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!
We're wrapping up the first round of group matches today with Group H, starting with tournament favorite Spain getting their campaign started against Switzerland. Then we start in on round two of matches with the key Group A clash between South Africa and Uruguay. Join me for all the usual LOB coverage.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 7:04 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!
425 Comments:
First thing, a check on the predictions for Group H.
All fifteen of us had Spain topping the group; indeed six of us predicted Spain as eventual champions.
Those who predicted Chile would advance with Spain:
AZ Kicker
Blubber Boy
Blue Devil
Chelskilad
Jonathan
Simon Burke
Thomas
United We Stand
West Ham Rising
Those who predicted Honduras would advance:
Gooner71
Someone Said
Those who predicted Switzerland would advance:
Kathy
ManUtd Rules
Matthew
The teams are in for Honduras v. Chile:
Honduras: Valladares, Mendoza, Chavez, Figueroa, Izaguirre, Palacios, Guevara, Alvarez, Nunez, Espinoza, Pavon
Chile: Bravo, Isla, Medel, Ponce, Vidal, Millar, Carmona, Fernandez, Sanchez, Valdivia, Beausejour
As Alexi put it, "we are Suazo-less this morning. No Humberto Suazo for Honduras and no David Suazo for Chile." Shame that.
Good morning Blue Devil. I am looking forward to the match between Honduras and Chile.
It'll be Adrian Healey chewing on his words as usual alongside John Harkes this morning.
Morning, MUR! Me too - should be an open, attractive affair between two sides who will have real interest in grabbing second spot. I notice, however, that you've plumped for the Swiss. What do you see in them that others don't?
I wonder if there will be a shortage of goals due to the injuries. I believe this affects Honduras more than Chile as Chile still have Alexis Sanchez.
I believe that the Swiss are well organized and Ottmar Hitzfeld seems to know how to get the most out of his players. He has been successful wherever he has coached.
Lots of MLS and Premiership interest in both sides, including former Galaxy man Carlos Pavon up front for Honduras and Wilson Palacios from Spurs, your pick for grabbing an early yellow card. I'm looking forward to taking a look at Chile's dynamic forward Alexis Sanchez who plies his trade in Italy with Udinese.
I think that's a fair shout for Hitzfeld. He was terrific at Bayern.
FIFA continue with their policy of picking referees from odd places with an official from the Seychelles this morning. He's guaranteed to have seen some top action, then.
Off we go then....
An early free kick chance for Chile here. It's your man Wilson Palacios with a welcome to the match.
Matias Fernandez over the ball...
The Seychelles have a top domestic league. I sure am pleases that the EPL teams do not have to compete against them in the Champions League. Seriously, I am not sure what FIFA was thinking.
Decent effort there from the Sporting Lisbon player. He's found his sights early here.
Nearly 1-0 as Matt Fernandez's free kick is just over.
Alexis Sanchez was crying out for the ball there. Chile have made a bright start and have earned a corner.
An early card to Carlos Carmona who took out Alvarez to prevent a Honduras fast break.
Corner to Chile. Honduras clear and Carlos Carmona earns a yellow for Chile for a late challenge on Alvarez.
I agree. Chile appear to be surprisingly sharp.
Another free kick chance now for Chile out wide right....
A mad scramble that ends with a tame effort. Whistle had gone.
Honduras really pinned in here by the early Chilean pressure. They've barely got out of their half.
Honduras break with their first attack of the match, but a deflected shot is easily caught by Bravo.
Nice crisp passing from the Chileans.
Vidal tries one from distance and why not? Valladares had difficulty handling it.
Vidal's long range shot bounces off of Valladares' chest, but is eventually caught. The swerve gave him some difficulty.
Chile have been more adventurous than Brazil. Are you watching Dunga?
Honduras have weathered the early assault and are now trying to build from the back.
Seriously - have negative were the boys in yellow? Did you have a chance to watch the full match? Or highlights?
That should have read, "How negative were the boys in yellow?" I was very disappointed by Brazil. I don't buy into the jogo bonito mythology anymore but still....
