UFWC - Will the 'trophy' change hands today?

Today sees Costa Rica play Greece in the title match for the Unofficial Football World Championships. 
The winner will move up in the rankings - Costa Rica from equal 24th (with Angola, Paraguay, Peru and Zimbabwe) to joint 22nd (with Colombia and Romania). Greece would move ahead of Japan and Chile, to joint 15th alongside Wales and Austria.


For those who didn't read my last post about the UFWC, it is the longest international football 'competition' in which there is a winner-stays-on mentality. The first champions were England back in 1873, having beaten Scotland - they held onto it until they were beaten, the team that beat them then held onto the title until they were beaten, and so on.. Right up to present day, over 800 international matches have had the title up for grabs, over 142 years, title bouts have been fought between some of the huge teams in the World, as well as some of the minnows.

As recently as 2012, North Korea were UFWC title holders having won it from Japan - and held the title for a whole year before losing against Sweden on penalties in the 'King's Cup', held in Thailand.

Scotland currently top the World Rankings with most successful defences of the title, mostly due to the fact that in the early years there were very few international football teams at all. They look likely to stay there for some time, with England 13 defences behind, and Argentina 3rd in the rankings and 29 victories away from overtaking them.

This year, we will see the UFWC and the World Cup title unified during the World Cup for the 9th time in history. England could've kept them apart had they beaten current holders, Costa Rica,  before heading back home - but alas they did not, Costa Rica successfully defended the title and it is now up to Greece to take it off them.

What's great is that the teams competing don't even know they are competing for it. They could lose the title in an international friendly, or they could - as will happen this year - win it in the World Cup Final. It is unlikely that Costa Rica will keep hold of it for much longer, but you never know! 

The winner of today's game will then take on the team who wins between Netherlands and Mexico, in another title bout. 

Today, I think Costa Rica will keep hold of it. Greece have only scored 2 goals in the competition, and blagged it through the group stage thanks to a last minute penalty which Samaras put away. 

Costa Rica have impressed, beating both Uruguay and Italy - and are currently one of the few teams to maintain an unbeaten record in the competition. They've played some good football, and are ultimately the surprise of the tournament.

I'm gonna go for a win on penalties for Costa Rica, after a 1-1 draw. Quite specific, but I'd like to imagine it'll go that far.

Costa Rica are (unofficial) World Champions!

 

When you think of footballing World Champions, you think of Brazil, Spain, Argentina. You wouldn't realistically think that Scotland are ranked number 1 in the World - but you'd be mistaken.

I imagine that none of you have ever heard of the Unofficial Football World Championship (UFWC), but it is something that captures the imagination, and cannot really be argued against.

The current holders of the UFWC Trophy are Costa Rica (Ranked =24th). Odds are, they do not know this - but by beating Uruguay (11th) on the 14th June, they took the title and have held it ever since. England (2nd) had a chance to claim it off of them, but the 0-0 in their final group game was not quite enough. Costa Rica's match against Greece (=17th) on Sunday will determine whether they hold onto it for a little longer.

You see, the UFWC is a competition that has gone on since the very first international football match was played between Scotland and England, in 1872. Back then, there were no other teams and thus, the winner of that game could claim to be the best in the World! It finished 0-0 of course, but they had a rematch in 1873 which England won 4-2. England were Champions!

Imagine the UFWC as a belt in boxing. You defeat an opponent, you get the title. Every match is a 'title fight', whether it be a World Cup Final, or a seemingly pointless friendly.

Through 142 years of international footballing history, the title has passed through the hands of some huge teams, as well as some minnows of the footballing World. Even the likes of Angola (=24th), North Korea (=20th) and Wales (=15th) rank higher than teams such as Portugal (=38th) and Belgium (=30th).

1 point is scored for the team who wins the vital match involving a UFWC title holder. A draw counts for nothing, and is considered a successful defence of the title. Owing to the fact that most international matches in the 19th century were contested by the home nations, England and Scotland are a few points clear of the rest - but that will all change in time.

So if you follow the 142 year UFWC lineage of over 800 international competetive and friendly matches, following who beats who, and starting with the first ever International Football match, you discover that Costa Rica are the current Unofficial Football World Champions.

So grab a beer, and tune in on Sunday because Costa Rica vs Greece is the next UFWC Cup Final!

UFWC Rankings (Top 10)

 1 SCOTLAND 86
 2 ENGLAND 73
 3 ARGENTINA 57
 4 NETHERLANDS 49
 5 RUSSIA 41
 6 BRAZIL 29
 7 SWEDEN 28
 8 GERMANY 27
 8 ITALY 27
10 FRANCE 25

 

All information gained from http://www.ufwc.co.uk/about/

Suarez, England and Today's Predictions

Today brings in the final group games of the tournament, giving us a day off tomorrow before the serious games start.. It's been an awesome tournament so far, with a couple of talking points I'd like to discuss.

