Futbol de los Inhos

Short Thought: Everton... Yikes...

2009-08-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

Everton is typically a team that finishes the season in a good enough table position to secure a UEFA Cup, the new Europa Cup, spot. However, today they got off to a rough start against Arsenal. The Gunners are the Big Four team in question if any but they put on a display that sent some Everton supporters home as early as the 50th minute. It's not good to lose your first match of the season. It's worse to lose it in front of your own fans but an abomination to lose 6-1 at home.

I only caught the second half of the game but I saw all of the goals through highlights. Tim Howard was rocked in the Everton goal mouth. He had no help from his defenders who were dreadful defending set pieces. Both Gallas, and Vermaelen scored from headers, virtually unmarked. However, it wasn't the two Arsenal defenders that opened the floodgates. It was little Denilson who curled a beauty into the top corner. The woes continued for the Toffees in the second half. It just seemed like the Arsenal players were to quick and fast for Everton. I felt like Everton was playing without a midfield. It was evident on the 4th goal. A quick counter attack broke down the Everton defense without a problem leading to a clear shot for Fabregas. It was right at Howard who was nutmegged. The match was all but over at this point. On the second Fabregas goal, which was dedicated to Dani Jarque by a jersey with his name and number brought off the bench for Cesc to hold up, the Spaniard brought the ball from inside his half to the edge of the area before scoring. He was unchallenged the entire way. It wasn't like he skipped by a couple defenders. The last goal was just a sad sight for not only Everton players, and fans but for everyone. Arshavin toe poked a ball lightly from the penalty spot in a scramble that beat Tim Howard, rebounding off the post and cleaned up by Eduardo. Everton salvaged a goal late on via Saha off a rebound. A 6-1 disaster for the men in blue.

David Moyes has a lot of work to do if Everton want to challenge for anything this season. This is the worst possibly start they could have asked for. Morale is surely down. Toffee supporters will hope this doesn't lead to a string of bad results.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobinho

The Hughes Selection Headache

2009-08-13T11:39:00.000-07:00

Manchester City have had their moment in the sun this summer. They actually look to be a contender on paper for the Premier League crown. Their rich ownership has been pumping heavy amounts of funds into the club. The club has made lucrative offers in the past year to some of the best players in the world, failing on most attempts to scrape up megastars like Eto'o, Kaka, and Messi (who they still seem to think they have a chance with for some odd reason) but successfully reeling in many unsettled but quality players looking for a new challenge or a change of scenery. These players include Tevez, Adebayor, Kolo Toure, Roque Santa Cruz, and England midfielder Garreth Barry. It's a good mix of players to bring into a club that already has the likes of Brazilian trickster, Robinho, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Stephen Ireland, Nigel De Jong, Vincent Kompany, Craig Bellamy, Benjani, and Micah Richards. Now all these names put together looks like an appetizing footballing feast. The only problem is Mark Hughes can't put all these names together can he?

In order to win and win with style, you need team chemistry. It is awfully difficult to build this when you have 6 or 7 potentially starting strikers. Who is going to fall out of favor? Mark Hughes and City alone brought in three front men this summer (Tevez, Santa Cruz, and Adebayor) and only rid themselves of young Sturridge who went to Chelsea and Caicedo to Sporting Lisbon. Will City find a way to crush all their attacking talent into one starting XI? Hughes must have a plan or so you'd think. I don't think we'll see Robinho playing some sort of attacking right back because he is good on the flanks. Manchester City have not had the prettiest of preseasons but they have been missing key personnel as well. Robinho had been away a chunk of the summer months on Confederations Cup duty and Tevez only just played his first preseason against Celtic in a 2-1 win. The late signings from Arsenal, such as Toure and Adebayor, haven't allowed them many minutes either. Manchester City does not want to make the mistake of having the same kinds of players on the field. So those who can't play together, will be who is challenging each other for a starting spot. Bellamy and and Tevez are both bullish hard working stout players and will most likely be duking it out in training as will Adebayor against Benjani. One player Mark Hughes won't have to worry about trying to get on to the pitch this season is Elano. He was already unsettled at the club and shipped himself off to Turkey to play for Galatasaray, perhaps to keep his Brazil spot for the World Cup this upcoming summer. Perhaps this will help open up a spot for those incoming. Since, the blue of Manchester haven't been up to full strength in the majority of the preseason, Hughes will have to try and figure out a line up during the season. This isn't good. The only way to find the right system is an educated trial and system. It could lead to a series of bad results. That's not what you want to be doing with the season set to kick off this weekend. Especially when you have Arsenal and Manchester United on the 5th and 6th match day. I've been doing some toying with City's line up and came up with some formations that may work. But like I said, it's trial and error. Unlike Mark Hughes, I don't have the players to even have trials. So my guess is as good as the next persons. Keep in mind I haven't added Lescott yet, though the deal does look close.

------------------------Given----------------------------
Bridge-----------Toure-------Dunne--Zabaleta/Richards
------------------Barry------Ireland---------------------
SWP---------------------------------------------Robinho
---------------------Tevez-------------------------------
--------------------------Adebayor----------------------

It's your pretty standard 4-4-2. So many people believe because it is simple, it's not going to be affective. I believe that's not the case. If done correctly, it can be just as useful as some modern, experimental, unbalanced formations. What you see above is very basic. Your classic flat back four. You have Barry and Ireland. We all know how good Ireland is at going forward. I think he is extremely underrated. Barry is his partner and helps design and create the forward movement, switching the point of attack often. Two nifty wingers, with pace and tricks that can beat their defenders when isolated 1v1. Adebayor leads the attack with Tevez just off him. As seen at Arsenal, Adebayor would be the target man that holds up the ball with Tevez as his strike partner, dropping a little deeper.

------------------------Given----------------------------
Bridge-----------Toure-------Dunne--Zabaleta/Richards
------Ireland----------Barry------------De Jong--------
Bellamy/Tevez--Adebayor/Santa Cruz---Robinho/SWP-

This is my second option here. I kind of stole this 4-3-3 from a mixture of what Barcelona did last season and what Real Madrid are starting to do this preseason. Madrid and City have both used their funds to bring in a load of new players. Madrid has a selection headache of their own but recent preseason form (which doesn't mean much) has showed a system that is proving to be working. Barcelona's 4-3-3 started the trend. The players last season were free flowing. They are marked down in a fixed formation but free to wander and develop an attack in a creative, quick, and intricate passing way, causing defenders to run around from attacker to attacker. Real Madrid has adopted a resemballing style over the summer that sports similar movement with no fixed location for any one player to be on the field. It's just what good players can create together, really. Some managers prefer a system, like Sir Alex, or Rafa Benitez. However, I think with the talent brought into City, it's worth a try. If it doesn't work out, well that's just what simply separates Manchester City from the likes of teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid. Which may be why Madrid got Kaka, and Barca can hold on to Messi.

Now yes there are other options that the Citizens could see their team sporting this season. I was even thinking somewhere along the lines of a 4-2-3-1 with a big striker ( Adebayor, Benjani), three more attacking players with speed on the outsides , two solid center mids, and your back four once again. I'm sure I'm not the only one that has thoughts on this. If anyone else would like to shed light on the situation and what they think City will look like once they design a system to be put into stone, please feel free to speak.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Mexico vs United States: 2-1

2009-08-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

Being an American, I am proud of the Red, White, and Blue. The last result between Sam's Army and El Tri hurt me as much as the last time Barcelona played Real Madrid. We were crushed in the Gold Cup final 5-0 by our southern neighbors. The United States has surely had the edge over Mexico in the recent years but the thrashing USA recieved at home a couple weeks back has boosted the confidence of Mexican supporters and reignited the heritage of Mexican Americans that choose red, white, and green over red, white, and blue. That Gold Cup hammering was the first loss on home soil in around 10 years when it comes to CONCACAF matches of all sorts. That U.S. team that fell so hard to Mexico in the Gold Cup was considered a "B Team" because the "A Team" was on holiday after performing remarkably in the Confederations Cup, falling to Brazil 3-2 in the final and scalping the number 1 ranked team in the world at the time, Spain 2-0, in the semi final. Today the U.S. took on Mexico again in the infamous Estadio Azteca located in the heart of Mexico City and the "A Team" had returned. This rivalry heated up once more. The atmosphere itself was in a league of it's own. The stadium seats 105,000 and the altitude takes it's toll on any well tuned athlete. The entire stands were painted with green shirts. It was a critical game for El Tri, who going into this match were sitting 4/6 in the qualifying group, one spot away from direct qualification. Ever since Mexico had seen the reintroduction of Coach Aguirre, they have been rejuvenated from their early qualifying woes. Going into this World Cup Qualifier, the U.S. was 0-22-1 against Mexico at the Azteca. Let's take a look at what happened.

U.S.A. fell to their arch rivals 2-1 in a heart breaker this afternoon. It all started well for the not so welcomed guests in white. In about the 8th minute Charlie Davies was played through by a cutting ball from Landon Donovan. Davies, using his pace, separated himself and the Mexican defenders at his heels and curled the ball around an away from Mexican goalkeeper, Ochoa. From then on out the United States was abysmal. The Mexicans dominated the possession practically the entire match. Of course, U.S. supporters could argue about the heat in Mexico and that the Mexican National Team had trained in the altitude all week but excuses don't excuse scorelines. Mexico has to come play in the snow when they come up to see the U.S at times. Eleven minutes after the United States opening goal, the failure to close down the Mexican attack began to show when Israel Castro on the date of his 20th cap for his country rifled a shot from almost 30 yards that rang the cross bar before crossing over into the goal. The stadium erupted and if the United States' post goal poor play wasn't enough, this Mexico goal threw the momentum to El Tri. The red, white, and blue were lucky to escape the first half with a 1-1 scoreline to catch their breath. The U.S. team looked slow and just simply could not compete against the pace and craftiness of their opponents. Spurs' Dos Santos was instrumental and easily the Man of the Match for me. He was dangerous every time he received the ball. I've only seen him play lately in the last two matches against the U.S. but he once again is starting to look like a promising player. He would slither by United States defenders drawing fouls left and right. He was great. Even from an American's perspective, he was a stand out. The Mexican attack continued to pour on the U.S. whose game plan turned into almost 0% passing and 100% reckless clearances. It was hard for me to watch. Eventually the speed broke down the U.S. players and Mexico found their second goal in the 81st minute through substitute and Gold Cup hero, Miguel Sabah, who pounced on a lose ball in the area that sprung from a challenge on a Mexican player who made Landon Donovan look slow after dusting him on the flank.

Key players for Sam's Army were a major contributor to the downfall of the United States in Mexico this afternoon. Landon Donovan was invisible most of the time. Michael Bradley faded out the match quickly. Many fans believed the likes of young Altidore, who just completed a loan to Hull City this week, would start but Brian Ching got the nod (probably because he is in mid season with the Huston Dynamo). Altidore was eventually introduced into the match after Davies went down with cramps. I'm usually not one to bash officiating because I believe that the referees don't decide matches, players do. However, there are exceptions. Today, I didn't think the officiating crew did a fair job but they weren't to blame for the defeat clearly, but consistency seemed like a major issue. I'll stop myself there when it comes to that. Overall it was a plain bad performance by USA. It's a shame that it will seem as if more people in the United States will be celebrating the Mexican victory than mourning the U.S. loss. On the channel I watched the game on, it showed U.S. Military troops tuning into watch match all the way from Iraq in the wee hours of the night, sadly they were sporting Mexican flags and colors.

Viva el futbol y hala Madrid

Bobby

Not a Fabulous Idea for Barca

2009-08-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

Over the last couple days, I find a new facisnating artical on Barcelona's pursuit for Arsenal skipper, Cesc Fabregas. He was developed in La Masia and was snatched up by Arsene Wenger when he was still just a boy. It's extremely difficult to doubt the Cesc is an outstanding player, but why do Barcelona need him or want him?

Barcelona prides themselves on being a home grown club like I mentioned in the youth academy article. A lot of their line up today has been groomed right outside the walls of the Nou Camp. You can look at the names for proof, Valdes, Puyol, Pique, Sergi Busquets, Xavi, Bojan, Iniesta, Messi and even players like Liverpool's Pepe Reina and as we know Mr. Fabregas. Any club in the world would love to sign Cesc in my opinion except Barcelona. It would be great to bring in another home town hero but it is evident that Cesc is a creating and attacking midfielder. Now you tell me. Where would you put him in your starting Barcelona 4-3-3 that ran like clockwork last season? Well he is obviously a midfielder so the midfield seems like a more than logical place to start. Most of the attention focused on Barca's treble last year was directed toward the goal scoring trio up top. Henry, Eto'o, and Messi. However the glue that held that team together are the unsung heroes that are Iniesta, Xavi, and Yaya Toure, the magic triangle. The three were clearly the back bone of Barcelona and their key to success. So of these players, who do you replace with Cesc Fabregas? Well it obviously can't be Yaya. He's the most holding of the three and is just a monster winning arial challenges and halting the attacks of the opposition. That isn't a Cesc job at all. So that leaves Iniesta and Xavi. There isn't a better center midfield team in the entire world. They both are first team regulars for Spain (over Cesc) and can find each other on the pitch wearing blindfolds with the stadium lights off. I bet they could possibly alter their formation to fit Cesc, Xavi, and Iniesta all in to the same line-up but that just puts to many of the same kind of players on the field. There simply isn't any room for the gunners' star except for a tiny piece of pine located to the right of Pep Guardiola. Okay, so maybe he could be surplus and increase team depth. That's just a bad career choice though. Going from a captain of a Big Four club in what people say is the best league in the world to the bench back home in Catalonia. It's a World Cup year. If Fabregas wants to break into the Spanish National Team's XI, its by playing games as a captain at Arsenal and not sitting in the shadow of the two guys currently playing over him. The most outrageous part of the entire idea of the transfer is that Arsenal want €45 million for their captain. First of all even with the deal going through, Wenger is so afraid of the transfer window, he has drawn the drapes. The cash would sit idle. Secondly, that's an absurd amount of money for a player that would not play €45 mil worth of minutes.

The whole idea seems great if you are any other club but Barcelona. Imagine if Arsenal lost their last leader and one of their last top notch players? They would be in for a real scare. The transfer just doesn't seem to make sense on any level. I wouldn't doubt that the two clubs have some sort of scheme cooked up that I don't know about, but I'm confused on why this is becoming such a dragged out transfer saga over the past couple days.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Short Thought: Unnecessary International Friendlies

2009-08-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

Everybody knows the Premier League starts this weekend except for maybe FIFA. It's obvious that none of the EPL bosses are pleased with the International Friendly dates in the midweek before the season kicks off. It's a vital time for team preparation and it's usually the best of the best players of a country that represent their patriotic colors. Therefore they are almost sure to be vital and important players to there club as well. Obviously everyone needs to train, but as a coach you would have to feel pretty ridiculous training players that you know won't even make the squad list for the opening match.

It's a risk of injury for the players as well. Liverpool should consider themselves lucky because skipper, Stevie Gerrard pulled out of the England squad because he believed there was a light tug on his groin that he did not want to risk. He was replaced by Aston Villa's Ashley Young. Gerrard is still expected to play the opener at White Hart Lane against Spurs at the weekend. The German Bundesliga started this past week where heavily sought after transfer target Franck Ribery was unable to play because of an injury he sustained in preseason, yet he was still called up for the French National Team. Real Madrid put their foot down an did not release Portugal star, Cristiano Ronaldo, who is said to have the flu (normal strand, not swine flu.) The former Real Madrid manager and current Portuguese National Team boss Carlos Queiroz was less than pleased as his team are struggling to be a shoe in for their World Cup 2010 qualification quest. Real Madrid did however release Pepe to go. The World Cup is in the back of everyone's mind this season, as John Terry said this week, but this friendly session seems to be unneeded and unnecessary. The EPL is the best league in the world at the current moment and an international friendly date in the week before opening day is ludicrous. Players will definitely return fatigued and jet lagged and may even need a break from training before they can get down to work again. And when they do get back to business with their clubs, I doubt there will be enough time to rehearse everything in training. What really can you do though? I think the managers need to speak up up and band together. Of course friendlies for national teams are essential but on a date like this one? There has to be somewhere else to fit it in.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

English Premier League, Less Than a Week

2009-08-10T14:01:00.000-07:00

The readers of FDLI seem to know what they are talking about when it comes to the up coming Premier League season. It was voted that Chelsea F.C. would be the ones lifting the League trophy at the end of May 2010. Well a week before the season they lifted the FA
Community Shield out of the reach Manchester United, edging them in penalties after the two sides were even at 2-2 after 90 minutes. This game means nothing to the EPL table but it shows how the Blues are stacking up to "Ronaldoless" United.

Chelsea have enjoyed a great preseason. They've come away with wins with friendly results against teams such as Interazionale, AC Milan, and Club America in the World Football challenge held in the United States. If anyone looks to be preseason favorites for the Premier Leage (and that doesn't mean a whole lot), it's them. The have all the qualities to bring the title back to West London. I would have to say the depth on Chelsea is greater than any other team in the world right now. It's a bold statement to make, but I feel like it is one I can confidently make. What has hurt Chelsea in the past couple of seasons is consistency. Perhaps, Carlo Ancelotti has the cure. Manchester United on the other hand have bigger things to worry about. I for one, back Sir Alex to find a way to replace Ronaldo but it really didn't show against Chelsea yesterday. I thought Nani was active until his injury but Valencia didn't do a great deal except foul a few times after he came on. Chelsea should have won the match in 90 minutes. Rooney was a hair offside on his second goal. United just lacked creativity, especially in the second half. Performances like the one against Chelsea will not win them a 4th title in a row. You have to feel sorry for the Red Devils (or maybe you don't depending who you are). They've gone down twice in penalties this preseason. This time around they shockingly only converted 1 to Chelsea's 4. Evra's was just simply awful. Cech could have spit at it and made the save.

But enough about the Community shield. It's a fun match, but nothing important. What is important is the first game of the season. Who'dya got? Home or away? Ready or not? Here it comes. Liverpool are looking to come off a preseason failure against Atletico Madrid 2-1. The Reds start with Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Harry Redknapp will looking to get underway with new signings such as Peter Crouch, while Liverpool go into battle without Xabi Alonso or replacement Aquilani. However when Liverpool misses key players, they are subject to underperform. But those players are Gerrard and Torres, not Alonso or Aquilani. So I would expect a win from the Merseyside outfit but not a blow out. Something along the lines of 2-1. The match I'm the most interested in on the first weekend in England's top flight is Everton at home against the Gunners. Everyone has been talking about Manchester City breaking into the top four now that Arsenal has the potential of dropping out, but traditionally Everton finish very close to the top of the pack. Wouldn't it be interesting if they got the North London side off to a rocky start while they try to keep their place in the Champions League against Celtic in the midweek fallowing the match? A bit cynical to think like that, but I seem to enjoy it.

Sunderland finally completed the Bent deal in time for the Black Cats to take on Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok. Coach Steve Bruce says "He's everything I want" when referring to Bent who, through Twitter, expressed his frusteration and impatience with Tottenham to let him join Sunderland. Blackburn Rovers will be eagerly awaiting their opening match against Manchester City to put a quick halt to former manager, Mark Hughes and the City spending that has taken place this summer. Franco Di Santo is anxious to be star for Rovers, despite being loaned out by Chelsea. He scored his first Chelsea goal and had the assist on the other goal when Chelsea triumphed over Mexican outfit, Club America, earlier in the summer. Now that we are talking about Chelsea again. They begin the season with Hull City who had fun making life hard for Big Four sides last season, especially Arsenal. But can the Tigers come into Stamford Bridge and get a shock result on opening day, unlikely. But anything can happen. Fulham will be eager to get another season underway after the run they had last year. They start with Pompey at Fratton Park. Pompey have been selling this summer in the midst of a takeover deal. Their agenda for the season will be stay afloat in the Premiership so next year the cash flow from the new Arab owner can be put to good use.

Newcomers Burnly will set sail on their EPL journey against last year's newcomers, Stoke who have taken Dean Whitehead from Sunderland in late July. Burnley to have some key signings though. They picked up a 19 year old Ecuadorian winger by the name of Fernando Guerrero on loan from Independiente de Valle as well as Steven Fletcher from Hiberian £ 3 million. They'll be one of the many clubs fighting for their spot in the top flight. Aston Villa will be looking to crack the Big Four this year, starting against EPL scrappers Wigan at the JJB. Villa conquered Juventus in the preseason Peace Cup tournament on penalties and will be looking to swing their momentum directly into Wigan on opening day with the key signing of England Under 21, Fabian Delph from Leeds. Birmingham have also returned to the Prem this season. They get the Manchester United welcoming comitee to escort them back to the big leagues. To their luck, they will at least get to play against the threepeat EPL winners at home. Home advantage is usually a key factor, but less relative when United comes to town. They will be looking to bounce right back up after their loss to Chelsea yesterday. Finally Wolves, last year's Championship winners will be taking on the Hammers. They too will be starting their campaign at home. West Ham boss, former Chelsea great, Gianfranco Zola is still looking to grab the signature of Barcelona's out of place Gudjohnsen. If it does happen, I doubt it would be in time for the match against the hungry Wolves.

There's a quick overview for Week 1 of the EPL. I wanted to to start the season off with an over view like this so we have a basic understanding of where everyone in the league is. For me, the more shock results the better. It makes it so much more interesting. For others, they just want to see their team do well. Nonetheless, everyone can't be smiling when the season is said and done!

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Real Madrid vs DC United: 3-0

2009-08-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

Another convincing Madrid win if you just look at the scoreline, but there is so much more to the match than that and I'm here to discuss it all. I believe this is one of the best tests for Real Madrid for many reasons. It was hot. The pace of the game was great. But most of all, the match was just enjoyable, for me especially as a Madridista and being an American, seeing how the club football in my home country stacks up against one of the best teams in the world. Let's get started, shall we?

First, I want to clear things up for some people that seem to think that just because Real Madrid has Ronaldo and Kaka and a plethora of other stars, the squad should easily smash everyone 6 and 7 to nil. This is not the case. All the preseason hype is great but we have to keep things in perspective here. Real's players are the best of the best, but they are going to be playing against other professional footballers. Manchester United was a great team last year, but they didn't humiliate teams every week. Other teams will have chances. That's football. So just because Real Madrid gives up a corner on a quick break from the opposition doesn't always mean the defending on the team needs work. It means the offense on the other team did well to play some quality football. I think this was a great test for Real Madrid because they were constantly under pressure. I can totally applaud D.C. for the way they went about the match. When Real Madrid C.F. comes to town, it's intimidating. Player are a little hesitant to take on monsters like Pepe and company. Maybe the team wants to focus their strategy on defending for obvious reason. To my delight, that was not the case today! D.C. was very active and fun to watch play. They were not hesitant or shy by any means. One thing I was interested in seeing was how Madrid would cope with was high pressure from an opponent who likes to push on high and try to creative turn over in advanced positions. There were points where the team looked to react to it very nicely, stringing quick moving passes and evading danger by keeping the ball and play moving. That's the best way to beat that sort of system. Keep it simple until holes begin to breach. That wasn't always the case though. Some times, the pressure got to the team in the center of midfield and bogged down ability to hold possession, keeping the ball in Madrid's own half. It was a great test because if anyone has been tuning into the Barcelona preseason, they have been working on pressuring high up in every match. Barca is a far better side than D.C. United (with all respect to them), so you can see what los blancos are up against. Normally, this wouldn't worry me because there are times where the opposition will have spells in your own half. But when that happened, los blancos got away from the sweet and creative play we saw early in the first half and resorted to long balls over the top. I understand that we have the speed to do that. However, that's not the football we want to play. The type of game we want to play showed it's self in segments, especially in the first half. There were lots of great opportunities that came from possession spells with intricate passing. Higuain, Ronaldo, Granero, Kaka, and Sneijder all had chances in the first half. The D.C. United starting goalkeeper is my man of that match. He was wonderful with the save on Higuain's header and Granero's bullet. Brilliant display by him. Lot's of folks have doubted that all the new signings at Real Madrid would not be able to work together. Recent play has proved this to be very wrong. The quality of each individual is to account for the team's success. Players like Ronaldo know they don't have to take on the single superstar role because the faith in teammates as talented as Raul, Kaka, Benzema, Granero (this could take all day), ect. is evident. The team knows in order to be successful, they need each other.

