Like many African players of his generation, Augustine Azuka Okocha's first affiliation with the game came kicking around any spherical object on the dusty streets of his homeland. But by the start of the Nineties, with 'Jay-Jay' in his teens, the African player boom had just hit Europe and the lure of fame and fortune enticed many of the continents gifted youngsters to head away from home to follow the dream of a glorious football career.
His first break in European football was a rather inauspicious start, as an 18-year-old at German third division minnows Borussia Neunkirchen. His displays there soon brought a move to the Bundesliga's Eintracht Frankfurt, where Okocha teamed up with, amongst others, Ghanaian Tony Yeboah. His exuberant style made him an instant hero, not least for having the honour of making Oliver Kahn grovel in the mud as he rounded him twice before scoring a simply brilliant individual goal against Karlsruher.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjkYmTKHq0g
After a fall-out with Eintracht coach Jupp Heynckes, Okocha was moved on to Turkish champions Fenerbahce where he scored at almost a goal every two games for two seasons before Paris St Germain made Okocha the most expensive African player of all time by signing him for £14m in 1998. He enjoyed mixed fortunes in the French capital, failing fully to harness his immense ability into what was already an uncohesive team. With Ronaldinho eventually taking his spot, Okocha's contract was not renewed by the Parisians in 2002. With a failed big money move behind him, there were few takers for a player seen as an unnecessary luxury.
Following that summer's World Cup - where Okocha represented Nigeria against England - he was offered refuge at Bolton Wanderers. Sam Allardyce's shrewd use of the Bosman ruling saw Okocha join an unlikely cast already including Bruno N'Gotty, Youri Djorkaeff and Ivan Campo, soon to be joined by El Hadji Diouf and Fernando Hierro. Budgetary constraints meant Allardyce's side adopted a less than aesthetic approach to avoiding relegation. Organised, obdurate and centred around a strong team ethic, Wanderers won over few neutral observers, yet one man was given licence to thrill. Okocha amazed spectators with a never-ending reel of skills, tricks and flicks, the next even less conceivable than the one before. The Nigerian combined the delightful party pieces with flashes of lightening quick dribbling and explosive shooting, to return a healthy goals tally. Okocha's unique brand immediately delighted his new followers. His full repertoire of audacious footwork, dribbles and passes added a glossier touch to what was an otherwise spit and polish Wanderers side. His debut season confirmed Okocha as one of the most flamboyant and entertaining players ever to grace the Premier League. His performances were littered with quite mesmeric, often unbelievable pieces of skill.
For once, Okocha appeared to fit into a team. The artist amongst artisans, Okocha was the jewel in Bolton's wrought iron crown, and provided the inspiration needed to help them beat the drop on the final day of the 2002/3 season at West Ham's expense. Jay-Jay, 'so good they named him twice', as Trotter's folklore will have you know, provided arguably his best football for the club at the end of that first season. He scored seven league goals, the most important of which came as the only goal of a 1-0 win over fellow relegation strugglers West Ham. With that game delicately poised at 0-0, a loose ball dropped to Okocha midway into his own half. The Nigerian ace strode purposefully forward into Hammers territory, shrugging off Joe Cole's desperate lunge before smashing home an unstoppable 25 yard drive into the top corner of the net. The goal invariably kept Bolton in the league and was voted their goal of the season and latterly their greatest goal in the premier league. The terrace idol then capped off a memorable first term with an exquisite final day free-kick against Middlesbrough to confirm survival, and celebrated with that dubious dance duet with Allardyce.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F33nBKb8Pf8
Okocha's next three seasons at the Reebok Stadium coincided with the club's most progressive in recent history. They reached the 2004 League Cup final, losing to Middlesbrough but marauded up the table to eighth position. In 2004/5 another six Okocha goals helped Bolton up to sixth and a place in the Uefa Cup - the clubs first involvement in European football, which was again achieved the following season with a seventh placed finish. Okocha's involvement became more peripheral by 2006 and he left Bolton for a pay day with Qatar SC but returned to England for a final season before retirement, with Hull City who were duly promoted from the Championship in 2008.
Internationally Okocha was capped 75 times by the 'Super Eagles' and competed in the 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cups, captaining the side in Japan and South Korea. In a golden era for Nigerian football, Okocha was part of the 'Dream Team' who won the 1994 African Cup of Nations and then Olympic Gold at the 1996 Atlanta games. Okocha never won the African Player of the Year award, but was runner-up in 1998 and 2004.
It’s hard to argue that Okocha ever fully utilised his immense ability. Many players have won and achieved more, few were ever as skilful, and certainly none were so good, they were named twice.
Name Augustine Azuka ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha
Age 36 (14/8/1973)
Position Attacking Midfielder
Clubs Borussia Neunkirchen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, Paris St Germain, Bolton Wanderers, Qatar SC, Hull City
Club level honours Turkish Super League 1996, Chancellor Cup 1998, Ataturk Cup 1998, Trophee des Championes 1998, Uefa Intertoto Cup 2001, Football League Cup Runner-up 2004, Premier League Asia Trophy 2005, Football League Championship Play-off 2008
Nationality Nigerian
Caps/goals 75/14
National honours African Cup of Nations 1994, Afro-Asian Cup of Nations 1995, Olympic Games 1996
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
Monday, 28 December 2009
Ragged Chelsea stop the rot; just.
Two goals in three second half minutes rescued a below par Chelsea from the prospect of shedding more festive points. After having their lead at the top of the Premier League slashed to just two points, the Blues lost an early lead to neighbours Fulham, when Zoltan Gera hooked home a loose ball inside the Chelsea six-yard box after only four minutes.
Carlo Ancelotti chose to make six changes from the Boxing Day stalemate at Birmingham, yet it was two of his fresh faces, Paulo Ferreira and Yuri Zhirkov, who were caught cold – conspiring to make a mess of a Paul Konchesky cross to present Hungarian Gera with an opportunity to open the scoring.
Fulham fell back into line as the inevitable Chelsea pressure increased, but the hosts lacked initiative and ideas, and their ample midfield possession was never converted into any sort of tangible threat. Didier Drogba twice lashed efforts on target from the edge of the box, but otherwise Chelsea’s play was dealt with comfortably by an organised and energetic Fulham.
As the first half wore on, a Chelsea equaliser grew less likely, as the league leaders resorted to swinging in optimistic crosses at Drogba from an array of deep positions, and indeed it was Roy Hodgson’s inspired unit who could have grabbed a second goal just before the break, when Petr Cech tipped over Clint Dempsey’s shot.
Chelsea emerged for the second half with added vigour, yet signs of an equaliser were nigh. The Cottagers appeared composed as Chelsea’s melee of midfielders scurried to force an opening. Mark Schwarzer was again wise to a Drogba spin and shot, before the Ivorian forward was criminally left unmarked at the back post to equalise Branislav Ivanovic’s cross on 70 minutes.
Only three minutes later and the game had swung full circle as Schwarzer could only parry a Daniel Sturridge shot onto the leg of Chris Smalling and agonisingly over the line.
In the end it was a hard earned and in some ways fortunate win for Chelsea, and one which didn’t look likely for long periods of this Stamford Bridge encounter.
Carlo Ancelotti: “The first half was not good, the second half was better - we played with great determination. It was not easy but we deserved the win. In the second half we changed our system, put Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou out wide and that was better. Drogba not only scored but worked very hard and gave strength to the team. It was good for him and for the team."
Roy Hodgson: “Chelsea had a lot of the ball and we did a lot of defending but that can happen when you take an early lead. It's very disappointing to put in such a great performance and have nothing to show for it. It would have been nice to have gone away with a least a point - we pushed Chelsea to the limit and we can consider ourselves very unlucky.”
After such an impressive showing against Arsenal at The Emirates, the proceeding statistics have not made pleasant reading. A run of just one win in seven games has been well documented, yet Carlo Ancelotti and the rest of the mouth pieces at the club have thus far managed to dismiss the sequence as freak-like. A concoction of mis-fortune and a few frayed edges, which would quickly be resolved. However, for over an hour of this West-London derby, Chelsea’s performance hinted at deeper lying issues.
As well as looking unsteady defensively, the Blues appeared motionless in attack, rolling the ball around unopposed in midfield for large periods before the lame assaults fizzled out before they had started. Against a well-drilled Fulham, Chelsea’s midfield was made to look like it was – one paced, narrow and predictable. Even without the dependable Brede Hangeland – replaced by Premier League debutant Chris Smalling – Fulham were unruffled as Chelsea inevitably and incessantly forced the ball Drogba’s way for inspiration.
To the frustration of the home fans their sides forward forays lacked incisiveness and invention. The play was condensed centrally as Chelsea’s battery of central midfield players formed an orderly queue to receive possession. When the ball was dispatched wide, it was to the full-backs, deep, and with the permission of Fulham. With Frank Lampard quiet and Salomon Kalou and Joe Cole doing their best to stifle attacks, confidence and conviction wilted from the league leaders.
After half-time Ancelotti deposited Kalou and Joe Cole to either flank to add a semblance of width to his formation in what was now a quasi-4-3-3. The move did stretch Fulham more and freed up central space for Lampard to roam, yet decent chances were still scarce. Jon Obi Mikel summed up the home side’s travails by slicing horribly wide twice from distance.
An equaliser was not imminent and the game could have been put to bed had Bobby Zamora been able to help Ricardo Carvalho’s under-hit back header past Petr Cech. The miss was to prove costly as with twenty minutes to go Drogba steered a header beyond Schwarzer, before the Aussie stopper inadvertently deflected Sturridge’s cross-shot onto Smalling and into the goal.
It was a cruel and undeserved blow to man and team. Smalling, like many of his colleagues, had barely put a foot wrong on an afternoon in which Roy Hodgson’s increasingly impressive side were entitled to at least a share of the spoils. But Hodgson is a wise old owl, and will welcome in 2010 with widespread optimism. After humbling Manchester united last week, this will again be seen as another feather in the Fulham cap.
Carlo Ancelotti has gone so far as to say he’ll strip naked if Chelsea sign anybody in January. The thought of seeing every nook and cranny of the rotund Italian’s torso does not sound quite as unpalatable to Blues fans as seeing their side labour through the month without Drogba. With the African Cup of Nations almost here, Ancelotti and the Chelsea powerbrokers must decide whether to stick or twist during the January transfer window, with the likes of Sergio Aguero and Franck Ribery seemingly available – and needed.
Chelsea 2 – 1 Fulham Drogba 73, Smalling (og) 75 – Gera 4.
Chelsea (4-1-2-1-2): Cech – Ferreira (Ivanovic 64), Carvalho, Terry, Zhirkov (A Cole 83) – Mikel (Sturridge 70) - Ballack, Lampard – J Cole – Kalou, Drogba
Fulham (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer – Pantsil (Etuhu 66), Smalling, Baird, Konchesky - , Dempsey, Murphy, Hughes, Duff (Riise 85) – Gera (Johnson 71) - Zamora
Carlo Ancelotti chose to make six changes from the Boxing Day stalemate at Birmingham, yet it was two of his fresh faces, Paulo Ferreira and Yuri Zhirkov, who were caught cold – conspiring to make a mess of a Paul Konchesky cross to present Hungarian Gera with an opportunity to open the scoring.
Fulham fell back into line as the inevitable Chelsea pressure increased, but the hosts lacked initiative and ideas, and their ample midfield possession was never converted into any sort of tangible threat. Didier Drogba twice lashed efforts on target from the edge of the box, but otherwise Chelsea’s play was dealt with comfortably by an organised and energetic Fulham.
As the first half wore on, a Chelsea equaliser grew less likely, as the league leaders resorted to swinging in optimistic crosses at Drogba from an array of deep positions, and indeed it was Roy Hodgson’s inspired unit who could have grabbed a second goal just before the break, when Petr Cech tipped over Clint Dempsey’s shot.
Chelsea emerged for the second half with added vigour, yet signs of an equaliser were nigh. The Cottagers appeared composed as Chelsea’s melee of midfielders scurried to force an opening. Mark Schwarzer was again wise to a Drogba spin and shot, before the Ivorian forward was criminally left unmarked at the back post to equalise Branislav Ivanovic’s cross on 70 minutes.
Only three minutes later and the game had swung full circle as Schwarzer could only parry a Daniel Sturridge shot onto the leg of Chris Smalling and agonisingly over the line.
In the end it was a hard earned and in some ways fortunate win for Chelsea, and one which didn’t look likely for long periods of this Stamford Bridge encounter.
Carlo Ancelotti: “The first half was not good, the second half was better - we played with great determination. It was not easy but we deserved the win. In the second half we changed our system, put Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou out wide and that was better. Drogba not only scored but worked very hard and gave strength to the team. It was good for him and for the team."
Roy Hodgson: “Chelsea had a lot of the ball and we did a lot of defending but that can happen when you take an early lead. It's very disappointing to put in such a great performance and have nothing to show for it. It would have been nice to have gone away with a least a point - we pushed Chelsea to the limit and we can consider ourselves very unlucky.”
After such an impressive showing against Arsenal at The Emirates, the proceeding statistics have not made pleasant reading. A run of just one win in seven games has been well documented, yet Carlo Ancelotti and the rest of the mouth pieces at the club have thus far managed to dismiss the sequence as freak-like. A concoction of mis-fortune and a few frayed edges, which would quickly be resolved. However, for over an hour of this West-London derby, Chelsea’s performance hinted at deeper lying issues.
As well as looking unsteady defensively, the Blues appeared motionless in attack, rolling the ball around unopposed in midfield for large periods before the lame assaults fizzled out before they had started. Against a well-drilled Fulham, Chelsea’s midfield was made to look like it was – one paced, narrow and predictable. Even without the dependable Brede Hangeland – replaced by Premier League debutant Chris Smalling – Fulham were unruffled as Chelsea inevitably and incessantly forced the ball Drogba’s way for inspiration.
To the frustration of the home fans their sides forward forays lacked incisiveness and invention. The play was condensed centrally as Chelsea’s battery of central midfield players formed an orderly queue to receive possession. When the ball was dispatched wide, it was to the full-backs, deep, and with the permission of Fulham. With Frank Lampard quiet and Salomon Kalou and Joe Cole doing their best to stifle attacks, confidence and conviction wilted from the league leaders.
After half-time Ancelotti deposited Kalou and Joe Cole to either flank to add a semblance of width to his formation in what was now a quasi-4-3-3. The move did stretch Fulham more and freed up central space for Lampard to roam, yet decent chances were still scarce. Jon Obi Mikel summed up the home side’s travails by slicing horribly wide twice from distance.
An equaliser was not imminent and the game could have been put to bed had Bobby Zamora been able to help Ricardo Carvalho’s under-hit back header past Petr Cech. The miss was to prove costly as with twenty minutes to go Drogba steered a header beyond Schwarzer, before the Aussie stopper inadvertently deflected Sturridge’s cross-shot onto Smalling and into the goal.
It was a cruel and undeserved blow to man and team. Smalling, like many of his colleagues, had barely put a foot wrong on an afternoon in which Roy Hodgson’s increasingly impressive side were entitled to at least a share of the spoils. But Hodgson is a wise old owl, and will welcome in 2010 with widespread optimism. After humbling Manchester united last week, this will again be seen as another feather in the Fulham cap.
Carlo Ancelotti has gone so far as to say he’ll strip naked if Chelsea sign anybody in January. The thought of seeing every nook and cranny of the rotund Italian’s torso does not sound quite as unpalatable to Blues fans as seeing their side labour through the month without Drogba. With the African Cup of Nations almost here, Ancelotti and the Chelsea powerbrokers must decide whether to stick or twist during the January transfer window, with the likes of Sergio Aguero and Franck Ribery seemingly available – and needed.
Chelsea 2 – 1 Fulham Drogba 73, Smalling (og) 75 – Gera 4.
Chelsea (4-1-2-1-2): Cech – Ferreira (Ivanovic 64), Carvalho, Terry, Zhirkov (A Cole 83) – Mikel (Sturridge 70) - Ballack, Lampard – J Cole – Kalou, Drogba
Fulham (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer – Pantsil (Etuhu 66), Smalling, Baird, Konchesky - , Dempsey, Murphy, Hughes, Duff (Riise 85) – Gera (Johnson 71) - Zamora
Statistics
Chelsea - Fulham
10 - Corners - 6
18 (11) - Shots (on target) - 3 (3)
10 - Fouls - 13
1 (0) - Yellow cards (Red) - 1 (0)
2 - Offside - 3
Saturday, 26 December 2009
Birmingham remain defiant as Chelsea hit cold turkey
League leaders Chelsea missed the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points, by being held to a goalless draw by an obdurate Birmingham City.
Carlo Ancelotti's side bossed the game throughout, but his side fell the fairer side of a linesman’s flag to disallow Chucho Benitez's 30th minute poach for offside. Up until then, Chelsea monopolised possession, and grew as an attacking threat, with Daniel Sturridge looking lively on his full league debut. The visitors concise passing pressed Brum back deep into their own half as they looked to raid using the pace of Benitez and Cameron Jerome. Birmingham were happy to relinquish the ball, and it was no surprise that the Londoners constant probing of the Blues’ defence created a host of chances. Joe Hart saved superbly from Frank Lampard and Sturridge, Didier Drogba volleyed over, whilst Alex smashed the bar with a free-kick and Sturridge lashed wide right on half-time to punctuate numerous other shy's from a variety of distances and angles.
The second half followed a similar pattern with the Brum happy to contain rather than control. Chelsea remained the more intent to grab a winner, but ran into tenacious opposition not happy to surrender a recent nine-game unbeaten run. As the game's deadline approached, Chelsea's attacks gained an air of desperation rather than conviction. Hart pulled off another fine stop to deny Salomon Kalou, and Florent Malouda – later dismissed for a second yellow - should have given Chelsea a late lead but failed to get sufficient contact on Kalou’s centre. At the other end Birmingham threatened sporadically mostly on the counter, Petr Cech did well to claw out a Seb Larsson free-kick but was otherwise untroubled. All square, definitely a point gained for Birmingham and two lost for Chelsea.
Joe Hart: “It's one of the first games I've actually had something to do. The lads have been absolutely awesome so there's no surprises we're getting results and where we are in the league.”
Carlo Ancelotti: “It is not a good result for us but, as for what we did on the pitch, I think we played well. We had a lot of chances, showed very good heart and the goalkeeper for Birmingham made very good saves. We are disappointed with the result but not for the performance of the team. We improved after the last time against West Ham.”
Going into the game Birmingham found themselves as the form team in the League coming off a run of nine undefeated. On the other hand, Chelsea’s usually Scrooge like defence had been beset with festive goodwill; leaking twelve goals in their last six games in all competitions, winning just once.
