30/06/14 02:10
Day 17 in the Footcall house...
After all the drama of the penalties yesterday, the next wave of knockout games were upon us and first up it was the return of the orange army, The Netherlands. They were facing the dynamic Mexicans and just like the Brazil game we were treated to an epic duel.
The first challenge for the two teams was the Fortalezan heat, it was a blistering 39 degrees pitch side! Maybe the South Americans were somewhat more accustomed to it than the Dutch, I got the feeling that given the pale skin of some of the Europeans they might well end up the same colour as their shirts. I tell you how hot it was, there were two 'official' drinks breaks in the middle of each half, thoughts sprung to mind of Jack Charlton trying to get fluids out to his Irish team in Florida in 94! This might now become a regular feature within excessively hot conditions, I wonder if the opposite will apply? How about when it's four degrees below on a frozen pitch at Sheffield United in the depths of February, will all the players be able to sneak off for cup of Bovril and a Yorkie? :-) Some of the fans even had to move out of the direct sunlight and seek shade with certain parts of the stand for fear of spontaneous combustion like one Spinal Tap's drummers!
Like the pitch temperature, the first half of this match was on fire and all it needed was a goal. It was a terrific half with plenty of chances but it finished nil nil. After the break Mexico steamrollered Holland and their acclimatisation paid off as former Tottenham striker, Giovanni Dos Santos dispatched the ball inside the right hand upright - he certainly never did that for Spurs! Now the game really sprung to life and Holland pushed for an equaliser.
Yet again this World Cup has thrown up a new hero, this time in Mexican keeper, Guillermo Ochoa. He saved a point blank save from the head of de Vrij and then again with his feet from Robben. Sadly though his luck ran out with less than three minutes to go as Wesley Sneijder blasted the ball into the back of the net to make it all square. It was looking for all the world like we were heading to extra time again but Arjen Robben had other ideas as he danced his way through to the touch line where he was fouled by Mexican captain Rafael Marquez. In his inimitable style Robben went down like and extra from Call Of Duty and even though there might have been the faintest of touches you just knew he made a meal of it. So we were beyond the 90 and super sub Klaas Jan Huntelaar stepped up to slide the ball in the bottom left corner. Goooooallll! The Dutch fell on each other to celebrate, the Mexicans fell on their knees. Holland were through but just like Brazil, it was a narrow escape. Meanwhile 90% of Footcallers exhaled in unison as The Netherlands move into the Quarters.
The evening match in Recife was perhaps not quite as tasty an encounter. This time Costa Rica were sparring with Greece whilst we had the distraction of Dolly Parton on the red spot. I was flicking between the two but settled back on the footie cos the Queen of Country seemed more interested in story telling than singing. The first half was somewhat unremarkable barring the daring feats of Navas in goal for Costa Rica. On paper (what is this paper we keep talking about?) were the darlings of Group D having topped the group and were a really tight set of players that played much like a club team. Greece on the other hand were the rough and ready boys, some of which were nearing old age in football terms, but they certainly knew all the tricks.
In the second half mishit a side footed shot and it slid into the bottom right corner to put the Costa Ricans one up. Soon after they should have been awarded a penalty as the ball hit the hand of the Greek defender in the box. Fortunately for Greece the ref didn't see it despite the protestations from the South Americans. Things became even worse moments later as Duarte got sent off for Costa Rica for a second bookable. This was not looking good. Towards the end of the game Greece were making their extra many pay and they were really pushing for the equaliser. Just like the Dutch earlier in the day, their persistence paid off as Papastathopoulos (yes I did copy and paste that ;-) bounced the ball over the top of the helpless Navas to send it into extra time.
ET was not phoning home, the ground was alive and rocking like a Glasto headliner. Both teams wanted the win and both keepers had to bust a nut to keep their nation afloat but another thirty minutes passed and it was crystal meth time again... PENALTIES!
Now the penalties yesterday were not the finest quality, and I hope the Brazilians were watching this as we were treated to a fine display of spot kicks. The first seven were impeccable and as we got to the nitty gritty it was Greeks who faltered first as Theofanis Gekas failed to convert and it was cometh the hour cometh the man, Mr Navas who literally saved the day. Well not quite, as Michael Umana still had to score to secure the victory. Well he kept his focused and dispatched just as well as any of his colleagues had done previously. Queue the Costa Rican Celebrations! This was the first time their nation had ever got to the Quarter Finals of a World Cup.
And so to the Footcall League...
Richard is hanging on to the top spot and the top seven have all selected the correct teams to win so far. A few gamblers have started to slip, Andy Brunt is now heading the wrong way whilst Nick Rowland along with Darryl Farmer & John Fox move up.
I heard that Paul Wakefield (27th) had plumped for Mexico to go all the way, I guess he was nostalgically thinking about how well they performed in the Olympics. Sadly that was the Under 21 team and these were the big boys and like Paul their race is run.
I think the results over the next couple of days will sort us out, what we really need is a shock victory for one of the underdogs.
We shall see...
David
29/06/14 02:49
Day 16 in the Footcall house...
Well who would have thought we'd make this far? I'm sure the England team did but they're home now with us watching the better/luckier teams fight it out till the end. Day 16, it's gripped, it's sorted, Let's Off Road!
First up we have host nation Brazil take on fellow South American dark chocolate horses, Chile. For those who had seen dynamic Chile were in the Group Stages knew they wouldn't be an easy push over. We were all wondering just what might happen if the unthinkable happen and put Brazil out, it would surely leave a country in mourning.
This however was the Wonka Bar golden ticket and right from the off this was one to savour. The team dressed like sunshine bathed in it too as they took an early lead from former Chelsea defensive midfielder David Luiz bundled the ball in off his shirt from two yards out. It was only on close observation of the replay was it awarded to Luiz as it suspiciously like an own goal. The pace was fast and furious and without doubt one of the best games we've seen this tournament, and we've seen some classics. Chile were every bit as good as the Brazilians and in the 32nd Minute Alexis Sanchez made it one all as he slid the ball past the opposing keeper. Now we had a proper game on our hands.
After the break there were chances galore and Brazil's Hulk thought he had put his team back in front only to find that the referee, Howard Webb (England's contribution to the KO Stages), had disallowed it for controlling the ball with his arm. The look on Mr Hulk's face when Webb shook his head was priceless then, Howard pulled the yellow card out to book him for the infringement! At this point it looked like the striker was going to turn green and go all "Hulky" on his ass! Surely that would have meant him needing to get his shirt changed and he probably would have been sent back to the dressing room to smash the proverbial out of the porcelain fittings!
The second half finished one a piece and we were into Extra Time (or Overtime for our American Footcallers). The farcical Golden Goal rule is but a distant memory now and we had thirty more minutes of this glorious match to decide the winner. Even though they were well pas the 100 minute barrier there was still plenty of running in front men on both sides. Maybe the end product was a bit suspect at times but they were puffing more than Ivor The Engine and in what was almost the final kick of extra time Chilean striker Pinilla belted the ball right at Brazil's crossbar, if it had been two or three inches lower it would have split the net, the vibration of the bar sent a shudder around the ground.
A stalemate it was and we all know what comes next... the dreaded penalty shootout! Regardless of your nationality as a viewer, penalties bring back so many memories good and bad (mostly bad) and I know what tension any Footcaller would have had, especially for those of you who had chosen one of these teams to go all the way to the trophy. This was a time for Heroes and never more does the spotlight fall on the man wearing the gloves. In the Chilean goal is a chap called Bravo, sadly for us the Brazilian keeper is not called Encore, it's Julio Cesar.
Goal scorer David Luiz put Brazil one up in the pens from the off. Then Pinilla who nearly won the match earlier had his shot saved and the momentum was totally with Brazil. Next Willian but his shot wide of the left post to level it up. More penalties were scored and saved until it came down to sudden death. Neymar was Brazil's number five kicker and after a stuttering run up he did tuck it away and so it fell to Gonzalo Jara to keep Chile alive. He struck it beautifully but tragically it hit the right hand upright and stayed out and consequently putting the Chileans out of the tournament. The Brazilian players stormed the pitch and piled on Cesar in Celebration - they were through to the Quarter Finals but only by the skin of their teeth!
In the next match we saw Colombia vs Metallica! Sorry err I mean Uruguay :-) Whilst two more South American teams were going toe to toe, the heavy metal rockers were smashing it at Glasto! Colombia had shown us in the Group Stages just how talented they were and of course they were up against a team without their star player, Suarez making them about as effective as a one-legged man in an arse kicking contest!
On the 28th minute Colombia wonder kid James Rodriguez showed us a moment of magic. From just outside the box he controlled a headed pass off his chest and in one sweet move he turned and lobbed the ball left footed high into the air and straight in to the Uruguayan net off the inside of the crossbar. This was a World Cup goal from the top drawer, one to even rival Tim Cahill's wonder strike, I'm sure we will see this goal over and over again for many years to come - pure brilliance!
Uruguay had their chances but weren't quite at the races and in the second half the Colombians were running rings around them. They set up a terrifically well worked team goal which culminated in that many Rodriguez poking it in the net from four yards out to make it an astonishing seven goals in six matches for his country. Later on Ospina saved a great chance from Uruguay and finally it finished two nil. The Colombians who really are a force to be reckoned with now face Brazil in the next round, what a match that could be.
And so to the Footcall league...
Well there isn't too much to report, both Brazil and Colombia were a hot tips for Footcallers so tons of you picked up a point for each. The top five remain unchanged but a few of you had gambled on the underdogs (me included) and it hasn't paid off. The players you see in the league table with blank boxes against their name didn't manage to get their KO entry form back before the deadline so they won't be collecting any more points. The top 12 will pick up prize money so it will gradually unfold as the points accumulate through the rounds.
I'm going to make Matthew Green my player of the day as he texted me to say he was in a quandary as to what choices to make. After having established that Matt was stranded mid table, being the good friend I am, I suggested he take a gamble on Chile all the way. What I forgot to add was Chile all the way to beat Brazil. Catastrophically Matt plumped for Chile to go all the way to lift the trophy so his gamble has cost him the potential 15 points the winning team has to offer. I'm sorry Matt, I've not been a good barometer of positive prediction this tournament. Heck, I chose Uruguay to go on and lift the trophy so my race is nearly run, the difference being I have one eye on the Vuvuzela award at the wrong end of the table!
Next up Holland, let's see if they can clog dance into the Quarters...
David
27/06/14 02:42
Day 15 in the Footcall house...
So the Group Stages were concluded today with the final games in Groups G and H. We've got a lot to cover this evening, errr I mean this morning, to be honest, I've got no idea what time it is now - ever! With no further ado, let's get on with it...
First up was Germany vs USA whilst Portugal played Ghana on the other side. This was Jurgen's chance to overturn his homeland in a rain soaked match in Recife. In an exciting match the US underdogs gave it fair old go despite both teams know that a draw would see them both through. With Germany v Algeria '82 in the back of the minds of those that can remember that far back, we could only hope they didn't start tapping it about like miniature Penguins on a table fussball table! Fortunately for us we were treated to an entertaining match the highlight of which was Thomas Muller side-footing the ball into the bottom right corner with great skill as the German fans applauded with more than just a Ripple of applause. USA went ver close on occasions but it finished 1-0.
