i am writing another blog about soccer i guess because i feel like it. i only get the chance to watch it all the time every four years so why not. i don't need to explain why anyways - i like it.
the final score was switzerland 1 - spain 0. it was a good game and held my attention easily. however, if you were to see the score without having watched the game you most likely would get the wrong idea of how the game played out. spain should have been the winner due to the fact that they were the dominating team.
the first half was not very exciting. spain had their best opportunity to score toward the end of the half. after the offense put together some solid consecutive passes they chipped the ball over the defender but couldn't score. they had a second chance shortly after inside the box again without being able to finish. the second chance could have and maybe should have been whistled for a foul - but none was called. spain got a few good crosses into the box as well as a few shots from outside the box but came up with nothing. set plays were not productive either for the spanish - a couple corners and several free kicks were not executed well enough to score.
halfway through the first half the play began to get a bit sloppy. a foul was called just outside the penalty box and a yellow card was given to a swiss defender. the spanish player on offense went down but in my opinion was more of a flop than a foul. spain took their free kick because of the foul but the shot was deflected by the wall set up by the swiss defenders.
switzerland spent most of the first half on defense. the closest they were able to get to scoring a goal was on a handful of set plays. the swiss had two opportunities on corner kicks and a few free kicks. halfway through the first half switzerland had an indirect kick outside the box. the play was well thought out and could have resulted in a goal but the wall charged after the first quick touch by the player running over the ball and blocked the shot.
before i get started on the second half which was really cool to watch. seriously, it was a good game and i'm glad i was able to see it. on another more important topic - today is youth day over in africa. i almost don't want to write about it or mention it because i am not well educated on exactly what happened. but, basically they dedicate the day to the children that were killed or injured when they stood up for themselves and the situation got terribly violent. much respect to children with huge hearts that united together, got organized, and made a difference.
i feel lousy remembering questioning my parents during the spring season every year as a child - as to why children didn't have a day. the response i got was "everyday is children day". i guess you are not capable of appreciating something that you never had a clue was a luxury. i'm not gonna go on a rant but i feel like the youth in america should be made aware of how much is taken for granted. not only in other countries but in parts of america as well.
the second half was exciting and play a bit dirty at times. the game is always physical but tackles from behind or sliding without aiming to poke at the ball should not be tolerated. the two teams were making full use of the huge field with spain taking four corner kicks in the first five minutes of the half. switzerland was able to get control of the ball after a corner taken by spain on two occasions and break at full speed toward the other end of the field. the swiss offense was able to score about six minutes into the second half on the second fast break opportunity. the spanish goalkeeper had to come out of the goal to make the save by tackling the striker. the tackle was not successful and the ball was fumbled by the keeper resulting in the swiss offense poking the ball into the net.
switzerland spent the next fifteen minutes struggling on defense. spain was able to make numerous crosses but none that were converted into goals. when the spanish offense wasn't getting the cross into the middle they were getting corner kicks. the corner kicks were usually played short with the result being shots from outside the box. the swiss keeper was able to save the shots that didn't go wide or over the net.
the pace of the game began to pick up with the entire field being used and everything happening quickly. switzerland would be on the attack one minute and the next spain would have gotten the ball back and the play back at the other end. the swiss keeper made a couple key saves in a short period of time. the swiss offense had a really good chance to score after carrying the ball the length of the field. several shots were taken in a row but hitting the post was the closest they were able to get.
the last portion of the match was more of the same back and forth with neither team dominating. although my television screen cut to blue briefly i don't think i missed much. there were quite a few free kicks awarded to spain due to fouls. the spanish offense had plenty of opportunities but the swiss defense held on.
two yellow cards were given toward the end of the game, one of which went to the swiss goalkeeper. i'm not certain why the official gave him a card so i'm not going to comment about how or why it was given(i might have been distracted because i thought his goalie jersey was really cool and he was easy on the eyes). he made another great save in the last few minutes after one of the many free kicks spain took. the other yellow went to a swiss defender after he committed a foul just outside the box. a wall was set by the swiss defense and blocked the shot.
spain should have been able to score, but i give the entire switzerland team credit for giving 100% and working hard to secure the win.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
you will not slip my memory
i will remember you for so many reasons - i guess i will write about the qualities that i'm sure i'm not the only one appreciated about you!
i felt comfortable and accepted around you even though i didn't know you for long. your personality made me feel like i was welcome and what i had to say was meaningful and mattered. i realize now that you were so welcoming and accepting of everybody that was blessed to know you. the acceptance you gave to others is what you wanted so badly from others. i didn't get close enough with you to talk about who didn't accept you which is why you gave to others what you craved so much. you forgot about not being accepted because you spent all your time making sure others never felt how you felt.
