After much deliberation, Real Madrid have signed Ruud Van Nistelroy. He will be eager to demonstrate his legendary scoring ability for his new club. A leading bookmaker is only laying evens, that he will score in his first match for Real.
Ruud has suggested that there was a rift with the Manchester United manager. You would not need to be brilliant to have worked that out for yourself. Whatever, the Old Trafford fans will wish him well after so many fine performances.
Andriy Shevchenko has admitted that Roman Ambramovich was influential in his 30million transfer from Ukraine. Really, we would never have guessed it! Whatever Roman wants, Roman gets. Seems to be a bit of a conqueror!
It seems that of the four clubs involved in the Italian match fixing scandal, only Juventus are to remain, demoted to Serie B. The rush by players to leave Italy may not now be so pronounced. Let's hope that those clubs involved in this unfortunate affair have learned their lesson. It is a pity that this happened in the same year that their national side were crowned world champions, although rumour has it, that the whole nation is still dancing in the streets.
soccer and football
soccer and football
soccer and football
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Gerrard Wants England Job - 25 Days to Go
Steven Gerrard has confirmed that he would like to captain England., now that David Beckham has quit. With typical modesty, the Liverpool skipper has suggested that there are others equally capable. Nevertheless he remains one of the favourites alongside Chelsea's John Terry.
Wayne Rooney is reported as having revealed that he would have gone almost anywhere, to get away from Everton manager, David Moyes. Wayne goes into some detail about this in his autobiography, which may prove to be the first of many and which is being serialised in the Daily Mail. Not one to miss a marketing opportunity, our Wayne!
Carlos Dungo is a surprise choice of coach for Brazil, who in common with at least one other famous football nation, would have preferred Luiz Felipe Scolari, of Portugal. However, Dungo is a strong and persuasive character, in a similar mould, perhaps to Roy Keane, and as such may be able to assist Brazil to maintain their reputation as the world's best football team. Outgoing manager Parreira, is perceived by the Brazilian supporters as lacking passion. If they are right the new guy may prove to be a good choice.
Brave man, Niall Quinn has been appointed the new manager of Sunderland, where he may also take over as chairman. Player managers have come and gone, but chairmen managers are a rarer breed. Unsurprisingly, neither Martin O'Neil or Sam Allardyce, will be coming to the Stadium of Light. Sunderland is a great club, with great supporters but the Championship is not the Premiership, and there would be an understandable reluctance for one of the really big managerial names to make the move.
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soccer and football
soccer and football
soccer and football
Wayne Rooney is reported as having revealed that he would have gone almost anywhere, to get away from Everton manager, David Moyes. Wayne goes into some detail about this in his autobiography, which may prove to be the first of many and which is being serialised in the Daily Mail. Not one to miss a marketing opportunity, our Wayne!
Carlos Dungo is a surprise choice of coach for Brazil, who in common with at least one other famous football nation, would have preferred Luiz Felipe Scolari, of Portugal. However, Dungo is a strong and persuasive character, in a similar mould, perhaps to Roy Keane, and as such may be able to assist Brazil to maintain their reputation as the world's best football team. Outgoing manager Parreira, is perceived by the Brazilian supporters as lacking passion. If they are right the new guy may prove to be a good choice.
Brave man, Niall Quinn has been appointed the new manager of Sunderland, where he may also take over as chairman. Player managers have come and gone, but chairmen managers are a rarer breed. Unsurprisingly, neither Martin O'Neil or Sam Allardyce, will be coming to the Stadium of Light. Sunderland is a great club, with great supporters but the Championship is not the Premiership, and there would be an understandable reluctance for one of the really big managerial names to make the move.
Tags:
soccer and football
soccer and football
soccer and football
Friday, July 21, 2006
Exodus to Spain - 29 Days to Go
The Italian saga continues and Barcelona have signed Juventus defenders Lilian Thuram and Gianluca Zambrotta. The match fixing scandal has certainly heated up the transfer market.
It seems that Manchester United and Real Madrid, are still haggling over the worth of Ruud Van Nistelrooy. The sticking point seems to be a £4m difference, between the asking price, and what has been offered. Perhaps businesses, like these highly successful football clubs, would not prosper, if they did not properly cost their assets. But Real are still favourites to get Ruud, although the Bayern Munich chairman seems to think otherwise.
Elsewhere, it appears that Jose Mourinho is determined to keep Arjen Robben, although there is a possibility that Damien Duff could be moving. The Chelsea Coach will undoubtedly, be very keen to achieve a hat trick of premiership wins for Chelsea. If it was a simple matter of resources who is going to stop them?
Money, Money, Money, It's a Rich Man's Game! However, it may not be quite as easy as that, as there are many who would stem their progress, but is their combined firepower enough?
