13.07.2010 Wolrd Cup Analysis

After 64 matches, more than 150 goals, the FIFA 2010 World Cup, the first one held in Africa, as to be considered a success. Despite all the security concerns raised by the public opinion before the competition kicked off, the South Africans can be proud of what they achieved. Spectacular atmosphere, enthusiastic fans and great football moments. Regarding players, some of them starred and some were disappointing. The best football played throughout the competition belonged to Spain, giving them the chance of becoming World Champions for the first time, joining that to their European Title.

Observing the tactical display of the teams, we can now acknowledge that the priority is always not to suffer and then wait on a counter-attack to surprise and get ahead. Following that, the word of order had been to control the match from the midfield and avoiding wingers and strikers to create danger.

The Adidas ball “Jabulani” was very criticized, mainly by the Goalkeepers, since it’s considered to make strange curves and trajectories. And we saw that, with less than 5 goals being scored from direct free-kicks.

The two major world stars, Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, didn’t managed to lead their teams into final stages. In the other end, Xavi and Iniesta lead the Spanish team to fantastic performances. And as it was seen, the importance of good ball possession is more important than quick running and individual tricks.

The future of football is now heading towards a stage where European, S. American and African teams play the very same physical and strong style of play. This can be found obvious, since all the best players play in Europe (England, Spain, Italy, Portugal…).

In the other end the two finalists from 2006, Italy and France, had absolutely poor performances and that’s something they should really think about.

The discussion opened by the polemic disallowed goal for England against Germany, can take FIFA into considering introduction of audiovisual means. But will it take out the magic and sensation of football? Does players have someone who corrects them when they do something wrong? Why should referees be corrected then? That’s the major question for the upcoming years in football.

Overall, in our opinion, it was a very entertaining competition, despite the lack of fantastic individual displays and great goals.

12.07.2010 Holland vs Spain – 0:1 (Iniesta)

And after 30 days in competition, Holland and Spain reached the Final! Very tactical match, tremendous clash in the midfield and not many goal chances. After almost 90 mins, the result was still a draw. In the next 30 mins the same attitude from both squads. And then, Fabregas makes a tremendous pass to Iniesta, leading him to score the most important goal of his life. Spain explodes in joy and they become, for the very first time, WORLD CHAMPIONS! Congratulations.

12.07.2010 Uruguay vs Germany – 2:3

Not very interesting match. Both teams showed that their mind would have been, obviously, in the Final that they couldn’t manage to reach. Despite that, both teams did their best to finish 3rd and Die Mannschaft achieved the victory with another very good performance by the youngster Muller. He was later on considered the best scorer of the tournament alongside with 3 more players, but finishing first due to his younger age. Forlán, in the other hand, was considered the tournament’s best player.

07.07.2010 Uruguay vs Holland – 2:3

After 32 years, the unstoppable Dutch are again in a World Cup Final! In very intense 90mins, the Uruguayans justified why they’ve reached this stage but the Dutch ended up stronger and Sneijder was named as Man of the Match by FIFA. The last 3 minutes of the match were quite dramatic, with the South American squad scoring a late goal and almost throwing the game into extra-time. Now the Dutch will face Germany or Spain. Tonight we’ll know..!

06.07.2010 Spectacular Germans leaves the Gauchos behind

Argentina vs Germany – 0:4 (Muller, Klose(2), Friedrich). Absolutely brilliant display by Die Mannschaft. Totally controlled the entire game and the tactic brought up by Low conceded no space at all to the best player in the world, Messi. Argentina was never able to cause any type of danger to Neuer’s goal and finished their participation in the World Cup with a disappointing result. All credits to the Germans that made the best team performance in the whole competition and are pointed as the main candidates to lift the Julles Rimet Cup.