Jump on the red spot to get the result for the Portugal Ghana game. Now Ghana had two of their players sent home for an undisclosed misconduct but the rumours were they caught having a cheeky little Creme Egg behind the changing rooms. Idiots! Don't they know Easter was months ago! So Ghana had to make do but they let themselves down as Boye gave away an own goal and put the Portuguese one up. In the second half Gyan did manage to draw level on the 57th minute heading the ball in from one of the best crosses of the tournament. Finally Portugal capped it off with a Ronaldo goal from eight yards out. He really did rule the roost in this match but he came up against the star of this show in between the sticks of the Ghanian goal. Fatawu Dauda had the game of his life saving shots left right and centre and pulling off some Aero-batic saves from point blank range. On one occasion after a great save from a Ronaldo header he celebrated like he had just found a bag of Maltesers in his coat pocket! He reminded me of a school match I had in 1981 when we were thrashed 10-1 but our goalkeeper, Jon Gibbons, got man of the match, heaven knows what the score would have been if he wasn't playing. Ghana ultimately lost just like we did and although Portugal won, they had not done enough to impress the judges so they would be catching the next flight back to Lisbon in the morning.
The evening games saw Algeria take on Russia in Group H which was still wide open. Aleksandr Kokorin started the scoring early for Russia with a brilliant header to put them one up in the 6th. Some more chances were blown and it finished one nil at the break. In the second half Algeria had a free kick and as the players jostled in the box the Russian keeper was having a laser pointed directly at him like some sniper scene straight out of Leon! He tried to draw the attention of the ref but the whistle went and the ball was lobbed in for Slimani to head into the net leaving the blinded keeper going mad with disgust! There was still time for a winner but it didn't come and a draw was good enough for Algeria to march into the KO Stages where they will meet Germany.
Meanwhile South Korea played Belgium in the other Group H decider. Martens blazed one over the bar and the ball is expected to land somewhere just outside Bournville some time tomorrow! Soon after at the other end the ball was dramatically saved off the line. As in previous games the hotly tipped Belgians just didn't flatter themselves and they made the job all the more difficult as Steven Defour, who looks much like a Drifter from one of those American road movies, went in with both feet up on Kim Shin-wook and earned himself a one way ticket to the showers! Now the Korean is known as Kim Shin-fooked! In the second half the South Koreans pushed for a goal but it was Jan Vertonghen who followed up on a smother shot and he slotted it in the bottom left corner. Belgium held off any further advances to finish the game one nil. Despite being one sandwich short of a Picnic, Belgium did actually win all their games so let's see how they get on in the next stage.
And so to the Footcall league...
The Group Stages are all over and we have a new leader! Richard (in line for a...) Goodwin has managed to leapfrog all the others and take the £100 first prize for his efforts so far! Well done Richard, I'm sure you are delighted (let me know if you like) and he has some careful decisions to make to remain there for the duration. Richard is on 44 points and just a single point behind we have a three way tie for Robert (gutted) Pritchard, Matt (thanks for your help tonight) Clark and Thomas (where did he come from?) Baus, all of whom pick up £43.33 for their achievements so far. In joint fifth also on 43 points but with only 7 three pointers not 8, we have Stuart (Stu Are Ya?) Acott and Dan (this could be the best day of my whole life!) Schroeck, both bagging £15 each, nice one fellas. Sadly Amaia, Kane and Andy just miss out on the money spots for the Group Stages but they are all still right there for the remainder of the competition.
There were plenty of red squares across the day, I'm not going to list them as I really want to go to bed! Several people picked up six or seven points today but I'm going to give the player of the day award today to Mr Neil Jefferis who picked up an astonishing eight points and Boost him right up into 16th and not only that he heads the Tricolore division. If he can make a few good decisions in the next phase who knows where he'll end up. I know he has a little side bet running with Andy Brunt and they are only three points apart now!
So that's the Group Stages all done the Knockout Stages are beckoning us in, it's make or break time. Do you go with the favourites on paper or do you gamble, the choice is yours, just don't Mess-it up!
All this chat and I didn't even mention naughty boy Suarez's ban. Four pathetic months and nine games, ridiculous if you ask me! I think they should have made him do care in the community at a Scouse residential home for three years, he could have compared dentures with the old folk! Oh don't forget he was fined £65,000 for his misdemeanour but he wasn't too worried as by the time they had finished reading his sentence he'd earned it back anyway! Apparently he is said to be worth over £100m... well that's the estimate from the tooth fairy!
A new email will be sent out later this morning to let you know that the Knockout Stages are ready to roll. In the words of Shaw Taylor... "Keep 'em peeled!"
Until then...
David
26/06/14 02:39
Day 14 in the Footcall house...
The day after the night before! As we all lick our wounds with the exit of England and the gashed shoulder of Chiellini in the Italian's case we waited with bated breath for the governing body to decide what to whilst Mr Suarez has a new set of dentures fitted. The Uruguayan captain came out today to release a statement, now Mrs J will tell you that my Spanish is not all that hot, the best I can manage is "¿Hay un dentista en la casa" but I'm sure I heard him say in the press conference this was all a storm in a tooth mug! We asked Sir David Attenborough his views on this subject and he said, "statistically, you are more likely to be bitten by Luis Suarez than a shark!"
Not particularly comforting to the fans and he is now potentially facing a 24 month ban which could even have domestic implications. It gets worse, FIFA are revoking his Tufty Club membership and he is going to have to sell his complete set of World Cup Panini sticker albums just to pay his legal fees - and he even had the very rare Marco Tardelli sticker in the 1982 album! Suarez himself is keeping a low profile but he did announce on Twatter (the professional footballers' social network) that he hopes the ban won't come in until after the tournament and he gets to play Germany in the next round, as he quite fancies a shoulder of Laam! I think his chances of dodging this particular bullet are slim and it's rumoured that Johnny Cochrane has turned down the opportunity to represent him - and he was the guy who got OJ Simpson off!
Well that's enough of that nonsense, we've got football to talk about. First up was the blue and white stripes of Argentina taking on the Green and Blacks of Nigeria in one match whilst Bosnia-Herzegovina played Iran in the simulcast. Argentina were cruising in Group F but the team that were going to join them was still up for grabs. Well it didn't take long as the South Americans struck early, as Messi powered in the first of the match in only the third minute. Surely this was going to be a one horse race but the old adage of being vulnerable just after you've scored was brought to bear once again as Nigeria's Musa swerved in a peach of shot to make it one all barely 90 seconds after the restart. On the stroke of halftime the Argentinian talisman struck again with an amazing free kick he got up and over the wall to embarrass the Nigerian keeper, would you believe we've had 102 goals in this tournament so far and this is only the second one from a free kick - where's the likes of Beckham, Koeman, Roberto Carlos and Riise when you need em? After the break Nigeria were not going to lie down and two minutes in the scores were all level again as Musa made it two each. The game was in the balance but the class finally showed through as Rojo kneed in the winner from a lovely corner ball. Nigeria couldn't manage another equaliser and so it ended two one.
In the other game there were also plenty of net busters as the previously thwarted Dzeko opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. The Iranians needed a win or possibly a draw (or possibly a very tall bloke) to get through the group stages. This was looking increasingly unlikely as Pjanic put the Bosies two up. With ten minutes to go, Ghoochannejhad (worth a whopping 102 on a triple word score) did manage to get Iran on the scoresheet but just like in the counterpart match they switched off momentarily and Vrsajevic capped off the game with Bosnia's third. So it finished 3-1 but as it happened this was another one of those French letters past it's sell by date because Nigeria who lost their game went through with Argentina.
The evening games saw Group E come to a conclusion. Plenty to play for here as France met Ecuador and Switzerland played Honduras. France who had already qualified showed plenty of form in previous games and Benzema was on the field ready to give Messi, Neymar and Muller a run for the Golden Boot. Lots of good chances went begging and both keepers had to work very hard. Sadly the game took on a different complexion as the Ecuador Captain, Antonia Valencia, was sent off for a bad challenge (although we have seen people stay on for worse) on Lucas Digne, a cynic would say it was the French protests that prompted the ref to dig out the red. After a few chances here and there the best of these probably fell to Noboa who was in on goal but sliced it comically wide of the French sticks. What was really funny however was the hair net the Ecuadorian was wearing to protect a head injury which looked something like a cross between an onion bag and a bank robbers pair of tights! Needless to say it finished nil nil which was not the result Ecuador were looking for.
Let's jump over to BBC3 (Oh, I wondered what this channel was for :-) as the Swiss were playing the Hondurans, which they had to win to invoke the complicated qualification process of deciding who was going through with the French. Well the Swiss striker Xherdan Shaqiri showed he was a one many army as he used his little pocket knife to unstitch the Honduran defence not once, not twice but three times! The first came early doors as he struck one of the goals of the tournament in the sixth minute. Twenty five minutes later he doubled his tally as he raced into the box to clinically dispatch his second. The Swiss rode their luck as Bengtson went close and then a penalty shout was turned down for Honduras. "Whenever, wherever" the ball was, Shaqiri seemed to pop up and dance round the Hondurans as he be like Zebedee from the Magic Roundabout. Deep into the second half, Enter Shaqiri once more (little post-hardcore alternative metal reference for you there) as he scooped his hat-trick and take the match ball and his nation into the Knockout Stages! Ecuador and Honduras were heading home but looking at the map, it doesn't look that far so maybe they could walk it?
Apparently most neutrals wanted Ecuador to win but surely I would have thought most neutrals would have wanted Switzerland to win?
And so to the Footcall league...
We have a new leader! Mr Robert Pritchard is sitting atop o' table looking down on us all. Only by a single point mind from Andy Brunt and the Footcall mastermind that is Matt (I've been dreamin' about this my whole life) Clark! Robert's friend Stuart is hanging in there making a nuisance of himself at the right end of the table. Dan (the Footcall man) Shroeck made a bigger leap than Enner Valencia at the back post as he has moved up into 7th. We are now starting to see some separation in the league standings. Tim Jennings did well today as did Jo (David, please do not text me during a match) Mackenzie, Thomas Baus, Aaron (I felt really confident about my predictions) Sutcliffe, James Ridley, Bryan (is this my first mention?) Relf, Chris (I deserve to be higher up the table) Amos, Danny (the Champion of 113th spot) Thompson, Adam (I was given bad advice on my scores) Palmer, Alex (longtime Footcaller) Church, Will (hey Dad I'm catching you now) Relf and Steve Goodwin all picked up red squares today.
My players of the day have to go to Keith (the drums) Reynolds who scored a three on the first game of the tournament and has had to wait another 13 days before collecting his second! And to Elizabeth (who knew football could be so much fun?) Mailey who was today's top scorer with an impressive seven point haul. She's rocketed into 117th place as the Knockout Stages appear on the horizon.
That'll do for today, over and out!
David
25/06/14 03:42
Day 13 in the Footcall house...
This was it, we had it in the diary, the day England were all set to march on into the Knockout Stages give all Footcallers false hope we could go all the way! Well I can exclusively reveal that I have just got back from a court hearing regarding scurrilous rumours surrounding a story about the Footcall board consisting of yours truly and my good friends Andy, Rebekah and Charlie. Allegedly a pre-tournament agreement had been struck with the FIFA top bods to make sure England got past the group stages and into the Knockout Stages. So to prevent any excuses they made the ball rounder, they made the wall stand exactly 10 yards away and they brought in goal-line technology. Tragically this all came to fruition and the Footcall board were summoned to the Old Bailey to answer some stiff questioning. Well the good news is that these terrible allegations were quashed out of hand as England demonstrated just how to lose a tournament even with FIFA's backing! Well it least it saved us Footcallers and the nation the heartbreak of England going out on penalties and/or suspect decisions.
Despite all these shenanigans they still had some dignity to salvage as we took on Costa Rica who were top of the group and already going through. For us, it was time to wheel out a few of the 23 who gone along for the ride and one of those was Frank Lampard who was picking up his 106th cap. Well what can I say, there was a lot of huff and there was a lot of puff but still we couldn't blow the doors down. Costa Rica are not known for being a footballing power house but they kept us at arms length in what felt like an end of season kick about. Needless to say there were no goals and the squad could naff off early for an early bath, probably a Turkish. Delight for the Costa Ricans however as they chance their arm in the next phase of the cup. I don't mean to be too harsh on England as we did compete at times but ultimately we failed to get the results we needed at this top level. Hark at me, sounding like Robbie Savage on the Late Review! Maybe we need to reassess our expectations (maybe some of you already had) and of course what goes up must also go down... England flags, mostly! Why can't we be more like the Italians?