Following the incidents in the World Cup final, it is reported that Zinedine Zidane, has been banned for three games and fined 3,260 pounds, whilst Materazzi was suspended for two games, and fined 2,170 pounds, for provocation. Therefore, it seems that the powers that be, considered it was six of one and half a dozen of the other! Nevertheless, Zidane has been allowed to keep the Golden Ball award, providing a fitting end to an illustrious career.
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soccer and football
soccer and football
soccer and football
It seems that Manchester United and Real Madrid, are still haggling over the worth of Ruud Van Nistelrooy. The sticking point seems to be a £4m difference, between the asking price, and what has been offered. Perhaps businesses, like these highly successful football clubs, would not prosper, if they did not properly cost their assets. But Real are still favourites to get Ruud, although the Bayern Munich chairman seems to think otherwise.
Elsewhere, it appears that Jose Mourinho is determined to keep Arjen Robben, although there is a possibility that Damien Duff could be moving. The Chelsea Coach will undoubtedly, be very keen to achieve a hat trick of premiership wins for Chelsea. If it was a simple matter of resources who is going to stop them?
Money, Money, Money, It's a Rich Man's Game! However, it may not be quite as easy as that, as there are many who would stem their progress, but is their combined firepower enough?
Following the incidents in the World Cup final, it is reported that Zinedine Zidane, has been banned for three games and fined 3,260 pounds, whilst Materazzi was suspended for two games, and fined 2,170 pounds, for provocation. Therefore, it seems that the powers that be, considered it was six of one and half a dozen of the other! Nevertheless, Zidane has been allowed to keep the Golden Ball award, providing a fitting end to an illustrious career.
Tags:
soccer and football
soccer and football
soccer and football
Thursday, July 20, 2006
It's Tough at the Top .. 30 Days to Go
David O'Leary bites the dust and becomes the latest casualty in soccer management. From a relatively bright start in 2003, when they finished sixth in the premiership, Aston Villa tumbled to 10th in 2004/5 and l6th in 2005/6. So, an amicable parting has been agreed with the manager, and the club has announced that a compensation package, reflecting the situation, has been agreed.
Elsewhere the pre season intrigue continues. It seems that Real Madrid have announced that they have signed Cannavaro. So the rumour is confirmed and he will not be moving to Chelsea. Apparently, Brazilian midfielder Emerson, is also moving to Madrid, from Juventus, who are one of the clubs relegated from Serie A, after the Italian scandal. More top players will surely be departing Italy, intent upon maintaining a presence in European football.
The mighty Madrid have been having a lean time of it with no major trophy for three years. It begins to look they have Real intentions, that normal service will be resumed at the Bernabeu, before too long.
It is reported that Sir Alec Ferguson has suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale, and will remain under contract at Manchester United. It will be interesting to see how the fans react, to this gifted but controversial player.
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soccer and football
soccer and football
soccer and football
Elsewhere the pre season intrigue continues. It seems that Real Madrid have announced that they have signed Cannavaro. So the rumour is confirmed and he will not be moving to Chelsea. Apparently, Brazilian midfielder Emerson, is also moving to Madrid, from Juventus, who are one of the clubs relegated from Serie A, after the Italian scandal. More top players will surely be departing Italy, intent upon maintaining a presence in European football.
The mighty Madrid have been having a lean time of it with no major trophy for three years. It begins to look they have Real intentions, that normal service will be resumed at the Bernabeu, before too long.
It is reported that Sir Alec Ferguson has suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale, and will remain under contract at Manchester United. It will be interesting to see how the fans react, to this gifted but controversial player.
Tags:
soccer and football
soccer and football
soccer and football
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
The Countdown Has Begun
It is only 31 days to the start of the English Premiership, and some sort of football normality after the exertions of the World Cup.
The achievement of the Italian national team is overshadowed by League corruption charges. Perversely, this could have a beneficial effect on the Premiership, as it spills over into the transfer market.
All sorts of rumours are flying about including:
Gianluigi Buffon is likely to move to AC Milan rather than Arsenal.
Fabrio Cannavaro is likely to move to Real Madrid rather than Chelsea
Patrick Viera could prefer Lyon to Manchester United
At the end of the day we can only wait and see.
There have been many column inches written about Ruud Van Nistelrooy. It seems that Real Madrid, have not yet come close to United's asking price. Ruud's value may have been affected by his recent lack of form, which in turn may be due to some disillusionment with his present club. Strikers cannot remain in peak form by sitting on the sub's bench. Rightly or wrongly, it is possible that Van Nistelrooy considers this, an affront, to his superb goal scoring record at Old Trafford. It will be interesting to observe whether he can recover his best form for a new club.
There are many other reported transfer rumours. It all adds to the impetus on Premiership Clubs to get these matters sorted before the impending kick off!
