England's World Cup adventure came to a crushing end at the hands of Germany on Monday when the Three Lions were defeated 4-1, with now immediate calls for Fabio Capello to resign as manager. It was not without its controversy, as with every other game involving the two nations as Frank Lampard had a clearly legitimate goal disallowed when at 2-1 behind.
Although clearly shellshocked over the disallowed effort, England were resoundingly beaten. The manner of the defeat possibly just goes to show the huge ongoing problem of player development in the country. To rely on players who have failed to succeed in previous international tournaments in the past six to 10 years like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, John Terry, Emile Heskey, Ashley Cole and Wayne Rooney, has revealed the extent to which the country is producing raw, prodigious talent.
So is England's failings at the World Cup down to the players entirely? You cannot solely pin it down on the inadequacies of the players on show, as much as we the publoc want to. Rooney, Gerrard, Lennon, Cole, Johnson - players tipped to make a big impact offensively, failed to deliver. They are all talented, and when at their best, can be devastating. So it must be down to the system put in place my manger Capello.
Capello persisted with a 4-4-2 formation that was destined to flop. The first game against USA proved how one dimensional England became, and lacked defensive protection when Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey broke forward. Hardly world-class players those two were, but were made to look like it against a disfunctional defensive line that was without its captain, Rio Ferdinand.
The performance against the Americans set a presidence throughout the tournament of a lack of attacking prowess and defensive inefficiencies. Against Algeria, England's inabilities of passing a ball reared its head once again, where Lampard and fellow midfielders were unable to keep possession for a sustained period, and consequently becoming ineffectual in attack. The team barely mustered a clear chance the whole game, and could have easily conceded against the north African nation. Slovenia was a much better display than against the Algerians, with England at least showing some attacking purpose, but were susceptible to the Slovenian counter-attack. There were warning signs to take to the knockout stages. England's defence could be easily breached.
During the group games, I could not understand Capello's decision to select Carragher for the second half against USA and the whole game against Algeria. Terry and Carragher do not exactly emitt something anywhere near to a rock-solid partnership. Old, prone to a lapse of concentration, and a lack of true pace. Capello was severly hindered by the non-presence of Rio Ferdinand, but it should not detract from the fact that England were shambolic at the back throughout.
Then there was up front. Heskey partnered Rooney during the first two group games, with Capello keeping faith with the partnership that shone during qualification. The inept predatory abilities of Heskey was on show against the US, missing a one-on-one sitter when at 1-1. It was unbearable to watch. The partnership just did not work in general. Rooney sat so deep in midfield, he didn't know where his strike partner was the majority of the time. Then stepped up Jermain Defoe, whose only goal against Slovenia rescued England from an embarrassing exit from a seemingly easy group.
Against Germany, England's defensive unit, or lack of it, was cut open at will by four-pronged attack of Mesut Ozil, Lucas Podolski, Thomas Mueller and Miroslav Klose. Neither had to work extremely hard to get their rewards - the lack of cohesion cost England. It was as embarassing to watch as the attacking performance, with the possible exemption of the Lampard, whose goalbound effort was embarassingly wrongly ruled out by an assistant referee, no one covered themselves in glory.
There will be calls for technology, and next month's the international football committee board meeting in Cardiff will take place to discuss whether any form of technology should make an appearance in football matches.
We should not blame referees as the cause of defeat, but the FA should take a good hard look at themselves and see what they have done to the English game. That's the thing: what is it have they done?
Monday 28 June 2010
Tuesday 22 June 2010
Portugal in seventh heaven, England frustrate yet again
The second round of matches in the World Cup brought more of an entertaining football spectacle as teams look to assert themselves in their groups. Pre-tournament favourites Argentina and Brazil comfortably won their matches against South Korea and Ivory Coast respectively to virtually seal their passage to the last 16. Holland have also looked reasonably assured, beating Japan, but the main talking point of the tournament so far is how the biggest European teams have struggled.
Despite Spain winning 2-0 over Hondouras on Monday through two David Villa strikes, his first a delicious curler into the far corner, they looked quite susceptible in defence and lacking potency in attack despite the slick passing style they play and boasting the two best strikers in the world, Villa and Fernando Torres. Nerves did come into play, especially coming under pressure from the defeat to Switzerland, and finding out that Chile, who had won the opening game, defeated the Swiss to leave Spain with the highly possible prospect of meeting Brazil in the last 16. I think the arrival of Cesc Fabregas gave Spain an attacking purpose against the Central American side and a willingness for a midfielder to get in behind opposition defence.
