As the World Cup nears its last 10 matches, there are some mouth-watering encounters in the offing...
Germany vs Argentina - Repeat of 90 WC finals
They are by far the best 2 teams in this edition of the World Cup and this match is the first final of this World Cup. Both the teams have good attacking skills and play to their strengths. I would like to see how Germany will play when they go a goal behind. That scenario is yet to be seen so far so it should bring some really interesting tactics from the experienced Pekerman and energetic Klinsmann. What Argentina have that Germany doesnt are their reserves. Look at Messi (who might start) & Tevez...
Verdict: Toughest one but I will go with Argentina 3:2 or 2:1
Italy vs Ukraine - Easy for Italy
Though I felt bad for Australia as it was not a penalty, the way Australia played for around 40 minutes without even haing good shots on goal, I thought Italy deserved to win. And what a penalty it was...You cannot place it better. It seems Italy is the side in which the substitutes have scored the maximum goals for any country in the WC. Proven yet again by Totti who came in as a sub. I think the Italians who have seen enough and more of Shevchenko will be able to decipher him easily.
Verdict: Easy one for Italy 2:0
England vs Portugal - Scary repeat for the English
Before I say anything about the teams, here is a funny bit from the Guardian
"Now that Portugal have done the World Cup a favour by removing the tournament's most cynical team, many neutrals will be hoping that they can repeat the trick by eliminating a group of players who, alone among the seeded nations, appear to have brought nothing to the party except their wives and girlfriends."
Ok on the match, I think England will again pull in a goal or two and get away with this one. Without Deco, many yellow carded players (incldg Figo) and injured Ronaldo, I dont think this team is good enough to win against England.
Verdict: England should wrap this one 1:0
Brazil vs France - Repeat of 98 WC finals
An improved French team against a slowly improving but lucky Brazil. Well Zidane, Ribery, Viera and gang might find it a little difficult in this match to score the goals. We might not see Zidane and Ronaldo in a World Cup again. Zidane's goal was much much better than any that Ronaldo put in. I think an ageing side like France, however good they are might struggle against the Brazilians.
Verdict: Brazil will win 2:0
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Monday, June 26, 2006
Group G & H
Group G
Switzerland - A starless team who play within their limitations have been able to notch up couple of impressive victories on their way to the second round. I expected a draw in the last match with Korea, but they came out trumps.
France - Well a team whose average age is 30 years and 8 months can only do so much. It was left to Viera to come up with a champion performance to put them through to the next round. This team needs a serious revamp and it will surely happen after this world cup.
Group H
Spain - Whatever people say about their performance, I am not all that convinced. I thought Ukraine has performed so inconsistently that they were on a low on the day they lost against Spain. I was surprised that they could keep a player of Fabregas' calibre out of the team. Anyways good going so far for the perennial under-achievers...
Ukraine - They have played the most inconsistent football seen so far. Beaten black and blue by Spain and then giving an absolutely stunning performance against the Saudis. I wonder if they would be able to do well in the next rounds. This is where I feel pity for teams like Czechs and Ivory Coast
Spain vs France verdict France
I think France has been motivated by the Viera performance and we might see an upset here
Switzerland vs Ukraine verdict Swiss
Swiss shud put more than a goal through this Ukraine team
Switzerland - A starless team who play within their limitations have been able to notch up couple of impressive victories on their way to the second round. I expected a draw in the last match with Korea, but they came out trumps.
France - Well a team whose average age is 30 years and 8 months can only do so much. It was left to Viera to come up with a champion performance to put them through to the next round. This team needs a serious revamp and it will surely happen after this world cup.
Group H
Spain - Whatever people say about their performance, I am not all that convinced. I thought Ukraine has performed so inconsistently that they were on a low on the day they lost against Spain. I was surprised that they could keep a player of Fabregas' calibre out of the team. Anyways good going so far for the perennial under-achievers...
Ukraine - They have played the most inconsistent football seen so far. Beaten black and blue by Spain and then giving an absolutely stunning performance against the Saudis. I wonder if they would be able to do well in the next rounds. This is where I feel pity for teams like Czechs and Ivory Coast
Spain vs France verdict France
I think France has been motivated by the Viera performance and we might see an upset here
Switzerland vs Ukraine verdict Swiss
Swiss shud put more than a goal through this Ukraine team
Friday, June 23, 2006
Group E & F
Brazil - Not yet convinced that this is the team that can win this World cup. They will need to improve further and better their finishing and passing to proceed to the next stage. Ronaldinho has not been the given the room by his opposition to display his ball passing skills. Ronaldo is yet to achieve his 2002 form and loses possession quite easily these days. Kaka and the hard working Ze Roberto seesm to be the only ones worth mentioning in this team.
Australia - I thought they would have that fire burning in them to do well and they did just that. Ok so it would be again tata- bye bye for them in the next round. I thought the Cahill strike to equalise the team did the trick for them in this tournament. They were impressive against the Brazilians as well.
Italy - I have not watched a single match of theirs so far in this tournament but you get the idea from the scoreline, how well they have played. Unlike the teams of the past they have not just been defending well, but also attacking and scoring goals.
Ghana - The last African hope. But the absence of Essien and Appiah will be felt in the next round. But they played really well and Essien proved why he is one of the best in the business. There are very few players who can actually cover defence, midfield and go forward for the entire 90 mins like he does. He is one in a million. If it was not for the Chelsea money, he should have been playing for Arsenal!!!
Brazil vs Ghana verdict Brazil
Without Essien and Appiah, this team might not be able to take on the Brazilians, else it would have been really tight.
