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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: Pressure has spoiled World Cup 2010
Fear of failure has inhibited top players...
9 Jul 2010 12:36:00
By Zack Wilson
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that a massive fear of failure served to inhibit many teams in the second phase of the World Cup.
The Gunners' boss feels that the massive pressure felt by many sides only served to make them more cautious rather than inspiring them into trying to be positive.
"I think that the standard of the football has been up and down," he reflected in an interview with Arsenal's official website.
"Before the direct knockout stages we had some interesting games. Unfortunately when we got to the knockout stages many of the games were average for a long period.
"Teams were under pressure. They seemed to have the handbrake on if the first goal did not go in quickly."
Wenger has been impressed with the first tournament to be held in Africa, though he was disappointed that Ghana did not manage to progress beyond the quarter-finals and give the host continent something to cheer.
"In terms of organisation it is great success for South Africa," he said. "That is a fantastic [plus]. I am very, very happy about that. And the stadiums have been absolutely magnificent.
"But it was a shame for Africa when Ghana did not make the semi-finals. It would have been a firework for Africa."
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The Gunners' boss feels that the massive pressure felt by many sides only served to make them more cautious rather than inspiring them into trying to be positive.
"I think that the standard of the football has been up and down," he reflected in an interview with Arsenal's official website.
"Before the direct knockout stages we had some interesting games. Unfortunately when we got to the knockout stages many of the games were average for a long period.
"Teams were under pressure. They seemed to have the handbrake on if the first goal did not go in quickly."
Wenger has been impressed with the first tournament to be held in Africa, though he was disappointed that Ghana did not manage to progress beyond the quarter-finals and give the host continent something to cheer.
"In terms of organisation it is great success for South Africa," he said. "That is a fantastic [plus]. I am very, very happy about that. And the stadiums have been absolutely magnificent.
"But it was a shame for Africa when Ghana did not make the semi-finals. It would have been a firework for Africa."
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provides the best breaking news online and our football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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