World Cup 2010 Blog: “World Cup 2010 Squad Deadlines Announced” plus 7 more |  |
- World Cup 2010 Squad Deadlines Announced
- Portugal World Cup Team History
- Daily Dose: May 5th, 2010, For Charity.
- World Cup Moments: Oleg Salenko’s Half Million Dollar Boots, 1994.
- Coming Full Circle: Nelson Mandela & The World Cup Trophy
- “Brand Police” to Patrol World Cup 2010
- Brazil World Cup Team Profile
- World Cup 2010 Jerseys: Spain
| World Cup 2010 Squad Deadlines Announced Posted: 07 May 2010 04:12 AM PDT
But today FIFA finally made the dates official. We now know when the 30 man preliminary Wold Cup squads are due, when those squads will be published, and – crucially – when the deadline for the final 23 man World Cup squads is, and when said squads will be published. Read on to get informed: From FIFA.com:
See, FIFA aren’t all bad. Sometime they release some genuinely useful information. Not sure if this is just my own neuroses, but I feel much much better now I know exactly when the squads will be released. I wasn’t looking forward to the uncertainty of wondering if this or that squad is official, and how come it’s on Wikipedia but not on the FIFA website and so on. So now we know. June 1st is the official deadline for teams to submit their 23 man World Cup squads, and said squads will be published by FIFA at noon (CET) on June 4th. Turns out Raymond Domenech was right.
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| Portugal World Cup Team History Posted: 07 May 2010 02:10 AM PDT
For those brand new to the sport, Portugal is very much a household name in the footballing realm. The Euros of the new millennium, the knockouts of the World Cup, not to mention the household names – a couple of wingers who’ve enjoyed Real Madrid paychecks at one time or another in particular. But it wasn’t always so rosy. Or any color at all – before 2010 they’d only made four World Cups in their history, attempting to qualify for seventeen. But for their short history, they’ve provided enough drama to fill a thousand World Cups. World Cup 1966 – England
It was to be the most brilliant of starts, a first minute goal from Jose Augusto; his second would win the game, and they would beat Hungary in their first ever World Cup game, 3-1. The second game was against Bulgaria: 3-0, with Eusebio getting his first of many. That meant a third group date with Brazil – Pele’s Brazil. However, the greatest of all-time was injured, and would leave even more injured – he’d take an absolute beating – as the game would descend into infamy. But for all its infamy, Brazil would concede a header to a man 158cm tall, Simoes, while Eusebio was extraordinary, scoring twice, and Portugal ran out group winners with a perfect record. Brazil, on the other hand, went home. They’d get North Korea, the great giant slayers of Italy, and if Eusebio was extraordinary against Brazil, he was on another planet against North Korea, and largely because the defense wasn’t. By the 25th, it was 3-0 North Korea. Then Eusebio took over. One of the great individual games in World Cup history. Five to three, and to the semifinals they’d go. Watching that first Eusebio goal, you really get a glimpse of his legendary speed – the way he closed the gap within three steps on a ball seemingly too strong is just incredible. The fourth, the penalty he wins then converts, simply confirms his blazing pace. In the semifinals, they’d meet England. Historians will remember that in ‘66, this clearly couldn’t have gone well. England hadn’t scored a goal yet, and they had the advantage of playing at home. Liverpool – Goodison Park – was the venue, until it wasn’t, because English officials preferred Wembley, obviously, so it was moved to Wembley. Controversial move one. Eusebio also had four goals chalked off for offside – but there’s no video available to determine the merits. Eusebio would eventually get his good goal, in the 82nd via a penalty, but it was too little, too late: England 2 – Portugal 1. The Portuguese would then win the third-placed game including, yes, a Eusebio penalty. And with that, Eusebio would have nine goals off four penalties – the former led the tournament, the latter set a record. A bittersweet World Cup debut for Portugal; the rise of a superstar in Eusebio. World Cup 1986 – MexicoAnd the disappointment would have to linger for 20 years, because that’s how long it took for Portugal to make another World Cup. All those years of the great Eusebio and just one World