Luis 'Jaws' Suarez. 

This man is a fool. He has had a brilliant season with Liverpool, despite starting it with a 10 game ban for biting Ivanovic. He managed to turn things around, and even had some of us believing that he had turned a page. Alas, he has not. He is still a bitey wanker - highlighted by the chunk he decided to take out of Chiellini's shoulder in Uruguay's game against Italy.

His punishment? A 9 game international ban, and 4 month ban from footballing activities worldwide. This now means that since 2010, Suarez has been banned from playing in 34 matches without receiving a red card.

I think it's a generous punishment. I wouldn't be entirely surprised if in 18 months from now, he has bitten someone else and we go through this process all over again. He is a waste of great talent. I also think that if someone like Joey Barton were to do the same thing, he would be out of contract and unemployable - but alas, this is Suarez. He scores goals blah blah.. anyway, enough about him.

England
I think the criticism of the England team has been pretty harsh. I was very positive after the game against Italy, and thought we got some good things out of it. We were never going to do particularly well in this tournament, and knew that we had a tough group. Uruguay frustrated us, and the Costa Rica game was meaningless. I always suspected the Italy game would define who goes out of the group, and I was correct - though I certainly didn't expect Costa Rica to defeat anybody and win the group.
We have very few players in their prime at the minute - either too old or too inexperienced - and the one chap who should be in his prime is constantly being slaughtered by the media. We got what we realistically expected, and that's fair enough.
I would like to have seen more of Lambert in the World Cup, and more of Adam Lallana - Sturridge missed too many chances for my liking, and there's only so many times the likes of Barkley or Sterling can try and wiggle their way through an opposition's defence.

Saying that, I think we did OK. Yes, it is disappointing to not progress - the same can be said for any team who gets knocked out in the first round - but I don't think we were too bad.

Right, on to today's matches!

USA vs Germany
Huge game for USA and Klinsmann this, who have done well to be where they are. Nicked a victory out of Ghana, and just missed out on a huge upset against Portugal - USA are punching above their weight, and this game could see them either scrape through or narrowly miss out. Germany have looked alright, but not as great as you might expect.
Prediction - USA 1-2 Germany

Portugal vs Ghana
Both teams need a victory, and in Portugal's case - a pretty decent one - and I think they'll get it. Ghana have frustrated me because they have some great players, but don't have the composure to put the ball in the net when it matters. Muntari has been sent home alongside Kevin Prince Boateng, arguably two of their better players, and so it falls on the shoulders of the Ayew brothers, Christian Atsu, and former Sunderland man Asamoah Gyan to blag a win. Portugal have been crap so far and really need a performance. I imagine that Ronaldo will take it upon himself to win this, and will possibly be awesome.
Prediction: Portugal 3-0 Ghana

South Korea vs Belgium
I don't have a lot of faith in the Korean team. Losing to Algeria was pretty poor, and they lack the quality to do anything against a decent Belgium squad. Belgium haven't quite hit the heights yet in a relatively easy group, but this game should be the chance for Lukaku, Hazard and co to shine.
Prediction: South Korea 0-4 Belgium

Russia vs Algeria
Really? This game sounds crap but you never know. I've not got much of an opinion on either team, though I'd quite like to see Algeria blag it through to the next round and so I'll be cheering them on. Russia need a victory to have any chance - so should nab a goal, but have been largely disappointing for Mr Capello so I'm going for an unlikely victory for the African team.
Preditcion: Russia 1-2 Algeria

World Cup Predictions - Groups C & D

Here's how I got on with yesterday's games - not too bad!

Spain vs Australia
Predicted result: 4-0
Actual result: 3-0

Holland vs Chile
Predicted result: 1-2
Actual result: 2-0

Brazil vs Cameroon
Predicted result: 4-0
Actual result: 4-1

Croatia vs Mexico
Predicted result: 1-0
Actual result: 1-3

So overall not too bad - I was hoping for a Chilean surprise, and thought Croatia would be Mexico but ultimately they were outplayed. I predicted the other two games pretty accurately. This all means that Brazil will play Chile in the next round, and Holland get to play Mexico. Cameroon, Spain and Australia had already packed their bags and Croatia will be joining them on the plane home. 