Oh yeah the Italians, how are they getting on? Headed up by the elder statesman of the Italian squad, Andrea Pirlo looking somewhat like Joe Wilkinson's more attractive brother, were taking on the bad boys of Group D, Uruguay. This game had a little more bite about it as both teams were hungry for promotion into the KO Stages. Just like the England match going on at the same time, these two were playing out a bore draw throwing the statisticians into chaos as it looked like they may finish on identical points and goal difference. They were frantically looking through the rule book to see how to decide who go through and it seemed it might be decided by who can p*ss the highest! This probably explains why in the past Peter Crouch managed to make the England squad! What this game needed was something to get our teeth into. Well once again the star player of the Uruguayan team, the Premier League player of the year, destroyer of England's hearts (give it a rest with the England references, we're out, get over it), Liverpool's golden boy, Luis Suarez stole the headlines once again.
Late into the second half Luis was grappling with Giorgio Chiellini in the Italian penalty area. Nothing appeared to be untoward, just the usual Grecko Roman wrestling you always see go on but Mr Suarez clearly felt he needed to make his mark on Mr Chiellini and as he turned his back on the Uruguayan front man, he sunk his front teeth into the shoulder of the Italian defender like it was bar of Turkish Delight! I was fully expecting Sepp Blatter himself come on the field and say: "You come round 'ere dazzling us with your fancy moves and clinical finishing which is all well and good but if you were to take a bite out of one of the opposing players without so much as a by your leave I'd say Oi, Suarez, Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"
In football terms this was like the Kennedy assassination, OK maybe not quite that but it's up there Maradona's hand of God in '86 and Lampard's disallowed goal in '10 (one more England mention and I'm gonna get a warning), but make no mistake we were witnessing a classic moment in World Cup history. After the moment of impact Chiellini went down clutching his shoulder and Luis bizarrely went down holding his front gnashers. If Luis was ever going to deny planting his face into Giorgio's back then nursing the offending weapons were not going to help his cause. It's not as if this guy hasn't got previous. Apart from a number of racial abuse, despicable behaviour and other footballing misdemeanours this is now the third time he has been caught biting (https://vine.co/v/MtJwm0p3Jwh) There's no excuse for it this time either, he wasn't being provoked or antagonised he just did it for the hell of it and this time it looks like he's serious trouble. The only thing that prevented him from being sent off was the fact the referee didn't see it, but the cameras did and so did we and now there is a worldwide out cry for him to be banned from the tournament, even the FA have contacted FIFA to ask them to review the video evidence (as if they have any power). Let's see what unfolds I'm sure he can't wait to play in Europe next season as he has taste for Italy now. Apparently I saw on eBay that his laptop is up for sale; available storage space: 1 Terror Byte!
Well he managed to stay on the field despite the Italian protestations and only a few minutes later just to pour salt onto Chiellini's wound Diego Godin (the man who should have been sent off against England) headed Uruguay into the lead. The clock ran down and the Europeans in Group D had been dismissed. Suarez left the field euphoric, Chiellini left the field needing a tetanus jab! One thing to note is the body language of Luis as he exited the stage really gave the impression he knew what was awaiting him... a bunch of angry Italian fans out in the car park ready to smash his teeth in! I could go on all day with these puns :-) but let's leave it by observing that England finish the World Cup without a win and still Suarez makes the headlines!
Later on this evening Japan played Colombia whilst Greece played Ivory Coast to decide who was going through from Group C. Let's wrap this up quick as I want to go to bed! Colombia walked it 4-1 and finished top of the group, they look really good and must now be considered the new new dark horses if Belgium aren't prepared to take on that mantle. Meanwhile Grrrrrreece knew they had to fight like Tony the Tiger if they were going to beat the Elephants, they needed a positive result if they were going to progress. Just as half time was approaching Samaris latched on to an Ivorian defensive error and he dinked it over the keeper to go one up. After the break the Ivory Coast pushed for an equaliser and it came through a nicely worked goal finished by Wilfried Bony and make it one all. As it stood the Ivorians were going through on goal difference or that other technicality discussed earlier. That was until Greece won a penalty in the 92nd effing minute! Celtic's Georgios Samaras (only one letter different from his goal scoring compatriot) stepped up to put just past the outstretched arms of Boubacar Barry and put them through and the Africans out. Some great names to conjure with in this game and if circumstances had been different, like Suarez, I would have made a meal of it.
And so to the Footcall league...
Well what a sequence of events we had, the lead must have changed nearly a dozen times, I know a few of you watch the in-play league as the goals go in, I'm sorry if it's not bang on time, I'm usually mid-text to fellow Footcallers putting the now infamous Footcall Kiss Of Death on those of you who are doing well at any given time. If you get a text from me I would strongly recommend you ignore it because it probably means that your team is about to fall from grace. I make no apologies for this as I'm only bitter because I'm currently staring down the barrel of the Vuvuzela! Just beware... the KOD could be coming to your mobile phone anytime soon!
Anyway let's dish out some credits who did avoid my jinx, Andy Brunt is hanging in there but Robert Pritchard has appeared like the shopkeeper from Mr Benn into second. Matt Clark was momentarily top as he took screenshots of his league placing only to see before his very eyes for him to drop to fourth. Even his daughter Amaia went top for a while along with Russ Morris, Kelly Sains and Kane Vanns. I've never seen a rollercoaster ride like this one before today. Steves Nutt and Capp did well, as too did Richard Goodwin, Manoj Gupta, Mark Pedler and John (yo Neil check me out) Dawson. Chris Read collected some valuable points along with Eric Church, Dan Mackenzie, Sam Allen, Mark Hudgell and Roy Trute. Broady (Sean not Grant), Rachel Rowland collected threes today and Helene Wilkinson even bagged a brace!
My player of the day is in fact players of the day, a double act that has supported Footcall almost since day one, it's our UK/Sri Lankan/American/Greek combo of Chris and Nick Kotsonis. THeir unwavering support for Nick's heritage team of Greece has finally paid off as their 2-1 prediction was indeed their best prediction to date and only their second red square so far. I can only imagine the joy as Samaras converted that penalty with virtually the last kick of the game. Well done guys and thanks for your support on Facebook.
That's me done, I must say that a part of me feels quite sorry for Suarez. All he wants to do is bite people and be racist, but the English media keep giving him a hard time!
Until tomorrow...
David
24/06/14 01:58
Day 12 in the Footcall house...
Well here we on the final leg of the Group Stages. All or nothing to play for some (f*** all to play for in England's case). Now these final Group matches are going to be played in simultaneously to prevent (please don't laugh) any corruption within the games. Somewhat ironic that statement don't you think when you consider who's in charge of the biggest show on earth! Let's not get sidetracked here as this has been one of, if not the best World Cup I can ever remember, despite England's performance. It's been a challenge to keep up with the score keeping at times there have been so many goals and I have developed RSI through all the texting during matches. Whilst I'm on that point, the Footcall management take no responsibility for the demise of a player's league standing if they are sent a text during a match... Footcall results may go up as well as down!
The first pair of matches were going to sort out Group B. This saw Holland take on Chile. The Netherlands were top boys and likely winners but Chile are never to be discounted. Robben went on a mazy run for what was potentially the goal of the tournament but the one-footed baldy put it wide. The first half finished nil all. After the break Holland who were missing Robin Van Persie through suspension brought on a couple of subs and both proved to be the decisive factor in this match. First up Leroy Fer nutted it in from seven yards out, fantastic! Chile pushed for an equaliser but in the 90th minute Robben broke free and crossed to the oncoming Memphis Depay (I wonder if he can do a good Elvis impression?) and he slipped it under the keeper to finish 2-0. This saw Holland top the group but Chile still went through in second place.
At the same time the reigning Champions Spain took on Australia in the David Villa testimonial match :-) A pointless rubber as they kept referring to it but surely that can never be good sex education advice? Well it was Mr Villa, the golden child of WC 2010, who opened up the account with an audacious clip in with the inside of his boot, a nice sensible white pair I might add, who would have thought that would ever be the case. In the second half the Aussies gave it a go but their heart wasn't really in it and Iniesta set up Torres to double the lead with the easiest of goals; right up Fernando's street - Simples! A few minutes later Spain went three nil up as Mata dispatched the third, but it didn't matter as neither of these two teams were going through.
The even match (at 9pm not 8) saw host nation Brazil play Cameroon whilst on ITV4 apparently it was all going off as Croatia tried to overturn Mexico. This was going to settle Group A and there was still a lot to play for. Well maybe not for Cameroon as the Brazilians were all over them like a fart in a spacesuit! Well who was gonna score first, no prizes for guessing it was the magician Neymar. This boy is full package, he's got all the skill of Maradona combined with the flair of Cruyff and the finishing of Le Tissier! On the 17th minute he just opened up his foot to redirect a lovely cross. Surely this was going to open the floodgates (apologies for mentioning flooding to anyone reading this who lives in Yalding) but typical of this cup the unexpected happened as Cameroon's Matip tucked away a well deserved equaliser. But the cream will always rise to the top and Neymar put the golden shirts in the lead once more with a wonderful individual effort. Who can remember that he might not have been playing this match as he was dead lucky to avoid a red card in the very first game? After the break it was all one way traffic and bumbling striker that is curiously named Fred smothered it in from four yards out with his face! He didn't care how it went it in, nor did the team and nor did the fans, it was 3-1 and it just left the goal scorer to celebrate with his infamous Fred-do frog dance in front of the adoring Brazilian crowd! I'm sure many of you Footcallers wanted it stop there (you might even be saying that to me right now) but Brazil weren't done yet as Fernandinho slotted home a fourth to seal a 4-1 victory.
Quick jump over to the other channel (I had running on Mrs Js iPad actually) to see what was going on between Croatia and Mexico. Oh my word... it was four goals, two fights and a sending off! Two fiery nations went toe to toe in a decisive match for Group A. Mexican Striker, Peralta went unbelievably close on two occasions in the first half. Well if the first half was without a goal the second was packed with em and plenty of goal mouth incident. The first of these was a stonewall penalty shout for Mexico but denied! Marquez did however open the scoring for Mexico in the 72nd minute with a powerful header and barely three minutes later it was two nil as Guardado stroked it left footed into the roof of the net. Soon after Mexico secured their promotion as Hernandez made it three. In the closing minutes Perisic did manage a consolation goal and then tackles started to fly. The game finished with the sending off of Rebic (maybe we should call him Redic?) as he went in with his studs showing for a Crunchie challenge on Pena. The whistle blew and Mexico were through, Croatia were out and had to take their chequered shirts back to the local restaurant! The star of the show was undoubtedly Miguel Herrera, the Mexican manager who nearly split his snug fitting suit and caused himself a heart attack all in the one undignified celebration. If you don't believe me, see for yourself... https://vine.co/v/MtAhnv0TaYA
And so to the Footcall league...
