2022 World Cup – Sunday 04 December 2022

Netherlands 3 (2) – (0) 1 USA (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Netherland scorers: Depay (10′), Blind (45’+1’), Dumfries (81′). USA scorer: Wright (76′)

 

And so the business end of the competition begins. Draws now not an option, only victory will do whether within the ninety-minutes, extra-time or indeed the lottery that is penalties.

First up were the Netherlands and the USA. These two had never played each other in a competitive fixtures, with just five friendlies previously. The last outing saw the USA beat the Dutch for the first time way back in 2015 when they came back from 3-1 down to win 4-3. However, despite the Dutch being less than convincing so far, they were expected to overcome the Americans, joint hosts of the 2026 World Cup.

Statistics have become a major thing in football analysis, but they don’t win you games. The USA had more possession, shots, shots on target and corners than their Dutch opponents but the vital statistic was that Netherlands won 3-1. Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic had an early chance, but his effort was well saved by Dutch ‘keeper Andries Noppert and the Americans were made to rue the missed opportunity when on ten minutes a 21 pass move was finished off by Memphis Depay. The USA though then dominated much of the first half but were then dealt another blow as in time added on, Daley Blind finished from a swift Dutch break. Into the second period and the USA searched desperately to get back into the game, which they did with fourteen minutes to go, as Haji Wright got something on a  Pulisic which lopped the ball into the net. Was there a surprise yet? However, the Dutch wrapped the game up five minutes later as an unmarked Denzel Dumfries volleyed home to set up a Quarter-Final tie against Argentina.

 

Argentina 2 (1) – (0) 1 Australia (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Argentina scorers: Messi (35’minutes), Alvarez (57’minutes). Australia scorers: Fernandez (77′ og)

 

This was Lionel Messi’s 1,000th career appearance and he produced a Man of the Match performance to see Argentina through to the last eight. Australia were dogged for the opening thirty-five minutes, but the deadlock was broken by an excellent strike from Messi. If their first goal was all about a classy finish the second was all about an Australian howler. Socceroos ‘keeper Mat Ryan was at fault as he tried to clear his lines, losing possession and leaving Alvarez to roll home into an unguarded net. Despite being second best all game Australia got a lifeline with thirteen minutes to go as substitute Craig Goodwin’s shot took a massive deflection off Enzo Fernandez. And it could have got worse for Argentina as the Aussies had two late glorious chances to level. The reality was though that Argentina were worthy winners, and a draw would have been an injustice. Messi and his charges now take on the Dutch in a re-run of the 1978 World Cup Final.

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Mr. Kane questions his DNA

Ancestry…

The logo on the envelope was blinking at him from his mantelpiece. The guy from the Middlesborough Mercury, was in his living room catching up with that interview he promised to give after the disaster of the Ballroom Dancing Championships over at the prestigious Mecca of Ballroom Dancing, Blackpool.

Mr. Kane had taken his premium stars over with high hopes of winning the entire competition. Their first contest against an unfancied team from somewhere in the east, was a complete delight.

Easily winners there were high hopes of the team of which he was captain, progressing into the next round. This was after a summer of mishaps and less than impressive performances, home and away, before they faced a USA team that flattered to achieve.

The future of the team’s progression now was in the balance and a final team contest against the National Team of Wales beckoned. In a fit of arrogance, Mr. Kane had been asked by the Mercury if they could chart his progress, and many in the paper thought he would be lucky to still be captain of the team by now, though he was utterly convinced he was in it to win it…

And now he looked over at the reporter in his living room who had just asked about the envelope on his mantelpiece.

Picture the scene…

A nervous Mr. Kane, sitting with questions hanging in the air. A reporter balanced on the edge of an uncomfortable couch poised with pen hoping for some answers. In between the air is heavy with expectation but for Mr. Kane he feels it is like a trap. Given the results he has been captain for in Blackpool – that uninspiring draw with the Yanks – he is cautious over what the reporter wants to ask…

“What do you mean?” Stall for time, he thinks, that’s what to do.

The reporter, not long out of university, is slightly caught off guard. An old hand at the newspaper had told him to make some nice comment about the house in the interview so that the interviewee feels more at ease. It was a simple comment, and not without any understanding. The reporter’s uncle had gone and got his DNA tested months ago and found out he was half Swedish. Caused one hell of a row in the family, given that his father and mother had given some guy called Sven bed and board decades ago during a summer dad was away working on the oil rigs…

Mr. Kane’s response was curious. The other piece of advice given to the reporter was, that if any question gets an odd response… probe deeper… but don’t be too obvious about it…

“So, tell me, Mr. Kane,” he began. “What did you think of Harry’s performance, particularly in the Tango?”

