World Cup All-Star team: What's yours?

The end of the World Cup is approaching and now comes that time when everybody starts to elect the players who will be part of the FIFA’s All Star team. Normally a lot of good players are left behind, because only 11 are selected, but since the national teams are comprised of 23 players, I will give it a shot and list my 23 top players:

Formation: 4-3-3 - The World Cup new formation trend is the 4-2-3-1, but offensive football.

Goalkeepers

IKER CASILLAS (Spain) – the best goaltender of this World Cup (maybe top 3 in the World)

Backups: MAARTEN STEKELENBURG (the Netherlands); RICHARD KINGSON (Ghana) ; LUISITO SUAREZ (Uruguay) – just kidding

Defenders

PHILIPP LAHM (Germany) – Small man with a big role reputation. Very strong defensive skills. (The Argentinean Di Maria had to play in the other side of the field, because Lahm wasn't allowing him to do so).

JOHN HEITINGA (the Netherlands) – A multi-task player given his ability to play at centre-back, full-back or as a holding midfielder (Perfect in the second half against Brazil)

LUCIO (Brazil) - the sheriff. (Brazil's greatest ever defenders).

ARNE FRIEDRICH (Germany) – Very consistent and classic defender with the ability to play right back as well as in the centre.

CARLES PUYOL (Spain) – Ferocious work and talented player.

Defenders Backups: MAICON (Brazil); SERGIO RAMOS (Spain); MOREL RODRIGUEZ (Paraguay)

Midfielders

BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER (Germany) – one of the best players of this World Cup. Classic, talented and elegant midfielder, very technical defensively and offensively.

WESLEY SNEIJDER (the Netherlands)* – the Netherlands' attacking keystone. (Main responsible to the historical victory over Brazil). Another good candidate for the World Cup best player prize.

MESUT ÖZIL (Germany) – a sprightly and technically gifted playmaker. The World Cup’s revelation player.

Midfielder Backups: THOMAS MÜLLER (Germany), DE JONG (the Netherlands) ; ANDRES INIESTA (Spain); LIONEL MESSI (Argentina)

Forwards

DAVID VILLA (Spain) – cold blood striker.(Running for the best player's prize as well).

MIROSLAV KLOSE (Germany) – A perfect pivot in the attack. Precise kicks.

ARJEN ROBBEN (the Netherlands) – Lethal left leg shot from the right corner of the box.

Attackers Backups: ROBINHO (Brazil) ; LANDON DONOVAN (USA)

Coach

JOACHIM LOEW (Germany) - his team didn't play well in the semi-final which was lethal for them, however Germany had a tremendous performance during this World Cup, tactically disciplined and perfectly executed.

Auxiliary Coach: BERT VAN MARWIJK (the Netherlands)

PS - I read the post and saw the pictures of my fellow bloggers at Real Sports Bar and it seems that they had a lot of fun. I wish I was there, but unfortunately I couldn't make it.

About Paulo Porto

Oranje looks better than Red ...

For all of those who forget that there will be a quite historical slant to Sunday's WC final, here is a bit of context. BTW, I called this World Cup final ... See my Choker World Cup post .. with a 7-6 Holland win.

 

The country of The Netherlands was formed after the struggle against Spain, back in 1581. The national anthem (the oldest in the world!) is in fact a rebel song against the Spanish Oppression. Not a lot of people will realize on Sunday, but the King of Spain will be present this Sunday and the Oranje will be singing this once forbidden song in his presence.

 

Ironically enough in South Africa, it will be on soil that the Dutch ourselves occupied. This final will be the closest to a home game that the Dutch would have ever been in the World Cup, since they have never hosted the World Cup before.

 

On Sunday, I'll have opportunity to be sending video from Eindhoven. Here is what it looked like when Van Bronckhorst scored his "bullet"

 

 

On a side note, as much as I have hated Germany growing up, they looked to have the best team and deserved it the most right now but everyone knows that the World Cup isn't usually won by the best looking team. It is the exception than the rule that the best team wins the World Cup.

