On the Opening Round of the Group Stage: What I've observed.

So we've seen the first 16 games of the WC, we've had one good look at every team that is playing in the tournament this year. These are my observations from the precedings thus far:

Goalkeepers: Doing fine. I'm really tired of the media circus surrounding goalkeeper "errors." So Rob Green fumbled a ball, Algeria's keeper misplayed a ball, and Paraguay's keeper came out too early on a corner. Who cares? Aren't goals what we want to see anyway?

Also, no one is talking about the keepers who have had great performances. Nigeria's goalie Vincent Enyeama stopped Messi four times when the ball would have surely gone in the top corner. Japan's goalie played like an absolute hero against Cameroon, taking a hard fall on his tailbone and finishing the match. Tim Howard...is just incredible.

If the keepers have made errors, they have more than made up for it in their individual performance, and I say again: since when does an audience mind when goals are scored?

2. Jubulani Ball: Piece of crap. I know that this is kind of a cliche topic, but it has to be said. It seems that the complaints of players about this ball are well warranted. It flies way too far, it nearly impossible to curve (it seems) and takes some very odd bounces. Most of these players are used to just playing with something that looks round, this "technological achievement" of a "perfectly round ball" has them all caught off guard, and no one has quite been able to tame it.

3. The Far East: Surprising everyone. South Korea, for a couple of days, was the only team to get more than one goal in a game. They seemed to just cut swathes through Greece, who was certainly struggling, but the performance was impressive nonetheless. Then Japan destroyed the hopes one of Africa's main teams, Cameroon. But they certainly haven't stolen these games.

Kisuke Honda, for Japan, was perhaps one of the most exciting players to watch on the ball we've seen so far. His goal was one of the coolest I've seen yet.

North Korea, even though they didn't win, did extremely well against Brazil, and were even able to get a goal out of the contest. The two goals scored on them were hardly contestable as well, as the first was some kind of miracle, and the second was such an impressive display of skill that I can't think of a team that would have been able to stop it. It certainly seems as though the Far East are capable of surprising someone in this tournament, perhaps we'll see that tomorrow when South Korea takes on Argentina.

4. Big name teams: Unable to deliver. Italy ties Paraguay. Spain loses to Switzerland. France ties Uruguay. England ties the United States. Brazil wins by a goal over North Korea. Portugal ties Ivory Coast. It seems as if none of the big teams that have qualified in this tournament, other than Germany and Holland, who we'll get to later, have been able to really get a handle on their game. The majority of them just look like another team. Even Spain, despite an extremely impressive passing display, were unable to get that finishing stroke working.

5. Germany, Holland, and Argentina: The front runners. If not for an extremely impressive performance by Nigeria's goalkeeper, Argentina would have won their opening game 4-0 just as Germany did so impresssivly against Australia.

Holland have played their most difficult game in their group, so you have to believe that they will be able to rack up the goals.

Germany looked...immaculate in their game. They were even able to get a struggling Miroslav Klose to score. These seem to be the teams in the driver's seat at this point. Two are expected (Argentina and Holland) and one was perhaps underestimated by me, but should have been expected (Germany).

6. Cristiano Ronaldo: A douche. ...That's really it for that one.

7. Fabio Capello: Still an idiot. Capello decided to play Ledley King at centre back to replace injured Rio Ferdinand. The more than capable Upson was on the bench, sitting there. King is quite injury prone, and was barely cleared to even play in the tournament. King got horribly injured in the match against the U.S. and is now out of the WC. So Capello has managed to oust two centre backs thus far. 2 down, 21 players to go, right Fabio!

8. Diego Forlan: The Big Bad Wolf is howling. The only player to accrue more than one goal thus far, Forlan was the orchestrator of Uruguay's route of South Africa today. He's my favorite player, he didn't let me down today, and it's looking great for his team to advance into the next round (perhaps farther).

These are my findings from this opening round. Have some of your own? Comment!

On Uruguay vs. France: Who will win.

The other game taking place on opening day is between Group A sides Uruguay and France. I thought I would go ahead and try to predict how that one will turn out, as well as the rest of the games that take place.

