More qualifying madness! Eight matches in the Americas on Saturday to wrap up a huge day of qualifying matches for South Africa 2010.
We dealt with the Eastern Hemisphere in the post below. Now for the New World ...
In short, the salient events were Mexico going into Costa Rica and spanking the Ticos ... Argentina being pummeled by Brazil, but the damage being limited, apparently, only to to Argentine pride. Brazil, meanwhile, clinched a berth in South Africa, continuing its run of never having failed to qualify for the finals.
More on the Western Hemisphere:
Game of the day: Mexico 3, Costa Rica 0. Giovani dos Santos, the attacking revelation from Tottenham, scored the first goal and assisted on the others as Los Tricolores blistered the Ticos in their home stadium and thoroughly recalibrated the Concacaf qualifying picture. The standings now are excruciatingly tight, but resurgent Mexico now is in the best position to gain one of the region's three guaranteed berths to South Africa 2010, and here's why: Mexico gets two of its final three matches at home, where it is always formidable, and ends at Trinidad & Tobago, which will be playing for nothing. And of the two home matches, only Honduras, on Wednesday, figures to be a test; the other is against little El Salvador. ... Meanwhile, Costa Rica, which led the standings most of the year, has been blitzed 7-0 in its last two matches and must recover in a hurry to avoid finishing fourth. The Ticos go up to El Salvador on Wednesday, and the Salvadorans haven't lost at home yet in the Hexagonal; gets T&T at home (a fairly certain three points) -- and then plays at the U.S., where it hasn't done well in decades.
Surprisingly inconsequential game of the day: Brazil 3, Argentina 1. Whenever these two meet, it's a competition of global significance. But Argentina's heavy defeat, even at home, did not cost it its fourth-place position in the South American standings because its top pursuers stumbled as well, and to sides not vaguely as formidable as la selecao. Argentina needs to win a road match however, something it hasn't been up to for nearly two years, if it wants to hang onto the fourth spot -- and a guaranteed berth at South Africa. (The No. 5 finisher goes into a playoff with Concacaf's No. 4 finisher.) Argentina goes to third-place Paraguay next, gets bottom-dweller Peru at home and finishes at Uruguay in a match that could determine Nos. 4-5. ... Meanwhile, Brazil punched its ticket to South Africa, thanks to two goals from Luis Fabiano, the Sevilla striker. Which was no great surprise, if a relief for Carlos Dunga & Co. ... Meanwhile, we have to wonder of Diego Maradona, Argentina's coach, might be in trouble if he doesn't get a result at Paraguay.
Ugly game of the day: United States 2, El Salvador 1. We didn't see them all, of course, but it would be hard to top the listless and erratic performances these two turned in, in Sandy, Utah. The U.S. was shockingly sloppy in the back, clearly missing AC Milan's Oguchi Onyewu (one-game suspension), but the Salvadorans were unable to take advantage of a half-dozen great scoring chances. Landon Donovan was one of the few Americans who played well, setting up both goals with fine service from distance, and working back into the defense for all 90 minutes. A week from now, of course, it will look only like the Americans successfully defending their home turf. The Yankees go to Trinidad & Tobago on Wednesday and would be well-advised to come back with three points against the region's cellar-dweller.
Biggest missed opportunity of the day: Peru 1, Uruguay 0. The two-time World Cup champions had the easiest road test to be had in South America, at sea level, against guppy Peru, where the national team was in open revolt against the federation over money issues. But Uruguay couldn't manage a goal and conceded one to Hernan Rengifro in the 86th minute, and the Uruguayans missed a chance to move into fifth place, only one point behind fourth-place Argentina.
Most dramatic home improvement: Colombia 2, Ecuador 0. After a rough patch that lasted almost a year, Colombia thrust itself squarely into the discussion for the No. 5 spot -- and maybe even the No. 4 spot currently occupied by Argentina. Jackson Martinez and Teofilo Gutierrez scored in the final 15 minutes to win it for Colombia at Medellin, and the Colombians now are tied with Ecuador for fifth, with 20 points. Colombia is at Uruguay on Wednesday in a critical match,
then gets Chile at home and Paraguay away, next month. A tough road, but now doable.
And now we turn our attention to the five Africa matches being contested today. More on that to come.
Read more!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
The Road to 2010: Eastern Hemisphere
All the matches in Europe and Africa today are now complete and I saw one of them myself, France vs. Romania at Stade de France. Which had a surprise result of its own.
An overview of what we have found out, so far today, from among the 26 matches in the Eastern Hemisphere:
Most impressive victory: Spain 5, Belgium 0. Forget that defeat against the United States in the Confederations Cup. Those Spaniards are back, and they went all medieval on Belgium today in La Coruna. David Villa and David Silva each scored twice in the rout. Spain hasn't quite clinched Group 5 (even at 7-0-0), but it could as soon as Wednesday.
Most deflating defeat: Cameroon 2, Gabon 0. Gabon never has been in a World Cup finals. Most of its players compete in second-tier leagues, or worse. But Gabon won its first two matches while Cameroon settled for a defeat and a draw, and things looked great for the Gabonese, who had a chance to bury Cameroon, their most dangerous opponent in Group A, and all but clinch the group ... but the Indomitable Lions dominated the match in Libreville. Talk about a buzz kill ...
Most rewarding draw: Little Northern Ireland, finals outsiders since 1986, went to the boonies of Chorzow to play Poland and got out with a 1-1 draw -- and almost a victory. Keeping Poland from the three points from a home victory reinforces Northern Ireland's chances of finishing second in Group 3 -- and maybe even catching Slovakia to win it.
Most exciting draw: Slovakia 2, Czech Republic 2: They once shared a country; now they are great rivals. Stanislav Sestak gave Slovakia a 1-0 lead in the 60th minute, Daniel Pudil answered in the 68th minute. Marek Hamsik scored a penalty in the 73rd minute ... and Milan Baros tied it again in the 84th minute. Slovakia could have put some distance between itself and Northern Ireland in Group 3, but now the Ulstermen could move ahead when they get Slovakia in Belfast on Wednesday.