What are all Madrid supporters talking about now? Pipita off the mark with not one but two goals! It was about time. Up until now, I was a bit worried about his preseason form but I never doubted him. This delights me. You could see how ecstatic he was to have scored on both occasions. The first goal was one for the highlight reels. He must have carried it 40 yards before slotting it past the goalkeeper. However, if you watch the goal, Robben was smart and dragged is defender right out of Higuain's path, smart. The second goal was scored on a break, and instrumental ball was played through to Robben from the "Pirate" Granero. Robben did the hard work and slid it across to an unmarked Higuain who danced past the keeper and rolled the ball into the back of the net. The third goal came from Robben himself. He deserved one after the performance he put on today. He came on as a halftime sub and really provided his own spark, as he usually does. Some believed the Dutchman to be on his way out of the club but he insists that he is staying. I'm sure glad he is after the goal he scored today. I just sat back and smiled. Pepe, with a rare, assist played a long ball in to Robben who sneaked in behind the defense from the right flank. He took three touches. One to trap, one juggle, and one looping volley chip that passed the goal line before the substitute D.C. keeper could pluck it away. Simply sublime. It's comforting to be surrounded by so much depth in the attack especially. You wouldn't even realize that Benzema and Lass were on French National Team duty (even though the FSC announcer seemed to be convinced we would be seeing them coming on. They need to step up their coverage if they are planning on doing the champions league seriously). With Lass away, Xabi Alonso was the one chosen to be the holding of the midfielders. I didn't notice him a whole lot during the match but when I began to look closer, he was doing a brilliant job of just doing a classic defensive center mid's job. He just help rotate and change the point of play. A few times Pepe ventured into the attack I peeked at the back line, and Alonso looked to be covering nicely as if he was a center back all along. He did well under the pressure of the D.C. United midfield. Many may have noticed at times we looked out numbered in midfield. That's because we played the same 4-3-3 as last match (3 midfielders) and D.C. played a 3-5-2 (5 midfielders). Drenthe's confidence rises another level in every game. You have to be impressed with his fitness and just pure athleticism. With the absence of Marcelo due to a sprained ankle, Drenthe played two 90 minute matches in 3 days after a transatlantic flight. He was as lively as ever. He worked up and down the left flank all match. You can tell the confidence is coming back to him. For example, the line drives he was hitting across the pitch to Arbeloa and the 4 or more scissors when he took on that defender in the first half. Many people thought he was going to be a flop, but has been quick to silence the hater's tongue in preseason. I know it's a little bit of a stretch but he reminds me of Roberto Carlos a little. The only thing that worried me with him today, is the majority of the D.C. attack came from long balls through in behind Drenthe or over the top of him. He just needs to keep a little better eye on that winger when the ball is on the opposite side of the pitch.

It was another positive Real Madrid result in the capital city of the United States on a summer scorcher. Shout out to my man Dave, (zidanechamp10) who survived the heat, got handshakes from majority of los blancos and got his picture taken with the engineer himself, Pellegrini. Anyone else catch the FA Community Shield today? You, the readers did pick Chelsea to win the Premiership this season in the last poll. You must know your stuff.

Viva el futbol y HALA MADRID!

Bobby

Exclusive: The "What If" Theory

2009-08-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

Could this be a start of a revolution in English football this year? Many people believe that the EPL is the strongest league in the world. There have been monumental changes in the big four clubs this summer and the said to be new title contender Manchester City. But where will it all lead? There are so many possibilities, some of them scare me and others intrigue me. Today I'm going to give you a totally hypothetical situation. However, just because it is hypothetical, doesn't mean there isn't a chance of this actually happening in the new campaign.

Let's first start with some background information. We all know the Manchester Derby is unpredictable and a great match to watch. Manchester City over the past handful of years have found positive results despite being eternal underdogs in the tie. A lot of people come together to watch the Red and Blue side of Manchester clash. Over recent years it's been a rivalry that stays relatively to the match. What I mean is, other than playing each other twice a season, though the results may very, it's not really anything significantly more than who beats who in that specific game. It's not like they are contending like Real Madrid and Barcelona at each other's throat to claim the best in Spain because we all know who the better club is in this case, Manchester United. However this season looks to be cooking up a potential recipe for a more heated encounter between the two teams.

You'd have to be living in a nutshell to not know the spending Manchester City has done this summer to totally bolster their squad into a Big Four challenging outfit. We also know there have been changes to the Red Devils as well. Star, Cristiano Ronaldo has left for Madrid and the (former) Old Trafford favorite Tevez, though finally welcomed to stay with the supporters who loved him so, after months of whining about not being asked to remain at Manchester United, dared to turn his cheek and trade in his allegiances by turning in his United uniform for the light blue of Manchester City. There has been a war of words going on all summer about the transfer. Sir Alex has spoken out many times about the Tevez transfer, claiming the Argentine hit man was not worth the money City bought him for. Tevez has hit back at United and Sir Alex on several occasions, directly or indirectly. Manchester City decided to make huge posters of the Argentine that read "Welcome to Manchester." Sir Alex called the attempt arrogant and an attempt to get a rise out of the United fans. "I think it's daft." he said.

So this is where my "What If" comes in. Pay attention closely. If you had read my article Derby Day (and if you haven't, it's not to late), extreme derbies such as the Milan derby of El Clasico are started over a series of events that aren't exactly football related. It's something more that tips tempers other than location in the same city as the two Manchester clubs are (although Manchester United are actually outside the city). El Clasico had the Spanish Civil War behind it. The Milan derby had the exclusion of anyone not English in AC Milan at the routes of that. Could these war of words, massive spendings by Man City, the controversial Tevez transfer, and City's legitimate push for the Premier League title be the reasons that start an English version of a megaderby? One of the same caliber of El Clasico? Perhaps, translated into English, "The Classic?" "The Manchester Classic?" All the ingredients are there. They would just need to be put in to the pot in the right order to boil up this mouthwatering possibility. So let's get hypothetical. Let's say the Manchester spending is beginning to pay off. They are experiencing a series of good results in the early season. Let's say they go on to win their first five matches of the new campaign. Which are Blackburn, Everton, Wolves, Pompey, and then Arsenal. If City can roll 4 games in a row, they will be on a high to face Arsenal. Arsenal is said to be the team, if any, that would drop out of the Big Four this season. It's not like City will be the less favored side here either. After all they've snatched up the Gunner's Adebayor and Kolo Toure who have yet to be replaced. City also beat Arsenal in the first half of last season 3-0. So what if the Gunners fall to City again? What does that mean? City's dreams of cracking the top four are beginning to come true, at least in their own eyes. The Arsenal result doesn't really mean too much this early in the season to experts but the fact the they just scalped a Big Four team, will make the players of City believe even more in the project they are part of and confidence will sky rocket for the next match. Who's next on the transfer list? Manchester United at the Theatre of Dreams. Maybe this where City's "dreams" may actually be realized. This stage of the "What If" theory is the most vital to the outcome we've dared to predict here. It also just hypothetical remember. So bare with me. What if Man City goes guns-a-blazin' into Old Trafford and comes away with a win. Let's say the scoreline is 2-1 to the Citizens. What if Tevez has both? Or even one? Perhaps even just a major part to play in the match? This is where the meltdown begins. Sir Alex begins to further criticize City's spending and the performance by his own players, attempting to take the glory out of the City showing, frantically trying to calm the hype that City is the better team in Manchester. However, he's just stirring things up because Mark Hughes will encourage the public that his side were capable all along. Tevez will have his own bit to say. I can already hear the striker: "I made the right choice to leave United. I must be worth the money now" he says jokingly at a press conference. The war of words is never ending. United have lost to Manchester City before but now it means something much more, especially to the supporters. If the light blue had confidence before, what do you think they're feeling like now? In ecstasy. Could this be happening? Two big four victories in as many weeks! This will surely continue for matches to come as their new found confidence pushes aside challenging teams and securing a spot in the top four by Christmas. Now it is Manchester United an the unfamiliar shadow of their rivals. Maybe even below a confident City in the table. The pressure is on them. They will have to wait all the way until April 17th of 2010 to get their revenge (grant it they don't meet in a domestic cup along the way). And on that date, they will have to travel into the heart of the lion's den also known as "The City of Manchester Stadium." Walking into a harsh atmosphere full of passionate City supporters who all of a sudden have a new found sense of pride and glory exercising all the rights the results and confidence has brought them. Baby blue banners and flags that read arrogant and confident messages, kids' with the Tevez kit number painted on their face and jerseys that read "Revenge" in place of a name on the back over the number "10" that signifies the year to date. Picture the images and sounds in your head. City supporters singing cheerfully and jeering just as much as the desperate Red Devils warming up. If United manages to overcome and win here, "The Manchester Classic" is on. They will most certainly use the win to shove back crap back into the faces of the Citizens. If United lose at the hands of City "The Manchester Classic" is even more on! Of course the outspoken Robinho will be throwing his two sense (or more) into the public readings. The papers and other press will have been analysing this phenomenon for weeks previous and even more so in weeks to come. The footballing world will have been turned upside-down in England and the Manchester United bandwagon across the world will begin to deteriorate violently as Manchester City are Champions League material.

Now would be a good time to snap back into reality. There you have it. It almost seems like a doomsday prediction doesn't it? Kind of scary. I'm not saying this is what I believe is going to occur. I most certainly would not put a dime on this theory coming true. For all I know City could lose to Wolves, then crushed by the Gunners, and finally put to rest by United the fallowing week, sending them back to the mid table they are so very used to. However, the elements for United disaster are there. This is football, anything can happen.

R.I.P. Dani Jarque

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid,

Bobby

Real Madrid vs Toronto FC: 5-1

2009-08-07T18:38:00.000-07:00

The people of Toronto were not let down by los blancos display tonight. Unless they were die hard T.F.C. supporters. It's hard to be disappointed when Real Madrid wins and scores 5 goals in a single match. Those aren't the only reasons to be pleased though. There are plenty of positives to take out of today's Canadian match up. Not to mention, after Barcelona's North America act was looking to be a tough one to fallow, the other Spanish giant didn't let anyone down.

I'd like to start with the few negatives. From a Real Madrid stand point it's hard to pick out negatives unless you're looking under a microscope like me. I tend to be a bit picky. Okay so it's not like Real was playing a real quality side, but I'm not going to bash a good result and a good performance. I'm actually not disappointed about the goal at all. It was a low hard shot that rebounded to another red shirt. It happens, unlucky. I think it was great for that T.F.C kid to score against a big club like Real Madrid. I believe the announcer on ESPN said he hadn't played a regular season game at all this year. So good for him. He is just a boy. I'd be just as ecstatic as he was. The one thing that made me cringe early was when Casillas, showing he is the best keeper in world (maybe a biased opinion), came out and saved the 1v1 opportunity early in the first half. A chipped ball over the top was played to a Toronto striker who was obviously in an offsides position. However, he let it go and the back line froze as second Toronto player went darting through only to be denied by Iker from close range. Those are the little things that we can't fall asleep on, especially against good sides. He was totally unmarked and 7 out of 10 times will score a golden opportunity like that. At times the Albiol/Metzelder partnership was a little shifty. But for the first time playing together, good. Pepe will miss the first couple games of the season due to a suspension he received at the end of last season. So the German and the new Spanish signing will see a lot of time together right away when the season gets started in a short couple weeks now. I too noticed that the play dropped a little at the beginning of the second half. We need to play a complete 90 minutes or it will comeback to haunt us. For example, Real Madrid vs Juve last week. Other than that it's very hard to pull mistakes from the match. Like I said, I'm a nit-picker and that's all I've got for you.

Let's discuss the formation. It's not what a lot of people expected. I have been all over websites and discussions about what we were going to be looking at tonight and the most common ideas, from what I could see were 4-4-2 with a staggered or altered midfield or 4-2-1-2-1. That wasn't the case. Pellegrini went with a very Barcelona like 4-3-3. Here was the team to start:

------------------Casillas------------------
Arbeloa----R. Albiol--Metzelder --Drenthe
------Lass--------Kaka-------Guti--------
---Ronaldo------Benzema-----Raul-------

That's what the formation looked like, but that is most certainly not how it stayed. The play from Real Madrid was very inventive and creative. This is the kind of football we have all been expecting. Ronaldo looks like a right forward but was often found in the center or left. Kaka was up top next to Benzema who seemed to drift to the left a bit. Raul, as you may have guessed by now, was seen high and even to the right at times. The midfield was having a bit of fun by tangling defenders because they were so hard to mark as they too frequently switched places, making it extremely hard for Toronto to pick up. I don't want to concentrate too much on individual performances because it was a team effort but there are certain things that must be addressed. Real Madrid supporters on forums in recent days have been saying that Raul should step aside and give someone younger a shot. Someone even said he should work to get out of his contract (What a ridiculous comment!). I've argued that he is still valuable and he didn't do me wrong tonight. Two goals of two very different nature. Who says he doesn't still got it? He chopped a defender who is probably 7-10 years younger than he is and roofed it off the cross bar into the back of the net. The years may be beginning to wear on him, but he still has a lot to offer. Good performance by him tonight. It was evident how excited Ronaldo was to score his first goal from open play. Scoring from the penalty spot twice is rewarding but your not truly off the mark until you get one from the run of play. The goal was well worked. I clapped to it in my own living room. A chipped ball into Ronaldo, who headed it on to Benzema. The French international took a touch or so forward and then cut it back for C. Ronaldo, who continued his run and met it in stride. One touch. Bang. Beautiful. Benzema played a major role tonight. Higuain will need to step up his stuff to find game time, but I'm sure at this stage in his career Raul, sadly, cannot play every match. Back to Benzema. He had a part to play in the 4th and 5th goal. He scored from close range after Negredo worked hard to reach the end line and poked a nifty through ball in from Robben who beat the goal keeper and slid the ball home. Well done. It was a luxury to have the Confederations Cup players back in action even though Pellegrini only gave them the first half. Kaka looks awfully promising as always. I feel like he will be an extremely influential part in the upcoming season after seeing him work well with the rest of the Real players today. Arbeloa was very active, filling in for Sergio Ramos who stayed in Spain to nurse an Achilles injury. He gave the ball away a few times, but you can't have a stunning performance every game. I have yet to be disappointed by Granero. He came on as a sub and was just as composed and solid as always. I'd really like to know his pass completion percentage. It's got to be up there. Long balls, through balls, short passes. He can do it all. Xabi Alonso did just the job I thought he would. I didn't expect any less but I'm beginning to get used to something that seems rather unfamiliar as a Madridista. Depth. The healthy competition for places will do the team good. There are so many options. I feel if one player is goofing up, Madrid has another player just as willing and talented to pick up the slack. I want to give an online applause to Drenthe. He has recovered from his confidence scare last year and is as lively and athletic as always. Him and Marcelo, as I have said before, will be truly duking it out for left back all season. Heinze got out at the right time. No real smack on Gago, but Lass looks a lot more comfortable and affective without the Argentine next to him. The last thing I want to briefly touch on is defending set plays. I can actually say something positive about it this time. Madrid's set play defending was much (much, much, much) better than matches previous. The team may have been scored against, but this time not from a free kick or corner, or a header for that matter. Finally.

In the end it is a performance I, as well as many other Madridistas should be excited about. Hopefully that is just a preview for what is to come in the new campaign. I'm looking forward to watching what should be a similar performance against a significantly better D.C. United in a few days time. Just remember, this is preseason, not La Liga, the Copa del Rey, or the Champions League.

Viva el futbol y HALA MADRID!

Bobby

Short Thought: Preseason Form

2009-08-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

Preseason is always an interesting time for every club. Teams participate in friendlies, exotic tours of foriegn lands, and mini tournaments to tune up their squad for the season ahead of them. I've been noticing the amount of people who seem to think that what happens in preseason is what the season, which starts in a couple weeks now, will mirror. This is not at all the case. You must be mad to think these games are an accurate portrayal of what your team's chances are come time for the leagues to start.

I'm as guilty as the next person when it comes to being disappointed or pointing out when things that look wrong when watching the preseason matches this summer but I know the difference between preseason flaws and why they are happening. First of all, especially this year, players have been on the move. What does that mean? Well all the players that are just transferred into clubs have a lot on their agenda. They have to get to know their new teammates' playing style and personality. The players already at the club have to do the same for those incoming or else the team won't gel. That's why it looks like some players don't look on the same page. Perhaps the new player is learning a new language to communicate on the pitch. They may be playing a different formation from what they are used to at their old club. There is also a possibility that with new personnel, the manager will switch up the team's formation from the previous season which mean's everyone has to learn and adapt to a new system. This is a time for experimentation, trial and error. Which could lead to poor results. There is a good chance your favorite team may have a new coach who everyone has to get used to. The new coach will probably have his own ideas and own transfer targets. Footballer that were popular under the last boss may fall out of favor with the new one. So the team will learn to play without that player. Secondly, not everyone is in mid season form when returning and most certainly isn't as fit as when the last season ended. That's why a lot of footballers don't go the 90 minutes are a subbed at half, which leads to academy of reserve players getting time. We all know they aren't first team stars so it's natural for the level of play to drop and for the temper of the die hard fan to increase when it does so. My advice, stay calm. Those reserves are just learning to play at the top level. The players you have a problem with, you will most likely not see in the season, and the ones that stand out will most likely only be substitutes, if that. Now, every team has their own preseason schedule. Chelsea, Internazionale, AC Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Everton all went transcontinental. The time zones are off and the jet lag can really take a toll on the performance of a team. Manchester United, Tottenham, and Liverpool took off in a different direction to the Middle and Far East to play team from that region of the world. Some teams have more to be worried about preseason however. There are exceptions. Take Celtic for example. They've been busy in qualifying for the Champions League. So they probably started preseason a little earlier than the rest and their preseason fixtures may mean a little more than your average team who has no competition that starts in late July.

What I'm trying to say is, if your team hasn't performed well in preseason against teams you should easily handle. Don't sweat it. Why? One, the reasons I just gave above. And two, it doesn't count for anything. If anything, your team is learning from the poor results and making rectifying changes. So don't be so hard on your favorite club (Milan supporters).

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Short Thought: On the Move

2009-08-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

This summer's transfer market has been all the talk. It quickly over shadowed the international tournament, the Confederations Cup. Little names to megastars have all been on the move but why? What's wrong with the club they're at? I can think of three reasons and I'm willing to share them with the you the readers. We'll take a look at while suite cases are full and every dressing room has a different look and how it might affect the future.

Reason 1: It's a World Cup year. It's every player's dream to lift the golden trophy and South Africa is all the hype being the first African nation to host. So why does this affect club transfers? Well players need to impress their national team coaches. Some times the teams they currently play for aren't significant enough to catch the coaches' eyes. Let's look at a prime example. David Beckham had to extend his stay at Milan before returning to LA to play with the Galaxy to impress Fabio Capello, England National Team coach, because playing in the MLS will not boost your credentials to be on the Three Lions next summer. When the MLS season ends this autumn, he will most likely return to a European based outfit to continue his pursuit of World Cup glory. Also some national team players are looked upon as surplus at the club they currently play for. In order to be noticed or considered, a footballer needs to be a regular team player to be on form and it doesn't look good if you wan't to make a difference for the national team and you don't even smell the grass at you're club. Take the dutch players at Real Madrid. Now Robben looks to be safe. However, dutch star midfielder Sneijder, Dutch Euro 2008 captain Van der Vaart, and striker Huntelaar are having trouble establishing themselves amongst the galacticos Real Madrid have brought in this summer. Sneijder has been linked with a loan move to Internazionale. Van der Vaart has already established he will leave the Bernabeu to a destination unknown and Huntelaar looks close to completing a move to AC Milan as of today.

Reason 2: Deep pockets. The world of football is growing ever more financial. With big money owners taking over clubs, the cash is being spilt out on new prospects. The likes of wealthy owners and lucrative deals from prosperous clubs have the money to to throw out deals other clubs have a hard time denying. Perhaps this is why so many big players have been on the move. Manchester City, a club of no great prestige but with the deepest of pockets, was able to bring in players like Tevez, Adebayor, Barry, Toure, and look to be close to a Lescott transfer after he asked for one recently. Chelsea owner Roman Abromavich hasn't spent his never-ending money supply yet but talks this week suggest Chelsea are planning to make the move for three big stars. Real Madrid have spent around a quarter of a billion dollars bringing in players this summer with signings of footballing super stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka to name a few. A lot of people do not think this kind of cash is good for the game. However, people like FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, believes it shows an even higher interest in the sport. It's been a very controversial topic this summer but it doesn't seem to be coming to an end any time soon because more tycoons, those of Arab dissent in particular, and interested in buying EPL clubs. Portsmouth was bought out in recent weeks by a wealthy Dubai based business man. Are they the next City?

Reason 3: Some clubs are on the up and some clubs are on the down. The main reason for joining a team is success. If you want to be successful, you have to join a good squad. It makes perfect sense. Ibrahimovic joins Barcelona. Why? Well, why not? The team just came off it's greatest season in the history of the club and they don't plan to stop there. Real Madrid came off a terrible season last year. However, everyone knows there is time for change so a combination of deep pockets and the clubs willingness to succeed brought in a second era of galacticos. Micheal Owen, a (former) Liverpool favorite joined arch rivals Manchester United this summer after a spell at a few other clubs. Now that seems awfully odd doesn't it? Nonetheless let's look at the direction of the club he was leaving and the club he is joining. Newcastle United was his outfit last year. Where are they now? Relegated to the championship. Who did he join? The EPL champions for the last three years. It makes a lot of sense for a play no matter where your allegiances are tied too.

From what I can see, and that's a lot folks, these are the reason that so many players on the move this year. There are little other reasons, of course, but these are the main ones. There are definately going to be more transfers this summer. Take a step back and see if you can tie them to the reasons I have provided here.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Best Footballing Academies.

2009-08-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

The game of football is filled with young whippersnappers. Every now and then we hear of the next protegy player coming up through the ranks somewhere or another. I mean that usually isn't the case when they grow older, for instance Freddy Adu. Jack Wilshire at Arsenal, though young is proving he can compete at a high level and is bursting with confidence. New exciting players are being bread everyday in all different parts of the world. The lucky ones, however, are developed in the finest footballing academies available. All the big stars had to start somewhere. Where is the player development capital of the world? Is it North London? What about Catalonia or Turin? Manchester United is a great club, how about them? Let's find out.

