UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 11

Group A: Italy (0) 1 – 0 (0) Wales

Goal-scorer: Pessina (39′)

Stadio Olimpico, Rome

 

Group A: Switzerland (2) 3 – 1 (0) Turkey

Goal-scorers: Switzerland – Seferovic (6′), Shaqiri (26′, 68′) Turkey – Kahveci (62′)

Olympic Stadium, Baku

 

The last round games weren’t the only significant football games going on, as I attended the Vanarama National League Play-Off Final at Ashton Gate, home of Bristol City between Hartlepool United and Torquay United. It was a dramatic finale with Torquay levelling at 1-1 in time added-on with a header from their goalkeeper which sent the game into extra-time. That thirty minutes couldn’t separate the two sides, so it was penalties. More drama ensued as the first four penalties were either missed or saved. However, some semblance f order returned with ‘Pools winning 5-4 from the spot and earning a return to the Football League. Unbelievable Jeff!

The reason for my ramblings about this? Well, by the time I got to Temple Meads station and despite having a lap-top ready to watch the game, the Wi-Fi on board the train just wouldn’t load the action with both fixtures already underway. Therefore it was like the old days (for those of a certain age) watching Ceefax and waiting for the updates on the BBC website. Technology is all well and good if it works, so whilst able to type this up on the train, I was unable to see hide nor hair of the major incidents from the games.

My thoughts though? Pleased for Wales to progress. It was looking a bit sticky at one point with Italy, who had made eight changes leading 1-0 and the Red Dragons down to ten-men, with the Swiss banging in the goals in a 3-1 win over Turkey. Italy through as Group winners, maximum points (9), seven goals scored, none conceded – a massive threat going into the last sixteen. Wales through as runners-up, finishing ahead of the Swiss on goal-difference, as both had four points, with Switzerland having to wait to see if this is enough to make them one of the four best third placed finishers. Turkey finished bottom losing all three games scoring just a single goal. They had been seen as possible dark horses in this tournament but left instead with their tail firmly between their legs.

 

Monday sees the completion of two more groups, with Group C games featuring North Macedonia v Netherlands and Ukraine v Austria. North Macedonia travel to Amsterdam having already been eliminated and the Dutch guaranteed progression to the knockout phase. The real interest lies in the game in Bucharest, where Ukraine and Austria both have three points. A draw or win sees Ukraine finish second, whilst for Austria to grab that spot, they must win the game, or they will have to rely on being one of the best four third-place finishers. Ukraine have looked a more adventurous side in their two fixtures at the Euros, but the return of striker Marko Arnautovic after his one-match suspension will boost Austria. For me though, Ukraine will take second spot after beating the Austrians.

The evening kick-offs see Group B come to its conclusion with Finland playing Belgium in St Petersburg and Russia travelling to Copenhagen to face the Danes. The Belgians have already secured a last sixteen spot, whilst the Finns could progress with a win, while a draw will be enough if Russia lose to Denmark. Unfortunately for Finland I can’t see them taking anything from the game and will be eliminated. For Denmark and Russia, its all to play for. The Russians will go through to the knockout phase if they win, or if they draw and the Finns don’t overcome the Belgians. Denmark too can progress but need to beat Russia by more than one goal and hope that Finland lose. This is a difficult one to call, but I think Russia will probably do enough with a draw.

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UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 8

Group C: Ukraine (2) 2 – 1 (0) North Macedonia

Goal-scorers: Ukraine – Yarmolenko (29′), Yaremchuk (34′). North Macedonia – Alioski (57′)

