Contents Site News

The World Cup is upon us
The planet is in the grip of World Cup fever and About a Ball is no exception. We'll have regular updates from Germany and we've even got an England song to get you in the mood. May the best team win. - Ed.

New columnist joins About a Ball team
Visit the Comment section for regular articles from our new feature writer Paul Martins. His wealth of football knowledge and experience make him a great new signing for the site. - Ed.

African Nations Cup Kicks Off
Visit our African Cup of Nations 2006 section to keep up to date with the latest action from Egypt. Also, check the comment section for our annual honours list. - Ed.

British News

Croatia 2-0 England
The hysteria over formations has misdirected criticism of last night’s debacle in Croatia – a defeat that leaves qualification for the European Championships in two years time far from simple. Naivety in switching to outdated wingbacks away to a team undefeated at home in competitive matches is clear. Even more so after the insipid performance a few days earlier at home to Macedonia. What was needed was a simplified approach – a clichéd back-to-basics. Keep it simple. Keep it tight. Do not throw in a new but outdated formation with enforced permutations of playing personnel and hope for the best in such an important fixture. Yet it was the not the shape of the line-up that produced defeat. It was the characterless and spineless performance of too many individuals far too readily proclaimed as world class. Rio Ferdinand was slack and lucky to stay on the pitch. John Terry has been magnificent for Chelsea but last night was shaky and at fault for the first goal. Ashley Cole seemed to think he was a left winger and Jamie Carragher – Mr Reliable for Liverpool – was too often left exposed to Croatian wing-play; simple balls played over the top and wide into the space for attackers to exploit. Gary Neville cannot and will never be able to cross like David Beckham or Stephen Gerrard and should not be asked to have to do so. Wayne Rooney is still a long way from his best and Peter Crouch received almost zero service. The three man midfield lacked penetration or drive and again Frank Lampard was off form – how many more performances like this before he warrants being dropped? But then any potential replacements are thin on the ground. Neither Michael Carrick nor Scott Parker impressed – the later unlikely to play again once Owen Hargreaves is fit and Gerrard is back from suspension. Ironically, Paul Robinson was perhaps England’s best player, producing a number of important stops to save his team mates blushes, only to find himself doing the blushing. But then if ‘keepers insist on kicking up chunks of turf whilst taking goal-kicks what did he expect?

Steve McClaren has five months until a hugely important fixture away to Israel and it would be wise to not become embroiled in debates over formations. He must discover a way of exploiting the undoubted talents of the players in his monthly charge. Of course the shape of the team is important. But it was the despairing failure to even look like creating a goal against a middle-of-the-road team, a lack of imagination and spontaneity. We crave more Joe Coles, whose verve and daring to try things are all too often criticised in this country but remain desperately needed. Successful modern football teams need pace – it is (to quote Mr Hansen) the hardest thing to defend against. Theo Walcott anyone? - Fran Wilson

All talk but no bungs
Sam Allardyce. Oh dear oh dear. Bung taking premiership manager. Or is he? Did last night's Panorama investigation actually throw up any evidence of bung taking beyond hearsay? Not really. Are the words of a couple of agents enough to find the man guilty? I doubt it. But surely his own son incriminates him beyond reproach? Did he? Craig Allardyce’s defence is that he was playing up his own importance to attract opportunities. It would appear that he was paid money as part of numerous transfers but where is the legal line between commission and bung taking drawn? And where is the direct evidence that this involved Sam Allardyce? Whilst intriguing television that has highlighted an undeniable problem in football’s dirty corridors of backhanders and nepotism, it remains to be seen whether it has actually uncovered anything of real substance. We can only hope that the BBC has more substantial evidence tucked away for the lawyers who will, as always, be the big winners in the scandal.

Perhaps more shocking was the blatant touting of 15 year old Middlesbrough youth player Nathan Porritt by Peter Harrison to various clubs including Chelsea and Liverpool. Frank Arnesen, Chelsea head of development and scouting, is seen on tape offering £150,000 over three years to entice the player down from the north-east. It is the same behaviour that saw Chelsea receive a large fine and a suspended 3-point deduction for tapping up Ashley Cole of Arsenal. And successfully entice two Leeds United academy players to sign. Why should clubs invest in young players, nurturing them through their youth systems only to see them poached by the big clubs with six-figure bribes? Something needs to be done to stop this.

