Italian Divers

The boys in my Soccer team have been sending round via emails some interesting pictures of Italian Divers, but I wonder what can be made of this last one.

And then there were eight...

The World Cup throws up a few curveballs.

Form is never the most accurate guide.

Here is the Final Eight:

Germany v Argentina
Italy v Ukraine
England v Portugal
Brazil v France

The name that doesn't seem to fit here is the Ukraine. But that was the way the draw was already. It is just a shock that France hit form so suddenly.

Weekend Minor Local Codes Wrap

In the midst of the soccer rise and fall, you would be forgiven for thinking that the AFL only had two games played last weekend, and the NRL was a bit uneventful (or I think that sometimes anyway).

But this week's Macarthur Chronicle (that's right my friends) should put you straight...

Unfortunately, I wasn't paying much attention, but...
Rugby League games saw the top 8 pitted against other top 8 teams.
As much as it hurts me to say it, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cronulla look the goods, as does Canterbury.
Wests have to fight the season out without Benji, and despite thumping the Broncos, the Rabbits have returned to their rightful place as whipping boys.

In the AFL, it was pretty much a non-event.
Sydney lost a game they probably once again deserved to lose (what is with that), while the Kangaroos showed why Carlton deserve to lose regularly with a last gasp resuscitation.

With the world cup diving competition heating up, it is worth remembering that long after the Australian public stops debating dubious refereeing non-decisions (like that handball) and decisions (like the swan-dive), while ignoring other dubious overreactions (like that red card), we can be sure that somewhere sometime, these miniscule sports with no presence globally may once again recapture the public's imagination, maybe around August and September anyway.

Accountant Bemoans Lack of Productivity

I wonder where those green-wristbands come from...

Could it be a Big-4?

Italian Soccer Style

I guess this is an important public service announcement. I won't be watching this game tonight because of a 2UOC exam, but I think I wouldn't mind missing us play a team well known for going down easily.

Round of 16 Preview

Germany v Sweeden
Argentina v Mexico
Italy v Australia
Switzerland v Ukraine

England v Ecuador
Portugal v Netherlands
Brazil v Ghana
Spain v France
I have edited the above based on predictions made last time, the incorrect positioning and choices are italicised.

Very European - a run down on the Preliminary Placings
10/14 European Sides have made the final 16. (14 Places)
3/4 South American Sides did. (4.5 Places)
1/4 CONCAF (North and Central America) Nations (3.5 Places)
1/5 African Nations Made it. (5 Places)
0/4 Asia. They only gets a look in if you consider that Australia is considered Asian since the start of the year. (4.5 Places)
1/1 Oceania (as Qualified but AUS is now technically Asain) - (0.5 Places)

Out of the teams who qualified through play-offs, 3 (Spain, Australia and Switzerland) have made the Second Phase. 2 (Trinidad and Tobago, Czech Republic) Didn't.
Also possibly interesting is that Serbia and Montenegro and Croatia both won their Qualifying Groups, Poland also qualified Automatically (But all are going home).

Ok, lets tip Quarter Finals
Germany v Argentina
(Australia) v Ukraine
England v Netherlands (I don't know why I keep tipping them)
Brazil v Spain.

What will History Say Now???

We made it through to the next round, I wonder what the next irritating history ad will come out.

Considering we have never played a full international against Italy, it will be an interesting match.

But I am looking forward to it, apart from the fact I have an exam on Tuesday, and Mum has already tried to lay down the law, suggesting I don't stay up and watch the 1am kick-off.

Live Blog: Croatia v Australia

The time has come for the world cup to get interesting. Australia need points v Croatia. Many of the Australians have a Croatian heritage, many of the Croatians are Aussie born. Graham Poll in charge, he should do a pretty good job.