Arena Na?ionala, Bucharest

This game came as a pleasant surprise as I was unsure whether to tune in or not. As it turned out it was an end-to-end and highly entertaining ninety minutes. Ukraine looked dangerous from the start and Macedonia’s ‘keeper Stole Dimitrievski was called into action on a couple of occasions. He could though do nothing about the first goal on twenty-nine minutes. From a corner, a flick-on seemed to deceive the Macedonian defence and it allowed Yarmolenko to steal in at the back post to guide his effort home from an angle. Just five minutes later it looked game over as scorer Yarmolenko turned provider with a through ball to Yaremchuk who finished with aplomb. But as in their game against Austria, Macedonian fought back, and veteran striker Goran Pandev finished with a lovely dink over the ‘keeper only to see it ruled offside shortly before the break. Into the second-half and Dimitrievski kept his side in the match clawing away a free-kick from Malinovskiy. Macedonia made things interesting after fifty-seven minutes when they were awarded a penalty. It come after Arijan Ademi forced a fine save from Georgiy Bushchan with  Oleksandr Karavaev fouling Pandev as he looked to knock in the rebound. Alioski took the spot-kick only for Bushchan to save it, however, the Leeds United player swept in the rebound to raise hopes of a comeback. Macedonia continued to press but it was Ukraine who had the chance to kill off the game with six minutes remaining, when they were awarded a penalty for handball after a VAR intervention. Malinovskiy couldn’t make it count as Dimitrievski guessed right and parried the spot-kick away to keep alive Macedonia’s search for an equaliser. Ukraine fight to live another day. A mention for referee Fernando Rapallini, who I thought had a good game and it was good to see him book Ukraine’s Shaparenko for simulation in the box.

 

Group B: Denmark (1) 1 – 2 (0) Belgium

Goal-scorers: Denmark – Poulsen (2’). Belgium – T Hazard (54′), De Bruyne (70′)

Parken Stadium, Copenhagen

This was always going to be an incredibly emotional occasion given the awful events at the Danish game on Saturday and the outpouring of love and support for Christian Eriksen powered the Danes to an impressive first-half performance. Denmark got the perfect start when after only two minutes Belgium gifted the Danes the ball at the back and Yussuf Poulsen fired in. Belgium simply couldn’t get going and the Danes had decent chances to increase their advantage, through Wass and Damsgaard. Kevin De Bruyne returning from his facial injury came on in the second-half and was instrumental in turning it around for the Red Devils. On fifty-four minutes Lukaku made a storming run down the right into the box and played in De Bruyne, his neat ball onto Thorgan Hazard was swept in for the equalizer. The Belgians were now going through the gears and with twenty minutes left some wonderful interplay released De Bruyne on the left and from just outside the box he crashed home. In a grandstand finish the Danes poured forward at every opportunity. Their best chance fell to Martin Braithwaite who was unfortunate to see his header skim the top of the bar. In time added on, the Danes ‘keeper Kasper Schmeichel came up for a corner and was grateful to see the Belgian effort on the break cleared by his defence as he scrambled back to his goal. Belgium through to the last sixteen, whilst the Danes sit bottom with no points.

 

Group C: Netherlands (0) 0 – 0 (0) Austria

Goal-scorers: Depay (11′ pen), Dumfries (67’)

Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam

Statistics are useful, but never tell the whole story. Look at this game for instance. Austria had the greater percentage of possession in both halves of this game yet lost the match 2-0. It simply goes to show that you can have as much ball as you like, but if you don’t create anything with it, then its pointless. The Netherlands were functional rather than impressive. They pressed in phases as required but were at times wasteful in front of goal. The Dutch were ahead after eleven minutes from the penalty spot. Denzel Dumfries was clipped by David Alaba and Memphis Depay did the rest from the spot. He should have had a second after Weghorst choosing to pass rather than shoot himself laid it off to Depay who contrived to blast over from inside the six yard box. Thankfully it didn’t come back to bite the Dutch as on sixty-seven minutes Donyell Malen burst through the Austrian high line and unselfishly squared for Dumfries to seal the win. The Dutch through, whilst Austria have another bite of the cherry in the last round of group games.

Today’s offering sees Group E continue with Sweden taking on Slovakia in Saint Petersburg, and the Group D fixtures of Croatia v Czech Republic in Glasgow, with the Scots travelling to Wembley to face England in the last game of the day.

Slovakia caused the upset of the competition so far with their 2-1 victory over Poland and will face Sweden who took a point against Spain. These two sides have never met in a competitive fixture, and this meeting is a crunch game for both sides if they harbour chances of progression. I’ll take the Swedes to take this one although it will be close.

Interest then switches to Group D and Croatia and the Czech Republic. Croatia need something out of this game if they are to give themselves a shout of making the last sixteen. Were they poor against England, or did the Three Lions play that well? Maybe a bit of both. They are fighters and I can see Croatia storming back in this one with a two-goal win.

