01/02/09 - About a Ball Awards 2008

Cristiano Ronaldo swept the board at the major award ceremonies this year, and rightly so after a spectacular year with Manchester United in which he won the Premiership, Champions League and World Club Cup. The added individual honour of winning the European Golden Shoe for the top scorer in European club football was an amazing achievement for a player who is not an out and out striker. His contribution was almost certainly the most crucial element of United's success story in 2008 and his only disappointment would have been a quarter final exit at the European Championships. He's a deserving winner of our overall award for World Player of the Year 2008.

Alongside Ronaldo, we have decided to honour two other members of Manchester United's successful team - manager Sir Alex Ferguson and goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar. Surprisingly, Sir Alex had never before won the Manager of the Year award so it was high time he joined our roll of honour. Having masterminded yet another Premiership triumph he went on to steer his charges to success on the European and world stage, whilst keeping them right in the title race again half way through the new season. Edwin Van Der Sar turned 38 in 2008 but consistently managed to maintain some of the best form of his illustrious career. The highlights were his winning save in the Champions League final penalty shoot-out and his selection for the Euro 2008 team of the tournament squad. He also equalled the record for the most appearances at the European Championships. At the end of they year, strong as ever, he embarked on an amazing run of clean sheets that would culminate in him breaking several records early in 2009. A very worthy winner of our Old Player of the Year award.

The astonishing achievements of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim have captured the imagination of football fans around the world as they continue their improbable assault on the Bundesliga title in Germany. This time last year, few people had heard of this small town club from Baden-Württemberg playing their first ever season in the second division. That was soon to change as some exciting attacking football from a squad of hungry young players earned them second place and promotion at the first attempt. They carried on where they left off in the top flight and finished the year sitting pretty at the top of the table with the unofficial honour of Autumn Champions. Spain produced an impressive team performance in winning Euro 2008 and Manchester United obviously had a good year, but neither of them can match the sheer romance of the Hoffenheim story, which makes them deserving winners of our Team of the Year award.

Fortunately for the other top young players around the world, Lionel Messi turned 21 in 2008 which means he won't be eligible for our Young Player of the Year award any more. Once again, he was in a class of his own in 2008 as he retained the award he won last year making it an incredible three wins in four years. He won an Olympic Gold Medal with Argentina in Beijing and produced some of the best form of his career in the first half of the new season as Barcelona built up a big lead at the top of La Liga. He was the only real contender for this award.

01/01/08 - About a Ball Awards 2007

AC Milan's victory in the Champions League provided the platform for two of our award winners in 2007, including our World Player of the Year - Kaka. The majestic Brazilian forward carried his team through the tournament and finished top scorer with 10 goals (four more than anybody else). He also won the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year award. However, in the final itself Milan had to thank another of our award winners for making the difference on the night. Old Player of the Year Filippo Inzaghi was the hero of Athens, scoring both Milan goals in the 2-1 win over Liverpool and the striker repeated the trick seven months later, scoring twice more in the final of the World Club Championship to earn a 4-2 win against Boca Juniors in Yokohama. Kaka also found the net in that match and both players also scored in the UEFA Super Cup final win over Sevilla to make it a truly remarkable year.

Barcelona youngster Lionel Messi regained the Young Player of the Year Award that he captured in 2005 thanks to a string of fine performances for club and country. He was a runner up in the Copa America with Argentina, where he was named 'Best Young Player'. Juande Ramos was a worthy Coach of the Year, having retained the UEFA Cup with Sevilla and won both the Spanish Cup and Supercup and finished third in La Liga. He moved to Tottenham in October and enjoyed an impressive start in North London. Iraq won the Team of the Year Award, having surprised everyone to win the Asian Cup for the first time, beating Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the final in Jakarta

31/12/06 - About a Ball Awards 2006

As always in a World Cup year, a lot of the strongest contenders for our awards emerged from the summer festival of football. The eyes of the world were on Germany and it was on that stage that the biggest players hoped to produce their best performances. It's the most important tournament in world football and it's only fitting that exceptional performances in the World Cup should go a long way towards earning recognition at our annual prize giving.

The World Player of the Year award was a three-way race in 2006, with Fabio Cannavaro, Thierry Henry and Miroslav Klose on the shortlist. Italy's World Cup winning captain Fabio Cannavaro hardly put a foot wrong on the pitch, finishing top of Serie A with Juventus and earning a summer move to Real Madrid where his performances have been solid enough to keep an inconsistent team in touch with the title race. His superbly marshalled defence only let in two goals on route to triumph in Germany where he played every minute of the tournament and didn't pick up a single booking.

