PICSPAM | FIFA World Cup 2010
Okay, so its already been two weeks after the world cup, but I totally forgot to get this posted.
GETTING READY FOR THE WORLD CUP
As the World Cup gets closer you start to see footballers everywhere. VANITY FAIR (June) had cover stars Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) and Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) with a photoshoot including Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon), Kaka and Pato (Brazil), Sulley Muntari (Ghana), Landon Donovan (USA) and Michael Ballack (Germany). GQ UK (July) had five covers featuring Ronaldo, Drogba, Rio Ferdinand, Cesc Fabregas and Fabio Capello. INTERVIEW had a piece on the USMNT, there were interviews with Benny Feilhaber, Tim Howard, Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, and Jonathan Bornstein. L'UOMO VOGUE (July) had an issue dedicated to the World Cup and featured players like Gigi Buffon (Italy), Luis Fabiano (Brazil), Andrés Iniesta (Spain), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Netherlands), Lukas Podolski and more. HUGO BOSS used three sets of players to model their new range including Serdat Tasci, Mario Gomez, Lukas Podolski of the German NT and Fabregas, Xabi Alonso and David Villa of Spainish NT. LOUIS VUITTON also brought in the three superstars Maradona, Pele and Zidane. And of course there is the obligatory underwear ad campaigns, EMPORIO ARMANI had Ronaldo, CALVIN KLEIN had Hidetoshi Nakata and DOLCE & GABBANA had the Italian NT.
SHAKIRA - WAKA WAKA (OFFICIAL FIFA 2010 SONG)
Because the beginning of this video is basically the start of the 2010 World Cup, plus good memories.
TSHABALALA OF SOUTH AFRICA SCORES OPENING GOAL
There was no better way to start the competition. This moment is probably a candidate for "Best Goal" and most certainly "Best Goal Celebration".
HOW NOT TO SAVE A GOAL #1 : ROB GREEN
I laughed, because seriously? Did he really just let the ball in? This has got to be the most LOL-worthy moment of the entire tournament. Totally loved the US headlines the next day too, "USA wins 1-1" - and its so damn true.
GERMANY (4) VS. AUSTRALIA (0)
The first glimpse at Team Germany.
KAKA GETS A RED CARD AND ITS TOO CUTE FOR WORDS (BRAZIL VS. IVORY COAST)
"But I didn't do that, or anything else!"
USA LAST MINUTE MINUTE GOAL
From being out of the group to top the group. It seemed like a matter of time as they were shooting (and missing) for ninety minutes.
JAPAN'S LESSON IN FREEKICKS
Not just one, but TWO amazing freekicks that landed right in the goal, especially after all the moaning and groaning about the Jabulani.
MILESTONE: JON DAHL TOMASSON
Now his countries highest goal scorer, Tomasson hadn't scored a goal with the national team for over two years - it came from a penalty. Not the original shot, but the fluky/luckily timed rebound. He even tore a muscle doing it. I loved how his teammates immediately passed him the ball when they got awarded the penalty.
BEST "ZINEDINE ZIDANE" DRAMA TO RUIN YOUR COUNTRY'S CHANCES : TEAM FRANCE
And even Zidane got to the final before it all blew up. Where to start? I guess France taught the world two things a) if you're going to hold a national inquest into the team, do it before the World Cup and b) don't announce that the coach won't be here after the World Cup (although England also teaches you to see what a coach offers before you sign him to a contract). But the reason for the French disgrace isn't the disharmony, or to an extent the players strike. It's how everything was played in front of a public audience, from players having tantrums to training personnel in fits of rage, the revealing of cliques, and undertones of class discrimination and racism. Let's see how Laurent Blanc tries to clean things up. And how could anyone in this world want to bully Yoann? I mean, it's like kicking a puppy - he's just so pretty, pretty, pretty.
BEST MATCH OF THE GROUP STAGES : SLOVAKIA VS. ITALY
Italy just woke up way too late, but they gave us an amazing last ten minutes of football.