Today sees England back in action, this time against the surprise package of the tournament - Costa Rica. Uruguay face Italy in the other Group D clash, a game in which the winner will progress. In Group C, Colombia have already qualified and face a Japan team who must win, and hope that Greece beat Ivory Coast in the other clash. Ivory Coast will qualify with a victory, and will also qualify with a draw provided Japan don't win by more than one goal. Greece can still qualify, but must beat Ivory Coast and hope that Japan don't beat Colombia. Cor!

On with the predictions!

England vs Costa Rica
Woy is making 9 changes to his starting lineup, keeping only Sturridge and Cahill in place from the last game. I think in general this is a good idea, as it'll give the likes of Barkley and Shaw a chance to impress - though Foster in goal is always shaky, and could prove to be the weak link against a Costa Rica team who appear fearless. Costa Rica will damage England if Joel Campbell plays in 'Beast Mode', though they aren't desperate for the win so may elect to rest some players for the next round.
Prediction: England 3-2 Costa Rica

Italy vs Uruguay
Uruguay simply must win this one, with a draw favouring the Italians. I simply don't think they will though - Italy looked decent against England, but pedestrian against Costa Rica. Both teams will need to step up their game to have any hope of doing well in the tournament, and I think Italy will do just that.
Prediction: Italy 2-0 Uruguay

Colombia vs Japan
The Japanese team have not done much thus far, and I don't think they'll do much here. They have slim hopes of qualification, and must win in order to have a chance. Colombia have already qualified and may rest the likes of Cuadrado and Rodriguez in this game, but should still be a tough team to beat. Colombia lack quality in the fullback positions, and should Japan exploit that they could be in trouble - but they won't. Colombia should still win this.
Prediction: Colombia 2-0 Japan

Ivory Coast vs Greece
I've been disappointed with the Greek team in this tournament. I never expected them to set the World alight, but I thought they'd put up a fight. Two games in, and 0 goals scores doesn't bode well - though they do still have a chance of qualification. Ivory Coast are a strong team, the best of the African teams, but have had some difficulties to overcome - most notably the brother of Kolo and Yaya Toure passing away. Bony and Drogba are a very strong attacking threat, and I just don't think Greece will cope with them.
Prediction: Ivory Coast 3-0 Greece

Roundup and Predictions for Groups A & B

It seems as though this World Cup is determined to make me look foolish. Not only have the games been ridiculously entertaining, they have also been completely random. Costa Rica beating both Uruguay and Italy?! Dezko failing miserably, putting my "watertight predictions" post to rest, Iran almost pulling off an incredible draw against Argentina, Spain out, and France spanking Switzerland. What a tournament!

I haven't posted for a few days. For what it's worth, the predictions I had in my head were all wrong (I had put a sneaky £1 on a 6-0 Argentina win) - so without further ado, here's what is blatantly not going to happen in the games today!

We see the final group games this week, and today we have four games - deciding the fate of those countries who are yet to know whether they'll soon be going home;
Group A
Brazil vs Cameroon
Croatia vs Mexico

Group B
Spain vs Australia
Chile vs Holland

Let's look at Group B first, as they are the 5 o'clock kick offs:

Spain vs Australia
This game is a dead rubber, and therefore entirely unpredictable. Australia are without the iconic Tim Cahill, and Spain are miserable and would probably much rather just disappear into the Brazilian abyss.. That said, I still can't rule out the Spanish as the quality in their squad is incredible. Perhaps if they decide against starting with Diego Costa, and give some of their younger players a chance they may well have a nice, fresh finish to their tournament.
Prediction: Spain 4-0 Australia

Chile vs Holland
The winner of this game will most likely avoid Brazil in the next round, so it is a game that both teams will want to win. A draw would see Holland top the group, and so Chile have to go for the win - though their performances so far have been impressive, and a match against Brazil wouldn't be too daunting. With neither team wanting to risk any potential injuries, I think this may be a tentative affair - and with the tournament being random so far, I'm gonna punt for Chile to nick the win.
Prediction: Chile 2-1 Holland

In Group A, the only team with nothing but pride to play for is Cameroon who face Brazil. A Cameroon win in that game opens the door for both Mexico and Croatia. Brazil will only go out if Cameroon beat them more heavily than Croatia beat Mexico. A draw in the Croatia vs Mexico game could also see Brazil out of the competition, provided Cameroon win by 2 or more goals.