Thierry Henry excelled with Arsenal in early 2006, playing in inspirational role in their march to the Champions League final in Paris and was also a key player for France at the World Cup. Unfortunately he wasn't quite able to make a difference when it mattered most, finishing on the losing side in both finals. Miroslav Klose was top scorer in both the World Cup and the German Bundesliga, in which he averaged almost a goal a game. He started the new season in equally free-scoring fashion earning a special mention here but despite his and Henry's best efforts, the award for World Player of the Year 2006 goes to Fabio Cannavaro.

The World Cup also provided the platform for Marcello Lippi to stake his claim for our Coach of the Year award. The Italian manager got his squad selection and preparation spot on. All 20 outfield players saw action, their 12 goals were shared amongst 10 players and they only conceded twice. Most of all, he was able to keep his team focussed on the job in hand amidst the media furore surrounding the Serie A match fixing investigation. The only other contender was Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard who led his team to a La Liga and Champions League double.

Italy were an obvious contender for the Team of the Year award, a category in which Barcelona also mounted a strong challenge. However, there were plenty of other notable achievements that deserved recognition in 2006 so we decided to look elsewhere and, as with previous years, reward a team that rose above their normal level. We needed look no further than Reading Football Club, who rose to the top tier of English football for the first time in their history, having won the Championship with a mammoth 106 points scoring 99 goals in the process. Any fears that they would be out of their depth in the Premiership were soon put to rest as the team raced out of the blocks playing exciting, attacking football and becoming a fixture in the top six.

The Young Player of the Year award was another tough contest to judge, with last year's winner Lionel Messi performing well for Barcelona and Argentina and Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas showing maturity beyond his years in central midfield for both club and country (Spain), at the world cup. However, in his final year of eligibility for this award, there is no-one more deserving than Manchester United and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo. He was the most exciting player to watch in 2006, his pace and trickery mesmerising opponents and spectators alike. He won the League Cup with United, took Portugal to the semi finals in Germany and started the new Premiership season in sensational form.

Two players caught our eye in the race for the Old Player of the Year award. Sweden's Henrik Larsson won a title in Spain with Barcelona where he finished the season on 10 goals before going on to play in and win the Champions League final and score for his country in the World Cup. However, the prize goes to a true legend who retired from the game in 2006. Zinedine Zidane may have bowed out on a low with his infamous head butt in the World Cup final but France would never have got that far without his monumental performances in the knockout stages, which earned him the FIFA Golden Ball for the best player in the tournament. He finished up with three goals and two assists having orchestrated most of France's best moves.

21/09/06 - 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

11/09/06 - 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

13/07/06 - Au revoir

Zidane drifts unmarked into the area and meets the cross with the centre of his forehead. The nearly entire world holds its breath. Is this moment that every football romantic has been waiting for? It is not to be. Buffon, the Italians’ serene goalkeeper sees it coming and astutely deflects the ball over the bar. The moment passes.

What happens next has been replayed and discussed countless times. Why did he do it? Materrazzi clearly incited him but is that an excuse? Undoubtedly no, regardless of what was said. Can he be forgiven for marring the final of tournament many have waited weeks and months if not years for? There is always a danger of making gods out of simple human beings and than reacting with exaggerated disgust when they fail to live up those imposed expectations. Zidane is not perfect; he is a mere flawed genius. In the end another human being like the rest of us; susceptible to provocation like anyone else. Materazzi had the ‘fortune’ to accidentally stumble across Zidane’s Achilles Heel: his family. Particularly his mother, who reportedly fell ill just before the final and whom Materazzi apparently inadvertently and indirectly wished an ugly death upon, causing the shocking (but understandable?) reaction from Zidane. He will be forgiven, even if now he will be remembered for both the good and bad.

The good side to his reputation has been cemented through the years; those two goals in the final of the 1998 World Cup that helped France to their first ever world cup triumph and that sumptuous volley in the Champions League final to win the competition for Real Madrid to name but two memorable moments of glory. He dragged France from the stupor they found themselves in at the beginning of this World Cup and all the way to the final, winning the FIFA player of the tournament at the end. An anomaly in reality as voting took place before his sending off, and a shame for Cannavaro, the diminutive giant at the centre of Italy’s defence and the true player of the tournament. Zidane, he has been sent of in previous World Cups for stamping and suffered a suspension early in this tournament. Ultimately though, the good moments will out number the bad. - Fran Wilson

03/07/06 - The Monkey on England’s Back

The monkey on England’s back continues to grow; another tournament, another quarter-final exit, another failure to win on penalties. Generations of players have been and gone yet the outcome remains the same; an inexcusable and inexplicable inability to score from the penalty spot time and time again. Is there a remedy? Practice clearly is not the solution: no one doubts for a moment that the players who stepped up to the mark are not capable penalty takers (though has anyone ever seen Jamie Carragher take one?) or that they had not put in the hours on the training ground. Some people will have you believe it is just down to luck. Rubbish. The probability of England’s continued failure and the awesome strike rate of the Germans just do not seem likely. Luck is not to blame. It is a state of mind. England players enter a penalty competition hoping that this might be their turn to end their disastrous run of defeats in shoot-outs. Hoping is not enough. A German team goes into a shoot-out knowing that they can win. They have done so on so many numerous occasions why shouldn’t they? England players do not have that luxury. Instead the burden on each generation of players grows. The historical legacy of failure subconsciously bears down on each penalty taker and the result is always the same: England crash out of another tournament.

