WC squads

I normally delete these things, but this made me laugh (a bit):

ROMANIA
GK: Chatanoogaciouciou
DEF: Atishiou, Blessiou, Thankyiou
MID: Busqueue, Snookercu, Pennyciou, Twoapennyciou, Fourapennyciou
ATT: I'llgetciou, Youandwhosarmi

DENMARK
GK: Toomanigoalssen
DEF: Tryandstopussen, Crapdefenssen, Haveagossen
MID: Firstsson, Seccondsson, Thirdsson
ATT: Legshurtssen, Notroubleseeingussen, Wherestheballssen, Getthebeerssen

Soccer Aid

The Soccer Aid game was loads of fun, and I am officially sorry for sneering at it. Good cause etc... and seeing Maradona and Gazza on the same pitch as "telly people" was a good laugh.

On the other side was Wales v Trinidad & Tobago, which was less appealing I'm afraid, although it is proper football and that.

I'm lovin' it (are you?)

I signed up for the McDonald's/FIFA World Cup Fantasy Game on the Official TM FIFA TM World Cup TM Germany 2006 TM website. It's very compehensive (i.e. they have every player in the tournament) but a bit tortuous picking a squad of 23, plus half way through they interrogated me with a survey asking about my attitude towards McDonald's and sports sponsorship. Well, I told them in no uncertain terms, so I don't expect I'll be up for any special prizes.

Birthday Pressie

This is a photo of my birthday present. My missus know she's not really going to see much of me for the month of June, so she thought I may as well be dressed appropriately.

Come to think of it, seeing as I'll be spending most of June in pubs drinking beer at 4am, she probably will be with me.

Either way, I'll be wearing my new England top (official one, not from the $10 shop on Pitt Street) when watching the boys.

England 'B' 1 Belarus 2

Robert Green's injury was utterly absurd. Even I have never done such a thing. You know, sorry for the lad, but at least he's easily replaced and we'll hardly know he's missing.

A disappointing affair by all accounts (apart from Sven's account in which case it was a very useful affair, apart from the losing bit, although that isn't important). I didn't watch it. I only saw the 'highlights' on Sky Sports News. I'm saving myself for the big matches. Marathon not a sprint!

I was watching the Sopranos instead because I bid for all five box sets on eBay, and I won them, at a ridiculous price (ok, so they arrived from China and there are a few typos on the packaging, but never mind that, they're at least 99 per cent legit). So that's what I'll be mainly doing instead of watching Big Brother 7. I really can't be putting the time in with that as well as the World Cup.

I have also avoided ITV's ridiculous Soccer Aid, which has been on all this week. As far as I can gather, it's celebs and ex-players goofing about for charity. Robbie Williams is involved. I read that Maradona is making a surprise appearance in the 'Final' which is tomorrow, so I'll keep an eye out for that. Just one eye.

Rooney's toe scan results expected any minute... we are anticipating a mighty battle as Fergie refuses to let him go whatever the outcome. Best chance looks like he could be fit to play in about a month (UPDATE: he won't know for another three weeks). I'm not getting my hopes up. The sensible option would be to replace him with Defoe now.

Happy Australian crowd

Happy Australian crowd
Originally uploaded by bennyonacid.

This was taken towards the end of the game. There was a general feeling of contentment amongst the crowd, but bored contentment nonetheless. The second half was rubbish. But we were on to our 6th schooner by then, and someone else was paying (company night out) so it was a good result for us.

And at the end of the day football was the winner.

Now the Socceroonies are off on a plane to their next game against Holland which should be interesting. Certainly should be a harder opponent for them than Greece were yesterday.

They didn't look like a team that have a chance to proceed to the second round, especially facing Japan, Brazil and Croatia. I think their only chance is with a win against Japan in their first game, and then either a miraculous result against Brazil or hoping that the other games go their way. It's going to be a tough ask either way.

I am now officially excited about the World Cup.

Grimace of delight from an Australian supporter

Grimace of delight from an Australian supporter
Originally uploaded by bennyonacid.

Achdan from our IT department bought an Aussie shirt for the game.

Skoko's goal

High quality still of the big TV screen replaying Skoko's goal
Originally uploaded by bennyonacid.

