Please Click Here to Visit my Website
Manchester United 4 - 0 Aston Villa
It is inevitable that Cristiano Ronaldo is being compared with the late, great, George Best. George was perhaps fortunate in having a surname that reflected his talent on the football field. Cristiano is continuously demonstrating why, in many people's eyes, he is currently the best footballer in the world.
This was a game in which the Portuguese genius was able to demonstrate his outstanding ability. After 17 minutes, a Ryan Giggs corner was chested down, by Rio Ferdinand, towards Ronaldo. In a moment of sheer magic he flicked the ball between the legs of Laursen, and onward into the goal. Such a goal would not have been out of place at Hogwarts School of Wizardry, but Harry Potter and his mates are only trainee wizards, whereas Ronaldo is the complete article. United's second goal after 33 minutes was an easy header for Tevez, after the impeccable Ronaldo turned from scorer, to provider.
Shortly after the interval Rooney should have wrapped it up for United, but his shot was pulled wide. Maloney wasted a good chance at the other end, before the Portuguese maestro set up Rooney, who competently beat Carson to score his side's third. Kuszczak had to save from Maloney, but it was only a temporary diversion in a game that was only going to end one way.
Hargreaves came on as a substitute, and soon got involved in the auction, but Tevez headed wide from an accurate pass. However, United were not finished with their onslaught and continued to delight their fans. A touch more Ronaldo magic set up Rooney, who slotted the ball home for his second goal in the 70th minute. He nearly got his hat trick but his third goal was rightly ruled offside, but as ever he made a fine contribution to his teams performance.
Aston Villa boss, Martin O' Neill, who is as respected as any in the game, agreed that they were up against splendid opposition. It was a great show, put on by an all-star team at the top of their game, with that added touch of sorcery!
Tags:
Manchester United Vs Aston Villa
soccer and football
soccer and football
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Beckham Is Back
Please Click Here to Visit my Website
David Beckham's 100th Cap
Football fans, amongst other admirers, are still asking how a man like Steve McClaren, could sack a man like David Beckham. The very thought of it makes you wince! Put it another way and ask, how one of the most charismatic sportsmen in the world, was deposed by someone almost totally devoid of charm?
Whether the England team would have won a place in Euro 2008, if David had been playing during McClaren's brief and disastrous reign, is a matter of conjecture. Beckham does not profess to be the best player in the world, but he is, arguably, the best passer, and striker of a dead ball. In fact he is reported to have said "You all know that if I get the ball, and get two or three yards, I'll put the ball where we need to score. That's always been my game". With typical modesty he omitted to mention his own scoring of the odd spectacular goal or three!
What the miserable McClaren seems to have failed to recognise is the innocent charm of the ex England captain. Although he has his critics, Beckham, unlike McClaren, is liked by a substantial majority, including the other players in the England team. It is the sort of popularity that breeds the confidence so lacking in the McClaren era.
In a shrewd move England's new boss, and so far unscathed coach Fabio Capello, has brought Beckham back to play against France in Paris. It will be the L A Galaxy player's 100th cap, and there are few who believe he doesn't deserve it. As rich men go, Beckham commands unusual respect. His passion, and boyish enthusiasm for the game, contrasts with some of the less desirable aspects that hit the headlines. Alongside the other 100 cappers, Billy Wright, Sir Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore, and Peter Shilton, Beckham is only human. But without fear of repeating myself, their passion for football has secured their places in soccer history.
If superstars are perceived to be bigger than the clubs they represent, problems may arise. That may have happened in Beck's final year with Manchester United, but if so, it was only a perception and not a reality. Sir Alex Ferguson is another football legend, but not so great as the club he represents. Sure, he has served them well, but so did Busby, Best, Charlton, amongst many others, including David Beckham. It is rumoured that before he left United Becks was not the manager's favourite person. Nevertheless, it seems that David only retains good memories about his former boss, and he has frequently sung his praises, when others have been seeking a more negative reaction.
