We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
The first World Cup weekend is officially over but the games continue to come thick and fast. I'm back in Blue Devil HQ to follow the openers for two of the tournament perennials - Holland and Italy. We start with the first all-European affair and end with the World Champions taking on Paraguay. Should be fascinating - join me, won't you?
posted by The Blue Devil @ 6:36 AM
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
314 Comments:
I'm up early to get my political fix after a weekend of ignoring the non-footie news. I'm pleased by the coverage of the World Cup on "Morning Joe," hosted by Joe Scarborough, the one conservative pundit who doesn't hate the beautiful game. He had the WC as story #2 behind the BP oil spill and had an intelligent discussion of the weekend's games punctuated by calls for banning the vuvuzela. Nice one, Joe!
First up this morning is Group E, beginning with the Netherlands against Denmark. A check on the predictions for Group E:
All of us have Holland progressing.
Those of us who predicted Denmark to advance:
Simon Burke
United We Stand
Blubber Boy
Those of us who predicted Cameroon to progress:
AZ Kicker (has them topping the group!)
Blue Devil
Chelskilad
Gooner71
Jonathan
Kathy
ManUtd Rules
Someone Said
Thomas
West Ham Rising
Those of who predicted Japan to progress:
Matthew
Yellows
Driving home, I listened to a slate of World Cup related podcasts. Some highlights:
* A 606 caller noticed that none of the England players consoled Rob Green after his howler. An indication of the lack of team spirit in the camp?
* Alan Davies described Jamie Carragher's effort to keep up with Jozy: "looked like he was running through treacle."
* Frank Skinner's take on the World Cup huddles: "I would wait until they said all the inspiring words and then say, 'by the way, I have nits.'"
Oh and Tommy Smyth is, as we know, a complete idiot. He mentioned on the ESPN podcast that there had never been a goalkeeping howler like Rob Green's. Here are two off the top of my head:
* Packy Bonner dropping one in the net against Holland at USA 94.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_tVF5ucv-Y
* Rene Higuita having the ball nicked off him by Roger Milla at Italia 90.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwM4z8xD_cU
Good thing the Auld Onion Bag has been relegated to radio this time around. What a shocker!
Lovely jubbly - the ESPN coverage has started.
The teams are in and there are some surprises:
Holland: Stekelenburg, Van Der Wiel, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst, Kuyt, Van Bommel, De Jong, Van der Vaart, Sneijder, van Persie. Subs: Vorm, Robben, Boulahrouz, Ooijer, De Zeeuw, Braafheid, Elia, Schaars, Babel, Afellay, Huntelaar, Boschker.
Denmark: Sorensen, Jacobsen, Agger, Kjaer, Simon Poulsen, Enevoldsen, Christian Poulsen, Kahlenberg, Jorgensen, Rommedahl, Bendtner. Subs: Andersen, Kvist, Jensen, Gronkjaer, Tomasson, Kroldrup, Jakob Poulsen, Beckmann, Larsen, Eriksen, Mtiliga, Christiansen.
Robben is listed as a sub for Holland. In all likelihood, though, he won't be used today.
On the other hand, Nik Bendtner who was doubtful, starts for Morten Olsen's side. That's great news - I've always liked big Nik.
Ruud Gullit's on hand for the comment today. Adrian Healey and John Harkes doing the commentary.
Good morning Blue Devil. I am ready to join you for all the action.
Morning, MUR! Great to have you on board this morning.
I wonder if the Dutch were watching Germany lay down a marker last night?
Lots of familiar faces on show today from the Premiership and Champions League play.
The Dutch are difficult to predict.They have have a much stiffer test than the Germans in the first all German tie of the tournament.
I've got a bet on with my brother that his beloved Robben Van Persie won't be able to score a goal a game (or 4) by the time I see him for the quarterfinal weekend at the beginning of July.
Agreed. Denmark are a stiffer challenge than Australia but one that Holland will want to meet. We still don't know what Cameroon will look like or just how weak the Japanese are.
