Power Charts following the momentum of eight World Cup teams.
USA | Mexico | England | Brazil | Germany | Italy | Argentina | South Korea
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Hearing what the human's have to say is nice, but what does a Mongoose and a Dagger have to say?
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Mongoose
www.SavageSoccer.com
The day that Shevchenko makes it to a world cup was a day that was never to come. The young Prince fought and fought and goal after goal he lifted his second family A.C. Milan to amazing finishes and sure footed titles.
Now! Today! This Prince has brought his countrymen to the heights of his adopted country, Italy. Yes the war has been difficult and Sheva himself has not won every battle, but his ability to step up and say, "I'm first" in the PK lineup shows his team that there is strength in their Prince. That gives this Cinderella Team the courage to "Burn Rome Down!"
The Ukraine is living the dream and the Azzuri is the Big Blue Blob that takes no form in their game but to stand backward and absorb attacks. It will try to suck the life out of the Sheva's band of silver laced Rosicky styled attackers. Sheva's band attacks with lite feet and lite weapons, the Prince himself sports a medium sword that can split an apple with utter precision.
How does this Fairy Tale end? Sheva and his merry men dance into the next round and the evil Blue Azzuri is vanquished.
Meditations from the Mongoose
www.SavageSoccer.com
The Azzurri cannot lose to these minnows, new-comers Ukraine. Coming off two indifferent performances against the US and Australia, if the Italians do lose to Shevchenko’s side, will anybody be able to sympathize with their continual whining and ill-luck?—yet, if the tides have turned again. Gifted with a touch of fortune—Grosso’s penalty—and a strong showing in the opening game against Ghana—it will be a return to the glory days for the Azzurri?
Carvings from the Dagger
The German striking duo of Klose and Podolski has definitely matured since their scoring hiccups against Poland in the group stages of Germany 2006. But one would venture to remind soccer fanatics that Germany has yet to face a difficult match—even Sweden looking far too under-par and ordinary to press for honors. It is a shame that this game against Argentina couldn’t be the Final because the Germans might then feel well-represented when they lose to Crespo and Co. in Berlin.
Carvings from the Dagger
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I can’t believe that it has already been two days of no games…the last 2 days have been an eternity--much longer than the prior 2 ½ weeks of games…yes the Mongoose and my own predictions were not spot on in the group stages, but Mongoose came through much better in the Round of Sixteen with Portugal (his only miss pick to make it into the Quarter-Finals)…Mongoose was actually only 1 better than me as I though that Spain surely had enough to make it past France, but not to be…I can’t wait until tomorrow…let the games begin again…
Carvings from the Dagger
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Oh, how the great and mighty may fall...
Will Ghana provide the biggest upset today? Will Ronaldo be sent home to devour more dumplings? Of Coarse, Brazil are the favorites in this one, but even favorites sometimes fail...just ask the Czech Republic.
Carvings from the Dagger
Well, my group stage picks were abysmal, but with the final 16 uh scratch that 15 picked. Germany just dismantled Sweden. The final 7 round of 16 games will go like this.
England vs. Ecuador = England. For some reason though Ecuador could squeak it.
Argentina vs. Mexico = Argentina
Portugal vs. Netherlands = Netherlands
Italy vs. Australia = Italy
Brazil vs. Ghana = Brazil
Switzerland vs. Ukraine = Ukraine
Spain vs. France = France
If you think something different, You are wrong first. Second tell me about it. Write back a comment or two.
Dagger, do you think anyone knows better then me?
Mongoose
SavageSoccer.com
Show me, show me your bite you big dogs of soccer. I have dreamed of this day of having strike forces like yours. Please deploy and employ these great guns up top.
Brazil, why is your game so slow? France, in front of goal is a no go. Please Brazil let your ginga flow. While France your minds is your biggest foe. Both these teams need to forget their opponents and just bite down. Bite down as hard as they can, regardless if it is a piece of wood or would be opponent.
Clean up yourselves and shower in the glory that could be yours Big Dogs. Hooowwwwwllllll.
Mongoose
SavageSoccer.com
Unlike the rest of his team who play for European clubs, Carlos Tevez plays in Brazil. Of course Brazilian clubs cannot afford to pay players as well as in Europe, so second jobs are not uncommon.
For Carlitos, that is what they call him in Brazil, street fighting would be a great second career choice. To watch him ply his trade you would have to go to the deepest, darkest parts of Sao Paolo. This is a pure suggestion from the Mongoose, but can't you see him on a hot, humid Saturday night in a secluded dirt arena, lit by torches. Rampant betting goes on seconds before Carlitos "The Man-Child" Tevez takes on his newest and overconfident opponent. The contest lasts no longer then 6 seconds, before "The Man-Child" unleashes his signature bite move and finishes the contest.