Cup. Their return would descend into madness: the Saltillo Affair. Due to insufficient bonuses and “poor conditions” to paraphrase – a more elaborate explanation here – the players threatened a strike before the tournament, this after Antonio Veloso had failed a drug test. It was a horrendous start before their first game against old nemesis England. The wheels had fallen off and expectations had followed in suit. And then came revenge: 1-0 to Portugal. After all the drama, they’d won the first game. Then the wheels would come off again – on the pitch this time. They’d fall 1-0 to Poland, which brought forth the all-important final game against Morocco. A game they probably should’ve won, but succumbed to victory, and then got to leave Mexico for real. The loss to Morocco might’ve been preferable to the treatment they got at home though. World Cup 2002 – South Korea/Japan
The first game was against the US; a game which they were expected to win. They didn’t: 3-2 US, the game a Himalayan climb at 3-0 in the 36th. The second game, against Poland, couldn’t have been more different. Pauleta flew left, right and all over the place with a hat-trick in a 4-0 thumping. The hosts – well, one of them, South Korea – then beckoned in the final match, a decider, just as in ‘86 – and ‘86 would be repeated. Within a half hour Joao Pinto would be sent off; by the seventieth, it was down to nine; and at the final whistle, 1-0 South Korea. Dashed expectations once again. World Cup 2006 – Germany
This time, there would be no first round exit – they drew a rather easy group and dispatched of it as such: 1-0 Angola; 2-0 Iran; 2-1 Mexico. And then the fun began. If not for the controversy surrounding their next game, you could be excused for forgetting just who won the card fest known as the Battle of Nuremberg: 16 cards, 9 yellows for Portugal – both records. It earned four eventual reds and ref Valentin Ivanov World Cup infamy. Maniche scored, Portugal won, but the lasting images from the game, and partially the tournament, are all those pretty colors running wild. The quarterfinal against England was defined by two things: The Wink and keeper Ricardo. One hour on, Wayne Rooney was sent off for a stamp, the ref perhaps aided by club teammate Cristiano Ronaldo’s convincing, who then infamously winked to the bench after Rooney had gone. All drama, all the time. And then it went to penalty kicks where Ricardo was simply heroic, saving 3 of 4 and putting Portugal into the semis. Forty years on, a semifinal. There the heroics would end, and so too would advancement in the tournament: a 1-0 loss to France in the semifinal on a penalty and a loss to hosts Germany, 3-1, put them into fourth. A semifinal loss always crushing, but a far cry from two straight disappointing first round exits.
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| Daily Dose: May 5th, 2010, For Charity. Posted: 06 May 2010 06:10 PM PDT Got, got, got need’s sticker collection-turned-art being exhibited for charity.
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| World Cup Moments: Oleg Salenko’s Half Million Dollar Boots, 1994. Posted: 06 May 2010 04:48 PM PDT
Would you pay half a million dollars for a pair of used, 16 year old football boots? Would anyone of sane mind, for that matter? Oleg says if someone from Russia or the Ukraine matches the bid, the boots will stay at home, where he’d prefer. A nice ideal, but I’d prefer someone launch a bidding war, not to cease unless Oleg Salenko’s boots blow Picasso out of the water.
It took only 15 minutes for Salenko to get started, and it actually only took him sixty minutes to set the record for most goals in a 6-1 Russian win. What’s pretty funny is that on five goals, he took five touches. So technically, that’s $100,000 a touch. Who thinks modern footballers are overpaid now? An extraordinary accomplishment, but do note the title of this YouTuber may or may not be a slight embellishment:
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| Coming Full Circle: Nelson Mandela & The World Cup Trophy Posted: 06 May 2010 03:54 PM PDT
2004 Back in 2004 when they announced the winner of the right to host the 2010 World Cup, a giddy Nelson Mandela was in attendance with the World Cup trophy (above), and so were his tears. Moments like this sends flashes aflutter – the hearts of photogs too. Six years later the World Cup has made it back into the hands of Mandela, and he’s no less thrilled. The smile tells the story.