FC Barcelona are said to have the greatest academy in the world by many people who take time to study the game of football. How can these people be sure? What evidence do they have? All you have to do is look at some of the players that have come out of the infamous La Masia. The names such as Victor Valdez, Puyol, Messi, Iniesta, Xavi, Sergi Busquets, Pique, and FCB's burrent boss and former player, Pep Guardiola. They've also developed big names that are at other clubs. Liverpool goalkeeper, Pepe Reina, Everton favorite, Mikel Arteta, and Arsenal playmaker, Cesc Fabregas. La Masia is not hard to find. It's simply right next to the the Nou Camp. The historic building was built in 1702. The academy was started in 1979 It is made up of 90% Spanish players, and 50% are Catalonians. The 10% are foreign such as Messi. So it's not to far off to say that the Barcelona area could produce some of the best talent in the world. Barcelona are active in the transfer market as much as anyone but it is a priority for them to breed players into their first team. The more number of La Masia players in the squad the more Catalonia is represented, which allows the club motto to stay true. Mes que un club. More than a club. Perhaps that is the reason the academy is so successful. We are beginning to see the next generation of La Masia products poke their head above the surface in Barcelona's preseason campaign while former academy players such as Puyol, Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, and Valdez already have taken the reigns to lead the club, where they did so successfully last year being the first Spanish club to win the treble. Bojan Krkic has been the hype of the last few years as the future of Barcelona but new names are beginning to appear. Pedrito and Jeffran netted against Beckham and the L.A. Galaxy just a couple days ago. Dos Santos, former Barcelona youth product, helped Mexico steamrole the United States 5-0 in the gold cup final.

So if Barcelona has a great youth academy, than you would surely think their arch rivals Real Madrid would have one pretty close to being just as good. Sadly that is not the case recently. Real Madrid have developed plays and then are quick to ship them off because they have trouble breaking into a well established first team. For example, Javi Garcia to Benfica and Dani Parejo to Getafe just this summer. Perhaps it is because the academy isn't as strong, but the la madridista nation expects quality performances on every outing. That's a lot of pressure for youngster to handle. It's hard for the first teamers to handle at times. There are some faces on the Real Madrid side that are home bread though. Raul, Madrid's golden boy has been at the club since he was a boy. Iker Casillas the goalkeeper who has played in the youth ranks since age 9. Guti has also been brought up through Castilla. Madrid have been fortunate to reobtain some of their losses bringing back Granero from Getafe and Arbeloa from Liverpool, both of which were part of Madrid's system. It remains pretty obvious that Castilla does not campare well to La Masia in Barcelona. However in this summers U-18 World Club Championships it was Real Madrid who triumphed over Barcelona 2-1 in the final. That will leave a bitter taste in the mouthes of La Masia and continue to fuel the rivalry when these players reach first team action in years to come.

Let's get out of Spain for right now and travel north to the UK. One of the best academies in England you can go to is not, Man. Utd., Chelsea no, Liverpool nope, then surely Aresnal, wrong again. West Ham's The Academy of Football. Some of the greatest English players in the game today and off the past have trained there! Where do I even begin? Okay so West Ham isn't exactly a top notch club in the Prem but it certainly is a top notch place to develop players. In 1998-1999 the FA Youth Cup was won by a scoreline of 9-0 by this lot and featured players such as Chelsea's Joe Cole and Manchester United's Micheal Carrick. The likes of Harry Redknapp, England's 1966 World Cup winning captain, Bobby Moore (I rather like that name), Paul Ince, Glen Johnson who just arrived at Liverpool after a spell with Pompey, Chelsea's Frank Lampard, Rio and Anton Ferdinand, and Jermaine Defoe have all come out of the Hammer's system. Oh wait I forgot to mention John Terry, Sol Campbell, Alan Curbishley, Kieran Richardson, Mark Noble and Jimmy Bullard also spent time there. And I know I must be forgetting some. That's an unbeleivable amount of talent coming out of one place. The Academy of Football takes the prize for developing the most prestigous players.

As of lately, Arsenal, mainly because the ideals of coach Arsene Wenger have heavily relied on their youth system, even more than Barca does. Some say it's an attribute to the club and what kind of players they develop. I'm going to poke my nose in on this business because not a lot of people will. Does Arsenal develop great youngsters? Absolutely. However, I think the opportunities at which they are sometimes exposed to the harsh world of top class footballing is are mistimed. Throwing young Gibbs into the mix against Manchester United in the Champions League semi-final? That just isn't a smart move. What does Arsene Wenger think he will do? I mean if he has a great match, its a boost of confidence that will carry a player for miles but Gibbs experience level is not ready to take on that challenge. I do think playing some young players in the Carling Cup is a good idea because you are putting aside a competitive torunament to expose them little by little. And in the Carling Cup the young players look great. They play the quick moving interplay combination football we know from Arsenal, but often times it's against a League 1 or 2 side. With Adebayor and Toure out the door this summer, Arsenal hasn't looked to sign anyone of any signifigance. Wenger once again believes that his young boys can do the job. It doesn't seem to be the season to be toying around with Manchester City buying players like they've come from a vending machine. I think the Arsenal youngers are way above par footballers but they need leaders to help them grow. Arsenal have an unstable Gallas, and a young Febregas leading the team. If they fail to impress this year or even drop out of the big four, I think we will see the end of Wenger and the youth will sink back into the woodwork with a new coach except for a very select few like Jack Wilshire.

Where does one create a player like Cristiano Ronaldo? Well you simply can't. You just develop the potential he has been given by the good Lord. Well where did they do that? The Sporting/Puma Academy in Lisbon, Portugal. That is where Sir Alex picked him up from after he had made a couple appearences for their first team. Many people believe that United develop the greatest home grown players. This is a common misconception. The United youth is very good, however they aren't from Manchester. Sir Alex and his scouts often pick up players like Ronaldo and mold them into high class footballing machines. Prime examples are Ronaldo himself, Fabio and Rafael da Silva, and a soon to be breakout star Marcheda, who was controversially moved from Lazio's Academy to United's.

I hope I have enlightend some on where the best academies are incase anyone out there has amamzing tallent and might be accepted, or you were just curious. There are other programs I failed to mention such as Inter Milan, Bayern Munchen, Juventus and PSG as well as others. However, I also didn't want to leave you material-less for today.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Chelsea to swoop for Unneeded Trio

2009-08-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

Chelsea only really made one notable signing this summer. That being Russian international Yuri Zhirkov who looked to be useful against AC Milan (but who hasn't) in the preseason World Football Challenge in the United States, scoring the winner in the Blue's 2-1 victory. Of course they have Sheva back from his loan at Milan. However, everyone at Stamford Bridge would rather pretend he just didn't exist. Pizarro has returned as well. After failing to impress in his last stay at Chelsea, he was shipped off to the Bundasliga on loan where he was a goalscoring hit with Werder Bremen. Recent reports have seen Chelsea finally make 3 massive swoops in the transfer market. It's a bit late in the summer for huge transfers but it's never too late when you have the money of Roman Abramovich behind you. According to Goal.com Chelsea has their eye on three potential new blues. Who are they and how would that affect the current squad? Let's take a look.

Before I get started, I think that Chelsea look fine as it is. They have so many solid and high class players that I don't think signing anyone else is necessary because then someone big is going to have to take a pine role, be upset and want a transfer when it's to late, disrupting the flow I already believe the team possesses. However, I'm not the boss, or owner. The first target rumored to be wanted by the West London club is Atletico Madrid's heavily sought after Sergio Agruero, a forward. The club seems to be making way for him by loaning out promising young Di Santo to Blackburn. Di Santo scored his first goal for the Chelsea in the World Football Challenge only a few weeks ago. Aguero looks to be a coveted prize but with Drogba, Anelka, Pizarro, Sheva, and a returning Joe Cole, is he really that necessary? The young Argentine is only 21 years of age and has plenty of time to grow. I don't think Chelsea need him quite yet with no real exits. Manchester United have also been interested in the youngsters services, and Sir Alex continues to heap praise on him but has yet to make his move.

A deal that seems all but out in the open is Andrea Pirlo to Chelsea. AC Milan president said the move would shock him if it happened. However, recently when Pirlo was asked about the Chelsea move by the press he just said he had nothing to say. Is he hiding the fact that he is leaving? It wouldn't surprise anyone if he fallowed Carlo Ancelotti to Chelsea but again, do they have the room for him? Everyone knows the midfield at Chelsea is bolstering already. As read in Managerialism 250 coaches tend to like to bring in players of their own nationality and one thing that Chelsea don't have a lot of is Italians. Nonetheless the club already has Lampard, Ballack, Essien, Mikel, Deco who already play in the center of midfield. Perhaps Ancelotti rates Pirlo better than some of the players he already has, but for a center midfielder, Pirlo hasn't scored from open play in over a year. Think to yourself where you might put him. It's difficult isn't it?

The last but I believed to be the most unlikely, however most useful in Chelsea's case, is Franck Ribery. Why is this unlikely? Clubs such as Manchester United and especially Real Madrid have been trying to get their hands on him all summer. Real Madrid are rumoured to have put in a bid greater than the one they put in for Ronaldo but it was still turned down. The Chelsea triple swoop we are analyzing right now was said to be only £100 million for all three of these players. Roman has the cash, but what has been reported on Goal.com just wouldn't be enough to lure Franck away from the tight clutches of Bayern Munchen. If he somehow did land at the bridge, he would be a good winger option. I certainly think he is more useful than Belletti, that's a given.

I'll be interested to see how this plays out over the next couple days, and remaining weeks in the transfer window. Do I see Chelsea grabbing all 3? No way. The most likely to go I believe is Pirlo. What the Chelsea boss plans on doing with the side after that is a mystery

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid,

Bobby

Managerialism Course 250

2009-08-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

Being a manager at a top football club can be tricky. There is all the pressure of succeeding by managing your team to good results, team selection, transfer sagas, press conferences and heat of the moment substitution decisions. We all know how good Sir Alex can be at those. We all remember the super sub Solskjaer story. He scored 4 goals after coming on as a sub. Breathtaking. However today I'm not going to be looking at the greatest super subs. We'll save that for another time.

Over the last couple years, I've began to notice a trend. Managers, especially in the EPL, are very nationalist, if that is the correct word. They tend to search for players of their own heritage in the transfer market or players who happen to speak their same language. Is it because they feel more comfortable, can bond more with the players? Do they enjoy a sense of home comfort. Perhaps the manager has trouble explaining tactics in a certain language so exiles good player in place of players that he can communicate more clearly with. After all the better the team understands the tactics, the more efficient those tactics will be when match day rolls around. So is there a reason for the players of their homelands? I'm going to do my best from observation to come up with a hypothesis. A prime example and perhaps one of the best examples of this phenomena is Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger. He is French. Okay we have that established. I'm going to look at last season's roster of usual first teamers and give you the names of all of the French and French-speaking (African Players who speak French as a primary language) players. Here we go: Adebayor, Kolo Toure, Samir Nasri, Bacary Sagna, Gael Chichy, Alexandre Song, Emmanuel Eboue, Abou Diaby, Mickael Silvestre, and William Gallas. You could put the 10 of them on the field in whatever position you'd like, with the exception of keeper, have one to spare, and see a fluently french speaking squad on the pitch in the English Premier League. It really isn't just last year either. Of course their all time leading goal scorer, Theirry Henry who left for Barcelona a couple seasons back, is French. Patrick Viera, who has been rumoured to be perhaps on his way back to North London with the Gunners from a spell at Inter Milan, is French, and captained the infamous "Untouchables" in the 2003/2004 season with Arsenal. Okay so Arsenal has a bunch of French players and a French coach. Big Deal. Let's take a look at last year's Liverpool squad as well. It's common knowledge to know that Rafa Benitez is Spanish. So what about Spaniards and those who speak the language in his squad. It is interesting yet again. They were Fernando Torres, Javier Macherano, Alberto Rierra, Alvaro Arbeloa, Emiliano Insua, Pepe Riena, and Xabi Alonso. That's quite a number of Spaniards and players who possess the ability to speak Spanish in one English first team. And again, that's an English squad we are talking about. They obviously lead the EPL for players of this sort. It seems where ever a manager may go in his career, he wants to bring something or someone(s) with him. Early last season when Scolari ended his post as boss of Portugal and took on the roll of Chelsea manager, he scooped up two of his Portuguese national team players and brought them to the bridge, Deco and Bosingwa. Not unlike Murinho who brought Portuguese players such as Carvalho and Ferriera to West London after managing Porto to a Champions League success. Sir Alex Ferguson is Scottish. Okay so their aren't many Scottish players on Manchester United. If you think about it there aren't many Scottish players on any major European sides nowadays, besides Celtic and Gers if you even count them as major European sides. However. Fergie does have Darren Fletcher, a Scot, who he seems to enjoy throwing in the line up. He knows in order for Manchester United to be successful, he cant buy predominately Scottish players because in all do respect to Scotland, the players wouldn't be able to get the job done. So arguably, he has the best of the best out of Scotland with Darren Fletcher. Real Madrid have had so many managers over the last few years, most of them can't get their bags unpacked before they're sacked. That being said, they still manage to bring in some homelanders. For Example Bernd Shuster brought in Metzelder, both German. Fabio Capello brought in Cannavaro, both Italian. So there are plenty of managers to seem to be a bit biased toward their homeland, if their homeland has sufficient amount of talent. I've noticed one special case though at Chelsea. Owner, Roman Abramovich is very hands on. He is a wealthy Russian businessman. When Scolari failed to impress him and was done away with, he hired pal Gus Hiddink who was national team coach of Russia. So your saying that may be a coincidence. However, it seems a bit odd that this summer Chelsea's main signing was Yuri Zhirkov, A Russian international midfielder when the club is already loaded with midfielders. For example, Lampard, Ballack, Essien, Mikel, Belletti, Deco, and Malouda. Perhaps he's the real boss in control of what goes on at the field at Stamford Bridge. It would be a bit annoying being micromanaged if your the coach. In conclusion I believe that this phenomena contributes to why the English Premier League is currently and has been for the last couple years, the strongest league in the world.

It seems to me that coaches like a little bit of their own flavor if their flavor is good enough to be tasted. Profound, right? Rafa and Wenger come from predominately strong footballing nations so it is easy to pull form those countries. Whereas Sir Alex comes from a nation where is more difficult to find top class players, so he only pulls what he can in my eye. This has been Advanced Managerialism Course 250.

Viva el football y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Peace Cup Semi-Final. Juventus vs Real Madrid: 2-1

2009-07-31T15:30:00.001-07:00

Real Madrid fell to Juventus in the Peace Cup semi-final today 2-1. I have plenty of thoughts to share on this match. I think it was a good way to see how Real Madrid has been stacking up to other big sides during preseason. Put some players under more pressure than against Al Ittihad or LUDQ. Some reacted well to the pressure, some did not unfortunately.

First off, am I disappointed about the loss? Always. Is it the end of the world? Not at all. Yes, the match was obviously a failure not progressing through to the final, but it was only a preseason match and I believe there are plenty of positives and even more lessons to learn from the Juve match up. My number one concern for the Merengue and has been all preseason is defending set plays. Both goals today were scored off set plays. To make it worse, the first happened only 4 minutes into the match. To make it even worse than that, it was tiny little Cannavaro that left the Bernabeu for Juve this summer with a header, completely unmarked, held onside by Ronaldo, who was far to deep on the back post side. Thats the 5th goal Los Blancos have conceded in the preseason and also the 5th from set plays. Defending free kicks and corners has to get better if Madrid are going to succeed. Simple as that. In a sense, if Madrid would have been tidy on defending set plays and corners, they could be unscored upon at this point. Interesting, yeah?

I'm gonna mix it up a bit now and throw in a couple pros rather than concentrating on the cons all at once. I'll mix and match them for you. Drenthe was full of energy today and I was completely impressed by his performance. He found plenty of free space on the left wing from his defending position and contributed to the attack often. He looks to be very fit for preseason, racing up and down, tracking back and starting forward. He is still young and has plenty to learn, but with confidence I have a feeling he and Marcelo will be dueling it out on the left wing all season for a spot now that Hienze has moved onto Marsielle. The partnership worked out well with Lass and Granero behind Guti in the midfield, at least for the first half anyway but I'll get to that in a minute. The more I watch Granero, I become more fond of him. I really think he was quite a deal coming from Getafe. He is a play maker. His vision is fabulous. He can really pick out players, but also keeps it simple. If the ball isn't on he doesn't force it, easily turning out and restarting the attack by going backward or square. Enjoyed him a lot today. For being the older veteran striker on Real Madrid, Raul still causes plenty of trouble. He drew the penalty from Chiellini, who I don't rate as a great defender. However, nonetheless, Raul still had a handful of chances throughout the match. Benzema didn't standout today like in previous matches. He drifted in and out of the game. He was brilliant for the first 15 minutes, very involved. However, he slowly slipped off until he was substituted midway through the second half. What is odd, that I noticed not once but twice is that the French striker, didn't even look at the goal before taking his shots that missed by a fair distance. It's very difficult to shoot blind. Perhaps it was just the two shots I witnessed but the fact that he doesn't really know where he is aiming could be detrimental to his career in general. Everyone is upset with Ronaldo's free kick form. Today he missed wide, hit the very center of the wall, and pretended he was Dani Alves with souvenir for some lucky fan in the third tier. He just needs to find his niche again. He can feel the pressure being put on him to score those, and the more he misses, the more he feels it. As soon as he catches his lucky break, they will start to find the net. That's my prediction. For his play other than the free kicks today, I thought he was useful. He wasn't just glued to the right flank all match. I spotted him in the center, up top, on the left. That's what he needs to do. It's very easy to mark a player that plays in one area of the field, but if he is constantly running around, different people will constantly have to pick him up. Eventually, someone will miss their cue, or he will open up space for somebody else. With Torres at right back, I'm so anxiously awaiting the return of Ramos or even newly, but pointlessly signed Arbeloa. He did not play well. foolishly gave up the free kick that lead to the first goal and fouled constantly. Madrid needs that Ramos energy back. The last individual performance I want to pick out of the crowd is Pepe. He was a mammoth today. I giant big defender. He gave no ground to anyone, picked up players, won headers and 1v1s, tracked back and frustrated Amuari all match. Pepe did scare me with the back pass that was picked off, but he and Metzelder quickly made amends. Superb from the Portuguese international today.

I've had enough of the individual stuff for now at least. Let's look at the game play. First off, the offsides trap seemed to be working. I didn't count the amount of time Juve were called off but it had to have been at least half a dozen. When Madrid were scored on so early, I was shocked, but wasn't going to remain so sour with 86 minutes still to play. I was right for the first half. Real Madrid looked the better team and even the most stubborn Juventus supporter's eyes. The possession was great. The quick fluent passes, the changes of directions, clever balls and fast pace was difficult to deal with. I quickly forgot about being a goal down and redirected my concentration to not if but when our equalizer would come. It came shortly before half with Raul drawing his penalty and Ronaldo fooling Buffon by easily placing the ball in the center of the goal from the spot. I was absolutely thrilled. This was the kind of football I had been waiting for, Real Madrid football, and it had finally arrived. Or visited should I say. The second half was a totally different story. The Merengue enjoyed the same type of play for about 10 or 15 minutes until one by one the wheels began to fall off the wagon. The scoring of Juve's second goal off the corner didn't worry me at first because I thought the squad would rebound the way they did so perfectly after the first goal but I was wrong. Panic mode set in and we got away from the basics and the possession. Without the ball, you cannot score (with the exception of fluke own goals). The wing play began to deteriorate and balls were being forced through the middle and over top. Those are mental errors. When los blancos needed to be patient they weren't and resorted to forcing it. The introduction of Higuain and Negredo did absolutely nothing for the team, both failed to make an impact or even be noticed at all. The game grew to be a little chippy and Lass always falls into that category when that happens but I was shocked at the tackle by Grygera in the closing couple of minutes that took Ronaldo out of action temporarily. The replay showed his standing tackle go studs well up into the number 9's knee and drag down his leg. It was very late. A yellow card was generous. Perhaps the Peace Cup isn't as peaceful as it may sound.

I would like to give me approval to both Camoranesi and Giovinco. I thought both were acceptional today. Very tidy, the two of them. Camernasi just created problems all match long and made Torres look a fool at times. Giovinco is young and has a lot to offer. He looks to be a promising player of the future.

I had a lot to say about this one. Hopefully you didn't need a water break to finish it. I will be looking forward to Madrid's trip to the States in hopes that they will not embarrass themselves against and MLS side but even more excited to see Kaka make his debut and the rest of the Confederations Cup players return.

R.I.P. Sir Bobby Robson

Viva el futbol y hala Madrid

Bobby

Kit Review 2009-2010

2009-07-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

Preseason football is always difficult to judge with an entire season ahead. It's an arduous task to predict how a squad will fair in the season because so many things change. However, one thing that the team's are stuck with, whether they like it or not, is their kits. I've watched a lot of preseason football over the past couple weeks and have noticed, some good looking, interesting, and some shocking uniform design selections. What kit will sell and what kit will not? There are certain ones that make players look sharp. There is also a select few, that if put on a scarecrow, would be be mighty affective. Lets take a look.

Manchester United's Nike kits have caught eye with black a "V" like design on the center of their traditionally red jerseys accompanied by contradicting white shorts with a red stripe on the outside of the outfit. Most people I've spoken to said they think it's ugly. However, most people I speak too are anti-United people. Up until today, I thought United we're wearing their same away strip as last year. That would be kind of boring. However today online, I discovered the away shirt is the same pattern as the home strip only it is all black with an interesting blue "V" instead. I believe it looks a far cry better than the home jersey. Interestingly enough, about a week after the Owen transfer was completed the Manchester United Official store stated that they had 0 requests for his shirt. Maybe it was due to the fact that he had not been issued a number yet. Or maybe, just maybe, the fans don't accept the former Liverpool star.

Chelsea's home jersey's have been the criticism of many people. The Adidas template used for a lot of their 09/10 kits seems to be paneled on the chest with a tight collar with a line running down from the neck. A lot of people say they look like vests. The sleeves are shorter and smaller to give the shirt a snug look. It certainly is an interesting and caviller aproach. The Chelsea jersey that has people buying is the away kit. It seems to be a hit. The team was seen equipped with it in the World Football Challenge, which they won, in the United States. It has navy blue and black horizontal stripes with a light yellow trim, sponser, and numbers. It gives them an interesting look. It might top their highlighter away kit from two seasons ago.

Liverpool have gone expectingly classic with their home kit, the traditional red, nothing outragous. It suits the club very well. Their away kits have had people buzzing this summer. The black away kit seems to be very interesting. It's solid black with gold and red detail. Surely many people will be interested in it. Liverpool have sported it on their Asian tour already this summer. The other Liverpool away kit is solid white from head to toe. The only part that isn't white is the infamous "3 stripes" that Adidas lines their jerseys with and the black "L.F.C." on the socks. Surely on away strip will be used domestically and the other for Europe.

Arsenal too, have released their three Nike kits. The classic home jersey has taken hardly any dramatic changes from last year, but I for one am happy to see them rid their away jersey of the yucky yellow we all saw last season. The away strip is navy blue with pinstripes. It's an interesting look that seems to have paid off. It looks sharp. Their third jersey is white with pinstripes as well. I'm not sure which away kit will be used domestically or in Europe but a good look for the Gunners this season.

The new Everton home kit grabbed my attention. I haven't seen them play this preseason but I have seen pictures of their traditional blue with a long and narrow, white "V" from the neck down the front of the jersey. I don't know whether to like it or not at this point. Odd.

The Aston Villa home kit is their traditional colors but as in most cases, the away kit is what all the attention is migrating towards. Its simple really. All white with navy blue collar and sleeve cuffs. It looks like the stole Spurs' home jersey. The "acorns" sponsor remains. The body of the uniform has light pin stripes but the sleeves are blank. It seems to be growing on me though.