Denmark already tough and quick into the tackle in the early going. Van der Vaart picks up a free. They can loft this one in.
Sneijder actually has a go but like most attempts on goal from free kicks, it's well over.
Bendtner could pose problems for opposing defenses with his physical presence. Wesley Sneijder shoots well over.
I hope so. I love big Nik. My kind of player. Good in the air but with good touch.
Free kick now for Denmark and Poulsen tries his luck. Well wide. Players still trying to find their range with the Jabulani.
A goal a game is rather ambitious. I am not sure if anyone will score a goal a game in this tournament. Perhaps Klose if he gets proper service and the Germans have a good run in the tournament.
The right back Van der Weil makes a surging run but is eventually stopped.
I was thinking that. It's certainly not improbable to think that Klose may get close to Ronaldo's record haul of 15 in this tournament. He might have scored at least a brace last night. And they've still got Serbia and Ghana to come in the group stage before things get tougher.
Kuuyt shoots straight at Sorensen from long range. I thought Sorensen would miss the World Cup after his injury against Chelski.
I wonder why Rommedahl never quite made it in the Premiership. I really enjoy watching him.
I thought so too. His inclusion will give the Danes some confidence.
Speaking of injuries, I woke up to the news that Ledley King is out of the tournament. More headaches for Fabio.
I am not sure, but he was clearly off the pace while playing for Charlton. It might have been the particular style of play.
Fairly scrappy so far. The Dutch really miss Robben as an attacking outlet.
Capello might start Michael Dawson along John Terry. He had a great season with Spurs.
The Dutch are clearly the attacking. An indication is that Rommedahl is back defending.The Dutch corner is cleared, but the Dutch maintain possession.
That would be my pick too. I feel a bit bad for Matthew Upson, who I do like. He's always been the bridesmaid and never the bride in these tournaments. Yet he's the JT stand-in; Dawson complements better. I still don't remember a tough tackle that Ledley had to make in that first half. I assume that he came into the tournament with an injury and couldn't withstand the pace.
Oh - it nearly opened up for Van der Vaart. Holland definitely the more enterprising here but they're finding it difficult to break down the resolute Danish defense. Let's be honest - the Danes would be delighted with a point.
RVP with the great turn and Van Der Vaart's shot is deflected wide.
Van der Vaart again has a chance after a nice move down the right. Just couldn't get his feet right.
Van Bommel makes a great run down the right and Van Der Vaart stumbles before shooting over.
Now Enevoldsen sees some space and then balloons a Jabulani shot well over.
That was a chance for the Danes as the y break and Bendtner heads wide after a cross from the right.
Oh - the first big chance of the match. Van Bronckhorst allowed the cross to come over from Rommedahl and Bendtner missed the target. He has to do better with a chance like that.
Phew - that was a two-footed challenge from De Jong on Jorgensson. I've seen those given reds before.
Martin Jorgensen is down injured after a tackle by Nigel De Jong in midfield.
Half an hour in then and precious few chances so far. I reckon that I'm pretty safe in thinking that the Gooner will be picking up the beers on Fourth of July weekend.
Sneijder is wildly optimistic is striking one from forty yards. Straight into the one-man wall.
The Dutch have 61% of the possession without really testing Sorensen.
The quick interplay between Sneijder, Van der Vaart and RVP seems the most promising route for the Dutch. Corner now....
Kuyt delivers a good ball across the area and it's scrambled away. The resulting corner is cleared.
The young Dutch keeper Stekelenburg is tested for the first time by Rommedahl. He might have played Bendtner in there.
Kuuyt's pass across the penalty area is deflected by a Danish defender. That could have gone anywhere. The Danes break off the Dutch corner and Rommedahl shoots straight at Stecklenburg.
Free kick chance for the Danes here....
Wasted.
The Danes blast a free kick from 35 yards out into the three man Dutch wall.
Oh - Bendtner did well to play in Kallenberg who hit it near post. Good save.