Most frustrating draw: France 1, Romania 1. This was the match I saw, and French fans were muttering darkly as they streamed out of the stadium. France dominated the first half but couldn't score. All three forwards in their 4-3-3 formation had great chances -- and couldn't put them away. France finally broke through in the 48th minute on a Henry goal ... but then conceded an own goal eight minutes later when Julien Escude redirected a ball into his own net. The French threw everyone forward for the final half-hour, including Franck Ribery, who didn't start ... but they became unhinged and Romania actually had a chance or two to take the lead. Now, France is all but resigned to finishing second in Group 7, needing to win the home-and-home playoff against another second-place team to reach South Africa. Hard times for les bleus and coach Raymond Domenech, who could be fired if the French don't look much better in their match with group leader Serbia in Belgrade on Wednesday.
Most disappointing draw: Denmark 1, Portugal 1. The disappointment cuts both ways, but it hurts more for Portugal, which really needed a road victory to spark a late rally in Group 1. Portugal did well to avoid defeat, thanks to a Liedson goal in the 86th minute, but Cristiano Ronaldo's team is down to fourth place in Group 1 and almost needs to sweep Hungary in its next two matches to hope to finish second, never mind first. The Danes, with 17 points, are too far over the horizon for the Portuguese (10 points) to catch.
Most interesting scoreless draw: Saudi Arabia 0, Bahrain 0. The Saudis and Bahrain are playing a home-and-home series to determine who finishes fifth in Asia -- and gets to play New Zealand in another home-and-home for a 2010 World Cup berth. Bahrain now has to play at Riyadh, which won't be easy, but it can advance with a tie of 1-1 or 2-2 (etc.) -- on the strength of the "away goals" tiebreaker.
Team that got itself back in contention: Sweden 2, Hungary 1. The Swedes would have been all but dead with a defeat, but they went into Budapest and got goals from Olof Mellberg and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, in extra time, to snatch a victory, jump to third and become well-situated to finish at least second -- because two of its final three matches are at Malta and home against Albania. That is, six nearly automatic points.
Team that took itself out of contention: Latvia 1, Israel 0. The Israelis weren't the smart way to bet, for a South Africa berth, but they had a shot -- till this disastrous home defeat to the Latvians. Israel is finished, but Latvia now is tied for second with Greece in Group 2.
Team that took charge: Switzerland 2, Greece 0: These two were tied atop Group 2 in Europe, but the Swiss got late goals from Stephane Grichting (84th minute) and Marco Padalino (88th), and now the Group 2 road to South Africa goes through the Alps.
And now we wait for the Western Hemisphere to check in with the rest of the big day in South Africa qualifying.
Read more!
An overview of what we have found out, so far today, from among the 26 matches in the Eastern Hemisphere:
Most impressive victory: Spain 5, Belgium 0. Forget that defeat against the United States in the Confederations Cup. Those Spaniards are back, and they went all medieval on Belgium today in La Coruna. David Villa and David Silva each scored twice in the rout. Spain hasn't quite clinched Group 5 (even at 7-0-0), but it could as soon as Wednesday.
Most deflating defeat: Cameroon 2, Gabon 0. Gabon never has been in a World Cup finals. Most of its players compete in second-tier leagues, or worse. But Gabon won its first two matches while Cameroon settled for a defeat and a draw, and things looked great for the Gabonese, who had a chance to bury Cameroon, their most dangerous opponent in Group A, and all but clinch the group ... but the Indomitable Lions dominated the match in Libreville. Talk about a buzz kill ...
Most rewarding draw: Little Northern Ireland, finals outsiders since 1986, went to the boonies of Chorzow to play Poland and got out with a 1-1 draw -- and almost a victory. Keeping Poland from the three points from a home victory reinforces Northern Ireland's chances of finishing second in Group 3 -- and maybe even catching Slovakia to win it.
Most exciting draw: Slovakia 2, Czech Republic 2: They once shared a country; now they are great rivals. Stanislav Sestak gave Slovakia a 1-0 lead in the 60th minute, Daniel Pudil answered in the 68th minute. Marek Hamsik scored a penalty in the 73rd minute ... and Milan Baros tied it again in the 84th minute. Slovakia could have put some distance between itself and Northern Ireland in Group 3, but now the Ulstermen could move ahead when they get Slovakia in Belfast on Wednesday.
Most frustrating draw: France 1, Romania 1. This was the match I saw, and French fans were muttering darkly as they streamed out of the stadium. France dominated the first half but couldn't score. All three forwards in their 4-3-3 formation had great chances -- and couldn't put them away. France finally broke through in the 48th minute on a Henry goal ... but then conceded an own goal eight minutes later when Julien Escude redirected a ball into his own net. The French threw everyone forward for the final half-hour, including Franck Ribery, who didn't start ... but they became unhinged and Romania actually had a chance or two to take the lead. Now, France is all but resigned to finishing second in Group 7, needing to win the home-and-home playoff against another second-place team to reach South Africa. Hard times for les bleus and coach Raymond Domenech, who could be fired if the French don't look much better in their match with group leader Serbia in Belgrade on Wednesday.
Most disappointing draw: Denmark 1, Portugal 1. The disappointment cuts both ways, but it hurts more for Portugal, which really needed a road victory to spark a late rally in Group 1. Portugal did well to avoid defeat, thanks to a Liedson goal in the 86th minute, but Cristiano Ronaldo's team is down to fourth place in Group 1 and almost needs to sweep Hungary in its next two matches to hope to finish second, never mind first. The Danes, with 17 points, are too far over the horizon for the Portuguese (10 points) to catch.
Most interesting scoreless draw: Saudi Arabia 0, Bahrain 0. The Saudis and Bahrain are playing a home-and-home series to determine who finishes fifth in Asia -- and gets to play New Zealand in another home-and-home for a 2010 World Cup berth. Bahrain now has to play at Riyadh, which won't be easy, but it can advance with a tie of 1-1 or 2-2 (etc.) -- on the strength of the "away goals" tiebreaker.
Team that got itself back in contention: Sweden 2, Hungary 1. The Swedes would have been all but dead with a defeat, but they went into Budapest and got goals from Olof Mellberg and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, in extra time, to snatch a victory, jump to third and become well-situated to finish at least second -- because two of its final three matches are at Malta and home against Albania. That is, six nearly automatic points.