There will be a number of iconic, timeless photos to come out of the World Cup, and this might just be one. Nelson Mandela with his hand on the trophy, a big youthful grin across his 91 year old face.
2010
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| “Brand Police” to Patrol World Cup 2010 Posted: 06 May 2010 12:10 PM PDT
Let’s look at this from FIFA’s perspective. They’ve sold World Cup rights to people like, say, Coca-Cola, and so it’s fair that Coca-Cola and no one else get to use the official World Cup logo on their fizzy brown drinks. All’s good. But this goes a little further. According to this story, FIFA sees its trademarks as:
We know from FIFA’s battle with budget South African airline Kulula that they’re willing to treat any variations of those themes as hostile. If you didn’t click that link, Kulula’s “Unofficial National Carrier of the You-Know-What” advertising slogan was considered far too specific. Which is a bit worrying. So pretty much any reference to the World Cup will result in a visit from the brand police. Anyone selling food, drinks or anything else around stadiums apparently can’t reference the reason everyone’s there in the first place, or else they’ll hear “Unauthorized logo! Swarm! Swarm! Swarm!” OK, maybe it won’t be that dramatic. But there is a more serious point here. Companies like Coca-Cola are going to make fortunes from the World Cup. Small-time vendors are not going to put a dent in those profits. Factor in the idea that the World Cup might not be of any long term help to the South Africa economy, and the whole thing starts to feel very unfair. Also, remember WorldCupBlog is 100% unofficial, so check no one is looking over your shoulder if you read us near a World Cup stadium.
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| Posted: 06 May 2010 10:10 AM PDT
The 2010 version of Brazil boasts some of the best players in the world, but are noticeably less celebrityish than the 2006 team. And also noticeably less chunky. Brazil will be in Group G, along with North Korea, Cote d’Ivoire and former colonial occupiers Portugal. That game against Portugal comes last in the group, but probably first in the minds of Brazil fans. If there’s something to play for in that game, then be sure not to miss it. Read on for the profile, including a stepover-tastic Robinho video compilation… Nickname: Known as the Seleção (Selection) or Canarinho (Little Canary). FIFA World Ranking as of April 28th 2010: #1 Group G Matches: Kit: That famous canary yellow shirt, blue shorts, white socks.
Most of this centers around Brazil’s approach under Dunga. He’s not your all out attacking type who lives for samba and stepovers. Dunga plays with two defensive mids and a sound tactical plan, leaving less space in the team for fantasy players like Ronaldinho (who has not been a favourite). My personal opinion is that Dunga’s approach is working because it gives a solid defensive foundation for the attacking players to stand on and that you can’t argue with a team that keeps winning. But then I’m not a Brazil fan. That said, if Dunga wins the World Cup this year then I’d imagine the complaints will dry up. Key Players: We’re going to have to miss a few out, because Brazil has so much talent to choose from. Starting from the very back, Julio Cesar is having a very respectable season in goal for Inter. More about Julio Cesar on his wife’s blog. The two right backs competing for the #2 shirt are Maicon and Dani Alves. Maicon seems to have the edge at the moment, but both are unstoppable going forward.
Going forward, there are all kinds of options. With defensive midfielders like Gilberto Silva and Felipe Melo backing him up, Real Madrid’s Kaka will provide the attacking thrust. In 2006 he was somewhat crowded out by Ronaldinho. Not this year, because in 2010 that midfield will be all about Kaka. The actual forward line will likely feature Robinho out wide, from he’ll provide his trademark mix of brilliance, petulance and lollipops. Whatever happens, should make for some good viewing. But arguably the most important man in Brazil’s attack is Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano. He’ll be the lone proper striker that the like of Robinho and Kaka will revolve around, will definitely score goals, but will be much more of a willing team player than Ronaldo and Adriano were in 2006. Player with best YouTube video: Because Ronaldinho probably won’t make it, the YouTube honours go to Robinho: Player with best name: I like Alexandre Pato. Not his real name, but still a good one. Player with best nickname: Has to be Givanildo Vieira de Souza, who plays professional football with the name Hulk on his back. Qualification: It wasn’t perfect. There were defeats to Bolivia and Paraguay mixed in there. But Brazil topped the CONMEBOL table, scoring more goals than anyone else and conceding fewer. Luis Fabiano was second top scorer in South American qualifying with nine goals, plus Kaka and Nilmar both bagged five each. National Anthem: Hino Nacional Brasileiro (The Brazilian National Anthem) World Cup History: Been to every World Cup tournament, and won the trophy five teams. Most successful World Cup team in history. Expectations: Brazil expects to win this tournament. I’m assuming anything less would be considered a failure. Squad: TBA. Blog: Follow Duvel on Brazil World Cup Blog. - More World Cup 2010 Team Profiles.
