World Cup Brazil 2014

After the challenging time of trying figure who will advance from Group C of this summer’s World
Cup. I now am faced with an either harder bunch in Group D. A group that contains  three former winners. When making decisions like this I first like to go with my gut. Whatever pops into my head I immediately scribble down. If I’m not satisfied with that I tend to look at the players each nation has, the form they are in and their fitness via stats and calculations. Another interesting tool I like to implicate is the "special factor.” Does a team has a veteran roster? So this may be a last hooray for the players. They may use that as motivator. Does a team have a home team advantage or a huge following in a country? For example, Portugal will be well supported and culturally will feel very comfortable in Brazil. Lastly I just ask a good friend who they think is going to win or advance. Sometimes having an outside perspective is the best angle one can take. I’m very critically of myself and the work I produce. In any realm of life and though I may not like being criticized, it is welcomed. So I can at least give myself room to dwell on thoughts. So there you go a snippet into my mind. Here is hoping I can have clear thoughts moving forward.

Group D
Costa Rica
England
Italy
Uruguay


Costa Rica

If you don’t feel for sorry for Costa Rica you have to be subhuman! The Costa Ricans really didn’t deserve this. I know because I  basically watched their whole qualifying campaign in CONCACAF. They were heroic, marvelous and didn’t shirk from any challenge. I will never forget when they played that nightmare of a football match in snowy Colorado against the United States where they turned in a stoic display only to barely lose. Costa Rica enter World Cup qualification in CONCACAF’s third round and were place in Group B with perennial giants Mexico and bottom feeders Guyana and El Salvador. As to be expect the Costa Ricans finished the Mexicans to advance to the final stage of the region’s qualifying, “The Hexagonal.” In the “Hex,” the Costa Ricans exceed expectations and finished just behind the Americans to claim second spot and automatic qualification. A remarkable feat considering Mexico and Honduras were in the pool as well. This will be the “Ticos,” fourth World Cup. Their best ever finish was at Italy 1990 when they reached the round of 16. I’ve seen the Costa Rica squad coach Jorge Pinto will has chosen for the World Cup and the fact he has chosen just three flat out strikers tells you his intention. He isn’t stupid  he knows that he will have to close the blinds given the opposition his team will face. Pinto has to get his tactics right and ensure men like Joel Campbell, Bryan Ruiz and Michael Barrantes at least give a wanting defense a break.

Key Man- Like so many squads going into this World Cup Costa Rica has been hit by injury. Pinto has loss Real Salt Lake forward Álvaro Saborío to a broken foot in training. A man who would have linked up well with star man Bryan Ruiz. The former Fulham man will have limited touches in the ball but when he gets his chance he will need to be spectacular.   

England

It's not a well kept secret that England has underwhelmed at FIFA competitions for awhile. Which is a shame because the country credited for bringing the game to the world they should be draped in even more glory than they already have. England’s only international crown came in 1966 when they hosted and won the World Cup. Ever since then it has been an ocean of mediocrity for the English. Which doesn’t make much sense when you look at the players  the nation have and had. What I will say this their 14th trip to the World Cup seems to bring an air of optimism with it. In recent times there has been clamor in England to go with youth...well they got what they asked for because this squad heading to Brazil is definitely young. To be honest I think that was the right step because in qualifying for Brazil, England did use a youthful squad when they stepped out on top of UEFA’s Group H. Which was a very tricky ordeal because the English had to see off Montenegro, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova and San Marino. England will be led by Roy Hodgson and the team he has picked for the tourney is missing a few good men for me at least. There is no Jay Rodriguez and Theo Walcott ruled out through injury. England are always without the famed Chelsea pair John Terry and Ashley Cole. Both confirming there international retirement for one reason or another. Steven Caulker was not picked, which is a little puzzling to me given his good form. The regulars however are there for the “Three Lions.” Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Joe Hart and Glen Johnson will all be in Brazil. They will be joined by fresh talent like Luke Shaw, Raheem Sterling, Fraser Forester and Danny Welbeck which sounds good. It can’t be side stepped...this is a tough group the English could win it or finish behind Uruguay and Italy. We will have to wait and see.

Key Man- I’m sure almost every pundit has Wayne Rooney as the go to man for Roy Hodgson but I see it differently. Daniel Sturridge is such a amazing player I can’t wrap my head around some of his performances. I’m tipping him to overshadow Rooney simply because he is such a real talent.

