Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Con(found) Cup?

Anyone been following the Confederations Cup at all? I've had to be content with reading the news on the results of the matches, since ART have monopolized broadcasting rights for every sporting event in the world. It might go against my principles, but a man's gotta watch his sports so I might just end up getting a subscription sometime in the near future.

As it stands, zee Germans and the Argies are through after beating two spritely, scrappy teams in Australia and Tunisia. Mexico emerged from the other group after beating Japan and Brazil (after Borgetti missed a thrice retaken penalty he still managed to score the winner later on in the game!), and the second spot is up for grabs as it comes down to that last group game between the Nipponese and the Samba men. The European champions Greece have looked lacklustre throughout, getting destroyed 3-0 by Brazil and getting beaten by the reigning Asian champions Japan by a single goal.

It seems to me that the current version of the cup is taken much more seriously than the previous one, where the (then world champions) French pulled out over a number of different reasons and Germany had to come in as a late replacement. The stadia are sold out for the Germany games and attract a decent crowd for the rest of the teams. Its a good dress rehearsal for the World Cup next year, testing out the facilities and their ability to cope with the crowds expected next summer.

I hate years in between World Cups and European Championships. Not even the Copa America to keep us entertained this offseason. The transfer talk is always interesting, but its still more fun to watch the actual sport. I guess I'll just have to be content with the Formula 1, Lions tour of New Zealand and Wimbledon for now.

4 Comments:

Blogger Bahraini Rants said...

Jared Borgetti, I will never forget his name.. he scored that unbelievable header against Italy in the 2002 world cup... what a goal... Viva Mexico Cabrones.. I wonder why he never left Mexico, he could have had a chance at a decent career in Spain with some up and coming club.. ahh well...

I keep telling you guys, although Brazil look devastating, I can forsee some controversial game where they get knocked out of the world cup in germany because of some small team... It's a European team that's going to win the world cup next year...

6:39 AM  
Blogger forzaq8 said...

well , its either europian or south american team that would win world cup :P

asia , north america , africa and the people down under still have more till they are able to play finals

5:06 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

im sorry if this is off topic:

i know that real madrid tv can be broadcast for free all around the world and ive searched online for frequency data and stuff like that but everytime i tried with our satallite, i failed. does anyone know how it is supposed to be done?!

thank you

2:32 PM  
Blogger Q said...

How great is this tournament?!

I absolutely love it!

3.5 goals per game, quality football, 56 goals altogether, which equals a record high for an 8 goal tournament!

Lessons to be learned from this cup -
1- Brazil will win world cup, they are unstoppable!
2- Robinho, Adriano, Kaka, and Ronaldinho is the most potent attack in the world. Ronaldo shouldnt even start if things continue this way.
3- South American teams proved their worth, getting first and second place in a tournament played in Europe.
4- Mexico shouldnt be underestimated at all! They deserve their number 7 ranking!
5- Australia need to play in Asia.
6- Klinsman is a great coach!
7- Colocini the Argentinian defender is the dirtiest player Ive seen in a long time!

1:33 PM  

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