A while ago, I somewhat bravely (or was it foolishly?) decided to take myself off to Italy for 3 months to learn Italian. Given my Italian was limited to Ciao and Cappuccino, there were bound to be some hiccups along the way, the question was simply, how many….

My first stop was Venice, in January, on a student budget of €30/day…

Not surprisingly it started badly. The language school had arranged for me to stay with an Italian couple & I very foolishly assumed that they would speak some English. However when I called them a few days before I flew out, it became clear they did NOT. So, after about 4 attempts at a conversation, in which neither of us were getting anywhere I finally got an Italian mate to call & sort everything out. It was agreed that I would get either a bus to Venice & water bus down the canal, or the airport water bus direct to Santa Zaccharia bus stop & call. My landlady would then come & collect me.

So I flew in, picked up my ridiculously heavy bag (you try packing for 12 weeks!!) & headed for the waterbus ticket office. What was the quickest way to Santa Zaccharia? Water bus direct… leaving in 10 minutes, only a 5 minute walk away… Perfect!!! So I bought my ticket & off I went, dragging my 25kg behind me…and arrived at the waterbus dock just in time to see the damn thing’s tail-lights disappearing across the bay… & there wasn’t another one for an hour. So, it’s 9.15pm, I’m down €10 of my €30 for the day & I still have no way of getting to Venice.

Fortunately I was not the only one sold a dummy by the ticket office & I was soon joined by another 6 English tourists… also down €10 each… One of them spoke Italian so we decided to try & negotiate a deal with one of the water taxis. Now these are by far the fastest way to Venice but they cost a fortune (min €80 for 2 people, increasing from there based on numbers)… He wasn’t for negotiating, but with 7 of us it was painful, but possible. And there went my first Day’s money in approximately 15 minutes… NOT a promising start. However, looking on the bright side, I did get a very snazzy ride into Venice, it saved me the better part of an hour, & quite frankly I didn’t have much option…

So I arrived at Santa Zaccharia, lugged my giant case off the boat without falling in (that would have been about par for the course at that point) & called my landlady. Once again, there was much shouting… her in Italian, me in Spanish (kind of hoping that would be intelligible – sadly not really) and eventually I managed to work out “wait for me. I’m coming”.

10 minutes later she arrived & we headed off into the maze of streets that make up “old” Venice. The apartment was right in the middle of old Venice, perfect location for living the real Venetian life, but not ideal when you are dragging a 25kg suitcase behind you with another 10kg over one shoulder (I couldn’t get it all in the case!). With her help I puffed & panted my way through Venice, all the while waving my arms about a lot & smiling & nodding in the vague hope that we would suddenly & miraculously start communicating!

We got to her apartment. Guess what? She lived on the third floor & there was no lift. NO!!!

So we dragged the case up the stairs, fortunately being met at the first landing by her other half who manfully lugged it the rest of the way (thank god, long may chauvinism last!). Then I got the tour of the flat along with various instructions in Italian (none of which I understood) supported by hand signals (some of which I understood) & I was “home”... They also very kindly furnished me with a map with a route to the school marked & the waterbus timetable (it was 45 minutes from door to door complete with a sail up the Grand Canal, something the school had neglected to mention!). A schedule for the bathroom was agreed (lucky I at least knew what 7 was!) & I retired to my room to quietly fall apart…

Monday morning dawns bright and decidedly chilly, but I had pulled myself together & was ready for the challenge….(it isn’t an adventure if it doesn’t have a scary start and at least one occasion when you wish you could go home!). Now I had been too busy feeling sorry for myself & concentrating on dragging my suitcase the night before to pay a great deal of attention to my route, so I did have my doubts as to whether I could find my way back to the vaporetto stop. However something must have stuck (it certainly wasn’t my world renown sense of direction!!) & I found my way back through the maze of tiny streets, up & down bridges, over canals & arrived at the vaporetto stop just after 8. First hurdle crossed without incident…However. The ticket office was shut & there was a sign saying no ticket is a €30 fine… Now what, with my non-existent Italian? Only one choice.. be the useless foreigner & throw myself on the mercy of the vaporetto conductor.. (The guy who parks at each dock & stops you falling in!!).

The boat arrived, we all jumped on & I confessed my lack of ticket… Fortunately he spoke some English…”No problem. Get off at the next stop & buy one…” Excellent. That seemed simple… what a nice man! What he neglected to mention was… get off, buy a ticket & we’ll leave without you!!!! I was already on the ramp to get back on & he just sailed off… Now after the ticket office the night before & this one, I was starting to develop a persecution complex!

