It was quite a goal feast in the round of 16 for the past few nights. And there was much drama too! Finally the World Cup really coming alive. The 3 moments of this round.
1. Frank Lampard's goal that was never given against Germany. Just after Matthew Upson pulled one back, a minute later, Lampard thought he scored with a lob that clipped the underside of the crossbar and bounced back out. But the Uruguayan assistant referee nor the main one could see it, and unsure they were, they didn't give it. How un-awesome are they. Had it been 2-2, it could, arguably, have been a very different story. Maybe a more respectable defeat considering England wouldn't throw caution to the wind in the second-half, but definitely not the 4-1 mauling they received from The Kaisers in the end.
2. Carlos Tevez's wonder-strike against Mexico. After scoring a goal that, ironically, should have been disallowed for offside, Tevez struck again in the second-half to put Diego Maradona's side 3-0 up. A lucky ricochet near the edge of the penalty box, Tevez lashed onto it and produced an unstoppable 30 yard drive into the top right hand corner that left Mexican goalkeeper Oscar Perez diving helplessly. Class strike!
3. Paraguay's 5-3 penalty shootout win over Japan. With the game tied at 0-0 even after extra-time, it took Japanese defender Komano's penalty to hit the bar before Paraguay went on to win the shootout. Heartbreak for the only Asian side left and for Asia on the whole, Paraguay continued to boost the South American contingent, with half the number of quarter-finalists. Europe has 3 and Continent Africa has 1.
Now what a wonderful two ties we're gonna have! Netherlands vs Brazil on Friday's early match. It's the two offensive triangles of the tournament facing off. Netherlands with Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie (and Rafael van der Vaart in reserve), up against Brazil's own trio of Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano. Gonna be great stuff, and with a semis place, I'm sure they'll both go all out! And then there's Germany vs Argentina in Saturday's early match. The German youngsters taking on Maradona's Messi and co. Can Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira continue to shine in their attempts to stop Tevez, Messi and Higuain? I can't wait!
Now back to BT2 and Physics and History left for THIS week only. Ugh.
Bye~!
my thoughts at 11:02 pm
Monday, June 28, 2010
I think what I really need now, is time, to have a few good heart to heart, face to face, talks with some people.
It just so happened, this June, I have had so much time to think. Think about everything. Think while I'm studying. Think when I'm not studying. And I didn't have the chance to say it out.
my thoughts at 10:24 pm
Quoted from soccernet.com
""No matter which technology is applied, at the end of the day a decision will have to be taken by a human being," Blatter said in March. "This being the case, why remove the responsibility from the referee to give it to someone else? It is often the case that, even after a slow-motion replay, ten different experts will have ten different opinions on what the decision should have been. Fans love to debate any given incident in a game. It is part of the human nature of our sport.""
If the ball has crossed the line as the video had shown, how many different opinions can you have over undoubted proof? Please Blatter you are f**ked up, wake up. Video replays or goal-line technology for goal-related decisions. Nothing else. Offside will be for another day.
my thoughts at 4:29 pm
Sunday, June 27, 2010
So behind all the fury and anger over the bloody linesman's poor call for what could have been a much moral-boosting equaliser Frank Lampard scored, England were poor in every other aspect, compared to their younger German counterparts.
Wayne Rooney? Don't-know-how-many-goals last season dude? And look what happened? No goals in the World Cup. Not even against Slovenia, or Algeria. As good as Messi? Nah, if you can't do it on the world stage, as Messi is doing right now, you can never be good as Messi.
Gareth Barry? Immobile defensive midfielder. Lack of passing ability. Owen Hargreaves was sorely missed. Well, here's England's huge lack of a midfield rover like Javier Mascherano Argentina has or even a Felipe Melo, pure class defensive midfielders.
Only probably Steven Gerrard has shone throughout the tournament. Ok he was given the armband, maybe a lift. But still. Lampard did well most of the time and finally came good against Germany, and in truth should have gotten two goals if not one. John Terry only played well against Slovenia, well the rest he was shit. And the defensive partner problems with Jamie Carragher, Ledley King, Matthew Upson, all gone now.