Bendtner with the great pass to Kahlenburg who forces a save from Stecklenburg.
The break is on for the Dutch here if they can take advantage. They can't.
The Danish short corner is cleared and the Dutch break. Goal kick to the Danes.
The Danes have two shots on goal to one for the Dutch.
This match is shaping up as I'd thought it might as we near half-time. The Dutch are an attractive side, no doubt, but they lack the killer instinct up front.
Kuuyt clashes with Daniels Agger as we have a Costa battle.
I agree with Harkesy. The Dutch are almost too patient in their build up.
RVP has his first sight of goal. Shoots near post with his unfavored right peg.
RVP shoots wide of the near post as he is closed down by Agger.
The big question about RVP is whether it's freshness or rust that he'll show.
Another nasty one from De Jong. He's surely close to a card. Yes, there it is.
The Dutch need to have better runs off the ball and need to be more unpredictable. Nigel De Jong is booked for a foul.
Kahlenberg knocks a corner across that just evades Bendtner.
It is halftime and the score is 0-0. This match could really use a goal.
Half-time: Morten Olsen will be delighted with that. The Danes thoroughly frustrated the Dutch attack and had plenty of their own chances.
I'm off for a shower. Any comment on the proceedings, Gooner?
GOAL 1-0 ! The Dutch with a goal from nothing as RVP rounds Sorensen and crosses from the left. The cross bounces off the back of C.B. Poulsen for the unfortunate o.g.
GOAL! I'm just back from my shower in time to see Daniel Agger stick one in his own net. It all came from pressure on the left through RVP who played a dangerous cross over that went off the back of Agger into the net.
1-0 Holland!
Van Persie now picks up a yellow for treading on a defender's toe. The Dane made a bit of a meal of it.
The goal was scored 32 second into the half . C.B. Poulsen attempted to head the cross clear, but missed the header. That was the Dane's first touch of the half. Nigel De Jong sent the long ball through to RVP.
RVP is in there from a Kuyt pass and he really should have hit it first time. There's the rust from not playing recently.
Some question as to whether the own goal - the first of the tournament - should be counted to Poulsen or Agger. The FIFA read-out seems to indicate Agger got the last touch.
No - it is Poulsen's o.g. apparently. John Harkes was right on that one.
First change - Jesper Gronkjaer is coming on to provide some more attacking fire-power. Enovoldsen off.
The Danes will be forced to attack after the own goal. The match should be a more attacking spectacle.Jesper Gronkjaer, the former Chelski player, on for Enevoldsen. He attacks immediately down the left.
I will not be available for the remaining two games today as I have to go into work. I will be recording the matches.
Neat little stab at goal from Van der Vaart, who I think has been Holland's best player. Great save Sorenson.
Sorensen saves well from Van Der Vaart.
Sure thing - it's been a pleasure sharing the matches with you. I'm hoping that UWS will be on board for Japan v. Cameroon.
The save was more difficult than it initially appeared due to the accurate placing.
Thank you Blue Devil. I will be available until the end of this match.
RVP finishes in the net and the ref gives him a bollocking. RVP indicates that he can't hear the whistle for the vuvuzela drone. I feel for him.
RVP is booked for playing after the referee's whistle. That is rather harsh as the vuvuzuelas contributed to that card.
Olsen really rolling the dice now by replacing Bendtner with Mikkel Beckmann. Big Nik made it an hour and did reasonably well under the circumstances. They'll need him for the remaining two fixtures.
Actually, if memory serves RVP was booked at the beginning of the half right after the own goal for treading on Kjaer's toe. If he picked up another, then perhaps this is another Graham Poll moment. I didn't see the card come out again.
Speaking of which, Kjaer picks up his own card there for a fairly innocuous challenge.
I agree. I am not sure who will score for the Danes. Kjaer is booked for a push on Snjeider.
Another refereeing controversy?
Harkesy endorses the Jabulani. I'm sure Adidas appreciates it. Their execs have been busy defending their product.
Does Harkes have an agreement with Adidas?
