Well, now that the World Cup 2022 was awarded to Qatar (disappointing the USA which looked like the favorite), we begin to think of what this World Cup might look like. And so the NY Times' Economix blog points us to a site about buying alcohol in Qatar. The general idea is it is very hard.
Perhaps they'll make it easier during the cup, or perhaps England will fail to qualify, which should solve the problem.
Showing posts with label World Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World Cup. Show all posts
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Soccernomics: Omnibus World Cup Post
Haven't written much for a while so a collection of thoughts:
My first thought about Uruguay's Luis Suarez batting what would have been Ghana's winning goal away with his hands in the last seconds of the extra-time period was that he was an astute student of game theory. Not using his hands would have meant that Uruguay would have lost and he would have played his last game of the tournament. Using his hands meant his team still had a very slight chance to win and he would have played his last game of the tournament. It is a no-brainer - he had nothing to lose. What it suggests is that there needs to be a more effective punishment for such horrendously cynical behavior - perhaps awarding a goal if it is clear it would have scored.
I was saddened by the USAs ouster, but happy that they escaped the humiliation of 1998 and 2006. Given their consistently terrible starts where they look tentative and tight - I am wondering whether the extremely cerebral and analytical approach of coach Bob Bradley causes them to be thinking too much at the beginning of the match and not just playing the game. Either way, though Bob has done a great job it is time for a new approach, it is rare for a national team coach to last more than one World Cup and I think a new, perhaps European, perspective might be good for the team and for US Soccer.
Brazil deserved to lose. The Netherlands, which looked ready to implode - yet again - on Robin Van Persie's petulant outburst, managed to overcome the usual Dutch tempest of egos and play hard for the entire game and find two goals, even if they were soft. The most striking aspect of the game was how bad the Brazilians looked in the midfield - completely lacking creativity and flair save for the one beautiful counter that lead to their goal. Such is the state of the team under Dunga, but perhaps it is also indicative of the fact that the best Brazilian players are going to Europe as youngsters and their are fewer and fewer with real flair and talent. I am left wondering whether Ronaldinho would have made a difference.
I was impressed with Argentina under Maradona until the real competition started and the lack of tactics was painfully exposed. The manager as cheerleader bit only goes so far.
Speaking of managers, Jurgen Klinsmann is, perhaps rightfully, taking a lot of the credit for Germany's success. A master plan, implemented prior to the 2006 World Cup, appears to be paying dividends.
Finally, Spain look good but at times the short-passing deliberative approach seems to stall and they are a bit at a loss. Paraguay seemed to completely flummox the Spaniards for most of the game and I wonder if Germany will do the same.
If I had to pick right now, I'd pick the Germans - strange as that seems to me. I never gave them a second thought before the cup - too young and inexperienced. But they are playing as a total team, working hard for each other and staying organized, and they are playing with confidence and verve. I think they will miss Mueller tomorrow though. If they win, they will be thoroughly deserving winners.
My first thought about Uruguay's Luis Suarez batting what would have been Ghana's winning goal away with his hands in the last seconds of the extra-time period was that he was an astute student of game theory. Not using his hands would have meant that Uruguay would have lost and he would have played his last game of the tournament. Using his hands meant his team still had a very slight chance to win and he would have played his last game of the tournament. It is a no-brainer - he had nothing to lose. What it suggests is that there needs to be a more effective punishment for such horrendously cynical behavior - perhaps awarding a goal if it is clear it would have scored.
I was saddened by the USAs ouster, but happy that they escaped the humiliation of 1998 and 2006. Given their consistently terrible starts where they look tentative and tight - I am wondering whether the extremely cerebral and analytical approach of coach Bob Bradley causes them to be thinking too much at the beginning of the match and not just playing the game. Either way, though Bob has done a great job it is time for a new approach, it is rare for a national team coach to last more than one World Cup and I think a new, perhaps European, perspective might be good for the team and for US Soccer.
Brazil deserved to lose. The Netherlands, which looked ready to implode - yet again - on Robin Van Persie's petulant outburst, managed to overcome the usual Dutch tempest of egos and play hard for the entire game and find two goals, even if they were soft. The most striking aspect of the game was how bad the Brazilians looked in the midfield - completely lacking creativity and flair save for the one beautiful counter that lead to their goal. Such is the state of the team under Dunga, but perhaps it is also indicative of the fact that the best Brazilian players are going to Europe as youngsters and their are fewer and fewer with real flair and talent. I am left wondering whether Ronaldinho would have made a difference.
I was impressed with Argentina under Maradona until the real competition started and the lack of tactics was painfully exposed. The manager as cheerleader bit only goes so far.