Well England's exit will have much repercussions, even till the next World Cup in 2014. I mean, compare the two starting elevens. Who is likely or realistically going to the next World Cup?
For Germany: Manuel Neuer, Phillip Lahm, Jerome Boateng, double goalscorer Thomas Muller, Sami Khedira, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski. I'm not even talking about their bench.
For England? Hmm... Failed hype of the tournament Wayne Rooney? Yup. Glen Johnson? If he is still fast enough. David James would be 44 by then. Fancy him playing. Stevie G maybe some sort of playmaker who doesn't make dynamic runs anymore? Slow but hardworking James Milner. That's about it.
Wonderful stuff for England fans, next four years. Looks like the lack of Academy planning and lack of quality coming out is starting to bite, especially with the exit of the Golden Generations of England stars (that can't play as a team). Like what the commentator said, Germany's heavy spending on Academies is bearing fruit. This German team has the chance to win this and the next World Cup in all honesty, if they continue to progress like they do.
And now even Italy's having the same problem.
Maybe England should hire another foreign manager to deal with this problem. Hmm, say Arsene Wenger?
my thoughts at 11:52 pm
I would wouldn't buy one.
I want want of this!
That's just disgusting. Environment people, environment.
Sooooo, BT2 is finally here. Omg BT2. That's quick. I was still kinda stuck in my JC1 MSA1 world for awhile. But yup, reality check, BT2 is finally here. Two weeks of nonsense papers and temporary (1/2-weeks) of freedom, then back to shit. Ugh, that's the cycle that we're gonna go through for the next few months. Exam, break, prelim, mini-break, 'A's. Then, freedom for awhile for me, then off to the hell hole that is NS.
Ugh. This sucks.
my thoughts at 9:26 pm
Saturday, June 26, 2010
So the end of the last phase of group games is here, and the start of the round of 16 is today! Haha. Well here is definitely the three nicest moments.
1. Italy knocked out at the group stage. Yeah wonderful win that Slovakia got over the old Italians. It was a thrilling 3-2 win, with a wonder goal each from both sides, and also a controversial Italian goal ruled out for offside that could have made it 2-2 at that time. But full credit to the Slovaks who set out to attack the Italian defence. And now both 2006 finalists are out!
2. USA's last gasp winner against Algeria. Before Landon Donovan struck in the 91st minute, USA was third, with both them and Algeria staring at elimination, Slovenia was top and England second. But after the last gasp winner from Donovan, Slovenia went third, England remained second, and USA went top. How amazing is that. From elimination to group winners in a second.
3. Yakubu's sitter against South Korea. With qualification at stake for both Nigeria and South Korea as they did battle, Yakubu had a great chance to get level, and all he did from almost 3 yards out was to pass the ball the wrong side of the post. It was an open goal with a stranded 'keeper out of sight. Magnificent.. miss.
Well now the last 16, I hope South Korea do Asia proud by beating Uruguay tonight. USA should get the better of Ghana. ENGLAND will beat Germany, via PENALTIES! Haha... What a story that'd be. Argentina should do the job against Mexico. Netherlands and Brazil to meet in the quarters. Spain-Portugal, interesting one, let's see whose the bravest in that tie.. that team, will prevail. And I'm hoping Japan make it double delight for Asia with a win over Paraguay!
Hmm, I wanna watch TS III! Any takers?
my thoughts at 6:59 pm
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Miranda Cosgrove - Kissin U
I don't know what it is about this song, but it has a nice sound to it to me! And yes she does look good, another one out of Disney's star factory. Hope she doesn't turn out like Vanessa Hudgens or Miley Cyrus, especially not Miley, utterly disgusting.
Hmm finally some drama concerning England! They got through after the referee blew full time, and both them and Slovenia thought both of 'em would be through.. with Slovenia top. But oh came Captain America Landon Donovan to score a late winner for USA, and now, from the brink of elimination, USA are TOP of Group C, would you believe that. How awesome.
Z.ugh
Bye~!
my thoughts at 12:05 am
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
So another phase of matches have been played in the first round stage. Not as much moments to talk about in this one, but definitely many more goals as teams are more open and offensive! Sigh of relief all 'round, finally this $70 is gonna be worth it! So my top three moments of the second phase of games.