This time the failure hurts even more. A ‘golden generation’ of English players has failed to achieve what they felt sure they could. Victory remains as distant and elusive as ever. The pointless search for a scapegoat has begun among the red-tops; Sven, Rooney, Ronaldo or the Referee? Any attempts to blame the referee for England’s defeat are profoundly ignorant; there was absolutely no error in sending off Rooney for a stamp on a Portuguese groin. Does that mean that England’s prodigy should be made a scapegoat al la David Beckham 1998? The vicious nature of that episode shamed all and any repeat would be just as disgusting. Rooney was an idiot, frustrated and fouled without judicial intervention he reacted with naivety and misplaced aggression and got what he deserved. He claims that it was unintentional; it may have been but the downward movement off his studs suggests otherwise. A clumsy attempt to maintain balance? Perhaps, but personally I believe a convenient disguise for a malicious stamp. His sending off undoubtedly forced inconvenient changes to England’s grand strategy (if they ever had one) and a ten man rearguard battle became inevitable.

Was Rooney’s task as a lone striker to blame for his frustration? If so, is Sven responsible? There can be little denying that tactically England have been incompetent throughout the tournament. England’s previous performances had been confused and incoherent with little evidence of a plan. Sven must be held responsible for this. The constant tinkering of personnel and formation beget a man who was unsure of the right solution. Or was it a reflection of man capable and willing to adapt to each game and scenario with constant reactionary changes? The choice is yours. However, the decision to select a squad that included only four forwards was a gamble that failed miserably. Michael Owen crawled home early, Rooney remained a man attempting to find match fitness, Peter Crouch may have become an idol for his robotic dance routines in pre-tournament friendlies but was never likely to score regularly enough. Theo Walcott is perhaps the biggest mistake any England manager has ever made. A pointless inclusion (along with Jermaine Jenas), neither of whom were ever likely to play any part in the competition. It is not necessary to list the possible alternatives forced to taking early summer holidays. The alternative existed but all were spurned for a kid with absolutely no premiership let alone international football experience. A costly and embarrassing mistake.

It would appear that the most likely scapegoat has been found in the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo. He is a player who has the airs of a man who it is possible to easily hate; he has it all and he knows it. His part in Rooney’s sending off will become increasingly portrayed with greater and greater significance and while we all loathe a player attempting to encourage a referee into sending off a fellow professional, the referee will not have been affected and his decision was his own and no one else’s. The wink towards the Portuguese bench immediately after was naïve and likely only to incite outrage. Anger and ignorance are a dangerous combination and suggestions that his Manchester United career is over stem from a base need to find a culprit to vent frustration upon. Ronaldo is the perfect villain. He is also an exceptional footballer whose talent should remain in this country.

The Sven era is over and his legacy has crashed and burned. Successive qualifications, the 5-1 victory over Germany, and the 1-0 victory of Argentina are the highlights. This tournament has been a shambles from start to finish, with little evidence of strong leadership and repeated suggestions that should England have emerged victorious it would have been despite rather because of Sven. The new era under Steve McClaren, the most uninspiring choice the FA could have found, is about to begin. David Beckham has renounced his throne and a new captain will be elected. John Terry would be the sensible choice – a born leader if ever there was one. The majority of this generation will still be at their peak in four years time and maybe just maybe… - Fran Wilson

Who has what it takes to win?

Some countries just have it. Some plainly do not. What is it? It is what separates the great teams from the good teams. It is an aura of confidence. A supreme belief in your ability. The knowledge that you are better. And that you will not be defeated. The ability to impose that feeling upon the pitch such that the opposition, however gifted and gallant, also senses it. And ultimately is forced to submit to it. It can be both arrogant and humble. It is a characteristic found it great men, whether evil or good, whether a Hitler or a Gandhi. It is the belief that ultimately they will prevail, whatever is thrown in their path.

It is not a technical attribute. It has nothing to do with the ability to pass the ball more precisely than anyone else, or to shoot harder and with more accuracy. Or to be stronger in the tackle. Or to win more headers. Or to save with greater agility. It is a mentality. For some countries at this World Cup it is something they grow up believing. Brazilians know they are the best football team in the world. And that knowledge is transferred onto the field of play. They may struggle. They may even be losing. But ultimately they know they are better and that they can and will win. With this knowledge brings calmness to their play; an unhurried persistence. And they do win: more times then anyone else ever.