 

But back to the Dutch ... my Dutch friends were telling me about the celebrations when they won the Euro in '88 with that superstar side with Gullit, Van Basten and Rijkaard. Win or lose, there will be some type of similar this time around, only probably with 10 times as many people.

 

People’s houseboats in the canals of Amsterdam were sinking, because people were jumping on top of them and I’m sure all these guys are already sailing their houses away…

 

Now if only Hunterlaar can score ... I need a repeat of this video ... seriously ... it brightens my day!

 

 

Till the next post from Eindhoven!

 

About Rishi Sankar

World Cup bloggers come together at Real Sports Bar

I can't believe the World Cup tournament is almost over! 

I've had so much fun with this over the past month and I expect to endure some serious blogging and football withdrawal after Sunday.   So, when the Toronto Star invited all of the World Cup Voices bloggers to Real Sports Bar to blog the semi-finals, I couldn't resist.

Real Sports Bar is a new venue in Maple Leaf Square that opened this past June.  I took a look at its website in preparation for the blog fest and came to the conclusion that Real Sports Bar is the lovechild of 24's CTU and Eurovision - lots of TV screens and neon.  After being there, I still feel comfortable in making that assertion.

When I arrive, there is a long lineup snaking out of the entrance and I pass a trio of disappointed Spain fans who have been unable to secure a table, one of whom mumbles:  "Oh well, we tried..."

I have to admit to being slightly overwhelmed by the turnout but notice a large sign welcoming the Toronto Star bloggers so I take that as an invitation to bypass the queue and introduce myself to a hostess who quickly shows me to blogger central. 

I settle in on a stool at a long, counter height, table directly in front of the biggest TV screen I have seen in my life.  Our location is like being in the front row at an Imax theatre.

 

Some of my virtual colleagues have already arrived and I am happy to finally meet them in person. Almost everyone is rooting for Germany in this match against Spain; John tells me that his mother is Dutch and his father German so he's hoping for those two teams to be in the final.  I haven't decided who to cheer for yet.  I figure my emotions will take over at some point and then I'll know.

John, Louise and Nabil 

We are soon joined by Todd and Stefan and a photographer from the Star does a quick interview with each of us.  First the welcome sign, now a photo op?  I'm starting to feel kind of special...

Welcome to the other side of the lens!

By the time we all have our laptops and cameras unpacked and drinks in hand, the match has begun.

The crowd at Real Sports Bar is definitely the biggest I have watched a match on yet, and as far as I can tell most people are Germany fans.  Another blogger, Jane, arrives and tells me that there about 200 Spain fans outside, in the sweltering heat, watching the game on another giant screen TV mounted on the Air Canada Centre.  The conclusion I draw from this is that Germany's fans like to plan ahead and make reservations.

Germany fans 

Spain fans 

As the match progresses, Spain is dominating the play, and I'm feeling pretty invested in everything that team does; the names I'm remembering are Villa, Ramos, Xavi...  When Spain scores in the second half I jump off of my stool and cheer, arms raised high.  Looks like I'm rooting for Spain in this one; and it turns out there are at least a few Spain fans who managed to make it into the bar after all.

 

Soon after Spain scores, our waiter arrives with dessert that Jane and I have ordered.  My slice of cake is akin to the TV screen - the biggest piece of dessert I have ever seen.  I remark to Todd that my cake looks like a house; he responds, more specifically, that it looks like a ski chalet.  Todd is right.

 
10-layer chocolate cake, 2/3 of which currently resides in my fridge

Too soon, it's all over.  Spain has defeated Germany 1-0 and is advancing to the finals.  I try to console John by joking that now his family can watch the game, united.  He laughs, joking:  "Yes, now my parents can stay together."

