2010 World Cup - Ultimate Music Preview - Group C

Group C

Algeria: Taylor Hicks

Taylor who? Exactly. Taylor Hicks. Apparently he won American Idol a few years ago and then fell off the map. In a way, Algeria shouldn't even be in the tournament. It should be Egypt. Egypt beat Algeria in the African Cup of Nations final, but Algeria later shocked Egypt in the final World Cup qualifier. Egypt is the better team and should be in the Cup.

Taylor Hicks is like every other Idol winner that went on to sell 12 records and end up singing the National Anthem at WNBA and minor league baseball games. Surely there was a better singer in the competition, but for whatever reason, Taylor Hicks won. Will you remember Algeria in the World Cup? It's about as likely as you remembering Taylor Hicks by the end of the next paragraph.


England: Kanye West

Oh Kanye. What a guy. Few would argue that he is wildly talented. Some may justifiably argue that he is the most talented rapper in the world. The man is brilliant, but also pretty crazy. You never know what you are going to get with Kanye. You could brilliance like the albums Late Registration or Graduation with songs like "Jesus Walks" or "Stronger". Or you could get things like his most recent album: 808s & Heartbreak. Which was average at best. And this is just his music. Need we even mention his unpredictable behavior in public? Sure. Why not. Here. Here. And my favorite here (the 1:40 moment is just golden).

England is like Kanye. They are incredibly talented. They have a stacked team led by the fearless Wayne Rooney. He's a beast. Although not really a sexy beast. But he's a workhorse and has amazing ability. Couple that with a strong midfield and England could win it all. Unfortunately, England is also like Kanye in that they are wildly dramatic and unpredictable. They didn't even qualify for the most recent Euro Cup in 2008. In the World Cups they always seem to underperform and finish with mediocre results. Plus, there is always team drama. In past World Cups it was controversial red cards from Beckham and Rooney. This year, one of the players slept with another player's ex-girlfriend. It was a tabloid frenzy in England.

This summer Kanye is supposed to release another album. Just like England this summer, we know Kayne has the talent and the potential to come up with something brilliant. Will the album be Graduation brilliant or 808 mediocre? Will England be brilliant or fall apart like past cups? There's no way of really knowing. Just be sure to watch because no matter what happens, it's guaranteed to be entertaining.

Slovenia: Dead Weather

Slovenia is yet another country formed from the former Yugolsavia. Yugoslavia is essentially like Jack White with all of his many break off bands. Serbia, as noted, is the Jack White off all of the break off since they are essentially the talent base. Dead Weather is Jack White's latest project, but it's relatively unknown, at least compared to other projects. That doesn't mean its not good, just not receiving as much publicity.

Slovenia is the relatively unknown break off country. They qualified for the 2002 World Cup but lost all three of their round-robin games. They failed to qualify for 2006 and surprised almost everyone when they qualified for 2010 by beating Russia - a surprise omission this year. So they have talent. Again though, they are overshadowed in their group by the US and England. Those two teams are the heavy favorites as everyone expects them to advance out of the group. While that is likely, don't count out Slovenia. Remember they are a "Jack White" break off. You may not have given much attention to Dead Weather, but that doesn't mean it isn't quality. Slovenia plays the US on June 18. The US could be coming off a loss from England and will need a victory to stay alive. Don't sleep on Slovenia. If the US does, they could be Dead in the W(e)at(h)er.

USA: MGMT

It's a pretty simple comparison here. MGMT is one of the best bands of the past couple of years. Are they the greatest band around today? Probably not. Are they in the conversation for the greatest band of all time? Definitely not. But they are really good and talented and there are high hopes for them. Which is pretty much where you find the US right now. The US team is talented. More and more of their players are playing for some of the top clubs in Europe. Like MGMT they are a legit team and they should advance out of this group and maybe even win a game or two in the knock out rounds. But the US is still young and still at least 8-12 years (2-3 World Cups) from being a serious contender. We'll know in the next decade if MGMT is a legitimately talented group that has staying power. Which is probably about the earliest we'll actually see the US making a serious run in the World Cup. In the meantime, enjoy the good music. It's very entertaining, just not timeless yet.