Other teams have to find it some other way. Great coaches are able to instil that belief into their teams. To make them believe that they are the best. That they are better than the opposition. That if they remain composed, organized and persist with whatever plan has been drawn up they will win, because as individuals or as a team they are greater than those lined up opposite. Such an aura not only calms them, it unnerves the other team. A team that enters a game knowing that the other team is greater, is far more accomplished, is better organized and has better players, and senses that the other teams knows this as well is unlikely to win. Hope is usually not enough. Supreme confidence and belief is necessary.

Brazilians have this belief ingrained in them. Other great footballing nations such as Germany, Argentina and Italy periodically do too. Sometimes it is coached. Sometimes it is based on history, on a past full of glories that establish that nations credentials whatever the dearth in quality that may exist in the present. Sometimes it comes from nowhere; perhaps a run of victories snowballs into a conviction that is your turn, your right to win this time. Greece did it two years ago in the European Championships. Organization made up for ability and victories led to greater confidence that ultimately saw them crowned European Champions.

England’s football team do not have it. It is not something that they possess naturally. Nor do they possess a coach that looks likely to instil it in them. And while they may eek out victories, with each victory does not come a discernable increase in confidence. Rhetorically they may claim this is their year. Reality suggests otherwise. A narrow 1-0 victory over a poor Ecuador will not give them this belief. A much improved second half performance, a full ninety minutes for Wayne Rooney, a free-kick goal from David Beckham for the first time in years, and a place in the quarter finals are all positives. Yet anyone who watched that game will have seen a team that remains edgy and nervous, that is still not sure exactly what it is doing. There is not enough organization. Not enough semblance of a plan. It remains eleven individuals trying vainly to find a way of playing, to find a method of interaction that will enable them to rise above the challenge of others. Nerves are stemming the teams freedom to play, to improvise and create. This unsureness will be their downfall unless they can find a way of clicking.

Portugal versus England on Saturday. On paper England are better. However, in Scolari Portugal have a coach that is able to instil that confidence and belief, who is able to organized and motivate. Expect England to rely on their greater individuals, expect Portugal to rely on their team. Who will win? Who knows? Football has a habit of ignoring the expected and producing the unexpected. - Fran Wilson

England 2-2 Sweden

Nothing has changed then. England still can’t beat Sweden. They still can’t play in the second half of a game. And they will probably go out in the quarter-finals again. So what exactly has Sven been paid all the those millions to do? With Michael Owen crawling of the pitch like a stricken and dieing animal, Sven’s ‘gamble’ (for that read stupidity) in selecting only four strikers in the squad has proven to be a huge mistake. Down to three now that Owen has flown home to lick his wounds (and to receive exuberant wages from Newcastle whilst again not playing for them), a three that in reality is only two - Theo Walcott is Sven’s biggest mistake and looks unlikely to be trusted to play in any part of the competition. Surely it is a damning indictment of Walcott’s ability that when Owen crawled off Sven chose to risk the player he had dropped to avoid to the risk of a second yellow card rather then play his ‘wunderkind’. Hindsight remains a wonderful thing but surely a Jermaine Jenas could have been replaced with a Jermaine Defoe when squads were announced all those weeks ago?

The pressure must now shift to midfield to get the goals and on Tuesday evening it was from this source that England did find success. A wonderful long range dipping shot from Joe Cole and a thumping header from Steven Gerrard was still not enough to see of Sweden. England were a shambles in defending set-pieces and conceded a Marcus Allback header from a free-kick and a Henrik Larsson goal from a throw-in. Not good enough. - Fran Wilson

Game Two Highlights

Group A

Germany 1-0 Poland
Ecuador 3-0 Costa Rica

A last minute winner form Germany has the whole country feeling good about itself and the prospects of its team. The test will come in the knockout stages. They look good going forward but suspect at the back.

Group B

England 2-0 Trinidad and Tobago
Sweden 1-0 Paraguay

Rooney is back. England needs him. Perhaps now they will play football.

Group C

Argentina 6-0 Serbia and Montenegro
Holland 2-1 Ivory Coast

Widely touted as the performers of the tournament so far, Argentina had the football world purring with pleasure as they effortlessly moved the ball around the pitch during a 6-0 thrashing of Serbia and Montenegro. In between they managed to score one of the great world cup goals – a 24 passing move involving almost the entire team culminating in a back-heel set-up from Crespo and finished with style into the roof of the net by Cambiasso. It is how the game should be played. Awesome. In Messi and Tevez, they possess some of the most talented substitutes around – hobbit and orc look-alikes respectively – and they squad certainly has the talent to win the ‘precious’ world cup. It was an orchestral performance with Riquelme the conductor and they are now everyone’s new favourites to win. This is now the last world cup for Serbia and Montenegro who recently voted to split into autonomous states and both must now begin the process of adjustment at all levels. And we need suffer no more S&M jokes from the puerile Ian Wright.

