Sunday 28 February 2010

WORLD CUP STORIES: ENGLAND'S FAVOURITE DOG

In January 1966, the Jules Rimet World Cup trophy was delivered to the English Football Association headquarters at Lancaster Gate in preparation for the 1966 tournament which was to be held in England.

With the exception of some special publicity events, the trophy was to be kept at Lancaster Gate. On Sunday March 20, at an exhibition of rare stamps organized by the Stanley Gibbons stamp company in the Central Hall at Westminster, permission was granted for the trophy to be on display - a major attraction for visitors.

The Jules Rimet trophy was insured for a massive £30,000 (remember that this is 44 years ago) and it was agreed that it would be under continuous guard.

In spite of this, shortly after midday on Sunday 20th March, the trophy was stolen during a church service that was taking place and while the guards were doing a circuit of the Hall. The thieves ignored rare stamps that had a value of £3 million and focused on removing the trophy from its display case and leaving unnoticed with it.

The following day Joe Mears, the chairman of the FA, received a ransom note asking for £15,000 in exchange for the return of the trophy. Mears contacted the police and a plan was made to make a false ransom payment.

Seven days later from the theft of the prized trophy, it was miraculously found by "Pickles" the dog in South Norwood, a district in south London. Pickles was out on a routine walk with his owner, David Corbett, when he came across a parcel wrapped in an old newspaper and tied with string.

Corbett opened the parcel and in utter amazement recognized the missing Jules Rimet trophy. He went straight to the Gypsy Hill police station to hand it in, and whilst he was initially treated with suspicion, was later cleared of any involvement.

The police retained the trophy until April 18, after which they returned it to the FA in good time for the start of the World Cup.

Exactly 19 weeks after Pickles found the trophy under that garden hedge in South London, at Wembley stadium and in front of millions watching around the world, Queen Elizabeth II handed it over to Bobby Moore as the captain of the triumphant England side that had just won the World Cup.

In honour of Pickles' service to the football world in recovering the trophy, he was invited to the celebration banquet of the England team, and was allowed to lick the plates after the guests had finished eating. David Corbett was given a reward of £6,000. Nowadays dog-walking is becoming a popular business, but I've not heard of any rates of pay that compare with that.

IVORY COAST WANT HIDDINK

Ivory Coast have sensationally sacked Bosnian coach Vahid Halilhodzic with just over 100 days to go to the start of the World Cup - and have set their sights on Guus Hiddink as the man to replace him.

The President of the national Football Association cited the Ivory Coast's failure to win the recent African Cup of Nations as the principal reason.

Halilhodzic becomes another 'casualty coach' of an African nation following Nigeria's decision to dismiss Shaibu Amodu earlier this month.

Hiddink's services are in great demand due to his proven record at every level of management. He has displayed a midas touch in international tournaments, leading South Korea to the semi-final of the World Cup in 2002 and Russia to the same stage of Euro 2008. He also took his native Holland to the last four at France 98.

Whoever takes the job faces a tough task in South Africa as Ivory Coast face Brazil, North Korea and Portugal in Group G.

Monday 22 February 2010

COUNTRY FOCUS: ARGENTINA

The Albicelestes may have struggled inexcusably in qualifying, but having now arrived - courtesy of pipping neighbours and old rivals Uruguay to the last automatic qualification berth in the South American confederation - much will be expected of them. Diego Maradona may be tactically naive, inexperienced as a coach, and, therefore, a controversial choice to lead the national team, but he is without doubt the greatest sporting icon in Argentina. Can his legendary status inspire the current team, and will the sheer talent of the players at his disposal carry him and Argentina to glory on the world's biggest football stage this summer?

