Tag: world cup 2010

Octopus predictions

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Paul, an octopus in Germany, is said to be making predictions about football matches. Somebody wrongly referred to the octopus as an astrologer. Astrologers make predictions based on stars and the octopus predictions are not based on stars. TV channels give publicity to the octopus. The predictions of Football World Cup 2010 matches are said to be right. I have some questions.

Who first came up with the idea that the octopus can predict the results of football matches?

Who were the bookies involved in betting on matches played by Germany?

How much money was involved in betting on matches played by Germany?

Germany lost to Serbia and Spain. Did the German players believe in the predictions? Did the coach or someone else convince the players that predictions can go wrong and they can win or left them demoralised?
Frank Lampard’s goal for England against Germany was disallowed. At that time it could have been 2-2. Was it a mistake by referee or deliberate?

Germany defeated Australia 4-0, England 4-1 and Argentina 4-0. How is that Germany could not score even one goal against Spain? Spain was said to be the favourite to win the World Cup but Switzerland had defeated Spain in a group match.

In India some channels have come up with parrot prediction for final which is opposite of what the octopus has predicted. India had its share of predictions during Cricket World Cups which were usually wrong.
If Germany auctions the octopus before the final there will be lot of bidders and it can make lot of money. After the final the demand will depend on the outcome of the match.

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France out of Football World Cup 2010

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France did not deserve to be in Football World Cup 2010. They qualified due to hand goal by Henry Thierry and Ireland was cheated its rightful place. FIFA does not use TV footage and correct wrong decisions by referees. Ireland had to pay for referee’s mistake.

France made news during World Cup for all the wrong reasons. One player, Nicolas Anelka, had to be sent back for indiscipline. Players refused to train. Director resigned. French coach Raymond Domenech refused to shake hands with South Africa’s coach Carlos Albert Parreira. France drew 0-0 with Uruguay, lost 0-2 to Mexico and 1-2 to South Africa.

There is talk of groupism in French team with players of West African origin, North African origin and local French players forming groups.

After the loss to South Africa French players flew back in standard (economy) class. There is a report that French President Nicolas Sarkozy will hold a cabinet meeting to discuss about the football team.
France had won Football World Cup 1998. They were out in the first round of Football World Cup 2002. France was runner up in Football World Cup 2006. Once again they are out in the first round.

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India and football world cup

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Football World Cup 2010 is going on. India is not one of the 32 countries participating in the World Cup. Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Holland, Honduras, Ivory Coast, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Korea, Paraguay, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Uruguay and USA are the participants.
India was a participant in Hockey World Cup 2010 and Cricket World Cup 2010 which had less than 32 teams. India was not able to make it to Football World Cup 2010. Why was India not good enough for football?
One view is that Indians are not strong enough for football. In cricket 5’4” tall batsman can hit a 7’ tall fast bowler for a six. In football stamina is needed.
That may be a reason but not the only reason. Hockey needs stamina and Indians were in hockey. FIFA rules are complex. We have three countries from Asia, five countries from South America, three countries from North America, twelve countries from Europe, seven from Africa and two from Australia and Oceania.
We see neighbouring countries participating in the World Cup. The twelve countries from Europe and five countries from South America are neighbours. USA and Mexico are neighbours. Algeria and Morocco are neighbours. North Korea and South Korea are neighbours. Ghana and Ivory Coast are neighbours. Cameroon and Nigeria are neighbours. Vast stretch of land from Poland to China is unrepresented.
FIFA plays with geography. Some countries that are part of Asia are considered part of Europe. Some countries not part of Asia are considered part of Asia. Considering Australia and New Zealand as part of Asia deprived two Asian countries of their chance to participate in the World Cup. One could have been India.
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