Tags:
soccer and football
soccer and football
The achievement of the Italian national team is overshadowed by League corruption charges. Perversely, this could have a beneficial effect on the Premiership, as it spills over into the transfer market.
All sorts of rumours are flying about including:
Gianluigi Buffon is likely to move to AC Milan rather than Arsenal.
Fabrio Cannavaro is likely to move to Real Madrid rather than Chelsea
Patrick Viera could prefer Lyon to Manchester United
At the end of the day we can only wait and see.
There have been many column inches written about Ruud Van Nistelrooy. It seems that Real Madrid, have not yet come close to United's asking price. Ruud's value may have been affected by his recent lack of form, which in turn may be due to some disillusionment with his present club. Strikers cannot remain in peak form by sitting on the sub's bench. Rightly or wrongly, it is possible that Van Nistelrooy considers this, an affront, to his superb goal scoring record at Old Trafford. It will be interesting to observe whether he can recover his best form for a new club.
There are many other reported transfer rumours. It all adds to the impetus on Premiership Clubs to get these matters sorted before the impending kick off!
Tags:
soccer and football
soccer and football
Monday, July 10, 2006
World Cup - Italy Win Penalty Shoot Out
Italy 1 France 1
This will become known as the Zidane Final. Not because he scored, from the penalty spot, for France after 7 minutes, and could have put them ahead in extra time, but for a great save from Buffon. With only 10 minutes of extra time remaining Zinedine Zidane was involved in a shocking incident, when he head butted Italian scorer Materazzi in the chest, and sent him sprawling. Although the referee didn't see it, after consultation with his assistants, he had no alternative other than to send the offender off. A seemingly ignominious end to a glittering career.
This was not a great World Cup Final. Materazzi had equalised in the first half with a fine header that gave Barthez no chance. Basically, that was it although both sides did go close on occasion. The score was still 1 - 1 after extra time and was to be settled by a penalty shoot out for only the second time ever. Italy did not miss but David Trezequet did for France, when the ball hit the underside of the crossbar and, unfortunately, bounced out.
Italy just about deserved their win. They had previously beaten an impressive, third place, Germany, with a little luck assisted, last minute mastery, in a hard fought semi final. In my view that was the best match of the tournament.
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soccer and football
soccer and football
This will become known as the Zidane Final. Not because he scored, from the penalty spot, for France after 7 minutes, and could have put them ahead in extra time, but for a great save from Buffon. With only 10 minutes of extra time remaining Zinedine Zidane was involved in a shocking incident, when he head butted Italian scorer Materazzi in the chest, and sent him sprawling. Although the referee didn't see it, after consultation with his assistants, he had no alternative other than to send the offender off. A seemingly ignominious end to a glittering career.
This was not a great World Cup Final. Materazzi had equalised in the first half with a fine header that gave Barthez no chance. Basically, that was it although both sides did go close on occasion. The score was still 1 - 1 after extra time and was to be settled by a penalty shoot out for only the second time ever. Italy did not miss but David Trezequet did for France, when the ball hit the underside of the crossbar and, unfortunately, bounced out.
Italy just about deserved their win. They had previously beaten an impressive, third place, Germany, with a little luck assisted, last minute mastery, in a hard fought semi final. In my view that was the best match of the tournament.
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soccer and football
soccer and football
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Back to Boring!
France 1 - 0 Portugal
After the first semi final the night before this game was a disappointment. Football is a spectator sport the aim of which should be to score goals, not to get one and then to defend at all costs, to win at any price!
France were awarded a penalty in the 31st minute against the run of play. Henry was brought down in the area, and the gifted Zidane, slammed the ball past penalty saver extraordinaire Ricardo. Thereafter, France seemed to want only to defend their narrow lead, packing everybody back into their own half, until the game was over.
The controversial, diving, Ronaldo was possibly Portugal’s best player but he is becoming almost as well known for his dramatics as for his football, which did not escape the French fans. In the 77th minute he lashed a dubiously awarded free kick towards goal and Barthez fumbled and 'squirted' the ball upwards. Figo should have headed in, but his header was no better than Barthez's fumble, and the ball went over the crossbar.
Basically, that was it. France are in the final. It would be dangerous to believe that they could repeat this performance against an attacking Italy. So come on guys - play the game!
Tags:
soccer and football
soccer and football
After the first semi final the night before this game was a disappointment. Football is a spectator sport the aim of which should be to score goals, not to get one and then to defend at all costs, to win at any price!
France were awarded a penalty in the 31st minute against the run of play. Henry was brought down in the area, and the gifted Zidane, slammed the ball past penalty saver extraordinaire Ricardo. Thereafter, France seemed to want only to defend their narrow lead, packing everybody back into their own half, until the game was over.