I am not the only one to be incredibly dissapointed with England's performance on Friday against Algeria. It was insepid, players showed little desire to take the game by the scruff of its neck, and England had Emile Heskey doing stepovers. He would be the last person you would think of capable of unlocking an opponent's defence, even Algeria. Fabio Capello is stubborn, no doubt about it. The Italian believes Heskey is key to the team to bring the best out of its key goalscorer, Wayne Rooney. But so far in these two games, there has been little sign that the two have been able to provide any threat.
His tactics and managerial preparation has also been called into question. I don't fully support his policy of naming his side two hours before a kick-off, even if it is a successful formula in his managerial career thus far. Players train for a few days not knowing whether they will be in the first 11 on matchday, when possibly concentrating on the opponent would claim more prudence in priorities. The media have spoken with regards to formation, and it does seem unanimous: a 4-4-1-1 system must be employed. The main concern is Gerrard has never played together with Rooney as an offensive partnership. It is a tough problem for Capello, as is the decision to deploy Joe Cole down the left flank in place of Gerrard, who was a major dissapointment against Algeria in the same role.
There was very little balance. I certainly got the impression of that when Gerrard slowly drifted infield as the match progressed. The system lacked potency - Ashley Cole was unable to maraud down the left as he was occupied with keeping Karim Ziani and the opposition right-back (his name escapes me) quiet, which he was unable to do, not entirely his fault but more so the system. The decision to reinstate James into the starting line-up was also bold, but to the detriment of Robert Green's England career. That had to have mentally ruined the West Ham goalkeeper. I just hope there will few clangers at Upton Park this coming season. Not that he or West Ham fans should be thinking of that, England still have to get out of the group.
Slovenia should be an easy test. England beat the Balkan nation 2-1 last year in an unconvincing fashion at Wembley. I think the players and fans hope for a repeat, even if the performance is dire, England must win to keep their World Cup ambitions alive for at least another few days.
France have absolutely crumbled in this tournament. Reports of player unrest in the French camp, with the fitness coach having an altercation with captain Patrice Evra disintegrating French spirit. These astonishing chain of events happened long before France jetted off to South Africa. Manager Raymond Domenech has been criticised by the French press for being incredibly stubborn, narrow-minded and for not instilling confidence and unity in the French contingent. All of the unsettling air in the camp came to a crescendo at half-time when France were held 0-0 at half-time against Mexico when Nicolas Anelka reportedly verbally insulted Domenech. The striker did not return to the pitch in the second half, and eventually capitulated to a 2-0 defeat. Domenech was seen standing against the dugout, looking as if he was not bothered about enocouraging his players. A shambolic performance capped by a shockingly awful manager, irrespective of their finalist appearance at the 2006 World Cup.
Portugal smashed seven past a tired North Korean side evidently lacking in attacking quality. Despite the North Korean's work ethic, they were gradually undone by the class of Portugal's midfield and Cristiano Ronaldo, who cut a subdued figure for most of the first half where Portugal left the period only one goal in front.
Holland virtually confirmed their spot in the second round with an unconvincing win over Japan. Wesley Sneijder broke the deadlock in the 55th minute lashed a powerful right-foot shot that only keeper Elji Kawashima could only deflect into the net when well placed to make a save.
The European teams haven't fared well, and it seems that the Asian and South Americans teams are beginning to find their feet in this tournament. Let see if things take a turn for the unexpected in the final round of games.
Despite Spain winning 2-0 over Hondouras on Monday through two David Villa strikes, his first a delicious curler into the far corner, they looked quite susceptible in defence and lacking potency in attack despite the slick passing style they play and boasting the two best strikers in the world, Villa and Fernando Torres. Nerves did come into play, especially coming under pressure from the defeat to Switzerland, and finding out that Chile, who had won the opening game, defeated the Swiss to leave Spain with the highly possible prospect of meeting Brazil in the last 16. I think the arrival of Cesc Fabregas gave Spain an attacking purpose against the Central American side and a willingness for a midfielder to get in behind opposition defence.
I am not the only one to be incredibly dissapointed with England's performance on Friday against Algeria. It was insepid, players showed little desire to take the game by the scruff of its neck, and England had Emile Heskey doing stepovers. He would be the last person you would think of capable of unlocking an opponent's defence, even Algeria. Fabio Capello is stubborn, no doubt about it. The Italian believes Heskey is key to the team to bring the best out of its key goalscorer, Wayne Rooney. But so far in these two games, there has been little sign that the two have been able to provide any threat.