Italy vs Australia verdict Italy
Well I think Australia has come as far as they can.
Australia - I thought they would have that fire burning in them to do well and they did just that. Ok so it would be again tata- bye bye for them in the next round. I thought the Cahill strike to equalise the team did the trick for them in this tournament. They were impressive against the Brazilians as well.
Italy - I have not watched a single match of theirs so far in this tournament but you get the idea from the scoreline, how well they have played. Unlike the teams of the past they have not just been defending well, but also attacking and scoring goals.
Ghana - The last African hope. But the absence of Essien and Appiah will be felt in the next round. But they played really well and Essien proved why he is one of the best in the business. There are very few players who can actually cover defence, midfield and go forward for the entire 90 mins like he does. He is one in a million. If it was not for the Chelsea money, he should have been playing for Arsenal!!!
Brazil vs Ghana verdict Brazil
Without Essien and Appiah, this team might not be able to take on the Brazilians, else it would have been really tight.
Italy vs Australia verdict Italy
Well I think Australia has come as far as they can.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Group C & D
Argentina - One of the favourites to go atleast till the finals. They had a very tight match against Netherlands and I thought Tevez played his heart out. Though the score line was 0-0, I dont think the match was a boring one. Messi & Tevez both have speed & skill to maneouvre around any defence.
Netherlands - They played their best match last nite, denying the Argentinians a goal. Robben their man in form was rested and they lacked those penetrative runs through the left flank. Anyways making it from this group was a tough job and so they have accomplished mission impossible 1, now lets see if they can do an MI-2!
Portugal - They are playing well, combining as a team consisting of the Figos and the Christiano Ronaldos. Their last match against Mexico, without Ronaldo and Pauleta, was a bit of a challenge for them considering the fact that the Mexicans wuuld be going for a all-out win.
Mexico - They were the strongest team from Central America. The way they strated off with a win over Iran, I thought they might give a fight to Portugal. But they will go in as the second best team from this group. Tough game ahead
Argentina vs Mexico verdict Argentina
No doubts on this. The score line should be 3-1 or 2-1 in favour of the Argentinians
Netherlands vs Portugal
This should be a very interesting match and I will give the benefit of doubt to Netherlands
Netherlands - They played their best match last nite, denying the Argentinians a goal. Robben their man in form was rested and they lacked those penetrative runs through the left flank. Anyways making it from this group was a tough job and so they have accomplished mission impossible 1, now lets see if they can do an MI-2!
Portugal - They are playing well, combining as a team consisting of the Figos and the Christiano Ronaldos. Their last match against Mexico, without Ronaldo and Pauleta, was a bit of a challenge for them considering the fact that the Mexicans wuuld be going for a all-out win.
Mexico - They were the strongest team from Central America. The way they strated off with a win over Iran, I thought they might give a fight to Portugal. But they will go in as the second best team from this group. Tough game ahead
Argentina vs Mexico verdict Argentina
No doubts on this. The score line should be 3-1 or 2-1 in favour of the Argentinians
Netherlands vs Portugal
This should be a very interesting match and I will give the benefit of doubt to Netherlands
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Group A & B
Germany - Played like a team that wants to keep the momentum going. The way Sweinsteiger and Lahm played throughout the first round summarises the attacking instincts of this team. They are peaking at the right time and Ballack is on the rise and he will surely start getting into his groove by the next match.
Ecuador - This team was written off even before it started its campaign as one which can play only in the high altitudes at home. But they have played their hearts out and with 5 of their regulars being rested/injured and hence rested, lost to Germany. Delgado and Valencia stand out and I have a feeling that they will progress further.
England - Owen injured. Rooney out of injury. Crouch...well I dont like him at all. So will have to see if Lampard, Gerrard, Cole and Beckham can provide all the thrust from mid-field to Rooney to pump in the goals. Somehow they seem to have lost the plot somewhere in between. Remember that in the match against Trinidad&Tobago if it was not for a highly acrobatic Terru goal-line save, the story could have been different.
Sweden - Another mighty team that had to bite the dust. Ibrahmovic has been completely out of form and Larsson had to take the bulk of the load. They maintained their unbeaten streak against England with a last minute goal.
Germany vs Sweden verdict Germany
I would like to see this side go further...well who wouldnt. They are playing some wonderful football
England vs Ecuador verdict Ecuador
I think Ecuador has the ammunition for this English side
Ecuador - This team was written off even before it started its campaign as one which can play only in the high altitudes at home. But they have played their hearts out and with 5 of their regulars being rested/injured and hence rested, lost to Germany. Delgado and Valencia stand out and I have a feeling that they will progress further.
England - Owen injured. Rooney out of injury. Crouch...well I dont like him at all. So will have to see if Lampard, Gerrard, Cole and Beckham can provide all the thrust from mid-field to Rooney to pump in the goals. Somehow they seem to have lost the plot somewhere in between. Remember that in the match against Trinidad&Tobago if it was not for a highly acrobatic Terru goal-line save, the story could have been different.
Sweden - Another mighty team that had to bite the dust. Ibrahmovic has been completely out of form and Larsson had to take the bulk of the load. They maintained their unbeaten streak against England with a last minute goal.
Germany vs Sweden verdict Germany
I would like to see this side go further...well who wouldnt. They are playing some wonderful football
England vs Ecuador verdict Ecuador
I think Ecuador has the ammunition for this English side
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Finally the Beautiful Game!!!
Arrived a week after the World Cup started. And it took Argentina to claim its place as the most serious contender for not just winning the world cup, but winning it in style. The way they passed around the ball was amazing and the commentator said, "they are playing the way Brazil should have played". The beautiful game in display for everyone to see.
