<a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/entertainment/soccer-jun-fifa-world-cup/image/9191658?term=usa+soccer+team" target="_blank"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://view3.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9191658/soccer-jun-fifa-world-cup/soccer-jun-fifa-world-cup.jpg?size=500&amp;imageId=9191658" border="0" alt="June 23, 2010 - Tshwane/Pretoria, Guateng, South Africa - 23 JUN 2010: During the national anthem (l to r): Jay DeMerit (USA), Michael Bradley (USA), Herculez Gomez (USA), Jonathan Bornstein (USA), Landon Donovan (USA), Steve Cherundolo (USA), Tim Howard (USA). The United States National Team played the Algeria National Team at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane/Pretoria, South Africa in a 2010 FIFA World Cup Group C match." width="500" height="333"></figure></div></a>
After defeating Algeria, the United States will now play Ghana in the second round of the World Cup this Saturday at 2:30pm ET.
Ghana last played the United States in a competitive tournament four years ago in the last game of the first round where the States played a very disappointing game against a strong African side.
But, due to finishing in first place, the US now finds themselves with an easier route to the latter stages of the tournament than England, who finished in second place. England must play Germany. If the United States beats Ghana, they’ll play the winner of Uruguay and South Korea.
But who will win this Saturday?
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United States to Play Ghana in World Cup This Saturday

United States to Play Ghana in World Cup This Saturday - World Soccer Talk

<div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://view2.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9135158/uruguay-montevideo-soccer/uruguay-montevideo-soccer.jpg?size=500&amp;imageId=9135158" border="0" alt="MONTEVIDEO, June 17, 2010 Fans celebrate after Uruguay won its match against South Africa in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Montevideo, capital of Uruguay, on June 16, 2010." width="500" height="352"></figure></div>
So the World Cup is now a week old,&nbsp;every team has played at least once. It is now becoming clear whether your team was a sound bet or as dodgy as a Northern Rock balance sheet.
There have already been a few surprises, and those following a minnow may have had a nice surprise. Also those struggling can cling to a few strands of hope as no team has been eliminated thus far.
If like me you have a team you know little about in the office sweepstake, or you have just not bothered with the World Cup so far, I have created a quick summary to get you up to speed.
How is your team doing?
Algeria – A poor start against Slovenia and elimination beckons, unless they pull of a surprise against England. Should Algeria qualify and you live in England you may be forced to change your name, address and seek alternative employment.