Not bad in a nights work, an extra 50 Reis in his pocket and a game to play with Corinthians tomorrow.
Just joking with one of the best players to show at World Cup 06.
Meditations from the Mongoose
SavageSoccer.com
Unless my little animal brain is wrong, Brian McBride receives some type of head trauma every other game. Well be glad you are playing with him, because that means the bad luck is not coming your way.
Thanks Brian for taking it for the team!
Meditations from the Mongoose
SavageSoccer.com
You know there is a movie where Jet Li is like a attack dog. Yea, he has to wear a collar around his neck, but when you take it off he goes berserk and destroys everything in sight. I think Ribery for France is in line to be in the Sequel.
Meditations from the Mongoose
SavageSoccer.com
For being one of the most feared strikers in the world, Thierry Henry surely needs to stay after hours on the training pitch to address his horrible heading technique.
Time-and-time again he looked like a fish out of water when it came to heading opportunities in France’s draw against South Korea. Domenech (Coach of France) should know better though and introduce Trezeguet if wants to continue with crosses into the box.
Also, when it came time to finish off the game, Henry—very un-Arsenal-like—failed to convert from close range as Zidane played him in free on the keeper.
To learn more about the all-important techniques of heading and finishing follow the link at 4skills.com.
It seems to me that refs have been stealing the players spotlight more and more. I subscribe to the school of thought that refs should be rarely seen and heard. Soccer or Football is about two teams trying to put a ball in the others goal. The ref should only step in when a rule is broken. At a World Cup, where the best players play, refs should step in only when a rule is trampled on.
These players are the best and can handle themselves for the most part. This mongoose is simply saying, "The refs are intervening 25 percent to much, except when Adebyor was taken down in the box yesterday with a no call. Ludicrus!"
Refs put your whistles and some of your cards back in your pocket and let advantage flow. If their is a card to be issued, let the play end before interjecting.
The game is about the game, not about your whistle, so stop blowing.
To hear and read more rants by the Mongoose click here!
Mongoose
www.savagesoccer.com
The Dutch fans and the rest of the Dutch camp must have believed that they started in the same vein as Argentina’s rout earlier today when Van Nistelrooy and Co. jumped out to a 2-0 lead against the other-orange team from the Ivory Coast.
The Dutch started strong with Van Persie driving in from the right and drawing an early foul right outside the 18. Van Persie was given his World Cup dream seconds later as he opened the scoring in the 23rd min. with a scorching left footed bomb of a free kick. Van Nistelscrapes, who found himself freed by Robben’s dribbling and final pass—(finally!)—then curled in a right footer, inside the near post in the 27th min.
The Ivory Coast, however, put up an excellent display and kept pressing forward to find a goal. The Orange Elephants were rewarded in the 38th min. when Kone found space in the midfield and scored from a right footed blast. Unfortunately, it is defeat and elimination for this African-side though they did display the qualities that make African football a showcase of skills.
The Dutch now face Argentina for top seed in Group C—Let the scoring begin…
Dagger
SavageSoccer.com
Trinidad & Tobago came so close to pulling off another shocker before crumbling under the raptor-like header from Crouch in the 83rd min., followed by a blast from Gerard in the 87th min. Minus the last 7 min., Trinidad & Tobago showed that a tight organized squad can upset and throw teams off their rhythm—as if England had any.
Unfortunately—yet rightly so—this game also proved that holding out for a draw is a dangerous tactic as it usually leads to upset in the end anyways. Besides, Stern John’s disallowed goal in the 90th min. was really the best moment of magic in the game.
England where is your football—if you expect to impress the neutral, and, more importantly, do justice to your faithful—you better inspire better performances then the primitive tactics employed today.
The Soca boys can keep their heads up as another solid display gives them hope against Paraguay—and pray for another Swedish draw today.
Dagger,
SavageSoccer.com
Some would say that Jurgen Klinsmann has now proved himself a tactician of the game as Germany pulled out its victory over Poland from the jaws of a very drab stalemate. 2nd half substitutes, David Odonkor and Oliver Neuville combined in the dying moments over a deflated 10-man Polish side—unfortunately, Poland is the first to be gutted and eliminated from Germany 2006.
The Dagger says that Klinsmann needs to rethink his first team selection and tactics if he is to lead Germany past more renowned opponents. Once again, Germany showed its inconsistent form as they were a far cry from their 4-2 victory over Costa Rica. Against Poland, Germany looked lost of ideas and fell apart in-front of goal (Klose’s missed headers and Podolski’s glaring miss from close range).