Speaking of managers, Jurgen Klinsmann is, perhaps rightfully, taking a lot of the credit for Germany's success. A master plan, implemented prior to the 2006 World Cup, appears to be paying dividends.
Finally, Spain look good but at times the short-passing deliberative approach seems to stall and they are a bit at a loss. Paraguay seemed to completely flummox the Spaniards for most of the game and I wonder if Germany will do the same.
If I had to pick right now, I'd pick the Germans - strange as that seems to me. I never gave them a second thought before the cup - too young and inexperienced. But they are playing as a total team, working hard for each other and staying organized, and they are playing with confidence and verve. I think they will miss Mueller tomorrow though. If they win, they will be thoroughly deserving winners.
Friday, June 25, 2010
O Rei
“Football is like a religion to me. I worship the ball, and
I treat it like a god. Too many players think of a football
as something to kick. They should be taught to caress it
and to treat it like a precious gem.”
This quote (and many others) is in an interesting Goldman Sachs report on the economics of the World Cup.
I treat it like a god. Too many players think of a football
as something to kick. They should be taught to caress it
and to treat it like a precious gem.”
-Pelé
This quote (and many others) is in an interesting Goldman Sachs report on the economics of the World Cup.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
World Cup: Wow
Amusingly, I was waiting to go on Marketplace live and watching the waning seconds of the game on my computer. [It was hard to accept the interview given the game - I knew it would be the dying moments but, after all, I do owe all of humanity the benefit of my
Penalty kick? I am your man.
Friday, June 18, 2010
World Cup: Destiny in their Own Hands
Well, after an odd day the fates of England and the US became clearer: Win and advance. Tying could result in advancement, but don't count on it.
The US looked awful for the first half of their match v. Slovenia, and were robbed the go-ahead goal by a phantom call from the ref, but showed a lot of heart and probably got what they deserved by tying it in the send half.
England? They just looked dismal. Awful. Terrible. Especially Wayne Rooney who seems out of it: bad first touches, bad second touches and he rarely gets a third as he is usually stripped of possession by then if he still has it after his first touch. Anyway they drew nil-nil with Algeria which could not have been a better result for the US.
So it all sets up for an interesting (and nail-biting) Wednesday morning. Big fun.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Soccernomics: The Economics of the World Cup
Sick of soccer yet? I know I am pushing my luck but never fear, the Oregon jobs report comes out tomorrow. So today I give you another World Cup related post as I am busy trying to finish my grading by the noon deadline. Here are some nifty charts about the economics (really the business) of the World Cup:
Thursday, June 10, 2010
World Cup Video of the Day, 8
And now for the best of them all: Brazil's Carlos Alberto in 1970 versus Italy. The beauty is in the movement, the fluidity, the gracefulness of the team and finally the incisiveness of the final attack that typifies Brazilian football. Note how Pelé freezes the defense and then makes the perfect pass without looking. Jogo bonito.
Current Brazil Manager Dunga has adopted a more European, cynical, hard, rigid style which to me is a crime against humanity for which he should be brought to justice at the Hague. Still, you can't keep Brazilian flair down and this is why Brazil will win #6 in South Africa.
And by the way, If you are new to the sport but motivated to watch a little of the WC, the most important thing to understand and appreciate about a soccer game in my opinion is that the game is continuous - there is never a stop to draw up a play or strategize, it all has to happen spontaneously. So you have to think of the 11 players out there as one big organism that is contantly mutating to try and create opportunities to score and to prevent the other side from getting those same opportunities. The manager has very little influence once the game has started.
So the moments of brilliance are entirely endogenous to the team of players, not the result of some great play sent in from the sidelines and executed by the team as in American football. To me this is the true beauty of the sport and why I love to play and watch. It is also why national teams have such 'personality' because once you are out there playing, a lot of what you do is instinctual - ingrained from the time you played in the street, park, lot, as a kid. This is why I think that despite Dunga's best efforts, Brasil will still be Brasil.
Okay, time for talking is done, let the games begin. And go BRASIL! (and Les Éléphants!)
Current Brazil Manager Dunga has adopted a more European, cynical, hard, rigid style which to me is a crime against humanity for which he should be brought to justice at the Hague. Still, you can't keep Brazilian flair down and this is why Brazil will win #6 in South Africa.
And by the way, If you are new to the sport but motivated to watch a little of the WC, the most important thing to understand and appreciate about a soccer game in my opinion is that the game is continuous - there is never a stop to draw up a play or strategize, it all has to happen spontaneously. So you have to think of the 11 players out there as one big organism that is contantly mutating to try and create opportunities to score and to prevent the other side from getting those same opportunities. The manager has very little influence once the game has started.