1. Portugal's 7-0 drubbing of Korea DPR. Credit must go to the Portuguese, even though it may seem as weaker opposition, as you must also note that it was only 1-0 to them at half-time. Their second-half performance was a joy to behold. Everyone played a part, there wasn't the huge focus on Cristiano Ronaldo, although his goal was the most comical yet graceful-looking. But magnificent really, Hugo Almeida's goal was probably the goal that epitomizes teamwork, everything football is supposed to embody, everything the French team doesn't.
2. New Zealand's shock opener and subsequent 1-1 draw against Italy. The All Whites rode their luck at times with Italian shots rattling their Kiwis bar, but it was probably more or less justified as Danielle De Rossi's pathetic fall from grace gave the Italian's a soft penalty. Ok enough of that. The moment was definitely All Whites' striker Shane Smeltz 8th minute opener from a New Zealand free-kick that shocked the footballing world. Dubious off-side claims but nonetheless great start by the super underdogs.
3. Mexico's 2-0 win over France. Although this tournament has had its fair share of shocks, I didn't really consider this a shock. Mexico are a well-drilled and really talented team, with great individual talents, and with France in a disarray, I was rather happy that Mexico did get the win. France didn't deserve anything out of the game, and now expect to be booted out in the group stages, like in 2002.
So yah the third phase of matches, the last also, will be done in half the time compared to the other two phases, as teams in the same group will have to play at the same time. So yah, hopefully England and Spain still get through, wouldn't mind Italy and France not making it though!
my thoughts at 11:35 pm
Monday, June 21, 2010
I should stop being so control-hungry, and really, really start letting go of the environment, and situation around me. I should stop thinking about life, the word 'life' itself, 'cos it keeps worrying me and that in itself is worrying to me. I should stop worrying about the future. Worry only about, essentially now.
Now for some LIFE advice...
Hmm. I just realised how not-so-important I am to some people. Well not that those people are important to me. But yah, just some confirmation.
Anyway S23, cage vs S21 on the Friday after BT2?
my thoughts at 11:49 pm
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Omgoodedness; I think I am gonna go mad very very soon from all this daily, constant studying. Worse still? I can't really find this time period where a substantial break would not affect my studies in the 'run-in' for the 'A's. It's like.. after BT2, there's only 5-6 weeks to Prelim. Maybe a week off would be good? But I'd probably lag behind again, time to gather those consultations and make things right. After Prelims, it'd just be a huge scramble to the finishing line - the end of November. Ugh. I really need a break from all this. World Cup is not exactly the best help now actually, especially when they put the bloody England games at 2.30am, and then again they played like shit for the last two, doesn't really vindicate my decision waking up in the wee hours of the morning and also feeling like shit for the rest of the day, all sleepy and stuff.
I wanna Cage, I wanna MJ... I wanna watch movie, just hang or chill without having to think of studies, or anything else that worries me. There's so many things I want to do, all of which doesn't concern studying one bit.
Do schedules or plans work? I tried it out last year and this. It worked once, it did not work the latter time. Now, I'm trying it out again. And yah, as usual, I'm behind schedule. It seems to me that schedules are meant to be lagged behind, no matter how well you plan. I need to plan for the 'A's run-in pretty soon, maybe right after BT2.
And wow, BT2... I still remember last year, when I heard over the PA system about JC2s taking Block Test 1, and I thought to myself, "what the hell is Block Tests?". Yup now I'm gonna take the second edition of it in less than two weeks time. Awwwwwesome.
Wow.
my thoughts at 11:07 pm
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Sometimes I get emotional Sometimes I do some stupid things Sometimes I say what I should just keep inside Sometimes I'm sad about everything Sometimes I'm mad and break some things Sorry times 10 but you just got in the way
Don't give up now running away I won't hurt you sometimes I'm just a pain And that's the way it is That's just the way I am
Sometimes I feel like crying Laying down and dying That's when I need you Laughing's always easy, but sometimes I'm just scared you'll leave me That's when I feel emotional
(P.S. yet again it's not targeted at anyone, wtf stop trying to think too highly of yourself if you think you are the one)
my thoughts at 10:43 pm
Sometimes I can't care less about my actions, and whatever repercussions or consequences it might result in. Especially recently. Why should I anyway? Everything now is sort of like a temporary fix. I mean, which of these will last after all of this is over? This is all nonsensical nonsense really. C'mon 4 more months and I'm out of this place. Gotta push, and no distractions.