Harry had been the subject of much abuse and criticisms of late as team talisman, so it was only naturally, thought the reporter that the chance for some redemption in the USA match would be taken.

Mr. Kane grabbed at the distraction, though he was unaware it was a distraction. He responded, “Harry put in a fantastic performance. Whenever he puts the sequins on it brings out the best in him. He had a fantastic dance, and he did previously too. I am really happy for him. He’s had some tough moments in the last year or two, but he’s shown his quality.”

Taking some notes down to record Mr. Kane’s thoughts, the reporter then shoots out with, “and the Ancestry stuff is that a bonding thing with the team?”

Mr. Kane is caught off guard. “No,” he blurts out, a little too quickly.

“Just something personal then, is it?” shoots back the reporter.

Mr. Kane is disconcerted once more. “I am not quite…”

“Oh, our readers are always curious, you know, about the man behind the headlines.” That was his favourite piece of crap he would spout at interviewees. Got him an A on a university assignment once. “Nothing of consequence, I am sure, but we like to flesh out the man. For the public. They can be so more understanding if they have a whole picture.”

Mr. Kane is not convinced but smiles, hoping that it is enough to deflect the thrust of the questioning.

“Hopes for the next match. Win I suppose?” the reporter asks next.

Mr. Kane looks again at the envelope and realises that it has been opened. Someone knows and it is not him. He was saving that for later. A quiet time and not for someone else to spoil. This is appalling. Who could have opened it? The postman? She always looked shifty. Since she started the hormone treatment, she was a different person, or so he thought…

Mr. Kane becomes aware of the air of expectation in the room and realises that he has not yet answered the last question. He can’t even remember what the last question was.

“Sorry,” he begins. “I have just realised that I have something very important to do and will need to get the sequins for it sewn on before lunchtime.”

The reporter smirks as he stands and looks at the envelope. He turns to Mr. Kane and asks, “so, if you get through the group stages, I shall be looking for a follow up interview, Mr. Kane.”

“Of course, yes, whatever you want, we can schedule that in, any time. You have my number and can give me a call, whenever suits. That will be fine.” Ushering the reporter, off the couch and into their coat, through the living room and along the hallway, towards the front door, the reporter stops at it and turns.

“Now, Mr. Kane,” he begins. “I do hope that you will be true to your word, and we shall talk again, whatever the result with Wales may be. I am used to sly and sleekit people who promise one thing and deliver nothing.”

Mr. Kane gulps. That is exactly what he was going to do. He takes in a big gulp of air, crosses his fingers and toes and responds, “of course not. We shall talk soon.”

And with that opens the front door and prods the reporter out of it.

Once the door is closed the view on either side of it could not be different. The reporter flips open his phone, calls his editor and speculates with a smirk, what might be in that contentious envelope.

On the other side, a worried Mr. Kane darts back to the living room to find his wife standing with the envelope in her hand.

“Did you know?” she asks.

“Know what?” he responds.

“I should have known,” she begins, “getting to the Championships by the skin of your teeth, then showing signs of faltering against weak opposition and ending up with one match likely to decide your fate.”

“So what?”

“You’re half bloody Scottish, that’s what…”

 

Whilst the author, asserts his right to this as an original piece of work there is no evidence that Harry Kane is half Scottish, unless you know differently, so this is clearly a piece of fiction, though we have used some words spoken by captain Harry Kane as source material.

The fact is that after the USA match where England looked at best, lacklustre, Harry Kane gave an interview where he praised under fire colleague Harry Maguire thus, “Harry put in a fantastic performance. Whenever he puts the Three Lions badge on it brings out the best in him. He had a fantastic game and he did against Iran too. I am really happy for him. He’s had some tough moments in the last year or two but he’s shown his quality today and it was a really important clean sheet.” At the time of writing many Scots are learning the words to Men of Harlech…

 

Donald C Stewart

First appeared on the Scottish Football Supporter’s Association website https://scottishfsa.org/

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2022 World Cup – Wednesday 30 November 2022

Group A:

Ecuador 1 (0) – (1) 2 Senegal (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Ecuador scorer: Caicedo (67′). Senegal scorers: Sarr (44′ pen), Koulibaly (70′)

 

Netherlands 2 (1) – (0) 0 Qatar (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

Netherlands scorers: Gakpo (26′), de Jong (49′)

 

Going into the final round the table order was, Netherlands, Ecuador, Senegal and Qatar. For the Dutch their win over the hapless hosts Qatar was no surprise, although Cody Gakpo’s reputation was given another boost as he scored again to record three goals in three games, with the points sealed by a de Jong tap-in early in the second half. The win enough to ensure top spot. Just for the record, Qatar became the first host nation to exit the tournament with three group-stage losses, finishing bottom with no points.