Cameroon vs Brazil
Let's face it, it could happen. Brazil haven't looked great and the African teams have been impressive.. That said, Cameroon have not yet scored in this tournament so realistically it doesn't look great for them. If the useless Fred is left out of the Brazil lineup, they should do well. If he plays, then I imagine we'll have a frustrating game on our hands.
Prediction: Cameroon 0-3 Brazil

Croatia vs Mexico
Huge game here, and basically the loser goes out of the competition. Mexico got a decent draw against Brazil, and Croatia were unfortunate to lose in the opening game. Croatia need a result, and I think they'll get it. They have looked a solid outfit and I think they will be a bit too organised for Mexico, who have so far impressed against teams who are not known for their defensive discipline.
Prediction: Croatia 1-0 Mexico

World Cup Predictions - Groups H & A

Yesterday's games:

Germany vs Portugal
Predicted score: 3-1
Actual score: 4-0

Iran vs Nigeria
Predicted score: 1-1
Actual score: 0-0

Ghana vs USA
Predicted score: 3-2
Actual score: 1-2



I only managed to watch one half of these games as I was in work, the second half of USA vs Ghana - which looked as though Ghana were pretty dominant, but had no patience in the final third, thus wasting chance after chance. They equalised with 10 minutes to go and I thought they might go on to grab a winner, but USA hit back immediately and held on until the end. Germany thrashed Portugal in a game where Portugal were reduced to 10 men, and I'm led to believe the Iran vs Nigeria game was a pretty dull affair. My predictions weren't bad at all, and the first draw of the tournament did indeed come about in the worst game of the day.

So - today we see the last few teams play their first matches of the tournament, as well as Brazil vs Mexico going into the next phase where qualification is achievable.

Belgium vs Algeria
I'd be surprised if Algeria really do anything much in this game, but I said the same for Costa Rica when they played Uruguay. That said, Belgium are one of the teams in with a good chance of reaching the latter stages, and have a strong, youthful squad with bags of potential. Algeria have a former Crewe player in their squad, a Tottenham youth player and a bunch of extras to make up the numbers. I can't imagine this one will be much of a competition.
Prediction: Belgium 4-0 Algeria

Brazil vs Mexico
Our second game of the day sees two teams with one victory to their names already. Brazil saw off Croatia in a not-so-convincing display, and Mexico were unfortunate to only beat Cameroon 1-0 when it could've been 3. Having played relatively defensively against Cameroon, Mexico are expected to essentially park the bus here and may frustrate the home team - though it could also lead to a whipping.
Prediction: Brazil 4-1 Mexico

Russia vs Korea Republic
With Fabio Capello at the helm, Russia are a well organised outfit who qualified top of a group that included Portugal, amongst others. They will be tricky to beat, having only conceded 5 goals during the qualification process and should see of the Koreans without too much trouble. Korea on the other hand finished second behind Iran in a group that included Uzbekistan, Lebanon and Qatar. They lost in their two friendlies vs Ghana and Tunisia and just aren't looking like much of a force. I imagine this will be a pretty efficient display from Russia.
Prediction: Russia 2-0 Korea Republic

World Cup Predictions - Groups F & G

Yesterday's games.

Switzerland vs Ecuador

Predicted score: 1-1

Actual score: 2-1

France vs Honduras

Predicted score: 3-0

Actual score: 3-0

Argentina vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

Predicted score: 3-2

Actual score: 2-1

I did pretty well with yesterday's predictions. Got the France win spot on - and also suggested that Honduras would be a dirty team, proven by the red card issued to Palacios just before half time. Switzerland scored their winner in the 93rd minute, so that was pretty damn close too and Argentina only won by the 1 goal as I predicted, though I expected a slightly more open game. 

Today we have a few tricky ones to predict, so let's see how this goes.

Germany vs Portugal

Similar to Spain vs Holland, and England vs Italy, this game puts two strong European teams up against each other. Portugal have Cristiano Ronaldo and a few other, tricky, players but struggled slightly through qualifying and their main man isn't 100% fit. Germany had doubts over Lahm and Neuer, but both seem to have shaken off niggles for the opening match. In Joachim Low, Germany have a manager who has taken them to the Semi Finals of every competition they've entered since taking over in 2006 - and I think this tournament will be no different. I reckon they'll be too strong for Portugal, who rely too heavily on their main man.

Prediction: Germany 3-1 Portugal

Iran vs Nigeria

Not likely to be a classic, and not quite so highly anticipated as the first game today, Iran vs Nigeria is the kind of game that makes the World Cup what it is. I love seeing two teams with relatively unknown players pitting themselves against each other on the biggest stage. Both will need a win to stand any chance of sneaking through their tricky Group F, and I fear that means we'll end up with the first draw of the tournament. Iran have the highly experienced Carlos Quieroz as manager, and though their players are less familiar to most people, I think he'll find ways to frustrate Nigeria and grab the draw. Nigeria have some good individuals, but nothing World Class.