Which leaves us with the ‘Battle of Britain’. For this particular Englishman the nerves have already started some 10 hours before kick-off. It will no doubt be a dour old game familiar to anyone who goes to see their team in a ‘derby’ fixture. It’s a game neither side will want to lose, and England would probably be happy with a point having already banked three against Croatia. I’d love to see a free-flowing encounter with the Three Lions cruising to a 3-0 win but fear it will be more about attrition. Watching England for me is always a nervy experience and will be even more so against the ‘Auld Enemy’. Is it over yet?

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UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 7

Group B: Finland (0) 0 – 1 (1) Russia

Goal-scorer: Miranchuk (45’+2’)

Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg

I had this down as a 1-0 for Finland and although I got the score right it was Russia who got the only goal to give themselves a shot at qualification for the knock-out phase. The Finns were quickest out of the blocks, and they thought they had a lead in the opening minutes when Joel Pohjanpalo’s diving header was ruled out by an incredibly tight VAR decision for offside. The deciding goal came in time added on in the first-half and was one of quality. Aleksei Miranchuk played a one-two in a crowded penalty area then curled home over the despairing dive of Hradecky. In the second-half the Finns never got going and they were relieved that Russia were wasteful with the good chances they had to seal the game, with Aleksandr Golovin and Rifat Zhemaletdinov both narrowly off target and Daler Kuzyayev producing an excellent save from Hradecky. Three points for Russia and an interesting last round of games to come, with Russia taking on Denmark and Finland taking on Belgium.

 

Group A: Turkey (0) 0 – 2 (0) Wales

Goal-scorers: Ramsey (42′), Roberts (90’+5’)

Olympic Stadium, Baku

As Ronaldo showed for Portugal against Hungary, big games require big names to show up and produce the goods. Whilst Gareth Bale subsequently missed a penalty after the hour mark, his influence and that of Aaron Ramsey was inspirational on the night. They combined as early as the sixth minute with Ramsey latching onto a Bale through ball only to see Ugurcan Cakir save. Where in the game against the Swiss, Wales were lethargic, here they were lively and again the Ramsey/Bale combo created another first-half chance which the ex-Arsenal star blazed high over the bar. Then just three minutes before the break it was a case of third time lucky, and Bale’s ball was beautifully controlled on his chest by Ramsey and coolly slotted home. Turkey fired on by a large following came out stronger second-half and pressed Wales back. However, the Welsh had a chance to kill the game when they awarded a penalty on sixty-one minutes. Bale was hero turned villain though as he contrived to fire his spot-kick high into the Baku night sky. Cue a more nervous second period with Ward saving well from Demiral’s header with just three minutes left. Then deep into stoppage time Wales had a corner, and rather than just keep it tight, Bale produced a dazzling burst along the goal-line pulling the ball back for Conor Roberts to put the Welsh on the verge of progression to the last sixteen. For the Red Dragons it’s starting to feel like 2016 again!

 

Group A: Italy (0) 0 – 3 (0) Switzerland

Goal-scorers: Locatelli (26′, 52′), Immobile (89′)

Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Italy ominously chalked up another 3-0 win to put themselves through to the last sixteen. Whilst many will claim that the Swiss are amongst Europe’s top nations, the Azzuri did what was required and could have had more than the three goals they scored. Manuel Locatelli got the ball rolling scoring from inside the six-yard box after Domenico Berardi’s surging run and cross on twenty-six minutes and he doubled the lead ironically twenty-six minutes later with a shot from outside the box that Swiss ‘keeper Sommer didn’t move for – perhaps unsighted. However, he was at fault with a minute to go when another long range effort from Immobile skipped off his hands into the net. Nobody will want to face Italy in this form, and Wales will have the dubious pleasure of going to Rome in the final round of group games.

 

Group C opens the day with Ukraine playing North Macedonia in Bucharest, followed by the Group B game in Copenhagen as Denmark host Belgium. Thursday’s games conclude with the Netherlands welcoming Austria to Amsterdam.

Ukraine and North Macedonia both lost their opening game, so realistically a win is needed for either side if they are to progress from the groups. In terms of FIFA rankings, Ukraine sit in 24th spot with North Macedonia down at number 62. Additionally, Ukraine have beaten North Macedonia in both competitive encounters prior to this match, 1-0 at home and 2-0 away, in the qualifiers for Euro 2016, so the stats suggest a Ukraine win. The Ukrainians were unlucky not to get anything out of the five-goal game against the Dutch and they are my tip to take the win here, either 2-0 or 3-1.