Serbia, a team which qualified over Spain in its European group and conceded only one goal in the qualifier had to pick up the ball six times from inside the net. The way they defended with ten men after conceding a goal against Holland was pure quality. But when Argentina put six past them, it was not the difference between Serbia and Argentina that came out, but the difference between Argentina and Holland.
There was Tevez, who plays for Corinthians in Brazil. It is very difficult for a Argentinian player to play in the Brazilian league and be voted as the best player for this year. He has been there and done that. Vicky used to tell me to watch out for this guy. I saw him first in the Argentina-England friendly which England won 3-2. His performance in that match was just too good. He showed his skills again in the match yesterday when he kept the ball in control, while tackling some 3 defenders.
And then the super kid who has grown up to be a complete player and maybe the next Maradona of Argentina!!! When he won the Best player in the World Youth Championship which Argentina won, he made news. Picked up by Barcelona and figuring in their starting line up whenever he was fit was another achievement for this young guy. He came in as a substitute, set up a goal for Crespo and finally hit one himself. Well this team has shown that it has got class, now it has to show consistency. Riquelme, the man of lazy elegance and one of the best back-heels in the world, had a quiet game.
And there was the man himself, shouting and jumping up and down everytime Argentina hit a goal or Messi came in!!! Well this team is surely a favourite to reach the final now.
One last word about Ivory Coast. They lacked the experience of playing in the big cup, else their performance was one which would have got them through to the next round, if they were in any other group. They are the best African team on display. Last nite was the best nite in this World Cup. I wanted to put in a post after the end of the first round, but last nite's performance asks for a post!!!
Argentina - Superlative Performance!
Serbia, a team which qualified over Spain in its European group and conceded only one goal in the qualifier had to pick up the ball six times from inside the net. The way they defended with ten men after conceding a goal against Holland was pure quality. But when Argentina put six past them, it was not the difference between Serbia and Argentina that came out, but the difference between Argentina and Holland.
There was Tevez, who plays for Corinthians in Brazil. It is very difficult for a Argentinian player to play in the Brazilian league and be voted as the best player for this year. He has been there and done that. Vicky used to tell me to watch out for this guy. I saw him first in the Argentina-England friendly which England won 3-2. His performance in that match was just too good. He showed his skills again in the match yesterday when he kept the ball in control, while tackling some 3 defenders.
And then the super kid who has grown up to be a complete player and maybe the next Maradona of Argentina!!! When he won the Best player in the World Youth Championship which Argentina won, he made news. Picked up by Barcelona and figuring in their starting line up whenever he was fit was another achievement for this young guy. He came in as a substitute, set up a goal for Crespo and finally hit one himself. Well this team has shown that it has got class, now it has to show consistency. Riquelme, the man of lazy elegance and one of the best back-heels in the world, had a quiet game.
And there was the man himself, shouting and jumping up and down everytime Argentina hit a goal or Messi came in!!! Well this team is surely a favourite to reach the final now.One last word about Ivory Coast. They lacked the experience of playing in the big cup, else their performance was one which would have got them through to the next round, if they were in any other group. They are the best African team on display. Last nite was the best nite in this World Cup. I wanted to put in a post after the end of the first round, but last nite's performance asks for a post!!!
Argentina - Superlative Performance!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Review of the First Round
This is based on the first match in the first round of the World Cup. Names might get spelt wrongly, kindly adjust...
Group A
Germany is the shining star in this group. Never knew that they could come up with so much of creativity. Lahm and Sweinsteiger are the stars to look out for. Even if they concede couple of goals they will outscore the other team. Should make for an interesting second round match. Well Poland seemed like they had never played a South American nation before. Well the Ecuadorians were far more physical and muscular in their approach than the Brazilians and Argentinians. Looks like Ecuador should coolly make it to the next round with the Germans
Group B
This was the shocker group. England played as badly as they can. Half of Malaysia, maybe more, support this country and the feelings have been hurt of this nation after the first match. I wonder how the British might be taking this. They need a Rooney to come and give them that spark, else it might be an exit too soon and that too could come at the hands of Germany. I expect Sweden to make it to the next round as well. But Trinidad and Tobago made themselves proud by taking a point from the Sweden match.
Group C
The group of death. Argentina played wonderfully well against a hard working Ivory Coast. Riquelme is one laid back guy but when it comes to setting up play he is just too good. I dont like Robben, he is too selfish. I agree that he played superbly in that match, but bugger did not pass to anyone and tried to score himself. He does the same thing with Chelsea as well. Serbia should have played better, to think that they qualified over Spain in their group. Anyway looks like the favourites Argentina and Nederland will make it, though I would want Ivory Coast to make it to the next round.
Group D
I dont like any of the teams in this pool.Portugal did not impress that much. The good thing about this world cup is that none of the first time qualifiers and supposedly weaker teams were pushed around. They gave a very brave display, either holding the stronger team to a goalless draw or not conceding more than one goal. I like the way the African teams play, little physical in their approach but very effective. They dont get fouled that easily, will manage to get up and win the ball again.
Group E
This is going to be a World Cup where two previously boring teams have suddenly started playing attarctive football. One was Germany and the other one being Italy. They are in with a good chance to make some progress in this World Cup. Czechs have played really well with the Arsenal star Rosicky, playing extra-ordinarily well. I think these teams will be able to give the Brazilians a run for their money and glory.