Prediction: Iran 1-1 Nigeria

USA vs Ghana

The last three times these teams have met, Ghana have won. I like Ghana, I think they have a decent team and could start their tournament off with a victor - they had some good results in their friendlies, and might just be able to carry that momentum into the tournament. USA too, have had a good build up and appear to be full of confidence, but I can imagine that bubble bursting in this must-win game. With Portugal and Germany left to play in the group, both teams need a win so we will hopefully get an open game.

Prediction: USA 2-3 Ghana

World Cup Predictions - Groups E & F

Let's have a look at how my predictions matched up yesterday

Colombia vs Greece

Predicted score: 1-0

Actual score: 3-0

Uruguay vs Costa Rica

Predicted score: 4-0

Actual score: 1-3

England vs Italy

Predicted score: 0-0

Actual score: 1-2

Ivory Coast vs Japan

Predicted score: 3-1

Actual score: 2-1

So overall, not great. Certainly didn't think Costa Rica would walk away with anything - but with great performances from Joel Campbell and their 'keeper, Keylor Navas, they ended up with a deserved 3 points.

Colombia and Greece played out a quite open match, which was very different to what I was expecting, though the win for Colombia was at least correct. England and Italy also played out a quite entertaining game, and I though I thought England should've come out with a draw, the Italians exploited the gaps in behind the fullbacks and scored a couple of decent goals.

I didn't stay up to watch the Ivory Coast game, though the report suggests that Ivory Coast dominated the game but just couldn't put the ball in the net - limiting them to a narrow victory rather than something more dominant... So overall, two correct results, no correct scorelines and a couple that were just simply wrong. Meh.

Today's games!

Switzerland vs Ecuador

I can't say that I'm particularly interested in this game - but with Switzerland sitting at 6th in the FIFA World Rankings, they should be taken quite seriously. They're ahead of countries such as England, France, Colombia, Italy, Holland and Belgium in the rankings. Ecuador on the other hand are sat alongside Scotland in 26th place, and so you'd assume it's a straightforward result.. But rankings can lie, and I actually think this will be quite tight. Ecuador have a couple of dangerous players, and will have a lot more support in the stands.

Prediction: Switzerland 1-1 Ecuador

France vs Honduras

The French have underachieved for a number of years now, but you can't deny that they have a very good team. They seem to be turning a corner now, and I think they might have a decent little tournament. Honduras, on the other hand, should not pose a threat. After watching them play England, it seems their only tactic involves hard tackling and dirty play, so I'd expect a few cards and a frustrating game. That said, I reckon France will get the ball in the back of the net more than once.

Prediction: France 3-0 Honduras

Argentina vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

There are many strong players in the Argentina squad, and they have been tipped by many to win this tournament. Lionel Messi has often not performed for his country but since being given the captain's armband, he has transformed into the player we see at Barcelona. Bosnia have some surprisingly good players too, though, and having scored 30 goals in 10 games of qualifying they know how to find the back of the net. I think Argentina will win this one, but not as comfortably as you might think.

Prediction: Argentina 3-2 Bosnia and Herzegovina

World Cup - Preditions Groups C & D

For a moment yesterday, I thought I was God. 

I had already correctly predicted the exact scoreline of the Mexico vs Cameroon game and Holland had just taken the lead against Spain to make it 2-1. I had predicted that game be 2-2, and I was certain that that was how it would end up.

Alas, I don't think anybody could have predicted what happened next - and if they did, I hope they put some money on it.

Spain got whipped. Absolutely annihilated. They totally fell apart and lost 5-1.. Here is what Rio Ferdinand had to say on twitter about that;

and fair play to them.

The other game I predicted a 3-0 win for Chile over Australia, and it turned out to be 3-1 so I think I did pretty well! One exact scoreline correct, another correct result and a random "what the fuck" result that nobody would've seen coming.

So here are my predictions for today's matches;

Colombia vs Greece

This is an interesting one. Greece are a difficult team to break down, and despite trying to change their style in recent times, have reverted back to their 'blag it 1-0' tactic that won the Euros a few years back. Colombia on the other hand are a mixed bag - but with 4 players from the original squad out with injury, as well as Fredy Guarin being suspended, they could find this game against Greece more difficult than they'd like. Colombia are still the favourites for this one, but I don't think it'll be a comfortable game.

Prediction: Colombia 1-0 Greece

Uruguay vs Costa Rica

With odds to win the tournament of 2500/1, it's fair to say that Costa Rica are predicted to do pretty badly at this World Cup. I'd like to think they'll give Uruguay a run for their money, but in reality Suarez and Cavani will be far too much for the Costa Rica defence to handle. 