World Cup Pedigree:

Argentina reached the Final of the first ever World Cup in 1930 but lost out to host nation Uruguay, despite leading 2-1 at half-time. A first round exit against Sweden four years later was, amazingly, their last World Cup match for 24 years, as they didn't take part in another tournament until 1958. Joy at returning to the World Cup stage was shortlived, however, as they crashed out at the group stages following defeats by West Germany and Czechoslovakia. It was a similar story in Chile in 1962 when a crucial group match defeat against England again saw them make an early exit from the tournament, and four years later it was England again who put paid to their hopes in an ill-tempered quarter-final clash at Wembley. Argentina's next appearance in the Finals was in 1974 when they went out in the second round group phase following a heavy defeat to Holland and a 2-1 reversal against fierce rivals Brazil. Then came 1978 and Argentina's turn to host the tournament. In controversial circumstances Argentina qualified for the Final following a 6-0 trouncing of Peru in the last group match of the second-phase - a game they had to win by four clear goals. The Final against the Dutch was also marked by some unsavoury claims of cheating, but Argentina ran out 3-1 winners to land their first World title. In 1982 as defending champions they limped through the first round to find themselves in a three-team group with Brazil and Italy with only one semi-final place on offer for the group winners. The Albicelestes lost out against both and their reign as World Champions can to an unceremonious end. At Mexico 86 Diego Maradona was in the form of his life and the team cruised through the knock-out phases to a place in the Final against West Germany. Controversy surrounded their quarter-final win over England in which Maradona scored the infamous 'Hand of God' goal and England had a clear late penalty shout denied them. The Germans did manage to pull back from 2-0 down in the Final but Jorge Burruchaga's late winner gave Argentina their second World Cup triumph. In 1990 the Final featured the same two teams, but Argentina had enjoyed considerable luck in the knock-out stages and had needed penalties to progress in both the quarter and semi-final. The Germans avenged their defeat of four years previously with a 1-0 win, and since then Argentina have not got beyond the quarter-final stage, losing in the second round to Romania at USA 94, in the last eight to Holland in 1998 and at the same stage four years ago against the hosts Germany. Despite being highly fancied before the 2002 World Cup in the Far East, Argentina failed to emerge from a 'group of death' that contained Sweden, England and Nigeria.

Greatest Moment:

Winning the World Cup on foreign soil and in the right way - by playing creative, attacking football, largely inspired by the sensational Diego Maradona - at Mexico 86.

Biggest Heartbreak:

Failing to retain their World title at Italia 90, when they disintegrated against West Germany in a dour and dirty Final, which saw Argentina finish the match in disgrace following two red cards.

At South Africa 2010 Argentina will be competing in their fifteenth World Cup Finals.






Monday 15 February 2010

CLASSIC WORLD CUP ENCOUNTERS

USA 1994, Second Round: Argentina v Romania




On July 3 at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, in Los Angeles, 90,000 spectators witnessed a classic Second Round clash and a major upset. Even without star player Diego Maradona, who had been expelled from the tournament after failing a drugs test, the South Americans giants and Finalists of the previous two tournaments were not expected to fall to Romania. But the East Europeans had a hero of their own in the form of Gheorghe Hagi, and the belief of the team was evident from the off.

An explosive start saw three goals scored in the opening 18 minutes - two excellent strikes by Illie Dumitrescu scored either side of an Argentinian penalty that should never have been given. Gabriel Batistuta conned the ref into believing he had been held back in the box and scored the penalty himself. Within two minutes the Romanians were deservedly back in front, however, with a sublimely worked exchange between Dumitrescu and Hagi.

With a tearful Maradona watching on from the stands, Hagi rounded off a fine breakaway move in the 58th minute to extend the lead to 3-1 and leave Argentina's World Cup hopes ebbing away. They did manage to pull one back from Balbo with 15 minutes left following a goalkeeping lapse, but - perhaps missing the inspiration of Maradona - couldn't find the thrust they needed to find the equalizer, and found themselves on an early plane home.

Romania's victory was richly deserved. The outstanding quality of the three goals they scored, the self-belief and work ethic of the team, and the brilliance of Hagi all contributed to a memorable encounter. Romania's reward for seeing off one of the pre-tournament favourites was a quarter-final clash with Sweden, which turned out to be another classic. The Scandinavians emerged triumphant in a penalty shoot-out after the game had finished 2-2.


Monday 8 February 2010

PLAYER FOCUS: JONAS GUTIERREZ

Playing your football in the second tier of any country’s league system would, you may think, make it difficult to command a spot in a national team. When that team is one of the most successful and talent-filled nations in the world the task appears to get even harder.

None of this is a problem however for Newcastle United left winger Jonas Gutierrez, who consistently commands a spot in Diego Maradona’s team.

The Argentines, under the stewardship of the legendary World Cup winner, may have qualified for this summer’s tournament by the skin of their teeth but the head coach had no qualms picking a man who plies his trade in the English Championship.

