International Deciders Tomorrow: 11/18/2013

Tomorrow we'll get the latest qualification results for next year's World Cup in Brazil. Excited? You should be! With the likes of Egypt facing Ghana, France taking on Ukraine, Sweden and Portugal playing after Croatia and Iceland kick-off; Romania vs. Greece and Algeria against Burkina Faso round out the fixtures. In the first of the games, Egypt look incredibly unlikely to progress following a disastrous performance in Ghana saw them lose 6-1! Even if Ghana get cocky and Egypt excel in the home field atmosphere, both of which are unlikely, I just can't see the Pharaohs powering 5 goals in unanswered. If they somehow manage it, it'll be a miracle of epic proportions to say the least.
As for the France-Ukraine game, the Eastern Europeans put in a good shift at home. While that is true, if they lose any of their intensity, panache, and fighting spirit, it will mean the end for their World Cup hopes. A 2-0 lead is great to have, it's true. But the chances of France just rolling over are slim to none. So long as the defense coalesces and the likes of Ribery, Giroud, Benzema, and (hopefully) Mathieu Valbuena are in form, Les Bleus should be able to pull away with a result.
Returning to Africa, Algeria's match with Burkina Faso in Algeria should be a proper affair with the home side needing 2 goals unanswered to seal their way to the next round. Burkina Faso have performed admirably thus far but I would love to see a North African side make it to the World Cup next year.
Romania's hosting of their match with Greece may only bring more pain as improvements have been few and far between for the Eastern Europeans after their 3-1 defeat in Greece. The fighting intensity that we saw from the Greeks, led by Mitroglou and Samaras, will likely be even more evident given that Romania have a deficit to make up.
While many will be watching the Sweden-Portugal game, I would like to focus on the Croatia vs. Iceland game momentarily. Not because I think it will have the star-studded talents and so on but because I enjoy watching two sides with nothing to lose and few preconceived notions muddling their supporters' minds. The home field advantage will probably give the likes of Modric, Mandzukic, and Srna the inspiration to excel. Having said that, the Icelanders are undefeated going back to their friendly against the Faroe Islands which ended 1-0 in their favor (going back to August 14, 2013). Croatia's competition has arguably been sterner with the likes of Belgium and Scotland leaving a sour taste in their mouths. While my heart wants Iceland to win, I have to tip my hat to the Croatians: individual prowess should come together at home for the good of the nation.
Last but certainly not least, Sweden vs. Portugal. Is it bad that I am not excited for this match? That's not to say that I don't think it'll be worth watching. I do, however, find the chronic diving underwhelming. Sweden at home have not lost (except to Germany, but come on, a 5-3 scoreline?) extending back to June 11th at least. With Portugal's defensive frailty and the likes of Ibrahimovic, Elmander, and Kallstrom on-form; I don't mind suggesting the Northern Europeans sink the Portuguese. Except for that Cristiano Ronaldo problem. Raul Meireles will undoubtedly be influential, but Ronaldo and all of his tricks and talent will decide whether Portugal make it or not. Hopefully the officials don't let him get away with all of the farcical antics this time around - but I also hope the Swedes button down on him much as they did the first leg. Enjoy the games!

International Showdowns! November 15th 2013

Today we have a full slate of games with the likes of Iceland v.s. Croatia opening the afternoon. Arguably the most anticipated match, between Portugal and Sweden, begins shortly thereafter. Ukraine will then welcome France as Greece and Romania play as well. As far as my thoughts on the match-ups are concerned, I would love nothing more than to see Iceland make it through with a solid performance at home. Both sides have quality striking talent and the Northern Europeans will be hoping to notch their first victory against the Croatians in what is sure to be a hard-fought match. The pedigree of the Croatians, and the experience of their defensive line, may be too much for the Icelanders.
On to the game between Portugal and Sweden where the latter side have historically managed well against their hosts this time around. The Swedish defense will have to put in a double shift if they are to have any hope of seeing of their Southern European competition. At the same time, the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Johan Elmander, and Anders Svensson will test the Portuguese who are notoriously fickle in their performances. I think Portugal will take the lead at home but it'll be a whole different contest in Sweden.
Ukraine-France meanwhile will likely be more straightforward with the French favorites in progressing to the tournament in Brazil. The lack of consistent goal-scoring talent in the Ukrainian side may be their downfall - having said that many of the players are very familiar with one another domestically. Be that as it may, if Olivier Giroud and Franck Ribery are "on," France should have the contest in the bag. My only concern is over France's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who took quite a knock recently. If he is in form, France's goal should be secure. Otherwise, Ukraine might get lucky!
Last but not least, Greece v.s. Romania showcases two of the dark-horses when it comes to the World Cup next year. Neither side are well-known for their goal-scoring, and with Greece holding the home field advantage in the first leg, I could see them getting their noses in front. Defensively, Greece arguably have the advantage and with options in front of goal including Giorgos Karagounis, Theofanis Gekas, and Dimitris Salpingidis; I'll tip them to claim the spot though it'll be tight. Enjoy the games!

