Like a final year secondary student cramming ahead of the big exams, when the tournaments come around, I tend to go to ground, waking at ridiculous hours, catching all the games, learning all about the “new” players, devouring the tactics and generally not offering much company throughout.
It’s the lot of a football die-hard in this country, and many of you will concur it’s been an all too familiar scenario ever since SBS screened Italia ’90, the first time we witnessed the full glory of a World Cup, in it’s entirety, on our screens.
It’s was the stuff of fantasy back then, and that tournament introduced many of us to the likes of the tower Tomas Skuhravy, shot-stop specialist Sergio Goycochea, Salvatore ‘the eyes’ Schillachi, Claudio Caniggia, ‘grandad’ Roger Milla and Francois Omam-Biyik, and the memories live on and on.
Of course, nowadays there’s saturation football coverage all year round, but the addiction to tournament football remains.
This month’s Confederations Cup, which kicked off on Sunday, despite being a little down the pecking order of must-see tournaments, still offers plenty to tickle the fancy, especially a year out from the tournament proper: can the Spaniards continue to dish-up the football we were fortunate to witness last year? Have the Selecao re-found their mojo?
Can the Kiwis build some confidence ahead of the Oceania-Asia play-off? Can The Pharaohs finally make an impact on the world stage? How are Iraq fairing under Bora after the disaster of their WCQ’s?
What guns will the Bafana Bafana unearth?
With the eight teams having now fronted up for their opener, it’s time to cast an eye over all the teams, starting with the least impressive;
New Zealand
If this tournament was about building confidence and measuring themselves ahead of the Asian play-off, then the All Whites could hardly have had a worse start, suffering stage-freight, hardly a surprise in the context of a dearth of games and the opposition.
It’s one thing to sit back and let the European champions come forward, another thing entirely to sit back and not even press the Spaniards, allowing them to pick their passes and move all over the place. How naïve!
The worst of the lot were central defender Andy Boyens, he of the air-swing, and holding midfielder Simon Elliott, whose range of passing and touch were an eye-sore, while tactically the much-liked Ricki Herbert made a strange call playing Shane Smeltz in behind Chris Killen.
Only Leo Bertos could walk off the pitch feeling he made a decent contribution.
Iraq
It hardly feels like two years, but how the Asian champions have fallen. The starting 11 looks very similar, and that could be one of their problems, a lack of pressure on the status quo.
Bora Milutinovic had a very conservative game plan for game one, seemingly happy to play for a point, a strange strategy given he will come up against Spain tonight.
Either way, they will need to play better than they did here, and starting Hawar Mulla Mohammed might help Younis Mahmoud.
South Africa
It was an average opener, and the World Cup hosts appear in a heap of trouble a year out from the tournament. They were better than Iraq here, at least getting forward and having a go, but there were two notable absentees from the starting 11.
If they are to have any chance of competing in the World Cup, Benni McCarthy must be part of the plans, and must be kept happy. Meanwhile, it was sad that Steven Pinnear, one of the stars of Everton’s wonderful EPL season, didn’t get on the pitch till the 85th minute. Another that would be nice to see is Kaiser’s Siphiwe Tshabalala.
One player, who stood out, not only for his size and colour, was the giant stopper Matthew Booth, who was greeted to an almighty “Boooooooth” cheer by the Ellis Park faithful every time he touched the ball. His performance justified the cult hero status.
USA
Athletic and unlucky, the best way to describe the performance from Bob Bradley’s team. The first half send off of midfielder Ricardo Clark was a joke, and ultimately cost the States as they ran out of legs.
But for a long time they dished it up to Italy, and with some better finishing from the tireless Jozy Altidore and Mike Bradley, son of the manager, it might have been different.
The Americans have an amazing workrate, relying heavily on their physicality, and Germany-based Bradley especially caught the eye, while Landon Donovan did well.
Brazil
Since their 2005 Confederations Cup win and since arriving at the World Cup as favourites, Brazil have lost their way. The qualifiers this time around have been encouraging, but there is still the underlying feeling that they are no longer the untouchable team they once were.