The controversial, diving, Ronaldo was possibly Portugal’s best player but he is becoming almost as well known for his dramatics as for his football, which did not escape the French fans. In the 77th minute he lashed a dubiously awarded free kick towards goal and Barthez fumbled and 'squirted' the ball upwards. Figo should have headed in, but his header was no better than Barthez's fumble, and the ball went over the crossbar.
Basically, that was it. France are in the final. It would be dangerous to believe that they could repeat this performance against an attacking Italy. So come on guys - play the game!
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soccer and football
soccer and football
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
At Last - A Proper Football Match!
Germany 0 - 2 Italy
Make no mistake about it this was a great match. The players were great. The goalkeepers were great. The referee was great. The fans were great.
The result was in doubt until the last two minutes of extra time, when Fabio Grosso beat the impeccable Jens Lehmann. Even at this late stage the game was not over. Germany pushed forward seeking an equaliser, but it was Italy through Del Piero, who scored again.
It was hard to separate these two teams on the night. Suffice to say that this was a football feast, and it could have gone either way. Italy were, perhaps, slightly more skilful, but Germany were possibly stronger. That is not to say that Italy were not strong, or that Germany were not skilful. Both these sides deserve the highest praise for demonstrating what the game of football should be about. It was a clean fought, competitive game with both teams contributing to the spectacle.
It was unfortunate that there had to be a loser, and in a sense there wasn't, because the game of football benefited immeasurably. Perhaps it was as well that it didn't go to a penalty shoot out, which would have been a cruel way to eliminate either side.
Well done Italy. Well done Germany, and thank you for providing a night to remember. It is difficult to imagine, that the remaining semi final or the final, can better this which must rank as one of the best games ever, and surely the best of the tournament so far.
Tags:
soccer and football
soccer and football
Make no mistake about it this was a great match. The players were great. The goalkeepers were great. The referee was great. The fans were great.
The result was in doubt until the last two minutes of extra time, when Fabio Grosso beat the impeccable Jens Lehmann. Even at this late stage the game was not over. Germany pushed forward seeking an equaliser, but it was Italy through Del Piero, who scored again.
It was hard to separate these two teams on the night. Suffice to say that this was a football feast, and it could have gone either way. Italy were, perhaps, slightly more skilful, but Germany were possibly stronger. That is not to say that Italy were not strong, or that Germany were not skilful. Both these sides deserve the highest praise for demonstrating what the game of football should be about. It was a clean fought, competitive game with both teams contributing to the spectacle.
It was unfortunate that there had to be a loser, and in a sense there wasn't, because the game of football benefited immeasurably. Perhaps it was as well that it didn't go to a penalty shoot out, which would have been a cruel way to eliminate either side.
Well done Italy. Well done Germany, and thank you for providing a night to remember. It is difficult to imagine, that the remaining semi final or the final, can better this which must rank as one of the best games ever, and surely the best of the tournament so far.
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soccer and football
soccer and football
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
WORLD CUP - QUARTER FINALS
Results:
Italy 3 - 0 Ukraine Brazil 0 - 1 France
Penalty Shoot Outs
Germany 4 - 2 Argentine Portugal 3 - 1 England
Germany beat Argentina in a penalty shoot out after a hard fought match. The Germans took their spot kicks with typical determination, and in the manner expected of professional footballers.
The other penalty shoot out between England and Portugal was a bit of a dismal affair. For England, Lampard, Gerrard and Carragher all failed to score, and unsurprisingly they were counted out!
Italy were expected to beat Ukraine, and did not let their supporters down. They proved their superiority over able but inexperienced opponents.
France played remarkably well and deserved to beat an under performing Brazil. Zidane's artistry was of the calibre normally associated with Brazilian players. Thierry Henry's superb volley in the 57th minute proved to be a match winner.
So it's an all European semi final:
Germany vs Italy
France vs Portugal
Germany appear to be the new favourites but it's all to play for, and we must wait and see!
Tags:
soccer and football
soccer and football
Italy 3 - 0 Ukraine Brazil 0 - 1 France
Penalty Shoot Outs
Germany 4 - 2 Argentine Portugal 3 - 1 England
Germany beat Argentina in a penalty shoot out after a hard fought match. The Germans took their spot kicks with typical determination, and in the manner expected of professional footballers.
The other penalty shoot out between England and Portugal was a bit of a dismal affair. For England, Lampard, Gerrard and Carragher all failed to score, and unsurprisingly they were counted out!
Italy were expected to beat Ukraine, and did not let their supporters down. They proved their superiority over able but inexperienced opponents.
France played remarkably well and deserved to beat an under performing Brazil. Zidane's artistry was of the calibre normally associated with Brazilian players. Thierry Henry's superb volley in the 57th minute proved to be a match winner.
So it's an all European semi final:
Germany vs Italy
France vs Portugal
Germany appear to be the new favourites but it's all to play for, and we must wait and see!
Tags:
soccer and football
soccer and football
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