So it gets better and better. In the space of a week, we have witnessed the world cup go from a ‘boring tournament’ to one of, if not the most, entertaining fiascos of football ever witnessed. The football itself has been slightly under par, but the circus off the field has been bloody brilliant. This has been a tournament which has completely done away with the rulebook and shredded the guidelines as to what have come to expect. The so called ‘big’ sides have been a shambles, chucking away points and tearing themselves apart with internal squabbles, whereas the African and South American minnows have blown us away with their grit and dogged determination. Such are the unexpected results so far, that most of the groups are still wide open going into the final round of group matches. As for an overall winner, one would imagine (going by the tournament so far) that a South American team will prevail this year, with Argentina and Brazil only joined by the eventual-disappointing Netherlands in the elite group of teams that have taken 6 points from 6.
As far as England go, they head into Wednesday’s game knowing a victory is essential against a lifted Slovenia side that, far from being the group’s whipping boys, have qualification aspirations of their own. Whilst yes, our performance against Algeria was shocking, and we should have beaten the USA, I can’t help but feel excited. After all, going into a game needing a result to qualify, the tension in the build up, the elation of the result or the despair of the missed chance, that’s what football is all about. Our ill-fated final match of Euro 2008 was a brilliant spectacle, if not for John Motson’s infamous ‘say something Mark..Say something’ speech of disbelief. But that drama, the agony of Carson’s mistake and our desperation in trying to get that final goal, was football at its best. Fast forward to South Africa, and our qualification was sealed with a few games to spare. We qualified? Yes. We were entertained and on the edge of our seats? Not so much. So I ask ye, all those who support our dull and functional national side, enjoy Wednesday night, as it promises to be one of those rare nights where anything is possible.
Monday, 21 June 2010
Friday, 18 June 2010
World cup 2010
I’m not going to say ‘I told you so’, but the two games after my post about the world entering the ‘interesting phase’ were both incredibly entertaining upsets. France’s demise at the hands of a colourful and spirited Mexico side, followed by Germany’s inability to score against a solid Serbian team, have truly reminded us all of the ‘magic of the cup’.
All laughing at the French aside, their dire performance against Mexico should serve as a warning to Real Madrid, Manchester City and fellow big spenders alike: many star names do not a good team make.
The complete lack of any kind of chemistry or camaraderie between the players resulted in one of the most heartless and poor performances ever seen on the international stage. Even the most consistent left back in the premier league was unable to show any of the grit and determination which has seen him regarded as amongst the worlds best, such was the lack of heart and soul in this French side. Whether it’s a lack of tactical awareness (plenty thereof in Raymond, no doubts about that) or disruption amongst the camp (with Cry-baby Gallas about, that’s almost a certainty), this French side will possibly go down as the ‘greatest’ (by name only) team to miss out on qualification to the next round in the history of the world cup. A fact that will both please and enrage Irish fans, who whilst glad to see the French miss out on glory, will also believe that their beloved side would have given the group stage the determination and respect it deserves.
The German’s need not fret, as they simply were unlucky/stupid enough to have Klose sent off early, and then met a terrific defence in the form of Vidic and Subotic. A tough game against Ghana beckons, but they should advance through with little worries, in typical German style.
As I finish this article, Slovenia have taken a 1-0 lead against America, which would see them top the group with 6 points heading into the final week....forget claims of boredom and disinterest....this may be shaping up to be the most surprising tournament yet.
All laughing at the French aside, their dire performance against Mexico should serve as a warning to Real Madrid, Manchester City and fellow big spenders alike: many star names do not a good team make.
The complete lack of any kind of chemistry or camaraderie between the players resulted in one of the most heartless and poor performances ever seen on the international stage. Even the most consistent left back in the premier league was unable to show any of the grit and determination which has seen him regarded as amongst the worlds best, such was the lack of heart and soul in this French side. Whether it’s a lack of tactical awareness (plenty thereof in Raymond, no doubts about that) or disruption amongst the camp (with Cry-baby Gallas about, that’s almost a certainty), this French side will possibly go down as the ‘greatest’ (by name only) team to miss out on qualification to the next round in the history of the world cup. A fact that will both please and enrage Irish fans, who whilst glad to see the French miss out on glory, will also believe that their beloved side would have given the group stage the determination and respect it deserves.