If we come 2nd, we will play Italy next week, should be fun.
o Min
Here we go.
2 min 1-0 Croatia
Viduka fouls a player outside the box. Srna scores from the Free Kick.
9 Mins
Australia produce one of their better attacking moves of the whole cup, but it isnt a goal.
14 Min
First Australian set-piece, but headed away quickly out of Croatian danger.
20 Min
Getting annoyed by Viduka's style, he seems to be playing for the free-kick a bit more than playing for the ball at times. Just as I type this, he was involved in a reasonable chance with Kewell, but not enough.
26 Min
I know it is early days, but Australia has looked vulnerable to the counterattack both today and in the cup generally. We also haven't looked convincing in breaking down flooded defences. I hope things improve.
33 min
The game is starting to open up a bit for the Aussies. Not a lot yet, but a bit, and the signs are looking promising, for the time being at least.
37 Min
Australia have a penalty, Moore is taking it. 1-1.
42 Min
The whole dynamic has changed now, open play, both sides getting a few chances, but more for Australia.
Half Time 1-1
Things are looking much better. We are in the box seat to qualify now, all we need is a good 45 minutes, and things will be certain. Go AUSTRALIA, do what you have been trained to do, keep it up.
53 Min
Settling into the second half. Australia need to retain some attacking ascendency. I don't think we will get there by sitting back and defending.
55 Min Croatia 2-1
Kalac makes an awful mistake, this could have massive implications.
61 Min
Attacking Free Kick, Bresciano isnt on to hit it over... instead it goes into the wall.
63 Min
Aloisi on, the Croations getting frustrated, but they still lead.
70 Min
Bresciano looks like he is about to be injected. Sterjovski has had a good game, but we might do with the fresh legs. Kewell stopped by a good save.
73 Min
Bresciano has an immediate impact on the set piece. Lets se what he can do now.
Kennedy on Chipperfield (who had a good game) Off.
79 Min
HAAARRRYYYYYYYYY!!!! It's about time he scored. Australia in the best position, 2-2.
83 Min
The goal by Kewell is what we needed to do. If we got another penalty, it would have been a bit of a joke, no matter what the SBS commentator says.
85 Min
Red Card to Simic - The handling of the ref by Number 2 was a bit poor too.
87 Min
Emerton off for second Yellow, deliberate handball. Only 5 mins now probably.
92 Min
The ref has made a fundamental error. Double Booked a player without him getting ejected. Australia has a penalty.
Red card to Siminic now. Full time blown. Seems a bit rediculous but we are through.

Dissent and Referees

I don't know why, but I have become much less intolerant for poor refereeing since I started playing again.

But when I saw Harry Kewell go at the referee after the Brazil match, and watching the replays afterwards, it reminded me of what I did one half-time a few weeks back. Not as severe, and of course I asked in the nicest possible way, but it was still slightly aggressive (and shocked my teammates).

Perhaps I have forgotten what it is like to have coaches run up to me and scream, but I think that there was enough close decisions going to Brazil to really mess up the game.

Sometimes I think that a referee will start to worry if a lowly ranked team starts looking good against a highly ranked one, and have their decisions influenced. It is just a shame that Australia always seems to be in that position (though admittedly about 85 mins in the Japan game, we were lucky not to concede a penalty).

I hope the standard improves, though maybe it will just be a case of one-eyed Peter wanting Australia to win, and getting annoyed when they don't.

Third Game Previews

With the final make up of the last 16 to be decided over the next four evenings, it is time for a look at how things are going, and what is to be expected.

Group A
Ecuador v Germany will work out who comes 1st and 2nd. TIP - Germany to win.
Group B
England v Sweeden decides pretty much the same issue (with a Trinidad and Tobago risk). - TIP England to win, Sweeden Second.
Group C
Argentina v Netherlands is the same situation as group A. TIP - Netherlands to Win
Group D
Portugal v Mexico matches Group B, TIP - Probably Portugal at this stage.
Group E
Italy (4) v Czech Republic (3)
Ghana (3) v USA (1)
Generally here, the winner of each match gets a place in the next round. Draws will make things complicated, along with the Goal Difference gap between Italy and the USA. If both games are drawn, Italy and the Czechs go through.
TIP - Probably Italy and Ghana, but who knows.
Group F
The matches we will all care about.
Brazil is through... and as long as Japan don't win big time, Japan are out.
Australia (3) v Croatia (1) means that we need at least a draw to progress, which we should be able to get.
TIP - Brazil and Australia
Group G
Switzerland (4) v Korea Rep (4)
France (2) v Togo (0)
If France win, only one of the two leading teams will progress (with Switzerland holding the advantage at this stage). If France don't win, both Switzerland and Korea Rep will progress.
TIP: Korea Rep to beat Switzerland; France to probably beat Togo.
Group H
Like Group F, Spain is Safe, and the Ukraine are in control of their destiny.
Spain v Saudi Arabia should not rock the boat.
Ukraine v Tunisia will be interesting. A draw for Ukraine is enough, and should be achievable.
TIP: Spain and Ukraine.