We have a new leader! Andrew Reginald Brunt has put in the miles and been rewarded for his efforts and is one point clear of Darryl Farmer and John Fox - Footcall's answer to Statler and Waldorf!(Google it kids). Dan Wilks and Stuart Acott are still in the frame. What a difference a day makes as Kelvin Lander picked up a hatful of points along with Jill Fuller, Colin (I told you John I should have done the predictions) Cunningham, James Ellis, Zhaomin Meng, Thomas (go easy on me this is my first Footcall) Frost, Greg Church, Eleanor Fairman, Mark Hudgell, James and Nathaniel Ridley, Cool Dave Billington, Dean Baker. Even Dan Mackenzie picked up a three pointer today, whatever next? James Parker had a corking day as did Neil Jefferis, Alex Smith and Dave Hill. Jonathan Reeves disappeared for a while and is now right back in it. Adam Botting played remarkably along with Thomas Baus, Harry Hitch, Matt (no laughing at work) Clark, Graham Weaver and Keith (where's me graph paper) Firmston. Kane Vanns was up to second at one point before slipping back down and Jack Wakefield is showing his family just how to play Footcall as he puts himself inline for another ton of Hall of Fame points. Special mention to Spencer Collins and Emma Wakefield who both guessed the Brazil game would finish 4-1.
Well I'm going to give the POTD award to two people today. First up is Peter (someone call me a taxi) Mulvey who had a tidy haul of points to see him race into 108th! And also to Mrs Rachel Rowland who suffered the fate of Footcall fury as goals went in one by one this evening to rob Rachel of a clean sweep of red squares. At one point she was up into 90th and then in a blink of an eye back down into 156th. To you and all other Footcallers who have experienced the helter-skelter to and fro of points reward I feel your pain, heck, I'm in 174th and I'm still churning out these effing reports... you lucky people.
More tomorrow!
David
PS. Look out for the prize money announcement and details of what to do come the Knockout Stages which start this Saturday. Don't go anywhere!
23/06/14 01:59
Day 11 in the Footcall house...
First up saw the return of the outside favourites Belgium as they took on Fabio's Russia. Belgium were dead lucky to nick a winner against Algeria in the first game and they lacked a certain lustre, it was a good job that their opponents were equally as unambitious. The first half was poor and goalless, the only thing that dazzled us was the fancy bright boots on display; yellow, green, orange, it's more colourful than a tube of Smarties! I'm sure many of you have noticed a few players have one blue and one red. WTF? I can only think they've left their boots at home and had to go through lost property? Anyway back to the game, a few chances went begging for both sides and in the second half the amusingly named Shatov set up Eshchenko to put it wide. At the other end Mirallas hit the post it really was looking like nil nil all over it. In the closing minutes Origi latched onto a Hazard cross and put the Belgies one up. Soon after they nearly doubled their lead but the time was up and they had done enough... just! If Belgium are going to be force to be reckoned with in this competition they need to buck up, at the moment they are more like dark donkeys than dark horses!
Next up was South Korea v Algeria; surely this couldn't be any worse than the previous match? Well in the 26th minute an absolute dream ball was punted up field, route one. It found Slimani running into the box and he dinked it over the keeper. This was already a better game. Barely two minutes later Halliche made it two nil. The Koreans were at sixes and sevens and before they new it they were three down as Djabou put his name on the scoresheet. Half time couldn't come soon enough for Korea and maybe they decided against a career change in the dressing room as they came out fired up. Their diligence was rewarded a little treat to get back into the match as it bounced off the back of Son Heung-min but he turned well and nutmegged the keeper. Sadly for the Asians, the Africans extended their lead with one of the best goals of the tournament from Brahimi and made it 4-1. Although Koo Ja-cheol got a consolation goal, it just wasn't enough and it finished 4-2. The perfect antidote to what had gone on previously.
Finally USA faced Portugal who had to pick themselves up after being thumped by Germany in their first match. Well it didn't take long as the boy Ronaldo showed his wizardry with five step overs and fed the ball out Postiga who crossed it into Nani who lofted it into the roof of the net in only the fifth minute. After seeing the US fight back against Ghana we knew not to write them off. They were doing well and had plenty of possession. In the second half they made it pay as Jermaine Jones struck a sweet ball from just out side the box. It curled majestically into the right corner and now it was one all. Chances were being spurned at either end especially from Michael Bradley from six yards out. On the 81st minute the US were pinging the ball about the box and it fell to crotch of Clint Dempsey to bundle it over the line. With the seconds running out all America had to do was maintain control but they lost in the middle of the park and was knocked out wide to Ronaldo who swung in the cross of the match to the incoming Varela's powerful header deep into added time. It was the last touch of the match and it finished two apiece.
And so to the Footcall league...
Well Kelly hangs on to the top spot but only by the number of red squares she has over Andrew Brunt who has just snuck up on the inside rail. Stuart Acott is bag in the mix and Richard Goodwin was doing unbelievably well in several games until late goals went in. I'm sure we all have stories like that, it's great fun to watch the in-play league change every time a goal goes in. Matt and Amaia Clark did well as did Jack Wakefield, Matthew (I'm catching you up Nick) Young, Tim Jennings, James Vallender has had a reasonable day, Paul Storey Smith, Grant Broad, Adam (has anyone seen Sean) Botting, Nick D'Avanzo, Kevin Appleton, Leigh Boardman and Nick Stacey all picked up red squares today.
I'd like to give special mention to Harry Whitehouse who has 17 points with no exact results yet, I wonder how long he can keep that run going. My player of the day is going Keith (I'm not used to being this low down the table) Firmston who published on the Footcall Facebook page a graph charting his progress from the top of the table as he has slipped lower than a Ghanaian's shorts down into 62nd. As is typical Footcall to want to keep everyone entertained he was rewarded with a red square for the Belgium result. It might take with one hand but it will give with the other, unless of course your name is Keith Reynolds who is trying to hang on to the Vuvuzela award.
Until tomorrow...
David
22/06/14 02:38
Day 10 in the Footcall house...
Well aren't you lucky Footcallers, two reports in one day! First up was the return of Messi and his Galaxy of Argentinian stars as they took on Iran (I wonder if the Apple Corporation were to buy Iran would thy rename it iRan?) Anyway on paper and looking at your predictions, Iran had no chance and Argentina would canter through to the Knockout stages. Well maybe the Iranians hadn't read the script. They defended like Lions in first half but with the dominance of the South Americans it looked like they were just rearranging the chairs on the Titanic. But you know what they got through the first half onslaught and came out after the break the better team. This was madness, the Argies were not ready for this and Reza Ghoochannejhad went unbelievably close with a header. Soon after Dejagah moved like a Weeble and so nearly won a penalty for a foul in the penalty box. The ref didn't give it and a replay showed the faintest of touches on the ball from the defender to prove the official had got lucky. The Iranians were all over them which was such a surprise after their dull first game. Dejagah once again went close and Reza once again went one on one with the keeper but was thwarted by the Romero's block. Maybe a 0-0 result would have been fitting but genius that is Lionel Messi stepped up one more time in the 91st minute to show us his class with a stunning Curly Wurly shot that dipped into the corner of Iran's net to send the Argentinian fans to the Milky Way and back. This shot had more action on it than a Phil Mickelson hook and equally as wonderful. I think what this World Cup has taught us is, never count out the world class players!
Next the mighty Germans went head to head with Ghana. Just like the earlier game, the odds were this was a one horse race but with the performance from the underdog still fresh in the memory we knew not to count anyone out. Astonishingly the first half was goalless and this was principally down to resolute defending of the Black Stars. However after the break Germany broke the deadlock as Thomas "Hitman" Muller floated in a perfect ball for Mario Goetze to head it on to his knee and straight into the net. From here on it in it was cakewalk right? Wrong! Ghana sprung to life and over the next 40 minutes every player in their team became a Star, Bar one or two that got cramp! Three minutes after going a goal down they were level with a delightful Ayew header. Ten minutes later the unthinkable happened as Gyan put Ghana in the lead, who predicted that? Well if Mr Messi had taught us to expect something from the big players, the German veteran super sub of Miroslav Klose and his Go-Go-Gadget leg stretched to put the ball in the net and tie scoreline once again, and that was first touch of the game! Queue the traditional somersault celebration from Klose, which didn't quite have the full rotation it used to as he fell back on his arse. Well who cares about the fanfare, Mr Klose had scored his 15th goal in four World Cups and was the joint goal scorer with Ronaldo and now he's only two goals behind England in the last 16 years on the world stage. Well it finished two each and quite fitting bearing in mind all that had gone on.
Finally we saw another African team, Nigeria take on Bosnia-Herzegovina. A potentially decisive game for Group F. After being the other half of the only real dull game of the tournament so far we weren't holding out much hope for this game. But once again we were treated to a bit of magic now and then. Bosnia's (and Man City) front man Edin Dzeko was denied a perfectly good goal for being offside when the replay showed otherwise. Soon after Eminike broke free down the right clambered over the defender Spahic and cut it back to Odemwingie who nutmegged the keeper and go one up. In the second half it was end to end as they took it turns to score. Ibisevic had a good header denied and poor old Dzeko's downward header went straight into the keeper's hands. In the dying minutes of the game Dzeko was once again robbed as he turned in the six yard area and poked the ball towards the net only to see it bounce off the keeper and onto the outside of the post. The whistle blew and it was all over and Nigeria were on cloud nine.
And so to the Footcall league...
The first match awarded a ton of one pointers but like me, most of you thought Argentina would thrash Iran. Well not Emma Wakefield, Anne Herring, Amaia Borges Clark, Jonathan (I need to win Footcall to pay for my wedding!) Hill and Richard Goodwin!
Well the Germany score of 2-2 was about as popular as Brucie saying he'd like to give Strictly one more year! A string of nul pointes apart from Ric Robinson who guessed it would be a draw to pick up one. Amongst it all two people had it spot on, Jack Hennebry and Aaron (Footcall legend) Sutcliffe whose red squares stood out in the sea of zeroes!
Nigeria to win 1-0 proved more common, including David (not sure what he's doing) Bourne, Colin (didn't I just score a 3?) Jessop, Gavin (I must be dreaming') Day, Grant (better than Sean) Broad, Sam Ford, Jennifer Joslin Wood, Simon Dudson, Patrick Ferguson, Gary Thorp, Simon (suspiciously similar predictions to Jen) Clark, Jack Wakefield, Christopher Lane, Jonny (not again?) Hill, Richard (show me the points) Goodwin, Clive (I need to win Footcall to make my next mortgage payment) Gigney, Dan Nicholls, Gemma (hoping Bolton will sign Messi this summer) Simms, Paul (just getting set for the KO stages) Wakefield and finally our new leader, all hail our new leader, Kelly (Matt you can think again if you want a cut of my prize money) Sains.
I am going to award two people the POTD award, the first being Rob Hatch who has been propping up the foot of the table since the start and Hannah (Little Miss Footcall) Wakefield both of whom bagged their first red square and must be over joined with their new found league position. Well done!
That's me done for today, just like the Nigerian midfield I'm going down with cramp (writer's cramp!)
David
PS. Email me back or join the Footcall Facebook group and let us know what you think of Footcall, we have a thread running to find out who you are supporting now England have left the competition (we do realise that many of you weren't supporting England in the first place!)
21/06/14 18:48
Day 9 in the Footcall (curry) house...
Typical isn't it, I have one evening off from Footcall and we have a goal-fest! Fortunately we have Footcall reporters at all the grounds and as I knocking back the Stella, they did a stella job keeping me up to date with all the action on the pitch.
The opening game of the day was England's lifeline. Surely we had nothing to worry about as Italy were going to crush Costa Rica and give us just a little hope of qualification. Well I'm sure Roy and his boys were disgusted to see just how poorly Italy turned out and Costa Rica bossed the match and they were denied an early stonewall penalty. Whilst Italy defend well they just didn't have much up front and on the 44th minute Costa Rica went ahead with a fabulous header by Bryan Ruiz leaving Buffon lying face down in his goal net. In the second half Italy did have more possession but they had a real problem up front, I'm sure Balotelli's old sports teacher would have been shouting "stay onside boy!" but time and again he was getting caught out. The final whistle blew and Costa Rica were proudly standing at the top of the group with Italy and Uruguay in joint second with England starting to pack their flip-flops and mankinis!