Argentina – In Messi you should trust, Argentina recorded one of the most crushing one nil victories you will ever see, in the first game and eventually ran out comfortable winners agains South Korea. &nbsp;Blue and white fireworks will surely illuminate this tournament sooner rather than later.
Australia – Hammered by Germany and unlikely to progress, the players should start booking their plane tickets home.
Brazil – Although they made heavy work of the North Koreans, I would still be happy to have backed Brazil in this tournament. The quality is there for all to see.
Cameroon – Having lost their opening game, there is a lot left to do if Cameroon are to qualify, hope is not yet lost but I would not back my sweepstake team.
Chile – An opening game&nbsp;victory, playing attacking football, what more can you ask for?
Denmark – Lost to Holland but not out of it yet, Nicklas Bentdner and others will need to be at the top of their game for the next two games though.
England – If you don’t know how they are doing, just google ‘Robert Green’ and all will become clear.
France – Started with a draw and this side looks weary, improvement needed from a side that looks devoid of ideas.
Germany – Emphatic win against Australia, people are already taking notice of the Germans in this tournament.
Ghana – Flying the flag for Africa with an opening game win, this side will receive a lot of coverage in a tournament desperate for African success.
Greece – Poor and uninspired, if they cannot improve they will soon be back to the economic turmoil of their homeland.
Holland – Won their first game, should progress from their group with ease.
Honduras – Lost to Chile, things are already looking bleak for one of the teams no one really knows/expects anything from in this tournament.
Italy – Had a poor first game which was the ultimate defence vs. defence battle that somehow produced two goals. &nbsp;After 2006 you should resist the urge to rule out these ageing slow starters.
Ivory Coast – After a battling draw against Portugal, Sven’s men need a big win against North Korea, or a miracle against Brazil to progress.
Japan – Secured victory in their opening game, they will be hoping to build on this as expectations back home grow.
Mexico – Only a draw to start the tournament off, massive improvements will be needed in order to prove they can make a mark on this tournament.
New Zealand – The point they got in their opening game&nbsp;was hailed as a miracle&nbsp;for New Zealand, read into that what you like given the opposition was Slovakia.
Nigeria – Massacred in a 1-0 defeat to Argentina, they will be ok if their goalkeeper keeps up the form he showed in that game.
North Korea – Fantastic start, strong favourites to win the tournament, well back home at least. In all seriousness the Koreans showed real passion against Brazil and even got a consolation goal. Unlikely to progress but their compact style may harm the chances of one of the other ‘top’ sides in the group.
Paraguay – Secured a great result against the holders, but may need to play with more attacking intent to progress.
Portugal – Things just don’t seem right in the Portugal camp, a draw in the opening game is ok, however much more is needed. &nbsp;Only so much can be done as a one man team.
Serbia – Having lost their opening game, the Serbians look to be limping out of the tournament; however there is talent in this side. This will need to shine through if they are to reach the second round.
Slovakia – Having failed to beat the worst team in the competition in their first game, I think the Slovakians are finished in the tournament before it has really begun.
Slovenia – Top of England’s group with a win, Slovenia have a real chance to upset the apple cart and qualify ahead of the USA or England in group C.
South Africa – Full of heart and with their nation behind them, it looks like this will not be enough to help Bafana Bafana progress. Two gutsy displays have not made up for a lack of discernable talent, only a win against France and a miracle will see them through to the next stage.
South Korea – After winning their first game in an impressive fashion, the Koreans will dream of a repeat of 2002 or even better.&nbsp;Combining a strong work ethic with touches of flair. Despite&nbsp; losing to Argentina, this team has the potential to have a stellar World Cup.
Spain – The favourites lost their opening match to Switzerland, potentially setting up a second round tie with Brazil. Still not out of the running, their Rolls Royce midfield engine needs to start ticking over, and fast.
Switzerland – After beating Spain this team must feel on top of the world, the second round may be their target, but they have certainly already made their mark on the competition.
United States – Brilliant result if not performance against England, confidence must be at an all time high. Slovenia must not be underestimated though and Friday’s game will be key to their campaign.
Uruguay – Almost through to the next round, they looked good against France and South Africa. Manchester United fans may not recognise the Diego Forlan of this World Cup compared to his days in England as he fires Uruguay forwards in the competition.
So this is where we stand after one week, in the next few days the group pictures will become a lot clearer and we may start to lose teams.
If you have backed Brazil or Germany you should be very happy with your investment, those following Slovenia, Switzerland, Chile or Uruguay may have been pleasantly surprised by last weeks games.
As we move forwards every team still technically in with a shout, each team is now &nbsp;just 6 games from immortality.
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The World Cup Summary Week One- How Is Your Team Doing?