I did watch the entire match and admit that the North Koreans were well organized. They were a surprise and cannot be underestimated. I do not expect a repeat of the 5-3 score from 1966.
I read that Sky are offering a "red button" option that mutes the vuvuzela buzz. Presumably that would mute the crowd entirely, right?
I wonder if Chelskilad watched that match.
On that evidence, they could give Portugal and Ivory Coast a scare.
As far as I can tell, Chelskilad has been down the pub for the evening matches, so probably so.
That is my understanding. I believe that option is available with any satellite television company.
Really? ESPN trumpeted some muting action yesterday but I couldn't really tell the difference in the end.
I meant to ask if he watched North Korea vs Brazil in 1966. he stated that he watched the World Cup final that year.
A quick throw launches Mendoza up the wing and he fed Pavon but the former MLS man got his shot all wrong.
When we talked via Skype at the weekend, he remembered suffering through the shock Italy defeat to North Korea as a long-standing Azzurri fan, so I'd imagine that he did. I believe that he was 12 in 1966.
I have noticed that the majority of the goals in this tournament have been scored in the second half. Matt Fernandez is booked for a tackle. I did not see much wrong with that tackle.
Espinoza hits one and earns the first corner for Honduras.
Two early yellows for Chile - that's not good for them.
Great block there from Guevara as Valdivia blasted one at goal. Corner.
The corner broke free for Sanchez and he slipped as he struck it.
Roger Espinoza of the K.C. Wizards shoots and his shot is deflected out for a corner. Chile counter with a move that starts with a long throw by Bravo Alexis Sanchez passes to Valldivia whose shot is deflected off of Guevara's head for a corner.
Vidal dives in there and is lucky not to pick up a third yellow for Chile.
Bornstein a hero in Honduras - that's excellent. I was certainly delighted with the late effort.
Chile have played a clean match,but their midfield players have been booked because they attended the Scholes School of Tackling.
I think I might take the Hondurans up on their offer with a holiday getaway. I've never been to Honduras.
Vidal heads just over from a corner.
I think that they realize that the Hondurans are trying to punk them on the break so when the Chilean attacks break down, they tend to take one for the team by diving in to prevent it.
Pavon is down on the turf holding his ankle. The Honduran's cannot afford to lose him as Suazo is out injured.
Absolutely - Pavon is the lynchpin of their scoring threat.
More Scholes-like defending from the Chilean midfield.
Adrian Healy alluded to the fact that Wigan are well represented at this World Cup. I remember them entering the Football League when I was a student at Feltwell.
Wilson Palacios with some step-over moves never before seen at Shite Fart Lane there. Remarkable!
Sanchez is upended and Chile have a dangerous free kick opportunity now...
No - we play on. I thought surely that was a foul from Figueroa.
This might be one to catch on Univision for obvious reasons. How's your Spanish, MUR?
Snachez is fouled by Figueroa just outside the penalty area as Chile break. The referee does not award a free kick stating that the Wigan player has been booked.
Your prediction comes good - Palacios into the referee's book in the 32nd minute.
GOAL! Chile open up the scoring and deservedly so. La Roja are in front and it's "The Frenchman" Beausejour who nicks one in at the near post from a cross.
1-0 Chile!
Wilson Palacios is booked for persistent fouling as I predicted.Beausejour scores at the near post as the move began with the free kick and some great passing.
GOAL !!! 1-0 Chile
Chile are nearly in again as Matias Fernandez does more fine work. Guevara is doing yeoman's work for Honduras making some telling last ditch blocks.
Chile have another corner. Valladares punches clear. Chile have possession in their own half.
Chile have been the better. It is a deserved lead.
On the replay, it appears that the Honduran defender (Figueroa?) played the ball into Beausejour. The Chilean didn't know much about it but he'll accept the goal nonetheless.
I observed the Honduran contribution as well. The goal definitely had an element of luck about it.
Any comment on Portugal v. Ivory Coast? UWS and the Gooner were incensed by Ronaldo's antics. I was merely disappointed by the cynicism and negativity of the tactics of both teams who were more scared of losing than anything else.