06.07.2010 Spain is catching on

Spain vs Paraguay – 1:0 (Villa) Dramatic match between these two teams. Some polemic decisions by a referee brought even more drama to it. Spain was given a penalty, they scored and the referee ordered to repeat. Shooting again, the Paraguayan goalkeeper did save it and the result was leveled. Some minutes before, Cardozo missed as well a penalty that could have given the South Americans the lead. In the end, Villa “maravilla” as the Spanish call him, settled the final result with a late finish. Maybe the best game of the World Cup ahead. Spain vs Germany…

06.07.2010 Sven-Göran Eriksson after the World Cup

“ It was a great experience to Coach the IC-Team. Great Players and very good to work with. The IC-team has a great potential for the future. The Group was the toughest in the World Cup with Portugal and Brazil. We could have won against Portugal and were a bit unlucky against Brazil but we know from the beginning that it was going to be very tough to proceed from this group”

29.06.2010 What a surprise – Brazil goes home

Holland vs Brazil – 2:1 (Felipe Melo OG, Sneijder); (Robinho) Favorites Brazil are out of the competition! With a awful display by Felipe Melo, with an own-goal and a 2nd half red card, the Brazilians are eliminated. Even scoring first, the team coached by Dunga, let the Dutch turn things around, with Sneijder scoring the winning goal in a incredible slippery by Brazil’s goalkeeper Júlio César. The Dutch will now face either Uruguay or Ghana. The dream of winning the world cup 6 times is now over for the Brazilians. Maybe in 4 years… Our Tennis Director, Mr. Stefan Edberg, predicted that Brazil would meet Germany in the semi-finals, and surprisingly this turned out be wrong..

29.06.2010 End of Portuguese dream

Spain vs Portugal – 1:0 (Villa). Well, this was the end of Portuguese dream in the World Cup. Sad faces today in our office… And the confession: The Better has won… Portugal had trouble mounting consistent pressure on the Spanish goal. Spain showed tremendous concentration, attitude and dominated the game. More shots, more possession, more completed passes. The Portuguese keeper, Eduardo, almost turned into national hero saving everything except Villa’s goal in 2nd half. Understandable seeing him crying after the final whistle. Ronaldo, in return, unfortunately showed rare moments of brilliance. He did not come close to generating a scoring chance. And the most interesting fact: Spain was about teamwork. Spain now will meet Paraguay and are highly favorites to reach the semi-final.

29.06.2010 Japan got kicked out in penalty shooting

Paraguay vs Japan – 0:0 . 5-3 in PK. Very tight match between the two teams. Tactical, almost no goal chances and tremendous concentration and focused not to lose. After 120 minutes of this display, teams reached the final decision point with the penalty kicks. On the 3rd shot, Komano hits the crossbar and gave the opportunity for Cardozo to settle the score. And so he did, and Paraguay are through.

28.06.2010 Robben leads the Netherlands into quarter-final

Easy win by the Dutch, controlling the entire game and scoring both early and in the last 10 minutes of the match. Slovakia struggled to draw during that time, but the Dutch keeper made some nice saves, while the Slovakian keeper made a big mistake on the second goal by the Dutch. They’re through to the quarter-finals and ready to meet Brazil.

28.06.2010 Dominant Brasilians…

In more practical than spectacular, the Brazilians confirmed themselves as candidates to the World Cup title. Playing in a great speed, with brilliant performances by Lucio, Gilberto Silva and Kaká, they wiped out Chile making everything look so easy. Scoring twice in the first half, and showing a solid defense, they see themselves in the quarter-finals in a classic match against Holland.

27.06.2010 Maradona seems to have his team in really good shape

Argentina vs Mexico – 3:1 (Tevez (2), Higuain) (Hernandez) Another very good display by Maradona’s team. Controlled the entire match and score in the decisive moments. Some doubts on the first goal, as Tevez seemed to be caught off-side. The assistant referee did not seen it like that, and the goal was validated. On the second half, Tevez with a fantastic shot, drew the line on this decision. Mexicans go home, and Argentina will meet Germany.