Of course there is also a manager/player relationship between Fabio Capello and David Beckham, after their last season at Real Madrid, and they seem to understand each other. David is as aware as anyone that he is not getting any younger, and cannot remain a top player forever. However, he is looking beyond 100 caps, not least because of that great spark of enthusiasm that is plain for all to see. Without doubt, we have missed him here in the Premiership, in a similar box office way to Jose Mourinho, because without such characters the game loses some of its sparkle.
Star footballers, Star managers, All-star teams; have catapulted soccer to the fore in international media entertainment. In this respect nobody is better known that Mr David Beckham. Despite all his wealth he comes across as an ordinary sort of chap, who has worked hard to succeed in his chosen profession. So it's a good time to applaud both him, and new manager Capello, who it seems, is aware of at least one factor in his predecessors demise.
Tags:
Beckham Is Back
soccer and football
David Beckham 100 Caps
David Beckham's 100th Cap
Football fans, amongst other admirers, are still asking how a man like Steve McClaren, could sack a man like David Beckham. The very thought of it makes you wince! Put it another way and ask, how one of the most charismatic sportsmen in the world, was deposed by someone almost totally devoid of charm?
Whether the England team would have won a place in Euro 2008, if David had been playing during McClaren's brief and disastrous reign, is a matter of conjecture. Beckham does not profess to be the best player in the world, but he is, arguably, the best passer, and striker of a dead ball. In fact he is reported to have said "You all know that if I get the ball, and get two or three yards, I'll put the ball where we need to score. That's always been my game". With typical modesty he omitted to mention his own scoring of the odd spectacular goal or three!
What the miserable McClaren seems to have failed to recognise is the innocent charm of the ex England captain. Although he has his critics, Beckham, unlike McClaren, is liked by a substantial majority, including the other players in the England team. It is the sort of popularity that breeds the confidence so lacking in the McClaren era.
In a shrewd move England's new boss, and so far unscathed coach Fabio Capello, has brought Beckham back to play against France in Paris. It will be the L A Galaxy player's 100th cap, and there are few who believe he doesn't deserve it. As rich men go, Beckham commands unusual respect. His passion, and boyish enthusiasm for the game, contrasts with some of the less desirable aspects that hit the headlines. Alongside the other 100 cappers, Billy Wright, Sir Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore, and Peter Shilton, Beckham is only human. But without fear of repeating myself, their passion for football has secured their places in soccer history.
If superstars are perceived to be bigger than the clubs they represent, problems may arise. That may have happened in Beck's final year with Manchester United, but if so, it was only a perception and not a reality. Sir Alex Ferguson is another football legend, but not so great as the club he represents. Sure, he has served them well, but so did Busby, Best, Charlton, amongst many others, including David Beckham. It is rumoured that before he left United Becks was not the manager's favourite person. Nevertheless, it seems that David only retains good memories about his former boss, and he has frequently sung his praises, when others have been seeking a more negative reaction.
Of course there is also a manager/player relationship between Fabio Capello and David Beckham, after their last season at Real Madrid, and they seem to understand each other. David is as aware as anyone that he is not getting any younger, and cannot remain a top player forever. However, he is looking beyond 100 caps, not least because of that great spark of enthusiasm that is plain for all to see. Without doubt, we have missed him here in the Premiership, in a similar box office way to Jose Mourinho, because without such characters the game loses some of its sparkle.
Star footballers, Star managers, All-star teams; have catapulted soccer to the fore in international media entertainment. In this respect nobody is better known that Mr David Beckham. Despite all his wealth he comes across as an ordinary sort of chap, who has worked hard to succeed in his chosen profession. So it's a good time to applaud both him, and new manager Capello, who it seems, is aware of at least one factor in his predecessors demise.
Tags:
Beckham Is Back
soccer and football
David Beckham 100 Caps
Monday, March 24, 2008
United Slam Petulant Liverpool
Please Click Here to Visit my Website
Manchester United 3 - 0 Liverpool
This was a day to remember with United so far on top of their game, that at times, they made Liverpool look distinctly ordinary. In fact although United won the game by three clear goals, it could have been twice as many, or even more. Reina was not having one of his better days, and those terrible twins Ronaldo and Rooney, were always threatening.