I just had to throw this in here. Newcastle's away kit? Give me a break! Like they aren't embarrassed enough that they are in the Championship, but to be fooling around away matches with a yellow and white striped jersey as well? It's pretty far out of the way to humiliate themselves when that's not a typical team color either. Just awful.

Spurs certainly have gone an interesting route this year, also implementing yellow into the equation. The yellow trim under the arm sure is bright, however I can see it working. When I watched them draw with Barcelona 1-1 in the Wembly Cup, the kit didn't look as rancid as it may sound. I did see the rest of the bench wearing all yellow tracksuits. That blurred my screen a little bit but the jersey might work for them. I'm no fashion expert, but for some reason I didn't hate it.

That's enough of the EPL let's jump over to Scotland real quick so I can let u know what the new Celtic away kit looks like. I'm not surprised because the home looks as it always does but talk about bumble bee for the away strip. All black with neon yellow/green hoops or horizontal lines on it with matching socks. It's a badass approach. It will be kind of embarrassing if they don't win wearing those jerseys. I wish them the best of luck and I might buy one cause my bug zapper broke.

Over in Italy, the Juventus home jersey seems to be as classic as always on the top. The zebra stripes with the yellow numbers. Nothing too crazy but they've got an interesting little short detail. Along the seams, there looks to be a thin black and white candy cane pattern that lines the outside of the short. It looks kind of cool. However, I'm not a fan of their away strip. It doesn't get any more boring than solid light grey. Has a diagonal black and white striped through the center but I'm not impressed. Nike did a dull job there.

I was really impressed with Inter Milan away kit. I saw them wear it in the World Football Challenge over the last couple weeks. It's solid white with a thick black and blue stripe that goes horizontally under the chest that the Pirelli sponsor goes on top of. The Italian crest sits in the middle of the jersey with the Nike and Internazionale logo on either sides of it. It has a small foldible collar and blue cuffs on the sleeves, but what made it really stick out to me was the big blue size of the number and names on the back. It really makes the jersey stand out. If your going to get one, get one with a name on the back. For the home jersey, you could probably create a picture in your head and be pretty close to what it actually looks like, classic Nerazurri. Well done Nike.

AC Milan kind of have a pop to their home jersey. The red and white stripes as always but the collar is what really makes it stand out. The collar is white. They too were in the Football World Challenge but are not having the greatest of preseasons considering they failed to make a difference here in the US and also fell to a Ribery-less Bayern Munchen. No trend is being broken with their away kits. One is solid white and the other is solid black. From what I understand the black one is the third jersey and will be used if there is no other alternative.

Despite, knocking Madrid out of the Champions League two seasons ago, I have always been a fan of Roma's colors. That trade mark cardinal red and the yellow orange just go together so well. It's rarely duplicated by any team. If you're a Roma fan who loves the tight sleeve look, than you won't be disappointed. Kappa created practically the same jerseys as last year except for the white which I really do like. It has their team colors in two bold stripes across the upper chest with an interesting red collar on it. Roma will once again be looking sharp next season.

Real Madrid. Being such a big fan and all I had to put off doing them toward the end so it didn't look like I was putting favorites first. However, I am very impressed with the new work. It's often hard to fail on the solid white home jersey. I watched a video on how they designed it this year and it has a little something extra. They've added a gold stripe that is seen on the sleeves and runs down the back. The collar is tight an old school. The team that designed the shirt also wanted to add a little history too it. It seems that on the opposite side of the Real Madrid crest there always is some other emblem of some sort. This year it is a Santiago Bernabeu stadium crest that looks like the stadium from above with E, S, and B (Estadio Santiago Bernabeu) artistically designed in it. The stadium logo appears on both the home and the away jersey. The away jersey is a deep dark navy blue with sky blue details. I've yet to see them wear it. The third jersey remains a mystery to me but I'm sure there will be one. There always is.

Over the past few seasons the Barcelona classic Blaugrana has decreased and decreased in stripes until last year where it was just half red and half blue. They couldn't decrease anymore this year so it's time to start over. The new kit is lined with plenty of stripes and has the Unicef on the front once again. The numbers look good in yellow as usual but its the away jersey that worries me. It's pink. Enough said. If the team has a repeat performance of last year it will be a kit for the ages, but if they fail to win trophies, its a little bold, and might be a kit to be forgotten. The image of Zlatan Ibrahimovic wearing pink just makes me laugh in a mental image but who knows. They say that only real men wear pink. Let's see if Barcelona are real men this year.

Valencia have dropped Nike as a shirt designer this season and have picked up Kappa, who sponsors AS Roma. The tight sleeves are noticeable for the side. The jersey is white with black sleeves. Certainly a different look for the Eastern Spanish side but it's about time something changed at the club. These are the jerseys that I've selected to review.

It would take me to about this time next year to do every jersey. If you have comments on jerseys I didn't look at or shouldn't look at, feel free to leave your comment. It's all in my opinion and I almost hope you disagree, so I can get some feed back here. Whatever the case may be, these teams have these jerseys for the next year, and we all need to get used to them.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Real Madrid vs Liga Universitaria de Quito: 4-2

2009-07-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

This was the performance I have been looking for this preseason with Real Madrid. I'm delighted at the result and even more so that we are into the Peace Cup semi-finals against a strong test being Juventus. There is a lot to be proud of in this performance but still a few key notes that worry me. Let's take a closer look.

There weren't many things that bugged me in this match but two or three sore issues stick out. Despite being held scoreless in the first half, I'm concerned to see Robben go off before the half time whistle. We all know how prone he is to injury. I wish him a speedy recovery. Benzema too, seemed to go off with a knock after being clipped fallowing a shot he took early in the second half. It seemed to be an impact injury rather than a strain or tear, but I worry anyways because he has been great in preseason for Madrid and looks promising for the upcoming campaign. In the first half more than the second half, I become angered when 50 and 60 yards ball hit out of their back third can find forwards over top or on the flanks of our defense. Now on the flanks, I don't care as much. If they're game plan is to launch missiles across the boarders into areas where Real Madrid can easily recover, let them. The balls that worry me or the one's that get over top and in behind the back line, I don't like. If the center backs want to force the forwards offsides, then step. If not, they better be tracking. It didn't happen often but against Juventus, we could be caught. The issue that even a blind man could see is defending set pieces. Dudek could do nothing about the goals but the rest of the team could have. Madrid have let up 3 goals in this tournament, all from set plays. We have the size. Pepe, Metzelder, Ronaldo, Gago, they aren't small. Put little Marcelo, Drenthe, or Lass, on the posts and let the big guys take care of big threats. Yes, the first goal scored against us was a bit unlucky with the unorthodox bike for a secondary cross, but nonetheless, a goal off a set play. The one player that seems to have worried me quite a bit in preseason is Higuain. I don't know if it's because he needs to get back in the swing of things from the off season but his first touch was very noticably off today as it was against Shamrock Rovers. I'm so used to stand out performances from him, that it seems wrong if I couldn't tell you if he was playing or not because he is making such a minuscule impact on the match. Again, it's only preseason. My faith in Higuain will not be conflicted because of 3 preseason matches but I'm anxious to see last seasons form surface again.

Let me first start off some positives with Gago. In the last few matches have really eaten him alive, saying their are better players Madrid have in the midfield than him and he gives balls away constantly, but I was impressed by his performance today. He looks a much better player when he just changes the point of attack and finds simple passes that keep our football flowing and moving. He is very good at that and could be of some value if he continues what he started today. He still is a little wild and reckless when defending but that can change as well. Much better today from him. The moment we have all been waiting for finally arrived today, and it will surely grab the headlines. Cristiano Ronaldo gets off the mark at Real Madrid. Okay, so the goal didn't come from a 40 yard lash, or a cheeky flick. It came from a penalty. However, he drew it himself in typical Ronaldo fashion, skinning two defenders and being fouled by the third. It seemed as if he provided the spark and set a tempo all on his own with the first goal. It goes to show what his performances can do for a team's momentum. He is a special player, but you don't need me to tell you that. Granero has played probably less than 90 minutes for Real Madrid total since he arrived last week but he is quickly becoming one of my favorites. He was there to clean up Ronaldo's rebound for the second goal, which he seemed just honored to score. For an absence at Real Madrid for 2 years, you can tell his madridista passion has always been with him. He really caught my eye against Al Ittihad because he was so composed with the ball at his feet and never tried anything he knew he couldn't do. Not to mention that cross bar blast had me dying for a second look. Today, he didn't fail to excite again with the goal of his own and the delicious corner ball he served in for Metzelder who glanced it in the top corner for goal number 3. I thought Salgado was going to find a rare goal when he made his triumphant run out of the back and continued into the box. Raul scooped the ball perfectly for him. He took it down on the chest but his rocket volley was sadly parried away with a great save from the LUDQ goalkeeper. Salgado was all over the place today. Quite a work ethic for 90+ plus minutes, defending pesky, crafty, Liga wingers and forwards all match. Pepe was nothing short of a beast today. He was simply an animal. A brick wall 1v1, and noting short of solid, almost grabbing a goal of his own there toward the end of the match. I was delighted with him today. Marcelo is beginning to resemble former Real Madrid Brazilian, Robinho, with his step overs and ability to penetrate the defense from the left. He does well offensively, but a little more to be desired on the defensive half of the game. Not a bad outing for his 90 minute performance either. The goal for every coach when he brings on substitutions he wants the play to increase and not drop. He got just that from subs, Negredo, Drenthe, and Lassana Diarra who combined for the fourth Madrid goal. Lass clipped the ball down the line for a scampering Drenthe who curled the ball low across the box for the oncoming Negredo to poke in from close range, marking his first goal for the club since returning from his loan spell. Madrid have scored 6 times this preseason with 6 different goal scorers, Benzema, Raul, Ronaldo, Granero, Metzelder, and Negredo.

Pellegrini has much to be pleased with. If I'm proud, he damn well better be too. And to think that he still has Kaka, Sergio Ramos, Casillas, and Raul Albiol at his disposal. I hope this marks the beginning of more good results. We'll find out when the squad meets an on form Juventus side on the 31st.

Viva el futbol y HALA MADRID

Bobby

Celebration Station

2009-07-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

Some people say the best part about scoring is the celebration. We've witnessed some wild ones over the years. The goal celebration certainly has transformed from the the classic 70s, jump straight up into the air with both hands trying to pull down a couple stars out to the night sky. The celebration has become so popular that FIFA09 even added it into their game play, where as soon as you score, you continue controlling your player and select from a wide variety of dances and motions. It really adds an extra element to any game. There are all sorts of celebrations. I would like to just take this time to look over some of them.

So many celebrations end up at the corner flag now-a-days. Let's just hope you don't pick the corner flag where the oppositions fans are throwing missiles at you a jeering your hard earned goal. As a player myself, there just seems to be a gravitational pull that attracts goalscorers to the corner flag. I feel as if when I score, I effortlessly float in that general direction. Perhaps professionals do it to celebrate with their fans as we often see. For instance I, for one, have seen Inzaghi, as well as many others, hurdle over the advertising boards and right over to the supporters who at this point are dangling over the separation bars just to get a touch. It's nice to see a player who is so dedicated to his supporters. Another celebration that we see often but will forever remain a classic is the knee slide. When the field is nice and slick, the knee side is almost a garentee. It really is a tribute the the grounds keeper in my eyes. If he didn't keep such a luscious well maintained pitch, the goal scorer would have to leave the field because of the blood all over his knees. Fernando Torres did his own version in the 2006 World Cup when he finished it off by arching back and pointing to the heavens, which was then copied by his best friend Sergio Ramos last season. However the knee slide has been used by so many names, it would be impossible to name them all. How about acrobatics? Obafemi Matrins isn't afraid to put on a gymnastics display for the people. If you can do it, why not? If you can't, why embarrass yourself trying? So many of these talented athletes possess the skills to do cartwheels, flips, and all sorts of aerial tricks. Although once in a while we get someone who simply just fails in their moment of glory and lands flat on their nose, neck, back, or arse. When done correctly though, they are a thrill to watch. What is a celebration that is popular but frowned upon? Oh yes, the removal of the shirt. Now it earns players no less than a yellow card for their antics but it has been popular nonetheless. Lots of players find the celebration worthy of the punishment and do it anyway. Some players just take it off in the heat of the moment. When the United States Woman's National Team won the World Cup in a penalty shoot out over China in 1999, many people remember the scene of final penalty taker, Brandi Chastain, ripping off her jersey in celebration when winning the match for the US. Even Cristiano Ronaldo has done it, to the delight of every female watching. It is considered unsportsmanlike in the eyes of referees at this point in time. Which is odd because it IS sporting to take off one's jersey and exchange it with another player of the opposite team after the match concludes. Many players such as Cisse and Kaka have displayed messages on an undershirt expressing feelings for their family or their religion. At time's the shirt doesn't come all the way off, but leaving the arms in the sleeves and stretching the front of the shirt over one's head and running around blindly is another classic. Getafe of La Liga took that celebration even further this year. The team's shirt sponsor is Burger King. On the inside of the shirt is the mascot, "the king's" face. So when the shirt is pulled over the head, "the King" replaces the player's face. Now that ladies and gentlemen is creativity.

How about group celebrations? Yes indeed, they have those too. The nation of Senegal was loved for the celebrations in the World Cup 2002 in Korea/Japan. Every goal was fallowed by a team celebration. I remember a couple vividly. The player that scored took off his jersey and layed it on the pitch near the corner flag, soon joined by the rest of the team, they all began dancing around it. Another Senegal celebration that had me holding my stomach in laughter was after the goal was scored, the player ran toward the supporters, and got down on his knees. He was quickly fallowed by two others who put one arm around him and flexed with the other arms all brought together by great big smiles posing for pictures, priceless. A couple years ago when Real Madrid was made up of what seemed like 95% Brazilians, four of them, being Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Robinho and Julio Baptista, all laid on their backs and kicked their feet in the air. Do I know what that means? No, as many of celebrations are inside jokes thought up on the training ground at one point or another. I've seen it plenty of times and it never gets old. Rock the Cradle. Some players do it to signify a new bundle of joy in the family and some players just do it simply because it's a classic. The player runs toward the sideline and begins to swing their arms in a rocking motion, the rest of the team joins in an they all do it in unison. Great fun and thrilling to watch.

The footballing world knows every sort of culture, and where there is culture there is a cultural dance of some sort. Many Brazilians and Brazilian impersonators do the samba dance , made famous by Ronaldinho in his glory days. Everyone remembers the ridiculous dance Henry and Adebayor would do together after scoring at Arsenal. When asked about it, Theirry Henry said the only reason he uses Adebayor as a partner for the dance is because he is the only one that could do the steps. Kind of odd, but understandable in that respect. Enough with the humorous for right now. Football is a sport all about passion. There are certain things that fuel certain footballers. When Frank Lampard scored in the 2008 Champions League final, you could tell there was something more on his mind. He began a slow trot to the corner flag with both hands pointing the the heavens accompanied by a glazy shine in his eye. The goal undoubtedly was dedicated to his mother who passed away a couple of days before the match. The fallowing year in the 2009 version of that same final, Samuel Eto'o praised his father by smacking his forearm over and over on his trek away from the goal he just scored on. This symbolized that he used his father's blood to score that goal.

There are players that have really pattented celebrations. They have really made certain celebrations their own. Of course there are celebrations that will never belong to anyone, like the kissing of the ring finger, but some celebrations just belong to certain players. Alan Shearer has his trade mark one hand raised in the air with a open palm as he runs about the pitch. Ronaldinho coined the double hang loose hand jesters. I have a poster of Thierry Henry in my room of the air plane he made famous before he got so good he hardly had to celebrate. Los Blancos golden boy always points to the name on the back of his jersey. Everton and Austailia ace, Tiny Tim Cahill, always manages to give the corner flag a good bruising with a couple of K-O punches. Peter Crouch adopted the robot there for a spell but has seemed to abandon it to the dismay of so many fans that adored it.

So many celebrations that light up the pitch after goals, that it would be impossible for me to name them all. I would love to hear peoples comments on their favorite celebrations or maybe some that I left out. For now I've provided this video for you to watch on some celebrations. Enjoy.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid!

Bobby

Real Madrid vs Al Ittihad: 1-1

2009-07-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

As a Real Madrid supporter it is important for me to be patient. A lot of people, me included, have to look at Al Ittihad as a guaranteed win for a prestigious side like Real Madrid. We had a starting line up, that in mid season form would put the Saudi side to shame with Ronaldo, Raul, Benzema, Sneijder and others. However, los blancos skidded into a pretty evenly matched 1-1 draw. I watched the game online and struggled to find a feed that satisfied me. Although my expectations are high because I'd love to see it crystal clear. I missed much of the first half. The lag was dreadful even for spells in the second but there are a few things that caught my attention. I'm only giving my opinion on what I saw, there was plenty I would have missed. So please feel free to comment and tell me what you think.

Once again, Gago frustrated me. As soon as I got the feed to start working, my first image of the match was Gago giving the ball away. I sighed in dispare but continued to watch. It's my opinion but I think there are so many more solid midfielders at the club, that Gago really shouldn't have a spot, yet he started the match. He was definitely the player marking the Al Ittihad goalscorer on the set piece, which seemed to be scored in a sloppy fashion. Just terrible marking in general. Of course, I can't blame the entirity of the goal on Gago. Lass was the player who gave away the free kick which lead to the goal. That leads me to my next point. I only saw the match in segments as you know, but out of the few short clips I saw, Lassana Diarra was a frequent fouler. I think he is a great player with a lot to offer and very technically gifted, but he is a sloppy reckless defender. He brings plenty of pace and creativity, but doesn't hold down the fort in front of the back line very well. As a holding center mid, I'd love to see him composed and solid. I can see why Pellegrini still wants Xabi Alonso because he can do just what Lass doesn't. He isn't to fancy, but a solid player who plays the role he is given very well. That is what Madrid has missed dearly ever since the knee injury last season to almost forgot Mahamadou Diarra. He really did that holding job well and was just a driving physical force behind midfield. Occasionally he got forward, but only when there was the opportunity, much like Yaya Toure at Barcelona. I would hate to see Lass out of the line up but he is certainly a different kind of holding center midfielder than what I am used to seeing.

Back to the match. Madrid's back line has been somewhat makeshift in their first preseason matches. I know Pellegrini is trying to find the right partnership at the center back positions and with the absence of one of my favorite players, Sergio Ramos, right back has been up for grabs as well. However, no matter which players are working together back there, the defending has been sketchy? If that is the correct word. Especially on the flanks, far to many balls AND players get in behind the back line and aren't always dealed with in a tidy manor. That worries me because Madrid might be able to get away with it against Shamrock Rovers and Al Ittihad, but against solid La Liga and Champions League sides the Merengue won't be so lucky. I continue to heap praise on Benzema who had the eye to find Raul for the goal. I'm not too impressed with Raul's finish but that's only because I already know he is capable of that skill and so many more. For what I could see, Ronaldo didn't have a typical Ronaldo performance but I'm not going to doubt his abilities as everyone knows what he can do, he just needs time to settle in. I didn't know much about Granero, who returned to Real Madrid earlier this week for a 2 year spell at Getafe. I was surprised he was in the squad list so soon, especially because it appeared he bumped Van der Vaart out , who played very well for me against Shamrock. I soon found out what kind of player he was. I liked him at a first look. He seemed to be composed, although he only had 15 minutes or so. He manage to almost break the cross bar from a whopping 35 or so yards out too. Even though Robben came on late I thought he provided a spart to the team, a new energy. He had a couple chances and really helped strengthen the attack. Well done on his part.

Real Madrid is a team full of new faces and faces that haven't returned yet from International duty. Even though I'm disappointed with a draw I can accept it. There are so many players that need to find out each other's playing style and the coach needs to find the right mixture and formation with so many options. I'm convinced they will be able to make it work. The season is still over a month away and it's just a preseason match. Greatness doesn't come over night and I know that. I'm patient and accepting and eagerly awaiting the next match in two days time. i hope he isn't one to make way for new players.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Short Thought: Serie A, The New Ligue 1?

2009-07-25T15:05:00.000-07:00

Up until just last season France's Ligue 1 was dominated by Olympique Lyonnais. It started to become rather boring, predictable, and less and less competitive. Lyon won the league seven years running until finally Bordeaux snatched the title out of their grasp in 2009. It seems as if Serie A is starting to take a similar path. Internazionale has won the Italian Scudetto four years in a row now. They have been a power house ever since Juventus was relegated for a match fixing scandal around four years ago now. Is this the season where someone takes their thrown? I'd like to hope so.

If there is such thing as an Italian "Big Four" is would most likely be made up of Inter, AC Milan, Juventus, and Roma. However, one of these teams always manages to miss out on the top four spots in Italy some how. They really have no excuse with the world class talent each team possesses. It was Roma who missed out on Champions League qualification this last season and Milan the season before that. I'm looking for the team that is going to really press on an Inter side that does not have an Ibrahimovic. If Eto'o for some odd reason can't find his finishing boots in a new league, Inter are going to be scrounging for goals elsewhere on their side. Balotelli? Maybe. It used to all run through the big Swede but in his absence, if the newest member of the Nerazurri is off form, there will most likely be room for someone to take a charge at the top spot. In all honesty, I find it hard to beleive that Roma will the side and with AC Milan losing Kaka to Real Madrid and Beckham to the Galaxy, young Pato has a lot of the load to carry on his shoulders. Ronaldinho should help with that work but that's what he doesn't like to do, work. Ronny is only 5'11 and is almost 180 lbs. I don't see him as a significant driving force in the team until he remembers in order for him to be affective, he needs to be fit, especially as an attacking center midfielder. He says he is looking forward to taking on a significant role this year, but in the preseason game against Chelsea, despite having an assist, Ronaldinho walked close 85% of the match in the eyes of a viewer. How about Juve, they have recovered nicely after being relegated to the Italian second tier not so long ago. With the signatures of Brazilians, Diego and Melo, the midfield should have new creative look to it (although Melo was unnecessary considering they already have Mohamed Sissoko). Amuari will be another threat as he was last year, with Vetran Del Piero, and Italian international, Iaquinta. Let's see if the Old Lady of Italian football can take Inter to the end of their dominance. Juve is the most decorated team when it comes to Serie A. They have the most with 27, 10 more than any other team that comes close. It is said that Internazionale and AC Milan fans hate each other but they hate Juventus even more.

Italian football has so much history to it. There are so many traditionally good sides and even more exciting players to watch. I would hate to see Inter Milan go on to win their 5th in a row because I'm already bored with them. I for one will be secretly pulling for Juventus under the table the season.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Eto'o vs Ibrahimovic

2009-07-24T09:34:00.000-07:00

The swap. Every time the transfer window is opened up to let the breeze of new players run through it to new clubs, there is talk of a swap between some major player for some other player of great caliber. However, none of these rumours ever come true, until now. Eto'o and 45 million for Ibrahimovic. Now all you followers and readers of FDLI know my feelings on Ibrahimovic and what he might be like at Barca already. Today, I'm going to compare valuable stats and then give you my opinion on who is losing out and who is making a steal in this swap.

