... Greetings from a London that is palpably nervous; yes yes, I know we've had footage on the BBC from places like Manchester, where it's all guitar bands and freestyle footballers outside Old Trafford, all chirpy and 'victory' oriented.
Here in London, the buzz is more subdued, more hesitant, dare I say it - more restrained.
With that said, Come On England. I know we can do this. There will be THAT loaded moment when Capello names the team, but aside from that, whether Rob Green plays or not, this is the time to focus. We've seen what can happen when there is disorder and disunity in a camp (France) - so now is the time for composure, and turning to each other in the team (and that refers to the nation if you are not playing for England, and are instead back home with your own team of family, friends or work collagues), for stability, for positive confidence, and for winning.
Enjoy the game folks. It is very much on.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Variety is the Spice of Football
Well, somehow the World Cup now feels more 'real' given that Brazil have fielded their first team and indeed, put away a corker of a goal. Lovely stuff. It's hard to tell sometimes if it's the magicality of Brazil's football, or the gorgeous yellow and greens of their kit that makes them such a pleasure to watch, but either way, most soccer fans would happily admit that there is something so compelling about the team that just makes watching them somehow, Right.
The notable aspect of the first half against North Korea was the disorganisation of the Brazil team. However it has made me think - is the problem with the England team that fact that our players have not actually played outside of the Premiership? Is the creativity of Brazil down to the fact that their players play outside of a South American box?
I'm going to give this some more thought and come back to you.
The notable aspect of the first half against North Korea was the disorganisation of the Brazil team. However it has made me think - is the problem with the England team that fact that our players have not actually played outside of the Premiership? Is the creativity of Brazil down to the fact that their players play outside of a South American box?
I'm going to give this some more thought and come back to you.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Green Fingered
Ah, you have to love it - the World Cup in England has officially begun when EVERYONE suddenly becomes an expert on the Lampard-Gerrard midfield dilemma, and when old ladies at bustops banter mercilessly about formations generally. And The Sun newspaper gives away free Vuvuzelas.
You also have to thrive in the irony of drawing the opening game on a SATURDAY evening, leaving a buzzed up 'let's have a night on the tiles' nation, feeling like a bunch of wet blankets and being in bed by midnight after said match.
The Press are squawking; a heady mix of serious 'He Has To Go' from The Sunday Times and a more catcalling 'Can You Believe That?' from our tabloid friends. I have a few observations re. rob'd Rob:
1. The gaff was not THAT bad. (I know, I'm kind of on my own here, and there is an argument that a Premiership keeper should know how to grab and hold the ball) - It's not that the slip is that appalling, it's the Hollywood nature of the poor lad's scramble. Seriously - it was worthy of Indiana Jones and his Stetson. If you'd looked at Google Earth at that precise moment, you surely would have seen the hands of Britons everywhere reaching with our beleagured keeper? So, theatrics tossed in, it does look like a pretty terrifying example of a blooper.
2. The Back Four of the England squad should be ashamed of themselves. NOT ONE - NOT ONE of the players went over to tap the guy on the shoulder. A basic show of team unity would have been appreciated by the Green One and the Nation. You're representing the country, boys - and that is bigger than a 'Oh, Another Fine Mess You've Gotten Us Into' turn of backs.
3. We're now plunged into a 'Will he, Won't he' dilemma with Fabio and whether or not he will hold with Rob for the Algeria game. I can only put this down to the fact that, now we are a nation with a coalition government, we're unreasonably obsessed with whether or not people who say they are 'committed' to a position, really are. Look at us! Our commitment-phobia is rubbing off on our football boots! MAKE IT STOP! Alf Ramsey would never have wavered like this (yes yes, he had Churchill as a leader, and we have a Tory who looks suspiciously like that bloke who took us to War with Iraq, oh, and that Liberal guy is like, our leader too. ok), and I'm not worried - Cappello will undoubtedly be able to ignore the fuzz. But again, we need to refocus, and realign. As the Nike advert featuring Wayne Rooney(pumping out on the tube last night, fyi) states: Learn, Adapt, Respond.
There we go - a trio of triumphant points that we didn't quite achieve on Saturday, but will surely do on Friday. Come on folks, we're English - we're designed to keep things lively!
You also have to thrive in the irony of drawing the opening game on a SATURDAY evening, leaving a buzzed up 'let's have a night on the tiles' nation, feeling like a bunch of wet blankets and being in bed by midnight after said match.
The Press are squawking; a heady mix of serious 'He Has To Go' from The Sunday Times and a more catcalling 'Can You Believe That?' from our tabloid friends. I have a few observations re. rob'd Rob:
1. The gaff was not THAT bad. (I know, I'm kind of on my own here, and there is an argument that a Premiership keeper should know how to grab and hold the ball) - It's not that the slip is that appalling, it's the Hollywood nature of the poor lad's scramble. Seriously - it was worthy of Indiana Jones and his Stetson. If you'd looked at Google Earth at that precise moment, you surely would have seen the hands of Britons everywhere reaching with our beleagured keeper? So, theatrics tossed in, it does look like a pretty terrifying example of a blooper.
2. The Back Four of the England squad should be ashamed of themselves. NOT ONE - NOT ONE of the players went over to tap the guy on the shoulder. A basic show of team unity would have been appreciated by the Green One and the Nation. You're representing the country, boys - and that is bigger than a 'Oh, Another Fine Mess You've Gotten Us Into' turn of backs.