The Ivory Coast are perhaps the most talented team to be heading home after round one (unless France fail to beat Togo – unlikely). Their 1-2 defeat to the Dutch confirmed their elimination. Holland’s goals came from Van Persie (a bullet of a free-kick) and van Nistelrooy.

A final group game between Holland and Argentina has everyone’s mouth watering but will decide little other than who wins the group. And early bragging rights of course.

Group D

Mexico 0-0 Angola
Portugal 2-0 Iran

Another group almost all over after only two games. Angola can go through should they beat Iran and Mexico lose heavily to Portugal. In reality it looks like both Mexico and Portugal will go through. Unfortunately for them, only to face either Holland or Argentina.

Group E

Czech Republic 0-2 Ghana
Italy 1-1 USA

It is all wide open again in group E after a shock win for Ghana over the Czech Republic. The Czech’s, whose previous performance in hammering the United States had many seeing them as potential winners, were poor and could have lost by many many more. With the Ivroy Coats going home, Ghana now represents Africa’s best hope of getting a team beyond the group stages.

Italy and the United States fought out (three red cards) a draw in the other game, rekindling US hopes of further participation in the competition. They were reliant on a comical Italian own goal but can take great satisfaction from a spiky performance, holding out for a draw when down to nine men.

Group F

Japan 0-0 Croatia
Brazil 2-0 Australia

Eagerly anticipated but ultimately a disappoint, the Brazil v Australia match provided neither a shock nor an alluring performance from Brazil. With Argentina’s previous performance the onus was on the Brazilians to provide a spectacle but a dogged display from Australia meant that while their superior class eventually told, Brazil had to settle for another win and a second consecutive clean sheet. Not want the world expects from them. Australia need to avoid defeat to Croatia in their last game to proceed to the knock-out stages – a relative success for them. Croatia themselves will be disappointed not to have beaten Japan and go into their last game knowing that a win is essential otherwise they are on the plan home.

Group G

France 1-1 South Korea
Switzerland 2-0 Togo

Oh dear. Could it be happening all over again? Despite this poor result and the fact that they lie third in the group behind Switzerland and South Korea, France should still qualify from the group with victory over Togo in their last game. They may have to do so by more than two goals should South Korea and Switzerland draw with each other. Could it have been Zidane’s last ever game? Now that would be a shame.

Group H

Spain 3-1 Tunisia
Ukraine 4-0 Saudi Arabia

Being able to bring on substitutes of the quality of Raul and Joaquin is bound to help any team and it helped Spain turn a 0-1 deficit at half-time into a 3-1 victory. Torres in particular looking exceptional.

Ukraine quickly put behind them their weak display against Spain and comfortably beat Saudi Arabia. They may be rich but they aren’t very good.

Next…

With most of the groups already pretty much decided bar who finishes first or second, the focus will be on the few still wide open. In group E, Italy should go through by avoiding defeat to the Czech Republic who must get something from the game. It should make for an interesting affair. Both the USA (as long as Italy don’t lose) and Ghana know that victory will ensure their passage and that game should be a high-paced, frenetic occasion. A draw is a very real possibility.

France will beat Togo and qualify for the next round but whether they do so as group winners depends on South Korea and Switzerland. Switzerland are favourites for that clash and need only a draw to go through but victory would mean topping the group and avoiding Spain, incentive enough. France v Spain in round two? A very real possibility. - Fran Wilson

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.

15.06.06 - England 2-0 Trinidad and Tobago

England huffed and puffed and eventually managed to blow T & T’s house down. But wolves they were not. It was a tame, unimaginative performance saved only by a headed goal from Peter Crouch (no robotic dance this time – a missed opportunity for cult-dom if ever there was one) and a wonderful left-footed strike from Stephen Gerrard.

Reluctant credit must be directed towards Sven who finally managed to make substitutions that changed the game in a positive way. This always looked set to be the game Wayne Rooney made his return after the declarations that he was now fully recovered from his broken metatarsal earlier in the week. And it was only after his and Aaron Lennon’s introduction that England found any kind of impetuous in their play. In reality, it was Lennon that had the greater impact; he was able to beat players with ease – something England had been unable to do for the entire hour before his introduction – and occupy the defence on the floor rather than in the air. Perhaps more importantly providing the space behind him for David Beckham – moved to a wing back role in place of Carragher (credit to Sven again I guess) – to provide quality crosses into the box which ultimately resulted in a goal for Crouch.

England are now through to the next round and face only a battle for top spot with Sweden next Tuesday. It must be hard for fans of either the Ivory Coast or Holland (one of whom must go home after Round One) to swallow. England are a dour and unattractive team relying far too heavily on Beckham crosses and a solid defence lead magnificently by John Terry and there will be far more accomplished practitioners of the beautiful game who will be going home after only three games. Why can they not understand the importance of keeping the ball, especially in soaring temperatures? They remain far too predictable. Beckham’s long-range passing ability is sublime but sometimes the imperative must lie with keeping the ball. There remains no clear cohesive plan of action but rather a heavy reliance on individuals to produce moments of inspiration – too many of whom are either unfit or underperforming.