i felt like i could talk about almost anything with you and trust that it wouldn't make its way back to me. not only that but that you actually cared about what i had to say and felt honored with the chance to prove your trustworthiness. i didn't know you long enough to get too deep but i know why you listened so well - because you wanted somebody to trust. along with listening - you would ask about the subject we talked about the next time we saw each other. even simple little things were things you remembered and cared enough to offer yourself as a friend again. you did this because you wanted somebody to listen to you because they wanted to and cared enough to make sure you were doing better the next day too.
you enjoyed making a sad face turn into a smiling face. it seemed to bother you if somebody was unhappy and you would honestly do everything you could to help them feel better. you did this because you were sad too and helping somebody else feel happy made you feel better. you would even make fun of yourself so somebody else could lose a sad mood.
i only knew you for a short amount of time but i will never forgot how cool you were. we had a lot in common but lived completely different lives.
all that aside you were one of the many people that have been in my life - and you stood out! i was really sad to hear the bad news and that you were alone. the one thing you worked so hard so others wouldn't feel (being alone). i know that your heart hurt - i heard you talk about the ones you loved. sometimes our life situations get in the way of real friendships and we lose trust. i never wanted you to think i was calling because i wanted something - so i never called.
anyway, i regret not keeping in touch and being a friend you could call that day (or the days leading up to that day).
you were a very nice person with a great personality and extremely talented. i wish success wasn't so difficult for you.
you are missed and remembered by many!
rip - pg
i felt comfortable and accepted around you even though i didn't know you for long. your personality made me feel like i was welcome and what i had to say was meaningful and mattered. i realize now that you were so welcoming and accepting of everybody that was blessed to know you. the acceptance you gave to others is what you wanted so badly from others. i didn't get close enough with you to talk about who didn't accept you which is why you gave to others what you craved so much. you forgot about not being accepted because you spent all your time making sure others never felt how you felt.
i felt like i could talk about almost anything with you and trust that it wouldn't make its way back to me. not only that but that you actually cared about what i had to say and felt honored with the chance to prove your trustworthiness. i didn't know you long enough to get too deep but i know why you listened so well - because you wanted somebody to trust. along with listening - you would ask about the subject we talked about the next time we saw each other. even simple little things were things you remembered and cared enough to offer yourself as a friend again. you did this because you wanted somebody to listen to you because they wanted to and cared enough to make sure you were doing better the next day too.
you enjoyed making a sad face turn into a smiling face. it seemed to bother you if somebody was unhappy and you would honestly do everything you could to help them feel better. you did this because you were sad too and helping somebody else feel happy made you feel better. you would even make fun of yourself so somebody else could lose a sad mood.
i only knew you for a short amount of time but i will never forgot how cool you were. we had a lot in common but lived completely different lives.
all that aside you were one of the many people that have been in my life - and you stood out! i was really sad to hear the bad news and that you were alone. the one thing you worked so hard so others wouldn't feel (being alone). i know that your heart hurt - i heard you talk about the ones you loved. sometimes our life situations get in the way of real friendships and we lose trust. i never wanted you to think i was calling because i wanted something - so i never called.
anyway, i regret not keeping in touch and being a friend you could call that day (or the days leading up to that day).
you were a very nice person with a great personality and extremely talented. i wish success wasn't so difficult for you.
you are missed and remembered by many!
rip - pg
ivory coast vs portugal
somebody must have been doing the rain dance in africa. the rain was coming down again for this not very exciting game. don't jump to conclusions that these teams are boring or lack skill and/or ability. i am simply saying i have watched more entertaining games.
the game ended with a scoreless tie - so both teams will be able to continue competing. the ivory coast offense dominated in the first half for the most part. they weren't able to get into the penalty box for a good shot due to portugal playing solid defense. they did get into the box once but weren't able to get a good shot. the ivorians did take a strong shot from outside the penalty box but it was too high. they had a couple corner kicks without results and a few free kicks that were close but not good enough.
portugal was able to get into the penalty box for a couple attempts but the ivory coast goalkeeper made a couple good saves. although portugal had opportunities taking shots outside of the box, they were unable to score. they had set plays they could have capitalized on as well - but like the ivory coast they could not finish on free or corner kicks.
about 20 minutes into the first half there was a minor scuffle and a player from each team was issued a yellow card. the official failed to blow the whistle when a player felt there should have been a foul called. the verbal complaining did not cease so the official pulled out his cards and put it to rest. verbal complaints and comments seemed to diminish after that point - which i would assume was the officials intention.