His tactics and managerial preparation has also been called into question. I don't fully support his policy of naming his side two hours before a kick-off, even if it is a successful formula in his managerial career thus far. Players train for a few days not knowing whether they will be in the first 11 on matchday, when possibly concentrating on the opponent would claim more prudence in priorities. The media have spoken with regards to formation, and it does seem unanimous: a 4-4-1-1 system must be employed. The main concern is Gerrard has never played together with Rooney as an offensive partnership. It is a tough problem for Capello, as is the decision to deploy Joe Cole down the left flank in place of Gerrard, who was a major dissapointment against Algeria in the same role.
There was very little balance. I certainly got the impression of that when Gerrard slowly drifted infield as the match progressed. The system lacked potency - Ashley Cole was unable to maraud down the left as he was occupied with keeping Karim Ziani and the opposition right-back (his name escapes me) quiet, which he was unable to do, not entirely his fault but more so the system. The decision to reinstate James into the starting line-up was also bold, but to the detriment of Robert Green's England career. That had to have mentally ruined the West Ham goalkeeper. I just hope there will few clangers at Upton Park this coming season. Not that he or West Ham fans should be thinking of that, England still have to get out of the group.
Slovenia should be an easy test. England beat the Balkan nation 2-1 last year in an unconvincing fashion at Wembley. I think the players and fans hope for a repeat, even if the performance is dire, England must win to keep their World Cup ambitions alive for at least another few days.
France have absolutely crumbled in this tournament. Reports of player unrest in the French camp, with the fitness coach having an altercation with captain Patrice Evra disintegrating French spirit. These astonishing chain of events happened long before France jetted off to South Africa. Manager Raymond Domenech has been criticised by the French press for being incredibly stubborn, narrow-minded and for not instilling confidence and unity in the French contingent. All of the unsettling air in the camp came to a crescendo at half-time when France were held 0-0 at half-time against Mexico when Nicolas Anelka reportedly verbally insulted Domenech. The striker did not return to the pitch in the second half, and eventually capitulated to a 2-0 defeat. Domenech was seen standing against the dugout, looking as if he was not bothered about enocouraging his players. A shambolic performance capped by a shockingly awful manager, irrespective of their finalist appearance at the 2006 World Cup.
Portugal smashed seven past a tired North Korean side evidently lacking in attacking quality. Despite the North Korean's work ethic, they were gradually undone by the class of Portugal's midfield and Cristiano Ronaldo, who cut a subdued figure for most of the first half where Portugal left the period only one goal in front.
Holland virtually confirmed their spot in the second round with an unconvincing win over Japan. Wesley Sneijder broke the deadlock in the 55th minute lashed a powerful right-foot shot that only keeper Elji Kawashima could only deflect into the net when well placed to make a save.
The European teams haven't fared well, and it seems that the Asian and South Americans teams are beginning to find their feet in this tournament. Let see if things take a turn for the unexpected in the final round of games.
Wednesday 16 June 2010
World Cup begins in unspectacular fashion after first round of matches but vuvuzelas are the main talk in South Africa
What's all the fuss about? This World Cup has been brilliantAll the teams participating in the 2010 World Cup have now played at least once, and was relatively surprised at the limited number of goals in South Africa. Spain's defeat to Switzerland was the main shock so far, while North Korea brought their 'A' game of sheer work-rate against Brazil's most technically-gifted stars in the world. As for England, problems in defence, and more notably, in goalkeeping, surfaced. France were shot-shy, and the host nation annoyed the world of the incessant drone of the vuvuzela - a horn instrument that characterises a big part of South African culture.
The Jabulani ball also sparked controversy, with goalkeepers such as Ilker Casillas, Gianluigi Buffon and David James complaining about how the ball travels in flight. The ball has also meant players were ballooning their shots over the crossbar, which also suggests the difficulty of keeping the Jabulani in control.
England's game against USA last weekend was the nation's talking point. Jabulani or no Jabulani, goalkeeper Robert Green should have saved that. ITV pundits, probably not always the most inciteful analysts, were also surprised why Green did position his whole body behind to scoop the ball into his grasp. It was a keeper's regulation save. It should've been made, but unfortunately not on Saturday. In the end, it cost England the win. The 4-4-2 formation also made England very predictable and showed little cohesion and calmness in possession. It has been a constant problem for the country, but manager Fabio Capello hopes to stem the problem by bringing Gareth Barry back to his starting line-up against Algeria.
The press and television pundits have been urging England to adopt a more controlling 4-4-1-1 formation, with Steven Gerrard playing off the front man Wayne Rooney. In does look to be a good formation: Gerrard can pick up space in between the opposition's defence and midfield and could cause a great threat from that position, an area he is so comfortable to playing at club level. But back in 2002, the nation was campaigning for Michael Ricketts to get a call-up into the England side. He did, against Holland, and it didn't turn out to be a wise move due to his extremely disappointing and nonchalant performance.