For the man nicknamed Spiderman for his trademark goal celebration, Gutierrez's first year at Newcastle was an eventful one. After his transfer from Real Mallorca he saw three different managers at St. James’ Park within a year and despite an impressive debut against Manchester United on the opening day (see video below), it proved to be a less than fruitful campaign that concluded with the devastating blow of relegation from the Premier League.

It was assumed that Gutierrez would leave the Toon Army in search of first team football but his national team boss moved to reassure him that staying at Newcastle would not affect his international career.

Maradona stated openly to the press that the Argentina side was made up of, “Mascherano, Messi, Jonas and eight others,” clearly naming Gutierrez as an integral part of his plans.

Gutierrez repaid the favour telling the world of his joy at being coached by one of his heroes, “What can you say about Maradona? To have him nearby and get instructions from him always motivates you that bit more.” Maradona kept his word, handing Gutierrez a starting spot in each of the crucial remaining qualifiers.

However, with just one international goal, in a friendly against France, and one goal for his club, it’s hard to see exactly what it is that keeps drawing Maradona towards him. With the attacking talents of Athletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero, Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez and Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain at the his disposal, for what reason does Maradona guarantee a spot to a Championship player ahead of some of European football’s top stars?

Perhaps it’s his determination to get forward at every opportunity, his ability to run with the ball at great pace and his deft first touch. Perhaps it’s that El Diego sees a little of himself in the winger and, with just a little push in the right direction, he can become a key link to supply goals.

On the big stage in South Africa it’ll be a chance to shine, and a chance to show just why his hero has put so much faith in him.


Article by David Kifford, freelance football journalist and regular contributor to "The World Cup".

Saturday 6 February 2010

AMODU SACKED AS SUPER EAGLES COACH

Nigeria have sacked coach Shaibu Amodu just four months before the start of the World Cup. Despite a successful qualification campaign for South Africa and finishing third in the African Cup of Nations, Amodu has lost his job following criticism in some quarters of his team's style of play.

The search is now on for a replacement, with Guus Hiddink, Louis van Gaal and Bruno Metsu being among the names mentioned. The Nigerian Football Federation will want to get their man in as quickly as possible to prepare the squad for the big kick-off on June 11.

Friday 5 February 2010

TOP FIVE......WORLD CUP SHOCKS

The beautiful thing about the World Cup is its unpredictable nature. David v Goliath has been re-enacted many times on the field of play of the world's greatest football tournament. Here's my pick of the bunch...

5. Northern Ireland v Spain (1982)

The Irish had drawn their opening two group games and now faced the host nation needing a highly unlikely victory to progress. They were so sure their World Cup was over that they had already booked their flight home for the following day, but a Gerry Armstrong strike following a goalkeeping blunder just after half-time put the Irish on course for the second round. Spain could not muster a recovery, even when they found themselves playing ten men for the last 30 minutes following Mal Donaghy's dismissal, and the Irish ended the night as one of the most unfancied group winners in World Cup history.

4. Argentina v Cameroon (1990)

The opening game of Italia 90; an Argentina side that was unrecognizable from the superb team that had triumphed in Mexico four years earlier, against the up-and-coming Cameroons who were to take the tournament by storm. In spite of ending the match with just nine players, Cameroon tooks the spoils thanks to an Oman-Biyik goal midway through the second half, thus creating the biggest shock ever in an opening match.

3. Algeria v West Germany (1982)

The Germans were the 3-1 pre-tournament favourites whilst Algeria - playing in their first World Cup - were 1000/1 outsiders. The two clashed in the opening group match in Gijon, with a routine German victory fully expected. In the warmth of a late Spanish afternoon the unthinkable happened. Rabah Madjer and Lakhdar Belloumi were the goalscorers for the African minnows, whose debut match in the World Cup produced a truly outstanding result.

2. North Korea v Italy (1966)

Although the Koreans were something of an unknown quantity, they were not expected to be a match for the experienced and talented Italians. The Asian side had lost their first group game 3-0 against the Soviet Union and only snatched a late equalizer against Chile, leaving them needing to beat the mightly Azurri to stay in the tournament. But the miracle occured; a 42nd minute goal from Park Doo-Ik at Ayrsome Park, Middlesborough, was enough to send Italy home and North Korea through to a quarter-final clash with Portugal.

