The lack lustre first half resulted in a goalless draw, after Frank Lampard failed to convert a questionable penalty in the 42nd minute. Actually it wasn't a bad save by the Hungary goalkeeper. Better to miss now Frank in this World Cup warm up!
It was only a friendly but a decent win for England with David Beckham proving that the parties not over yet! His precision free kicks were predictably brilliant, with both Steven Gerrard and John Terry using their heads, for England to score twice within three minutes shortly into the second half. The game seemed virtually over, until Hungary won one back, with a great shot from Dardal in the 50th minute.
Gerrard, and Owen who had a quiet game were substituted by Crouch and Walcott. Theo was England's youngest ever international player, at the age of 17 years and 35 days, but it was Peter Crouch who put the issue beyond doubt in the 83rd minute, when he was set up by an in form Joe Cole.
All in all not a bad result, in the absence of Wayne Rooney, who looked on inquisitively from the stands.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Friday, May 19, 2006
Gunner's Lose on Fire Power!
Barcelona 2 Arsenal 1
Arsenal took the initiative and Thierry Henry, who else, could have scored within the first three minutes, but he was denied by the Barca keeper. It was a confident start, but all was to change in the eighteenth minute. Eto looked sure to score, but Lehmann had different ideas and brought him down, seemingly grasping his ankle. The ball broke loose and Ludovic Giuly shot it into the back of the net. However, the referee had blown for a free kick and the goal was disallowed. Lehmann was shown a red card, so he had to go, leaving Arsenal with ten men and no keeper.
The unfortunate Robert Pires, was substituted with reserve goalkeeper Almunia, who it must be said, played exceedingly well. The referee could have allowed the goal to stand, given Lehmann a yellow instead of a red, and the whole nature of the game, would have been different. He chose not to and so the Gunners were left with ten men.
All was not lost and Almunia was a worthy substitute in goal. Henry delivered a fine corner kick, and Campbell out jumped the opposition with an extraordinary leap, to score with a brilliant header. Sol had redeemed himself and, with a one nil lead at half time, Arsenal were still in the game.
It was certain to continue to be difficult in the second half, with ten men trying to beat eleven. Barcelona's chance came in the 76th minute, when substitute Larson's pass put Eto in for the equaliser. Rough justice perhaps! Five minutes later Larson was again involved, when Belletti scored the winner.
It wasn't a classic final but it was intriguing. It was not just a match between Henry and Ronaldhino, reputed to be the world's finest. Both teams did their best. Press reports suggested that the referee might have done his worst! The outcome could have been different if he had yellow carded Lehmann, and allowed the goal to stand. However, that's football, the game is over - Well done Barcelona.
Arsenal took the initiative and Thierry Henry, who else, could have scored within the first three minutes, but he was denied by the Barca keeper. It was a confident start, but all was to change in the eighteenth minute. Eto looked sure to score, but Lehmann had different ideas and brought him down, seemingly grasping his ankle. The ball broke loose and Ludovic Giuly shot it into the back of the net. However, the referee had blown for a free kick and the goal was disallowed. Lehmann was shown a red card, so he had to go, leaving Arsenal with ten men and no keeper.
The unfortunate Robert Pires, was substituted with reserve goalkeeper Almunia, who it must be said, played exceedingly well. The referee could have allowed the goal to stand, given Lehmann a yellow instead of a red, and the whole nature of the game, would have been different. He chose not to and so the Gunners were left with ten men.
All was not lost and Almunia was a worthy substitute in goal. Henry delivered a fine corner kick, and Campbell out jumped the opposition with an extraordinary leap, to score with a brilliant header. Sol had redeemed himself and, with a one nil lead at half time, Arsenal were still in the game.
It was certain to continue to be difficult in the second half, with ten men trying to beat eleven. Barcelona's chance came in the 76th minute, when substitute Larson's pass put Eto in for the equaliser. Rough justice perhaps! Five minutes later Larson was again involved, when Belletti scored the winner.
It wasn't a classic final but it was intriguing. It was not just a match between Henry and Ronaldhino, reputed to be the world's finest. Both teams did their best. Press reports suggested that the referee might have done his worst! The outcome could have been different if he had yellow carded Lehmann, and allowed the goal to stand. However, that's football, the game is over - Well done Barcelona.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Football - The Money Game!
Michael Ballack is reported to have joined Chelsea FC, as expected, at a reported salary of 130,000 pounds per week. This supposedly, makes him the highest paid footballer in the history of the game, but this is questionable. His wages apparently include signing on fees and image rights deals. Still it’s not bad is it? A fair weeks pay for a fair weeks work!
I would like to bet that David Beckham's total football income exceeds that of Herr Ballack. The appeal and the earnings of top footballers, are related to their star quality, as much off the field as on it. In this respect Beckham may well have the edge. But perhaps it doesn’t really matter, because a footballer with 130,000 pounds per week can be just as happy as one with 200,000 pounds per week!