We all know that both are goal scorers and pure center strikers but what sets them apart? How about even the little details? Let's pull these two apart. Eto'o, age 28, is one year older than Zlatan. Eto's is an athletic force by himself. I have money that says the Cameroon international takes the Swede in a foot race on any occasion. Eto'o is agile, swift moving. This could be why he was so vital to the Barcelona pass and move brand of football we all witnessed last year. As the center striker he was a focal point, checking to the ball and laying it back into the midfield then darting to another open space. Ibrahimovic is a different bread of human all together. He is 6'3 compared to the 5'11 Eto'o. He is definitely more of an air threat, but for being a big guy, he has deceptionally, tidy, (enormous) feet. It looks unnatural for his body shape but he is exceptional running at players. However, if Ibrahimovic is going to play the same role Eto'o did for Barca he won't be running at players because Barca likes to isolate the 1v1 battles on the flank for Messi and Henry. The real question is now does Ibrahimovic change his "I'm the star" playing style for Barcelona pass and move football or does the Blaugrana trade in their intricate version of possession football for a different approach. Even though last season's Catalan adored playing style won over the hearts of many, perhaps the change of style will fit more the personnel better at Barcelona this year? Ibrahimovic is a big man and his size can be useful in the penalty area. Messi and Henry can both beat players on the flanks and if they switched sides, could use their foot of choice to deliver high quality balls to a big target. Let's take a closer look of Eto'o at Internazionale. Ibra had plenty of room to roam at Inter. He often times had a striker such as Balotelli off of him but did a lot of the work himself. Can Eto'o handle the work load? Zlatan had the ability to create goals out of no where because he had so much practice in the Inter system doing so. Next season Eto'o wont have the likes of Messi, Henry, Xavi, and Iniesta to support him. He will have to connect with his striker partner Ballotelli or Julio Cruz, or hold the ball up long enough for the rest of the Inter attack to join the fight. I'm sure that Jose Murinho has considered all of this and is cooking up a formation that would suit his new look squad. He also has 45 million at his disposal due to the swap that he might use for this specific issue. Back to the stats, goals. Ibrahimovic scored 29 goals for Inter last season. Eto'o scored 34 goals for Barca. This stat favors the Cameroon international, but not just because he scored more goals. It's because he scored more goals in a more competitive league. Now sure Eto'o had the assistance of some of the best players in the world, but his work ethic attributed a lot to his success. For instance, take the goal he scored against Manchester United in the Champions League final. That's where Ibrahimovic would not have scored. Ibra is a great player but doesn't work ethic and lacks the pure athletic ability to be bulldozed but still toe-poke the ball past Van der Sar. A lot of this comes down to character. You can see how much every goal means to Eto'o after he scores. He gets very emotional, very intense, like there is something more than just him scoring a goal, a greater cause. Examples in games you might have seen, against Manchester United, against Real Madrid. When Ibra scores, the celebration is more of a "look at me" or "look what I did for you" approach. He is a very arrogant self centered player, based on the cockiness in some of his interviews. his attitude can be a potential problem. That simply will not fly at a very team orientated Barcelona. If Ibrahimovic can learn to curb his "me, me, me" ways and play like a part of a unit (much how Cristiano has to become part of a unit at Madrid), I predict he will become on of the best Barca signings in history. He will develop parts of his game he has yet to perfect and will really put his stamp on football. If not, the disruption could prove fatal for Barca and both club and Zlatan will be unhappy, probably leading to the transfer of a lower reputation Ibra in one or two seasons. On the other hand at Internazionale. If Eto'o can figure out Italian defending he will be a force to stop. He too will have to develop a part of his game that he never had to practice at Barcelona, simply using his pace to blow people out of the water. If he can play like everyone uses him on FIFA09, he'll be on the end of a thousand through balls and powering home goal after goal before the defenders can turn around to catch him. Maybe the African roots of both Eto'o and Ballotelli will find each other and they will make a powerful, fast, and strong partnership. Imagine marking the pair of them two all match long, exhausting. The one thing that Barca will have to worry about more than Inter do not is can Ibrahimovic due it on the big stage? He is so often criticized over his performances in Europe. Compare the performances of Eto'o and Ibrahimovic against the same Manchester United last season. Ibra missed a for sure goal chance in the second leg that should have put Inter through to the next round. Eto'o's credentials in Europe are of great significance, winning to Champions Leagues with Barcelona.

In the end who is getting the better deal? I would say Inter are for the time being. However, if Ibrahimovic becomes a sharing, selfless kind of player, he could be worth the Eto'o and 45 million. Because if Barcelona just bought Ibra for the 45 million and he became this player they are hoping he does, he would bump Eto'o out of a position and Barcelona would offload him for even more cash and he isn't at the club as if he was swapped anyway, but now they have more cash for him. It all depends on Ibra really. I doubt Eto'o will fail in Italy. He is too good of a player and will no doubt score many goals. So for now Inter have the better deal in my eyes.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid,

Bobby

Confederations Cup boosts U.S. Players' Credentials

2009-07-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

The United States of America were not likely favorites in this summer's Confederations Cup. They over turned two early defeats a squeaked out their group that contained quality sides such as Italy, Brazil, and African threat, Egypt. The 3-0 win over Egypt in the last group stage match started the momentum for the Americans. I was so very proud to be represented in the semi-final against the number 1 ranked team in world football, but I, as everyone else, knew that Sam's Army had little chance of progressing. But, as it is often said, this is football and anything can happen. The 19 year-old Jozey Altidore and Fulham's Clint Dempsey each netted against the run of play and stunned the Spaniards. Spain's attacking power rained down on the Americans all match, but the defending was terrific. Onyewu, Howard, and company blocked and deflected every attempt that came a'knockin' on the door. The red, white, and blue went on to win the match 2-0 and send the Euro 2008 champions to the consolation third and fourth place match. No one had openly predicted the stars and stripes in the final, but unlike the match against Spain, American supporters remained a bit more optimistic this time around. Not exactly to the surprise but to the pure delight, the United States found themselves up 2-0 at half. Had the footballing world been turned up side down or were the planets aligned? Sadly the United States gave up 3 heart breaking goals in the second half and lost the final to the hands of the Samba Boys 3-2. Not every story has a happy ending as seen in the case of Zidane, but perhaps this tournament sent a message to the rest of the world. The United States has a long way to climb to be amongst the greatest footballing countries but could this have increased the interest in the talent produced in the States? It sure does seem that way.

American center back Oguchi Onyewu landed perhaps the biggest step in American history less than a month after the end of the tournament signing with Italian giants, AC Milan. What peeked the Milan-based clubs interested in the big defender? Perhaps in was his solid performance against the best in the world (at the time), Spain. The defender closed down and shut down the likes of this summers most unretrievable prize, David Villa, and Liverpool striking star, Fernando Torres. Onyewu had previously been playing a Standard Liege in Belgium. More clubs in Europe seem to be finding a place for American players nowadays. The starting typical starting line up for the US in the confederations cup consisted of only consisted of two MLS players, those being Donovan and Clark. However, Donovan, who has spent a spell in Germany at the beginning of his career, went back to play for Bayern Munchen on loan last season and looks to be gaining interest with Italian club, Livorno. Livorno's president said today that he is confident of the deal going through after Donovan's season ends with the LA Galaxy. The US have made developed Premier League stars such as Dempsey at Howard. Tim Howard was at the heavyweight Manchester United before transferring to Everton FC after being on loan there for the 2006/2007 season. He is the leader of the US team and a standout at Everton as well. Fulham have been more than pleased with Dempsey's showings over the last couple seasons, who has scored 14 goals in the past two seasons for the Cottagers. Dempsey's National Team teammate, Carlos Bocanegra was also at Fulham for several years before transferring to French outfit, Rennes. Jay Demerit, Onyewu's center back partner for much of the Confederations Cup is at Watford in England as well. These are only some of the stars that the US has been sending overseas. The majority of the tournament's roster was built on overseas players.

The Confederations Cup has given the American public something to look forward to next summer. The World Cup is less than a year a way now and if the US can put together similar performances in South Africa we can only expect bigger moves from more American players. Once again, proud to be an American.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

The Fall of Dinho

2009-07-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

There is a footballer who revolutionized the game for a short time in our sport's history. He was unlike any other. I cannot accurately describe in words what his play meant to me. Foot skills were inspiring, blistering pace and agility, the mind of a genius. Always had a smile on his face, but passion for the game in his veins. He was a hero to all, a master with the ball, a demon on the pitch. Loved by all and hated by few, Ronaldinho Mania swept the globe. Nothing lit up a pitch like his horse-toothed smile. It's saying a lot for me when I consider a Barcelona player one of my personal heroes. Where did he go? He went from unbelievable, to untraceable. What happen to the favorite? I mean he is only 28 years old. He has plenty of career left. Did he run out of magic? Or does he just need to find it again? Four summers ago, Ronny was the Brazilian captain that lifted the Confederations Cup. This year he did not even make the squad list. Let's take a closer look of how he went from "the next Pele" to failing to even represent his country.

We all remember when the name Ronaldinho ruled the footballing world. Every little kid wanted his jersey, every celebration in a kick about was two hang-loose hand gestures, or a poorly imitated samba dance. Everyone wanted to be a dinho, but why? Simply because Ronaldinho was the coolest footballer around. He was an icon. He appealed to so many because of his freestyle, intricate, and tricky way he played the game. His flare caught the eye of billions around the globe. Ronny did things with the ball you wouldn't dare dream about doing in an actual game. Did he really juggle over handfuls of defenders? Yes. Nutmeg at least 5 or 6 players a match? Sure did. Catch the ball on his chest and walk out of a pack of opponents? Yeah, he did that too. What couldn't he do? He was a freak of nature; he had it all, speed, moves, and a smile that touched everyone. The world could not get enough. Ronaldinho arrived at FC Barcelona, the club that made him famous, in the summer of 2003 from Paris St. Germain. It is there where he began to shine, started to turn heads. He scored in his debut that summer in a friendly against AC Milan and from there on out he was golden. People quickly began to notice his quick feet and athletic abilities. He began to make real noise at the club the fallowing season. In 2004-2005, Ronaldinho and the Blaugrana won La Liga and he himself picked up the prestigious FIFA World Player of the Year (WPOY) award in December of 2004. One WPOY wasn't good enough for the Brazilian, seeing as he won it the next year as well. He was a circus act like performance. He continually bamboozled defenders and played in a way that dropped jaws in amazement. His selection of tricks included stepovers, back heals, flicks, rainbows, the famous elastico, and simply things you had just never seen before. Not only was he tricky, but affective scoring 32 goals in his first two years in Catalonia. It wasn't until 2005-2006, where Ronaldinho mania came into full swing. That year Ronaldinho lead Barcelona to win La Liga and the Champions League. Ronaldinho was simply incredible. He was a one man force wearing blue and red. He single handedly had 24 goals and 18 assists for Barca in that single season. Ronny received a standing ovation from the Santiago Bernabeu crowd that season when Barcelona thumped Real Madrid at home 3-0. How many players can say the fans of their arch rivals stood up to applaud their performance? He scored 2 of the 3 goals, both times slicing through the Madrid defense, virtually untouched. The season represented the pinnacle on Ronaldinho's career. What happened to him?

It’s now the beginning summer of 2006, where the world sits anxiously awaiting World Cup Germany. The media has a frenzy with Ronaldinho. They overhyped him again and again, claiming time after time, he was going to bring Brazil their 6th World Cup triumph. The expectations were so high for the Brazilian to try an live up to. Especially since all of his opponents new all about him at this pint, and were sure to double, even triple team him, and on the national team he wasn't as free to roam where ever he liked on the pitch and had more of a midfielders role to play than a goal scorer. Opposition's mentality was shut down Ronaldinho, then Brazil. He was walking around with a big red target on his chest. Brazil made an early tournament exit, falling in the second knock out round to France where Zidane stole the talent show in the midfield from the Brazilian. After Thierry Henry put France up 1-0, Ronaldinho had a handful of chances to put Brazil level, from trademark "number 10" free kick positions. None were converted and Brazil left Germany empty handed. Ronaldinho's stats for the tournament read: 5 games started, no goals scored, and 1 assist. He was to many the disappointment of the World Cup, and he seemed to know it too. The season fallowing the World Cup seem to be going all right for Barcelona, they were winning La Liga and were 12 points clear of Real Madrid who were second. However, they gifted their rivals the trophy with a series of bad results and lost out to los blancos on the head-to-head rule, losing to Madrid at the Bernabeu and, drawing with them at home 3-3. The next season looked even worse for Barcelona as they finished in 3rd, 18 points astray of Real Madrid who won the title for the second year in a row. Ronaldinho's performances had been noticeably deteriorating for some time now. His magic was found only on occasion, and the majority of his goals came only from free kicks. His morale obviously down, over the last two seasons. Naturally Barcelona fans grew increasingly impatient and upset. If Ronaldinho brought them trophies, he's the reason they are not coming in now. At the time, Barcelona coach, Rijkaard, said there was a lack of motivation at the Nou Camp after so many successes in the years previous. There also seemed to be team chemistry problems involving Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldinho, and Rijkaard himself. The Cameroon striker finally came out and said publically "If I was called Eto'odinho, I would have won the Balon d'Or." Ronaldinho missed training sessions often, supposedly in the gym. He began to put on the pounds. Ronny was no longer his former, slender, muscular self. His waistline grew larger and many began to question his off pitch activities. Barcelona and Brazil teammate at the time, Edmilson spoke of Barcelona's "black sheep" claiming the character in question would only make about a third of the training sessions and spent his late nights out partying and enjoying Barcelona's night life. Partying seemed to always be an issue as Luis Fernandez, Ronaldinho's boss at PSG, complained that the Brazilian was too focused on partying in Paris and his Brazilian holidays never ended on time. He had been pulled out of a pair of matches under mysterious circumstances late in his Barca career. All this angered the club who refused to protect him from the public. It was Ronaldinho's own fault he was in these situations, and his teammates and club were the ones suffering for it. Finally Ronaldinho could escape from all of this Eastern Spanish chaos, with a bid from Milan. The Brazilian jumped on the deal right away hoping to regain a sense of self and football in a new destination. He completed the €21 million deal to the Italian giants. He was met by thousands of adoring fans. This look to be a new start for the Brazilian. The number 10 was already in use by Clarence Seedorf so he chose the number 80 because he was born in 1980. It was a new look Ronny. He seemed to be a hit with Milan, not quite his former self but making an impact in the Serie A, until he there too started to fall out of favor. Milan had so many attacking options, it was difficult to break in and stay in amongst Kaka, Pato, Inzaghi, Seedorf, Pirlo, and Ambrosini especially when Ronaldinho hadn't captured the form he once knew. When Milan finalized the Beckham loan, Becks was a hit, immediately grabbing a first team spot and pushing the Brazilian Ronaldinho further down the bench into despair once more.

This season things could be looking up for Ronaldinho. I sure hope that's true. What a miracle it would be to see those performances of several years ago back on football's main stage. Ronaldinho admitted this is a chance for him to regain what he has lost. Beckham is back at the LA Galaxy and Kaka has transferred to Real Madrid, leaving spots for him to jump into and impress the Milan new coach, Leonardo Nascimento de Araujo, another Brazilian. Ronaldinho and AC Milan took on the LA Galaxy in a preseason match last week where Dinho's performance earned him the Man of the Match award. I for one will be pulling for the return of the great Ronaldinho. It seems unlikely but this is football and I won't rule anything out. His performances will forever live on.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Short Thought: Posh Pompey

2009-07-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

Manchester City are trying to find the right code to crack the "Big Four" by embarking on a spending spree due to the tremendous funds that have been pushed across the table at the club by owner and billionaire Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Everyone is beginning to accept the fact that the blue side of Manchester will be a threat to for place in Europe next season. Would you ever imagine Portsmouth have a similar future? A Dubai business man by the name of Sulaiman Al Fahim has completed his take over of Portsmouth FC and will no doubt inject absurd funds into the team's budget. Al Fahim is no doubt a rich man. He was keen on trying to take over Chelsea from billionaire, Roman Abramovic not so long ago. Does it occur funny to you that we could see big names at Pompey in the future? Can you imagine Leo Messi wearing the Portsmouth strip? It seems rather comical. What effects do these kind of big money moves do to other clubs around the League? Take Everton for example. In the last handful of season the Toffees have challenged for place in the UEFA Cup, and scratching at the door of the Champions League. They have done all of this without loads of cash; they've done it the hard way. They have fought their way through every season. Now, I don't know what it means to the rest of you, but it seems a little unfair to me that a hardworking team like Everton will most likely get pushed out of these positions they have traditionally earned because clubs like Portsmouth and Manchester City have had billionaire's by their clubs. The Premier League is becoming a new game, a game run by finances. Is it a reality that in order for an EPL club to succeed in the future, they will need cash? What will happen to the clubs that don't develop take over deals? Will we slowly see them drip from tier to tier? Is it possible for them to grow and develop enough talent to match the clubs with all the stars due to their deep pockets? Do clubs like Villa, Everton, West Ham, and Tottenham stand a chance without the cash current running through other clubs? Will it be a race to attract the interest of the richest people in the world to buy clubs? Where is the EPL headed? It's an interesting thought...

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Real Madrid Player Ratings VS Shamrock Rovers

2009-07-21T05:30:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid kicked off their preseason with a 1-0 win over Irish outfit and host, Shamrock Rovers. Rovers played a match full of enthusiasm and were difficult to break down in the final third. They were lively and high spirited going into the dressing room at half time 0-0. It wasn't until the last few minutes that Real Madrid's new signing, Karim Benzema, who was introduced to the match at half time, scored a much deserved goal to put los blancos up 1-0. I'm rating the Real player's performances 1-10, ten being the best. I don't dish out high numbers easily and consider myself a tough grader. Those who earn eights, nines, and tens really have something to be proud of. I rank every player according to their standards and how they played in the match, mentally and physically.

Jerzy Dudek: 8. Dudek, in the absence of Casillas, really stepped up and played a solid 90 minutes he often times does not receive during the season. He had a clean sheet, which for any keeper is something to be pleased with. Although a little adventerous on the crucial save he made when Van der Vaart gifted the ball through for a breakaway opportunity, it was affective. He needs to be more control of his box. For example, the corner situation which saw a headed ball loop toward the far post, that he left for Negredo to clear off the goal line, but a great performance nonetheless.

Miguel Torres: 6. He certainly did him self no harm at right back yesterday. He didn't do himself a great deal of standout favors either, but was hard working and solid defending. I would like to see him get more into the attack. Ronaldo was the winger in front of him, often drifting into the middle, leaving the right flank wide open. He should use that space more often.

Pepe: 7. We always see our fair share of shakey Pepe moments. However, yesterday, he kept them to a minimum and was solid standing up defenders 1v1. The back line needs a lot of work though. Far too many times for my liking, they would be breached at center back.

Metzelder: 7. Partnered with Pepe in the first half, Metzelder put in a pretty convincing performance. He was affective on the double team and didn't try to do anything out of his element, but again it concerns me when Shamrock Rovers can get in behind the back line on one or two occasions.

Marcelo: 7.5. I like Marcelo has a left back rather than a winger. He has winger like qualities as we saw him beat his defender and have the first legit crack on goal but he was also on cue defensively. At times he looked to have no where to go with the ball but that's not entirely his fault.

Lass: 5.5. I'm used to seeing better performances out of Lass. He played with great pace and played well in combinations but sometimes played too quickly, giving the ball away on occasions. He needs to slow it down a little bit. The French midfielder can get a bit too adventurous at times, getting him and the back line into trouble.

Gago: 3.5. Gago was my moan of the match. I feel as if Madrid does not get enough out of him. If lass was the holding of the two center mids in the 4-4-2, was Gago the attacking? He is young and still has to develop but gives the ball away far too often. If he is going to be a top notch center midfielder he needs to create more. His work ethic is great but he is wild and needs to control himself defensively, charging around at full speed when Madrid don't have the ball. A bit clumsy and sporadic. He needs work.

Guti: 6. Guti worked well in combination play but often times gave the ball away when playing in tight spaces. He is going to need to do more if he really wants to establish his place on this new look Madrid. He came close on a first half shot he took and placed a great through ball that Higuain misjudged and could not get onto the end of but we need to see more creativity from him

Ronaldo: 6.5. Not a typical blinding performance from Ronaldo by his lofty. Everyone is being hard on him because he failed to score goals but I think he has a lot of positives to take away from the match. He played more as part of a unit when with Madrid. Lots of touches when he received the ball but often passing and moving, opening up space for others. He wasn't spectacular on free kicks, missing and hitting the wall. He found Raul wonderfully in the box before late in the first half and scuffed a shot of his own but the look like warning shots for what's to come.

Raul: 6.5. The "Golden Boy" did well to find the ball, checking deep into the channels to dig it out of Madrid's own half. Raul linked up well with the midfielders. He didn't have his usual finishing touch about him, blocked when Ronaldo found him in the box. He did well with a header from some ways out but didn't look like scoring.

Higuain: 4.5. He should have done better, and I expect better.. He looked a bit off his rhythm. He played decently linking up with the midfielders and Raul at times but just seemed to be off a step from the off season. Perhaps shaking off some rust, the final ball often failed with him.

Salgado: 5.5. Picked up a stupid yellow for diving in a friendly. He played tidy offensively for the most part. He did well to get forward but worried me defensively a bit. Often the Rovers attack, which was clever at times in the second half, broke down his side of the defense.

Garay: 6.5. Showed nothing spectacular, but didn't play badly at all. He gets the ball forward and plays quickly. He didn't look as solid as Pepe or Metzelder but he is still getting used to the new club. At times, as in the first half, he as well as other center backs, were made to chase toward their own goals when rovers were on a counter attack.

Hienze: 6.5. For some reason Hienze always worries me, but yesterday he played alright. He was at center back apposed to left back. For the player he is, I think that center back is a better fit for him. He played a similar match to the rest of the center backs but as a veteran i expect more out of him and to take control over an out of the ordinary back line.

Drenthe: 7. If you would have asked me if I thought Drenthe would have earned a 7 at pre-match yesterday, I would have said no. He impressed me. His work ethic was good. He was on defensively as well as offensively, up and down the left wing all half long. He seems to be regaining some confidence that he lost last season. He was caught out a few times defensively but used his pace to make up the ground effectively.

Parejo: 8. I was extremely impressed with this youngster. At 20 years old trying to break into a star studded Madid team is difficult but he really made a claim. He helped run the midfield. He never did anything to outrageous, keeping it simple and changing the point of attack. He worked hard and popped up everywhere, filling in holes and connecting possession spells. Hopefully there is more to come. Well done!

Van der Vaart: 7.5. Despite the horrific give away that almost put Shamrock Rovers up 1-0 on a breakaway, I very much liked Rafael Van der Vaart's performance. He was an engineer in the midfield. He linked up well and stirred up plenty of trouble. His over head kick was delight to watch but he is really showing Juande Ramos and Bernd Shuster what they were missing out on last year. Good performance.

Sneijder: 7. He started very well and injected pace and creativity into the game. The commentators took the words right out of my mouth when they mentioned he had been deliever cutting passes that reeked havoc for the Rovers back line. He often fancied himself on the dribble when a simple pass would suffice, but not bad from Sneijder at all.

Marcos Tebar: 5.5. Not a lot is known about Tebar. He came on for Lass about 15 minutes into the second half. Never really made an impact or put his stamp on the game. There was much to be desired from his performance. He seemed a bit nervous and gave away a handful of balls.

Negredo: 7.5 A good performance from returning Negredo. He showed goal scoring ambition as a forward with a good attempt on a volley and tried to curl one in as well. He even cleared a ball of the line on a corner. He had a good work ethic and I think he deserves more than just one look, even with all the talented strikers at the club. Good work.