Predition: Uruguay 4-0 Costa Rica

England vs Italy

Big game this, and one that neither team can really afford to lose. Because of that, I think we're in for 70 minutes of boredom followed by 20 minutes of penetration once some substitutes are made. England are confident, but I fear that Balotelli will thrive in this sort of game. I'm going to sit on the fence here.

Prediction: England 0-0 Italy

Japan vs Ivory Coast

I don't think there will be many people staying up until 4am to watch this game, and I can't really tell you much about the teams. Ivory Coast disappointed in the last World Cup, and have essentially the same team but four years older. Japan have some tricky players and have always been a potential banana skin. I reckon that the likes of Drogba and Bony will overpower the Japanese here, bullying them into defeat.

Prediction: Japan 1-3 Ivory Coast

World Cup - thoughts and predictions

The World Cup is finally underway! After a less than impressive opening ceremony, a game between Brazil and Croatia ensued - and a relatively predictable Brazil victory was the outcome.

I watched the game once I got home from work and thought that Croatia were hard done by. The penalty decision was very harsh, as was the decision to award a freekick to Brazil when Olic outjumped the goalkeeper fairly. I hate the protection that goalkeepers get - it seems that all they have to do is get near the ball and they either claim it or win a freekick in attempting to. 

Croatia deserved something from that game, and I think a draw would've been a fair result all round.

No doubt that Neymar will get the credit for this victory as he put away two goals - one from outside the box that bounced off the post on the way in, and the other from the penalty spot - which Pletikosa, in all fairness, should've saved as he let it find a way through his hands... My man of the match, however, was Oscar. Every time he got hold of the ball he seemed to have it stuck to his feet. There were times when he'd have three defenders around him all hacking at his legs, yet he'd still come out the other side and with the composure to pick off a straightforward pass to a teammate. He deserved his goal, and I thought he was comfortably the best player on the pitch.

Brazil spent the first 20 minutes lumping crosses into the box aiming for Fred, but constantly missing, and that allowed Croatia to hit them on the counter attack. This led to the first goal of the game - and own goal for the all-diving, all-acting left back, Marcelo.

There's no doubt that the Brazilians enjoyed better spells of pressure than the Croatians, but I still think the game deserved to be a draw.

Anyway, moving on - we have three games tonight and here's how I imagine they will go;

Mexico vs Cameroon
Both teams have seen better days, and I can't imagine this will be a great spectacle for the neutrals. Whilst Cameroon still rely on Samuel Eto'o to put the ball in the back of the net, Mexico have a few younger players who can cause issues. I think Mexico might sneak this one, but I doubt it'll be a classic.
Prediction: Mexico 1-0 Cameroon

Spain vs Netherlands
This is the sort of game that people want to see at the World Cup - a repetition of the 2010 final, which Spain won after a rather card-heavy game. Two powerhouses of European football, they may well be a bit tentative early on in the competition and so I imagine it'll be hard to split them.
Prediction: Spain 2-2 Netherlands

Chile vs Australia
Not a game contested by particularly highly ranked teams, yet I think this will only go one way. Australia have not got a particularly good team and I think Chile are far more up for it - not least Alexis Sanchez, who claims he would not have come to the World Cup if he didn't think they had a chance of winning the tournament. Chile will be tough opposition for anybody, and this should be a nice warm up game for them.
Prediction: Chile 3-0 Australia

When life gives you lemons...

This morning - with a juvenile hangover - I discovered that after some tipsy antics last night my wallet must've fallen out of my pocket and has since been swiped. We had gone home via a closed park and decided to have fun on the swings, climbing wall and roundabout. My good lady retraced our steps from last night and found my Nectar card sitting under a swing that we had been on. It felt like insult to injury - I don't even shop at Sainsbury's. They could've at least left my Tesco Clubcard, it's much more valuable to me.

I only gave up searching for said wallet after I'd looked all over the flat for it. It didn't take long as we don't have many rooms to search - but I did make sure to check in the fridge, just in case. Because of this I was 20 minutes late for my Spanish class, which - as I'd missed last week's lesson - was already something I was behind on... So really, today hasn't started particularly well.

Alas, never mind. On the positive side my driving license wasn't in there as it's due a renewal. I'd actually emptied it from my wallet on Thursday and sent it on it's merry way yesterday morning - so I suppose that's a stroke of luck. Also, despite losing £20 I did still have a solid fiver in my pocket which will cover my food needs for today.