The World Cup Summary Week One- How Is Your Team Doing? - World Soccer Talk

<a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/entertainment/soccer-2010-usa-beat/image/8955037?term=clint+dempsey" target="_blank"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://view3.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/8955037/soccer-2010-usa-beat/soccer-2010-usa-beat.jpg?size=500&amp;imageId=8955037" border="0" alt="May 29, 2010 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. - The USA Men&apos;s National Soccer Team player CLINT DEMPSEY celebrates making the winning goal for Team USA at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia against Turkey&apos;s National Men&apos;s Team. The USA Men won the match 2-1 in front of the largest soccer crowd ever gathered in Philadelphia." width="500" height="382"></figure></div></a>
Heading into&nbsp;this World Cup, no team should&nbsp;be looking for any extra&nbsp;motivation.&nbsp; After all, this is the World Cup , where the world’s best will be gathered for one big battle royal to decide who takes home the title, World Champion!&nbsp; Never will these teams ever again experience the spectacle or pageantry that will be apart of starting June 11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The US enter the tournament with their most talented, experienced, and by their own admission, the most focused team they have ever had.&nbsp; This team has a rare opportunity that many teams don’t get, to exorcise some of the demons that have haunted them, to right some of the real and perceived wrongs that have been happened to them on the field.&nbsp; This tournament may very well turn into their very own revenge tour, and this time its personal.
England
The US are going to first and foremost be looking to get some form of points from this match, but make no mistake, many of these players will remember the poor showing this US team showed against England&nbsp;at Wembley in 2008.&nbsp; England players reported that some US players were shaking in the tunnel, an image that they no doubt want to erase from their own minds as well as the England players.&nbsp; Also there is a little revenge here on the English media. Once their favorite son, Beckham, made his choice to come to MLS, all you heard was how “Mickey Mouse” MLS was.&nbsp; A league that all the US players have gotten their start in and have strong emotional ties to.&nbsp; Taking any points off England, would be the akin to the US saying; “We’re here, we beat you, now shut it!”
Contingent on Advancing from the Group Stage(which they will)
Germany
In 2002 the US completely outplayed the Germans and had an obvious&nbsp;handball by Torsten Frings in the penalty area go uncalled.&nbsp; A likely round of 16 opponent, the US will be thinking of this and liking their chances, especially going against a German team missing captain Michael Ballack, starting keeper Rene Adler,&nbsp;plus three other players key players(Heiko Westerman, Simon Rolfes, and Christian Traesch).
Ghana
Going into their last group game in 2006 many of the US fans and players felt that this was a team they should have and could have beaten to advance, and many of the players still feel that way today(an argument for another day).&nbsp; However you feel, there is no denying how soft the penalty German referee Markus Merk awarded Ghana, when Onyewu jostled with 5-foot-8 Razak Pimpong for a header at the edge of the penalty area.&nbsp; Its worth noting the Pimpong is on the Ghana diving team.
Serbia
A dark horse for many fans, this is more of a revenge game for US fans rather than the player.&nbsp; After Giuseppe Rossi’s omission from the Italian team, US fans will be looking for their second pound of flesh in the form of&nbsp; defeating Neven Subotic, a player who played all his youth soccer in the US kit before switching allegiances.
Now it is going to take more than the US taking the pitch in revenge mode to make this World Cup a memorable one, but any added motivation can only help this already talented team.

The United States World Revenge Tour

The United States World Revenge Tour - World Soccer Talk

<a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=ballack&amp;iid=8825176" target="_blank"> <div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/c/f/a/8/Michael_Ballack_Chelsea_37b8.JPG?adImageId=12892679&amp;imageId=8825176" border="0" alt="Michael Ballack Chelsea 2009/10" width="500" height="348"></figure></div></a>