the second half was a lot like the first with the exception of the ivory coast team getting more chances at close range. the offense made a nice cross into the box but the portugal keeper was able to punch it out. soon after they made another quality pass into the box but couldn't finish. the ivorian offense didn't seem to be playing with a sense of urgency. they had another couple of great crosses that couldn't be converted into goals because no other players were positioned to make the play. whatever the reason may it be fatigue or just being out of position - they were opportunities wasted that could have been goals. the defense for portugal had no problem clearing any cross that made its way into the area. they were able to get a nice shot off from outside the box after a throw in but that was saved as well. a few corner kicks for ivory coast were wasted and their offense was able to get a head on a free kick but there were no good results.
portugal found it difficult to get near the goal just the same with the exception of a nice play that would have been a goal had off sides not been called. the portugal offense had a cross come into the goal box area from the left side but the ivory coast keeper made a nice save. they had a nice shot from the outside that was denied along with several free kicks from outside the box that were not converted. portugal had a few corner kick opportunities that the ivorian defenders were able to deflect.
the most exciting part of the match was after regulation time had expired. during stoppage time both teams had chances with the portugal offense getting into the box to start. the ivory coast defended the attack and took advantage of their speed with a breakaway to the other end of the field for their own attempt on goal. portugal was able to get back and stop the breakaway. ivory coast continued to knock on the door making portugal scramble to hold them off. a whistle against portugal resulted in a free kick for ivory coast that they were not able to convert. the next whistle was for a corner kick for the ivory coast however at the same time play was stopped due to another teammate down with an injury.
the official blew the final whistle after the player was unable to get up and continue playing. the staff was waved onto the field to allow the player to be evaluated and treated. the situation was not ideal or fair since it was stoppage time and the official recognized that and blew the final whistle. the corner kick was not allowed but did not seem to be argued which is the correct reaction in my opinion.
both teams will have the opportunity to move on and another chance at a victory.
the game ended with a scoreless tie - so both teams will be able to continue competing. the ivory coast offense dominated in the first half for the most part. they weren't able to get into the penalty box for a good shot due to portugal playing solid defense. they did get into the box once but weren't able to get a good shot. the ivorians did take a strong shot from outside the penalty box but it was too high. they had a couple corner kicks without results and a few free kicks that were close but not good enough.
portugal was able to get into the penalty box for a couple attempts but the ivory coast goalkeeper made a couple good saves. although portugal had opportunities taking shots outside of the box, they were unable to score. they had set plays they could have capitalized on as well - but like the ivory coast they could not finish on free or corner kicks.
about 20 minutes into the first half there was a minor scuffle and a player from each team was issued a yellow card. the official failed to blow the whistle when a player felt there should have been a foul called. the verbal complaining did not cease so the official pulled out his cards and put it to rest. verbal complaints and comments seemed to diminish after that point - which i would assume was the officials intention.
the second half was a lot like the first with the exception of the ivory coast team getting more chances at close range. the offense made a nice cross into the box but the portugal keeper was able to punch it out. soon after they made another quality pass into the box but couldn't finish. the ivorian offense didn't seem to be playing with a sense of urgency. they had another couple of great crosses that couldn't be converted into goals because no other players were positioned to make the play. whatever the reason may it be fatigue or just being out of position - they were opportunities wasted that could have been goals. the defense for portugal had no problem clearing any cross that made its way into the area. they were able to get a nice shot off from outside the box after a throw in but that was saved as well. a few corner kicks for ivory coast were wasted and their offense was able to get a head on a free kick but there were no good results.
portugal found it difficult to get near the goal just the same with the exception of a nice play that would have been a goal had off sides not been called. the portugal offense had a cross come into the goal box area from the left side but the ivory coast keeper made a nice save. they had a nice shot from the outside that was denied along with several free kicks from outside the box that were not converted. portugal had a few corner kick opportunities that the ivorian defenders were able to deflect.
the most exciting part of the match was after regulation time had expired. during stoppage time both teams had chances with the portugal offense getting into the box to start. the ivory coast defended the attack and took advantage of their speed with a breakaway to the other end of the field for their own attempt on goal. portugal was able to get back and stop the breakaway. ivory coast continued to knock on the door making portugal scramble to hold them off. a whistle against portugal resulted in a free kick for ivory coast that they were not able to convert. the next whistle was for a corner kick for the ivory coast however at the same time play was stopped due to another teammate down with an injury.
the official blew the final whistle after the player was unable to get up and continue playing. the staff was waved onto the field to allow the player to be evaluated and treated. the situation was not ideal or fair since it was stoppage time and the official recognized that and blew the final whistle. the corner kick was not allowed but did not seem to be argued which is the correct reaction in my opinion.
both teams will have the opportunity to move on and another chance at a victory.
