tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13369943329622863722024-03-12T23:37:18.969-07:00It's all about Footballfootyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-73014831981338146642013-04-25T14:32:00.000-07:002013-04-25T23:58:48.534-07:00Ilkay Gundogan – The Heart of Borrusia Dortmund<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When Nuri Sahin left Dortmund for Real Madrid in the summer
of 2011, a lot of people were expecting Dortmund to fail in their quest for
titles. Sahin was the fulcrum; the heart-beat of Dortmund’s playing style. He
was so influential in Dortmund Bundesliga winning 2010-11 season that he was
voted the best player in the Bundesliga – in a league which had a world-class
midfielder in the mould of Bastian Schweinsteiger. </div>
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Replacing the best player of a title-winning team is hard,
especially with a not-so-big budget. But Jurgen Klopp had already decided who
he would sign to replace Sahin: Ilkay Gundogan.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.cdn.svenskafans.com/Image/7/250951/Ilkay-Gundogan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.cdn.svenskafans.com/Image/7/250951/Ilkay-Gundogan.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ilkay Gundogan</td></tr>
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Replacing your best player with a relatively unknown €4.5m
signing is a gamble; Klopp took it and it paid off. Klopp’s judgement of the
then exciting-but-obscure talent was as accurate at Juninho’s free-kicks.</div>
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And now, after a little under 2 years, Sahin, who’s back at
Dortmund, finds himself playing second fiddle to the man who was bought to
replace him in probably one of the biggest ironies of life.</div>
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In his first few months at Dortmund, Gundogan drew more skepticism
than praise. However, in the business end of the season, he became the focal
point of Dortmund’s play – an epiphany about his talent could be seen amongst
fans. His distribution of the ball, flow of movements and drive helped Dortmund
to win the Bundesliga for the second time in a row – a feat which many thought
wouldn’t be achievable after the sale of Kagawa and Sahin.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.abendblatt.de/img/fotogalerie/crop109383541/4270693518-ci3x2l-h307/Fussball.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://www.abendblatt.de/img/fotogalerie/crop109383541/4270693518-ci3x2l-h307/Fussball.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Time to make him my b***h!" | Gundogan in action</td></tr>
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In his second season, he just got better. Even though
Dortmund haven’t been able to retain the Bundesliga title this year, they have
had a lot of positives and one of them is their performances in the Champions
League.</div>
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Drawn in the group of death against Ajax, Real Madrid and Manchester
City, a lot were expecting City and Real to qualify with the latter topping the
group. Klopp, however, had other plans. Dortmund not only beat the other 3
teams, but also stayed unbeaten and managed to top the group in an outstanding
fashion.</div>
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And Gundogan was one of the key reasons for that.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2013/4/24/1366824060042/a0b7fccc-e3d7-4dcf-a7b2-54ff0505eac9-460x276.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2013/4/24/1366824060042/a0b7fccc-e3d7-4dcf-a7b2-54ff0505eac9-460x276.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Battling for the ball against Ozil</td></tr>
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While Lewandowski, Reus and Gotze get most of the plaudits
because of their flashy style of play, it is Gundogan who does his work quietly
and avoids the limelight. </div>
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Against Real Madrid in the first leg of the semi-final,
Gundogan was absolutely unstoppable. The way he glided past Real Madrid players
– who are established players of their respective international teams – with his
deft touches, passed the ball around, pressed with altruism…it was mesmerizing.
He made Football look so easy; it was like poetry in motion; as pleasing to
watch as listening to Tim Charles play violin while sitting under a tree near a
lake. With his first touch, he got away from the nearest opponent and with his
second he passed the ball forward – a perfect player for a team that like to
break quickly.</div>
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On one instance, he went past Khedira with his first touch
and then took the ball away from Ramos with his second and then hit a venomous
shot at goal with his left-foot which almost went in, but
Diego Lopez came to Real’s rescue. Just 2 touches in less than 2 seconds undid
two of Real’s best players; that was how good he was playing last night in a
nutshell.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Ilkay+Gundogan+Real+Madrid+v+Borussia+Dortmund+w9MT2dxgrm8l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Ilkay+Gundogan+Real+Madrid+v+Borussia+Dortmund+w9MT2dxgrm8l.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a spectator - Ozil keeps looking as Gundogan wreaks havoc</td></tr>
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Regardless of how tight the space is, he seems calm and
confident, that no matter how crammed it is, he will still find a way out. Such
quality is very rarely found these days. His mobility and speed of thought and
movement – he reads the game a split-second faster than his opponent – lets him
get out of the tightest of spaces with the ball at his feet. Also, his surging
runs to the opponent’s box gives Dortmund an extra dimension in attack.</div>
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In the 35 games he has played in all competitions this
season, he has completed 1.8 dribbles-per-game – a very good stat for a
deep-lying playmaker. He also has made 0.8 key passes-per-game – not outstanding
by any means, but certainly a good stat for someone who plays in front of the
defense. Also, he attempts 56.1 passes-per-game with a success rate of 86.1%;
not so flattering, but considering the way Dortmund play – quick breaks and not
possession Football – these are really impressive stats.</div>
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Gundogan’s greatest asset is his long-range passing. Against
Real in the first leg of the semis, he executed 7 accurate long-balls. He averages
6.1 successful long balls-per-game this season – that is a testament to his
exquisite passing range. He’s also elegant defensively – averaging 2.4 tackles
and 2.2 interceptions-per-game this season, he shows that he is very adept at
breaking down the opposition’s play.</div>
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A player who can break oppositions’ play, get away from the
nearest opponent within a touch and start an attack with the next touch – what else
could you ask from a deep-lying-playmaker? Add to that his ability to burst forward and create
maelstroms in the opposition defense and we have a complete package.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Gundogan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://cdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Gundogan.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise scoring threat | Gundogan celebrates after scoring</td></tr>
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The second leg of the semi-final is just under a week away
and Real find themselves in a position where they must score 3 goals without
reply. With the amount of attacking talent Real have, it might not be that hard
to score 3 at home against Dortmund. However, given Real’s erratic defending of
late, and Dortmund’s firepower in attack, they have to make sure they close
down Ilkay Gundogan and thus cutting down the supply line to Gotze, Reus and
Lewandowski – something which Dortmund players successfully did on Xabi Alonso.