Here's how the 365 commentary saw the RVP incident:
"van Bommel flicks the ball on to Van Persie but the whistle goes as the Arsenal man chips Sorensen. He's already been booked and is spoken to by the referee. RVP claims he didn't hear the whistle."
That's actually smart refereeing. If he'd sent RVP off for that, it really would have been controversial, but I'd have been laughing at Gooner's expense.
I agree. The referee made the correct decision.
I'm surprised to see Van der Vaart removed. He was Holland's most dangerous threat. But I'm curious to see Eljero Elia.
And Elia immediately dazzles on the wing, but his ball inside is blocked out.
Elia with the nice turn and driblle down the left. RVP is tackled in the penalty area. I wonder if Gooner will claim that RVP should be awarded the goal.
Rommedahl did well to get to the by-line the ball over there. But so did the Labrador - Dirk Kuyt tracking back to clear.
Van Bommel with another Jabulani effort after more good work from Elia.
Van Bommel shoots well over after another run by Elia.
A final gambit from Morten Olsen with the teenager Ericksson coming on.
Elia again creates havoc with a great ball in, Sorenson punches and then saves well from Van Bommel.
Oh - RVP should have done better with that header from the corner. I can imagine Gooner slapping his forehead at that one. Make mine a summer wheat, mate!
The Danes make another substitution as Eriksen is on for Kahlenburg. Van Bommel shoots into the side netting, then heads wide from the resulting corner.
Fifteen minutes left to play here. I wonder if the Danes have the guile to get back into this one?
I do not see a scoring threat for the Danes.
The cameraman has gotten bored and is now intent on picking out his favorite past masters - Zidane, Platini, Cruyff.
RVP is replaced by Ibrahim Afellay.
RVP is removed. "Gooner, Gooner, what's the score? Gooner - what's the score?"
A promising Dutch move ends with Elia being flagged offside.
The Danes really need to throw caution to the wind here. If they could get an equalizer, they might fancy their chances of winning one of the remaining fixtures and going through on four points.
Adrian Healey needs a lozenge.
Sorensen had to be alert after he tips Sjeider's deflected shot over the bar.
Ohhhh - Sneijder tries one and it hits the bar. Sorenson has deserved his luck.
The Danes haven't looked as dangerous since Bendtner came off.
I agree. I do not see the Dane's scoring.
GOAL! Elia earns his just reward, running through before hitting the post with a shot. The Labrador mops up for Holland's second.
2-0!
GOAL 2-0!!! Kuyyt scores a simple goal from a yard out as the dangerous Elia shoots past Sorensen and hits the post. Kuyyt taps in a simple rebound. The match is effectively over.
Does a 2-0 scoreline flatter the Dutch. I think a bit.
Wesley Snjeider's beautiful pass to Elia cannot be ignored.
Oh - Poulson saves the blushes with an excellent goal-line clearance from Apellay's shot.
Agreed. Sneijder has been a stand-out along with Van der Vaart. And Elia has done more than enough to impress.
Dermi De Zeeuw is on for De Jong. Nearly 3-0 as Poulsen clears off the line from Affelay after his shot deflects off of Sorensen.
Oh - Rommedahl drills a cross over but no one is home for a consolation goal.
The score is a bit flattering. An efficient Dutch performance without being overly impressive.
I am off to work . I will join you tomorrow morning.
Harkes isn't convinced that Holland are tournament favorites. I'm not either.
Cheers, MUR - I'll look forward to it.
Full-time: The Dutch get off to a winning start with a convincing win and performance against a tough fellow European side. Not exactly Clockwork Oranje, but they'll take it.
2-0
I'm going to nip off to put in an appearance at work and will follow the Japan v. Cameroon from the office. See you all then.