The German’s need not fret, as they simply were unlucky/stupid enough to have Klose sent off early, and then met a terrific defence in the form of Vidic and Subotic. A tough game against Ghana beckons, but they should advance through with little worries, in typical German style.
As I finish this article, Slovenia have taken a 1-0 lead against America, which would see them top the group with 6 points heading into the final week....forget claims of boredom and disinterest....this may be shaping up to be the most surprising tournament yet.
Thursday, 17 June 2010
World Cup Reaction
If you, like many, have been watching the world cup so far, you will have no doubt been witness to the ridiculous claims of this being ‘the worst of all time’, the ball being ‘too round’ or the Vuvuzuelva’s being the cause of both deafness and poor attacking flair.
Now that we are into the second round of games, both of which have been exciting, goal filled displays of international football...can we all please calm the fuck down?
The first round matches, as is the case with all world cups, are often tight, close affairs in which the supposed ‘minnows’ (which, besides Australia, have not stayed true to their stereotype) attempt to hold the bigger teams to draws for a better chance of their own qualification later in the group stage.
Anyone with half an ounce of brain matter would be able to understand the nature of the beginning of any tournament or league, but the media and the general public have been far too quick to dismiss South Africa 2010 and immediately look to find someone or something to blame.
As I’m typing, Nigeria have just gone a man down and it has breathed life into the losing Greece side, who now have 60 minutes to get back into this game, knowing that, as the second round of the group stage, this is now their chance to make a play for that second qualification spot (being that the Argies have all but sewn up top spot). So that’s 3 games of the second round now, which have had 9 goals. That’s 9 goals that have been scored with the ‘far too round and unstable to possibly score with’ new ball and amidst some of the loudest blasts from the South African horn parade. The world cup is certainly swinging into gear, so stop complaining, and sit back and enjoy it. .....and Salpigidis makes it 1-1, now we have another game on our hands.
Now that we are into the second round of games, both of which have been exciting, goal filled displays of international football...can we all please calm the fuck down?
The first round matches, as is the case with all world cups, are often tight, close affairs in which the supposed ‘minnows’ (which, besides Australia, have not stayed true to their stereotype) attempt to hold the bigger teams to draws for a better chance of their own qualification later in the group stage.
Anyone with half an ounce of brain matter would be able to understand the nature of the beginning of any tournament or league, but the media and the general public have been far too quick to dismiss South Africa 2010 and immediately look to find someone or something to blame.
As I’m typing, Nigeria have just gone a man down and it has breathed life into the losing Greece side, who now have 60 minutes to get back into this game, knowing that, as the second round of the group stage, this is now their chance to make a play for that second qualification spot (being that the Argies have all but sewn up top spot). So that’s 3 games of the second round now, which have had 9 goals. That’s 9 goals that have been scored with the ‘far too round and unstable to possibly score with’ new ball and amidst some of the loudest blasts from the South African horn parade. The world cup is certainly swinging into gear, so stop complaining, and sit back and enjoy it. .....and Salpigidis makes it 1-1, now we have another game on our hands.
Friday, 4 June 2010
Rebuilding Liverpool FC
And so we come to the end of the Spanish waiter’s reign as Liverpool Manager. It’s been an enthralling ride, with the highs of a dramatic champion’s league final in Istanbul, and the lows of continued blind optimism that the next year would indeed be ‘their year’.
So what next for the Anfield faithful? How do they go about bringing success in the new decade at this crucial transition point?
Don’t get sentimental
The desire is certainly there for Liverpool to ‘do a Newcastle’, by bringing in a club legend to take the reigns in order to appease the fickle majority of fans. When Newcastle sacked Sir Bobby (rip), the appointment of Keegan, however, proved to be the catalyst for their demise.