Team that took itself out of contention: Latvia 1, Israel 0. The Israelis weren't the smart way to bet, for a South Africa berth, but they had a shot -- till this disastrous home defeat to the Latvians. Israel is finished, but Latvia now is tied for second with Greece in Group 2.
Team that took charge: Switzerland 2, Greece 0: These two were tied atop Group 2 in Europe, but the Swiss got late goals from Stephane Grichting (84th minute) and Marco Padalino (88th), and now the Group 2 road to South Africa goes through the Alps.
And now we wait for the Western Hemisphere to check in with the rest of the big day in South Africa qualifying.
Read more!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Qualifier Preview: Northern Ireland at Poland
To outsiders unfamiliar with the long histories of the peoples involved, the idea of the British Isles fielding five national soccer teams seems silly. Almost absurd.
But there you have it: England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales each mount their own World Cup campaigns each four years. And four of those "countries" are actually part of Great Britain and ruled from London.
Perhaps it is no surprise that England is the only member of that Balkanized quintet to have accomplished much in recent World Cup finals.
Wales hasn't been to a World Cup since 1958 (not even Ryan Giggs was alive then). Scotland has made eight World Cup finals appearances but never survived the first round. Ireland has been to only three World Cups (though all three have been since 1990, and that 1990 team got to the quarterfinals).
Then there is Northern Ireland, which has only three World Cup appearances, and none since 1986.
(Ulstermen, however, note that Northern Ireland, population 1.7 million, was the smallest country to have played in the World Cup, until Trinidad & Tobago qualified in 2006, and remains the smallest country to make the second round.)
This Northern Ireland team, though, has a chance to end a 24-year drought. But getting at least one point at to-date-disappointing Poland on Saturday would seem to be required.
As you can see in the European Group 3 standings, the Ulstermen have a shot at winning the group, and an even better one of finishing at least second and getting into a home-and-home playoff for one of the final four of Europe's 13 South Africa 2010 berths.
Getting a result out of the small and remote Polish city of Chorzow won't be easy, and may hinge on whether star forward David Healy, who plays for Premiership squad Sunderland, can end his six-match international goal drought. Healy has 35 goals in 75 national team appearances, and told the Belfast Telegraph this week that he feels ready to break out of his slump.
Northern Ireland also can look for scoring from midfielder Grant McCann, who has two in group play, or forwards Kyle Lafferty and Warren Feeney.
The Ulstermen seem likely to be very cautious in going forward because Poland desperately needs three points from a win, and star defender Jonny Evans (Manchester United) and veteran keeper Maik Taylor (Birmingham City) figure to be busy in the back.
The Poles have been regular participants in the finals for the past few decades, appearing in six of the last nine World Cups and twice (1974, 1982) finishing third. Indeed, looking at this group a year ago the teams that seemed most likely to finish first and second were Poland and the Czech Republic -- which lags behind even Poland in the group standings.
Poland got itself into this fix by taking a 1-1 draw at home against little Slovenia and losing 3-2 at Belfast against even littler Northern Ireland.
Ebi Smolarek, a forward who plays for Dutch club Feyenoord, is Poland's most dangerous attacker; he has six goals in four group qualifying matches -- though five came in a pair of victories over San Marino.
Naturalized Brazilian Roger Guerreio is a scoring threat, as is veteran midfielder Jacek Krzynowek, who plays for Hannover 96.
The Poles have been a bit leaky in the back, conceding seven goals in the four matches that weren't against San Marino. Goalkeeper Artur Boruc, who plays for Scottish club Celtic, has the experience, but it isn't clear if coach Leo Beenhakker, the well-traveled Dutchman, will have Boruc in the starting 11. The major presence on the back line is veteran (and captain) Michal Zewlakow, who scored in the previous match with Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland has been giving out hints of playing conservatively and perhaps hoping for a scoreless draw, with a long-range hope that none of its pursuers can scrape up enough victories to catch it. But that seems a dangerous strategy because the Ulsterman have only two qualifying matches left after this one, and both appear difficult -- home against group leader Slovakia next week, and on the road against the Czechs next month.
Poland, meanwhile, doesn't have an easy path, either. It gets Slovenia on the road next week, then plays the Czechs away and finishes at home against Slovakia -- which likely will be playing for championship of the group. The home match against Northern Ireland actually looks like the most winnable of the four matches to be played.
If either Northern Ireland or Poland can take three points out of Saturday match, it changes the nature of the group radically.
Read more!
But there you have it: England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales each mount their own World Cup campaigns each four years. And four of those "countries" are actually part of Great Britain and ruled from London.
Perhaps it is no surprise that England is the only member of that Balkanized quintet to have accomplished much in recent World Cup finals.
Wales hasn't been to a World Cup since 1958 (not even Ryan Giggs was alive then). Scotland has made eight World Cup finals appearances but never survived the first round. Ireland has been to only three World Cups (though all three have been since 1990, and that 1990 team got to the quarterfinals).
Then there is Northern Ireland, which has only three World Cup appearances, and none since 1986.
(Ulstermen, however, note that Northern Ireland, population 1.7 million, was the smallest country to have played in the World Cup, until Trinidad & Tobago qualified in 2006, and remains the smallest country to make the second round.)
This Northern Ireland team, though, has a chance to end a 24-year drought. But getting at least one point at to-date-disappointing Poland on Saturday would seem to be required.
As you can see in the European Group 3 standings, the Ulstermen have a shot at winning the group, and an even better one of finishing at least second and getting into a home-and-home playoff for one of the final four of Europe's 13 South Africa 2010 berths.
Getting a result out of the small and remote Polish city of Chorzow won't be easy, and may hinge on whether star forward David Healy, who plays for Premiership squad Sunderland, can end his six-match international goal drought. Healy has 35 goals in 75 national team appearances, and told the Belfast Telegraph this week that he feels ready to break out of his slump.
Northern Ireland also can look for scoring from midfielder Grant McCann, who has two in group play, or forwards Kyle Lafferty and Warren Feeney.