One thing does seem clear from last nights programme and that is that bung taking and tapping-up are rife in the modern game. But then we already knew that. What we have now are the names of some of the agents and involved and allegations that some managers are in on it. With only Sam Allardyce’s involvement apparently corroborated by at least two different agents, none of others have been named and are unlikely to be any time soon, unless of course leaked to a red top. Last night there was a lot of talk of bung taking but little evidence of bung taking. We need more. - Fran Wilson

Macedonia 0-1 England
Another game and another goal for the irrepressible Peter Crouch; eleven goals this year alone has vaulted him to the front of the England striking queue. If anyone else had been scoring at that pace they would have been hailed as world class a long time ago. It is probably not to far wrong to suggest Peter Crouch will never be called world class whatever his achievements.

Macedonia provided a much sterner test than poor Andorra a few days before and could be justifiably disappointed to not get a draw from the game. For the majority for the first half England we reliant on when-did-he-get-back-into-the-squad Phil Neville’s long throws for their best chances, spurned by Crouch and Defoe. In the end, England’s goal came from a Frank Lampard cut-back that Crouch volleyed home via the underside of the bar.

This was not a pretty performance and brings the team back to earth after easy victories over disinterested and poor opposition (Greece and Andorra). There will be tougher trips to both Russia (under the masterful Hiddink) and Croatia (under Slaven Bilic – remember him West Ham?), who did themselves no favours by drawing 0-0 with each in their first qualifying games, as well as Israel. Incidentally, when did Israel become part of Europe? Yet, along with Kazakhstan, they find themselves trying to qualify for the European Championships and the European section for the World Cup qualifiers as well. The last time I looked at a map Kazakhstan was not in Europe.

Elsewhere, Northern Ireland surprised just about everyone by defeating Spain 3-2 thanks to a hat-trick from David Healy. Maybe that one million pound prize money isn’t looking so far off after all. In reality they will not qualify in a group that contains both Sweden and Denmark. Enjoy it while it lasts - Fran Wilson

European News

European Under 21 Championship Semis
Holland and the Ukraine booked their places in the final of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Portugal, narrowly edging out France and Serbia respectively. The final is in Bessa at 19:45 on Sunday the 4th June.

In the first semi final in Braga, Holland took an early lead through Nicky Hofs and extended their advantage on 38 minutes through Ajax star Klass Jan Huntelaar, who narrowly missed out on the Dutch World Cup squad.

However, the French hit back in the second half and drew level with goals from Julian Faubert and substitute Bryan Bergougnoux with five minutes to go. That took the tie into extra time and a second goal from Hofs sealed the win for Holland.

The second semi final between Ukraine and Serbia and Montenegro in Aveiro was a much tighter affair and went all the way to penalties with Ukraine prevailing 5-4 after a goalless draw. - Paul

Chelsea Bid To Further Strengthen Squad
The arrival of Michael Ballack on astronomical wages at Stamford Bridge looks likely to be followed by several more high profile big money signings.

After weeks of speculation, Andriy Shevchenko has finally admitted that he will be moving on from AC Milan this summer, with Chelsea - possibly the only club who can afford him - ready to open talks with the player and his agent.

Officially the player wants to move to England for family reasons so that his son can learn English, however, it seems likely that the attraction of a giant pay packet could have a lot to do with his decision. There aren't any valid footballing reasons for the switch as he's a hero in Milan and went closer to winning the Champions League with them this season than Chelsea did.

Roberto Carlos or Ashley Cole could yet end up making summer moves to Chelsea and several of the fringe players are set to depart. Portuguese midfielder Maniche has already been released. - Paul

Champions League Final News
Arsenal and Barcelona are completing their final preparations for the 2006 UEFA Champions League final at the Stade de France in Paris. Both teams expect to be at almost full strength although there remain a few doubts about the fitness of Philippe Senderos, Mathieu Flamini and Lionel Messi.