27.06.2010 Germanys deserved victory leaves still a sour taste

Germany vs England – 4:1 (Klose, Podolski, Muller (2)) (Upson) Fantastic display by Die Mannschaft. Speed, concentration and will to win. Klose, Podolski and Mueller devastated the English defense and lead to a historic result. A polemic decision was taken by the referee, not giving a clear goal to the English in a shot by Lampard that hit the crossbar and the goal, and came out. Again voices will be raised for controlling technology. Many people think it's unbelievable how football is still being played on the XXI century with rules avoiding the use of technology to ensure the truth of the games. Germany was stronger and deserved to win but the match will leave a sour taste. Football is football and people will talk abaut the 2nd goal of England forever and a day. Anyways, now the Germans will face, in an anticipated final, the candidates Argentina. What a match it will be…

26.06.2010 Last African team marched on after drama of Rustenburg

Ghana vs USA – 2:1 (Boateng, Gyan) (Donovan PK) Ghana marched on to the quarter-finals of the competition after emerging 2-1 over USA following 120 minutes of drama in Rustenburg. Asamoah Gyan scored the winner in the 93rd minute after Landon Donovan's penalty had cancelled out Kevin Prince Boateng's early opener. Ghana is now the only African team and they’ll have a whole continent supporting them against the Uruguyans. What a great match in perspective! And a historic place in the FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finals for Ghana.

26.06.2010 First match of “elimination stage”

Uruguay vs South Korea – 2:1 (Suarez (2) Entering the direct elimination stage, the very first match showed a very strong Uruguay. Being an historic team, already crown World Champions in the past, the Uruguayans confirmed their winning path beating the South Koreans by a fair result. The Ajax player, Suarez, scored twice and lead his team to quarter-finals. The brave Asians did what they could bravely but in the end, they’re heading home.

25.06.2010 A painful good bye to the Elephants

Ivory Coast vs North Korea – 3:0 (Touré, Romaric, Kalou) Competent performance by the pupils of Sven-Goran Eriksson. Did their job, scored 3 goals but even before the match they knew that had to score 9(!!) goals and wait for Portugal to lose against Brazil. In the end, good job by our Cascade Football Director, transforming a group of good players into a team. Both Ivory Coast and North Korea are off the Competition, with the Asians conceding 12 goals in 3 matches.

25.06.2010 Not quite na excellent display

Portugal vs Brazil – 0:0. Not quite an excellent display by both teams. First half belong to Brazil, with more possession and shots. Quite aggressive play from both midfields and no goals. Second half, Portugal raised to the challenge and finished the game almost scoring. Brazil finishes 1st and Portugal 2nd, as expected.

25.06.2010 Ivory Coast is waiting for a “miracle”

The Elephants need in Nelspruit at least three points and nine goals to keep up with the Portuguese, while requiring Brazil to do them a favor by overcoming the European side. “If we were to get further, that would be a real miracle. And only god knows whether it will happen”, says Arthur Boka. “If Portugal manage to win with 7:0, why shouldn´t we be able to do so.” The CPSA is crossing the fingers.

25.06.2010 Wondering about North Korea

It`s going to be an exciting afternoon for the CPSA. Not only because Portugal will face Brazil – (for us being based in Portugal of course a match not to miss). But because we are also linked to the second game: Ivory Coast: North Korea. Our Director of Football Sven-Göran Eriksson is also the coach of the Ivory Coast 11 and it seems as if the Elephants unfortunately have to depart but you never know!... The North Korean team also don’t escape our thoughts, just this morning we read in the German press a quote from the former PRK trainer Moon Ki-Nam: “If they lose there may well be consequences” Of course it’s a polemic and quiet difficult topic. Politics should never be mixed with Sports, but we can’t help but wonder about Kim Jong’s reaction.