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You have to feel for a player of the calibre of Michael Ballack and for fans of Germany. Things haven’t always gone swimmingly for Ballack at Stamford Bridge since he joined in 2006, but there is no doubt he is Germany’s most accomplished player of his generation. Be it at Munich, Leverkusen or the national side, Ballack has been one of the most consistent performers in the last 10 years of European football.
My first reaction to the challenge by Kevin-Prince Boateng on Saturday was it was a nasty little challenge. Numerous replays have simply strengthened that belief and it was the end to a little spat that had been running for the previous 15 minutes in the F.A. Cup Final. Now, Boateng is not alone in having a spiteful side to his play, but the irony of the impact it would have on his and Ballacks summer is now becoming apparent.  <a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=boateng&amp;iid=8810184" target="_blank"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/4/b/b/8/FA_Cup_Final_d542.JPG?adImageId=12892710&amp;imageId=8810184" border="0" alt="FA Cup Final Chelsea v Portsmouth 2009/10" width="500" height="361"></figure></div></a>
June 23rd has now gained a new significance in the World Cup as it is the date that Ghana play Germany in South Africa. Now normally, any game which features a player going against a side who have lost a player due to a nasty challenge would be interesting. Add the fact that the player is Germany’s captain and talismanic leader and the stakes are indeed raised, but there is an even more tantilising twist to this tale.
You see, up until April, Kevin Prince Boateng was classed as a German international, having represented the national side at both Under-16 and Under-19 levels. Now he has been granted permission by FIFA to represent Ghana at full international level and is expected to make the cut for the World Cup squad named by Ghana’s manager Milovan Rajevec. It’s a new move and one that should be applauded, though I doubt FIFA had this kind of comeback in mind when they allowed him to join up with Ghana.
<a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=ghana football&amp;iid=7769893" target="_blank"> <div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/8/5/2/b/Sports_News_084f.jpg?adImageId=12892743&amp;imageId=7769893" border="0" alt="Sports News - January 31, 2010" width="500" height="395"></figure></div></a>
Now the game has a whole new dimension for both sides. It was always going to be a pivotal game for both sides, with the dangerous Australians and Serbia making up a tough group. I’m not one for advocating revenge, but I’ve a feeling certain members of the German squad will be gunning for Boateng. Not only for the injury that Ballack has sustained, ruling him out of the World Cup but for turning his back on his country of birth.
I appreciate the draw a country could have on a player, but the decision seems to be made based on taking the easier option for me. Boateng’s career has certainly stalled whilst he’s been in England, he has the air of a player that sometimes looks like he can’t be bothered. His appearance for Portsmouth against Coventry in this season’s F.A. Cup run was peculiar to say the least. At one point in the second half, he was too injured to run but magically had the ability to dribble and shoot when the ball was played to him.
<a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=ballack&amp;iid=8826271" target="_blank"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/5/0/7/0/Michael_Ballack_FA_41f8.JPG?adImageId=12892767&amp;imageId=8826271" border="0" alt="Michael Ballack FA Cup Final Chelsea v Portsmouth 2009/10" width="500" height="418"></figure></div></a>
Since being at Portsmouth, he’s certainly gained some playing time, but his spell at Tottenham was a dreadful indictment of the previous regimes slapdash transfer policy under Daniel Commoli.The only thing that shocked me was that Tottenham managed to get anywhere near the £5 million they paid out for him.
Poor Michael Ballack, suspended for the 2002 World Cup final, will now probably never play in a World Cup again. He’ll be 37 by the time Brazil rolls around in 2014, so time and common sense is against him. Boateng, all being well, could be on the cusp of a wonderful career for the Black Stars over the next decade or so. So all German eyes will be on Johannesburg on June 23rd as the two sides clash. By the way, did I mention Kevin Prince Boateng could be there with his brother, Jerome. Trouble is, Jerome’s been picked by Germany in their provisional squad. Talk about a twist having a twist.