In truth, little attention was paid to the formbook as Chelsea stamped their class and authority on the game from the first whistle. Despite the lack of goals this was a thoroughly engaging affair. Birmingham appeared comfortable with letting their more illustrious visitors take the initiative and it’s probably an indictment of Chelsea’s overall dominance that little was made of the decision to rule out Chucho Benitez’s goal on the half hour. A loose ball from a set-play was delivered back into the Chelsea box, and with Didier Drogba lying prostrate on the turf, Benitez looked just onside with the Ivorian’s trailing leg as he slid home Liam Ridgewell’s nod across. The offside flag came to Chelsea’s rescue but they had plenty of opportunity to rue their own bad luck as a combination of Joe Hart and their own errant finishing meant they were unable to claim the maximum points haul.
Alex McLeish’s side were limited as an attacking threat, but the team performance as a whole characterised their recent renaissance. The centre back pairing of roger Johnson and Scott Dann soldered arms to rebuff most of which Chelsea threw at them, meaning the dangerous Drogba threatened only via proximity. In front of them, the midfield was a picture of industry and toil, constantly running, harrying and destroying Chelsea’s midfield patterns. It was another feather in the cap of McLeish who has solidified the unit of troops at his disposal to find themselves just a point adrift of Liverpool, in eighth position at the half-way stage, and Carson Yeung’s chequebook is yet to be taken out of it’s wrapper.
From a Chelsea perspective it’s difficult to pinpoint any major failings in this game. Apart from score they looked calm, assured, and overall, good. Given Birmingham’s recent run and optimism, Chelsea asserted a control over their hosts, and were the better team in almost every aspect. However, that has been the case in a few of the games of late, which is worrying given their penchant for squandering points. Since beating Arsenal at the Emirates the Blues have picked up only six points from a possible twelve, meaning their lead at the summit could be slashed to one point if Arsenal win their games in hand. Such a position seemed inconceivable at the start of the month after the Gunners were so ruthlessly dealt with, but a mixture of complacency and confusion now threatens to derail Ancelotti’s push to regain the Premier League title.
Goal-scoring options are severely hindered when Drogba is marshalled well, and with only one league fixture remaining until Chelsea’s African contingent embark on the Cup of Nations, a temporary goals solution would be welcomed to make himself known before more points are dropped.
Birmingham City 0-0 Chelsea
Birmingham City (4-4-2): Hart - Carr, Dann, R Johnson, Ridgewell – Larsson ( D Johnson 88), Bowyer, Ferguson, McFadden (Fahey 77) – Jerome, Benitez
Chelsea (4-1-2-1-2): Cech - Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, A Cole – Mikel (Ballack 85) - Belletti, Lampard (J Cole 79) – Malouda - Sturridge (Kalou 67), Drogba
Carlo Ancelotti's side bossed the game throughout, but his side fell the fairer side of a linesman’s flag to disallow Chucho Benitez's 30th minute poach for offside. Up until then, Chelsea monopolised possession, and grew as an attacking threat, with Daniel Sturridge looking lively on his full league debut. The visitors concise passing pressed Brum back deep into their own half as they looked to raid using the pace of Benitez and Cameron Jerome. Birmingham were happy to relinquish the ball, and it was no surprise that the Londoners constant probing of the Blues’ defence created a host of chances. Joe Hart saved superbly from Frank Lampard and Sturridge, Didier Drogba volleyed over, whilst Alex smashed the bar with a free-kick and Sturridge lashed wide right on half-time to punctuate numerous other shy's from a variety of distances and angles.
The second half followed a similar pattern with the Brum happy to contain rather than control. Chelsea remained the more intent to grab a winner, but ran into tenacious opposition not happy to surrender a recent nine-game unbeaten run. As the game's deadline approached, Chelsea's attacks gained an air of desperation rather than conviction. Hart pulled off another fine stop to deny Salomon Kalou, and Florent Malouda – later dismissed for a second yellow - should have given Chelsea a late lead but failed to get sufficient contact on Kalou’s centre. At the other end Birmingham threatened sporadically mostly on the counter, Petr Cech did well to claw out a Seb Larsson free-kick but was otherwise untroubled. All square, definitely a point gained for Birmingham and two lost for Chelsea.
Joe Hart: “It's one of the first games I've actually had something to do. The lads have been absolutely awesome so there's no surprises we're getting results and where we are in the league.”
Carlo Ancelotti: “It is not a good result for us but, as for what we did on the pitch, I think we played well. We had a lot of chances, showed very good heart and the goalkeeper for Birmingham made very good saves. We are disappointed with the result but not for the performance of the team. We improved after the last time against West Ham.”
Going into the game Birmingham found themselves as the form team in the League coming off a run of nine undefeated. On the other hand, Chelsea’s usually Scrooge like defence had been beset with festive goodwill; leaking twelve goals in their last six games in all competitions, winning just once.
In truth, little attention was paid to the formbook as Chelsea stamped their class and authority on the game from the first whistle. Despite the lack of goals this was a thoroughly engaging affair. Birmingham appeared comfortable with letting their more illustrious visitors take the initiative and it’s probably an indictment of Chelsea’s overall dominance that little was made of the decision to rule out Chucho Benitez’s goal on the half hour. A loose ball from a set-play was delivered back into the Chelsea box, and with Didier Drogba lying prostrate on the turf, Benitez looked just onside with the Ivorian’s trailing leg as he slid home Liam Ridgewell’s nod across. The offside flag came to Chelsea’s rescue but they had plenty of opportunity to rue their own bad luck as a combination of Joe Hart and their own errant finishing meant they were unable to claim the maximum points haul.
Alex McLeish’s side were limited as an attacking threat, but the team performance as a whole characterised their recent renaissance. The centre back pairing of roger Johnson and Scott Dann soldered arms to rebuff most of which Chelsea threw at them, meaning the dangerous Drogba threatened only via proximity. In front of them, the midfield was a picture of industry and toil, constantly running, harrying and destroying Chelsea’s midfield patterns. It was another feather in the cap of McLeish who has solidified the unit of troops at his disposal to find themselves just a point adrift of Liverpool, in eighth position at the half-way stage, and Carson Yeung’s chequebook is yet to be taken out of it’s wrapper.
From a Chelsea perspective it’s difficult to pinpoint any major failings in this game. Apart from score they looked calm, assured, and overall, good. Given Birmingham’s recent run and optimism, Chelsea asserted a control over their hosts, and were the better team in almost every aspect. However, that has been the case in a few of the games of late, which is worrying given their penchant for squandering points. Since beating Arsenal at the Emirates the Blues have picked up only six points from a possible twelve, meaning their lead at the summit could be slashed to one point if Arsenal win their games in hand. Such a position seemed inconceivable at the start of the month after the Gunners were so ruthlessly dealt with, but a mixture of complacency and confusion now threatens to derail Ancelotti’s push to regain the Premier League title.
Goal-scoring options are severely hindered when Drogba is marshalled well, and with only one league fixture remaining until Chelsea’s African contingent embark on the Cup of Nations, a temporary goals solution would be welcomed to make himself known before more points are dropped.
Birmingham City 0-0 Chelsea
Birmingham City (4-4-2): Hart - Carr, Dann, R Johnson, Ridgewell – Larsson ( D Johnson 88), Bowyer, Ferguson, McFadden (Fahey 77) – Jerome, Benitez
Chelsea (4-1-2-1-2): Cech - Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, A Cole – Mikel (Ballack 85) - Belletti, Lampard (J Cole 79) – Malouda - Sturridge (Kalou 67), Drogba
Statistics
Birmingham City - Chelsea
7 - Corners - 11
6 (2) - Shots (on target) - 15 (7)
6 - Fouls - 17
1 (0) - Yellow cards (Red) - 3 (1)
4 - Offside - 3
Monday, 21 December 2009
Premier League Lessons: Juninho
In the post-season of 1995, the England football team hosted a four-team Umbro Cup as part of their preperations for the following years European Championships. Joining the hosts were Sweden, Japan and current World Champions, Brazil.
The pre-tournament hype surrounded the prospect of the first viewing of the 18-year-old striking phenomenon, Ronaldo. In the final match of the round robin format, the PSV hot-shot scored Brazil's second goal over Terry Venables's team in a 3-1 win at Wembley. however, it was another player, scorer of a sublime free-kick to equalise Graeme Le Saux's early goal, and Brazil's current Player of the Year who came out of the game with reputation firmly enhanced.
Oswaldo Giroldo Jr, or Juninho as he would become known, was a diminutive attacking-midfielder and part of a successful Sao Paulo side of that era, who had scooped a number of domestic titles as well as the 1995 Copa Libertadores. Already part of the 'Selecao', and in the cross-hairs of Europe's top clubs, a move abroad beckoned.
So then, cue relative near disbelief when in October of that year, Middlesbrough FC, newly promoted to the Premier League and backed by enterprising young Chairman Steve Gibson, announced they had captured the playmaker for a club record fee of £4.75m. Boro had just moved into the Taylor report friendly Riverside Stadium. The forecourt adorned the decrepid wrought iron gates from their previous home at Ayrsome Park, which were locked shut by administrators when they were close to extinction in 1986. The arrival of a Brazilian international footballer brought a sense of excitement and expectation not just to a club, but to a region as a whole.
For the struggling industrial town of Middlesbrough, anywhere south of Doncaster is considered exotic, so when a boy from Sao Paulo strolled into town, the place went delirious. The natives flocked to the Riverside to see their new star, Juninho's impish figure emerged from the bowels of the stadium to perform a few keep up's to the delight of his new worshippers. He may have known little or nothing about his new team, but that mattered none to the fans who instantly took 'the little fella' to their hearts. It wasn't long until the feeling was reciprocated.
By 1995, English football had only been allowed back into Europe for a couple of years following Heysel, and most domestic defences had yet to be fully exposed to the quick feet and minds of top foreign attackers. Only a year previous, Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister had been brutally tormented by the rapier movements of Romario and co in the Camp Nou, and Juninho began to inflict similar pain on the leaden-footed lumberers he encountered.
Juninho made his debut in a 1-1 draw with Leeds United at the Riverside, setting a goal up for Jan Aage Fjortoft, before scoring his first goal a month later in a 4-1 defeat of Manchester City. In his first season at Boro he returned only two league goals, but that does not do his contribution justice. He was a constant menace, causing a trail of destruction wherever he went. His nimble footwork left defenders desperately swiping at fresh air, leading to panic attacks in and around opposition boxes. Individually he excelled, collectively he inspired. Middlesbrough were rejuvenated by their little magician and finished in a respectable twelfth position, sandwiched between Chelsea and Leeds.
But in order to fully understand this unique and unusual love affair, we must recall the heartbreak of the 1996/97 season. Buoyed by the success of Juninho, Bryan Robson was further armoured by the arrivals of Fabrizio Ravanelli and Emerson. Despite the star turns, the side struggled overall, and after having three points controversially deducted for failing to field a team against Blackburn Rovers, the Teesiders were relegated.
Juninho's own form was imperious, not only did he score ten league goals and put in numerous brilliant displays, but he won the hearts and minds of fans all over the country with his selfless determination, straining every sinew in a desperate attempt to keep his team afloat. After failing to beat the drop on the final game of the season, one of the enduring images of the campaign was seeing little Juninho sat crestfallen on the Elland Road turf, sobbing uncontrollably, genuinely sharing the hurt of lifelong Boro fans. Just a week later there was more anguish as they lost out to Chelsea in the FA Cup, having already lost the League Cup final to Leicester.
With the World Cup at the end of the following season, demotion to the second tier of English football meant Juninho had to leave and was transferred for £12m to Atletico Madrid, taking with him the blessings and adoration of every Boro fan. His time at Atletico started well until a broken leg curtailed his progress. After that Juninho failed to regain his form in the Spanish capital and was subsequently loaned back to Boro as well as to Vasco de Gama and Flamengo back in Brazil, before returning to the Riverside for a second permanent spell in 2002. Although he finally gained glory with the 2004 League Cup, Juninho could never fully recapture the brilliance of his first spell in the North East.
After seeing out his career with Celtic, Palmeiras, Flamengo and Sydney FC, Juninho renewed his affiliation with his beloved Boro by rejoining them as their 'South American Representative' in 2009.
There are players who have played more games and scored more goals for Middlesbrough Football Club, but surely there can be nobody that has managed to create such an immediate and indelible bond with the people like that little fella, Juninho.
Name: Oswaldo Giroldo Jr ‘Juninho’
Age: 36 (February 22nd, 1973)
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Clubs: Sao Paulo, Middlebrough, Atletico Madrid, Vasco Da Gama, Flamengo, Celtic, Palmeiras, Sydney FC
Club level honours: 1993 Copa Libertadores, Supercopa Sudamericana 1993, Intercontinental Cup 1993, Recopa Sudamericana 1994, Copa CONEMBOL 1994, Brazilian Champions Cup 1995, Brasileiro Serie A 2000, Copa Mercasur 2000, Football League Cup 2004
Nationality: Brazilian
Caps/goals: 50/5
National honours: FIFA World Cup 2002, FIFA Confederations Cup 1997
The pre-tournament hype surrounded the prospect of the first viewing of the 18-year-old striking phenomenon, Ronaldo. In the final match of the round robin format, the PSV hot-shot scored Brazil's second goal over Terry Venables's team in a 3-1 win at Wembley. however, it was another player, scorer of a sublime free-kick to equalise Graeme Le Saux's early goal, and Brazil's current Player of the Year who came out of the game with reputation firmly enhanced.
Oswaldo Giroldo Jr, or Juninho as he would become known, was a diminutive attacking-midfielder and part of a successful Sao Paulo side of that era, who had scooped a number of domestic titles as well as the 1995 Copa Libertadores. Already part of the 'Selecao', and in the cross-hairs of Europe's top clubs, a move abroad beckoned.
So then, cue relative near disbelief when in October of that year, Middlesbrough FC, newly promoted to the Premier League and backed by enterprising young Chairman Steve Gibson, announced they had captured the playmaker for a club record fee of £4.75m. Boro had just moved into the Taylor report friendly Riverside Stadium. The forecourt adorned the decrepid wrought iron gates from their previous home at Ayrsome Park, which were locked shut by administrators when they were close to extinction in 1986. The arrival of a Brazilian international footballer brought a sense of excitement and expectation not just to a club, but to a region as a whole.
For the struggling industrial town of Middlesbrough, anywhere south of Doncaster is considered exotic, so when a boy from Sao Paulo strolled into town, the place went delirious. The natives flocked to the Riverside to see their new star, Juninho's impish figure emerged from the bowels of the stadium to perform a few keep up's to the delight of his new worshippers. He may have known little or nothing about his new team, but that mattered none to the fans who instantly took 'the little fella' to their hearts. It wasn't long until the feeling was reciprocated.
By 1995, English football had only been allowed back into Europe for a couple of years following Heysel, and most domestic defences had yet to be fully exposed to the quick feet and minds of top foreign attackers. Only a year previous, Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister had been brutally tormented by the rapier movements of Romario and co in the Camp Nou, and Juninho began to inflict similar pain on the leaden-footed lumberers he encountered.
Juninho made his debut in a 1-1 draw with Leeds United at the Riverside, setting a goal up for Jan Aage Fjortoft, before scoring his first goal a month later in a 4-1 defeat of Manchester City. In his first season at Boro he returned only two league goals, but that does not do his contribution justice. He was a constant menace, causing a trail of destruction wherever he went. His nimble footwork left defenders desperately swiping at fresh air, leading to panic attacks in and around opposition boxes. Individually he excelled, collectively he inspired. Middlesbrough were rejuvenated by their little magician and finished in a respectable twelfth position, sandwiched between Chelsea and Leeds.
But in order to fully understand this unique and unusual love affair, we must recall the heartbreak of the 1996/97 season. Buoyed by the success of Juninho, Bryan Robson was further armoured by the arrivals of Fabrizio Ravanelli and Emerson. Despite the star turns, the side struggled overall, and after having three points controversially deducted for failing to field a team against Blackburn Rovers, the Teesiders were relegated.
Juninho's own form was imperious, not only did he score ten league goals and put in numerous brilliant displays, but he won the hearts and minds of fans all over the country with his selfless determination, straining every sinew in a desperate attempt to keep his team afloat. After failing to beat the drop on the final game of the season, one of the enduring images of the campaign was seeing little Juninho sat crestfallen on the Elland Road turf, sobbing uncontrollably, genuinely sharing the hurt of lifelong Boro fans. Just a week later there was more anguish as they lost out to Chelsea in the FA Cup, having already lost the League Cup final to Leicester.
With the World Cup at the end of the following season, demotion to the second tier of English football meant Juninho had to leave and was transferred for £12m to Atletico Madrid, taking with him the blessings and adoration of every Boro fan. His time at Atletico started well until a broken leg curtailed his progress. After that Juninho failed to regain his form in the Spanish capital and was subsequently loaned back to Boro as well as to Vasco de Gama and Flamengo back in Brazil, before returning to the Riverside for a second permanent spell in 2002. Although he finally gained glory with the 2004 League Cup, Juninho could never fully recapture the brilliance of his first spell in the North East.
After seeing out his career with Celtic, Palmeiras, Flamengo and Sydney FC, Juninho renewed his affiliation with his beloved Boro by rejoining them as their 'South American Representative' in 2009.
There are players who have played more games and scored more goals for Middlesbrough Football Club, but surely there can be nobody that has managed to create such an immediate and indelible bond with the people like that little fella, Juninho.
Name: Oswaldo Giroldo Jr ‘Juninho’
Age: 36 (February 22nd, 1973)
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Clubs: Sao Paulo, Middlebrough, Atletico Madrid, Vasco Da Gama, Flamengo, Celtic, Palmeiras, Sydney FC
Club level honours: 1993 Copa Libertadores, Supercopa Sudamericana 1993, Intercontinental Cup 1993, Recopa Sudamericana 1994, Copa CONEMBOL 1994, Brazilian Champions Cup 1995, Brasileiro Serie A 2000, Copa Mercasur 2000, Football League Cup 2004
Nationality: Brazilian
Caps/goals: 50/5
National honours: FIFA World Cup 2002, FIFA Confederations Cup 1997
Friday, 18 December 2009
It's friends re-united in Champions League ties
The draw for the latter stages of European competitions took place on Friday morning, and threw together some intriguing tussles.
The tie of the round is arguably the clash between Inter and Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho squaring up against his former employers for the first time since his acrimonious sacking in 2007. The first-leg at the San Siro will also see Carlo Ancelotti return to his old stomping ground, whilst his previous team, Milan, face a meeting with Premier League champions and last year’s beaten finalists Manchester United.
The draw represents a tough ask for the Milanese duo, paired against two of the strongest sides on the continent, and two of the favourites to triumph come May. What will also be interesting is to once again see how the Italian sides fare against the English. Over the last few seasons, barring Milan's defeat of Liverpool in the 2007 final, the English have dominated proceedings, both in terms of results, and progression through the tournament as a whole.
On the face of it, little appears to have changed since the same stage last season when Chelsea deposited of Juventus and Inter bowed out meekly to Man Utd. If anything Chelsea are stronger than they were during Guus Hiddink's infancy at the club. Ancelotti has succesfully implemented the diamond formation and restored Didier Drogba to full working order. Barring some wobbles from set-plays, the Londoners appear ominous, and Mourinho will need to remind us just how special he actually is.