Benzema: 8.5. Clearly the man of the match and not just because he scored either. He was everywhere. Benzema was a hard man to mark and worked for his chances that he earned a handful of in the second half. Perhaps, unlucky with the volley off the post. He was hardworking and a key part of combinations, he found space for himself and found his first Madrid goal which was pretty and well deserved. As a forward, he seemed to be lively and active, constantly moving and finding areas to cause defenders stress.

Man of the Match: Benzema
Moan of the Match: Gago

Madrid have a lot to work on to live up to high expectations as Shamrock Rovers, much respect to their performance, should have been an easier win. Pellegrini is still toying with tactics. He decided to go with a 4-4-2 with a condensed midfield, leaving wing play mostly to the ouside backs, especially on the left. Did anyone else notice the absence of Robben? I don't remember reading an injury report. Madrid's next match is against Al Ittihad at the Bernabeu a week from today as the Peace Cup gets fired up.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

I Have My Eye On You

2009-07-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

The transfer market has been as busy as it has ever been this year as monsterous names such as Kaka, Eto'o, Barry, Ronaldo, Ibrahimovich,Benzema and Owen have all fround new places to call home for the time being. It's not the stars I'm interested in. Who are the sleepers? The breakout players. Your guess is as good as mine. However I tend to fancy my guesses. I've brought here before you one potential star from many major teams in Europe. We'll be taking a look at what could possibly be in store for their bright futures and how they will make an impact on their teams this season.

Antonio Valencia, Manchester United: I expect promising things out of the new Red Devil. There is always something special about a player when Sir Alex wants him. Manchester United weren't the only club interested in the Ecuadorian international's services, as Real Madrid were keen on him as well, and we all know what kind of project they're up to now a days. Not only is he wanted by some of the greatest minds in football, he is also a winger, brought to Old Trafford to fill in the mighty big shoes left behind by Cristiano Ronaldo. If Alex Ferguson has faith in him, it's hard for me not to. He arrived from Premier League scrappers, Wigan, on £16 million move. The only thing he will have to improve on is his overall game effectiveness. In all competitions last year, he only scored 3 goals and had 4 assists. However, I'm sure playing along side the personnel United have the luxury of toying with would make even a garden gnome look a better player. The 23 year-old will most surely be tossed right into the action next season.

Daniel Sturridge, Chelsea: It is a bit difficult to really establish a first team place at the top heavy Manchester City. With so many attacking options, young 19 year-old Sturridge got out just at the right time. Chelsea FC picked up the English forward after his contract expired at City. Last season in all compeitions, despite struggling for regular time, he still bagged 3 goals and pitched in with 3 assists in all compeitions. He looks to have quite a bright future ahead of him at such a young age and has already scored in Chelsea's first preseason match this summer against U.S. based club, the Seattle Sounders, in a 2-0 win. Of course it will be difficult to muscle Anelka at Drogba out of his way and into the first team, but if we know Chelsea, we know injuries. He will definately have his time to shine at some point next season. With the guidence of his seasoned teamates up top, he should develop into a great striker one day.

Yossi Benayoun, Liverpool: I know. I know. Benayoun isn't exactly young or up and coming but he is finally starting to make a recognizable difference at Liverpool. The Israel International has been at the club for a couple of years now. However, it wasn't until the second half of last season until he really began to establish himself. He made his presence felt in big matches last year. The midfielder scored a late winner at the Bernabeu last year to bring an advantage back to Anfield against Real Madrid in the Champions League first knock out stage. His creativity is what makes him a threat. He is a complete player, assisting a scoring. You never know where he is going to pop up next. At 29 years-old he isn't the youngest player, but certainly not the first to run out of energy either. Last season Yossi had 9 goals and 6 assists in only 40 appearences for the Reds from a wingers position, without a regular first team spot. He signed a contract extension recently and will be looking to pick up right where he left off last season.

Jack Wilshere, Arsenal: Certainly, when it comes to Arsenal, it is extremely difficult who will be the next up and coming star, but I have my bets on young Jack Wilshere. The boy only turned 17 on the start of the new year, January 1st. He is certainly somebody the English National Team will have their eye on for future plans. Arsene Wenger often likes to use his young guns in the Carling Cup to expose them to top play against worthy opponents. Jack was a stand out amongst the rest of his teenage buddies. He is the next complete midfielder. He is cut from the same breed of footballer as Stevie Gerrard. Wenger has so much confidence in the young fellow that he was throwing him into Champions League matches last season. Wilshere has his work cut out for him but he seems to be a face of the future.

Gonzolo Higuaín, Real Madrid: With the days left in the great Raul's career beginning to dwindle, many have already labled Gonzolo the new "Golden Boy" of Real Madrid. At only 20 years of age, he has made quite a difference for the Meregue. He smacked home the titile winning goal in the 2007-2008 season where he began to flourish. Last season, he scored 23 goals and had 9 assists in Spanish competions, the Copa del Rey and La Liga. Pretty numbers for someone not even old enough to consume alcohol in the United States. Of course this season Real Madrid will have plenty to choose from up top. Perhaps there will be an intersquad rivarly between the Argentine Higuaín and 21 year-old Karim Benzema ,who arrived at the club this summer. If both stay at the club long enough, what a partnership that would be to enjoy in seasons to come.

Bojan Krkic, Barcelona: Bojan the 18 year-old was ever popular during Barcelona's Rijkaard era. Lately, under Pep Guardiola, Bojan has been rather out of favor, but he still has so much time to develop. He was the star of Barca's journey to the Copa del Rey championship scoring 5 goals in 8 matches. He has been labled the future of Barcelona. He has proved he can play at the highest level. The kid Bojan needs to work on his heading of the ball says FC Barcelona expert Micheal Blount. In the last two years the Serbian born Spanish international has scored 21 goals in all competitions. In time he will be a Barca favorite.

Alexandre Pato, AC Milan: This name stands out to everyone when talking about "up and coming" at AC Milan. Young Pato or "the duck" has scored 26 goals in just a year and a half at the club. He is speedy and quick and has unmatchable footskills when reaching his best pace. As a forward, he is a clinical finisher as well. Although he has been out of favor to Brazil National team Coach Dunga, he did score on his debut against Sweden, catching the goalkeeper way off his line. He has a future at Milan as well as Brazil. Pato helped Milan back to the Champions League this season but will have to take on a heavier duty next season with departure of countryman Kaka. He will have to win the heart of his new boss as well because Ancelotti now finds himself managing the Blues in West London.

Mario Balotelli, Internazionale: The blue side of Milan also have a promising young star in Mario Balotelli. Often criticized in Italy for being a Ghanian born Italian International, the 18 year old has to over come enormous pressure. He is a big kid standing at 6'2 and weighing over 190 lbs. You may think by his figure that he is a target forward, but bodying his way to air balls is not all that he is good for. He has acceptional ball skills and some real pepper behind his shot. He also fancies himself on free kicks. He was not often seen behind the ball on set piece situations at Inter last season because Ibrahimovic had his own ideas but now with the Ibra/Eto'o swap looking to ever clearer, the young gun could bag a few more goals from free kicks next year.

Alexander Baumjohann, Bayern Munchen: The 21-year old is just transfering in from another German outfit, Mönchengladbach, this summer. He has made his move to a big club at a young age and will be looking to boost his career in a Bayern Munchen kit. He is in the German National team program playing as a U-21. Any player bought by Bayern Munchen after a dissappointing season like they endurred last season is something special. We'll see if Baumjohann can live up to expectations.

These are my players to watch next season and the seasons afterwards. We all know the stars of today but how about the stars of tomorow? There are so many I could have picked. Such as N'gog at Liverpool, Victor Vazquez at Barcelona, Jay Simpson at Arsenal, and Manchester United favorite Marcheda. There are so many future stars, I wish I could take a look at them all. The future of our game depends on new names.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Strike Partner Needed

2009-07-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

With the departure of Togolese international, Emanuel Adebayor, Arsenal's Dutch stiker, Robin Van Persie is looking for a new pal to score goals with next season. There is no doubt in my mind that the over confident Bendtner, who stated last season he believes he is the clubs best striker, thinks he is fit for the job. Eduardo has had his injury problems in the last couple seasons but he is a worthy candidate for the position as well. Does Arsene Wenger back his club's strikers enough to trust they already have what they need to succeed or does he have a plan B? Nobody would be surprised if he pulled some name out of a hat from Arsenal's youth program. The Gunners are in desperate need to perform next season. They are in need of a immediate change at the Emirates. Will they turn to the transfer window that Wenger is often times afraid to look out of? Let's see what they a brewing up top in North London and who is applying for the new job availability.

Nicklas Bendtner: He looks to be a good potential replacement for Adebayor. He is 6'3, same height as Adebayor. With plenty of time to grow Bendtner is only 21 years of age. He has found it difficult to break into Arsenal starting 11 in his time at the club. Obviously full of a confidence and can brush criticism, he wore a pair of neon pink Nike Vapors for part of last season. However, fearless, even in that respect, is what all strikers need to strive to be like. Sure he looks promising, but does the Dane have the talent to deliver enough goals that Arsenal requires from a starting striker next season? He appeared 48 times for the Gunners last year in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and helping out with 4 assists. Those aren't bad numbers for the youngster. However, he should have had more goals. Everytime I watched Bendtner last season, I cringed at some of the "must score" opportunities he most certainly should have been celebrating, but failed to convert. If he cleans up his act in front of the net, he could develop into a good striker, but in time for next season? We'll see.

Eduardo: Arsenal's number 9 is often seen on the sidelines due to injury. He suffered a catastrophic, compound leg break in February of 2008 due to a tackle from Martin Taylor, a Birmingham FC player. The images of the leg twisted and tangled underneath Taylor are enough to make even the non squeamish look away. The injury sidelined Eduardo for many months. When finally making his return to full fitness he suffered a series of smaller injuries keeping him out of play even longer. He only appeared 4 times for Arsenal last season, but did manage to score 3 goals. The Brazilian born Croatian international is looking to put his niggled past behind him and put together a good season this time around. He is obviously capable at playing at the highest level. He was the Croatian league's top scorer in 2006, and 2007 and has been an incredible marksman for the national team. Before his almost career ending leg break in the 2007-2008 season, Eduardo scored 8 times and had 6 assists appearing in 26 matches in all competitions. Can a rejuvenated 26 year-old fill the void left by Adebayor?

Jay Simpson: We all know how much Arsene loves his young guns. Jay Simpson will be looking to break into the first team more frequently next season. The 20 year-old is a big frame. He is 5'11 weighing in at just shy under 190 lbs. A part of Arsenal's youth academy since the age of 13, the sizely, young striker has appeared a handful of times for the Gunners. Despite being loaned out to a handful of clubs, to help the youngster's experience, he scored 2 goals in 3 appearances in Arsenal's run at the Carling Cup last season. in the 2007-2008 season, Simpson was loaned out to Millwall where he made 41 League One appearances, 34 of them starts.

Carlos Vela: Wenger has spotted another promising prospect in Arsenal's young Mexican, Carlos Vela. Known for his left foot, the boy signed for Arsenal in 2005. He was the top scorer in the 2005 U-17 World Championships. In his teenage years at Arsenal he was loaned out to a series of Spanish teams where he gradually started to make significant contributions. The 20 year-old made 29 appearances for the Gunners last season. He tallied 6 goals and 3 assists. He is a special player that can bring a spark to the match. Perhaps he could sneak into the starting XI next season.

Marouane Chamakh: Chamakh isn't a Gunner as of yet. However, when Arsene Wenger was aware that Adebayor may be leaving the club, he said he would swoop for the the Moroccan international who is currently at Bordeaux in France. The 25 year-old looks to be a decent replacement for Adebayor. We all know how good Wenger is at uncovering talent. He scored 13 goals and had 6 assists for the France based club last season. Could he be the next Adebayor? There are a lot of similarities between the two. Both are African players that Wenger has discovered succeeding in Ligue 1. Maybe Chamakh is the new Adebayor, the ideal replacement.

Whoever the replacement is needs to really make an impact. The Gunners cant afford another bad season at their high standards. They are boosted by the return of another wounded soldier, Rosicky, but will he be enough? Probably not. They need goals to succeed and Van Persie will be eager to discover who it is after he recently signed a 5 year contract extension with the club this summer.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madird

Bobby

Zizou: One of the Greats.

2009-07-18T15:23:00.000-07:00

Everyone remembers World Cup 2006 for the infamous headbutt incedent performed by one of football's most celebrated stars, Zinedine Zidane, on the scheming, slimy king of trickery and dirty tackles, Marco Materazzi who egged on the Frenchman with disgusting insults. (You may have guessed I'm not a great fan of his, but that is a tale for another day). An image of the French captain marching off the pitch, as ordered by the form of a red card, in the World Cup finals, passed football's most beloved trophy he dared not to look at, is one of the saddest sights football has ever seen. Can this single incident scar an entire career of greatness? For me it's a definite "no." Zidane or, Zizou was a hero to me. We shared the same number, 5. He will go down in world, French, and Real Madrid history as one of the greats., I'm hear to tell you why.

A French boy of 17 made his debut for AS Cannes in Ligue 1 where he also bulged the onion bag for the first time in his career. From then on, the player of Algerian decent was destined for nothing short of legendary. At age 21 the rising genius, made the switch to Bordeaux. Zidane was eligible to play for the Algerian national team but decided for to play for the country that raised him (you hear that Rossi?). He made his French debut in 1994 against the Czech Republic where he came on as substitute. The score was 2-0 to the Czechs when he entered the match. It ended at 2-2; Zizou had both. He began to taste what it was like to lift silverware where his side won the 1995 Intertoto Cup and came agonisingly close to the UEFA Cup, placing as runners-up the fallowing season. Zidane decided to leave his homeland and travel to Italy where Juventus signed him for £3 million in the summer of 1996. The next season Juve went on to win the Serie A and reached the Champions League final only to be flushed out by Borrusia Dortmund 3-1. Zizou and Juve retained their Italian crowned the next season and also returned to the Champions League final to be edged by Spanish giants and Zidane's next Club, Real Madrid, 1-0. In the summer of 1998 Zidane was the hero in France's triumph 3-0 of Brazil in the World Cup final in France, scoring 2 of the 3 goals. In 2000, France won the Euro tournament with the help of Zizou making France the first team to hold the Euro and World Cup crown since West Germany in 1974. In the summer of 2001, he made the move to Madrid for what was at the time the highest transfer fee in history. Zidane would establish his name for himself on the club level in Madrid. He had entered the stage in his career that many player on can dream of standing on, performing on. It was here, wearing a white shirt, that Zidane would find his moment of European glory. He scored the winning goal of the Champions League final against Bayern Leverkusen in arguably the greatest Champions League goal to date. Brazilian left back Roberto Carlos was busy down the left flank with a bouncing ball he managed to loop to the edge of the area before it passed the endline for a goal kick. The rainbowing ball came falling toward an eagerly awaiting Zidane who thumped the ball with a left-footed side volley into the top left corner of the net. France's luck had long since run out in the 2002 World Cup hosted by South Korea and Japan. Zizou was injured for the first two games of the tournament and did not see action. The former world champions exited the tournament without a win. Zidane only ever enjoyed one La Liga success in the 2002-2003 season. He retired from international duty after France were knocked out of Euro 2004 by Greece. Zidane's international career was over, or was it? French coach, Raymond Domenech pleaded with Zidane to return for just one more tournament with France, the 2006 World Cup. After a sad trophyless season in Madrid, Zizou made it known that he would play in the World Cup, but those games would be the last of his a career as a footballer all together. Zidane was the best player at the tournament. Instantly he was reinstated as team captain. He played with elegance and class that may never be matched. In the France vs Brazil knock out round he easily outshined over-hyped Brazilian and Barcelona star, Ronaldinho. He played a key role in the knockout matches against Portugal and Spain sending his team eventually to the Final where he had the nerve to chip extremely highly rated Italian goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon, on a penalty kick drawn by French winger, Malouda early in the first half. As we all know, Zidane's moment in the sun which would have probably seen him go out on top and seal one of the greatest careers the world has ever seen, was sent off in flames as the captain was shown the infamous red card.

No one should let the last chapter in the fairytale of Zizou scar his entire career. Not all stories have a happy ending. He is a warrior for the game of football. He always played with desire and passion. He is a leader and a real personality. When asked if he was going to apologize to Materazzi, his answer was no. He then said, that would make what he said okay. He'll always be a hero to me and many others. Viva Zizou!

Team Honors:

Uefa Intertot Cup 1995,1999

Serie A 1996-1997, 1997-1998

European Super Cup 1997

Intercontinental Cup 1996,2002

La Liga: 2002-2003

Spanish Super Cup 2001, 2003

European Super Cup 2002

UEFA Champions League 2002

FIFAWorld Cup 1998

UEFA European Championship 2000

Individual Honors

Ballon d'Or awarded to Zidane 1998

Ligue 1 Best Young Player 1994

Ligue 1 Best Player 1996

UEFA Champions League Best Midfielder 1998

UEFA Euro Player 1996

Serie A Foreign Player of the Year 1997, 2001

Serie A Footballer of the Year 2001

Onze d'Or 1998, 2000,2001

French Player of the Year 1998, 2002

UEFA Club Footballer of the Year 2002

UEFA Team of the Year 2001, 2002, 2003

FIFA World Player of the Year 1998, 2000, 2003

UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll 2004

FIFA 100

UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament- 2000, 2004

FIFA World Cup Golden Ball 2006

FIFA World Cup All-Star Team 1998, 2006

FIFA World XI All-Star Team 2005, 2006

What a man...

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Derby Day

2009-07-17T13:18:00.001-07:00

When there is more on the line than three points, when the opposition's supporters sing insults at your team in unisen, when the whole world stops for 90 minutes to watch two teams duke it out for battle scars and bragging righst, we have a derby on our hands. Not just any derby, I'm talking about the best of them. I'm talking about the matches that turn all heads torward the same pitch. The matches grandparents tell children about. A match for the ages, instant classics, changes in power, and legendary goals. Only a couple derbies in the world possess these kinds of powers. I'm here with 3 of my favorites to break them down, throw out a little history, and guess who is coming out on top this year.

AC Milan vs Inter Milan
Did this feud start because the two sides are in the same city or is their something more to this derby? Well for a matter of fact, there is. AC Milan was originally founded by British imigrants just before the turn of the century in 1899. At the time, only English players could be part of the club (maybe this is why Beckham was such a hit). Obviously, being an Italian based club, that infuriated many people. Protesters had enough of the all English nonsense and formed Internazionale, which is more commonly known as Inter Milan. The two clubs have been at it ever since. They have met 270 times when including all competions. The results are as fallowed. AC Milan have 106 wins, Internationale has 92 wins, and the side has drawn 72 times. For now, the Rossoneri, which translates to red and black, have the slight edge over their cross town rivals in derbies but who is more successful? Last season was a staple for the Nerazurri (black and blue) as they clinched their 17th league title, one more than rivals AC Milan has in their history. They are even on Coppa Italia's at 5 but AC Milan has really out-done Inter in Europe. The Rossoneri has totaled 7 European Cups, second only to Real Madrid, compared to Inter's 2. So yes over the course of history, letting the European Cups be the deciding factor, AC Milan has been better overall. Of course Inter could make the protest that they were established 9 years after Milan, but their was no European Cup between 1899 and 1908 and if their was it would be a bold statement to make saying they would have won it 5 times in 9 years. I didn't say it was impossible cause we've seen crazier things, but unlikely nontheless. Both sides play in Milan's famous San Siro. It is an awefully tense atmosphere at the derby I wouldn't dare say both teams are playing at home. It's more of both teams are playing away. Milan's most hardcore supporters, Fossa dei Leoni, are found at at the infamous "Gate 17", or more commonly known as "The Lions Den." Inter fans are known as the Boys SAN. One way to look at it is, Milan is the Red, Inter is the Blue, and they are fighting over the Black. Let me tell you the tale of Mazzola vs Rivera. Sandro Mazzola was an Internazionale playmaker in the 1960s. Gianni Rivera was the same sort of player but for Milan at the same time. Milan had tremendous success during this time. However, there still seemed to be a kind of rivarly between the clubs over which player was better. They hardly ever played side by side for the Italian National team, often being substituted for one another. National team coach Ferruccio Valcareggi started Mazzola over Milan's Rivera, depite his nickname "Golden Boy," in the 1970 World Cup Final against Brazil. Italy lost the match 4-1 to Pele and company and Rivera did not appear until the 88th minute. It is said by many if Rivera would have been in the place of Mazzola, Italy would have another star next to the national team badge. In recent years the Milan Derby, also known as the Derby della Madonnina, has been pretty even. The last 5 meetings between the clubs have issued out one draw and two wins a piece. What should we expect from the next derby? There have been dramatic changed at Milan this summer, losing a coach of 8 years in Ancelotti, Beckham, reuturning to the L.A. Galaxy and Brazilian Kaka to Real Madrid. Inter have strengthened their team with Bayern Munchen's Lucio. However, as of the last week, Ibrahimovic has been linked with Barcelona. Over the last four years Inter has been the stronger team overall. If I had to predict a winner I'd go with the Nerazzurri.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona

Where do I even begin when it comes this bloody affair? Catalonia vs the mainland Spain. As a Madridista, I'm going to do my best to state the facts and stay away from biasness. You can trace this rivalry back to when Spain was run by dictator Francisco Franco from 1939 to 1975. Franco frowned up Eastern Spain's region of Catalonia. He was stubborn and wanted Spain to be a united country. Because the Catalonians had their own language and a seperate culture than the rest of Spain, they were a target for Franco's criticism. The Catalan's often liked to support their way of life through football at Barcelona. Barcelona adopted the motto "Mes que un Club" which translates to "more than a club." Franco supported Real Madrid. Of course, being in Madrid, there is a pretty good chance you are a Real Madrid fan. They are one of the most supported clubs in the world. Nowadays, just under half of the entire Spanish population supports Real Madrid. In the early 1930s Catalonia along with a few other regions wish to exercise their right to autonomy, to stand as individuals, which started the conflict that enventually lead to the Spanish Civil War. They formed the C.E.D.A. (Confederacion Espanol de Derechas Autonomas). The dictator's goal was to fight for the country of Spain and bring all of its people back together under one language, one rule, on identity. The Republicanos headed by Franco, were supported by Mexico and the Soviet Union. The Nacionales, supporters of the rebellion, and C.E.D.A were teamed with Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. In the end, in the year 1939, Franco's Army over took Catalonia. The Catalans have never forgiven the capital for this. Catalonia had the right to autonomize by law, but the government wanted to unite it's people under one powerful regime. Despite having a dictator in the Spanish Capital, the influence of anarchism and communism that appears in Spains history started primarily in Catalonia. Presidents of both Real Madrid and Barcelona suffered losses at the hands of the nacionales. Both sides, in a way, were fighting for what was right, just not what the other wanted. This feud started one of the greatest football derbies of all time, El Clasico. The two sides have met a total of 158 times. Stats stand with 68 wins for Real Madrid, 60 wins for Barcelona, and 30 draws between the two. Los Blancos or the Merengue have performed ever so slightly better in El Clasico but the rivary does not stop there. The Copa del Rey has been dominated by the Blaugrana. They have 25 compared to Madrid's 17. However, Real Madrid has been more succesful in the league, claiming 31 to Barca's 19. Barcelona took down what was said to be one of the greatest sides ever, last season's Manchester United in the Champions League Final, when they went on to be the first ever Spanish side to win the treble. Barcelona have tallied up 3 European Cups in their history, 2 in the last 4 years. Real Madrid have the most European Cups of any team at 9. The most recent arriving in Madrid in 2002. Remeber earlier in the artical when I mentioned "crazier things have happened" when I noted the possibility of Inter Milan winning 5 European cups in 9 years? Well this is one of those crazier things. Real Madrid won the very first 5 European Cups back to back. Helping them triumph was Real Madrid great, Alfredo Di Stefano. The Argentine born player is often disputed because he originally signed for both clubs, finally choosing Real Madrid. Bad blood remains between these two sides to this very day. One of the most controversial transfers ever in football occured in 2000 when Portugese winger, Luis Figo, transfered directly from Barcelona to the capital. In a recent FourFourTwo interview, Figo said that Barcelona and him had no problems except for the fact that they did not want to pay him a fair ammount of money. He said Barcelona thought he was joking about transfering to Real Madrid. Obviously not as the winger made the move and enjoyed many successes at the Bernabeu. He was greeted at the Nou Camp by having a pigs head thrown at him from the stands when Barca hosted Real Madrid the next season. If you are looking for a prediction out of me here you won't get one. The match is almost impossible to predict at this given time, but as a Real Madrid supporter, I'll be behind los blancos at all times.