I got the next Vaporetto (at least they come along every 10 minutes) & jumped off at Ca’ Rezzonico where I was reliably informed I would find the school… and miracle of miracles I did… (with only one stop to ask directions… which involved waving the address at a passer-by & watching his hand signals while the words washed right over my head)

Lessons were interesting, but I survived. Next stop Internet café. Fortunately the school was in the university district so availability of internet cafes were not an issue & this one was run by an English guy (cheating I know… but it was day 1. Give me a break!) & he was cheap (internet in Venice is exorbitant (in fact EVERYTHING in Venice is exhorbitant) – not good when you are on €30/day).  However, things were not quite as simple as they seemed… Thanks to heightens security, you now can’t use an internet café in Italy without providing photographic ID… and that, of course, was all left back at the apartment for safety. I tried bleating, but he was not to be moved, it was home or no emails… Some good came of it mind you, he told me that only tourists took the Vaporetto, and I could walk to & from school (thereby saving €10 a day in bus fares). So with some directions in my head I set off to cross Venice.


What a fantastic discovery. The bus ride up the canal is lovely, and has to be done once, just to see the amazing old Palacios, the Rialto Bridge & all the other famous sites of the Grand Canal. But, once you’ve done it once, it is just a bus, and an expensive tourist one at that. The walk from the school to the apartment on the other hand was the most amazing journey through old Venice you can imagine… Down tiny alleys, through lovely little squares, winding through these stunning old buildings, between canals, across bridges, past Gondoliers in woolly hats & little old ladies in obscenely expensive fur coats… Past Gucci, Prada and every designer boutique imaginable, straight across the middle of Piazza San Marco (scattering pigeons as I went), past shops selling huge slices of Pizza and others selling amazing masks for the upcoming carnival (next weekend). It really is a 40 minute crash course in Venice…

My next few days in Venice were filled mainly with intensive cramming of Italian verbs and vocabulary, interspersed with sanity restoring trips to the local internet café and a LOT of walking around muttering to myself (practicing you know!) and looking like the village idiot.

January is a fantastic time to see Venice because there are very few tourists. This is because a) it is extremely chilly (we had snow on day 4 and I blew my entire budget for the day on a woolly bobble hat and a pair of gloves) and b) it is the time of Acqua Alta (high water), when high tides CAN flood large parts of the city twice a day.  I didn’t have any of the famed floods while I was there, but the raised walkways dotted about were testament to how bad it can be. I was also fortunate to have some beautiful clear days which allowed me to see Venice in all its splendour. However I also had snow and learned a very valuable lesson…

I came out of school on day 5 with a head full of verbs to discover the bitter cold and clear skies had given way to snow. Snow is not unheard of in Venice but it’s isn’t very common, and I most certainly hadn’t dressed for it… Best bet, get home and warm as quickly as possible…
I made it as far as St Mark’s square without incident, and then it all went wrong…

I was walking briskly across the square when I discovered an interesting fact… Pigeon poop & snow do not mix… If you combine them you get VERY slippery paving… combine that with my inevitably impractical footwear & there was only one possible outcome… Yes, me, flat on my back in St Mark’s square!!! (Pause while you wet yourselves laughing……) Now fortunately I did not injure myself… I landed on my arse, so there was plenty of padding… however having chosen possibly the most famous tourist sight in Europe I have no doubt whatsoever that I will now be appearing on home video bloopers across the world… (It is a sure thing some tourist got me sailing through the air on film!!) So look out for me... and if you see me, I want the $200! I picked myself up with as much dignity as I could must and retired to nurse by bruised backside, practice my verbs and prepare myself for the next stage of my Italian adventure…

So lessons for Venice in January

• Whatever they tell you about walking distances, DOUBLE IT or you will miss whatever transport you are planning on.
• If you do use the Vaporettos, buy a ticket when you see a booth open, they aren’t always open when you need them, and fare dodging will end badly.
• If you need internet, be prepared to stump up BIG and take your photo ID with you.
• Wherever possible, WALK! You will see so much more, save money and really get a feel for the place.
• DO NOT book accommodation on the 3rd floor with no lift if you have 35kg of luggage.
• Check forecasts for Acqua alta to be sure you don’t spend your entire holiday wading through knee deep flood waters.
• Pigeon poop and snow are a lethal combination – avoid at all costs unless you want a purple backside and a guest appearance of video bloopers.

Catherine D'Arcy is a business consultant and founder of online jeweller Corazon Latino. She has spent the past 5 years travelling around the world, learning languages and sourcing silver jewellery. She has kindly agreed to appear as a guest blogger from time to share her travel experiences. See Jewellery Wiki.

