“We wanted to nullify Ecuador and win the game, and we achieved all three.”
This is the logical and philosophically unrestrained wisdom we can now look forward to for the next 4 years. With one brief wordy punch, Steven has probably banished all criticisms of his appointment - the pack of journalists assembled before him simultaneously […]

So, two games into the World Cup and nobody in Nippon is in the least bit surprised at the situation the poor wee men find themselves in. Moribund finishing, a lack of power in the midfield and complete transparency in the pass have all added to serve up a dish best eaten with the now […]

This is the final instalment of Jimu’s predictions for Germany 2006. To read how the following teams made it this far, please click here.
Third place play-off
England v Czech Republic
The result cannot be confirmed as nobody watches the game; not even the managers of the sides involved.
THE FINAL
Argentina v Italy 2-3
First-half: In what will be described […]

When I spent eight days inside Machida Police Station, Tokyo, I predicted every match - with one of my cellmate’s World Cup books as the only guide (which was in Japanese and impossible to read.) So here is the third instalment of Jimu’s predictions for Germany 2006. To read Parts 1 & 2 click here. […]

Reet. When I had 8 days inside in Machida Station, Tokyo, Japan, I spent my time wisely and could think of no other thing than World Cup Hippo and the tournament that the site gets its beef from. So, what I did was predict every match using one of my cellmate’s World Cup books as […]

It has been confirmed that I will attend my first Kawasaki Frontale match in association with World Cup Hippo (though not in charitable donational partnership) next Sunday on the 7th May 2006. After this match I will be giving a full update on the soccer-related moods and fears marinating Japan as we speak from the […]

As we are gloriously aware, the actual sport at the World Cup is merely a sideshow to the myriad sensationalist, gymnastic, comedic, tear-jerking, creative and thought-provoking circuses that surround and envelope it. One of my favourite elements is the musical montage, a technique that will be sadly lacking in any post-live-reminiscipackages here in Japan, clearly […]

Todoroki Athletic Stadium Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture Todoroki Stadium is a very cozy, fan-friendly facility. Though it is an older stadium, and has a running track, Todoroki has a tremendous amount of character. From the beveled roof that rings two thirds of the ground to the deep banks of seats in both end zones, it […]

Name: Jimu Sama
Location: Japan, but not in the hub of things in central Tokyo, more in the heart of the people’s industrial centre Kawasaki, home of the frighteningly mediocre Frontale of the frighteningly mediocre J-League.
Position: Juan-Carlos Valeron-esque flair support for pacy strike pairing, eye-of-a-needle sliderule ability
Instruction: Hippo’s Far Eastern correspondent. Assigned to the tricky region […]