Peter Crouch came off the bench last night to give England victory over Egypt. Two second half goals took the Tottenham striker’s England tally to 20 in 37 games. More importantly, the first gave England a springboard for success in a World Cup warm up which had threatened to go the way of a skillful Egyptian side. So what have the papers got to say this morning?
Showing posts with label Egypt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Egypt. Show all posts
17/07/2009
World Cup anti-doom-mongering kicks off
Last Friday I noticed and posted an article on the crime, disease and transport problems in South Africa. According to the journalist, next year’s World Cup should be moved to Egypt or Antarctica or Neptune. I forget which. The point is it should go anywhere other than the actual location.
In the interests of balance, here’s another article from the same newspaper. This one has a slightly different perspective. Personally, never having been to South Africa, I can’t say whether this contribution has more or less credibility than last week’s. However, I do know this tournament is in danger of being blighted by fear before a ball is kicked. What do you think?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/jul/16/south-africa-2010-football-world-cup
In the interests of balance, here’s another article from the same newspaper. This one has a slightly different perspective. Personally, never having been to South Africa, I can’t say whether this contribution has more or less credibility than last week’s. However, I do know this tournament is in danger of being blighted by fear before a ball is kicked. What do you think?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/jul/16/south-africa-2010-football-world-cup
10/07/2009
World Cup doom-mongering kicks off
A recent Guardian article graphically highlighted the dangers awaiting fans in the urban warfare experience that is modern South Africa.
The journalist first quotes excerpts from official Foreign Office travel advice:
“In all areas of South Africa you should be cautious when out after dark.” “Vigilance” is demanded “at all times” in Durban.
On the subject of transport, the picture isn’t much better. A road heading towards Jo'burg is described by one source as “like snorkelling in a sewer filled with squid ink”.
Later, we read that an Austrian ex-footballer was shot dead in Durban during the draw for the qualifiers. Oh, and nearly 20% of the population has HIV.
Add all this up and the tournament should have been awarded to Egypt or Morocco instead. This is interesting, because the same Foreign Office the journalist quoted says “There is a high threat from terrorism in Egypt. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, such as hotels and restaurants.” Or football grounds.
As for Morocco, “You should be aware that there is a threat of kidnapping in the immediate and wider regions and particular care should be taken in remote regions and border areas. You should have confidence in your individual security arrangements and maintain a high level of vigilance.” Especially if you’re a foreigner heading to a football match.
I could go on. Anyway, here’s the article in full:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/jul/07/louise-taylor-south-africa-2010-world-cup?commentpage=1
The journalist first quotes excerpts from official Foreign Office travel advice:
“In all areas of South Africa you should be cautious when out after dark.” “Vigilance” is demanded “at all times” in Durban.
On the subject of transport, the picture isn’t much better. A road heading towards Jo'burg is described by one source as “like snorkelling in a sewer filled with squid ink”.
Later, we read that an Austrian ex-footballer was shot dead in Durban during the draw for the qualifiers. Oh, and nearly 20% of the population has HIV.
Add all this up and the tournament should have been awarded to Egypt or Morocco instead. This is interesting, because the same Foreign Office the journalist quoted says “There is a high threat from terrorism in Egypt. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, such as hotels and restaurants.” Or football grounds.
As for Morocco, “You should be aware that there is a threat of kidnapping in the immediate and wider regions and particular care should be taken in remote regions and border areas. You should have confidence in your individual security arrangements and maintain a high level of vigilance.” Especially if you’re a foreigner heading to a football match.
I could go on. Anyway, here’s the article in full:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/jul/07/louise-taylor-south-africa-2010-world-cup?commentpage=1
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