The Ulstermen seem likely to be very cautious in going forward because Poland desperately needs three points from a win, and star defender Jonny Evans (Manchester United) and veteran keeper Maik Taylor (Birmingham City) figure to be busy in the back.
The Poles have been regular participants in the finals for the past few decades, appearing in six of the last nine World Cups and twice (1974, 1982) finishing third. Indeed, looking at this group a year ago the teams that seemed most likely to finish first and second were Poland and the Czech Republic -- which lags behind even Poland in the group standings.
Poland got itself into this fix by taking a 1-1 draw at home against little Slovenia and losing 3-2 at Belfast against even littler Northern Ireland.
Ebi Smolarek, a forward who plays for Dutch club Feyenoord, is Poland's most dangerous attacker; he has six goals in four group qualifying matches -- though five came in a pair of victories over San Marino.
Naturalized Brazilian Roger Guerreio is a scoring threat, as is veteran midfielder Jacek Krzynowek, who plays for Hannover 96.
The Poles have been a bit leaky in the back, conceding seven goals in the four matches that weren't against San Marino. Goalkeeper Artur Boruc, who plays for Scottish club Celtic, has the experience, but it isn't clear if coach Leo Beenhakker, the well-traveled Dutchman, will have Boruc in the starting 11. The major presence on the back line is veteran (and captain) Michal Zewlakow, who scored in the previous match with Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland has been giving out hints of playing conservatively and perhaps hoping for a scoreless draw, with a long-range hope that none of its pursuers can scrape up enough victories to catch it. But that seems a dangerous strategy because the Ulsterman have only two qualifying matches left after this one, and both appear difficult -- home against group leader Slovakia next week, and on the road against the Czechs next month.
Poland, meanwhile, doesn't have an easy path, either. It gets Slovenia on the road next week, then plays the Czechs away and finishes at home against Slovakia -- which likely will be playing for championship of the group. The home match against Northern Ireland actually looks like the most winnable of the four matches to be played.
If either Northern Ireland or Poland can take three points out of Saturday match, it changes the nature of the group radically.
Read more!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Qualifier Preview: Tunisia at Nigeria
I love African World Cup qualifying. I love it to death. The only thing that would intrigue me more than an African qualifier is the African Cup of Nations, but since that isn't be competed for right at this monent ...
To someone from North America, African qualifying it is the essence of exotic. Gabon, Ivory Coast (or Cote d'Ivoire), Morocco, Zambia ... it's like a recitation of the profoundly mysterious and vaguely intimidating.
Thus, we head into Part 4 of our blog posts about key World Cup qualifying matches being played this weekend. This one is about Tunisia vs. host Nigeria at Abuja, on Sunday, and someone could be in very good shape when it is over ... and someone else could be thinking in terms of 2014, instead of South Africa 2010.
Check out the standings in Group B.
It's quite straightforward. Whoever wins the game is in control, and only the winner of the group gets to go to South Africa 2010. Loser goes home.
From a global perspective, there is a sense of Nigeria as a World Cup underachiever and Tunisia as an overachiever. The results might not bear out the perception, but there you are.
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa (with 150 million people, compared to Tunisia's 10.5 million), has been to three World Cup finals (1994, 1998, 2002), and looked genuinely dangerous each time, especially so in 1998, when a big and athletic team led by coaching gypsy Bora Milutinivoc registered victories over Spain and Bulgaria and moved into the second round ... where Denmark routed the Nigerians 4-1.
Nigeria appeared to be a soccer power on the rise, especially considering it won the African Cup of Nations in 1994. But then came the 2002 World Cup and an uninspired first-round exit, followed by no appearance at all in 2006, and now you are forgiven if you wonder if Nigeria has stalled out and has settled into a pattern of underachieving.
This is the match where Nigeria can do something about that reputation.
Nwanko Kanu, a veteran striker who plays for Portsmouth of the English Premier League, is Nigeria's best-known player. But the Super Eagles also count on brothers Ikechukwu and Kalu Uche, both forwards, who play for Spanish clubs Real Zaragoza and Almeira, respectively.
Ikechukwu Uche has scored four goals during qualifying. Nigeria is waiting, however, for the first goals in this qualifying campaign from Kanu and Kalu Uche, in the match at Abuja, the Nigerian capital, on Saturday. It is a bit ironic that Nigeria's best-known players are strikers, because the Super Eagles have managed only three goals in three final-group matches, including a draw at Mozambique -- the result that left them sitting second, to Tunisia.
Nigeria and Tunisia fought to a scoreless draw in their first match, at Tunisia, and the winner of this one figures to be in good shape.
Tunisia is one of the scrappy Maghreb teams that have been fairly prevalent in the World Cup final draw, of late. The Tunisians, who are known for their comprehensive and intelligent approach to developing young talent, are looking for their fourth consecutive trip to the finals, and if they can escape Abuja with even a point, they are likely to make it to South Africa. Also, it was Tunisia that recorded the first victory for an African team in World Cup play, defeating Mexico 3-1 in 1978.
Issam Jomaa, a striker who plays with Lens of France's Ligue 1, is a key figure in the attack. On the defensive side, Tunisia likely will count on Hannover 96 teammates Karim Haggui and Soufiane Chahed
Whoever can manage a goal in this one probably will win. And if there is a winner, look for that team to be in South Africa.
A tie is all for the good, for Tunisia. It ends Group B qualifying with a home match against Kenya and a road match with underpowered Mozambique, and the Carthage Eagles will be favored in both matches.
Nigeria, meanwhile, clearly needs a victory, and coach Roger Lemerre's team -- backed by a friendly home crowd in Abuja -- may be able to make it happen. Read more!
To someone from North America, African qualifying it is the essence of exotic. Gabon, Ivory Coast (or Cote d'Ivoire), Morocco, Zambia ... it's like a recitation of the profoundly mysterious and vaguely intimidating.
Thus, we head into Part 4 of our blog posts about key World Cup qualifying matches being played this weekend. This one is about Tunisia vs. host Nigeria at Abuja, on Sunday, and someone could be in very good shape when it is over ... and someone else could be thinking in terms of 2014, instead of South Africa 2010.