Easier said than done, though, as Gundogan’s mobility and quickness in movement
make it really hard to close him down.</div>
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From obscurity to becoming the focal point of team that beat
Real Madrid 4-1 in a Champions League semi-final – Gundogan’s rise has been
nothing short of meteoric. A lot of credit should be given to Klopp for
trusting and showing faith in him – and Gundogan repaid him thoroughly by
playing as he is capable of.</div>
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There might be some compunction amongst other managers for
missing out on him – especially looking at how much he cost Dortmund. Klopp,
however, has the last laugh. Gundogan is still young, only 22, and has a bright
future ahead of him. He is still in his development years and can definitely
get better and someday, if the current trend of the Bundesliga continues, play
for Bayern Munich.</div>
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<i><b>[Note: All stats were taken from www.whoscored.com.]</b></i><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
You can follow Umid on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Banglanco" target="_blank">Twitter</a>!</span></h3>
</div>
</div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-17370993103277470812012-12-30T03:34:00.000-08:002012-12-30T03:36:03.157-08:00Mid-season PL XI (4-3-3)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">by Josh</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As
we reach the midpoint of the premier league season, I have assessed the
performance of some players and made a team filled with the best performing
players in the league for each position. Here is my mid season eleven. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://goalkeepermagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/asmir-begovic-from-the-GoalKeeperMagazine.com_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://goalkeepermagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/asmir-begovic-from-the-GoalKeeperMagazine.com_.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Begovic
– Asmir Begovic has been the stand out goalkeeper in the premier league this
season. His performances for Stoke this season have been nothing but first
class and he has played a big part in Stoke having the best defensive record in
the league so far. It’s no surprise he has been linked with some of the top
clubs in the league. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://content.mcfc.co.uk//~/media/Images/Shared/Players/Players1213/First%20Team%20Player%20Profiles/Pablo_Zabaleta.ashx?mh=700&mw=800" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://content.mcfc.co.uk//~/media/Images/Shared/Players/Players1213/First%20Team%20Player%20Profiles/Pablo_Zabaleta.ashx?mh=700&mw=800" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Zabaleta
– Pablo Zabaleta has put in some of the most immense performances this season.
He has always been a good defensive right back but now he has made a big
improvement on the attacking front. His
passion and graft have been evident in every match he has played and he has
been very consistent. It shows why that even when fit, Richards struggles to
get a look in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mertesacker
– Per Mertesacker, much maligned for his supposed poor first season in England,
has been nothing other than exceptional in his sophomore season. He has Arsenal’s
most consistent performer this season, showing, intelligence, and strength and
leadership skills and has been dearly missed when he has not started for the
gunners. People bemoan him for his lack of pace, but who needs speed of foot,
when you have speed of thought. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://i3.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article1493019.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Jan+Vertonghen+" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://i3.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article1493019.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Jan+Vertonghen+" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Vertonghen
– Jan Vertonghen has shown why Tottenham were so determined to get him in the
summer. He has shown great defensive skills, superb technical ability,
versatility and an eye for goal. He has put in some of the most immense and
powerful performances by defenders his season. He is truly top class.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Baines
– Leighton Baines is having another great season. His attacking nature from
left full-back is simply a joy to watch. He has been putting in great shifts
for Everton week in week out running up and down the left flank as if doing a
bleep test. At the current level he is performing at, he is the best left back
in the league for me<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yacob
– One player who deserves much more recognition that he has gotten is Claudio
Yacob. He has been top class for West Brom in the holding midfielder role and
has been proved to be a brilliant signing by Steve Clark. His abilities to win
possession, keep the ball and control the tempo of a game have been a key part
to why West Brom have had such a great season so far. Had he not been missing
in some games, who is to say wouldn’t have been even higher up the table <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/SPORT/Pix/pictures/2012/10/10/1349857709240/Marouane-Fellaini-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/SPORT/Pix/pictures/2012/10/10/1349857709240/Marouane-Fellaini-008.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fellaini
–Marouane Fellaini has most definitely been the stand out player for Everton
his season. Playing in a more advanced role than he used to, he has had a great
affect on Everton’s play and has been a crucial reason to why they have had a
much better first half of the season that they usually do. He is a key cog in
here team as they have a reliance on him to win aerial duels. His 8 goals this
season have shown what a great decision to move him further up the pitch.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Michu
– Michu has taken the premier league by storm in his debut season. Who would have
thought that a relatively unknown would have been the top scorer in the premier
league after 18 games? But this is what Michu has gone and done. With 13 goals
his season, he is the premier leagues joint top scorer along with last season’s
player of the year, Robin van Persie. This is an exceptional feat he has
achieved, especially with it being his first season, and the goals he’s scored
have been for exceptional quality.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/feb2011/4/9/new-liverpool-fc-signing-luis-suarez-689350578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/feb2011/4/9/new-liverpool-fc-signing-luis-suarez-689350578.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Suarez
– Luis Suarez has had his critics. He has been castigated for his supposed diving
antics. But this season, he has been nothing short of excellent this season. He
has proven the doubts of his finishing and scoring abilities by racking in 11
premier league goals. His brilliant dribbling skills a craft have cause
problems for many a defence this season. Let’s hope he continues this form into
2013.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/image/4403106-3x2-940x627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://www.abc.net.au/news/image/4403106-3x2-940x627.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Van
Persie – Robin van Persie is doing it again. He is having another injury free
season. And when Robin van Persie has an injury free season there is something
you are guaranteed. Goals, goals and more goals. He is currently the joint top
scorer with 13 goals, and while his tally is a few less than he had this time
last year, it is still an exceptional amount. It’s not only goals that he
brings to the team however, his silky skills and excellent link up play is
exceeds most. He is a joy to watch, and play with.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/javaImages/b4/fa/0,,10268~11270836,00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="http://www.chelseafc.com/javaImages/b4/fa/0,,10268~11270836,00.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mata
– If you thought Juan Mata was good last season, then he has been absolutely
outstanding for Chelsea this season. With 13 goals and 10 assists in all
competitions (7 goals/assists in PL) so far this season, it could be said that
his season is looking reminiscent of former Spanish playmaker of the premier
league that goes by the name of Francesc Fabregas, who in the 2009/10 season,
amassed a total of 19 goals and 17 assists. Mata is simply an excellent player.