Monday, June 14, 2010
paraguay vs italy
the weather conditions were obvious but did not seem to affect the game too much. a steady downfall of rain or the constant buzzing noise made by the controversial horns. personally, i would prefer singing in the rain. some people might chuckle but the fans can and should be more creative. i like cheering, chanting, singing, the wave - its better than a constant buzz. i don't really care that much so about the match.
the end result was a 1-1 tie and both teams could have played better. paraguay scored the first goal on a set play. after a foul was called close to midfield paraguay executed the free kick beautifully. it was the classic but effective first player run over as the dummy kicker and the second player sent a great ball into the box and a teammate was able to get a head on it. it was a quality goal - the time they spent practicing that play paid off nicely. paraguay played with a lot of energy - the italian defenders were under pressure which made it hard for italy to distribute a good pass for a good opportunity to score. i would imagine the paraguay defenders appreciate the way their offense assisted them by working hard.
both teams had some decent looks at a goal in the second half. italy took shots from outside the penalty box a few times but all were saved. the game was evened at 1 goal for each team on a corner kick for italy. the keeper for paraguay made a good attempt to punch at the ball but was unable to get a hand on it. the italian offense put a head on it from the back post. a short time later paraguay had a corner of their own that was a close call for the italian defense,but they were able to clear the ball.
toward the end of the match italy took another strong shot from the outside and paraguay had a couple set play opportunities - but neither could finish.
the end result was a 1-1 tie and both teams could have played better. paraguay scored the first goal on a set play. after a foul was called close to midfield paraguay executed the free kick beautifully. it was the classic but effective first player run over as the dummy kicker and the second player sent a great ball into the box and a teammate was able to get a head on it. it was a quality goal - the time they spent practicing that play paid off nicely. paraguay played with a lot of energy - the italian defenders were under pressure which made it hard for italy to distribute a good pass for a good opportunity to score. i would imagine the paraguay defenders appreciate the way their offense assisted them by working hard.
both teams had some decent looks at a goal in the second half. italy took shots from outside the penalty box a few times but all were saved. the game was evened at 1 goal for each team on a corner kick for italy. the keeper for paraguay made a good attempt to punch at the ball but was unable to get a hand on it. the italian offense put a head on it from the back post. a short time later paraguay had a corner of their own that was a close call for the italian defense,but they were able to clear the ball.
toward the end of the match italy took another strong shot from the outside and paraguay had a couple set play opportunities - but neither could finish.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
american approbation or england execration
the end result of the game (refer to it as you choose soccer or futbol) - this match was a 1-1 tie. the field players for both teams worked hard. the two goalkeepers had completely different games but the result the same regardless.
the american keeper had a stellar game and he should be proud of his performance! although he made numerous saves throughout the game the play that stands out in my mind was in the first half. he read the situation correctly and played it accordingly - without hesitation he sacrificed his body. he made the save but also took the pain. after a brief visit from the teams trainer and a few moments to gather himself he was ready to continue and in my opinion was the mvp of the match. at the other end of the field the keeper for england experienced a misfortune that will not soon be forgotten. the first half was nearing the end when a shot by the american offense was mishandled and in a split second his teams lead was gone. no doubt a mistake he will feel on his back for some time. there are numerous ways to look at it - i choose the view of God inserting his grace toward the american team into the game. i do not believe in coincidences and feel that everything that happens or doesn't happen is meant to be. this blogs not about that though - back to the game.
england scored their goal in the first few minutes after a great run and beautiful passing by their offense. the american defense was just a little bit too late.
there were a handful of yellow cards given throughout the game and it was a very physical game - borderline dirty play at times. the americans had several good chances to put the ball in the goal but were unable to finish. the best opportunity in my opinion was on a free kick half way into the first half. i would refer to it as "unlucky" because it could have easily been a goal that the americans could've been proud of!
the second half was back and forth with englands offense knocking on the door quite a bit but were unable to score a second goal. at the beginning of the second half england had a wonderful breakaway that i'm sure they would like to do over again. the american keeper made a superb save once again.
england should have won the match 1-0 - but everything happens for a reason.
