Well, as much as I love the World Cup, I can't help but say that this time its been pretty boring. Only one or two of the big teams have produced quality games, there were no upsets from the smaller teams, and I heard that this is one of the lowest scoring WCs ever. However, I can't complain. I still love it....
First off, I was very dissappointed with the United States. I think everyone was. But I think they were ranked higher than they should have been in the first place. That aside, they pretty much just got screwed with the tables. There was a very slim chance that they would advance past the quarterfinals.
I'm happy to see that my predictions are going well. I said before the tournament that Brazil wouldn't win, and that Portugal, Italy, and Germany would go far. (I know it isn't documented anywhere, but I have witnesses).
I was hoping that England would go further. I kind of wanted them to win. I guess because I have a greater idea of the players on that team more than any other (except Brazil, but who doesn't like Brazil). England just has rotten luck as always. Rooney is injured in the beginning (only for Stage 1), then Owen goes down. Finally when it matters, Beckham goes down and Rooney is sent off in the last match. How much worse could things have gone for them?
But they weren't playing right. The shooters were all off; Rooney and Lampard just couldn't get it right. The player positioning wasn't right. They couldn't defend the set pieces or take them for themselves if their lives depended on it (and sometimes they did). Finally, the team chemistry wasn't good. I was surprised at that. I figured since most of the players styles would match they would be better off than other countries. Well, they've got some young guys on the team who will only get better, so they have a great chance in the next Cup.
France played amazing. If France plays the future matches like they played against Brazil, they will win. If the back 4 of France didn't let a team like Brazil get forward, then other teams don't stand a chance. Zidane was playing in true form and commanded the ball in the midfield. I still wished they lost though, I do like Brazil a lot. I think the French have figured it out how to play again; other teams better watch out.
The Brazilian midfield did nothing. Kaka and Ronaldinho were nothing. Ronaldo was slow and Adriano did nothing when he came in. It seemed like the back 4 of Brazil were doing everything. Especially Ze Roberto. I was really impressed with his play during the whole competion. He really held his zone when it was needed.
I'm glad that Italy is in the semis. They were the other team that I really hope wins. I've liked them since the '94 World Cup. I still remember the final when Roberto Baggio banged it off the crossbar in the penalty shootout. For some reason the image is burned into my memory. It's just one of those moments....
I think they should be able to beat Germany. Germany took quite a beating from the match against Argentina. Ballack looked like he could barely stand. However, Italy isn't playing the best. Let's hope they continue to win. (knock on wood...)
My favorite players have been Robinho of Brazil and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal. Robinho is a young player who comes onto the field with a massive amount of energy and is always dying to get a goal. He's got great ballhandling skills and is very exciting to watch.
Cristiano Ronaldo is even better with the ball. When he's on a run, its almost impossible to stop him. The only way he does is because he runs out of field. He very exciting to watch because he's always looking to make a play. He's amazing to watch in the regular season when he's playing with Manchester United, and funnily enough, looking for Wayne Rooney. [Interesting fact - He was named for Ronald Reagan.]
Another player I like, like everyone else, is Ronaldinho of Brazil. However, he was disappointing this time. It seemed like just couldn't get started. Whenever he tried something it was always stuffed.
I'm excited to see what happens in the next matches. I'm sad to see that this is the last week. It was a great month of football. But at least I get to catch a lot more matches of the regular season on this side of the world.
First off, I was very dissappointed with the United States. I think everyone was. But I think they were ranked higher than they should have been in the first place. That aside, they pretty much just got screwed with the tables. There was a very slim chance that they would advance past the quarterfinals.
I'm happy to see that my predictions are going well. I said before the tournament that Brazil wouldn't win, and that Portugal, Italy, and Germany would go far. (I know it isn't documented anywhere, but I have witnesses).
I was hoping that England would go further. I kind of wanted them to win. I guess because I have a greater idea of the players on that team more than any other (except Brazil, but who doesn't like Brazil). England just has rotten luck as always. Rooney is injured in the beginning (only for Stage 1), then Owen goes down. Finally when it matters, Beckham goes down and Rooney is sent off in the last match. How much worse could things have gone for them?
But they weren't playing right. The shooters were all off; Rooney and Lampard just couldn't get it right. The player positioning wasn't right. They couldn't defend the set pieces or take them for themselves if their lives depended on it (and sometimes they did). Finally, the team chemistry wasn't good. I was surprised at that. I figured since most of the players styles would match they would be better off than other countries. Well, they've got some young guys on the team who will only get better, so they have a great chance in the next Cup.
France played amazing. If France plays the future matches like they played against Brazil, they will win. If the back 4 of France didn't let a team like Brazil get forward, then other teams don't stand a chance. Zidane was playing in true form and commanded the ball in the midfield. I still wished they lost though, I do like Brazil a lot. I think the French have figured it out how to play again; other teams better watch out.
The Brazilian midfield did nothing. Kaka and Ronaldinho were nothing. Ronaldo was slow and Adriano did nothing when he came in. It seemed like the back 4 of Brazil were doing everything. Especially Ze Roberto. I was really impressed with his play during the whole competion. He really held his zone when it was needed.
I'm glad that Italy is in the semis. They were the other team that I really hope wins. I've liked them since the '94 World Cup. I still remember the final when Roberto Baggio banged it off the crossbar in the penalty shootout. For some reason the image is burned into my memory. It's just one of those moments....
I think they should be able to beat Germany. Germany took quite a beating from the match against Argentina. Ballack looked like he could barely stand. However, Italy isn't playing the best. Let's hope they continue to win. (knock on wood...)
My favorite players have been Robinho of Brazil and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal. Robinho is a young player who comes onto the field with a massive amount of energy and is always dying to get a goal. He's got great ballhandling skills and is very exciting to watch.
Cristiano Ronaldo is even better with the ball. When he's on a run, its almost impossible to stop him. The only way he does is because he runs out of field. He very exciting to watch because he's always looking to make a play. He's amazing to watch in the regular season when he's playing with Manchester United, and funnily enough, looking for Wayne Rooney. [Interesting fact - He was named for Ronald Reagan.]
Another player I like, like everyone else, is Ronaldinho of Brazil. However, he was disappointing this time. It seemed like just couldn't get started. Whenever he tried something it was always stuffed.
I'm excited to see what happens in the next matches. I'm sad to see that this is the last week. It was a great month of football. But at least I get to catch a lot more matches of the regular season on this side of the world.
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