As for me, I say my goodbyes and Jane and I walk together to Union Station.  Remembering that there are only two games left, I feel a little sad.  However, I'm also excited because I have decided to go to Brazil for 2014!  The planning starts now... Who's with me?

Jane, Tara and the sign 

About Tara Howe

If you thought the Dutch had clogs, check the GER-ESP Midfield...

Real Sports: If You're Looking for Recliners, Go To The Brick

Yes, I'm supporting Holland.  Yes, I'm reviewing Germany.  Yes, I'm licking my lips at a chance to see Germany face the already advanced Dutchmen into the final.  When the call came out for the Toronto Star bloggers to congregate for the semi-finals of the World Cup, let's face it, you begin to feel a bit like a professional sports hack.  I half wanted to have some form of Fedora with a press card tucked into the ribbon, a butt-filled ashtray at the table, and a bottle of whisky left at the table by the wait staff because I asked them to leave it there.  This was not the case.  This is Toronto, we're all polite, and you can't smoke inside anywhere unless the building is on fire.

Call Yourselves Reporters? Not One Fany Hat Among You!

So, I'll continue to be a low-rent blogger.  The call came out to review Germany v. Spain at the Real Sports Bar across the street from the Air Canada Centre.  To call itself the ultimate sports bar and be so close to the home of the Maple Leafs makes it very suspect.  One would hope it would eventually be in the neighbourhood of winners.  Regardless...

I walk in and the place is massive, reminding me of the ESPN Zone in Times Square in NYC.  The only thing missing is the recliners that dot the front of the New York sports haven.  Once they have that, we're good to go. 

Instead of ruing the absence of comfy chairs, I settle in for the last semi-final match of the entire World Cup, Germany v. Spain.  As much as I'm typically not a Germany fan, I've fallen in love of this team and their style of play.  My Dutch already into the final, I would love to see nothing more than the Germans slide into the final slot, making the previous final encounters slightly more vindictive.  The Spanish?  I'm sure they're great as well.  I've begun to love the way this German team works and it would be great to see them scramble against a sea of Oranje.  Or more likely, it would be fantastic seeing both European sides crash against each other, with similar sides taking swings at the other.  And of all the days to have my Herta Berlin shirt in the wash...

Not Actual Size...Much Much Much Bigger

Inside the Real Sports bar, I move to an analog means of work, preferring a book and pen to a laptop since no outlets are available.  That and I figure that's what the Germans would do if they had their druthers as well, mechanic over high-tech.  I am sat down beside fellow blogger Tara Howe who I met ages ago at the Fox and Fiddle for a comedy show.  I'm sure we were both fantastic.

I settle in with my fellow Toronto Star bloggers at a table at the base of the massive HD screen.  The vantage point is such that we might as well be watching from the swing set at the base of a drive-in movie screen.  It is gigantic.  Shifting my glasses in the play where possible, I tend to focus at the smaller screens nearer the bar which up to the 10-minute mark still have darts on instead of the World Cup semi-final.

Both teams show their line-ups and both adhere to a 4-5-1, meaning that there is going to be a clog in the middle of the field that has BP execs licking their lips at.  Both teams open the game with their cards close to their chests, making this a cagey match at best from the onset.

Four minutes in, and we have our first pitch invasion of the tournament.  Why it took so long, and why it wasn't Roger Milla from the Coke commercials either beggars belief.  It still makes me think that England have a chance.

The two monolithic 4-5-1s attack each other like elephants fighting over peanuts.  It's a clunky affair that has the elegance of bumper pool.  This sadly will be the theme for the outing.  That said, 14 minutes in, and Spain have the first chance.  The place swoons and already I'm concerned that I'm the only German blogger in the place.  I'm not, but it does feel like it, the majority I'm sure having found refuge in The Musket.  The bulk of the possession lands in the Spanish hands, but that makes it easier for the Germans to counter, doesn't it?  And they do.  A few corners go Germany's way, many are close, but it's still a stalemate.