Check out the standings in Group B.
It's quite straightforward. Whoever wins the game is in control, and only the winner of the group gets to go to South Africa 2010. Loser goes home.
From a global perspective, there is a sense of Nigeria as a World Cup underachiever and Tunisia as an overachiever. The results might not bear out the perception, but there you are.
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa (with 150 million people, compared to Tunisia's 10.5 million), has been to three World Cup finals (1994, 1998, 2002), and looked genuinely dangerous each time, especially so in 1998, when a big and athletic team led by coaching gypsy Bora Milutinivoc registered victories over Spain and Bulgaria and moved into the second round ... where Denmark routed the Nigerians 4-1.
Nigeria appeared to be a soccer power on the rise, especially considering it won the African Cup of Nations in 1994. But then came the 2002 World Cup and an uninspired first-round exit, followed by no appearance at all in 2006, and now you are forgiven if you wonder if Nigeria has stalled out and has settled into a pattern of underachieving.
This is the match where Nigeria can do something about that reputation.
Nwanko Kanu, a veteran striker who plays for Portsmouth of the English Premier League, is Nigeria's best-known player. But the Super Eagles also count on brothers Ikechukwu and Kalu Uche, both forwards, who play for Spanish clubs Real Zaragoza and Almeira, respectively.
Ikechukwu Uche has scored four goals during qualifying. Nigeria is waiting, however, for the first goals in this qualifying campaign from Kanu and Kalu Uche, in the match at Abuja, the Nigerian capital, on Saturday. It is a bit ironic that Nigeria's best-known players are strikers, because the Super Eagles have managed only three goals in three final-group matches, including a draw at Mozambique -- the result that left them sitting second, to Tunisia.
Nigeria and Tunisia fought to a scoreless draw in their first match, at Tunisia, and the winner of this one figures to be in good shape.
Tunisia is one of the scrappy Maghreb teams that have been fairly prevalent in the World Cup final draw, of late. The Tunisians, who are known for their comprehensive and intelligent approach to developing young talent, are looking for their fourth consecutive trip to the finals, and if they can escape Abuja with even a point, they are likely to make it to South Africa. Also, it was Tunisia that recorded the first victory for an African team in World Cup play, defeating Mexico 3-1 in 1978.
Issam Jomaa, a striker who plays with Lens of France's Ligue 1, is a key figure in the attack. On the defensive side, Tunisia likely will count on Hannover 96 teammates Karim Haggui and Soufiane Chahed
Whoever can manage a goal in this one probably will win. And if there is a winner, look for that team to be in South Africa.
A tie is all for the good, for Tunisia. It ends Group B qualifying with a home match against Kenya and a road match with underpowered Mozambique, and the Carthage Eagles will be favored in both matches.
Nigeria, meanwhile, clearly needs a victory, and coach Roger Lemerre's team -- backed by a friendly home crowd in Abuja -- may be able to make it happen. Read more!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Qualifier Preview: Greece at Switzerland
This is the third post in a series of closer examinations of 2010 World Cup qualifiers being played this weekend.
Greece at Switzerland, in Basel on Saturday, is the only match, of the 40 being contested, that pits teams tied atop their groups in points. In this case, with 13 points each atop Europe's Group 2. So this is the definition of a swing match.
Both Greece and Switzerland have comparatively modest international soccer histories, as their small size and middling domestic club leagues might suggest. Switzerland has been to the World Cup finals eight times, which sounds impressive, but six of those came in 1966 or earlier, and Greece has played in the finals only once, in 1994 -- but it did win the Euro Cup in 2004, in a stunning upset.
Who gets to go to South Africa next year? We suspect it will be the winner of this match, if there is one.
Switzerland would seem to have a psychological advantage; the Swiss won the first match, in Piraeus, Greece, 2-1, last October. Alexander Frei scored on a penalty in the 41st minute, Angelos Charisteas tied the game in the 68th minute, and then Blaise Kufo, a native of the Congo, scored the decisive goal, in the 77th minute.
Kufo, a veteran striker, provides Switzerland with both a psychological and physical advantage. Naturalized in 2002, after several seasons in the Swiss pro league, in a country which hands out citizenship very, very rarely, Kufo has done his bit for Swiss sport by scoring a goal in five of the team's six Group 2 games so far.
Greece is led by German coach Otto Rehhagel, who has managed the team since 2001 -- a tenure truly remarking for its length. He was the architect of the 2004 Euro stunner, but he also was in charge when Greece failed to make the 2006 World Cup and went out in the first round of Euro 2008, scoring only one goal in group play.
Greece has played a conservative, counter-attacking style under Rehhagel's guidance. This is not a team known for an abundance of skill players. The Greeks are heavily dependent on strikers Theofanis Gekas and Charisteas for scoring; they each have four goals from Greece's 12 in group play.
Gekas led the Bundesliga in scoring with 20 goals for VfL Bochum two seasons ago, and had 13 for Bayer Leverkusen last season, and currently is on loan to Portsmouth of the English Premier League. Charisteas this season is on loan to Bayer Leverkusen from Nuremberg, and has 23 goals in 77 national team appearances.
The rock at the back of the Greek defense, which has yielded only four goals in six matches, is towering (1.99m, or 6-foot-6) goalkeeper Kostas Chalkias. Giourkas Seitaridis, Avraam Papdopoulos and Vasilis Torosidis are regulars in the back line. Kostas Katsouranis is a fixture at holding midfield, and captain Giorgos Karagounis runs the offense.
Frei, just off three seasons with Borussia Dortmund, is Switzerland's all-time national team goal scorer, with 37. He and Kufo have accounted for nine of the squad's 13 goals in six qualifying matches so far. They are the definition of wily veterans; at ages 30 and 34, respectively, they may be the oldest starting forwards among the globe's serious soccer countries.
Gokhan Inler, who plays for Udinese in Italy's Seria A, and Tranquillo Barnetta of Bayer Leverkusen and Benjamin Huggel of FC Basel are fixtures at midfield.