Ballacks Pain Of Missing The World Cup

Ballacks Pain Of Missing The World Cup - World Soccer Talk

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The final round of the group games saw several well fancied sides struggling for form and in danger of going out, but Group B’s final game saw Ghana edge it 1-0 to progress with Ivory Coast in to the quarter finals. It had certainly been a weird group with Mali pulling out but eventually, the two major sides got through, though Burkina Faso can be proud at their efforts.
They made themselves hard to beat and in knock out football, that can be all you need, as Greece proved in the 2004 European Championships. Ghana struggled, huffed and generally puffed throughout the group but just about got over the line. Group C saw Nigeria roll back the years to trounce Mozambique 3-0 but they made hard work of it through out the first half.

2 goals either side of half time from Osaze Odemwingie put daylight between Nigeria and their opponents and a late goal from Obamfemi Martins wrapped up all 3 points. Nigeria were ominously beginning to shake off the lethargy that had afflicted them in the first two games and began to play as the team of old.&nbsp; It would be something unfair to dismiss Mozambique’s challenge as they did start the game brighter, but Nigeria have been there and done that. Experience counts for a lot in a major tournament.
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Egypt also continued their fine form with a 2-0 win over Benin. Even resting key players couldn’t derail the Pharaohs great from so far in Angola, they’ve probably impressed me the most of all the notable sides. They kept the ball so well in this game, that despite everything being on the line for the Squirrels, they simply didn’t get enough possession. El Mohamedy scored a peach of a goal and when Moteab made it 2-0 after just 23 minutes, they game was effectively over.
The final group games saw so much to play for but ultimately someone had to go out. Gabon went into the game against Zambia knowing they simply needed a draw, but they seemed to freeze when their big moment arrived. Zambia however played with an abandon of a side with nothing to lose. They weren’t expected to qualify but they brushed Gabon aside to win 2-1 thanks to goals by Kalada and Chamanga. Gabon simply couldn’t get their game working and even after a late goal couldn’t do enough.
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Cameroon also knew that they needed to avoid defeat against Tunisia to progress, but once again struggled to produce anything of real quality, especially after going 1-0 down in the opening minute. For half an hour they failed to create anything of note, but once again it was the talismanic striker, Samuel Eto’o who came to the rescue. He equalised at the beginning of the second half but Cameroon shot themselves in the foot and went behind again to an own goal. Staring elimination in the face they rallied and got a second equaliser through N’Guemo. The Indomitable Lions held on, but only just to progress.
So the Quarter Finals were upon us with four interesting games, the host nation Angola entertained Ghana but the fairytale came to an abrupt halt. Despite a feverish support, Angola couldn’t take their chances and recover the initiative after Gyan had given the Black Stars the lead after sixteen minutes. They wasted some great chances and thanks to some great goalkeeping by Ghanaian keeper Kingson, the host nation exited the competition.
Sundays other game saw a heavyweight clash between two World Cup qualifiers, Ivory Coast and Algeria. Both teams had started the tournament slowly but this game was anything but a slow clash. Chelsea’s Kalou got the Ivory Coast off to the best start with a 4th minute opener when he was left free in the box but Algeria would not be bowed and responded after 30 minutes through Matmour with a lovely right foot strike from the edge of the box. The second half was a tense affair but it exploded spectacularly in the final minutes.
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With one minute of the match remaining, Kadou Keita hit a thunderbolt from outside the box that flew in to the top left hand corner to put the Ivory Coast on the threshold of the semi-finals but Algeria had other ideas. Unbelievably left unmarked in the box, Rangers centre half, Madjid Bougherra steered a header past the despairing dive of the goalkeeper in the 92nd minute to take the game to extra time.
Amazingly, 3 minutes in to extra time, it was another British based player, Hamed Bouazza, who was left unattended in the box to head Algeria in front for the first time in the match. Of course, we hadn’t had a major incident in either of Sundays games but that all changed in the final minute. The Ivory Coast poured forward and Kolo Toure struck a sweet shot to equalise but it was amazingly ruled out for offside. He was clearly onside and the replays showed as much, but the decision stood and the tournament favourites crashed out in controversial style.
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Yesterday saw the remaining quarter finals and Cameroon’s luck finally ran out, though the day seemed to by destined as theirs. An early goal against the impressive Egyptians from a corner by Emana seemed to settle the Cameroonians down. No-one touched the ball apart from Egypt’s captain Ahmed Hassan as it whistled in to the net to start the goal scoring in bizarre circumstances.
Hassan, however, would drag his team back in to the game with a long range shot that went in from well outside the box ten minutes before half time to make it 1-1. Egypt seemed revitalised by this goal and took the game to Cameroon, who had Kameni to thank for keeping them in game but Cameroon continued to struggle but they hung on for extra time. The game turned almost as quickly as the extra period began, when Geremi under hit a back pass and Gado pounced to make it 2-1 but once again controversy reared its ugly head.
Just 3 minutes after going 2-1 down, Ahmed Hassan hit a free kick, Kameni saved it on to the bar and bounced away yet amazingly the linesman gave it and the goal stood. It wasn’t even close to being a goal but to be fair, Egypt had been the better side throughout the game and deserved the victory, but once again, the quality of the officiating dominated the post match discussions.
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Finally, Zambia and Nigeria tried their best to send everyone to sleep in a dour 120 minutes but some people managed to make it to the penalty shoot out. Thankfully this gave us a notable incident, with both goalkeepers scoring, and Nigeria’s Vincent Eneyema not only saved a spot kick, he scored the winner to send Nigeria through to the semi-finals.
Sadly, the two shocking decisions soured some great football and it’s hard to think of two worse decisions at international level in this day and age, but hopefully neither set of officials will be here for the rest of the tournament. Thursday will see both games taking place, with the sumptuous West African derby between Nigeria and Ghana acting as a starter to a real grudge match, Algeria v Egypt. Hopefully all the battling will stay on the pitch this time. Roll on Thursday!!!

African Cup Of Nations Round Up Days 10-18

African Cup Of Nations Round Up Days 10-18 - World Soccer Talk

<div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter" src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/uploads/outofafricauk.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/palanquinha_can2010.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="566"></figure></div>Now that’s what I call a tournament mascot. I don’t need modern interpretations of peace, harmony and good will like the dreadful trio that South Korea and Japan gave us in 2002. Dreadful mascots and a dreadful tournament. I want giant animals or characters that can play football or playing football. This is Palanquina, who is based on the famed Angolan <a href="http://www.wild-about-you.com/GameGiantSable.htm" target="_blank">Giant Sable Antelope</a>, a rare animal now only found in one region of Angola. A proper mascot if there ever was one.
Well if the first round of matches showed us anything, then it was not to take anything for granted. Whilst some semblance of order returned in the second round of games, there were still some shocks and one of the best games you will see all year and allegations of match fixing. Just a normal continental football tournament then!

