How the Ultimate World Cup 2010 Spreadsheet Came to Be

In 2006 I stumbled across an incredible spreadsheet just before the World Cup in Germany. It was attractive, slick, and very easy to use. Tracking the progress of teams through the World Cup became a lot more enjoyable, no even riveting.

Fast forward four years... along comes World Cup 2010 in South Africa. I contacted the original author of the Ultimate Couch Potato World Cup 2006 Spreadsheet to see if he was going to do an update. The answer was "No, it takes much to much time, but you can take it over if you wish." Well, to make a long story short, I took over the project, but in the course of asking questions about functionality the original author became involved again! Yay! After 3 weeks we had it finished, albeit still a bit rough.

Unfortunately we also had to redo the website completely (in terms of visual effect, not content), and then find ways to publicize it.

What makes this spreadsheet unique among World Cup spreadsheets? Well, it is really the only one in its niche. This Excel Spreadsheet has 7 pages and is 1.8 megabytes. Smaller spreadsheets exist, but they are only one page, looking cramped and gaudy. Then there are a couple of well known larger ones 8 to 12 megabytes. These have another problem - they are overkill. There is so much extraneous information that one can page through that one looses sight of the goal (almost literally!). They also have not learned anything about user-friendliness and visual appeal. I find using these irksome and annoying. Finally, the spreadsheet that we created uses only formulas. It has no macros or VBA programming, so there is no chance of getting a virus from it.

One of the labour intensive features is a set of unique comments for each match. There are 7 basic comments - for when team A beats team B by 1,2,or 3+ goals, when they tie, and when B beats A by 1, 2 or 3+ goals. Seven times 48 games is 336 comments. However, things are a lot more complicated then they seem. Virtually every comment has additional options in it - depending whether the tie is 0-0 (no goals scored) or 1-1 (where some goals are scored). We also take into consideration when teams are eliminated and who they have to play next in their group. This makes over 1000 permutations for the group stage comment section. Whew!

Will this spreadsheet be continued in for the 2014 world cup? We'll have to wait and see. We may need more help with doing this.

South Africa World Cup Prediction of Games - Sunday 27 June Afternoon Game - Germany Vs USA

The Winner of Group D will take on the Runner up of Group C.

Group C contains England, USA, Algeria and Slovenia. I predict that England will top the group, and in second place it will be the USA.

Group D contains Germany, Australia, Serbia and Ghana. I predict that Germany will come in first and Australia will be second.

The afternoon game at 15:00 will see Germany play USA. What a games this will prove to be. Germany winner of the world cup three times in 1954, 1974 and 1990. They will certainly look to impress this time round after performing so well in the 2006 World cup in Germany. Michael Ballack, the German captain will have to be in outstanding form for Germany to achieve any success like in 2006. Having a near 1 in 2 goal per game ratio he is certainly one of the best attacking midfielder on show at this years world cup. Landon Donovan is USA star player.

Having a recent successful spell in the English Premiership he will be looking to take that form in to the world cup finals. This will be a tight game, I can see one goal in it. The USA have long since improved since the early days of soccer as they call it in 1994. Soccer is a huge under 10 sport amongst boys and girls and is played by millions. In the next 10 years I am sure that the USA will reach a world cup final. This is probably a tournament too soon, look out for them in 2014 in South America! I predict Germany to win in 90 minutes by 1-0.

Spanish Famous Soccer Players

Soccer is the most popular sport in Spain. The Spain soccer team is a superior team and has produced the famous Spanish soccer players for years. As a national team, Spain was not able to achieve any success in FIFA world cup except the 1998 world cup. The team reached the quarterfinal stage by winning eight matches. This was only the best impressive performance in FIFA games where they lost to France. Spain participated in eleven world cups and it was ranked number four in 1950.

Though superior, the world cup squad never gave good results. The famous Spanish soccer players are Luis Suarez, Raul Gonzalez Blanco, Kubala, Alfredo Di Stefano, and the goalkeeper Zamora. Also, Michel, Santillana, and Butragueno are the rising stars of Spanish national team. Most interestingly, the world famous Spanish clubs such as Real Madrid and Barcelona have provided Spanish soccer with best world famous players. The Spanish clubs are more popular around the world and let us have a look at few big names.

Raul Gonzalez Blanco was born in Madrid, Spain on June 27, 1977. On the club level, Raul as a member of Real Madrid is the most impressive soccer player who was responsible for the victory in Champions League in 1998. Again, in 2002, he was the leading player who allowed Real Madrid to win the Champions league. He was a real hero in the whole tournament and scored the famous two goals that turned the whole situation of the game.

The famous Spanish soccer players include names of world famous goalkeepers. Ricardo Zamora was named as the best goalkeeper in 1958. The place of Zamora has remained unchallenged and not a single goalkeeper in Spain is able to reach his height. He is the greatest goalkeeper produced by Spain and played with the national team for more than 46 occasions. Also, he played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Spain has managed to provide steady goalkeepers like Luis Arconada and Andoni Zubizarreta. Edson Arantes Do Nascimento also nicked as Pele, is regarded as one of the famous Spanish soccer players of all time.