A US National Team video to get you pumped

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2010 World Cup - Ultimate Music Preview - Group D

Group D

Australia: Phoenix

The Australian National Team is really very European. Like most competitive countries, they have a large contingent of players making a living in Europe. They were a joke in the world of international soccer until they imported European football by hiring a Dutch manager, Guus Hiddink. In 2006, he led the team into the second round, where they were knocked out by eventual champions, Italy. Phoenix, like the Australian team, has a European feel, probably due to the fact that they're a French band. Their sound has an electronic and indie air to it. We like their music and we like the Australian team, and, while we re more than content to listen to a few of their songs, we'd be hard pressed to label them as the next best thing. Australia has a few strong players in Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer. They play with a lot of heart, and despite still having a Dutch manager, we'll be very surprised if they get to the second round. Like Phoenix, they aren't the next big thing.

Germany: Coldplay

With Germany and Coldplay, you know what to expect. Germany is a great footballing nation that will probably make it to the quarterfinals or semifinals by simply stepping onto the pitch, playing teams to a draw, and then efficiently destroying their opponents in penalty shoot-outs. They have flashes of brilliance and an awesome history. Coldplay is the same in a lot of ways. We basically know we're going to get from Coldplay at this point. It's good music but it's not going to change the industry. Germany won the World Cup in 1954, 1974, and 1990 but hasn't won since reunification and definitely hasn't been able to keep pace with Italy and Brazil as far as winning major tournaments the past 10 years. Still they have a lot of talent and could easily advance deep into the World Cup. The story here is that they lost captain Michael Ballack for the tournament after a member of the Ghana national team made an ugly tackle at the end of the Premier League season. Everyone is waiting to see what happens to Kevin Prince-Boateng when Germany and Ghana play in the first round.

Big questions marks are still lingering over this team because they don't have a great striker. Miroslav Klose has been relegated to the bench at Bayern Munich with Mario Gomez. Lucas Podolski scored two goals this year. They have to hope that Bastien Schweinsteiger makes up the difference from midfield along with 13 year old German captain, Philip Lahm.  The lead up to this World Cup is reminiscent of lead up to Coldplay's release of Viva la Vida.  Fans were excited for the new album but no one was really sure what to expect.  Would they go for a harder sound?  Would they regain their form from years past?  The result was an album that was universally respected.  We expect a similar result for Germany in the World Cup.

Ghana: Poison

Ghana's best player, Michael Essien, is out of the World Cup. We'd use U2 due to Bono's injured back, but that's way too much of a compliment for Ghana. So, Poison, with Michael Essien playing the part of Bret Michaels, it is. Ghana is a good but not great footballing country. They have talent and have won the African Cup of Nations four times, the latest back in the 80s. Not much has happened with them lately though. We expect them to park the bus, but their chances of advancing out this group are about as good as Poison's chances of winning a Grammy next year. Slim to none.



Serbia: Jack White

When the White Stripes broke up, Jack White took most of the creative talent with him, just like Serbia took most of the footballing talent when Yugoslavia broke apart. Like Jack White, Serbia is legit. They're line up includes players from Chelsea, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and a host of German sides. They have a hard edge to them due to the presence of Nemanja Vidic and Branislav Ivanovic. Jack White's reputation proceeds him and when he finds the right combination of people around him, his work is brilliant. It remains to be seen whether or not Serbia has found the right mix. They were on the losing end of a 6-1 drubbing from Argentina back in 2006 but they also have a long history of getting to the second round.  They have matured as a team since the last World Cup and we expect them to advance to the knock out stages.

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2010 World Cup - Ultimate Music Preview - Group E

Group E

Netherlands: Radiohead

In the 1970s, the Netherlands was suddenly the only team that mattered. They created a style that departed from mainstream soccer in Total Football and changed the game. They were the greatest of their time and still produce many of the world's best players and the best football. If you aren't a soccer fan, watch them play and you'll be converted. They're the neurotic geniuses who changed the game forever, importing their style to the world. Despite all of their genius, they have only one Championship trophy with their name on it; the 1988 European Cup. How is it possible that they have never won the World Cup? It's all in their heads. They reached the final match in both 1974 and 1978, at their peak. They dominated the final against Germany in 1974 but lost the mind games. In Neurotic Orange, the author explains that after scoring the first goal, Netherlands wanted to embarass West Germany by passing the ball around and dominating possession. It became a game of skill instead of a game of goals. When West Germany, tied up the game, the Netherlands could not mentally recover.