For England to progress in this year’s competition they must hope that their defence concedes absolutely no goals whatsoever and that Beckham set-pieces and crosses continue to produce goals.

It won’t be pretty. It might work. But do we really want it to?

Fran Wilson

10.06.06 - England 1 (Gamarra 3 og.) – 0 Paraguay

So it is the same old story again. An England performance that promises so much early on but than fades away to disgruntlement and ironic cheers as England struggled to maintain any shape or momentum in the heat of the second-half at the Waldstadion, Frankfurt.

An early own goal by Paraguayan defender Carlos Gamarra was all England had to show for a comfortable and controlled first-half performance. Another David Beckham free-kick caused the problem, just has it had been in the warm-up games, and Gamarra could only flick Beckham’s dipping free kick passed his own ‘keeper and into the Paraguayan net. England were off and running and continued to trouble a nervous Paraguayan defence. But the second goal wouldn’t come and at the half-time the score remained only one-nil.

After weeks of flag-waving optimism generated by the undeniable fact that this is the best England team for a long time, the English public (at least those of it who care) will have to come accept – as anyone who has followed England for more than the last two weeks already knows – England always flatter to deceive. Blame the heat or blame the coach and his unfathomable tactics, either way this was the England we all know to expect. England seem to have become a one-half team under the stewardship of Eriksson and will not win the World Cup if this does not change soon. It happened in 2002 and in 2004 and there is little to suggest that it won’t happen in 2006. There remains one glimmer of hope, the return of the ‘boy’ to town: Wayne Rooney. He looks set to begin his return at the latest against Sweden but possible sooner against Trinidad and Tobago. England need him. They need like they needed him when he went of injured against Portugal two years ago.

The second-half degenerated into a sluggish and sterile match - the worst of the tournament to date and England will be relieved to have been playing a poor Paraguayan team unable to exploit or punish English sloppiness and heatstroke. Yes it was hot but to blame the weather is too easy. Perhaps later kick-offs will help England in their next games. If England fans in Germany want their team to win the World Cup for the first time in 40 years then perhaps they should start practising their rain-dances.

Fran Wilson

09/06/06 - Germany 4 – 2 Costa Rica

So finally it has begun.

Two close-range goals from Miroslav Klose and two stunning long-range efforts from Philip Lahm and Torsten Frings ensured the host nation of a winning start in this year World Cup. Full of attacking intent, Germany swamped Costa Rica on the wings and were well worth their four goals. Lahm’s opening shot that flew in off the top-angle of the goal and Frings’ late hit from outside the area are early contenders for goal of the tournament. Lahm’s in particular is likely to make it into every edit of World Cup 2006 highlights. Debate will rage over the new lighter ball introduced for this tournament and may well produce new long-range shot specialists from even the most run-of-the-mill players to the detriment of the purist and the movement on Lahm’s and Frings’ shots would seem to suggest such complaints are not completely ungrounded. The German players were noticeably under instruction to shoot on sight and did so with mixed success – numerous shots did fly embarrassingly high and wide. Whether motivated by new FIFA technology or suspicion over Costa Rican goalkeeping standards is not clear.

Whilst comfortable going forward, a German defence that looked nervous and slow and insisted on playing a rigid offside game was exploited twice by Paulo Wanchope, that bandy-legged former Derby Country player who once famously scored a disjointed slalom goal on his debut at Old Trafford. One onside and one offside, both were coolly finished past Jens Lehman, producing wry smiles from not-best-friend Oliver Khan sat ungloved on the bench.

Can this German team win the World Cup? Unless they can find some credibility and composure at the back the answer is no. But then it is Germany after all and on home turf they may go far.

Fran Wilson

03/06/06 - England 6–0 Jamaica

A Crouch hatrick (40/1 for the Golden Boot…), a first goal of 2006 for Owen, another for Lampard and finally an own goal as well gave England a easy win in the sunshine in their last friendly before it all begins in seven days time. Minor injury scares for Terry and A. Cole aside, it was just what everyone wanted.

But before the euphoria snowballs, the reality is that Jamaica were naively poor and few teams will present such an easy challenge for England in the coming weeks. A return to the reliable 4-4-2 helped England flow and the inclusion of Crouch from the start gave England far more shape than seen in their last game against Hungary, linking between attack and midfield and enabling Owen to exploit the generous space between the Jamaican ‘defenders’.