This high quality photographic image shows the Skoko goal being replayed on the big screen in the Oaks, Neutral Bay, where we watched the game.

And what a dull game it was.

This is the poster all over the city of Sydney at the moment as yet another publication jumps on the Socceroonies bandwagon.

You can't turn the corner without Harry grinning back at you.

Travolta rumour denied

"Although John Travolta is a Socceroos fan (and will be sending a personal greeting to the team ahead of the World Cup), there was never any plan for him to fly the team to the World Cup."

Thought I'd steal Groo's idea - here's my bus entertainment for the way to work tomorrow. It's an Australian World Cup podcast by some bloke called Gino.

Beats the Daily SearchCast anyway...

Today I also spent many hours moving around my schedule for June to make sure that I had clear space before and after what I consider the 6 key games. England's 3 and Australia's 3 group games.

England need to win their group, as this way if they get into the second round, I can watch their Quarter final on the day I get to the UK. If they finish second and progress, I will be flying during the quarter final.

This will be disastrous.

The picture is my calendar (right) and BBC wallchart (left).

I am very ex-coi-teeeed

My preparation started when I nearly bought a Gold World Cup Coke at the weekend, but realised it was a full fat version and not the girly diet variety that I drink. So I left it.

My missus has downloaded a WC2006 desktop pattern to her Mac. It is swirly and purple and a bit too funky for my liking.

I have rescheduled meetings at work when realising that they coincided with England games. The England games are on at 11pm or 2am over here, so the last thing I want to do is witness an historic England victory, then waltz in to work after 4 pints at 9am with a day full of meetings. No, those days will all be about blogging and trips to the pub at lunchtime.

I am going to charge up the camera batteries and start snapping WC gubberama that I have seen recently such as Japanese students wearing Germany football tops (why oh why), keyrings for sale in the local BP garage and pictures of Harry Kewell on every sodding bus shelter.

Oh, and I joined our work footy tipping contest. $20 to enter and I am going to win.

Bringeth it on...

17 days 23 hours 41 minutes to go...

It's all heating up now. I'm feeling the pressure. The pressure to keep on top of events, to know who's who and what's what. I've read an interview with Rio Ferdinand where he talks about his urine test in a room with a grinning Ronaldinho after the 2002 quarter final. Pele's got an album coming out. It sounds quite interesting, unlike Stan Boardman's World Cup song, which I heard accidentally - "singing ay-yay-yippee-yippee/ the Germans bombed our chippy". A blatant flouting of the don't mention the war clause. The Rooney toe situation's looking hopeful. Posters and ads are everywhere (must take some pictures). Also, must get World Cup mug from PG Tips (or is it Typhoo?) Have downloaded in-depth World Cup history and squad details onto my iPod. Entered competition to win tickets. Read up on the Berlin's Currywurst and Kaiserslauten's Pferdwurst (horsemeat sausage), mmm. Watched a report on Trindad & Tobago... selected my ideal Australian team... bought some more stickers... I feel ready.

Thanks to Dr Han (Super football fans) for the comment on the previous post. He says it was "from www.fifaworldcup-yahoo.co.uk", but "contents from www.backachetherapy.co.uk".

Back breaking stuff this blogging.

Seeing as my partner in blog won't be commenting on this, it's my duty to report the result of the last major championship final involving England players before the World Cup.

Arsenal 1 - 2 Barcelona

I didn't watch it. I was going to set the clock for 4.30am when it was on, but I forgot. Apparently it was a good game to watch for the neutral onlooker.

I saw a bloke in an Arsenal scarf walking home as I made my way to work. He looked drunk and full of hate.

I was going to email this to nobby in the UK, but figured it could help pad out the content on our blog instead.

Yes "Australia Socceroos – Bound for glory" is poor.

It should read "Don't turn off the engine driver, we'll be going back to the airport shortly".

Bus slogans

This is the best thing so far. Each of the 32 team buses will carry a slogan, voted for by the fans apparently. Check 'em out. My top three:
France: "Egalite, Fraternite, Jules Rimet!"
Switzerland: "2006, it's Swiss o'clock!"
Cote d'Ivoire: "Come on the Elephants, win the World Cup in style!"