Action then switched to Copenhagen where the Danes host Belgium. How will Denmark react after the tragic circumstances surrounding their last game and Christian Eriksen’s awful collapse? These things can often inspire and equally be an immense distraction. It will be very much a feature of the game, as Belgium have stated they intend to kick the ball out of play in the tenth minute to take part in a minute’s applause for Christian Eriksen. Difficult to call, but for me Belgium are one of the favourites for the title so expect them to take the three points and seal their progress.

Last up is a visit to Amsterdam where the Netherland lock horns with Austria. Both have three points on the board. In the FIFA  ranking, the two sides aren’t that far apart with the Netherlands in sixteenth spot and Austria down in twenty-third. The Dutch have won the last six games between the sides and expect them to make it seven tonight.

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UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 4

Group D: England (0) 1 – 0 (0) Croatia

Goal-scorer: Sterling (57′)

Wembley Stadium, London

When the England team was announced there were more than a few people scratching their heads as to the side Gareth Southgate selected. However, he was totally justified in his selection as England came through without too many nerves to take a 1-0 win through Raheem Sterling who continued his impressive scoring record for the Three Lions. England started brightly with Phil Foden curling an effort onto the post early on, with Sterling also dangerous and Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips impressive in midfield. The Croats settled into the first-half as Modric saw more of the ball, but it was all square at the break. The Three Lions got their breakthrough on fifty-seven minutes as Phillips drove at the Croatian defence and slipped a ball into the box, where Sterling fired in as ‘keeper Livakovic advanced. Chances were at a premium for both sides in the Wembley sunshine, with Harry Kane just not getting onto a cross and a Mason Mount free-kick which just went over bar, the best England had in search of a second goal. A good start for England, with Scotland next up, with Croatia facing the Czech Republic on the same day up at Hampden.

 

Group C: Austria (1) 3 – 1 (1) North Macedonia

Goal-scorers: Austria – Lainer (18’), Gregoritsch (78′), Arnautovic (89′) North Macedonia – Pandev (28′)

Arena Na?ionala, Bucharest

Gave this one a miss after the exertions of watching England. My only observation was on watching the highlights was who put together that shirt and short combination for the Austrians???!!! Black shirts, with light blue shorts and socks…wow. Result wise, no surprise that the Austrians took the three points.

 

Group C: Netherlands (0) 3 – 2 (0) Ukraine

Goal-scorers: Netherlands – Wijnaldum (52′), Weghorst (58′), Dumfries (85′). Ukraine – Yarmolenko (75′), Yaremchuk (79′)

Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam

Will Group C come to be remembered as ‘GoG’, the ‘Group of Goals’ as following on from the earlier game in Bucharest and the four goals served up by Austria and North Macedonia, we were treated to another five in this see-saw encounter. Despite a scoreless first-half there were genuine chances for the Dutch in the opening forty-five minutes. Within thirteen minutes of the restart though the Netherlands were two-up through Wijnaldum and Weghorst and seemingly cruising. Then as the game entered the last fifteen minutes Ukraine hit back with two goals inside four minutes. First, Yarmolenko curled one in from distance (goal of the tournament so far) and then Yaremchuk had a free header as the Dutch switched off at the back. The game though had one last twist, as with five minutes remaining Dumfries jumped highest to head home, although Ukraine ‘keeper Bushchan will look back on it and know he should have done better.

 

Group D continues today with Scotland hosting the Czech Republic at Hampden Park. It’s a game I had a ticket before the capacity was reduced but lost out in the ballot. Gutted. In addition Group E gets underway with Poland against Slovakia at the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg and Spain hosting Sweden at La Cartuja in Seville.

Scotland qualified after coming through the Play-Offs, winning ties against Israel and Serbia on penalties, to make it to the Euros for the first time since 1996. The Czech Republic were runners-up to England in the qualifiers and inflicted the Three Lions only defeat in that campaign. The Czechs won only once on the road in the qualifiers in Montenegro, losing against England, Kosovo and Bulgaria, so Scotland with home advantage may fancy their chances to get three points on the board.

Poland were group winners in their qualifiers, losing just the once away to Slovenia and conceded just five goals in their ten group games. Slovakia made it through the Play-Offs, beating both Irish teams. The Republic were seen off on penalties in Bratislava, and then ousted Northern Ireland in Belfast 2-1 AET. Poland will be favourites with the dangerous Robert Lewandowski looking to get amongst the goals early in the tournament.