Lahm has proved most influential in the attacking play of Germany. And, while it is great to see your defensive back get involved in the attack, Germany need to have their more illustrious players take charge and impose themselves upon the game.
Moreover, I have never understood the German insistence and faith in Bernd Schneider—I thought he had finally proved enough of his ineffectiveness in Korea 2002—and believe that he will prove a spoiler once again. Also, one wonders about the exclusion of Kevin Kuranyi, who I believe has proved himself more adapt and consistent at scoring important goals than Podolski.
The jury is still out—the nation is waiting…
Dagger
SavageSoccer.com
Dream Beginnings: Germany, Ecuador, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Mexico, Portugal, Czech Republic, Italy, Australia, South Korea, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia.
Slow Starters: Brazil, England, Sweden, Ivory Coast, Serbia & Montenegro, France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
On the Bubble: Poland, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Angola, Iran, Ghana, the United States, Croatia, Japan, Togo, and the Ukraine.
The Dagger
SavageSoccer.com
A huge problem that I see all the time in youth soccer is a lack of aggression and confidence.
Regardless of the reasons it doesn’t mean that these critical aspects of the game can not be developed in time. The point is that without aggression and confidence, many players are more timid and hesitant then they should be.
It takes incredible confidence, for anyone, to take on the risk of shooting, and all players must recognize this to become more confident and aggressive on the field. Whether or not a goal was the product of the shot, a risk was taken. That bold step forward means something positive. It has real meaning in the mind of every player.
I move forward. I shoot the ball. I score goals. I take risks—these handy statements are what you want coursing through your players’ minds as they are playing.
Defensive aggression is easiest to teach. Have players wrestle over the ball for a while, and they will surely start to get physical; however, for the real aggression, the confidence that is positive and productive, players must work on their shooting.
I believe the key is not really in the shot itself, but the willingness to step forward. The special quality that we are looking for is located right there in that forward movement.
Those fateful words have bitten people in the behind before. England is off to another start that if you don't watch the game you would say they are contending for the trophy.
I think the buzz word this year coined by my partner the Dagger is "Pretending." England is pretending that an own goal in the 4th minute against Paraguay is doing the job. How about subbing in a midfielder for one of their forwards in the 56th minute to preserve their precious 3 points means they have game.
Here is a reality check if you have game, you score your own goals and attack with passion till the end (AKA Brazil).
More reality, England needs Sven Goran Erickson (their Coach) to pull the puppet strings, if not they would be even less of a team. They are dependent on him to make the quarters. Make no mistake, Sven will need to pull out even sweeter coaching moves to usher his team to results against Sweden and beyond.
For more group stage chatter go to click here.
Mongoose
www.savagesoccer.com
The Elephants from the Ivory Coast showed they have some weight to their game by playing Argentina straight up, all out and going down by a small margin.
Didier Drogba showed his might as he found the net. The Elephants though, failed to use their tusks to gore Argentina's tradition.
Argentina plundered the Ivory with skill. Actually putting in 3 goals but the most skilled one didn't count (offside). This sets up a massive battle against the Netherlands on Match Day 2.
Will the Dutch Explore the bounty of goals that can be found on the Ivory Coast's back line or will the Elephants stampede on the clockwork orange?
I say the stampede will be on! What do you think.
To get more group stage talk go to www.savagesoccer.com
Mongoose
www.savagesoccer.com
The Italians made it that much harder for the United States with their 2-0 opening victory over Ghana. Goals by Pirlo (off a 1st half blast from a short corner) and Iaquinta (off a 2nd half one-on-one with the keeper from a defensive error) have put Italy in the driver’s seat—along with the Czech Republic. The U.S. must now win their second game on Saturday against Italy if they hope to have a chance in Group E.
To hear more Group chatter at SavageSoccer, click here.
Well, the U.S. are at it again--this time around 2-0 down to the Czech Republic at half-time. The U.S. must pick up the pace if they expect to challenge the Czechs in the 2nd half. Too many slow buildups...get the ball to Donovan's feet and play from there. Reyna did nothing, but his strike against the post will put another check on his list. DaMarcus needs to step up huge, especially since his 1st half mistouches have shown bad. Thankfully, the U.S. centerbacks won't have to worry about yikes--Koller! But Beware of this attack!