Just this week Nerazzurri General Manager Ernesto Paolillo stated that the Portugueser's future as Coach was not directly related to their performances in the Champions League. Which is probably just as well given that Mourinho's European record since being at the helm is average at best. After taking over from Roberto Mancini an instant emphasis was placed upon Mourinho to improve on his predecessors failings in Europe. Although no direct mandate was issued by the club's top brass, the impression was that Mourinho would elevate la beneamata to the level of Europe's elite, so far, progress falls somewhere between slow and none existent.
Getting knocked out by Chelsea may not be an immediate threat to the 'Special One's' position, but it would certainly not help at a time when he continues to attract negative press. His recent sending off at Juventus and exchange of pleasantries with a journalist has further bolstered the ranks of the anti-Mourinho brigade. As he will attest from his Chelsea dismissal, elements of his personality can grate on people inside, as well as outside the club. Fail again in Europe and he will also find few hiding places in the media.
As opposition, Chelsea could be deemed to be the best and worst possible outcome. If Inter do not raise their game from the paultry offerings of the group stage, they will be beaten. Therefore, both Mourinho and his players go into the tie knowing vast improvement is needed. Defeat Chelsea, and the psychological barriers which seem to affect inter in Europe can be overcome.
With each teams Tacticians knowing the other sides game in fine detail, the clashes could end up being cagey affairs, more likely to produce fireworks are the red devils of Manchester and Milan. The old boys reunion theme is continued with David Beckham returning to Old Trafford to face a team his new club have eliminated from this competition twice in the last five years.
A couple of Hernan Crespo goals for the Rossoneri sent United packing in 2005, before a Kaka masterclass devastated Sir Alex Ferguson's men in 2007. This year, il diavolo will again need a Brazilian to fire - or two of them if possible. Alexandre Pato has suitably impressed enough this season to suggest he can ruffle a few of United's defensive feathers, whilst Ronaldinho saves his stellar performances for such spectacles.
Prior to last week's home reverse to Palermo, Milan had seen an upsurge in fortunes following a sluggish start to the campaign. That spell of results saw them win in the Bernabeu and hold Real Madrid at home. Those displays should inspire Milan against a United side not wholly convincing after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure, but despite coming out unscathed with the Galactico's, Milan contrived to take only one point from six off group whipping boys FC Zurich. Such inconsistencies can produce shocks, but not trophies.
Overall, on paper and in practice, Inter and Milan give a lot away to the English duo, but both are capable of causing a relative upset, and bringing a glimmer of pride back to the Peninsula.
Elsewhere Fiorntina are rewarded for their endeavours by meeting Juve conquering Bayern Munich, whilst the bianconeri meet Ajax in the Europa League last 32 with Roma playing Panathinaikos.
This week sees the conclusion of the first half of the seasons fixtures before the winter break, which, conveniently enough comes at a very welcome time for Ciro Ferrara. After nose-diving out of the Champions League and losing more ground on Inter, the pressure on Ferrara has been cranked up a couple of notches. Quotes attributed to the agent of Russia manager Guus Hiddink have suggested la vecchia Signora had been in touch enquiring about the Dutchman's availability, which prompted Juve to release this fairly innocuous statement, "We have never taken into consideration any trainer because Ciro Ferrara enjoys our utmost trust." Very reassuring, Ciro.
We also have the chance for a little bit of history this week, if Alessandro Matri can once again find the back of the net. The Cagliari ace headed home during round 16’s draw with Napoli, meaning he’d struck in seven consecutive Serie A games, equalling a club record set by Rossoblu legend Gigi Riva. One more against Udinese at the Friuli and it’s eight in a row, the club record outright, and a strong chance of a call-up to la Nazionale. Good luck, Alessandro.
The tie of the round is arguably the clash between Inter and Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho squaring up against his former employers for the first time since his acrimonious sacking in 2007. The first-leg at the San Siro will also see Carlo Ancelotti return to his old stomping ground, whilst his previous team, Milan, face a meeting with Premier League champions and last year’s beaten finalists Manchester United.
The draw represents a tough ask for the Milanese duo, paired against two of the strongest sides on the continent, and two of the favourites to triumph come May. What will also be interesting is to once again see how the Italian sides fare against the English. Over the last few seasons, barring Milan's defeat of Liverpool in the 2007 final, the English have dominated proceedings, both in terms of results, and progression through the tournament as a whole.
On the face of it, little appears to have changed since the same stage last season when Chelsea deposited of Juventus and Inter bowed out meekly to Man Utd. If anything Chelsea are stronger than they were during Guus Hiddink's infancy at the club. Ancelotti has succesfully implemented the diamond formation and restored Didier Drogba to full working order. Barring some wobbles from set-plays, the Londoners appear ominous, and Mourinho will need to remind us just how special he actually is.
Just this week Nerazzurri General Manager Ernesto Paolillo stated that the Portugueser's future as Coach was not directly related to their performances in the Champions League. Which is probably just as well given that Mourinho's European record since being at the helm is average at best. After taking over from Roberto Mancini an instant emphasis was placed upon Mourinho to improve on his predecessors failings in Europe. Although no direct mandate was issued by the club's top brass, the impression was that Mourinho would elevate la beneamata to the level of Europe's elite, so far, progress falls somewhere between slow and none existent.
Getting knocked out by Chelsea may not be an immediate threat to the 'Special One's' position, but it would certainly not help at a time when he continues to attract negative press. His recent sending off at Juventus and exchange of pleasantries with a journalist has further bolstered the ranks of the anti-Mourinho brigade. As he will attest from his Chelsea dismissal, elements of his personality can grate on people inside, as well as outside the club. Fail again in Europe and he will also find few hiding places in the media.
As opposition, Chelsea could be deemed to be the best and worst possible outcome. If Inter do not raise their game from the paultry offerings of the group stage, they will be beaten. Therefore, both Mourinho and his players go into the tie knowing vast improvement is needed. Defeat Chelsea, and the psychological barriers which seem to affect inter in Europe can be overcome.
With each teams Tacticians knowing the other sides game in fine detail, the clashes could end up being cagey affairs, more likely to produce fireworks are the red devils of Manchester and Milan. The old boys reunion theme is continued with David Beckham returning to Old Trafford to face a team his new club have eliminated from this competition twice in the last five years.
A couple of Hernan Crespo goals for the Rossoneri sent United packing in 2005, before a Kaka masterclass devastated Sir Alex Ferguson's men in 2007. This year, il diavolo will again need a Brazilian to fire - or two of them if possible. Alexandre Pato has suitably impressed enough this season to suggest he can ruffle a few of United's defensive feathers, whilst Ronaldinho saves his stellar performances for such spectacles.
Prior to last week's home reverse to Palermo, Milan had seen an upsurge in fortunes following a sluggish start to the campaign. That spell of results saw them win in the Bernabeu and hold Real Madrid at home. Those displays should inspire Milan against a United side not wholly convincing after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure, but despite coming out unscathed with the Galactico's, Milan contrived to take only one point from six off group whipping boys FC Zurich. Such inconsistencies can produce shocks, but not trophies.
Overall, on paper and in practice, Inter and Milan give a lot away to the English duo, but both are capable of causing a relative upset, and bringing a glimmer of pride back to the Peninsula.
Elsewhere Fiorntina are rewarded for their endeavours by meeting Juve conquering Bayern Munich, whilst the bianconeri meet Ajax in the Europa League last 32 with Roma playing Panathinaikos.
This week sees the conclusion of the first half of the seasons fixtures before the winter break, which, conveniently enough comes at a very welcome time for Ciro Ferrara. After nose-diving out of the Champions League and losing more ground on Inter, the pressure on Ferrara has been cranked up a couple of notches. Quotes attributed to the agent of Russia manager Guus Hiddink have suggested la vecchia Signora had been in touch enquiring about the Dutchman's availability, which prompted Juve to release this fairly innocuous statement, "We have never taken into consideration any trainer because Ciro Ferrara enjoys our utmost trust." Very reassuring, Ciro.
We also have the chance for a little bit of history this week, if Alessandro Matri can once again find the back of the net. The Cagliari ace headed home during round 16’s draw with Napoli, meaning he’d struck in seven consecutive Serie A games, equalling a club record set by Rossoblu legend Gigi Riva. One more against Udinese at the Friuli and it’s eight in a row, the club record outright, and a strong chance of a call-up to la Nazionale. Good luck, Alessandro.
Friday, 20 November 2009
Giovanni Trap-ped as Thierry hands France a place in South Africa
Poor old Trap. Killed by le hand of Thierry. The former Azzurri boss combined all of his 30-odd years worth of managerial guile to almost pull off a quite remarkable reverse in Paris. So near, yet so far. Giovanni Trapattoni will not be leading his Irish chargers to South Africa, and Henry's subsequent admission of guilt and the cries of injustice from all quarters will do little to appease anybody belonging to the Republic of Ireland football team.
Three days on from 'Handball-gate' and we've had an earful from all and sundry. Even politicians and Presidents are now wading in. FIFA have confirmed there will not be a replay. The result stands. Harsh it may be, fair, it certainly is not. France are going to the World Cup. End of.
Usually with controversial incidents we have to put up with the 'was it - wasn't it' debate rumbling on until the next talking point it off its perch. The fact the handball was so obvious means we don't have to sit through that, athough inevitably enough, the calls have come for video technology to be introduced. Whilst this writer completely understands the merits and the support for video replays and such like, he is totally against it.
The French goal shouldn't have stood. It was cheating, blatant. True, a video replay would have cleared the issue up in no time leaving the remainder of the game free to run its natural course, with a true victor established. Henry's reputation would be intact, Ireland could hold no grievances, and everybody would be happy. But, in this compelling and contentious sport of ours, are we really kidding ourselves into believing that everything would be simply cleared up, leaving no fuss or controversy after a few clicks of a video ref's computer? Is this really going to happen?
To use the Henry goal as a microcosm, would the video ref even have been used in this instance? Some suggestions as to how far we go with TV evidence argue it should only be used for goal-line decisions. If this was the case, it would have been utterly useless on Wednesday night, and thus would only then fuel the fire of further extending those jurisdictions to penalty box behaviour and so on and so forth. The floodgates are now open. We would extend and extend again until the whole game would be officiated from upstairs, apart from one bloke in the middle being told to peep his whistle on command. Is this what we want?
So here we are then, Florent Malouda's just about to drift in this free-kick, the whole field under heavy surveillance. Henry handballs, Ireland complain, video ref sees it, disallows goal. But what's this? A French official has spotted a tug on someone's shirt and is demanding a penalty! But there's also an infringement on an Irish defender. Are we now overlooking the handball to sniff out an offence elsewhere? The infringements both look like fouls, but which do you go with? The one that occurred first or the one that looks worse? All of a sudden, we've gone from looking at a handball, to deciphering penalty box horseplay, all with half an eye on offside or whatever else comes clean after five or six replays from alternate angles. Where does this start, where does this stop? If it starts it will never stop. Coach Trapattoni must have benefited from some debateable decisions going his way over the years, this time he has not. Karma, now lets leave it that way.
If Trap's adopted nation won't be at the World Cup, at least he can swap the Guinness for a glass of Chianti and watch his motherland. Following on from a stuttering finale to their WC Qualifying group, the Azzurri produced two less-than-inspired friendly performances this week, in their last action before World Cup year. In all honesty, it's often difficult to truly ascertain what you can and cannot take from these international friendlies. Coming in the middle of a hectic club scene and with first team regulars going down with minor ailments, it really is a thankless task for Marcello Lippi. Although the Holland game was completely devoid of positives, the Sweden match saw the fringe players show a desire to impress and force a place into the final 23-man squad. This hunger can only push the remainder of the squad further, keeping them on their toes and requiring them to show a similar urgency to be involved as la Nazionale head to Africa to defend their title.
Domestically, it is a crunch week for Inter, in Europe especially. Ahead of the fifth round of Champions League games on Tuesday and Wednesday, Inter, Juventus and Milan all have essentially winnable games against Bologna, Udinese and Cagliari respectively. Il Biscione's lead at the top of Serie A has been cut to five points, but of more pressing concern will be their trip to the Camp Nou in a clash which Barcelona, worryingly, must win. With the handball-proof Thierry Henry lining up against the Nerazzurri, Jose Mourinho's side must improve their appalling continental form over the past year to progress to the knockout stages of the competition. A draw would do, a defeat would leave them perilously close to elimination.
The closer we come to January, the busier the gossip columnists become. Now, for those of us who love a bit of idle tittle-tattle, you'll be interested to hear that Inter and Chelsea are locked in a £40m battle for Sergio Aguero, Andrea Dossena will be rescued from his Liverpool hell by Napoli, Juve and Inter will fight it out for Andrea Ranocchia and Milan are after Eden Dzeko, Luis Fabiano and pretty much anyone else that can put the ball in the back of the net. Mid-November and there's already hundreds of millions of Euro's in transfer fees being exchanged. What global recession?
Three days on from 'Handball-gate' and we've had an earful from all and sundry. Even politicians and Presidents are now wading in. FIFA have confirmed there will not be a replay. The result stands. Harsh it may be, fair, it certainly is not. France are going to the World Cup. End of.
Usually with controversial incidents we have to put up with the 'was it - wasn't it' debate rumbling on until the next talking point it off its perch. The fact the handball was so obvious means we don't have to sit through that, athough inevitably enough, the calls have come for video technology to be introduced. Whilst this writer completely understands the merits and the support for video replays and such like, he is totally against it.
The French goal shouldn't have stood. It was cheating, blatant. True, a video replay would have cleared the issue up in no time leaving the remainder of the game free to run its natural course, with a true victor established. Henry's reputation would be intact, Ireland could hold no grievances, and everybody would be happy. But, in this compelling and contentious sport of ours, are we really kidding ourselves into believing that everything would be simply cleared up, leaving no fuss or controversy after a few clicks of a video ref's computer? Is this really going to happen?
To use the Henry goal as a microcosm, would the video ref even have been used in this instance? Some suggestions as to how far we go with TV evidence argue it should only be used for goal-line decisions. If this was the case, it would have been utterly useless on Wednesday night, and thus would only then fuel the fire of further extending those jurisdictions to penalty box behaviour and so on and so forth. The floodgates are now open. We would extend and extend again until the whole game would be officiated from upstairs, apart from one bloke in the middle being told to peep his whistle on command. Is this what we want?
So here we are then, Florent Malouda's just about to drift in this free-kick, the whole field under heavy surveillance. Henry handballs, Ireland complain, video ref sees it, disallows goal. But what's this? A French official has spotted a tug on someone's shirt and is demanding a penalty! But there's also an infringement on an Irish defender. Are we now overlooking the handball to sniff out an offence elsewhere? The infringements both look like fouls, but which do you go with? The one that occurred first or the one that looks worse? All of a sudden, we've gone from looking at a handball, to deciphering penalty box horseplay, all with half an eye on offside or whatever else comes clean after five or six replays from alternate angles. Where does this start, where does this stop? If it starts it will never stop. Coach Trapattoni must have benefited from some debateable decisions going his way over the years, this time he has not. Karma, now lets leave it that way.
If Trap's adopted nation won't be at the World Cup, at least he can swap the Guinness for a glass of Chianti and watch his motherland. Following on from a stuttering finale to their WC Qualifying group, the Azzurri produced two less-than-inspired friendly performances this week, in their last action before World Cup year. In all honesty, it's often difficult to truly ascertain what you can and cannot take from these international friendlies. Coming in the middle of a hectic club scene and with first team regulars going down with minor ailments, it really is a thankless task for Marcello Lippi. Although the Holland game was completely devoid of positives, the Sweden match saw the fringe players show a desire to impress and force a place into the final 23-man squad. This hunger can only push the remainder of the squad further, keeping them on their toes and requiring them to show a similar urgency to be involved as la Nazionale head to Africa to defend their title.
Domestically, it is a crunch week for Inter, in Europe especially. Ahead of the fifth round of Champions League games on Tuesday and Wednesday, Inter, Juventus and Milan all have essentially winnable games against Bologna, Udinese and Cagliari respectively. Il Biscione's lead at the top of Serie A has been cut to five points, but of more pressing concern will be their trip to the Camp Nou in a clash which Barcelona, worryingly, must win. With the handball-proof Thierry Henry lining up against the Nerazzurri, Jose Mourinho's side must improve their appalling continental form over the past year to progress to the knockout stages of the competition. A draw would do, a defeat would leave them perilously close to elimination.
The closer we come to January, the busier the gossip columnists become. Now, for those of us who love a bit of idle tittle-tattle, you'll be interested to hear that Inter and Chelsea are locked in a £40m battle for Sergio Aguero, Andrea Dossena will be rescued from his Liverpool hell by Napoli, Juve and Inter will fight it out for Andrea Ranocchia and Milan are after Eden Dzeko, Luis Fabiano and pretty much anyone else that can put the ball in the back of the net. Mid-November and there's already hundreds of millions of Euro's in transfer fees being exchanged. What global recession?
Monday, 16 November 2009
News from the Peninsula
It’s only right and sincere to starts this week’s news round-up by offering our deepest thoughts and condolences to the friends and family of Robert Enke, who tragically died this week, aged 32.
It’s a shame that the public only tend to respond to the human nature of professional footballers when such sad events occur. These often unwilling and unnatural role models are subject to immense professional and private scrutiny, placing an unfair burden on individuals who are simply choosing to excel in their chosen field. Already this season, both Gigi Buffon and Momo Sissoko have admitted to suffering from depression; struggling to cope with the great expectation and sacrifice heaped upon them. Despite all of the money, the fame and the adulation, these false idols are still prone to raw human emotion and feeling.
The Enke case has highlighted that we can only see so far into the lives of a professional footballer. We can analyse their form and fitness, their attitude and application – what we cannot see is what goes on deep within; in their heart and soul. At times like this we must remember that they are not idols or heroes – they are mere mortals. Rest in peace, Robert.
It is also an opportune moment to wish Carlo Cudicini well in his recovery from a motorcycle accident in London. The Tottenham Goalkeeper suffered ‘potentially life-changing injuries’ when his motorbike crashed with a car on Thursday. The full extents of his injuries are yet to be known, but ‘life changing’ would suggest his career hangs in the balance. Get well soon, Carlo.
On field, the Azzurri’s preparations for South Africa 2010 start in earnest with a double header friendly week with home games against the Netherlands in Pescara and Sweden in Cesena. With a string of injuries to established members of the Azzurri squad, Marcello Lippi has chosen to call-up debutants Antonio Candreva, Davide Biondini and Mattia Cassani, as well as hand further opportunities to Daniele Galloppa, Domenico Cristico, Salvatore Bocchetti, Christian Maggio and Raffaele Palladino.