The teams are in for our second match today then:
Japan: Kawashima, Nagatomo, Nakazawa, Tanaka, Komano, Matsui, Honda, Abe, Hasebe, Endo, Okubo
Cameroon: Hamidou, Etoundi, N'Koulou, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto, Matip, Makoun, Enoh, Eto'o, Webo, Choupo-Moting
All eyes on Samuel Eto'o today. He's been in the news for all the wrong reasons lately, criticized by Cameroon legend Roger Milla, throwing the toys out of the pram in the camp and getting himself sent off in a warm-up match. Will he show up today?
It's fake Scot Derek Rae and Robbie Mustoe on the commentary for this one.
Derek Rae is remarking on the empty seats. Apparently the stadium is only half full.
I'm looking forward to seeing CSKA Moscow's Keisuke Honda, who Gooner was noting in the preview of Japan.
Right, anthems over we're ready for the match. And Cameroon get us underway in the first half.
The front three for Cameroon are trying to switch positions regularly in order to confuse the Japanese midfielders.
The big shock in the Cameroon team selection today is the youngster Joel Matip, who was my young player to watch, in for the veteran Alexandre Song.
First real chance for Cameroon. Webo is fed by Eto'o and the striker Choupo-Moting just can't reach it. In truth the cross was behind him a bit.
Spurs man Assou-Ekotto lofts in a dangerous free kick and the young Japanese keeper Kawashima gets himself in a total mess there.
Not a lot of attacking intent shown by the Japanese yet.
Webo had a chance to play in Eto'o but he wasted the opportunity.
Matsui's deflected cross was well held there by Hamidou.
Oh - Hamidou made a mess of that cross from Matsui and I really thought that Honda could have attacked the bobble.
I was really hoping for an early goal or refereeing controversy to keep my interest in this match. Hasn't happened yet. Nearly half an hour gone now.
Honda tried to work an opening with Matsui on the right. I'd like to see Japan test the Cameroon right back a bit on the left side.
35 minutes gone and yet to see a shot on goal. I've turned to the Sunday paper for entertainment.
Eyong finally gets a shot on goal and Kawashima handles it well.
GOAL! Keisuke Honda opens up the scoring. It all went down the right side through Matsui, Japan's best player so far, and his cross evades all the Cameroon defenders. Honda cleans it up at the backpost.
1-0 Japan!
That's torn it for my prediction of Cameroon placing second in this group. I had Japan to finish rock bottom.
Moring Bob
Hope you had a good time this weekend.
My State Social Studies test just ended in time for the Japanese goal
Who has deserved it?
Welcome, Dave! I had a magic time this weekend. Please pass on my thanks to all of the family. I hope you enjoyed the pics. I enjoyed Mike's mash-up shot of us.
It's been a poor match really. Neither side deserves to advance IMHO.
Derek Rae is right - Cameroon have been really toothless up front. I had predicted that Samuel Eto'o would be a big flop in this World Cup.
Two minutes of stoppage time then.
Half time
Toyota scored the only goal of the half... no it was Honda!
Boom boom
Half-time: 1-0 Japan.
Those of you stuck at work haven't really missed much in this one. There have only been two shots on goal - one for each side, including the goal.
Thank you, Basil!
Teams back out for the second half. And Japan will get us underway. Interesting half-time comments by Ruud about Samuel Eto'o. He disappointed and so are the rest of us.
I am here but my hands are busy eating lunch.So I won't be able to comment for a bit
Kathy wants to know what you want?
Free kick to Japan to the right of the box... comes to nothing
Oh dear - Moting misses a big, big chance there after Eto'o had got to the by-line and pulled it back brilliantly. Absurd miss.
Boy, I wish I were there for lunch. I'm having a pot noodle.
Still no improvement from Cameroon. The endless running from the Japanese is winning out over the physicality of the Cameroon team. Le Guen has to think about some changes soon. Moting has been hopeless.
We've reached the hour mark and Le Guen has seen enough.
Free kick now for Cameroon....
The Spurs man over it and it drifts wide for a corner.
The Japanese keeper Kawashima has taken out his own teammate Tanaka.
Emana comes on for Matip, who was woeful.
