July 14th, 2006
Pakistani fielders are at it again… dropping catches like they know best… this is so frustrating… PCB even called up the greatest fielder ever Jonty Rhodes to help Pakistani fielders in eliminating this habit, but this is going nowhere… I know you can’t get rid of these things all together but what happened yesterday in Lords’ was inexplicable, they dropped really simple catches.
Pakistan paid the price for five dropped catches as England recovered from a late morning wobble to reach 309-3 on the first day of the first npower Test at Lord’s.
Alastair Cook (101 not out) and Paul Collingwood (109 not out) put on an unbeaten record fourth-wicket partnership against Pakistan of 221 after the hosts had slumped to 88 for three just before lunch, but they were greatly helped by Pakistan’s sloppiness in the field.
‘Catches win matches’ is a cricket’s cliché and an absolutely true one. I believe that if our fielders hang onto their catches and improve their running between the wickets (especially Yousaf) then they will surely be World Beaters. I know Opening has also been a problem area in recent past but it is not as big an issue as our fielding.
‘Boom Boom Afridi’
Afridi’s slogfest was electrifying as he helped Pakistan win a Twenty20 match against an International XI played at Oval on 10th July. Afridi hit first three balls of first over by Zaheer Khan out of the park. Afridi scored 41 off just 12 balls.
June 23rd, 2006
Fat or not, the BIG RON (Ronaldo) is back with the bang. Former Inter man is now the highest goal scorer in the history of World Cup along with Muller (Ger). There were lot of suggestions to drop Big Ron from the starting line-up but Brazilian Coach kept faith in him and The Phenomenon gave excellent response to his critics. Millions of people adore him, and associate the biggest event in the sport with him. The Real Madrid Striker is the biggest star of the last decade along with Zidane and he should be respected for that. Ronaldo experienced a difficult last season with the (former) Los Galacticos, but I think he will be at the peak of his powers come next season. Also I think we will see more of Ronaldo in the coming days.
Now let’s talk about other talking points from 18th Fifa World Cup…
The World Player of the Year Ronaldinho has not shown his true magic, he has played well but was not up to his own standards. I guess he will rise to occasion when knockout matches start.
It was so unfortunate that Zidane will not be in action tonight in the France’s final match of the first round. I am keeping my fingers crossed for Henry & Co to progress to the next round so that we can see Zizou playing again.
Czech Republic is so exciting to watch and it was heartbreaker to see them crash in the first hurdle. Paul Nedved played brilliantly throughout and deserved better luck. Any how black stars from Ghana were impressive in the first round and I think they will be stiff challenge for Samba Stars but may be not.
The biggest match in the second round is between Holland and Portugal and the winner of that match will face Three Lions (if England beat Ecuador offcourse).
That’s it for now. Keep watching the beautiful game.
June 13th, 2006
It’s been 05 days since World Cup started and I haven’t posted any thing about the biggest sports event on the planet and the one I was waiting for so long. Well the answer is simple; I was too much busy watching the games.
This tournament is billed as the best tournament ever, and boy after 04 days, 11 games and 23 goals the tournament is living to its billing. ‘Goals’ seems to be the theme of the tournament and it seems new addidas ball is doing its tricks. There are some incredible goals scored already. Special ones are from Frings (Ger), Rosicky (Czech) and Pirlo(Ita).
There are already some stars in this tournament. Arjen Robben (Ned) was sensational against Serbia & Mont., Omar Bravo (Mex) showed real promise against Iran, Cahill (Aus) simply thrashed the Japanese defence and what about the new Arsenal boy Thomas Rosicky, he was simply stunning against USA (boy Arsene Wenger has struck gold with his transfer, and frankly speaking its not the first time Arsenal Manager has struck gold and it won’t be the last one either).
There are already so much dazzling performances in the World Cup but the Favourites Brazil and France haven’t played yet. I am hoping to see them both in the World Cup Final. Well for that to happen both teams have to play at their very best to see off the challenge from other teams such as Czech Republic, Italy, England and Holland. I see Czech’s and Italians as the potential danger for Brazil as Brazil will face one of them in the Second Round.
What about England? England has disappointed in their first match. Sven wasn’t sure about his tactics and England lacked confidence. I think Steven Gerrard should play in attacking midfielder role and Ericsson should make the necessary changes in the formation for that. But in reality this seems difficult when Rooney plays and as David Beckham needs to play in the wings. Well despite that Ericsson should try to play Steve G in attacking role for some period of time.
Well that’s it for now. I’m signing off as today’s first match is about to start. Tonight is extravaganza as both Brazil and France play tonight and I am hoping Thierry Henry, Zizou, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo will shine once again on the biggest stage of ‘em all.
Ciao!