So, without further ado, here's my prediction: Uruguay 1-0 France.

I know, I'm calling the upsets pretty often here, but I like Uruguay's chances in this one. Especially considering how terrible France has been playing lately. On top of that, their defense has looked considerably shaky recently, and Gallas is dreadfully out of form. I think they'll have a hard time keeping a very in form Diego Forlan and the criminally underrated striker Luis Suarez out of the box.

Uruguay is also in their first World Cup since 1990, and the country that won the first World Cup ever in 1930 is hungry for a shot at another one. They've also got a lot more depth than they are given credit for, and the Pereiras (Maxi and Alvaro) are great attacking midfielders out on the wings.

They will probably have problems keeping France at bay in defense, but I don't think France will be able to finish well at all. I base that on them being unable to score against TUNISIA and only be able to tie CHINA (with one goal a piece). France is not playing well together, they have great talent, but something just isn't working.

Another thing: Uruguay and South Africa are at similar elevations (in fact, South Africa is lower) and they have similar climates. This is a major concern for European teams whose players come from lowland, moderate climates. Especially France.

In short, I think Uruguay will "shock the world" and eek out a victory against France. Think I'm being too bold? Think there's no way in hell France took those friendlies seriously? Comment!

On Goalkeepers: The five best in the world

If the 2006 World Cup showed us one thing, it's that having a great goalkeeper is a major plus in the World Cup. These are my top five keepers:

1. Iker Casillas. Country: Spain.


















I've mentioned the Spanish mainstay in goal before in my post about Mourinho, but the reason that he's in this post is the same as the reason he's there. Casillas is Spain, just as he is Real Madrid. Casillas has been between the posts since he was 7 at his club, and has always been regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world.

There are a couple of reasons why. He doesn't make mistakes, he's completely reliable, never gets injured, and is extremely good at starting attacks, mostly because he can punt the ball about the length of the field. He's also got really long arms and can jump like a freak, so that helps.

Casillas made headlines recently when he was one of the foremost players outspoken against the new "Jubalani" ball Addidas made for the World Cup. I saw the two goals that the UAE scored on Casillas in the friendly and I have to say, that ball did move in quite a peculiar manner. Then again, I could have just been shocked to see the ball get past Casillas and made up some reason why.

2. Gianluigi Buffon. Country: Italy.























When I mentioned that the 2006 World Cup taught us something I meant it. In that tournament, the man you see above allowed two goals. A penalty and an own goal, neither of which can be blamed on him. He is an aboslute psycho and is the highest paid keeper in the world.

Like Casillas, he also plays for a major national club, Juventus. He is internationally recognized for having lightning quick reflexes, fearless resolve, and an ability to get in front of any ball, no matter what.

It's odd to say that the most exciting player on a team could be the keeper, but in Italy's case, that just might be true.

3. Hugo Lloris. Country: France.















The youngest player on my list, 23 year old baby face Hugo Lloris made a name for himself accompanying major national club Lyon to the semifinals of the Champions League this year.

Lloris' story is a magnificent one. A player who didn't even make France's squad for the Euro 2008, Lloris proved himself to be the number one after an incredible performance in a qualifier against Republic of Ireland and, as mentioned, his stellar efforts at Lyon.

A true commander of the box, Lloris is known for being extremely reliable in one-on-one situations because of his spectacular reflexes and good decision making.

4. Tim Howard. Country: USA.





























Yes, I did it.

Tim Howard is an extremely important part of the United States' national team. Not only is he one of the most experienced players on the roster, but he's also known for being extremely vocal about what he wants from his back line. And the much criticized US back four need all the "support" they can get. After every shot that he miraculously blocks, watch for Howard to explode off of the ground and scream at Bocanegra about not cheating up too far, and telling Gooch to wake up.

He's the fire of this team, and in many ways he's their star. He made a run at Manchester United and since then has found a place at Everton, where he is extremely well liked alongside teammate Clint Dempsey.

Howard's a big ole boy, and he won't take crap from any player, no matter who it is. I'd like to propose we nickname him "Mount Helen," because of his hot temper and his solid-as-a-rock playing style in front of goal. I like making up nicknames...anyway, moving on.

5. Julio Cesar. Country: Brazil.































He's only this far down because he's injured, because the Brazilian between the sticks is widely regarded as one of the best in the business. Playing for Inter Milan, Champions League winners this year, that picture of Cesar says it all. He's willing to do anything and everything for his club and, most of all, his country.

Imagine being the keeper for Brazil. You are the last line of defense for what most consider to be the greatest team on Earth. How do you deal with that pressure? Well, it helps when you're effing Cesar. The man cannot be scored on, under normal circumstances. Cesar makes teams work, and when you've already gotten by Brazil's brutal defense, you're probably running out of ideas.

These are my selections for the top five keepers in the world. Think the order should be different? Have your own players you like? Comment!

On Diego Forlan: The Big Bad Wolf

This is a special post that I've been wanting to do for a while now on my personal favorite player: Diego Forlan. I have given him the moniker "The Big Bad Wolf" for a number of reasons. First of all, his trademark hair is gloriously long like a wolf. Second of all, he has the strength, speed, and agility that a leader of a pack should have. Which makes up the third reason: he is the leader of the pack. (I also just enjoy ironic nicknames that refer to children's stories).

At Atletico Madrid this season, Forlan has led the team scoring 18 goals in 30 appearences. But when those goals occur is very important. Forlan scored the winning goals in the Europa Cup tournament against Liverpool in the semi-final, and against Fulham in the final in extra time to help Atletico win the cup. Atletico didn't do so well in La Liga this year, but Forlan has shown one thing: he can step up big time in the big game.

This is what makes him the player to watch on opening day against France. I predict an upset in this game. Suarez and Forlan will be going up against a French side that may be playing without Gallas, and a side that could be very unsure of itself. Also, it seems that this post I made two weeks ago was a little presumptious. Because while the French look good on paper, they have more than struggled in the two friendly matches they have played since I posted it. They tied TUNISIA 1-1. And lost to CHINA 0-1. China didn't even qualify for the World Cup this year and I barely know where Tunisia is. I have picked Uruguay to advance along with South Africa out of Group A because of the contributions that I think Forlan will be willing to make. He's an absolutely fearless player, and is so clutch in these big game situations. And in the World Cup, every game is a big one.

Also: he's completely in form right now. Forlan has just come off scoring what could be the biggest goal of his life and has responded by scoring a goal in both of the friendly matches Uruguay has played. But the best wolf is always hungry.

I also admire Forlan for just not giving up. He began his career at Manchester United and was touted as the next big star, but he was unable to deliver. However, he has proven that he was not discouraged by this and has made a name for himself in his own right.

It doesn't matter if their houses are made of straw, wood, or bricks, if the teams in Group A don't open up, Forlan will huff, and he'll puff, and he'll blow their house in!

On France: What makes them the most balanced team in the world

France is not my favorite team. I'm actually pretty sure I have no feelings about them whatsoever. But, when looking over their roster, it's incredible to realize how much balance this team has, in every aspect of the game. Let's examine this.

1. Power and speed in attack. Franck Ribery (pictured above) is really fast. But, he's not Theo Walcott fast (who runs like a track star who happens to have a ball at his feet), this is controlled speed. This is speed that can stop on a dime, cut in, and deliver a cross. To my knowledge, other than Portugal's Simao, the previously mentioned England's Walcott, and Holland's Arjen Robben, no other player is known for breakneck pace like Ribery is. Ribery sets the pace for this team, and you should watch France if only to (try) and see him on the ball.

But then they've got guys with great power too, like Yoann Gourcuff, whom I discussed yesterday. So France can gash you with their pace, and then break your back with their heartstopping shots.

2. Age. Some teams in the world cup this year, like Germany, Holland, and in my mind Brazil, are getting a little old. Like, all of them. Other teams, like Argentina, are full of a lot of youngsters. France has a lot of both, the perfect mix really. And this shows with their captain, Thierry Henry. Now, Henry didn't play his best football this year, riding the bench at Barca, but he's still a leader on and off the field. Then they have guys like Gourcuff, who are in their first World Cup and are eager to make their debut.

3. Balance at every position. Let's start from the back and work our way forward on this one. Lloris is a great goalkeeper. So great, that many think that a lot of the reason why Lyon made their run in the Champions League this year is because of his outstanding reach and reaction time.

In defense, they have William Gallas, who is arguably the strongest defender in football. He's also a cocky asshole, which is needed on the back line of any great team. Then they have Patrice Evra, who is, in my mind, the best defender on the ball in the world. His crosses are absolutely superb, and his ability to get up the field will allow Ribery to get into the box, where that speed and agility will come in very handy. Also back there is Bacary Sagna, who has been known to get up field and take a whack or two, adding some power into the mix. They round it out with Gael Clichy, a solid, all-around good defender.

Midfield is where the talent really starts to show. In the defensive midfield positions, they have Alou Diarra and Jeremy Toulalan, one of the most reliably impenetrable combinations in Europe. Out on the wings, they have Ribery and Florent Malouda, who is also wickedly fast. Then up top in the middle is the man of the hour, Gourcuff.

Finally, up top, they have Nicolas Anelka who was recently described by The Sun as "the world's most complete striker," Henry whom we have already talked about, and Andre-Pierre Gignac, who's got some great skills.

All in all, I can't think of another team that has this kind of balance in every aspect of football (shut up Spain). France is a darkhorse to win the Cup, in my opinion.

On Youngsters: Which players under 24 to watch for in the World Cup

This is a post dedicated to the best players under 24 that will be in their first World Cup Finals. All of these players will most likely be in the 25 man squad for their country's national team.

1. Yoann Gourcuff. Country: France. Age: 23. Position: Center attacking midfielder (CAM)


You can basically think of this guy as a French version of Cristiano Ronaldo. He's got the looks, a Howitzer cannon of a shot, and top of the line field vision. He's becoming known for being an extremely intelligent player who rarely makes mistakes and the French are going crazy over him. This guy is a dark horse for the Golden Boot, and definitely someone to watch for in this and the next three World Cups.

2. Gerard Pique. Country: Spain. Age: 23. Position: Center back (CB)


Pique is the new Puyol. The difference is, he's bigger than Puyol, faster than Puyol, more deadly with the ball at his feet than Puyol, and more reliable than Puyol. Basically, Pique is going to be the foundation of Spain's back four when Puyol gets a red card (which he will), and he can't even rent a car in the United States.

3. Lionel Messi. Country: Argentina. Age: 22. Position: Left winger (LW)



























The heralded "best player in the world." La Liga's top scorer. The man who tied Ronaldo's impossible 43 goals in a season this year. He's five feet two inches and would be asked to show some identification at any night club in the United States. Messi's left foot has become synonymous (as every club in La Liga knows by now) with defeat. "Maradona's successor" is the penultimate striker in the world. He loves chipping keepers, whirling around defenders, and basically making football look like a cake walk. You definitely won't want to miss Argentina playing at the Cup this year, if only to see this kid play.

4. Gonzalo Higuain. Country: Argentina. Age: 22. Position: Striker (ST)


Yes, they have another one. La Liga's second leading scorer, and Real Madrid's newest star, Higuain has a nose for the goal, and an aptitude for finishing. A top pick amongst a lot of analyists to win the Golden Boot, Higuain has been jostling with other Argentine strikers Carlos Tevez, Diego Milito, and Sergio Aguero to be in the starting line-up, and most think he's a shoe-in. Though those other three are also pretty great. More on one of them right now.

5. Sergio Aguero. Country: Argentina. Age: 21. Position: ST


Are you going to watch Argentina now? Aguero is a very special player, and not just because he's married to Argentine manager and former international superstar Diego Maradona's daughter. Aguero is extremely skilled on the ball, and has garnered a lot of attention starting alongside Diego Forlan at Atletico Madrid. He may come in only a few times, he may start for Argentina. Again, with this country, they have so many options up top, it's hard to pick just two or three to play.

So those are my top five young players. Do you have other ones? Comment!