The Swiss have been a little leaky in the back, giving up six goals (thus, Greece leads them on goal-differential, 12-4 to 11-6) Stephane Grichting is a regular in the back line, and young Diego Benaglio, 25, who plays for Bundesliga champion Wolfsburg, has gotten most of the time in goal.
Now, the ramifications: A victory by either side will put it in very good stead.
Greece will be favored in its final three matches -- at group minnow Moldova, home against Latvia and home to the No. 2 minnow, Luxembourg. There would seem to be at least six points there, and nine wouldn't be surprising.
Switzerland has a tougher path, and therefore would be well-advised to grab three points in Basel on Saturday. The Swiss finish with matches at Latvia (still hoping to finish second), at Luxembourg and home to Israel, which at this writing is still in contention for second, certainly.
Whoever wins this group probably will be considered one of the weakest of the 13 European clubs to reach South Africa. But getting there in the first place is more than half the battle. Read more!
Greece at Switzerland, in Basel on Saturday, is the only match, of the 40 being contested, that pits teams tied atop their groups in points. In this case, with 13 points each atop Europe's Group 2. So this is the definition of a swing match.
Both Greece and Switzerland have comparatively modest international soccer histories, as their small size and middling domestic club leagues might suggest. Switzerland has been to the World Cup finals eight times, which sounds impressive, but six of those came in 1966 or earlier, and Greece has played in the finals only once, in 1994 -- but it did win the Euro Cup in 2004, in a stunning upset.
Who gets to go to South Africa next year? We suspect it will be the winner of this match, if there is one.
Switzerland would seem to have a psychological advantage; the Swiss won the first match, in Piraeus, Greece, 2-1, last October. Alexander Frei scored on a penalty in the 41st minute, Angelos Charisteas tied the game in the 68th minute, and then Blaise Kufo, a native of the Congo, scored the decisive goal, in the 77th minute.
Kufo, a veteran striker, provides Switzerland with both a psychological and physical advantage. Naturalized in 2002, after several seasons in the Swiss pro league, in a country which hands out citizenship very, very rarely, Kufo has done his bit for Swiss sport by scoring a goal in five of the team's six Group 2 games so far.
Greece is led by German coach Otto Rehhagel, who has managed the team since 2001 -- a tenure truly remarking for its length. He was the architect of the 2004 Euro stunner, but he also was in charge when Greece failed to make the 2006 World Cup and went out in the first round of Euro 2008, scoring only one goal in group play.
Greece has played a conservative, counter-attacking style under Rehhagel's guidance. This is not a team known for an abundance of skill players. The Greeks are heavily dependent on strikers Theofanis Gekas and Charisteas for scoring; they each have four goals from Greece's 12 in group play.
Gekas led the Bundesliga in scoring with 20 goals for VfL Bochum two seasons ago, and had 13 for Bayer Leverkusen last season, and currently is on loan to Portsmouth of the English Premier League. Charisteas this season is on loan to Bayer Leverkusen from Nuremberg, and has 23 goals in 77 national team appearances.
The rock at the back of the Greek defense, which has yielded only four goals in six matches, is towering (1.99m, or 6-foot-6) goalkeeper Kostas Chalkias. Giourkas Seitaridis, Avraam Papdopoulos and Vasilis Torosidis are regulars in the back line. Kostas Katsouranis is a fixture at holding midfield, and captain Giorgos Karagounis runs the offense.
Frei, just off three seasons with Borussia Dortmund, is Switzerland's all-time national team goal scorer, with 37. He and Kufo have accounted for nine of the squad's 13 goals in six qualifying matches so far. They are the definition of wily veterans; at ages 30 and 34, respectively, they may be the oldest starting forwards among the globe's serious soccer countries.
Gokhan Inler, who plays for Udinese in Italy's Seria A, and Tranquillo Barnetta of Bayer Leverkusen and Benjamin Huggel of FC Basel are fixtures at midfield.
The Swiss have been a little leaky in the back, giving up six goals (thus, Greece leads them on goal-differential, 12-4 to 11-6) Stephane Grichting is a regular in the back line, and young Diego Benaglio, 25, who plays for Bundesliga champion Wolfsburg, has gotten most of the time in goal.
Now, the ramifications: A victory by either side will put it in very good stead.
Greece will be favored in its final three matches -- at group minnow Moldova, home against Latvia and home to the No. 2 minnow, Luxembourg. There would seem to be at least six points there, and nine wouldn't be surprising.
Switzerland has a tougher path, and therefore would be well-advised to grab three points in Basel on Saturday. The Swiss finish with matches at Latvia (still hoping to finish second), at Luxembourg and home to Israel, which at this writing is still in contention for second, certainly.
Whoever wins this group probably will be considered one of the weakest of the 13 European clubs to reach South Africa. But getting there in the first place is more than half the battle. Read more!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Qualifier Preview: Mexico at Costa Rica
Post No. 2 looking ahead to key South Africa 2010 qualifying matches this weekend.
In this one, we focus on Mexico playing in Costa Rica, on the artificial turf of Estadio Saprissa in the capital of San Jose.
How this one turns out ... could change the face of qualifying in Concacaf.
Mexico is coming off a 2-1 comeback victory over the United States, its arch-rival. And Costa Rica was hammered, at Honduras, 4-0.
But those results may not mean much of anything here.
Global soccer analysts probably expect Mexico to get a point, and maybe three. Just off reputation and those recent matches.
But that overlooks two salient facts of the Concacaf world, both pertaining to the difficulty of winning on the road -- which seems as pronounced in this region as any in the world.
1. Costa Rica has won all three of its home qualifiers, including a 3-1 rout of the U.S. and a 2-0 romp past Honduras. Its home dominance seems reinforced by the intimidating dimensions of Saprissa, as well as its slick and quick artificial turf, a rare surface at the international level. Indeed, the Americans never seemed to get comfortable on it in their lopsided defeat.
2. Mexico has yet to earn a single point on the road, in three matches, losing heavily (2-0) to the U.S. and Honduras (3-1) ... and failing even to escape El Salvador with a point, in a 2-1 come-from-ahead defeat in San Salvador.