Coach Lippi is facing the tough task of honing a 23-man squad, so the upcoming fixtures will provide an interesting insight as to which of the peripheral squad players can force their way into the reckoning. Following a lacklustre finish to the Qualifying campaign with below par showings against the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus, Lippi now has a blank canvas to sculpt and mould the squad and tactics of the team to his very tailored specifications. This international break is the last get-together before World Cup year, in which there are only three further warm-up games before the tournament kicks-off in June, and Lippi admits he already has the majority of his squad selected, “Our journey is now in its final stages and it's a decisive time for us. We have worked with a group of 35 players - 23 of them will be going to South Africa. It will be very difficult for someone else to be called up come March, but it's not impossible.”
That statement doesn’t read too well for Antonio Cassano, who has been continually overlooked by Lippi, despite his outstanding form for Sampdoria. Doriani President Riccardo Garrone claims to know a ‘very ugly story’ behind Lippi’s refusal to pick ‘Fantantonio’ for la Nazionale, although he was reticent to give details. This insight was given short-shrift by FIGC President Giancarlo Abete, who appeared to back up the assumption that Lippi believes Cassano would have a destabilising effect in the changing room, “Cassano’s value has never been up for discussion, but the group is what counts.”
Prior to last week’s match between Inter and Roma, the sparring between managers Jose Mourinho and Claudio Ranieri had refreshingly taken an accepted, complimentary air, with neither one nor the other back-biting or sniping. Cue the final whistle at the San Siro and all that tranquillity had gone. Mourinho accused Roma of being negative, before tucking into the officials for their constant whistle-blowing. In turn, Ranieri retorted that the Giallorossi had been ‘battered heavily’ by the Nerazzurri’s rough play, and accused il Campione of ‘systematic, tactical and professional’ fouling. A furious Ranieri complained, ““I like physical football, but next time we need to come here with armour. They are big bullies.” Mourinho, bully? Surely not?
Congratulations to David Trezeguet who this week equalled the Juventus club record for goals scored by a foreign player. In the 5-2 victory over Atalanta, ‘Trez’ notched for the 167th time in a Bianconeri shirt, pulling himself level with legendary Argentine striker, Omar Sivori. However, the Argentinian born ace still has a long way to go to become top-goalscorer of all-time for the Turin giants; that record is held by team-mate Alex Del Piero with 262.
It’s a shame that the public only tend to respond to the human nature of professional footballers when such sad events occur. These often unwilling and unnatural role models are subject to immense professional and private scrutiny, placing an unfair burden on individuals who are simply choosing to excel in their chosen field. Already this season, both Gigi Buffon and Momo Sissoko have admitted to suffering from depression; struggling to cope with the great expectation and sacrifice heaped upon them. Despite all of the money, the fame and the adulation, these false idols are still prone to raw human emotion and feeling.
The Enke case has highlighted that we can only see so far into the lives of a professional footballer. We can analyse their form and fitness, their attitude and application – what we cannot see is what goes on deep within; in their heart and soul. At times like this we must remember that they are not idols or heroes – they are mere mortals. Rest in peace, Robert.
It is also an opportune moment to wish Carlo Cudicini well in his recovery from a motorcycle accident in London. The Tottenham Goalkeeper suffered ‘potentially life-changing injuries’ when his motorbike crashed with a car on Thursday. The full extents of his injuries are yet to be known, but ‘life changing’ would suggest his career hangs in the balance. Get well soon, Carlo.
On field, the Azzurri’s preparations for South Africa 2010 start in earnest with a double header friendly week with home games against the Netherlands in Pescara and Sweden in Cesena. With a string of injuries to established members of the Azzurri squad, Marcello Lippi has chosen to call-up debutants Antonio Candreva, Davide Biondini and Mattia Cassani, as well as hand further opportunities to Daniele Galloppa, Domenico Cristico, Salvatore Bocchetti, Christian Maggio and Raffaele Palladino.
Coach Lippi is facing the tough task of honing a 23-man squad, so the upcoming fixtures will provide an interesting insight as to which of the peripheral squad players can force their way into the reckoning. Following a lacklustre finish to the Qualifying campaign with below par showings against the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus, Lippi now has a blank canvas to sculpt and mould the squad and tactics of the team to his very tailored specifications. This international break is the last get-together before World Cup year, in which there are only three further warm-up games before the tournament kicks-off in June, and Lippi admits he already has the majority of his squad selected, “Our journey is now in its final stages and it's a decisive time for us. We have worked with a group of 35 players - 23 of them will be going to South Africa. It will be very difficult for someone else to be called up come March, but it's not impossible.”
That statement doesn’t read too well for Antonio Cassano, who has been continually overlooked by Lippi, despite his outstanding form for Sampdoria. Doriani President Riccardo Garrone claims to know a ‘very ugly story’ behind Lippi’s refusal to pick ‘Fantantonio’ for la Nazionale, although he was reticent to give details. This insight was given short-shrift by FIGC President Giancarlo Abete, who appeared to back up the assumption that Lippi believes Cassano would have a destabilising effect in the changing room, “Cassano’s value has never been up for discussion, but the group is what counts.”
Prior to last week’s match between Inter and Roma, the sparring between managers Jose Mourinho and Claudio Ranieri had refreshingly taken an accepted, complimentary air, with neither one nor the other back-biting or sniping. Cue the final whistle at the San Siro and all that tranquillity had gone. Mourinho accused Roma of being negative, before tucking into the officials for their constant whistle-blowing. In turn, Ranieri retorted that the Giallorossi had been ‘battered heavily’ by the Nerazzurri’s rough play, and accused il Campione of ‘systematic, tactical and professional’ fouling. A furious Ranieri complained, ““I like physical football, but next time we need to come here with armour. They are big bullies.” Mourinho, bully? Surely not?
Congratulations to David Trezeguet who this week equalled the Juventus club record for goals scored by a foreign player. In the 5-2 victory over Atalanta, ‘Trez’ notched for the 167th time in a Bianconeri shirt, pulling himself level with legendary Argentine striker, Omar Sivori. However, the Argentinian born ace still has a long way to go to become top-goalscorer of all-time for the Turin giants; that record is held by team-mate Alex Del Piero with 262.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
England's Future Stars - Henri Lansbury
For all the glowing tributes and adulation of Arsenal's fantastic youth academy, there is a common misconception that their policy is to recruit and relocate talent from abroad. This notion is partly borne from the number of foreign players who appear to make the grade as opposed to their English counterparts.
Instances of home grown success stories have been in short supply, Theo Walcott was plucked from Southampton, and whilst the club can take credit for Ashley Cole, the likes of David Bentley and Jermaine Pennant have needed to spread their fledgling wings before prospering. This void of English talent emerging from the Shenley training centre will soon be coming to an end.
Last season the young Gunners completed an Academy Premier League and FA Youth Cup double, with a squad largely consisting of players from our shores. The starting XI for the Youth Cup Final first-leg with Liverpool boasted nine Englishmen. Jack Wilshere may be the most instantly recognisable name to many, but within the Emirates there is just as much expectations being placed on another London lad, Henri Lansbury.
With the Gallic spelling of his Christian name, it seems almost inevitable that Lansbury should emerge from the Premier League's most Francophile club. The dynamic midfielder fits the archetypal mould for an Arsenal player, combining excellent technique with the intelligence and appreciation of how football should be played. Such traits are a pre-requisite for any player hoping to emerge from such an illustrious institution, but Lansbury is different, and combines a drive and tenacity not always associated with the dainty skills of an Arsene Wenger protégé.
The beauty of academy football now, is that talented kids can train and be taught by clubs from the ages of six or seven. Previously, the best players were signed up at 12 or 13 and subject to a period of polishing up before being deemed worthy of a YTS contract. Now, with the age lowered, a young player can be schooled almost from kicking a ball for the first time and be brought up with a strong emphasis on technical and tactical aspects of the game. There are no greater exponents of this in the English football than Arsenal, and Lansbury has been subject to this education since the age of nine.
Essentially an attacking central-midfielder, the six-foot Lansbury possesses an impressive speed of feet and thought in and around the opposition penalty area. His passing ranges from subtle, to clever, to decisive - creating and dictating with equal comfort. His goals record for England Under-17s and Under-19s stands at almost one in two, and in a successful loan spell at Scunthorpe United - which provided Lansbury's first taste of league football - the young tyro found the net five times in 17 games. With a healthy record of creating and scoring goals, an immediate comparison could be drawn to Frank Lampard, and given the Chelsea star is progressing into his 30s, an heir apparent needs to be found.
At 19 years of age, Lansbury is a relative old-timer given Arsenal's penchant for blooding kids barely out of school. Indeed, despite making his debut at 17, he has only featured for the Gunners’ first team on four occasions, all in the league cup, and all as substitute. His impact at the Emirates has perhaps not belied his reputation, but elsewhere, out on loan and through the various England youth ranks, noises about his potential remain extremely positive.
In Arsenal's 4-1 rout of Liverpool in last seasons Youth Cup final, Lansbury set up two of the goals and was largely viewed as the standout player on the pitch. This summer, as a member of England’s Under-19 European Championship runners-up squad, he scored three goals during the tournament, including one in the semi-final versus France, and another during the 7-1 thrashing of Slovenia, capping an exceptional individual display in which he also assisted another three goals. The extent of his showings for the Under-19s in Ukraine justified the hype about a player whom has somewhat slipped under the radar at Arsenal, with the likes of Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey being given more exposure to the senior squad. On transfer deadline day, a loan move to Watford was sealed, giving Lansbury further chance to impress on a regular basis in the tough environment of the Championship.
This experience should see if Lansbury has the temperament as well as the technique to succeed at the highest level. Early indications are good. His performances have highlighted his exceptional talent, most notably when Sky cameras rolled into town for Sheffield Wednesday, in which the loanee delivered two very well taken goals, in a man of the match cameo. For Malky Mackay’s men, Lansbury has assumed his favoured central-midfield berth, a vocation which can prove physically demanding in the muscular slog of the Championship. In this role he has operated admirably, negotiating the hurly-burly side of the game whilst also projecting elements of his Arsenal brand of football on the team. It is such assignments which prove invaluable to the making of young footballers, and a stint at this level could hone Lansbury into a true all-round midfielder.
Of course, the hard yards start now. The list of promising players who never fulfil their potential is endless, and the real test will be if he can attain a place in Wenger’s marvellous side. If he can do that, then we do have a prospect on our hands. Complete midfielders who can tackle, pass well, influence games, create and score goals are a rare commodity - even more so when they’re English.
Instances of home grown success stories have been in short supply, Theo Walcott was plucked from Southampton, and whilst the club can take credit for Ashley Cole, the likes of David Bentley and Jermaine Pennant have needed to spread their fledgling wings before prospering. This void of English talent emerging from the Shenley training centre will soon be coming to an end.
Last season the young Gunners completed an Academy Premier League and FA Youth Cup double, with a squad largely consisting of players from our shores. The starting XI for the Youth Cup Final first-leg with Liverpool boasted nine Englishmen. Jack Wilshere may be the most instantly recognisable name to many, but within the Emirates there is just as much expectations being placed on another London lad, Henri Lansbury.
With the Gallic spelling of his Christian name, it seems almost inevitable that Lansbury should emerge from the Premier League's most Francophile club. The dynamic midfielder fits the archetypal mould for an Arsenal player, combining excellent technique with the intelligence and appreciation of how football should be played. Such traits are a pre-requisite for any player hoping to emerge from such an illustrious institution, but Lansbury is different, and combines a drive and tenacity not always associated with the dainty skills of an Arsene Wenger protégé.
The beauty of academy football now, is that talented kids can train and be taught by clubs from the ages of six or seven. Previously, the best players were signed up at 12 or 13 and subject to a period of polishing up before being deemed worthy of a YTS contract. Now, with the age lowered, a young player can be schooled almost from kicking a ball for the first time and be brought up with a strong emphasis on technical and tactical aspects of the game. There are no greater exponents of this in the English football than Arsenal, and Lansbury has been subject to this education since the age of nine.
Essentially an attacking central-midfielder, the six-foot Lansbury possesses an impressive speed of feet and thought in and around the opposition penalty area. His passing ranges from subtle, to clever, to decisive - creating and dictating with equal comfort. His goals record for England Under-17s and Under-19s stands at almost one in two, and in a successful loan spell at Scunthorpe United - which provided Lansbury's first taste of league football - the young tyro found the net five times in 17 games. With a healthy record of creating and scoring goals, an immediate comparison could be drawn to Frank Lampard, and given the Chelsea star is progressing into his 30s, an heir apparent needs to be found.
At 19 years of age, Lansbury is a relative old-timer given Arsenal's penchant for blooding kids barely out of school. Indeed, despite making his debut at 17, he has only featured for the Gunners’ first team on four occasions, all in the league cup, and all as substitute. His impact at the Emirates has perhaps not belied his reputation, but elsewhere, out on loan and through the various England youth ranks, noises about his potential remain extremely positive.
In Arsenal's 4-1 rout of Liverpool in last seasons Youth Cup final, Lansbury set up two of the goals and was largely viewed as the standout player on the pitch. This summer, as a member of England’s Under-19 European Championship runners-up squad, he scored three goals during the tournament, including one in the semi-final versus France, and another during the 7-1 thrashing of Slovenia, capping an exceptional individual display in which he also assisted another three goals. The extent of his showings for the Under-19s in Ukraine justified the hype about a player whom has somewhat slipped under the radar at Arsenal, with the likes of Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey being given more exposure to the senior squad. On transfer deadline day, a loan move to Watford was sealed, giving Lansbury further chance to impress on a regular basis in the tough environment of the Championship.
This experience should see if Lansbury has the temperament as well as the technique to succeed at the highest level. Early indications are good. His performances have highlighted his exceptional talent, most notably when Sky cameras rolled into town for Sheffield Wednesday, in which the loanee delivered two very well taken goals, in a man of the match cameo. For Malky Mackay’s men, Lansbury has assumed his favoured central-midfield berth, a vocation which can prove physically demanding in the muscular slog of the Championship. In this role he has operated admirably, negotiating the hurly-burly side of the game whilst also projecting elements of his Arsenal brand of football on the team. It is such assignments which prove invaluable to the making of young footballers, and a stint at this level could hone Lansbury into a true all-round midfielder.
Of course, the hard yards start now. The list of promising players who never fulfil their potential is endless, and the real test will be if he can attain a place in Wenger’s marvellous side. If he can do that, then we do have a prospect on our hands. Complete midfielders who can tackle, pass well, influence games, create and score goals are a rare commodity - even more so when they’re English.
Saturday, 7 November 2009
News from the Peninsula
It's always been a trait of footballs top teams to rescue games with late goals, and thanks to Diego Milito and Wesley Sneijder’s late efforts in Kiev on Wednesday night, Internazionale's European dream is still alive.
With four minutes left to play at the Lobanovsky Dynamo Stadium, the Nerrazzuri were bottom of Champions League Group F, with a daunting trip to the Camp Nou still to come. The prospect of failing to progress to the knock-out stages of the competition was all too real, and such a failure would have raised serious doubts as to Jose Mourinho's stewardship of the club.
As it was, the late rally saw Inter climb to the top of the table, with Barcelona in third. There is no love lost between the 'Special One' and the Catalan giants, and the clash between the pair in Spain on November 24 could be one of the games of the season. A defeat for either side could put the chance of a place in the last sixteen in serious jeopardy. Bonfire night may have just passed, but expect more fireworks when the pair collide.
The victory over Dynamo Kiev was il Biscione's first in eight attempts in the Champions League, and credit to Mourinho, his decision to bring on Mario Balotelli and Thiago Motta when trailing at half-time firmly swung the tie in Inter's favour. Three consecutive draws in the group, including an insipid stalemate at Rubin Kazan had led to questions being asked over Mourinho's tactics and ability to deliver the illustrious trophy he was brought in to provide. Qualification is far from certain, but the picture is looking far healthier than it was with five minutes to play in Ukraine.
Mourinho will be up against a familiar face on Sunday, another ex Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri when he brings his Roma side to the Giuseppe Meazza. There is plenty of scope for verbal jousting given the Portugese tacticians relative success over Ranieri in west London and during Ranieri's stint at Juventus, but so far this week relations have proved amicable; “I respect Ranieri. It’s true we have had a few run-ins and who knows there could be more in future, but I respect him as a person and as a Coach,” said Mourinho. Ranieri returned the pleasantries by declaring, "I am neither friend nor foe to Mourinho, though clearly he is a capable Coach who is doing well in Italy."
The Giallorossi's shocking start to the season needs to end sometime soon, and although a trip to the home of the champions would not come that high on a list of preferred destinations, Ranieri insists il Lupi can get a result with a 'perfect performance.' So far, Roma's form has been anything but perfect, and with the league's top scorers facing the side with the second worst defence, the men from the eternal city will be seeking divine intervention.
If you thought that the murky past of Calciopoli had been laid to rest, think again. In a trial in Naples, The former secretary of the National Refereeing Commission, Manfredi Martino, has claimed that the random process of allocating referee's to matches was prone to being rigged. Martino has alleged that former referee designators Paolo Bergamo and Pierluigi Pairetto asked him to put the names of certain officials into specific balls, “On two occasions Bergamo and Pairetto told me explicitly to put the names of certain games and the names of certain referees into the balls that were easily recognisable,” Martino told the court. He has also suggested the process was used during a potential Scudetto deciding match between Milan and Juventus. Further revelations could come out as the case continues.
In possibly the most laughable career plan you'll hear for a while, Ronaldinho has claimed he would like to finish his career in Milan...and play until he's 40!! Reports had surfaced in the Spanish Media that Dinho was planning to retire from playing football aged just 29, but the Brazilian ace has scotched those rumours and insists he aims to immitate a Rossoneri legend, "I am enjoying myself. I like this Milan. I want to be like Maldini and play until I am 40 and even older." If his aims are to become reality, the Samba star could do with taking a few notes on Maldini's lifestyle, which didn't include drinking and dancing in the city's nightclubs until all hours and neglecting training. He may also need to find himself being coached by some very, very tolerant coaches. Oh well Ronnie, at least the intentions there.
With four minutes left to play at the Lobanovsky Dynamo Stadium, the Nerrazzuri were bottom of Champions League Group F, with a daunting trip to the Camp Nou still to come. The prospect of failing to progress to the knock-out stages of the competition was all too real, and such a failure would have raised serious doubts as to Jose Mourinho's stewardship of the club.
As it was, the late rally saw Inter climb to the top of the table, with Barcelona in third. There is no love lost between the 'Special One' and the Catalan giants, and the clash between the pair in Spain on November 24 could be one of the games of the season. A defeat for either side could put the chance of a place in the last sixteen in serious jeopardy. Bonfire night may have just passed, but expect more fireworks when the pair collide.
The victory over Dynamo Kiev was il Biscione's first in eight attempts in the Champions League, and credit to Mourinho, his decision to bring on Mario Balotelli and Thiago Motta when trailing at half-time firmly swung the tie in Inter's favour. Three consecutive draws in the group, including an insipid stalemate at Rubin Kazan had led to questions being asked over Mourinho's tactics and ability to deliver the illustrious trophy he was brought in to provide. Qualification is far from certain, but the picture is looking far healthier than it was with five minutes to play in Ukraine.