Radiohead departed from mainstream rock and roll with OK Computer. The Bends was the next step in the evolution of grunge, but OK Computer was something totally new. They changed everything. OK Computer is described as "a spooky, atmospheric, intense and paranoid rumination on modern life—the kind of thing that would be insufferable if it didn't float along on a procession of gorgeous melodies" by Time magazine. When Radiohead went out to promote the album, critics raved and the fans loved it, but the band nearly fell apart in the process. Thom Yorke was nearly undone by that voice inside his head. Like the Netherlands losing to West Germany at their peak, Radiohead lost out to Bob Dylan for Album of the Year in 1998. Despite all that, they remain a force in music.

To football purists, the Netherlands always ranks as a favorite to watch. In this group, like Radiohead in music, they're the only team the matters.

The debut of Total Football:



No Surprises:



Cameroon: The Killers

In 1990, only their second World Cup appearance, Cameroon became the first African Team to reach the Quarterfinals of the World Cup. Since then, Cameroon has only missed one World Cup and looks pretty much the same from year to year. Like Cameroon, The Killers debut was fantastic. Since then, they've given us bunch of albums that sound the same and are basically forgettable. Sam's Town was over after the first round and Day & Age is best known for the song Human. We all want The Killers sound from the debut album but they either don't want to go back to that sound or can't find it. Everyone wants one of the African Nations to go deep into the knock-out rounds of this tournament. Cameroon has a lot of talent and everyone will be rooting for them but we're just not sure that they can get back to their best.



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Denmark: Boyz II Men

Why is Denmark the "Boyz II Men" of the World Cup? Because both peaked in 1992 and then disappeared after that. Despite the fact that both are still hanging around, no one takes them very seriously. Denmark played it's first international friendly back in 1906 but didn't qualify for the World Cup until 1986. They quickly peaked in 1992, when they won the European Championship and have kind of hung around ever since. They aren't the same team that they were in the 90s but have enough history and talent to potentially make some noise. We won't be too surprised if they make it to the second round due to their relatively easy group, but can't see them going anywhere after that.


Japan: Spice Girls

Trendy and below average, Japan and the Spice Girls have quite a bit in common. Both love David Beckham. Both showed up in the 1990s, Japan in 1998 and the Spice Girls in 1994. Nothing powerful is going to come from Japan's football team but they'll have a few fun moments this tournament. Japan's version of David Beckham is Shunsuke Nakamura, who played in Scotland for Celtic and was known for his set piece prowess. In the end, Japan is a pop team like the Spice Girls are a pop group.

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2010 World Cup - Ultimate Music Preview - Group F

Group F

Italy: Rolling Stones

Italy has the World Cup title. They’re the Champions from Germany 2006. Traditionally known as a defensive juggernaut, Italy finds ways to win and has staying power. They are second only to Brazil in the number of World Cup victories. Love them or hate them, you have to respect them. Their hard edge and staying power makes them the Rolling Stones of the soccer world. Mick Jagger and friends are pushing 70, yet still get up and put on a great show. Their music is timeless and other bands will continue to draw from their style long after they’re gone. Italy created the modern defense and despite their aging roster, they'll compete well.

In 1994, we were huge fans of Roberto Baggio and were pulling for him all the way through the bitter end. Our feelings changed quite a bit when Danielle De Rossi elbowed Brian McBride in the head in 2006. In 2002, Italy crashed out of the World Cup in the second round after some very questionable officiating that heavily favored the host nation, South Korean. Despite the fact that they are the Cup holders, this year could just as easily end up like 2002.

The undisputed star of the 2006 team was Fabio Cannavaro. He was team captain and a defensive juggernaut, making stop after stop and eventually raising the Cup. However, the good days are now behind him and we don’t have much confidence in a back line led by Cannavaro. It’s an old team with an incredible tradition. We don’t think they’ll win, but counting Italy out is a mistake. Like the Stones, they have staying power.