The Concacaf standings show how tight things are in this group, with four matches left for each of the teams in the Hexagonal. Even one point on the road is hugely important. Only four of the 18 matches played thus far have yielded even one point for the visitor -- U.S. 2-2 at El Salvador, Costa Rica 3-2 at Trinidad & Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago 2-2 at El Salvador and Honduras 1-1 at T&T.
Which brings us back to Mexico. Is El Tri really back, now that Sven-Goran Ericksson has been sent packing back to Sweden and Javier Aguirre has taken over as coach? Has the breakout of young forwards Giovani dos Passos and Carlos Vela heralded a new heyday of Mexican soccer?
Costa Rica should be an acid test. Not only do the Ticos have significant talent and massive self-belief, when playing at cramped Saprissa Stadium, they consider Mexico their arch-rival, and they will be playing to keep the lead in the group standings.
The Ticos are led by midfielder (and captain) Walter Centeno. Celso Borges, only 21, has been a relevation in midfield. And Alvaro Saborio, who plays with Bristol City, and Bryan Ruiz, are dangerous attackers. When they are feeling giddy, Costa Rica fans will confide that they consider themselves the Brazil of North America, entertaining as well as skilled.
Mexico looked improved in its victory over the United States on Aug. 12, but it wasn't exactly decisive. Mexico trailed 1-0 and didn't get the winning goal until the 82nd minute.
What is at stake in this one?
For Mexico, a chance to close up on the top three in the group, hoping to pass one of them between now and October and gaining one of the three automatic berths to South Africa. A point (or three) out of Costa Rica would put the Mexicans in good stead to move into the top three, especially with its next two matches at home (where Mexico almost never loses) and the qualifying finale at T&T, which will almost certainly be eliminated before the match kicks off.
A defeat, however, could reignite the sense of national panic that gripped the country only a few months ago, and perhaps leave El Tri vulnerable when Honduras visits Mexico City on Sept. 9.
For Costa Rica, staying atop the group is at stake. Losing (or even tying) at home could mean it doesn't finish in the top three -- and that is to be avoided at all costs.
Keep in mind that the fourth-place team in Concacaf (currently Mexico) still has a chance to get to South Africa, but it will have to survive a home-and-home playoff with South America's No. 5 team. And that will be no picnic, whether it's Uruguay, Ecuador or maybe even Argentina.
Not qualifying is not an option for either nation. Mexico is a World Cup regular, and Costa Rica is gunning for its third straight finals appearance.
So, which is it? Costa Rica on top? Mexico in trouble again? Or the Ticos suddenly struggling and Mexico rolling? We shall find out Saturday in San Jose. Read more!
In this one, we focus on Mexico playing in Costa Rica, on the artificial turf of Estadio Saprissa in the capital of San Jose.
How this one turns out ... could change the face of qualifying in Concacaf.
Mexico is coming off a 2-1 comeback victory over the United States, its arch-rival. And Costa Rica was hammered, at Honduras, 4-0.
But those results may not mean much of anything here.
Global soccer analysts probably expect Mexico to get a point, and maybe three. Just off reputation and those recent matches.
But that overlooks two salient facts of the Concacaf world, both pertaining to the difficulty of winning on the road -- which seems as pronounced in this region as any in the world.
1. Costa Rica has won all three of its home qualifiers, including a 3-1 rout of the U.S. and a 2-0 romp past Honduras. Its home dominance seems reinforced by the intimidating dimensions of Saprissa, as well as its slick and quick artificial turf, a rare surface at the international level. Indeed, the Americans never seemed to get comfortable on it in their lopsided defeat.
2. Mexico has yet to earn a single point on the road, in three matches, losing heavily (2-0) to the U.S. and Honduras (3-1) ... and failing even to escape El Salvador with a point, in a 2-1 come-from-ahead defeat in San Salvador.
The Concacaf standings show how tight things are in this group, with four matches left for each of the teams in the Hexagonal. Even one point on the road is hugely important. Only four of the 18 matches played thus far have yielded even one point for the visitor -- U.S. 2-2 at El Salvador, Costa Rica 3-2 at Trinidad & Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago 2-2 at El Salvador and Honduras 1-1 at T&T.
Which brings us back to Mexico. Is El Tri really back, now that Sven-Goran Ericksson has been sent packing back to Sweden and Javier Aguirre has taken over as coach? Has the breakout of young forwards Giovani dos Passos and Carlos Vela heralded a new heyday of Mexican soccer?
Costa Rica should be an acid test. Not only do the Ticos have significant talent and massive self-belief, when playing at cramped Saprissa Stadium, they consider Mexico their arch-rival, and they will be playing to keep the lead in the group standings.
The Ticos are led by midfielder (and captain) Walter Centeno. Celso Borges, only 21, has been a relevation in midfield. And Alvaro Saborio, who plays with Bristol City, and Bryan Ruiz, are dangerous attackers. When they are feeling giddy, Costa Rica fans will confide that they consider themselves the Brazil of North America, entertaining as well as skilled.
Mexico looked improved in its victory over the United States on Aug. 12, but it wasn't exactly decisive. Mexico trailed 1-0 and didn't get the winning goal until the 82nd minute.
What is at stake in this one?
For Mexico, a chance to close up on the top three in the group, hoping to pass one of them between now and October and gaining one of the three automatic berths to South Africa. A point (or three) out of Costa Rica would put the Mexicans in good stead to move into the top three, especially with its next two matches at home (where Mexico almost never loses) and the qualifying finale at T&T, which will almost certainly be eliminated before the match kicks off.
A defeat, however, could reignite the sense of national panic that gripped the country only a few months ago, and perhaps leave El Tri vulnerable when Honduras visits Mexico City on Sept. 9.
For Costa Rica, staying atop the group is at stake. Losing (or even tying) at home could mean it doesn't finish in the top three -- and that is to be avoided at all costs.
Keep in mind that the fourth-place team in Concacaf (currently Mexico) still has a chance to get to South Africa, but it will have to survive a home-and-home playoff with South America's No. 5 team. And that will be no picnic, whether it's Uruguay, Ecuador or maybe even Argentina.
Not qualifying is not an option for either nation. Mexico is a World Cup regular, and Costa Rica is gunning for its third straight finals appearance.