Mourinho will be up against a familiar face on Sunday, another ex Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri when he brings his Roma side to the Giuseppe Meazza. There is plenty of scope for verbal jousting given the Portugese tacticians relative success over Ranieri in west London and during Ranieri's stint at Juventus, but so far this week relations have proved amicable; “I respect Ranieri. It’s true we have had a few run-ins and who knows there could be more in future, but I respect him as a person and as a Coach,” said Mourinho. Ranieri returned the pleasantries by declaring, "I am neither friend nor foe to Mourinho, though clearly he is a capable Coach who is doing well in Italy."
The Giallorossi's shocking start to the season needs to end sometime soon, and although a trip to the home of the champions would not come that high on a list of preferred destinations, Ranieri insists il Lupi can get a result with a 'perfect performance.' So far, Roma's form has been anything but perfect, and with the league's top scorers facing the side with the second worst defence, the men from the eternal city will be seeking divine intervention.
If you thought that the murky past of Calciopoli had been laid to rest, think again. In a trial in Naples, The former secretary of the National Refereeing Commission, Manfredi Martino, has claimed that the random process of allocating referee's to matches was prone to being rigged. Martino has alleged that former referee designators Paolo Bergamo and Pierluigi Pairetto asked him to put the names of certain officials into specific balls, “On two occasions Bergamo and Pairetto told me explicitly to put the names of certain games and the names of certain referees into the balls that were easily recognisable,” Martino told the court. He has also suggested the process was used during a potential Scudetto deciding match between Milan and Juventus. Further revelations could come out as the case continues.
In possibly the most laughable career plan you'll hear for a while, Ronaldinho has claimed he would like to finish his career in Milan...and play until he's 40!! Reports had surfaced in the Spanish Media that Dinho was planning to retire from playing football aged just 29, but the Brazilian ace has scotched those rumours and insists he aims to immitate a Rossoneri legend, "I am enjoying myself. I like this Milan. I want to be like Maldini and play until I am 40 and even older." If his aims are to become reality, the Samba star could do with taking a few notes on Maldini's lifestyle, which didn't include drinking and dancing in the city's nightclubs until all hours and neglecting training. He may also need to find himself being coached by some very, very tolerant coaches. Oh well Ronnie, at least the intentions there.
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
Milan 1 - 1 Real Madrid
Between them, Milan and Real Madrid have lifted the European Cup in its various guises no fewer than 16 times. Don’t expect that joint tally to be increased this season.
In years previous, the meeting of two of Europe’s most decorated institutions could have given a strong indicator as to the eventual victor of the competition. Last nights match-up, following on from the reverse fixture a fortnight ago, only served to highlight how far the mighty have fallen. The names still demand respect, the product does not.
The Rossoneri’s 3-2 win in Madrid on Matchday Three stirred the neutral audience and delighted the UEFA high command in equal measure. The five goals shared amidst the backdrop of the glistening Santiago Bernabeu was delivered by a cast of A-list names with Hollywood reputations. The entertainment value produced deserved the UEFA red carpet treatment it was granted, but after the audience had gone home, the actors had retreated to their plush pads, and the floodlights dimmed at the set, there was an amateurish feel to the production – littered with dropped lines, stumbles and fumbles. The cut throat nature of the Champions League means there is no scope for a re-take.
Last night, with Milan hosting, the error strewn goal-feast from the Bernabeu was not re-enacted, and a 1-1 draw meant status quo was maintained in Group C. Il Diavolo head los Meringues by goal difference, both on seven points, both ahead of Marseilles whom trail by a point with two games left to play. Having negotiated each other, the duo should progress at the expense of Marseille and FC Zurich.
They should progress, but beneath the grandiose façade the names and tradition bring, there is a brittle, insecure feeling about two teams who seem ill equipped to compete with the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea for this years crown. Real’s comical defensive showing allowed Milan to grab all three points in Spain, whilst Leonardo’s men have already succumbed at home to Group whipping boys Zurich. The old air of invincibility no longer remains.
Indeed, again last night, mistakes were a recurring theme, often punctuating the undoubted quality on show. Los Blanco’s deservedly took the lead after half an hour when another Goalkeeping gaffe from Dida allowed Karim Benzema to slot home after the Teflon-gloved ‘keeper spilled Kaka’s low drive. Kaka, returning to his spiritual home for the first time since his switch to Real was the one beacon of true class. Menacingly floating behind Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain, the Brazilian glided and ghosted past his former team-mates, picking a series of devious passes and embarking on dangerous dribbles in and around the final third, linking with the lively Benzema to good effect. Real managed sixteen attempts on the Milan goal in the first half alone, yet were fortunate not to find themselves trailing at the interval.
Ronaldinho, rising from his Serie A slumber for the big occasion, equalised by slamming an unstoppable penalty high past Iker Casillas after Pepe was adjudged to have handled a Gianluca Zambrotta cross. Then, shortly before half-time, Real’s defensive frailties were further exposed when Alexandre Pato latched onto a high ball forward and fired home, only to be harshly called back for a foul on Alvaro Arbeloa.
The break brought a more formulaic approach to the second half after the end-to-end freestyle of the first, chances were harder to come by, with Massimo Ambrosini shackling the threat of Kaka, yet sub Pippo Inzaghi for the Rossoneri and Marcelo and Raul for los Meringues all had opportunities to snatch the tie.
The game shared, a point gained. However, over 180 minutes, neither of the teams will have convinced onlookers that their positive attacking play will prevail over their definite deficiencies. Milan, such as their domestic form suggests, are severely lacking in the quality of personnel to elevate themselves to the level of serious challengers to win the Champions League. Their forward forays are heavily laden on the exciting Pato and the inconsistent Ronaldinho, with their defence and midfield looking limited in pace.
Real on the other hand have yet to constructively collate the individual components of their squad into any sort of team unit. The formation is a mystery, the blueprint still in the design stage. Such credentials will be unforgiving when they face a team of true pedigree. Cristiano Ronaldo’s return will provide even more offensive outlay, but will not resolve any of the confusion further back. Florentino Perez’s dream team remains just a dream.
Leonardo – “They played better in the first half, created spaces and chances. We were too deep. I'd say the second half was the opposite, as we had the better of it and overall the draw is the right result. To be honest, we feel a bit of regret, as I felt we could win it and strike them at the right time. I'm happy with the way the team played and approached the test.”
Manuel Pellegrini - "I want to talk about how we played in the first half and our attitude, Only Alexandre Pato had a chance for Milan in the first half, but in the second half Milan's style made life difficult for us. In the second half, we held the ball better and by the end I would say we deserved the three points."
Milan 1-1 Real Madrid - Ronaldinho (P) 35 – Benzema 29
Milan (4-2-3-1): Dida - Oddo, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta - Ambrosini, Pirlo - Pato, Seedorf, Ronaldinho – Boriello (Inzaghi 79)
Real Madrid (4-2-2-2): Casillas- Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, Arbeloa – Lass Diarra, Xabi Alonso – Kaka, Marcelo – Higuain (Raul 75), Benzema (V.Nistelrooy 82)
In years previous, the meeting of two of Europe’s most decorated institutions could have given a strong indicator as to the eventual victor of the competition. Last nights match-up, following on from the reverse fixture a fortnight ago, only served to highlight how far the mighty have fallen. The names still demand respect, the product does not.
The Rossoneri’s 3-2 win in Madrid on Matchday Three stirred the neutral audience and delighted the UEFA high command in equal measure. The five goals shared amidst the backdrop of the glistening Santiago Bernabeu was delivered by a cast of A-list names with Hollywood reputations. The entertainment value produced deserved the UEFA red carpet treatment it was granted, but after the audience had gone home, the actors had retreated to their plush pads, and the floodlights dimmed at the set, there was an amateurish feel to the production – littered with dropped lines, stumbles and fumbles. The cut throat nature of the Champions League means there is no scope for a re-take.
Last night, with Milan hosting, the error strewn goal-feast from the Bernabeu was not re-enacted, and a 1-1 draw meant status quo was maintained in Group C. Il Diavolo head los Meringues by goal difference, both on seven points, both ahead of Marseilles whom trail by a point with two games left to play. Having negotiated each other, the duo should progress at the expense of Marseille and FC Zurich.
They should progress, but beneath the grandiose façade the names and tradition bring, there is a brittle, insecure feeling about two teams who seem ill equipped to compete with the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea for this years crown. Real’s comical defensive showing allowed Milan to grab all three points in Spain, whilst Leonardo’s men have already succumbed at home to Group whipping boys Zurich. The old air of invincibility no longer remains.
Indeed, again last night, mistakes were a recurring theme, often punctuating the undoubted quality on show. Los Blanco’s deservedly took the lead after half an hour when another Goalkeeping gaffe from Dida allowed Karim Benzema to slot home after the Teflon-gloved ‘keeper spilled Kaka’s low drive. Kaka, returning to his spiritual home for the first time since his switch to Real was the one beacon of true class. Menacingly floating behind Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain, the Brazilian glided and ghosted past his former team-mates, picking a series of devious passes and embarking on dangerous dribbles in and around the final third, linking with the lively Benzema to good effect. Real managed sixteen attempts on the Milan goal in the first half alone, yet were fortunate not to find themselves trailing at the interval.
Ronaldinho, rising from his Serie A slumber for the big occasion, equalised by slamming an unstoppable penalty high past Iker Casillas after Pepe was adjudged to have handled a Gianluca Zambrotta cross. Then, shortly before half-time, Real’s defensive frailties were further exposed when Alexandre Pato latched onto a high ball forward and fired home, only to be harshly called back for a foul on Alvaro Arbeloa.
The break brought a more formulaic approach to the second half after the end-to-end freestyle of the first, chances were harder to come by, with Massimo Ambrosini shackling the threat of Kaka, yet sub Pippo Inzaghi for the Rossoneri and Marcelo and Raul for los Meringues all had opportunities to snatch the tie.
The game shared, a point gained. However, over 180 minutes, neither of the teams will have convinced onlookers that their positive attacking play will prevail over their definite deficiencies. Milan, such as their domestic form suggests, are severely lacking in the quality of personnel to elevate themselves to the level of serious challengers to win the Champions League. Their forward forays are heavily laden on the exciting Pato and the inconsistent Ronaldinho, with their defence and midfield looking limited in pace.
Real on the other hand have yet to constructively collate the individual components of their squad into any sort of team unit. The formation is a mystery, the blueprint still in the design stage. Such credentials will be unforgiving when they face a team of true pedigree. Cristiano Ronaldo’s return will provide even more offensive outlay, but will not resolve any of the confusion further back. Florentino Perez’s dream team remains just a dream.
Leonardo – “They played better in the first half, created spaces and chances. We were too deep. I'd say the second half was the opposite, as we had the better of it and overall the draw is the right result. To be honest, we feel a bit of regret, as I felt we could win it and strike them at the right time. I'm happy with the way the team played and approached the test.”
Manuel Pellegrini - "I want to talk about how we played in the first half and our attitude, Only Alexandre Pato had a chance for Milan in the first half, but in the second half Milan's style made life difficult for us. In the second half, we held the ball better and by the end I would say we deserved the three points."
Milan 1-1 Real Madrid - Ronaldinho (P) 35 – Benzema 29
Milan (4-2-3-1): Dida - Oddo, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta - Ambrosini, Pirlo - Pato, Seedorf, Ronaldinho – Boriello (Inzaghi 79)
Real Madrid (4-2-2-2): Casillas- Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, Arbeloa – Lass Diarra, Xabi Alonso – Kaka, Marcelo – Higuain (Raul 75), Benzema (V.Nistelrooy 82)
Statistics
Milan – Real Madrid
4 - Corners - 7
9 (2) - Shots (on target) - 24 (10)
14 - Fouls - 19
1 (0) - Yellow cards (Red) - 3 (0)
3 - Offside - 3
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Life begins at the quarter
This week’s fixture double-header took us past the completion of the first quarter of the season. The quarter-mark is one of those occasions - like a particularly unwelcome birthday or anniversary - which creeps up surprisingly quickly, and when it does arrive, it provokes a sense of worrying realisation; That this is it, this is the moment, this is how it's going to be - you'd better get used to it.
If you looked into the bathroom mirror on the morning of this particularly unwelcome birthday or anniversary, what would you see? Would you see an Inter? Thrilling nobody. Far from complete, yet assuming an air of relative success, partially borne out of others failings rather than your own brilliance? Could a Juventus look back at you? You see potential, you see a winning formula, you see all the credentials of past glories returning, but then you see the unconvincing unit unlikely to deliver the promises. What about a Milan? A withering wreck, old and tired, but with a deep, underlying sense of achievement you are determined to regain? Or is it a Roma? A life in crisis? A shambles?
Two home wins this week mean Mourinho's Nerazzurri occupy their resident top-spot with a four-point lead over Juve. Well documented on these pages, il Biscione's problems lie further afield than their Serie A domain, where already they look the most accomplished side in the league. The first ten games have taught us nothing new about the Campione d'Italia, but without doubt they remain the strongest and most consistent team on the peninsula. Without regularly ascending to the heights they could and possibly should, Inter's stranglehold on the Scudetto should remain if they can avoid venturing into the sort of self-destruction favoured by their title rivals in recent years.
Over in Turin and tides are high following a 5-1 drubbing of surprise forerunners, Sampdoria. Following on from the weekends 1-0 defeat of Siena, the Bianconeri leapfrogged Samp into second with a sublime performance at the Stadio Olipmpico. The destructive performance over a previously impressive Blucerchiati, is an indication of the sort of football Juve could play if they can effectively harness the talent at their disposal. Certainly they appear the most likely pretenders to Inter's crown, and the nature of their humbling of Samp led to Brazilian trequartista Diego to suggest, "The Juve we see today are the Juve side able to win the Scudetto." Unfortunately, Diego, nobody knows when that Juve is likely to re-appear. Proceeding Samp, an Amauri header was just enough to squeeze past basement dwellers Siena, which was la Vecchia Signora's first win in five. The first part of the season has seen only brief glimpses of what Juve are capable of, the rest has
been an eclectic mish-mash of nearly men. A disjointed team, changing tactics and personnel, served with a general lack of conviction that they can actually topple Inter. Wednesday nights offering needs to become the norm rather than an anomaly if Ciro Ferrara is to break the Inter monopoly.
The chance of a Scudetto for Milan seemed a distant wish just a few weeks ago, and despite a mini-resurgence, their prospects have improved little. Three wins from four have lifted the immediate threat to Coach Leonardo's job, but sat in 5th place, nine points off old foe's Inter, the Rossoneri's peerage can be found in the Champions League chasing pack rather than any closer to the summit. The chronic lack of goals has been restored of late - finding the net nine times in the four match sequence - but the defensive frailties are at large, with six goals being shipped in over the same period, including two in injury time as Napoli rescued a point at the San Paolo. The club have this week finally confirmed the arrival of David Beckham back for a second stint in January. Beckham's arrival will not be sufficient to breach the gaping chasm between il Diavolo and their cross-town rivals, the focus should instead be on securing that top four finish.
If only Roma could have their eye on a top four finish. For 2007 and 2008’s Serie A runners-up, the terminal slide continues. I Giallorossi have now lost their last three games to find themselves mired in mid-table mediocrity. The 1-0 home reverse to Livorno summarises the inadequacies of a team riddled with injuries, poor form and an overall sense of demoralised dissatisfaction surrounding the club. They are still over-reliant on Francesco Totti, and given his medical record, that’s not wise. The ownership issues and rumours of debt surrounding the club will not go away, and supporters are being left to wander will the squad be revitalised come January or broken down for scrap? Given i Lupi have gotten to the knock-out stages of the Champions League in the last few seasons, it’s difficult to see what would constitute a good finish this time around given all going on. Euro football of some sort, should be attainable.
In other news, if any of the above clubs decide a change of Coach is needed, that figure you see on the horizon dusting down the touchline rain-jacket and scarf combo is ex Nerazzurri tactician, Roberto Mancini. Mancini has finally terminated himself from his Inter contract, thus allowing him to negotiate with other interested parties. As part of his severance deal thrashed out with President Moratti, Mancini remained on Inter’s payroll, meaning any club wishing to use his services would have to presumably match his £6m a year annual salary, whilst also reach a compensation package with the San Siro giants.
That arrangement has all been ended now, and as a result it seems Mancini could be about to land himself a new job at Real Madrid, or if he’s not careful, Notts County. Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini is feeling the heat following one win in the last five games, including the humiliation of a 4-0 rout by minnows Alcoron in the Copa del Rey. Of course, this hasn’t gone down too well with Florentino Perez and the £200m or so he’s splashed out on a new team. Just three months into the season and rumours are rife that Perez fancies a new coach for his new team, with Mancini top of the list. The speculation was not exactly dampened by Mancini himself who told Sky Sport Italia, “At times you never think you will train a certain team and then you end up training that very team. We’ll see what happens in the coming weeks.”
Pellegrini beware, unless Mancini’s talking about Notts County?
If you looked into the bathroom mirror on the morning of this particularly unwelcome birthday or anniversary, what would you see? Would you see an Inter? Thrilling nobody. Far from complete, yet assuming an air of relative success, partially borne out of others failings rather than your own brilliance? Could a Juventus look back at you? You see potential, you see a winning formula, you see all the credentials of past glories returning, but then you see the unconvincing unit unlikely to deliver the promises. What about a Milan? A withering wreck, old and tired, but with a deep, underlying sense of achievement you are determined to regain? Or is it a Roma? A life in crisis? A shambles?
Two home wins this week mean Mourinho's Nerazzurri occupy their resident top-spot with a four-point lead over Juve. Well documented on these pages, il Biscione's problems lie further afield than their Serie A domain, where already they look the most accomplished side in the league. The first ten games have taught us nothing new about the Campione d'Italia, but without doubt they remain the strongest and most consistent team on the peninsula. Without regularly ascending to the heights they could and possibly should, Inter's stranglehold on the Scudetto should remain if they can avoid venturing into the sort of self-destruction favoured by their title rivals in recent years.
Over in Turin and tides are high following a 5-1 drubbing of surprise forerunners, Sampdoria. Following on from the weekends 1-0 defeat of Siena, the Bianconeri leapfrogged Samp into second with a sublime performance at the Stadio Olipmpico. The destructive performance over a previously impressive Blucerchiati, is an indication of the sort of football Juve could play if they can effectively harness the talent at their disposal. Certainly they appear the most likely pretenders to Inter's crown, and the nature of their humbling of Samp led to Brazilian trequartista Diego to suggest, "The Juve we see today are the Juve side able to win the Scudetto." Unfortunately, Diego, nobody knows when that Juve is likely to re-appear. Proceeding Samp, an Amauri header was just enough to squeeze past basement dwellers Siena, which was la Vecchia Signora's first win in five. The first part of the season has seen only brief glimpses of what Juve are capable of, the rest has
been an eclectic mish-mash of nearly men. A disjointed team, changing tactics and personnel, served with a general lack of conviction that they can actually topple Inter. Wednesday nights offering needs to become the norm rather than an anomaly if Ciro Ferrara is to break the Inter monopoly.