The After-Eight match saw France take on their neighbs Switzerland. Both teams had three points in the bank and it was the French that opened the scoreline with an early goal from Giroud's head. As the Swiss were taking stock from the restart France doubled their lead as Blaise "Marathon Man" Matuidi scored just 66 seconds later! Soon after that France won a penalty and it was looking like a one-team show. Benzema stepped up but Benaglio saved it from between the posts, the follow up pinged off the post. Over and over the French hit them on the break and on the 40th minute Valbuena extended the lead to three zip. After the break they carried on, it was becoming comical as France and their star man Benzema made it four and Sissoko slotted it in the corner to make it five nil. With ten minutes left there was no time for the Swiss to get anything out of the game but they did manage to score a couple of goals before time was up and as the whistle blew for time Benezma lobbed the keeper to make it 6-2. Sadly it wasn't given and the crowd had to settle for a seven goal thriller that finished 5-2.
After a short Timeout the final game saw Honduras play Ecuador. A bizarre little fact about these two countries was that the managers for each club had managed the opposing team. On the 31st minute Ecuador conceded a costly goal as the Honduran striker, Costly, struck a peach of a shot and blasted it left footed in the corner from 20 yards out. Ecuador put some pressure on Honduras and it only took three minutes for them to equalise as Valencia connected with a ball going across the six yard area. In the second half that man Valencia pushed ahead with a well won header. That's how it stayed as Ecuador wrapped it up 2-1.
And so to the Footcall league...
Very few of you had Costa to win including David Wootton, Eric Church, Andy Green and Thomas Frost all picked up a valuable point. France to win was a very popular prediction, I was gutted as I had 6-2 (if only Benzema's goal had stood ;-) those picking up a point for this included Stuart Ives, Graham Weaver, David Blakeman, Clare Hawkins, Peter Nilsen and Will Relf. A few of you at the wrong end of the table also collected a point, Kelvin Lander, Jill (where's Eleanor?) Fuller, Jack Hennebry and Robert (I need a new racquet) Hatch.
The Ecuador result provided a few threes, notably for David (does anyone know where I can get a case of Rioja 1994?) Newton, Jennifer and Simon (Wood and Clark), Daniel Volausek, Dave Hill, Sara Borges, James (the Welsh contingent) Ridley, Neil Jefferis, Dean Smith, Ian (finally I'm starting to show some form again) Barker, David Hitch, Mark Mandry, Peter Breitenbach, Alan Church and Kelly (check me out in 4th) Sains.
Player of the day must go to my old time badders chum, Colin Jessop as he was the only player to guess Costa Rica to beat Italy 2-1, well done Col you've raced into 151st, there's no stopping you now!
Sorry for the delay on this report, another one to come later...
David
PS. Don't forget to check your division standing, for many of you it will make better reading than the big league :-)
20/06/14 01:56
Day 8 in the Footcall house...
Group C saw the return of Colombia as they took on Drogba's Elephants, Ivory Coast. An energetic first half that had just about everything barring a goal and at half time it was difficult to tell who was going to break the deadlock. Well after the break it was the team in yellow who went very close as Colombia pinged a ball off the bar. Soon after they won a corner and James Rodriguez broke free to head it home leaving the Ivorians pointing at each other for blame; queue the exuberant Colombian goal celebrations that looked like some sort of line dancing move from the late 90s. Six minutes later the Colombian pressure was starting to show and they hit the green shirts on the break to make it two nil. Ivory Coast did manage to score a goal to give them hope but Colombia hung on for the win and must surely be through to the next round now.
Then came the big one, the return of England. We were up against the lack lustre Uruguay team who so easily rolled over against Costa Rica. There was one small difference, Luis "me leg's busted" Suarez. The Premier League player of the year had returned to his national side after recovering from a broken leg just a few weeks ago. We knew he was going to play but our only hope was he had all the mobility of an arthritic Dachshund! Sadly for us, this was not the case, he looked sharp and up for it right from the start. That said England started well and we were carrying the confidence gained from the Italy match, no signs of the trademark "siti-backa" style we can lapse into. We needed a hero tonight and the boy Rooney was at least playing "in the pocket" as Glenn Hoddle liked to call it. The only problem was the hero was the number 9 in the light blue shirt and we were in his pocket! It was England that had the best chance to start with as Rooney headed onto the bar but soon after Uruguay broke free and that man Suarez got his head on a perfectly weighted cross to go back across the sprawling Joe Hart; a world class goal from a world class cross.
So we were one nil down and maybe Roy gave them the hairdryer in the changing rooms maybe he didn't we did at least come out with a little more belief. Rooney had a golden opportunity to equalise and hit it straight at the keeper and just as it was looking as our talisman was never going to score in a World Cup finals match finally Wayne did find himself in the right place at the right time to tap in from four yards out and tie the scoreline and break his duck. Surely now was the time to really do the business and forge ahead. But it was the tiny little South American team (pop. 3.3m) that rewrote the script again as a hopeful ball from midfield caught England defence napping and that pesky Mr Suarez bobbed up again to blast it into the back of our net. The unfortunate (not ironic) fact was it was Luis' team mate Steven Gerrard who gave the assist as it pinged off the top of his head. This left us with our heads in our hands (apart from those who predicted Uruguay to win) and the grains of sand were running out for England. The final whistle blew and were done. We're not out yet but we now need the Italy results and our remaining game against Costa Rica to go our way - a tall order but not impossible.
The number one Topic we are all debating is "Why is it that dart players can hit a five pence piece but some of our players can't hit a Double-Decker bus?" The three lions on our shirts were more like three Lion bars and when we needed a Boost, it just never came. If we intend to score a Bounty of goals in our final game we need to learn how not Rolo-ver and remember these tournaments are a Marathon not a sprint!
And so to the Footcall league...
Tons of points today as 2-1 is always a popular prediction in every game. Nick Rowland has reclaimed the top spot and Dan (what can I say?) Wilks has moved into second on accurate scores. Russell Morris and Alastair (all part of the master plan) Pullen and Andy Brunt are all right up there. Robert Pritchard has crept into the top ten from nowhere, Kelly Sains and Mick (just getting into position for the latter stages) Mallion and Alan (been there done it) Church all scored well today. Dan Mackenzie picked up a red square along with Alex Smith, Chloe Norris, Mark Mandry, Yasmin Coupland and Steve Capp. As too did Chris Read, David Hitch and James Vallender, Sam Ford, Nick D'Avanzo all did well. Finally Chris and Nick along with Jack Goodwin and David Bourne all scored their first three pointer - well done guys.
Begrudgingly I shall award the Player of the Day award to Paul (current Champion) Wakefield as he had a clean sweep collecting a perfect 9 for the three games today. You just have to ask yourself how could he bet against England?
Let's hope Italy can do us a favour tomorrow and destroy Costa Rica.
Until then...
David
PS. I forgot to mention Japan played Greece in the late kickoff, he was a decidedly average game with very few goalmouth opportunities, hence the 0-0 scoreline. Greece lost one of their men and it's looking tricky for them to move into the Knockout Stages. Japan looked Flakey and there really wasn't much to Revel in.
* I'd like to announce that despite scurrilous Wispas, Footcall is in no way sponsored by any brand or organisation and just like FIFA, our Club has not ever taken a Dime in backhanders!
19/06/14 01:45
Day 7 in the Footcall house...
A decisive day in Group B as some big footballing nations were fighting for survival. The Dutch were up first after dusting off Spain in the first game we were expecting big things against Australia in this game. They didn't disappoint as the ultra one-footed broke free and put Holland one up. You could have forgiven the Socceroos for dropping their heads as they knew they needed a win and were trailing to arguably one of the best teams in the tournament. But we all know how resolute those Southern Hemisphere boys can be and barely a minute after the opening goal we were treated the tastiest goal of the World Cup so far. This strike was more delicious than a Cadbury's Curly Wurly dipped in Hershey's Strawberry Syrup! The ball was pumped high into the Dutch goal area as the former Everton frontman (and team-mate of Fellaini - apologies for thinking the fro used to play for Chelsea) Tim Cahill watched it like a hawk. As it dropped into his front office his left peg perfectly met the Brazuca and powered over the top of the Netherlands' keeper and straight in off the crossbar. OMG! this was one to savour, this wasn't out of the top drawer it was out of the one above that. He couldn't have struck it harder, he couldn't have struck it sweeter. This was van-Basten-esque, maybe even better as this was on Cahill's wrong foot. This one rivalled Tony Yeboah's wonder strike for Leeds v Liverpool in 95. Suddenly the Aussies were back in it. After the break the unthinkable happened as Australia went ahead as they won a penalty in the 54th. But you can't discount the Dutch Masters as they might be a pony at the back they are formidable up top and four minutes later RVP beat the offside trap and forced an equaliser. Then another ten minutes after Holland went 3-2 up with a Depay long distance strike. That's how it finished, Holland are through but they had to work for it and it was sad to see the Aussies sent home as it was one of the best games of the tournament.
Next up another critical match between Spain and Chile. The World Cup holders needed a win here after losing their first to Holland. Chile however are a solid unit with a strong work ethic. They rode their luck and the Chileans were rewarded with a Vargas goal and suddenly the Spanish started to look nervous. Just before half time Chile doubled their lead with a tidy Aranguiz toe poke past the outstretched Casillas. The second half was a game of attack and defend and Chile had to preserve their lead and soak up the pressure. But preserve they did despite some golden opportunities for Spain. So once again the defending champion is sent home early, adios Spana, leave the trophy on the side and get your coats!
Final game matched up Cameroon and Croatia. The tablecloth top boys started very strongly and old timer Olic caught the Cameroon defence napping and put Croatia ahead. A moment of madness from Alex Song as he decided run his elbow down Mandzukic's spine. Now one thing you need to know is that it doesn't take much contact to knock a Croatian off his feet, you'd be forgiven for thinking they were playing in roller skates the amount they went down, it's a terrible part of the game and the Croats not only exploit it, they abuse it (rant over). Well Song went for a song into an early shower and from then on it was one way traffic. Croatia added three more goals in the second half to leave the Cameroons to fight among themselves, that win bonus they argued for before the cup started was not worth the paper it was written on. Croatia now have a good chance of progressing if they can get a favourable result in their final game against Mexico.
And so to the Footcall league...
Without doubt the results today gave up the least amount of Footcall points we've had so far. Tons of you had Holland to win so there were a plethora of ones including John (i'm not sure where Neil is) Dawson, Ryan Smith, Simon Dyson, Adam Botting, Mick (two time winner lads) Mallion, Dean Baker, Eleanor Fairman and David Newton all picking up a point. On the flipside the Spain result did not go the way of the Footcall masses. Only six players picked Chile to win this match and they were Lauren Morris, Simon Clark, Paul Wakefield, Patrick Ferguson and finally Joseph Conlan. A hard earned point there for their Footcall standing. Finally Croatia to win was a popular prediction but nobody had 4-0 but those collecting a point included Teresa Elliott, Manoj Gupta, Lee Baker, Richard Goodwin, Paresh Tailor, Matthew Young, Mark Mandry, Nigel Mirza and Martin Cox. Once again Jo picked up two more points to stay a point clear at the top.
However prediction of the day must go to Dan Wilks who corrected guessed Holland would beat Australia 3-2 and his red square has boosted him right up into fourth.
The big one tomorrow, England vs Suarez.
Until then...
David
18/06/14 02:24
Day 6 in the Footcall house...
