2018 World Cup

Have you completed your sticker book? Have you picked you sweepstake team? Have you printed off your wall chart? No? Why….?

The 2018 World Cup is only 1 week away!

This year, the World Cup is being held in Russia for the first time in the competitions history. Though, it wasn’t greeted with the enthusiasm that would normally be associated with holding the prestigious tournament. There have been and still are controversial issues surrounding the tournament being held in Russia from allegations of corruption in the bidding process, high levels of racism and discrimination against LGBT people, hooliganism which has had heavy media coverage and sporting sanctions for drug use in sport. It wasn’t everyone first choice to hold the competition.

Even with all the negativity there is still the huge anticipation that surrounds the World Cup and the 1 question that has been asked over 1 million times; “who’d you think is going to win”?

HISTORY

For those who have never watched the World Cup before, or this is your first time watching here is a (very) brief history of the competition.

Founded in 1930, the competition was created after the success of the Olympic football tournament. It was held in Uruguay as they were the two time world champions at the time, and it was Uruguay who also lifted the Jules Rimet trophy. The trophy changed in 1970 from the Jules Rimet to the more recent recognisable design after Brazil had won the competition 3 times, allowing them the keep the trophy.

The competition grew in popularity, the number of participating countries increased to the total number of teams to 24 in 1982 and then to 32 in 1998. There is even talk to increase the number of teams again to 48 by 2026.

This year’s World Cup will have some very noticeable absentees with four time winners Italy failing to qualify for the first time since 1958, Holland since 2002, USA since 1986, two-time Copa America winners Chile amongst other regular World Cup regulars. However, with these absent countries there is a bittersweet feel with Iceland and Panama qualifying for the very first time.

COUNTRIES

Here are the countries by group participating in this year’s World Cup

GROUP A

GROUP B

GROUP C

GROUP D

GROUP E

GROUP F

GROUP G

GROUP H

The top 2 in each group will progress to the knockout stages to head to the final.

From a personal point of view, I am backing England all the way, I have too. I know realistically that it is going to be very difficult for the 3 Lions to win – I mean with the likes of Brazil, Argentina, France, Spain, Germany who are all playing very well currently, but this is a 1 off. Portugal proved that by winning the Euro 2016 by not winning a game within 90 minutes. It just needs that 1 moment to win the game against the odds (Iceland vs England springs to mind) so anything is possible.

One thing is for sure though is that I am excited for the World Cup to start. I have been looking at all the games and when they kick off, what channel they are on and if I am in work! I have made predictions to scores, entered sweepstakes (Egypt and Panama) and any competition that is free to enter. World Cup fever has hit!!

Hope you all enjoy this year’s World Cup and that there are moments to cherish for your country.

PREDICTIONS

Here are my predictions for this year’s competition.

Winners - Brazil

Top Scorer – Messi (6)

Top Assist - Neymar

The Beautiful Game

What was the greatest game you've been to? Some people don't know the answer to this question. Some do. 

Some have cup game finals, some have historic events. Mine, like many was my very first game that I attended on my own. Número uno! I was only 16. My match. 

The game that I attended was an FA Cup game between Preston North End and Sheffield United in 2001. Now I know that you may ask the question why this game? But for me, the answer is as clear as day. It is what made me fall in love with 'The Beautiful Game'. 

What made it so special was the whole experience of the day. Starting off by a getting a good breakfast in my belly. Setting myself for the day. Bacon butty, nice one. Once that was polished off I headed for the train station, meeting up with friends whole all off to the match also. It was pure banter on the train journey from Chorley to Preston. Plenty of jokes, and they continued during the walk to the stadium. 

Upon arriving at Deepdale I felt a buzz, an atmosphere that is indescribable. Other fans, young and old. Laughing, joking, singing. 'Is it always like this?' I thought to myself.  Even walking past the away fans and the abuse we gave each other. I loved it. Just before kick off we all headed for a pre match drink  - for the win! And then off to the stand, The Town End. At the time Deepdale was in the middle of a renovation as it was changing from a standing stadium into a seated stadium. 2 stands were already completed, the Tom Finney stand and Bill Shankley stand.  The away end and The Town End behind the goal where we where were still standing. Now that is an experience. You had the ability to move around, if you spotted someone you knew you could go over and chat. If you wanted to get closer to the action you move towards the pitch. If you wanted a better view you could move to the back. Don't get me wrong, being at any match is great, but nothing will ever beat standing at a game. You felt more involved somehow, rather than sitting and watching. 

Just before the game there was a minutes silence which was not respected by the away fans. This did not go down well at all. The stand were I was, was right next to the away fans and boy, the language and abuse, threats and taunts were not repeatable. That also added to the atmosphere in the stand. 

Into the game I soaked it all in, the sport I love right in front of me, along with 10,000 other people, all there for the same reason. Being an FA Cup game it was end to end stuff but Sheffield United took an early lead just after 14 minutes - cue more abuse between fans! I remember thinking that even if we lose, I will always remember this day. But lucky for me, we didn't. 