1. USA v England (1950)

My pick for the biggest shock in the history of the World Cup. In their seven previous international matches leading up to the clash with England the USA had conceded a total of 45 goals and scored just two. When the 1-0 scoreline came through it was assumed to be a misprint in the newspaper that should have read 10-1 the other way. Joe Gaetjens was the hero that day in Belo Horizonte in the east of Brazil, heading the winning goal in the 38th minute to humble England, who crashed out three days later following defeat to Spain in Rio de Janeiro.

Tuesday 2 February 2010

TRIVIA ANSWERS

See previous post for questions!

Germany (previously West Germany) have reached the semi-final on no less than ten occasions. That's two out of every three World Cups whose format included semi-finals, and three times more than any other country. The years they reached the last four were 1934, 1954, 1958, 1966, 1970, 1982, 1986, 1990, 2002 and 2006. On six of those occasions they won and went through to the Final.

Holland reached the Final in 1974 and 1978 without winning a semi-final. The tournament format included a second round of group matches, the eight teams being split into a further two groups of four, with the two group winners progressing directly to the Final. In '74 Holland topped a group containing Brazil, Argentina and East Germany (winning all three of their matches without conceding a goal), while in '78 they won another tough group - Italy, Austria and West Germany - with two wins and a draw.

There have been four hat-tricks in World Cup semi-finals, but none for 52 years. In 1930,Pedro Cea netted three for Uruguay against Yugoslavia and four years later Oldrich Nejedly scored all three for Czechoslovakia in a 3-1 win over the Germans. The trend continued in the third World Cup four years later, where Gyula Zsengeller smashed in three for Hungary as they thrashed Sweden 5-1. Pele achieved the feat in 1958 as Brazil beat France 5-2 on route to their first World Cup triumph.

This happened in the very first World Cup in 1930. Argentina beat the USA and Uruguay beat Yugoslavia.

Brazil ended the dreams of fellow-South Americans and hosts Chile in 1962. It remains Chile's best World Cup performance.

Argentina have only reached the semi-finals on three occasions - 1930, 1986 and 1990 - but they won all of them.

This was the classic Italy v Germany semi-final in Mexico in 1970. Undoubtedly one of the finest World Cup matches ever, in which the Italians eventually prevailed 4-3, the player who played on with his arm in a sling was the great Franz Beckenbauer.

As host nation in 2002 South Korea surpassed all expectations, disposing of Portugal, Italy and Spain on route to the semi-final. Only a Michael Ballack goal for Germany deprived the spirited Koreans of what would have been a sensational place in the Final against Brazil.

All three nations have reached the semi-finals twice, but none have ever been victorious. Austria lost 1-0 to Italy in 1934 and 6-1 to Germany in 1954. Yugoslavia also lost 6-1 to Uruguay in 1930. Their other semi-final appearance resulted in a 3-1 defeat to fellow-Eastern Europeans Czechoslovakia in 1962. Portugal were beaten by England 2-1 in 1966 and by France 1-0 four years ago in Germany.

Penalities have decided a World Cup semi-final on four occasions. In 1982 West Germany beat France in a dramatic shoot-out in Sevilla. Eight years later at Italia 90 both semis went to spot kicks, with Argentina defeating the hosts and West Germany seeing off England. The most recent occasion when penalties were needed was in 1998 when Brazil came out on top against Holland.

Monday 1 February 2010

WORLD CUP TRIVIA

Ten Questions On... The World Cup Semi-Finals

1. Which country has the highest number of semi-finals appearances?

2. Which country reached consecutive World Cup Finals (i.e. the Final match) without winning a semi-final?

3. How many times has a hat-trick been scored in a semi-final?

4. In which year were both semi-finals won by a 6-1 scoreline?

5. Which host nation did Brazil once beat 4-2 at the semi-final stage, and in what year?

6. How many times have Argentina reached the semi-final?

7. Which classic semi-final featured a player playing extra time with his arm in a sling after suffering a broken clavicle?

8. Who is the only team from the Asian confederation to have reached the semi-final?

9. Austria, Portugal and Yugoslavia have each appeared in how many semi-finals, and what do the three nations have in common?

10. How many times has a penalty shootout decided a semi-final?

ANSWERS TOMORROW