Today saw the matches from Group H which means we will have seen every team in the competition play at least one game. First up was the dark horse team of Belgium take on Algeria. The smart money was on Belgies to dish up goals quick to head home for a nice dish of mussels with frites and mayonnaise on the side. Well the Algerians had other ideas as they won a penalty in the 24th minute and Feghouli scored their first goal in 28 years. It was proving to be a good game but Belgium had pull up their socks and come the second half that's exactly what they did. They were leaving it late before super-sub Marouane Fellani, the former Chelsea midfielder he of the big hair that wouldn't look out of place in the Earth, Wind and Fire! He'd only been a few minutes when the ball skimmed off his big fro, over the outstretched keeper and in off the underside of the bar, I'm convinced it was the electrostatic charge his hair applied to the ball that helped it into the net much like rubbing a balloon on your jumper and sticking it to the ceiling. This was quite a shock for Man U fans as he's not shown any form like this since signing for them. Now it was one all and Belgium pushed on for the winner and ten minutes later Mertens found himself in open space in the goal area and powered it home for the winning goal.
Game two had us drooling at thought of Brazil showing us their class as they took on Mexico in their second group stages game and a rematch of the Olympic final. After the spine-tingling atmosphere of 70 odd thousand singing the Brazilian national anthem long after FIFA had switched the tannoy off we were up and running. Mexico knew not to roll over and have their tummy tickled and they gave as good as they got. Brazil tried to push ahead but they hadn't banked on Guillermo "Gordon Banks" Orchoa proving to be the star of the show as time and again he prevented the golden boys going in front. Even in the closing minutes the Olympic Champions could have nicked a winner but it finished goalless and Brazil have still not lost in their own country for an unbelievable 39 games.
Finally Russia, managed by Fabio Capello (remember him?) went head to head with South Korea. Looking at the team sheets this was going to be a commentators' nightmare but the BBC's Steve Wilson is a safe pair of hands behind the mic. Well funny I should mention a safe pair hands as after an unremarkable first half without a goal Lee Keun-ho hit a speculative shot towards the Russian net. The keeper, Igor Akinfeev, was right behind it ready to catch right? Err fail! Keeper be like, catch the ball. But the save didn't come as the ball wriggled through his fingertips like a live salmon coated in Teflon. It looked like Akinfeev had been to the Robert Green school of goalkeeping and once again it seems history is doomed to repeat itself for Capello. Fortunately this incident occurred early enough for Russia goal machine legend, Aleksandr Kerzhakov as he spun in the six yard area to tuck away an equaliser and save their keeper's blushes. Probably a fair result all in all.
Today was the tale of two keepers and it was indeed the best of times for Mexico and the worst of times for Russia!
And so to the Footcall league...
The big news is... the Belgium result gave me my first three :-) I'm sure you're all delighted about that, I bunting well am! This popular 2-1 result prediction saw a few others pick up red squares including Esther (it's been a long time coming) Eatwell, Simon (and his Mum) Clark, Sara Borges and finally Duncan (out on the) Town and Lauren (Mum I'm catching you now) Morris both lift their sorry teams off the bottom of the league. Sadly our New York contingent of Chris and Nick are now rooted to the foot of the table.
Yet another three for Jo (three in a row) sees her hang to her slender lead as Nick (stop bothering me with Footcall, I've got revision to do) Rowland is now pushing for the top spot. Sean Ellis has made a smart move and finally Dan Shroeck and Matt Green have woken up. Gemma (I love Bolton) Simms and Andrew Bell have snuck up on the inside rail as too has Jonnie Lewis and Dan Nicholls and Thomas Baus. Ever since Iain Baker threw his Footcall toys out his pram he can't stop effing scoring and he's now up into the top ten. John Trent is setting his stall out topside as too is Rob (nice and easy Trigger) Pearson.
Well player of the day award must go to the one and only Emma Wakefield who had been experiencing the Footcall blues as she was at the wrong end of the table but today she finally picked up her first red square but not only that she did it with the prediction of the tournament so far as she guessed (or knew) that the Brazil Mexico game would end without a goal. Astonishing! Well done Em, you've just got to keep this momentum going now.
The Spaniards return tomorrow and they really need a result against Chile.
Until then,
David
17/06/14 02:24
Day 5 in the Footcall house...
Today's early match saw the one man team of Portugal take on the might of the world football stage, Germany. Because of Ronaldo's popularity in the UK it seemed plenty of Footcallers were tipping them to nick a result against Germany. It didn't take long for the Germans to put the hammer down as they won a penalty in the twelfth minute and the 2010 Golden Boot winner stepped to carry on where he left off and slot the ball in from the spot. Twenty minutes they had a second from a Hummels header. Germany had skill, guile and dynamism all over the park, sadly Portugal's game plan was 1. Pass it to Ronaldo 2. Did Ronaldo score? 3. No. 4. Concede 5. Kick off again from the centre spot! Soon enough the pressure started to show as Pepe went gaga and decided to poke the eyes out of the German frontman. The ref saw enough and Pepe saw red. Soon after hit man Muller made it three zip on the stroke of half time. After the break it was pretty much one way traffic and finally Tommy Boy (who apparently plays a mean pinball) secured his hat-trick and they finished the game four nil. Time will tell for the Portuguese as to whether they adopt a new plan.
Game two matched up Iran v Nigeria. It was goalless, it was s**t. Not even Moves Like Dejagah could save this dour game. That is all. Now, you don't get insight like that in Four Four Two magazine!
Finally the late match was the Black Stars of Ghana take on the Stars and Stripes of the US. I'm not going to wonder how many of the Americans could point to Ghana on a map, I might even struggle myself (*quick check in my big book of Asian countries ;-) as I have to remember that we have more than a few friends stateside enjoying Footcall. All that matters is that they know where the goal is and it certainly didn't take long as former Fulham and Spurs striker Clint Dempsey managed to trip the light fantastic through the Ghanian defence and tuck the ball in with his left foot within the first 30 seconds! What an explosive start, the American fans were going nuts and no doubt Bryan Robson was up out of his chair at home checking his watch to see if he beat his goal from Spain '82. Well Robbo could exhale he was safe (apparently there are four other goal scorers faster than that but who could name them?) Sadly Sunderland striker Altidore pulled up with a hamstring injury like he'd been snipe red, it took so long to get him off the field I thought the ref was going mark vanishing spray around the stretcher and let the game carry on. As the match wore on and it really looked as this early marker was going to decide the game, Howard did a great job between the US sticks but late into the second half Ghana forced an equaliser with Andre (not Jordan) Ayew with a lovely strike. But the joy was short lived as just two minutes later John Brooks headed home the winner in the 86th. The Americans went mad, Jurgen Klinsmann went mad, heck, even Robbie Savage went mad... "Brooksie can't quite believe it, he's got the winner!" he screamed. I'm sure one or two of us can't quite believe how Robbie got such a cushy little job working for the BBC.
And so to the Footcall league...
We have a new leader, all bow to the new leader. She is a mother of twins and wife to Dan (who's doing really well in 61st), she's one of Footcall's greatest fans, it's none other than Jo Mackenzie! She picked up an impressive double three pointer to jump above Darryl Farmer and Nick Rowland who is now being pursued by his Dad, James!
Other movers and shakers include Robert Leon, John (time for a burger, I was owed this after the Swiss result) Trent, Alastair (not again) Pullen, Rob Pearson, Jonnies Lewis and Hill, Stuart Ives, Simon Dudson, Kelly (now where is Matt?) Sains, Andy (Neil can you see me up here?) Brunt, Adam Jones, Dan (I'm letting Jo take the limelight this time) Mackenzie, Gemma (Ian, I'm so glad you introduced me to Footcall) Simms, Andy (it's been a while since my blistering start) Kirchell, Teresa (can you see me Chris?) Elliott, John McCann and David Frost. Even Nick D'Avanzo scored his first red square as too did Leigh Boardman, Danny Thompson and Louis Norris. For a moment I though Hannah Wakefield was on for three points but then another goal went in and she was back to zero, sorry Han, don't give up.
However player of the day goes to me old mate Sean (I should stick to sign making not gambling) Broad, as he wrote to me by electronic means to say that time and again he had been denied a full points quota because of refereeing decisions or FIFA directives but today he was rewarded with his first red square. Once again Footcall knows how to feed the gaping mouths of the lowly players in the depths of the league table. Surely it must be my time soon?
Please join our Facebook group, we've got a lively bunch of Footcallers living and dying by the goals going in (or not in the Iran Nigeria case). We shall see you there...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/107419635970662/
Until tomorrow, same time, same place...
David
PS. A few people have asked how can they see their predictions, I'd like to think it was just Footcall newbies but a few more seasoned campaigners have also wanted to be reminded. Just login to your account and click the VIEW PREDICTIONS and you will see them all right there. Or you could just check back through your inbox for the confirmation email that you were sent when you entered. BTW, thanks to Mrs J as her eagle-eyes noticed we had four games listed for play tomorrow when there is in fact only three. All fixed now.
16/06/14 02:11
Day 4 in the Footcall house...
Following the low of England losing out to Italy, we've had to pick ourselves up because the show goes on and so does Footcall. Whilst I was knocking up the last report Ivory Coast were taking on Japan on the nightshift for all you truckers out there. Japan are always an entertaining side and had scored plenty of goals in the qualifiers and it was Honda (that's his name, not product placement) who blasted it full power into the top left corner - he must have a foot like a Fireblade two-stroke engine! But the Elephants never forget how to turn on the style and it was the inspired substitution to bring Drogba on that invoked the comeback. It was a headed double in the 64th and 66th minutes from Bony and Gervinho that propelled them into the lead and eventually the win. It was gone 4am when this finished and I was struggling to stay awake but I was determined to get the score on the sheet for you all.
Next up we saw Switzerland versus Ecuador and a great header Valencia who headed the South Americans into the lead. The team in red were under pressure and they knew they had to block the holes in the Swiss defence and just after half time they equalised with a great header of their own from Mehmedi. And this is how it looked like staying as maybe both teams were settling for the first draw of the World Cup so far. Many a Footcaller were thinking they had three points in the back pocket only to see Seferovic pop up in the six yard area to catch the Ecuadorians napping. Switzerland won 2-1 denying all the one all predictors but gifting a ton of others.
Game three saw the World Champions of 1998 (pre-Footcall days) France tackle Honduras. The word tackle being the watch word of this game as the Hondurans were set to take no prisoners and the French were all set to make the most of it. In a fairly nasty first half as Honduras had a plan to kick lumps out of the French it looked like being a goalless first half we saw Wilson's name go on ze liszt for a terrible challenge only to get himself sent off. Mr Benzema didn't panic as he stepped up and converted the penalty in the last minute of the half.
In the second half we saw the FIFA directive to introduce goal line technology pay off as Benzema had back across the keeper to hit the post, run across the line only for the Honduarn keeper fumble it over the line. The technology review initially said No Goal and then seconds later GOAL! The first attempt that hit the post didn't cross the line but the second one did, the technology worked perfectly. Although we all could understand this it sent commentator Jonathan Pearce into total meltdown! It took the enlightenment of Martin Keown to explain what had happened much like Father Ted talking to Father Dougal comparing the small toy cows to the ones outside being far away! From now on it was all France and that man Benzema popped up again to power home a third for the French but it was only his second as the earlier goal was awarded an own goal.
Finally we had the tournament favourites, Argentina, enter stage left as the faced WC new boys Bosnia-Herze-goal-vina. The general Footcall consensus was overwhelmingly in favour of the Argies as they have so much talent all over the field and a unique talisman of Lionel Messi. It only took three minutes for the blue and white stripes to go topside courtesy of a Kolasinac own goal. We've had more OGs in this tournament so far than the whole of WC 2010. With a goal tucked under their belt they would no doubt turn on the style? Well no actually, they really didn't do much at all and Bosnia-Herz did a steady job to snuff out Di Maria, deny Rodriguez and leave Lionel Messi looking more like Lionel Blair! This game was slowly becoming duller than Phil Neville's commentary!
