Alhaji Righteous De Ambitious: 01/01/2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

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World Cup 2010 Blog: Final Group Stage Begins in South American U-20 Tournament

Final Group Stage Begins in South American U-20 Tournament

Posted: 30 Jan 2011 10:52 PM PST

The 2011 South American Youth Championship (aka the U-20 continental tournament) is ready to enter its final stage. Starting with ten sides in two groups, there are now six teams in one big pot. Each team will play each other once over five matchdays between 31 January and 12 February, with the winner on points being crowned under-20 champion of South America. Just as importantly, the top four qualify for the 2011 U-20 World Cup, and the top two qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.

The final six teams are:


Argentina	Brazil	Chile	Colombia	Ecuador	Uruguay

Stay tuned to find out if we’ll see any more one-man shows from Neymar, or any of the other young talent on display. The full schedule can be found on our South American U-20 fixtures page, but if anyone is wondering (and you know you are), Argentina vs. Brazil is set for February 6th.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

World Cup 2010 Blog: “Morocco and South Africa named hosts of ACN 2015 and 2017” plus 1 more

Morocco and South Africa named hosts of ACN 2015 and 2017

Posted: 29 Jan 2011 12:28 PM PST

morocco stadiums - stade marrakech
Morocco’s “architectural jewel” – Stade de Marrakech

After competing against South Africa for the 3rd time in the last decade to host an international tournament, Morocco finally came out on top. The North African country, who competed against South Africa to host both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, was selected by the Confederation of African Football to host the 2015 edition of the African Cup of Nations. South Africa, who were also in the running to host the 2015 tournament, were named hosts for the 2017 ACN.

Despite wanting to host the earlier edition of the tournament, South Africa could hardly complain about receiving their second choice…

We would have liked to host the 2015 edition. We made a presentation that we have the infrastructure ready as well as all the volunteers that worked during the Fifa World Cup to call on a short notice, but like we say, we welcome the decision as there was no losers.

And while a few criticized South Africa for riding the “coattails” of its recent success as World Cup host, it is hard to argue with a candidate that has both a ready-made infrastructure in place as well as a demonstrated history of experience hosting the biggest tournament in the world. Well, unless of course you sit on the FIFA Executive Council….

The African Confederation seems to have found a win-win solution that eluded FIFA’s World Cup voting council – though the smaller pool of candidates vying to host the tournament certainly helped broker a solution that pleased everyone. Pot shots at FIFA aside, Morocco’s bid requires much work to be accomplished to successfully deliver on the promises it made in its proposal. South Africa would have been a “safer” choice…but also a less exciting one. Fans who shelled out money to attend last summer’s World Cup are probably more likely to justify spending money to travel to another site rather than the same country in a short 5-year period. 2010 was the year of South Africa. They had their chance to shine…now it is time for someone to get a shot at the lime light. South Africa’s preparedness made them an excellent candidate to host the 2015 tournament….but it makes them an even better back-up should something go awry in Morocco.

Morocco hasn’t hosted an international tournament since 1988…despite several attempts to persuade FIFA otherwise. Their proposal may not be as flashy as some of the recent bids to host tournaments. There is no promise to build air-conditioned stadiums a la Qatar. Some might even argue that their stadiums may not be as impressive as the ones South Africa built for the 2010 World Cup. Yet despite the relative lack of bling – Morocco provided a strong case with realistic goals and targets that indicate they have the capacity and infrastructure to host a successful tournament.

Among those goals was the improvement and expansion of the country’s stadiums. There are plans to build (at least) four new stadiums to rival the size of those found in Europe. The first of those new stadiums, Stade de Marrakech, has been referred to as a “jewel of architecture heritage.” The stadium is already complete and was broken-in with friendlies against PSG (video here) and Lyon (video here) in January. In addition to the other stadiums scheduled to be built by 2015, the Moroccan delegation’s proposal also emphasized security. While the question of security is always relevant in choosing tournament hosts – it was inevitable that this subject would receive more scrutiny in the wake of the tragic attack on the Togolese bus at the 2010 tournament.

