Ah---, England

I always cheer for the England team. This time, England is in the most terrible "Death Group."

The FIFA Ranking of England is 11th, but there are no less than two teams of which ranking is above in the group. Uruguay is 7th and Italy is 9th. What a terrible group!!

England's first game was versus Italy, and Italy defeated England 2-1. Ah-----.

However, Costa Rica (the ranking is 28th) defeated Uruguay 3-1.
Surprising ending!

There is still hope left for England.


And, my favorite player, Frank Lampard didn't participate in the game. It was a shame.
I hope I can see him play in the next game, and England wins.

What happened to Spain?!

Spain and Netherlands, they faced each other in the final at the previous World Cup in South Africa, faced again in the first round.

Surprisingly, 1-5!! Spain lost no less than 5!!!!!


Regarding another game of Group B, Chile defeated Australia 3-1.
I heard that Chile is actually strong enough to aim for championship. Unfortunately it is in the same group with Spain and Netherlands. But Chile might move to the second place instead of Spain?!

The 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil has started.

It finally began.
Some problems have been pointed, such as the delay in preparation/construction and the lack of public safety.
In fact, some constructions have not been completed yet and many Japanese tourists have already gotten involved in incidents in Brazil.
The delay in the 2016 Rio Olympics preparation has already been considered as a big problem.
But anyway, it has started.

Surprisingly, I heard that EVERY day when Brazil's game is held would be holiday in Brazil. Not only shops but companies and schools are all closed.
Only the Soccer Nation could do that!



The opening game was Brazil vs. Croatia.
Brazil won normally. 3-1.
The Man of Match is Neymar as expected. He scored two goals. I wonder if it is the first step for him toward the Golden Boot or Golden Foot, or both?

By the way,Japanese acted the referees for the opening game. Although there are some disputes, it was an honor for Japanese people.

The chief referee, Yuichi Nishimura

Terrible assignment - Yasushi Akimoto

It's been a while since I posted the last article.

During that, there are several affairs about the Tokyo Olympics.

17th March
Fujio Mitarai, who is a chairman of CANON, was appointed Honorary President of Tokyo 2020.

At the same time, many people were added to the Executive Board, including Yasushi Akimoto.
Boooooooo------------!!!!!!!!!!

I booed when Former Prime Minister, Mori was assigned to the head of the committee.
http://mytokyoolympics.blogspot.jp/2014/02/the-organizing-committee-was-launced.html

But I boo much more this time!!!

His appointment has been criticized much. In fact, signature-collecting campaigns against his appointment have been conducted.

Terrible. Really terrible!

Olympic events have started.

Although the opening ceremony will be held tomorrow, some events have started.

First, snowboarding slope style. And now skiing freestyle mogul - women is going.
Soon figure skating - team event will e held soon.

Finally the Sochi Olympics has started!

I'm very looking forward to watching the opening ceremony!!

The Sochi Olympics will start soon!

The Sochi Olympics will start in a week!

The athletes we Japanese expect to get a medal are;

Most of all, a ski jumper, Sara Takanashi.

She has shown outstanding performances in the World Cup.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sara_Takanashi

She is still 17 years old.
When she stands on podiums, she looks as if she was an elementary school student?!

We also expect figure skaters to get a medal.
Especially, Mao Asada and Yuzuru Hanyu can get a gold medal.

Personally, I hope Noriaki Kasai wins a gold medal.
He is a 41 year-old ski jumper. He is a great jumper but he never has win a gold medal. Actually he almost secured a gold medal in the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics, but one of the other team members failed his jump terribly, and they ended up silver medals.
Since then, Kasai has stuck to win a gold medal. I think that's why he doesn't retire even though he is 41 years old.

The Organizing Committee was launced.

The Organizing Committee was set up on 24th January.

Former Prime Minister, Mori was assigned to the head of the committee.
Boo--------!!!!!