Yet it was again from the well-paid right boot of Beckham at set-pieces that England profited most, Taylor heading into his own net from one and a Crouch volley home via a large deflection for another. England’s first goal could also be deemed a set-piece: Robinson hitting a long free-kick to Crouch whose knockdown was lobbed by Owen over his shoulder into the path of Lampard who finished comfortably from 12 yards. Owen rounded the ‘keeper for England’s fourth and Crouch tapped home a Carragher cross in the second half for his second. A fluffed penalty from Crouch after Owen was fouled in the penalty area seemed to have ruined his chance of his hatrick but he redeemed himself shortly after with a smart finish into the corner from the edge of the box. No robot celebration this time though – perhaps still suitably abashed from his earlier penalty shambles.

Crouch seems almost certain to start all the group games and barring a miraculous recovery from Rooney, may be forced to play a key role in the tournament if England are to progress beyond their usual quarter-final exit.

The country now awaits Paraguay next Saturday. - Fran Wilson

30/05/06 - England 3–1 Hungary

England coasted to victory last night against a poor Hungary team that has long since lost the lustre of that great team, led by Ferenc Puskás, which demolished England 6-3 at Wembley back in 1953. Then England had failed to cope with a new formation, unsettled and outwitted by a Hungary team that lined up in flexible 4-2-4 formation and it was a similar story last night. Except that it was England’s own formation that was causing them problems, Sven shifting from his tried and trusted 4-4-2 to a more cautious looking 4-5-1 with Jamie Carragher given the duty of playing the holding role and Michael Owen asked to play upfront on his own. By end of the game it was clear Carragher is not a holding midfielder and Owen cannot play upfront on his own.

If England has aspirations of winning the World Cup then it is from within its midfield that match-winners must be found and in Gerrard, Lampard, J. Cole and Beckham - who was back to his best last night - they possess some of the best in the world. Theoretically, deploying a defensive midfielder to release their attacking instincts is rational, asking a centre-back to step up and perform that role is not. Neither Carragher nor Hargreaves (Why is he still there? Surely bringing another striker would have been more sensible) impressed, though Carragher did little wrong – it is just not his best position. Carrick remains England’s only natural performer in that role, yet Sven clearly does not trust him. A solution needs to be found and it must not involve shackling Gerrard, who is more than capable of reducing the impact of Rooney’s broken toes and will score goals if given the freedom to drive forward regularly. Owen needs a foil and in Crouch England possess the ideal player for the role, yet it seems unlikely he will start if Sven persists with his new found 4-5-1 formation. More questions were generated then solved and with only one match remaining before the real thing Sven has some thinking to do.

Two headed goals by Gerrard and Terry from Beckham crosses and an excellently taken third from substitute Peter Crouch ensured England of their 3-1 victory that could have easily been more; Lampard missing a penalty and Owen twice going close with headers. Pal Dardai scored Hungary’s only goal with a superb long-range shot into the top-corner. Theo Walcott became the youngest ever player to play for England, beating the record previously held by Rooney. He has yet to convince that he deserves it. - Fran Wilson

25/05/06 - England B 1–2 Belarus

There can be little doubting who the majority of fans had come to see on Thursday evening at the Madjeski Stadium, Reading for England B versus Belarus, the boy that Eriksson shocked all with his inclusion in England’s World Cup Squad; a very young looking Theo Walcott. Not every player receives a standing ovation as they prepare to come on for the first time. So is he good enough? The answer would appear inconclusive, a maybe at best. Yes he is very very quick, but then so is Aaron Lennon – more on him later – and yes he showed some nice touches but ultimately he looked lost in a very poor second half performance from a strong England B team. He looked like a little boy playing with big boys for the first time, not quite sure where he should be running or what he should be doing. Two bursts of pace and twice unceremoniously brought down and one smart control and excellently executed shot from just outside the box straight at the keeper were the sum of his contribution. There was little to show that he should be going to the World Cup. But then Defoe did nothing and we all know what he can do, so maybe in a team playing with more drive he would receive the ball more and show us what has left Eriksson drooling.

England B took the lead after a Michael Owen – who incidentally looked far from fully match fit – header dropped down off the bar and onto the forehead of the in-running Jermaine Jenas. Early in the second half, half-time substitute Robert Green – who looks set to miss the World Cup with a ruptured groin - scuffed a clearance and went down injured allowing Vitaly Kutuzov to side-foot an equaliser into an unguarded net, much to the displeasure of the home fans. Belarus were reduced to ten men when Sergey Omelianchuk was sent off for twice bringing down Lennon in quick succession but took the lead Sergey Kornilenko jinked smartly into the box and fired in an excellent winner.

A dreary, uninspired game with one highlight, man-of-the-match Aaron Lennon’s performance on the right wing. He looked as quick as anything about these days and provided the one outlet that looked like creating a goal, constantly running and beating the Belarusian left-back only to often waste the cross. An early run and cross for a disallowed Peter Crouch goal marked what he is capable of and Sven must surely recognise he now offers the most viable alternative to change things from off the bench. Whilst the crowd waited for Walcott to impress it was Lennon that did. - Fran Wilson

11/01/06 - About a Ball Awards 2005

Looking back over the past twelve months as we prepared to celebrate the year's outstanding performers at our annual gala awards evening, it became clear that in 2005, more than ever before in the short history of the About a Ball Awards, one player stood head and shoulders above the rest. Having narrowly missed out in previous years, it gives us great pleasure to finally bestow upon Ronaldinho the accolade of World Player of the Year.