The break through came in the 34th minute, when Wes Brown competently netted a fine Rooney cross, to put his side ahead. Then, just before half time, a crazy incident completely scuppered Liverpool's chances. Not that they were playing with any great purpose up to that moment. Torres might have had reason to confer with the referee, but he was still booked for dissent. Inexplicably Mascherano then decided to get involved.
He moved over to the referee, from about twenty yards away and started mouthing obscenities. It is a fact that professional footballers do swear at times, but if you repeatedly tell the referee to F… Off, you must accept the consequences. You didn't need to be the world's best lip reader, to know what was going on, and the Argentinean continued the abuse after he had been red carded, and had to be escorted from the field. Just another nail in Liverpool's coffin.
In the 79th minute Ronaldo, who had missed a few good chances, decided to make amends and he put the game beyond dispute with a powerful header. There wasn't much to dispute anyway as Liverpool looked a poor second best. However, Reina upped his game, otherwise a bad result might have become embarrassing!
It was fitting two minutes later when Nani made it three to emphasise his side's superiority. Of course they are not just superior to Liverpool, but seemingly to everybody else in the Premiership, and it is difficult to imagine that they will now surrender their advantage.
Manchester United Vs Liverpool
soccer and football
Manchester United Vs Liverpool
Manchester United 3 - 0 Liverpool
This was a day to remember with United so far on top of their game, that at times, they made Liverpool look distinctly ordinary. In fact although United won the game by three clear goals, it could have been twice as many, or even more. Reina was not having one of his better days, and those terrible twins Ronaldo and Rooney, were always threatening.
The break through came in the 34th minute, when Wes Brown competently netted a fine Rooney cross, to put his side ahead. Then, just before half time, a crazy incident completely scuppered Liverpool's chances. Not that they were playing with any great purpose up to that moment. Torres might have had reason to confer with the referee, but he was still booked for dissent. Inexplicably Mascherano then decided to get involved.
He moved over to the referee, from about twenty yards away and started mouthing obscenities. It is a fact that professional footballers do swear at times, but if you repeatedly tell the referee to F… Off, you must accept the consequences. You didn't need to be the world's best lip reader, to know what was going on, and the Argentinean continued the abuse after he had been red carded, and had to be escorted from the field. Just another nail in Liverpool's coffin.
In the 79th minute Ronaldo, who had missed a few good chances, decided to make amends and he put the game beyond dispute with a powerful header. There wasn't much to dispute anyway as Liverpool looked a poor second best. However, Reina upped his game, otherwise a bad result might have become embarrassing!
It was fitting two minutes later when Nani made it three to emphasise his side's superiority. Of course they are not just superior to Liverpool, but seemingly to everybody else in the Premiership, and it is difficult to imagine that they will now surrender their advantage.
Manchester United Vs Liverpool
soccer and football
Manchester United Vs Liverpool
Arsenal Drogba-ttered Into Submission
Please Click Here to Visit my Website
Chelsea 2 - 1 Arsenal
Drogba rarely if ever plays a bad game, but when he is good he is very very good, and almost unstoppable. He is a big powerful centre forward, and can turn a game in a matter of minutes as he did here.
When Manchester United triumphed over Liverpool, earlier in the day, both of these sides needed all the points to remain in contention. Alright, they can still do it, but only if United falter, and there is no sign of that happening.
William Gallas came closest to scoring for Arsenal in the first half, but the post got in his way. Arsenal were on top early on but Chelsea came back strongly. However, it was Arsenal who went ahead after 59 minutes, when Sagna beat Lampard and Kalou to the ball, and headed home past the scrambling Cudicini. Unfortunately Sagna had to go off shortly afterwards, as he appeared to twist his ankle.
Avram Grant had to take some stick from the Chelsea supporters, when he instigated a double substitution after 70 minutes. There was a chorus of 'You Don't Know What You're Doing' and reference to his popular predecessor, Jose Mourinho. However, all it needed was for somebody to get the ball to Drogba, who levelled the game in the 72nd minute, and then scored the winner 9 minutes later.