I was surprised about how Spain lined up against Switzerland. The fundamental part of Spain's Euro 2008 success was the partnership of Fernando Torres and David Villa. Although Torres remains relatively unfit, it would have been no harm for him to play for at least an hour. And manager Vicente Del Bosque chose not to start Cesc Fabregas. Although Spain's passing was highly praised, there was hardly any penetration through the Swiss defence. It's all good and well passing the ball to centre-backs Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol at the halfway line, but if there is a lack of willingness to run with the ball towards the box, the Swiss would find it much easier to defend against, which they did.
Brazil also stuttered in their match against North Korea. Like Spain, Brazil passed the ball with ease and remain comfortable in possession. However, there was a lack of spark and ingenuity about their play. It took until the 55th minute to break the deadlock, and even Maicon outrageous finish was seen as a bit of a fluke. North Korea's defence were surprisingly very difficult to break down. They defended in numbers, similarly to Switzerland, although they had no renown players at their disposal. It was a performance of work ethic and unity. And they will be challenging opponents for Portugal and Ivory Coast.
Despite the World Cup being shrouded in dullness from a football point of view, the vuvuzelas have grasped the main headlines. Cristiano Ronaldo has complained of the excessive noise as the main hindrance in Portugal's ability to concentrate for 90 minutes, while Patrice Evra said the South African horns were to blame for France's drab 0-0 draw versus Uruguay. It must be said, it is off-putting for spectators as well as television audiences worldwide. The incessant drone is possibly an indication that South Africans are not really interested in the football, but delirious about having the world's best players in their own backyard. There's always a good and bad side to it.
Lets see what the second round of matches will bring.
Saturday 5 June 2010
Nike’s ‘Write The Future’ World Cup advertisement
A funny and slick three-minute production capped by creative brilliance and Wayne Rooney’s ‘beard’
Sports apparel giant Nike recently unveiled their ‘Write The Future’ global advertising campaign for June’s upcoming FIFA World Cup, illustrating the transformation of sports brand marketing. The three-minute long advert, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, previously responsible for films Babel and 21 Grams, points the fine line between glory and heartache showing flash-forwards of players’ future lives based on how well they perform in a fictional tournament. It features a host of star names such as Portuguese glamour boy Cristiano Ronaldo, England’s shining light Wayne Rooney, and cameo performances from Homer Simpson and Roger Federer.
The multi-million dollar production, debuted during ITV’s Champions League final coverage, showed originality, light-heartedness, and was particularly very engrossing to watch. ITV’s broadcast of the advert, however, did not satisfy viewers south of England as well as Wales – the advert was accidentally cut short by six seconds due to a transmission fault.
Rooney is the main figurehead in this commercial. After a costly mistake, the Manchester United and England striker finds himself in lowly surroundings, including living in an isolated caravan with a bushy beard grown on his chin. Seemingly distraught, he picks himself up on the pitch to tackle his main protagonist, France’s Franck Ribéry. This launches Rooney to stardom – being knighted by The Queen, seeing stock markets escalating and babies named after him, and obliterating a starstruck Roger Federer at table tennis.
Ronaldo, as he usually does on the football field, steals the limelight. The highlight of his role was to nutmeg a surprised Homer during a guest appearance on The Simpsons. Nike’s ability to poke fun at football players’ lifestyles makes the advert endearing. Some might say it is hyperbolised and perhaps pretentious, but this is surely the exact purpose that Nike are trying to achieve. Long gone are the days of David Beckham advertising an Adidas trainer just by kicking a ball. Where is the excitement in that? I would rather see 60 seconds of Ronaldo gloating at how good he really is. Or Rooney with a beard.
Director Iñárritu talks about the concept of the advert. “All these players’ futures will flash ahead. It is the actions that they take in that moment which will have a consequence in their future, by failure or by success.
“The three-minute version is just unstoppable, kind of an absurd, action-packed commercial that I hope people will enjoy.”
The commercial also contained World Cup-bound star players such as Chelsea’s Didier Drogba, Italy’s tournament winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, and Ribéry. However, it features a number of celebrities that will not be gracing the main stage in South Africa, particularly Ronaldinho of Brazil and AC Milan, showing how problematic an advert is when a sport fails to co-operate with a product. Early on, we witness Cannavaro’s ‘highlight’ when he is seen in an Italian variety show, with a middle-aged Italian serenading him surrounded by scantily-clad female dancers, something which personally drew my attention. It was the flashy dressed middle-aged man, not the female dancers.