Israel, prominent on the world stage as a political hotbed, is often passed over by people when planning where next to travel. This small country is not only the main player in many Middle Eastern struggles but a land of unbeatable beauty, a multitude of historical and religious sights and a fascinating mix of people. Israel is a destination everyone should reach at least once in their lifetime.


People who do decide to discover Israel for themselves usually arrange to spend some time in the northern part of the country but too often reserve just a small part of their itinerary for this area. With its awesome landscape and ancient sights covering approximately 2,000 square kilometers, northern Israel is a spot to absorb rather than pass through in a rush. The most effective as well as one of the simplest ways to explore this area is by making the most of the excellent value Israel car hire suppliers. Trains, while existent in Israel, do not yet run along the entirety of the country, and bus travel can leave you with more time waiting and changing stations than seeing the sights. Rental car companies are plentiful in Israel and roads are extremely well signed, each one worded in large Hebrew, Arabic and English letters. In this part of Israel renting a car makes the most sense.


Along the shores of the sunny Mediterranean the ancient port city of Caesarea holds a theatre constructed during the reign of Herod the Great and a large aqueduct built atop arches, along which you can walk to view the sea. Further north, the walled city of Acco beats with the heart of Arab culture. Drive a couple of hours east and you'll reach the Sea of Galilee. A sea in name only, this large lake is surrounded by kibbutzim and significant religious sights like Capernaum and the Mount of Beatitudes. Look east, and you'll be gazing upon the mountains of Jordan. Minutes south of the Galilee is Bet She'an, layers of excavated cities dating back to the 4th Century B.C. Drive north, and you'll shortly arrive in the Golan Heights, where Druze villages and military bunkers dot the otherwise rather stark rural landscape all the way to the border with southern Lebanon. These are just a few of the sights youll find in this part of Israel.


Getting to know northern Israel is an important part of any trip to this country, and renting a car will give you the freedom to see it all. Just be sure to allow yourself the several days needed to experience as much as you can of the beauty and rich history in this area of the earth.

Guest post By: Sabina Lohr
editor of solofemaletraveler.com

The travel industry has always been very dynamic. With changing locations, flights and more importantly, people’s preferences, it is an industry that has never stayed still. Over the last few years, people’s habits and the way they go about arranging their holidays has changed significantly.

With the widespread availability of the internet, more and more people, are turning online for their travel plans. The availability of constantly updated information enables people to make very ‘informed’ choices. Price comparisons and essential travel information is always available at a mouse click.


Of increasing popularity are websites that put holidaymakers directly in contact with owners of privately owned holiday accommodation. The fluidity and transparency of the internet, ensures that prices fairly match people’s demands. Direct holiday rentals have seen a boom in recent years and it is easy to understand why. The increased flexibility and the recognition that the best way to see an area is to ‘live’ there and experience it first hand. Of particular importance when traveling with small children.

Spain is still the number one location for UK holiday makers. Being such a large and diverse country, people are literally spoilt for choice when it comes to making holiday plans. From the Spanish Costas, to the small white-washed Spanish pueblos, there is always something for everyone.  Renting a holiday villa in Spain or a holiday apartment in Spain directly from the owner is now a very feasible and affordable option.
Being less than three hours travel time and flights being so cheap, more and more people are re-discovering a new way to experience an old favorite!!

This is a guest blog from Spain-Holiday.com

    

Not me, the young Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland leads the Open going into day 2 of the 139th Open Championship.  The young man, tipped for the top showed some true magic yesterday, albeit helped by the eerily calm conditions.  Take nothing away from the young man however, wind or no wind, St. Andrews commands respect as many of those the wrong side of level par will confirm.  So the young man leads the way with a course record equalling 63, (9 under par!).  As for the rest, there a few back on 6 under and large group hot on their heels at 5 under, including the main threat, Tiger.

Tiger had an indifferent day, some signs of his dominance in the sport, but also a few signs of his not so hot recent form.  It just shows the true competitive nature of the man however, 5 under par around St. Andrews on the opening day of the Open and he is not at all happy.  A few missed puts out there, especially on the 17th leading to a bogey and missed opportunity at 18 for an easy birdie will play on his mind long into the night.  As for the new putter, I don’t know what all the fuss was about, the media could not think of anything else when he announced he would be using a new putter – I tell you, if I putted like that with any putter I would be more than happy.

The weather looks to play an important part of the Open once again, St. Andrews, Just 20 miles east of Edinburgh and 50 miles east of Glasgow was yesterday dead calm, with not a breath of wind (very unusual), until early afternoon when the wind picked up and few meaningful showers drenched the later end of the draw.  The best scores were posted in the morning no doubt and McIlroy took full advantage, but of the afternoon tee slots, England’s own Lee Westwood set the pace with a very impressive 5 under par in what were pretty gusty conditions.  The English man hit a purple patch and hit 5 consecutive birdies to put him in a good position going into day 2.

