There Is Only One Sinnacle

Usually these friendly wagers often between majors or head of states are quite boring but here is an impressive and witty exchange between the England and U.S ambassadors ahead of this Saturday game.

From: Philip Breeden, US Embassy London

To: Martin Longden, British Embassy Washington DC

Subject: World Cup Bet

Mr. Longden, It has not escaped our attention that a certain sporting event is fast approaching, and that our respective nations will soon be meeting on the fields of South Africa.

My Ambassador has asked me to see if your Ambassador might be interested in a small wager? We will understand if you decline, given the outcome of the last such encounter.

Sincerely, Philip Breeden, U.S. Embassy, London

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From: Martin Longden, British Embassy Washington DC

To: Philip Breeden, US Embassy London

Subject: Re: World Cup Bet

Mr. Breeden,

Even for such an exceptionally optimistic nation as the United States, I am struck by the confidence with which your Ambassador proposes this wager. It is testament, I assume, to the generosity of your great nation – since the British Ambassador does not anticipate paying out.

Your email does not specify the exact terms of the wager. May I suggest that, in the event of an England victory, the US Ambassador agrees to entertain the British Ambassador at a steak-house of his choosing in downtown DC? And in the event that the United States is able to engineer a fortuitous win over England, then my man will entertain yours at a London pub of his choosing. Loser pays.

Your reference to a previous sporting encounter between our two countries puzzles me. Since the history of English football is long and extensive, in contradistinction to US soccer, I regret that I cannot immediately recall the encounter to which you refer. No doubt it is remembered fondly on these shores; we have quite forgotten it, however.

Are you sure you want to do this?

Yours sincerely, Martin Longden British Embassy Washington DC

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From: Philip Breeden, US Embassy London

To: Martin Longden, British Embassy Washington DC

Subject: Re: World Cup Bet

Mr. Longden ,

It is with great pleasure, and no small measure of anticipation, that the U.S. Ambassador accepts the terms of the wager. I am surprised, given the well known love of the British for history, that you have forgotten what happened the last time the “special relationship” was tested on the pitch. Of course, given the result, you are to be forgiven for having misplaced that particular episode in your memory banks. I refer of course to the victory of the U.S. over England in the 1950 World Cup.

It is true that our soccer (a fine English word we have kindly preserved for you) history is not as long and illustrious as yours. However, as your generals noted during WWII, we have a unique capability for quickly identifying and advancing talent.

Game on!

Sincerely, Philip Breeden

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From: Martin Longden, British Embassy Washington DC

To: Philip Breeden, US Embassy London

Subject: Re: World Cup Bet

Mr. Breeden,

Very well; it’s a bet!

Incidentally, you should know that the Ambassador takes his steak like American soccer victories – somewhat rare.

Sincerely,

Martin Longden

Italy

 
I can’t figure Italy out actually more to the point I can’t figure out how much the press have over looked Italy leading into the World Cup which will usually work in Italy’s advantage.  Long day after the bitter memories of the Roberto Donadoni era where Italy never got going before bowing out on penalties to Spain.  In it’s place Marcelo Lippi is back to lead Italy one more time to World Cup glory. Back to the can’t figure Italy out point.  While it’s true they return a lot of players from the 2006 those players are also four years old.  Being wise gets you so far but being old catches up to you after all.  It’s not like players like Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluca Zambrotta, Mauro Camoranesi, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, and Vincenzo Iaquinta are coming off good seasons to give outsides a reason to believe this Italian team can go deep in the World Cup.  On the flip side this is Italy after all.  You have to respect a side who will not defeat themselves.  For any club to defeat Italy they will have to play perfect football.  Going into the last World Cup Zidane wasn’t coming off the finest of seasons then he turned it on at the World Cup as he was pacing himself over the long season.  You never know the same can hold true for all the players mentioned above.  Italy is blessed with a group they should handle.  Much like having to face Australia and Ukraine in the first two knockout rounds of the last World Cup, Italy has a pretty easy road for themselves in the group stage.

Key Player – Giorgio Chiellini and Alberto Gilardino (tie) -  Just couldn’t decide between the two.  Chiellini will need to be fit if Italy plans to go far.  Chiellini is the next great hope in the long line of world class Italian defenders.  He will need to cover the space Cannavaro doesn’t have the legs to get too anymore.

As for Gilardino, it wasn’t that long ago A.C Milan were dying to get rid of him.  From there he has worked himself to be the best striking option for Italy.  He’ll need to score 5+ goals in the World Cup for Italy to have a chance to repeat.