Most of the star players from around the world are involved in the famous Spanish soccer players list. The players signed by Real Madrid include big names such as Roberto Carlos, David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, Robinho, and so on. To add on the world famous Barcelona soccer club granted Spanish nationality to Brazilian world famous player Ronaldinho and Mexican player Giovani.

The world cup winning captain of Argentina, Diego Maradona is related to world famous Spanish club Barcelona. The other famous players related to Barcelona club are Marcelo Trobbiani, Alberto Acosta, Marcelo Saralegui, Nicolas Hernandez, etc. Barcelona club from Spain is considered to be one of the top 10 clubs in the world.

Though the Spain soccer national team is not successful on international level, the Spanish soccer has got great respect on world sports platform. The Spanish soccer has great future and the list of famous Spanish soccer players is definitely going to rise in coming years.

Romantic Date Ideas - Top 5 Romantic Restaurants in Washington DC

Washington DC is a great place to date. With the beautiful monuments, interesting neighborhoods and a wealth of restaurants, the city offers a romantic setting for any budding romance.

The top 5 Romantic Date Ideas for dining out in Washington DC:

Dine at 1789. This dining experience will delight you and your date with their classic elegance, quiet atmosphere and intimate seating. Located in Georgetown at 1226 36th Street NW, Washington, DC, they are perfectly situated for you to take a walk around Georgetown University's castle-like setting and beautiful grounds. Be sure to try the Emerald Farm Pork Chop Entrée.

Dine at Al Tiramisu. This charming restaurant provides warm greetings and a comfortable setting to rid any first date jitters. Take a stroll around the unique shops or the vibrant night life around near by DuPont Circle; they are located at 2014 P Street NW, Washington DC. Be sure to try the gnocchi.

Dine at Citronelle. Located within the Latham Hotel in Georgetown, this gem will set the stage for a truly unforgettable night! Their inspiring cuisine and décor will stir your senses and serve as the ultimate aphrodisiac. This is my top choice for a romantic date. Ideas for continuing the date include strolling Georgetown's Water Front or the window shopping on M Street. Be sure to try one of their memorable multiple-course tasting options - include the Squab Entrée and finish with the crème brulee!

Dine at Marcel's. Located at 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington Dc, this is the perfect restaurant to go to before enjoying a Kennedy Center performance. Marcel's features soft lighting and a romantic atmosphere are just the thing to set the mood for a special night. They offer French-Belgian cuisine and nightly entertainment for that extra dose of romance. Be sure to try Alaskan Halibut or the Salmon Entrées.

Dine at Tabard Inn. Perfect for a brunch date, it is romantic and charming and located at 1739 N Street NW, Washington DC. With it's proximity to the White House and National Monuments, enjoy as you visit these sites after dinner or brunch. Be sure to make reservations at this city hot-spot. Don't miss their Seafood Gumbo or the Pumpkin French toast.

Try one of these romantic date ideas and you will WOW your date with your taste of the city's best bets! Don't let the dining experience do all the work; remember to be courteous and attentive to your date while enjoying you night out on the town!

Interesting and romantic date ideas are a sure-fire way to make any night memorable.

FIFA World Cup Lead Up: Maradona Allows Wives, Girl Friends

According to Argentine team doctor Donato Villani, sex forms part of everyone's social life and in itself is not a problem. The good doctor spoke these words in defence of Maradona's decision to allow girl friends and wives to accompany the Argentine players to the World Cup.

However, the doctor clarified that it had to be with a stable partner, and that the players should avoid "additives" like champagne or Viagra.

Brazil President Lula Da Silva was critical of the lax atmosphere in the Argentine camp, noting that Maradona was allowing his players access to their wives and girl friends.Lula went on record as saying that he wanted to see the Argentines arrive staggering and exhausted to their games.

In news about England's team preparations ahead of the event in South Africa, Joe Cole expects to feature in England's opening match against the United States.

Cole, 28, recently came back in a friendly against Japan, from a knee injury that kept him out of the game for nearly two years.

The Chelsea midfielder is yet to get a regular place in the club side. Following his come back. Cole never considered his injury as career threatening, though he did not expect to recover in time for the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Portugal's prospects have suffered a blow;Nani is out of the World Cup following a collar bone injury suffered in training in Lisbon.

Nani, 23, played brilliantly for Manchester United in the 2009/10 season, and was a likely star for Portugal in this year's World Cup. Benfica midfielder Ruben Amorim will replace Nani in the Portugal squad.

Ivory Coast are arguably the strongest African contingent at the forthcoming event in South Africa. But their performance could suffer in the absence of their star striker Didier Drogba.

Drogba is undergoing surgery at the Lindenhof hospital in Berne, and everyone is hopeful of his speedy recovery, after an injury resulting from a collision with Japan's Tanaka, in a match in Sion, Switzerland.

African Player of the Year, Drogba helped Chelsea to the Premier League and FA Cup Double with his 37 goals, last season.