The last of Monday’s games sees Spain host Sweden in a repeat of the qualifiers. Spain topped the group with 26 points, five ahead of Sweden. The margin created by Spain’s 3-0 win over the Swedes in Madrid and a 1-1 draw in the return game in Solna. Home advantage could be crucial here which might be enough to see the Spanish get off to a winning start.

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UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 3

Group A: Wales (0) 1 – 1 (0) Switzerland

Goal-scorers: Wales – Moore (74’), Switzerland – Embolo (49’)

Olympic Stadium, Baku

I had this down as a draw, but until Wales levelled through Cardiff City’s Kieffer Moore with sixteen minutes remaining, it looked like the Swiss would take all three points. Although the game was level 0-0 at half-time, the Welsh had been outplayed and had ‘keeper Danny Ward to thank for keeping the game scoreless. The Swiss will have also felt hard done by as in the closing minutes of the opening forty-five minutes they had what looked like a good penalty shout turned down when Embolo was held back by his shirt.

Into the second-half and just like the opening game in Rome, a goal came quickly after the break. Ward was again at his best to deny Embolo’s strike, but from the resulting corner the tall Borussia Monchengladbach striker outmuscled his marker to head home. From that point the Welsh looked under the cosh and Embolo continued to look dangerous forcing Ward into another save from another corner later in the half. Then with Wales looking out on their feet in the Baku sunshine, up popped the bandaged Moore with a cracking header. Suddenly Wales looked brighter although ultimately they had to survive a rocky last few minutes.

Dinamo Zagreb forward Mario Gavranovic came on for the Swiss with six minutes remaining and proved to be a handful. With his first touch he hooked home from close range, only for VAR to come to Wales’ rescue. The Swiss though weren’t done and in those closing minutes of normal time and the five extra minutes they put the Welsh backline under pressure and looked the more likely winner. Wales though saw it through for a point that they were perhaps fortunate to take in the end.

Massive credit to the 500 Welsh fans who made the trips and themselves heard throughout the match. Wales stay in Baku for their game on Wednesday with Turkey, whilst the Swiss made the trip to Rome to face Italy.

 

Group B: Denmark (0) 0 – 1 (0) Finland

Goal-scorer: Pohjanpalo (59′)

Parken Stadium, Copenhagen

This is a game that will be remembered for the collapse of Danish and Inter Milan player Christian Eriksen shortly before the end of the first-half. Incredibly, the game resumed at the players request at 19:30 (UK time) and it was a strange watch knowing what had happened. Who knows what was going through the players minds as they played out the last five minutes of the first-half and the second forty-five. Were the Danish players affected more than their opponents? We will never know. But you could argue that the two major moments of the game could have been down to the individuals involved not being fully focused. First, just before the hour mark Finland scored through a Joel Pohjanpalo header, an effort than nine times out of ten Kasper Schmeichel would save, but which on this occasion he fumbled over the line. Then with sixteen minutes left, Demark were awarded a fortunate penalty, but Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s spot-kick lacked power and was easily saved. For Finland it was an historic first win at the Euros but will always be remembered for the traumatic events surrounding Christian Eriksen’s collapse.

 

Group B: Russia (0) 0 – 3 (2) Belgium

Goal-scorers: Lukaku (10′, 88′), Meunier (34′)

Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg

Having watched the end of the delayed Denmark/Finland game, I missed the start of this fixture and in the end didn’t watch it at all. Therefore caught up with just the BBC highlights. Basically, Belgium were too strong for Russia who contributed to the first two goals through poor defensive play. The opener after ten minutes saw a ball into the box be missed by Andrey Semenov allowing Romelu Lukaku time to turn and fire home. The game was effectively over on thirty-four minutes when Russian ‘keeper Anton Shunin failed to hold a cross-ball into the box and substitute Thomas Meunier slotted home. The icing on the cake came with two minutes left, when Lukaku out muscled his marker on a through ball and slotted home. Belgium in cruise control and looking dangerous.