His trickery and direct play are first class and he has a wand of a left foot.
He is the type of player everyone loves watch.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">""This is my XI, what's yours? Use the comment section to share your mid-season PL XI.""</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank
you for reading and have a happy new year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/TheRegista_" target="_blank">Follow Josh</a></span><br />
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</div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-51475750505983144982012-11-23T03:48:00.001-08:002012-11-23T03:48:49.682-08:00Why Arsene Wenger Is An Arsenal Hero Who Should Never Be Sacked By Arsenal…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
By Umid.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arsenal.com/assets/_files/images/jul_08/gun__1216118991_wenger_join.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://www.arsenal.com/assets/_files/images/jul_08/gun__1216118991_wenger_join.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arsene Wenger - the father of modern day Arsenal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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7 years and counting. A lot has changed in the last 7 years.
Computers now have second generation i7 processors instead of Pentium
processors, mobile phones are now ‘smart’, – from colourless Nokia 3310 to
extremely high-tech iPhones – 3 parts of the greatest superhero movie of all
time, Batman, have been released and so on...</div>
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<br /></div>
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A lot has changed in Football as well. Real Madrid have
broken their round of 16 curse in the Champions League, Manchester City are now
a super power and also the Champions of England, Chelsea have had 7 managers,
Juventus have resurged from their Calciopoli doom and a lot more things…</div>
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Some things, however, haven’t changed. And one of them is the number of trophies in Arsenal’s trophy
cabinet.</div>
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Since winning the FA Cup in 2005, Arsenal have gone on a
barren spell which has frustrated many fans – some being so frustrated that
they want Arsene Wenger out. Yes, Arsene Wenger – the father of modern day
Arsenal.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bwolfsgunners.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/arsenal.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://bwolfsgunners.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/arsenal.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wenger's finest - The invincibles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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“Arsenal are a top European Club,” argue Wenger’s critics,
“they should be competing for titles every season rather than being happy with
a 4<sup>th</sup> place finish.” The critics further say, “or do Arsenal not
consider themselves a top Club anymore?”</div>
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In 1996, Arsenal hadn’t won the Premier League since 1991,
their annual turnover was a mere £21m (which, today, would be £31.7m with
inflation rate calculated), and their future wasn’t so bright.</div>
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In came Arsene Wenger, their saviour.</div>
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In his first full season, they won a domestic double.
Arsenal’s style of play changed, from being ‘boring, boring Arsenal’ they
became the main source if beautiful, free-flowing Football. New training
methods, nutritious diet for players, extensive use of scouting and statistics
– it was something new, it was the beginning of a revolution, not only for
Arsenal, but for English Football as well.</div>
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He won a lot of trophies in his early years, but that is not
all what he did – far from it – he built a new training ground with the money
from the sale of Anelka, developed a lot of players – Thierry Henry, Dennis
Bergkamp, Emmanuel Petit, Patrick Vieira and Cesc Fabregas, to name a few –
helped build a new stadium, improved their financial condition (Arsenal’s
financial turnover in 2012 stands at £243m – almost 10 times more than the
inflation-considered turnover of £31m in 1996), and made them one of Europe’s
elite Clubs.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/mihirbose/emirates438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/mihirbose/emirates438.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Emirates - One of the best stadiums in the World</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Key-words here: made them one of <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place>’s
elite Clubs.</div>
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The people who are asking for Wenger’s head seem to have
forgotten that he was the one who once again made them one of Europe’s
strongest after years of isolation from <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place>’s
biggest competition, the Champions League.</div>
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If he wasn’t there, Arsenal might not have been one of the
biggest Clubs in <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place>. The ‘sack Wenger because
Arsenal are a big Club and haven’t won anything in years’ argument wouldn’t
have been there now.</div>
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Sack the manager, who re-established the Club’s position as
one of Europe’s finest, because the Club is one of <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place>’s
mightiest but haven’t won a trophy in seven years? Ironic, to say the least.</div>
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Majority of young fans – especially the ones in their teens
and were sucking on a lollypop when Wenger joined Arsenal – wouldn’t have been
Arsenal fans if it weren’t for Wenger. Be it directly or indirectly, The
Professor is the reason why there are so many young Gooners around the World.</div>
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A lot of Clubs have risen and fallen since Wenger took
charge at Arsenal. Deportivo, for instance, won the Spanish League in 2000, but
are now fighting to stay in the first division of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Spain</st1:country-region>.</div>
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Deportivo showed promise, but then manager Javier Irureta
failed to secure the financial future of the Clubs despite having one of the
best teams in the World. Same could be said for Rafa Benitez’s <st1:country-region w:st="on">Valencia</st1:country-region>, who
won the Spanish League twice in an era where Real and Barca are almost
unbeatable, but are now content with 3<sup>rd</sup> spot in the League and are
