THEY ARE:
A nation only founded in 2006.
AS A FOOTBALL NATION:
Traditionally they appeared in World Cups as part of Yugoslavia and as Serbia-Montenegro in the 2006 World Cup.
MY OWN EXPERIENCE:
What happened to Montenegro? Best not go there.
IN 2010:
It sounds like people genuinely regard Serbia as dark horses for this tournament and generally there is a tradition/history of mysterious Eastern Bloc teams cause upsets and problems for teams (I am thinking Croatia).
FAMOUS PLAYERS:
Vidic off Manchester United.
MOST OBVIOUS REFERENCE:
Raspberries.
AWAY FROM FOOTBALL:
Serb patriot Gavrilo Princip gunned down Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo. Sadly not the band. This act started World War I.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE FROM SERBIA THAT I KNOW:
I might work with one or two but I can’t be sure on that.
QUOTE FROM A SERBIAN:
Not likely.
DO I LIKE THEM:
Definite darkhorses. Rather than like them, I am wary of them.
FINAL COMMENT:
I don’t know.
Showing posts with label Group D. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Group D. Show all posts
Sunday, 2 May 2010
Friday, 16 April 2010
GHANA
THEY ARE:
“one of Africa’s most stable democracies and thriving economies.”
AS A FOOTBALL NATION:
They are actually quite fancied as being a bit tasty these days as part of the new generation of African footballing nations along with the Ivory Coast. They have won the African Cup Of Nations four times and were finalists this year where they lost 1-0 to Egypt. On the way to the final they defeated Nigeria but earlier in the tournament they lost to the Ivory Coast in the group stages when they were in the unfortunate same group as Togo. This is their second appearance at the World Cup finals, the first time being four years ago when they went out in the knock out stage to Brazil.
MY OWN EXPERIENCE:
They made their World Cup debut at the 2006 finals in Germany where they made a respectable debut by beating the Czech Republic and USA scoring a memorable smash mouth goal against the Americans.
IN 2010:
They hold a more than fighting chance of getting through Group D and into the knock out stages. Earlier this year people were talking about them possibly becoming the first African nation to win the World Cup but such voices of pundit have since sobered up. The unfortunate loss of Michael Essien to injury severely hinders their chances.
FAMOUS PLAYERS:
Michael Essien and the incredibly annoying Kevin-Prince Boateng.
MOST OBVIOUS REFERENCE:
Dance and crazy textiles.
AWAY FROM FOOTBALL:
The Girl at work recently did three weeks of teaching out there. She had a great time but really teacher material she is not.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE FROM GHANA THAT I KNOW:
I used to work with a lady called Victoria from Ghana. She was batshit crazy.
QUOTE FROM A GHANIAN:
The last text message I received from Victoria was: “I like u too darling.”
DO I LIKE THEM:
As with all African nations I like them until England has to play them at which point in my mind they begin to pose a genuine/serious threat.
FINAL COMMENT:
Thanks to Ghana for their infinite “gonna” jokes.
“one of Africa’s most stable democracies and thriving economies.”
AS A FOOTBALL NATION:
They are actually quite fancied as being a bit tasty these days as part of the new generation of African footballing nations along with the Ivory Coast. They have won the African Cup Of Nations four times and were finalists this year where they lost 1-0 to Egypt. On the way to the final they defeated Nigeria but earlier in the tournament they lost to the Ivory Coast in the group stages when they were in the unfortunate same group as Togo. This is their second appearance at the World Cup finals, the first time being four years ago when they went out in the knock out stage to Brazil.
MY OWN EXPERIENCE:
They made their World Cup debut at the 2006 finals in Germany where they made a respectable debut by beating the Czech Republic and USA scoring a memorable smash mouth goal against the Americans.
IN 2010:
They hold a more than fighting chance of getting through Group D and into the knock out stages. Earlier this year people were talking about them possibly becoming the first African nation to win the World Cup but such voices of pundit have since sobered up. The unfortunate loss of Michael Essien to injury severely hinders their chances.