Michael Ballack is captain of World Cup hosts Germany whereas Beckham, of course, is captain of England. If either triumphs, in the impending international tournament, their fame and related earnings could spiral even higher.
I would like to bet that David Beckham's total football income exceeds that of Herr Ballack. The appeal and the earnings of top footballers, are related to their star quality, as much off the field as on it. In this respect Beckham may well have the edge. But perhaps it doesn’t really matter, because a footballer with 130,000 pounds per week can be just as happy as one with 200,000 pounds per week!
Michael Ballack is captain of World Cup hosts Germany whereas Beckham, of course, is captain of England. If either triumphs, in the impending international tournament, their fame and related earnings could spiral even higher.
Monday, May 15, 2006
New Kid on the Block!
Theo Walcott is very much the new kid on the block, and a surprise choice, by Sven Goran Erickson, to be included in the England squad. It makes you wander whether, in different circumstances it might be Sven's head on the block, if his gamble fails. It won't happen though, because win or lose in Germany, after the World Cup his time is up. There is no doubt that he would prefer to go out covered in glory but, with this strike force, is this possible?
To recap, Sven has chosen Wayne Rooney (Not fit), Michael Owen (Not fit), Peter Crouch (Not proven), and Theo Walcott (Less so). Ok, if it all goes well and England win the Swede will get the equivalent of a knighthood. But is this really the time to experiment?
England have World class midfielders, with proven ability to score goals. They might have to if the frontline doesn't materialise! They also seem to be pretty solid at the back. So they may have three quarters or even five sixths of a good team, but with possibly no Rooney, and a half fit Owen, they could be somewhat vulnerable. Even if the injures to their star strikers are healed, they may lack that crucial match fitness, essential to success at this level.
The England manager has gambled, not least on new boy Theo. Saints or sinners we know not yet, but it sure is intriguing stuff!
To recap, Sven has chosen Wayne Rooney (Not fit), Michael Owen (Not fit), Peter Crouch (Not proven), and Theo Walcott (Less so). Ok, if it all goes well and England win the Swede will get the equivalent of a knighthood. But is this really the time to experiment?
England have World class midfielders, with proven ability to score goals. They might have to if the frontline doesn't materialise! They also seem to be pretty solid at the back. So they may have three quarters or even five sixths of a good team, but with possibly no Rooney, and a half fit Owen, they could be somewhat vulnerable. Even if the injures to their star strikers are healed, they may lack that crucial match fitness, essential to success at this level.
The England manager has gambled, not least on new boy Theo. Saints or sinners we know not yet, but it sure is intriguing stuff!
Sunday, May 07, 2006
No Pain - No Gain - No Wayne
Since Chelsea's defeat of Manchester United, to secure back to back victories in the Premier League, there have been more column inches in respect of Rooney's injury, than for Mourinho's teams achievement.
So let's pay our respect to a great manager and a great team.
Well done Jose – Well done Chelsea.
That being said Wayne's injury is a gigantic blow for England's World Cup hopes. He has quickly established himself as one of the best young players in the world, with the strength and pace to be a constant threat to opposition goalkeepers. So, yes, he will be sorely missed if he doesn’t make Germany, as now seems highly probable. But will he be more missed than say, John Terry, who was injured in the same match? Coincidentally, from a tackle by the same Wayne Rooney.
Fortunately, John's injury, which apparently required nine stitches in his foot and shin, will not affect him going to Germany. But it could have done, and we should remember that those at the back can be just as important as those at the front. The game does not, and should not hinge on one player. However important the individual might be, football is still a team game.
It seems rather odd that top soccer players, costing millions in transfer fees and millions more in wages, should keep getting foot injuries, that put them out of the game for months. In the good old bad old days, when men were men football boots were necessarily much sturdier. So, sporting equipment giants please take note and devise a metatarsal proof boot.
So let's pay our respect to a great manager and a great team.
Well done Jose – Well done Chelsea.
That being said Wayne's injury is a gigantic blow for England's World Cup hopes. He has quickly established himself as one of the best young players in the world, with the strength and pace to be a constant threat to opposition goalkeepers. So, yes, he will be sorely missed if he doesn’t make Germany, as now seems highly probable. But will he be more missed than say, John Terry, who was injured in the same match? Coincidentally, from a tackle by the same Wayne Rooney.
Fortunately, John's injury, which apparently required nine stitches in his foot and shin, will not affect him going to Germany. But it could have done, and we should remember that those at the back can be just as important as those at the front. The game does not, and should not hinge on one player. However important the individual might be, football is still a team game.
It seems rather odd that top soccer players, costing millions in transfer fees and millions more in wages, should keep getting foot injuries, that put them out of the game for months. In the good old bad old days, when men were men football boots were necessarily much sturdier. So, sporting equipment giants please take note and devise a metatarsal proof boot.
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