the american keeper had a stellar game and he should be proud of his performance! although he made numerous saves throughout the game the play that stands out in my mind was in the first half. he read the situation correctly and played it accordingly - without hesitation he sacrificed his body. he made the save but also took the pain. after a brief visit from the teams trainer and a few moments to gather himself he was ready to continue and in my opinion was the mvp of the match. at the other end of the field the keeper for england experienced a misfortune that will not soon be forgotten. the first half was nearing the end when a shot by the american offense was mishandled and in a split second his teams lead was gone. no doubt a mistake he will feel on his back for some time. there are numerous ways to look at it - i choose the view of God inserting his grace toward the american team into the game. i do not believe in coincidences and feel that everything that happens or doesn't happen is meant to be. this blogs not about that though - back to the game.
england scored their goal in the first few minutes after a great run and beautiful passing by their offense. the american defense was just a little bit too late.
there were a handful of yellow cards given throughout the game and it was a very physical game - borderline dirty play at times. the americans had several good chances to put the ball in the goal but were unable to finish. the best opportunity in my opinion was on a free kick half way into the first half. i would refer to it as "unlucky" because it could have easily been a goal that the americans could've been proud of!
the second half was back and forth with englands offense knocking on the door quite a bit but were unable to score a second goal. at the beginning of the second half england had a wonderful breakaway that i'm sure they would like to do over again. the american keeper made a superb save once again.
england should have won the match 1-0 - but everything happens for a reason.
Friday, June 11, 2010
south africa vs mexico
tie game 1-1
this was a pretty good game actually - evenly matched - solid defenses on both ends.
the second half was more eventful but in the end the score reflects the game in my opinion.
a few things that should be taken into consideration
off sides on corner kicks?
mexico scored in the first half on a corner kick but the goal was waved off on account of the off sides call. the mexico player was between the south african outside back who was positioned appropriately on the goal line far post and the south african goalie who was pushing up near the top of the goal box. this should have been a goal in my opinion but south africa also had a bit of misfortune of their own when it came to calls from the refs or lack there of. south africa had a breakaway in the second half where there could have been a penalty that was not called and a possible penalty shot that was deserved but was not blatant. the game was played clean for the most part which is nice to watch. competition thats healthy and respectful of the opponent.
south africa scored first in the second half on a beautiful play and a powerful shot. some might say this could have been called off sides but for the most part was a deserved goal. the defense strategy of mexico may be to blame in my opinion. the off side trap is a good idea if the defensive is faster and the call is made correctly by the linesman. mexico was a step too late and the south african forward made a good play off a equally good assist.
mexico scored in the second half as well on a set play. south africa had a great chance close to the end of the game but the shot hit the post.
south africa threatens the most with speed and accuracy on offense and a solid defense that is strong.
mexico threatens with a capable midfield that is able to pass together well on a regular basis to maintain possession.
the corner kick still does not sit well with me at all. if the call is not going to be made it might be in the best interest of the defense to just push up on a corner kick. its difficult to explain unless you have soccer experience. i can't stand it either when people say "you had to be there" or "you wouldn't understand". but, this blog is too long as it is and its hard to explain or maybe i'm just lazy all of a sudden.
anyway - good first game!
this was a pretty good game actually - evenly matched - solid defenses on both ends.
the second half was more eventful but in the end the score reflects the game in my opinion.
a few things that should be taken into consideration
off sides on corner kicks?
mexico scored in the first half on a corner kick but the goal was waved off on account of the off sides call. the mexico player was between the south african outside back who was positioned appropriately on the goal line far post and the south african goalie who was pushing up near the top of the goal box. this should have been a goal in my opinion but south africa also had a bit of misfortune of their own when it came to calls from the refs or lack there of. south africa had a breakaway in the second half where there could have been a penalty that was not called and a possible penalty shot that was deserved but was not blatant. the game was played clean for the most part which is nice to watch. competition thats healthy and respectful of the opponent.
south africa scored first in the second half on a beautiful play and a powerful shot. some might say this could have been called off sides but for the most part was a deserved goal. the defense strategy of mexico may be to blame in my opinion. the off side trap is a good idea if the defensive is faster and the call is made correctly by the linesman. mexico was a step too late and the south african forward made a good play off a equally good assist.
mexico scored in the second half as well on a set play. south africa had a great chance close to the end of the game but the shot hit the post.
south africa threatens the most with speed and accuracy on offense and a solid defense that is strong.
mexico threatens with a capable midfield that is able to pass together well on a regular basis to maintain possession.
the corner kick still does not sit well with me at all. if the call is not going to be made it might be in the best interest of the defense to just push up on a corner kick. its difficult to explain unless you have soccer experience. i can't stand it either when people say "you had to be there" or "you wouldn't understand". but, this blog is too long as it is and its hard to explain or maybe i'm just lazy all of a sudden.
anyway - good first game!
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