Their are plenty of ex-Liverpool players being mentioned, with Dalglish being the most likely, but at this point in their history, Liverpool need a proven, top coach at international level.
With the world cup taking place this summer, there are always a few national coaches who get the boot, and Liverpool could attempt to snag a top coach on a temporary basis, akin to what Guus Hiddink at Chelsea (Guus himself is rumoured to be in the frame for the Liverpool job). Looking closer to home, Martin O’Neil is another name being heavily linked to Anfield, and he certainly has experience of operating under a tight budget.
Don’t be afraid to rock the boat
The new manager will arrive with equal feelings of anticipation and expectation from the kop, but will also be expected to have a ‘transition’ period, at least for the first year (Similar to Manchester City), where glory will not so much be a requirement, as a hope.
With that in mind, the new manager will hopefully shuffle the anfield pack, changing their style of play and personnel to better accommodate his new system.
Get rid of the dead weight
One thing that has kept Chelsea and Manchester United as constant challengers for glory is their immense squad depth, with equal amounts of experienced heads and promising youth players to come in when injury strikes, or just to give other players a rest.
Liverpool have relied all too often on the fitness of their star players, without adequate replacements when they falter.
Players like N’gog, El Zhar, Riera, and Babel should all be shown the exit door to raise some much needed funds for transfers.
Wave sayonara to the fantastic twosome
What should a club do when their hopes of success lie on the fitness and form of two players?
Sell them.
However much of an uproar it may cause, the new manager should not think twice should a heavy offer come in for either Stevie G or Fernando Torres, and I’ll tell you why.
Fernando Torres, on his day, is one of the best strikers in the world, but ‘his day’ has been sparse these past few seasons, with an exorbitant amount of his career spent in the treatment room since his arrival in England.
If you read my blog, then you will know of the distinct lack of understanding I have for Steven Gerrard, but in summation, I think he is average at best.
With Mourinho’s declaration that he wants to sign the diving, inept twat, for a fee reported to be around £35m, the new manager should not be hesitant to snatch offers for both players, which would surely give at least £100m to rebuild.
Shop smart
With the bulk of the deadweight gone, and the Torres/Gerrard partnership no more, the manager would hopefully have at least £90m (taking off some that the owners would use for loan repayments and thereof) to rebuild a Liverpool team that could get into Europe.
The first shop window I’d be sticking my eyes at would be that of Los Blancos, or Real Madrid to the common football fan.
As is the case with most ‘galatico’ era’s, there is almost always a summer clearout at Madrid, as the new coach brings in his hand picked armada of top talent from around the world.
Whilst the idea of sniffing around other clubs castaways would not seem appealing, I remind you that two of their last ex-players faced off in last seasons champions league final.
With players like Mahamdou Diarra, Lassana Diarra, Rafael Van Der Vaart, Guti and Raul all being reportedly being packaged and ready for dispatch, there is certainly a bargain to be had, with these players all being able to deliver experience and talent to the new Liverpool side.
Staying in La Liga, a player highly likely to be shown the door this summer is the new Brazilian no.9, Luis Fabiano. Powerful, fast and consistent, he could definitely bring some much needed firepower to the Liverpool frontlines, for a reported fee of just £14m.
Returning back to the premiership, there are plenty of decent players which were relegated this season, and any of Jamie O’Hara, Kevin Prince Boateng, Nadir Belhadj, Steven Fletcher or Aruna Dindane would represent a cheap option to get some proven premier league goalscorers and assist merchants into the Anfield ranks. (Edit: Fletcher has now signed for Wolves)
Looking at freebies, both Michael Ballack and Joe Cole may be leaving Stamford Bridge this season, and one last lucrative deal in England might convince them to stick around. If Guus were to become Liverpool coach, the lure of linking up with their former manager could be enough to get the talented and experienced pair to Anfield.
There are plenty of other players which could brought in, although a little costlier, who have shone in the Premier league this season. Any of Brede Hangeland, Steven Pienaar, Charles N’zogbia, Hugo Rodallega, Gary Cahill or Kevin Doyle could, despite their slightly inflated fee, give the red bird’s ranks a boost.