Paraguay : Los Fabulosos Cadillacs

Paraguay has qualified for the second round in seven of their eight World Cup appearances. Paraguay is under the radar, just like Los Fabulosos Cadillacs. Paraguay has foiled more than a few teams over the years and has a solid history in the World Cup. They will advance and could easily win this group. They’ll be overlooked by the casual fan but the diehard will know them. An Ecuadorian introduced us to Los Fabulosos Cadillacs back in 1997. Matador is great song and epitomizes Paraguay in this Cup. A ska song with a rock edge fits the gritty Paraguayan team that many won’t take seriously but in the end they’ll make some noise.



New Zealand : Flight of the Conchords


Is Flight of the Conchords a real band? Is the New Zealand National Soccer team a real soccer team? It's not clear. New Zealand is from the weak Oceania qualifying group and slipped into the World Cup by defeating Bahrain in a one game playoff. The Kiwis are loveable losers in soccer. The biggest headline heading coming out of the New Zealand camp during the run up to the World Cup is that their captain, Ryan Nelson, hopes that England wins the World Cup this year. This is the team that is ‘just happy to be here.’ They’re kind of the polar opposite of the All Blacks Rugby team, a point not lost on the New Zealanders, in fact they nicknamed their soccer team the All Whites. I expect to laugh when watching Flight of the Conchords and we think we’ll get a chuckle out of New Zealand as well.

Slovakia: Pras

Remember when it was Czechoslovakia? For those of you not keeping up with the rise and fall of Communism, Czechoslovakia is now two nations: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech Republic has a solid record. Slovakia? Not so much. If Czechoslovakia is The Fugees, then The Czech Republic is Wyclef and Slovakia is Pras. After the break up of the Fugees, Wyclef went on and released the Carnival album and had huge success. Although subsequent albums haven't been as successful, he has definitely had additional hits. But the other two? Well, Lauryn Hill went on and had huge success with her album, whereas Pras was really just a one hit wonder with "Ghetto Superstar." It's hard to know if Slovakia will be a Lauryn Hill or a Pras. We are betting on Pras. Don’t expect much from Slovakia this World Cup. They made the tournament by taking down the Ukraine in a one game play-off and will make a first round exit. Just like Pras.

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2010 World Cup - Ultimate Music Preview - Group G

Group G

Brazil: The Beatles

No matter who you are or what type of music you like, you can't have a discussion about the greatest band of all time and not mention the Beatles. The Beatles rattled off one amazing album after another. St. Peppers is considered the greatest album of all time. They are practically unparalleled in their musical genius. Unless you have some harbored anger against the Beatles or you are discussing the greatest bands of all time that don't have drummers named Ringo, you'll likely and justifiably conclude that the Beatles are the greatest ever. It may be boring at this point because you have heard it so much, but it's just true.

In the same vein, if you are discussing the greatest soccer country of all time, you have to answer Brazil. It may be boring because it's so predictable, but it's true. Someone might argue that Italy is the greatest like someone might argue that the Stones are better than the Beatles. You can raise the argument, but you'll ultimately lose. Take the emotions out of it and there is no other conclusion to make. They have won the World Cup 5 times - more than any other country. The 1970 Brazil team is considered the greatest team of all time (they are the team in the blog header). Brazil has never really had a down year. They have never not qualified for the World Cup. If they don't win it all, it's a disappointment. That is the high standard they have set. Fortunately for everyone, Brazil loves to attack and is very exciting to watch. You'll never see them sit back and play defense. Bottom line though: just like the Beatles in the rock world, Brazil rules the soccer world.

Ivory Coast: Outkast

Speaking of exciting soccer. Ivory Coast brings it like Bombs over Baghdad brings the beat before you can even finish saying "Yeah." Really though, who doesn't like Outkast? They are extremely creative and wildly entertaining. They are very talented and they are always in your face with all of their music. But it's so good that you can't get enough of it. Bombs over Baghdad was Rolling Stone's song of the decade for the 2000s. Which is surprising at first, but then when you think about it more, you realize that it really is an amazing song from one of the greatest rap/hip hop groups of all time.