The Ivory Coast striker picked up a yellow card for his exuberance in taking his shirt off, but there are many others who would do the same, if only they had a body like his!
You can't quite write off Chelsea or Arsenal just yet. Arsenal have faltered approaching the winning line after a consistent season. Chelsea drew four all with Tottenham, in a game they should have won. It would take a brave man to bet against United.
Chelsea Vs Arsenal
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Arsenal
Chelsea 2 - 1 Arsenal
Drogba rarely if ever plays a bad game, but when he is good he is very very good, and almost unstoppable. He is a big powerful centre forward, and can turn a game in a matter of minutes as he did here.
When Manchester United triumphed over Liverpool, earlier in the day, both of these sides needed all the points to remain in contention. Alright, they can still do it, but only if United falter, and there is no sign of that happening.
William Gallas came closest to scoring for Arsenal in the first half, but the post got in his way. Arsenal were on top early on but Chelsea came back strongly. However, it was Arsenal who went ahead after 59 minutes, when Sagna beat Lampard and Kalou to the ball, and headed home past the scrambling Cudicini. Unfortunately Sagna had to go off shortly afterwards, as he appeared to twist his ankle.
Avram Grant had to take some stick from the Chelsea supporters, when he instigated a double substitution after 70 minutes. There was a chorus of 'You Don't Know What You're Doing' and reference to his popular predecessor, Jose Mourinho. However, all it needed was for somebody to get the ball to Drogba, who levelled the game in the 72nd minute, and then scored the winner 9 minutes later.
The Ivory Coast striker picked up a yellow card for his exuberance in taking his shirt off, but there are many others who would do the same, if only they had a body like his!
You can't quite write off Chelsea or Arsenal just yet. Arsenal have faltered approaching the winning line after a consistent season. Chelsea drew four all with Tottenham, in a game they should have won. It would take a brave man to bet against United.
Chelsea Vs Arsenal
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Arsenal
Monday, March 17, 2008
Derby Make United Struggle
Please Click Here to Visit my Website
Derby 0 - 1 Manchester United
After being hammered 6 - 1 by Chelsea, it began to look as though Derby might achieve the impossible and draw, or even beat Manchester United. However, in the 75th minute Ronaldo changed all that when he forced home Rooney's pass from a difficult angle, to score the only goal of the match.
Until he scored, Ronaldo suffered a string of near misses, but at the other end goalkeeper Ben Foster, deputising for the injured Van der Saar and suspended Kusczak, had to be on his mettle to keep out Derby striker Kenny Miller. In fact it was Derby's best showing for a long time, as typified by Manager Jewell's comments afterwards, that he wants this sort of performance to be the norm and not the exception.
If Derby were having a good game in defeat, the same could not be said about United, who struggled for their success. It must be stated that before he scored, man of the match Cristiano Ronaldo, looked to be the biggest threat. It was just one of those days when the ball would do anything but go in, but he was obviously delighted when he finally put his side ahead. It was a particularly important goal, as it shot United into the lead in the Premiership, because Arsenal could only draw with Middlesboro', and very nearly got beat.
Manchester United will need to play better than this to win the Premiership, but they usually do and they were nothing like at their best. Fortunately for them, Arsenal seemed to missing the injured Eduardo, but it's getting very tight at the top, and forecasting who will eventually triumph is a bit like choosing between Kauto Star And Denman in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. In that instance the favourite was beaten, and here again there are no foregone conclusions!
Tags:
Derby Versus Manchester United
soccer and football
Derby Versus Manchester United
Derby 0 - 1 Manchester United
After being hammered 6 - 1 by Chelsea, it began to look as though Derby might achieve the impossible and draw, or even beat Manchester United. However, in the 75th minute Ronaldo changed all that when he forced home Rooney's pass from a difficult angle, to score the only goal of the match.
