Racism and The World Cup - An Enormous Problem That Must Be Solved

It's disquieting and unnerving to think that there are people in the World who dislike you just because your skin is darker than there own. It's weird to know that someone thinks it's just fine to harm you because you don't look like they do. It's hurtful to know that there are people in charge who seem to look the other way as these acts are carried out.

It's even more disheartening to know such behavior goes on at the World's most popular sports event. But it does.

The 2006 World Cup has been beset with fears of racist behavior on the part of European fans even as it's just getting under way. But these concerns are not without good reason. For example, Nigerian forward Adebowale Ogungbure was spat upon by German citizens just as he and his teammates were finishing a club match in Halle March 25th of this year. Yes, 2006.

FIFA, the World Soccer organizing body, has identified a trend toward increases in racist acts like the ones described. My question is why do these acts happen do often in Europe? The World is not treated to stories of such high levels of racism in Africa. Or if not Europe, then in Austrialia -- which is mostly white. Why is this? The question must be asked.

The truth is that Africa too has it's racial problems, but for the most part the issues of today have their roots in European Colonialism. So, we're back to the central focus on Europe. And it must be reported that the African conflicts are in many cases not blacks attacking whites, even though such problems do occur. But the white-attacks-black problem is prevalent all over Europe.

Is it safe for African American tourists visting Germany? Given the wave of news, the obvious answer seems to be "not really." If one's not familar with the nation's cities and where to go, it seems one could step into problem environments. It's not easy for black athletes in Germany either, as this ESPN video clip will show:



If you're wondering if there are any accounts of black Americans and racism in Europe, I did find the case of Shawn Shelton, who gives a detailed and causionary tale of problems he encountered in Eastern Europe.

Mr. Shelton writes "Although racial incidents occur in Western Europe from time to time, for the most part they are unthreatening. Paris, Berlin, Stockholm, and Amsterdam are all sophisticated and cosmopolitan cities. However, east of the German and Swiss borders skin color becomes a factor in most interactions with the native populations.

I began to have second thoughts about my 7-week jaunt through Eastern Europe soon after I left the Salzburg train station and saw the Nazi swastikas and the words “Minderheiter Verboten” (Minorities Forbidden). Here, and throughout my entire trip, I was repeatedly asked by Africans about how they could emigrate to the U.S. They told me it was hard for them to find jobs where they were and that the police constantly harassed them.

If you are a person of color considering a visit to Bratislava in Slovakia, I’d advise against it. Bratislava is a collection of abandoned factories, an industrial town with no industry. Imagine Flint, Michigan or Gary, Indiana after the Ford and GM factory closures and multiply by five."

While this is a problem that's not going to go away anytime soon, America can help it's black citizens abroad in this way: the President of The United States should issue a television radio message that acts of racism toward American people traveling abroad during the World Cup will not be tolerated and met with swift punishment under internatonal law. American embasies should have special offices staffed with people who can contact the local and national authorities and the media and gain swift action. The office should also tell people candidly where they should and should not go. Americans of color must know they're being protected.

In closing here's Part Two of the ESPN news special on racism in the World Cup.

Portuguese Fans Chanting In Koln: Angola v. Portugal: World Cup 2006

If you want some idea of what it's like to be in Germany for the World Cup, take a look at this video of Portuguese fans chanting in front of Koln Cathedral and going absolutely mental in the process.

Togo v. Korea - 2006 World Cup Soccer Highlights

Video highlights of a victory by a much improved Korean team.

World Cup Soccer: Brasil 1, Croatia 0 - Video

I saw this game today and the score -- even as close as it is -- doesn't begin to describe how much of a battle Brazil was in. The Croatians put up one heck of a fight to the end.

Italia contra Ghana - Italy Beats Ghana 2-0: Video

This video features Italy's victory over Ghana, 2-0.

A Couple Of Chicks Talking World Cup - In Spanish - Mundial Alemania 2006 : Argentina (Por Rubias)

Whatever the language it sounds good to me. This is a their take on World Cup news. It's in Spanish, but so what.

US Gets Clobbered By Czechs 3-0; Video Highlights and ESPN Report

I saw this game over breakfast at Barclay's in Oakland. It wasn't funny at all. What a clobbering.