Right now that Japan prediction by Matthew and Yellows is looking pretty good. But I reckon that Denmark will be keen to beat both of these sides. Cameroon are nowhere near as good as I'd expected. If the Danes can get big Nik fit, they'll fancy it.
Shocking cross!
What is up with these players so far in the WC? Are they nervous?
I haven't seen an outstanding performance by anyone so far.
Come on fellas, show us what you can do!
That was a dive there!
Free kick chance
ABSOLUTELY HOPELESS!!!
Webo is a mile offside. He finishes and gets the usual bollocking from the ref. I don't think I've seen any cards yet though.
Old boy Geremi coming on. That's hardly the ticket.
That was hopeless from Edrissou. He was off to the races and a heavy touch killed it.
ABSOLUTLEY HOPELESS AGAIN!!
Kicks the ball too far ahead of him... that is basic stuff!
Free kick oppo here. Nothing doing. Ten minutes to play.
What did you think of the Germans last night? They looked pretty tasty.
Off the post by Japan
Offside called
Japan have their second shot on goal but the forward is offside on the rebound.
How about the Tim Cahill red card. A bit harsh, eh?
I like that comment from Derek - "deary me!"
Cameroon reverting to long ball now.
OHHHH - finally a decent shot on goal from Mbia. Strikes the bar!
ABOUT TIME!!!
A LONG RANGE SHOT OF QUALITY
Unlucky there for Cameroon
Honda hits a speculative shot and Hamadou does his best Rob Green impression. Trickles wide.
Not just in this match but in the whole tournament.
Can you think of another?
I remember them flying in all over the place in '78
I agree - all of the free kicks have been hopeless.
This could be curtains for Cameroon. I don't fancy them getting anything from Holland.
It really bothers me
Finally, this country has shown a little bit of interest in the tournament and it has failed to deliver... they're probably loving the dire displays
4 added minutes
Into the corner flag now for the Blue Samurai.
A late yellow card for Abe.
Spurs man to stick a long free kick up. Goes straight through to the keeper. That should about do it.
Great save Kawashima right at the end. Wow!
Great save... called back anyway
Full-time! That's it. Japan's first WC victory on foreign soil. It gives them some hope now of making the Round of 16, an unthinkable prospect before the tournament's start.
1-0 Japan!
I'm going to try to get some work done before Italy match. See you then, mate!
Sorry I have not been around. Been sick, busy and thinking of you all.
Went to my (now former) local for Saturday's match. An amazing turn out that had a different type of unfortunate result.
http://anamericangame.wordpress.com/2010/06/13/claddagh-ruining-a-good-thing-as-we-know-it/
It's been a fine tournament so far!
Ed
Good to hear from you, Ed. You're welcome to drop in for a chat whenever you like. Enjoy the matches!
Sorry to hear about the problems with your local - Claddagh - in Columbus. I was hoping to have the chance to join you for a pint and match before long. Gooner has had similar issues with his local - Summers - in DC.
I, unfortunately, have no footer pubs in the hinterlands of western NY so I have to rely on Blue Devil HQ and the LOB.
I'm back for the afternoon's festivities. And the team news is in:
Italy: Buffon, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Criscito, De Rossi, Marchisio, Montolivo, Pepe, Gilardino, Iaquinta
Paraguay: Villar, Bonet, Alcaraz, Da Silva, Rodriguez, Vera, Caceres, Riveros, Torres, Valdez, Barrios
The big shock there in the Paraguay line-up for Premiership watchers is the absence of Roque Santa Cruz from the starting line-up.
It's a rainy night in Cape Town. And it's Ian Darke and Efan Ekoku on the commentary. Martin must be resting his vocal chords.
Here come the defending champions coming out of the tunnel.
Another of world football's great anthems. Up and at 'em stuff. Forza Italia!
Despite the age of the Italian side, there are only three who starred for the Azzurri at Germany 06.
I don't expect the kind of display that we saw out of the classy Germans last night, but I hope for something.
Perhaps a Paraguayan goal can bring the notoriously defensive Italians out of their shells?
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