If the performance against Egypt is anything to go by, the Brazilians still seem far too plastic, corporate even, and have lost their natural sense of fun and flair.
These days it appears far too scientific and calculated, about playing the percentages and looking for those ‘moments of maximum advantage’. At least they looked a threat at set pieces (where they bagged three) and Kaka had the odd moment.
Egypt
As passionless as Brazil were, Egypt were the opposite, full of verve and belief, and were ultimately sunk by the controversial reversal of a decision by Howard Webb, apparently on the advise of our own Matthew Breeze, he of that controversial A-League grand final, and their own inability to defend the set piece, where they conceded three goals.
When I received a text from a TRBA regular, a few hours before the game, asking if it would be worth staying up or whether Egypt would be whipped, I replied noting they had some undoubted quality in Mohamed Abou Trika and Mohamed Zidan, respective stars of their past two African Nations Cup wins, but that they had a reputation for choking on the big occasion.
Well, it could be argued they ultimately choked here, for the abovementioned incident was undoubtedly a penalty, but what a remarkable performance they dished up before that, with the front-two of Abou Trika and Zidan untouchable. Mohamed Shawky wasn’t too far behind, while Ahmed Eid made some impression off the bench.
All three goals were gems, especially the second, which came after a beautifully constructed 10-pass move. Some smashing football.
Italy
Fortunate to get away with a bit in the first half, the Azzurri, decked out in light-blue and brown, came good in the second period, ultimately having too much ammunition off the bench.
Struggling, the great Marcello Lippi didn’t wait too long, ringing the changes early in the second period by sacrificing defensive minded Gennaro Gattuso and Mauro Camoranesi. Giuseppe Rossi made an incredible impact, and all three Italian goals were gems.
Andrea Pirlo was quiet early, but his work to tee up Rossi for the third was a work of art, while Daniele de Rossi was all power and punch. Italy’s ability to stretch their 10-man opposition from side to side, eventually tiring them out, confirms their tactical smarts, as if we had any doubt.
Spain
So far, too easy, although the quality of the opposition and NZ’s resilience was questionable to say the least.
The most interesting selection from Vicente Del Bosque was that of Albert Riera ahead of David Silva, but in fairness Riera combined beautifully with Joan Capdevila, who set up two.
With Xabi Alonso, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas pulling the strings, and the world’s best striker, Fernando Torres, providing the cutting edge along with David Villa, these guys already looks hard to top. Interested to see if Alvaro Arbeloa can put some pressure on Sergio Ramos for the right back birth.
JR
Guest
Great article again Tony, thanks. Torres the best striker in the world? Ask the Spanish about that - they (all of them, I promise) say he can't operate in tight spaces and that is why he is only good for the EPL, and against NZ. Your 'red' is showing! I have only seen highlights, but wanted to comment on the Italian team. 1) I hate the 4-3-3 and the offensive triangle. 2) I really think Gilardino, Toni, and maybe even Iaquinta are proven not to be effective at the international level, and 3) Why did Lippi play Gattuso and Camoronesi, who barely played this year and were clearly not match fit? Italy apparently have some wonderful youngsters and it would have been great to see more of them - and Fatantonio (Cassano) - given a run.
Pippinu
Roar Guru
Going back to Italy, Towser and I were talking about this very subject only yesterday (Italy starting slow, just falling over the line, etc) Putting aside the Mussolini victories of the 30s, Italy's world cup record is one of quite a few highs interspersed with incredibly embarassing lows. But look more carefully, and what we find is a situation where it's always a very fine line between failure, having dropped out early because of a loss to relatively weak opposition, and success, having just fallen over the line agaisnt relatively weak opposition. I remember in early 1983 talking to a knowledgeble Dutch friend, and we were laughing about Italy having had a string of outs since winning the WC, including a home defeat against Switzerland, and a draw against Malta. His view was that it was so typically Italian.. I always found this view funny because he was very teutonic in many respects, and had very little time for the haphazard ways of the Italian bureaucracy and Italians generally speaking. In case anyone needs reminding, you don't ever, ever want to have to deal with the Italian bureaucracy on any matter whatsoever. Interestingly, and I'm only going on memory here, but Italy's record against (West) Germany is right up there with the very best, it might actually be the very best. That's Italy - defeat Germany by two goals one day, draw with Andorra the next.