Notional Round of 16: (although it is quite possible that Netherlands will swap with Argentina)
Germany v Sweeden
Netherlands v Mexico
Italy v Australia
Korea Rep v Ukraine

England v Ecuador
Portugal v Argentina
Brazil v Ghana
Spain v France

Agony and Extacy

Overnight was perhaps one of the hardest games of soccer to watch in a long time. (It also seems to fit the feelings you get having been a long-suffering fan). Watching Australia go so close to putting Brazil through a tough workout was painful. Watching it all slip away in the end was hard. Watching the referee efficiously deny Australia as effectively as our strikers inaccuracy did was very difficult. Knowing that Friday morning is a chance to fix it up, doesn't change the frustration.

Also Overnight, Geoff Ogilvie won the US Open Golf. Congrats for achieving a winning score of 5+ (which seems unusually high), but a win is a win, especially in a major.

Sport has hassles because a loss is eventually inevitable, the joys will wear off, and the great times will not last, but still, it is nice for a short while.

Live-Blogging Brazil v Australia

The other group F match is about to start. I plan on live-blogging from 2am, come back and have a look then for the updates.

Japan 0 - Croatia 0
The destiny of the Socceroos is now clearly in their own hands. A win to Japan may have helped more, but any result tonight should be almost enough. Only an hour to go.

Looks like we are ready to go!!! From the national anthem noise there are lots of Aussies in the crowd too.
3 mins
Not a bad start, a bit of a worry how much space is left the 10 metres in front of the box though.
14 mins
Things are a bit testy, Brazil are being roughed up, very interesting start.
27th Min
The game has settled into a good rythym, although Brazil are looking every so often like they are about to score. Good work from our defenders though.
34 min
Shot Count on Screen BRA 4 - 5 AUS; It almost doesnt feel like it, we have been on the back foot for a lot of the game, but a few recent moves have been excellent.
40 mins
Popovich off Bresciano On - Sad to see such an injury impact a stalwart.
Half-Time 0-0!
49th Min 1-0 Brazil, Adriano good placement
54 Min
Chance for Bresciano, we can still create things; Sterjovski also has a good shot.
56 Min
Kewell butchers his first touch, ARGH!!!
65 Min
With 25 to go, I wonder what is likely to happen. I am starting to think that our three or four good chances have been and gone. We have to wait and see though.
67 min
Harry's third chance in 10 mins on the field... we need to just wait and see.
68 Min
Aloisi for Moore, another attacking change.
71 Min
Ronaldo is subbed, he laid off the ball for Adriano's goal, but otherwise has been a bit underwhelming.
79 Min
Bresciano puts in a decent shot, but as usual, no relaxation, Brazil on the attack.
85 Min
ARGHHHH... Viduka almost does it.
89 Mins
Unlucky second goal to Brazil, so close yet so far. Fred seems to be a Christian, but I cant think we expected a win.
Something just hasnt clicked for Viduka today.
Oh well, a gallant effort which would be worth keeping in mind before playing Croatia.
Full Time Brazil 2-0
I hope Australia plays that well next week. We might see a bit more of them if they do.

Groups C to E

Another two nights of Cup Matches, another series of groups to discuss.

Group C
Argentina and the Netherlands are through, they will play each other to work out the placings. (Tip: Argentina based on Current Form to top the group)

Group D
It is pretty similar here: Portugal and Mexico are through, with their game to determine rankings. Portugal has the coach of the 2002 Brazil Team, and are playing well. (Tip: Portugal to beat Mexico, or possibly a draw - but Angola still have a chance if Mexico lose).