And we witnessed Ronaldinho’s ‘Samba’ skills on the ball: great technique, skill, and ingenuity. Even fans, and notably basketball star Kobe Bryant, tried to replicate his magic. A shame that Ronaldinho’s ‘future’ will not be in South Africa lifting the World Cup, but in his apartment in Milan watching the football.
It is natural. Approaching the World Cup, there will be many sports-related ads. From Puma’s advertisement of British supporters singing Savage Garden’s ‘Truly, Madly, Deeply’ song in a pub, Umbro’s ‘Tailored by England’ shirt campaign, Mars’s recreation of John Barnes’ rap segment in New Order’s 1990 World Cup anthem, and Sony’s 3D television promotion, viewers will be overloaded with all things football. The most memorable ones? Ones where you won’t be tempted to switch the channel, and I think Nike’s commercial will leave many glued to the screens over the coming weeks.
Sports apparel giant Nike recently unveiled their ‘Write The Future’ global advertising campaign for June’s upcoming FIFA World Cup, illustrating the transformation of sports brand marketing. The three-minute long advert, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, previously responsible for films Babel and 21 Grams, points the fine line between glory and heartache showing flash-forwards of players’ future lives based on how well they perform in a fictional tournament. It features a host of star names such as Portuguese glamour boy Cristiano Ronaldo, England’s shining light Wayne Rooney, and cameo performances from Homer Simpson and Roger Federer.
The multi-million dollar production, debuted during ITV’s Champions League final coverage, showed originality, light-heartedness, and was particularly very engrossing to watch. ITV’s broadcast of the advert, however, did not satisfy viewers south of England as well as Wales – the advert was accidentally cut short by six seconds due to a transmission fault.
Rooney is the main figurehead in this commercial. After a costly mistake, the Manchester United and England striker finds himself in lowly surroundings, including living in an isolated caravan with a bushy beard grown on his chin. Seemingly distraught, he picks himself up on the pitch to tackle his main protagonist, France’s Franck Ribéry. This launches Rooney to stardom – being knighted by The Queen, seeing stock markets escalating and babies named after him, and obliterating a starstruck Roger Federer at table tennis.
Ronaldo, as he usually does on the football field, steals the limelight. The highlight of his role was to nutmeg a surprised Homer during a guest appearance on The Simpsons. Nike’s ability to poke fun at football players’ lifestyles makes the advert endearing. Some might say it is hyperbolised and perhaps pretentious, but this is surely the exact purpose that Nike are trying to achieve. Long gone are the days of David Beckham advertising an Adidas trainer just by kicking a ball. Where is the excitement in that? I would rather see 60 seconds of Ronaldo gloating at how good he really is. Or Rooney with a beard.
Director Iñárritu talks about the concept of the advert. “All these players’ futures will flash ahead. It is the actions that they take in that moment which will have a consequence in their future, by failure or by success.
“The three-minute version is just unstoppable, kind of an absurd, action-packed commercial that I hope people will enjoy.”
The commercial also contained World Cup-bound star players such as Chelsea’s Didier Drogba, Italy’s tournament winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, and Ribéry. However, it features a number of celebrities that will not be gracing the main stage in South Africa, particularly Ronaldinho of Brazil and AC Milan, showing how problematic an advert is when a sport fails to co-operate with a product. Early on, we witness Cannavaro’s ‘highlight’ when he is seen in an Italian variety show, with a middle-aged Italian serenading him surrounded by scantily-clad female dancers, something which personally drew my attention. It was the flashy dressed middle-aged man, not the female dancers.
And we witnessed Ronaldinho’s ‘Samba’ skills on the ball: great technique, skill, and ingenuity. Even fans, and notably basketball star Kobe Bryant, tried to replicate his magic. A shame that Ronaldinho’s ‘future’ will not be in South Africa lifting the World Cup, but in his apartment in Milan watching the football.
It is natural. Approaching the World Cup, there will be many sports-related ads. From Puma’s advertisement of British supporters singing Savage Garden’s ‘Truly, Madly, Deeply’ song in a pub, Umbro’s ‘Tailored by England’ shirt campaign, Mars’s recreation of John Barnes’ rap segment in New Order’s 1990 World Cup anthem, and Sony’s 3D television promotion, viewers will be overloaded with all things football. The most memorable ones? Ones where you won’t be tempted to switch the channel, and I think Nike’s commercial will leave many glued to the screens over the coming weeks.
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