24.06.2010 Solid performance by Japan

Solid performance by the Japanese. They beat flawlessely the Danish to progress, for the 2nd time in their history, to 2nd phase of a World Cup. They will now play against Paraguay, and we bet, that’s going to be a breath-taking match! Two of the biggest surprises will meet. Don’t miss the next chapters…

24.06.2010 Holland again with consistent exhibition

Another consistent exhibition by the Dutch team. They won all 3 games in their group, and progress flawless to next stage of the Competition. They’ll now face, probably the biggest surprise at the moment – Slovakia. They’ve already said “arrivederci” to the Italians. Would they send the Dutch home as well?

24.06.2010 Arividerci Italia

Shocking news from South Africa. The World Champions, Italy, are out of the Competition! Due to an unlikely defeat against Slovakia, the Italians go home in tears as history is written. Never before this match, the World Champion and the Vice-World Champions are out on the very first stage of the competition.

24.06.2010 New Zealand goes home without losing any game

Very poor game by these two teams. Paraguayans confirmed their progression to next phase ending up in first place of the group. New Zealand go home without losing any one of the 3 games. But, nevertheless, who guessed they could have been so close to qualify? Slovakia finished 2nd in the Group and they’re through.

23.06.2010 No excitement watching Germany-Ghana

Ghana vs Germany – 0:1 (Oezil). Nervous game for both teams. Germany needed to win to progress. Ghana to draw. Turned out to be a quite tactical match, with Germans attacking just enough to score, and Africans hearing the result from the other match and playing according to that. The deadlock was broken, in the 2nd half by a fantastic shot from Oezil. In the end both teams celebrated. Germany will now play England, and Ghana will meet USA.

23.06.2010 Australia and Serbia go home

Australia vs Serbia – 2:1 (Cahil, Holman); (Pantelic). Very good display by the Socceroos. Serbia just needed to draw to go through and in the end they couldn’t managed to beat the brave Australians. In the very last minute a polemic decision by the referee, not pointing to the penalty spot on a supposed hand on the ball by Cahill, let the Serbians absolutely furious. While Australia showed some improvement on their football level, Serbians disappointed and both teams go home.

23.06.2010 Random tip from Franz-Josef `Jupp` Tenhagen

What a small world it is?!....having been in Mallorca just 2 days, our Cascade Team member Thomas ran into the former professional footballer/coach of the German Bundesliga, Franz-Josef Tenhagen (457 matches, with 3 games in the national team and 26 goals in the Bundesliga). In his opinion Franz predicts a test of nerves for the German Team’s next game after a good first result and poor second game, patience will be required against Ghana tonight (Wednesday 23 June). Germany needs to ensure that they have a leading advantage at the end of the first 45 minutes to avoid massive pressure in the second half. It will be interesting to see how the relatively young team handle the situation.

22.06.2010 Nigeria goes home

Nigeria vs South Korea – 2:2 (Uche, Yakubu PK); (Lee, Park). Nigeria had to win to qualify. South Korea had to, at least, draw to qualify. This math took control of the game and what an enthusiastic match it was. Koreans saw themselves losing, did turn things around but a 2nd half late challenge gave Nigerians the draw and the dream of qualifying. In the end, they couldn’t score another goal, letting South Korea draw and move forward to next stage.

22.06.2010 “Gauchos” win again

Greece vs Argentina – 0:2 (Demichelis, Palermo). Another solid performance by the Argentinians. Greek team, coached by Otto Rehhagel, tried to maintain their aspirations to progress to next stage, but were totally controlled by the stronger south American squad. Even when Greece had to score to progress, their couldn’t managed to get more than 1 man upfront. In the end, they go home due to the final result of the other group match.

22.06.2010 African teams & chances

Waiting and looking forward to tomorrow’s game with Ghana against Germany, Group D. Ghana seem to be the only African team who has been doing really well leading Group D’s ranking at the moment. All other African teams are last in their group except Sven-Göran Eriksson’s Ivory Coast who is third. Well, anything can still happen and actually Nigeria who have lost two matches might still have a chance to make it to Rounds of 16. Also, if Ivory Cost score big against North Korea and Brazil win against Portugal Ivory Coast will make it to Rounds of 16. But if nothing of this happen we will only have one African team left to cheer for – Ghana.

