2010 World Cup Recap

On July 11th, we watch the last game of the World Cup. I don't know about you, but I miss watching the games, the drama and controversies day in day out are finally over. I miss the time spent talking to my friends before each match, especially those games where the expectations were very high.

In perspective, it has been a wonderful World Cup. I give South Africa an A plus for coming together to host the world and keep everyone entertained for a full month. As far as the game itself, It was not disappointing, but I don't think it met full expectations either. The noise leading to the World Cup was geared towards Messi, Kaka, Rolnaldo and Rooney, these players came to the World Cup and were gone with no real impact.Their teams: Argentina, Brazil, Portugal and England did not go beyond the quarter-finals, there was no surprise, this is as far their game could take them.

But we did see some teams that emerged and gained some respect and recognition for their hard and consistent game. The team that really impressed me the most was the World Cup champions "Spain", despite loosing their first game against Switzerland. Spain played the best soccer, this is mainly due to their cohesion on the pitch and the skills of each individual player. Every other team should follow their teamwork ethics, they really excel as a team. Their tactical theme is ball possession, which was definitely key to their success. However, I believe it would be a challenge coming from behind to win games, you did see the result when they played Switzerland, who took the lead in the game, they could not come back, and as a result lost that game. But congratulations to the first time champions, a job well done.

The next team that was impressive to me was Uruguay, they were one of the most consistent teams in the World Cup, it is no surprise they come out in fourth place. A lot of credit goes to the technical staff and the team, but one player in particular is worth mentioning is the master mind Diego Forlan, the golden ball winner, he accomplished a lot especially with the support of his teammate Suarez.

Holland and Germany were two team that displayed good rhythm in their games, with very offensive qualities, but they both fell short against Spain. They were not disappointing to watch. Being so used to the Brazilian soccer, I could not tell you how discouraging it was to watch them play, there are far more good players that could have been in South Africa with the squad, but coach Dunga was confident enough with his roster, the quarter-final round is as far as they could have reached, not surprising. I hope they show up better in 2014, as the host of the soccer nations. In fact the South American teams started the World Cup well, all five participants made it to the round of sixteen, but only Uruguay made it to the semi finals.

United States and Mexico represented the CONCACAF region, how did they perform? I would say well, in fact USA came out first in their group ahead of England. It definitely shows that both teams can outperform their opponent at any given time, not because they are world class teams, but because of their dedication and will to win. Mexico with their soccer tradition continues to be an exciting team to watch. But will USA ever match up with the world bests? I believe they can, but it will take time for soccer to come to maturity in this country, we are seeing more supporters of the game over time. The US soccer federation must reach out to every social class, if it want to see progress in the next four years, there are good players, they just need to change their selection process.

We expected more from the African teams, since the World Cup was played on their soil. Of course, individually they are fun to watch, but they were all victim of the same fate, which is poor organization and lack of structure. However, Europeans teams welcome the African players for what they are worth. To my opinion, Ghana and South Africa were the best two to watch.

In general the beautiful game prevailed in South Africa, and continue to speak for itself, as the most popular team sport in the world. Now that the World Cup of 2010 went down in the history book, we have to get back and support our local soccer leagues and teams, while we wait another 4 years. The MLS is gaining momentum by attracting world class players, the signing of Thierry Henry by the New York Red Bulls is what we need here to help the sport get to the next level. I will be watching more MLS games, I hope you will too.
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World Cup History


The 2010 World Cup has started, let's recap the last 18 that have already played. The game started in1930, and has evolved since then. It is definitely certain that each one surpasses the last, and each one holds their own histories and memories. I am also certain that the World Cup in South Africa will be no different. the trophy is 35 centimeters in height and weighed 3.8 kilograms; it was officially renamed in 1946 to honor the FIFA president Jules Rimet and carried his name until 1974. Under FIFA's ruling a team has to keep the trophy after winning the Cup 3 times, Brazil was the first to own a trophy out right, most specially Jules Rimet original trophy. Since then, the teams that won the cup three times received a replica of the trophy. Let's pay tribute to Jules Rimet, the man who originally came with the idea of the World Cup, and the great players who have played the game and paved the way for the coming stars of 2010.


1930
Host: Uruguay
Participants: 13 teams
FIFA president: Jules Rimet
Finalists: Uruguay, Argentina
Winner: Uruguay 4-2
That was the only year qualifications were not required, 13 teams got invited by the soccer body (FIFA). The first goal ever ever scored in World Cup history was by the French player Lucien Laurent in the 19th minute of France's game 4-1 win over Mexico. The top scorer of the tournament was Guillermo Stabile from Argentina with 8 goals.