As the PNE equaliser went in, the stand erupted. I remember being half way up the stand and by the time the celebrations stopped I was pitch side. It was crazy! Bouncing around, pushed here there and everywhere, with other people with the same emotion! My first football experience is filling me with feelings I've never felt before. I could get used to this. 

At half time I took part in the half time ritual which was a pie and brew! Lovely stuff. Scoffed it down then back pitch side ready for the second half. 

More end to end football was being played. The cup is a great competition for all teams in all divisions to put aside their league positions and battle, in a one off game. Anyone can win it! PNE were awarded a penalty late into the game which resulted in the winning goal! Through to the next round of the FA cup! 

When leaving the ground the taunts again continued but with more force now as of course we won! Hahahahaha. It was starting to go dark as being January it was still winter time but the stadium was lit up bright, the floodlights still on, a glow as we walked away. 

How do you celebrate at a win? Head to the pub! The whole town was buzzing with joy. The talk was who PNE was going to play in the next round? Any of the big guns? I couldn't stop laughing. The whole experience was incredible. Once on the train back into Chorley the adrenaline was now running out. Feet getting heavy, there was lots of walking, standing, jumping. But every minute was worth it. 

I have been to many more games and at different stadiums. I've been to friendlies, champions league games, league games, big and small stadiums each with their atmosphere and fans. All have their own feeling, 'vibe'. But nothing will ever beat the first game you ever attended. 

The beautiful game? Damn right! 

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Insignificant Ramblings Of A Geek: The Manchester Derby

Insignificant Ramblings Of A Geek: The Manchester Derby: Man City 1 - 0 Man United The first Manchester derby for LVG in his role as Man United manager.  It was a derby that had no real clear cut f...

The Manchester Derby

Man City 1 - 0 Man United

The first Manchester derby for LVG in his role as Man United manager. 

It was a derby that had no real clear cut favourite to win. Manchester City on the back of back to back defeats against other United's in West Ham and Newcastle (who knocked them out of the Carling Cup) and looking very nervous and not really having that killer instinct that made them champions the season before, and a Manchester United squad that had a good result against a strong Chelsea team, building in confidence, but have yet to win away this season, still struggling with key injuries (especially in defence) and their worst start to a season since 1990. If you had to pick though, the majority of answers would be a result for the blues. 

The game was an interesting spectacle and started well. United were controlling the possession and were passing the ball well. The return of Rooney who had been placed in the middle of the park was causing a few issues for the likes of Toure and Fernando as the absence of Silva was evident. He and Fellani was able to fire intricate passing around the middle of the park. What was noticeable as that the defence of United were looking comfortable in dealing with any attack that came their way. Yes City had a few chances that caused De Gea to make saves but that was all. His opposite number Hart was mere a spectator. 

In big games such as these they usually take a turn with either a stroke of genius or stupidity. This game was the latter. Chris Smalling had picked up an early yellow card by standing in front of Hart as he tried to kick the ball from his hands to release a counter attack. This, in today's games is a yellow card and stupid one to pick up. He now had to be careful in his decision making when making a challenge. This though wasn't the case. 30 minutes into the game he mistimed a lunge which gave the ref no hesitation in giving Smalling his marching orders. 

This was not what LVG had in mind as prior to today's game he had said that they must not go to 10 men as they had a plan, unfortunately that plan was ruined. 

United fans must now be worried that they were now in for another thumping. With the sending off a tactical change saw the return of Carrick. Maybe a wise head would settle the nerves that were rapidly increasing. 

City had 3 good penalty shouts turned away. The ref may have been unsighted but they all were penalties. The one way traffic continued from the blue have of the city and the goal came from the inform Aguero who netted his 10th of the season. Given the chance he will score. 

To be fair to United they didn't back down or cave in. In fact they had more glorious chances themselves to score but a good save from Hart, and mis-timed header ensured that Manchester City kept their lead. There was more injury concerns for United as Rojo, who has been showing improvement in each of his games slid into a tackle and his body position as he slid resulted in him dislocating his shoulder. He required urgent treatment and looked to be in pain was rolled onto the stretcher and was given oxygen and received an ovation from both sets of fans.  The last 20 minutes of the game were a nervous 20 minutes for City. They looked rushed, panicked in their passing, and the Reds were trying to get that equaliser. It never came and City take the 3 points off their neighbours. 

A result was that wasn't as straight forward as it suggested. Manchester City having a man advantage, couldn't break United down. They panicked in the closing parts of the game and showed a vulnerability that when pushed can allow teams in through on goal. They may not have been so lucky in another occasion. United, again showed that they are building in confidence and put in a performance that their fans would be happy with considering that they were a man light, had more injuries and an inexperienced defence. If they had a full strength squad and 11 men than this result may have been completely different. 

LVG has had a torrid start to his Manchester United career, but you can see what he is trying to install. With Blind and Di Maria settling in very quickly and the improving signs of Rojo he must be impressed and is sure to know that the result will start coming. One thing is for sure he is trying to work out how to stop his players from picking up injuries in training. 

Insignificant Ramblings Of A Geek: Trick or Treat?