So what next for the Anfield faithful? How do they go about bringing success in the new decade at this crucial transition point?
Don’t get sentimental
The desire is certainly there for Liverpool to ‘do a Newcastle’, by bringing in a club legend to take the reigns in order to appease the fickle majority of fans. When Newcastle sacked Sir Bobby (rip), the appointment of Keegan, however, proved to be the catalyst for their demise.
Their are plenty of ex-Liverpool players being mentioned, with Dalglish being the most likely, but at this point in their history, Liverpool need a proven, top coach at international level.
With the world cup taking place this summer, there are always a few national coaches who get the boot, and Liverpool could attempt to snag a top coach on a temporary basis, akin to what Guus Hiddink at Chelsea (Guus himself is rumoured to be in the frame for the Liverpool job). Looking closer to home, Martin O’Neil is another name being heavily linked to Anfield, and he certainly has experience of operating under a tight budget.
Don’t be afraid to rock the boat
The new manager will arrive with equal feelings of anticipation and expectation from the kop, but will also be expected to have a ‘transition’ period, at least for the first year (Similar to Manchester City), where glory will not so much be a requirement, as a hope.
With that in mind, the new manager will hopefully shuffle the anfield pack, changing their style of play and personnel to better accommodate his new system.
Get rid of the dead weight
One thing that has kept Chelsea and Manchester United as constant challengers for glory is their immense squad depth, with equal amounts of experienced heads and promising youth players to come in when injury strikes, or just to give other players a rest.
Liverpool have relied all too often on the fitness of their star players, without adequate replacements when they falter.
Players like N’gog, El Zhar, Riera, and Babel should all be shown the exit door to raise some much needed funds for transfers.
Wave sayonara to the fantastic twosome
What should a club do when their hopes of success lie on the fitness and form of two players?
Sell them.
However much of an uproar it may cause, the new manager should not think twice should a heavy offer come in for either Stevie G or Fernando Torres, and I’ll tell you why.
Fernando Torres, on his day, is one of the best strikers in the world, but ‘his day’ has been sparse these past few seasons, with an exorbitant amount of his career spent in the treatment room since his arrival in England.
If you read my blog, then you will know of the distinct lack of understanding I have for Steven Gerrard, but in summation, I think he is average at best.
With Mourinho’s declaration that he wants to sign the diving, inept twat, for a fee reported to be around £35m, the new manager should not be hesitant to snatch offers for both players, which would surely give at least £100m to rebuild.
Shop smart
With the bulk of the deadweight gone, and the Torres/Gerrard partnership no more, the manager would hopefully have at least £90m (taking off some that the owners would use for loan repayments and thereof) to rebuild a Liverpool team that could get into Europe.
The first shop window I’d be sticking my eyes at would be that of Los Blancos, or Real Madrid to the common football fan.
As is the case with most ‘galatico’ era’s, there is almost always a summer clearout at Madrid, as the new coach brings in his hand picked armada of top talent from around the world.
Whilst the idea of sniffing around other clubs castaways would not seem appealing, I remind you that two of their last ex-players faced off in last seasons champions league final.
With players like Mahamdou Diarra, Lassana Diarra, Rafael Van Der Vaart, Guti and Raul all being reportedly being packaged and ready for dispatch, there is certainly a bargain to be had, with these players all being able to deliver experience and talent to the new Liverpool side.
Staying in La Liga, a player highly likely to be shown the door this summer is the new Brazilian no.9, Luis Fabiano. Powerful, fast and consistent, he could definitely bring some much needed firepower to the Liverpool frontlines, for a reported fee of just £14m.
Returning back to the premiership, there are plenty of decent players which were relegated this season, and any of Jamie O’Hara, Kevin Prince Boateng, Nadir Belhadj, Steven Fletcher or Aruna Dindane would represent a cheap option to get some proven premier league goalscorers and assist merchants into the Anfield ranks. (Edit: Fletcher has now signed for Wolves)
Looking at freebies, both Michael Ballack and Joe Cole may be leaving Stamford Bridge this season, and one last lucrative deal in England might convince them to stick around. If Guus were to become Liverpool coach, the lure of linking up with their former manager could be enough to get the talented and experienced pair to Anfield.