Ivory Coast has a similar high energy. They are an attacking team and very exciting. Unfortunately, all of their talent resides in their offense. Shut down their offense, and you don't have much left. Sadly, that offense was severely handicapped this last week when Didier Drogba went down with an injury. Drogba is easily one of the best strikers in the world. He's really good. It's a devastating blow. It's like Outkast losing Andre 3000. Sure Big Boi is still pretty good on his own, but he's not winning awards like Outkast. With Drogba, Ivory Coast was easily the best African team in the Cup and had a strong chance of advancing out of this group with Brazil. They still have an explosive offense with players like Yaya Toure and Salomon Kalou. But without Drogba, it's not nearly as strong and impossible to know how they will do. We know Portugal is breathing easier now.

North Korea: The Long Beach dub AllStars

If South Korea is Sublime, then North Korea is the Long Beach dub Allstars. Sublime was a great band but few probably know that the surviving members of Sublime formed the "LBDA" after Sublime's lead singer Bradley Nowell died. Few probably know that because the LBDA were terrible and everyone's life is better off not knowing the LBDA. Sort of like North Korea.

For purposes of this post North Korea are the LBDA because they are closely linked with South Korea who is Sublime. In reality though, North Korea could be any terrible band. They have no recognizable players. All but two of their national team players play for North Korean club teams. Probably because they aren't good enough to play for better clubs; and probably because they are afraid they'll get shot if they leave their country and play elsewhere. Bottom line is that North Korea doesn't stand a chance in any group, but especially not in this group. The World Cup doesn't have a mercy rule, but they might institute one before Brazil plays North Korea.

Portugal: Britney Spears

Ten or so years ago, few artists were bigger than Britney Spears in the music world. She was coming off a huge debut album, dating Justin Timberlake, and the fantasy all of all males ages 12 - Bob Dole. Then, K-Fed happened and she turned into a drama queen and a train wreck. Yet somehow, she still remains relevant in the music scene. She may not have reached her complete potential and may have had some major bumps along the way, but she still sold records and even just completed her Circus tour which was a worldwide sellout. She's not what she could have been, but she's not irrelevant yet by any means.

Ten years ago, few teams were hotter than Portugal. They had a strong youth system which had produced a lot of stars who were finally coming of age and were making their first appearances with the National Team. However, they have done anything but live up to the hype and expectations. In 2002, the first World Cup with the elevated expectations, they didn't even make it out of the group stage. They did much better in 2006, but still came up short. Now, although they still have loads of talent, they have been struggling to find the chemistry as a team. That could be for many reasons, but one could be because they have Cristiano Ronaldo. Remember that name. Like Britney, he's a drama queen diva. He also is one of the top 3 players in the world. Incredibly talented, and an incredible hot head.

So there is no real way to know what to expect from Portugal this summer. With the Drogba injury to Ivory Coast, Portugal will likely advance out of the group, but it's not guarantee. Portugal has plenty of talent to make a run in the World Cup but it's probably too late to find the chemistry they need. Although you never know. Most people would have considered Britney a complete thing of the past, but she proved that you can't quite count her out yet. I wouldn't do that with any team that has C. Ronaldo.

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2010 World Cup - Ultimate Music Preview - Group H

Group H

Honduras: Steppenwolf

The first band in our classic rock group. Steppenwolf wasn't exactly one of the legendary bands, more just a band with a few hits here and there. Honduras is the same. This is only the second time Honduras has qualified for the World Cup. The last time they qualified was in 1982 where they were eliminated in the first round. It's probably safe to bet that they will have the same fate in South Africa.

Chile: Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne has been all over the map. He had huge success with Black Sabbath back in the day. He later had some solo success as well. Then he was sort of fading until he became a reality TV sensation. Granted, that's not music related, but it did put him in the spotlight again. Chile has been the same way. They had huge success way back in the day when they finished third in the 1952 1962 World Cup. They haven't really had success even close to that and they seem to bounce back and forth between qualifying for the World Cup and missing it altogether.