THE SIXTEEN THAT DIDN'T MAKE IT THROUGH
(A) South Africa, France (B) Greece, Nigeria (C) Slovenia, Algeria (D) Australia, Serbia (E) Denmark, Cameroon (F) New Zealand, Italy (G) Ivory Coast, North Korea (H) Switzerland, Honduras. Images used are from the ESPN World Cup campaign, 32 nations, 32 posters.
THE LAMPARD GOAL THAT WASN'T (GERMANY VS. ENGLAND)
People are forever going to debate what could have happened if Lampard's goal was allowed. Would the momentum have rocked towards England? And even if England scored a goal or two more, would their defense have been able to keep back the Germans?
THE TEVEZ GOAL THAT SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN (ARGENTINA VS. MEXICO)
And for extra laughs there was that Heinze camera incident - which can only be fully appreciated in .gif format.
DRAMA PENALTY #1 : PARAGUAY VS. JAPAN
The first game decided by penalty shootouts. Penalties give me heartattacks and heartbreaks. It's always the worst way to leave a game. This is why I love the NHL (Hockey) because when it comes to the playoffs there are no shootouts - they just keep on playing and playing until someone gets that first goal.
BEST MATCH OF THE LAST 16 / HOW NOT TO SAVE A GOAL #2 / DRAMA PENALTY #3 : URUGUAY VS. GHANA
First thing: cheat or no cheat? My initial reaction was cheat. By handballing the ball away, it directly took away Ghana's chances because that ball was definitely going in the net. But after a few days I decided that it doesn't matter.
I personally believe it was a natural reaction from Suárez. Some argued that the next day in the Paraguay/Spain game, Silva was in the exact same position but didn't use his hands. I think the difference is that the ball was kicked sort of in front of Suárez - if he did a goalkeeper move and dived all the way to the side to stop the ball with his hands - then that would have been blatent cheating. And I cracked up when Muslera started talking to/thanking the goal post. But what's done, is done. The sour feeling came from the fact that a) it was a really cruel exit for Ghana, which had basically become the host nation and b) the fact that Suárez was celebrating the missed penalty like he'd just scored the winning goal. But Gyan who had scored two penalties already, who would have thought he'd miss? Plus how brave was he to go up there as the first striker when he'd just lost one.
DRAMA PENALTY #3 : SPAIN VS. PARAGUAY
Here's an interesting stat: the last time two consectutive penalties were saved on each side (excluding the shootout) was in the first World Cup. And here's another reason why referees are useless - if you're looking for encroachment in the second penalty, then why weren't he looking for it the first time. The answer: because every single time theres people in the box, as long as it isn't ridiculously early running then I don't think its a problem. The one thing that really gets on my nerves more than wrong decisions is the lack of consistency - and within a matter of minutes, no less.
BEST MATCH OF THE KNOCKOUT FINALS : GERMANY VS. ARGENTINA
This is probably the moment when Paul became an official superstar. Even with the strong performance against England, it was hard to write off Argentina. But Germany absolutely finished them off. 4 against Australia, 4 against England and 4 against Argentina. Let's hope that Argentina work on their defenders next time because they have such a great attacking line-up.
MILESTONE : MIROSLAV KLOSE
Now the 2nd player, tied with fellow German Gerd Müller, with the most World Cup Final goals. Thats only one behind Ronaldo who has fifteen. I'm surprised he didn't come on for the Germany/Uruguay game, even for a few minutes. It's almost like he doesn't want to score any more goals. Or maybe he'll use this as his argument in four years so they let him on the team again - "I promise to score at least two goals. Just give me the chance". I mean he'll be 36 so it's not impossible but with a country who has so many up and coming stars it'll be most unlikely. I'd like to see him again even if he isn't in a starting position.
NETHERLANDS VS. BRAZIL
I don't even know what to say. First, I don't like the blue kit. I wanted the yellow kit so we could have oranges and lemons on the pitch - but yes I understand the home/away thing. Second, what the f*ck happened to Brazil at half time. It's like they completely lost their minds and went totally crazy for the second half. And who else felt sorry for the Japanese ref - I'm surprised Robinho didn't pick up a yellow card for all the screaming and shouting he did.
