Argentina-Germany comment

Argentina vs. Germany is a match where I just can’t take sides. I have never been able to choose between these two teams, their different but somehow always so interesting. The German team is my favourite, but Argentina has to be one of those teams that I admire much. Remember ’06? That quarter-final where it got to penalties and Michael Ballack took the most clinically correct one I had ever seen. That goal Germany scored from that set piece. I wanted Argentina to go through too.

The Argentinean elegance and skill that is coupled to make a smooth game, is something to watch with awe. The best member of the team is by far, Maradona. The guy is so cool, and exciting, he just rocks. I don’t know a few of the members, but Lionel Messi being the world’s best player, simply makes this team superbly dangerous. Their brilliant, but they do have this tendency to stop somewhere, I don’t know why.

 The German proficiency in making everything so very right, so clean and gorgeously controlled, is worth its own weight. Their young, I wish Klose could get those goals of his; it would be great if everything got proper, if they were a bit surer. I’m sure they could get through; I think they have a better chance than the Argentineans’ because of a solid history.

So, Diego Maradona's Albiceleste or Joachim Low's Nationalelf? Let’s wait and see.

Bafana Bafana and Freedom

                                                                                                                                  AFP Photo 

It is only minutes now. We're counting the seconds.

South Africa will soon play the French and it is both teams' last match in the group stages. We only have to look at the French to see that they are a side full of talent and whether they remain angry with their coach, disunited or lackluster, they can still easily beat us. It doesn't matter who they are or what they do, it is up to the South African football team to play soccer with fierce determination and intelligence.

The fans have done their bit. They have gathered together and proclaimed to the world that they will support their national side. They will blow their vuvuzelas, wear yellow and cheer on the national side. Everybody is ready, and more than anything, we want to see a great match.  Bafana Bafana we want to see that you are appreciative of our trust in you, that you will try and win. Make us really and truly, five goals to nil proud.

That can't be done if you play it safe team, it can't be done if you've resigned yourselves to a draw, and it doesn't matter if Raymond Domench is staring down at you with those horribly huge black eyebrows of his. It doesn't matter if you're playing in the premier league or in a tiny team that nobody knows about, it is about playing for South Africa. Yes, we all love the world cup, and we know Argentina deserves to win, but there is nothing like cheering on your country.

And that, [besides all the technical stuff], is what stands between South Africa and Freedom. A deep breath, Uruguay/Mexico and a few goals. May Allah Almighty help us.

Go Bafana, GO GO!

Ouch.... World Cup Injuries

They are kicking it before kick off.

Suddenly there are lines of dramatic exits; broken backs, fractured arms and torn pride.
I don't know what's the matter, maybe their just scared of Africa, and all the lions lurking around Sandton City. 

There should be a mini hospital in each of the stadiums and then everybody can see their fallen heroes.The press makes it seem like they fell from a plane and they lie there, 'bring the magic spray!' Take a lesson from the rugby dudes.

I really think Bafana Bafana have a chance now. With home support, vuvuzelas and a fully fit team, they might just race to the final. Man, it seems that our hopes have been answered. 

This world cup in Africa is super special, and it would have been pretty cool to have them all here! I know its refreshing to have all the newbies shivering in front of the goals, but it's brilliant to have real players. We've waited lives to see them, and now their all dying of sprains. 

Micheal Ballack- I really wanted to see him play for the last time. I cried a bit. The guy is one of my old favourites, I remember him from almost every world cup I've watched. 

Michael Essien- Sorry Ghana. Our boys need to be in the spotlight.

Didier Drogba- This was by far the biggest surprise. He is the master of his team, and an international talent too. I watched as the Japanese Tanaka slammed into him kung-fu style, and it was amazing that this huge powerful man just crumpled. Strength is in the mind after all. The dude is a bit of an over actor though.  

Drogba and the Broken Arm

Andrei Pirlo-Cool Dude. And an Italian player who actually knows what a midfield is. Now he is relaxing in Milan and eating pasta. Can't say I blame him if there is food involved. I hope he comes back to stabilize the Azzuri, they tend to be rather rough. 

Rio Ferdinand-Ah, poor England. He hobbled out on crutches! How can they still decide whether to change him? He should be home already, sleeping or something. 

Nani-A bruised collar bone. Can't he somehow still play?

Arjen Robben-He was trying some fancy footwork. Leave that to Christiano mate.

Is it just tactics? Or seriously dangerous? Others who are also threatening extinction:

[We'll only have Greece left to watch]

Khalid Boulahrouz: limped out of training. He is awaiting the result of tests on a sprained right ankle sustained after landing awkwardly following an aerial challenge. Oh, come on! 

And others:  Andreis Iniesta, Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill, Brett Emerton, Makoto Hasebe,  Lee Dong-Gook.....  

Most importantly Rooney's temper:  Break it! 

There is only one day left. Many hours for them to do something really exciting. 
Why don't the coaches ever get injuries? Especially Raymond Domenech and Sven-Eriksson...