As the first half wears on, it appears more and more that the German defence has become more resolute and unforgiving, allowing no Spanish creativity at all.  Germany is not playing the game that they've become famous for in this tournament, but nor is Spain afforded the opportunity to play the game they've yet to play in the tournament.  Tit for tat at this point.  All in all, thready play from both sides, Germany still stable and resolute, unable to capitalize.

We head to the second half, and already I'm thinking what's this blog going to look like with penalty kicks written all over it.  The more I see of the match, the more I realize a mistake will have to be made by one of the sides to resolve this.  That's when the dam beings to crack.

Germany becomes more and more questionable, wondering more how to not only counter but hold back the Spanish.  Spain advances, and Germany soaks up the pressure, but more and more, Germany look for a counter that never seems to come.  And then there's Puyol...

A Spanish corner results and an unmarked Puyol lurches forward to head home what ends up being the winner.  Good for Spain.  Bad for me and the Germans.  The Germans appear to have nothing left in the tank, having left Puyol as open as a day pass.  Me, I've never liked Puyol, always thinking he looks like a guy that eats his lunch at a Woodbridge Wal-Mart.  Regardless, 1-0 Spain.

And so it stays that way.  Spain close down at the end making it impossible for Germany to play the way you'd fancy they could.  Germany now face Uruguay on Saturday, and with that loss, it is guaranteed that there is a new country to add to the list of World Cup winners.  With the Dutch not being able to face Germany, I hope the future still remains Oranje.

Spoedig zal er acht zijn.

See? I Am A Real Journalist...Honest!

About Todd Van Allen

Goodbye to the most entertaining team in this year's tournament.

Ouch! This was not the game that we were all expecting. Where was the German team I have been watching?!?

You know, I think that the German team was actually doing better with Michael Ballack missing. I honestly think that was a plus (by subtraction)... until today that is.

Then I thought that maybe people were making too much of Thomas Muller but I think that Der Mannschaft was not the same with him sitting in the stands.

The Germans tried to change things around by subbing out Boateng and Piotr Trochowski but I think those were the wrong players to switch.  It should have been Klose and Podolski for Cacauand Gomez.  Putting Kroos in was a good choice.

What is interesting is that Germany was the 'Cinderella team' this year.  In four years they will be one of the favourites.  This is a team to watch in Euro-Cup in two years! 

The Spanish team is one made up of superstars, and those stars lost to Switzerland and struggled in every one of their games... until today.

This game was all Spain's and the score could've been 3-0 or even more lopsided for La Furia Roja. Well the one thing that I am very happy for is that we are going to have a brand-new, World Cup champion and both sides are very deserving, now and in their past appearances as well.

Paul the German Octopus correctly predicted this outcome and it is a little weird. Just a side point here but he does have a pretty good record.

Now here is an idea that I just want to throw out there (but it may be nice if it gets to FIFA).  I, personally, think that is weird that losing teams immediately head home.  I mean, in the Olympics, everyone stays for the closing ceremonies.  It is also no shame that one country loses to another one because all 32 teams have had years of qualifying and they are all deserving of winning although so many nationalities feel it is a disgrace unless they win every game but a wide margin. 

My thought is that if the teams and coaches would stay until the final, there could be a further game made up of 'dream-teams and coaches'.  This would add some pure fun and camaraderie to the whole thing, (money for FIFA and the hosts) and it would prevent "losers" from having to sneak home.  They could wait until everyone is laughing again and the heat is off.

Well it is going to be very nice to see either Spain or Holland win this whole thing and they both deserve it.

About John Kurtz

Spanish and German fans make Real Sports the hottest spot

Could there be a more fitting way to start a Toronto-centric football adventure than being stuck on the subway line?  Thankfully, the reported problems between St. George and St. Clair West did not delay me for too long, and I was soon comfortably situated at the beautiful new Real Sports Bar and Grill.

