How One European Country Will Make FIFA History Today

At the end of the final match of the fabulous 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup between Spain and England later today in Sydney one of them will cause history to accelerate. That team will not only win its first Women World Cup and become only one of five nations to have done so – blame the USA for having grabbed half of the eight previous editions organised so far for that – but will also become only the second country to have won both the Men's and Women's FIFA World Cup at least once. Yep, the winner will join Germany which has won at least two of each. 

But that's not all. Either England or Spain will improve their powerhouse ranking by three or two spots when they take the sixth place currently occupied by the Bleus. This will not exactly get Uruguay nervous though although its last WC win occurred seventy-three years ago. That victory made the largest football crowd ever to be assembled so sad that one nine-year old promised his sobbing father that he'd win one for him. He ended up winning three.

Powerhouse Ranking Needs Some Updating

You can watch the first four here.

How Does Norway As a Football Powerhouse Sound?

Thanks to being one of the four countries to have won the women FIFA World Cup the oil-rich country is just behind Uruguay on a World Cup per capita basis because of its small population. Germany is third and the only nation to have lifted the trophy in both the men and women versions of the tournament. Argentina and France with their two trophies are next in the ranking after Italy but ahead of Brazil because five trophies are not enough to compensate for the 209 million souls of the South American country with a land mass larger than continental USA. Japan is last among the eleven countries but this could change with its shrinking population especially if its women team in four years is as good as this year’s and doesn’t exit the tournament because of a very controversial penalty. Uruguay can sleep tight for roughly another eight years – or until the first general election on planet earth with one billion eligible voters – and that too if Norway wins the next three tournaments as Germany is not a threat for the next 90 years. 

Cavani Goals Are Not Taken Lightly

What's Not Happening During the Russian World Cup

The loss of the pre-eminent position of Uruguay as a football powerhouse. At two World Cups for a population of 3.5m it has won almost 24 times more of these tournaments per capita than Brazil. Italy, its closest rival which won the trophy four times but which didn't qualify for Russia 2018, has 0.066 cup per million inhabitants. That's 8.6 times less than the homeland of Luis Suarez. The Mannschaft is in third place with four victories but would not have overtaken the Italians even if they had not crashed out of the group stage and gone all the way to get the prize from Vlamidir Putin on July 15. Blame it on its population which is more than a third larger.

This doesn't mean that there can't be any movement in the rankings. Indeed six of the countries who are in the knockout stage and have not won the World Cup yet have populations of less than 12m. That's small enough for any of them to take Italy's spot. Plus two of these countries, Croatia and Sweden, are the teams which have impressed the most so far. A sixth title for the Selecao – the favourite at the bookies – will not improve their fifth position. They will just get a bit closer to Argentina which they might meet in the semis.

As for Uruguay should it grab its third title it will increase its cup to population ratio to almost the level it was when it shocked Brazil in the Maracana in 1950. Finally it's been eight years since a new country last added its name to the select list of World Cup winners – the newest member of the eight-nation club joined twelve years after the seventh. That's not exactly the longest we've had to wait to see this group grow. 

No Shakira Song For The Russian World Cup

It's instead going to be Nicky Jam with Will Smith and Era Istrefi. A bit sad about that? No problem. Here are the three contributions of the Colombian mega star which you massively enjoyed: Germany 2006; South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014.

The other good news is that she has recovered from a vascular lesion and is now making good on her promise to enjoy every single night. Hmm, this reminds me of something I heard a while ago.

Selecao Ends Winning Streak of Mannschaft in Berlin

With a header from Jesus. The player. The Canarinhos were looking a lot better on Tuesday night unlike the thumping they received in Belo Horizonte four years ago when they conceded five goals in nineteen minutes. This time they were pressing non-stop, marking every German player and the front players were systematically going back to beef up the defence. Definitely a pleasant match to watch.

The 32 teams participating in the World Cup in Russia will keep on fine-tuning their games in a number of friendlies between May 18 and June 13 or one day before the big show starts. Germany may meet Brazil as soon as the group stage ends if both teams qualify for the knockout rounds but one of them doesn't come out on top.

2018

In Mauritius will be a lot like 2017.

One thing we have to watch though is what happens in Port-Louis when we get the big rains around Saint Valentine. This will tell us what could happen if we hold another street festival at the end of year.

It will be a busy year for Putin: seeking to be re-elected six days after Mauritius hits the big 50. And if successful handing the World Cup on July 15 in Moscow.

Will add more here soon. Hopefully before 2018 ends.

A World Cup Without Robben, Gigi and Chile

The fastest football player on the planet won't be in Russia next year. So we won't see him devastating defense after defense in his own characteristic style. Gigi will also miss the World Cup given that Italy -- the country which has won this tournament more times than any country per capita except Uruguay -- failed to score against Sweden. It's always been a treat to have these icons on the pitch. Brazil will also be happy that Chile will not be making it given that they consider the side of Sanchez as one of their toughest opponents.

But Leo will be there after scoring a hat-trick. He will be in the good company of Neymar, Mane and stars we'll discover. Like those that play for the surprising national team of Iceland a country which has four times less people than Mauritius.

Robben is World's Fastest Footballer

He clocked 37km/h when he scored that magnificent goal against Spain in the 2014 World Cup. Which is slightly less than the average speed of 37.58km/h of one Usain Bolt in the fastest 100m ever. Except that this includes reaction time of the giant and it's the average speed. In fact the top speed reached by Mr. Bolt during that record-shattering dash is 44.72km/h. Of course that makes it the fastest any member of our species has travelled using his own legs.

But quite slow compared to speeds Cheetahs reach routinely. Doesn't mean they can't be friends though.