SUPERSTARS NOT DOING THE SUPER
I mean they weren't baddddd. Ok, I'm lying. Rooney was probably the worst player. Then there was Torres who had more than a few WTF-moments. But at least having an injury was his excuse. Plus Rooney is more important to the England line-up because they pretty much look to him, and only/mainly him, to score goals. Spain had a bench full of depth. Someone pointed out that Kaka, Drogba, Torres, Messi, Rooney and Crispy scored a combined number of goals equal to Friedrich (Germany) who scored his first and only at this World Cup.
PAUL THE PSYCHIC OCTOPUS VS. THE BLUE V-NECK SWEATER
(i.e THE EURO 2008 FINAL REMATCH) Why are footballers so superstitious? Paul the Psychic Octopus has to be the highlight of this World Cup, even if you didn't believe him (which you should have), he was great entertainment as everyone anticipated his predications. And then there was the fact the Argentinians wanted to cook him for dinner. Haven't you heard, don't kill the messenger. I would also like to take this moment to explain octopus, cuttlefish and squid (calamari) are all different species. Anyway, back to the match. I love it when there are previous year Euro/World Cup rematches, it adds more hype. There's more pride at stake.
THE CONSOLATION PRIZE
(i.e THE BEST MATCH OF THE WORLD CUP) It's a fact that this third place playoff is always the most exciting. It's because you're no longer fighting for a place in the final so it isn't normally as intense, but you have your countries pride at stake. There is actually a report that states Bronze medalist winners are more happy that Silver medalist winners - Bronze means you've actually won something - compared to fourth place where you get nothing, but Silver just only means you've lost the Gold.
THE FINALS : SPAIN VS. NETHERLANDS
Talking point 1, De Jong's kick to Xabi Alonso' chest - this is another reason why there should be technology replays, if you replay that, it's totally a red card. Talking point 2, Holland no longer played "total football". I guess everyone has their own tactics, but the Dutch do play pretty football when they want to.
WORLD CHAMPIONS 2010 : SPAIN
I love how it looked like the entire Spain stayed up to celebrate the win, and the next day they were able to keep up with them on the bus for hours on end. And the whole country has also embraced Paul (the Psychic Octopus) because he has his own sign on the celebrating bus, and there was this random guy with a octopus tatoo.
FAVOURITE TEAM : URUGUAY
Apart from the obvious of Spain and Germany, Uruguay has to be my favourite team. They've produced a strong team overall, a great attacking trio in Forlan, Suárez and Cavani (two of those who'll be back next WC), a number of (pretty) goals, enough drama and suspense, including penalties and most of all, great football. If you were asked "what's the best match of the tournament?" I'm sure at least 60% will say either Germany/Uruguay or Ghana/Uruguay. This team got further in the competition then many would have thought but at the same time, should have been able to achieve more - imagine a rematch of the semi-finals with Suárez in it? Would that have changed the outcome? Also I think he was a little effected by the boo-ing in the third place game because he was missing chances that he might have finished earlier on in the competition - maybe its his confidence. Its unfortunate, but I think their keeper let them down in the last game.
BEST COACH/BEST CHEERLEADERS
Joachim Loew - I think this is pretty self explanatory. But for it to be a perfect team we need cheerleaders and there is none better than Diego Maradona, David Beckham and Michael Ballack on the sidelines.