So, which is it? Costa Rica on top? Mexico in trouble again? Or the Ticos suddenly struggling and Mexico rolling? We shall find out Saturday in San Jose. Read more!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Qualifier Preview: Denmark at Portugal
This is the first of several expanded previews of key South Africa 2010 qualifying matches among the 40 (!) being contested in the Americas, Africa and Europe this weekend.
Almost all of the matches have some meaning, even this close to the draw. But some are pregnant with significance, and we will look at several this week.
(Note: A general preview of the five South American matches, by my distinguished colleague Armando Varela, appeared on this blog a few days ago.)
We begin with a crucial match pitting struggling Portugal at Group 1 leader Denmark on Saturday.
If we had looked at this group a year ago, we would have pegged Portugal as the favorite. Fourth at the 2006 World Cup, finalists at the 2004 Euro championships, quarterfinalists in Euro 2008 ...
Then they started playing the games, and the Portuguese lost at home to Denmark, 3-2, and were held at home by Sweden, 0-0, and that's why a team loaded with international stars is, basically, desperate for a victory at Copenhagen.
Portugal certainly looks imposing. From forward Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the best player in the world, to midfield veterans such as Deco, Duda, Maniche and defenders Basingwa and Pepe ... why is this team loitering in third place in the group, ahead of Sweden only on goals scored?
The aforementioned failure to win at home is part of it. So is an oddly erratic offense (eight goals from six matches), given the star power on the pitch.
Ronaldo has yet to score, in four matches played. Nani and Hugo Almeida each have two goals, and that isn't quite where you would expect half your offense to come from. (And Almeida isn't even in the team for this match.)
Carlos Queiroz, the coach, has called in another Brazilian-born player, the forward Liedson, perhaps looking for that bit of finishing the Portguese have been lacking.
The surprising Danes, meanwhile, can take a big step to securing Group 1 with a home victory.
After beginning qualifying with a scoreless draw at Hungary, Denmark has reeled off five consecutive victories, and gets three of its last four matches at home -- the only road game being at unimpressive Albania.
Denmark has dominated the opposition, with a 13-2 goals for/against ratio.
Soren Larsen, a forward for Ligue 1 team Toulouse, has five goals, albeit all of them against Malta or Albania. Christian Poulson, a tough midfielder who plays for Juventus, has scored two goals.
Other stalwarts in the Danish campaign to date include Aresnal forward Niklas Bendtner, veteran defender Lars Jacobsen, who plays with Blackburn; center back Daniel Agger, who plays for Liverpool; Ajax midfielder Dennis Rommedahl and veteran Stoke City keeper Thomas Sorensen, who saved a penalty in the 10th minute of a match at Sweden, a match the Danes went on to win, 1-0.
Denmark will bring a major size advantage to the match. Larsen, Bendtner and Sorensen all are 6-foot-4 or better. Portugal is a little side, and it can't count on scoring on restarts in the attacking end.
Denmark can come close to assuring itself of no worse than a second-place finish with a home victory, and would be exceedingly hard to catch for first, actually, especially if Hungary doesn't win at home against Sweden on Saturday. Portugal, meanwhile, badly needs a point, at the least, to reassure its fans it hasn't fallen into some international slough of despond -- despite suiting up Ronaldo and a cast of stars. Read more!
Almost all of the matches have some meaning, even this close to the draw. But some are pregnant with significance, and we will look at several this week.
(Note: A general preview of the five South American matches, by my distinguished colleague Armando Varela, appeared on this blog a few days ago.)
We begin with a crucial match pitting struggling Portugal at Group 1 leader Denmark on Saturday.
If we had looked at this group a year ago, we would have pegged Portugal as the favorite. Fourth at the 2006 World Cup, finalists at the 2004 Euro championships, quarterfinalists in Euro 2008 ...
Then they started playing the games, and the Portuguese lost at home to Denmark, 3-2, and were held at home by Sweden, 0-0, and that's why a team loaded with international stars is, basically, desperate for a victory at Copenhagen.
Portugal certainly looks imposing. From forward Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the best player in the world, to midfield veterans such as Deco, Duda, Maniche and defenders Basingwa and Pepe ... why is this team loitering in third place in the group, ahead of Sweden only on goals scored?
The aforementioned failure to win at home is part of it. So is an oddly erratic offense (eight goals from six matches), given the star power on the pitch.
Ronaldo has yet to score, in four matches played. Nani and Hugo Almeida each have two goals, and that isn't quite where you would expect half your offense to come from. (And Almeida isn't even in the team for this match.)
Carlos Queiroz, the coach, has called in another Brazilian-born player, the forward Liedson, perhaps looking for that bit of finishing the Portguese have been lacking.
The surprising Danes, meanwhile, can take a big step to securing Group 1 with a home victory.
After beginning qualifying with a scoreless draw at Hungary, Denmark has reeled off five consecutive victories, and gets three of its last four matches at home -- the only road game being at unimpressive Albania.
Denmark has dominated the opposition, with a 13-2 goals for/against ratio.
Soren Larsen, a forward for Ligue 1 team Toulouse, has five goals, albeit all of them against Malta or Albania. Christian Poulson, a tough midfielder who plays for Juventus, has scored two goals.
Other stalwarts in the Danish campaign to date include Aresnal forward Niklas Bendtner, veteran defender Lars Jacobsen, who plays with Blackburn; center back Daniel Agger, who plays for Liverpool; Ajax midfielder Dennis Rommedahl and veteran Stoke City keeper Thomas Sorensen, who saved a penalty in the 10th minute of a match at Sweden, a match the Danes went on to win, 1-0.
Denmark will bring a major size advantage to the match. Larsen, Bendtner and Sorensen all are 6-foot-4 or better. Portugal is a little side, and it can't count on scoring on restarts in the attacking end.
Denmark can come close to assuring itself of no worse than a second-place finish with a home victory, and would be exceedingly hard to catch for first, actually, especially if Hungary doesn't win at home against Sweden on Saturday. Portugal, meanwhile, badly needs a point, at the least, to reassure its fans it hasn't fallen into some international slough of despond -- despite suiting up Ronaldo and a cast of stars. Read more!
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