Group F
Brazil everyone's favourite played boring football except for the Kaka goal, which was a class act. But you can never under-estimate a Brazil team. The fact is I would like a South Americn team or an African team (not this year, but maybe in the future) to win the World Cup, as they need it badly. In these countries, they need a cup like this to uplift an otherwise doomed economy and spirit. this would mean a lot to Brazil/Argentina/Ivory Coast much more than it would to Engalnd/Germany. Last word on Australia. Japan thought they had the match in their pocket, until Cahill also came up with that moment of brilliance. Thats the best thing about football. After scoring one goal you cannot sit pretty on your laurels, the other team might not just level in the dying moments, but also outscore you!
Group G
There is something about France and World Cup. They cannot play well as a team. It was Zidane's brilliance that got them the cup. Henry would have scoerd for Arsenal if he had a half-chance as the ones he got in that match, but not in the World Cup, not when he plays for France. They were lucky to escape with a draw. I am sure Korea will give the French team enough trouble. If France doesnt play well, then Korea has a chance to go through to the next round.
Group H
The Ukrainian team was a disaster. Spain was lucky to get a penalty and their luck rode well with the game. Shevchenko got me negative points in my FIFAFantasy game. He was ex[ecting passes like he would get from his AC Milan team. Unfortunately, the crosses were too wide or were in no-mans land. Wonder what they will do now. I dont know if there is any scope of improvement. Why is Fabregas not playing for Spain. I am sure he can only make the proceedings more lively.
Group A
Germany is the shining star in this group. Never knew that they could come up with so much of creativity. Lahm and Sweinsteiger are the stars to look out for. Even if they concede couple of goals they will outscore the other team. Should make for an interesting second round match. Well Poland seemed like they had never played a South American nation before. Well the Ecuadorians were far more physical and muscular in their approach than the Brazilians and Argentinians. Looks like Ecuador should coolly make it to the next round with the Germans
Group B
This was the shocker group. England played as badly as they can. Half of Malaysia, maybe more, support this country and the feelings have been hurt of this nation after the first match. I wonder how the British might be taking this. They need a Rooney to come and give them that spark, else it might be an exit too soon and that too could come at the hands of Germany. I expect Sweden to make it to the next round as well. But Trinidad and Tobago made themselves proud by taking a point from the Sweden match.
Group C
The group of death. Argentina played wonderfully well against a hard working Ivory Coast. Riquelme is one laid back guy but when it comes to setting up play he is just too good. I dont like Robben, he is too selfish. I agree that he played superbly in that match, but bugger did not pass to anyone and tried to score himself. He does the same thing with Chelsea as well. Serbia should have played better, to think that they qualified over Spain in their group. Anyway looks like the favourites Argentina and Nederland will make it, though I would want Ivory Coast to make it to the next round.
Group D
I dont like any of the teams in this pool.Portugal did not impress that much. The good thing about this world cup is that none of the first time qualifiers and supposedly weaker teams were pushed around. They gave a very brave display, either holding the stronger team to a goalless draw or not conceding more than one goal. I like the way the African teams play, little physical in their approach but very effective. They dont get fouled that easily, will manage to get up and win the ball again.
Group E
This is going to be a World Cup where two previously boring teams have suddenly started playing attarctive football. One was Germany and the other one being Italy. They are in with a good chance to make some progress in this World Cup. Czechs have played really well with the Arsenal star Rosicky, playing extra-ordinarily well. I think these teams will be able to give the Brazilians a run for their money and glory.
Group F
Brazil everyone's favourite played boring football except for the Kaka goal, which was a class act. But you can never under-estimate a Brazil team. The fact is I would like a South Americn team or an African team (not this year, but maybe in the future) to win the World Cup, as they need it badly. In these countries, they need a cup like this to uplift an otherwise doomed economy and spirit. this would mean a lot to Brazil/Argentina/Ivory Coast much more than it would to Engalnd/Germany. Last word on Australia. Japan thought they had the match in their pocket, until Cahill also came up with that moment of brilliance. Thats the best thing about football. After scoring one goal you cannot sit pretty on your laurels, the other team might not just level in the dying moments, but also outscore you!
Group G
There is something about France and World Cup. They cannot play well as a team. It was Zidane's brilliance that got them the cup. Henry would have scoerd for Arsenal if he had a half-chance as the ones he got in that match, but not in the World Cup, not when he plays for France. They were lucky to escape with a draw. I am sure Korea will give the French team enough trouble. If France doesnt play well, then Korea has a chance to go through to the next round.
Group H
The Ukrainian team was a disaster. Spain was lucky to get a penalty and their luck rode well with the game. Shevchenko got me negative points in my FIFAFantasy game. He was ex[ecting passes like he would get from his AC Milan team. Unfortunately, the crosses were too wide or were in no-mans land. Wonder what they will do now. I dont know if there is any scope of improvement. Why is Fabregas not playing for Spain. I am sure he can only make the proceedings more lively.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Mumbai millls and buildings at nite
This picture was taken by a friend of mine, Ashim Mohanty with his digital SLR...pretty good, isnt it!!!
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Some things in football...
Fan Runs Onto Pitch To Embraces Brazilian Striker Ronaldinho During Training Session In SwitzerlandWell it seems the Brazilian team had to move to a bigger stadium for their practice sessions as the paying crowd numbered more than 25000...now what can one say about that!!!
FIFA World Cup Defining Moments…
As the World Cup kicked off so did the soaring spirits in this country. My friend, David has got his door all decorated in support of
Was watching the FIFA World Cup Defining Moments on TV the other day. It was awesome stuff. And I am reproducing the last four.