still in debt. Benitez won them trophies, but couldn’t secure their financial
future.</div>
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Even though Wenger hasn’t won anything in 7 years, and having
arguably his worst team last season, he still manages to get Arsenal in the
Champions League every year.</div>
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A lot of people criticise Wenger for not spending money for
buying World-class players, despite Arsenal making huge profits, but very few
people know what is going on behind the scenes – the board might be the one who
aren’t giving Arsene the money to spend, this is a point which people can’t
rule out.</div>
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Regardless of that, Wenger shouldn’t be sacked and be given
the privilege to leave the Club when he wants.</div>
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Arsenal is like Wenger’s adopted kid: he adopted her,
nurtured her, and raised her to become a very successful woman. But then she
fell from grace and is going through a tough patch – she is still earning
money, though, but isn’t winning accolades. So should the adoption agency take
her away from Wenger because of this? No. They shouldn’t. </div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://twitter.com/banglanco" target="_blank">Follow Umid on Twitter!</a></h3>
</div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-35283852557142388812012-11-12T06:56:00.003-08:002012-11-12T06:56:51.836-08:00Things that will happen if Pele/Maradona become FIFA's president<a href="http://www.toonpool.com/user/22020/files/pele_1291829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.toonpool.com/user/22020/files/pele_1291829.jpg" width="244" /></a><br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: #555555; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Think for a while … what do you think could have happened if one of these 2 crazy headed people in Pele and Maradona became the president of FIFA? Here I satirically look at the possible things that could happen if Pele or Maradona become the president of FIFA….</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;" />
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: #555555; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Things that may happen if Pele becomes the president of FIFA …</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br />1) Every single Brazilian youngster will be officially nicknamed as the 'New Pele'.</span><br />
<div style="border: medium none;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">2) Shortage of DVD, and possibly FIFA will record financial loss due to high expense of making DVDs. We all know how Pele thinks about himself as the best. And few days back he promised Messi of sending a 'free' DVD of Pele’s goals so that Messi can see and learn from PELE. And when PELE will become the president of FIFA, he will make sure that every single player in this world gets his DVD for free to watch and learn. (...a very big number..right? ).</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">
<br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">3) Maradona will get legal notice because of the 'Hand of God' goal, hence will be excluded from FIFA honorary list</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">4) Calling someone as 'Legend' without 3 world cups and 1000+ goals will be considered as a crime by FIFA.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">5) The name 'Pele' will be patented as Pele's parent's product.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">6) Pele will return from retirement, and as a part of morning exercise he will score 100 goals in a mini goalpost, and they will be counted. So he will forever be the top scorer of all time.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Things that may happen if Maradona becomes the president of FIFA …</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">1) Pele will be labeled as a psycho, hence he can't attend/comment on anything about football</span><br /><div style="border: medium none; font-size: 12px;">
2) Aguero, as he is Maradona’s son-in-law, will be allowed to play for any club Aguero wants, and he will be allowed to change club whenever he wants, clubs can't say no to him. Furthermore, wages should be as what Aguero asks for, not what the club decide.</div>
<div style="border: medium none; font-size: 12px;">
<a href="http://u.goal.com/120800/120863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #e63631; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; outline: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://u.goal.com/120800/120863.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; padding: 0px;" width="251" /></a>3) All Argentine players will have to consult with Maradona before transfer, and clubs will have to take whoever he recommends.</div>
<div style="border: medium none; font-size: 12px;">
4) Officially no tactics can be involved in game. Coaches can smoke HAVANA cigars in VIP box.</div>
<div style="border: medium none;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
5) Messi will be declared as 2nd best player of all time just behind Maradona himself, Pele won’t even be there on the top 100 players of all time list.</div>
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<br /></div>
<a href="https://twitter.com/faisalut" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Follow Faisal on twitter</span></a></div>
</span>footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-13002967971200773672012-11-12T06:50:00.003-08:002012-11-12T06:50:56.659-08:00CAN GHANA STILL QUALIFY FOR THE 2014 WORLD CUP?<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #262626; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">BY:
PATRICK OWUSU ANSAH</span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The journey to 2014
World Cup in Brazil has just become a bit more complicated for the Ghana Black
stars .FIFA have ruled that Zambia are awarded a 3-0 victory for the June 2
game they lost 0-2 in Sudan because the Sudanese fielded Saif Ali, who was
ineligible because he should have been serving suspension for a red card
received in their previous competitive game against none other than Zambia at
the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmk4cQ59GzsIbMMfjflMN4NrEB5gybVjB3lba_ccyxOYsNJiWO-odDxgAcui4tPc0UyeSHULZ2a4ejOEghA6UQnixqFf9twQZSvMAuBc9ieu4pqgGAtdcwaVz-PLYjJl4I73-JbJW5wP5/s1600/ghana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmk4cQ59GzsIbMMfjflMN4NrEB5gybVjB3lba_ccyxOYsNJiWO-odDxgAcui4tPc0UyeSHULZ2a4ejOEghA6UQnixqFf9twQZSvMAuBc9ieu4pqgGAtdcwaVz-PLYjJl4I73-JbJW5wP5/s1600/ghana.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">FIFA ruled “lost by
forfeit by Sudan” whilst also hitting the Sudanese with a US$6,430 fine. It
means that Zambia, who already beat the Black Stars, now have maximum 6 points
to Ghana’s 3 and also have the easier set of matches ahead, at least on paper.
