England <3
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Big Guns Fall as Africans Suprise...
Fifa 2010 World Cup South Africa- Review.
Fifa 2010 World Cup South Africa- Review.
It was the World Cup that was prepared to rock the world. Africa's time to shine. The Fifa World Cup 2010, was one of the most eagerly awaited tournaments ever. Africa had its critics, but suprised many. The nation of South Africa joined as one, in a stunning visual tournament- With the sights and sounds of Africa, mixed into one. The spirit of the host nation was for all to see, when Siphiwe Tshabalala opened the tournaments scoring against Mexico.
The group stages produced the start of what was to be, a stunning tournament. But France and Uruguay could only draw blanks, and England stuttered to a 1-1 draw with USA after Robert Green's howler. Germany, Argentina, Brazil & Portugal all qualified comfortably into the knockout rounds- But Spain stumbled against Switzerland in a shock loss, but regained form to advance to the last-16. England needed a 1-0 win against Slovenia to progress, after a terrible 0-0 against Algeria. The big-talking points however, Italy & France. The Holding Champions, Italy, were knocked out after draws against New Zealand, Slovenia and Paraguay. And after unrest and mutiny in the camp, France's 0-0 draw with Uruguay was the highpoint of their tournament- Player walkouts led to defeats against Mexico and South Africa.
In the knockout stages, England had high hopes leading up against the Gemans. But all faith in Fabio Capello was quickly removed after a 4-1 defeat to their old rivals. And calls for goal-line technology when Frank Lampard's volley, which was clearly over the line, was not given. Brazil and Argentina strolled through to the Last 8 with comfortable wins. But Ghana needed Extra Time, to give the Americans a push out the tournament- Ghana had raised African Spirits, as Portuguese ones were dampned. Spain, knocking neighbours Portugal out, 1-0.
In the Last 8, things were hotting up. Spain easily knocked out Paraguay in a comfortable win, but all the other 3 matches, raised talking points. Holland outclassed Brazil, to advance to the Semi-Finals, as the Samba Stars were welcomed home with a chorus of boo's. Diego Maradona's dreams were ended by Germany- And in some style, as the Germans smashed Argentina 4-0, sending out a clear message to Spain. But the controverersy of the tournament was to be found when Ghana met Uruguay. A Header in the last minute of Extra Time, was hacked off the line by Luiz Suarez with the strikers hands- Suarez was sent off, the penalty was missed and the Africans were sent out in the Penalty Shootout. Devastation and Injustice for Africa.
Uruguay found their match, as they played out a wonderful match against Holland- They lost 3-2, as Holland's dreams of a World Cup Win was lifted. The big-semi final of the tournament would be free-scoring Germany against favourites Spain. However, Germany couldn't find the form they had against England and Argentina and crashed out- 1-0 the final score. In the final, Holland were described as the worst performers in a World Cup Final. A Dirty approach from the side in Orange, give them a fair-share of critics as English Ref Howard Webb should of sent more players off. Spain played their usual beatiful football, and it gained them their first ever World Cup- and it was deserved.
England weren't the only UK Team left feeling dissapointed- Ireland, Wales & Scotland all failed to qualify for the tournament, again. Which will leave minds thinking, its time for a change in approach.....
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Capello Given Boot After 'Key-Player' Fallout
FA Confirm Italians Sacking In Press-Conference
FA Confirm Italians Sacking In Press-Conference
From the rigid 4-4-2, to the selection of Emile Heskey and the heavy defeat against Germany, everyone knew this would be no suprise. The FA Big-wigs announced a press-conference early this morning, to confirm Fabio Capello would not be leading England into their Euro 2012 Qualification Campaign.
The main reasons behind the dismissal were as expected- Poor squad selection, poor tactics, poor results. The final straw took from the FA's clutches being poor squad harmony. England's dismal World Cup campaign ended in a 4-1 defeat to Germany, with just one win- Which come against Slovenia. England stuttered to draws against the USA and Algeria- And lose the backing of England fans across the Globe.
Capello has little defence to his teams poor performance. Even the Injury to Rio Ferdinand, and dissalowed goal against Germany can't be used as applicable excuses. Now the vicious rumour-circle will begin of who will take over the reigns at England. Its uncertain now, who'd actually want the job- The pressure, fans and media a big-turn off. However, the bookies favourite is Spurs boss Harry Redknapp.
It's a clear direction of change from the FA- Another England Manager, as The 3 Lions want to get their Euro 2012 campaign off to a perfect start..
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Just a brief opening and taster of the story- We'll have events from Scotland, Wales & Ireland in one later update soon. Please comment and give any feedback :wub:
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. Keep it up.
Next update being written now.