Ivory Coast's showing in the world Cup is completely dependent on Drogba's recovery. Ivory Coast is in the 'group of death' with Brazil, Portugal and North Korea. Ivory Coast is the strongest of the five African teams at the World Cup, and quite capable of causing an upset in group G.

In news relating to another African team's lead up to the Cup, Ghana right-back John Pantsil is optimistic of his team entering the World Cup semi-final. Pantsil who plays for Fulham in the EPL feels an Arican team could become the champion, this year.

Ghana had a brilliant run at the last edition, in 2006, where they beat the USA and Czech Republic, to enter the knock-out round, where they lost to Brazil.

The Black Stars are in Group D a tricky group that has Germany, Australia and Serbia. Ghana will take on Serbia, in their first game, on 13 June in Pretoria.

FIFA 2010 World Cup Booms South Africa

FIFA World Cup has long been the most famous event in the sports history. Every sport enthusiast is fond of this sports occasion. Many people travel to foreign lands in order to watch FIFA matches which are hosted by magnificent stadiums and exquisite cities. This year, South Africa is hosting FIFA 2010 World Cup for the very first time; many travelers who booked their flights to South Africa are having fun joining the large spectators at world cup. The first exhilarating football match was played on 11th June and the FIFA 2010 World Cup will continue the rule the country's grand stadiums till 11th of July 2010.

South Africans has proved to the world that they can host and manage this grand sports event with great passion and eagerness. The world was impressed by seeing the exuberant opening of the FIFA Cup 2010 in Johannesburg. The music concerts, parades and all the booming vibrancy were indeed spine tingling for more than thousands of spectators as well as viewers who were watching it on the television.

For the FIFA World Cup, ten venues have been sighted in nine cities of South Africa. This marvelous football tournament is exciting, as more than thirty-two national FIFA teams from all parts of the world have participated. For many tourists and travelers, as well as vacationers, South African government has launch great accommodation deals, which will facilitate them with great reception and quality. Vacationers have been having great time in South Africa during their vacation. Many have traveled from United Kingdom and United States exclusively for this mega event and with a touch of South African natural wonderments, their having a marvelous time in the country.

As this grand event is being hosted by the country for the first time, there is a lot being talked about the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Before the tournament kicked off, people were having many doubts regarding FIFA Cup in South Africa. However, the country and its lively natives managed to make this world cup a worth remembering event for every singly viewer. Five of the African nations were nominated for the hosting of FIFA 2010 Cup, these included Libya, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. Having more votes and favors, South Africa won the bidding with 14 votes and became the host of this exquisite sport event. Following are the venues, which comprise great-enhanced stadiums, which have an ability to capacitate up to 60,000 people, and were chosen for the hosting of World Cup:

Johannesburg
Cape Town
Pretoria
Durban
Johannesburg
Polokwane
Rustenburg
Port Elizabeth
Nelspruit
Bloemfontein.

South Africa is rich with grand stadiums and when it comes to sports events, Africans are truly devoted. The country recently built five great stadiums and more than 70,000 workers were hired for the constructions and renovations of the South African major stadiums.

Messi Becomes Barca's Highest Paid Player

Barca's president, Joan Laporta, was thrilled to make the deal official, "Leo should be the highest paid player in the squad. He deserves it. He's the best player in the world and one of the best in football history. He's content and that's why he's playing the way he is". Leo joined Barca as a youth team player back in 2001 during which he won a host of trophies. He also played a leading role in the club's recent unprecedented title treble - the Primera Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League. Scoring 38 goals in the three competitions, and helping with 16 assists, Messi is now a popular choice to succeed Cristiano Ronaldo as FIFA World Player of the Year this December.

The striker's contract with Barca was to expire in 2014, but he signed a new one that keeps him with the club until 2016, which will probably be the best years in his career. Ending all speculation, Leo claimed, "I want to spend all my career here, in Barcelona, if it's possible. I would love to finish at Barcelona. This contract is a result of everything that happened last year and of what I have done since coming into the first team. I am simply one more person in this spectacular group of players, where there is a team that is very nice, very united and in which I am simply part of continuing to win things". According to the new deal, Messi's release clause increases from 150million Euros to 250million Euros.

Laporta declared, "This is the best news Barca can receive today. It is important to have a player with his human qualities and his football ability. This deal recognizes all that he gives to Barcelona. It is impossible to imagine the team without a player like Messi. We expect Leo to retire here with Barca." This announcement was expected for some time now and coach Pep Guardiola joined in to express his delight, "It's an immense piece of news for the club and for the player that Messi is renewing his contract, as it also was when Victor Valdes and Xavi did so. People go to football to see the best and that's what they are. It's a privilege for Barca to have some of the best footballers like Messi."

Next on the club president's list is captain Carles Puyol, whose services he also hopes to retain at Camp Nou. There have been rumors that the captain is not too happy ever since Barca acquired Ukrainian defender, Dmytro Chygrynskiy. Laporta asserted, "I am convinced that Puyol is keen to end his career at Barca. But I also understand that a player of his age examines the possibility of having an experience outside of Spain." Let's see how the cookie crumbles over the next couple of months.