The real interest in Group A was over at the Khalifa International Stadium. Both sides had the chance progress, with Ecuador knowing a draw would be enough for them. However, it was the Senegalese  Lions of Teranga who came to dominate the game. Without their star player Sadio Mane there was concern that Senegal would struggle. However, Watford winger set them on their way a minute before the break coolly slotting home a penalty. The English connection continued in the second half, with Brighton’s Moises Caicedo levelling for Ecuador somewhat against the run of play on sixty-seven minutes. The Tricolours joy was short-lived though, as just three minutes later Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly’s side footed volley restored Senegal’s lead, one they held onto at the whistle.

This is Senegal’s third World Cup, having debuted in 2002 and also participating in 2018. In Russia they exited in the group stages, but in 2002 beat Sweden 2-1 (AET) in the last sixteen, before exiting 1-0 to Turkey in the Quarter Finals. England beware.

 

Group B:

Wales 0 (0) – (0) 3 England (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

England scorers: Rashford (50′, 68′), Foden (51′)

 

Iran 0 (0) – (1) 1 USA (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

USA scorer: Pulisic (38′)

 

The table before these final fixtures saw England top, with Iran second, USA third and Wales bottom.

As with Ecuador earlier in the day, Iran knew that a point would be enough. However, with what was at stake, the game lacked a real intensity. The USA created more in the opening half and deserved their 1-0 advantage through Pulisic. Iran had a late claim for a penalty rejected, but with only one shot on target in the game it told you all you needed to know about this game. USA through to play the Netherlands.

The Three Lions knew that they had their fate in their hands and dominated Wales from the off with great energy and pressing that had been missing from the game against the USA but couldn’t find a finish. That was all put right in the second half as three goals in eighteen minutes extinguished the Red Dragons and their faint hopes of progress. The Welsh looked on the ropes during that second forty-five and for many of their senior players it was their last hurrah at a World Cup. Of course (without being patronising) it was an achievement for them to qualify – yes we know the last time as 1958. However, will just leave these here from a couple of the Welsh squad: Sorba Thomas, “We don’t fear England, never have. Whether that’s football, rugby, whatever, we don’t fear England and for us why not we be the ones to knock them out.” Kieffer Moore, “can’t wait to knock England out of the World Cup.”

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2022 World Cup – Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 November

Group B: Wales 0 (0) – (0) 2 Iran (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Iran scorers: Cheshmi (90’+8’), Rezaeian (90’+11’)

The Welsh will say that the sending-off of ‘keeper Wayne Hennessey with four minutes remaining was the turning point in this game, but the harsh truth is that Iran were the better side even before the red card. Gareth Bale had a quiet game and all in all it was a nervy and lacklustre performance from a side known for its passion and fighting qualities. Was there a touch of complacency on the part of the Wales team? Were they too focused on saying what they are going to do to England without dealing with the game in front of them? Whatever the reason, Wales are now in real danger of being on an early flight home.

 

Group A: Qatar 1 (0) – (1) 3 Senegal (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

Qatar scorer: Muntari (78′). Senegal scorers: Dia (41′), Diedhiou (48′), Dieng (84′).

Thankfully the results in Group A today meant that the hosts are out. What was telling yet again was the sight of ‘fans’ hitting the exits at half-time. Proof if needed that there is no appetite for the game in the country. I just hope those who voted for Qatar enjoy their thirty pieces of silver. It’s a tournament doing nothing for the game except bringing controversy.

 

Group A: Netherlands 1 (1) – (0) 1 Ecuador (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Netherlands scorer: Gakpo (6′). Ecuador scorer: E Valencia (49′)

The Dutch have been deeply criticised by their own media and pundits back home and this display showed why. They scored early in this game through Cody Gakpo with a powerful strike but then struggled therein after although credit must go to spirited Ecuador side. The South American’s will have felt slightly aggrieved that they had a first half goal struck off, with the decision that a player was in an offside position and in the ‘keepers eye-line. However, they were level soon after a Enner Valencia scored his third of this tournament with a tap-in and could have gone ahead when a Gonzalo Plata effort rattled the crossbar. All to play for in the final round of games, with the Netherlands, Ecuador and Senegal battling for the two places to progress.

 

Group B: England 0 (0) – (0) 0 USA (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

It was mentioned more than once in commentary that this was a mirror of the Euros when England drew 0-0 with Scotland in their second group game. Then as now it was a poor  performance, but it meant the Three Lions have their destiny in their own hands when they face Wales next week. This was a return to the disappointing displays of this summer and once again dissenting voices questioned Gareth Southgate’s tactic and substitutions during this encounter. Credit though to the USA for getting their tactics right and more than deserving a point.