Sinnacle Prediction - 1st in Group F

Paraguay

A couple of months ago I mentioned how Óscar Cardozo is gong to shine at this World Cup.  Nothing since then has changed my mind as even if Cardozo is fighting a knock or two he is still in the form of his life and is peaking just at the right moment heading into the World Cup.  Paraguay conceding only 16 goals in qualifying.  Only Brazil gave up fewer which bodes well for Paraguay heading into a World Cup where Slovakia and New Zealand don’t have much of a goal threat.  Speaking of goal threats we have the interesting case of Roque Santa Cruz. Will the Manchester City role player be out of form at this World Cup or will he be well rested and ready to bag a couple of goals for Paraguay.  This will determine is Paraguay can make it to the final 8 or bow out once in the knockout stage.  Also look out for Edgar Barreto who will not miss for the penalty spot.  

Key Player – Roque Santa Cruz

Sinnacle Prediction - 2nd in Group F

Slovakia

For any club to make it into the World Cup from Europe deserves respect.  Unlike New Zealand who basically gets a free pass into the World Cup. Slovakia made it to the World Cup after taking out the likes of Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovenia.  Even more surprising is they did it using an attack minded approach, scoring a group high 22 goals.  It’s interesting to see Slovakia scored more in qualifying than the likes of Portugal, Russia, France, Italy and Holland.  With the good news out of the way he comes the bad news.  Everyone loves attacking soccer but scoring against the likes of San Marino is a lot different than scoring against Italy and Paraguay.  Add to that the blow of defender Martin Skrtel carrying an ankle knock should add up to Slovakia enjoying the moment,  being proud to play for their country in the World Cup and then going home after three games.

Key Player – Marek Hamsik

Sinnacle Prediction – 3rd in Group F

New Zealand

 
Truthfully I almost know as much about North Korea than I do New Zealand so this will be short.  I like Ryan Nelsen who has made himself into a very useful defender that every club could use but this New Zealand team will need a lot more than Ryan Nelsen and it’s just not there.  This side could easily be the worst country playing in the World Cup and watch after I’ve said that New Zealand will make it to the knockout round but I won’t be picking them.

Key Player – Chris Killen – Someone has to score goals and the former Cletic man seems to be New Zealand’s best hope in this regard.

Sinnacle Prediction – 4th in Group F

Netherlands

After the first round of Euro 2008 most people wanted to award Holland the title and forget about the knockout stage.  Much like in years past either by heart break or infighting something always goes wrong to the Netherlands which is why I don’t see them making a deep run even with all their talent.  Arjen Robben missing the first game is a huge blow to the Netherlands,  sure they have the depth to deal with Robben being gone but on his day he is one of the games best players.  Even without a fit Arjen Robben the Netherlands won’t have trouble scoring goals with the likes of Ibrahim Afellay, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael Van der Vaart, Ryan Babel, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Dirk Kuyt, and Robin Van Persie all able to either create or score goals.  The reason I can never be sold on the Dutch is in their back line.  They are paper soft at the heart of their defensive.  The likes of Chelsea flop Khalid Boulahrouz, Johnny Heitinga, and Andre Ooijer don’t inspire me.  Come the final eight every game will be tense and just don’t see this Dutch back four being able to keep World Class attackers at bay.  Every World Cup there is at least 1-2 big name teams who drop out in the Group stage.  It wouldn’t shock me to see the Netherland be that team in this World Cup but since I’m sour on two of these teams I’m still picking Holland to advance

Key Player – Klaas-Jan Huntelaar -  Last 18 months have been awful for Huntelaar but he is still Holland best pure striker and they will need him if they are to make a deep run

Sinnacle Prediction – 1st in Group E

Japan

I loved reading about the stat how Japan has never won a World Cup game outside of Japan.  The reason I love it is because that is going to change!  Every World Cup there is a country who stays under the radar, makes it through to the knockout round then bows out quietly.  Ecuador and Switzerland in 2006 quickly comes to mind.  Even if on paper I should stay far away from Japan I do believe they will surprise most people by grabbing the second spot in this group.  Generally you would prefer to have your top players over in Europe but it isn’t all bad that most of Japan’s players currently play at home.  They know what many of their team mates like to do with the ball either by playing with or against them over the years.  A key to look out for when it comes to Japan is set pieces are this side features two great free kick takers.  You have CKSA Moscow’s Keisuke Honda and former Celtic favorite Shunsuke Nakamura who can each score on a free kick from just about anywhere.

