There will always be issues that will plague each sporting event, huh? From drugs to prostitution (human trafficking?! :-o ). It’s quite disturbing, actually. Here I am thinking that these sporting events, i.e. Olympic Games, World Cup, World Championships, etc are avenues for building peace among nations, bridging gaps that communication or government fails to address. Now, I learn that the reach that these events offer are being abused and, of course, other human beings are being abused, too.

I refuse to believe that the nature of man is to capitalise on whatever they can get their hands on (even other human beings) just to profit from an already commercialised event. It’s disheartening. This sort of things taint what each sporting event stands for. Have they no shame?

SLAM Sports

Post from: EveryJoe

The Issue On Sex Trafficking During the World Cup

Poll Question: World Cup 2006: Which country will you be supporting?

• Brazil: 27% (11)
• USA: 20% (8)
• Australia: 15% (6)
• England: 10% (4)
• Germany: 7% (3)
• France: 5% (2)
• None: 5% (2)
• Sweden: 2% (1)
• Czech Republic: 2% (1)
• Angola: 2% (1)
• Italy: 2% (1)

Total Votes : 40

It’s funny to note that the last vote was for Italy placed right before the Final. Ha. Better late than never, eh?

I guess we can tell now how many of my readers are willing to participate. Till the next poll, people! :)

Post from: EveryJoe

LTT Poll Result: World Cup 2006: Which country will you be supporting?

What a bummer. Apart from the fact that I’m sad that France lost, missing it is the pits. Grrr. I blame San Mig Light and that friggin’ law student that kept us longer at that party that we ought to. Heh. ;)

Looking at the highlights:

• 7′ Zinedine Zidane [FRA] scores an early goal.
• 19′ Marco Materazzi [ITA] scores an equaliser.
• The Zizou Red Card for the headbutt on Materazzi’s chest happened on the 110′.

After 120′ of play, it was a draw, 1:1, so the PSO will be deciding who the champion will be. This is only the second World Cup Final decided on penalties.

• Andrea Pirlo [ITA] landed the first penalty right down the centre of the goal.
• Sylvain Wiltord [FRA] sent the keeper the wrong way and scored.
• Marco Materazzi [ITA] took a long run-up and lands the ball at the back of the net.
• David Trezeguet [FRA] hit the underside of the bar but it didn’t cross the line. [Crossbar]
• Daniele De Rossi [ITA] gives Italy advantage by scoring this penalty.
• Eric Abidal [FRA] raised France’s hope by scoring his penalty.
• Alessandro Del Piero [ITA] scored this penalty.
• Willy Sagnol [FRA] took one for the French team.
• Fabio Grosso [ITA] scored, decided the match. They’re champions!

Final score after penalties, 5:3, in favour of Italy.

I feel bad that France didn’t win. I was really hoping that Zizou will have his glorious exit from the football scene. Oh, well. Asking me if I’m happy about Italy winning? No. I don’t like them. Heh.

Anyway, it must’ve been one fantastic experience, watching that World Cup Final. Arrrgggh. I’m now resigned to watching the re-runs. Waaaah.

Post from: EveryJoe

It’s all over! Italy won!

After 90+2′ of play, the final score was 3:1, in favour of the Germans.

Bastian Schweinsteiger 7 [GER] scored two fantastic goals though the second one seemed to have come with a Yellow card. Hahaha.

So, who scored the other goal? It’s Portugal’s own Petit [POR] 8. Story was Schweinsteiger was running the ball to the goal and Petit tried to deflect it but the ball landed on their own net, hence, the goal. One of the worst things that can happen. If only you can tally up that one with the goal scored by Nuno Gomes 21 [POR]. I feel bad for them.

Anyway, I offer my congratulations to the host country for winning third place. Now, I can’t wait for the Final, can you?

Post from: EveryJoe

The Battle for Third Place

Tho photo speaks a thousand words, don’t you think? ;)

On the 33′ penalty, Ricardo [POR] fails as Zinedine Zidane [FRA] lands the ball in the net.

After 90+2′ of play, final score was 0:1, in favour of France.

Zidane will finish off his career in the best way possible for he has the chance to bring home the Cup on his final match on Sunday before retiring. Like what Hochi said, he plays like a god. I can’t wait to see how the final gets played out.

Photo credit: afp.com, fifaworldcup.yahoo.com

Post from: EveryJoe

It’s an Italy vs France World Cup Final!

Goals came in late but the Italians will take it! The Germans must’ve been surprised as hell! Hahaha.

• GOAL #1
  At the 119′, Andrea Pirlo [ITA] passes it to Fabio Grosso [ITA] who did a bending shot that made it just inside the post.
• GOAL #2

  At the 120′, Alberto Gilardino [ITA] played a reverse ball for Alessandro Del Piero [ITA] who made a perfect shot into the upper-right corner.

Germany may just have expected a PSO, however, it turned out that Italy found the strength to go for it till time ran out. They weren’t disappointed. It was magic.

After 120′ of play, extended time, final score was 0:2, in favour of Italy.

Also See: Germany Faces Italy in the Semi-final

Post from: EveryJoe

Italy goes to the World Cup Final!

Who do you think will move on to the finals?

My intial guess was that it’ll be a Germany vs Brazil final. However, France has a different say on the matter so I’m now at a loss. Hehe.

All I know now is that the cup stays in Europe. Ha. ;)

Post from: EveryJoe

World Cup 2006 Semi-final Schedule

When I thought Brazil’s spot on the semi-final was a sure thing, France proved me wrong!

It was at 57′ when Thierry Henry 12 [FRA] scores for France with the help of Zinadine Zidane 10 [FRA]!

Play lasted for 93′ with the final score of 0:1 in favour of France, who’ll be facing Portugal in the semis.

I still can’t believe it! Hahaha.

Post from: EveryJoe

France cracks Brazil!

• Simao Sabrosa [POR] takes the first penalty.
• Frank Lampard [ENG] shot was saved by Ricardo [POR].
• Hugo Vianna [POR] missed, the ball hit the outside of the post.
• Owen Hargreaves [ENG] scores for the Brits.
• Petit [POR] shoots a wide, misses.
• Steven Gerrard [ENG] shot was saved.
• Helder Postiga [POR] scores.
• Jamie Carragher [ENG] scores but the referees order a re-take, second try was diverted to the bar.
• Cristiano Ronaldo [POR] scores, decides the game.

Final score after PSO, 1:3, in favour of Portugal.

It’s a bloody shame but England’s been known to bow out of major competitions through penalties. This is Portugal’s first draw in the 15 games they’ve played in the FIFA World Cup and their 2nd time to qualify for the semi-final since 1966 where England beat them at Wembley.

Post from: EveryJoe

PSO: England bows out

• 6′ Gianluca Zambrotta 19 [ITA]
• 59′ Luca Toni 9 [ITA]
• 69′ Luca Toni 9 [ITA]

Final score at full time was 3:0 in favour of Italy, which is quite obvious. They now move on to the semi-final, playing against Germany.

Hmmm.

The Socceroos didn’t do bad considering. I don’t care what other people say. Heh.

Post from: EveryJoe

Germany Faces Italy in the Semi-final