The chance of a Scudetto for Milan seemed a distant wish just a few weeks ago, and despite a mini-resurgence, their prospects have improved little. Three wins from four have lifted the immediate threat to Coach Leonardo's job, but sat in 5th place, nine points off old foe's Inter, the Rossoneri's peerage can be found in the Champions League chasing pack rather than any closer to the summit. The chronic lack of goals has been restored of late - finding the net nine times in the four match sequence - but the defensive frailties are at large, with six goals being shipped in over the same period, including two in injury time as Napoli rescued a point at the San Paolo. The club have this week finally confirmed the arrival of David Beckham back for a second stint in January. Beckham's arrival will not be sufficient to breach the gaping chasm between il Diavolo and their cross-town rivals, the focus should instead be on securing that top four finish.
If only Roma could have their eye on a top four finish. For 2007 and 2008’s Serie A runners-up, the terminal slide continues. I Giallorossi have now lost their last three games to find themselves mired in mid-table mediocrity. The 1-0 home reverse to Livorno summarises the inadequacies of a team riddled with injuries, poor form and an overall sense of demoralised dissatisfaction surrounding the club. They are still over-reliant on Francesco Totti, and given his medical record, that’s not wise. The ownership issues and rumours of debt surrounding the club will not go away, and supporters are being left to wander will the squad be revitalised come January or broken down for scrap? Given i Lupi have gotten to the knock-out stages of the Champions League in the last few seasons, it’s difficult to see what would constitute a good finish this time around given all going on. Euro football of some sort, should be attainable.
In other news, if any of the above clubs decide a change of Coach is needed, that figure you see on the horizon dusting down the touchline rain-jacket and scarf combo is ex Nerazzurri tactician, Roberto Mancini. Mancini has finally terminated himself from his Inter contract, thus allowing him to negotiate with other interested parties. As part of his severance deal thrashed out with President Moratti, Mancini remained on Inter’s payroll, meaning any club wishing to use his services would have to presumably match his £6m a year annual salary, whilst also reach a compensation package with the San Siro giants.
That arrangement has all been ended now, and as a result it seems Mancini could be about to land himself a new job at Real Madrid, or if he’s not careful, Notts County. Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini is feeling the heat following one win in the last five games, including the humiliation of a 4-0 rout by minnows Alcoron in the Copa del Rey. Of course, this hasn’t gone down too well with Florentino Perez and the £200m or so he’s splashed out on a new team. Just three months into the season and rumours are rife that Perez fancies a new coach for his new team, with Mancini top of the list. The speculation was not exactly dampened by Mancini himself who told Sky Sport Italia, “At times you never think you will train a certain team and then you end up training that very team. We’ll see what happens in the coming weeks.”
Pellegrini beware, unless Mancini’s talking about Notts County?
Friday, 23 October 2009
News from the Peninsula # 4
News regarding Internazionale is beginning to take on a rather familiar theme. On home soil, although far from perfect, things are pretty much going according to plan. An impressive 5-0 humbling of Genoa at the weekend kept the Nerazzurri safely sat in their resident top spot on the Serie A ladder. Unfortunately, ventures on the European scene are far from cosy, a 2-2 draw with Dynamo Kiev at the San Siro on Tuesday means la Beneamata are faced with the all too real prospect of failing to qualify from their Champions League group.
Although Rubin Kazan’s shock victory in the Camp Nou has congealed Group F together, Inter’s fixtures don’t fall too kind. A trip into the frosty perils of Kiev is next up, before facing Barca on their usually impenetrable home patch. A run of eight Champions League games without a win must be halted immediately if Inter are to be involved in the competition in the New Year. Perhaps the most baffling aspect of the struggles is that their position tells no lies. The performances of the team have not merited results greater than they have achieved, and this case stretches back over a year to the time they last recorded a win in the ‘Big Cup’. For all of their domestic dominance, Jose Mourinho’s side are struggling to adapt to the challenges of facing the Continents best teams. Group F is no stroll, but should prove ultimately manageable for a team of Inter’s ambition. Following the Kiev stumble, Inter legend Marco Tardelli spoke of his former side lacking the ‘DNA’ to play in Europe, and it is certainly a case that in European ties il Biscione lack the conviction of Italian champions.
By trying to dissect what’s gone wrong, there are no obvious signs as to why the transition is such an issue. The squad has been suitably bolstered to a level whereby President Moratti and the Interisti should expect a decent assault on the Champions League, or at the very least there should be signs of improvement and a sense of evolution towards a side capable of winning the competition. Nor have there been any great injury crisis’ or refereeing injustices. Indeed the ‘Special One’ has few excuses as to why his troops are performing so badly on an arena he was hired to excel in. The buck must stop with Mourinho, as a tactician and a motivator, to raise the team from it’s slumber, and resemble the powerhouse club it can be. Given his salary and reputation, Mourinho would be treading very thin ice should the worst happen. Since his 2004 success with Porto, he has enjoyed great resource both from Chelsea and Inter to replicate that achievement. Numerous failed attempts later, the ‘special’ tag is in danger of becoming myth, not legend.
Neighbour’s Milan’s mini resurgence has eased the pressure slightly on Coach Leonardo, although the upturn will have to be sustained for a good few weeks yet to dispel fears that the Rossoneri hot seat is a job too soon for the Brazilian. Some of the many on-field woes for il Diavolo has been about the woeful goals tally they’ve returned. Just six in eight league games has done little to take the pressure off a defence who remain creakier than an Ikea book-shelf. Good news then that Alexandre Pato has kicked into gear, scoring the decisive goal against Roma, and adding another two at the Bernabeu. Since arriving at the San Siro, Pato averages just under a goal every two games – a healthy return for a recently turned twenty-year-old, who’s been used off the bench and had to acclimatise to a new league. With Ronaldinho erratic and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar struggling, Leonardo will be looking to his young countryman to show what all the hype is about.
It has been reported that Luciano Spalletti has politely declined the vacant Coach’s position at Atletico Madrid. Spalletti, 50, has been out of work since quitting Roma in the summer, and decided against taking over from Abel Resino, who picked up his P45 as a result of Atletico’s awful start to the campaign. With the notorious Gil family still having heavy influence on the Atletico board, it is no surprise the job has arose seventeen times in the last nineteen years. Former Valencia tactician Quique Sanchez Flores has bravely stepped up to the slaughter.
Christian Vieri has this week announced he’s decided to hang up his boots. Vieri, now 36, has been without a club since terminating his contract with Atalanta in April, and says he is finished with football, “I no longer have the desire to play and I am not even tempted to move abroad”. ‘Bobo’ terrified Serie A defences in the early part of the decade, his spell at Inter following his then world record transfer move from Lazio in 1999 saw him become the most prolific striker in Europe before injuries caught up with him. The physique of the gladiator has gone - now reminiscent of a Roman ruin. Vieri has joined the world poker tour and is still involved in a legal battle with former employers Inter over alleged tapping of his phones during his time at the Meazza.
Although Rubin Kazan’s shock victory in the Camp Nou has congealed Group F together, Inter’s fixtures don’t fall too kind. A trip into the frosty perils of Kiev is next up, before facing Barca on their usually impenetrable home patch. A run of eight Champions League games without a win must be halted immediately if Inter are to be involved in the competition in the New Year. Perhaps the most baffling aspect of the struggles is that their position tells no lies. The performances of the team have not merited results greater than they have achieved, and this case stretches back over a year to the time they last recorded a win in the ‘Big Cup’. For all of their domestic dominance, Jose Mourinho’s side are struggling to adapt to the challenges of facing the Continents best teams. Group F is no stroll, but should prove ultimately manageable for a team of Inter’s ambition. Following the Kiev stumble, Inter legend Marco Tardelli spoke of his former side lacking the ‘DNA’ to play in Europe, and it is certainly a case that in European ties il Biscione lack the conviction of Italian champions.
By trying to dissect what’s gone wrong, there are no obvious signs as to why the transition is such an issue. The squad has been suitably bolstered to a level whereby President Moratti and the Interisti should expect a decent assault on the Champions League, or at the very least there should be signs of improvement and a sense of evolution towards a side capable of winning the competition. Nor have there been any great injury crisis’ or refereeing injustices. Indeed the ‘Special One’ has few excuses as to why his troops are performing so badly on an arena he was hired to excel in. The buck must stop with Mourinho, as a tactician and a motivator, to raise the team from it’s slumber, and resemble the powerhouse club it can be. Given his salary and reputation, Mourinho would be treading very thin ice should the worst happen. Since his 2004 success with Porto, he has enjoyed great resource both from Chelsea and Inter to replicate that achievement. Numerous failed attempts later, the ‘special’ tag is in danger of becoming myth, not legend.
Neighbour’s Milan’s mini resurgence has eased the pressure slightly on Coach Leonardo, although the upturn will have to be sustained for a good few weeks yet to dispel fears that the Rossoneri hot seat is a job too soon for the Brazilian. Some of the many on-field woes for il Diavolo has been about the woeful goals tally they’ve returned. Just six in eight league games has done little to take the pressure off a defence who remain creakier than an Ikea book-shelf. Good news then that Alexandre Pato has kicked into gear, scoring the decisive goal against Roma, and adding another two at the Bernabeu. Since arriving at the San Siro, Pato averages just under a goal every two games – a healthy return for a recently turned twenty-year-old, who’s been used off the bench and had to acclimatise to a new league. With Ronaldinho erratic and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar struggling, Leonardo will be looking to his young countryman to show what all the hype is about.
It has been reported that Luciano Spalletti has politely declined the vacant Coach’s position at Atletico Madrid. Spalletti, 50, has been out of work since quitting Roma in the summer, and decided against taking over from Abel Resino, who picked up his P45 as a result of Atletico’s awful start to the campaign. With the notorious Gil family still having heavy influence on the Atletico board, it is no surprise the job has arose seventeen times in the last nineteen years. Former Valencia tactician Quique Sanchez Flores has bravely stepped up to the slaughter.
Christian Vieri has this week announced he’s decided to hang up his boots. Vieri, now 36, has been without a club since terminating his contract with Atalanta in April, and says he is finished with football, “I no longer have the desire to play and I am not even tempted to move abroad”. ‘Bobo’ terrified Serie A defences in the early part of the decade, his spell at Inter following his then world record transfer move from Lazio in 1999 saw him become the most prolific striker in Europe before injuries caught up with him. The physique of the gladiator has gone - now reminiscent of a Roman ruin. Vieri has joined the world poker tour and is still involved in a legal battle with former employers Inter over alleged tapping of his phones during his time at the Meazza.
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Will the real Ibrahimovic please stand up?
The shortlist for the 2009 European Footballer of the Year was revealed this week, and it makes pretty grim reading for Calcio fans. Only four of the nominees currently ply their trade in Serie A, none of whom are actually Italian. The bulk of the shortlist was made up from the Premier League and La Liga - reflecting the dominance the English and Spanish clubs have had on the continents football scene over the last few years.
How times have changed since the halcyon days of Italian football, when the wealth of the Agnelli's, the Moratti's and Silvio Berlusconi bankrolled the arrival of footballs illuminati. During the 1980's and 90's, the Ballon d'Or took up semi-permanent residence on the peninsula - no fewer than thirteen times during this period did the winner of the award play for an Italian club. In 1988 and 1989 alone, the top three spots for the player of the year all went to members of the great Milan side of the day. Serie A was the place to be seen. But the order of rule has changed. An indictment of the definite power-shift in Europe, is that both of Serie A's top commodities - Kaka and Zlatan Ibrahimovic - felt it necessary to abscond to Spain this summer to maximise their peak footballing years. Kaka, winner of the ‘Golden Ball’ in 2007, has made the France Football shortlist but appears to be defaulted in by association rather than any great achievements in 2009. Ibrahimovic on the other hand, thoroughly does merit his place - but has no chance of winning it.
The abruptness of the last statement may sound harsh given that Lionel Messi's unparalleled brilliance over the last 18-months means he's almost certain to be handed the moniker of Europe’s best player. However, Ibra still fails to attain the greater kudos afforded to some of his peers, and outside of the peninsula, scepticism remains about his effectiveness and big-game temperament. Aged 28, and with five years in Italy behind him, the Swedish striker has never been able to fully cement his reputation as one of the game's true world-class performers. Even this season - Ibra's annus mirabilis - in which his 25 league goals and countless inspirational displays carried Inter to a third successive Scudetto, the prosecution is strong. Once again 'Ibracadabra' failed to prove his undoubted ability on the biggest stage. One goal in eight Champions League games, including two insipid showings against Manchester United, only fuelled the fire of his critics who suggest he is nothing more than a show pony - a flat-track bully - who fails to live up to his billing when it is needed most. In truth, this mantle has been assigned to Ibra for some years now, with the argument strengthened with each indifferent showing against Europe’s elite. Quite simply, Ibrahimovic has never produced enough when it matters - against the strongest teams, when under pressure - to be universally lauded as one of the best.
Alongside Messi, the main contenders for the Ballon d'Or are Barcelona's creative combo of Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. The strength of Barca meant the pair were never relied upon to the extent Ibrahimovic was for the Nerazzurri. Even Ibra's single-minded, single-handed rescuing of Inter, is surpassed by the excellence of Xavi and Iniesta who effortlessly rose to task when the occasion came. The duo both excelled in the latter stages of La Blaugrana's triumphant Champions League campaign, culminating in an exquisite showing in the Final of the competition - their midfield artistry decimating Man Utd, laying the foundations for their team to win footballs biggest club game. On such showings do reputations and recognition grow. Such showings have been notable only by there absence from Ibra's portfolio.
So now he finds himself at the Camp Nou, an interesting acquisition in itself. The value of the transfer (including Samuel Eto'o as a makeweight) is second only to that of Cristiano Ronaldo. Given the sum paid, it is feasible the Catalan giants could have prized away Fernando Torres or David Villa from their respective clubs - strikers with a proven pedigree of goals at the highest level. Yet Pep Guardiola opted for Ibrahimovic, despite the unanswered questions. Given that Barca swept the board last season, there will be no place to hide. The disappearing acts will be quickly seized upon by the observant ‘culers’. His predecessor, Eto’o, had just fired thirty-six goals and had been the focal point of an unstoppable attacking unit. Aided by the invention of Messi, Henry, Xavi and Iniesta, a tailors dummy could regularly find the net for Barcelona. To maintain their current status, Barca will be expecting Ibrahimovic to deliver his much promised excellence in times which warrant his price tag. Should he fail, he will never shift the perception of being one of football’s nearly men. Should he succeed, the individual awards and acclaim will follow. Over to you, Zlatan.
How times have changed since the halcyon days of Italian football, when the wealth of the Agnelli's, the Moratti's and Silvio Berlusconi bankrolled the arrival of footballs illuminati. During the 1980's and 90's, the Ballon d'Or took up semi-permanent residence on the peninsula - no fewer than thirteen times during this period did the winner of the award play for an Italian club. In 1988 and 1989 alone, the top three spots for the player of the year all went to members of the great Milan side of the day. Serie A was the place to be seen. But the order of rule has changed. An indictment of the definite power-shift in Europe, is that both of Serie A's top commodities - Kaka and Zlatan Ibrahimovic - felt it necessary to abscond to Spain this summer to maximise their peak footballing years. Kaka, winner of the ‘Golden Ball’ in 2007, has made the France Football shortlist but appears to be defaulted in by association rather than any great achievements in 2009. Ibrahimovic on the other hand, thoroughly does merit his place - but has no chance of winning it.
The abruptness of the last statement may sound harsh given that Lionel Messi's unparalleled brilliance over the last 18-months means he's almost certain to be handed the moniker of Europe’s best player. However, Ibra still fails to attain the greater kudos afforded to some of his peers, and outside of the peninsula, scepticism remains about his effectiveness and big-game temperament. Aged 28, and with five years in Italy behind him, the Swedish striker has never been able to fully cement his reputation as one of the game's true world-class performers. Even this season - Ibra's annus mirabilis - in which his 25 league goals and countless inspirational displays carried Inter to a third successive Scudetto, the prosecution is strong. Once again 'Ibracadabra' failed to prove his undoubted ability on the biggest stage. One goal in eight Champions League games, including two insipid showings against Manchester United, only fuelled the fire of his critics who suggest he is nothing more than a show pony - a flat-track bully - who fails to live up to his billing when it is needed most. In truth, this mantle has been assigned to Ibra for some years now, with the argument strengthened with each indifferent showing against Europe’s elite. Quite simply, Ibrahimovic has never produced enough when it matters - against the strongest teams, when under pressure - to be universally lauded as one of the best.
Alongside Messi, the main contenders for the Ballon d'Or are Barcelona's creative combo of Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. The strength of Barca meant the pair were never relied upon to the extent Ibrahimovic was for the Nerazzurri. Even Ibra's single-minded, single-handed rescuing of Inter, is surpassed by the excellence of Xavi and Iniesta who effortlessly rose to task when the occasion came. The duo both excelled in the latter stages of La Blaugrana's triumphant Champions League campaign, culminating in an exquisite showing in the Final of the competition - their midfield artistry decimating Man Utd, laying the foundations for their team to win footballs biggest club game. On such showings do reputations and recognition grow. Such showings have been notable only by there absence from Ibra's portfolio.
So now he finds himself at the Camp Nou, an interesting acquisition in itself. The value of the transfer (including Samuel Eto'o as a makeweight) is second only to that of Cristiano Ronaldo. Given the sum paid, it is feasible the Catalan giants could have prized away Fernando Torres or David Villa from their respective clubs - strikers with a proven pedigree of goals at the highest level. Yet Pep Guardiola opted for Ibrahimovic, despite the unanswered questions. Given that Barca swept the board last season, there will be no place to hide. The disappearing acts will be quickly seized upon by the observant ‘culers’. His predecessor, Eto’o, had just fired thirty-six goals and had been the focal point of an unstoppable attacking unit. Aided by the invention of Messi, Henry, Xavi and Iniesta, a tailors dummy could regularly find the net for Barcelona. To maintain their current status, Barca will be expecting Ibrahimovic to deliver his much promised excellence in times which warrant his price tag. Should he fail, he will never shift the perception of being one of football’s nearly men. Should he succeed, the individual awards and acclaim will follow. Over to you, Zlatan.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Chelsea - safe in their castle, look to get back on track.
It's amazing what effect a humble little beach ball can have on proceedings. The sheer insanity of a goal coming courtesy of a deflection via the key component of Liverpool FC's £10 beach set seemed to send the nation into a tizz. The nature of the goal served to exasperate the problems afoot for Rafa Benitez and his men, it also tapered the praise Sunderland should have got for what was otherwise a thoroughly deserved victory, and a few hundred miles south, sneaking quietly out of Villa Park were a Chelsea team smarting from their second defeat in three Premier League outings.