The choice of Morocco for 2015 also signals a step away from the Confederation’s history of alternating between host countries in the North and South. The choice to award Morocco the 2015 tournament after Libya hosts in 2013 means that North Africa will back-to-back editions of the tournament. Of course, one could argue that the entire 2013 tournament is an anomaly given its accelerated scheduling and qualification scheme. The 2012 tournament will take place in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

Japan Showers Itself In Gold After Asian Cup Win

Posted: 29 Jan 2011 11:54 AM PST

DV907201

For a country which hadn’t won either of its knockout games before the 90th minute mark, it was only fitting that Japan should win its record fourth Asian Cup in the second half of extra time.

All it took was a few moments of heroics from Eiji Kawashima and a solitary meltdown in defense from the Aussies, who let Tadanari Lee smash one home with enough time and space to construct a megayacht and cure cancer simultaneously.

And then they got a shower of gold. Presumably PG.

The goal:

Saturday, January 29, 2011

World Cup 2010 Blog: “Roundtable: Asian Cup Final Preview” plus 1 more

Roundtable: Asian Cup Final Preview

Posted: 28 Jan 2011 07:20 PM PST

This is the start of a new series both here at World Cup Blog and over at The Offside, in which I will be talking to our bloggers from around the world about their thoughts on big upcoming matches. Today, I talked to Aidan Williams from Japan World Cup Blog and Jack Spencer from Australia World Cup Blog about Sunday’s Asian Cup final, where one of those two sides will be crowned champions of Asia.

First off, it has to be said that after the 6-0 over Uzbekistan, Australia has a bit more of the momentum coming into the final. Jack – do you think that puts more pressure on the boys?

Jack: “Yes and No. Australia’s previous Asian cup was overshadowed by complacency and never really hitting our full potential. Respecting Uzbekistan and hammering them without conceding suggests we have a proper cohesive team this time around. However, yes it does put pressure on the team as it would normally. Matt Mckay has been a shining light so far and i have concerns for him and some of the younger players, who have little or no experience outside of the A-League. The experienced players like Cahill and Kewell must help them out with this, and we need them to perform when it matter most.”

And Aidan, similar question for you – Do you think that 6-0 performance from Australia has changed anything in Japan’s game plan?

Aidan: “Not really. The two teams have reached the final in very different ways. Australia haven’t been tested to the extent Japan have, even if some of that was of our own making. Japan will need to play their usual quick passing game, which is similar to Korea’s style and that was the match where Australia were the most tested and looked the least comfortable. I expect it to be very close and difficult and of course an early goal would help but this team has a lot of patience and belief.”

For both of you – what player or aspect of your own team’s performances so far worries you most for the final?

Aidan: “Defensively Japan have had to chop and change a lot in this tournament, and even before it with the injuries to our two first choice centre-backs. We’ve then had suspensions and other niggles causing the back four, and goalkeeper, to have to be changed regularly. This could lead to problems, and we haven’t been as secure at the back as Australia have, so that would be my main concern. Zaccheroni now has a decision to make again at the back as Maya Yoshida is back from suspension, but whether he will come back into the team I’m not sure.”

Jack: “This may seem odd but Neill worries me, as does anyone else at the back who is not Schwarzer or Ognenovski. Australia have a great defensive record so far, but it’s maybe made us too dependent on defence. Looking at the quality of Japan, namely Honda and Endo, I think our defence will be breached, and for only the second time in the tournament, we will have to go in search of a winner. It was unconvincing against South Korea, and the lack of pace in the Australia backline, mainly Neill, will probably see us concede.”

Who on your team has most impressed you this tournament?

Aidan: “There have been two standout players for Japan for me. Firstly, Yuto Nagatomo at left-back has been extremely impressive. He charges forward at will, and has the pace and skill to worry the likes of Lucas Neill. He was key in teh South Korea game frequently overlapping and effectively being a winger at times which lead to our first goal, and a host of other great chances, Defensively he is very soild too, presumably picking up a few good things from his club in Italy.

The other for me is Keisuke Honda, who started very slowly, as did Japan. But in the knockout rounds he has come more and more into it and seems to cause panic in the opposition who swarm to him at times. This leaves space for others to expolit but also means that a quick killer pass from Honda sees 2 or 3 defenders taken out of the play instantly. This was how Honda helped greata couple of crucial goals in the QF and SF for Japan so far. He is improving with every game, as he is still gaining match sharpness since prior to the tournament he hadn’t played for over a month when the Russian League finished.”