Key Player -  Keisuke Honda

Sinnacle Prediction – 2nd in Group E

Denmark

After an impressive World Cup qualifying campaign which saw Denmark advance to the World Cup by winning a group which features the likes of Portugal and Sweden I should be picking Denmark to advance.  It also wouldn’t shock me if Denmark get a result against the Netherland but something tells me after not making it to the last World Cup Denmark will have this mission accomplish feel just making it to South Africa and bow out after three games.  Denmark may not have the depth but they have key players in key areas.  You have the likes of Daniel Agger, and Simon Kjaer who can more than hold their own against any attacking combo.  Up front you have Nicklas Bendtner and Jon Dahl Tomasson who are going to give defenders fits in the air.  This lack of depth will most likely come back to haunt Denmark as Kjaer and Bendtner are fighting minor injuries in the lead up to the World Cup plus with recent results like the 1-0 loss to South Africa I’m going to side with Denmark being one of the European clubs who will fall early in this World Cup.

Key Player – Nicklas Bendtner

Sinnacle Prediction – 3rd in Group E

Cameroon

The second Samuel Eto’o threaten to great over criticism given to him by Cameroon great Roger Mila I wrote this club off.  When your best player is not in the right shape of mind that pretty much poisons the rest of this squad.  Add to that Eto’o getting sent off in a friendly against Portugal and I don’t see Eto’o getting his head right before the World Cup nor do I see Cameroon advancing even with the World Cup being played on their home continent.  Shame too as this time last year Samuel Eto’o was considered one of the games best strikers (still is)  but without him even a talented team with the likes of Tottenham duo Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Sebastien Bassong, Jean II Makoun, and Stephane Mbia.

Key Player – Samuel Eto’o

Sinnacle Prediction – 4th in Group E

Germany

Despite not being mentioned with the likes of Spain, Brazil, England and Argentina you can never count out Germany from any competition. Semi Finalist in 2006, Runner up in Euro 2008, will the 2010 World Cup be the event Germany does one better? Losing your captain a couple weeks before the World Cup isn’t the best way to enter the competition but despite losing Michael Ballack I’m really excited to see what this Germany side can do. Joachim Loew has one of the most interesting jobs in this World Cup. Even without Ballack you have the likes of Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose, and Lukas Podolski who have played roles for Kermany over the years. The last two will be interesting to watch as Klose couldn’t find his previous form all season long for Bayern Munich and Podolski while still scoring goals for the National team has stalled at club level with his move to home town club Koln not according to plan. The reason this Germany team is exciting is all the young players Loew can use. From the likes of Dennis Aogo, Holger Badstuber, Jerome Boateng, Toni Kroos, Marko Marin, Mesut Özil, and Thomas Müller it will be interesting to see which of these players end up breaking up as they will be the ones who lead Germany into future World Cups.
Key Player – Bastian Schweinsteiger

Sinnacle Prediction – 1st in Group D

Ghana

 
People are writing Ghana off mostly because of Michael Essien being injured but Essien did miss the African Cup of Nations but this young Ghana side made an impressive run to the finals and hopefully that confidence will carry over into the World Cup.  Looking forward to the Ghana-Germany game thanks to Kevin-Prince Boateng taking out Michael Ballack with a hard tackle in the FA Cup.  Wonder if any of the German will want to paid Boateng back with a hard foul of two of their own.  Just don’t look for it to be by Boateng brother erome Boateng who plays for Germany to add another layer to this game.  Ghana ANC form combined with playing close to home gives them a tiny edge to sneak into the group stage in another group where spots 2-4 are going to be hard to call.

Key Player – Sulley Montari

Sinnacle Predicition – 2nd in Group D

Serbia

Serbia is everyone’s sexy pick to make it far into the World Cup and for this reason alone I’m picking them to pull a Czech Republic (the it pick of 2006) and fail to advance out of the group stage.  It’s easy to see way people are picking Serbia as a dark house.  You have Champions League winners Nemanja Vidic and Dejan Stankovic to go along with an impressive collection of talent with the likes of Aleksandar Kolarov, Zdravko Kuzmanovic, and Milos Krasic.  Then you have a talented front line with Liverpool new boy Milan Jovanovic and Birmingham’s Nikola Zigic.  There is still a difference in having success at club level compared to the national team level.  Few countries every make that giant leap,  usually it’s baby steps up the ladder.  It wouldn’t shock me if Serbia took the second spot in this group even if I’m not picking them but it’s unlikely they will be a final four team.
Key Player -  Dejan Stankovic