Wow-o-wow! If you like the stats—ranked 2nd in the world; if you like results—Semi-Finalist in Euro 2004; And, did you say you like players?—One of the best in Pavel Nedved for this team, surrounded by a solid cast of Eastern Block destroyers. Together with Petr Cech—No. 1 goalie for the most hated EPL Champions in the World, Chelsea—the Czech Republic will anchor a squad that will see more then the Semi-Finals this time around.
They are out number 1 in Group E—outclassing the likes of the U.S., Italy, and Ghana. Yet, unlike the Euros, The Czechs will win it all in Germany.
To listen in on more group stage chatter at Savage Soccer, click here.
The Costa Rican National Team is nicknamed Ticos, and these guys mouths’ are watering this time around. In 2002, they were unfortunate enough to be in the group with the hosts, Korea, and heavyweights, Brazil—curtains for the Ticos and only by goal difference no less.
In Germany 2006, Costa Rica is to share the group with the hosts, Germany and World Cup pretenders Ecuador and Poland. The Ticos have the world stage with their opening encounter with the hosts, where anything is possible. Thankfully, for Costa Rica, this time there will be no 5-2 drubbing from Brazil (though Ticos played in exciting attacking form that day). June 20th, in Hanover, they can spell their progression to the next round in Spanish, which is la proxima rounda.
Paulo Wanchope, ex-Premiership player, and Ronald Gomez, ex-Spanish League player—each are good for at least a goal a piece. They look to lead a squad that seems to be more versatile, confident, and capable of achieving glory this time around in Germany 2006.
Can you say Saprissa? Well, don’t forget this Costa Rican club team that was just crowned 3rd best in the world a few months ago. Remember these Ticos can play.
To listen in on some other group chatter at Savage Soccer, click here, and check Hear Radio.
They did not buy this group, but if they were ordering at the pick window. “Ah yes, give me a one way ticket to the next round with extra fries,” they sure got it.
Costa Rica, Poland and Ecuador, none of them have the confidence to win the Cup. That being said neither does Germany. Germany is quaking in their combat boots right now. Not because of their competition, but because of their own supporters, and when I say supporters, I mean every German from the Wall to the Rhine. This is a country that knows pressure and defeat.
Let’s let Bygones be Bygones and talk just about the dream job of coaching the German team in the World Cup, hosted by German? Note that the two top picks turned down the job. Why would two great German coaches give up the honor and privilege of taking Germany to the Semi-Finals and losing? Well because defeat and Germany are synonymous. Yes they have won this cup, but bad things lie on this road, bad enough to have great coaches turn the job down.
Where is the brightness in all this? Ah Yes! The brightest spot is not the players, but the coach, Juergen Klinsman. I remember seeing an interview when I was just a little animal, and he sounded like someone from California. The reason why, is because he lives in California. Man-o-Man, all I know is a German living in California is cool. Don’t think for a second that is allowed. Franz Beckenbauer, one of the few German soccer players—better then Klinsman—in history, and organizer of this World Cup, had a problem with him living in Cali; because of the commute and all. Juergen, with true Cali style said he didn’t care and kept coming to practice on a plane.
That is why Germany will make it to the Semi’s because Klinsman serves the team not Germany itself. Anyone serving Germany in this situation would have surely imploded. About 30% in the country think they can do it. That is straight up from less then 10% a few months ago.
So, the story of the Group is that Germany goes into the next round with Costa Rica, who shocks the world again as they did in Italy 1990. I have not seen the Ticos (Costa Ricans) play in awhile, but their Salsa is stronger then Polka, and Ecuador loses the dance off.
Listen to more group stage action at Hear_Radio from SavageSoccer.com
Mongoose
SavageSoccer.com
There is no reason to talk about individual players at this point. We have the worst pedigree out of all the teams in our group. The Americans, however, are a Quarter Final team, never short on confidence (even when outplayed) and always expect to overcome--even when the going gets tough--with that never-admitting-defeat attitude that rakes out 1-0 victories, or 0-0 draws.
Really, the big game is on the first day, June 12th, in Gelsenkirchen. If the the U.S. loses 1 or even 2-0 to the Czechs, Uncle Sam's Army must remember not to panic. Match day 2, in Kaiserslautern, is where all the action will be. The U.S. must regroup against the Italians on June 17th, hoping to pull out a draw.
Then it will be all to play for June 22nd, in the 3rd match, in Nuremberg, where the Americans will be able to book their ticket with a victory over Ghana. The U.S. going through as the second seed--behind the Czech Republic--to the next round.
To listen in on some other group chatter, with myself and The Dagger, click here.
I was once told by the ancient scrolls that a Hero Hawaiian would step fourth and deliver a game winning goal. The Hawaiian Hammer! Brian Ching is destined to score a goal in the World Cup so the legend holds.