Group E
If you only have a passing interest in the Cup, and have to rationalise your time, the morning of June 23 will be critical for Australia. Not just because it will determine if we make the second round (unless events tonight do that), but because a few hours earlier it will decide who we play against...
Italy on 4 points can get through with a win or a draw against the Czechs, but will probably miss out if they lose.
Czech Republic on 3 points needs to beat Italy to guarantee a spot.
Ghana on 3 points needs what is likely to be a win or a draw against the US, (although if both games are drawn, they miss out).
The US on 1 point needs a big win to boost their goal difference, which would possibly let them through.
This is what the group phase is all about. Stand by if results permit for similar frustration with Groups F, G and H.

Saturday Night

Making News in Sport In the Past 24 Hours

• I had to referee my own team in club soccer today, because there was no-one else there. Was at times very hard to be fair, but I tried to do so.
  
• Wests Win Again (finally)... but looking at the NRL Ladder it seems a bit of a joke. The top 10 teams are within 6 points. Who knows what will happen with about 10 weeks to go. I might have to ask Grimmo for a tip at Mid Year Conference
  
• Argentina and the Netherlands are through to the Final 16. Those Argentinians really know how to score goals. 6-0!
• Another NRL Friday Night ends in a nail-biter, kind-of like the whole comp. (Dragons 18- Broncos 16) - A Dragon also seems to have become acquainted with the Brisbane Police too.
  
• Pete announces live-blogging weill happen for the Brazil Match!!! (So set that alarm for 2am and turn on your computer too).
• Tiger Woods is eliminated before the Cut at the US Open
• Lleyton Hewitt ends Rafael Nadal's winning streak (albeit on grass, so he has still won 60 games in a row on clay).
• Mexico flop against Angola 0-0.
  

Group A and B

World Cup Group Phases throw up some interesting results...

Group A
I said:

Germany is the favourite. Home Crowds, Good Team, Strong History.
Ecuador is the sentimental side here. South American Football, Exciting, Fast, Need I say more.

Result: Germany and Ecuador Qualify. I think Ecuador have exceeded all my expectations at this stage. I am not really surprised that Germany are on 6 points, but Ecuador have played such an attractive brand of football, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.

Group B
I said:

England is possibly the favourite, apart from their propensity to get beaten in matches against Australia, I think they tend to bring their best out at Cups.
Trinidad and Tobago are perhaps sentimentals, although I'm not sure how well they do. Must have something to do with a link to Sydney FC.

Result so far: England are through; Paraguay are going home, and Trinidad and Tobago almost brought Sweeden to their knees with a beautiful 0-0 draw. Sweeden have been underwhelming in attack, but with 4 points now, they are pretty likely to go through.

Group C and D are getting going tonight.
The Netherlands and Argentina look fairly safe, as does Mexico and Portugal. As with Group A now, the final match should be an interesting one, not for who progresses, but rather where they finish.

First Games Over... What about the Picks

If you look at today's scoreboard for Group A, you can start to feel the importance of a first round win, especially when you aren't playing the top side in your pool.

The games that have decided results so far that fit this category would probably include:
Ecuador v Poland (putting Ecuador with a chance, and Poland Out) - Group A
Czech Republic v USA (putting the USA out) - Group E
Australia v Japan (making it almost impossible for Japan) - Group F
I am also tempted to add Spain v Ukraine, but I am not 100% sure that fits yet.

Key Games to watch for points qualification in the second set of matches (Times in AEST - Sydney):
Group A: Costa Rica v Ecuador (15/6 11pm)
Group B: Sweeden v Paraguay (16/6 5am)
Group F: Japan v Croatia (18/6 11pm)
Group G: France v Korea (19/6 5am); Switzerland v Togo (19/6 11pm)
Group H: Saudi Arabia v Ukraine (20/6 2am)

The other matches will be still important, but these matches will have a direct bearing on their whole group's chances. This is getting serious now, and exciting.

Passion in Sport is Everything

One of the keys I keep getting reminded of in sport is that passion wins matches.

After watching the NSW Blues lose so comprehensively, there is only one question that needs to be asked. Did they forget to care? Were they too relaxed before kick-off? Did they think they would win without a fight?

With all this talk of NSW being the dominators of Origin, it seems the Media forgot Queensland lost the last game by 1 point. No 1 point victory can ever make the series, no trip into Queensland can go without problems, and no desecration of statues can fail to fire up the Queenslanders.

Lesson: Be Passionate. It is rep football, value the jumper. If nothing else, learn that from the Socceroos.