So Group A saw Algeria recover to beat under-performing Mali 1-0 on Thursday to get them back on track and put Mali facing the exit, but more on that later. Angola continued there fine form with a convincing 2-0 win of Malawi, with Manucho getting another goal. This meant that all Angola and Algeria needed was a 0-0 draw today for them both to qualify, regardless of how many goals Mali scored against Malawi. Can you guess what the final score was?
Apparently, the group stages are decided on head to head results, though the irony of Algeria being involved in a dodgy result after the 1982 World Cup saw them eliminated through exactly the same thing is rather a shame. Yet, Mali have only themselves to blame, they simply never got going until it was too late.
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Group B gave us only one game on Friday, but what a match it was. A clash of real international heavyweights was end to end all through the game and Ivory Coast broke the deadlock in the first half, with Gervinho getting the opener. Ghana pushed and pushed but the Ivory Coast held on until half time. 10 minutes in to the second half though, Ghana looked to have the advantage when Emmanuel Eboue was sent off for a reckless two footed challenge.
This seemed to have the opposite effect though and with Drogba in mesmerising form, Ghana were torn to shreds and found themselves 3-0 down through Tiene and Drogba and the lack of real experience and quality in the Ghana side was compounded. Saturday brought further bad news and not just for the Black Stars, when Michael Essien was ruled out for the rest of the competition.<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jan/18/michael-essien-chelsea-knee-ligament-injury" target="_blank">With him on crutches, Chelsea will be hopeful that the knee injury is not too serious.</a>
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Ghana play Burkina Faso tomorrow knowing a win is the only thing that will get them through the group.
Group C saw Egypt continue with their remarkable from so far in Angola 2010, with another 2-0 win though it was a tough game at times, but another great game of football. Unfancied Mozambique had chances to score before conceding a harsh own goal, then missed chances to draw themselves level before Egypt finished them off with a superb turn and volley from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW5M85mIYAk" target="_blank">Mohamed Gedo</a>. The Pharoahs are looking good once again.
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Nigeria, still hurting from their opening game loss against Egypt struggled to beat Benin 1-0, thanks to a Yakubu penalty in the 42nd minute. Despite all the experience, they looked sluggish and were also hit with an injury to key defender Joseph Yobo. If Benin had been more ruthless in front of goal, the Nigerians would be going home. Instead, a point against Mozambique will see them through.
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Finally in Group D, Cameroon huffed and puffed after their humiliating defeat against Gabon to win 3-2 against Zambia despite being a goal down until the 68th minute. Geremi equalised and Eto’o put them 2-1 up but Zambia came back again to equalise with an 82nd minute penalty. To the rescue rode Idrissou with a late header to steal the win and keep Cameroon’s disappointing tournament on track. They need to get going soon because someone is going to take them apart if they’re not careful.
In the final game, surprise package, Gabon, battled to a fine 0-0 draw with Tunisia to keep themselves on track to reach the quarter finals. Tunisia meanwhile now know that the only way they’ll be through to the next stage is to beat Cameroon on Thursday. Now that is a game I’m looking forward to.
So there you have it, a bit of scandal, top Premiership players injured, unfancied Premiership players such as Daniel Cousin and Manucho doing their countries proud and a couple of big surprises. The next 3 days will be very interesting indeed and its been a great tournament so far. I’ll be back with another round up after Sunday’s first Quarter finals.
Qualified for Quarter Finals: Algeria, Angola, Egypt
Out and heading home: Mali and Malawi
On the edge of elimination: Ghana and Cameroon. Ghana have to win, Cameroon have to not lose.

African Cup Of Nations Round Up: Days 5-9

African Cup Of Nations Round Up: Days 5-9 - World Soccer Talk

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So, if the only time you’ve ever come across this tournament is when certain Premiership managers whine about it, let me welcome to you to one of World Football’s best kept secrets. Over the years, <a href="http://www.cafonline.com/competition/african-cup-of-nations-angola_2010/" target="_blank">the African Cup Of Nations </a>has grown and grown to be one of the most respected tournaments in World Football. So, as the tournament kicks off in Angola on Sunday, welcome to an overview for the 27th competition.
The influx into European football of African players over the last 20 years has seen the profile of this once derided competition rise far above what even the most biased supporter of African football could have hoped for. My first experience of seeing an African side was Algeria’s incredible defeat of West Germany in 1982 and as I’ve watched football, its reputation has grown and grown. Now it’s a fantastic tournament and one you really need to catch so here’s who to look out for in my first article about it.