Palacios wins a tackle in midfield and the ball breaks to Alvarez. The Chilean defense recovers.
Chile now have possession outside the penalty area, but Valladares gathers the cross with no difficulty.
Oh - the chance opened up for Sanchez in the box but he might have pulled the trigger earlier. Blocked out. Harkes notes a handball but it was certainly unintentional.
Valladares saves well from Valldivia after a scramble in the penalty area.
The Honduran keeper is having some trouble now. He's asked Figueroa to take the goal kick.
I agree. A penalty would have been harsh.
Honduras earn a free kick after a quick break. Decent effort from Nunez and it had to be tipped over. The free kicks have been better today. I wonder if the players are watching the matches and making adjustments?
Half-time: 1-0 Chile
Chile good value for their lead. They had most of the initiative in that first half with Honduras relying on quick counters. Back after a shower.
Bravo tips over Nunez's free kick. A late corner to Honduras and it is halftime. I agree with UWS and Gooner about Ronaldo. I am pleased that the Ivorian players put him in his place. I am sure that the referee was looking for an excuse to book Ronaldo. Once he was booked and the Ivorians put him on notice then he stopped. Other teams may want to take note.
The second half is underway. And Alvarez goes down in the box early doors. The referee is unmoved. Defender got a nick on it.
Guevara winds up a shot but it's blocked. More positive approach from Honduras at the beginning of this half.
I am back for the second half. Honduras start the second half with an attack and a great defensive tackle.Beausejour attacks and is tackled well by the Hondurans.
Pavon helping to clear things in his own box and he's down nursing an injury.
Chile earn a corner after pressuring the Honduran defenders. The short corner is cleared after a scramble in the box.
Pavon has been down twice.
Mauricio Isla has a shot point blank saved. But the whistle had gone for offside.
Isla is flagged offside Jara is on for Muller.
Honduras have gone back into their shell after those early forays.
Free kick now for Chile....
Nice delivery from Fernandez but it's cleared out.
Sanchez is hacked by Palacios on the edge of the box. The Spurs man has to be careful. The ref waved on the play. Unlucky for the Chilean.
Alexis Sanchez is down injured holding his knee. I believe there have been twenty four goals scored in this tournament with twenty four different goal scorers.
Another great free kick from Fernandez there. He's been my MOTM so far.
My nominee for Funniest Name on the Honduran team Georgie Welcome is about to make an appearance.
And it's Pavon coming off. The veteran had run out of gas and as you noted was on the turf several times. Didn't really make an impression today.
Let us extend a welcome for as Georgie Welcome arrives on the pitch.
There are more Baggies players on display this time around then I'd expected.
Oh - Sanchez should have capped a terrific performance with a goal there. Great run and latched on to a nice ball through but he screwed his shot wide left.
Alexis Sanchez shoots wide, but Valladares would have saved had the shot been on target.
Incredible save there from Valladares as Ponce headed from close in. Still 1-0 somehow.
What a save as Valladares saves well from Medel at point blank range. The diving header was about to end up in the corner, but Valladares dove to push the shot away.
Hendry Thomas is on for Guevara as we have more Wigan representation.
So Honduran coach Rueda has withdrawn two of his central figures in Pavon and Guevara. Maybe the youngsters can dig this one out for him?
Sanchez feeds the ball in but the Wigan boy Thomas slides in to good effect. Good first effort from him.
Another promising move by the Chileans is eventually cleared.after great work by Sanchez.The Chileans are well worth their lead.
Honduras win a rare corner....
It whips through dangerously but is collected.
I agree - I thought they might be pretty handy.
Espinoza's corner is deflected by Ponce back to Bravo. Ponce has nearly scored at for both teams.
Looks as if Valdivia has been withdrawn. He picked up a knock and limped off.
The referee from the Seychelles has had a decent match.
Valdivia is still on the pitch despite the injury.
I know - I had a joke at his expense earlier on, but he's been good. Perhaps he watches a lot of Premiership matches?
Fernandez has a shot on goal deflected. More stoic defending from Honduras.