22.06.2010 Au revoir France

No much to say on France performance. It was very predictable that they would end this World Cup participation in the first stage. Shocking performance by a team that was World Champion in not a very distant past. South Africans played with their heart and managed to finish 3rd in a very positive exhibition. French supporters, we guess, are extremely unhappy with both the team and their Manager Raymond Domenech.

22.06.2010 Uruguay subdueses Mexico

Uruguay managed to reach Group first place with a deserved victory over a Mexican team that didn’t confirmed the display of previous matches. The winners showed consistency and controlled the game. Now they’ll face the 2nd place of Group B, which can be Argentina, South Korea or, more remotely Greece. Stay tuned to more exciting World Cup action…!

21.06.2010 Spain vs Honduras – 2:0 (Villa (2))

Complete match control by the Spanish. Against most likely worse team in the competition, the Spanish won very easily. The result could me much more higher, since David Villa failed to score a penalty and many other goal chances. Spain is now leveled with Switzerland in 2nd place of the group, and everything will be decided in very last group game… How exciting will it be?

21.06.2010 Another polemic decision of referee

Very tactical match between the two teams. The south Americans controlled the game, while the Swiss stayed expecting to score in the counter-attack. In a quite polemic decision, referee showed Behrami a red card, and Swiss played an hour with 10 man. Even so, they could have leveled up late in the match when Derdyiok missed in front of the keeper. With this result, Chile is now 1st in their group and Switzerland still can go through to next stage.

21.06.2010 Portugal is back

Incredible performance by Portugal. The Koreans were just destroyed by the massive attacking display by the Portuguese. Despite all the critics on the first match, Portuguese team showed that they are a huge candidate to win the competition. Ronaldo, after almost 2 years, scored again and made 2 brilliant assistants. History has been written by the Portuguese and we don’t remember such a result in the last 20 years… And now, Portugal will face Brazil. What a clash, next Friday. Unfortunately, it might be the end of the line for Sven Goran Eriksson's team Ivory Coast. After seeing Portugal beat the North Koreans by 7-0(!!!), the Elephants to qualify need to score 10 goals to North Korea (and suffer none) and wait for Brazil to beat Portugal. There's not impossible things in football, but it's very unlikely...

21.06.2010 Elephants maybe should start packing…

Unfortunately, it might be the end of the line for Sven Goran Eriksson's team Ivory Coast. After seeing Portugal beat the North Koreans by 7-0(!!!), the Elephants to qualify need to score 10 goals to North Korea (and suffer none) and wait to Brazil to beat Portugal. There's not impossible things in football, but it's very unlikely...

20.06.2010 Paraguay with fantastic performance

Fantastic exhibition by the south Americans. They dominated the dangerous Slovakian team completey and earned a deserved victory and the first place in Group F. The Slovakian goalkeeper was one of the best man of the match, stating almost everything that we can comment on this match. Watch out for names like Barrios, Valdéz or Santa Cruz.

20.06.2010 Does Italy goes home???

Another disappointing performance by the actual world champions. Slow, predictable and very strange behavior by the Italians on the pitch. New Zealand scored first and only got leveled by a very doubtful penalty kick, on a pretense foul on De Rossi. Day 3, in this Group, will decide everything. Italians can go home earlier than expected…

20.06.2010 Ivory Coast – Is the “party” over?

Great display by the Brazilians. Pure technique, pace and skills. Eriksson’s team were a strong opponent but in the first chance Brazil got, Luis Fabiano assisted by Kaká, scored the first. After that, The Elefants tried to come to the attack and level up. Again, Kaká from the left wing crossed and Elano overtook Ivory Coast defender to score the 2nd. In the second half, the intensity of the match raised and Kaká got off with a 2nd yellow. Drogba still managed to reduce, but in the end the result leads Brazil directly to the next stage. Svennies team will now have to beat North Korea in the next match and expect that Brazil beat Portugal…

19.06.2010 USA vs Slovenia in an exciting Group C contest

Ghana reached the first place in their group after a fair draw against Australia. The Socceroos seen themselves playing only with 10 man after Kewell’s red card for stopping a goal with a hand. Brilliant display by the veteran Australian goal-keeper Mark Schwarzer. Gyan scored again, in a penalty kick, giving the Africans an unique chance of qualifying in first place of the group. They’ll meet Germany in the next match in another tremendous duel.