 1934 
Host: Italy
Participants: 16 teams 
FIFA President: Jules Rimet
Finalists: Italy, Czechoslovakia
Winner: Italy 2-1
Top scorer was Oldrich Nejedly from Czechoslovakia with 5 goals. No rules where in place to prevent players to play for multiples countries. Italy's side featured many players who have played four years earlier for Argentina.


 1938 
Host: France
Participants: 16 teams
FIFA president: Jules Rimet
Finalist: Italy, Hungary
Winner: Italy 4-2
Top scorer was Leonidas from Brazil with 8 goals. Leonidas became the first player to score 4 goals, in a game, against Poland. Countries got together for the world Cup, but divided into wars that will shutdown the competition for 12 years.

1942  World war II (No World Cup games)

1946  Post World War II (No World Cup games)

1950
Host: Brazil
Participants: 13 teams
FIFA president: Jules Rimet
Finalists: Uruguay, Brazil
Winner: Uruguay 2-1
A shocking final because Brazil only needed a tie to be crowned the new World Cup champion, but failed to do so. Because of the aftermath devastation of the war and the political instability of most of Europe, only 13 teams participated in this world Cup. Top scorer was Ademir from Brazil with 9 goals. Ademir became the second player to score 4 goals in a game, against Sweden (7-1). The biggest upset came when the United States beat England 1-0. The 1950 World Cup was a rebirth of the tournament, there was no more boycott and distraction of the game moving forward. The game was about to take a new dimension.

1954
Host: Switzerland
Participants: 16 teams
FIFA president: Jules Rimet
Finalist: Hungary, West Germany
Winner: West Germany 3-2
A magnificent comeback by West Germany to win the final after a 2-0 deficit. This game was referred to as the “Miracle of Berne”. A true revolution, the World Cup has made it on Television networks, broadcasted locally. Teams were willing to participate as they did not worry anymore about long journeys (boat trips) to the host country. Stars started to emerge from different team, especially Hungary who was Olympic champion 2 years earlier, among them Puskas, and Kocsis. Top score was Sandor Kocsis from Hungary with 11 goals.

1958
Host: Sweden
Participants: 16 teams
FIFA president: Arthur Drewry 
Finalists: Brazil, Sweden
Winner: Brazil 5-2
The world was able to watch the World Cup on television, coincidentally enough a star was born, Edson Arentes Donascimento a.k.a Pele (Brazil) who’s forever changed the game and remains a soccer icon until today. But there were other stars who emerged: Just Fontaine from France, Garrincha, Didi, Vava from Brazil, Lennart Skoglund and Kurt Hamrin from Sweden. Top scorer was Just Fontaine from France with 13 goals. From then on, every country and their fans have one great event to look forward for every 4 years, the World Cup.

1962
Host: Chile
Participants: 16 teams
FIFA president: Stanley Rous 
Finalists: Brasil, Czechoslovakia
Winner: Brazil 2-1
Chile won the bid for the World Cup despite an earthquake that devastated the country. The fans were waiting for the return of Pele, but he got injured in the second game of the tournament and was out for the remaining of the games. Many players share the top scoring position, among them Garrincha from Brazil with 4 goals. Not a pretty and artistic World Cup because of unsportman like conduct between teams and players.

1966
Host: England
Participants: 16 teams
FIFA president: Stanley Rous
Finalists: England, West Germany
Winner: England 4-2
The trophy was stolen and recovered by a dog right before the tournament. The most controversial goal in the history of the World Cup was scored in the final by Geoff Hurst to bring England up 3-2. Again more stars emerged, Franz Beckenbauer from West Germany, Bobby Charlton from England, Eusebio who helped Portugal come back from a 3-0 deficit to beat North Korea a first time World Cup participant. Once more Pele succumbed to physical abuse from the opponents, he was taken out on a stretcher in the game against Portugal, and swore not to play a World Cup game ever again. Top scorer was Eusebio from Portugal with 9 goals.

1970
Host: Mexico
Participants: 16 teams
FIFA president: Stanley Rous
Finalists: Brazil, Italy
Winner: Brazil 4-2
 The Jules Rimet Trophy, awarded to the winner of the World Cup, became the permanent possession of Brazil following the 1970 tournament. A three time World Cup winner gets to keep the trophy forever. The game for the first time was televised in color. Brazil's 1970 World Cup-winning side is regarded by most as the greatest soccer team of all time, among the many talents were Pele, Jairzinho, Tostao, Rivelino, Gerson, and Carlos Alberto. Top scorer was Gerd Muller from West Germany with 10 goals.