So what will day 2 bring? Who will miss the cut? Its looking to be an sub-par cut this year with all the great scoring of yesterday, however some wind and rain will be a real leveller today and will no doubt sort the men from the boys.

My tip is for Tiger to show his strength in character and show the world of golf that he has still got what it takes, but the young McIlroy and UK’s Chris Wood will push him all the way.

It's been quite a year for the World no. 1 golfer.  Probably not one he’d want to relive with the revelations about his private life, his voluntary exclusion from the game and the media blood bath that followed with some rather uncomfortable moments.  The World’s media turned its eye to the highest paid athlete of 2008.  Woods grew up in Orange County, California and was brandishing a golf club a very tender age.  Nurtured through academies his talent became visible very early and he was swiftly talked about as the next big thing in golf.  Boy did he live up to that reputation.  Having bagged 14 Majors since turning pro in 1996 a number only eclipsed by Jack Nicklaus who won a staggering 18!

That record is sure to tumble as woods is currently ranked world number 1 and has held that position longer than any other professional golfer, a feat that will prove hard to match.  His dominance is similar to that of Michael Schumacher who won an unprecedented 7 world championship drivers titles.  As for current form however, Woods has been likened to more of a pussy cat than a tiger, with his competitive edge seemingly lacking.  There is no doubt he holds the key to the greatest ability golf has seen, a combination of shot variation, course management and seemingly nerves of steel, but with recent knee surgery sidelining him for the best part of a season and the more recent ‘off the  course’ tribulations his form has dipped and he is for the first time in a long time having to battle to retain his world no.1 status.  Phil Mickelson is hot on his heels and can smell victory and the Open Championship could be the place to strip Tiger of his cherished ranking.

As for the Open, 2010 see’s its 150th anniversary being played out at the spectacular St. Andrews, the spiritual home of golf.  While the preparation is hotting up with the talk of Tiger’s new putter, the weather for sure is anything but hot!  Gusty winds and torrential downpours are sure to throw a few surprises to the field and I am sure that has opened the door for some of the lesser known players.  A chance to win the Open Championship!  Scotland really is seeing some nasty weather at the moment and whilst no one expects the need for sun cream, just 30 miles from Edinburgh it’s really kicking up a storm!

As for Tiger loosing his teeth? I think the tactics are pretty good from the other players and pundits around the world of golf, but I would not bet against Tiger biting back and showing the world of golf that he is still the greatest player to ever pick up a set of clubs, new putter or not.

Last night saw Spain crowned World Cup Champions after a dogged final with the Netherlands.  The final score 1-0 to the Spaniards courtesy of a 110 minute goal by arguably the championships best player, Andres Iniesta.  0-0 at full time, although the yellow card score was more of a talking point, with Netherlands clear front runners and some might wonder how they did not tot up more red cards.

The Dutch game plan has been heavily criticized by many pundits saying there is no place on football for the tactics employed, who have until now been one of the star performers of the tournament and played some excellent football.  Sadly last night the beautiful football was left in the locker room and a bullish Dutch side took to the field intent on stopping the Spanish playing the game they know so well.  To an extent the game plan was solid, Spain were unable to pass with the fluency they have shown to date, largely down to the Dutch tight marking and heavy challenges. 

Referee Howard Webb has been criticized by the Dutch manager and received a barrage of complaints from the players.  I thought he did very well in what was in truth an ugly game.  Webb kept both sides at a full quota of 11 men for 108 minutes, when Johnny Heitinga was shown a second yellow and given his marching orders 18 minutes into extra time.  How Nigel De Jong was still on the pitch after his karate style challenge on Xabi Alonso is beyond me and Webb must not have had a clear view of the incident.  Planting his size 10’s into Alonso’s chest after 27 minutes was worthy of a red and made for unpleasant viewing.

In the end I think the best team won on the night and justice was served for football.  Spain have won the World Cup for the first time in their History and become only the 8th nation to lift the trophy, joining the likes of Germany, Brazil and England. They have also emulated France team of 98 and 2000 by holding both European and World titles at the same time.

As for the tournament as a whole, it’s been a mixed bag.  A slow start saw some big name teams struggling for form, including Spain, who if you remember lost their opening game to Switzerland and become the only team to win the tournament after losing the opening game!  Italy and France, both former winners fell at the first hurdle, England crashed out in the last 16 and Brazil were sent home at the quarter finals.  South Africa sadly did not make the knockout stages, whilst adopted hosts Ghana made the quarter finals and were harshly denied a semi-final place by Uruguay.  In the end however, the best team won and the hosts put on a great spectacle, not without its controversies however, we’ll all remember the drones of the vuvuzela and I don’t think many will forget the furore surrounding the Jubilani, or simple football.