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| Posted: 06 May 2010 08:13 AM PDT
Looks like the individualistic style will have to come from the football, then. Adidas has run out nearly identical kits for Spain – the home red and the black away – which mirror their “generic” line for the 2010 World Cup. At least on the front. In the back it’s all party, all the time. Does this make the Spanish kit the World Cup shirt equivalent of the mullet? It just might. Spain Home Shirt
Want one? Find your 2010 Spanish home shirt in our store. But it’s very simple and very much cut from the adidas World Cup 2010 line. Not necessarily bad, but bland. However, on the back you have La Furia Roja (Spanish nickname – The Red Fury) written in Gothic font across the upper collar. And if you didn’t know better, you’d think they were in an East Los Angeles gang. Adidas really dropped the ball in not plastering in giant letters across the abdomen in an arc.
Spain Away Shirt
It definitely looks good – I’ve always enjoyed the contrast of black and red, even if minimal – but it also bears a striking resemblance to the black away kits of Mexico and Germany, both by adidas. Not even trying to fool us with the color. The German away kit is, as Daryl put it, “black with a touch of red”. Sound familiar? Though the Spanish flag is quite apparent in the three adidas lines down the arms – red, yellow, red – and that’s a nice touch. And then in the back it’s all party with a black-on-black tramp stamp in the lower lumbar portion, probably a butterfly, which really makes the kit.
Perhaps not a butterfly. It looks more like a third eye, maybe Xavi’s – the one he uses to see the passes only he can. (Any actual information welcome.) It also has the same Gothic font across the top in R.F.E.F., or Real Federación Española de Fútbol – the Spanish football governing body. No secret messages there. Unless…. One thing easily agreed upon is their marketing – sending undercover players into the stores as salesmen. Every country should be doing this. (And is it me, or does David Silva fit in seamlessly working the floor of a sporting goods store?)
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Remember last month I was trying a bit of 
It’s the synergy of the past and present, it is. Oleg Salenko, he who became famous for scoring a record five goals in a single World Cup game, put those shoes (famous shoes?) up for sale and someone bit: 
FIFA has outlined how it will protect its logos and sponsors during the World Cup. Basically there’s going to be a squad of “brand police” who will patrol around World Cup 2010 stadiums looking for anything that isn’t 1,000% official.
Brazil are the most successful team in World Cup history with five trophies. That’s a fact. But like all successful champions, the team is now obsessed with landing number six. Especially after the massive expectation and subsequent disappointment that was the 2006 trip to Germany.
Coach: The one, the only, the Dunga. As a player, he captained Brazil to a World Cup win in 1994. As head coach he cleared away a lot of the old wood from 2006, and has so far won the Copa America, the Confederations Cup, and finished top of South American qualifying. Not bad for your first coaching job. Yet Dunga is still not particularly popular as Brazil coach.
Captain and centre back Lucio (pictured left) is the foundation of the team. At 31 he’s possibly at his peak and is the sort of man that other players are happy to follow. He’s the defender John Terry wishes he could be. He’s also the sort of man you could envision lifting a World Cup above his head.
When playing with such flair, such panache, not to mention toting a European trophy in behind, rolling in style is mandatory. And style often means fresh, new, crisp.
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