1974
Host: West Germany
Participants: 16 teams
FIFA president: Joao Havelange 
Finalists: West Germany, Holland
Winner: West Germany 2-1
New teams continue to emerge like Haiti, Zaire, Australia. Haiti going 1-0 against soccer power Italy in their opening game, but the celebration did not last long because Italy proved to be too much for Haiti, first time World Cup participant, by scoring 3 consecutive goals. Pele did not return after winning the cup 3 times with Brazil, the Pele dynasty ended in 1970. New players surfaced, Johan Cruyff and Johan Neeskens lead Holland to the final, Lato from Poland. Top scorer was Grzegorz Lato from Poland with 7 goals.

1978
Host: Argentina
Participants: 16 teams
FIFA president: Joao Havelange
Finalists: Argentina, Holland
Winner: Argentina 2-1 
Some teams have threatened to boycott the world Cup because of political instability at the time in Argentina and Civil right infringement, but the differences got settled and the tournament went on. Rob Rensenbrink from Holland scored the 1,000th in World Cup history, in a game against Scotland. The score 6-0 of Argentina against Peru remain a controversy until today, because Argentina needed exactly 4 goals to advance to the final over Brazil. Top scorer was Mario Kempes from Argentina with 6 goals.

1982
Host: Spain
Participants: 24 teams
FIFA president: Joao Havelange
Finalists: Italy, West Germany
Winner: Italy 3-1 
As it is evident, every World Cup so far created its own history. This time again, a new star was born, Maradona who was left from the Argentina’s roster 4 years earlier at the age of 17, was now in the spotlight, some believed it was the second coming of Pele. On the other side of South America, the talk was about the Brazilian team that was highly compared to the legendary team of 1970, if not better. A lineup that displayed Zico, Socrates, Cerezo and Falcao. But the irony was the 1982 Brazilian squad never won the Cup, their over confidence cost them dearly, in their game against Italy, where a mere tie would send them to the final, but Paolo Rossi became the Italian icon that day by scoring 3 goals, in a 3-2 win, that gave Italy the right to the final against West Germany. Top scorer was Paolo Rossi from Italy with 6 goals.

1986
Host: Mexico
Participants: 24 teams
FIFA president: Joao Havelange
Finalists: Argentina, West Germany
Winner: Argentina 3-2
Maradona failed 4 years earlier, but came in top form this time around to help Argentina win the Cup. His “hand of God” goal against England proved that he could score with whatever means necessary. Few minutes after scoring with his hand, Maradona scored legitimately again, with what many consider not only the greatest goal ever at the World Cup, but also the greatest in the history of the game. Top scorer was Gary Lineker from England with 6 goals.

1990
Host: Italy
Participants: 24 teams 
FIFA president: Joao Havelange
Finalists: Argentina, West Germany
Winner West Germany 1-0. Argentina and West Germany had a repeat of 1986, but this time it was West Germany who had the upper hand, they became the third country to win the Cup 3 times joining Brazil and Italy. Cameron was the biggest revelation of this tournament, they battled against England in the quarter final and finally succumbed to the heavy weight by a score 3-2, thanks to Roger Milla who became the oldest player to score at a World Cup (4 goals), at the age of 38. The 1990 competition went to the book as the lowest scoring World Cup ever, due to the defensive style of the teams. This was the last time West Germany participated in the World Cup as “west Germany”. Top scorer was Salvatore Schillaci from Italy with 6 goals.

1994
Host: USA
Participants: 24 teams
FIFA president: Joao Havelange
Finalists: Brazil, Italy
Winner: Brazil 3-2 on penalty kicks
A very successful World Cup despite worry of the organizers, due to the popularity of Soccer in the US at the time, and the first final to be decided by penalty shootout in World Cup history. The final between Brazil and Italy was very important for both teams as the fourth trophy was on the line for either one, a battle between Romario from Brazil and Roberto Bagio from Italy. This World Cup featured the first game to be played indoors (Pontiac Silverdome in Detroit). Top scorers were Hristo Stoitchkov from Bulgaria and Oleg Salenko from Russia with 6 goals each.