Change in attitude required - ESPN
Jeff Carlisle
Archive

GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany -- Ever since the fall of the Soviet Union, the Czech nation has showed an uncanny knack for making the difficult look easy. They did it with their revolution. They did it again with their divorce from Slovakia. And that effortlessness certainly applied to Monday's World Cup match against the United States, as the Czechs took apart the Americans 3-0 in a game whose score was every bit a reflection of the events on the field.

The U.S. appeared to put up little resistance in the loss, but was it down to Czech brilliance or American ineptitude? The answer is a lot of both. The inspirational play of Tomas Rosicky and Pavel Nedved is something that the U.S. can't even begin to match. Rosicky's 36th-minute goal, an absolute dart from 30 yards out, was a moment of sheer brilliance. Ditto for Nedved's defense-splitting pass that setup Rosicky's second tally with 14 minutes left.

It highlights the fact that for all of the talk of the Landon Donovans and the DaMarcus Beasleys, the truth is that the U.S. not only lacks that kind of skill, but that attacking mentality as well. It takes a certain ruthlessness to even contemplate taking the kind of shot that Rosicky potted. And it was that mind-set that was absent on Monday, which is perhaps what was most disturbing about the performance.

"We needed guys to move and want the ball more," said captain Claudio Reyna. "It just seemed like other guys were looking to everyone else to make the plays. You can't do that. Everyone has to be brave and want the ball."

That lack of courage was most evident in the play of Beasley and Donovan. Beasley struggled with his touch almost from the get-go, and more often than not, killed U.S. attacks with some horrific passes. And Donovan, after having some bright moments early in the first half, saw little of the ball in the second.

"Not enough players took the initiative," added head coach Bruce Arena. "We didn't get too many good performances. That's why we lost."

Granted, when Jan Koller scored after just five minutes, it was the Czechs who were put in the position of being able to dictate the pace, and they did that to devastating effect. But that was a reason for the U.S. to put its energy level into overdrive, not leave it in neutral, which is where it remained for most of the game.

The lack of grit displayed was also evident in the American's inability to win loose balls. Repeatedly, the likes of Nedved, Rosicky, and Tomas Galasek were first to pounce when an attack from either side broke down. Some of this is down to anticipation, but it's also about attitude.

"When you show up on the field and you compete and you battle and you lose a goal like the one Rosicky scored; then you hit the post and it doesn't go in, then you sit back and say, 'Well, [that's] it,'" said goalkeeper Kasey Keller. "But it's just disappointing that we didn't put them under pressure and compete for second balls the way we can."

Regaining that competitive fire and repairing his team's confidence will be among Arena's biggest challenges as he prepares the U.S. for Saturday's game against Italy. With the Italians claiming a 2-0 victory over Ghana on Monday, the sense is that the Americans' World Cup adventure has ended almost as soon as it's begun. But Arena, while acknowledging the challenge, is conceding nothing.

"We have to make sure that this Czech Republic team doesn't beat us twice," said Arena. "If we can put this game behind us, and prepare our team for Italy ... we'll obviously watch [their game] and try to put together a scouting report that will give our team a chance to win."

One can expect some major changes to the lineup for the next match, but they'll only be successful if they're accompanied by a change in attitude as well.

Player Ratings:

Kasey Keller, 4 - He waited eight years for this? Granted, there wasn't a thing he could have done about any of the goals, but the fact that he picked the ball out of his net three times has got to leave a bitter taste.

Steve Cherundolo, 3.5 - Arena said afterwards that his substitution of Cherundolo was tactical, but given Cherundolo's poor distribution out of the back, it was a switch that the head coach didn't have to sweat over.

Eddie Pope, 4 - There were worse performances on Monday, but Pope didn't cover himself in glory, either. It was telling that every time Pope was matched up against Koller, he was badly out-muscled. It was not the kind of performance that the U.S was looking for.

Oguchi Onyewu, 5 - One of the few players who showed up. One could quibble with his positioning on the first goal, as well as being caught square on the last one, but he not only won most of the head balls that were sent his way, but he came out on top in some key challenges on the ground as well.

Eddie Lewis, 3.5 - Another player whose passing was just shocking at times and he must bear some of the responsibility for the first goal, in which Zdenek Grygera was left wide open on his side, and ultimately crossed the ball for Koller's goal. He'll likely retain his place because there really isn't anyone else.

DaMarcus Beasley, 3 - Right midfield was where American attacks went to die. If he starts against Italy, it will be a major upset.