Daily World Cup Roundup

Korea v Togo
The Koreans look to be on form. Will watch a bit more of the match before deciding too much about their prospects in what seems an interesting group.
A win in Europe should do them well though, and possibly quieten some of the knockers of their 2002 performance.
Togo sacked their coach last week, and then reinstated him before the game, seems an interesting approach.

France v Switzerland
The Swiss have a good recent record against the French. The French have a poor record, not having scored a goal in Korea/Japan 2002, and not starting with one here, may be wondering what has happened. We await with interest the reverse fixtures.

Brazil v Croatia
I am not sure what to think here. Everyone seems to think that Brazil played below their best, and Croatia are in good form. I will probably hold my judgement till later in the group phase. Australia has beaten Brazil before, but I am not sure they will next time they meet.
This game is a good reminder of something else. This is the World Cup, any game is tough, and every team is good. No one does well at this level by fluking it.

Origin-al Thoughts

There are rumours that State of Origin as a concept is almost dead because of the ongoing success of NSW teams.

Oh how that would amuse those Blues players who slogged so hard to win back in the 1980s.

The Broncos had for a while too much of a stranglehold on Queensland development in the 1990's, and only North Queensland and a few other non-Qld NRL teams took the odd high-quality players to develop them properly.

I personally cannot see how the concept is inherently likely to fail just because NSW win, but I also can't see how Queensland can do ok tonight, NSW just have too strong a line up (but then again, they almost pulled off a win last time too with a similar team).

Update: Some NSW Fans seem to show a lack of respect for Origin

Is it really as good as people are saying...

I dont know about you, but the great joy we felt last night isn't really past of a process, but some of the hysterics in the media would have you believe that we won the whole World Cup.

Imagine if we had lost 1-0, I am sure that there would have been some very unkind things said about the refereeing decision.

It is appropriate that they have put on the news (at least on Channel 7) some of the reaction from fans in Japan. It must be hard to have all your world cup dreams shattered in the first match (just as we throught was about to happen to us).

The Aussies Won, But what else happened

I know Australia's win is of supreme importance. Tim Cahill is in supreme form. So are many of the Australian side. But there were a few other things happening in sport since Sunday's wrap-up.

In the World Cup
Italy and the Czech Republic have continued what is a notional European dominance (dented by Trinidad and Tobago, and by Ecuador).

In the Rugby
Australia Beat England easily; New Zealand Beat Ireland. The dominance of the Southern Hemisphere seems to be reasserting itself.

League
Canberra defeats Bulldogs, which is a nice result.
Parramatta drenched by the Storm. (The crowd at Parra Stadium made me think there is club soccer there, not NRL).
Origin Tomorrow Night, interesting comments have been made and will continue to be observed.

Tennis
Rafael beats Roger, and things look quite interesting. Definately a change at least on clay has been happening, how much this impacts Roger longer term we will have to wait and see.

Live Blog #1 - Australia v Japan

I know that anyone who is anyone can simply go and watch the game on television, but if you want to get informed coverage, then ignore the stupid "I told you so" backdrop on SBS, and check out this site. The thoughts and issues will be updated when appropriate, and the plan is to do this for all games Australia plays.

Let's Go.

Pre-game
The wait is ok, at least Rale and Ned are ok about things. Time to go grab some refreshment, and settle in for the national anthems.
Isn't it great to see so many Aussies so proud to be Australian. (Even the players got all the words right).

0 Minutes
Luke Wilkshire is Starting, so is Kewell, should be a good sign for them, although Wilkshire perhaps was a bit to zealous for his place in the side against the Netherlands.
1 min
Oh dear, that tackle was pretty late, not the best spot for defending a free kick either... but the wall stops it adequately.
6 min
Viduka takes a good chance, the keeper does ok to stop it, Corner; Corner Again.
10 mins
Things are settling into a rythym now, looks like there will be lots of good open running play, attack and counter attack.
16 min
Lots of long ball into space, but things are good that way, seems to keep picking out Aussie strikers with opportunities.
22 min
Wilkshire's defence looks like it is a weak spot. Two or three solid runs there makes me question whether he will hold out for the game. Look for Guus maybe to change things up there (maybe in the second half) if things keep going.
26 mins
Japan Score, but the decision to allow it was absolutely woeful. Clear foul, FIFA will send the ref home tonight if he does that again.
38 mins
Yellow Card Count: Australia 1 - Japan 2
Score 0-1
Diplomatic Incidents - None confimed, but it appears that there might be one against Egypt if things don't clear up.
Half Time
Things have settled down, hopefully Australia keeps their heads, and take the chances when they come. But in terms of the SBS Coverage, the only thing worse than the decision to have the goal scored was Kim Beazley waffling about how proud we are about the socceroos in a pre-recorded segment - Can't he just speak like a normal person for once???