Paris St. Germain vs Olympique Marseille

This rivalry doesn't date back decades in history. It's not really that old at all. I mean Paris St. Germain or better known as PSG were only established in 1970. There is no massive, violent, political conflict or an exclusive club only kind of deal either. So what causes such a stir up between these two sides? This hatred is simply football related. In the 1988-1989 season, the two teams were tied at 70 going into the last match day. Their opponents? Eachother. The match was even at 0-0 up until the last five minutes of play when Marseille's Franck Suazee slammed one home with a blast from outside the area giving Marseille the title. That title was the first of five in a row for OM (although the 5th of which was stripped for a scandle). The Paris based club was crushed. I could never live down a loss like that and they haven't either. The rivalry is often times violent when supporters get to into it. I remember several years back, one of of the teams bus was attacked and a player said he had feared for his life. I watched the derby a couple years ago on TV and Marseille sent their reserves and youth players to play the derby to ensure the safety of their first team footballers. The game ended in a draw and the PSG fans were not best pleased. Violent crowd stories plague this football match, and it looks like they always will unfortunately. The two rivals have met 71 times and have been fairly evenly matched. OM has 28 wins, PSG has 25 wins and there are 18 draws between them. However, Marseille's history topples the Paris based club. OM has 8 leagues to PSG's 2, 10 French Cups to PSG's 6, and 1 European cup to PSG's 0. In all fairness to the Parisian club, Olympique Marseille was established 73 years before PSG. Paris St. Germain enjoyed some fun against Marseille with Brazilian Ronaldinho, before the PSG coach Luis Fernandez claimed Ronaldinho was too into the party life and his Brazilian holidays never ended when he thought they would. After two years with the club, Ronaldinho left for Barcelona. Marseille have traditionally just been all around better than PSG, and even though I fancy the Paris based club over the South of France's OM. The light blues have a stronger side and should handle PSG this year in the Classique.

Those are some of my favorite derbies. I hope you enjoyed them as much as me. Lots of history comes along when football is in a conversation. Never forget where we came from but let us strive for a brilliant future.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Wouldn't Miss It for the World

2009-07-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

With World Cup South Africa 2010 less than a year way now, national teams around the globe will be fighting for their place in this historic tournament. This will be the first World Cup held on African soil. It is a matter of pride for all African countries. It seems like every time this gold trophy roles around, there is at least one African debutant, and now that they are hosting the most prestigious prize in world football, their is even more motivation than ever before. It sure would be shocking for any popular party guests to miss out on the big show. Let's check up on which countries are a shoe in and which are hanging on by the skin of their teeth.

Let's kick off this adventure with a safari of football on the host continent. There are 20 teams left in African World Cup Qualifying. However, it does not appear that all of the dominant African power houses will be attending the party on the South coast. Despite the lack of shine, in Gabon's footballing history, they seem to be determined to be one of the sides the represents the great continent of Africa in its moment of glory. They lead Group A with 6 points. Surprisingly enough, the other group competitors should be ashamed of themselves. All of which are quality sides in African football. The teams in order from 2nd to 4th are a debutant in the last World Cup, Togo, Algeria, and traditional African power house Cameroon. Though the group is still tight, only one of those 4 will be in South Africa next summer. In Group B, Tunisia leads the group 2 points above the green of Nigeria. It will most likely be one or the other. Egypt is 3 points off of continental neighbor Algeria, who lead, in Group C. The Egyptians and Zambia are tied at 4 points a piece The Egyptians put in strong performances in this summer's Confederations Cup against Brazil and Italy. They have a squad that would add more saliva to those whose mouths are watering for next years grand display. Ghana triumph 5 points over closest contender Mali in Group D. Mali, despite producing some fine players such as Fredrick Kanoute, Mahamadou Diarra, Seydou Keita, and Mohamed Sissoko will have to really right the ship if they are going to sale into South African ports ahead of the Black Stars next summer. There are no surprises in Group E as West Africa's Ivory Coast leads their group 3 points clear.

Europe is the big stage for world football but will all of it's big stars be at the party? Well if World Cup Qualifying ended today, "NO!" would be your answer. In Group One Table you would expect the likes of Sweden and Portugal would be leading. However, Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic and company may not be in South Africa to the surprise of many. Instead, the group is being lead by Denmark with 16 points, fallowed by Hungary at 13 points. Portugal and Sweden are clawing at an entry to the tournament on 9 points a piece. Sure would be a shock for all of two of the Earth's most primo footballing stars were not in attendance. The greatest players in History have impressed on the world stage. It is a legendary priority. The Group 2 table is lead by Euro 2004 champions, Greece, tied for points with Switzerland on 13. Latvia sits in third, 3 points away at 10. We all remember who was second in the world going into Germany in 2006, the Czech Republic. Well as of right now, the former number 2 is only 4th in their qualifying Group Three Table on 8 points. Two points above them is usual World Cup attender, Poland. However, as the shock continues as Slovakia are top fallowed by Northern Ireland at 15 and 13 points respectively. It would be crisis for the both Poland and the Czech republic to not RSVP, but it looks likely they will not. No real head-turners in Group Four Table as Germany, 16 points, and Russia, 15 points, duke it out for first place. Onto the next group. Euro 2008 semi-finalists, Turkey, have their work cut out for them if they want to catch 2nd place Bosnia-Herzegovina, who have 12 points. Turkey remain at 8 points while favorites, Spain, sit comfortably undefeated on 18 points at first place in Group Five Table. England also remains untouched in with a thundering 21 points, a total 10 clear of closest contenders Croatia and Ukraine who are tied on 11 in Group Six Table. England Boss Fabio Capello is pleased with the success but has urged his team that this is no time to let up. Serbia astonishingly enough lead France by 8 points in Group Seven Table. The second place France is currently edging out Lithuania by a point. We all should expect better from the French. Nobody wants an embarrassing World Cup 2002 repeat performance by them, where they failed to win a game. Can Thierry Henry and friends hold on two second place or will the 2006 World Cup runners-up fail to qualify at all? Sorry France, no miraculous Zizou this time around. The Italians and Irish, the only two real contenders in Group Eight Table, are both looking to clinch first place; Italy has 14 while the Irish bite at their heals from 13. The undefeated Nederlands smashed their group as they went undefeated with 21 points. Scotland and Macedonia will be looking for the 2nd place spot. They are tied a massive gap of 14 points behind the already qualified Oranje at 7 points each.

Let's head over to South America on our qualifying world tour. The CONMEBOL qualifying is made up of one giant group that contains 10 national teams. The top 4 are guaranteed a place in South Africa, while the 5th place finisher has a qualifying match to play against CONCACAF's number 4 to establish their place. Dunga's Samba Boys sit on top of the table with 27 points. Brazil is the only nation in the history of the World Cup to qualify for every tournament, winning it 5 times, the most of any team. You could have predicted they would be in first place. However, I'm not so sure you could predict number 2. No, it isn't Argentina, or even two time World Cup Winner, Uruguay. It is Chile! A good qualify showing from the slender country as they are only one point astray of the leaders. It gets even more interesting. Paraguay is your 3rd place team at the moment at 24 points. Where is Argentina? With the talent on their team, Messi and company, they should be right behind Brazil, if not beating them. Argentina has struggled to get results in qualifying. They sit uncomfortably in 4th. Despite having legend, Diego Maradona as their national team boss, they were thumped by Bolivia 6-1 in April and then beaten by 5th place Ecuador 2-0 in June. They have reason to be scared at 22 points, only 2 points away from Ecuador, and a decisive next match at home against Brazil September 5th. Uruguay, Colombia, and Venezuela are fighting to find at least the 5th place spot on 18, 17, and 17 points respectively. Whereas Bolivia and Peru are all but out.

Due North, is the ever changing CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying group of 6 teams. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams are free to land directly on South Africa, if pass go collect $200. However, as stated above, the 4th place team will play a qualifying against CONMEBOL's 5th place team to determine who also tags along across the Atlantic. Not your typical group leader but Costa Rica sit pretty in 1st, pounding the US in Costa Rica 3-1 very early last month. The lead the US by two points with 12. United States' shakey performances on the road have lead them into trouble at Costa Rica and El Salvador. They are looking for consistency and the kind of performances in the Confederations Cup this summer. Clever Honduras has inched into 3rd with 7 points. It is obvious the team has potential. They are a solid side with Tottenham midfielder Palacios running the show. Do not take them lightly. Has anyone seen Mexico? Oh, there they are down in 4th. The Tricolor has been shocking for the last year in a half. We are used to seeing much better football from them. They've gone through coaching term oil in qualifying losing former England Boss, Sven Goran Eriksson to the Axe earlier this year. They are only a point behind Honduras, and are looking to put the recent past to bed. El Salvador are looking to knick a place in the World Cup Final tournament at 5 points but last tournament's debutant's, Trinidad and Tobago, are all but out sitting in last with 2 points.

In the far East, AFC World Cup qualifying is still in a preliminary group stage. However favorites to go through from that neck of the woods are Australia, Japan, both North and South Korea, who have already qualified, Saudia Arabia, Uzbekistan and Iran. Don't forget about the Oceania! I doubt we will be seeing any countries from them this time around, but this is football and anything can happen. If anyone, it will be Fiji, the Solomon Islands, or New Caledonia.

The teams under fire have only a couple qualifying matches to recover what they have lost. They do not want to be watching the fun at Africa's Southern tip from a television back home. Can you imagine the next World Cup without Ronaldo, Messi, and Ibrahimovic? The scary thing is it could happen. The world is becoming a greater footballing planet, even in it's darkest corners.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

This Week's Shock Transfer Stories and Rumours

2009-07-15T22:16:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of big talk of big money moves for big players going to big clubs this week. Follower's of Futbol de los Inhos (FDLI) have thrown their bits and pieces in about the big news spotted through the transfer window at their favorite clubs. The people wanna know. What's going on? Where do I start when the names of fan favorites such as Viera, Terry, and Tevez are tangled up in the press? Those aren't the only players in speculation as Arsenal's lanky goal scorer, Adebayor, Lucio, and Inter Milan's Maxwell seem to be on the front of the tabloids as well.

Manchester City have finalized the move for Argentina's caveman-like striker Carlos Tevez after the player spent two years on loan from West Ham United at City's cross town rivals, Manchester United. Tevez who completed the £25 million deal this week was fan favorite at Old Trafford. Despite, being constantly bumped out of the starting line-up to make room for Dimitar Berbatov, the fans obviously protested the fact they thought Tevez would be leaving the club in the summer as they made signs and banners encouraging his performances and doing the best they could to extend his welcome. Tevez admitted deep sadness to the press on several occasions, admitting that the club had made him no offer to stay. He apologized to sympathetic fans and praised them for all their support. It looked like a sad movie break up as club and footballer were set to part. Finally, earlier this summer, the Red Devils offered the Argentine a contract and a chance to stay with the supporters who loved him. His answer: No. Instead he moves to cross town rivals, Manchester City. I haven't spoken to many Manchester United fans about the issue but I'm sure they are less than pleased. It is a certainty that Carlito will not receive the warm welcome he is used to from the United faithful when City visits Old Trafford in the upcoming season.

West Londoners were shocked to hear that Chelsea skipper, John Terry was in favor of showdown talks with the club this week over a £40 million transfer to Manchester City. Often looked upon as Chelsea's fearless leader, it is a bit out of the "blue" for the always passionate center back to consider leaving the club that has made him the footballer he is today. Would Terry really want to leave the club he bleeds pride for or is he simply using it as a bargaining chip to get Chelsea FC to make a more direct approach for action in the transfer market this summer? After all, he is the captain and should have a say in what the team needs. Perhaps he is playing the club for the hope of a better contract despite being the Blue's highest paid player. Manchester City manager, Mark Hughes believes that the light blue looks tantalizing to Terry because it would be a new challenge. However, it hardly would be. He has won the league, gotten as physically close to winning the Champions League as possible without capturing its glory and won English domestic cups with Chelsea. He has a better chance with his current club than with City to do all of the listed above. Chelsea's chief executive, Peter Kenyon has extinguished any rumors of the captain leaving the club as Chelsea rejected the second bid from the Eastlands yesterday claiming Terry is not for sale. ''We are not going to sell John, so it is irrelevant what another club will offer. We are very confident he will be leading us in the years to come.'' To me Chelsea just isn't Chelsea without John Terry. It would be sad for football to see him go.

Manchester City have made yet even more noise with the Adebayor project. The Togo international seems to be moving closer to a move to the Eastlands than his early summer link with Italian Club, AC Milan. He seems to surely be on his way after passing a medical, being granted a work permit, and received permission from Arsenal to leave. Another £25 million deal looks to be in order for the 6'3 striker who scored a total of 15 goals last season for the Gunners last season in all competitions. There will surely be a void left up top as Van Persie will be looking for another strike partner. Arsenal already has Eduardo, Arshavin if needed, and Bendter along with a handful of youngsters, but can one of these forwards help restore Arsenal to glory this season or will they look to the transfer window? The pressure is on the Gunners because they have underachieved in the past couple seasons. With all the strikers at City next season, Mark Hughes could be setting himself up for criticism from the beginning with forwards Tevez, Robinho, Roque Santa Cruz, Bellamy, Benjani, Caicedo, and now Adebayor all looking for the same 3 spots at the very most. I predict exits from the Eastlands just as much as signings.

Ready for a shock? Picture one of the greatest Arsenal captains of all time wearing a Spurs kit. You might have guessed it. Patrick Viera has been heavily linked with his former club's arch rivals on a free transfer to Tottenham from Inter Milan. Any Gunners fan would be crushed to hear the news but the swoop for the French legend is becoming more apparent every hour. The Midfielder has already turned down offers from homeland club Paris Saint Germain and Birmingham City. It's unthinkable for Arsenal supporter but crazier things have happened such as Luis Figo directly to Real Madrid from Barcelona (should have treated him better). The 33 your-old states he is simply looking for the chance to play since the "Special One" has not made him a priority in Italy. He enjoyed his time in London and seems eager to return.

Viera isn't the only player on the way out of Inter Milan. Yesterday, Barcelona made one of their few transfer moves of the summer with Brazilian defender, Maxwell. The 27 year-old was agreed to a £4.5 transfer fee to help the Catalan club defend its many titles next season. The left back had fallen out of favor with Jose Murinho to teenager Santon back in Italy and will now be challenging Eric Abidal for a place under Pep Guardiola.

Well, here is one for you. Considered by many the greatest Brazil center back, Brazilian Lucio is on the move to Inter Milan. As you have read, it has been mostly one way traffic on the way out of the Italian champions but the 31 year-old is set to receive a 3 year contract. Lucio who may have grabbed the attention of Murinho, in his outstanding captaining performances in the Confederations Cup with summer with champions Brazil, has been at Bayern Munchen since 2004. He now looks for a new test in Italy.

Well I can't speak for anyone else but I would need a hell of an amount of Asprin to deal with the selection headaches Mark Hughes will face on his front line. City look a bit top heavy at the moment. Would Chelsea's JT help even out the squad? Will North London go up inflames if the Yids capture Captain Viera? I'm anxious to see.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid,

Bobby

The Fight in Football Becomes a Battle for Peace

2009-07-15T11:02:00.001-07:00

There is a tournament this summer that awaits us all. No, it wasn't the Confederations Cup, and certainly not the Gold Cup, not even the Emirates Cup. The Peace Cup. The Peace Cup 2009 raises awareness and promotes peace and harmony around the globe. The tournament contains 12 clubs from 10 different countries featuring 4 groups of 3. Eventually the winner of each group will play another winner to launch the semi-final and the winner of those clashes will eventually grace the final to be held in Sevilla's La Cartuja. This cup may be meant to promote peace but the sides and players involved seem to be predicting a healthy display of football to go along with the sentimenals. Many clubs are busy with their preseason tours of foreign lands such as Manchester United in Asia and Chelsea in the United States, but other sizely clubs still made this tournament a priority. Not only does it deliver a message but helps the sides involved prepare for their seasons ahead. Sure the whole idea is sweet but the teams want to win. With monumental clubs like Juventus, Real Madrid, Lyon and others in the mix, they will be looking to send a message considering they could meet each other down the road this season in the Champions League. Of course smaller sides will be looking to the opposition's pride and what they can take away from it. Yes, the Peace Cup 2009 trophy is at stake but so are the reputations of well known clubs. Will the cup be so peaceful after all? Here are the groups.

Group A
Sevilla (Spain)
Juventus (Italy)
Seongnam (South Korea)

Group B
Real Madrid (Spain)
Liga Universitaria Quito (Ecuador)
Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)

Group C
Malaga (Spain)
Aston Villa (England)
Atlante (Mexico)
Group D
Lyon (France)
Besiktas (Turkey)
Porto (Portugal)

Format: Each team plays each team in their group once. The winner of Group A plays the winner of Group B; the winner of Group C plays the winner of Group D. The winner of AvB plays the winner of CvD. The winner of that game is the champion of Peace Cup 2009. Just to clarify.

Prediction: Group A would be the "Group of Death" but since it's the Peace Cup, let's call it the "Group of Likely Tournament Exit." The key to Group A, with all due respect of Seongnam, is Sevilla vs Juventus. The winner of that game will surely win the group. Most people would shove Juventus over Sevilla but they are the hosts of the tournament, and history shows how much of an advantage that can be. If the host side can hang on to Luis Fabiano until then, I like their chances. Sevilla wins Group A for me. Group B has to be won by Real Madrid. Call me biased, but I believe with the quality in their squad even if they rest players, if they take it seriously (and as professionals, the should), they should not come across any problem with a team from Saudi Arabia or Ecuador, not disrespect to the footballing abilities of their clubs. I will be extremely disappointed otherwise. Group C has a couple contenders. Atlante is a good side from Mexico but based on the seasons their two group members, Malaga and Aston Villa, they stand a little chance of progressing. Malaga who finished 8th in La Liga last term played better football than we are used to seeing from them, but Aston Villa despite the loss of Gareth Barry are a player-for-player better side and should win the group. In Group D, Besiktas will always be the squad that was slaughtered by Liverpool in the Champions League group stages two years ago 8-0 in my memory. Though they have improved, they don't match oppositions like Porto or Lyon quite yet. Based on last seasons performances I would go with Porto, but this is not last season and Porto have lost key goals scorers in their line-up as Lyon look to get back on track this season and would love to recapture the French title they have one close to a billion times (exageration). Lyon wins Group D. In the first semi-final, Sevilla vs Real Madrid, the hosts will be looking to take the scalp of the new Galacticos in order to perform at home in front of their own supporters in the final, but this will be the first big test for the new era in white and they will be looking to make their mark for La Liga and to send a message to Spanish sides around the league. With all eyes on this match, I expect that Real Madrid will play stars and shoot for them as well. Madrid through to the final. Lyon vs Aston Villa, probably a tie we wont see anytime soon in a legit competition but a pretty well balanced match. At this stage of the tournament against an English back line, without Karim Benzema, I would expect Lyon to struggle. If Aston Villa play the brand of football we saw from them last season (besides the last couple weeks), they have the capabilities to break down Lyon and move on. I almost feel kinda bad having my favorite club in the final. However, I think that the test will be more difficult than the match against Sevilla. The final will create a tense atmosphere. Real Madrid haven't been strong against English oppositions in recent past but those matches were against a solid Arsenal and a Liverpool that dismantled them last season, not Aston Villa. Real have the power to beat them on Spanish soil. Peace Cup 2009 belongs to the Merengue.

Now I'm sure there are many protest and everyone has their own view, but that's what I want. I want your side of it. Anytime someone makes a prediction and has their favorite team winning deserves to be corrected. However I stand by my decision and look forward to this tournament to promote peace through football and to enjoy the beautiful game in matches you would not regularly see. The game is unpredictable to those who aren't a higher power. Anything can happen. The best of luck to all the clubs that compete. Action kicks off Friday, July 24th with Sevilla taking on Juventus. For tournament information visit http://www.peacecup.com/ .

Viva el futbol y Hala Madird,

Bobby

Pellegrini's Selection Headache

2009-07-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

The Madridista Nation has much to be excited about this summer with the new personnel arrivals, Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul Albiol, and Karim Benzema, but perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle is the new boss, Manuel Pellegrini. Can he manage the stars and find a formation suitable for them? The truth is he can't play every galactico in the same line-up. However, I'm sure he has been turning these questions over in his head since the minute he signed the contract. Pellegrini is a coach that has seen pressure before, coaching in the harsh Argentine leagues' atmosphere and with Villareal in La Liga and in Europe, but knows he will have to deal with it again. The Chilean has been under close surveillance of his squad in their preseason camp base in Ireland this summer. He has studied newcomers Ronaldo and Benzema but will have to wait a bit longer for Kaka and Raul Albiol because like their new teammates Sergio Ramos and Casillas, played in the Confederations Cup this summer, granting them an extended vacation. I'm bummed out to know I can't get inside the boss's head and study his thoughts on the whole selection ordeal but like Pellegrini, I have been toying with the starting XI as well. Here is an idea of what I've come up:

------------Casillas------------
--------Pepe----Albiol---------
Ramos-----------------Marcelo
-----Lass/Diarra---------------
--------------Sneijder----------
-----------Kaka----------------
-Ronaldo--------------Robben-
-----------(Any ST)------------

Here is why I like this as a first choice. Obviously Casillas will be in between the posts. We all remember the Pepe meltdown from last season, but I think Pepe is still growing and developing. He is a player with a lot of heart and has all the key elements for a center back. My other center back is Albiol, with the exit of Cannavaro this summer, the Spanish International new signing is a good fit for the job. And if I'm wrong, our youngster Garay, returning from loan at Santander is capable of stepping right in. Notice the outside backs are a little higher than their center backs. Here's why; take a peek at who I have selected, Ramos and Marcelo. Both players are good technically and love to get forward. Obviously when one goes thundering up the pitch, the other holds and tucks in and if necessary, my Lass/Diarra can slide into their spot temporarily. Now on to the midfield. I avoided the England problem by not putting the same types of players together. My Lass/Diarra player is the holder, the creator, the key to the team. He keeps the shape and changes the point of attack. Sneijder didn't have the best of years last season. However, I believe it had a lot to do with injuries. Being a Real Madrid fan, I know as well as any other Madridista knows, what he is capable of doing if healthy. Prime example: Season 07-08. He is my box-to-box midfielder, the Lampard job. Developes attacks and gets behind the ball defensively. He is a complete player so Madrid might as well use him as one. Kaka is right where he needs to be here, not a forward but hardly a midfielder with two center midfielder's already behind him, he is free to attack. It is the poaching job he has made famous. Ronaldo and Robben, both fast and quick, excel at taking on defenders 1v1, but I haven't glued them to the touchline. Ideally, that's where I want them to take on defenders, but in order to let them express themselves creatively, I'd give them the freedom to wander a bit away from the flank because sooner rather than later, Marcelo and Sergio Ramos will be storming up the side line in their place, allowing Ronaldo and Robben to drift into the middle awaiting service from the outside backs. Ahh, at last the forward. This will be quite the headache for Pellegrini. Any of the center strikers could do this job effectively. It is essentially the "Number 9" job. Benzema, Raul, Higuain, Van Nistelrooy if fit would all excel in this position working to create commotion with Kaka, Ronaldo, and Robben.

