Liars never prosper

By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

Throughout our time on this planet, we all will or have made a bad decision. This could range from a dodgy choice of girlfriend and trusting someone you shouldn’t to taking a risk that ultimately backfires. From my own experiences, being honest is the best way forward.

There are some creatures though who develop a habit and an unhealthy one at that too. It might not be as damaging on a health scale if you compared it to smoking or addictions to gambling, drinking and prescription drugs but it put bad stains on characters.

Lying through our teeth is often the easiest way out of a sticky situation. Once you have lied, it can be quite easy to repeat the trick because it causes less strain in a relationship, friendship or professional aspect. What it means though is when the truth is revealed, the individual caught lying looks like as the saying goes; ‘an English fool.’

Liars never prosper and here are three examples – one from a TV show, one from the political spectrum and a few experiences involving yours truly where honesty should be and is the best way forward.

Broken promises

The broken promise is a term used when in public, you make a promise to do something radical, then go back on your plan and become a figure of hatred. In the world of politics, the game of lying to try to win the minds and hearts of voters has often been used. However, the difference between sly points and major policy reform can have major implications on future careers, particularly in senior positions. Yes you’ve probably guessed it, I’m talking about Nick Clegg.

Four years ago, Mr Clegg was the ‘supposed’ brightest thing about British politics. Gordon Brown was on his way out and David Cameron seen as the man in the middle. Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats made some bold statements in the run-up to the 2010 General Election, outperforming his rivals frequently in the live televised debates. Ultimately the Lib Dems didn’t do brilliantly as an overall party, but Clegg’s influence persuaded Cameron to go into a coalition government with him after no overall majority seized control.

Clegg (pictured below) appealed to the younger voter, especially as one of his main aims of his party's manifesto was for tuition fees at University to be abolished. First put in by Labour under Tony Blair’s stewardship, University was becoming more and more expensive. I was at Uni at the time, and Clegg’s desire to ditch this policy was a major pulling power – perhaps not to change my life but because it would encourage many generations afterwards to stick with higher education. After all, we were often told that you were a no-hoper without a degree.

Nick Clegg's actions from 2010 have really hurt him recently

Six months later, Clegg went back on his promise and when a bill was pushed through the House of Commons to increase tuition fees to £9000 a year which was a Conservative plan, he went along with it. He lied through his teeth to his party, and the people that marked an ‘x’ next to the Liberal Democrats months earlier. As a result, peaceful demonstrations across London in November 2010 turned into something far more violent. That action can’t be excused but you could also sympathise with the anger youngsters felt towards Nick Clegg. He had kicked this group in an unpleasant place and the fallout for him has been massive.

After an overwhelming rejection of his AV vote plan a year later, the Lib Dems performed so miserably in the recent Local and European election, it was kicked into sixth place in many counties and districts across the country, falling behind the likes of the BNP and the Green Party. As UKIP leader Nigel Farage celebrated his success over a pint, Clegg was giving TV interviews looking red-eyed and broken; as if a toy had just had its batteries removed easily. The fight in him has gone. He will be around for another 12 months but it is unlikely he will end 2015 anywhere near Westminster. A career in politics has been ruined by lying to thousands of people. The moral in this is liars never prosper. His lies have caught up with him now.

The bigamist

If you like your secrets, your liars and your affairs, then soapland is the place to be. The nation is often taken in by the regular dozes of what is offered in the Yorkshire Dales, Walford and Chester. Some soap characters are loved to hate. Others just never learn their lessons from previous big errors. One of these is Coronation Street’s Peter Barlow, played by actor Chris Gascoyne.

Once upon a time, his character was married to two people at the same time! The cake wasn’t enough, so he needed some icing on top! 11 years later, Mr Barlow seemed settled. He had controlled his alcohol addiction, was married to factory owner Carla Connor (played by Alison King), devoted his child and owned 50 per cent of the local knickers factory. Not bad going. Sadly for him as has often been the case, temptation strayed him and led to lie after lie.

When he has it all, Peter Barlow then does a really good job of messing it all up. He started an affair with his child’s babysitter Tina (played by Michelle Keegan), and couldn’t keep away. Oblivious to Carla, he kept coming up with cheap excuses to get his second helping of satisfaction. Eventually, his lies and deception led to him getting back on the booze and looking like a fool once again.

The storyline led to Carla finding out and vowing revenge on the pair. Before she could though, Tina was killed in a recent dramatic exit. Now, Peter has lost it all. His marriage is over, Carla miscarried with his child following the stress of the revelation, his lover is dead, his son hates him and he is back on the booze. Round of applause for the ultimate cock-up!