 

Group D: Tunisia 0 (0) – (1) 1 Australia (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah)

Australia scorer: Duke (23′)

Whilst driving I caught the last 15 minutes of this game on the radio, and it sounded all Tunisia and only some superb defending and solid goalkeeping from Mat Ryan preserved their clean sheet and enabled the Aussies to claim the win thanks to a deft header in the first half thanks to Mitchell Duke. Australia know that victory over the Danes in their final game would guarantee a place in the last sixteen.

 

Group C: Poland 2 (1) – (0) 0 Saudi Arabia (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Poland scorers: Zielinski (39′), Lewandowski (82′)

By the time I arrived at my destination (Long Eaton United v Pontefract Collieries) this game was already underway, and despite the fact that the fixture was on various screens, their seemed little appetite for the action, which is a shame given from the highlights it looked a bit of a cracker with chances and incidents galore. Whilst 2-0 looks a solid win, it tells nothing of the Saudi’s attacking threat and some great saves from Wojciech Szczesny in the Polish goal including an excellent penalty save at the end of the first half. Robert Lewandowski scored late on to seal the points and take Poland top of the group.

 

Group D: France 2 (0) – (0) 1 Denmark (Stadium 974, Doha)

France scorer: Mbappe (61′, 86′). Denmark scorer: Christensen (68′)

France secured the win and a place in the last sixteen with a late win in an entertaining encounter. Les Bleus dominated the first forty-five but couldn’t finish any of the chances they created. It took until just after the hour to go ahead from Mbappe which spurned Denmark into action and indeed they levelled on sixty-eight minutes. Both sides had chances to win it but with four minutes remaining it was the World Champions who claimed the win with Mbappa bundling in at the post for his and France’s second goal.

 

Group C: Argentina 2 (0) – (0) 0 Mexico (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Argentina scorers: Messi (64′), Fernandez (87′)

After the shock defeat to Saudi Arabia, Argentina knew that nothing but a victory would be enough against Mexico. Given that pressure it was perhaps not surprising that this was best described as a cagey game. It took two smart finishes from Messi and Fernandez to see off the spirited Mexicans. Poland await Argentina in the final game of the group stage, whilst Mexico play Saudi Arabia will the group wide open.

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2022 World Cup – Tuesday 22 November 2022

Group B: England 6 (3) – (0) 2 Iran (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

England scorers: Bellingham (35′), Saka (43′, 62′), Sterling (45’+1’), Rashford (71′), Grealish (90′)

Iran scorers: Taremi (65′, 90’+13’ pen)

 

Group A: Senegal 0 (0) – (0) 2 Netherlands (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

Netherlands scorers: Gakpo (84′), Klaassen (90’+9’)

 

Group B: USA 1 (1) – (0) 1 Wales (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

USA scorer: Weah (36’) Wales scorer: Bale (82’ pen)

 

So what of day two of the World Cup? England romped to victory over Iran, Netherlands scored two late goals to see off Senegal and of course Gareth Bale rescued a point for Wales against the USA.

The Three Lions victory was quite astonishing given the often pragmatic approach Gareth Southgate’s team have adopted in their tournament games. However, it was a bright and breezy attacking performance from England’s young guns in Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Sako which set the team on the way to three points. There was our old friend VAR which had an interesting day. Harry Maguire was man-handled at a first-half corner with no penalty awarded and no VAR check. Fast forward to time added on in the second half and a shirt pull saw a penalty for Iran. If that really was worthy of a penalty then in reality there would be a spot-kick awarded at every corner kick. Just where is the consistency with the technology?

I’m genuinely struggling to get into this tournament. I did watch the England game but really with only half an eye as I was working in my laptop and didn’t even tune in for the other two games of the day.

To add to my down mood…the pressure from FIFA, i.e. yellow cards for players, if wearing the One Love armbands. Disappointing that FIFA resorted to this and that the various nations bowed to the pressure. Well done to Alex Scott for wearing one though whilst presenting though. Another unacceptable situation from the day – the most expensive World Cup ever and the ticketing system and associated app failed for fans crashes leaving them unable to gain entry to the stadiums and missing part of the game.

Today’s games:

GROUP C: Argentina v Saudi Arabia

Argentina are amongst the favourites for this tournament and its not difficult to see why with the talent of Messi, Martinez and Di Maria in their ranks. A World Cup win would be a fitting end to Messi’s international career. Yes, the La Albiceleste have in the past have suffered opening game shocks – 1990 against Cameroon springs to mind, but it would be a major surprise if this was not a routine win for the two-time World Champions.