It's all me. All me. Ego or what, I don't give two nickels about what others think. Who cares what others think? Maybe I'd be concern with one or a couple of those that I'm really close to. But most of the others are just kinda out of convenience in my opinion. Anyway how should I trust any of your opinions or yourself if you are just going to be hypocritical and dishonest? I value honesty, even if it's brute, it may be hurting for a while, but at least you are straight in the face, not beating around the bush, lay everything down, settle in the open, not hiding problems or whatever issues you have that concerns me. Convenient lies are ten times worse than the hurting truth.
Naive. Trying to be the convenient one. For fuck? I don't get reciprocated with any thing back. It's all, freakin, me. No more, you, them, him, her, their, others.. not even OURS.
Remember. There are 101 rules in life, as most say.
Well this is what I say.
Rule 1: Honesty ALWAYS > Hypocrisy.
Rule 2-101: Follow rule 1, strictly.
my thoughts at 10:21 pm
This is my top 3 moments of the very boring first phase of round one matches.
1. Siphiwe Tshabalala's opening goal against Mexico. A great goal to start off this World Cup, as the South African left winger pounced onto a through ball and slamming an unstoppable shot past the Mexican 'keeper, pity they are going to get knocked out.
2. North Korea's Ji Yun-Nam's late consolation against Brazil. Who would have thought tiny North Korea could get a goal against 5-time world champions Brazil? Well they did and it was a good goal too. Yun-Nam latching onto a header and feinting past Lucio to score beyond the reaches of Julio Cesar in goal.
3. New Zealand's injury-time equaliser by Winston Reid that gave The Whites' their first ever World Cup point. The header went in via the post, but who cares? First points for the country down under down under.
So yah special mention also must go to Gelson Fernandes for his goal against Spain, Vincent Enyeama's performance against Leo Messi and his Argentinian co. for Nigeria, and Germany's 4-0 drubbing of Australia in their opener as well.
We definitely need more, more goals for this WC to really light up. Well the second phase of games are already under way, and signs ARE looking good. :D
my thoughts at 10:06 pm
Sunday, June 13, 2010
How ironic.
my thoughts at 5:22 pm
my thoughts at 5:18 pm
Friday, June 11, 2010
What comes at the end of a rainbow?
Hope? Frustration? The end of good times?
I don't want to answer that question, actually. I just want to know, is there really an end to a rainbow? Or is it just a long-term delusion awaiting us?
Ok maybe I'm bullshitting now. But that's a nice picture, right?
Time to mug, and TIME FOR THE WORLD CUP.
:D
my thoughts at 12:19 am
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
I love blogging about soccer. So yah, after a long time NOT blogging about my favourite thing.
Ah so the next edition of the World Cup is just a little over a day away! How awesome is that? Finally in a continent the World Cup hasn't touch yet... South Africa? High altitudes... High crime rates? LOL that is awesome.
Well there is that long list of absentees. Ronaldinho, Alex Pato, Karim Benzema, Samir Nasri, Nani, David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Essien to name a few. All household names that can't go either due to a lack of fitness/injury or just suck in the eyes of their national team managers. BUT don't fret all those footie fans out there, there's still C Ron, Leo Messi, STEVIE G :D Capt of England!, Robin van Persie, Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder, Kaka, David Villa, Fernando Torres, ugh the whole Spanish team! Yup, and there is sure much controversy with Didier Drogba and his diving antics, Wayne Rooney's temper, coach Diego Maradona's awesome tactics, the cool North Koreans and their air of mystery, (yet again) the Spaniards and Thierry-Henry-will-he-handball-again question.
Awesome stuff, the timings of the matches aren't as bad as well. Most of the games are 7.30pm or 10pm, while there are those at 2.30am which are worth it to wake up and watch. The only thing that particularly irritates me is the seven-fold increase in price for the freaking World Cup package from Starhub/Singtel. Thanks guys, your competition hasn't driven prices down! In fact... way, way up! Why fix something that ain't broken? Starhub + Football (EPL, Champions League, World Cup) was a perfect combination already.