While it might only been a TV programme, don’t be surprised to find similar kind of problems up and down the land. Sometimes, the quiet life is okay but can get boring for others and lead to these kind of things such as having sneaky affairs and the development of dangerous addictions.

The moral to this is; be thankful for what you have and count your blessings. Unfortunately for Peter Barlow’s soap character, that wasn’t enough. The ex-bigamist simply couldn’t keep his trousers on.

My experiences 

At the end of the day, have we all told a white, little lie once in a while? Probably we all have. I know I did, especially in my young days – going all the way back to primary school.

As I’ve grown up, I have matured and understand far more about the consequences of lying. There a difference in gravitation between lies. Small things such as making an excuse up to not meet up are frustrating but can easily been forgiven. Much bigger things when the lives of other people can be changed by your actions is a far bigger deal.

At University, I was taught by one of my colleagues to just be honest. If you think someone has offended you, tell them face-to-face, not through social media or text message. There isn’t any point in hiding away feelings, as it can often cause far more damage.

I’ve been accused of lying before and that isn’t nice. Being honest won’t always get you what you want. A confession of love or assessments of a social situation are examples but I do believe you become a better person for these experiences. Lying makes things even worse and doesn’t make you a great individual – one who certainly doesn’t deserve a lot of time and effort for sure.

At the end of the day, liars never prosper. It might be fun and thrilling at the time but the web of deceit will ultimately catch up and have a much bigger bite. Those who do it, perhaps think about the potential consequences before deciding the route you go towards.

Categories: Affairs, Coronation Street, Decisions, English, Liars, Nick Clegg, Peter Barlow, Politics, Tuition Fees, University

World Cup 2014 - My Predictions

By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

The countdown is almost over. Summer is here, four years have passed and the talking is going to stop. Football’s greatest show on earth is around the corner, with the opening ceremony just two days away now (written on 10 June).

The greatest football show on earth is just days away from beginning

The World Cup arrives home in one of its most spiritual places, Brazil. It is the first time the country will host the competition in 64 years and the first time in the continent since Argentina hosted and won the 1978 edition. No European side has ever triumphed overall on these shores.

32 teams all arrive in their various destinations across Brazil, preparing to take part in 64 games in some beautiful stadia (depending on whether they are all completed!). England is among the elite and Roy Hodgson has assembled a young, hungry squad with the country back home having much lower expectations than for any major international event for at least a generation.

I now give a quick guide to all the teams taking part in the World Cup of 2014, and how well I think they will do. One record I think will go over the course of the next month.

Group A

Brazil

All eyes will be on the hosts and whether they can cope with the pressure of an expectant nation. Luiz Felipe Scolari is in charge, just as he was when Brazil last won the World Cup in 2002 and there seems to be a good vibe around the camp (team photo pictured). The golden boy is Neymar and if he performs to his absolute peak, the Brazilians will be hard to stop. There are still some concerns though about the lack of depth in attack behind Neymar and Fred and it is for this reason that I think they will just fall short in their efforts to win a sixth World Cup.

PREDICTION: Semi-Finals (3^rd Place)

The Brazil team will be under huge pressure to deliver the main prize on home soil

Croatia

Niko Kovac was playing in a World Cup as recently as 2006. Eight years later, he guides Croatia to this tournament. Qualification was assured via the play-offs over Iceland but they have lost Mario Mandzukic for the first game. The Bayern Munich hotshot is suspended due to a red card in the second leg of the play-offs. Luka Modric is their main threat but this is a tough group for the Croats. A trip to Manaus to face Cameroon convinces me that this tournament won’t give much for the supporters to cheer about.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

Mexico

Mexico limped through to another World Cup, needing a two-legged play-off success against New Zealand after making a meal of qualifying automatically. Four coaches have come and gone in the last few years, so stability at the top of the hierarchy remains a concern. However, they have a good tournament record. 1978 was the last time Mexico qualified for a World Cup and failed to make the knockout rounds. The Oribe Peralta/Javier Hernandez strike partnership should be just enough to carry that statistic on for another four years.