There are plenty of other players which could brought in, although a little costlier, who have shone in the Premier league this season. Any of Brede Hangeland, Steven Pienaar, Charles N’zogbia, Hugo Rodallega, Gary Cahill or Kevin Doyle could, despite their slightly inflated fee, give the red bird’s ranks a boost.
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Last night's football
If you, like many, sat down on Monday night to watch our glorious internationals trudge along to a laborious and achingly dull 3-1 victory, you will have noticed many things.
Anyone with a keen eye would have seen Michael Carrick, recently dropped by Sir Alex, struggle to maintain possession for longer than 2 touches. Anybody with glasses resting upon their ears and nose would have seen Wayne Rooney show a distinct lack of his usual enthusiasm, as he tiptoed across the fragile Wembley pitch, ever-aware that hitting a divot at pace could end his world cup, in what was an ultimately pointless match. An OAP with severely large cataracts in both eyes would have seen Walcott continue to threaten with his lightning pace, only to fail at delivering a decent end product.
But for some unknown reason, the media, the pundits, columnists and journalists were unable to show anything but praise for what was, in effect, a dire performance by Steven Gerrard.
Oh yes, he crossed for the first goal (kicking toward a man who towers nearly a foot over his marker is by no means an impressive feat however), but for anyone without Merseyside spectacles, Gerrard misplaced pass after pass on Monday evening, frequently gave the ball away and did not show any sort of ability which would distinguish him as a first choice for South Africa, not by a long shot.
As the papers, fresh from Capello’s comments today about playing Lampard and Gerrard, quickly work out formations and tactics which can accommodate the pair, I believe I may be the only blogger writing this – ditch Gerrard.
As a Manchester United supporter, any of the Anfield faithful will be quick to call me out for a bias attitude, so I’ll begin by saying that the inclusion of Carragher in the England squad was a pleasant surprise, as he possesses the dogged determination that we need on that plane, and that Michael Carrick should not be picked ahead of Scott Parker, Tom Huddlestone or a half fit Gareth Barry.
There.
Having watched Liverpool saunter to a dreadful 7th place this season, I attributed their demise as a top four team to two reasons. One was their dependency on an in-form and fit Torres with no decent replacement, and the other was Rafa Benitez’s refusal to drop ineffective Captain Fantastic.
Gerrard spent the entirety of last season taking pot shots and playing Hollywood passes which seldom reached their destination, much to the detriment of the Merseyside outfit.
When I read today that Steven Gerrard was ‘amongst the best midfielders in the world’, I choked on my morning brew.
Players like Xavi, Iniesta, Lampard, Kaka and Sniejder have incredible vision, picking out their teammates with a variety of beautifully weighted flicks and passes, varying from the short and sharp to the long and exquisite, possessing the skill and ability that we Sunday league players can only dream of.
Never are any of them guilty of the ‘hit and hope’ strategy which Gerrard employs, visible at any amateur football ground on a muddy Sunday afternoon, or school courtyard during lunchtime.
So when it comes to matching our ‘best’ midfield against the world, I would argue that Lampard, as a cornerstone in the title winning Chelsea team for many a year, has to be first pick.
As for whom goes alongside him, that is up to Capello, but I sure as hell would not detract from Lampard by attempting to shoehorn the ineffective Gerrard in there.
He is, and forever will be, the very definition of a YouTube player.
Anyone with a keen eye would have seen Michael Carrick, recently dropped by Sir Alex, struggle to maintain possession for longer than 2 touches. Anybody with glasses resting upon their ears and nose would have seen Wayne Rooney show a distinct lack of his usual enthusiasm, as he tiptoed across the fragile Wembley pitch, ever-aware that hitting a divot at pace could end his world cup, in what was an ultimately pointless match. An OAP with severely large cataracts in both eyes would have seen Walcott continue to threaten with his lightning pace, only to fail at delivering a decent end product.