Maybe I should take it as a sign. I haven't done particularly well in saving for our wedding next year, and though the world keeps trying to help me out, I still manage to blow my extra cash on needless drinks.

I won £85 on the lottery last week. 4 numbers. Not bad at all - certainly the most I've ever won - but that money has since departed. It barely lasted the night to be fair, as I was living it up with my lads at the Froch vs Groves fight. I did have a great time, mind you..

Alas my day continues and life goes on. There are people with sorrier stories to tell, but this is my lemon receiving story of the day. Woe is me.

Footballing Journeys - FC Luch-Energiya Vladivostok

 

 

I've done a little research today into the potential journeys that some footballing clubs around Europe may need to make at some point in the future. This got me thinking - which team, eligible for European competition, is the most remote in Europe?

 

I guess it's relatively straightforward to assume that this team would play in Russia - the largest country in the World. The home of vodka, the Trans-Siberian Railway and homophobes.

 

Well yes, you'd be correct.

 

The team I have come up with, though there are a couple of possibilities, is FC Luch-Energiya Vladivostok. A team who currently play in Russia's second tier, who have not yet qualified for Europe, though it is possible for them to do so.

 

How remote could they possibly be?

 

Well very, actually.

 

Based at the head of the Golden Horn Bay, Vladivostok is pretty close to Russia's borders with China and North Korea, and is by the Sea of Japan and near the Pacific Ocean.

 

 

There have been calls for Russia to split into two leagues, one for the West and one for the East because of the complications this team and another (FC Sakhalin Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk) bring to the table - but a split is yet to occur.

To get to Vladivostok you are looking at a 9 hour flight from Moscow.

There's even a story from 2006 whereby three fans of Zenit St Petersburg drove the 15,000km to the other side of the country in order to watch their team play Vladivostok. Whilst there, their car broke down, and so they had to return by Trans-Siberian Rail. Upon their return, Zenit kindly provided them with a new car for the effort and loss of a car on their journey - luckily for them, Zenit won 2-0.

So, what say a team like Tottenham get their generic UEFA Cup spot in a couple of seasons time and get put in a group with FC Vladivostok. Can you imagine having a game on a Thursday night out in bloody China and then being back for a league game at the weekend? I think it's absolutely ridiculous, and I'm all for it! After all, at least these teams only have to travel there once. The players for Vladivostok have to do that kind of journey for every single away game. Madness.

Premier League Released XI

Last week Premier League teams announced the players who will be leaving their clubs this summer following an end fo their contract. I have a look at those players, and decide who would make it into my Released XI using a basic 4-4-2 formation.

Goalkeeper - There are a few options for Goalkeeper, with the likes of Westwood, Gomes, Schwarzer and Speroni being released by their clubs and it is the latter who I choose to make my starting 11.
Julian Speroni has left Crystal Palace this season after 10 years as their number one, joining them back in 2004 from Dundee. Having had a brilliant season back in the top flight he was named their Player of the Year, and he should have no problem finding another club.

Right Back - Released by West Brom, Steven Reid gets my nod at right back having shared the role with Billy Jones last season. A player who seems to have been around for ages, he is past his peak but can probably do a decent job. Wouldn't be surprised to see him drop down a division next season, mind you, and play for a team looking to fight their way up to the big time.

Centre Back - My centre back pairing is one that very few could argue with. Starting with Rio Ferdinand, we have a player who has been the most expensive defender in the world and has won virtually everything playing at the heart of a Manchester United defence. It's hard to say where he'll end up next season, though I wouldn't be surprised if he makes a move to the MLS before too long.

Centre Back - Joleon Lescott is my other centre back, playing alongside Ferdinand in a defence that would've lined up for England a few years back. A strong defender who is good in the air, he has found options limited as Manchester City, but is definitely still Premier League material and I can see him heading back to Everton or somewhere similar.

 

Left Back - There's one very simple option for this position. Ashley Cole has been considered the best left back in the world, and though he is now getting on a bit he can still do a pretty cracking job. Was unfortunate to miss out on the World Cup squad this year, and would still do a handy job in the Premiership. I'd like to see him move to Liverpool, but I wouldn't be surprised if he made a move abroad - whether it be to Spain or the MLS.

Right Wing - There aren't many options on the right hand side, and so I've gone for a player who I don't know much about. Marc Albrighton had a few eye catching performances for Aston Villa 2 or 3 years back, but I haven't really seen him since - he spent some time on loan at Wigan last season only managing 4 appearances, and has signed a contract with newly promoted Leicester City. It'll be interesting to see how he does.