Sol Campbell will partner Kolo Toure in central defence for the Gunners if the Swiss defender doesn't make it and Ashley Cole is expected to get the nod for the left-back spot ahead of Flamini even if the Frenchman is fully fit.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi hasn't played for over two months since picking up an injury against Chelsea but has returned to training and could feature in the squad.

Tickets for the match could have sold out many times over but thousands of supporters are expected to travel to France without them in the hope of picking some up on the day of the game.

Given the number of exciting individuals on show, it promises to be a highly entertaining final. Let's hope that the teams don't put too much emphasis on stopping each other from playing and serve up a dull stalemate and penalties. - Paul

World News

Italy win fourth World Cup
Marcelo Lippi's Italy team overcame their penalty hoodoo to win the 2006 World Cup final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. The match finished 1-1 after extra time and the Italians for once held their nerve to win 5-3 on penalties.

France opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Lyon winger Florent Malouda dived in the box to win a penalty, which Zidane scored off the underside of the bar.

Italy came back strongly and minutes later Marco Materazzi scored with a powerful header from a corner and the Italians then had the better of the first half, twice more threatening from corners with one header hitting the bar.

France came out stronger after the break and Italy eventually replaced the ineffective Totti with a supplementary striker but couldn't get enough possession to create any more chances. Buffon made several fine saves at the other end.

A tired Frank Ribery and then Thierry Henry were replaced in extra time but France still looked the most likely to score until the 110th minute when Zidance clashed with Materazzi off the ball.

The referee missed the incident but television replays showed a vicious head butt, which the linesman did spot and the French captain got his marching orders. Italy failed to take advantage of the extra man and the game went to penalties.

Pirlo took first and duly converted his kick, as did Wiltord and Materazzi before substitute Trezeguet hit the bar for France. From then on, De Rossi, Del Piero and Grosso made no mistake to delight the Azzurri faithful. - Paul

Cheating Ronaldo to win best young player?
There is a very real danger that Cristiano Ronaldo will be voted the
fans best young player at the World Cup despite his pouting, diving,
pretty boy antics designed mainly to get himself a lucrative transfer to Real Madrid and thus avoid the good kicking he deserves from Wayne Rooney at Manchester United training.

He is currently 1st in the FIFA voting just ahead of Luis Valencia of
Ecuador. Please can everyone go to http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/bypa/eligible.html and do the
decent thing by voting for Valencia.

It doesn't matter who you support or if you haven't seen them play, just stop Ronaldo.

You know it makes sense - Ren

Round 1 Game 1 Highlights
Germany 4-2 Costa Rica

Hosts Germany – minus Ballack - laid down their marker with a 4-2 victory over Costa Rica inspired by two goals from Klose and one each from Lahm and Frings, both stunning shots from distance. Pretty going forward, they lacked conviction and pace at the back and were caught twice by Wanchope, easily beating the German off-side trap and finishing with composure.

Ecuador 2-0 Poland

Ecuador came away with a rare victory at low-altitude defeating an average Poland team 2-0 with goals from Tenorio and Delgado and look set to qualify in second place and a potential meeting with England in the second round.

Trinidad and Tobago 0-0 Sweden

Trinidad and Tobago gained their first World Cup points ever, drawing 0-0 with Sweden with man-of-the-match Shaka Hislop playing only because of a last minute injury to first choice ‘keeper Kelvin Jack. They could have won the game but will be delighted with the draw and face England in their next match full of confidence. Sweden can only be disappointed that they failed to take even one of their many chances and must now surely beat Paraguay to keep their second round ambitions alive.

England 1-0 Paraguay

England struggled in the heat to a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay thanks to an own goal by Gamarra after only 3 minutes. Comfortable and in control in the first-half they relinquished command in the second and Paraguay will consider themselves unfortunate to have lost the game. Owen’s match-fitness remains a doubt and neither Gerrard or Lampard were able to impose themselves in any meaningful way though the later did go close with a number of long range efforts. England will qualify for the next round with a win over Trinidad and Tobago and should do so with ease if they create even just half the chances Sweden did against the same opposition.

Peter Crouch has vowed to not do the robotic dance routine because the World Cup is not the place for a bit of light-hearted celebration when the serious task of winning the competition needs to be done. This is a huge mistake; quirky celebrations (Roger Milla for starters) are as much part of the World Cup as anything and should he score – not particularly likely but you never know – he should click those bones of his.