Insignificant Ramblings Of A Geek: Trick or Treat?: It's that time of year when the ghosts come out to play. When a Dracula stalks the street with a zombie cheerleader.  It's Halloween...

Trick or Treat?

It's that time of year when the ghosts come out to play. When a Dracula stalks the street with a zombie cheerleader. 

It's Halloween!! 

Now Halloween and trick or treating is not as big as in the US but it is starting to grow in appeal in the UK.  More families are getting involved, decorating their house and taking their children trick or treating who have dressed up in fancy dress. And there are great costumes out there. 

Trick or treat is a term used by children dressed up when they call round to houses in order to receive treats, which is usually sweets/candy. If not, then they would act in mischief on the home owner. This is normally an empty threat but there those who do trick the occupies either by egging the house or throwing toilet roll over bushes and trees but this is only in a minority. 

Those that want to or don't mind the participation of trick or treaters decorate their houses, and there are some great accessories. Tomb stones, skeletons, cobwebs. And they are starting to get bigger and better. This gives those the 'ok' that they have treats. There are also people who give as good as they get as the play practice jokes on the children, trying to scare them as much as possible. And to be honest. It's good fun. 

A part of Halloween that is growing in popularity is pumpkins or Jack o' lanterns. Usually faces, pictures or images are carved into pumpkins or vegetables and there are many different folk laws that explain why pumpkins are used. A good one is that they are used to protect your home from the undead and to identify vampires walking amongst us. 

There are many great costume on show during Halloween. Both children and adults dress up, and even some of the pets get dressed up. There are lots monsters, zombies, ghosts, vampires too many too name but maximum effort is put in. Again it was suggested that the reason was to ward off and poke fun at satan. 

The adults also join in the fun by hosting fancy dress parties. More gruesome costumes and decorations too see, and the food and drinks have been decorated to add a little twist. Blood punch, brain cup cakes. All in good fun. 

Whatever you are doing this evening. Have fun, be safe and enjoy the spooks. 

Manchester United vs Chelsea

Man United 1-1 Chelsea. 

The first 'real' test for Man Utd this season as they face Chelsea, who are still undefeated in the league. Chelsea have been playing some great football and are looking more the likely to be the premier league winners (and it's only October). Man Utd have had the easier of the games so far this season but unfortunately the issues that were so evident last season appeal to have carried over to this season. If they can get a win at Old Trafford them that surely is the boost they would need to go on to better results. 

Louis Van Gaal still has defence concerns as there was another new defence partnership in this crunch game. Smalling with Rojo. Another inexperienced pairing, were they able to keep out a formidable strike force in Drogba, Hazard and Oscar? Yes Chelsea didn't have Costa, but the strength and experience of Drogba is as good as any replacement for the in form Brazilian. Rojo has played every game since his arrival and there are signs of an improving player. With more games he surely will cement his place in the Utd defence. Smalling is a player that produces inconsistent performances and the Utd faithful are praying that he has what it takes. 

There were also more injury concerns for Man Utd as Phil Jones and Falcao both picked up injuries in training and a suspended Rooney, with Chelsea without Costa and Remy meant that tonights game may not have been as explosive as one would expect. 

The first half started in a predictable fashion. Chelsea applied pressure from the off and they ended up with domination number of corners. And from these corners straight away it was clear to see that there was a mismatch in who Man Utd were going to mark. Chelsea have a towering team and this cause problems in the Utd box. One incident questioned the officials in the game as both John Terry and Ivanovic were bundled to the ground in some fashion but no decision was given. Shawcross who plays for Stoke surely would have had something to say as he was penalised for a similar offence. Utd though started to control the half and they even could have take the lead a couple of time but for the new Chelsea number 1 Courtois keeping the score level. 

Second half was the opposite with good chances following mainly for Chelsea. What's seems to be happening this season at Old Trafford, and at away games in that Man Utd seem to retract into their shell and allow the pressure on themselves. The blue wave continued to push and they would have got their lead but for a superb save from De Gea which thwarted Hazard, however, from resulting corner the poor marking that was clearly easy to to see let Drogba head in a powerful header in at the near post. From there Chelsea's tactics changed and they then looked to see the game out. 

It's was looking as Mourinho had his tactics carried out the way he wanted but an unfortunate red card for Ivanovic in 93rd minute cost them the win. It was unfortunate in the sense that it may have not been malicious but in today's game, when an attacker has the advantage and cuts I corny of the defender, and form of contact will result in a card. In Ivanovic's card it was his second yellow.  From the free kick, another good save from Courtois fell kindly to Robin Van Persie who smashed in the equaliser. He celebrated in the fashion of player and team that were desperate in the the results to fall their way by taking his shirt off, only to be deemed stupid by Van Gaal. 

It was a game that United needed, to test the philosophy the LVG is trying to implement and against a good Chelsea squad this was definitely the  result they needed. 

Chelsea under Mourinho are dangerous, tactics are spot on, but sometimes pushing too hard has cost them games. Chelsea have been to Manchester twice and only managed a draw on both times.