The WCP Cup Blog Awards will now be chosen by 50% by myself, and 50% by the commenters. Opinions by people who have registered an actual name will carry more weight in the decision.
The awards will be for:
Most Exciting Team to Watch
Best Goal of the Tournament
Most Exciting Game of the Tournament
Most Exciting Moment of the Tournament
Most Surprising Team of the Tournament
...
Let's hear your choices in the comments.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Final Recaps
Ireland vs. Laos
Ireland and Laos faced off in a very exciting match on Saturday night. Ireland went up early scoring 2 goals and the game looked to be the makings of a blowout. Laos, always a very intense team, kept up the pressure the entire game. They clawed back, keeping up with Ireland every step of the way. Ireland would score, then Laos would score. In what has to be the highlights of the match, Ireland's keeper made 2 absolutely incredible saves to preserve Ireland's lead. Neither team could take advantage of bad mistakes the other team made, but it only made the game better to watch. With Ireland leading 4-3 near the end of the game, Laos was making a charge while Ireland backed off. Laos had some chances, but their problem was that they kept trying to cross it in and get a header. They didn't seem to realize that this is virtually impossible against Ireland's defence, but they kept trying nonetheless. Granted, Laos was able to get a few of the balls, but none were dangerous or had any power. Ireland had their chances as well, and but couldn't put Laos away for good. Shots were either right at Laos' keeper, or nowhere near the net. However, Laos looked to have gained the upper hand by the end of the game. They were controlling the possession well, but Ireland buckled down on defence and didn't let anything come through. They held on to win 4-3.
The final game was great to watch. Many expected Ireland to win, but not in such close fashion. It was awesome to see so many people out and fill that place to almost max capacity. The 2 teams put on such a great show, and both should be proud of they way they played. Congratulations to Ireland on their victory.
Bronze medal- Ukraine vs. Scotland
These 2 teams met again after tying to a 1-1 draw in the group stage. The rematch proved to be quite a spectacle. Ukraine shot themselves in the foot with critical mistakes, giving Scotland many of their goals. Scotland, gaining a comfortable lead early on, seemed to let up and just sit back. Up ahead 5-3 at the half, they looked to be in comfortable position to win. Scoring right after the break to go up 6-3 and soon after 7-3, the game looked to be locked as a Scotland win and Ukraine beating themselves. Ukraine kept on coming though, gaining a new intensity and really pressuring Scotland. Scotland, missing their keeper from the previous game, and with their defence playing poorly, couldn't stop them. Ukraine started to hammer on Scotland, roaring back to make the game 7-6, and spending the last 6 minutes trying desperately to score one more. Scotland put a wall to try and stop the onslaught of shots, and Ukraine just couldn't squeak one in. Scotland held on to win 7-6. The game was very exciting to watch. Neither team played at the top of their game, but it was a great bronze medal match.
Ireland and Laos faced off in a very exciting match on Saturday night. Ireland went up early scoring 2 goals and the game looked to be the makings of a blowout. Laos, always a very intense team, kept up the pressure the entire game. They clawed back, keeping up with Ireland every step of the way. Ireland would score, then Laos would score. In what has to be the highlights of the match, Ireland's keeper made 2 absolutely incredible saves to preserve Ireland's lead. Neither team could take advantage of bad mistakes the other team made, but it only made the game better to watch. With Ireland leading 4-3 near the end of the game, Laos was making a charge while Ireland backed off. Laos had some chances, but their problem was that they kept trying to cross it in and get a header. They didn't seem to realize that this is virtually impossible against Ireland's defence, but they kept trying nonetheless. Granted, Laos was able to get a few of the balls, but none were dangerous or had any power. Ireland had their chances as well, and but couldn't put Laos away for good. Shots were either right at Laos' keeper, or nowhere near the net. However, Laos looked to have gained the upper hand by the end of the game. They were controlling the possession well, but Ireland buckled down on defence and didn't let anything come through. They held on to win 4-3.
The final game was great to watch. Many expected Ireland to win, but not in such close fashion. It was awesome to see so many people out and fill that place to almost max capacity. The 2 teams put on such a great show, and both should be proud of they way they played. Congratulations to Ireland on their victory.
Bronze medal- Ukraine vs. Scotland
These 2 teams met again after tying to a 1-1 draw in the group stage. The rematch proved to be quite a spectacle. Ukraine shot themselves in the foot with critical mistakes, giving Scotland many of their goals. Scotland, gaining a comfortable lead early on, seemed to let up and just sit back. Up ahead 5-3 at the half, they looked to be in comfortable position to win. Scoring right after the break to go up 6-3 and soon after 7-3, the game looked to be locked as a Scotland win and Ukraine beating themselves. Ukraine kept on coming though, gaining a new intensity and really pressuring Scotland. Scotland, missing their keeper from the previous game, and with their defence playing poorly, couldn't stop them. Ukraine started to hammer on Scotland, roaring back to make the game 7-6, and spending the last 6 minutes trying desperately to score one more. Scotland put a wall to try and stop the onslaught of shots, and Ukraine just couldn't squeak one in. Scotland held on to win 7-6. The game was very exciting to watch. Neither team played at the top of their game, but it was a great bronze medal match.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Quarterfinal Recaps and Semifinal Preview
RECAP
Ukraine vs. Norway- Ukraine wins 5-3- Ukraine played like everyone knew they could play and beat a Norway team that seemed disheartened. You could tell Ukraine wanted it more, as they hustled and won almost every single ball and shut down all of Norway's playmakers completely.