4. The Beautiful Misses of Pele in the 1970 World Cup
This was a wonderful piece of video, showing how Pele missed on couple of occasions in the 1970 World Cup, proving that he was human after all. There was one particular miss in which he is running towards the goal to reach the ball before the goalie. The goalie is fast advancing and in that sma,l fraction of a second Pele just leaves the ball and the goalie is left in no man’s land. But to the astonishment of the whole world Pele’s shot misses the goal by inches. It becomes a great miss rather than a spectacular goal that could have been.
3. The Deadly save by Gordon Banks in the 1966 World Cup match against
When Pele headed the ball towards the goal, it was almost a goal until the hand came from nowhere lifting the ball above the crossbar. Not that the save mattered, because
2. The All-conquering 1970’s
Winning the World Cup in style. Carlos Alberto Pereira lifting the cup and keeping it with the Brazilian team for the rest of their life. This cup matters for the entire country like nothing else I guess. What the Cup means and does to the poorer countries in
1. Of course no denying the Maradona of the 1986 World Cup.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
My Predictions for the World Cup
Addendum
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think I got alittle mixed up in the grouping. So it seems Brazil and England will lock horns in the semis itself and cannot meet in the finals. So I think, it would be a Argentina vs Brazil final which Brazil will win.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The teams that will qualify from the group stages are
Group A
1. Germany - They should atleast make it to the next round, though they played badly against Japan
2. Ecuador - 3rd place in South America after Brazil and Argentina should be something
Group B
1. England - With Rooney can win this cup
2. Sweden - Got it in them to go to the enxt round
Group C
1. Argentina - Another contender for the Cup
2. Ivory Coast - Yes, the first surprise. I think they will wriggle one past Holland and make it
Group D
1. Portugal - Should not be a problem for them to top this group
2. Mexico - Angola and Iran should not create any problems to them either
Group E
1. Czech Republic - They are a good side and should compensate for their Euro semi loss
2. Italy - Has got a good attack for a change
Group F
1. Brazil - Well all Brazil teams are worthy of a World Cup and so is this team
2. Australia - I am going with my heart. I think this is a tough pool for the other 3 teams. They are all good and I think any of them can get through
Group G
1. France - Henry should hit top form this year is my bet
2. Switzerland - They are again a second round team
Group H
1. Spain - Another good team that can go a long way
2. Ukraine - May spring a surprise or two
Second Round
1. Germany - Sweden verdict: Sweden
2. England - Ecuador verdict: England
3. Argentina - Mexico verdict: Argentina
4. Portugal - Ivory Coast verdict: Portugal
5. Czech - Australia verdict: Czech
6. Brazil - Italy verdict: Brazil
7. France - Ukraine verdict: France
8. Spain - Swiss verdict: Spain
The second round promises some mouth watering duels, with the best being Germany-Sweden. The others would be France-Ukraine and a Brazil-Italy showdown.
Quarter Finals
1-3: Sweden - Argentina verdict: Argentina
2-4: England - Portugal verdict: England
5-7: Czech - France verdict: France
6-8: Brazil - Spain verdict: Brazil
Semi Finals
Argentina - England verdict:England
France - Brazil verdict:Brazil
Finals
Engalnd - Brazil verdict: Brazil
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think I got alittle mixed up in the grouping. So it seems Brazil and England will lock horns in the semis itself and cannot meet in the finals. So I think, it would be a Argentina vs Brazil final which Brazil will win.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The teams that will qualify from the group stages are
Group A
1. Germany - They should atleast make it to the next round, though they played badly against Japan
2. Ecuador - 3rd place in South America after Brazil and Argentina should be something
Group B
1. England - With Rooney can win this cup
2. Sweden - Got it in them to go to the enxt round
Group C
1. Argentina - Another contender for the Cup
2. Ivory Coast - Yes, the first surprise. I think they will wriggle one past Holland and make it
Group D
1. Portugal - Should not be a problem for them to top this group
2. Mexico - Angola and Iran should not create any problems to them either
Group E
1. Czech Republic - They are a good side and should compensate for their Euro semi loss
2. Italy - Has got a good attack for a change
Group F
1. Brazil - Well all Brazil teams are worthy of a World Cup and so is this team
2. Australia - I am going with my heart. I think this is a tough pool for the other 3 teams. They are all good and I think any of them can get through
Group G
1. France - Henry should hit top form this year is my bet
2. Switzerland - They are again a second round team
Group H
1. Spain - Another good team that can go a long way
2. Ukraine - May spring a surprise or two
Second Round
1. Germany - Sweden verdict: Sweden
2. England - Ecuador verdict: England
3. Argentina - Mexico verdict: Argentina
4. Portugal - Ivory Coast verdict: Portugal
5. Czech - Australia verdict: Czech
6. Brazil - Italy verdict: Brazil
7. France - Ukraine verdict: France
8. Spain - Swiss verdict: Spain
The second round promises some mouth watering duels, with the best being Germany-Sweden. The others would be France-Ukraine and a Brazil-Italy showdown.
Quarter Finals
1-3: Sweden - Argentina verdict: Argentina
2-4: England - Portugal verdict: England
5-7: Czech - France verdict: France
6-8: Brazil - Spain verdict: Brazil
Semi Finals
Argentina - England verdict:England
France - Brazil verdict:Brazil
Finals
Engalnd - Brazil verdict: Brazil
Monday, May 22, 2006
3 movies and some thoughts
Yesterday I saw Swades again. I realised that it can still keep you engrossed, even if you are watching it for the nth time. There is something about a movie when touches all the sentimental chords of your mind and heart at the same time.