Roll on 2014 Brazil.

My prediction – Brazil....Surely they cannot be beaten in their own back yard!

Last nights second semi-final saw new favourites Germany exit from the competition.  So with 32 teams whittled down to just 2, Sunday will see the Netherlands take on Spain for a  crown of World Champions.  Never have the 2 sides met before in the World Cup so history is about to be made.  Amazingly neither side has lifted the coveted FIFA World Cup Trophy so the world will have a new name in football and the trophy will get new inscription.  The current holders Italy will give up their crown on Sunday 11th at approximately 9.30pm (GMT) barring extra time and penalties.

Lat night game was in truth more intriguing than thrilling.  Germany coming into the game full of confidence having scored 4 goals past both England and Argentina in their last 2 appearance must have fancied their chances.  Spain on the other hand, hot pre-tournament favourites have not really lived up to the hype and have been average by their standards.  The football has been very easy on the eye and the level of skill is plain for all to see, but they have not been dangerous and this was their third 1-0 match they have been involved in this tournament.  They are a very organised side however and in truth football won on the night as Spain should put on a better final than Germany.   If this young Germany team stick together however, Euro 2012 and the World Cup 2014 could well be there time again, they have real promise.

So to the final, will Spain emulate France of 98’ and 2000 by holding both European and World titles at the same time or will the Netherlands make amends for the 1974 disappointment when Germany won 2-1 to be crowned champions.  The Netherlands are hailed as the best footballing nation never to have lifted the trophy, although I am sure Spain would have something to say about that!

One thing is for sure, we will see some excellent football from what have been the 2 best sides in the tournament, both are here on merit and both have a great chance to etch their names in the history books.

World Cup Final Prediction;

Netherlands 1 – 2 Spain

    

Right I promise that will be the first and last orange-based pun about the semi final, but as a Hollander I was thrilled last night.

Granted we don’t look as good as the Dutch normally do. There is too much back-passing and only a Netherlands fan can find something to appreciate in the destructive and downright dangerous work of midfield destroyer Mark Van Bommel. But Holland have dazzled for years without winning what they deserved to.

I would definitely take another ugly victory in the final on Sunday. That said there were some special moments against Uruguay. Dutch captain Giovanni Van Bronkhurst has been a much underrated player for years but he has seen, done and won a lot in his 35 years and is a true gentleman to boot. His rocket-of-a-shot lit up this contest, an incredible 30+ yards goal from a tight angle.

Another distinguished performer is Diego Forlan. Much maligned at Manchester United he has become an excellent all-round striker and his goal to level the scores at 1-1 was a cracker, even if the keeper should have done better.

The Dutch probably deserved to edge in front after half time even if Robin Van Persie looked offside. They started the second half aggressively, having taken off a holding midfielder and replaced him with the attack-minded Van de Vaart. And their superior class told over Uruguay when Arjen Robben nodded in to make it 3-1. The Dutch supporters, who have been talking of the final for a week, made a mistake to underestimate this Uruguay side though. Holland survived nervy moments at the end, eventually scraping it 3-2.

It’s a hard call as to who they will face in the final. Germany has played the kind of football usually associated with the past Dutch masters. However, they have not played a side as good as Spain yet and I think they will struggle when not faced with the same midfield gaps gifted to them by England and Argentina.

Germany is an incredibly exciting side and Bastian Schweinsteiger has been one of the players of the tournament. But they will miss Thomas Mueller, one of the players who has been so instrumental in turning defence into attack for Germany, as he is suspended for the Spain game.  I think David Villa and the dangerous Andres Iniesta will get on the scoresheet. Whoever wins this epic battle will be favourites to take the trophy. As they showed against Brazil though, the underdogs tag might just suit Holland. 

Semi final prediction

Spain 2 – 3 Germany



Today's blog has been written by Rory's dutch alterego

The World Cup is really hotting up now as favourites Brazil are now back home no doubt thinking what could have and arguably what should have been, while Argentina will be licking their wounds after a thorough thrashing by Germany.  The Germans displayed and demonstrated that the simple things done well by an organised side WILL win the day.  Something a lot of the team in the World Cup should take note of. 

The German side is not littered with world class stars and to be honest I don’t think any individual player would make a World XI, but as a team, they have so far proved too much for England and Argentina in the knock out stages.    With Klose and Muller only 1 goal shy of Spain’s David Vila’s leading goals scorer, the Germans are showing real promise and on form are now the hot favourites and boy do they deserve it.