The crowd at Real Sports included a healthy mix of both Spanish and German fans, along with what seemed to be a number of neutral observers.  While the bar itself was at standing room capacity, there was an equally large gathering braving the heat outside and watching on the Air Canada Centre's big screen.  Not surprisingly, the crowd outside consisted primarily of younger fans, and was decidedly supporting Spain.

Spain started the match very patiently, rather content to hold the ball and occasionally prod the German defence.  They clearly feared the dangerous German counterattack, which had previously ripped through both England and Argentina.  While the crowd was engaged for the first half, it seemed that a lot of people were still settling in, and everyone was anxious for a goal at the start of the second.

Spain continued their string of near misses in the second half, generating a loud groan from the crowd when David Villa just missed getting his foot on a beautiful cross from Andres Iniesta.  The intensity of the match was taken to another level both on the pitch and in Toronto when Spanish keeper Iker Casillas robbed German substitute Toni Kroos of a wonderful scoring opportunity. 

With the crowd still buzzing from Casillas' save, Spain finally managed to solve the German defence when veteran Carles Puyol got his head on a Xavi corner and made no mistake in putting it in the back of the net.  Puyol's effort was met with a roar of approval from both the crowd in Real Sports and the large Spanish contingent outside. 

While Germany did put up a valiant effort in trying to pull back even with the Spaniards, it seemed as though they had expended too much energy trying to defend for the first 70 minutes of the match, and were unable to sustain any pressure.  Kudos to the German fans however, who stayed supportive until the final whistle and never stopped believing.

While the match was hardly the classic many envisioned it could be going in, it was still great theatre to be enjoyed with the gathering at Real Sports.  While there were some unruly German fans outside of the bar after the game, they were thankfully few in number and dispersed quickly.  Overall, it was a great crowd to experience a game with, and the perfect way to spend a hot afternoon in the city.

About Nabil Dhirani

Holland: Oranje Madness

Netherlands' John Heitinga, front right, carries Netherlands' Wesley Sneijder, front left, as they celebrate following the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Uruguay and the Netherlands on Tuesday. Schalk van Zuydam/The Associated Press)

"Orange is the colour of madness" - Vincent Van Gogh

Orange was truly the colour of madness yesterday, the day that the Netherlands finally returned to the World Cup final.  The last time, in 1978, we lost a heartbreaker to Argentina in extra time.  This time, they have made our hearts soar, and we've gone, well, mad!

I managed to get myself down to School Bakery and Cafe after hightailing out of court in Hamilton as fast as possible, arriving just in time to celebrate with the growing contingent of the Oranje Army.  As always, the Dutch fans were welcoming and friendly, but reserved compared to some other fan contingents.

But, don't let that fool you into believing that we aren't as passionate as others!  Because, the Dutch know how to party! The sound system was playing our favourite tune, "Hup Holland Hup," which is a polka-like song that is sung by Oranje voetbal fans wherever they go.  I suspect that a few of the older fans who were there, with familial ties to the Netherlands, were surprised that I knew all of the words.  But I wouldn't be a true fan if I didn't!

I have to say, the Holland band wagon has gotten a bit fuller since their win over the Brazillians.  I guess it's true that Holland is everyone's second team!  Fine with me!   

In the end, the team honoured the dedication and devotion that the Oranje army has given to it over the years.  While in the midst of the sea of Orange on Liberty Street yesterday, I thought about how cool it is to be a fan of the Netherlands right now.  And, how mad it is that we may meet our archrivals, "Zee Germans", in the finals once more. 

Madness, indeed!

About Louise James

All eyes on Espana

The Spanish/German semi-final is upon us and a strange quietness has developed. After this, we are into the final. It was all so very fast; such a pity World Cup comes but once every four years. Most unfair, but I've got the Premier League to look forward to, as well as La Ligua and Series A.

My fellow WC bloggers, all very astute observers of the beautiful game, have covered so many angles. They leave me no choice but to muse upon the eye candy that is the Spanish national team. Oh well someone has to do it, besides columnist Rosie Dimanno. Her latest observations lead me to suspect that she too has begun to enjoy watching the players as much as the ball movement.