GROUP D: Denmark v Tunisia

Whilst Christian Ericksen has been back playing for his country since his horrific collapse at the Euros, this will be the first time as such back on the World stage in a major tournament. No doubt the Dane will take it all in his stride, and he will hope to be the spark against Tunisia who are appearing at their sixth World Cup. Whilst many of the Danish squad will be familiar to fans in the UK, the Tunisian squad is one spread across the globe. One name to look out for is Hannibal Mejbri, the youngster on loan at Birmingham City from Manchester United. A difficult one to call and a draw possibly on the cards.

GROUP C: Mexico v Poland

A South America v Europe clash concludes the opening games in Group C. Mexico qualified as CONCACAF third round runners-up with Poland coming through as UEFA play-offs Path B winners. For those looking for Premier League connections in the Mexican squad, then there is Raul Jimenez at Wolves, whilst for Poland, the Aston Villa pair of Matty Cash and Jan Bednarek (on-loan from Southampton) are joined by Krystian Bielik of Derby County, currently on-loan at Championship side Birmingham City. Of course the focus will be on the prolific striker, Polish captain Robert Lewandowski, who has had a sterling start to his career at Barcelona. These two have met in the 1978 World Final Group Stages, with Poland winning 3-1 in Argentina. Would be a surprise if there was a similar result today, in a game Poland may well nick through a Lewandowski winner.

GROUP D: France v Australia

Current World Champions France take on Australia who came through winning the AFC v CONMEBOL play-off against Peru winning 5-4 on penalties. The Aussies have six players plying their trade in Scotland – Nathaniel Atkinson, Kye Rowles, Cameron Devlin (all Hearts), Aziz Behich (Dundee United), Aaron Mooy (Celtic) and Keanu Baccus (St Mirren). The teams met at the last World Cup in the Group Stages. France went ahead through Antoine Griezmann only for Mile Jedinak to level, but Les Bleus won 2-1 with Paul Pogba getting the winner. The French will hope this is a good omen and a similar win to 2018 could well be on the cards.

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2022 World Cup – Monday 21 November 2022

The BBC were first out the blocks showing live the opening game of the competition and the hour before the first game was unlike any other build-up I’d witnessed for previous World Cups. The first thirty minutes were more akin to a political programme, as the show provided background and context from the awarding of the hosting to Qatar in 2010 whilst also highlighting the issues around the  regarding Qatar’s stance on same-sex relationships, its human rights record and treatment of migrant workers. Whilst some will have not favoured the handling of this, I genuinely believe that it was the right thing to do, in continuing to air the issues. To ignore what has and is going on and simply focus on the football as if nothing happened would be trite. Indeed, the Opening Ceremony was not shown on the main BBC1 coverage, an indication that there was a desire no to show what might be considered propaganda. This certainly didn’t feel like a celebration of the game or indeed the tournament to come.

FIFA bangs on about football being for everyone, but as pundit Alex Scott highlighted, Qatar is a venue where not every section of society is welcome.

Group A: Qatar 0 (0) – (2) 2 Ecuador

Scorers: E Valencia (16′ pen, 31′)

Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

An inauspicious start for the hosts, not just on, but off the pitch. As the PA announcer tried to whip up the crowd with a countdown to kick-off from 10 to 1, the game started with the crowd not even getting down to a count of four. Not a great start.

Then on the pitch it was evident that Ecuador were too strong from the off. It looked like Enner Valencia had given the South American’s a lead after three minutes, only for VAR to come up with an offside that sums up why this equipment, its use and interpretation are making a farce of the game.

However, it wasn’t long before Valencia and Ecuador had the goal they deserved. Saad Al Sheeb the Qatar ‘keeper who has looked vulnerable in the melee that preceded the disallowed goal, then gave away a penalty just after the quarter of an hour mark, bringing down Valencia. The Fenerbahce forward dusted himself down and calmly slotted home the spot-kick. Ecuador dominated possession and it was no surprise when they scored a second on thirty one minutes, with Valencia beautifully heading home Preciado’s stunning cross. Qatar under the cosh and struggling.

They made it to the break just the two goals down and didn’t concede any further in a very flat second period. Ecuador took their foot off the gas as the game became a training ground stroll and the atmosphere wasn’t helped as many ‘fans’ left at half-time and on the hour mark. At the whistle it was three points to Ecuador and more pain one presumes to come for Qatar with fixtures against Senegal and the Netherlands remaining in the group.

My prediction of a 0-0, well it was truly off the mark – no surprise there given my record down the years!

