and is only 22 years of age. While he doesn't have the same kind of fan base as Bernadello, it may well be harder to find someone who can fill his shoes on the left of midfield.
In preparation for the up coming Apertura 09, Newell's will be traveling to Uruguay, facing Peñarol on August 2nd, and then either Danubio or Defensor Sporting on either the following Thursday or Friday.
This is a good move, as compared to the usual playing warm up matches against lower division teams. While I have no illusions that the league in Uruguay is as good as that of Argentina, Peñarol are a powerhouse in that country, having played in 78 years in the top division with out a single relegation, winning 36 domestic league titles. Their worst finish ever was 14th, well above the relegation zone.
Playing in Uruguay also gives some of Newell's players who have never played outside of Argentina a taste of playing internationally. Hopefully this will inspire them into qualifying for the Libertadores sometime in the near future.
(Yes, I know Uruguay is just short boat trip over Río de la Plata. But with the shoe string budget Newell's is on these days...)
Achucarro scoring during a game in 2007
For Mateo, it's a home coming. After spending the last three years with three different teams, he will come back to the team that he started his career with. If this is any indication, Newell's will continue playing with two defense midfielders, though, if I'm not mistaken, he has also been used as a defender in the past.
Ivan Pillud is off to Spain, with Espanyol on loan, but he was only on loan from Tiro Federal to start with, so no incoming cash for Newell's on that deal. Armani will no doubt return to Tiro Federal.
Salcedo's rumored to want to go to Independiente. Considering his lack of form for River during the Apertura, and then with Newell's in the Clausura, I have to wonder why anyone would want him at all.
Hernán Bernadello is going to Almería in Spain. This, in my opinion, is the biggest loss for Newell's so far this off season. Hernán, who will be 23 on August 3rd, has played a solid role as a holding defender, and was a threat to score with his strong right foot when allowed to venture forward. He's a huge fan favorite, and will be missed by every Lepra the world over.
Atalanta in Italy are interested in Leonel Vangioni. Leo has held the left side of the midfield admirably. He has a good shot with both feet, and is only 22 years of age. While he doesn't have the same kind of fan base as Bernadello, it may well be harder to find someone who can fill his shoes on the left of midfield.
In preparation for the up coming Apertura 09, Newell's will be traveling to Uruguay, facing Peñarol on August 2nd, and then either Danubio or Defensor Sporting on either the following Thursday or Friday.
This is a good move, as compared to the usual playing warm up matches against lower division teams. While I have no illusions that the league in Uruguay is as good as that of Argentina, Peñarol are a powerhouse in that country, having played in 78 years in the top division with out a single relegation, winning 36 domestic league titles. Their worst finish ever was 14th, well above the relegation zone.
Playing in Uruguay also gives some of Newell's players who have never played outside of Argentina a taste of playing internationally. Hopefully this will inspire them into qualifying for the Libertadores sometime in the near future.
(Yes, I know Uruguay is just short boat trip over Río de la Plata. But with the shoe string budget Newell's is on these days...)
Sunday, October 12, 2008
World Cup Qualifiers... the bombing of Cuba
United States 6 - 1 Cuba
Just finished watching this game on tape, as I was over at a friend's last night watching the first two Saw movies. First thing I have to say is that the score tells us nothing about this US team, and having watched it tells little more. Cuba are a team of players with no professional league to hone their skills in, so beating them by 5 goals isn't something to get excited about, it's merely to be expected.
That said, the margin of victory could well have been greater. I saw far too many giveaways for the US team to be happy with their performance. I was, however, greatly pleased to see Altidore score the final goal of the match after coming on in the second half.
Beasley was also pleasing, as he seems to be regaining his form, but against a team like Cuba I'm not going to let his two goals go to my head. Let's see how he, and the rest of the team faces some real competition... say like when they finally have to face Mexico later on in the final stages of these Qualifiers. Until then, the wins should just be expected.
Argentina 2 - 1 Uruguay
I tried to watch this game over the internet, I really did. I just couldn't. The small screen, the constant delays in the feed... just wasn't worth it. From what I understand it was an ugly game with lots of fouls and yellow cards flying. Tevez and Riquelme will miss Wednesday's game against Chile due to yellow card accumulation.
Still, a win for Argentina, which puts them in second place in the Qualifying table, 4 points off the pace being set by Paraquay of all teams. With 9 more games to play, there's still a long way to go before things are decided.
Just finished watching this game on tape, as I was over at a friend's last night watching the first two Saw movies. First thing I have to say is that the score tells us nothing about this US team, and having watched it tells little more. Cuba are a team of players with no professional league to hone their skills in, so beating them by 5 goals isn't something to get excited about, it's merely to be expected.
That said, the margin of victory could well have been greater. I saw far too many giveaways for the US team to be happy with their performance. I was, however, greatly pleased to see Altidore score the final goal of the match after coming on in the second half.
Beasley was also pleasing, as he seems to be regaining his form, but against a team like Cuba I'm not going to let his two goals go to my head. Let's see how he, and the rest of the team faces some real competition... say like when they finally have to face Mexico later on in the final stages of these Qualifiers. Until then, the wins should just be expected.
Argentina 2 - 1 Uruguay
I tried to watch this game over the internet, I really did. I just couldn't. The small screen, the constant delays in the feed... just wasn't worth it. From what I understand it was an ugly game with lots of fouls and yellow cards flying. Tevez and Riquelme will miss Wednesday's game against Chile due to yellow card accumulation.
Still, a win for Argentina, which puts them in second place in the Qualifying table, 4 points off the pace being set by Paraquay of all teams. With 9 more games to play, there's still a long way to go before things are decided.
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