Love It or Hate It?

The Vuvuzela is an instrument that is used by blowing, much like you would with a brass instrument like a trumpet. The instrument makes a monotone bee type buzzing sound and the whole world is split into a love it or hate it debate. Rumours were that they may be banned from the World Cup but I personally love them. They don’t annoy me when I’m watching the games, and I actually think they add to the atmosphere. I went to the Soccer Aid 2010 match at Old Trafford in support of Unicef and there were thousands of vuvuzelas being blown throughout the game and it was a much better atmosphere than the match at Wembley a couple of years ago. For this reason, I’ve attached the CD cover (it’s not a real CD) from the email I received entitled “Now that’s what I call Vuvuzela”. If it ever got to the high street I think that some people would actually buy it!!!

Brazil

Ivory Coast

Portugal

North Korea

I didn’t intentionally write them in this order, but I actually think that this will be the order that they finish in the group. Brazil, had a supposedly non-tricky tie against North Korea last night and in fairness the North Koreans played exceptionally well until the deadlock was broken in the second half and Brazil went on to win 2-1. In the other game, there was a stalemate between Portugal and the Ivorians. Looking at the highlights last night I think Ivory Coast should probably have just about won it. The main reason I think Portugal will finish third is because I don’t rate their manager Carlos Queiroz. I’m a Man Utd supporter and highly rated him as an assistant coach, but I think his team always lacks something when he’s the main man in charge. Sven Goran Eriksson manages Ivory Coast now, and with his experience, and their strength with Drogba, Kalou, and the Toure brothers I think they’ll come second in the group. Which means that arguably the best player in World Football Cristiano Ronaldo will be getting an early flight home.

Do you remember Motty’s quote against Belgium in Italia ’90? Gazza played the free kick into David Platt, who turned and volleyed the winning goal that got us through to the quarter finals against Cameroon.

England have done it, in the last minute of extra time!

Or when Becks put us ahead in 2002 against Argentina from the penalty spot:

Hold on to your cups and glasses……..You can smash them now, David Beckham has scored!

Good old Motty will be remembered fondly amongst England fans for his charming, witty punditry on games but this year in South Africa it’ll be left to Jonathan Pearce, Guy Mowbray, Steve Wilson et al to live long in our memories in a year when we hope football will finally come home.

Come on England!!!

Cole has enjoyed much success with Chelsea, winning 3 league titles, 2 under Jose Mourinho and 1 under Carlo Ancelotti this season. However he has become frustrated by his lack of first team action since he returned from long term injury recently.

Clubs lining up to sign him are Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham. Harry Redknapp has come out saying he would love to sign his former West Ham player but believes an agreement may have already been reached with another club. Personally I REALLY hope it’s United. They really need a player to take over from Paul Scholes and Joe Cole has the natural talent and vision to be a perfect replacement.

Over at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson is being very quiet about who he wishes to sign – even insisting he will rely on the development of his current squad next season. Hopefully, he’s going to pull a rabbit out of the hat, and Cole could be just the man.

Ever since the Abu Dhabi United Group took over control at City, the rivalry between the two clubs has taken on a new dimension. Tevez left Old Trafford in controversial circumstances and crossed the divide in the summer and the way in which he celebrated his two goals will surely bring a response from United in the second leg. Plus, the recent comments attributed to Tevez about Gary Neville will ensure he gets a hot reception on Wednesday night.

I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!