 

 The weekend ends with another three games, starting with England and their Group D opener with Croatia at Wembley and then two games from Group C, with Austria taking on North Macedonia at the Arena Na?ionala in Bucharest and Netherlands hosting Ukraine in Amsterdam at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

For whatever reason I just don’t have a good vibe for the Three Lions in this tournament, whether that be concerns over the defence and the associated injuries, or just that England won’t be able to back up the decent run in the last World Cup. Croatia who ended that dream back in 2018 lay in wait once again. These two have been regular opponents in recent years with England’s win in the Nations League in 2018 and World Cup Qualifiers in 2007 and 2008, balanced against the 2018 World Cup Semi-Final defeat and the two losses in the Euros Qualifiers in 2006 and 2007 (the later the infamous, ‘Wally with the brolly’ 3-2 defeat at Wembley). I’ll love to say I can see a comfortable win, but I’d take a point.

Austria and North Macedonia met in the qualifiers for Euro 2020 with the Austrians winning both games. The first in Skopje, saw North Macedonia team take the lead, but Austria struck back to win 4-1. In the return game in Vienna, Austria won 2-1 which saw them secure the runners-up spot and automatic qualification. North Macedonia finished third on head-to head results over Slovenia and had to come through the Play-Offs with wins over Kosovo and Georgia to secure their first ever appearance at the European Finals. Coming into this game, Austria lost 1-0 to England at Wembley and drew 0-0 with Slovakia. North Macedonia drew 1-1 with Slovenia and finished with a 4-0 win over Kazakhstan. The head says that Austria will prevail as North Macedonia adjust to the European stage at a higher level.

Today’s final offering will see the Dutch take on Ukraine. There have been a couple of friendlies between these teams in recent time, with a 1-1 draw in 2010 and a 2008 win for the Netherlands. The Dutch qualified comfortably behind neighbours Germany, whilst Ukraine topped their group, going unbeaten and beating current European holders Portugal 2-1 along the way. The Dutch warmed up for these Finals with a 2-2 draw with Scotland and a 3-0 win over Georgia, whist Ukraine had two victories over Northern Ireland (1-0) and Cyprus (4-0). This will be an intriguing game and could be settled by just a single goal either way.

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Book Review: Fighting Spirit – The autobiography of Fernando Ricksen with Vincent de Vries

From the cover of this book out stares Ricksen. It is a face known to the fans of Fortuna Sittard, AZ Alkmaar, Glasgow Rangers, Zenit St. Petersburg and the Dutch national side. It is a face that since late 2013 has started to shows sign of the terminal illness that is motor neurone disease (MND). This killer disease has started to attack his body so that his movement is increasingly affected as is his speech and his face now has a haunted, gaunt look.

But it was not always thus. Throughout his career Ricksen had a reputation for playing hard on the pitch and partying even harder off it. If you look on You Tube you’ll find examples of the Dutchman on the one hand scoring some superb free-kicks, whilst on the other dishing out some reckless tackles. The record books show he played twelve times for the Netherlands and won league titles in his homeland, Scotland and Russia, as well as a UEFA Cup winner’s medal. Ricksen had talent, but his career was dogged with controversy; Fighting Spirit tells this story.

The nineteen chapters follow Ricksen’s early life growing up in Limburg, and his career via Alkmaar, Glasgow and St. Petersburg, to his retirement from football in 2012/13 and a brief epilogue in which he touches on his battle with MND. The book content is as you would expect dominated by the stories that made the headlines on the front and back pages of newspapers wherever Ricksen played. These cover the training ground bust-ups, the red cards, the rows with teammates and managers alike, the drink, drugs, infidelity and the lavish lifestyle. And whilst these are entertaining to a point, there is very little depth to the book. Unfortunately, anything of a serious nature, such as Ricksen’s dealing with his drinking and drugs problem is pretty much skirted over, and as a further example, his views on gay footballers are dealt with in a single paragraph.

In terms of the tone of the book it is unashamedly ‘bloke-ish’, with a conversational style but which lapses on occasions into a stream of consciousness which is not always easy to follow. There are also a number of asides to the reader, which whilst trying to maintain a matey connection, just feel slightly contrived. However, there are moments when you sense you get a glimpse of the man under the madness of the past, a man capable of reflection; the pity is that this insight comes in the final two pages of the book:

I am the only one to blame. I messed things up so much. It was me and only me! I am not proud of it…I sincerely regret parts of it. I have hurt people – loads of them…I’m not pleased with a lot of things that happened.