Pablo Mastroeni, 3.5 - When he wasn't slipping on the turf, he was a step slow to pressure the ball, and he didn't seem to win any of the second balls that the U.S. needed in order to have a chance.

Claudio Reyna, 5.5 - This guy just seems snake-bit when it comes to scoring goals in World Cups, as he hit the post just like he did back in '98. Reyna was one of the few players who at least wanted the ball, but was probably guilty of playing too deep. He'll need to get closer to goal against the Italians.

Bobby Convey, 4.5 - His runs didn't always come off, and his crossing was subpar, but Convey was one of the only players in the attacking half to play with any courage. He certainly showed better than some of his more experienced teammates.

Landon Donovan, 4 - Had some bright moments in the first half, including his setup of Reyna's ill-fated shot, but he faded badly in the second. Four years after a sparkling World Cup debut, it appears that Donovan's game hasn't progressed enough to have an impact at the highest level.

Brian McBride, 3.5 - McBride was starved of service, but struggled with his passing and hold-up play as well. He often seemed to be operating on an island, and he will need to either fix his spacing with Donovan, or be paired with more of an out-and-out forward.

Subs:
John O'Brien, 5 - If O'Brien has a pulse prior to the next match against Italy, then he'll start in Mastroeni's place. He delivered a solid performance, and even got in some good tackles as well.

Eddie Johnson, 6 - The only forward to be truly dangerous, as he just missed with a left-footed effort in the 70th minute and had another effort blocked just a minute later. Johnson certainly showed that he wasn't overawed in his World Cup debut, as he was active throughout.

Josh Wolff, NR - Wolff had a goal-bound effort blocked with just minutes to go, but otherwise, didn't make much of an impression.

Jeff Carlisle covers MLS and the U.S. national team for ESPNsoccernet. He can be reached at eljefe1@yahoo.com Jeff Carlisle covers MLS and the U.S. national team for ESPNsoccernet. He can be reached at eljefe1@yahoo.com

Mexico Beats Iran 3-1, Iran Coach Blames Lack of Fitness For Loss - ESPN

But coach, you're supposed to make sure your players are in shape, right? Geez.

Iran coach blames lack of fitness - ESPN

NUREMBERG, June 11 (Reuters) - Iran coach Branko Ivankovic bemoaned the lack of fitness of his key German-based players after his side tailed off in the second half and suffered a 3-1 loss to Mexico in their opening Group D match on Sunday.

Six of the squad play outside Iran, four of them in Germany, and Ivankovic has pointed to their experience playing in German stadiums and said they had to stand up and be counted.

Iran opened brightly and dominated for the first 20 minutes, with Hamburg's Mehdi Mahdavikia flashing a long range shot past a Mexican post and Bayern Munich's Ali Karimi crossing to striker Vahid Hashemian of Hanover 96, whose downward header forced a sharp low save from the Mexican keeper.

However, Mexico took control in the second half, exploiting a defensive mix-up for the second goal after 76 minutes from Omar Bravo before Zinha added a third three minutes later.

Ivankovic was not without his injury problems, however, while some of those players who had recovered from knocks were struggling for match fitness in the afternoon heat.

He had to withdrew Karimi after an hour, later telling a news conference Iran's playmaker was not fully fit. Karimi, known as the "wizard of Tehran" and the "Asian Maradona", suffered an ankle injury playing for Bayern in March.

"With Hashemian it was two months probably (since he last played). Mahdavikia didn't practice over the past 10 days," said Ivankovic. Hashemian picked up a knee injury in April while Mahdavikia has been struggling with a back injury.

"Also today, we didn't have (Ferydoon) Zandi in the lineup," said the coach referring to the injured Kaiserslautern midfielder.

Of the defensive mix-up from which Mexico retook the lead, Ivankovic said it could have reflected a lack of concentration but that could also partly be the result of the injuries.

"They had an advantage in preparation," he said of the Mexican team. "We had many problems."

The Croat said his Iranian squad had already turned their thoughts to their second group match against Portugal on Saturday. They face Angola the following Wednesday.

"We will have a chance to do something. Not everything is over today," he said.

Jewish and human rights groups have seized upon Iran's involvement in the World Cup to protest against the Iranian government but Ivankovic said this had no impact on his team.

"Nobody in the team discussed politics. We discussed opponents, football and today Mexico," he said.

Ivankovic also dodged a question about his plans after the World Cup. Media are speculating that he will then step down as Iran's coach.