So anyway back to the main event. Hmm I'm gonna support England, yah I know I'm following most people in Singapore and probably the world but I don't care! Spain's my second favourite, with their flair and Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres. Yummy... I hope France, Argentina doesn't go far! Hate 'em... Germany, Brazil will definitely make at least the quarters. Hmm surprise packages North Korea, South Korea, South Africa, would be nice to see them make the last 16 at least. North Korea... Haha what a team, especially when we don't know a thing about them.
So England with midfield maestros Stevie G, Frank Lampard, womanizers JT and Ashley Cole, goalkeepers-who-all-can-be-first-choice-for-some-reason David James, Joe Hart and Robert Green, flair players in Aaron Lennon, Joe Cool, SWP... Battering ram Emile Heskey, lanky Peter Crouch and the Great Wayne Rooney. C'mon guys bring the EPL some glory will ya!
Can't wait for the tournament to start proper! Hope its filled with goals and drama in equal measure! :D
Bye!
my thoughts at 11:44 pm
Keith Urban - You'll Think Of Me (Live)
Sorry I think I'm being music video crazy now. But live seems much nicer than studio recording sometimes! Haha... Luv this song. Luv the live! (:
my thoughts at 12:55 am
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
I like it how the male and female lead vocals of Lady Antebellum look at each other and sing their respective versus of one of the chorus of Need You Now (sorry for all the "of"s). Haha, seems to mean more emotional and sincere, well at least it looks that way. But I don't know why this sorta stage performance and showmanship is soooooo nice to watch.
Lady Antebellum - Need You Now
This is their performance at AOL Sessions...
AOL Live Music Sessions are also kinda awesome. Especially the way they arrange the music at the beginning...
If only everyone could be as sincere as they seem to be...
my thoughts at 11:59 pm
Monday, June 07, 2010
I remembered last year, I had this nice little plan for my time in JC, hopefully to be fulfilled. It somehow had a few names to it, AAA, Triple A, just to name a few. Well, I don't know how that came about, honestly.
Well yah I got my first goal, the A'Div, although it was unexpected. Enough 'bout that. The other is of course everyone's favourite, 'A' Levels at the end of this two years. Well that one is generally under my control, just how much I want to work at it, how much I want the straight As. The last one? Better not to talk about it.
Hmm. Some people just have the subconscious knack of letting me know they exist whenever I just want to forget about them. And then I start thinking about them again.
On my way to forgetting...
Bye~
my thoughts at 10:24 pm
Friday, June 04, 2010
Ah priorities. Priorities of life. So complicated, yet at times, it's actually very easy to prioritize, if you know how to do it right.
Well this age of ours now, in JC and stuff, it's so much more complicated than when I and most of my friends were in single-sex schools. Its not so much just about BGR and what have you, there are other things to consider too. Just normal friendships with the opposite sex is quite a matter in itself, let alone talking about BGR. That, could take forever to argue and talk about.
Hmm, there's much frustration and disappointment recently. And I'm not even getting to academics and studies... There are some who try, most who fail, and who's fault is that? I'm not going to answer that though, well mostly 'cos I can't. Most I know would probably agree with me that we'd all wish it was easier. Wish life was just so much simpler, less stressful, less focus on studies, more on our days as youths, before we head out to the real world in a couple of years time. We aren't going to get a second chance to live this 20 year supposedly happy period of our lives.
Remember the times we always wanted to become an adult. Work, earn our own money. Do our own things. Have our own fun. Well, now I wish I can study forever, without the financial worries and whatevers the future has to throw at me. I wish I could go back to Sec 2, change some of my decisions. I wish I could be back in Cath High, doing CHMA, having fun with my iMedia peeps and 4-4 crazy dudes of a class. I wish I could go back to P6, go back to the times when we played soccer almost everyday. Well ever since 2-6's very own Frank Lampard left for NZ, and in Sec 3-4 we never played soccer during recess anymore, well.. my stomach appeared. (Out of nowhere!!) And just have those small quarrels and 'fights' between classmates and cliques. Just talking bullshit, talking about girls, talking about soccer. Just have a go at each other once in a while, and best of all, just spend quality time with each other. Quality time doesn't include studying, AT ALL, period.