BEST GOALKEEPERS
Casillas (Spain), Eduardo (Portugal), Kingson (Ghana), Manuel Neuer (Germany)
BEST DEBUT/SUPERSTAR IN THE MAKING
Thomas Müller (Germany), Keisuke Honda (Japan), Mesut Ozil (Germany), Fabio Coentrao (Portugal)
BEST PLAYERS
Diego Forlan (Urugray), Sergio Ramos (Spain), Arjen Robben (Holland), David Villa (Spain), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Gonzalo Higuaín (Argentina), Xavi (Spain), Carles Puyol (Spain), Asamoah Gyan (Ghana)
• image credit : zimbio.com
• please do not repost on tumblr, they'll eventually find their way to mine
GETTING READY FOR THE WORLD CUP
As the World Cup gets closer you start to see footballers everywhere. VANITY FAIR (June) had cover stars Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) and Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) with a photoshoot including Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon), Kaka and Pato (Brazil), Sulley Muntari (Ghana), Landon Donovan (USA) and Michael Ballack (Germany). GQ UK (July) had five covers featuring Ronaldo, Drogba, Rio Ferdinand, Cesc Fabregas and Fabio Capello. INTERVIEW had a piece on the USMNT, there were interviews with Benny Feilhaber, Tim Howard, Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, and Jonathan Bornstein. L'UOMO VOGUE (July) had an issue dedicated to the World Cup and featured players like Gigi Buffon (Italy), Luis Fabiano (Brazil), Andrés Iniesta (Spain), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Netherlands), Lukas Podolski and more. HUGO BOSS used three sets of players to model their new range including Serdat Tasci, Mario Gomez, Lukas Podolski of the German NT and Fabregas, Xabi Alonso and David Villa of Spainish NT. LOUIS VUITTON also brought in the three superstars Maradona, Pele and Zidane. And of course there is the obligatory underwear ad campaigns, EMPORIO ARMANI had Ronaldo, CALVIN KLEIN had Hidetoshi Nakata and DOLCE & GABBANA had the Italian NT.
SHAKIRA - WAKA WAKA (OFFICIAL FIFA 2010 SONG)
Because the beginning of this video is basically the start of the 2010 World Cup, plus good memories.
Click to viewTSHABALALA OF SOUTH AFRICA SCORES OPENING GOAL
There was no better way to start the competition. This moment is probably a candidate for "Best Goal" and most certainly "Best Goal Celebration".
HOW NOT TO SAVE A GOAL #1 : ROB GREEN
I laughed, because seriously? Did he really just let the ball in? This has got to be the most LOL-worthy moment of the entire tournament. Totally loved the US headlines the next day too, "USA wins 1-1" - and its so damn true.
GERMANY (4) VS. AUSTRALIA (0)
The first glimpse at Team Germany.
KAKA GETS A RED CARD AND ITS TOO CUTE FOR WORDS (BRAZIL VS. IVORY COAST)
"But I didn't do that, or anything else!"
USA LAST MINUTE MINUTE GOAL
From being out of the group to top the group. It seemed like a matter of time as they were shooting (and missing) for ninety minutes.
JAPAN'S LESSON IN FREEKICKS
Not just one, but TWO amazing freekicks that landed right in the goal, especially after all the moaning and groaning about the Jabulani.
MILESTONE: JON DAHL TOMASSON
Now his countries highest goal scorer, Tomasson hadn't scored a goal with the national team for over two years - it came from a penalty. Not the original shot, but the fluky/luckily timed rebound. He even tore a muscle doing it. I loved how his teammates immediately passed him the ball when they got awarded the penalty.
BEST "ZINEDINE ZIDANE" DRAMA TO RUIN YOUR COUNTRY'S CHANCES : TEAM FRANCE
And even Zidane got to the final before it all blew up. Where to start? I guess France taught the world two things a) if you're going to hold a national inquest into the team, do it before the World Cup and b) don't announce that the coach won't be here after the World Cup (although England also teaches you to see what a coach offers before you sign him to a contract). But the reason for the French disgrace isn't the disharmony, or to an extent the players strike. It's how everything was played in front of a public audience, from players having tantrums to training personnel in fits of rage, the revealing of cliques, and undertones of class discrimination and racism. Let's see how Laurent Blanc tries to clean things up. And how could anyone in this world want to bully Yoann? I mean, it's like kicking a puppy - he's just so pretty, pretty, pretty.
BEST MATCH OF THE GROUP STAGES : SLOVAKIA VS. ITALY
Italy just woke up way too late, but they gave us an amazing last ten minutes of football.