19.06.2010 Cameroon vs Denmark – 1:2 (Eto’o); (Bendtner, Rommedahl)

Great start by the African team. Pace, motivation and will to win. Scored first in a tremendous error by the Danish defender Kjaer, with the Eto’o scoring is first goal in the competition. Still in the first half, in a quick counter-attack Arsenal’s striker Niklas Bendtner scored also his first goal in the World Cup. In the second half, in spite of all the will and heart shown by Cameroon, Denmark achieved their second goal in a brilliant play by Romeedahl. Cameroon are already out of the next stage and Denmark will struggle to go through with Japan in a tremendous clash.

19.06.2010 Holland vs Japan – 1:0 (Sneijder)

Good match by Holland. Controlled the game from beginning till the end. Just one goal doesn’t reflect the attacking performance by the Dutch. The Japanese showed courage, but didn’t managed to beat Stekelenburg. Holland is through to second stage, and Japan needs to win against Denmark to move forward.

18.06.2010 USA vs Slovenia in an exciting Group C contest

Great match by both teams. First half ended 2-0 for the Europeans, and with that result, they would qualify immediately to the 2nd stage. USA believed that things could be different and made a tremendous come back to equalize and leave everything at it was before. Great attitude from both teams, in the first very very good match of the competition. The result left Slovenia on top of Group C with four points ahead of England who is meeting with Algeria today at the late afternoon.

18.06.2010 Germany got beaten in a World Cup group game for the first time since 1986

Another surprise in the World Cup! Serbia has defeated the German Elf. Also hard because for the first time since 1986 Germany got beaten in a FIFA World Cup™ group game. Very poor performance by the Mannschaft. They entered playing like if their win was confirmed even before the match started, showing little respect to the Serbians, who proved to have a very balanced and motivated young squad. Players like Krasic or Zigic can make big impressions throughout the competition. Germany missed a penalty-kick during 2nd half and got themselves playing with 10 men after Klose been sent off. Germany still remain top of Group D on goal difference, Ghana and Serbia all now have three points, while Australia are yet to get off the mark.

18.06.2010 Mexico vs. France – another outsider surprises

Another surprise, in theory, in the first stage of the World Cup. France are considered as the biggest disappointment of all teams. Henry did not even played as the manager Domenech, is likely to be sacked after the next match. Hernandez, already signed by Man. Utd for next season, named Man of the Match, scored the first one and Blanco (in his 3rd World Cup). France did one shot at goal in the entire match…

17.06.2010 Greece vs Nigeria

In their 2nd game in the World Cup, both teams showed lack of commitment to win. Not a very good match, with a lot of fouls finished with a Nigerian player sent off during 1st half. Nigeria scored first with a header from Uche, but the Greeks with 1 more player on the pitch managed to draw before the break. On the 2nd half, they turned things around and scored the winning goal that keeps them pursuing the way through next stage.

17.06.2010 Argentina gives a fantastic performance

Fantastic performance by the Argentinian. Pace, skills and motivation lead them to their 2nd victory and they are 1 point away from next stage. Higuaín, from Real Madrid, scored the first hat-trick in the competition. South Koreans tried in the first half to go against the Argentinians higher ball possession and shots on target, but in the end, considered to be one of the favorites to win the competition, Maradona’s players were more prolific and stronger.