Second Half We need to get in and play hard, if we keep going the way we are, we can score a few goals, just need the will to.
50 Min
Things are a blt slow, Dad doesn't like my idea of declaring war over a soccer game, I wonder if we should publish some cartoons instead?
The substitutes wehrn they come should add some needed zest to our Midfield.
52 min
Cahill on - Bresciano Off. Should have the same effect as it did in the friendlies, or so I hope.
59 Min
Our Long Balls aren't hitting their target, a bit of a shame, but that one almost let to a heart attack.
60 min
Moore off - Kennedy On (Shift from Defence to Attack)
68 Min
Viduka just can't beat him. Argh...
Last Sub
Wilkshire Off, Aloisi On. Go John, make it count.
83 min
Good chance again from a free kick; not a bad effort, but not enough. Goal to Cahill!!!!!!!!!!
1-1
87 Min
I think the Japanese won't flood anymore. War and Cartoons might be unnecessary, but we will have to wait for the final whistle. Close calls now, just a bit of a concern as things get interesting again.
89 Min
Call off the war. We are up 2-1!!! Cahill.
92 min
Aloisi 3-1!!!! You Legend
Full Time
We are in a pretty good spot now. I think there is a good chance of us qualifying now.
What a Birthday Present. I think I will enjoy that moment for a while, just goes to show that you need to play for the whole 90 Minutes.

Time to Shine

Tonight is the opportunity the Socceroos have been waiting 32 years for.

Getting to strut their skills on the world stage is a huge honour, and should not be taken lightly.

I like many other fair minded soccer fans will be going a bit crazy tonight, but hopefully it will all pay off.

It is time for the Socceroos to Shine, and they will do us proud.

Sunday Lunch Wrap Up

Rugby League:
Manly v Wests Tigers
This was a good hard fought game, went to the wire, a bit of a pain with the result, but no-one can begrudge the Eagles the win.

South Sydney v Brisbane
Souths Won!!! I know the Broncos are on Origin duty, but it is about time the Rabbits pulled out a win.

Other Games
The Sharks beat the Cowboys (solidifying their place in the Top 8)
The Dragons beat the Panthers (same effect).

AFL:
Swans v Saints
It is about time the Swans lost a game they shouldn't have won. They must have the best final quarter in the league, but in slush it is hard to win that.

Other Games
Not important (for me) at this stage, although Port Power are on a goal spree at the moment.

Soccer/Football:
Group A:
As predicted Germany did well (although their defence could do with some work); As also desired, Ecuador put on a show.

Group B
England have started well, I am not so excited about how many chances they seem to have butchered; Trinidad and Tobago have already done enough to make me proud, their draw was excellent.

Group C
The tape ran out so I didnt get to see much of the Argentina v Ivory Coast Game. But it looks like the C'ote D'Ivoire have something to bring to the table (thankfully).

Tennis:
Roger v Rafael tonight. Almost worth missing a world cup game for it (if I had Foxtel anyway).

Events to look forward to...
Rugby Tonight: Australia v England - Despite the fact that the recent form of both sides has been underwhelming, it is still a grudge match.
Soccer: Mexico v Iran is probably the match of the evening.
NRL: I guess State of Origin should get a look in at some stage, might write something on that in the next stage of procrastination.

My Tips - Group Stage

It doesn't take much to be a hindsight hero, but it is much harder to lay it on the line and pick something well in advance.

For each Group in the World Cup I will pick two teams, one a favourite, one a sentimental side, and we will see how they progress through to the next stage.

Group A
Germany is the favourite. Home Crowds, Good Team, Strong History.
Ecuador is the sentimental side here. South American Football, Exciting, Fast, Need I say more.