Group B: England v Iran (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Qualification route:

England – UEFA Group I winners

Iran – Asian Football Conference (AFC) third round Group A winners

Form (last three games):

14 June (UEFA Nations League A) England 0–4 Hungary   [Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, England]

23 September (UEFA Nations League A) Italy 1–0 England [Milan, Italy]

26 September (UEFA Nations League A) England 3–3 Germany [Wembley Stadium]

 

27 September (Friendly) Iran 1–1 Senegal [Maria Enzersdorf, Austria]

10 November (Friendly) Iran 1–0 Nicaragua [Tehran, Iran]

16 November (Friendly) Iran 0–2 Tunisia [Doha, Qatar]

Preview:

I’m old enough to remember the awful starts that the Three Lions have in the Group stages of major competitions down the years. This on paper is another potential banana skin. The Nations League relegation and fears over the teams defensive capabilities don’t do anything to calm the nerves and therefore it will be interesting to see how England approach this game.

The Iranian squad contains a sprinkling of players from around the European leagues and should not be taken lightly. Those looking for a Premier League link in the Iranian squad can find it with Brentford’s midfielder Saman Ghoddos. Ghoddos was born in Sweden to Iranian parents and made two appearances for them in friendly internationals in 2017 against the Ivory Coast and Slovakia. However, he made the switch to Iran later that year and has been part of the squad since. Additionally there is Carlos Queiroz the Iranian coach who had spells at Manchester United.

Of course my heart wants this to be a comfortable and stress free victory, but my head tells me that this could be a tight one with England nicking a 1-0 win.

Group A: Senegal v Netherlands (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

Qualification route:

Senegal – Confederation of African Football (CAF) third round winners

Netherlands  – UEFA Group G winners

Form (last three games):

17 July (COSAFA Cup 3rd-place match) Mozambique 1–1 (2–4 p) Senegal [Durban, South Africa]

24 September (Friendly) Bolivia 0–2 Senegal [Orléans, France]

27 September (Friendly) Iran 1–1 Senegal [Maria Enzersdorf, Austria]

 

14 June (UEFA Nations League) Netherlands 3–2 Wales [Rotterdam, Netherlands]

22 September (UEFA Nations League) Poland 0–2 Netherlands (Warsaw, Poland}

25 September (UEFA Nations League) Netherlands 1–0 Belgium [Amsterdam, Netherlands]

Preview:

Senegal nicknamed the Lions of Teranga are appearing in their third World Cup finals, having reached the Quarter-Finals in 2002 going out to Turkey 1-0 AET but not making it out of the group stages in Russia in 2018. Their squad is littered with players plying their trade in England including Chelsea duo, Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Nampalys Mendy (Leicester City) and Nottingham Forest’s Cheikhou Kouyate. However, the squad were dealt a major blow when Sadio Mane withdrew injured before the tournament started.

The Dutch are a squad packed with stars from across Europe and follow in the tradition of the Oranje sides of yesteryear, who have got to three finals in 1974, 1978 and 2010 but have yet to lift the trophy. The Netherlands could be dark horses in this competition, and I expect them to start off with a victory by a single goal.

Group B: USA v Wales (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Qualification route:

USA – Confederation of African Football (CAF) third round winners

Wales  – UEFA Group G winners

Form (last three games):

14 June (CONCACAF Nations League) El Salvador 1–1 USA [San Salvador, El Salvador]

23 September (Friendly) Japan 2–0 USA [Dusseldorf, Germany]

27 September (Friendly) Saudi Arabia 0–0 United States [Murcia, Spain]

 

14 June (UEFA Nations League) Netherlands 3–2 Wales [Rotterdam, Netherlands]

22 September (Nations League) Belgium 2–1 Wales [Brussels, Belgium]

25 September (Nations League) Wales 0–1 Poland [Cardiff, Wales]

Preview:

As a Fulham fan its great to see the Whites represented by the defensive duo of Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream. West London is also represented by Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic, and further representative from the English capital in Arsenal’s goalkeeper Matt Turner. Drawn in with England and Iran as well as Wales, the USA will fancy their chances of progression

The story around Wales centres on their talisman Gareth Bale and the fact that the last time the Welsh qualified was in 1958. As with the USA, Wales also include two Fulham players in their squad, in Harry Wilson and loanee Dan James.

Could be the first draw of the tournament in a cagey encounter.

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Book Review: The Making of the Women’s World Cup – Defining stories from a sport’s coming of age by Kieran Theivam and Jeff Kassouf

With all eyes on France this summer for the eighth FIFA Women’s World Cup, Kieran Theivam and Jeff Kassouf’s The Making of the Women’s World Cup is a timely and welcome read, reminding us of the unfairly stunted history of the women’s tournament, how far it has come in its officially short-lived existence and how far it still has to go if parity with the men’s game is ever to be achieved. But the overriding message that leaps from the pages of this book is of the incredible people – both female and male, on and off the pitch – who have fought every step of the way to raise the profile and quality of the women’s game and continue to do so. This book itself is part of that process and its authors and publishers deserve great credit for their contribution.