Austrial Beats Japan 3-1, Rejoices In Victory - ESPN

Does this mean someone in Japan will jump from a building? I hope not. Read this to discover what I'm writing about.

SYDNEY, June 13 (Reuters) - Bleary-eyed but jubilant Australians straggled into work on Tuesday after staying up late to watch Australia score their first ever World Cup finals win.

Thousands of fans braved the winter cold to gather at pubs, clubs and open-air venues in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia's two biggest cities, while millions more watched on television at home as their team staged a dramatic comeback to beat Japan 3-1.

The match kicked off at 11 pm in Sydney and Melbourne (1300 GMT), with some fans carrying sleeping bags as they prepared for a long winter's night.

As offices opened for business, many fans were still heading home after celebrating Australia's first World Cup finals victory. They lost two games and drew one in the 1974 tournament.

'We haven't been here in 32 years. We're going to win the World Cup,' an unidentified man said as he walked with dozens of jubilant friends down the centre of Sydney's main street amid honking car horns and flares.

'Everyone was just going mental, with flares everywhere and everyone just going really berserk,' another fan told Reuters Television as celebrating fans blocked traffic.

Australia's joy contrasted with gloom in Japan, where many believed the match was theirs after Shunsuke Nakamura's controversial early strike.

'Don't ask me anything about the market today,' one downcast Japanese oil trader said. 'I won't be watching. I don't feel like doing anything.'

Australia had failed to score a single goal in 1974 but hammered three in eight minutes past a tiring Japan in their opening Group F match in Kaiserslautern.

'Raining goals after 32 years,' The Sydney Morning Herald said on its front page.

Soccer has long lagged behind more popular sports like rugby union and Australian Rules football but media and politicians have quickly jumped on the World Cup bandwagon.

'Miracle!' the tabloid Daily Telegraph said. 'Socceroos make history to stun Japan.'

Special praise was reserved for Australia's Dutch coach Guus Hiddink, nicknamed 'Aussie Guus', after his tactical gamble in bringing on goalscorers Tim Cahill and John Aloisi as late substitutes was rewarded.

'I think Guus is indeed a hero, the greatest Dutchman ever created,' Labor opposition MP Anthony Albanese told reporters.

Italy Shuts Out Ghana 2-0; Takes On United States Saturday

The Us better be ready for what appears to be a confident Italy.

Italy 2-0 Ghana: Azzurri pushed

Italy began their World Cup campaign in stylish, confident mood with a comfortable victory over tournament newcomers Ghana in Hanover.

AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo opened the scoring after 39 minutes before substitute Vincenzo Iaquinta put the game beyond their African opponents with eight minutes remaining.

The Azzurri looked by far the more incisive team and Marcello Lippi's men could have won by a bigger advantage had Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingston not stood strong to deny attacking duo Luca Toni and Alberto Gilardino on several occasions.

They were also thankful for goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who held firm when Ghana drove on in search of an equaliser before Iaquinta scored Italy's second.

The game began at a frenetic pace, with both teams determined to impose their play but it was not long before the Azzurri took command.

Captain Fabio Cannavaro had the first chance of the game as he headed over from a Pirlo corner.

Italy could have broken the deadlock in the 11th minute, with Simone Perrotta serving an unmarked Gilardino inside the far post, who struck past Ghana goalkeeper Kingston only to be denied by the post.

Ghana were beginning to take a grip in midfield after Italy's whirlwind opening.

Alessandro Nesta was forced to make a vital clearance inside his own area from John Pantsil's deadly cross with Matthew Amoah ready to fire on target.

Midway through the first half, Italy missed a golden chance to go in front after Cristian Zaccardo curled in an inviting cross towards the box which neither Toni nor Gilardino were able to reach.

Toni made amends seconds later, and Gilardino's pass sliced Ghana's defence wide open to find the Fiorentina striker, whose effort from the edge of the area was denied by the crossbar.

Ghana finally put together a good move on 30 minutes, with Asamoah Gyan's right-footed effort fizzing inches wide of Buffon's near post.

Italy replied with Totti warming the hands of Kingston with a stinging drive which the goalkeeper palmed over for a corner.

Kingston was lucky not to be punished for his failure to clear Totti's corner, with Cannavaro heading over the crossbar.