17.06.2010 Is host nation not qualifying?

On the first match of day 2, South Africa was expected to confirm the good impression made on the opening match. Unfortunately, they couldn’t manage to restrain Uruguay’s attacking movements and ended up losing the match by a clear 0-3. Diego Forlán played superbly, being the first player to score twice in this 2010 World Cup. Uruguayans are really close to qualify, and in the other end, South Africa could be the first ever host nation not to qualify to 2nd stage.

16.06.2010 First huge surprise – Spain got beaten by Switzerland

First huge surprise in the World Cup. The European Champions Spain got beaten by Switzerland. Great courage and teamwork by the team coached by Ottmar Hitzfeld. Spain did their game, great passing, but no accuracy on finishing. Gelson Fernandes, who plays for Man. City, was the unlikely hero and this result should make the Swiss nation celebrate. Congratulations as well to Mr. Urs Wild!

16.06.2010 Delightful performance from Chile

Good exhibition from Chile against Honduras, probably, the weakest team in the World Cup. Fluid game, good opportunities and some delightful individual performances. Matías Fernandez, playing in Portugal for Sporting CP and Alexís Sanchez, Udinese player, showed great pace, skills and technique. This last player can actually be the biggest surprise throughout the competition.

16.06.2010 Speed on the wings

Brasil vs PR Korea 2:0 (Maicon, Elano) Very good appearance by Brasil. Very talented team, helped by a great performance by Robinho and Maicon. Korea showed, surprisingly, good organization, mentality and speed on the wings. Could make a surprise in the next games. The Korean striker Tae Se made one of the best image ...so far while got emotional when his national anthem was playing.

15.06.2010 A fair result

Even though it was quite disappointing for all the Portuguese, Ivorians and of course us, the team from the Cascade Performance Sports Academies (crossing our fingers for both countries), the result of todays first match of Group G was quite fair. Both teams seemed happy with the way things turned out, with few chances at goals except the one from Cristiano Ronaldo. It was a perfect tactical strike from Sven-Göran Eriksson not to allow the Portuguese midfielder to not play an offensive game. Bringing Didier Drogba (still injured) in, was a move to intimidate the Portuguese. Svenni`s comment after the game was: “I am especially happy with our defense”. We agree.

15.06.2010 Defending the title?

Italy vs Paraguay - 1:1 (Alcaraz; De Rossi) in Cape Town, Italian team disappointed. The World Cup title holders should have been more prolific and motivated for their first game. Under heavy rain, the Paraguay players showed great courage and adaptation to the awful weather conditions. Buffon was replaced at half time due to ciatic nerve injury. Fair result and another semi-surprise after England and France draw.

15.06.2010 Svennies vis-à-vis the Portuguese

Portugal faces Ivory Coast at 3 pm in Port Elizabeth…a game with a big question hang over it; Will Didier Drogba play? If so, Portugal will have to watch this player but then again the Ivory Coast team has Cristiano Ronaldo! Sven-Göran Eriksson and his good friend Toni (António José Conceição Oliveira), a former Benfica Player, are now working together and they both know the Portuguese National Team very well..Sven is loved by the Portuguese for his tremendous job well done when he was the Benfica Coach! There are a lot of Portuguese living in South Africa and surely they will support the Portuguese Team! Portuguese media and the majority of Portuguese nationals are not very confident about their Team but as always..there’s a 50-50 chance for both sides!

14.06.2010 Honda, Etoo & few shots

Very poor game. Few shots at goal and lack of enthusiasm. Probably the worst game of the World Cup until now. Considered to be one of the best African teams, Cameroon were a big disappointment. Players with no aggression, no ambition and Samuel Etoo absolutely away of all the action. The Japanese celebrated with big joy their first victory and will discuss the first place in the group with Holland in the next match. They showed great defensive consistency and their Goal-Keeper bravely stopped the Africans to score. The Italian team start their title defence this evening. We will be watching it…