3. We're now plunged into a 'Will he, Won't he' dilemma with Fabio and whether or not he will hold with Rob for the Algeria game. I can only put this down to the fact that, now we are a nation with a coalition government, we're unreasonably obsessed with whether or not people who say they are 'committed' to a position, really are. Look at us! Our commitment-phobia is rubbing off on our football boots! MAKE IT STOP! Alf Ramsey would never have wavered like this (yes yes, he had Churchill as a leader, and we have a Tory who looks suspiciously like that bloke who took us to War with Iraq, oh, and that Liberal guy is like, our leader too. ok), and I'm not worried - Cappello will undoubtedly be able to ignore the fuzz. But again, we need to refocus, and realign. As the Nike advert featuring Wayne Rooney(pumping out on the tube last night, fyi) states: Learn, Adapt, Respond.
There we go - a trio of triumphant points that we didn't quite achieve on Saturday, but will surely do on Friday. Come on folks, we're English - we're designed to keep things lively!
Friday, June 11, 2010
And We Have Kick Off
It has started!
The buzz is in the air, and already the Soundtrack to the World Cup has begun - someone just strolled past my office saying 'Well, Mexico were the better team, mate'.
Absolute brilliance!
The buzz is in the air, and already the Soundtrack to the World Cup has begun - someone just strolled past my office saying 'Well, Mexico were the better team, mate'.
Absolute brilliance!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Slide Show Smiles
Well, a personal congratulations from myself to Rafa Nadal. To me, RN actually has become the emblem of the bounce-back, following his breathtaking victories in 2010, after a physically and emotionally tough time in 2009.
Funnily enough, the Guardian Sport section today commented on how Nadal is perhaps the greatest DEFENSIVE tennis player in the world, especially on clay. And it's got me thinking - is it that which makes the Federer-Nadal rivalry one of such greatness?
I'm going to think about this a little more generally, but it's worth considering in the run up to Wimbledon. If Federer's game is so much more graceful because it so heavily attacks (whilst still appearing seamless and gentle), perhaps Nadal's is so dramatic because it harnesses power and focuses on a stalwart ethos of 'Come and Have A Go If You Think You're Hard Enough'. I'll keep you informed as to how that philosophy evolves. (edge of your seats, I'm sure!)
What a compelling tournament though; surprises, refreshing upsets (especially in the Womens Game, where much needed new talent shone through the Paris rain), and at its conclusion, a somehow fitting and thrilling champion standing atop the World Rankings once again.
Funnily enough, the Guardian Sport section today commented on how Nadal is perhaps the greatest DEFENSIVE tennis player in the world, especially on clay. And it's got me thinking - is it that which makes the Federer-Nadal rivalry one of such greatness?
I'm going to think about this a little more generally, but it's worth considering in the run up to Wimbledon. If Federer's game is so much more graceful because it so heavily attacks (whilst still appearing seamless and gentle), perhaps Nadal's is so dramatic because it harnesses power and focuses on a stalwart ethos of 'Come and Have A Go If You Think You're Hard Enough'. I'll keep you informed as to how that philosophy evolves. (edge of your seats, I'm sure!)
What a compelling tournament though; surprises, refreshing upsets (especially in the Womens Game, where much needed new talent shone through the Paris rain), and at its conclusion, a somehow fitting and thrilling champion standing atop the World Rankings once again.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Oh Happy Clay
I can't be the only one who has thoroughly enjoyed the grindy opening games of the 2010 French Open! I'm just shocked and overjoyed at the delivery of such thrilling tennis so early on in the tournament.
Both Williams and Tsonga have shown a bit of grit already, and I can only relish the thought of the Murray-Gasquet highlights.
For the Murray sceptics out there, I really must take you to task at this crucial stage in his five set thriller currently being played out. The 23 year old really is showing new maturity and an ability to actually bounce back. In many ways, he's reflecting the stoic, dogged determination of a true Brit and surely - SURELY - it's time we all put the 'I'd support any team except England in a football match' comment behind us....?
Both Williams and Tsonga have shown a bit of grit already, and I can only relish the thought of the Murray-Gasquet highlights.
For the Murray sceptics out there, I really must take you to task at this crucial stage in his five set thriller currently being played out. The 23 year old really is showing new maturity and an ability to actually bounce back. In many ways, he's reflecting the stoic, dogged determination of a true Brit and surely - SURELY - it's time we all put the 'I'd support any team except England in a football match' comment behind us....?
Friday, May 21, 2010
The Olympic Mascots
I will say a highlight of this week in terms of sport has been the unveiling of the official London 2012 Mascots, Mandeville and Wenlock. The Telegraph offered a comprehensive breakdown of the finer points of the two ambassadors who should, all being well, become the emblem of our Games:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/london2012/7744654/London-2012-Olympic-mascots-Wenlock-and-Mandevilles-design-features-explained.html
I was impressed by their thinking; and more crucially the craft that has gone into each character. A solid effort, not THAT expensive (in the world of sports budgets gone mad), and covering all bases (technology, London cabbie spirit, friendship bracelets, a podium top).
Brilliant stuff from our boys in Canary Wharf...keep it up Locog!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/london2012/7744654/London-2012-Olympic-mascots-Wenlock-and-Mandevilles-design-features-explained.html
I was impressed by their thinking; and more crucially the craft that has gone into each character. A solid effort, not THAT expensive (in the world of sports budgets gone mad), and covering all bases (technology, London cabbie spirit, friendship bracelets, a podium top).
Brilliant stuff from our boys in Canary Wharf...keep it up Locog!
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