A Football Report

 By Dominic Vieira, writing from Lisbon

There is a whole new side to the World Cup final between The Netherlands and Spain. Both nations play football at it’s highest level under a unique, but similar philosophy. The driving force behind The Orange is Ajax and in La Roja is FC Barcelona. But what exactly does this mean?

Ajax and Barcelona possess quality football academies, if not the best in the world where technically talented and intelligent players are constantly produced each year. They both believe in the concept of “Total Football” -  where any outfield player can seamlessly assume the role of any other in the team.  

The concept was introduced and created by Rinus Michels, a Dutch manager who was successful for Ajax, Barcelona and the Netherlands. Johan Cruyff was one of the talented players who was coached by Michels, he’s viewed as the pioneer and icon of ‘Total Football’.

When Cruyff retired to become a manager he adopted the philosophy, furthermore he adapted and expanded it. He took it to the next level, focusing on the movement of the players - where they should be running and not running to on or off the ball.

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By Dominic Vieira, writing from Portugal

The whole world stops on Sunday the 11th at 19:30PM GMT to turn their attention to one nation. One nation which has represented a unique continent filled with a myriad of passion, happiness, colour, music, love and devotion for the most popular sport on earth, football. The World Cup final kicks off where the competition started; at Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Not a soul will want miss the clash between European giants Netherlands and the almighty Spain. Neither of the teams have won lifted the World Cup, Spain are playing in their first final where as the Netherlands are aiming to make it 3 times lucky after losing consecutive finals in 74 and 78. Either Casillas or Van Bronckhorst will be holding the most desired cup and making history as they as part of the first European nation to win the tournament outside of Europe. Can this final get more exciting?

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By Dominic Vieira, writing from Lisbon

The first semi-final kicks off tonight After a two day break, the remaining South American side Uruguay takes on an organised and effiicent Netherlands. The match between the blues and the oranges kicks off at 19:30PM GMT in Cape Town.

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Posted by Dominic Vieira

It’s not often we see a match between the neighbouring Portugal and Spain. The last time the two sides played was 6 years ago in the Euro 2004. They both needed to win the final group stage to qualify for the quarter-finals. Portugal won 1-0 thanks to a Nuno Gomes strike.

There is a social, cultural and historical rivalry between the countries and neither of them wants to lose. Despite both nations co-operating well over the past years and becoming close allies, that relationship will be non-existent tomorrow. The football rivalry between the two may not be at the same level as a Germany v England or Argentina v Brazil, but it is still an intense derby. Their pride and reputation is on the line and a defeat will be a huge blow to either side. 

Spain vs Portugal is match which must be watched!

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By Gordon Fleetwood, writing from New York City

Group C 

 1. Slovenia (P: 4 GF: 3 GA: 2 GD: 1)

2. USA (P: 2 GF: 3 GA: 3 GD: 0)

3. England (P: 2 GF: 1 GA: 1 GD: 0)

4. Algeria (P: 1 GF: 0 GA: 1 GD: -1)

The games

USA - Algeria

England - Slovenia

The situation

Mathematicians must be licking their lips when analyzing the possible permutations in this group. Qualification is balanced on a knife’s edge with all four teams equally poised to grab a spot into the next round. In the first game, top of the table Slovenia take on stuttering England. A point is enough for Slovenia to ensure their passage to the knockout rounds. Given their opponents unimpressive showing so far, they will be fancying their chances. They are a well organized side with defensive discipline who have enough talent in midfield and up front to create and take their chances.  England after being touted to qualify without breaking a sweat are facing elimination. As the saying goes, they are less than the sum of their parts, with their talent ridden team looking short of cohesion and intelligent play in particular down the wings. England have been especially poor with regard to ball retention and passing, something the Slovenians seem largely at ease with. With the English public already calling for their heads, the impetus will be on them to come out and perform.

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By Gordon Fleetwood, writing from New York City

Group A

1.Uruguay (Points: 4 Goals For: 3 Goals Against: 0 Goal Differential: 3)

2. Mexico (P: 4 GF: 3 GA: 1 GD: 2)

3. France (P: 1 GF: 0 GA: 2 GD: -2)

4. South Africa (P: 1 GF: 1 GA: 4 GD: -3)

The games

Mexico - Uruguay

South Africa - France

The situation

After an insipid match-day one, Mexico and Uruguay took control of the group with impressive wins over France and South Africa respectively.  The Mexico-Uruguay game could become a repeat of the gentleman’s agreement between Germany and Austria in World Cup ‘82, as a draw would see both teams qualify. However, there is a caveat to this notion. Whoever finishes second will most likely have to face Argentina in the round of 16. Mexico are in this position at the moment, and will surely look to take the game to Uruguay. At the other end of the spectrum, there are two teams looking to salvage their pride. South Africa are sitting at the bottom of the group, and look on course to become the first host nation not to qualify for the knock-out stages. There is a still a chance for them to go through but it is razor-thin. They will surely try go out with a bang and give their fans something to cheer about. Above South Africa lie France, who have been simply abysmal. Bereft of ideas, the presence of numerous divisions within the squad,  and the scandals out this week, France will be looking to save face. They can advance, but given their previous performances, it is hard to see them finishing with anything other than a whimper.

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By Eric Beard, writing from Boston

Oliver, Amit, and l be covering the United States-Slovenia live, but before you join us here is everything you need to prepare you for the enticing encounter.

Time: 10 am ET

Place: the legendary Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa

 The scenario: Slovenia are on top of Group C (Slovenia 3 pts, England 1 pt, USA 1 pt, Algeria 0 pts) after a fortunate 1-0 victory over Algeria, but the United States expect a win. Rather, they need a win. Slovenia also know that a win is crucial to advance because their final match of the group is against European powerhouses England.

Notable Pregame Quotes

“We are confident that Slovenia are a team that we can beat, and it’s like a final for us. But if we can’t beat Slovenia, then we don’t deserve to advance out of the group.” - United States midfielder Landon Donovan

“We are playing our style of football, and we’ll continue with that, and we can beat the U.S. with that style.” - Slovenia midfielder Andrej Komac

“Talk is cheap, he’s got to stand toe to toe and they’ve got to stand toe to toe with us for 90 minutes. And if he’s still standing, then I’ll take my hat off to him. But a lot of boxers talk too and they’re looking up at the lights. And the next thing they know, they’re trying to figure out how they got there.” - United States goalkeeper Tim Howard

“[Slovenia] are very well organised and tactically very smart. We have a great deal of respect for them. Robert Koren is the engine of their team. [Mile] Novakovic is a tall player with a creative side and [Valter] Birsa has a great left foot. They do a good job of staying very tight.” - United States manager Bob Bradley

“We might be the smallest country in this World Cup but we have not come here as tourists. We are really focused. We don’t stand in awe of the US.” - Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek

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