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England VS Croatia: Theo’s Coming of Age Game

Theo Walcott, the most expensive 16 year old in the history of British football & now 19 years old is fulfilling the promise of his true potential. Can he be more than just a revelation for England? Does England finally have their hero?

It’s no surprise that Theo has blossomed at the world stage, when all the world is watching. His performances for the England-U21’s was an important step-forward to his career. A goal against Moldova in 2006 made him the youngest player to score for the U21’s. And 2 goals against Germany that same year to seal qualification for the U21 team.

But sometimes progress does take a turn, like in World Cup 2006 when Sven-Göran Eriksson decided to add Theo to his England squad for the tournament. Many were surprised by this decision. English supporters barely knew of Theo Walcott, who was only 17 at the time. Many critics argued that there were better candidates for that position, ones like Darren Bent & Andy Johnson who were readily established. But Theo would not see a single minute on the pitch during the entire tournament. The England youngster, who’s future looked bright at such a young age watched his career come to a holt. He became known for his inconsistencies for his club, pressures attributing to fulfilling the role of Thierry Henry, who made a move to Spain.

And back now with a second chance under Fabio Capello, Theo’s sparked once again in front of the world. It’s like he’s playing with freedom, breaking away from the chains of heavy pressure. England has a renewed young hero and it couldn’t have come at the right time.



WC 2010 – South American Qualifiers: Brazil VS Bolivia

Brazil vs. Bolivia (0-0) – Frustration and disbelief. Brazil was held at home to a 10-man Bolivia. Dunga seemed to have regained some trust from supporters as Brazil impressively defeated Chile in Santiago a few days ago (3-0). However, the 5-time World Champions have struggled to cement their place amongst the top 2 in South America as they had comfortably done since the early 1950s. But all the merit goes to the all but eliminated Bolivian team, which came to Brazil with the same care-free ultra attacking attitude that they brought to Ecuador a few days ago.



WC 2010 – South American Qualifiers: Peru VS Argentina

Peru vs. Argentina (1-1) - Argentina has now gone 5 games without a victory (0-0 Brazil, 2-1 Colombia, 1-1 Ecuador, 1-1 Paraguay, 1-1 Peru) as a late Johan Fano goal drew this tense affair in the always intimidating “Monumental stadium” of Lima.

All the pressure will be on Argentine manager, Alfio “El Coco” Basile for next month’s mammoth “River Plate” Derby encounter between Argentina and Uruguay. Peru presented a side similar to their current football situation: tired, dejected and in desperate need for a generational change. Argentina jumped to 2nd place with the draw.



WC 2010 – South American Qualifiers: Colombia VS Chile

Chile vs. Colombia (4-0) – Two famous football nations without much of a rivalry between them. Colombia was destroyed 4-0 by a Chilean team that showed flashes of brilliance through their rough and ambitious play. If Bielsa was looking to have South America take notice, this was the way to do it. Colombia started the game strongly, but fell apart after Chile’s 2nd goal. All eyes will be on Colombian manager, Jorge Luis Pinto after a disappointing October.



WC 2010 – South American Qualifiers: Paraguay VS Venezuela

Paraguay vs. Venezuela (2-0) – Paraguay retained their spot at the top of South America’s competitive table by defeating Venezuela 1-0 in Asuncion Tuesday night. The momentum Venezuela had gained during the end of the 2002 World Cup Qualifiers has waned after their recent string of disappointing results.

Paraguay, on the other hand, continues to impress led by the performances of Vfl Wolfburg’s, Jonathan Santana and Reggina’s Barreto. Paraguay comfortably handled a Venezuelan side that lacked ambition. Gerardo Martino, the new man in charge of the Paraguayan National Team seems to be the most promising manager coming out of South America at the moment.



WC 2010 – South American Qualifiers: Uruguay VS Ecuador

Uruguay vs. Ecuador (0-0) – Uruguay’s charge for a 2010 direct spot took a tumble today in Montevideo. Similar to how they played against Argentina in Buenos Aires (1-1 draw), Ecuador relied on their midfield to defensively frustrate the Uruguayans. Ecuador (7th place) seems to be in the most unpredictable of Qualifying runs, seemingly playing their best football away against the toughest opposition, such as Uruguay and Argentina.

Uruguay’s new youth-based team (5th place) continued to impress defensively, conceding only 1 goal in the last 4 games. However, concerns were raised with Uruguay’s offense with the lack of attacking opportunities seen in recent matches (not counting the odd 6-0 win against Peru).