The second half however was a different affair and no doubt they had the proverbial rocket put up them in the dressing room as they did look a better side and a moment of Messi inspiration that we've come to expect from "La Pulga Atomica" (the atomic flea) as he danced much like the aforementioned Lionel Blair around the gaping jaws of the Bosnian defence and without even looking he pinged it in off the inside of the post - no need for any goal-line tech this time, this was pure class! Even though the Argentinians were looking rampant B&H didn't drop their heads and they did manage to score an Ibisevic consolation goal - their first ever in a World Cup. Although there was time for an equaliser, it didn't come and the final whistle blew at 2-1. The Argies will need to look sharper than this in future games.
And so to the Footcall league...
The Japan game saw a host of 3s as 2-1 is a popular score in any game. Let's give creed to John McCann, me ol mucker Neil Jefferis, Bryan Relf and Les (Footcaller Fan Extraordinaire) Herbert, Peter Breitenbach and Peter Nilsen all picking valuable red squares. As too did Nigel Mirza, James (yes you really got three this time) Parker, Yasmin Coupland, Adam Jones, Melvyn Stringer and Steve Capp... phew this is a big list!
Many of you were denied (David Frost) a full three points in the Swiss game as they got their late winner. Andy Booth entered the Footcall Facebook page to show his delight at his three pointer. Simon Dyson, Craig Amos, Andy Green, Paresh Tailor, Stephen Hills all showing great form. Even Mrs J picked up three points for this one.
Once again the French result proved a popular score as Dan Wilks, Sean Ellis, Mark Pedler, David (back to back reds) Wootton, Christopher Lane and Alastair (I think I might win this) Pullen, Kane (look at me Sean) Vanns, Dean Baker, Rachel Rowland, Thomas Baus all scored a nice three pointer to enhance their social standing.
The Argentina result showed less threes but a few notables include Mike Davies, Chloe Norris, Will Relf, Gavin (watch me go) Day, Finley (thanks Dad) Cowland and Elizabeth (this one's for you Angus) Mailey. Even David (about time too) Frost and Simon (this isn't to plan) Jenner collected maximum points for this game to lift them off the bottom of the table leaving poor old Lauren Morris stranded; but not for long no doubt.
We have several players of the day to congratulate. Let's start with Jo (who knows where Dan is?) Mackenzie who picked up an impressive 8 points in the last four games. Next up has to be the 9 pointer boys who are now doing very well up top; Stuart (Stu Are Ya) Acott up into 2nd and Nick (I won't be too smug about it) Rowland is leader of the pack for today, let's see how long it lasts.
My final accolade goes to Iain (Twinkletoes) Baker who wrote to Footcall last night to say he was considering retiring from the game due to a lack of motivation on the pitch and a disgruntled back room team as he was left floundering in the relegation zone. Well the Footcall Chairman showed his support for the Twinkletoes Manager and they were handsomely repaid with a seven point haul to lift Iain out of the doldrums up onto the first page. Just when you are thinking of throwing in the towel Footcall always finds a way of pulling you back in.
Keep the faith folks...
David
15/06/14 03:21
Day 3 in the Footcall house...
Welcome back everyone, I'm sure all the Footcall noobs are getting in the swing of what this game (some say it's more important than a game) is all about. Couple that with the excitement of England playing we're all set. First up we saw Colombia take on underdogs Greece. Now we know the Greeks aren't that strong but hardened Footcallers will remember Euro 2004, I'll certainly never forget it, I had Portugal to beat Greece in that Final and that would have seen me top the Footcall table. Anyway that was a decade ago and this is now. From the off Colombia were bossing this and they scored within 5 minutes, it was well worked but quite soft really. Although Greece had their chances Colombia rode their luck and in the second half they added a second in the 58th. And this is how it looked to stay (which was good for me as I had 2-0) but Rodriguez scored a third in the 93rd effing minute! Grrrrrr! Bad for the two nil Footcallers but great for the three nillers (is that a word?) queue the wonderful Colombian goal celebrations leaving the tragic Greeks to wonder what to do in their next match.
Following this it was time for Group D to kickoff. First up, Uruguay versus Costa Rica. Looking at the Footcall predictions the big money was going on Uruguay to walk this. Sadly though their numero uno player, Mr Suarez was not on the starting sheet as he's been recovering from a leg injury. He was on the bench so he no doubt was going to make an appearance much like the shopkeeper from Mr Benn? In the 24th minute Diego Forlan (remember him?) took a nice free kick only for Jr Diaz to give the wrong man a big cuddle in the box and give away a penalty. Cavani stepped up and put in the right hand corner. This was looking ominous for the Costa Ricans but they're made of sterner stuff than we give them credit for. In the Second half the man of the match Joel Campbell smashed in an equaliser from seven yards out. Three minutes later Duarte made it 2-1 to Costa Rica. The Uruguayan manager made three substitutions but no Suarez, I reckon the Liverpool frontman must have left his boots back in the changing room and come out in his slippers (schoolboy error!). As Costa Rica run the clock down they even carve out another chance and Urena slots home a third to seal the deal. Soon after Pereira shows his true colours with a needless reckless feckless pointless challenge and gets Uruguay their first red card of the tourno! Pathetic. Great game and Suarez will surely be lined up for the England game next Thursday.
Finally it was our time, England take on Italy! First let me apologise to any non-England Footcall fans for any passionate patriotism. With our young team we had slightly less expectation than previous WCs but all that goes out of the window as soon as the whistle is blown. Manager Hodgson took the welcome decision to play Sterling alongside Rooney Welbeck and Sturridge which was quite a dynamic setup against a much more mature Italian squad. And a Sterling effort was made, as time and again he taunted the Italian defence and in the 6th minute he flashed a shot at the goal to make the side netting bulge. But experience is a valuable thing and it was Marchisio who latched on to a Pirlo dummy and he whammed it right in the corner or Joe Hart's net. Our heads didn't drop and barely a couple of minutes later Rooney hooked in the perfect cross form the left in to Sturridge's outstretched leg. One all... GET IN! Suddenly the cameras were diverted to an off pitch incident and then a stretcher appeared on the sideline. Not for one of the players, but the England physio, Gary Lewin, who allegedly dislocated his ankle tripping over the water bottles as he desperately tried to get Lucozade some product placement. The next thing we know he's being carried off to be taken to see errr? um?... Gary Lewin! Or whomever does Gary's job when he gets injured, can anyone tell me if we have a backup physio?
Soon after we had to rely on Jagielka to clear off the line and once again our weak left side was becoming exposed like a 1970s entertainer! Come the second half and Italy yet again prized us open as Super Mario Balotelli headed Italy into the lead once more. As time started to evaporate we made some subs, Wilshere, Barkley and Lallana all coming on but Rooney stayed on. Despite a quiet game where he was arguably played out of position, Wayne nearly managed an equaliser but put it just wide of the post and he is still yet to score in a World Cup appearance. One thing Italy are the masters at and that is soaking up the pressure, they're like sponges just waiting to give the opposition a good soaking given the chance and that chance came right at the death when old man Pirlo (35) struck the bar with an amazing free kick. Soon after the final whistle went and we had lost our opening game yet again, it's like deja vu. There were many positives for England though and Sterling could have easily been awarded the man of the match, we'll just have to see how we get on against the South Americans in our next two games.
And so to the Footcall league...
The first game saw a handful of three pointers awarded to Robert Pritchard, Mark Pedler, Kelly Sains, Andy (check us out Stella) Upson, Tim (Super Footcall Fan) Jennings, Mark Paver and David Ginger scoring back to back threes and quite a lot picked up one point for this game. Match number two was a shock result. Nobody had Costa Rica to win 3-1 and only five people had them to win. These included Clive (not again) Gigney, Robert Leon, Spencer, Anne Herring and Thomas (hey Dad I'm up here!) Frost.
The England match saw a few traitors, sorry I mean Footcallers, take the anti-gamble by tipping Italy to win. I will admit to putting myself in this bracket but those who got it dead right include father and son David and Harry Hitch, Gigi (he is Italian after all) Segatto, Darryl Farmer who appears to have teamed up with John Fox overnight. Sean Ellis moves topside along with George Relf and John (I'm a Dad) Trent, Graham Weaver, Barry Smith and Maxine Read. Dave Billington, Aaron Sutcliffe and Eleanor Fairman all get nice little red squares.
I'm going to give the team of the day to Messrs Marshall & Pope as they were rooted to the foot of the table on zero points in 182nd but their first points (a three) has moved them up to 118th, whatever next? Sadly this has left a host of people stranded in joint 175th including Emma Wakefield who must be biding her time before making a move and for the umpteenth Footcall in succession my brother Simon is once again propping up the table and fighting to keep hold of the covered Vuvuzela award for coming last!
That's it for now, despite the Ivory Coast v Japan game going on as I type I will report on that tomorrow.
Until then...
David
PS. A couple of things to point out...
1. The Footcall Divisions have all been established, HOORAH! (I hear you cry) and we have 10 Divisions all titled after the names of the official World Cup balls since 1970. Just scroll down the league table to check your division and where you are in that mini-league. The purpose of this is just to give a bit of added interest particularly for those not doing so well. Heck... Emma is only 16th in the Tricolore Division! All 10 winners of the Footcall Divisions will receive free entry into the next Footcall, what more incentive do you need than that?
2. A few of you may not be aware that you can see "in play" live league table updates as the goals go in. Contrary to popular belief this is not sponsored by Bet-365 but it's me updating the league table as and when a goal is scored, I'm sorry if there is any delay before the table is updated, I might be celebrating (or drinking) at the time but I shall do my best (if I'm watching the game) to keep up to the mark and that includes checking the final score before writing my report! Anyway you can just go to the League Table page on the website to see it happening, you will need to refresh the table should a goal go in. The direct link to the table is http://www.footcall.co.uk/league_pdf.php?DIV=ALL so you might want to bookmark that.
Over and out!
14/06/14 09:24
Day 2 in the Footcall house (again!)...
Phew! I've just got back from a FIFA disciplinary hearing where the Footcall board were summoned to meeting following on from last night's (or should I say this morning's) report that the Chile Australia match finished 2-1 when in fact it finished 3-1.
They wanted to know all the ins and outs as to why this had been mis-reported, how we had let FIFA down, we had the Footcall fans down and more importantly we had let ourselves down! There was no excuse except to say that the Footcall reporter had been watching the match up until the 90th minute but missed the Beausejour goal in extra time saying in true Arsene Wenger style he "did not see it!" This might have been because A. He went for a cheeky smoke out by the Sulo bins. B. Was distracted by the glamorous people in the crowd or C. he was writing a letter to FIFA to enquire that now we have this amazing goal line technology whether we could have a review of the Frank Lampard disallowed goal in the England Germany game in 2010.
Whatever the reason it's a good job it was picked up early doors and it should be pointed out that it was a non-Footcaller who noticed it. Neil White's son, Callum spotted the mistake and got in contact with the Footcall hotline. In World Cup history this is second only to Pickles the dog finding the Jules Rimet trophy in a hedge!
And once again to the Footcall league...
This turn of events has put a slightly different complexion on the league table as all those who had picked 2-1 now only take home one point and some new players move into the frame for a red square. The table is now headed up by Russell (now it's my time to shine) Morris, Manoj (this Footcall lark is easy) Gupta and Clive (the hustler) Gigney. Helene (close friend of Didier Drogba) Wilkinson, Dan (the woodman) Wilks and Mark (what is this Footcall all about?) Mandry also collect three points and move topside. Eric & Alex Church, Kelvin Lander, Rachel Rowland, David Ginger, Mark (Hey Dan, check me out!) Paver, David (seasoned campaigner) Blakeman all collect a red square to enhance their league status. Well done folks.
