There is a pandemic going through the world. For most, it is a euphoric sensation, but for some it is an affliction. But for some, WOrld Cup fever is a scourge. A second plague has swept through the continent of western Europe, the symptoms of which include a lack of creativity, uninspired athletic performance, and spasms of choking.
The World Cup has been upon us for almost ten days now, and reactions to the goings-on in South Africa have been mixed to say the least. South America has greatly impressed with solid performances from Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay; to date, a South American team has yet to lose in this competition. After two slow starts, the United States rallied to draw both of their first group games against England and group leader Slovenia, and were only robbed of a victory in the second game by the as of yet unseen decision of Malian referee Koman Coulibaly to disallow the USA's third goal. So that he will be unable to committ another Great Goal Robbey, Mr. Coulibaly will likely no longer be the center referee in a match in this tournament thanks in part to his phantom call.
Asia has generally shown what was expected of them: organized and disciplined teams that sometimes lack the offensive spark to accompany their defensive solidarity, but can sometimes pull off dramatic winners from the likes of Japan's Keisuke Honda, who scored brilliantly in their opening match against Cameroon with a cool finish across goal. Africa, hosting its first ever World Cup, have at times shone (the tournament's opening goal scored by South Africa's Siphiwe Tshabalala) while also sinking (the aforementioned Cameroon squad were officially made the first team eliminated following their losses to Japan and Denmark).
But western Europe is in the stranglehold of their own expectations. Defending champions Italy are always known as slow starters, but their renowned defense is failing them. They have already given up two goals in two games against Paraguay and New Zealand, and were lucky to escape both contests with draws. New Zealand, a team that everyone expected the Italians to roll over and one that really only made the World Cup by the grace of Australia's charity (since the Socceroos flocked to the Asia qualifying group seeking better competition), managed to score first to take their only lead in their World Cup history. It was only erased by a soft penalty call in favor of Italy's Daniele de Rossi, which was then converted by Vincenzo Iaquinta. That gift of a goal kept Italy's hopes alive, unfortunately for anyone watching the tournament who is not a fan of the Azzuri (I, for one, am looking forward to a Round of 16 that does not include the cagey Italian style known as calciopolli).
The much-hyped England squad has fallen flat on their faces with two less-than-convincing performances. They are a group of individuals wearing the same jersey; I think they have yet to prove to anyone that they are a real team. Assembling of superstars has historically only worked for Brazil, and despite all their efforts the English have not enjoyed anything close to that success. Yes, their players are great for their clubs, but that's because their teams make a habit of building around them. When Mssrs. Rooney, Gerrard, and Lampard are not the focal point of their team's attack but rather one of many parts, they are nowhere near as effective. It is understandable that they would not perform as well for England as they would at club level. But that still doesn't excuse the inept way in which they stumbled through the first two games. Let's face it, the only reason Emile Heskey is even on this team is because England boss Fabio Capello likes his contribution on defense. Yes, defense. His goalscoring record for England is abysmal (seven goals, and his aerial abilities and assets as a target man are not ideal. The striking partnership of Mr. Heskey and Wayne Rooney has done nothing, and the only thing stopping the English from starting 6'7" forward Peter Crouch is their own refusal to admit that they have become that one-dimensional. Trust me, England, you have. Forsake whatever little dignity you have left and start the Grouch with Rooney. It will improve your chances against Slovenia.
Spain have yet to play their second game (tomorrow against Honduras) and their group (which also include Switzerland and Chile) would have appeared to be one of the easiest they could ask for. But after a shocking loss to the Swiss, the reigning champions of Europe have yet to display any killer intent in front of goal. While they have had chances aplenty, they failed to score in their opener. It's not to late to give up on Spain just yet, but anything less than back-to-back wins against Honduras and Chile will likely be a disappointment even if they do manage to advance. Spain have too much depth to not win out of their group.
Despite a strong start in which they crushed the Aussies 4-0, Germany's momentum did not carry over as they fell 1-0 to Serbia. Klose was sent off in the 35th minute for a pair of harshly given yellow cards, and the seemingly ferocious German side were left toothless, unable to recover from a lone goal that would likely have been scored even if Klose had been on the field.
If anyone thought those coutries were having problems, France tops the list. After two group games, the entire team is a disaster. After cussing and criticizing coach Raymond Domenech, forward Nicolas Anelka was sent home. Then, in a more recent incident, a fight between defender Patrice Evra and fitness coach Robert Duverne(which can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTjEQrge98g&feature=youtu.be) led to the resignation of French team director Jean-Louis Valentin and the boycotting of practice by the French team, who sent a letter explaining their actions and protesting the treatment of Mr. Anelka. Even though Anelka has a history of being a locker room cancer and acted unprofessionally in criticizing Domenech, it is clear where the loyalties of the French players lie. If anyone is keeping track, it's not with their coach. This team is a shadow what their talent would suggest, and Zinedine Zidane isn't around to save them this time.
As for the United States, it is easy to blame the referee for ruining the Slovenia game. I will never ever believe that there was anything illegitimate about that goal or the play leading up to it, except for perhaps the mauling administered to every American player except goalscorer Maurice Edu. But the fact remains that the team is at fault for putting themselves in a hole to begin with. Right now, the USA is a second-half soccer team. That's not a good thing. They will have to put together a whole game before they can prove their readiness for the knockout stages.
Sources:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5isPNP4bqOGXuKi6aaOat9InZGzSAD9GF38PO0
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)