I've thought about all the plays, how the strong Germans will be difficult on the pitch, Torres under-performing for Spain, but I still want Spain to win. David Villa is on a hot streak and I hope it continues. Besides the game, I look forward to the opening camera pans on each and every Spaniard as their national anthem is played. I still have hope that David Villa will shave off that soul patch but its not likely. Iker Casillas, beard or no beard, can do no wrong. He usually stands proud, silent and strong. Del Bosque should surely have him start.

Besides the match, which I am oh so nervous about, the ending will also surely be a feast for my eyes. The famous shirt exchanges and pile ups will be especially nice today with the Spanish lads all worthy of examination, all in their finest form. Sergio Ramos, the golden creature whose manly features verge upon the primal, need only remove his hair band and the swooning will begin. Never mind Fabregas..just seeing him jaunt on the pitch..is always a gas gas gas.

Best wishes to the Spanish lads. Be brave when facing Germany. Stay strong and most importantly, stay beautiful.

About Jane Jamnik

Spain vs Germany: Proactive and reactive styles collide

I'm still of the opinion that Germany have been made to look better than they are by the tactical (Argentina) and technical (England) naivety of the teams they've faced so far in the tournament.

It has also helped that the Germans have scored first in all their matches that they've won, allowing them to play their favoured counter-attacking style for the rest of the match and finishing off teams trying to get on level terms. We saw that against England and of course, Argentina.

Even when watching the Argentina game I couldn't imagine Spain being outclassed in this manner.

The manner of defeat inflicted on Argentina was more to do with the absolute tactical naiveté of Diego Maradona at not being able to see that they were losing the midfield battle completely. And in contrast, it is almost impossible to win the midfield battle against Spain with Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets each capable of holding his own against any opposition.

The key in this game would be to prevent Germany from scoring first. The only game where they didn't score first and had to chase the game was against Serbia (they lost).

You have to get teams to change from their favored approach which is exactly what the German coach is proposing when he says his team has to get Spain to make errors. This leads me to believe they might play a quick pressing game and we know how it threw the Spaniards off their game against Paraguay. Swiss won against the Spaniards by scoring a fluke goal and then just  defending in numbers and keeping it narrow.

If the Germans score first, I think Spain would have a very difficult task of breaking them down. On the other hand if Spain do actually get to half-time with 0-0 or a 1-0 lead, Germans would have to change their plan and do away with their counterattacking style. This would seem to suit Spain because they're technically much superior to the Germans.

With Mueller out of this game, there is one less headache for Spain and I'd have been a little concerned with Capdevilla's ability to pickup up Mueller. Busquets can control Ozil with his deep lying role and I am confident in Sergio Ramos' ability to keep Podolski in check.

The threat of Schweinsteiger, in particular, and Khedira could be negated by Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas with their pressing and neat triangles. The German backline also hasn't been really tested so far and I have my doubts about Jerome Boateng, the left-back and the center-back pairing of Freidrich and Mertesacker. The one big threat that the Germans do pose, however, is free-kicks and corner-kicks and here they have a clear height advantage against the smallish Spaniards.

All in all it makes for a terribly absorbing semi-final clash and here's hoping Spain win this to make it to the finals.

About Selwyn Frank

The Orange Army

What a game! That was a nailbiter. Uruguay could have tied it up and they had a few good tries at it, in injury time.

Still, Holland was a bit better (because Suarez was out) and the 'football gods' have decided that Uruguay cheated against Ghana.

Now we have a dream final coming up. Can anyone believe that Spain will defeat this German team? Spain is much better on paper, but Germany is playing like the well-oiled machine that they can always be. Although Paul the Octopus has picked Spain.

So, can Holland finally beat Germany in the final? If they step it up and start scoring (and maybe start Eljero Elia?) they could take it to the wire.