There are movies which are fun and entertaining and attain cult status like DCH. You can watch them again and again. It is funny, sentimental and romantic at the same time. The characters are lively on the screen and subtle in their acting. Yes you can watch it again and again. But does it have any impact on you. No. It is just a movie, entertaining for the two and a half hours of its duration.
Then came movies which will leave you with a deep impression, the one time that you see it. It incites a kind of, I dont know if I can call it false feeling of emotions. I am talking about RDB. I loved it the only time I saw it. I bought a DVD, but couldnt watch it again. Maybe I will be able to see it after many months. And it is not just me, there are many people I have spoken to who have said that they cant watch it again. It was strange because I thought I liked it when I saw it in KL. RDB had that strong sense of trying to influence the way you think. It was like a one time solution, a little revolutionary way of doing things. And though some people criticise the end, I thought that is the reason why it was special.
Then there are movies which are much beyond a movie. They are seen as movies which change perceptions, change thought processes, change opinions, make you believe that you can do things in India without getting into the messy beuraucracy and politics. The songs are messages which will stay in your mind forever. Each character represents a section of our society. Each dialogue is a lesson you should have learnt in school and every scene a depiction of the condition of our society.
And to sign off, a line from one of the songs
"Mann se Ravan jo nikale, mann mein uske Ram hai"
There are movies which are fun and entertaining and attain cult status like DCH. You can watch them again and again. It is funny, sentimental and romantic at the same time. The characters are lively on the screen and subtle in their acting. Yes you can watch it again and again. But does it have any impact on you. No. It is just a movie, entertaining for the two and a half hours of its duration.
Then came movies which will leave you with a deep impression, the one time that you see it. It incites a kind of, I dont know if I can call it false feeling of emotions. I am talking about RDB. I loved it the only time I saw it. I bought a DVD, but couldnt watch it again. Maybe I will be able to see it after many months. And it is not just me, there are many people I have spoken to who have said that they cant watch it again. It was strange because I thought I liked it when I saw it in KL. RDB had that strong sense of trying to influence the way you think. It was like a one time solution, a little revolutionary way of doing things. And though some people criticise the end, I thought that is the reason why it was special.
Then there are movies which are much beyond a movie. They are seen as movies which change perceptions, change thought processes, change opinions, make you believe that you can do things in India without getting into the messy beuraucracy and politics. The songs are messages which will stay in your mind forever. Each character represents a section of our society. Each dialogue is a lesson you should have learnt in school and every scene a depiction of the condition of our society.
And to sign off, a line from one of the songs
"Mann se Ravan jo nikale, mann mein uske Ram hai"
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Stumble Upon
I quite Stumbled Upon here. If you are using Mozilla, this is like one of the best add-ons you can have...So start discovering!
And the good news is all over the place...Henry stays and so watch out all you ManU / Chelsea / L'pool and Barca fans...
The media manager or whoever came along with Wenger and Henry and told the media "I think Henry has got something to say to you."
Henry: I think with my heart and my heart told me to stay. I've never played in Spain and never will. This is my last contract.
Wenger:I had two aims at the start of the week: to win the European Cup and then to make Thierry stay.I only managed one of those but, for the future of the club, that's certainly the best one.
Sometimes, I wonder how these guys come up with such hollywoodesque dialogues. It was also interesting to know that Arsenal is the only club in the world with three teenagers at the World Cup - Theo Walcott for England, Cesc Fabregas for Spain and Johan Djourou for Switzerland!!!
And the good news is all over the place...Henry stays and so watch out all you ManU / Chelsea / L'pool and Barca fans...
The media manager or whoever came along with Wenger and Henry and told the media "I think Henry has got something to say to you."
Henry: I think with my heart and my heart told me to stay. I've never played in Spain and never will. This is my last contract.
Wenger:I had two aims at the start of the week: to win the European Cup and then to make Thierry stay.I only managed one of those but, for the future of the club, that's certainly the best one.
Sometimes, I wonder how these guys come up with such hollywoodesque dialogues. It was also interesting to know that Arsenal is the only club in the world with three teenagers at the World Cup - Theo Walcott for England, Cesc Fabregas for Spain and Johan Djourou for Switzerland!!!
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Almost Arsenal
The Gunners and the Catalans flew down to Paris for the Champions League final. Even Bergkamp drove down. And so did my friend Prabhu all the way from electronic city to New BEL road.
This was Arsenal's biggest nite ever and what an anti-climax it was. 18 minutes into the match, Lehmann, the goalie who created many a European record on the way to the final, does a foul to avoid a goal, gets sent off. It was a fair decision as the referee blew the whistle after the foul was committed and before the goal was scored. I think it would have been fairer to allow the goal and retain Lehmann and made a match out of it. One goal down, with 11 men, Arsenal would have been better off than 1 goal up with 10 men. This is because, no team in this world can play with 10 men against a Barca 11 and expect them not to score. Sooner or later they would do that and they did, twice.
The match that was billed as a Ronaldinho vs Henry never lived up to that. Ronaldinho was cramped for space by the wonderful defence of Arsenal and Henry missed chances,which he would have scored with his eyes closed in the EPL. Ljunberg ran all over the place, Fabregas was good and even the replacement goalie Almunia was good till he let those two in.
The quality of refereeing was poor without doubt. Both sides missed chances. The two teams were my most favourite and 2nd most favourite teams.
Only positive thing that happened for Arsenal would be perhaps Henry having second thoughts on joining Barcelona now!!!