Group B
England is possibly the favourite, apart from their propensity to get beaten in matches against Australia, I think they tend to bring their best out at Cups.
Trinidad and Tobago are perhaps sentimentals, although I'm not sure how well they do. Must have something to do with a link to Sydney FC.

Group C
I think the Netherlands are Strong enough to Win this group - I am going out on a large limb here.
The Ivory Coast stopped a Civil War to support their team this cup, that sounds like a nice enough story to support them too.

Group D
Mexico should have the goods to beat Portugal, with their long gained international experience.
Iran has some sad memories for me, and many others, but they travelled well to Europe in 1998 (or at least better than the other Asian sides), and if any people on earth need cheering up through football, they probably live under a dictator in the Middle East.

Group E
The United States are my pick to win this group. They regularly play high quality opposition, and are slowly growing in their skill levels too. (Italy in comparison haven't had the best run of late).
Ghana look to be an interesting surprise packet. They took Bronze off our Olyroos (U23) in Barcelona, and havent been seen much since. It is good for us if they go well too.

Group F
Brazil should win the group phase, especially because Clayton Zane isn't in the Australian squad to score an unlikely winner (like he did in 2001).
I think I will be cheering on... oh yeah, Australia.

Group G
If South Korea can Travel and win, (and they have had some ok warm-up results), this should be their opportunity.
Switzerland get the nod for an underdog team, just because I dont think I can bear to support France.

Group H
Spain to win this group.
Ukraine to win hearts.

Rafael v Ivan; Roger v David

The World Cup appears to have taken a great amount of interest from those who cover sports events, particularly in Australia. But at the same time, a gripping contest appears to be unfolding for the French Open, albeit unnoticed in Australia.

This is partly the fault of not having the French Open on Free-to-Air TV, and mainly the fault of the Socceroos making everything else less interesting.

The Top Four seeds fight it out tonight in what should be a wonderful exhibition of clay court tennis, to make it to the final two.

Roger Federer has been the form player of the past few years, but hasn't won at Roland Garros. David Nalbandian is as good as anyone else in the world on his day. Rafael Nadal has had an unbroken 58 wins on Clay. Ivan Ljubicic is not noted for his clay court skill, but has the potential to pull off an upset.

Unfortunately, with the pressure of Exams, and no Foxtel at my place, I don't have the best form guide around, but I think Roger may just have enough to go lucky, or if not Rafael is the best player around on clay for years.

The Dark Side of Chess

I played Chess for a number of years at State Level, although I did never reach the dizzy heights that others I know did.

Some of my friends now have been longer term chess buddies too.

But perhaps my proudest Chess moment was an appearance on Sports Tonight Summer Edition in 1996 during a segment where nerdy chess heroes tried to argue chess was a sport, with the Sports Tonight guys pretty much paying them out.

Having not played for a while, and becoming content in my nerdiness, I don't seem to recall ever putting "attractive" and "chess player" together in a sentence (with perhaps one exception, years after I stopped playing).

So all this kerfuffle in the media about an incident at an international tournament has me interested. I dont feel like linking, but any visit to a relevant site would get the details you need to know.

I guess because of the rarity of strong female talent in the "sport", (and especially attractive ones), combined with the nerdiness of the guys involved, makes this a recipe waiting to happen.

No self-respecting nerd cannot recall an incident when they have been frustrated by another boy showing interest in a girl they liked. I just find it amusing that an event like that would finally make the most read articles lists.

Socceroos or Soccerlose?

There has been an ad recently on SBS for Nike, it has this really irritating guy proclaiming (accurately) the virtues of Brazilian Football.

I even found the website where you can see this irritation even more...
See it here

Well, last night was a bit of a shock, although the Socceroos won 3-1, they seem to have played a relatively flat game, beating Liechtenstein.

Against Holland they got the job done thanks to some top quality goalkeeping.

Against Greece they got the job done.

But will they get the job done against Brazil, Japan and Croatia?

I certainly hope so.

Relaunched

Relaunching my blog just in time for the World Cup so I can put out various thoughts about the events as they carry on.

I'm feeling a bit better than I have been the past few weeks, so it might be safe to keep the posting going.

Meanwhile, check out the new online weblocation for XLS Ministry Resources.