In ten insightful chapters, the book takes the reader through some of the most defining moments in the history of the Women’s World Cup – the first chapter, which looks at the competition’s early years, a shocking reminder that the women’s format is only its second decade – having been introduced, albeit in a watered-down version, in 1991 – some nearly sixty years after the men’s inaugural tournament in 1930. Viewed in these terms, the success of the women’s game is even more impressive – and begs the question of quite where it will be in another two decades. Indeed, the stories in this book show the incredible leaps women’s football has made in such a short period in everything from training and talent development to nutrition and spectators. Some of the anecdotes that are told by those who have been involved throughout the tournament’s development are genuinely astonishing, but sadly all too real. That many prodigious female footballers did not have the opportunity to be involved in a World Cup prior to its emergence in 1991 is surely one of the most poignant takeaways from this book – all the more reason to celebrate and promote the tournament today.

With the book beginning at the start of the World Cup journey, I had anticipated a chronological development to the chapters, but the structure takes a more thematic approach, focusing on some of the key players, individuals and teams who have defined the various stages of the game’s development. The main guard are well and truly covered – with chapters dedicated to the US, English, Japanese and German teams, as well as figures including Marta, Kelly Smith and Carli Lloyd. Other chapters focus on lesser-known histories including that of the Matildas – the Australian women’s football team – and the inspirational Japanese side of 2011, and the book is peppered with the names of a vast array of coaches and players who have similarly contributed to the game’s history.

I did feel, though, that the book is somewhat US-centric. Of course, given America’s unprecedented success – they are the only country to have won the tournament three times, prior to the 2019 competition – and the way they have arguably been at the forefront of the female game, this is somewhat understandable. However, it made other nations, such as, in particular, Sweden and Norway, all the more conspicuous by their absence, and indeed it would have also been nice to hear the stories of the less-dominant teams, who perhaps have had an even bigger struggle just to develop a women’s team, let alone qualify for or compete at a World Cup. Certainly, on the back of the current competition, there would, for example, be an argument for including the stories of Chile, Jamaica, Scotland and South Africa – all of whom make their World Cup debuts this year. But if there is one thing that this book underlines it is the continual drive and ambition of the women’s game – so whilst it marks the starting point of the journey, there is very clearly a lot more history yet to come, and Theivam and Kassouf have merely begun the conversation.

Jade Craddock

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Book Review: The Odyssey of a Soccer Junkie by Patrick Johnston

Odyssey: a long and eventful or adventurous journey or experience.

Junkie: a person with a compulsive habit or obsessive dependency on something.

Both the words odyssey and junkie form part of the title of this book by Patrick Johnson, and so their definitions provide a clue to readers of what is in store.

First though some background on the author. Patrick Johnston is an American who excelled as a goalkeeper whilst at Duke University and then pursued a professional career in England and the USA. Since that time Johnston has also worked as a building contractor and more recently as a freelance photojournalist and football coach.

In terms of format of the book, the 329 pages are divided up over 14 Chapters, with each (for the most part) focussing on a particular trip. It would have been good to see some images from his adventures included as this would have broken up the text, as would have starting new Chapters on a fresh page. The book would also have benefited from tighter proofreading which would have picked up on various typos ensuring for instance, the correct use of ‘to’ and ‘too’.

Of the content itself – by looking at the list of the excursions, the reader gets a significant clue as to Johnston’s particular obsession. So amongst the Chapter titles are the following; Mexico 1986, Italy 1990, France 1998, South Korea/Japan 2002, Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010 – all venues of the FIFA World Cup.

Quite simply, Patrick Johnston is a Soccer Junkie, with a particular penchant for World Cups.

In addition there are Chapters featuring the 2004 Copa America in Peru, the 2006/07 Argentinian League Play-offs, 2008 UEFA European Championship Finals in Austria/Switzerland and three trips to England for a variety of league and cup fixtures.

Johnston uses the device of a conversation with a passenger on the flight to South Africa in 2010 for the USA v Algeria World Cup fixture, to relate the story of his adventures. At the end of each Chapter, with Johnston having told the tale of his exploits, the passenger offers a reflective remark or observation, which rounds off each section of the book.

The Chapters are for the most part entertaining, with some of the stories bordering on the unbelievable. They all show that Johnston thrives on the buzz of just turning up at games and then attempting to get a ticket, with the notion of actually planning travel or accommodation often mere details besides the need to get his football fix.