 

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FIFA World Cup 2014 – Saturday 12 July 2014

Ahead of the 3rd & 4th Place Play-off game later today, Dutch coach Louis van Gaal has said, “this match should never be played. I’ve been saying that for 10 years – it’s unfair…there is only one award that counts and that is becoming world champions.”

Now whilst many may consider that the fixture holds little merit and is the game that nobody wants to play in, the fact is that when you enter the competition you know it is there, it’s part of the tournament and therefore it’s a possibility you may have to take part in it – whether you like it or not. Of course the only prize is that of becoming World Champions, but only one team can achieve that.

You might think that this game was a recent addition to the World Cup as a way of providing extra revenue and another fixture for the media to fill their pages or airtime with. However, the play-off was introduced as early as the second tournament in 1934 hosted by Italy, where Germany beat Austria 3-2.

But I digress. Van Gaal feels that to possibly end the tournament by losing two games is ‘unfair’. I don’t see it. If he’s talking about whether a coach stays in a job on the outcome of this play-off game, well again I don’t agree. A win over the Netherlands by Brazil tonight is not going to save Scolari’s position as coach.

Given that this fixture is likely to be the last as national coach for both men, how do they approach it? Do they field their strongest available team and go for the win? Do all those who haven’t played get a run-out? Surely they both want to leave their positions with a victory?

It will also be interesting to see how the Brazilian public react after the mauling on Tuesday. Will they get behind their team and come out in numbers, or will they shun the side that was widely condemned in the media in the days after the Germany defeat?

See Louis, there is a sub-plot…it’s just not all about you.

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FIFA World Cup 2014 – Thursday 10 July 2014

The second Semi-Final was always going to struggle to shine after the events of Tuesday night and indeed the ninety minutes of normal time were as damp as the weather conditions in Sao Paulo.

None of the ‘big’ names stood out as even the basics seemed to be beyond both teams at times. However, the Dutch ended the stronger of the sides in ninety minutes and Robben was denied a late winner by an excellent block tackle from Mascherano.

The first period of extra-time brought no chances for either team despite the fact the game was becoming stretched. Eventually, Argentina woke up with five minutes to go in the second period, when Palacio had a chance, but he tamely headed into the hands of Cillessen. Almost immediately a rare break from Messi created a chance for Maxi Rodriguez, but his shot lacked power. And that was that…and so to penalties.

With the Dutch having made all their substitutions, there was no option for them to bring on the penalty hero Krul. Therein lies a conundrum. If van Gaal hadn’t used all his substitutes would he have brought Krul on again? If it worked once why wouldn’t it work again if the coach believed (as he stated) in the reasoning of using a keeper with better height and reach? For me, Cillessen was left in a difficult position as he was under pressure to perform given Krul’s exploits. In these penalties though it was the Argentinian keeper Sergio Romero who was the hero with penalty saves from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder. It was another blow to hosts Brazil as their arch-rivals made it through to the showpiece event.

So no repeat of the ’74 Final in Munich, but a repeat of the Finals from Mexico in 1986 and Italy in 1990 as Germany take on Argentina on Sunday. For the shell-shocked Brazilians and the Netherlands they have the ‘pleasure’ of the 3rd/4th Place Play-off fixture on Saturday.

One last effort gents and we are nearly there.

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FIFA World Cup 2014 – Wednesday 09 July 2014

I really must stop my late night port and Stilton snack before bedtime. It gives you the weirdest dreams. Last night I dreamt that Brazil lost 7-1 at home in a World Cup Semi-Final. Really? No, please you’re kidding me – what do you mean it wasn’t a dream…

It was quite simply the craziest six minutes of a football game I have ever seen as Germany scored four goals against a Brazil side that simply imploded, and in the process tarnished the name of the great Brazilian teams of the past. Do I feel sorry for them? Not a bit. The antics of Marcelo and coach Scolari in the opening game against Croatia and their fortunate penalty in that fixture set me against the hosts from day one. And in amongst their spineless display against Germany last night, they dived and were cynical in the tackle. Okay they aren’t the only team in this tournament doing it, but for me the myth about Brazil and their tradition for the ‘beautiful game’ was shattered. Credit to the Germans they beat what was in front of them and good luck to them in the Final. Congratulations also to Klose for setting a new record for goals in World Cup Finals.