In fact, the Black Stars need to win all matches to ensure Zambia do not win
the group before the match day 6 qualifier in Accra.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ghana Blackstars have
qualified for the Fifa World Cup on two consecutive occasions, and can’t stand
the chance of missing out this time round. The only team that would be a threat
in Ghana’s group is Zambia, who also leads the group after Fifa’s decision to
award them, three points and three goals in the Sudan game. They are now three
points clear of the Blackstars. Zambia has never qualified for Fifa World Cup
before, and would want to qualify this time after winning the 2012 African Cup
of nations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ghana has a chance to
outwit the Zambians, by scoring them when they meet in the leg return of their
2014 World Cup qualifier in Accra. After they lost one goal to nil in Lusaka,
the capital city of Zambia. The last time that Ghana lost a home game, was
against Cameroun in the 2008 African Cup of nations. This shows that the Ghana
Blackstars are a force to reckon with when it comes to home games .The other
team in Ghana’s group is Lesotho, who hasn’t been impressive so far.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Football is a game of
win, lose or draw. Are we going to witness something dramatic at the end of the
World cup qualifiers? Will Ghana qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive
time? Will Zambia qualify for the World Cup for the first time ever? All these
questions will be answered by the end of the qualifiers because anything can
happen on the way. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://twitter.com/PatrekPatreken" target="_blank">Follow Patrick on twitter </a></span></div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-80696205931647411832012-10-08T23:16:00.002-07:002012-10-09T12:21:38.063-07:00Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid | Clasico Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><i>By Mohammed Ifran.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2012/10/7/1349639631584/Lionel-Messi-and-Cristian-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2012/10/7/1349639631584/Lionel-Messi-and-Cristian-008.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Two Of The Best</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">El Clasico has never been short of mouth watering
every time the giants of Spain clash between each other. This time this was no different. Both
the teams have shared 175 victories among themselves with Real </span><st1:state><st1:place><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">Madrid</span></st1:place></st1:state><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"> edging </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">Barcelona</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"> by 1
match as the victories stand at 88-87 in the favour of Real Madrid.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">
<span style="background: white;">The match was held
at Camp Nou. As always, the stadium was filled with
supporters.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<br />
</span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">Barcelona</span></span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">
starting line-up consisted of no real ‘natural defender’ as the heart of the
defense was empty with notable absentees. Barca’s skipper and long serving defender Carles Puyol was
missing due to a nasty elbow injury which happened few days ago. Gerard Pique
picked up a knee injury few matches ago to which he was recovering well but
couldn’t make it to the playing squad. A couple of other La Masia graduates, Isaac Cuenca and
Thiago Alcantara, were missing too. The former has been injured since the end
of the last season and the latter has picked up knock which has ruled him out
for well over a month.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">This was relatively
a slow start for the Blancos. But they came with a lot of confidence brimming
in them as they have already got the better of </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="background-color: white;">Barcelona</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="background-color: white;"> on
their last meeting in the league last season which ended 1-2. They had a
healthy squad travelling to </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="background-color: white;">Barcelona</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="background-color: white;"> with
some players hoping to carry their scintillating forms along. Cristiano Ronaldo
has scored half a dozen goals in his last 2 outings. And the 2007 Ballon D’Or winner
Kaka, who is considered surplus to Jose Mourinho’s immensely squad, has shown that he was not finished just yet again with a hat-trick and a couple of
assists in the Bernabeu Trophy. Angel Di Maria already has 4 assists in the
league which makes him sit at the top of the assist charts.</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Real </span><st1:state><st1:place><span style="background-color: white;">Madrid</span></st1:place></st1:state><span style="background-color: white;"> were looking for an easy win to cut of the deficit of 8 points to 5 points and </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="background-color: white;">Barcelona</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="background-color: white;">
wanting to keep their unbeaten run going. With the absence of Pique and Puyol,
Tito Vilanova chose Adriano to partner Mascherano. Iniesta came back from an injury
to his favoured position as Cesc was asked to start on the left of the final
third. Despite Kaka’s and Higuain’s form, they were benched as Mesut and Karim
filled in for them.</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">It was the typical
Barca playing and moving around the in the whole field. But there was a gradual
turn around as Mourinho’s men started pressing the already weakened Barca.
Benzema was the guy who could have opened the deadlock within 13 minutes but
shot the volley way wide after finding himself in the D-box unmarked. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">But it didn’t take them long to take the lead through Ronaldo. There was a lovely play among the few white shirts which left the Barca players clueless. Mesut Ozil started the play from the right wing and after a couple of passes before Angel found Benzema, who saw space for their talisman in the left flank as he shot the ball with his weaker foot in the bottom corner with such precision past the helpless Victor Valdes which made him the only player in the history of El Clasico to score 6 El Clasico goals consecutively. Sheer class.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ronaldo7.net/gallery/game/07_10_2012/ronaldo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://www.ronaldo7.net/gallery/game/07_10_2012/ronaldo1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">'Calm down, I got this.'</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="background: white;">After a couple of
minutes, Khedira cut the ball in for Angel, who found an unmarked Benzema on the penalty spot and passed it to him. But the </span><st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place><span style="background-color: white;">France</span></st1:place></st1:country><span style="background-color: white;">
international’s woeful form of the night continued as he missed a sitter - he
couldn’t meet the ball properly and the ball hit the post only to be shot wide by Di Maria to whom the rebound fell. </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Tito’s men were
playing in their own style; keeping possession for a very long time but
couldn’t find the end product. They missed few chances too. For the first time,
the Real Madrid defenders were put to test as Pedro was found by Xavi on the
right flank as he went past one white shirt to pass it in the box just to be
cleared off by Sami Khedira. Then came the equalizer, after a mistake from Real
Madrid’s most trusted stopper, Pepe. It all started from the middle third.