England's is rub, and Australia is Socceroo bollocks.

Theo

He's a nice bloke, but face it we're f**ked.

And he doesn't eat enough kebabs to be a proper England attacking midfielder.

Theo

I'm pleased by the complete lack of response to Sven's squad. It just goes to show that we can keep our thoughts to ourselves without feeling the need to blog about every little thing. Still, eh... has the man gone NUTS or what.

Here is an idiot's guide to Theo Walcott (link via Popbitch):

News just in: There was no dodgy lasagne, Spurs had winter vomiting syndrome!

World Cup - The Rules For Women

1, From 9th June to 9th July 2006, you should read the sports section of the newspaper so that you are aware of what is going on regarding the World Cup, and that way you will be able to join in the conversations. If you fail to do this, then you will be looked at in a bad way, or you will be totally ignored. DO NOT complain about not receiving any attention.

2, During the World Cup, the television is mine, at all times, without any exceptions. If you even take a glimpse of the remote control, you will lose it (your eye).

3, If you have to pass by in front of the TV during a game, I don’t mind, as long as you do it crawling on the floor and without distracting me. If you decide to stand nude in front of the TV, make sure you put clothes on right after because if you catch a cold, I wont have time to take you to the doctor or look after you during the World Cup month.

4, During the games I will be blind, deaf and mute, unless I require a refill of my drink or something to eat. You are out of your mind if you expect me to listen to you, open the door, answer the telephone, or pick up the baby that just fell from the second floor... it wont happen.

5, It would be a good idea for you to keep at least 2 six packs in the fridge at all times, as well as plenty of things to nibble on, and please do not make any funny faces to my friends when they come over to watch the games. In return, you will be allowed to use the TV between 12am and 6am, unless they replay a good game that I missed during the day.

6. Please, please, please!! if you see me upset because one of my teams is losing, DO NOT say “get over it, its only a game”, or “don’t worry, they’ll win next time”. If you say these things, you will only make me angrier and I will love you less. Remember, you will never ever know more about football than me and your so called “words of encouragement” will only lead to a break up or divorce.

7, You are welcome to sit with me to watch one game and you can talk to me during halftime but only when the commercials are on, and only if the halftime score is pleasing me. In addition, please note I am saying “one” game, hence do not use the World Cup as a nice cheesy excuse to “spend time together”.

8, The replays of the goals are very important. I don’t care if I have seen them or I haven’t seen them, I want to see them again. Many times.

9, Tell your friends NOT to have any babies, or any other child related parties or gatherings that requires my attendance because:
a) I will not go,
b) I will not go, and
c) I will not go.
But, if a friend of mine invites us to his house on a Sunday to watch a game, we will be there in a flash.

10, The daily World Cup highlights show on TV every night is just as important as the games themselves. Do not even think about saying “but you have already seen this...why don’t you change the channel to something we can all watch??”, the reply will be: “Refer to Rule #2 of this list”.

11, And finally, please save your expressions such as “Thank God the World Cup is only every 4 years”. I am immune to these words, because after this comes the Champions League, Premier League, Italian League, Spanish League, etc etc.

12, Thank you for your co-operation.

Regards,
Men of the World

Bring back Sheringham. Tell him to stop playing poker on Fox Sports with E-list Australian celebrities and pull his boots back on.

Are you listening Sven?

So this is what I'd do. Leave Rooney behind. Say sorry pal, you're not going to make it. Stay at home and put your feet up and watch it on the telly like the rest of us, and try not to get too upset.

But who to take instead? My idea, which is mine, and may not be any good because I haven't had anything eat today is to take six strikers. Give them all a chance in the first round games. Rotate and substitute like nobody's business - 30 minutes each - one of them's bound to do something. Ashton, Beattie, Crouch, Defoe... can you see a pattern emerging?

Failing that, call Mystic Meg. Or David Blaine.

Thanks, I'm off to lunch...

Germany 4 England 2

"Even Boris [Johnson], running around like a demented combine harvester and tackling like a prop forward, couldn't save England last night...

The red-shirted Tory MP was taking part in a charity football match, a light-hearted attempt to recreate the great game of 1966, played in front of 15,000 people at the Madejski stadium in Reading."