14.06.2010 Brilliant Orange Second Goal

Throughout the game the Holland team always showed more consistency on their game. Higher complete pass average, more speed, flair and possession over the ball. Very well organized both in defense, and midfield. Both Mathisen and Heiting did marked perfectly the major Danish threat – Niklas Bendtner. Overall it was a good match. Both teams showed up motivated and the individuals like Sneijder, Van Persie, Kuyt and the sub Elia made de difference. This last one was involved in a brilliant play for the Dutch second goal. It is predictable that he might catch up some attention for his individuals skills. Denmark has to improve in their way out to the attack, or else, it will be very difficult to qualify for second phase. And their defender Simon Poulsen scored the first own-goal in the World Cup 2010. Again the vuvuzelas are the major threat for the game. It is notorious that players can’t communicate with each other or listen to referee’s whistle.

13.06.2010 The Germans…

Until today, the German team around coach Löw was hard to predict. But the very young team (with it`s captain Ballack missing through injury) showed quiet a good performance. The German Elf controlled sovereign the ten men of Australia. Whether Stefan Edberg is right? His tip for the semi final: “Germany and Brazil will make it”.

13.06.2010

The third day has passed and after having seen more than seven matches we just wonder if the Vuvuzelas should be banned. We tried to ask some friends for their opinion but they couldn´t hear our voices anymore… ;) Maybe half an hour of silence helps….

13.06.2010 Some Tips of Stefan Edberg

England will surprise and meet Spain in the final (Cascade-Academy:The surprise yesterday was the Goalkeeper...)
Brasil and Germany will make it to the semi-final
Brasil will qualify and most likely Portugal but Ivory Coast can surprise us and go to the next stage
It would be nice if Svennis took his team to the next stage
I consider the World Cup to be the biggest sport event in the world

12.06.2010

Today we have heard that Drogba might not be able to play next week in the highly anticipated game Portugual: Ivory Coast. Up and down – let´s be surprised…

12.06.2010

FRA: URU with a disappointing 0:0 yesterday, KOR: GRE with a 2:0, Argentina still to play against Nigeria and at night the first match of the British team against the USA – soccer is everywhere. 2 days ago, we received a tip from Stefan Edberg, the Sports Director of our Tennis Academy. “England will surprise and meet Spain in the final”, is Edberg’s opinion. Let´s see at night. It`s still a loooong way to go…

11.06.2010 Let the World Cup begin…

With the opening game of the home team South Africa against Mexico the 2010 World Cup has started. We, the CPSA team around Sven-Goeran Eriksson and Stefan Edberg, will try to report from the World Cup whenever it`s possible on facebook and our diary. As Sven-Goeran Eriksson is coaching the Ivory Coast team, our attention of course lies in the matches of group G. Also, because Portugal, where the sports academy is based, plays in the same group. Everyone in our team, depending on his nationality, has his own favorite team anyways. Portugal, Germany, England, Holland, Switzerland, Brazil and France – we can offer a big fan base. The whole team wishes a fair and satisfying World Cup to everybody!

11.06.2010 Didier Drogba probably fit to play

Didier Drogba of the Ivory Coast is probably already fit to play the first World Cup game against Portugal on Tuesday, the 15th of June. Not even a week after his elbow injury the Ivory Coast star started the training yesterday. “If the game would be this weekend, he probably would not be able to play. But until next week he may recover”, says Sven-Göran Eriksson, the coach of the Elephant and Sports Director of our football academy.

11.06.2010 Message from the Ivory Coast

Post from Africa does not come along every day, so much more the surprise to receive a signed football shirt from the national team of the Ivory coast, “The Elephants” by Sven-Göran Eriksson, Director of Football for our Cascade Performance Sports Academies. Having landed the Ivory Coast job in March this year, Sven-Göran Eriksson will be coaching at his third World Cup and his task this summer will not be easy as the Ivorian Elephants have been drawn alongside Brazil, Portugal and North Korea in Group G. “I will ensure an honorable participation”, he mentioned to our colleague Lars Sternmarker, who heads up the sports academies.