Central Midfield - I have to go with a Hastings boy for this position, so Gareth Barry gets the nod. He's been a Premier League player now for a number of years and played a key role in Everton's cracking season this time round. If I were Martinez, I would snap him straight back up but I'm not sure they can cover his wages. I think he'd do a good job anywhere, and I think he'll stick around in the Premier League. Arsenal could do with a bit more experience in their midfield, and I hear they were interested in him last season...

Central Midfield - Alongside Barry is another player who has been around for a number of years. A surprise to some, Frank Lampard was on Chelsea's released list this summer and after the World Cup will have some thinking to do. He may yet be offered a new contract, though the general consensus is that he is going to move on. Could he go to the MLS? Or would he stick around and play a season with West Ham, QPR, Crystal Palace or someone else in the Premier League? A move to QPR would put him back with the Manager who gave him his first tastes of professional football, and his Uncle Harry Redknapp. Could the family ties and a stay in West London be enough to take him to the Premier League new boys?

Left Wing - I'm torn here between a couple of players past their prime. Damien Duff and Joe Cole were terrorising defenders as teammates back in their Chelsea days, but have drifted from the limelight in recent seasons. Duff was relegated this season with Fulham, and although Cole didn't play too many games for West Ham, he started the season brightly and that is why I pick him for the left wing role.

Striker - Another player who seems to have been around forever is Samuel Eto'o. I've always considered him overrated, but given what he has achieved in his career it is difficult to ignore him. Arguably the best Chelsea striker last season, he has been released following claims of a fallout with Mourinho. He makes my 11 based on the fact that he is basically a legend of the game, and he will most likely be playing in one of the top European leagues again next season.

Striker - My other forward in this lineup is Federico Macheda. He burst onto the scene at Manchester United a few seasons ago, scoring the winner against Aston Villa. He then scored on his second game for the club and was labelled to be the next big thing - but unfortunately things didn't really go his way after that, and he was loaned out to a few clubs. Quite capable of finding the back of the net, he is one of the more youthful options available. He has already signed a contract at Cardiff, so will be seen playing Championship football next season.


And there it is! My Released XI. A team full of experience, with a solid defence and a strong spine - and one I reckon would give a lot of teams a run for their money in the Premier League.

Dumbledore's Tactics, Team and Pre-Season

One of the first duties upon entering the world of football, is to decide on which tactics to give the team. He had already stated that he wanted to play defensive football, with a view to never losing a game - so here is what he has come up with;

Albus Dumbledore's Tactics

Formation - Narrow 4-1-2-1-2
Fluidity - Very Rigid
Mentality - Defensive

Having already stated that he did not want to purchase any players, Dumbledore is left with a young squad with many wingers and so will have to retrain a few in order to incorporate them into his team... Not quite what he was after, and so some decisions have to be made.

Contracts & Transfers
Dumbledore offers a contract to striker, Max Clayton. Max refuses to even enter negotiations, and thus Dumbledore decides to cash in on him rather than wait for his contract to expire at the end of the season. He accepts an offer of £950,000 from Norwich, who take him in before loaning him straight out to Dundee.

A little hurt from this setback, Dumbledore goes on to offer some of his more promising youngsters new contracts;
Perry Ng
Callum Saunders
James Jones
James Baillie

He also extends the contracts of some of the first team squad who have been brought through the ranks;
George Ray
Liam Nolan
Jon Guthrie
Billy Waters

At this stage, no new contracts are offered to Kelvin Mellor or Byron Moore, both of whom only have 1 year left to run. It is likely that Mellor will be set to release in order to make space for James Baillie. Byron Moore doesn't fit with the new system, and so he may be moved on before too long.

With central midfield looking quite well staffed, the gaffer decides to send George Evans back to Manchester City where he had come from on loan. This makes space for the likes of James Jones and Billy Waters, who are looking to get their first tastes of first team football. The other loan signings, Chuks Aneke and Uche Ikpeazu remain - Uche only remaining, however, as main striker Mathias Pogba is out injured for 6 months.

Lee Molyneux, Thierry Audel, Abdul Osman and AJ Leitch-Smith are all placed on the transfer list as they are blocking the paths of younger players coming through.

He then starts the process of retraining some wide men so that they can play through the middle, and blending some of the youngsters into the first team.

Captain
He selects Adam Dugdale as his captain - a Liverpudlian central defender who was taught the game in the youth teams of Crewe. His vice-captain is fullback, Matt Tootle.

Pre-Season
Pre-season for Crewe only consisted of four games, and generally went pretty well - the only blip being a pretty hefty defeat against high league opposition. Click here to have a look at how they did with Dumbledore at the helm.

By the time pre-season is over, the squad looks something like this;