So whilst Maradona’s return to the world stage as coach of Argentina has been great for world football and the spirit and passion he instills in his players is something the England coach could learn a lot from, the eye pleasing football by the likes of Messi and Tevez was not enough to over power a very well organised German side.  Argentina out and no goals for Messi!

I’ve not even mentioned Brazil’s quarter final catastrophe.  Falling victim to another well organised Dutch side.  The Netherlands are living up to their pre-tournament favourite status and taking Brazil’s scalp, it would take a brave man to bet against them now.  Facing Uruguay on Tuesday, they surely must fancy their chances of a place in the final.  And of Uruguay, making their way to the semi-finals courtesy of Ghana after 120 minutes and a penalty shoot out, there is some injustice about that.  Rules are rules, but in the circumstances, the rules were simply not fair.  Ghana had scored a late winner in 120 +3 minutes, only for the Uruguayan forward to deliberately handle the ball on the line to stop a certain goal.  His punishment was rightly a red card and penalty to Ghana.  Sadly for the African side, the pressure was just too much for Gyan who rattled the bar, sending the game to penalties where Uruguay proved mentally stronger and go through.

Talking of penalties, last nights clash between a faultering Spain and Paraguay, saw 3 penalties in open play.  Another contentious issue.  Paraguay took the first after a comical foul by Pique from a corner which was more at home in a wrestling ring that the 18 yard box.  Unfortunately for Paraguay, the pressure was again too much and a tame penalty was saved.  Replays later show a number of the Spanish players encroaching in the box BEFORE the ball was struck, technically requiring the spot kick to be retaken.  It wasn’t.  90 seconds later, Spain had a penalty of their own, which was dispatched with ease by Xabi Alonso.  Not so in the referee’s eyes who this time saw the encroachment and had the kick retaken. 

This time the spot kick was not so convincing and the keeper make an inspiring save, seemingly keeping Paraguay’s hopes alive.  Sadly it was short lived and David Vila extended his goals scoring to 5 and his price tag in the transfer market as Spain took the lead with just 8 minutes to play.  In the end, Spain ran out winners, but some desperate defending late on and a double save from Casillas saw the Paraguay challenge nullified.

So we are down to 4 and only 2 South American representative left, its looking like an all European final!

Here are my semi-final predictions;

Netherlands 2 – 0 Uruguay
Germany 2 – 1 Spain.

24 Down, 8 left standing.  The last 16 games have now concluded and we have seen our first penalty shoot out of the tournament.  Yuichi Komano was the unlucky candidate who missed Japan’s 3rd penalty handing the advantage to Paraguay, who took full advantage and dumped Japan out of the competition with an impressive 5 from 5 spot kicks.  Komano rattled the cross bar with his effort.  What do they say, 12 yards of skill, 69 yards of courage needed in a penalty shoot out, Komano can stand proud that he had the courage to take a kick, sadly for him and Japan, there has to be a runner up.

Last night saw Portugal leave the competition also following a 1-0 defeat at the hands of an impressive Spanish side.  In truth the score line flattered Portugal who didn’t appear to have a game plan, especially at 1-0 down, then failed to make any impression on the Spanish goal with talisman Ronaldo left out in the cold on his own as a single point of attack.  He is another who failed to impress on the big stage while his Iberian counterpart David Villa showed once again why he would be first on any team sheet.  Another goal in a crucial game taking his tally to 4 and a solid contender for the golden boot award.

As for the quarter finals taking place on 2nd and 3rd of July respectively, we have the mouth watering prospect of Holland v’s Brazil and Argentina v’s Germany.  Spain arguably have the easiest route to the semi final taking on Paraguay, although will meet the winner of Argentina and Germany when they surely get there.

So its hotting up now and we really have sorted the wheat from the Chaff.  As far as predictions go, I can see Brazil, Spain, Argentina and Uruguay making the semi final’s and I’ll stick my neck out and say a Brazil v’s Spain final.

As for other matters football related, in a revelation Sepp Blatter has apologized to England and Mexico for what he called “evident referee mistakes” and went on to say that the case for technology in football would be re-opened at a FIFA meeting in July of this month.  The English FA and Mexican FA have accepted the apology, although in truth is of little benefit now they are out of the competition. 

As for what else might be on the agenda for the FIFA meeting, the sooner they stamp out play acting from the player the better.  Sadly we saw another incident last night with Spain defender Joan Capdevila taking a tumble after apparently being intentionally elbowed in the head by Portugal striker Costa, and the referee producing a red card.  The video evidence and Capdevila’s miraculous recovery would suggest otherwise.  These are match changing incidents and players that dive, play act and fake injury to gain an advantage should suffer the same fate as those that commit fouls, ban them and they will soon learn.