Under-17 World Cup Update: November 8th 2013

What a day for football. With the likes of Sweden and Argentina showcasing their talent, we have a lot to look forward to as Valmir Berisha of Sweden single-handedly obliterated the South American opposition. Striking early and often, the game got off to a flying start with a goal in the 7th minute from the Scandinavian. Carlos Strandberg made it 2-0 13 minutes later with a wonderfully worked goal as Berisha popped one in the 24th minute to make it 3 to the good. Just before the half Argentina's Lucio Compagnucci struck to decrease the deficit by one although the second half performance was reminiscent of trench warfare - progress was slow and the deathblow was dealt in the 57th minute. Valmir Berisha, then, has announced himself to the world stage though it should be noted that the Swedes were physically aggressive with over 30 fouls committed and a dearth of possession. The fact that the Argentines had 62% of possession yet failed to score more than once illustrates their lack of depth as several players were unavailable through suspension. The 4-1 scoreline serves to whet the appetite for the Final performance between Nigeria and Mexico. The fact that there was an own goal in the 9th minute - committed by an unfortunate Erick Aguirre - should prompt further goals as neither side will want to fall short at this stage. While the South Americans remain behind into the 40th minute, they have looked the marginally better side despite the own goal. Nigeria are only in this because of their phenomenal goal-keeper Dele Alampasu. Having made save after save, if he doesn't start getting any help from his defenders - or strikers for that matter - Mexico should draw level. Check back later for the result!

Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates!

Fascinating stuff in Al Ain, U.A.E. as a promising Honduras side faced off against Sweden securing an early lead in the 37th minute through Brayan Velasquez. Despite the lead going into the half, the Hondurans had a perplexing game - they managed no corners while conceding 10 to the Swedes as well as being on the losing side possession-wise. Nevertheless, it took until the 68th minute for the Scandinavians to equalize, through Erdal Rakip. 6 minutes later, the northern Europeans made it 1-2 following Valmir Berisha's goal in the 74th minute. What is up next? Well, titans of the U-17 world Brazil and Mexico faced-off in Dubai requiring a penalty shoot-out to divide the two. A flurry of goals late into the second half made for a thrilling finish following a tense opening 45 minutes. Ivan Ochoa - who plays for Pachuca CF in Mexico - gave the Central Americans the lead in the 80th minute. The Mexicans' hold on the lead quickly escaped their grasp as Brazil's Nathan, on the team sheet for Atletico Paranaense in his homeland, struck home following last-ditch defending from Mexico's keeper Raul Gudino who plays with Chivas Guadalajara of Mexico. As regulation time ended, the game was to be decided by penalties. Two saves by Mexico's Gudino and the general ineffectiveness of Brazil's goalie Marcos during the shoot-out culminated in Alejandro Diaz's converted penalty which clenched victory for the Central Americans. Tomorrow, Argentina and Ivory Coast take the field before Uruguay and Nigeria's showdown - both in the city of Sharjah. Make sure to catch what are sure to be fantastic displays of football!

U-17 European Championship

Well it has been a long and winding road but it looks as though we are approaching the end. Hosts Slovakia were lucky enough to make it to the Semi-Finals before being bested by the Italians in a 0-2 encounter. Mario Pugliese's 3rd minute opener probably left a bad taste in the host's mouth, however despite several opportunities the Slovakians could never get a hold of the game. Elio Capradossi's 64th minute goal put the last nail in the coffin as Italy progressed to their first ever Euro U-17 Final and the hosts were left wondering about what might have been. As for the other Semi-Final match-up, as I post this Russia and Sweden are presently tied goalless as they approach the end of the 1st half with equal efforts though the closest chance thus far came from Sweden's Erdal Rakip. Check back later for my post on the Final which will take place on May 17th. Enjoy the games!