1998
Host: France
Participants: 32 teams
FIFA president: Sepp Blatter
Finalists: France, Brazil 
Winner: France 3-0
France was crowned the World Cup champion for the first time, Zinedine Zidane denied the Brazilians a forth World Cup win, despite having the best striker in the world, Ronaldo. In that World Cup the "golden goal" became a rule for games that went to extra time. The game was finally back playing in France were the idea of the World Cup came, from a man named Jules Rimet, after 68 years. Top scorer was Davor Suker from Croatia with 6 goals.

2002
Host: South Korea and Japan
Participants 32 teams
FIFA president: Sepp Blatter
Finalists: Brazil, Germany
Winner: Brazil 2-0 
For the first time the World Cup played in two different countries. Brazil became a five time winner, and the only team that wins the World Cup in every continent it is played at. Top scorer was Ronaldo with 8 goals, in this tournament he tied Pele’s record of career goals scored in World Cup history (12 goals).

2006
Host: Germany
Participants: 32 teams 
FIFA president: Sepp Blatter
Finalists: France, Italy
Winner Italy 5-3 on penalty kicks
The game was decided on penalty kicks after regulation for the second time in World Cup soccer history. Despite a dramatic and a disappointing finish for soccer best Zinedine Zidane, he won the golden ball as the best player of the tournament. Top scorer was Miroslav Klose from Germany with 5 goals.

2010: ?
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The US Soccer Team That Made History Sixty Years Ago:

As the 2010 World Cup is near, let me remind you of the one of 1950, in which the United States defeated England in Brazil. This was a long time ago, but not so much for the English who considered this defeat the biggest upset in the history of England Soccer. The non-popularity of soccer in the US does not allow one to go that far back in history. But with the US scheduled to play England at their Cup opening on June 12, let me take you back to that game. In reality England plays far more superior soccer than the US, even in the 1950 era; however they will not forget history, and the US could potentially rely on this historical fact to keep their hope alive once again.


This 1950 US team is now getting some recognition for what they have accomplished, more so today than sixty years ago, as the anticipation of the upcoming World Cup game is approaching. History has talked about the team and its members, they came from all walks of life; the only thing that kept them together was their love for the game. They are the real pioneers of soccer in United States; therefore, it is worth remembering them. Their passion and devotion helped them win the game. The world of soccer was in disbelief, most shockingly the English fans. All the team members have been inducted to the US soccer “Hall of fame”, a well deserved accomplishment.



Every now and then you hear about the great defeat against England, but you seldom hear about the members, especially the player who scored the only goal that brought the team to victory. His name was Joseph E. Gaetjens, a Haitian immigrant who came to the United States a couple of years earlier. His existence is mythical, he has not been talked about or heard from; you can read about him by following this link: Joe Gaetjens

While the game was gaining momentum throughout the world, here in the US soccer was almost non-existent. Walter Bahr, one of the members of the 1950 squad, said the only person waiting and cheering the team upon their arrival at the NY airport was his wife. Though soccer has come a long way in the United States, its popularity is still not what it should be sixty years later. However we measure the success of the game today on a national basis, we owe it to the team of 1950. Join me in paying tribute to the 1950 US Soccer team.
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David Beckham ruled out of the 2010 World Cup

David Beckham came few months shy of being the first player to play in four World Cup competitions for his native country of England. His hope of making history came to an end on March 14th, when he injured himself in a game AC Milan played against Chievo Verona. Beckham torn his Achilles tendon; this type of injury will hinder him from playing for about six months, which pretty much ruled him out of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa that was scheduled to start in June.

Beckham became well known to the American public when he joined LA Galaxy. He is also the husband of Victoria Beckham, one of the famous English singers in the group called the “Spice Girls”. The US Soccer Federation saw the coming of Beckham to the Major League Soccer as a promotion to the success of the great game in the US. In his second season in the MLS he contributed to LA Galaxy all the way to the cup final, which LA Galaxy lost.

During the MLS off season, Beckham joined AC Milan on loan as he did the year before, but this time, with a purpose, he wanted to maintain his shape while he looked forward to joining the English squad. Succumbing to an injury so close to achieving such an unremarkable record is a player’s worst nightmare. Ultimately, Beckham will not be on the field of play, but he will be there to support his team the best he can. We hope to see him back in the MLS.

Beckham might not have fulfilled his career dream, to play one more World Cup; however, he will go down in the history of soccer as one of the best players who ever played the game.
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Should Technology Be Used In Soccer?