Quarter Final Predictions

Netherlands 1 - 3 Brazil
Uruguay 2 - 0 Ghana
Argentina 2 - 1 Germany
Paraguay 0 - 3 Spain

England…Out, Italy…Out, France…Out.  These are the big names that have fallen by the wayside so far.  After another dire performance from the England team against the Germans, it’s a relief to see them land back at Heathrow Airport from South Africa.  Let’s face it, whilst the qualifying campaign proved to be the most successful of all time, our performance against teams made up of more than postmen and bakers was frankly embarrassing.  The England team proved without doubt that it's not the quality of the players on the team sheet, it’s the quality of the team on the field.

England were simply outclassed by a young and ambitious German team.  Sure there may be fire in the bellies of some of the England camp, namely David James, who clearly had some ‘constructive criticism’ of his back 4 to air, was our best player even when we conceded 4 goals!  I’m glad the press had relatively little to say about the Frank Lampard goal that never was.  Sure, FIFA rules regarding goal line technology seems in the dark ages, but frankly so is England’s approach to major tournaments.  I cannot for any reason see why had that goal been given there would have been a different outcome to the game, the Germans were simply better and wanted it more. 

The real upset of the lack of Technology was that of Mexico, who unfairly had to concede a goal that was clearly offside, recognised by the linesman and referee after a technical blunder in the stadium which saw the big screen show the replay of Carlos Tevez 5 yards off-side.  Rules and rules and the linesman did not flag this before the whistle was blown for the goal and the rest is history.  Well lets hope it’s history and FIFA adopt a sensible approach to this and introduce the 4th referee.  It works in rugby, its works in cricket, the argument of cost is wearing thin and it has to be only a matter of time before FIFA accept that in a multi billion pound industry, chance and human error have little part to play.  World Cup and Champions League finals can swing on a single bad decision.

So Argentina, Ghana, Brazil, Germany, Holland and Uruguay are through to the last eight and there are only 2 places left for either Spain or Portugal and Paraguay or Japan.  I would back Spain and Japan to make the last eight.

As for England, the inquest will begin as to why they performed so badly on the world stage.  Watch this space.

Today's Predictions

Spain 2 - 1 Portugal
Paraguay 0 - 2 Japan

Arrivederci Itlay.  Well what a fantastic world cup! While many fans may be unhappy to see some of the leading lights get knocked out of the football world cup 2010, all the teams that get through deserve to be there as far as I’m concerned. Football is a real leveller and top teams can never take a win for granted against any opposition.

Italy simply were not good enough to qualify even though their poor defending and pride combined to make an absolutely thrilling match. When they looked dead and buried the Azzurri regrouped late on to show that they are always a force to be reckoned with, but it was too little too late. Congratulations are in order to Slovakia who will now meet the Netherlands in the world cup quarter finals and the Dutch will do well not to underestimate them. The quarter final which ever will be talking about will be the meeting between England and Germany and whatever happens it was great to see England avoid an early exit unlike Italy and France.  This is sure to be one of the games of the tournament so don’t miss it on Sunday.

Today there are too dead fixtures and two exciting matches. Although Portugal and Brazil have already qualified it will be a fascinating clash, especially given the huge Portuguese influence on Brazil. Both teams will have a point to prove so expect some fireworks. Yet the fact that Spain may yet finish in second place slightly complicates things as the winner of Brazil v's Portugal will have to face Spain in the last 16.

While Portugal or Brazil may want to avoid the Spanish, my theory is that you have to beat the best teams to win the trophy so it doesn’t matter which stage you play them at. Portugal will be on a high after their seven goal thrashing of North Korea, but Brazil have looked the real deal so far with classy goals and an attractive formation. The other game in the group is between the Ivory Coast and North Korea and I expect the Africans to recover some pride with a strong showing. They will have felt themselves unlucky to have ended up in the ‘Group of Death’ once again.

Tonight the key clash is between Chile and Spain. After their shock opening match this is a must win game for the Spanish. The tournament favourites will have their work cut out for them though as Chile have impressed all onlookers with their attacking football and tactical awareness. We could well see another shock though i expect the Spanish to squeak through.

Today's predictions:

Ivory Coast 3 - 0 North Korea
Brazil 2 - 2 Portugal
Spain 2 - 1 Chile

With the group stages drawing to a close, its time to sort the wheat from the Chaff.  Groups C and D now determined with England making the grade after a vastly improved performance, but only a 1-0 win over Slovenia, USA will be joining them in the last 16 as Group C winners after a last ditch goal from Donavan in the 92 minutes saw them break the hearts of Slovenia and steal top spot in the dying seconds.