Sanchez and Fernandez combine for a blocked shot by the Hondurans. Isla heads the resulting cross wide.
Chile have outshot Honduras 11-0.
GOAL! Well, the ball's in the net but it looked as if Sanchez handled it before it went in. I wouldn't be surprised if Alexis gets a yellow for the handball.
The Chileans have a goal called back due to a hanball by Sanchez. Valladares makes another great save.
The Honduran goalkeeper Valladares has been terrific as have Mendoza and Figueroa in the heart of the Honduran defense.
The Hondurans are hanging on as Chile attempt to extend their lead. Vidal's weak header from a free kick is straight at the keeper.
Nunez is off for Walter Martinez. I thought Nunez showed some flashes.
Walter Martinez is on for Nunez.
Sanchez crosses,but the Hondurans defend well. Alexis Sanchez receives my vote for Man of the Match.
Pablo Contreras is on for Arturo Vidal as Chile's strategy is to hold on to the lead.
Medel heads wide,but he is offside.
Yeah - he's been in the middle of everything for Chile.
Inside the last ten minutes - can Honduras pull off a New Zealand here?
That is a possibility as it is only 1-0.
Alvarez runs wide to deliver a dangerous cross. Bravo collects well.
Mark Gonzalez,a native South African and ex Costa player, is on as sub for Valdivia.
Don't remember him at Costa del Pool.
Gonzalez's first action is to be flagged offside.
Nearly into stoppage now....
Georgie Welcome's first effort. He opened up space for himself well at the top of the box but he Jabulanied it well over.
Welcome shoots high and wide as Honduras attempt to tie the match in similar fashion to the Kiwis.
Gonzalez winds up a shot on the turn. Well over.
Now Gonzalez balloons the shot over.
It is actually wide.
At this rate, the Spain v. Chile match may well be moot.
Honduras have a late, late corner here. Taken too quickly probably.
Break on for Chile. Sanchez is begging for it. Doesn't get it. Gonzalez finishes it over the bar.
Honduras earn a corner. The cross is headed clear. Chile counter. Gonzalez shoots just over. That should be the last chance of the match.
Chile hang on for a 1-0 victory, their first in the final stages since 1962. I am off to work. Cheers Blue Devil. I will be back with LOB tomorrow.
Full-time: Chile 1-0
Their first win at the WC finals in 48 years, believe it or not. They seem comfortable second slotters for my money. I can't really see them troubling Brazil in the Round of 16 though.
I'll look forward to watching the French with you tomorrow. Have a good one, MUR!
Hope someone's around for the Spain-Swiss encounter. We're back from our very posh outing at the Ritz.
Next up, the presumed champions in waiting Spain against unfancied Switzerland.
Afternoon, Gooner! How was the do at the Ritz?
Here is the team news:
Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Puyol, Pique, Capdevila, Busquets, Silva, Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta, Villa. Subs: Valdes, Albiol, Marchena, Torres, Fabregas, Mata, Arbeloa, Pedro, Llorente, Javi Martinez, Jesus Navas, Reina.
Switzerland: Benaglio, Lichtsteiner, Senderos, Grichting, Ziegler, Barnetta, Inler, Huggel, Fernandes, Derdiyok, Nkufo. Subs: Wolfli, Magnin, Von Bergen, Padalino, Yakin, Bunjaku, Leoni, Schwegler, Eggiman, Shaqiri.
Oh - bloody hell - it's the debut of English representative Howard Webb as referee today.
Fernandes Torres not quite fit for today so it looks to be a 4-5-1 with Villa up top alone and the likes of Silva, Xavi, Capdevila and Iniesta bombing forward in support.
This is the last match of the first round of group matches, so it's time to take stock of the Golden Boot competition. Interestingly, there were no goals from the likes of Messi, Rooney, Milito, or Van Persie in those first matches. And with Torres on the bench, it's a chance for those of us who plumped for David Villa (me and Matthew) to jump out to a lead.
Teams coming out of the tunnel then.
Anthems finished, we're all set to go here. It's Derek Rae and Robbie Mustoe on the microphone for this one.