Normally, in news terms, a title challenging side losing two out of three games ranks somewhere between a Royal death and Jordan's latest toyboy. However, thanks to 'beachball-gate' the Blues tucked themselves nicely into the middle of the footballing supplements, happy to allow their Merseyside rivals to wear the punches. Whilst their own failings may he been masked from wider public scrutiny, such defeats and dropped points will do nothing for Chelsea's inner confidence and collectiveness. Now with two losses in nine games, had in not been for injury time winners against Hull and Stoke, Carlo Ancelotti could be feeling the same sort of heat as Benitez.
Having won all four home games this season, scoring ten goals and conceding just one, the visit of Blackburn Rovers this weekend presents an immediately winnable opportunity for the Londoners to regain course. The recent defeats to Wigan and Aston Villa have not proved as critical as they should have been, with their nearest competitors also shedding unnecessary points. Question marks still remain over the lack of width the diamond formation provides, and how Chelsea deal with set-pieces. Both aspects will be tested by a Rovers side who will look to throttle the midfield, and test Chelsea's vulnerability to the aerial ball whenever possible.
Ancelotti welcomes back Michael Ballack to midfield, with Branislav Ivanovic set to deputise for the injured Jose Bosingwa. Didier Drogba comes back following European suspension; Joe Cole, Yuri Zhirkov and Jon Obi Mikel are striving for match-fitness and will have to settle for places on the bench.
Sam Allardyce is without derby day hero Franco Di Santo who is unavailable against his parent club, Jason Roberts should deputise with the rest of the side staying the same from that which beat neighbours Burnley last week. Rovers have yet to pick up a point on their travels this season, and were thumped 6-2 last time on the road to Arsenal. David Dunn who played off Di Santo in a forward role against Burnley is likely to shuffle back into a more orthodox midfield role to help stifle Chelsea's possession.
Nothing short of three points will do for Chelsea, who will hope to exorcise some of their demons dealing with balls into the box - which will surely come aplenty from a Sam Allardyce production. Blackburn, sat in twelfth place appear some way off challenging the likes of Villa, Sunderland and Everton for a Europa League place, and are nowhere near as bad as Portsmouth, Hull and the rest of the relegation fodder to get sucked into that mire. A season of mid-table mediocrity beckons, this is a game they need to get out of the way, offer them a point at Stamford Bridge and they'll rip your hand off. Chelsea should be good enough to take all three though.
Normally, in news terms, a title challenging side losing two out of three games ranks somewhere between a Royal death and Jordan's latest toyboy. However, thanks to 'beachball-gate' the Blues tucked themselves nicely into the middle of the footballing supplements, happy to allow their Merseyside rivals to wear the punches. Whilst their own failings may he been masked from wider public scrutiny, such defeats and dropped points will do nothing for Chelsea's inner confidence and collectiveness. Now with two losses in nine games, had in not been for injury time winners against Hull and Stoke, Carlo Ancelotti could be feeling the same sort of heat as Benitez.
Having won all four home games this season, scoring ten goals and conceding just one, the visit of Blackburn Rovers this weekend presents an immediately winnable opportunity for the Londoners to regain course. The recent defeats to Wigan and Aston Villa have not proved as critical as they should have been, with their nearest competitors also shedding unnecessary points. Question marks still remain over the lack of width the diamond formation provides, and how Chelsea deal with set-pieces. Both aspects will be tested by a Rovers side who will look to throttle the midfield, and test Chelsea's vulnerability to the aerial ball whenever possible.
Ancelotti welcomes back Michael Ballack to midfield, with Branislav Ivanovic set to deputise for the injured Jose Bosingwa. Didier Drogba comes back following European suspension; Joe Cole, Yuri Zhirkov and Jon Obi Mikel are striving for match-fitness and will have to settle for places on the bench.
1 Cech
2 Ivanovic – 6 Carvalho – 26 Terry – 3 A. Cole
5 Essien
13 Ballack – 20 Deco – 8 Lampard
11 Drogba – 39 Anelka
Sam Allardyce is without derby day hero Franco Di Santo who is unavailable against his parent club, Jason Roberts should deputise with the rest of the side staying the same from that which beat neighbours Burnley last week. Rovers have yet to pick up a point on their travels this season, and were thumped 6-2 last time on the road to Arsenal. David Dunn who played off Di Santo in a forward role against Burnley is likely to shuffle back into a more orthodox midfield role to help stifle Chelsea's possession.
1 Robinson
2 Jacobsen –4 Samba –6 Nelsen –39 Chimbonda
18 Diouf – 15 Nzonzi – 17 Andrews – 12 Pedersen
8 Dunn
9 Roberts
Nothing short of three points will do for Chelsea, who will hope to exorcise some of their demons dealing with balls into the box - which will surely come aplenty from a Sam Allardyce production. Blackburn, sat in twelfth place appear some way off challenging the likes of Villa, Sunderland and Everton for a Europa League place, and are nowhere near as bad as Portsmouth, Hull and the rest of the relegation fodder to get sucked into that mire. A season of mid-table mediocrity beckons, this is a game they need to get out of the way, offer them a point at Stamford Bridge and they'll rip your hand off. Chelsea should be good enough to take all three though.
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Ballon d'Or Nominations, European Footballer of the Year 2009
Across the globe 96 journalists have had their say. Each scribe loosely working to a similar personal formula of statistics, opinion and preference to try to ascertain who is the European Footballer of the Year for 2009.
Of course, like any awards, the mystique is created by the deliberation and conjecture of the subject, rather than the eventual prestige of the crowning. According to a special edition of Rolling Stone magazine produced in 2003, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is the greatest album of all time. Is it? The beauty of this fantastically audacious statement is that it almost certainly isn't correct. It can't be, and nor is there a definitive answer. So - with no definitive answer - as we eagerly await the regal gala to be held in Paris on December 1, who has been the best footballer on the continent for 2009? Let the debating begin.
For a start, our first contentious issue revolves around the timescale of performances. The award is technically given for the calender year of 2009, but it is safe to assume nominations are considered for endeavours over the footballing annum of 2008/09. Arguably the best international and club sides throughout this period have been Spain and Barcelona respectively. As such, both are heavily represented in the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or, produced by award organisers France Football Magazine. The thirty players - from fourteen different nations - are drawn from fourteen individual clubs in five seperate leagues. Barcelona have the most nominees of any club with six, Spain has the most nominations as a nation, also with six, whilst la Liga has the most players of any league on the list with thirteen. Interestingly, an indication of the monopoly of power the Champions League holds, only one player from the thirty - David Villa - will not be playing for a club in Europe's premier competition this season.
Villa is amongst the Spanish contingent recognised for their Euro 2008 success and imperious qualifying for South Africa 2010, along with Cesc Fabregas, Iker Casillas, Fernando Torres and Barcelona pair Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez. Barca's magnificent 2008/09 campaign saw Pep Guardiola's men conquer all before them to complete a domestic and European treble, and joining Xavi and Iniesta on the shortlist from the Camp Nou is Yaya Toure, Thierry Henry, the newly arrived Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and the man most believe will soon be European Footballer of the Year, Lionel Messi.
The facts and figures to substantiate Messi's claim to the crown are themselves frankly overwhelming. The Argentine ace scored an incredible 38 goals in 51 outings during 2008/09. He was the top-scorer in Los Blaugrana's Champions League winning side with nine goals, and his exploits in that competition saw him voted UEFA Club Forward, and UEFA Club Player of the Year. Bare statistics do not do justice to what Messi has produced over the last 12-18 months, and no figure can be placed on the amount of defenders he's slalomed past, or number of goals and chances he has created with his unique, rapier-like dribbling skills. In an outstanding team, Messi still shone brighter than most, and even this outstanding side often relied on their most outstanding asset to get results. In an early Champions League Group game away to Shakhtar Donetsk, Messi was summoned from the bench with his team trailing 1-0, two late Messi goals - the second a sublime chip over the keeper - won the game for Barca. He repeated this trick in a league fixture away to Racing Santander when he almost single handedly gained three points from a losing position with another brace. He scored in both El Classico games versus Real Madrid, earned a standing ovation from the Atletico Madrid supporters at the Vicente Calderon after scoring a hat-trick, and simply terrorised a bemused Bayern Munich defence during an unstoppable first 45 minutes of a Champions League quarter-final in which he scored two and set-up another. His 38th and final goal of a remarkable season was fittingly the deciding goal against Manchester United at the Stadio Olimpico to cap a simply amazing season for player and club. After that night in Rome, France Football may have well sent the 'Golden Ball' to the engravers.
From the outset it appears Messi just needs to show up in Paris to pick up the gong, deliver the obligatory acceptance speech and hob-nob with the Gnomes of Nyon and other various UEFA dignitaries, safe in the knowledge he's the best player in Europe. But, apart from the material nature of a trophy and your name added to a list of previous winners. Does the title actually exist, and should Messi be bestowed with the honour, have we got the right man? Take a step back, have a breather and make a good strong cup of rationlity with two spoon-fulls of lateral thinking.
By general consensus it's agreed Spain and Barcelona are currently elevated above their peers in the international and club game. The modus operandi of both teams is based on the seductive, rhythmic passing and movement of the ball, the domination of possesion allowing a fluency of player movement which proves so difficult to stop. The two constants in both Barcelona and Spain are the afforementioned Xavi and iniesta, two players largely credited with being pivotal to the style and subsequent success of both sides. Unfortunately for these players, statistics like those at Messi's disposal are less available to demonstrate just how important and influential they are to club and country. The unmistakeable fact is that these two players make the two best teams in the world tick. Without their presence in midfield, controlling and constructing games, Barca and Spain would not be as good as they are. Would the Torres-Villa partnership have flourished so without them? Could the Henry-Eto'o-Messi trident have blazed home over 100 goals last season in their absence? Unlike with an individual such as Messi, remove a Xavi or an Iniesta and a teams whole ethos can be taken away, their identity lost, and their effectiveness reduced, and it is this great indignity which too often sees such brilliant players overlooked when it comes to individual accolades.
A brief glimpse back through the Ballon d'Or alumini shows a liberal sprinkling of star strikers, dashing wingers and elegant playmakers. Defenders and other unfashionable niche's are harder to find, with only Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 and Matthias Sammer in 1996 topping the poll. In truth this has always been the case and always will be. The headline-makers make the headlines, and claim the glamour and the glory. Rather than fending off Xavi and Iniesta, instead Messi's main contender will be reigning European player of the year, and chief purveyor of glamour and glory, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Messi-Ronaldo debate is akin to Blur and Oasis at the birth of Britpop. Each remarkably similar yet worlds apart, both equally striving for supremacy, each having aquired an ardent and loyal fanbase, unwaivering to the others abilities. This year, Messi's merits mirror those on which Ronaldo was named both European and World Player of the year for 2008, combining tremendous individual displays with the end product of trophies won as a team collective. Ronaldo's own form over 2008/09 was indeed impressive, scoring 26 goals for Manchester United, and so far having fired in nine goals in his opening seven games following his world record transfer move to Real Madrid. The blistering start to life at the Bernabeu may have come a little too late to adjourn the coronation of Messi as the continents king, but in an interesting sub-plot, the two come head-to-head at the Camp Nou in the El Classico on November 29, just two days before France Football announce whether Messi has dethroned Ronaldo.
John Baines's European Footballer of the Year 2009
1) Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina
2) Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona and Spain
3) Andres Iniesta, Barcelona and Spain
4) Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Barcelona and Sweden
5) Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Spain.
Of course, like any awards, the mystique is created by the deliberation and conjecture of the subject, rather than the eventual prestige of the crowning. According to a special edition of Rolling Stone magazine produced in 2003, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is the greatest album of all time. Is it? The beauty of this fantastically audacious statement is that it almost certainly isn't correct. It can't be, and nor is there a definitive answer. So - with no definitive answer - as we eagerly await the regal gala to be held in Paris on December 1, who has been the best footballer on the continent for 2009? Let the debating begin.
For a start, our first contentious issue revolves around the timescale of performances. The award is technically given for the calender year of 2009, but it is safe to assume nominations are considered for endeavours over the footballing annum of 2008/09. Arguably the best international and club sides throughout this period have been Spain and Barcelona respectively. As such, both are heavily represented in the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or, produced by award organisers France Football Magazine. The thirty players - from fourteen different nations - are drawn from fourteen individual clubs in five seperate leagues. Barcelona have the most nominees of any club with six, Spain has the most nominations as a nation, also with six, whilst la Liga has the most players of any league on the list with thirteen. Interestingly, an indication of the monopoly of power the Champions League holds, only one player from the thirty - David Villa - will not be playing for a club in Europe's premier competition this season.
Villa is amongst the Spanish contingent recognised for their Euro 2008 success and imperious qualifying for South Africa 2010, along with Cesc Fabregas, Iker Casillas, Fernando Torres and Barcelona pair Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez. Barca's magnificent 2008/09 campaign saw Pep Guardiola's men conquer all before them to complete a domestic and European treble, and joining Xavi and Iniesta on the shortlist from the Camp Nou is Yaya Toure, Thierry Henry, the newly arrived Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and the man most believe will soon be European Footballer of the Year, Lionel Messi.
The facts and figures to substantiate Messi's claim to the crown are themselves frankly overwhelming. The Argentine ace scored an incredible 38 goals in 51 outings during 2008/09. He was the top-scorer in Los Blaugrana's Champions League winning side with nine goals, and his exploits in that competition saw him voted UEFA Club Forward, and UEFA Club Player of the Year. Bare statistics do not do justice to what Messi has produced over the last 12-18 months, and no figure can be placed on the amount of defenders he's slalomed past, or number of goals and chances he has created with his unique, rapier-like dribbling skills. In an outstanding team, Messi still shone brighter than most, and even this outstanding side often relied on their most outstanding asset to get results. In an early Champions League Group game away to Shakhtar Donetsk, Messi was summoned from the bench with his team trailing 1-0, two late Messi goals - the second a sublime chip over the keeper - won the game for Barca. He repeated this trick in a league fixture away to Racing Santander when he almost single handedly gained three points from a losing position with another brace. He scored in both El Classico games versus Real Madrid, earned a standing ovation from the Atletico Madrid supporters at the Vicente Calderon after scoring a hat-trick, and simply terrorised a bemused Bayern Munich defence during an unstoppable first 45 minutes of a Champions League quarter-final in which he scored two and set-up another. His 38th and final goal of a remarkable season was fittingly the deciding goal against Manchester United at the Stadio Olimpico to cap a simply amazing season for player and club. After that night in Rome, France Football may have well sent the 'Golden Ball' to the engravers.
From the outset it appears Messi just needs to show up in Paris to pick up the gong, deliver the obligatory acceptance speech and hob-nob with the Gnomes of Nyon and other various UEFA dignitaries, safe in the knowledge he's the best player in Europe. But, apart from the material nature of a trophy and your name added to a list of previous winners. Does the title actually exist, and should Messi be bestowed with the honour, have we got the right man? Take a step back, have a breather and make a good strong cup of rationlity with two spoon-fulls of lateral thinking.
By general consensus it's agreed Spain and Barcelona are currently elevated above their peers in the international and club game. The modus operandi of both teams is based on the seductive, rhythmic passing and movement of the ball, the domination of possesion allowing a fluency of player movement which proves so difficult to stop. The two constants in both Barcelona and Spain are the afforementioned Xavi and iniesta, two players largely credited with being pivotal to the style and subsequent success of both sides. Unfortunately for these players, statistics like those at Messi's disposal are less available to demonstrate just how important and influential they are to club and country. The unmistakeable fact is that these two players make the two best teams in the world tick. Without their presence in midfield, controlling and constructing games, Barca and Spain would not be as good as they are. Would the Torres-Villa partnership have flourished so without them? Could the Henry-Eto'o-Messi trident have blazed home over 100 goals last season in their absence? Unlike with an individual such as Messi, remove a Xavi or an Iniesta and a teams whole ethos can be taken away, their identity lost, and their effectiveness reduced, and it is this great indignity which too often sees such brilliant players overlooked when it comes to individual accolades.
A brief glimpse back through the Ballon d'Or alumini shows a liberal sprinkling of star strikers, dashing wingers and elegant playmakers. Defenders and other unfashionable niche's are harder to find, with only Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 and Matthias Sammer in 1996 topping the poll. In truth this has always been the case and always will be. The headline-makers make the headlines, and claim the glamour and the glory. Rather than fending off Xavi and Iniesta, instead Messi's main contender will be reigning European player of the year, and chief purveyor of glamour and glory, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Messi-Ronaldo debate is akin to Blur and Oasis at the birth of Britpop. Each remarkably similar yet worlds apart, both equally striving for supremacy, each having aquired an ardent and loyal fanbase, unwaivering to the others abilities. This year, Messi's merits mirror those on which Ronaldo was named both European and World Player of the year for 2008, combining tremendous individual displays with the end product of trophies won as a team collective. Ronaldo's own form over 2008/09 was indeed impressive, scoring 26 goals for Manchester United, and so far having fired in nine goals in his opening seven games following his world record transfer move to Real Madrid. The blistering start to life at the Bernabeu may have come a little too late to adjourn the coronation of Messi as the continents king, but in an interesting sub-plot, the two come head-to-head at the Camp Nou in the El Classico on November 29, just two days before France Football announce whether Messi has dethroned Ronaldo.
John Baines's European Footballer of the Year 2009
1) Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina
2) Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona and Spain
3) Andres Iniesta, Barcelona and Spain
4) Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Barcelona and Sweden
5) Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Spain.
Friday, 16 October 2009
Lippy Marcello blast the Tifosi
It's probably a good job that Diego Maradona isn't the coach of la Nazionale. Anybody who has seen or heard his rather vivid proposal to the Argentine press pack to engage in a particular act to a particular part of his body, could only dream of what he would have come up with had he been in Marcello Lippi's shoes on Wednesday night.
Having already qualified for the World Cup as Group winners, Lippi opted to change the whole of his starting X1 from the Republic of Ireland game, to that which was to face Cyprus at the Ennio Tardini. As a consequence, the plan backfired on a spectacularly bad Azzurri outfit who found themselves 2-0 down after 76 minutes to the unfancied Cypriots. The performance provoked a barrage of jeers and derisory chants from the 15,000 tifosi in the 28,000 capacity Tardini, who's very audible and collective abuse of the team enraged the Commissario Tecnico.
An enraged Lippi branded the fans as 'shameful' and 'a disgrace', but thankfully stopped short of re-enacting El Diego's hand movements and hip gyrations. "The supporters should show more love and recognition for this Nazionale. This team are World Champions. These players deserve a lot of respect.” Lippi added.
The lip service dished out from the terraces, in truth, was more than just a criticism of their efforts against Cyprus. The growing feeling amongst the support is that the side has been in decline since their 2006 World Cup heroics. Their long unbeaten run was vanquished by Brazil at the start of the year, a result that preceded a catastrophic Confederations Cup when the Italians failed to get out of their group. Even this qualifying campaign hasn't all been plain sailing, and though they remained unbeaten, a series of late goals masked a plethora of under-whelming showings.
But isn’t this just the Italian way? Always a dilemma? Never far from a disaster? A quick re-cap of qualifying for 2006 shows the Azzurri arrived in Germany having scored less, conceded more and with less points than this time around. As in so many previous tournaments, 1982 being another classic example, it is rare for the Italians to have their house completely in order. Stumbling through qualification or the early rounds is almost traditional, before getting things right when it matters. Lippi has already proved he can get things right when it matters.