Italy

Italy coast through UEFA’s Group B where they easily conquered Denmark, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Malta and Armenia. This will be the Italians 19th World Cup and they are looking for their fifth title.  The Italians this summer will be led by coach Cesare Prandelli and he has brought with him some familiar names. The always reliable Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Danielle De Rossi and Andrea Pirlo will be there. Prandelli has also incorporated some youth into the squad. Forward Lorenzo Insigne, midfield man Marco Veratti and defender Matteo De Scigilio will make the trip. Combining these youngster into the squad immediately gives Italy a much more mobile look and feel. I mean I can call all the names I want but we all know that Mario Balotelli is the go getter for the “Azzuri.” I won’t say the Italians won't win this thing but if they do he will be a big help. To doubt Italy changes at any FIFA tournament is folly. The players heading to Brazil look strong and I know they will do a job but the Serie A is flagging a bit and Italy’s players are competing in an ailing league. One just has to look at how well Italian teams are doing in the UEFA Champions League in recent seasons. Attendances and financing for the league isn’t as strong as other spots in Europe but the Italians being Italians won’t care and would discount all of that. Again here we have another team who could well come along and win this whole thing. I wouldn’t be surprised if they do.

Key Man- As I said just now Mario Balotelli is clearly the star here. Some may argue that Andrea Pirlo, Gigi Buffon or Giorgio Chiellini  are more important and that would be sound but Balotelli brings the fear. No one should ever underestimate the power of intimidation in sport.

Uruguay

Winners and host of the first ever World Cup, Uruguay go to Brazil with history on their side. The Uruguayans are seeking their third ever world title and it is worth noting that the last time the World Cup was in Brazil they did win. Qualification for Óscar Tabárez men was not uniformed at all. Uruguay finished fifth in CONMEBOL qualifying thus earning an intercontinental tie with Asian side Jordan. The Jordanians knew it was a long shot qualifying for Brazil and Uruguay quickly reminded them of that. The South American side strolled over to Amman and whacked the Jordanians 5-0. In the return leg in Montevideo the host didn’t even bothered to score and Jordan gave up the ghost so a 0-0 draw ensued. This World Cup Tabárez has put the band back together. Diego Forlán, Edinson Cavani and Luis Suárez I’m pretty sure will all be in the starting XI for Uruguay and for rest of the teams in group that’s bad news. Fernando Musalera will be goal. You can expect veteran defenders like Diego Lugano and Diego Godín to feature. Uruguay has also brought Sebastián Coates, a defender who dominated at the last Copa America but who has also been hurt for a long time. In the middle Diego Pérez will be there alongside Cristian Rodríguez. While for some creativity in the midfield Tabárez has opted to give Gastón Ramírez a shot. Looking at the personnel on display for Uruguay I can easily say they can be in for a long run. Not a dark horse but  a contender that can legitimately win it all.

Key Man- After sweating out on Luis Suárez for a little while Uruguay will be ecstatic to have their star man ready for the tournament. If you watched the Barclays Premier League 2013-14 season you would easily see why this guy is my pick. He got me a ton of Fantasy points.

Predictions- I have Uruguay coming in first. Followed by Italy closely followed by England with Costa Rica taking a backseat. Suarez, Cavani, Forlan and Stuani can produce a volume of goals that teams just won’t be able to match. Italy always find a way. England defensively are a little dodgy. As for Costa Rica they might as well not be here.

Costa Rica

 

Hatchlings

Its been a while I know. I feel something poetic must be said, maybe a haiku or a quatrain to somewhat stimulate the soul.Or maybe a some feminine interpretative dance needs to be performed or my personal favourite the pantomime. I say to you my reader you have never truly experience life if you haven't seen a 98 pound seven year old Chinese girl name Bau in an owl costume jumping around screaming the most God awful things. This is the world of pantomime as I knew it. I will never get back those few precious hours of my life but the youngsters in Hatchlings seem like they have all the time in the world. I came out with all the poetic references for good reason that being I have not done this particualr segment for what must seem like ages. Something always came up or I was to big of a vagabond, note my grandmother's favourite word when referring to misplaced youth folk, to motivate myself for some reason or another. I was in hiding like how Rhea hid her son Zeus from his father Kronos so that he would not be devoured like all her other children and like Zeus I have returned to exact righteous and valor to the world and oust the old guard. Well not really but I am back to shine light on the often forgotten. This dude though is hard to forget trust me.

Name: Theo James Walcott

D/O/H: 03/16/1989 (age 20)

Place of Hatching: Stanmore, Greater London, England

Position: Winger/Forward

Preferred Claw: Right

Height: 5'9 ft/inches

National Team: England

Caps: 8

Club Teams: AFC Newbury, Swindon Town, Southampton FC (2005/06), Arsenal FC (2006-present)