This was Arsenal's biggest nite ever and what an anti-climax it was. 18 minutes into the match, Lehmann, the goalie who created many a European record on the way to the final, does a foul to avoid a goal, gets sent off. It was a fair decision as the referee blew the whistle after the foul was committed and before the goal was scored. I think it would have been fairer to allow the goal and retain Lehmann and made a match out of it. One goal down, with 11 men, Arsenal would have been better off than 1 goal up with 10 men. This is because, no team in this world can play with 10 men against a Barca 11 and expect them not to score. Sooner or later they would do that and they did, twice.
The match that was billed as a Ronaldinho vs Henry never lived up to that. Ronaldinho was cramped for space by the wonderful defence of Arsenal and Henry missed chances,which he would have scored with his eyes closed in the EPL. Ljunberg ran all over the place, Fabregas was good and even the replacement goalie Almunia was good till he let those two in.
The quality of refereeing was poor without doubt. Both sides missed chances. The two teams were my most favourite and 2nd most favourite teams.
Only positive thing that happened for Arsenal would be perhaps Henry having second thoughts on joining Barcelona now!!!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Template Change
Ya saw couple of my regular blogging friends change their template and I thought, ya once in a while a little change is good for the eyes!!!
There are young designers who are making fundoo templates and helping guys like me who are sad in HTML to redesign and improve the looks of their blogs. I tampered with a couple of them and decided to keep this as it was time for me to leave office and the republishing etc etc was taking some time...so thats abt it...
Big week for Arsenal. Maybe their Biggest ever!
There are young designers who are making fundoo templates and helping guys like me who are sad in HTML to redesign and improve the looks of their blogs. I tampered with a couple of them and decided to keep this as it was time for me to leave office and the republishing etc etc was taking some time...so thats abt it...
Big week for Arsenal. Maybe their Biggest ever!
Friday, May 12, 2006
100th Post
And I am glad I am writing for a good cause.
This is what Peter Dulvy, says about how this small adventure started...
In November 2005 I attended Robin's wedding in Kerala. Following the ceremony we all went en masse on a backwater boat trip eating south Indian delights and relaxing. Whilst gliding along the tranquil waters I spotted an idyllic towpath at the side of the river shaded by rows of coconut palms. It occurred to me that it would be really amazing to run through such a beautiful place. A few good books and number of months later I awoke on Saturday 11th March 2006 morning to a call from a friend †in Delhi who was there with me in Kerala all those months earlier. She suggested that I should consider following through on my early comments in November and actually go running in India.
So here I am on the eve of our departure for Delhi where we will be launching the run with the kind support of a Reebok, the Indian Tourism Office in London and Intrepid Travel. From Delhi we will fly to Cochin to arrive on the morning of the 30th. It's a drive north to Kazaragod and a good nights sleep. Somewhere between 4.30 - 5am (mid night UK time) myself Rahul and Dez will awake from sleep with a feeling in our bellies marking the realisation that the wildest plans can actually come fruition. It will be a golden moment for all of us to remember for the rest of our lives.
Check out Heels on Fire and their travel blog
This is what Peter Dulvy, says about how this small adventure started...
In November 2005 I attended Robin's wedding in Kerala. Following the ceremony we all went en masse on a backwater boat trip eating south Indian delights and relaxing. Whilst gliding along the tranquil waters I spotted an idyllic towpath at the side of the river shaded by rows of coconut palms. It occurred to me that it would be really amazing to run through such a beautiful place. A few good books and number of months later I awoke on Saturday 11th March 2006 morning to a call from a friend †in Delhi who was there with me in Kerala all those months earlier. She suggested that I should consider following through on my early comments in November and actually go running in India.
So here I am on the eve of our departure for Delhi where we will be launching the run with the kind support of a Reebok, the Indian Tourism Office in London and Intrepid Travel. From Delhi we will fly to Cochin to arrive on the morning of the 30th. It's a drive north to Kazaragod and a good nights sleep. Somewhere between 4.30 - 5am (mid night UK time) myself Rahul and Dez will awake from sleep with a feeling in our bellies marking the realisation that the wildest plans can actually come fruition. It will be a golden moment for all of us to remember for the rest of our lives.
Check out Heels on Fire and their travel blog
Thursday, May 11, 2006
The rise of the Red Brigade
On a day when the Commies come to power, let me share some of the pics that I took in the recent past....
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Friends forever
This picture was taken in Kodai, where we had given the farewell to our senior batch of REC. Farewell and Freshers parties have been the pride of each batch. It is more or less like how "well" you ragged your juniors!!! So this is my batch "Mallus"
Standing From Left: Sujith, Karthik, Pramod, Prem, Philip, Vimal, Arun, Sanjith, Girishwar & Ashif
Sitting from Left: Sidin, Praful, Dwipin, Vikash and Jiby
I should thank Dwipin for preserving this picture and K for passing it on...
Standing From Left: Sujith, Karthik, Pramod, Prem, Philip, Vimal, Arun, Sanjith, Girishwar & AshifSitting from Left: Sidin, Praful, Dwipin, Vikash and Jiby
I should thank Dwipin for preserving this picture and K for passing it on...
Sunday, May 07, 2006
From Bangkok to Bombay
When you see countries like Thailand have infrastructure of good qaulity, it sows doubts on your mind on what exactly is our country doing after so many years of independence. They have got expressways over the city and roads and airports of high qaulity and a very proactive Tourism zing to the whole scenario. They have beaches and massages that sell well, but c'mon, no country can just excel in selling their beaches, if they cant provide good lodging and transportation and facilities to whoever lands in that copuntry. India is on its way, I just hope we are not too late.
So some snippets of this country, not in any particular order though.
So lets start with the two-wheeler taxis or the bike taxis that we see here. They are differentiated from their other 2-wheeler counterparts by the orange waist coat. They flout traffic rules and go on footpaths (like they do here in Bangalore) as seen in the picture. But I have to tell you that in this traffic-jammed city, they are the fastest mode of transport.
Bangkok, must be having the worst traffic-jams in this part of the world. The only time you avoid that is when you take the expressway, running above the city, covering the length and breadth of it, or when you take the sky train, which doesnt cover much of the city.
The inner roads inside the cities are cramped at some parts and the best thing about these roads are these nice small trees which do not cramp the footpath but gives some shade. As you would see. most of the pics have been taken whn I was travelling in the taxi as too many meetings and numerous traffic jams made me click less pictures.
This is the talles building in Bangkok. It has 90 floors and is a hotel, whose name I cant recollect now. I like the Johnnie Walker ad on it, which says "Drink, Dont Drive"!!!
The famous water ways in Bangkok. Couldnt take the ride on the boats though.
This was something which I didnt understand. The board there says "Marriage for Alien", whatever that means. I was in the taxi, esle would have gone down and enquired.
This is a classic Heineken ad. I saw couple of billboards which were really classy ones. By the time I dug out the camera from my bag, I was past that. Now anyone who comes to Bangkok, will know of Patpong street and what it is famous for. This rotating ad board has the images in the following order
1. Soi 1 which translates to Street 1 - The image is of a hand holding a Heineken pint bottle
2. Soi 2 ~ Street 2 - And the image is again of a hand holding a pint rather loosely
and the third one is this...
In Malaysia you can speak in English and be assured that the listener will understand what you are saying and vice versa. But not here. They speak in english which you will never understand and ya they don't understand what you speak.
And finally I was back in good old Mumbai!!!
So some snippets of this country, not in any particular order though.
So lets start with the two-wheeler taxis or the bike taxis that we see here. They are differentiated from their other 2-wheeler counterparts by the orange waist coat. They flout traffic rules and go on footpaths (like they do here in Bangalore) as seen in the picture. But I have to tell you that in this traffic-jammed city, they are the fastest mode of transport.
Bangkok, must be having the worst traffic-jams in this part of the world. The only time you avoid that is when you take the expressway, running above the city, covering the length and breadth of it, or when you take the sky train, which doesnt cover much of the city.
The inner roads inside the cities are cramped at some parts and the best thing about these roads are these nice small trees which do not cramp the footpath but gives some shade. As you would see. most of the pics have been taken whn I was travelling in the taxi as too many meetings and numerous traffic jams made me click less pictures.
This is the talles building in Bangkok. It has 90 floors and is a hotel, whose name I cant recollect now. I like the Johnnie Walker ad on it, which says "Drink, Dont Drive"!!!
The famous water ways in Bangkok. Couldnt take the ride on the boats though.
This was something which I didnt understand. The board there says "Marriage for Alien", whatever that means. I was in the taxi, esle would have gone down and enquired.
This is a classic Heineken ad. I saw couple of billboards which were really classy ones. By the time I dug out the camera from my bag, I was past that. Now anyone who comes to Bangkok, will know of Patpong street and what it is famous for. This rotating ad board has the images in the following order1. Soi 1 which translates to Street 1 - The image is of a hand holding a Heineken pint bottle
2. Soi 2 ~ Street 2 - And the image is again of a hand holding a pint rather loosely
and the third one is this...
In Malaysia you can speak in English and be assured that the listener will understand what you are saying and vice versa. But not here. They speak in english which you will never understand and ya they don't understand what you speak.And finally I was back in good old Mumbai!!!
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Sportstar - My Personal Collection
This Hindu publication is the only surviving sports magazine in India today...
My earliest memories go back to 1986-87, when I first set sight on this magazine and started understanding the pictures in this magazine. I used to collect the centre-spreads and one-page posters. Our house used to have a huge pile of sportstar mags and I somehow managed to collect it and keep in a corner. I lost out on the old 1980's Reader's Digets though.
To just add on to the collection, I decided to buy the issues of Sportstar when there was a special occasion, say like the cricket world cup or the FIFA WC or the Olympics.
My prized collection includes,
the 1983 issue, where Kapil's Devils won the Prudential cup
1986 FIFA WC starring Maradona
1987 Reliance World Cup
1990 Italia FIFA WC
1992 Benson & Hedges Cup
1994 US FIFA WC
1996 Wills Cup
1998 Zidane WC
1999 South Africa
2002 Japan Korea WC
2003 India Whitewash in finals
I do not remember which all Olympics I have got covered. And to complement this I have this huge collection of posters, right from the footballing legends to the F1 legends (I did not understand this sport then), to the cricketing greats to some exquisitive tennis stars. All these magazines are neatly bound and will adorn my bookshelves once I have a bookshelf in my new home.
I started appreciating R Mohan, Vijay Lokapally and Rohit Brijnath over the years. Mohan quit the magazine and newspaper following the cricket betting controversy and only the other two remain. Also I rememeber another magazine coming up in the 90's called Sportsworld, which was more colourful and trendy. But somehow, I stuck to Sportstar. The latest avatar of Sportstar is of the tabloid size (la Mid-day) and is 8 bucks and not 10! It has a 2-page centre-spread and looks great and is a good read. Unfortunately, the cover story is of how they expect Rooney to do what Gazza couldnt do for England - win a World Cup!!! Well that looks unlikely following his injury .
The World Cup special issues of Sportstar are from next week and I hope to collect them!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