THE SIXTEEN THAT DIDN'T MAKE IT THROUGH
(A) South Africa, France (B) Greece, Nigeria (C) Slovenia, Algeria (D) Australia, Serbia (E) Denmark, Cameroon (F) New Zealand, Italy (G) Ivory Coast, North Korea (H) Switzerland, Honduras. Images used are from the ESPN World Cup campaign, 32 nations, 32 posters.
THE LAMPARD GOAL THAT WASN'T (GERMANY VS. ENGLAND)
People are forever going to debate what could have happened if Lampard's goal was allowed. Would the momentum have rocked towards England? And even if England scored a goal or two more, would their defense have been able to keep back the Germans?
THE TEVEZ GOAL THAT SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN (ARGENTINA VS. MEXICO)
And for extra laughs there was that Heinze camera incident - which can only be fully appreciated in .gif format.
DRAMA PENALTY #1 : PARAGUAY VS. JAPAN
The first game decided by penalty shootouts. Penalties give me heartattacks and heartbreaks. It's always the worst way to leave a game. This is why I love the NHL (Hockey) because when it comes to the playoffs there are no shootouts - they just keep on playing and playing until someone gets that first goal.
BEST MATCH OF THE LAST 16 / HOW NOT TO SAVE A GOAL #2 / DRAMA PENALTY #3 : URUGUAY VS. GHANA
First thing: cheat or no cheat? My initial reaction was cheat. By handballing the ball away, it directly took away Ghana's chances because that ball was definitely going in the net. But after a few days I decided that it doesn't matter.
I personally believe it was a natural reaction from Suárez. Some argued that the next day in the Paraguay/Spain game, Silva was in the exact same position but didn't use his hands. I think the difference is that the ball was kicked sort of in front of Suárez - if he did a goalkeeper move and dived all the way to the side to stop the ball with his hands - then that would have been blatent cheating. And I cracked up when Muslera started talking to/thanking the goal post. But what's done, is done. The sour feeling came from the fact that a) it was a really cruel exit for Ghana, which had basically become the host nation and b) the fact that Suárez was celebrating the missed penalty like he'd just scored the winning goal. But Gyan who had scored two penalties already, who would have thought he'd miss? Plus how brave was he to go up there as the first striker when he'd just lost one.
DRAMA PENALTY #3 : SPAIN VS. PARAGUAY
Here's an interesting stat: the last time two consectutive penalties were saved on each side (excluding the shootout) was in the first World Cup. And here's another reason why referees are useless - if you're looking for encroachment in the second penalty, then why weren't he looking for it the first time. The answer: because every single time theres people in the box, as long as it isn't ridiculously early running then I don't think its a problem. The one thing that really gets on my nerves more than wrong decisions is the lack of consistency - and within a matter of minutes, no less.
BEST MATCH OF THE KNOCKOUT FINALS : GERMANY VS. ARGENTINA
This is probably the moment when Paul became an official superstar. Even with the strong performance against England, it was hard to write off Argentina. But Germany absolutely finished them off. 4 against Australia, 4 against England and 4 against Argentina. Let's hope that Argentina work on their defenders next time because they have such a great attacking line-up.
MILESTONE : MIROSLAV KLOSE
Now the 2nd player, tied with fellow German Gerd Müller, with the most World Cup Final goals. Thats only one behind Ronaldo who has fifteen. I'm surprised he didn't come on for the Germany/Uruguay game, even for a few minutes. It's almost like he doesn't want to score any more goals. Or maybe he'll use this as his argument in four years so they let him on the team again - "I promise to score at least two goals. Just give me the chance". I mean he'll be 36 so it's not impossible but with a country who has so many up and coming stars it'll be most unlikely. I'd like to see him again even if he isn't in a starting position.
NETHERLANDS VS. BRAZIL
I don't even know what to say. First, I don't like the blue kit. I wanted the yellow kit so we could have oranges and lemons on the pitch - but yes I understand the home/away thing. Second, what the f*ck happened to Brazil at half time. It's like they completely lost their minds and went totally crazy for the second half. And who else felt sorry for the Japanese ref - I'm surprised Robinho didn't pick up a yellow card for all the screaming and shouting he did.
