Alhaji Righteous De Ambitious: 11/01/2011

Saturday, November 26, 2011

World Cup 2010 Blog: The American Samoa Uprising Continues

Posted: 25 Nov 2011 10:27 AM PST

If you’d heard of the American Samoa national football team before this week, there’s likely only one reason: Australia. A few years back, they took a beating that would leave even a ginger stepchild quaking in their boots at 31-0. They’re also the joint-worst team in all the world. But in a successful effort to stave off symmetry, they won what was to be #31 earlier this week, then drew against the Cook Islands today in their WCQ, keeping them undefeated in two. An unlikely invitee to Brazil in 2014, but a great story.

They’re also “co-ed”, which is likely unique in WCQ. And judging by the lack of hot pants on the highlights, Sepp’s yet to intervene.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

World Cup 2010 Blog: The Czech NT Partying Like It’s 2012

The Czech NT Partying Like It’s 2012

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 10:28 AM PST

The Czech Republic national team might just be the bad boys of Europe, never seemingly far from the dark side of the press or contributing to a hooker’s rent. They’d also been underachieving a bit, giving them due reason to celebrate their inclusion in Polkraine 2012.

Of course, taking it out on a detractor by singing “Radek Drulak has no cock.” in a Montenegro airport probably isn’t what the PR department had in mind.

On a positive note, the 15 other teams at Euro 2012 would love that sort of team unity.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

World Cup 2010 Blog: Stampede, Tragedy At SEA

Stampede, Tragedy At SEA

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 10:25 AM PST

The Southeast Asian Games are more of a local flavor, unlikely to get any sort of global pub unless something big happens. Well, it happened, and under tragic circumstances, as fans unable to get tickets for the final in Jakarta between the hosts and Malaysia burned down two ticket booths, while the pregame resulted in a stampede of those attempting to get in (possibly without tickets?), killing two, others injured.

Hardly a glimmering day for football. (Malaysia would win on PKs.)

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

World Cup 2010 Blog: “Euro 2012 Lineup Done And Dusted” plus 1 more

Euro 2012 Lineup Done And Dusted

Posted: 15 Nov 2011 02:52 PM PST

euro2012-1

Nothin’ left but the friendlies. Playoffs have ended, sadly for some – tragically, really, since none of the aggregates were even close – and the lineup is set with a couple of surprises, like Ireland and…no, just Ireland. The list of those who failed to RSVP is devoid of titanic names, leaving us with a heavy battle royale to be had in Polkraine.

The partygoers have been now split into two factions, one not boys and girls.

Spain & Germany

Spain
Germany

Here for the parting gifts.

Poland
Ukraine
Russia
Italy
France
Netherlands
Greece
England
Denmark
Sweden
Croatia
Czech Republic
Ireland
Portugal

The pots, which do not take into consideration that hostessing skills may not equate to footballing prowess.

Pot 1

Ukraine, Poland, Spain, Netherlands

Pot 2

Germany, Italy, England, Russia

Pot 3

Croatia, Greece, Sweden, Portugal*

Pot 4

Denmark*, France, Czech Republic, Ireland

* – Highly likely seeding. Portugal’s coefficient has yet to be announced.

This does leave the possibility of a group consisting of Spain, Germany, Portugal and France. Which, while probably not entirely optimal within the frame of the competition, would be delightful. Though utterly diabolic in its pre-tournament whining.

The draw is December 2nd – earplugs at the ready.

Your New World Champions: The DPRK

Posted: 15 Nov 2011 09:50 AM PST

North Korea Japan WCup Soccer

No one really takes the Unofficial Football World Championships seriously; it’s merely a nice bit of fun. But even with its inherent flaws – the best team ever (as in…ever) is Scotland – no one probably expected the trophy to head to Pyongyang anytime soon. Or ever. But they beat former title holders Japan (Spain -> Argentina -> Japan) today 1-0 in a WCQ and thus….everyone bow down to the DPRK.

And you can be damn sure there will be a parade in the capital in the coming days. You know – to be coupled with the celebration of their actual title in South Africa, of course.

(Though they may not even be the most unexpected champion – the Netherlands Antilles takes that plaudit.)

And yes, he was watching.

JAPAN/