There was a neat pass past Marcelo by Iniesta to Pedro, who directed a low
cross to which Ramos couldn’t clear off properly before it hit Alonso and rose
up to which Pepe couldn’t head clear and Iker was completely beaten by Messi
who shot home past the Real Madrid goalkeeper in the 6 yard box.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a.espncdn.com//design05/images/2012/1007/leomessiscorespastikercasillas_576x324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://a.espncdn.com//design05/images/2012/1007/leomessiscorespastikercasillas_576x324.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Messi Equalising</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="background: white;">Second half. Ronaldo once again was the predator. He angled himself to
shoot a great overhead but completely missed the shot just to land on his arm
and injure him. As the injury took toll on him, he couldn’t move his left arm
throughout the match but his confidence and his threat was intact as ever.
Ramos missed a pretty good opportunity as he got an accurate cross to which he
headed just wide.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Just after an hour
passed at the Camp Nou, the roar once again rose as the Nou Camp faithful were
at the top of their voice when their #10 jersey clinch the 2nd goal. As </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="background-color: white;">Barcelona</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="background-color: white;"> got
a foul around 30 yards from goal, it reminded everybody of the goal Messi
scored from a similar position in their previous meeting. The World Cup winning
captain was once again in between the poles. As Leo shot the ball, the ball
went in between the Real Madrid wall to end in the back of the net and </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="background-color: white;">Barcelona</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="background-color: white;"> were
leading for the first time in the match. Once again, Casillas was clueless and
no one was to be blamed.</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://barcacentral.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/barcelona-2-2-real-madrid-messi-free-kick.jpg?w=640&h=329" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://barcacentral.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/barcelona-2-2-real-madrid-messi-free-kick.jpg?w=640&h=329" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Messi Curling It In</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><a href="http://www.as.com/futbol/video/messi-retraso-balon-veces-falta/20121008dasdasftb_39/Ves" target="_blank">However, it seemed like Messi took the ball 2 steps backwards, when the referee was busy checking Real Madrid's wall</a>, which gave Messi the space to get the ball over the wall. A very immoral thing done by the Argentine captain. Nonetheless, it was a brilliant executed free-kick.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">
<br />
<span style="background: white;">People might have
thought that it was going to be win for Barca, but Real Madrid proved
them wrong yet again as they clinched a superb goal within a few minutes. The
previous goal could not be enjoyed for long enough as Ronaldo was the man again who broke the Catalans’ heart. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="background: white;">There was a mistake from Andres Iniesta and they
took the full advantage of it. Pedro Rodriguez chased for the ball to regain
possession as Mesut Ozil was yet again the man to deliver a great pass
between 2 Barca shirts to which Ronaldo cruised past Montoya to shot past
Victor Valdes. This guy just can’t stop scoring, can he?<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="background: white;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbjha5Ubun1qeer6d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbjha5Ubun1qeer6d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">CRISis-Averter Ronaldo</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="background: white;">After a very good
second half performance, Mesut was substituted for Kaka. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">Higuain came in for
Benzema just after an hour as Michael Essien was exchanged for Angel Di Maria. </span><st1:city style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><st1:place><span style="background-color: white;">Barcelona</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"> made
a few subs too as Dani Alves was forced to be subbed because of a knock and
Martin Montoya was incharge of the RB position - which turned out to be blessing in disguise a Barca's defense looked more organised since the young defender came on. Cesc was subbed for the Chilean
Alexis Sanchez at 64 the minute.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Comparatively, this
was a much neat match from both the sides as the referee didn't have to pick
out the cards more than a few times. Pedro was penalized for a clash with
Sergio Ramos as Pepe was shown a yellow - his 7th yellow in the last 7 Clasicos - for a foul on Messi. The other players
to be shown yellow were Busquets, Xabi, Alvaro and Mesut. Gladly, there were no
injuries which kept the players fit for their upcoming international matches.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<br />
</span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">Barcelona</span></span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"> had
a sigh of relief as the referee, Carlos Delgado Ferreiro, called the match off.