This year’s tournament is being held in Angola for the first time and as such will give us the first glimpse of some of the teams who have also qualified for the World Cup in June this year.16 teams participate in the finals, drawn in to groups of four, with quarter finals, semi finals, a 3rd/4th play off and the final.Running over 20 days, this looks set to be the biggest African Cup of Nations yet.
The qualification for this years tournament also doubled up as qualification for the World Cup, which saw the odd spectacle of South Africa entered even though they’re the World Cup hosts along with Angola to try and earn a double qualification. Ironically, Angola haven’t qualified for the World Cup and South Africa failed to reach the African Cup of Nations.
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Favourites for the second tournament in a row are of course Didier Drogba’s Ivory Coast but in 2008 they were humiliated in the semi final by Egypt 4-1. They’ll be desperate to try and add to their solitary title won in 1992.With a squad featuring the Toure brothers, Drogba, Eboue, Zakora and Dindane, they’ll certainly be there or there abouts, The Elephants will be certainly one of the teams to beat. Drawn in Group B they’ll be one of the two fancied teams in that group.
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The other side in Group B with ambitions to win the tournament will be the Black Stars of Ghana. Ghana are a team that we should have seen so much more of over the last 20 years, especially as they gave us one of the greatest ever African players of all time, in Abedi Pele, who like George Weah of Liberia never made it to a World Cup. They finished 3rd last time, so they’ll be desperate to go at least one better but they lack a clinical striker.&nbsp; With Michael Essien, John Mensah, Kingson, Addo and Amoah in the squad they’ll try and cope with the loss of talismanic captain Stephen Appiah and <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/815/african-nations-cup/2009/12/24/1707613/african-nations-cup-mixed-reactions-over-sulley-muntaris-absence-" target="_blank">Sulley Muntari’s enforced passing over</a>.
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Group A should be a walk in the park for one of England’s forthcoming <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/8367431.stm" target="_blank">World Cup opponents, Algeria</a>. With a fine international pedigree, they’ll be in with an outside shout of getting to the last four this time round. Since bursting on to the world stage in the 1982 World Cup, Algeria have lost their way a little since following it up with qualification for the 1986 World Cup and winning the A.C.O.N in 1990.
Since winning that title, they’ve been disqualified once, gone out in the first round three times and failed to qualify since 2004. Familiar names to watch out for in the Desert Foxes team are Hassan Yebda and Nadir Belhadj of Portsmouth, Kamel Ghilas of Hull City, Hamuer Bouazza formerly of Fulham and Madjid Bougherra of Rangers. They need a good tournament to reaffirm their place in African football.
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Group C sees the power of African football, Egypt and the former star, Nigeria drawn together. Egypt who were pipped for World Cup qualification by Algeria, which saw such <a href="http://www.football.co.uk/portsmouth/zaki_cites_israeli_presence_at_fratton_park_as_reason_for_shun_rss269998.shtml" target="_blank">scenes of sportsmanship for them</a>, have a lot to live up to . As defending champions since 2006, it remains to be seen just how much of a hangover they’ve retained from missing out on South Africa. Yet, without the injured Amr Zaki and the unpicked Mido, Egypt would seem to have it all to do to retain the trophy. Spurs fans will certainly remember Hossan Ghaly and Dortmunds Mohamed Zidan is one to watch for the Pharaohs.
Nigeria qualified for both Angola and South Africa, but they are not the side they once were. The Super Eagles were one of the key sides in African football’s modern growth but the generation that got them there are slowly retiring. Yet the squad is still packed with familiar names. Yobo, Yakubu, Kanu, Obi-Mikel, Martins, Shittu, Taiwo, Etuhu and Olofinjana will all be in the squad and will be looking to try and re-affirm their place at the head of modern African football. An outside chance of winning the title certainly.
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Which leads us to another favourite, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. Lead by one of the worlds greatest strikers, Samuel Eto’o, Cameroon have been one of Africa’s leading lights over the last two decades. After missing out for the 2006 World Cup, they were in danger of missing out on both tournaments this year, but after sacking the manager, former Rangers, Lyon and Paris Saint Germain manager Paul Le Guen rode to the rescue.
Surprisingly though, Le Guen has opted not to pick the impressive <a href="http://worldcup.sportinglife.com/story/0,27111,17337_5794929,00.html" target="_blank">Sebastain Bassong for the tournament</a> but joining Eto’o will be Rigobert Song, Geremi, Alexandre Song, Jean Makoun and Andre Bikey. If they can keep Eto’o up the field, then anything can happen and after the 2006 penalty <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4675316.stm" target="_blank">shoot out marathon against Ivory Coast</a> and losing the last A.C.O.N final on penalties, they’ll be hoping to avoid more shootout heartache.IN Carlos Kameni, they’ve probably got the best goalkeeper in Africa. He could be key.
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So they’re the main 6 contenders, but there are two outsiders that may catch the eye. Imagine a team with a midfield of Seydou Keita of Barcelona, Real Madrid’s Mahamadou Diarra and Juventus’s Momo Sissoko with Freddie Kanoute upfront. Well, that’s Mali’s main foursome and with a squad with a wealth of European experience and the Eagles have a team with bags of potential still unfulfilled. Of course, Togo also qualified and whilst the side seem to lack quality overall, if a certain Emmanuel Adebayor fancies it, then the Sparrow Hawks could cause some real shocks.
So there you have it. Over here in Europe, Eurosport will be showing every match, with the BBC disappointingly only showing the semi finals and final this time. If you’ve never watched it before, I recommend it highly and it’ll give you a real taste of what’s to come in June this year when the World Cup gets underway. I’ll be dropping another more articles throughout the month for you to keep up to speed with the tournament, so feel free to leave me your comments and questions.