In order to make this happen, Johnston is fortunate that he has connections. There is for instance his Uncle who is able to sort flights, another individual known only as the “Benefactor” who manages to provide World Cup tickets on some occasions and various friends and relatives living in a variety of countries across the globe able to provide a bed. In addition, the author also has more than his fair share of luck on occasions, although he might argue that this is down to experience, gleaned over years attending games.

There is no doubt that Johnston’s story is indeed an odyssey, with his adventures covering 24 years as he lays bare his football obsession.

However, there were issues and questions left answered. There is for instance the juxtaposition of his views on English football. On the one hand, Johnston professes his love of the game in England (through three visits in the book and also having adopted Newcastle United as his team), yet on the other is quick to portray all England fans as an undesirable mob to anyone that will listen.

In addition, there is the issue of ticket touts. They are an unwanted part of football as well as other sports. Their existence is only perpetuated by those willing to pay over the odds for tickets and those in organisations who are willing to sell tickets to the touts for profit. Johnston’s ‘adventure’ in some places relies on this trade and for me it’s not something I’m comfortable with. Whilst we live in a world where greed is considered as good and there is a profit to be made, then this will unfortunately continue.

 

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FIFA World Cup 2014 – Friday 27 June 2014

Yes I’m sorry, but I’m still banging on about Suarez.

He was quite rightly found guilty and consequently fined and given a suspension by FIFA. From my perspective he got off lightly, but that’s just personal opinion.

Whilst it is no surprise that the Uruguayan FA has appealed, I am surprised that FIFA hasn’t stated, like some other sporting bodies, that whilst an appeal is permissible, if after the appeal the accused is still found guilty, then any ban could be extended. In the case of Suarez what is there to appeal? It’s clear he bit the Italian, an action which is totally unacceptable in the game and given it is his third offence, he’s coped a ban.

The appeal will mean the story drags on during the World Cup and will then become a feature as the build-up to the new season in England begins.

What is difficult to fathom is the reaction of many in Uruguay who can’t see what Suarez has done wrong. Indeed he was greeted as a ‘hero’ as he returned to Montevideo yesterday. Are these people blind? Did they not see the incident? Now the Uruguayan press are in full-cry telling the world that this is a European conspiracy within FIFA to put down the Latin Americans.

But we know the world we live in is generally morally corrupt. Adidas for instance, look like they have no plans to drop their sponsorship of Suarez and will instead give him a slap on the wrist in reminding him of his responsibilities on the pitch. And we know damn well that if Suarez wanted away from England this summer there will be clubs willing to take him on.

Wouldn’t it be refreshing for once it someone took a stance. How naive am I…

And in the midst of it all the final group games took place to confirm the last four teams. Germany, USA, Belgium and Algeria emerged to complete the line-up for the last sixteen. Thankfully today there are no games and maybe just maybe I can get back to enjoying the action on the pitch rather than off it.

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FIFA World Cup 2014 – Monday 23 June 2014

Sunday is traditionally a day of rest and it seemed that Belgium and Russia took that literally in the opening game yesterday. It was overall a game of poor quality, although Belgium started and ended it well. In between it was nothing much to write home about. Dries Mertens was dangerous out wide for Belgium in the opening spell of the first-half, whilst Eden Hazard rekindled the game in the last ten minutes of the second-half as the Russians tired badly. The Chelsea midfielder, Hazard, provided the winner as his cut-back ball allowed substitute Divock Origi to slam home with just two minutes remaining. Belgium through and the 2018 World Cup hosts, Russia, on the brink of exit.

The concept of ‘rest’ continued into game two of the day as South Korea might have well been sat in deckchairs on the Copacabana beach for the first-half against Algeria. Their defensive display by Korea was so inept that they found themselves 3-0 down at half-time (did someone say betting scandal?), although credit to Algeria as they capitalised on their opponents generosity. In the second-half, Korea briefly rallied as they pulled a goal back, but any chance of a comeback was killed off by a fourth Algerian goal, although Korea scored a scored to add some respectability to the score-line.

So to the last of the actions yesterday between the USA and Portugal. Nani had put Portugal ahead early in the first-half and they held the advantage at the break. The goal had come from a howler from Geoff Cameron and looked like it was taken straight out of the South Korean defence training manual used in the previous game. However, the game was all about the second-half. Jones showed real class to curl in the equaliser for USA and when Dempsey headed home with nine minutes remaining, it was Portugal who were heading home. But there was drama to come, as with seconds remaining, Michael Bradley lost possession to Ronaldo and the captain’s cross was headed in by Varela. This group is still up for grabs.

The last of the group games starts later today and hopefully more drama and shocks await…

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