Group D was wrapped up last night with Germany taking top spot and a beaten on the night Ghana going through as runners up in the group.  Unless you’ve had our head in the sand for the last 12 hours, you’ll have heard that England will now face Germany in last 16.  A great match is in prospect with this fixture always drawing massive crowds and extra interest.  The last time the sides met in a competitive environment, England took the honours 1-0, but before then the Germans had a knack of sending England home, usually after penalties.  Let’s hope this match doesn’t go that far and a good match will see a worthy winner, but if it does, Jermain Defoe told the press this morning that the squad have been out practising from 12 yards just in case!

The German coach, Franz Beckenbauer is doing his best to wind up the England team by regularly reporting to the press that England have reverted to the old style of kick and rush.  With Wayne Rooney underperforming again (although improved from that against Algeria) he will be keen to demonstrate his class and comments form Beckenbauer will only fuel is passion!  Like Rooney, I am sure every England fan is relishing the chance to get one over Germany after being dubbed stupid for not winning the group and avoiding Germany in the last 16.  All will be revealed Sunday afternoon.  Can’t wait!

As for today, Italy are in need of a performance to stay in the competition and nothing short of a win will do for the Azzuri against Slovakia.  In the other side of the group, Paraguay take on Newzealand.  As for this evening, Denmark take on Japan while the in form team Netherlands take on Cameroon looking to make it 3 wins from 3.


Sorry to keep harping on about it, but the French really are getting a hard time over their dismal performance with French President Nicolas Sarkozy meeting talisman Thierry Henry today to get the low down of what went on in the French camp.  I would be thinking about a long holiday if I were Raymond Domenech.

Today’s predictions;

Paraguay 0 – 1 Newzealand
Slovakia 1 -3 Italy
Denmark 0 – 1 Japan
Cameroon 1 – 4 Netherlands

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With the hosts crashing out of the Tournament last night, making them the only host nation in World Cup history not to make the knock-out stages the heat is on England to live up to pre-tournament expectation.  South Africa put on a determined display and led France 2-0 at half time.  With results in the other group match going their way it was down to goal difference and another South African goal would have seen them secured as group runners up.  Sadly the next goal came from France which sealed the host nations demise in the group. 

They should stand proud however, they beat a French side that was without doubt the disappointment of the tournament.  In-fighting within the team and a lack of unity lead to very poor performances on the pitch.  France manager, Domenech could not bring himself to shake the hand of the South Africa manager, which was a very sad moment for the game, in my opinion they left the competition fair and square, but failed to leave with dignity. 

So from group A, France and South Africa bow out, while Uruguay and Mexico progress.  Group B is also wrapped up and hot favourites Argentina brushed aside a defensively minded Greece to progress with maximum points, joined by South Korea after a determined fightback against Nigeria to earn themselves a place in the last 16.  Nigeria, already out and joined by Greece at the airport.  Today seems Group C and D decided, with England needing to secure their first win of the tournament against Slovenia to guarantee progress to the last 16, whilst Germany and Ghana look favourite to progress from group D.

Amazingly Lionel Messi of Argentina has yet to get off the mark in his challenge for the Golden boot, for me so far the player of the tournament and last night saw his fair share of bad luck, striking the woodwork a number of times!  With Christiano Ronaldo off the mark, the race is on and from Portugals 7-0 drubbing of North Korea, they look full of goals, god help their opposition when he starts to fire on all cylinders.  Another contender has to be David Villa of Spain who bagged a brace of goals  against Honduras on Monday, but he nay rue that missed penalty!

As for England, with only 1 goal chalked up so far, the fans and manager alike will be looking for far more this afternoon.  Rooney, a top tip for golden boot looks a shadow of the player that pulls on the Manchester United shirt week in week out.  I think its time for a bit of adventure from the manager and to throw caution to the wind.  England can win by simply scoring more goals than their opponents, but this is often hindered by the conservative team selection from the manager, lets see Joe Cole in the line-up and take the game to them. 

We’ve seen so many times in this tournament teams playing to their strengths and getting 0-0 draws or even pinching a win against sides that have got frustrated by a defensive set-up.   I think if Joe Cole starts, England will win 3-0, if Cole is left out, we could be welcoming our national team home in the morning.

Today’s predictions;

Slovenia 0 – 3 England
USA 2 – 0 Algeria
Australia 1 – 0 Serbia
Ghana 0 – 3 Germany


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