World Cup QuoteWordy part 2

compiled by John Kehoe

(first published in the July 2010 Monaghan United match programme)

Following on from a fortnight ago, Quotewordy takes a look at what the great and good have been saying about this year’s tournament. A little lacking in quality maybe, a few too many surprise results certainly, but it definitely hasn’t been short of quoteworthy utterances.

”It’s terrible… like a ball you’d buy in a supermarket.’‘ – Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar is unimpressed with the new World Cup ball. Soon enough the Jabulani will strike back to help send the Brazilians packing.

“What on earth are we even discussing the goalkeeping position for? We’re only playing USA, for goodness sake!” – Alan Green wonders what all the fuss is about on BBC Radio 5 Live on Saturday morning before England v USA

“The escape from Alcaraz!” – George Hamilton must have been praying even more fervently than Marcelo Lippi for Italy to equalise against Paraguay and pave the way for this little gem.

“Choc And Awe” – The Daily Mirror’s quite brilliant headline in response to Spain’s defeat at the hands of Switzerland.

“So when you were segregated, how did you feel about that?” – Alan Shearer discovers a new level of banality as he travels the townships for an ill-advised ‘Meet the real South Africa’ piece on the BBC.

“I would prefer it if they are women. I am not limp wristed. But it is okay. I am dating Veronica. She is 31. Blonde. And beautiful!” – Diego Maradona, moving as lithely as ever to quell any doubts about his affectionate managerial style.

“There is no little mouse in the locker room, this comes from someone who is on the team and wants to hurt the team.” – No mouse, but French captain Patrice Evra definitely suspects a mole of leaking the story of Nicolas Anelka’s bust-up with coach Raymond Domenech.

“We lost our chance to qualify long ago. It has been difficult within the squad. We are not proud of what we have done. I do not know what we will have to do to earn forgiveness.” – Florent Malouda fears that the current France side may never live down this 2010 campaign.

“The current situation of Italian football isn’t great.” – Gianluigi Buffon with a masterpiece of understatement after Italy finish last in the group stages for the first time ever.

“Au revoir Italy!” – David Pleat having a Del Boy moment on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Mensah should be cleverer than that!” – If he meant it, a nifty quip from Jim Beglin during the USA-Ghana match.

“Seeing the way Terry played against Germany, if I was Terry I wouldn’t be able to go back to my country.” – Saucer of milk for Argentina defender Martin Demichelis.

“We have to show we can finally beat a big team.” – And Philip Lahm doesn’t make it any better for England as Germany move their focus to the Argentines.

“It’s football. Shit happens.” – Referee Martin Hansson – yes that one – who did get to the World Cup, with an abjectly penitent message for Irish football fans.

“I should have been more insistent on winning.” – Everyone better watch out in four years time as Japan coach Takeshi Okada belatedly figures out where they’ve gone wrong.

“Pele said an African team would win the World Cup by the year 2000. But I think it’s going to take a bit longer than that.” – Yes, Alan Shearer, we think at this stage you’re probably spot on.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” – The front page of the Globo Esporte eases Brazil’s pain, reacting in splendidly childish fashion to Argentina’s hammering.

“When you give the ball away Darragh, obviously you’re giving it to the opposition.” – Johnny Giles with his trademark razor-sharp insight during Paraguay-Spain.

“I hope he’s not too worried.” – Miroslav Klose spares a thought for Ronaldo as he closes in on the World Cup goalscoring record.

“It is done, my cycle has ended. I have given everything, now I will spend time with my family – but I am not depressed.” – The ‘excitable, volatile’ Maradona shows how to call it a day with calm dignity.