Ireland vs. England- Ireland wins 5-1- Ireland thoroughly dominated, showing exactly why they are ranked #1. England was decent, but there's no getting by Ireland unless you have a great defence, which England does not have.
Scotland vs. Chile- Scotland wins 2-2(penalties)- Sure enough, the game was a constant battle between Chile's strikers and Scotland's defence. The battle was even for the entire game. Naturally, overtime solved nothing and it went to a shoot-out. Scotland looked to take the lead when their goalie saved a shot, but then it was called back because the goalie was off his line! Mass hysteria ensued! Then, later in the shoot-out, Chile's goalie was called off the line when he saved one, and THAT one was called back. Scotland won, and they deserved to win. Pure craziness though.
Laos vs. Germany- As everyone expected, a very physical game by Germany. With Laos ahead 3-2 at half, the game really looked as though it could go either way, until the cards started coming out and Laos took control. Germany, a bigger team, was caught in a rough spot here. They are a big, rough, physical team, and that's the nature of their game, but Laos is very small and easily fouled. Germany couldn't compete with Laos' skill and that's the main point.
PREVIEW
Ireland vs. Scotland, 8:30 - Ireland looks to continue their dominance of this tournament when they take on a newcomer to the semifinals, Scotland. Scotland largely flies under the radar in this tournament, They aren't flashy, but they play very well and seem to win. Ireland will be their toughest test yet. Scotland, much like Norway last year, could pull off an upset with Ireland maybe overlooking this game. However, I think Ireland have learned from last year, and will come out flying. I don't think Scotland's weak offense will even be able to penetrate Ireland's stellar defence.
Prediction: Ireland 3-0
Ukraine vs. Laos, 10:30- Ukraine is starting to show their offensive power and are coming together at just the right time. Laos has been playing well the entire tournament, but they'll face a Ukraine team that will counter their strengths very well. Laos will have to dominate the midfield if they want to win, relying on their shots from the midfield to score. Ukraine needs to shut down Laos' wing players, which they are certainly more than capable of doing, and they'll have a good chance to win. This will be a very entertaining game to watch.
Prediction: Ukraine 4-3
See everyone at the games!
Ukraine vs. Norway- Ukraine wins 5-3- Ukraine played like everyone knew they could play and beat a Norway team that seemed disheartened. You could tell Ukraine wanted it more, as they hustled and won almost every single ball and shut down all of Norway's playmakers completely.
Ireland vs. England- Ireland wins 5-1- Ireland thoroughly dominated, showing exactly why they are ranked #1. England was decent, but there's no getting by Ireland unless you have a great defence, which England does not have.
Scotland vs. Chile- Scotland wins 2-2(penalties)- Sure enough, the game was a constant battle between Chile's strikers and Scotland's defence. The battle was even for the entire game. Naturally, overtime solved nothing and it went to a shoot-out. Scotland looked to take the lead when their goalie saved a shot, but then it was called back because the goalie was off his line! Mass hysteria ensued! Then, later in the shoot-out, Chile's goalie was called off the line when he saved one, and THAT one was called back. Scotland won, and they deserved to win. Pure craziness though.
Laos vs. Germany- As everyone expected, a very physical game by Germany. With Laos ahead 3-2 at half, the game really looked as though it could go either way, until the cards started coming out and Laos took control. Germany, a bigger team, was caught in a rough spot here. They are a big, rough, physical team, and that's the nature of their game, but Laos is very small and easily fouled. Germany couldn't compete with Laos' skill and that's the main point.
PREVIEW
Ireland vs. Scotland, 8:30 - Ireland looks to continue their dominance of this tournament when they take on a newcomer to the semifinals, Scotland. Scotland largely flies under the radar in this tournament, They aren't flashy, but they play very well and seem to win. Ireland will be their toughest test yet. Scotland, much like Norway last year, could pull off an upset with Ireland maybe overlooking this game. However, I think Ireland have learned from last year, and will come out flying. I don't think Scotland's weak offense will even be able to penetrate Ireland's stellar defence.
Prediction: Ireland 3-0
Ukraine vs. Laos, 10:30- Ukraine is starting to show their offensive power and are coming together at just the right time. Laos has been playing well the entire tournament, but they'll face a Ukraine team that will counter their strengths very well. Laos will have to dominate the midfield if they want to win, relying on their shots from the midfield to score. Ukraine needs to shut down Laos' wing players, which they are certainly more than capable of doing, and they'll have a good chance to win. This will be a very entertaining game to watch.
Prediction: Ukraine 4-3
See everyone at the games!
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