Argentina 2-1 Côte d'Ivoire

Perhaps the best game of the round. Whilst everyone is talking about the other South American team, Argentina quietly and with some panache overcame Côte d'Ivoire with goals from Crespo and Saviola. Juan Riquelme in particular providing a touch of class to proceedings.

Serbia and Montenegro 0-1 Netherlands

A scintillating performance from Robben helped the Dutch to an impressive opening victory and it was his goal that separated the teams. Ruud ‘the horse’ Nistlerooy was not impressed with the pitch and moaned that it was to blame for his poor performance. Hmm. Everyone else seemed to manage ok.

Mexico 3-1 Iran

Every team needs that one player capable of that small piece of magical creativity, a player liberated to perform and entertain as well as provide that extra ingredient to separate teams so closely matched in ability and tactics. In Zinha, Mexico found that player and his second half performance inspired Mexico to victory against Iran. Surprise inclusion Bravo vindicated his inclusion with two goals. Mexico look set to be without Borgetti until the knock-out stages, which they look set to reach. Iran cannot afford to lose to Portugal in their next game.

United States 0-3 Czech Republic

One day the United States will win the World Cup but not this year (China to win it within 20 years as well anyone?). An average team produced an average performance, undone by the goal of the round from Tomas Rosicky and a performance to match. Jan Koller gave the Czech’s an early lead with what the term ‘bullet header’ was created for. The Czech’s oozed confidence and will qualify from the group along with Italy and are surely contenders for the title.

Italy 2-0 Ghana

Naïve is a cliché far too often thrown at African teams but in this case is a pretty apt description of what was nonetheless a spirited (another cliché – sorry) display from the Ghanians. The most ‘worthiest World Cup team’ – according to the World Development Movement (surely they have better things to do?) – went down to goals from Pirlo and substitute Iaquinta. The Italians were relatively impressively (they were playing Ghana) and their patience and know-how was enough.

Australia 3-1 Japan

When losing, substitutions enable the coach to alter a teams tactics and change the flow of the match. Hiddink is rather good at tactics. Three late goals from Austrialian substitutes Tim Cahill (2) and John Aloisi and Hiddink’s decision to throw on three big strikers gave Australia their first ever win the in the World Cup. Japan shouldn’t have been leading anyway – Schwarzer was fouled – but looked set to take the three points. Their failure to score a second goal – and they had a number of decent chances – proved fatal as they ultimately failed to withstand the aerial bombardment thrown their way. Australia face Brazil next. Never mind. Just beat Croatia.

South Korea 2-1 Togo

Togo scored first. Korea scored twice in the second half. Togo had a man sent off. Not the best game of the tournament. By a long way.

France 0-0 Switzerland

Switzerland should have won this game. Despite their failure to take a number of chances that came their way, they will be delighted with the draw. France will not. Despite Zidane’s cajoling and clapping, they were poor and uninspiring and Henry didn’t look interested. The match also witnessed some of the most inexplicable referring to date: can someone please tell me why Magnin got booked? Thought not.

Both teams should qualify.

Brazil 1-0 Croatia

Despite what you might have read Brazil will not coast to victory in this World Cup. They might win it but they will play teams of greater ability then Croatia, who despite being well-organized didn’t have enough creativity or firepower. A wonderful goal from Kaka was enough for Brazil, the best player of the famous quartet. The worst? The Original Buck Toothed One. He was anonymous. No, in fact he was worse than that. As Kovac said, marking Ronaldo was “easy”.

Spain 4-0 Ukraine

Can the perennial underachievers come good? Based on this display there is no reason why not. A comfortable win over Ukraine with goals from Alonso, Villa (2) and Torres gave Spain the most comprehensive win of the round. They look strong at the back, composed and creative in midfield and quick upfront. Shevchenko may have just signed for Chelski but perhaps they should have bought Torres instead. If Spain go far, he could be an outside bet for the Golden Boot. Another bizarre refereeing display in this match; Vashchuk incredibly harshly sent off for apparently shirt-tugging in the box. Don’t think so ref.

- Fran