Like Ozzy, it's hard to really know what you are going to get from Chile. They benefit from being in a weak group - apart from Spain. They definitely have the talent level to beat Switzerland and Honduras. I wouldn't bet on Chile having Black Sabbath success, but it wouldn't be surprising to see them have limited success and make it out of this group.




Switzerland: Deep Purple

Deep Purple has had more break ups and changes than Lindsey Lohan. The band was constantly breaking up and for awhile they weren't even together. Similarly, Switzerland has been up and down as a national team. Granted, they haven't ever broken up as a country, but they haven't had consistent soccer success. They had early success, but then spent many years where they didn't even qualify for the World Cup. They had decent success in the 2006 Cup and have now qualified again here in 2010. But they had a very easy qualifying group and they haven't really been tested yet. They are fortunate again because this group-apart from Spain-is somewhat weak. Believe it or not, Deep Purple is somehow on a revival and still touring. It's entirely possible that Switzerland's 2006 revival could still be going into 2010 and that they will advance out of this group.

Spain: Led Zeppelin

What can you really say about Led Zeppelin? If someone said they were the greatest band of all time you would either agree, or have a hard time disagreeing. You would have to at least acknowledge that they were one of the greatest of all time, and probably the greatest classic rock or hard rock band of all time. They have an endless list of great albums and songs.

Spain is like Zeppelin for a few reasons. First of all, they are the juggernaut in their group. You can't even really compare Spain to these other teams like you can't compare Zeppelin to the other bands. Sure some of the bands might have been Zeppelin's contemporary, but Zeppelin was head and shoulders above the other bands.

The main reason Spain is like Zeppelin is because they are loaded with talent and there is no weak spot on the team. If Zeppelin had a weak spot, it was probably with John Paul Jones on bass. And it wasn't so much that he was weak as much as the other players were so amazing and strong. Spain's squad is stacked. Here's a list of some of their midfielders: Iniesta, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, David Silva, Cesc Fabregas, Pedro. Those names may or may not mean something to you, but at least one of those will have to sit the bench. Which is ridiculous. It's like Zeppelin having Slash as a back up guitarist. Any other band would kill to have Slash, but Zeppelin had a better guitarist and just didn't need him.

Anyways, we are getting carried away a bit with Spain. But they are definitely a team to watch. Their national team won the Euro 2008 and other than a loss to the US in the Confederations Cup last summer, they have been flawless. They are one of the, if not the heavy favorite heading into the tournament. They have the team chemistry and all the talent. They have the potential to be legendary like Zeppelin and win it all. But is Zeppelin really the greatest band of all time? We'll soon find out.


In case you want to let the Led out:



Viva Espana

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2010 World Cup - Ultimate Music Preview

Group A
France - Green Day
Mexico - Phish
South Africa - Janet Jackson
Uruguay - Beck


Group B

Argentina - Nirvana
Greece - Daniel Powter
Nigeria - Sufjan Stevens
South Korea - Sublime


Group C

Algeria - Taylor Hicks
England - Kayne West
Slovenia - Dead Weather
United States - MGMT


Group D

Australia - Phoenix
Germany - Coldplay
Ghana - Poison
Serbia - Jack White

Group E

Cameroon - The Killers
Denmark - Scorpion
Japan - Spice Girls
Netherlands - Radiohead

Group F

Italy - Rolling Stones
New Zealand - Flight of the Conchords
Paraguay - Los Fabulosos Cadillacs
Slovakia - Pras

Group G

Brazil - Beatles
Ivory Coast - Outkast
North Korea - Long Beach dub Allstars
Portugal - Britney Spears

Group H

Chile - Ozzy Osbourne
Honduras - Steppenwolf
Spain - Led Zeppelin
Switzerland - Deep Purple

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World Cup Prediction - Infographic showing us what we already know...Brazil Rules

There is a great visualization from Section Design, of which country will win the 2010 World Cup this year in South Africa based on a mathematical formula.  See it here.

The variables for the prediction are Population, GDP per capita, and how much experience a country has in international football. Combine it all together and the winner is? Brazil.

It's all very Soccernomics.

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