Now there's so much restrictions. Oh, remember those times, when June was really a holiday? June 2002, to a certain extent June 2006, I get to watch the World Cup, without much pressure or stress to go study, 'cos studies weren't so important then. PSLE? Well you could flunk but get into a decent secondary school. 'O's? It was in another 1.5 year time. No fret, still had time. Heh. The other Junes, were just slacking at home, playing, watching the TV (yes P1-P6 was Kids Central dominated, remember that?), going out a couple times, chalets, camps, useless lessons where I would only go just to go see my classmates. Now for the last June and this, last year was Common Test, 15% of Promos, and this year, BT2, nothing to count to 'A's, but a good indicator of where I stand, so it's been mug, mug, mug, study, study, study.
So yup, it's our last year in this education system we've been stuck in for the past 11.5 years now. After that, it's another 2 years of brainless activity aka NS. Then it's on-your-own education. And that's when I'm intending to spread my wings and fly..... IF I can. That's my last chance, after that, my youth is over, and I'd probably never have another chance at living the real part of something neatly called...
Life.
my thoughts at 4:49 pm
Thursday, June 03, 2010
So it's official. Bye bye Rafa Benitez.
Well. First off, thanks for the really unexpected 2005 Champions League triumph. Pity I didn't watch that match. Especially after you did it with a bunch of Djimi Traores, Igor Biscans and Josemis.
Thanks for the year after, when you managed to help win the 2006 FA Cup. Well I was in tears for most of the game with Liverpool 3-2 down, but up stepped Stevie G to save the Reds, and your second-best signing Jose Reina saving a couple of penalties.
Thanks for Athens 2007, even though it was a marginal lost. The run was magnificent, especially the semi-final win against Chelsea.
Thanks for the 4-1 drubbing of Man Utd that helped do the double over them last year. And for the 2nd place finish after a title push after so long.
Thanks for Fernando Torres, Jose Reina, Xabi Alonso, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger, Javier Mascherano, Dirk Kuyt, Yossi Benayoun and Glen Johnson.
BUT, no thank you for Lucas Leiva, Alberto Aquilani, Ryan Babel, Jermaine Pennant, etc.
And for the group stage exit this year, and for the seventh place this year.
Overall it was still a good 5 years.
Thanks Rafa Benitez. Now for the new man to take the helm!
my thoughts at 11:27 pm
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Charice - Pyramid (feat Iyaz)
Love the lyrics. Good song overall! Haha and, Charice does have a good voice!
my thoughts at 10:07 pm
(:
my thoughts at 11:28 am
Ah my life is so, so boring.
You know. The past year or so, I've always thought I have a lot of friends. Well proofs on MSN, facebook, etc right? But when it comes down to the main issue, I can't really find those I really wanna do stuff with, study, go out, etc. First off I've had an honour to be in a class where its kinda clique-ish and nothing really gets done on a more consistent basis. Well I'm not blaming anyone for that, though. Secondly, my hockey team ain't really bonded with anything else 'cept hockey. Don't get me wrong we are bonded, just for hockey and hockey alone. And my old classmates in secondary school, we have our own lives and stuff, can't really be bothered with each other, especially in the second year we are apart now. Talk 'bout primary school? Leave it. So yah, so I only have this couple/few friends I can truly rely on to go do things with. And, sometimes when they aren't available, I can't seem to find anyone else. Not just studying, doing random stuff. So in a way, I don't really like my life to be so boring, and the root cause of all this was due to my mundane lifestyle back in the start of secondary school, which I can't seem to leave but want to so bad.
And yes though many people may think I'm superficial and immature. There are some things I really value a lot. One is friendship, yup that one is well-documented here. But another one is really about face to face conversation/interaction. With GP mentioning about technology resulting in people preferring to use MSN and stuff to interact, I really seem to be going in the other direction. Maybe I'm sick of MSN and facebook and superficial conversations, but I really love to talk in person more than on MSN, or even SMS. Heh.
Hmm. Why hockey no team photo one? Official team photo?