His individual brilliance and moments of pure magic lit up matches consistently throughout the year, from his incredible Champions League goal against Chelsea last season to his exceptional performance at the Bernabeu in November, which even the Real Madrid fans couldn't help but applaud. Equally pleasing as his football, has been his enthusiasm for the game and the clear enjoyment he derives from playing it. He sets a wonderful example to tomorrow's generation and to watch him play is to remind oneself of all that is good about football. His skills, passion and exuberance are a breath of fresh air in the modern game.

This year, emphatically, his talent brought the results expected of it as he led his Barcelona team to the Spanish championship and captained Brazil to the Confederations Cup title with a goal in the final to boot. The year ended with Barcelona again top of La Liga and going great guns in the Champions League. Ronaldinho, inspirational as ever, was second on the Spanish scoring charts. To cap it all, he swept the board at every other major awards ceremony, winning polls by record margins to carry off trophy after trophy.

The Coach of the Year title was, once again, a difficult one to call. As usual the problem was differentiating between managers who have inspired and invigorated their players to create an over-achieving team, and average managers who have been carried along by an exceptional team. We believe that our recipient, Rafael Benitez, falls into the former category and is therefore a very worthy winner.

2004-2005 was his first season in British football and he initially stuck to what he knew in recruiting a selection of players from his homeland. Understandably, it took the Spaniard a few months to adjust to the English game and the team's league chances consequently fell by the wayside, but Benitez was able to transmit his knowledge and experience of European competitions to his team and qualify for the latter stages of the Champions League. There his tactics proved perfectly suited to the players at his disposal and they overcame Juventus and Chelsea on the way to the final in Istanbul. Perhaps whatever Benitez said at half time against Milan when 3-0 down in the final was his greatest single contribution to their eventual victory on penalties, but he certainly deserves much of the credit for the whole run through the competition. Liverpool have gone from strength to strength since then and Benitez has proven to be a quick learner as his side are now a force to be reckoned with in the Premiership and could emerge a Chelsea's main challengers over the next few seasons.

As we suggested in our justification of Rafael Benitez as Coach of the Year, Liverpool's success in 2005 was more down to him than the ability of the team. Liverpool were not the best team in the Champions League and indeed, they were not the best team in any of the four competitions they entered last year, which rules them out of the running for the team award. Chelsea continued to under-achieve under Jose Mourinho, winning only two of the competitions they contested. A vast improvement is needed on their part if they are to live up to the expectations heaped upon such an expensively assembled outfit. With a little more luck Barcelona could easily have carried off the Champions League crown as well as their Spanish title, a double that would surely have won them the Team of the Year Award, but this year's honour goes to a club who were convincing winners of three major trophies. CSKA Moscow won a Russian domestic double as well as the UEFA Cup, which they sealed with a comprehensive 3-1 win in the final against Sporting Lisbon despite a partisan crowd in the Portuguese club's own stadium.

There weren't many strong contenders for the Young Player of the Year Award, and like his teammate in the main award, one player shone far brighter than any other in 2005. It will be remembered as the year Argentinian starlet Lionel Messi made his breakthrough onto the big stage, both with Barcelona and with his country in the World Youth Championship. Only 17 at the start of the year, he made seven appearances in Barca's title winning side and scored his first goal for them against Albacete. This season he's become an invaluable squad member, featuring in the majority of their league and Champions League matches, scoring twice and terrorising opposition defences with his mazy dribbling and exciting approach play. Most importantly, he doesn't look at all out of place alongside Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Deco, Xavi and co.

However, for many people, it will be Messi's performances at the summer's FIFA World Youth Championship in Holland that stick in the memory. He carried off both the top scorer and best player awards as Argentina swept towards victory in the final and it was said that no one player has had such an impact on the tournament since his compatriot Diego Maradona in 1979. It's a bold comparison, but Lionel Messi certainly does have a bright future ahead of him.

Finally, there can be little dispute that Brazilian striker Romario is a deserving winner of the Old Player of the Year Award. In this day and age the longevity of his playing career is simply astonishing. He has over 900 official goals to his name and shows no sign of stopping yet, having just finished as top scorer in the Brazilian championship at the ripe old age of 39. Indeed, he recently announced that he expects to carry on for at least two more seasons. In April this year he received a one-off recall to the Brazilian national team and played and scored in a friendly match against Guatemala, four years after his last appearance. Even without training regularly, he can still teach the youngsters a thing or two.

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