FAMOUS PLAYERS:
Michael Essien and the incredibly annoying Kevin-Prince Boateng.
MOST OBVIOUS REFERENCE:
Dance and crazy textiles.
AWAY FROM FOOTBALL:
The Girl at work recently did three weeks of teaching out there. She had a great time but really teacher material she is not.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE FROM GHANA THAT I KNOW:
I used to work with a lady called Victoria from Ghana. She was batshit crazy.
QUOTE FROM A GHANIAN:
The last text message I received from Victoria was: “I like u too darling.”
DO I LIKE THEM:
As with all African nations I like them until England has to play them at which point in my mind they begin to pose a genuine/serious threat.
FINAL COMMENT:
Thanks to Ghana for their infinite “gonna” jokes.
Thursday, 15 April 2010
GERMANY
THEY ARE:
The nation that shot to fame for being responsible for two world wars in the fast half of the last century. Some guy with his book “My Struggle” was a very naughty boy. They are also known for possessing a strange affection towards David Hasselhoff.
AS A FOOTBALL NATION:
They are a machine. Teams will need to play beyond themselves to defeat them. As a side they do not suffer fools.
MY OWN EXPERIENCE:
Traditionally an emotionless team of divers with the occasional interesting moustache for years it felt that they were the team that always won. Obviously the West German match from Turin in 1990 against England goes down as one of the most exciting World Cup finals encounters ever. Then there was 1966 when England defeated West Germany in the World Cup final from Wembley.
IN 2010:
Germany is not expected to do much in this competition but they are always going to be there or there abouts. Losing Ballack to injury at the cup final could be a weakening factor as an ageing team plugs away at their latest campaign. Klose is still up front, now chasing the all time World Cup finals scoring record. It’s a big ask. They have not won the World Cup since becoming unified. Their coach Joachim Low looks like wrestling brain Eric Bischoff. Sitting in Group D there is a possibility of them playing England in the first round of the knock out stage.
FAMOUS PLAYERS:
It begins with Beckenbauer continues with Gerd Muller and moves onto Karl Heinz Rumminegge via Harold Schumacher through to Lothar Matthaus and Rudi Voller. Then there was Klinnsmann. In recent years there has been Michael Ballack. I also remember the name Buchwald quite vividly because its mere mention would incense my old dog Snowy. It just made him angry.
MOST OBVIOUS REFERENCE:
Towels on sun beds.
AWAY FROM FOOTBALL:
Germany is an amazing country with a tainted past that ruins their modern reputation. With each generation this improves though and when I visited Berlin a couple of summers ago I returned with nothing but praise for the city being an exciting and vibrant place. And I barely scratched the surface.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE FROM GERMANY THAT I KNOW:
I don’t know any actual German people (and I wish I did) but I do know a few people that now live in Berlin.
QUOTE FROM A GERMAN:
I’ll try.
DO I LIKE THEM:
I like Germany but I do not like the German national football team.
FINAL COMMENT:
Smile.
The nation that shot to fame for being responsible for two world wars in the fast half of the last century. Some guy with his book “My Struggle” was a very naughty boy. They are also known for possessing a strange affection towards David Hasselhoff.
AS A FOOTBALL NATION:
They are a machine. Teams will need to play beyond themselves to defeat them. As a side they do not suffer fools.
MY OWN EXPERIENCE:
Traditionally an emotionless team of divers with the occasional interesting moustache for years it felt that they were the team that always won. Obviously the West German match from Turin in 1990 against England goes down as one of the most exciting World Cup finals encounters ever. Then there was 1966 when England defeated West Germany in the World Cup final from Wembley.
IN 2010:
Germany is not expected to do much in this competition but they are always going to be there or there abouts. Losing Ballack to injury at the cup final could be a weakening factor as an ageing team plugs away at their latest campaign. Klose is still up front, now chasing the all time World Cup finals scoring record. It’s a big ask. They have not won the World Cup since becoming unified. Their coach Joachim Low looks like wrestling brain Eric Bischoff. Sitting in Group D there is a possibility of them playing England in the first round of the knock out stage.