Italy's efforts finally broke the deadlock six minutes before the break, with Totti's pass finding an unmarked Pirlo, who thumped home a shot from 30 yards towards the far post and there was little Kingston could do to save it.

Italy could have gone into the break with a 2-0 lead had Kingston not palmed away Grosso's powerful shot on the stroke of half-time.

Ghana looked more lively after the break but it was Italy that continued to look more dangerous.

Kingston did well to anticipate Toni with the striker ready to fire from Simone Perrotta's beautiful cross from the right.

On 50 minutes, Gilardino wasted a great chance from Totti's beautiful assist, with the AC Milan forward unable to beat the keeper in a one-on-one.

At the other end, Essien almost punished Italy, with his right-footed volley forcing Buffon to make a spectacular save.

Lippi was forced to make his first substitution on 56 minutes, with Mauro Camoranesi in for Totti, who was hurt following a harsh challenge from a Ghana player.

Totti's withdrawal saw the Azzurri shift to a 4-4-2 formation.

Substitute Camoranesi was booked two minutes later after an unnecessary challenge on Sulley Muntari.

Shortly after the hour mark, Essien fired off-target as Ghana attempted to find the equaliser.

With Italy looking content to sit deep and hit on the break, Lippi brought on in-form Iaquinta for Gilardino.

Italy could have netted their second shortly after, had Kingston not palmed away Perrotta's close-range shot from Daniele de Rossi's assist.

Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic replaced Amoah with Razak Pimpong in the hope that the Black Stars still struggled to break Italy's organised defence.

With 12 minutes remaining, Ghana players demanded a penalty after Gyan was brought down inside Italy's area by De Rossi but referee Carlos Simon who was close to the action said to play on.

Shortly after, Essien's long distance effort went off-target.

Lippi made his last substitution on 80 minutes, with Alessandro del Piero in for Toni.

But it was Iaquinta who made sure to kill the game two minutes later, after intercepting Samuel Kuffour's pass to his goalkeeper before dribbling past Kingston and firing into the back of the net, much to the joy of the 39,000 Azzurri fans in the AWD Hanover Arena.

South Korea Gets First World Cup Victory in Europe, Beats Togo 2-1 - ESPN

From ESPN.com

South Korea 2-1 Togo
PA - ESPN

Former Rangers manager Dick Advocaat can take his place in South Korean football folklore.

For this was the first time the nation had achieved a World Cup victory in Europe.

They managed to reach the semi-finals in 2002 but that was on home ground.

What this victory will do to their confidence is anyone's guess but with shrewd Dutch coach Advocaat at the helm they will believe anything is possible.

However, they struggled to overcome a Togo side making their bow at this level.

Otto Pfister may have returned as coach but they lost their skipper Jean-Paul Abalo following his sending off in the second half.

That proved to be the turning point as Togo had looked comfortable in the early stages.

Mohamed Hader strode forward in the 11th minute and rattled a shot over the bar.

Togo broke forward in the 16th minute through Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor but his delivery to Mahamed Kader was poor and the chance was lost.

They took the lead in the 31st minute with a cool finish from Kader.

The 27-year-old striker, who plays for French club Guingamp, showed a clean pair of heels to Kim Young Chul before firing a shot into the corner.

South Korea hit back in the 38th minute and Cho Jae Jin made space down the left. But his finish was wasteful and he failed to trouble goalkeeper Kossi Agassa.

Togo almost added a second four minutes later when Junior Senaya curled in a free-kick from the edge of the area but Lee Woon Jae turned his effort over the top.

Ji-Sung Park then got into a good position on the edge of the area in the 47th minute but blasted his shot over the bar.

However, a minute later Kader almost got a second. He cut inside and Lee Woon Jae did well to parry his shot to safety.

The Koreans looked short on confidence and substitute Ahn Jung Hwan fired his effort into the crowd when a cross would have a better option.

The game took a dramatic twist in the 54th minute when Abalo was sent off by English referee Graham Poll after picking up a second yellow card for bringing down Park in full flight.

South Korea took immediate advantage with Lee Chun Soo equalising with a superb free- kick from the edge of the area.

They stepped up the pressure to take the lead in the 72nd minute following a stunning finish from Ahn, who lofted a shot over Agassa.

Ahn is looking for a move after his German club Duisburg were relegated and it was a goal of the highest order.
He then had a shot blocked by the goalkeeper two minutes later as Togo ran out of steam and ideas.