Sinnacle Prediction 3rd in Group D

In a perfect world Australia would erase the bitter memories after going out of the 2006 due to a Francisco Totti dive by making a long run in this World Cup but as we all know this isn’t a perfect world.  It almost seems unfair to pick Australia last in this group considering how well they play together but much like the United States in 2006 this is a tough group match up wise for Australia.  To have success in the World Cup you need to score goals. (shocking isn’t it)  When you look up and down this lineup you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from.  Asking Tim Cahill to carry that slack to a tall order for a midfield  they need someone to step up and have the month of their lives if Australia are to get into the knockout stage.  In the end just see Germany not making a mistake against Australia then winning thanks to all their talent.  Ghana and Serbia also match up favourable to this Australian side.
Key Player – Tim Cahill

Sinnacle Prediction – 4th in Group D

Not going to pick them to win the World Cup but Spain is scary good. Except lots more people to jump aboard the Spain bandwagon after beating Poland 6-0 yesterday. Spain’s second goal was simply first class.

Chelsea are preparing a £25m bid for Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger. Daily Mirror

Schweinsteiger has made noises about leaving Bayern Munich in the past and he would be perfect in the Chelsea set up.

New Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is contemplating a surprise move to bring Michael Ballack to Spain. Daily Mail

This would be a surprise.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is lining up a move for Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil, with the Gunners considering a £12m bid for Werder Bremen’s 21-year-old. caughtoffside.com

Werder Breman were able to move Diego cause they knew Ozil was waiting in the wings. Just don’t see Arsenal being able to pull this deal off.

Robinho’s representatives will officially tell Manchester City next week that the £32.5m British record signing no longer wishes to play for the club under coach Roberto Mancini. Daily Mail

Do Manchester City supporters ever go, “Why does Robinho play like a dog for Manchester City and a super hero for Brazil?”

The agent representing Juventus striker Vincenzo Iaquinta says the Italian will be heading to Tottenham this summer. The Sun

I like Iaquinta who reminds me of Dirk Kuyt but does see any reason for him to play for Tottenham considering he isn’t better than the strikers they have now.

West Ham co-owner David Gold says England goalkeeper Robert Green is up for grabs this summer. The 29-year-old’s contract expires next year and Gold revealed: “At this stage we are not going to have talks with him about a new deal.” The Sun

I’d cash in on Robert Green as well considering his value will never be any higher plus they risk losing him for nothing next summer.

Aston Villa lead a long list of clubs wanting to sign winger Martin Petrov, who has been released by Manchester City. Everton, Stoke, West Ham and Bolton are also interested in the 31-year-old.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Nice to see that Martin Petrov won’t be out of work for long.

Italian club Fiorentina are weighing up a £3.5m bid for Liverpool’s 21-year-old left-back Emiliano Insua. Daily Mail

Liverpool is in a bad spot but they are not going to sell Insua at that price.

A couple of weeks ago mentioned Rafa Benitez would be foolish to leave Liverpool for Inter Milan. Now that Liverpool have cut Rafa a cheque to walk away I’ve soften on this stance. You can’t blame Rafa from jumping at the chance to coach the defending European Champions after dealing with the mess that was Liverpool and you can’t blame Inter for wanting Rafa Benitez who himself as won the Champions League, not to mention beating Real Madrid and having the leg up on Jose Mourinho in previous Champions Leagues encounters.

Just don’t give Rafa unlimited access to the chequebook and Inter has done well with this appointment. Be interesting to see if Rafa will fall in line with Massimo Moratti since he won’t be the able to pull the tricks he did with Liverpool and Valencia previously. The buck stops with Moratti compared to his previous two clubs where Benitez was the face of each team.

Four years ago Adriano was leading the Brazilan front line with Ronaldo as million’s of Brazilians were hoping Adriano would help lead his country to World Cup glory. Four years later after Inter Milan gave up on their problem child and Adriano did whatever he pleased at Flamengo, Roma has now rewarded him with a three year contract paying him 5 million euros a season.

You can’t fault Roma for giving a talent like Adriano another crack at European football but despite having some motivation towards beating his former club, Adriano has proven to be a problem child and it will take all of Claudio Ranieri patience having to deal with Adriano for the next three seasons.