FAMOUS PLAYERS:
It begins with Beckenbauer continues with Gerd Muller and moves onto Karl Heinz Rumminegge via Harold Schumacher through to Lothar Matthaus and Rudi Voller. Then there was Klinnsmann. In recent years there has been Michael Ballack. I also remember the name Buchwald quite vividly because its mere mention would incense my old dog Snowy. It just made him angry.
MOST OBVIOUS REFERENCE:
Towels on sun beds.
AWAY FROM FOOTBALL:
Germany is an amazing country with a tainted past that ruins their modern reputation. With each generation this improves though and when I visited Berlin a couple of summers ago I returned with nothing but praise for the city being an exciting and vibrant place. And I barely scratched the surface.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE FROM GERMANY THAT I KNOW:
I don’t know any actual German people (and I wish I did) but I do know a few people that now live in Berlin.
QUOTE FROM A GERMAN:
I’ll try.
DO I LIKE THEM:
I like Germany but I do not like the German national football team.
FINAL COMMENT:
Smile.
Thursday, 8 April 2010
AUSTRALIA
THEY ARE:
The nation of criminals we sent packing to the opposite side of the world many moons ago. They are also the home of Neighbours, Home And Away and Crocodile Dundee. Their most recognizable animal is the Koala, a little bear that climbs trees and gets stoned. They are a great nation until their residents become brash and decide to repeatedly inform you of this fact.
AS A FOOTBALL NATION:
Traditionally they are a mediocre footballing nation but in recent times they have become regulars at the World Cup.
MY OWN EXPERIENCE:
Their accents make them stand out in a negative way.
IN 2010:
They are in a tough group with Germany and Ghana (Group D). Interestingly this is the group that will produce England’s opponents in the first round so an England v Australia clash is a genuine possibility.
FAMOUS PLAYERS:
Tim Cahill and Mark Viduka. One was a Millwall legend and I was once told I looked like the other (initially causing great offense).
MOST OBVIOUS REFERENCE:
Mad Max 2.
AWAY FROM FOOTBALL:
Australia has a lot going for it. Sun, sun, sun. Beaches, beaches, beaches.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE FROM AUSTRALIA THAT I KNOW:
I currently know just one Australian (Mark from the Doomed Bird Of Providence) and additionally I also know a number of ex-pats who now live out there.
QUOTE FROM AN AUSTRALIAN:
Coming.
DO I LIKE THEM:
Yes because Tim Cahill provided many great times at Millwall.
FINAL COMMENT:
Socceroos is not necessarily a very good nickname for your team.
The nation of criminals we sent packing to the opposite side of the world many moons ago. They are also the home of Neighbours, Home And Away and Crocodile Dundee. Their most recognizable animal is the Koala, a little bear that climbs trees and gets stoned. They are a great nation until their residents become brash and decide to repeatedly inform you of this fact.
AS A FOOTBALL NATION:
Traditionally they are a mediocre footballing nation but in recent times they have become regulars at the World Cup.
MY OWN EXPERIENCE:
Their accents make them stand out in a negative way.
IN 2010:
They are in a tough group with Germany and Ghana (Group D). Interestingly this is the group that will produce England’s opponents in the first round so an England v Australia clash is a genuine possibility.
FAMOUS PLAYERS:
Tim Cahill and Mark Viduka. One was a Millwall legend and I was once told I looked like the other (initially causing great offense).
MOST OBVIOUS REFERENCE:
Mad Max 2.
AWAY FROM FOOTBALL:
Australia has a lot going for it. Sun, sun, sun. Beaches, beaches, beaches.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE FROM AUSTRALIA THAT I KNOW:
I currently know just one Australian (Mark from the Doomed Bird Of Providence) and additionally I also know a number of ex-pats who now live out there.
QUOTE FROM AN AUSTRALIAN:
Coming.
DO I LIKE THEM:
Yes because Tim Cahill provided many great times at Millwall.
FINAL COMMENT:
Socceroos is not necessarily a very good nickname for your team.
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