PREDICTION: Round of 16

Cameroon

It has now been 24 years since Roger Milla’s corner dancing and the Indomitable Lions stunning run to the quarter-finals at Italia 90. Since then, Cameroon have flattered to deceive on the main stage, failing to qualify for 2006 and ending their finals in the group stages on three other occasions. A pay dispute has already disrupted pre-tournament preparation, so confidence is not high. Ex-Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o needs to play well throughout for them to have any chances to progress but an early flight home is the only forecast here.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

Group B

Spain

It isn’t quite the frightening force of previous major tournaments but the Spanish squad is still incredibly strong and that is despite leaving out the likes of Isco, Jesus Navas, Fernando Llorente and Alvaro Negredo. The holders must not be discounted, even if they aren’t favourites with many pundits. There is plenty of quality in the final third and del Bosque’s men should go deep into this World Cup. From a personal point, I want them to win again but a brave runners-up spot is what my professional instincts are telling me.

PREDICTION: Finalists

Netherlands

There is often a team that implodes on the main stage and I think that prize will go to the Netherlands this time around. They might have some stars, such as skipper Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben but there is a lack of team unity and most individuals can’t win football matches on their own. Outgoing manager Louis van Gaal already has a job after the finals and I don’t think his man-management skills will help any mutinies that break out. There is little chance the Dutch have of repeating their exploits from 2010. It will be three games only this time around.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

Chile

Chile outclassed England in an international friendly back in November and are a very popular team with many neutrals. Coach Jorge Sampaoli has followed Marcelo Bielsa’s trend of playing fluent, attractive, attacking football. Arturo Vidal is at the top of his game and when on top form, Alexis Sanchez is very tough to stop. Injuries have affected preparation slightly but I like the Chileans a lot. Only a probable run-in with the hosts (like in 1998 and 2010) will stop them progressing further than the last 16.

PREDICTION: Round of 16

Australia

Brazil 2014 will be a third successive World Cup for Australia. The Socceroos have gone for a mixture of youth and experience in the squad. The likes of Tim Cahill and Mark Bresciano will be making way after this tournament for a younger generation of Australian footballer. They conceded 16 goals in three games to Brazil, France and Ecuador in friendly matches, so I don’t think they will threaten the other three teams in Group B. They will go down fighting though as expected.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

Group C

Colombia

16 years have passed since Colombia were at France 98. This crop of exciting footballers shows much promise under boss Jose Pekerman. The loss of Radamel Falcao to injury is a big blow, but that is more for the tournament spectacle. Jackson Martinez and Adrian Ramos promise goals and James Rodriguez is one of the young superstars of the European game. A quarter-final result is most definitely achievable for this bright South American side.

PREDICTION: Quarter-Finals

Greece

Rewind back to Euro 2004 and no-one gave Greece a hope. Yet the 150-1 outsiders stunned the world with their success and showed teams win football matches, not single individuals. A decade has passed and there are still representatives of that squad, like Giorgos Karagounis. They’ve done well to qualify for their second successive World Cup but lack the firepower required at the highest level. I think a lean tournament awaits the Greeks. However, they deserve to be here and have the potential to surprise people once again.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

Ivory Coast

Having been given the dreaded ‘Group of Death’ in both 2006 and 2010, the Ivory Coast must be happy to have a more favourable draw this time around. They have one of the best midfielders in the world in Yaya Toure of Manchester City and Didier Drogba is bound to have a say in what is likely to be his international swansong. They qualified well and could be Africa’s best hope for success. Sadly for the White Elephants, it will be third time unlucky when it comes to escaping the group stage.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

Japan

Technically gifted and with plenty of power and skill to hurt opposition, 2014 could be a breakthrough competition for Japan. They might have lost all their games at the Confederations Cup last summer but they impressed many with their free-flowing style. Keisuke Honda of AC Milan is their star player, but Shinji Okazaki is a proven goalscorer having netted 15 in the Bundesliga last season and Shinji Kagawa has a point to prove after his frustrating time at Manchester United. The Blue Samarai in my view will produce Asia’s best performance in a World Cup on foreign soil.

PREDICTION: Quarter-Finals

Group D

Uruguay

The Uruguay squad is relatively unchanged from four years ago, when they reached the semi-finals. Holders of the Copa America and semi-finalists last summer in the Confederations Cup, there is no doubt that the Uruguayans are big tournament performers. In Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez, they have the deadliest frontline duo going to Brazil but a fragile backline could be their undoing. The last 16 is as far as they will go in 2014.