Pippinu
Roar Guru
Towser In Melbourne, in the early 1970s, it's possible that there were two shows - The Big Match, and another one (I could be wrong, but I just have this very vague memory). Yes Peter Wilkinson hosted the 1982 and the 1986 editions - both were excellent shows for their time (in 1982, they only showed about 6 or 7 games live, but they showed highlights of every game virtually every night). Don't forget that Craig Johnston was Wilko's co-compere on both occasions!!
Pippinu
Roar Guru
Brian the point I'm making is that the FA Cup was a big deal, not just for lovers of the game, but across the board - Melbourne households tuned in in very large numbers (I'm talking about the 70s), and that included families that you would classify as aussie rules families.
Towser
Guest
Pippinu True regarding the ABC. Peter Wilkins was quite a good presenter if I remember. In fact the ABC used to show"The Big Match" with Brian Moore as far back as 1970 in my memory. I think viewing audiences for the FA cup in Australia just reflect the audiences nowadays in England. Too much of a smorgasboard nowadays. It used to get around 20 million viewers in England ,but I'm sure last time I saw it was around 12 million.
Brian
Guest
Pip - Of course the FA Cup was a big deal. I'm not English but when you love a sport and its shown live once a year, it makes it a big deal. I remember when the football week considted of one show on SBS (I think called World Soccer). It showed highlights of last weeks Belgian football or something. I would not watch now but back then pickings were slim.
Pippinu
Roar Guru
Vicentin we're talking about Rossi!!!! Towser don't forget that the ABC showed the WC from 1978 to 1986 (and progressively showed more games live) - it was in 1990 when SBS first showed the whole lot live (or pretty close to it). I used to try and catch every single WC game live, but it has got harder as I got older (and the occasional Ukraine vs Switzerland contest makes you wish you had stayed in bed). But even before 1978, in Melbourne we would get the FA cup live, from memory it was late at night (did it used to be an afternoon kick off English time?) - it used to be quite a big deal amongst many families in Melbourne who would watch it religiously, even if it was the only game they ever saw - and this would be right across the board. In fact this might sound a bit odd, but I reckon the FA Cup was bigger in Melbourne in the 1970s than it is today.
Brian
Guest
Rossi is no relation to the Rossi of 1982 fame, nor the AC Milan keeper of the 1990s. I dont think Italy suffer only aginst the US but rather they like starting tournaments slowly and have a history of struggling against teams they should beat. Norway knocked them out of Euro 92, Ireland beat a very good Italian team in 1994. Croatia & Korea both beat them in 2002 and in 2004 Denamrk & Sweden qualified ahead of them. Of course the Italians have been very good at other times but they definately have a vulnrability. Even in 2006 we all cry about the Neill penalty but I don't think we would get so close against a Argentina, Brazil or a Germany. Back to the Confed Cup and it seems a shame that 4 out of the best 5 teams are in one group. Seems like even South Africa playing Spain in the last round is designed to help the hosts make the semis. Finally Spain look awesome (and unless I'm wrong they're mising Senna & Iniesta). Having also watched Tournaments for years I felt the Spanish always controlled midfield but lacked a keeper and some gun forwards. No offence to Zubizarretta or Raul but with Cassilas and Torres I think they should be favourite for 2010, followed of course by the two CONEMBOL giants.