Until he scored, Ronaldo suffered a string of near misses, but at the other end goalkeeper Ben Foster, deputising for the injured Van der Saar and suspended Kusczak, had to be on his mettle to keep out Derby striker Kenny Miller. In fact it was Derby's best showing for a long time, as typified by Manager Jewell's comments afterwards, that he wants this sort of performance to be the norm and not the exception.
If Derby were having a good game in defeat, the same could not be said about United, who struggled for their success. It must be stated that before he scored, man of the match Cristiano Ronaldo, looked to be the biggest threat. It was just one of those days when the ball would do anything but go in, but he was obviously delighted when he finally put his side ahead. It was a particularly important goal, as it shot United into the lead in the Premiership, because Arsenal could only draw with Middlesboro', and very nearly got beat.
Manchester United will need to play better than this to win the Premiership, but they usually do and they were nothing like at their best. Fortunately for them, Arsenal seemed to missing the injured Eduardo, but it's getting very tight at the top, and forecasting who will eventually triumph is a bit like choosing between Kauto Star And Denman in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. In that instance the favourite was beaten, and here again there are no foregone conclusions!
Tags:
Derby Versus Manchester United
soccer and football
Derby Versus Manchester United
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
When Ronaldo Is Not Scoring, He Is Still Scaring!
Please Click Here to Visit my Website
Manchester United 1 - 0 Lyon
When you think in terms of the 'Best In The World', you need to explain whether you are considering Manchester United, or their star, star player, Cristiano Ronaldo. Yet again the young Portuguese striker, proved how valuable he is as a football talent that must be just about as priceless as you can get.
The game was not a classic, but it was entertaining, and Lyon started well enough. The 20-year-old Brazilian, Karim Benzema, looked an early threat when he kidded Patrick Evra into a silly tackle from behind, for which he was rightly booked. However, it was not long before Ronaldo was frightening the opposition, and Clerc was lucky to block a good strike. It seems that when this footballer is not scoring he is scaring, which all adds to the fun, and the pressure. Lyon though, were making their presence felt, and the game took the air of a proper European Championship tie.
It all changed in the 41st minute, when the impeccable Ronaldo took advantage of a confused situation, in the Lyon goalmouth. From a tight angle, he blasted the ball home giving Coupet no chance to intervene. Until then Lyon had not done a bad job of marking this unique footballer, but in a single lapse of concentration, they lost the initiative.
Lyon had little choice but to take more chances in the second half, but they looked likely to score, on only one occasion, when substitute Kader Keita was denied by the post. United deserve their passage to the last eight of the European Championship. Although they were not at their absolute best they are a very, very good side. So are some of the other clubs remaining in the competition, but United have Ronaldo, and he is more than very good, but is a very special footballer.
A C Milan 0 - 2 Arsenal
Arsenal had a tremendous win in Italy. They left it late, but Cesc Fabregas delivered a killer strike, from about 30 yards out, after 84 minutes.
Walcott and Adebayor, combined to put the visitors two up in stoppage time, and it was certainly a historic night for the indomitable Gunners. It was the first time that Milan had lost at San Siro to an English club, and Arsenal fully deserve their place in the last eight. They may even play Manchester United along the way, or possibly in the Final, and what a football feast that would be!
Tags:
Manchester United Vs Lyon
soccer and football
AC Milan Vs Arsenal
Manchester United 1 - 0 Lyon
When you think in terms of the 'Best In The World', you need to explain whether you are considering Manchester United, or their star, star player, Cristiano Ronaldo. Yet again the young Portuguese striker, proved how valuable he is as a football talent that must be just about as priceless as you can get.
The game was not a classic, but it was entertaining, and Lyon started well enough. The 20-year-old Brazilian, Karim Benzema, looked an early threat when he kidded Patrick Evra into a silly tackle from behind, for which he was rightly booked. However, it was not long before Ronaldo was frightening the opposition, and Clerc was lucky to block a good strike. It seems that when this footballer is not scoring he is scaring, which all adds to the fun, and the pressure. Lyon though, were making their presence felt, and the game took the air of a proper European Championship tie.