PREDICTION: Round of 16

Costa Rica

Costa Rica are an unpredictable outfit but don’t underestimate them, despite being in one of the tougher groups. Scotland did in 1990 and were embarrassingly beaten. There aren’t many household names, although Bryan Ruiz did have a spell in England with Fulham and Joel Campbell impressed for Olympiakos in the Champions League against Manchester United. They have a sound defensive unit but will be missing main goal threat Alvaro Saborio, due to a foot injury. It will be a battling, but predictable group stage exit.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

England

So what do we make of England’s chances? Roy Hodgson has picked a strong squad and whilst he has been starved of Walcott, Rodriguez and Townsend – injuries have been relatively unscathed compared to some nations. This is the final chance for the likes of skipper Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and maybe even Wayne Rooney to shine on the international stage. There is plenty of promise for the future and with more experience; the 2016 European Championships is a more realistic target for a better performance. With two wins in six since qualifying just in October, form is sketchy but confidence and morale is high within the Three Lions camp. I think getting out of the group is the realistic goal and they will just about do that. Anything further than the Round of 16 and World Cup 2014 will have been a notable success for the Three Lions. If anyone is still dreaming of winning the World Cup, keep dreaming because realistically, that is not going to happen.

PREDICTION: Round of 16

England head into this World Cup with much lower expectations for a long time

Italy

Cesare Prandelli has just extended his contract to remain boss of Italy until after Euro 2016. He might be quite pleased to do this. While the Azzuri qualified easily, a sloppy 2-2 home draw with Armenia cost them a top seeding and that must be regretted now. Since then, only one win in seven suggests rocky form and even the manager seems to not know his best formation to proceed with. It is always dangerous to write off the Italians, especially when they can call on Buffon, Pirlo and Balotelli but I think they will be the former winners who won’t escape Group D.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

Group E

Switzerland

This will be Ottmar Hitzfeld’s last tournament as a manager. Having won multiple Bundesliga titles in his successful career and the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund in 1997, Hitzfeld has achieved a lot and guiding Switzerland into the world’s top 10 according to the FIFA World Rankings must rank highly among his achievements. I thought they were lucky to be seeded though and will be found out for that this summer in South America.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

Ecuador

Ecuador showed flashes of brilliant skill against England in a recent international friendly, even if their discipline was called into question. Coach Reinaldo Reuda will be aiming to match the Ecuadorians last World Cup effort, which was a run to the last 16 in 2006. Ecuador will also want to honour their late striker Christian Benitez this summer. ‘Chucho’ scored four times in qualifying before passing away last July at the tender age of 29 from a cardiac arrest. Progression out of the group would be a fitting tribute to the no.11.  

PREDICTION: Round of 16

France

The French national team are like marmite. You either love them or hate them. In the last four World Cups, they have either shamed themselves in first round elimination or gone on to reach the final, winning the prize on home soil in 1998. Key man Franck Ribery has been ruled out thanks to injury, whilst in-form Samir Nasri was excluded from the squad altogether by Didier Deschamps. The group looks routine and with a few promising youngsters, a satisfactory run to the last eight beckons for Les Bleus in 2014.

PREDICTION: Quarter-Finals

Honduras

On the evidence of last Saturday’s friendly with England, Honduras might turn all of their football matches into boxing contests! Their tackles were cheap and appalling and had no place in the game. They have done well to reach their second successive finals but made no impact on the competition in South Africa four years ago. It will be a similar story this time around, although don’t be surprised if their campaign is littered with injuring other players and red cards.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

Group F

Argentina

There is nothing else Argentina would love than to win the World Cup on the backyard of their biggest footballing enemy, Brazil. In Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain, they have perhaps the best forward combination and if Angel Di Maria can repeat his stunning performance in the Champions League final, their attack promises loads of goals. There is still some concern about the defence and goalkeeper though and I think it could be their downfall. A shock quarter-final loss to the USA is my surprising prediction.

PREDICTION: Quarter-Finals

Bosnia-Herzegovina

The only debutants at this football festival will be Bosnia-Herzegovina. Two decades ago, the country was destroyed by genocide and civil war that turned Sarajevo into a war zone. Now, they are about to embark on a maiden appearance in the World Cup finals. It is a remarkable turnaround. Edin Dzeko promises goals, and should be supported by Miralem Pjanic and Vedad Ibisevic. After a tough opening in the Maracana against Argentina, I think the Bosnia team will reach the last 16 and get a hero’s welcome on their return.