So the moments of brilliance are entirely endogenous to the team of players, not the result of some great play sent in from the sidelines and executed by the team as in American football. To me this is the true beauty of the sport and why I love to play and watch. It is also why national teams have such 'personality' because once you are out there playing, a lot of what you do is instinctual - ingrained from the time you played in the street, park, lot, as a kid. This is why I think that despite Dunga's best efforts, Brasil will still be Brasil.
Okay, time for talking is done, let the games begin. And go BRASIL! (and Les Éléphants!)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
World Cup Video #7, How Will the Dutch Be Received and My New Prediction
Okay so this is not actually the World Cup, but the 1988 European Championship, where the Netherlands played the final against the Soviet Union (click here kids if you don't know what I am talking about). One of the most famous goals of all time: Marco Van Basten's wonder-volley.
But this raises two questions for me. The first is simple, can a lucky strike like this really be a 'great' goal? This is not even in the same class as fellow countryman Dennis Bergkamp's goal in the 1998 World Cup in my opinion. I value the skill, control and build up as much as the ball slamming into the net.
The second question relates to the Netherlands' participation in the World Cup in South Africa. Now that just about every African superstar is hurt and out of the World Cup my prediction of an African team winning it all is out the window. My pick of Les Éléphants of the Côte d'Ivoire was predicated on Didier Drogba scoring many goals. Now that he is out with a broken elbow (and I don't believe reports that he may play) I have to pick another favorite.
The Netherlands would be an obvious choice. The World Cup is being played in the South African winter so will have conditions not too unlike Europe in the winter and thus European teams are expected to do well. Even though the Dutch are perennial underachievers (1988 Euro Championship notwithstanding) it might just be the year for them - they are packed with tough and creative players. The Dutch seem to always have personality issues however - and reading the article on the Ajax youth academy makes me think I know where this comes from - they get frustrated with each other and petulant so I normally don't pick them to win it all. The inevitable implosion will come, thinks I.
But a bigger question in my mind is how the Dutch will be received in South Africa. I don't pretend to even begin to understand the modern South African society, but with the complex and fraught history of the Boers in South Africa, do modern South Africans still relate to the Netherlands along racial lines? Anyone know what to expect? Perhaps they will have strong and emotional support from the crowds, or perhaps they will be treated derisively. I wonder.
Anyway, I think I am going to write off the Dutch, their defense is a little shaky for me. Spain looks locked in and I picked them to win Euro 2008, which they did, so you have to believe they have the self-belief. But they didn't have to get through Brazil and Argentina then. Brazil has my full emotional support as I travel and work there regularly, but I think Dunga has taken to much of the Brazilian-ness out of the team. Argentina will lose their heads - obviously. Italy and Germany always play good solid defense first football which is what you have to do in tournaments like this, so you can never write them off.
So who will it be? Okay I am going to go with...BRASIL! I can't bring myself to pick anyone else, I love Brazil, I love Brazilians, I love Brazilian football. Even Dunga can't keep them down. Besides my good buddy André in São Paulo is getting worried now that Italy has won four World Cups - time to put a little more distance between the Seleção and number two.
But this raises two questions for me. The first is simple, can a lucky strike like this really be a 'great' goal? This is not even in the same class as fellow countryman Dennis Bergkamp's goal in the 1998 World Cup in my opinion. I value the skill, control and build up as much as the ball slamming into the net.
The second question relates to the Netherlands' participation in the World Cup in South Africa. Now that just about every African superstar is hurt and out of the World Cup my prediction of an African team winning it all is out the window. My pick of Les Éléphants of the Côte d'Ivoire was predicated on Didier Drogba scoring many goals. Now that he is out with a broken elbow (and I don't believe reports that he may play) I have to pick another favorite.
The Netherlands would be an obvious choice. The World Cup is being played in the South African winter so will have conditions not too unlike Europe in the winter and thus European teams are expected to do well. Even though the Dutch are perennial underachievers (1988 Euro Championship notwithstanding) it might just be the year for them - they are packed with tough and creative players. The Dutch seem to always have personality issues however - and reading the article on the Ajax youth academy makes me think I know where this comes from - they get frustrated with each other and petulant so I normally don't pick them to win it all. The inevitable implosion will come, thinks I.
But a bigger question in my mind is how the Dutch will be received in South Africa. I don't pretend to even begin to understand the modern South African society, but with the complex and fraught history of the Boers in South Africa, do modern South Africans still relate to the Netherlands along racial lines? Anyone know what to expect? Perhaps they will have strong and emotional support from the crowds, or perhaps they will be treated derisively. I wonder.
Anyway, I think I am going to write off the Dutch, their defense is a little shaky for me. Spain looks locked in and I picked them to win Euro 2008, which they did, so you have to believe they have the self-belief. But they didn't have to get through Brazil and Argentina then. Brazil has my full emotional support as I travel and work there regularly, but I think Dunga has taken to much of the Brazilian-ness out of the team. Argentina will lose their heads - obviously. Italy and Germany always play good solid defense first football which is what you have to do in tournaments like this, so you can never write them off.