African Cup Of Nations Begins The Year With A Bang in Angola

African Cup Of Nations Begins The Year With A Bang in Angola - World Soccer Talk

Why is Michael Essien so underrated is a mystery to me. I must admit that I was nonplussed about him as a player, knowing next to nothing about him when he signed for Chelsea from Lyon in August 2005 for £24 million. That was in the dark days before I had Setanta and could immerse myself in French football as often as I wished. Yet, it took next to no time for me to be impressed by his dynamic style and work rate, for me he’s easily one of the best midfielders in world football and this season has shown just how important he is for Chelsea.
His performances in the three games he’s played since returning from the damaged cruciate ligament he picked up playing for Ghana against Libya have been sensational, I consider him a swashbuckling player, dynamic runs, powerful in the tackle, yet a lovely range of passing, good in the air and the positional adaptability that all managers would adore to have in their team. His goal against Juventus showed that he wasn’t held back by his injury as some players can be on their return. By throwing himself at the ball and the imposing figure of Gianluigi Buffon, without a care about his knee showed he wanted to score over anything else, he just wanted to drag his team level and also evaporate any doubts over his long term fitness.Against Manchester City yesterday, he could have had a hatrick.
Essien has shown in those games just how important he is and yet he knows he has to push the continual development of his game. When he first joined, the only thing about his game that I thought he lacked was his goalscoring, only getting two in his debut season at Chelsea. He’s certainly added that to his game since though, and his two goals in Chelsea’s last two games were massive, massive goals. The goal against Juventus, coming when it did, was such a crucial strike. If Chelsea had gone in at half time one nil down, especially scoring a goal that the referee and linesman missed, they’d be out of Europe now, no question about it. The dreadful decision would have weighed down on them and I don’t think they’d have been able to pick themselves up enough in the second half, but Essien saved the day.
His return to fitness couldn’t come at a better time for the Blues and Guus Hiddink as we reach the final furlong in European football. The Premiership is too far out of reach, regardless of Liverpool’s destruction of Manchester United on Saturday, but with Chelsea still in the F.A.Cup and Champions League, the possibility of having two cracks at silverware is tantalising close. Essien will be crucial in this run in now, his drive and effervescence, matchless in Chelsea’s engine room.
With sounds emanating from Stamford Bridge that Chelsea look likely to have a major clear out in the Summer, Essien, along with Lampard and Anelka, would be top of the list of players to keep hold of with no question of selling any of that trio and building the new Chelsea around them for a serious assault on four fronts. Essien has to be the fulcrum, the pivot that allows the team to move freely. Get that balance right and Chelsea can look to scale the heights they achieved under Mourinho once again next year.

Essien Returns As Chelsea's Fulcrum

Essien Returns As Chelsea's Fulcrum - World Soccer Talk

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