PREDICTION: Round of 16

Iran

Managed by Carlos Queiroz, this group of Iran players is probably the best they have going to a World Cup. However, they have only one win to their name in the finals and that was against the USA in 1998. No household stars they might have, but there is plenty of team spirit and if they can match their impressive qualifying form that saw only Japan qualify from Asia with a better record, they might match Queiroz’s objective of a place in the last 16. I think that is a bridge too far but don’t discount Iran. They could be a real success story.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

Nigeria

Nigeria has undergone a radical football transformation following World Cup failure in 2010. The underachieving stars were replaced by a younger breed and Stephen Keshi was rewarded for that youth gamble by becoming African champions last February. Goalscoring hero from that final Sunday Mba has been left at home though and they might be relying on more goalkeeping heroics from Vincent Enyeama – one of the most consistent in that position. I think it will be a disappointing campaign for the Super Eagles.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

Group G

Germany

The German team is ready to take on the world and they have been the bridesmaids for so long. Manager Joachim Low has had a wealth of talent to choose from and looking at their attacking options is scary, despite losing Marco Reus on the eve of the competition to a heartbreaking injury. Thomas Muller and the experienced Miroslav Klose will lead the line and there is barely a weak link in the starting XI. If they can escape a tough group and cope with the conditions, I think another star will be added to Germany’s three on their shirts after this tournament.

PREDICTION: WINNERS

Portugal

Dragged to the finals almost single-handedly by Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal have plenty to thank their skipper for. The greatest player on the planet at the moment has missed the build-up with a knee injury and they look limp without him. They might have Champions League winners in Pepe and Fabio Coentrao and the talented Joao Moutinho in midfield but if Ronaldo is injured or doesn’t perform to his maximum, Portugal struggle. Add in the hardest group of the first round and I think this tournament will be a step too far for them.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

Ghana

The Black Stars from Africa came within a crossbar of making the semi-finals four years ago. Ghana won the hearts of many neutrals and are still considered as Africa’s best side, even if they continue to choke in the games when it matters in the African Cup of Nations. The Ghanaians have appeared in the last 16 on both of their previous World Cup final attempts. This time around, the power of the opposition will be just too much to repeat this feat.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

USA

I like the look of Team USA. Jurgen Klinsmann has put a lot of time and effort into this team and he has a core of strong and promising players to choose from. Omitting Landon Donovan from the final 23 was an incredibly tough decision and a massive surprise but Klinsmann is a winner and he believes he has enough goal power in Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore and MLS ace Chris Wondolowski. Previously seen as a ‘joke’ outfit, they are serious dark horses and I reckon they will cause big surprises en route to a shock semi-final berth.

PREDICTION: Semi-Finals (4^th place)

Group H

Belgium

There is a lot of attention around Belgium, who have a very familiar squad to many who ply their trade in the Barclays Premier League. The likes of Kompany, Hazard, Lukaku and Fellaini are ready for the challenge of a World Cup but can they deliver on the main stage. Sometimes, teams can flatter to deceive after such a big build-up. I hope I’m wrong because I really want Belgium to succeed but I have a feeling that this pressure means expectations are far too high. A last 16 place is the minimum and probably realistic achievement.

PREDICTION: Round of 16

Algeria

Away goals were what was required for Algeria to get to Brazil, denying Burkina Faso a World Cup debut bow. They played a very old fashioned style of football four years ago, which did earn them a great point against England in Cape Town but offered little going forwards. Not much has changed since. I think they will score a goal, which they didn’t manage in 2010 but a similar early exit awaits the Algerians.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

Russia

A familiar foe is in charge of Russia and he has a point to prove. Fabio Capello’s reputation took a battering when in charge of England’s dismal challenge in South Africa four years ago. He didn’t help himself either and his abrupt departure over the John Terry racism row in February 2012 meant he wasn’t missed. To his credit, Capello has rebuilt his international career in charge of Russia and will guide them to the 2018 World Cup. Losing skipper Roman Shirokov to injury is a big blow but they topped Portugal in a challenging qualifying group and have the potential to at least reach the last 16 – possibly as group winners.

PREDICTION: Round of 16

South Korea

South Korea reached the last 16 in 2010, eliminated on a rain-sodden evening in Port Elizabeth by Luis Suarez and Uruguay. Although they made heavy weather of qualifying, beaten by Iran to top spot, the Koreans have every chance of repeating the 2010 result. A run to the semi-finals like they managed in 2002 is highly unlikely though. Heung-Min Son of Bayer Leverkusen is their star man and in what is likely to be a three-way shootout with Belgium and Russia for progression, I believe South Korea will be the unlucky side to miss out.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

So the action is about to begin. You can follow all of the World Cup on BBC and ITV this summer and it all begins on Thursday night (12 June) with the opening ceremony from 7pm on ITV, followed by the opening match which is Brazil v Croatia. England’s first match is in the Amazon rainforest against Italy on Saturday, 14 June, kicking off at 11pm.

Let the games begin!

Categories: 2014, Brazil, England, Europe, Football, Rio de Janeiro, South America, Spain, Summer, World Cup