OH Britannia, Britannia we love you.I DON'T. As a national team I personally think England is the most boring over hyped, over payed, over rated, dull although I said boring, vane and uninteresting harem of bitches one can ever come across. That is England as an unit but in terms of their league structure they are immaculate. The football leagues in the British Isles are masterstrokes and one has to admit their top league is the finest in the world, ironically though it is not the English that has made it what it is to be its the influx of foreign talent has made it what it is today. You take the England's players out of their drab national strip then we can talk and talk we shall. Individually English players are very skillful I won't call names because they are for one to many to call and two it is all about the young man aloft in said picture. Lets due him justice shall we.
Theo James Walcott was born in Stanmore, Greater London, England on the 16th of March in the good year of 1989. To a Jamaican father and an English mother. A prodigy is an understatement. I personally call him Teofilo after the Portuguese play write who was known for his artistry. At age 14 teen I was to playing football for the reserves of my secondary school team, Theo well.........he to was playing for his secondary school team so at least we are even there. What can be said in his early stages of his football tutelage Theo even before he was at the mature level of secondary school the kid was talented. I am really struggling to find a word that can describe a youngster even younger than what he is now. His father took Theo to his first club setting with AFC Newbury after lighting up the school setting with his advanced style of play not only in football. Walcott like so many sportsmen excels at other sports with basketball also an option for the England wide man but thank goodness football prevailed seeing him playing basketball I don't think would be that exciting as his football. Newbury was just a stepping stone for Theo and soon found himself at Swindon Town a team I actually know. With prodigies there is almost a curse that follows them that being they can never hide, they are always a prized commodity with everyone wanting to be their great mentor the one who coaxed raw potential into assured ability. With Walcott his future was set in stone the day he signed Southampton in the season of 2005/06. In his times with the club affectionately known as the "Saints," Walcott amassed 21 appearances with the first of which coming in 2004 against Championship rivals Watford. Becoming the youngest player ever to play for Southampton at 15 years 157 days to be exact. I was not surprise the boy had a deal with Nike at age 14. This kind of hype for 15 year old is not normal but not uncommon. Throughout the sports world kids are earmarked to be the future of the game in which they play and everyone wants a piece of that next big thing, dumb cliche number one. What was not so dumb was the attention he was receiving and a watchful gaze from an old French man in London soon landed upon him. Like a stalking pedophile Arsene Wegner swooped in for the starlet and brought Theo Walcott to the then home of Arsenal FC, Highbury. Maybe pedophile was a bit harsh but if you don't know Monsieur Wegner has a tendency to buy extremely young players a trend I don't think he will ever stop. In 2006 Walcott became a Gunner and to this date has appeared 63 times and netted six times for the North London outfit. Dubbed the next Thierry Henry, a tag I think unjustly fitted to the man but not unreachable or insurmountable. They are some very close similarities between the two they are one both black that helps the likeness situation, they both are quick and wiley, they both play in a striker slash winger role they both played for Arsenal and they are two nifty alluring guys. Theo's Arsenal career has had its moments and has had its rocky periods. His fragile physique is cause for concern to regularly he is on the physcian's table as I type even now at this present date the poor lad is injured.
On the international stage Theo is very much a fledgling when it comes to the senior squad with only eight caps to his name but when we mention England and his name in the same breath we have to put B or under 21 or 17 as a suffix. Don't get me wrong his forays with the full national side have been breath taking but one must realise the kid is exactly that just a kid and really England has no real need in my opinion right now for his services but I could be wrong which is a bit of an oxymoron because I'm never wrong. Enough self praise though back to young Walcott. At the junior level for England it has to be said is the go to guy and was the go to guy for a while. His outings for the young Lions which I call the cubs because I am attuned with the animal kingdom, has been outstanding. Like so many of his brief career his cameos in big games have warranted him to receive promotions to greater teams and England is no exception. His first venture with the full side came in 2006 at the World Cup held in Germany under the enigmatic Swede Sven Goran Eriksson he failed to get a game but prior to the world tournament the young forward made his debut on the 30th of May 2006 against a Hungarian side at Old Trafford at the tender age of 17, dumb cliche number two. England went on to win that match 3-1 for those interested, as you may know I couldn't care if England never played again. Who will play again is young master Walcott but not just yet. With one world icon David Beckham heading further and further into mediocrity with his play not to mention he is getting old a spot on that right hand side of midfield must open up. This is where it gets tough for Theo, England happen to be blessed with talented players on either wing on the right there is the appropriately named Shaun Wright-Philips, Aaron Lennon and Jermaine Pennant who are ahead of the queue so it will be hard for him to break through. Maybe one day but not now.
I think England as a team are weak little girly men that to light a fire under them takes huge financial packages and a tearful speech from a dying child. Not even then I think but I do love their individual players, am I contradicting it is a possibility but I do know this young man has a bright future and I hope he does not let his career go by the bye it would be a real shame. Football need more men......well boys like him. I am so tired of these late bloomers coming into the game at age 30 and starting to play like they have talent. I want to see the 15 year old boy wonders who can afford a Ferrari but would rather go buy an Xbox, the kid whose mom does his laundry but can buy her a maid to so she would not have to do it. I miss that but with guys like Theo around there is hope still. A very nifty and tidy little player all I can say. Anticlimax why yes it is I said my piece now you make your own conclusions.
Reptile