It all changed in the 41st minute, when the impeccable Ronaldo took advantage of a confused situation, in the Lyon goalmouth. From a tight angle, he blasted the ball home giving Coupet no chance to intervene. Until then Lyon had not done a bad job of marking this unique footballer, but in a single lapse of concentration, they lost the initiative.
Lyon had little choice but to take more chances in the second half, but they looked likely to score, on only one occasion, when substitute Kader Keita was denied by the post. United deserve their passage to the last eight of the European Championship. Although they were not at their absolute best they are a very, very good side. So are some of the other clubs remaining in the competition, but United have Ronaldo, and he is more than very good, but is a very special footballer.
A C Milan 0 - 2 Arsenal
Arsenal had a tremendous win in Italy. They left it late, but Cesc Fabregas delivered a killer strike, from about 30 yards out, after 84 minutes.
Walcott and Adebayor, combined to put the visitors two up in stoppage time, and it was certainly a historic night for the indomitable Gunners. It was the first time that Milan had lost at San Siro to an English club, and Arsenal fully deserve their place in the last eight. They may even play Manchester United along the way, or possibly in the Final, and what a football feast that would be!
Tags:
Manchester United Vs Lyon
soccer and football
AC Milan Vs Arsenal
Monday, March 03, 2008
Liverpool Get A Grip
Please Click Here to Visit my Website
Bolton 1 - 3 Liverpool
Liverpool responded to Steven Gerrard's mid week demands for better performances, with a resounding win over Bolton.
The home side started out well enough, and soon had the visitors under pressure. A long range shot from Diouf hit the bar. Then, the same player had another chance to put his side in front, when O'Brien crossed a nice header, but Liverpool defended well.
The game changed dramatically after 12 minutes, when the normally reliable Jaaskelainen diverted the ball into his own net. Bolton were stunned, but the Reds accepted their gift, and took the initiative. Babel could have put them further ahead, but this time Jaaskelainen was up to the task. Davies had an opportunity to equalise, from an accurate Nolan cross, but Reina was well placed to handle the threat.
Bolton's cause was not helped by Nolan having to retire injured at the interval. Afterwards Babel was rewarded for his persistency, when he fired the ball home after 60 minutes, to all but settle the matter. Liverpool were now on the rampage, and put the game beyond dispute when Aurelio volleyed in a third goal after 75 minutes.
Although Cohen got a compensation goal for Bolton, after 79 minutes, they were well beaten after an unlucky start. Liverpool, Gerrard, Benitez, and all will hope to continue their efforts to secure fourth place in the Premiership, and then upwards and onwards towards better things!
Tags:
Bolton Vs Liverpool
soccer and football
Bolton Vs Liverpool
Bolton 1 - 3 Liverpool
Liverpool responded to Steven Gerrard's mid week demands for better performances, with a resounding win over Bolton.
The home side started out well enough, and soon had the visitors under pressure. A long range shot from Diouf hit the bar. Then, the same player had another chance to put his side in front, when O'Brien crossed a nice header, but Liverpool defended well.
The game changed dramatically after 12 minutes, when the normally reliable Jaaskelainen diverted the ball into his own net. Bolton were stunned, but the Reds accepted their gift, and took the initiative. Babel could have put them further ahead, but this time Jaaskelainen was up to the task. Davies had an opportunity to equalise, from an accurate Nolan cross, but Reina was well placed to handle the threat.
Bolton's cause was not helped by Nolan having to retire injured at the interval. Afterwards Babel was rewarded for his persistency, when he fired the ball home after 60 minutes, to all but settle the matter. Liverpool were now on the rampage, and put the game beyond dispute when Aurelio volleyed in a third goal after 75 minutes.
Although Cohen got a compensation goal for Bolton, after 79 minutes, they were well beaten after an unlucky start. Liverpool, Gerrard, Benitez, and all will hope to continue their efforts to secure fourth place in the Premiership, and then upwards and onwards towards better things!
Tags:
Bolton Vs Liverpool
soccer and football
Bolton Vs Liverpool
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