The match ended as there was no more goals conceded by any of the sides as this
mouth-watering clash ended as a draw. The points were shared among them as the
gap among the giants still remain the same; 8 points. This left the home side
maintaining the top position with 19 points, the same as Athletico </span><st1:state><st1:place><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">Madrid</span></st1:place></st1:state><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">, the
city rivals of Real Madrid. Real Madrid have now climbed to the 5th position
after the point earned. After yet another marvelous performance from the goal
scorers, Ronaldo and Messi sat on the top, along with Radamel Falcao, with 8
goals to their name each.</span></div>
</div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-48150051191198278822012-09-25T22:52:00.001-07:002012-09-25T22:54:37.109-07:00Media Hypocrisy Or Are Real A Bigger Club Than Barcelona?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>By Isra Qassim.</i><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a Liga night of Saturday, Barcelona met Granada in Camp Nou, where it
is hard for teams like Real Madrid to get to result in, everyone thought Barca would win the game with ease as they are the stronger team on paper – and Granada's recent performances have been so poor that they were booed on their own
turf by their own fans.<br />
<br />
However it was far from reality, it
was a difficult home game for Barcelona where they struggled for 86 minutes
with a heroic performance from Granada's defense and hero of the night, Tono – their
goal keeper. The game ended up with a win for Barcelona, anyway, as a
wonder strike from Xavi and an own goal sealed the deal for them.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2012/9/22/1348353227175/xavi-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2012/9/22/1348353227175/xavi-006.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barca's Saviour against Granada</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now some might argue that the reason for Barcelona poor
performance was missing Iniesta, leave this argument for another day. Now
you might look at my title thinking what does this have to do with what is
written so far. Well now I get to my point; Messi, who is the 3 time ballon d’or
winner, had arguably one of his worse games ever. Perhaps anyway one of the
worst recently. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
He couldn’t make assists or continue his dribbling to cut inside and score, lost possession – and that, on one occasion, almost gifted Granada a counter attacking goal had El Arabi taken his chance instead of shooting it straight to Victor Valdes.<br />
<br />
Messi is a Human being and any Human being can have a day on the pitch. He was angry and frustrated – with himself and also with his team-mates. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This frustration resulted into Messi have a got at Villa, just before half-time, for passing the ball too late. He shouted at him 4 times, "Why didn’t you pass earlier, Villa?", Villa responded causing an altercation
infront of cameras for millions of people around the World to see.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/c38.0.403.403/p403x403/57907_10151068175736149_748696973_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/c38.0.403.403/p403x403/57907_10151068175736149_748696973_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Villa Replies To A Frustrated Messi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Now isn’t this enough news for media or press around the world to go around
speaking of a feud happening in Barca's dressing-room? But no,
everyone jumped into the defense of Messi, how it is positive and how it motivates his
teammates or it happens in games all the time.<br />
<br />
I am not in any shape or form
saying these things don’t happen in a game. I am a Real Madrid follower, I have seen Iker,
for example, many times just screaming at his defenses to move or position themselves or even be
angry at them after conceding a goal, these stuff happen.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, let’s imagine for a second that Cristiano was
screaming at Higuain for not passing ball in a game. Which kind of new inside
civilized war will be in RM dressing room? Argentina vs Portugal or Higuain
actually thinks that Messi deserved more of Ballon d’or and told Cristiano he isn't as good as Messi and that's why Cristiano screamed at him? Or Cristiano is just purely arrogant and a narcissist?<br />
<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You think I am exaggerating? Well, Iker didn’t celebrate Cristano's winner vs City – Iker actually doesn’t usually celebrate in a crazy way
unless it means something big and winning a home group stage game in UCL
doesn’t come under the criteria maybe (but the real reason was that one of his faithful young fan
died of a long term disease as mentioned by newspaper sources after all sorts of rumours were flying around) – however did this stop media from speaking
about a feud and hate relation that is between Cristano and Iker? No it didn’t.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://u.goal.com/211700/211717hp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://u.goal.com/211700/211717hp2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Motionless Iker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ramos was dropped in ONE game for a technical decision, media went on stories
how he is punished for going on against his coach and that Ramos is now in bad
terms with Mourinho, even though Ramos has been average after the Euros. But
no, let’s believe that Ramos hates Mourinho after all he invited his “support
group” for lunch to complain about him.<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People say that Real are a big Club and thus media always like to talk about them, so aren't Barca a big Club? Or is it because news regarding Real – like people more interested in
Cristano accusing Iker on stealing his hair-gel trying to cover his bald spots
on his head – sells more? Or is it just pure media hypocrisy that they just like to talk about Real?<br />
<br />
(Talks of rift in Barca's dressing room were reported, but by very few media outlets - not as much as how the aforementioned Real-regarding rumours were talked about worldwide.) <br />
<br />
Yes, Real have 2 outspoken personalities in Mourinho and Cristiano, but that doesn't mean that it should make them subject of unfairness – especially when both of them have changed to become more conservative than before.<br />
<br />
So what is the reason for this double standard? Is it because Real are a bigger Club or is it because some hypocrite media outlets? I'll leave this for you to decide.<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://twitter.com/israqm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Follow Isra On Twitter!</span></a></h2>
</div>
</div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-35000706764040995412012-09-22T07:08:00.002-07:002012-09-22T07:29:40.066-07:00Iker Casillas – Always There For Everyone In Their Hour Of Need, But Some Aren't There For Him....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
By Umid.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the hour of need, he is there. Whether it is by making a
jaw-dropping match-winning save or as a shoulder to cry on; he is there.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyXpWDomppxkjWznxp-Jf02Qui0RYSyCgUK_zl52ZF4O555s2Ky0A4uZ5ZduZhnRSxJE-TlEwVhMkYbE5DAaYFKQ1Ztw8EpYnjD_8eiiznK1XKvlaFL354rd7KVOlFvVl33Vp_9El1L4S/s1600/Iker+lifting+the+La+Liga+trophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyXpWDomppxkjWznxp-Jf02Qui0RYSyCgUK_zl52ZF4O555s2Ky0A4uZ5ZduZhnRSxJE-TlEwVhMkYbE5DAaYFKQ1Ztw8EpYnjD_8eiiznK1XKvlaFL354rd7KVOlFvVl33Vp_9El1L4S/s400/Iker+lifting+the+La+Liga+trophy.jpg" width="0" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iker Leading Real To Their First La Liga Title Since 2008</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Always.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Casillas introduced himself to the World like that: those
eye-popping saves against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 Champions League final
and being <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Spain</st1:country>’s saviour
against <st1:place w:st="on">Ireland</st1:place>
in the 2002 World Cup Round Of 16 in the shoot-out – it was the beginning of
something great, something epic.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And since then Casillas has saved <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Spain</st1:country> and Real Madrid many times
with his astute goalkeeping. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But it was in Euro 2008 when we saw the true leader in him.