The Swiss trying to bumrush Spain from the kick-off playing through Barneta.
Derek Rae pulling the thesaurus out early doors here, describing the Swiss as "obdurate." Yes, Derek, but aren't they also occasionally "capricious?"
Lots of empty seats in the upper tier here in Durban. FIFA continuing to have problems filling the stadia at this World Cup.
Stefan Grichting crunches Busquets and Spain have an early free kick.
Chipped in by Silva but cleared out.
Spain into their intricate passing game straight away with Sergio Ramos launching Silva down the left. Cross was blocked.
Inler dives in there on Xavi.
Total dominance of possession by the Spanish early on. The Swiss haven't got out of their half yet.
Silva popping up on the left now has another cross blocked.
Good Morning Robert
I am here for my break
A rare foray for the Swiss earns them a corner....
Nothing doing with the corner.
How did Chile look?
Another 1 niller
How has Spain looked?
Morning, Dave! Great to have you on board.
Chile were impressive. Should have won 2 or 3-0. The Honduran keeper was excellent and kept the score down.
Typical Spanish game so far. Lots of possession and intricate passing. No chances of yet. The Swiss are parking the bus.
Again, I am very disappointed about the whole tournament so far
There has been only one game where there has been a winner when both teams have scored! That was yesterday with Brazil and N. Korea and that goal was scored in added time!
Did you read the comment that I posted from 365 last night. The guy was saying that complaining about the lack of scoring is the equivalent of complaining about the two women in bed with you not being Scarlett Johansson and Salma Hayek. That is, we've got an abundance of footie, even if some games are boring. I buy that, but I understand your point.
Silva gets a shot off but scuffed it. Saved easily by Benaglia.
Oh - Ramos had a surge of blood to the head when he got free. Should have fed my boy Villa.
I am not really complaining about the lack of scoring. I am talking about the lack of quality
My point is made.... Sergio Ramos with an absolutely HORRIBLE attempt of cross? Shot?
The Wave has broken out - lots of empty seats up there.
Fair point, Dave.
Switzerland have weathered the first twenty minutes without incident. They'll be happy with that.
Iniesta tries a crack from distance. Collected easily from Benaglia.
Good trivia question there but Derek ruined it by answering his own question moments later.
Senderos dives in on Xavi. Should have been a yellow there.
Pique was in, nice move, nice save
Oh - Pique improbably finds himself one on one with the keeper. Great work but he blasts his shot against Benaglia.
The Swiss employing a long throw technique. "Are you Stoke City in disguise?"
I missed the trivia question
what is it?
Dangerous play by the Spanish.
They are complaining to Webb
The Swiss now pick up a cheap free kick for a high boot....
Ziegler strikes it and it bobbles through to Casillas.
Not much of a free kick.... AGAIN
Oh good -
What are the only two times when teams have been both World Cup and European champions?
Let me see
France in '98 and '00?
West Germany '72 and '74?
Ziegler steps on Iniesta's toes. It does seem as if they're targeting the Spanish midfielder. He's just back from injury.
Absolutely correct!
Alright!!
I didn't even cheat!
Senderos is still off the pitch.
That was odd. Iniesta was through but seemed to pull up. Soft free kick. Also a yellow for Grichting.
Inesta should have shot
Foul and yellow
Hopeless
Villa and co over the free kick....
Come on David!
Struck into the wall and out for a corner.
I can't see the Spanish scoring from corners - they're all pretty short.
Another free kick from further out now on the left....
Xavi can't beat the first man. Scramble in the box. Cleared out.
Half an hour gone and the goal rationing policy of the tournament continues.
Why bother with Alex Frei - they barely get out of their own half. The new Seattle Sounders boy Nkofu hasn't got near the ball!
Oh - Villa got free for once but knocked his header square.
Looks as if Senderos won't be able to continue. Von Bergen is on for him. Senderos really overcome as he comes off.
So you weren't terribly impressed by Brazil, Dave? I wasn't either. They started with two defensive mids - against North Korea?!
Sendros off after hurting himself tackling a teammate!
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