Jack: “Mckay. Jedinak was a contender, but he has dropped off a little these past two games. Mckay had three assists against Uzbekistan, which was to the contrary of pre-tournament expectations, where he was seen as a less spectacular foil to Cahill or Kewell. Yet when he is asked, he has done what he does for Brisbane Roar week in week out, i.e keep the play moving with always forward thinking passes. It takes the pressure off the forwards if they are being fed so consistantly, and means we can keep Cahill in and around the penalty area, where he is best. Cahill is not an uncreative player, but deep in midfield he just doesn’t seem to have the impact he does. Plus if you haven’t seen Mckay’s ball for Kewell’s goal against Iraq then do, it’s a wonderful ball from a difficult angle.

(And to save you a Google search, here it is:)

Special mention must go to Jedinak, whos goals have propelled us through the group stages, while also being an excellent defensive asset alongside Valeri.”

Now to turn it around, which opposing player do you think is going to give you the most trouble on Sunday?

Aidan: “Before the tournament I’d have said Tim Cahill as having seen him frequently in England I think he’s excellent, but he hasn’t shown so much in Qatar so far. Harry Kewell has the assurance of someone who’s been there and done it and has had too much class for some of Australia’s opposition so far so outfield it would have to be him. Mark Schwarzer is also class and will be hard to beat.”

Jack: Honda is the easy choice, but he can be stifled with our crowded midfield. Shinji Okazaki is another player who has come very far in a small amount of time, and Maeda is really frightening as well. Out of the three i would have to say Honda on reputation, but Maeda on current form. Neill and Ognenovski aren’t the best at marking in the world and Maeda’s ability to find space will exploit that.

(Here’s why you should be afraid of Maeda)

What is the feeling in Japan and Australia about the importance of this match, the title, and the trip to the Confederations Cup that comes with it?

Aidan: “While the Asian Cup is important, it is usually viewed as a stepping stone in the 4 yearly World Cup cycle I think, rather than an end in itself. That’s even borne out with some of the squad selections which are with a view to bringing some younger players through for 2014. However, that didn’t mean they escaped criticism after the poor start against Jordan so people do care and want them to win, and personally I think getting into the Confederations Cup would be a great boost to the development of a talented squad wanting to progress at a World level. The problem is there isn’t so much depth of quality in Asia outside of the few usual suspects, but a win will be celebrated in good style should we win on Saturday I have no doubt.”

Jack: “As always with Australia, the Soccer fans will be delighted, but i can’t see the other Australians really taking notice. They will all remember Japan from the first World Cup victory, and will want revenge for the shootout loss in 2007. The confederations cup became almost a formailty for Australia when they were playing in Oceania, but it would be interesting to see how Australia would fair off in a Confederarations cup after a time out, with more practise against quality opposition in the build up though Asian world cup qualifiers.”

Now the last, hardest and most obvious question. Give me your prediction for the final.

Jack: 3-2 Australia after extra time.

Aidan: Neck on the block time! I think it will be close and relatively low scoring, so I’ll go for a 2-1 win for Japan.

For more on the upcoming final, check out our Japan and Australia blogs.

Much Ado About Monkey See, Monkey Do

Posted: 28 Jan 2011 09:54 AM PST

That headline probably would’ve worked better were it Cha Du-Ri the Celtic South Korean international embroiled in a tremendous bit of controversy, but it’s not – it’s Ki Sung-yueng.

After scoring the first goal against Japan, something was perhaps missed by the rest of the world that wasn’t in Japan: Ki made a monkey face. Normally just another in the long line of not-quite-Stjarnan-but-still-that’s-weird goal celebrations peppering football by the week, but not here – it’s a derogatory term South Koreans use against the Japanese.

And this has everyone going…apologies in advance…bananas.

Ki’s initially said it was done at the sudden sight of Japanese flags, seen as representative of their imperialism, in the stands, though you’d have to imagine he had to see this coming given they were playing…Japan.

His defense is that it was done to highlight the racist taunts he receives while playing for Celtic in Scotland, which it seems very few are buying considering the time and place to highlight racism in the Scottish game is neither the Asian Cup nor Doha, Qatar.

But perhaps only slightly less offensive than the gesture is the headline which a certain British newspaper of questionable reputability used for the story: