Archive for May, 2009
This time 4 years ago, we Aussies had already clinched the Oceania group and were eagerly watching the South American qualification group. Who would we play in November? Uruguay again? Paraguay or Columbia? It went down to the wire and history shows that we played Uruguay and showed Reccoba that his “Divine Right” was to put his head up his arse. A special night in Sydney on November 16 2005 polarised Australians like no other match in our sporting history.
Qatar, Guitar? Whatever
Next Sunday morning our time (2am), we take on Qatar in Doha. We need 1 point from this match to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa next year. That is a draw. And if we don’t get the point there we have 2 more matches in the following 10 days to gain that point, and both of them on home soil.
AFC has worked for us.
By moving out of Oceania and into the AFC, Australia now plays more games against more creditable opponents. OK, we won’t play against a top South American team for a playoff but we may find one at the World Cup.
Excitement
The excitement is building for me. I have tickets to the World Cup now so all I need is for the Socceroos to qualify. And I will watch that in the early hours of Sunday morning, June 7. I may not be at the ground this time, but you still may hear me from my lounge room when the final whistle blows.
Celebration
The following Wednesday I will be in Sydney for our match against Bahrain. It is here where I will catch up with my many Aussie mates, some of whom will be in Doha. I don’t know if it will be the same as 2005, but I intend to give it a real shot.
Oh What a Feeling
May 31 2009 | Socceroos and World Cup | No Comments »
Is this what Nemanja Vidic thought this morning my time when Samuel Eto’o drifted down the right flank to out step Vidic and score at the 10 minute mark? Perhaps Sir Alex has watched all 12 episodes of Fawlty Towers too many times and was lulled into a false sense of security.
Clear as Mud
It would appear to me that if you give the likes of Messi, Iniesta and Xavi room to move they will hurt you. And when you do it in Rome at the UCL Final, the world sees it. Apart from the opening 10 mins, Man U was totally out played by a far better Football team. Congratulations Barcelona.
Sour Grapes
For what was a game played at a very good standard of fair play, there were 2 incidents that had no place in the match.
1. Ronaldo’s two footed, studs up tackle on Carlos Puyol
2. Scholes two footed hack.
It was obviously frustration, but the game did not deserve such cynicism. Both ended up with cards.
It seems that Ronaldo’s sour grapes continued after the match, by indicating that his “father like” figure, Sir Alex had blundered with the tactics. I assume he meant playing Ronaldo as a lone striker. This did perplex many football pundits I am sure. But is this the key Ronaldo needs to unlock the door and flee to Real Madrid?
For the Record
1. I tipped Man U to win this morning
2. I am a Ronaldo fan. He just needs to “Harden the Fuck Up” and stop whinging. Play football Cristiano, that is what you do best.
“You’ll have to forgive him. He’s from Barcelona.” – Basil Fawlty
Tezza
May 28 2009 | General | No Comments »
MY WORLD CUP TICKET APPLICATION IS SUCCESSFUL.
Just had e-mail confirmation that my ticket application is successful. It is still pending payment, but they just have to run my credit card details through. Gee I hope I gave them the right numbers.
I was so excited last night seeing the online status with a Green tick beside it. I do believe the rush I felt was better than sex.
It is now time to dive further into planning my trip. 391 days until it kicks off.
South Africa here we come.
Tezza
May 16 2009 | World Cup | No Comments »
This morning at Stamford Bridge saw a UEFA Champions League semi final between Chelsea and Barcelona. a nil all draw at the Nou Camp last week really set this game up to be a classic. And by all accounts was just that.
Shame
The shame of it all is that it will be more remembered by the absolutely disgusting display by Michael Ballack and Didier Drogba towards the referee. The Chelsea players were incensed at up to 4 decisions not going their way, with the most damaging being a late hand ball claim that would have given Chelsea a penalty and the match. For the record, it was a 50-50 for me, there was no intent and the player had turned his back.
Disgusting
The scene of Ballack chasing the referee up the field screaming at him is just not needed in our game. It shows utter disrespect for the officials and for the game in general.
Then after the whistle we see Terry approach the ref and then Drogba lets loose with the most unprofessional tirade I have seen on a football field in a very long time.
Cheating Referee?
Drogba’s comments suggest he thinks the referee was cheating and then his coach, Guus Hiddink (I love the man for what he did for Australian Football) goes and backs him up by agreeing with Drogba in a press conference.
If you want to make such allegations make sure you have the evidence to prove it.
Enough time to win it.
Chelsea went 1-0 up in the ninth minute. The highlights suggest that Chelsea had a number of chances to increase their lead but failed to do so. At about the 70th minute Barca had Abidal sent off for a professional foul. I would argue that it was not even a foul. And I am sure if Barca lost we would hear a lot about that incident. Nevertheless, Chelsea played against 10 men for the last 20 minutes and still could not score.
The facts are that Chelsea had enough time and possession to win a place in the final and did not. A 93rd minute strike put Braca through on the away goal rule.
Stop Whinging
Chelsea fans should stop whinging about the referee and focus on why one of the most expensive Football teams on the planet missed golden opportunities.
In the end the referees and the players are humans beings and humans make mistakes. The referee could have given another penalty just like Essien could have scored a second goal. Neither did.
Disciplinary Action required
UEFA should take a hard line against Drogba in particular but also Ballack and Hiddink to a lesser extent. All for bringing the game in to disrepute.
Cheers
Tezza
PS: Why do women love Chelsea?
They can stay on top for ninety minutes and still come second!
May 07 2009 | General | 4 Comments »
It is now less than 3 hours until Phase 2 goes on sale. First in First served people.
The excitement is building just like 4 years ago. The anticipation every time I press F5 tonight will be exhilarating. I may not get a ticket but I will have fun trying.
Good Luck Everyone.
Tezza
May 04 2009 | General | No Comments »