What that result does is keep alive my images of 1974; British referee Jack Taylor, that first minute penalty, Cruyyf, Beckenbauer and Gerd Muller – the incredible structure that was the Olympic Stadium in Munich. It was the first Final I remember watching and it will always take me back to a time of youthful innocence.

For a repeat of that ’74 Final the Dutch have to overcome Argentina. The game later today brings back memories of the 1978 Final in South America which the hosts won 3-1 in extra-time. Those ’78 Finals were the first time I watched most of the games and can remember staying up in the early hours, listening to the wonderful commentary of David Coleman. But the teams also met four years earlier in West Germany in 1974 when the Dutch romped to a 4-0 win – ‘total football’ with goals from Cruyyf (2), Rep and Krol. A time when the phrase, ‘the future’s bright, the future’s orange’ referred only to Dutch football.

More genius was to follow when the teams next met in 1998 and is remembered for the memorable finish from Dennis Bergkamp in time added-on to clinch a 2-1 win which took the Netherlands into the Semi-Finals. However for all those classic Dutch memories, the last meeting in the Finals came in 2006 in Germany when they met in the group stages and they played out a 0-0. We’ll forgive both teams for that one as both teams had effectively qualified for the knock-out stages.

What can we expect tonight? After last night, to try and make any sort of prediction about the result seems like madness. Surely nothing will top the events in Belo Horizonte?

Make mine a large port…

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FIFA World Cup 2014 – Friday 04 July 2014

Friday 04 July 2014

France v Germany

As West Germany these two teams have met in three World Cup tournaments. The first was in 1958 when in the Third Place Play-off game France emerged winners 6-3. The next encounter in 1982 was perhaps the most memorable and not only for a dramatic game that after finishing 3-3 saw West Germany win 5-4 on penalties, but for an unpunished ‘assault’ by German keeper on Patrick Battiston that saw the Frenchman injured suffering two missing teeth, three cracked ribs, and damaged vertebrae. The last encounter was in 1986 when in a Semi-Final Germany emerged 2-0 winners with goals from Brehme and Voller.

This could be close encounter and maybe goes all the way to penalties. With my sweepstake money riding on Germany, its Deutschland gehen!

Brazil v Colombia

In their fourteen international meetings, Brazil have won seven, Colombia just the once and the remaining six games have been draws. In fact the last four meetings have been drawn. They have never met in the Finals of the World Cup.

During this tournament both teams are unbeaten, with Columbia still boasting a 100% record with four wins out of four. Despite the number of draws between these South American neighbours this one will be settled in normal time and could be a battle between the respective No: 10?s. For Brazil there is Neymar, whilst Colombia have James Rodríguez who currently plays his club football at Monaco. Rodriguez is the leading scorer with five goals having score in every game so far. Neymar is just behind with four goals and also handled the pressure in slotting home the winning penalty against Chile in the last round.

As Brazil progress the pressure intensifies so the expectation of a nation grows. Is this the round where it all goes wrong for the hosts? Will it be James who’ll be making the Brazilian fans sit down?

 

Saturday 05 July 2014

Argentina v Belgium

Only two meetings between the teams and both at World Cup tournaments. In 1982 they were drawn together in Group 3 and in the opening game in that group, Belgium emerged winners 1-0 win a goal from Erwin Vandenbergh. Both qualified from the group but then finished bottom of their second round groups after losing both games. In 1986 they played in the Semi-Final where two goals from Maradona put Argentina on their way to the Final and a second World Cup title.

Argentina came under massive criticism for their lacklustre win over Switzerland, when Messi seemed to be the only player for the South Americans to put in a performance. Belgium have quietly gone about their business, with coach Marc Wilmots getting the most out of a squad that seems to have a strong unity and work ethic.

Messi to be the difference between the teams.

Netherlands v Costa Rica

These two have never played each other. Costa Rica the surprise package, against a Netherlands team epitomised by Arjen Robben. A man who has such talent, but prone to a spot of diving and more than happy to have a moan at the officials.

Surely the Costa Rican run will come to an end? Their captain Bryan Ruiz made his name at Gent and FC Twente in the Netherlands and it would be ironic if he could put out the Dutch.

Looking across the fixtures, it’s interesting to note that the most influential players often wear the No: 10 shirt. England’s wearer of that shirt? Rooney. No don’t get me started…

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