Brazil Crashes Out of Tiny Copa America Group

The Selecao drew against Ecuador, thrashed Haiti and lost against Peru. Things don't seem to have improved that much since Mineirazo two years ago. In spite of bringing Dunga back as manager. Brazil has been thoroughly unimpressive for a good many number of matches. You don't need to wonder how likely it will be for them to win the only prize that's missing in their quiver when they host the Olympics starting August 5 -- the football tournament begins two days earlier.

It is also surprising that Holland is not taking part in Euro 2016. Although they've played some really good football in South Africa six years ago.

But there could be more trouble ahead for the country of Pele, Garrincha, Jairzinho and Ronaldinho: they could be the last country to miss at least one World Cup in 2018. After six matches they currently rank 6th in their qualifying group which automatically sends the top four to Russia.

2014: The Year in Review (Q3)

July: How to live 3 years more. Why Sithanen should be dumped again. World Cup won by almost a third of host countries.

August: Stray dogs to work for food. Mrs. Doubtfire is dead. Local FB pages with most likes. Ramgoolam has no match, for now.

September: Apple returns to Flint, 30 years after. Loch Ness Monster may need new travel documents. Granny 1, Leopard 0. Labour/MMM alliance dangerous.

Read the review for Q1, Q2 and Q4.

2014: The Year in Review (Q2)

April: 815 million voters get ready to elect Indian Government. Seeneevasen was dead against PR. Berenger heckled during politburo meeting. SLO should craft referendum legislation. Serac kills 16 on Everest. John Paul II cannonised. Gabo gone at 87.

May: Ayrton: 20 years already. Gary Becker dies at 83. Prorogation of Parliament is telling sign process is poor. Modi bags big electoral victory. Drafting of bill not most difficult part.

June: ISIS captures Mosul. Electoral reform made for three. Shakira ready for World Cup in Brazil. Constitution temporary provision bill published. Comic genius offers life perspectives. Chiellini shows Suarez bite marks.

Read the review for Q1, Q3 and Q4.

31% of Host Countries Won The World Cup

But Brazil didn't when it was organized there in 1950. It won 5 since then and there have been manifestations of the seleçao that looked out of this world but still didn't lift the trophy. That is to say it's kind of difficult to predict how a match will go. At least for mere mortals.

But not for Felipe Scolari who for example was hoping that Chile would not qualify for the World Cup because they have always been tough opponents. It appears to be a surprising statement until you watch the two sides play. So there are teams which seem to be naturally predisposed to give you a lot of trouble because of the size of the players, the game they play, the quality of passes, the discipline level and what not.

So when the auriverde meet the mannschaft Wednesday 00h00 to try to clinch their ticket to play the finals at the Maracana in Rio we're best to look forward for an exciting match. Given that the Germans have finished third or better 11 times. As long as Brazil wins that is.

And then on Thursday we'll have a rematch of the 1978 final.

Ghana Loses Match Against US Foolishly

I am a fan of Ghana since their good performance in the 2010 World Cup. So I stayed up late to watch them take on the Yankees. Although they conceded a very fast goal from Dempsey they kind of dominated the game -- Ghana had a 62% possession rate. And it was evident that they would probably put one in the second half. Which they did in the final eight minutes of the game. But then some really sloppy defending gave their opponent a corner which John Brooks deflected into the net of Kwarasey.

I hope they will bounce back because there's a lot of talent on this team. Go Ghana! Go!

Robie van Per-Seal and Holland Trash La Hoja

In a brutal 5-1 win in Salvador, Bahia. RVP scored two goals including an amazing 'flying-seal' header. Robben also scored two magnificent goals after literally making fun of the defence of the reigning champs. They have surely impressed everybody while coach van Gaal has said that his team can get better.

Suarez is in action at 23h00 while Gerrard's side will meet 4-time winners Italy at 02h00. Which means you have one hour to get those chips and beer. Or whatever.

Brazil and Croatia Meet in Their First Match, Again

Eight years after Germany. But not before the opening ceremony where JLo will sing the 2014 World Cup anthem and Iron Man pays tribute to national icon Santos Dumont. We'll have some pretty huge matches early in the competition: a re-run of the 2010 Final at 23h00 on Friday, England will play Italy 02h00 on Sunday and Germany will meet CR7's side on Monday 20h00.

Not every Brazilian is happy about their country -- where more than a third of the population lives in poverty -- spending $11 billion to host the Copa do Mundo. Indeed there have been protests for a year about the huge price tag as locals believe some of it is the result of wrongdoing. For example they can hardly understand why over $300 million had to be spent on a brand new stadium in Manaus where only a few games will be played. And allegations of the 2022 World Cup being bought doesn't help.

In any case you can always sniff out the latest financial statements of the FIFA while you wait for those late matches.

Shakira is Ready For Brasil

2013: The Year in Review (Q2)

April: Cellphone turns 40. Iron Lady dead at 87. Boston Marathon ends in carnage. Human computer dead at 73. Manu wins 20th, Ivanovic to be tested for rabies.

May: India welcomes friend back as Chinese Premier. Manraj report to cost an extra billion. One famous Himalayan hug turns 60.

June: Why Club M will miss World Cup in Brazil. Amazing ad gets 2013 WWDC started. Confederation cup offers sneak preview of next World Cup. How long things take. ACIM makes serious arguments to the MPC, the Financial Secretary a fool of himself, again. State flip flops on the CNT.

Read the review for Q1, Q3 and Q4.

Club M To Miss World Cup in Brazil

Very surprised to learn that we apparently pulled out of the qualifying rounds in October 2011. A BBC article quoted a source within the MFA attributing the withdrawal to a lack of funds.

Mauritius participated in the qualifying rounds of the last four World Cups.

So shocking!