Tell me what you think, should technology be part of the game of Soccer? As we get closer to the World Cup, this question will be a topic of discussion many more times. Soccer is a fast moving game, fast enough that even four referees have a hard time overseeing and controlling the game for ninety minutes. Let's face the reality, human errors are inevitable.

 We have seen many games lost due to errors by the referees. The most recent controversy has been the qualifying game between France and Ireland played on November 18th, 2009. Soccer fans have witnessed the unfortunate situation that disqualified Ireland from the 2010 World Cup and allowed France to be among the 32 participants next June. They refer to the incident as Thierry Henry's "Hand Of Shame", which stopped a ball from going out with his hands that gave ways to France 1-1 tie, therefore winning the series.

Do you also remember Maradona's "Hand Of God" goal? A goal he scored with his hands during the 1986 world Cup quarter final between England and Argentina. This was not the decisive goal of the game, because he later scored another goal that captured the win for Argentina.

Arguably, soccer the "beautiful game" might lose its authenticity; fans think the game of soccer, a.k.a "football", will lose its attractiveness if technology is introduced. But isn't it the signs of the time? Technology plays a big part in sport today; American football is a good example where technology (Video Replay) can affect the results of a game.

Many technology assistance methods are discussed and even tested; Video Replay, Goal Line Technology Ball (chip embedded soccer balls that let referees know when the ball crosses the line), Behind The Goal Referee is also a viable option. Whether you favor the idea or not, technology will forever change the beautiful game if it becomes a reality. This is becoming a necessary evil where human judgment lacks efficiency. 
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The World Of Soccer Come Together To Help Haiti

On January 12, 2010 at 04:53:10 PM, we have seen one of the most devastating catastrophes in human history. An earthquake of 7.0 magnitude shook Haiti’s ground, about 200,000 lives are estimated to have been lost; the southern part of Haiti is in ruins and most dramatically the capital city Port-Au-Prince. Soccer has always been a tool to help in such tragedy, also a tool against racism and world peace. In the wake of the massive devastation in Haiti, the United Nations Development Program and its players have decided to raise funds in support of relief efforts through an exhibition soccer match, held on Monday, January 25, 2010.

Big name players like Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo of brazil, both UN goodwill ambassadors, joined by Luis Figo, Thierry Henri, Kaka, Robert Pires, to name a few, have lined up against Benfica of Portugal. All the proceeds will go to the humanitarian effort of saving life in Haiti. The game ended in a tie (3-3). This is a second time Zidane and Ronaldo have come together to help Haiti; in 2005, the two raised about $120,000 U.S. to finance humanitarian projects in the Haitian “shantytown of Cite Soleil”.

This shows how powerful the game of soccer is, and the fans spirit since the game became in existence. If you would like to make individual contribution to help Haiti, this is how you can do it:

In addition to providing emergency relief, these organizations are providing the following aid to those in need:

Providing Basic Needs:

Providing Shelter:
Organization of American States

Providing Medical Aid:

Providing Food/Water:

For a complete list of charity organizations, visit: http://www.cnn.com/impact

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African Cup Of Nations, A Sad Beginning

The African Cup of Nations is set to kick-off on January 10, 2010 in Angola. Instead of the excitement to watch the greatest African soccer players in action, the African Soccer Confederation and the world is mourning the unfortunate incident which occured during the Togo national team trip to Angola, two days prior. As the bus carrying the Togolese players crossed Congo into Angola, it was ambushed by a group of rebels.

 Among the players is Emmanuel Adebayor, who was not injured in the attack, but is one of the best strikers, from Africa, playing for Manchester City in England. The attack in the northern enclave of Cabinda killed an assistant coach, a press officer and the bus driver, and injured several other players, including goal keeper “Kodjovi Obilale” who is in intensive care in Johannesburg South Africa.  

The team flew back home as the Togo sport minister said: “We can’t be in a period of mourning and at the same time be in a festival of sport”. At the cup opening today, host Angola and Mali have observed a moment of silence to show their support towards the Togolese team. This game ended in a tie (4-4).

The tournament went on; Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast (club: Chelsea, England), Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon (club: Inter Milan, Italy), Michael Essien of Ghana (club: Chelsea, England), Freddie Kanoute of Mali (club: Seville, Spain) and Kolo Toure of Ivory Coast (club: Manchester City, England), are amongst the big names taking part in the tournament. Emmanuel Adebayor of Togo would have been part of the group.

Soccer is a game of peace and fraternity. No group is powerful enough to disturb the great spirit of the game.

For more information on the African Cup of Nations, visit: http://www.cafonline.com
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