Have been writing a daily column for the newspaper on the Cup; thought u guys might be interested in today's take....
these are on the www.stuff.co.nz website too I think under the sport section...
A
DEMONSTRATIVE Swede has become the hero of the World Cup.
And he's not a player.
Humorously-named referee Anders Frisk became the saviour of the tournament when he awarded Ireland their second penalty in last night's nailbiter against Spain.
As Fifa Pitch demanded on June 10, Frisk made the tough call no other official was prepared to make when he penalised Spanish skipper Fernando Hierro for trying to remove Niall Quinn's shirt while the gangly Irish veteran was leaping for the ball.
Frisk, soccer's equivalent of Bill Harrigan with his foppish hairdo and extravagant gestures, didn't hesitate to ping Hierro as many other referees would have after already awarding the Irish a penalty 27 minutes earlier.
Instead of ignoring the blight on the game that had become standard stock at the tournament, Frisk called it as he saw it and has hopefully set the benchmark for the rest of the event.
Unfortunately for the Irish, their inability to convert their spot-kick opportunities saw them eliminated in a game they deserved to win.
Initially stretched by Spain's excellent running off the ball and speed of passing, they regrouped and grew stronger over the 120 minutes. Spanish coach Hector "Sweaty Pits" Camacho erred badly when he brought off his attacking weapons Raul and Morientes and almost paid the price.
Camacho also felt that the second penalty was a bad decision by Frisk. Hector, you've got no clues mate.
El Hadji Diouf is undeniably one of the standout performers at the World Cup.
The Senegalese striker has tortured defenders throughout with his trickery and pace.
So why does he feel the need to try and con the referee with his 'shamateur' dramatics every time he gets in the box. A series of dives and a "Hand of God" attempt soured his side's thrilling win over Sweden and takes him past Rivaldo in the tournament's Hall of Shame.
Anyone who now doesn't believe that the Africans are genuine Cup-winning material are seriously deluded.
England aren't twice as good _ or twice as bad _ as any other side at the tournament. Then how come they get to have their national anthem played twice?
Bet of the Day: Mexico $1.90 to beat US.
these are on the www.stuff.co.nz website too I think under the sport section...
A
DEMONSTRATIVE Swede has become the hero of the World Cup.
And he's not a player.
Humorously-named referee Anders Frisk became the saviour of the tournament when he awarded Ireland their second penalty in last night's nailbiter against Spain.
As Fifa Pitch demanded on June 10, Frisk made the tough call no other official was prepared to make when he penalised Spanish skipper Fernando Hierro for trying to remove Niall Quinn's shirt while the gangly Irish veteran was leaping for the ball.
Frisk, soccer's equivalent of Bill Harrigan with his foppish hairdo and extravagant gestures, didn't hesitate to ping Hierro as many other referees would have after already awarding the Irish a penalty 27 minutes earlier.
Instead of ignoring the blight on the game that had become standard stock at the tournament, Frisk called it as he saw it and has hopefully set the benchmark for the rest of the event.
Unfortunately for the Irish, their inability to convert their spot-kick opportunities saw them eliminated in a game they deserved to win.
Initially stretched by Spain's excellent running off the ball and speed of passing, they regrouped and grew stronger over the 120 minutes. Spanish coach Hector "Sweaty Pits" Camacho erred badly when he brought off his attacking weapons Raul and Morientes and almost paid the price.
Camacho also felt that the second penalty was a bad decision by Frisk. Hector, you've got no clues mate.
El Hadji Diouf is undeniably one of the standout performers at the World Cup.
The Senegalese striker has tortured defenders throughout with his trickery and pace.
So why does he feel the need to try and con the referee with his 'shamateur' dramatics every time he gets in the box. A series of dives and a "Hand of God" attempt soured his side's thrilling win over Sweden and takes him past Rivaldo in the tournament's Hall of Shame.
Anyone who now doesn't believe that the Africans are genuine Cup-winning material are seriously deluded.
England aren't twice as good _ or twice as bad _ as any other side at the tournament. Then how come they get to have their national anthem played twice?
Bet of the Day: Mexico $1.90 to beat US.
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