SUPERSTARS NOT DOING THE SUPER
I mean they weren't baddddd. Ok, I'm lying. Rooney was probably the worst player. Then there was Torres who had more than a few WTF-moments. But at least having an injury was his excuse. Plus Rooney is more important to the England line-up because they pretty much look to him, and only/mainly him, to score goals. Spain had a bench full of depth. Someone pointed out that Kaka, Drogba, Torres, Messi, Rooney and Crispy scored a combined number of goals equal to Friedrich (Germany) who scored his first and only at this World Cup.
PAUL THE PSYCHIC OCTOPUS VS. THE BLUE V-NECK SWEATER
(i.e THE EURO 2008 FINAL REMATCH) Why are footballers so superstitious? Paul the Psychic Octopus has to be the highlight of this World Cup, even if you didn't believe him (which you should have), he was great entertainment as everyone anticipated his predications. And then there was the fact the Argentinians wanted to cook him for dinner. Haven't you heard, don't kill the messenger. I would also like to take this moment to explain octopus, cuttlefish and squid (calamari) are all different species. Anyway, back to the match. I love it when there are previous year Euro/World Cup rematches, it adds more hype. There's more pride at stake.
THE CONSOLATION PRIZE
(i.e THE BEST MATCH OF THE WORLD CUP) It's a fact that this third place playoff is always the most exciting. It's because you're no longer fighting for a place in the final so it isn't normally as intense, but you have your countries pride at stake. There is actually a report that states Bronze medalist winners are more happy that Silver medalist winners - Bronze means you've actually won something - compared to fourth place where you get nothing, but Silver just only means you've lost the Gold.
THE FINALS : SPAIN VS. NETHERLANDS
Talking point 1, De Jong's kick to Xabi Alonso' chest - this is another reason why there should be technology replays, if you replay that, it's totally a red card. Talking point 2, Holland no longer played "total football". I guess everyone has their own tactics, but the Dutch do play pretty football when they want to.
WORLD CHAMPIONS 2010 : SPAIN
I love how it looked like the entire Spain stayed up to celebrate the win, and the next day they were able to keep up with them on the bus for hours on end. And the whole country has also embraced Paul (the Psychic Octopus) because he has his own sign on the celebrating bus, and there was this random guy with a octopus tatoo.
FAVOURITE TEAM : URUGUAY
Apart from the obvious of Spain and Germany, Uruguay has to be my favourite team. They've produced a strong team overall, a great attacking trio in Forlan, Suárez and Cavani (two of those who'll be back next WC), a number of (pretty) goals, enough drama and suspense, including penalties and most of all, great football. If you were asked "what's the best match of the tournament?" I'm sure at least 60% will say either Germany/Uruguay or Ghana/Uruguay. This team got further in the competition then many would have thought but at the same time, should have been able to achieve more - imagine a rematch of the semi-finals with Suárez in it? Would that have changed the outcome? Also I think he was a little effected by the boo-ing in the third place game because he was missing chances that he might have finished earlier on in the competition - maybe its his confidence. Its unfortunate, but I think their keeper let them down in the last game.
BEST COACH/BEST CHEERLEADERS
Joachim Loew - I think this is pretty self explanatory. But for it to be a perfect team we need cheerleaders and there is none better than Diego Maradona, David Beckham and Michael Ballack on the sidelines.
BEST GOALKEEPERS
Casillas (Spain), Eduardo (Portugal), Kingson (Ghana), Manuel Neuer (Germany)
BEST DEBUT/SUPERSTAR IN THE MAKING
Thomas Müller (Germany), Keisuke Honda (Japan), Mesut Ozil (Germany), Fabio Coentrao (Portugal)
BEST PLAYERS
Diego Forlan (Urugray), Sergio Ramos (Spain), Arjen Robben (Holland), David Villa (Spain), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Gonzalo Higuaín (Argentina), Xavi (Spain), Carles Puyol (Spain), Asamoah Gyan (Ghana)
• image credit : zimbio.com
• please do not repost on tumblr, they'll eventually find their way to mine