I'd love to hear what others think about this. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has been contemplating this for the last couple weeks. I know everyone has their own mouth-watering scheme cooked up somewhere. I know I didn't use it for my own blueprint, but why be afraid of the 4-4-2? It's an affective strategy.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid,

Bobby

Under Cover Munchen

2009-07-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

With a season to put behind them, Bayern Munchen are looking to improve on last term's disappointment. The German giants finished second in a league they should win every year and bombed out of the Champions League to eventual champions Barcelona with a scoreline I won't mention for the sake of the club's reputation. Former Bayern Munchen great, Franz Beckenbauer, made his feelings known which demoralized the team even more. The Club was in an obvious need of change. You would think that a squad that struggled to lift trophies, would bring in names known in the world of football to help them raise the level. Real Madrid over achieved that policy this summer after a terrible season at their standards. Bayern Munchen is taking a more subtle approach. Signing six names so far this summer. You may be asking yourself when you saw these news reports, struggling to remember. The truth is, you don't remember because the press tends to publicise significant players moving to big clubs, not small names that are hardly recognized. The only reports you remember this summer of Bayern Munchen is their fight to hold on to Ribery. Lets take a look at who they have signed started with the biggest of the names to the smallest names.

Mario Gomez: Probably the most well known of the new players. The striker Gomez spent his entire career at Stuttgart until now. Despite his the Latin roots of his name, he is a German international with 24 caps. Last season Gomez scored 33 goals in all competitions which was good enough to seal his €30 million move to the German Giants this summer. He is impressive in the air standing at 6'2, and weighing in at a thumping 190 lbs. The large target will be challenging Italian frontman, Luca Toni, for the big strikers job most likely along Klose. Look for the 24 year-old in action wearing the Bayern Munchen strip next season.

Ivica Olic: Olic really appeared on the scene in last summer's EURO 2008 with Croatia (a real bruiser in the fantasy game at the time). Standing at 6'1, the 29 year-old is another candidate for a big striker at his new club. He arrives from Hamburg SV with credentials of 16 goals last season in all competitions. Places for strikers are up for grabs with Lucas Podolski leaving the club this summer.

Anatoliy Tymoshuck: You may recognize the name from Russia's most recent standout club Zenit St. Petersburg. He was part of the squad who triumphed over Rangers in the 2008 UEFA Cup final, Beating Bayern Munchen in Russia in the semi-final second leg of that tournament 4-0. The 30-year old will be anxious to start with German Giants that he helped scalp 2 season previous.

Danijel Pranjic: Names begin to grow more unfamiliar at this point when the Club signed Pranjic from Dutch outfit Heerenveen. He was impressive in last seasons campaign in the Dutch Eredivisie scoring 16 goals and 8 goals in 30 games played.

Edson Braafheid: The German giants signed this 27 year-old defender from FC Twente Enschede. Not a big name, but recently earned his first cap for his home nations of the Netherlands.

Alexander Baumjohann: Perhaps a rising young star. He plays for the German U-21 and is transfering over from his last outfit, Borussia Mönchengladbach. Looks to be another midfielder that could grow into a fine player.

Bayern Munchen may not have signed big stars like Real Madrid, but that's not to say their system won't be affective. The low profile players could be surprises. All of them have good numbers statistically and it's not like Bayern to sign players not able to compete at a high level such as the Champions League. Let's see what they can bring to the table this season with a splash of new talent.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Exclusive: La Liga Summer Peek

2009-07-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

Next Season's La Liga looks to be heating up and it doesn't kick off for another month and a half. Unlike most summers, the transfer focus has been on two Spanish arch rivals, Real Madrid and Barcelona apposed to Premier League sides.

The Champion Barcelona have been slow to react this summer when it comes to the transfer window. However, why should the be so eager to change up a side that won the trebble last year? The team has made a couple contract extensions for players including goalkeeper Victor Valdes. Samuel Eto'o has been seriously linked with Manchester City this summer until lately when the Manchester United rival has said to have pulled the plug on deal. Back in Spain, the Catalan club offered the Cameroon International a two year extension on his contract but without increasing his salary. That is a bit odd considering he has scored 126 goals for the club in 5 years, approximately 25 goals a season average. Reports say that he is ignoring phone calls from the club who have now targeted Atletico Madrid's Diego Forlan and placed £ 40million bid for sought after Valencia striker, David Villa despite what Eto'o's decision is. The club has its own onslaught of attacking footballers already with some of the best goal scorers in the world, Eto'o, Henry, fan favorite Messi, along with substitutes Gudjohnsen, young gun Bojan Krkic, and Hleb. Barcelona was hopeful in recruiting a defender to bolster their backline. Oddly enough, Barcelona transfer target, Chygrynsky, a Ukrainian defender, has declined signing for the club in order to remain with UEFA Cup Winners Shakhtar Donetsk. The "magic" triangle in midfield including Yaya, Iniesta, and the man the never sprints, Xavi seems to be set for another season. If Barcelona play the brand of football we know from last season, they will be tough to beat. They look to build on their trebble at home against Sporting Gijon August 31st.

Real Madrid have went on a spending spree like never before bringing former World Players of the Year, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu this summer. Also signing for Los Blancos is French 21 year-old prodigy striker Karim Benzema, Ligue 1's top scorer last year, and Valencia centerback Raul Albiol. Of course quality players in means other players out. All ready out of favor striker, Javier Saviola, made an early exit to Benfica, leaving el numero 9 for Cristiano Ronaldo. Last winter's promising signing, Klass Jan Huntelaar, already has half a foot out the door with a bid from AC Milan. New boss Pellegrini arriving from Villareal is intent on bringing Xabi Alonso back to the homeland despite Rafa's hands off approach to the situation. If the Liverpool star lands in the capital, there will no doubt be more exits with three holding midfielders already at the club, Lass, Diarra, and Gago who has already given up his number for Kaka and snatched up el numero 5 due to the Cannavaro exit back to Juve this summer. The back up plan for missing out on Alonso looks to be Udinese's D'Agostino. Kaka, being an attacking style midfielder may leave some hopefull Dutch hearts in the midfield depending on the formation the squad goes with next season. Sneijder and Van der Vaart will be fighting eachother for a place along with Madrid vetran Guti. It would not be surprising if Los Blancos brought in another striker before the transfer window slams shut despite already having Higuain, Huntelaar, Raul, Ronaldo if he doesn't find himself on the wing as the same goes for Robben, Benzema, coming back from injury Van Nistelrooy, and Negredo who has returned from a two year loan at Almeria netting 34 goals in 2 seasons. The Club's general director, Jorge Valdano, stated today, July 13th, the team must sell 5 players in order to buy a new addition to the squad. "We need to trim at least five players from the squad. The priority over the next few weeks is the sale of players and not the signing of new ones." Las Madridistas kick off the new campaign against Deportivo La Coruna at the Santiago Bernabeu August 30th.

Everything must go! Valencia is in financial term oil and looked to be one big clearance sale with transfer links including the majority of their squad such as David Silva, Zigic, Marchena, Albelda, Albiol who landed in Madrid, Manuel Fernandes, and the ever popular David Villa. Villa has been a marked man all summer linked with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Premier League giants Manchester Utd and Chelsea. Villa had apparently made up his mind to leave the club and the club had made up their mind to harvest the funds in return. A move to Madrid looked to be in order until the club's stance on their player took a U-turn. Los Che President is quoted saying "We have taken the decision to not sell David Villa. We've taken this decision after some days of thought in which we studied the advantages and disadvantages..." Barcelona have made their bid for the player but it seems unlikely that Valencia shall change their minds. They start at home with Sevilla, August 30th.

The Yellow Submarine look for a more promising season depite reaching the Champions League quarter-finals last term. Villareal's New Jersey born, Italian International Rossi, showed his best stuff this summer in the Confederations Cup, especially against the country he was born in, the United States thumping two past Everton keeper, Tim Howard. Another American, Jozey Altidore looks to be returning to the club after a loan spell at newly premoted Xerez and runner's up medal in the Confederations Cup where he outmuscled Villareal teammate Joan Capdevila in the semi-final to score the first of two US goals. Last year's boss Pellegrini has left for the Capital with Real Madrid and Villareal have apointed Ernesto Valverde, who managed Greek power Olympiakos to a double last season. They begin the season away at Osasuna on August 30th.

Frederic Kanoute may have to have to play next season without strike partner Luis Fabiano at Sevilla. With the money AC Milan recieved for at the time was a world short-lived World Record transfer fee for Kaka, they have made a bid for the Brazilian, Fabiano, who looked to be the best striker at the Confederations Cup this summer. Sevilla will get to work early trying to qualify for the Champions League. They start their league play away against Valencia on August 30th.

Atletico Madrid have made the signing of highly looked upon goalkeeper, Asenjo, from Valladolid. Other than that they have been anxious to hold onto the tallent the team possesses. With starlet Aguero being linked with Manchester United and a confirmed interest in Forlan from Barcelona, they may want to build a back up plan for an attack next season. Defender Mariano Pernia was involved in a car accident last week in Argentina where he sustained multiple injuries including broken bones in his shoulder and back. Also Pernia suffered from a puntured lung. The Real Madrid cross town rivals begin the season away on August 30th against Malaga.

There is plenty of activity bustling about in Spain this summer. These six teams look to be the front runners in the pack of 20 that is called La Liga. Perhaps there is a sleeper that will surprise but only time will tell.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

World's Best RB

2009-07-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

Who presently is the best right back in football? So many names come to mind. Pesky little Dani Alves, Inter Milan's Maicon, every Spanish girl's dream date Sergio Ramos, and talented others. The position isn't what it used to be. The days of a big clumpy monster thumping center forwards into the stands all match are beginning to vanish and a new age on the right flank is on the horizon. The right back of the future is a tidy player both at the back and in the offensive third. The breed is much more attacking orientated, a second right winger perhaps. Who can do it all? Who has the fitness to be up and down that flank so often their boots are stained white from the line? Who has the correct balance of attack and defence? How are they useful? How are they defending one on one? Atacking one on one? Marking or losing their marks themselves? All of a sudden right back doesn't look as easy at sounds. The first two that come to mind, especially after this summers entertaining Confederations Cup are Brazilian pair, Dani Alves and Maicon.

Inter Milan's Maicon is quickly becoming a fan favorite. He is a power house and a work horse. At 6' tall and 170lbs of nothing but meat, his athleticism is almost impossible to match. He is fit and raring to go. Despite being so athletic, it appears at times he might take it for granted, occasionally lackadaisical. As all right backs he struggles to make up ground when the opposition counters but is a tough defender to go by one on one. He can get his body in the way and simply use speed and force to make wingers feel uncomfortable going at him. He may sound like a bruiser but naturally, being one of the Samba Boys, he is technically gifted and engages well in combinations while penetrating the attacking half. He is often found on the offensive side of the midfield line leaving his defensive responsibilities too much for the center back closest to the right. Serie A doesn't look the greatest league of the big league at this point, but since arriving at Inter from AS Monaco 3 years ago, he has won the league title on every occasion. In his 3 year spell at the Italian giants he has scored a total of 8 goals and assisted 22 in all competitions. However, he has threatened to quit Inter Milan several times this summer and may be a bit of a behavior problem to the club. He is Dunga's first choice for the Brazilian national team, competing with Dani Alves.

Alves, part of the Barca squad that managed the tripple last season, is versatile, sneaky, quick, and crafty. Don't let his size fool you. He can create. A real tallent with the ball at his feet. A bit of a show boat but still affective. He is a spark in a team that needs a boost as seen when coming off the pine for Brazil in their Confederations Cup triumph this summer in South Africa. Last season he tallied 11 assists and five goals of his own. He takes freekicks, but not well. He did manage to score a cracker from a set piece at the edge of the area close to full time against South Africa in the semi final this summer but rarely connects with the net otherwise. He takes the approach of straight lacing the ball as hard as he can. It usually ends up as a meteorite speeding toward the planet Mars if it doesn't knock down stadium light on the way out of the park. I mentioned Alves was featured as a substitute this summer but that wasn't always the case. He began the Confederations Cup as a starter over Maicon in the tournament opener against Egypt. After Brazil built a comfortable lead, out of position Dani Alves had a part to play in two of the three Egyptian goals which triggered a nail-biting ending to the match. He was a substitute ever since. That's not the only occurrence that points a wary finger at his defending. During the second leg of the semifinals in the Champions League last year against Chelsea in West London, he looked puzzled when trying to handle the pace of French trickster Malouda, often fouling him or being beaten. The Brazilian's temper flared. A wonder strike from Iniesta and a dreadful performance from the match official saw Barca to the final where they went on to beat Manchester United 2-0. Alves was suspended and missed the match.

Being a Madridista, you may have guessed my favorite candidate, Sergio Ramos. The young Spaniard has tasted glory with both Real Madrid and the national team as the first choice right back in the monumental Euro 2008. Built much like Maicon, but a bit lighter, he is acrobatic and athletic, creative, and spontaneous. Last season Ramos scored 7 goals for los bloncos. He is capable or delivering a top notch curling ball into the area. He can lose his defenders on corners and set plays and his a powerful header of the ball. Being 3 years younger than Alves and 5 younger than Maicon, signing with Real Madrid at age 19 from Sevilla, he is a ball of energy. It isn't surprising to see him throw down an acrobatic kick from just about anywhere on the pitch or a gymnastics display after he scores. At times he appears not to be playing right back at all, and therefore leaving his side open for counters. His adventurous side can get him in trouble at times, but if cornered by defenders, he always has a clever trick up his sleeve to get himself out of a tight situation. Defending on his part is not the best one on one but I'd be sure to move if I caught him thundering toward me because the boy is a viscous slide tackler. The rambunctious youth was named in 2008's Euro XI and FIFA XI.

It is almost impossible to decide. I can't do it on my own. There are other right backs out there with quality such as Bosingwa or Manchester United's young Rafael who looks to be extremely promising, but the three names really at hand are listed above. All are rare talents and none need to be jealous of the others ability. Perhaps the next season will set them apart.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid

Bobby

Anglo Spanish Rule

2009-07-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

European football has been dominated by Premier League clubs over the past couple seasons. The Champions League has seen 3 English teams in the semi finals for the past 2 years and at least one 1 English team in the finals for the last 5 years. Despite only winning 2 of the 5 finals mentioned, the EPL has bee named by many the strongest league in the world by many experts. It is not necessarily English Players that make these teams so lethal but that's not the discussion at hand. I'm going to be brave and go out on a limb and say the next couple years belong to Spain's La Liga and here is why...

Manchester United have just completed their third league title in as many years for these reasons. 1. Cristiano Ronaldo. Hated or loved, the man can change the outlook of the game by himself. 2. Sir Alex Ferguson. Without a doubt the greatest coach of our time. Unbelievable the way he can scout players and develop them from such a young age and still manage senior players all mixed together and come up with the results he has. 3. Team chemistry. United Have all the spark of young fresh talent and the experience of seasoned veterans, the perfect mixture. However, this year, golden boy Ronaldo, and out of favor but useful Tevez are on the way out the door leaving extremely big boots to fill. I'm not one to doubt Sir Alex but so far he has signed Valencia, Ecuadorian winger from Wigan, 21 year-old French winger Obertan from Bordeaux, and oddly enough, now labeled a traitor, former Liverpool favorite, Micheal Owen from shock relagated Newcastle. Rooney and Owen made and interesting partnership in the 2006 World Cup Qualifying, but will it be enough to see the Red Devils lift trophies next season? Is this a squad they are building to be stronger than last years Barcelona, who triumphed over them in the Champions League final? Arsenal seem to be making pebble sized ripples in the transfer window but will they be good enough to compete with Europe's best next season? Or say the Premier League's best? Van Persie has signed a brand new contract that will keep him at the Emirates for 5 more years and Cesc seems to be staying put as well. Adebayor has been linked with Milan who need players to fill the void left by Madrid bound Kaka. The last few years have seen a dissapointing Gunners. They are in need of great change and are not getting it. Liverpool have hardly made any changes in their squad. Rafa has put not for sale sign on Madrid Transfer target, Xabi Alonso. Gerrard and Torres, if both fit, can really carry the team but the Merseyside based club, at times looks lost without them. If Torres goes down injured, it is difficult for Liverpool to play their fabled system with Gerrard off of the big striker because they don't possess another striker than can do that same job. N'gog, is no Torres and we all know Kuyt looks a much better player on the wing. However, I believe the Reds to be a much tidier side than the Gunners and Red Devils next term. Last leaves the Blues from West London. With a new coach in order, Ancelotti, looking at a totally different style than Italian league football, it may take him a few tries to get things right. Can owner, Roman Abramovich be patient enough to let a new system at Chelsea take its place without sacking the manager half way through each season? Not everyone is a Murinho. Not everyone is special. The Have signed Russian International Zhirkov, no doubt a favorite of Roman's, but where will the newcomer break into the midfield with the likes of Lampard, Ballack, Deco, Essien, Mikel, and Malouda. English youngster Sturridge looks a good player but has to break a barrier of French speaking favorites, Drogba and Anelka, to break into the starting XI. Chelsea skipper, Terry, has told the club he would like to hold talks with Man City, which would not only heart break many fans but leave a whole in the back line that would be arduous to fill. Chelsea are always solid, but always have their fallouts. Even though I'm a firm believer they should have been in last seasons Champions League final.

Now your probably wondering what this has to do with Spanish futbol. With the likes of Barcelona completing the triple last year and beating what was said to be an unstoppable Manchester United last season in the Champions League final, notorious Spanish giants Real Madrid whose hope for a 3rd league title in a row was cut short by their arch rivals despite a remarkable second half of the season run with a mangled and displaced team, are looking for sweet revenge. It was decided that Florentino Perez, famous club president of the Galacticos Era, was returning for a sequel. Under his rule the Club claimed two Champions League trophies in 3 years. This time not Ronaldo, but Ronaldo, Another Algerian blooded Frenchman, Benzema (the first being Zidane), and Brazilian playmaker Kaka. With more starlets expected to arrive, Los Blancos look to be creating a team that can conquer the football known in Catalonia. Barcelona will most likely put out a similar outfit as last season, seeing is why fix it if it isn't broke? With all of these stars playing for the two sides, it should make one hell of an "El Clasico." In the year 2000 there were three Spanish teams in Champions League semi finals which saw two El Clasico's in 2 weeks. The Capital triumphed over the Catalonians and defeated Valencia in the final 3-0. However, there only seems to be the pair of rivals that will be challenging to be dominate in Europe as once powerful Valencia seem to be financially unfit and Sevilla, though a tidy team are simply not talented enough at this point to uphold European glory at the highest club stage. It's simple enough. The change of dominate leagues in Europe has happened many times. I may be calling this one a bit premature, but it seems that Madrid and Barcelona are on the way up as English teams look to be the same or diminishing in power. Which leaves an open space for a new power, a Spanish Power.

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid
Bobby

A place for Ibra?

2009-07-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows who Zlatan Ibrahimovic is and what he is capable of. This is why he has been so heavily mentioned in this summer's transfer market. There is no doubt he is tallented footballer who is able to score plenty goals but what would a team be sacrificing for the Swedish International?... Team chemestry? Free flowing football? Formation? Or even success in Europe? He may not be all that he said to be or is he? He is certainly not the player he is made out to be on the ever popular FIFA2009 video game by EA Sports in my opinion. Zlatan has tasted plenty of glory in Italy, but if there is a big league's reputation at stake, it is the Serie A. Ibrahimovic has known to be very cocky, arrogant. It is evident by the way he moves about the midfield line when Inter begins to struggle. He is slugglish and lathargic. He looks disinterested and frusterated. Inter Milan, as we all know is jammed packed full of tallent. Then why does everything seem to have to run through Zlatan? When recieving the ball, he often tries to do it by himself, some say perhaps for himself. And being tallented that allows him to scored a good chunk of goals each season. He fancies himself on a great deal of occasions from long range, connecting with a rippling net on only a couple of occasions. He is deadly from freekicks but so is a player like a Pirlo and he hasn't scored from open play in almost a year but still is an important part of a unit at Milan. Picture Ibra at Barcelona. As much as I hate to admit, their football was beautiful last season. It was free flowing and rapid, quick. Does Zlatan fit there? No, not at all. Let's try Arsenal. Known for the fast counter attacking and creative interplay, does Ibrahimovic fit here? Negative. Lets take a peak Bolton Wanderers. Simon Davies does the big forward job there, revieving long balls all day long and making the best of them, chipping in with his fair share of goals every season. Only thing he has that Ibrahimovic hasn't is a good work ethic making defenders irritated all match. So maybe a fit there, but like you I don't see our buddy Zlatan at the Reebok. Finally, He has yet to impress at all in Europe. Can he handle that stage? I recall a scene from the second leg of the first knock out stage of the Champions League last year. A free header for a 6'3 Zlatan at the edge of the 6 yard box that could have seen Internazionale through. Guess the result of that chance. It is unfair to judge him on that Champions League account alone, but when has he impressed on that stage? Many of you may think I am being a bit tough on this big guy. In his defense he has scored 15, 17, and 25 league goals respectively in the last 3 years and won 3 Serie A titles in 3 seasons at the club. You can respect him as a player, but ask yourself this. Would you wanna see Ibra wearing your clubs colors?

Viva el futbol y Hala Madrid,
Bobby

Manchester City vs Real Madrid

2009-07-11T16:27:00.000-07:00

This summer, names of great stars such as Ronaldo, Kaka, and Benzema have all landed at the Bernabeu due to the largest transfer fees the game has ever seen, but is there something more? Why is it that Manchester City offers stars of similar caliber greater amounts of money and still end up failing to sign big names? My answer: Prestige. I may be biast but I'm sure many can agree that Real Madrid are much more prestigious than Manchester City. Many players, such as Benzema and Ronaldo, when signing for Los Blancos ,admitted that playing for Madrid is a childhood dream. It would be hard pressed to find a superstar whose child hood dream is to wear the baby blue of Manchester City. We all remember how outragous the Manchester City bids are because it is so difficult to imagine these quality footballers playing for the less smiled upon Manchster United rivals. City has put in bids for Villa, Casillas, Kaka, and now Eto'o in the last few transfer windows to name a few . Bids for these players topped even the media frenzy that was the £80million transfer fee made for fan favorite Cristiano Ronaldo by Madrid this summer. Recent reports have predicted that if Cameroon Striker Eto'o signs for Manchester City, he will be the highest payed footballer in the world. If there is anything that these transfers have taught us, it is that the players aren't going for the money, they are going for the football. Which leaves me with a smile.

Viva el Futbol y Hala Madrid,
Bobby