Archive: Togo
Togo Party
From Jason La Canfora: It would not be a World Cup without some absurdity, and it's come from Togo. The country in crisis, which opens against South Korea on Tuesday, has lost yet another coach. It's a tough gig, kind of like being the drummer in Spinal Tap. German manager Otto Pfister resigned Saturday, telling FIFAworldcup.com that he did so because promises made to his players regarding their World Cup compensation were not met. Pfister had barely kept the seat warm, taking over when Stephen Keshl was axed in February. All Keshl did was lead the nation to its first World Cup qualification. A poor showing in the African Cup of Nations doomed Keshl. Could be this is just grandstanding from Pfister, and perhaps payment to his players will right everything, but the timing is sure tough. Some French papers were reporting the players wanted upwards of $100,000 Euros each...
By Jason La Canfora | June 10, 2006; 08:01 AM ET | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
Who Do You Like in Group G?
Well, I like the team with the best defensive midfielders. But before we go there, your study guides: - Steve Goff's group analysis (written the day of the draw) - The Post's team profiles (also written way back in December) - BBC.com team guides: - France - South Korea - Switzerland - Togo My prediction: Nothing was quite like being in Paris the night France won the '98 World Cup (I was also there the night they won Euro '84, btw; did not attend either game, tho). I have a soft spot for Les Bleus. But I think they are old and vulnerable. I say the young, talented Swiss team knocks them off in a shocker in the opener. Perhaps on a gaffe by Barthez. France is not vulnerable enough to finish behind South Korea or Togo, however. They'll take second. Using BBC.com's predictor I can see South Korea going...
By Jon DeNunzio | May 26, 2006; 08:00 AM ET | Comments (26) | TrackBack (0)
I'm Still Here
Sorry about the lack of posts today ... my "other" job is killing me! So, to make up for it, three links and discussion questions: 1. How much can Bobby Convey contribute to the U.S. team? What's his role this summer? 2. What was your favorite World Cup goal celebration? 3. Togo's ready for the tournament. Are you?...
By Jon DeNunzio | May 16, 2006; 05:26 PM ET | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)
Who **IS** Playing Defensive Midfield for Togo?
If you have seen the "key" (newspaper speak for an item urging you to go look at other newspaper-produced items) we run for the blog in the dead-tree Post, you know we promise, sort of tongue in cheek, to tell you "who will play defensive midfield for Togo." Truth is, I dont know. If you do, feel free to speak up. Meantime, I'll keep looking. Maybe it's this guy. More Togo news: they'll be the first team to arrive in Germany. I think they're going for the kolsch....
By Jon DeNunzio | May 9, 2006; 12:15 PM ET | Comments (23) | TrackBack (0)