I can only apologise on behalf of Footcall (and FIFA) for this almighty c**k up and to anyone who lost some points they thought they might have had. Needless to say the aforementioned reporter no longer works for Footcall nor does he live in a nice suburban part of the Home Counties, he's had to go away for a little while :-( On a plus point I moved up from 123rd to 118th, so every cloud eh?
Good luck for your next predictions, I know you'll all be watching me from now on!
David
13/06/14 09:54
Day 2 in the Footcall house...
After the host nation strolled through to win last night with their latest signing "Refereeinho" becoming the star of the show, we were all set for a feast of footie as we entertain three matches in one day.
First up we saw Mexico take on Cameroon in the second Group A match in what was near monsoon like conditions. Just like the Brazil match some controversial refereeing decisions were to plague this game as former Spurs frontman Dos Santos had not one but two perfectly legitimate goals denied, one because the ref was adjusting the nozzle on his invisible spray bottle and one because FIFA approval had not been granted! But the Olympic champions ploughed on regardless and after riding out a narrow escape as Samuel Eto'o clipped the post they got their just desserts when that man Dos Santos had a shot parried only for Peralta to follow up and bury it in the 61st minute. Other chances came and went for both sides but it was the South Americans once again prevailing one nothing.
Hot on the heels of that game came the first match for Group B. We saw defending World Cup holders Spain take on orange army of The Netherlands (except they were playing in blue!) This was a replay of the final from 2010 and this was potentially the tie of the Group Stages. Their last encounter was nothing short of disgraceful as Holland came to disrupt the fortified Spanish defence, we could only hope that we didn't have a repeat of that. Both sides were packed with familiar faces and quality from front to back but Spain had the experience and the Footcall form was tipping this to go their way. From the outset the Spaniards looked confident and they were awarded a penalty within half an hour which Alonso tucked away. At this point the "Tiki Taka" (short passes, Continental style) that they are noted for was looking supreme. However in the 44th Robin Van Persie (RVP) spectacularly dived like a flying fish to head the ball over the oncoming keeper, before gracefully going straight into a swan dive as if he was break dancing to Run DMC down his local rec!
After the interval there was only one team in it, the rampant Dutch lions tore through the Spanish defence time and again. The pace of Arjen opened em up like a tin of beans whilst the power of Van Persie provided the canon fire, it was fast becoming the Robben and Robin show! Holland slotted home another four goals before the final whistle, it finished 5-1: two for Rob, two for Rob and one for de Vrij. It was simply sublime and one of the best matches the world stage has seen for many a year. Spain had no answer for it and were left humiliated like we've never seen before and they must be concerned for their next match. This was definitely one Friday the 13th they'd sooner forget!
Game three of day two saw Chile take on Australia in Group B. Possibly one of the dark horses of this tournament, Chile are an outside bet to do well. And didn't they start well, as they scored two quick goals (12th and 14th) leaving the Aussies more stunned than when we done em at the cricket! The Chileans were looking the business as they were running rings around the Antipodeans with the crowd giving it the "big ole" in the first half! But us Brits know not to write off Australia too soon as they managed to pull one back with a superb leaping header from former Everton hero Tim Cahill. Chile did manage to hold a few more threats and sneak the win 2-1.
And so to the Footcall league...
Quite a few of you had Mexico to win 1-0 including Chris Amos, Clive (not me again?) Gigney, Richard Russell, Darryl Farmer, Jo (Footcall is my life for the next four weeks) Mackenzie, Paul Storey Smith, Christine (Mrs Footcall) Jenner and Jonathan (Don't be like Dave) Hill all picking up three pointers. The Dutch result was astonishing as only SIX people had Holland to win at all, Eric Church, Danny Thompson, Toyah Wood, Sean Ellis, Robert Leon and Jonathan Reeves all collecting a valuable point, I wonder how important that might be in the long term.
The Chile result proved more popular as Peter (the taxi) Mulvey, Andy Booth, Chris and Nick (our favourite New Yorkers) Kotsonis, Paresh Tailor and James Parker who I'm sure would like to dedicate his three points to the memory of his Dad. A good day for the Herberts (Pam and Dave) as they wonder where Les might have gone, whilst riding high top of the table is Spencer (FIFA backed) Collins with two red squares along with Rob Pearson and Craig Amos.
It's getting exciting now and we're only on day two!
Just a reminder that if you are on Facebook please join our Footcall group where we have some lively in-match conversations.
Next up, the big one... England v Italy
Good luck everyone, see you on the other side!
David
13/06/14 03:06
Well here we are, the World Cup 2014 in Brazil is finally underway and that can only mean one thing... the return of FOOTCALL! It's into the breach once more and with the spirit of our heroic D-Day veterans still fresh in our memory, 32 nations will fight it out on the football field to claim the greatest team prize in sport.
When Christine and I started this little competition back in 2000 (only 24 entries that year) little did we know how it would grow year on year and after the record field of 138 in 2012 I thought it was going to be "a big ask" (probably not the last time you see that expression) to top that. In typical Footcall style we had all the good boys and girls get their entry in nice and early but then with a little prompting we edged closer to the record and eventually we reached our target on Tuesday. In the last couple of days we had over 60 more players join the party and finally we closed the doors on an amazing 182. It brings a tear to my eye to see all the names in one big list, not because I'm overwhelmed that you all want to take part more at the prospect of the late night report writing and how on earth I'm going to divvy you all up into separate divisions!
For those of you know me you'll know that I tend to lead a slightly nocturnal life and maybe some of the late kickoffs might be right up my street. However I am thinking the Ivory Coast v Japan match which starts at 2am might get their report done the following day! I know many of you taking part have been railroaded by me or maybe somebody else to take part and you might not give tuppence for the action on the field, all I can hope is you get swept up in the Brazilliant fever of the biggest competition on the planet and maybe Footcall will just add to the fun. I know for a fact that if you see your name up near the top of the table and a little mention in one of my reports your interest might go from "not bovvered" to "hey this Footcall lark is the dogs!" For those of you that might not be performing well on the Footcall league table I shall try my best to keep you entertained in my reports, it would be wrong to say they were Pulitzer Prize winning prose... but it would be nice to be nominated!
This year we are supporting such an amazing cause as we are donating 25p for every entry to the Angus Rowland ForgetMeNot Fund in aid of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. Angus tragically lost his fight to Leukaemia at just 14 years old. He was the nephew of our good friends James and Rachel Rowland and the son of Elizabeth Mailey (all of whom are taking part) and although I never met Angus we had similar musical tastes and I gave him some music to listen to in his last days. What his friends and family have done to raise a huge amount of money for LLR is nothing short of magnificent and we are only too happy to make a donation to support such a great cause. You can find out more about Angus' story here... http://www.justgiving.com/Angus-Mailey-Rowland
At this point, I'd like to credit the Footcall backroom staff, Christine's involvement in the running of the competition and promotion is still invaluable even if she doesn't have to read out to me all the score predictions as I type them in like we did in the old days. Andy Kirchell, Neil White, Matt Clark, Chris Amos, Rob Pearson and Dan Schroeck have been tremendous ambassadors for the tournament with their invaluable advice and promoting the good word through social media and word of mouth is much appreciated. Countless other regular Footcallers, sorry if I haven't mentioned you here but you know at some point over the next four weeks you will get some comps from me. Finally I have to thank Spencer Collins for all his invaluable time and dedication making sure the Footcall engine (the all important database that powers the site) runs smoothly, it's astonishing to see how refined the website has become and it's been a tireless task at times between me and Spence to develop it so well but every Footcall it just gets better!
So that's enough off-field waffle from me, let's get to the action! The World Cup started as ever with the opening ceremony, now us Brits know how to "do it right" as proven at the last Olympics but those South Americans have different slant on things. There was a copious amount of crazily dressed actors dancing in a multitude of styles very few of which you would see on Strictly! There was a little boy rowing a canoe (with a seatbelt on), people dressed as trees, grass and flowers and to top it off Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull and Claudia Leitte appeared from inside a giant globe only for the platform they were on not to lift them all the way up. Mr Pitbull very kindly assisted Ms Lopez up which had all the hallmarks of turning into a Morecambe and Wise sketch. They sung and waved their arms furiously like they were trying to guide a jumbo jet into to land but it was Mr Pitbull's attire that stole the show as it looked for all the world as if he had borrowed his little brother's high waisted trousers. We haven't had a ceremony as memorable as this since Diana Ross missed an open goal from six yards in the 1994 World Cup in USA.
So with all those shenanigans out of the way we were all set for the opening game of the tournament, Brazil v Croatia. The host nation go into this WC as one of the strong favourites to go all the way and lift the trophy and they are blessed with a host of talented players many of whom play in European teams. But for the home grown talent within the squad their season is only a few weeks old and as such are quite fresh whereas the European players have just finished their season and would probably be sunning themselves on a Brazilian beach rather than training for a gruelling month of more football. None of the pundits were giving Croatia much of a shout when it kicked but they were determined to prove the doubters wrong and as they pushed forward then Olic crossed the ball in the 11th minute only for the Brazilian defender Marcelo to poke it in his own net by mistake. This was not going according to the script! Fortunately Brazil had plenty of time and "the boy Neymar" started to pull some strings and in the 29th minute he slotted the ball right in the corner of the Croatian net to equalise. Now the South Americans started to push on but it was an element of controversy in the second half that proved decisive as frontman Fred went down with barely the faintest of touches from Lovren in the 71st only to be awarded a penalty. The Croats went crazy go nuts at the Japanese ref but he pointed to the spot and it just left that man Neymar to step up and blast it in from 12 yards, the keeper got his hands on it but couldn't stop spinning through into the net. At this point all Footcallers as one exhaled as a huge percentage had Brazil to win. As Croatia tried to get an equaliser the game opened up and in the 90th minute Oscar made a sweet little run through the middle to toe poke it just wide of the outstretched Pletikosa's gloves to make it 3-1 and no way back for Croatia. An exciting opening game proving that there although it was a comfortable win in the end there is no safe bet in any match.
And so to the Footcall league...
As mentioned, loads of you had Brazil to win all picking up one point but an astonishing 42 players had picked 3-1 and they all collect three points and nice little red square on the league table. Let's give a few mentions to some of you who enjoying the giddy heights of the top of the table after one game. Ric Robinson leads the way by stint of his numerical team name (apparently it is the hex code colour for international blue) but alongside him are Harry Hitch, Tat Wah Liu, George Relf, Nick Rowland, Clare Hawkins, Ian Barker, Anne Herring, Darren Alldritt, John Trent and the reigning champion Mr Paul Wakefield carrying on where he left off from Footcall VIII the Olympics football tournament. Keith Reynolds hung out the proverbial bunting on Facebook as he scored a perfect three as did Russ Morris, Greg Church and Bruce Wilson (I'm sure Matt will be overjoyed to hear that news). Jonathan Reeves, Toyah Wood and Simons Dudson and Dyson scooped a red square along with the man who knows nothing about football Clive Gigney.
This is all very exciting, I haven't got time to list everyone and hopefully some of you will score a three pointer when there are less correct predictions. One side effect of the expansion of Footcall is that I don't personally know many of the competitors, maybe I could ask you to join the Facebook group and introduce yourselves, it would be useful for any newcomers to let us know who else they know are taking part so we have some connections to make.
As for the aforementioned Divisions, they are all in place to populated. The Footcall board will be meeting to decide how to divide us into the respective groups. There will be ten divisions of around 18 teams and the titles of the Divisions are a tribute to the names of the official ball of the World Cup since 1970. I urge you all to login to your account and fill in the details of who you know is also taking part which will help us where possible to put you in a league with other people you know. Having said that, for sake of time it's quite possible we will randomly assign everyone.
That's Day One over and done with, good luck for the rest of the tournament, tomorrow we see reigning World Cup holders Spain enter the fray.
Until then...
David
PS. We now have the facility to post comments on this blog, but keep it clean folks the moderators will be in force!