By the end of the weekend when Serie A has resumed and commands the attention, all will be forgotten. Subliminally, Wednesday nights spat comes down to honour and allegiance. The tifosi giving a timely reminder that they are watching, and waiting. Lippi’s paternal instincts protecting his flock. The acrimonious love won’t waiver. Expect more mud-slinging before the tournament begins, but when it does, Italy and Lippi will be there, knowing they can - and have – be transformed into champions.
If Lippi’s rant was slightly out of character, another given by a certain Jose Mourinho certainly was not. If a week is a long time in politics, then a fortnight International break must seem like a lifetime for the Portuguese tactician, whom for some reason seized an opportunity to criticise old sparring partners Arsene Wenger and Rafael Benitez. When asked about his own future at Inter, Mourinho ventured off down an ally which saw him question the achievements of Wenger and Benitez, “To stay here I must keep winning and doing well. Wenger has been Arsenal's manager for 15 years but he hasn't even won a Carling Cup for six years. Benitez hasn't won a League title in six years, but he continues to be Liverpool's manager.” Okay, Jose. Or is it Jesus? Not according to Carlo Ancelotti it isn’t. The former Milan boss has made no attempts to disguise his lack of affection for the ‘Special One’, appearing on Italian chat show Chiambretti Night, Carletto rebuffed sarcastic claims made by Mourinho comparing himself to Jesus, ““If Mourinho is Jesus, I am certainly not one of his apostles.” Said Ancelotti.
If Mourinho was trying to compare himself to Jesus, then David Beckham could be modelling himself on the Son of God judging by the beard he was sporting for England. Not even Goldenballs could pull the ‘Barry Gibb’ look off amongst the fashionista’s of Milan when he arrives in January. A deal between the Rossoneri and Major Deal Soccer is imminent with Becks confirming a deal is ‘95% done’, claiming he always wanted to return to the San Siro. A repeat of his form at the San Siro in the second half of last season would be a welcome hand for the struggling il Diavolo, with an upturn in form drastically needed if Coach Lenoardo has any chance of ah-ah-ah-ah staying alive…
Having already qualified for the World Cup as Group winners, Lippi opted to change the whole of his starting X1 from the Republic of Ireland game, to that which was to face Cyprus at the Ennio Tardini. As a consequence, the plan backfired on a spectacularly bad Azzurri outfit who found themselves 2-0 down after 76 minutes to the unfancied Cypriots. The performance provoked a barrage of jeers and derisory chants from the 15,000 tifosi in the 28,000 capacity Tardini, who's very audible and collective abuse of the team enraged the Commissario Tecnico.
An enraged Lippi branded the fans as 'shameful' and 'a disgrace', but thankfully stopped short of re-enacting El Diego's hand movements and hip gyrations. "The supporters should show more love and recognition for this Nazionale. This team are World Champions. These players deserve a lot of respect.” Lippi added.
The lip service dished out from the terraces, in truth, was more than just a criticism of their efforts against Cyprus. The growing feeling amongst the support is that the side has been in decline since their 2006 World Cup heroics. Their long unbeaten run was vanquished by Brazil at the start of the year, a result that preceded a catastrophic Confederations Cup when the Italians failed to get out of their group. Even this qualifying campaign hasn't all been plain sailing, and though they remained unbeaten, a series of late goals masked a plethora of under-whelming showings.
But isn’t this just the Italian way? Always a dilemma? Never far from a disaster? A quick re-cap of qualifying for 2006 shows the Azzurri arrived in Germany having scored less, conceded more and with less points than this time around. As in so many previous tournaments, 1982 being another classic example, it is rare for the Italians to have their house completely in order. Stumbling through qualification or the early rounds is almost traditional, before getting things right when it matters. Lippi has already proved he can get things right when it matters.
By the end of the weekend when Serie A has resumed and commands the attention, all will be forgotten. Subliminally, Wednesday nights spat comes down to honour and allegiance. The tifosi giving a timely reminder that they are watching, and waiting. Lippi’s paternal instincts protecting his flock. The acrimonious love won’t waiver. Expect more mud-slinging before the tournament begins, but when it does, Italy and Lippi will be there, knowing they can - and have – be transformed into champions.
If Lippi’s rant was slightly out of character, another given by a certain Jose Mourinho certainly was not. If a week is a long time in politics, then a fortnight International break must seem like a lifetime for the Portuguese tactician, whom for some reason seized an opportunity to criticise old sparring partners Arsene Wenger and Rafael Benitez. When asked about his own future at Inter, Mourinho ventured off down an ally which saw him question the achievements of Wenger and Benitez, “To stay here I must keep winning and doing well. Wenger has been Arsenal's manager for 15 years but he hasn't even won a Carling Cup for six years. Benitez hasn't won a League title in six years, but he continues to be Liverpool's manager.” Okay, Jose. Or is it Jesus? Not according to Carlo Ancelotti it isn’t. The former Milan boss has made no attempts to disguise his lack of affection for the ‘Special One’, appearing on Italian chat show Chiambretti Night, Carletto rebuffed sarcastic claims made by Mourinho comparing himself to Jesus, ““If Mourinho is Jesus, I am certainly not one of his apostles.” Said Ancelotti.
If Mourinho was trying to compare himself to Jesus, then David Beckham could be modelling himself on the Son of God judging by the beard he was sporting for England. Not even Goldenballs could pull the ‘Barry Gibb’ look off amongst the fashionista’s of Milan when he arrives in January. A deal between the Rossoneri and Major Deal Soccer is imminent with Becks confirming a deal is ‘95% done’, claiming he always wanted to return to the San Siro. A repeat of his form at the San Siro in the second half of last season would be a welcome hand for the struggling il Diavolo, with an upturn in form drastically needed if Coach Lenoardo has any chance of ah-ah-ah-ah staying alive…
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Internationals over; now it's back to business.
To the football fan hooked on the high octane, adrenaline frenzy of the Premier League, an International double-header can prove a real inconvenience. Starved of the wall-to-wall action provided by England's best sides slugging it out, instead making do with the more sedate and civilised affairs of World Cup Qualifiers. Not only for the fans do these International breaks prove irksome. Squads are decimated by call-ups, and the players suddenly move out of the daily brotherhood of club football, jetting to an assortment of worldwide footballing enclaves, changing tongue, team-mates, climate and atmosphere. Immediately after reporting back to base, they are expected to flip mode once again and asked to re-acclimatise to the velocity of the English game. It's no surprise then, when sides heavily laden with internationals often appear a tad jet-lagged when the league recommences.
At least that's what Aston Villa will be hoping. Chelsea, visitors to Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime, will travel to the Midlands carrying much more match time and air miles than their hosts. Expect a tenacious Villa to be quick out of the blocks to stop the league leaders finding their feet. Last time out, the home side rattled the previously impressive Manchester City into rescuing a late draw, and could - maybe should - have claimed the full share of the points. Martin O'Neill will hope that a result against The Blues will provide the impetus for his side to move through the gears in what has been an otherwise stop start campaign. To begin with, O'Neill is unlikely to stray from his trusted 4-4-2, but has the option to utilise the pace and width that Ashley Young, James Milner and Gabriel Agbonlahor give, by getting them to play high and wide to restrict the raids of Jose Bosingwa and Ashley Cole. A starter for England, Emile Heskey has been on the bench for The Villains recently, with John Carew preferred as the foil to Agbonlahor - who has scored four goals in his last five club appearances.
The timing of the International break didn't come at a particularly good point for Carlo Ancelotti's men. Beating Liverpool at Stamford Bridge had put them back along the planned narrative after the unexpected plot twist at Wigan. The performance against Liverpool was not one for the purists, but was synonymous with the noble art Chelsea have developed of simply getting results by any means. If any side are used to negotiating potential pitfalls, it is Chelsea. Saturday's outing may be another occasion where substance takes preference over style, against a well-organised and motivated Villa, who pose more than their fair share of problems offensively. Of late, The Blues opposition have cottoned-on and countered the influence of their Full-backs, leaving much of the play to be conducted through a narrow and congested midfield. Such proceedings would suit the hosts; on a ground the visitors have won just once in the last decade. Ancelotti will persist with the diamond blueprint, and must decide which two from Michael Ballack, Florent Malouda, Yuri Zhirkov, Deco, Joe Cole and Jon Obi Mikel, will accompany Frank Lampard and Michael Essien in the midfield foursome.
A patchy start sees Villa lay in 7th spot, yet only two points behind Liverpool and Arsenal. The Holte End faithful would like to see their club jostling for a Champions League berth. The size and limitations of the squad may decide otherwise, although humbling the table toppers will provide them with belief they can realistically challenge for a top four finish.
Ancelotti’s remit is a much simpler equation -. the title – and testing assignments such as this fixture truly test the mettle of aspiring champions. As they showed against Liverpool, Chelsea can rough it with the best of them, whilst possessing enough individual talent to pluck a goal when necessary. The finer details of this encounter could hinge on whether Lampard brings his shooting boots or Drogba or Anelka fire. Small margins add up to big differences.
At least that's what Aston Villa will be hoping. Chelsea, visitors to Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime, will travel to the Midlands carrying much more match time and air miles than their hosts. Expect a tenacious Villa to be quick out of the blocks to stop the league leaders finding their feet. Last time out, the home side rattled the previously impressive Manchester City into rescuing a late draw, and could - maybe should - have claimed the full share of the points. Martin O'Neill will hope that a result against The Blues will provide the impetus for his side to move through the gears in what has been an otherwise stop start campaign. To begin with, O'Neill is unlikely to stray from his trusted 4-4-2, but has the option to utilise the pace and width that Ashley Young, James Milner and Gabriel Agbonlahor give, by getting them to play high and wide to restrict the raids of Jose Bosingwa and Ashley Cole. A starter for England, Emile Heskey has been on the bench for The Villains recently, with John Carew preferred as the foil to Agbonlahor - who has scored four goals in his last five club appearances.
1 Friedel
24 Cuellar – 5 Dunne – 29 Collins – 25 Warnock
8 Milner – 4 Sidwell – 19 Petrov – 7 Young
11 Agbonlahor - 10 Carew
The timing of the International break didn't come at a particularly good point for Carlo Ancelotti's men. Beating Liverpool at Stamford Bridge had put them back along the planned narrative after the unexpected plot twist at Wigan. The performance against Liverpool was not one for the purists, but was synonymous with the noble art Chelsea have developed of simply getting results by any means. If any side are used to negotiating potential pitfalls, it is Chelsea. Saturday's outing may be another occasion where substance takes preference over style, against a well-organised and motivated Villa, who pose more than their fair share of problems offensively. Of late, The Blues opposition have cottoned-on and countered the influence of their Full-backs, leaving much of the play to be conducted through a narrow and congested midfield. Such proceedings would suit the hosts; on a ground the visitors have won just once in the last decade. Ancelotti will persist with the diamond blueprint, and must decide which two from Michael Ballack, Florent Malouda, Yuri Zhirkov, Deco, Joe Cole and Jon Obi Mikel, will accompany Frank Lampard and Michael Essien in the midfield foursome.
40 Hilario
17 Bosingwa – 6 Carvalho – 26 Terry – 3 A. Cole
5 Essien
13 Ballack - 8 Lampard – 15 Malouda
11 Drogba – 39 Anelka
A patchy start sees Villa lay in 7th spot, yet only two points behind Liverpool and Arsenal. The Holte End faithful would like to see their club jostling for a Champions League berth. The size and limitations of the squad may decide otherwise, although humbling the table toppers will provide them with belief they can realistically challenge for a top four finish.
Ancelotti’s remit is a much simpler equation -. the title – and testing assignments such as this fixture truly test the mettle of aspiring champions. As they showed against Liverpool, Chelsea can rough it with the best of them, whilst possessing enough individual talent to pluck a goal when necessary. The finer details of this encounter could hinge on whether Lampard brings his shooting boots or Drogba or Anelka fire. Small margins add up to big differences.
Sunday, 11 October 2009
England, still a work in progress
In the grand scheme of things, it mattered little, few tears will be shed. At the start of the week when the squad communed for duty, the final two qualifying matches were largely inconsequential for England, mildly incentivised by the prospect of being able to boast a 100% record throughout the campaign. The winning streak was safely brought to a halt by an energetic Ukraine performance, one which resembled a team enthusiastically chasing the play-off carrot. In all truth it was no surprise the Ukrainians set about the task with more vigour than their already qualified counterparts, and once another worrying lapse from Rio Ferdinand preceded Rob Green's dismissal, the chances of England getting anything tangible from the game faded quicker than the flare smoke which had smothered the Dnipro Arena.
Positives were few for Fabio Capello, with the sending off exasperating problems, as only 14 early minutes of numerical parity were possible to partially view the performance. Green's opportunity to impress was short-lived, albeit slightly unfortunate. After that, Aaron Lennon was sacrificed and so terminating the developing bond between himself and Glen Johnson. So too was the Wayne Rooney-Emile Heskey partnership, with the former hauled back into midfield leaving the latter high and dry up-front. Nothing new was learnt.
In a sense, how you qualify has little bearing once the ribbon's cut in Johannesburg come Friday June 11. If you're in it, you can win it. The hard yards start after qualification, with nine months before the big kick-off to hone the finished article, despite an impressive qualifying campaign, England are anything but.
If we learnt nothing new from Saturday’s performance, then certain dilemmas were again reinforced. The most immediate concerns surround a settled Goalkeeper and a lead striker to operate with Rooney. Neither post has been suitably filled, with the situation becoming murkier rather than clearer as time elapses. Between the sticks, based on domestic form, David James leads the pack by a few lengths, but he has never transmitted that level of performance consistently onto the international stage. The pretenders - Green and Ben Foster - are doing little to command the gloves.
Further forward and the role of Emile Heskey is becoming a worry, although the notion of a little and large duo in attack seems to be here to stay. Heskey's woeful goal-scoring ratio is criminally overlooked, and even worse, is justified by claims that his work rate and hold-up play serves him for a place in the team. Saturday's game saw the Villa man stranded without support for large parts, but he never looked like a viable out-ball. His leaden touch and immobility saw him surrender possession frequently, allowing the opposition to regain control too easily. Such turnover of the ball has proved fatal in tournaments past, namely Brazil in 2002 and the Portuguese humblings in 2004 and 2006. Unfortunately, Carlton Cole also looks short of genuine international pedigree, whilst the even more immobile Peter Crouch is likely to be used as a desperation substitute. Should Capello trust the little and little combo, Jermaine Defoe apart, we are also thin on the ground. Are you ready Michael Owen?
The full extent of the Three Lions striking dearth should become apparent against Belarus at Wembley on Wednesday night, as Rooney has pulled out with a calf strain. The creation of a double act permed from Heskey, Cole, Crouch and Gabriel Agbonlahor does not inspire too much confidence should anything happen to Rooney. Argentina, prat-falling their way through the South American qualifiers, had Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero to call from the bench last time out. Big difference.
The Belarus game should grant the chance for a few faces to press their claims for starting X1 and squad places. James Milner has fleetingly impressed so far, Michael Carrick should get more chances to reproduce his club form, and Aaron Lennon will want to cement his place on the right flank. It may also be time to have a look at who's going to come forward as the main rival to John Terry and Ferdinand's previously unchallenged perches. Ferdinand certainly needs to reappraise his position following a calendar year of patchy form and fitness.
The defeat to the Ukraine may become a blessing, as they will not head to South Africa carrying the expectation and potential burden collecting maximum points could bring. The delirium of the first eight performances has been tapered slightly, and a sense of perspective has been regained. As England prepare for their last competitive match before the World Cup begins, there is no doubt Capello has progressed the team since he's been in charge. Progressed only to the extent of a glossy qualification, but much work is left to do.
Positives were few for Fabio Capello, with the sending off exasperating problems, as only 14 early minutes of numerical parity were possible to partially view the performance. Green's opportunity to impress was short-lived, albeit slightly unfortunate. After that, Aaron Lennon was sacrificed and so terminating the developing bond between himself and Glen Johnson. So too was the Wayne Rooney-Emile Heskey partnership, with the former hauled back into midfield leaving the latter high and dry up-front. Nothing new was learnt.
In a sense, how you qualify has little bearing once the ribbon's cut in Johannesburg come Friday June 11. If you're in it, you can win it. The hard yards start after qualification, with nine months before the big kick-off to hone the finished article, despite an impressive qualifying campaign, England are anything but.
If we learnt nothing new from Saturday’s performance, then certain dilemmas were again reinforced. The most immediate concerns surround a settled Goalkeeper and a lead striker to operate with Rooney. Neither post has been suitably filled, with the situation becoming murkier rather than clearer as time elapses. Between the sticks, based on domestic form, David James leads the pack by a few lengths, but he has never transmitted that level of performance consistently onto the international stage. The pretenders - Green and Ben Foster - are doing little to command the gloves.
Further forward and the role of Emile Heskey is becoming a worry, although the notion of a little and large duo in attack seems to be here to stay. Heskey's woeful goal-scoring ratio is criminally overlooked, and even worse, is justified by claims that his work rate and hold-up play serves him for a place in the team. Saturday's game saw the Villa man stranded without support for large parts, but he never looked like a viable out-ball. His leaden touch and immobility saw him surrender possession frequently, allowing the opposition to regain control too easily. Such turnover of the ball has proved fatal in tournaments past, namely Brazil in 2002 and the Portuguese humblings in 2004 and 2006. Unfortunately, Carlton Cole also looks short of genuine international pedigree, whilst the even more immobile Peter Crouch is likely to be used as a desperation substitute. Should Capello trust the little and little combo, Jermaine Defoe apart, we are also thin on the ground. Are you ready Michael Owen?
The full extent of the Three Lions striking dearth should become apparent against Belarus at Wembley on Wednesday night, as Rooney has pulled out with a calf strain. The creation of a double act permed from Heskey, Cole, Crouch and Gabriel Agbonlahor does not inspire too much confidence should anything happen to Rooney. Argentina, prat-falling their way through the South American qualifiers, had Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero to call from the bench last time out. Big difference.
The Belarus game should grant the chance for a few faces to press their claims for starting X1 and squad places. James Milner has fleetingly impressed so far, Michael Carrick should get more chances to reproduce his club form, and Aaron Lennon will want to cement his place on the right flank. It may also be time to have a look at who's going to come forward as the main rival to John Terry and Ferdinand's previously unchallenged perches. Ferdinand certainly needs to reappraise his position following a calendar year of patchy form and fitness.
The defeat to the Ukraine may become a blessing, as they will not head to South Africa carrying the expectation and potential burden collecting maximum points could bring. The delirium of the first eight performances has been tapered slightly, and a sense of perspective has been regained. As England prepare for their last competitive match before the World Cup begins, there is no doubt Capello has progressed the team since he's been in charge. Progressed only to the extent of a glossy qualification, but much work is left to do.
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