England

Kevin Keegan may of loved it if Manchester United lost way back when but I would be just as pleased if England were to bow out in the same old heart breaking fashion.  It’s nothing against the English players or even the English fans it’s the fact I can’t stand the English press.  Considering they are the ones who invited the game they have been blown by in terms of development by the likes of Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Italy and dare I say the Dutch and Portugal. Just look at the results and what the latter two countries are able to produce in talent these last 20 years compared to a country much larger like England.  Yet if you read the English press you’d be left wondering why are those group games even being played,  even the World Cup for that matter.  They should just hand the World Cup over to England and be done with it.  With that and mind coupled with the failure to qualify for Euro 2008 England went out and hired one of the best coaches in the world.  He may not be the Special One but Fabio Capello is special in his own right.  The best part of this hire is Capello doesn’t feel, think or care about the ghosts who have haunted England in the past with their failures due to red cards and penalty kicks.  Capello is exactly the type of coach who can get these England players to focus on the game and not on the past. 

Even before Rio Ferdinand went out with a new injury the England backline is a question mark.  Can Ledley King’s knee hold up?  If not can Jamie Carragher better his form after a rough year at Liverpool?  Will Glen Johnson drive Capello nuts playing right back.  In the midfield what about Gareth Barry who looks to miss the U.S match.  How does he slot into the England lineup after a long layoff.  The issue I have with thise team going into the World Cup is aside from Wayne Rooney and John Terry everyone else on this team is replaceable.  From the goalie to Rooney’s attack partner (if they go 4-4-2)  there isn’t a set starting 11 yet as aside from maybe Joe Cole everyone else on this England hasn’t jumped up and cliamed there spot in the starting lineup.  Based on form right now would there be a huge difference between Shuan Wright Phillips and Aaron Lennon for example?  If your an England you would want one or the other to set it up and cliam that spot. 

I’ve love for that E.A.S.Y headline to bite England in the ass and while I do think the U.S can take a point at least from England just seem them being too much for Slovenia and  Algeria.

Key Player – Wayne Rooney (shocking I know)

Sinnacle Prediction – 1st in Group C

United States

It’s always interesting to read about the United States and football.  If you are reading about the U.S from an American based news outlet you would think they can make it to the semi finals.  If you read about the U.S from an European news outlet you would think they are one of the worst teams in the World Cup.  As always the truth falls in the middle.  Bob Bradley is a one trick pony as a coach but it’s a good trick as his teams are well orgainzed and tough to break down.  They are always in a much better group than 2006.  The Czech’s and Ghana had the talent and speed to get passed a clogged up American midfield and while they drew Italy playing against a team who simply doesn’t make mistakes on the big stage wasn’t in their favour.  Against England they face a team who plays in the same style as the U.S with many U.S based players who either play in England or have played in the EPL.  To that effect one of the best things to happen with this U.S team is the success of Landon Donovan who was a hit with Everton and should have the confidence to feel like he can play against any team in the world.  I also loved how Donovan blamed his ex-wife for a loss of form and how leaving her improved his game.  Big question mark with the States is the fitness of Oguchi Onyewu who has yet to play a full 90 minutes since coming back from his knee injury?  This team on paper at least isn’t the type who can score 2-3 goals a game at the elite level so they better be able to keep a clean sheet if they are to repeat the run of 2002.

Key Player – Clint Dempsey (Too easy to see Donovan,  with England focusing on Donovan see Dempsey being able to move around a bit plus Dempsey was the best player during the forgettable 2006 World Cup)

Sinnacle Prediction – 2nd in Group C

Algeria

People say countries like Portugal have an issue with nationalized players from other countries playing in the National team but then you look at Algeria who have 17 players playing on the team that were born in France.  Making their first apperance in the World Cup since Mexico 1986 Algeria should have a just happy to be there feeling especially after a blood and guts battle to even make it to South Africa by defeating Egypt to finally receive their invite.  After being out of the World Cup for so long these players are just going to soak in the experience, enjoy it then go home after three games.

Key Player – Karim Ziani

Sinnacle Prediction 4th in Group C

Slovenia

Everyone should have a ton of respect for Slovenia for being such a tiny country and to make it into the World Cup out of Europe says a great deal about these players.  Slovenia could of easily packed it in once they went down 2-0 on the road against Russia in the World Cup playoff.  Instead they battled back by getting a late away goal then got a 1-0 win at home to advance on away goals and send Guus Hiddink on his way to coach Turkey.  Much like Algeria just don’t take a shine to countries who are new to the World Cup scene even more so in this group where England should prove too much for either country and the United States should learn from their failures of 2006.

Key Player – Milivoje Novakovič

Sinnacle Predicition – 3rd in Group C

Going into MLS next year Vancouver needed to spice things up with a new logo for all the jersey’s and t-shirts they plan to sell. I’m never big on changes for example I hated the Portugal jersey’s when they were released now I own both of them and love the white jersey with strips down the middle. On the bright side this design is a lot better than some of the ugly logo’s the Vancouver Canucks use to sport back in the day.