But for some unknown reason, the media, the pundits, columnists and journalists were unable to show anything but praise for what was, in effect, a dire performance by Steven Gerrard.
Oh yes, he crossed for the first goal (kicking toward a man who towers nearly a foot over his marker is by no means an impressive feat however), but for anyone without Merseyside spectacles, Gerrard misplaced pass after pass on Monday evening, frequently gave the ball away and did not show any sort of ability which would distinguish him as a first choice for South Africa, not by a long shot.
As the papers, fresh from Capello’s comments today about playing Lampard and Gerrard, quickly work out formations and tactics which can accommodate the pair, I believe I may be the only blogger writing this – ditch Gerrard.
As a Manchester United supporter, any of the Anfield faithful will be quick to call me out for a bias attitude, so I’ll begin by saying that the inclusion of Carragher in the England squad was a pleasant surprise, as he possesses the dogged determination that we need on that plane, and that Michael Carrick should not be picked ahead of Scott Parker, Tom Huddlestone or a half fit Gareth Barry.
There.
Having watched Liverpool saunter to a dreadful 7th place this season, I attributed their demise as a top four team to two reasons. One was their dependency on an in-form and fit Torres with no decent replacement, and the other was Rafa Benitez’s refusal to drop ineffective Captain Fantastic.
Gerrard spent the entirety of last season taking pot shots and playing Hollywood passes which seldom reached their destination, much to the detriment of the Merseyside outfit.
When I read today that Steven Gerrard was ‘amongst the best midfielders in the world’, I choked on my morning brew.
Players like Xavi, Iniesta, Lampard, Kaka and Sniejder have incredible vision, picking out their teammates with a variety of beautifully weighted flicks and passes, varying from the short and sharp to the long and exquisite, possessing the skill and ability that we Sunday league players can only dream of.
Never are any of them guilty of the ‘hit and hope’ strategy which Gerrard employs, visible at any amateur football ground on a muddy Sunday afternoon, or school courtyard during lunchtime.
So when it comes to matching our ‘best’ midfield against the world, I would argue that Lampard, as a cornerstone in the title winning Chelsea team for many a year, has to be first pick.
As for whom goes alongside him, that is up to Capello, but I sure as hell would not detract from Lampard by attempting to shoehorn the ineffective Gerrard in there.
He is, and forever will be, the very definition of a YouTube player.
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Meet the woman responsible for the demise of our world cup bid
The FA and affairs go hand in hand, so i'm not going to blame Triesman for getting his end away (at his age, with the woman below, fair play squire). But what business does a british newspaper have printing a story which will probably cost the country it's bid to hold the world cup. It's sickening. So thanks you tart, and cheers Ian Gallagher...you utter twats.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2010/article-1278759/World-Cup-2010-FA-chief-Lord-Triesman-accuses-Spain-Russia-bid-bribe-referees-South-Africa.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2010/article-1278759/World-Cup-2010-FA-chief-Lord-Triesman-accuses-Spain-Russia-bid-bribe-referees-South-Africa.html
Monday, 10 May 2010
A few things
Firstly, i'm apparently clueless when it comes to football bets, but who could have honestly seen Burnley get something against spurs...
Secondly, I'm currently watching a film called 'the invicible iron man', a CGI/2D animation crossover. It is literally the worst thing I've ever seen, the voice acting, the story (iron man vs some form of ancient japanese gods in a story of no interest) and worst of all, the directing. There is no emotion to anything any of the characters do, no fluidity to their movements, I only keep watching to see how bad it gets.
Secondly, I'm currently watching a film called 'the invicible iron man', a CGI/2D animation crossover. It is literally the worst thing I've ever seen, the voice acting, the story (iron man vs some form of ancient japanese gods in a story of no interest) and worst of all, the directing. There is no emotion to anything any of the characters do, no fluidity to their movements, I only keep watching to see how bad it gets.
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