So who will it be? Okay I am going to go with...BRASIL! I can't bring myself to pick anyone else, I love Brazil, I love Brazilians, I love Brazilian football. Even Dunga can't keep them down. Besides my good buddy André in São Paulo is getting worried now that Italy has won four World Cups - time to put a little more distance between the Seleção and number two.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
World Cup Video of the Day, 4
Here is another from '98. Teenaged sensation Michael Owen (remember him?) against arch rivals Argentina - a little payback for the '86 Maradona goals:
Quel Désastre pour Les Éléphants!
UPADTE: Drogba may not be out after all. Stay tuned. Allez Les Éléphants!
Er...remember that prediction of mine that Les Éléphants of the Côte d'Ivoire would win the World Cup? Nevermind. That was based about 90% on my immense respect for Didier Drogba, who is for me the best center forward in the game today and can single-handedly win a game for his team such is his ability to score from nothing.
Thus the news today that he fractured his arm in a warm-up match and is out of the World Cup effectively ends any hope of Les Éléphants making a run. And not just for what Drogba adds on the field, but he is the heart and soul of the team and it is hard for me to believe that they can recover psychologically from this blow. Very sad. This on the heels of Michael Essien of Ghana being ruled out and Samuel Eto'o of Cameroon in a pouting phase and suddenly this African World Cup is looking like it will be devoid of the very top African stars. Perhaps this is a chance for some new stars to be born.
I will still root like heck for Les Éléphants and the rest of the African contingent, but my dream of an African World Cup champion suddenly looks a lot less likely.
By the way, Rio Ferdinand of England has hurt his knee and is also out.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
World Cup Video of the Day, 3
Why is Diego Maradona considered one of the best ever (no not the best - sorry all of my Argentinean classmates)? Here is perhaps his most famous goal (not his most infamous - the hand of god which occurred earlier in the match):
Your World Cup Viewing Guide
A little exhausted today after finishing teaching for the year yesterday and unable to focus as well as I would like. So I went looking for the TV schedule for the World Cup and found only poorly formatted ones and ones only in Eastern Time. So, as is typical of me sometimes, I did the anal retentive thing: I got it all in an Excel spreadsheet, organized it nicely and put all in Pacific Time. You are welcome.
Here it is and I hope you are an early riser (click here for a pdf version):
By the way, posting it on my blog makes me feel like I haven't wasted as much time...
Here it is and I hope you are an early riser (click here for a pdf version):
By the way, posting it on my blog makes me feel like I haven't wasted as much time...
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
World Cup Video of the Day, 2
Okay, here is a more modern one, from the 1998 World Cup in France. The Netherlands's (And Arsenal's) Dennis Bergkamp with the goal that beat the Argentineans and put them out of the Cup. It is all about the first touch...
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
World Cup Video of the Day
To get you all warmed up for the World Cup (and because I am very busy in the final throes of the academic year) I shall post a WC video of the day to get you all ready for the real thing in 11 days.
To start off with, the undisputed king of football, O Rei Pele who, as a teenaged sensation, scored this wonder goal the 1958 World Cup final v. Sweden:
Brasil won the match 5-2 and won the first of their 5 World Cup trophies.
To start off with, the undisputed king of football, O Rei Pele who, as a teenaged sensation, scored this wonder goal the 1958 World Cup final v. Sweden:
Brasil won the match 5-2 and won the first of their 5 World Cup trophies.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Soccernomics: World Cup - Part 1
But what about big giant sporting events like the World Cup or the Olympics? These not only cost a lot in terms of stadia but also in other massive infrastructure investments. It is hard not to think of all of the money Greece poured into the Athens Olympics when you look at their current fiscal crisis. However, they do bring lots of exposure - but does 'exposure' really matter? It is hard to say overall, but I discovered two interesting little tidbits about such matters.
The first is that apparently events in developing countries bring bigger gains than in developed countries mostly through he fact that they force general transportation, communication and other infrastructure improvements that are strong determinants of growth - and otherwise tend to be underinvested in.
The second is that countries that stage such events tend to have a strong positive effect on trade. But, it turns out, so do losing bidders for such events. This suggests that there is a strong correlation between wanting to liberalize in trade and wanting to host such events - it makes sense that they would go hand in hand.
There are some pretty great African teams out there and so following in the footsteps of my correct prediction that Spain would win the Euro 2008, I am going out on a limb and predicting that Côte d'Ivoire will wind the world cup - you heard it here first. Allez Les Éléphants!
And just to get you in the mood for African football:
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