He would emerge from the stalemate and deliver his nation from the jaws of elimination. Whether the jaws will be in the first, second or third game, it doesn't say. It only names the Hammer as the Finisher. These scrolls read like an epic where the Americans make the quarter finals.
The Czechs are in line for the #1 spot but the U.S. has pace enough to make the Italians scramble and heart enough to fight back the Ghananians. It is just the skill that is lacking, a minor detail solved with time and good coaching. So revel in that fact that the U.S. hits the World Cup target every time it tries and is a fixture at the cup now since 1990 Italy.
As I reach a part in the scrolls I could barely decipher, it mentionaed the Italians beating us that year and in 2006, five world cups later the day may sway another way. Which American player will have something to say? Will the Hawaiian Hammer put one away? June 17th will be the day.
Update following the Dagger's post...
Totti plays in exhibition game two months after injury
Italian playmaker Francesco Totti returned to competitive soccer in an exhibition game with AS Roma's junior team Thursday, two months after breaking his left leg.
Totti was injured Feb. 19 and had surgery a day later for the broken leg and strained ankle ligaments.
Well, it's another World Cup, and I still haven't figured out how to actually get to one. Luckily, I'll have state-of-the-art technology to get full coverage of the games.
The big buzz phrases right now for most Americans are "the World what?" or "who is in the
Well, I definitely have my own predictions for Germany 2006; however, as it is probably the most level, or open tournament in recent memory, I'll be getting back to you soon about the victors and villains of Duetschland and the impending chaos of World Cup Soccer.
Your Soccer Trainer,
Rick Wall
I just watched a recent interview with Marcello Lippi, who stressed the critical need and national desire that Italy has for retaining Totti's services for the World Stage: a
big statement from a big manager, who spent many successful years at Italian club side, Juventus. A big statement for a player with a history of indiscipline and psychological breakdown (remember the spitting expulsion in Euro 2004).
Some would argue that the Azzuri actually play better without Totti, as Italy then plays a more balanced game without the 'incredible infant' as the undeniable focal point. Still the faithful believe and dream for the joy of Totti's touch (dreaming for his delicate chip for Roma [against Inter])—for the true-blue Azzuri.
Can a healthy Totti help Italy return to the Glory Days?
Will Italian fans assault Nesta and del Pierro if all goes bad?
...Carvings from the Dagger
Did you see Ronaldinho Juggle on A.C. Milan Today? I saw it. I saw Nesta back heeling the ball, but not clearing it, and Ronaldinho matching his heel with his own which found it’s way to Eto’o. 
He juggled past Gattuso and some other A.C. Milan regular. I thought he was pushing too hard because he was not completing passes and was trying spectacular things, but the Mongoose was wrong. In a blur, Gattuso was eating dirt, and Ronaldinho was standing above him motionless, like a statue, for a split second. Then in a second flash, he dropped the ball behind the A.C. Defense for Ludovic Giuly to volley home.
That was in Milan, so Barca has an away goal in the bank for the second leg at the Nou Camp (Barcelona). Looks like we know who one of the finalists is. Then again, I was wrong about Ronaldinho. A.C. Milan is just as great minus Inzaghi, and they have come back from much more. They also lost the final last year when they were 3 up. So, I guess I’ll just be watching for the kitchen sink to be thrown in here. By the way, Ronaldhinho will be juggling on every team in the World Cup.
Hello everyone, the U.S.A. is playing in Group E. This group is not called the “Group of Death,” but it is the “All bets are off group.” Italy and the Czech Republic have the composure and skill to take it to the semis. Ghana and the USA are athletic enough to get into the Quarters.
The 1st day will tell everything. The US has the worse draw on the first day. The Czechs are the best. Pavel Nedved is legendary, that takes everyone around him up a notch. If the US was playing Italy first we could steal a win and turn the group on its ear, like in 02 when we beat Portugal 3:2 first, tied Korea, then lost to Poland. All the pressure was put on others because we got our win early. A win and a tie is good enough to go through to the next round.
So we have to rely on Ghana to tie Italy to cause commotion because Pavel and company will be awesome. This is soccer though, and better yet the world cup, so little things are huge, and huge things are off the scale. Off the scale means, what happens when Columbia scored in their own goal against the U.S. in 94, and as a backlash, that player was taken from us by people who take soccer too seriously.
If we get a tie against Italy...well, there will be all to play for at the 3rd and final group stage game. USA vs Ghana could decide on if we move like 02, or if we act like 98.