Towser
Guest
Tony Dont get up nowadays religiously as in the past ,but their was something about getting up early in Australia for football matches.When I think about it it transformed me from a Pommie clinging to the coat tails of English Football to an International football devotee. In other words it broadened my football horizon. I think many underestimate in other countries the broad knowledge football loving Aussies have whether born here or are migrants. For that we can mainly thank SBS. By the way speaking of Zizou has anybody seen Zidane. The whole film is centred around his movement on the field. Closeups show that he virtually glides rather than runs at times. Explains the almost effortless way he dribbles round players. Also an impression of a sixth sense. Without looking he passes & somehow a player is in space to receive the pass.
Vicentin
Guest
Who?
Pippinu
Roar Guru
Yeh - it's amazing that Rossi could have played for the US (any relation to you know who????)
Vicentin
Guest
"gel" wasn't the right word - they certainly know each other. I mean I don't know whether they'll go to a higher level. That'll do.
Vicentin
Guest
One must also acknowledge the psychological speed hump of having to play in brown shorts. I thought the Italians did well to overcome this extraordinary fashion fauz pas and come to life in the second half. I thought the Italians were just a bit too keen on the delivering the "killer ball" too frequently - I thought they should have been more patient and they would have got more reward. The Americans were very physical but also very naive and lacking in creativity. Italy starting slowly in an international tournament ... so what else is new. Not sure if this team is going to gel though and it is the oldest in the tournament which means it will probably be the oldest in the world cup too - unless Domenech retains Viera et al again. I like Grosso and Zambrotta but I think they should try Motta or Santon or others as alternative wing backs. Rossi was good and definately the USA's loss.
Pippinu
Roar Guru
I should add that Italy has a long tradition of mentally "not coming to play" against countries they should do well against - but to give such an excuse would be disrespectful of the Americans I think.
Pippinu
Roar Guru
Tony All I can say is that Italy has made a habit of struggling against the US, I'm not sure what it is exactly - in fact, I'm sure there's a PhD in there for anyone who wants to undertake a study - it probably has something to do with what you've said about the US' physicality and workrate. Theoretically, that shouldn't overly worry the Italians, but at the same time, I've thought for a while that over the last 12 or so years, the Americans have been able to give themselves some sort of competitive advantage to overcome a string of shortcomings, enabling them to match it with the Mexicans (and other strong footballing nations) - and whatever that competitive advantage is - it seems to regularly catch Italy on the hop.
Tony Tannous
Expert
Re Arbeloa, I rate him Pippinu, I really do. Was delighted with his season. Naturally, as such, I think he should be putting plenty of pressure on Sergio Ramos, who I've never been totally convinced is a right back, even after their Euro victory. He deserved his spot then, because Arbeloa was average the season before, but right now I sense Alvaro has closed the gap, and I'm sensing Del Bosque has similar thoughts, as evidenced by his substitution. Speaking of all things objectivity, what did you make of the Azzurri's performance? Tifosi, like you, I was shocked with the "boos" when Booth touched the ball for the first time, but was glad for Dave Woods' explanation. Loved the chanting, dancing and singing of the Bafana faithful, esp at the Brazil-Egypt game, they love and know their football, no doubt. Re the biggest talking point, Howard Webb's reversal was amazing - Fifa have said it was the refs assistant, but Egypt claim it was the use of video evidence by Matthew Breeze. whiskey, Egypt were awesome, just their set piece defending was woeful, esp in the first half.
Pippinu
Roar Guru
Tony excellent summation. We're all human, and we are all allowed our foibles. Did I detect from you one departure from your usual objectivity? Putting in a plug for Arbeloa? ;)
whiskeymac
Guest
good break down of the Confeds Cup - not really up there for me either but it's good to hear that some HAl players (bertos etc) weren't that out of place against Spain, the best team at the moment. Pity that Egypt were undone - African teams always seem to get so close then fade (Cameroon in WC90, Nigeria in the 90s - it would be good to see a consistent challenger to the Euro-American teams.
tifosi
Guest
Luckily the commentator in the opening game explained that the crowd were shouting out boooooth for the player, for a second i wasn't quite sure what they were saying!! It seems the biggest debate coming out of the confed cup is the use of the horns by the crowd. I dont mind them as it adds to the party atmosphere, but it appears they have many detractors.