Leading <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Spain</st1:country>
to its first ever major championship triumph since the long forgotten 1964
European Championship conquest, Casillas showed to the World a side of his
which many didn’t think he had: a leader.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://somalilandpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/SpainUefa201201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://somalilandpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/SpainUefa201201.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leading Spain To Glory For AThird Consecutive Time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Often accused of being too quiet and nice to make a good
leader, Casillas has proven all of those critics wrong by leading Spain
consecutive Euro and a World Cup wins. He also lead Real Madrid to their first
ever league title since 2008 – these feats wouldn’t have been possible if
Casillas wasn’t a good leader.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is his personality as a Human, however, that makes him
such a lovable person.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Tuesday when Real Madrid were drawing 2-2 against City
with just injury time to go, there was nervousness. Losing 2 points at the
Bernabeu is never pleasing – and certainly not at all when Real are in the
toughest group in this year’s CL.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then, suddenly, everything paused. It was as if time stopped
itself to witness that moment. That moment was when Cristiano cut inside from the
left and shot…. Kompany’s presence blocked Hart’s view and the ball went into
the net.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3-2 Real <st1:place w:st="on">Madrid</st1:place>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every Real Madrid fan – every – were celebrating as if they just won the Champions League. Rafael Nadal, who was watching the game from the VIP
box, jumped out of his seat in exhilaration. Jose Mourinho sunk his knees into
the wet grass and slid on it, so did Cristiano – the scorer, the joybringer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nationalturk.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/mourinho-goal-celebration-real-madrid-vs-manchester-city-nationalturk-0455.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://www.nationalturk.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/mourinho-goal-celebration-real-madrid-vs-manchester-city-nationalturk-0455.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extreme Joy For Mou And Cristiano</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there was one-man on the Real Madrid side who didn’t
even move. Showed no emotions. Showed no thrill. That man was the captain
himself: Iker Casillas.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A lot of things were written about it, a lot of theories, a
lot of stories, some even doubting his Madridismo. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/09FrdTh7rRgcZ/570x355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/09FrdTh7rRgcZ/570x355.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unanimated Iker After Cristiano's Winner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But no-one knew the true reason. All of them were just
assuming. And most of the assumptions were, in fact, proven wrong when the real
truth behind Casillas not celebrating came out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Iker didn’t celebrate because just hours before the Real-City
game, his 14 year-old Polish friend, Dawid Zapisek, died after suffering from
Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and he wanted to show the little kid respect by not
celebrating.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dawid’s ultimate dream was to meet Iker “before dying in
peace” and his dream came true when Iker met him in <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Poland</st1:country> during the European
Championship. Iker expressed his sadness via his Facebook page, posting "my
most sincere condolences to his family; rest in peace, my friend" on his status.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://estaticos04.marca.com/imagenes/2012/09/20/en/football/real_madrid/1348162012_extras_noticia_foton_7_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://estaticos04.marca.com/imagenes/2012/09/20/en/football/real_madrid/1348162012_extras_noticia_foton_7_1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawid With His Idol, Iker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Iker Casillas also articulated his grief on Dawid’s death
via Real Madrid’s official website (which you can read <a href="http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/Actualidad_Primer_Equipo_en/1330118912447/noticia/Noticia/Casillas:__Dawid_demonstrated_that_he_was_somebody_who_was_raring_to_live_life_to_the_full_.htm?">here</a>).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Iker didn’t know Dawid for a long time, yet he was touched
by his death: this just goes to show what a wonderful Human being Iker is. Casillas
didn’t celebrate at that time because he was paying homage to Dawid; whose body
was beneath a willow drapery, whose soul was waiting for the boatman to get him
across the slarlit waters where dreamscapes are golden.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The boatman has, by now, done that – which boatman wouldn’t
do so to a soul who met a saint just before it released itself from the
materialistic body?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is not the first time Iker has shown what an amazing
Human being he is. He has made several charities to the people in need, always
been humble, always been modest, always been equal to everyone and always been
a symbol of Humanity.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And yet, once again, some Real Madrid fans want him to be removed as
Real’s captain, instead of being grateful for having a great person like him as captain, because he is too nice and kind – such sad is this World that
kindness and being nice isn’t good anymore if you want to lead a team. But,
well, Iker will prove them all wrong – just like he has done before. <br />
<br />
Iker won't, and shouldn't, change himself just because some Madridistas want him to – he will stay true to his identity; the identity which made him a symbol of Real Madrid, Spain and Humanity.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Iker Casillas was, perhaps, sent by God on this Earth to be
there for everyone in their hour of need.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://twitter.com/banglanco" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Follow Umid On Twitter!</span></a></h2>
</div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-17750251930452111152012-09-21T14:33:00.002-07:002012-09-21T23:07:12.274-07:00Barcelona’s Professional Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>By Faisal.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">One of the best backline of
all times: Alves, Alex Song, Javier Mascherano and Adriano. They aren’t regular
starters, they are back ups, but back up of the greatest defense line up you
can ever come up: Dani Alves (certainly not in his peak in recent times and
stay in opponent’s half most of the time), Carlos Puyol (34 years old and
certainly struggling physically), Gerard Pique (poor form since quite a while
now), Adriano and Jordi Alba.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://u.goal.com/164600/164609hp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://u.goal.com/164600/164609hp2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Defend what?! I can't listen!'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(To understand the paragraph
above, you have to know what sarcasm is.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Puyol is definitely one of
best defenders of all time, but you have to admit that age is catching up on
him. He can’t carry this huge task of defending all alone. We need to realize
that this 34-years old man needs some rest, and we saw many examples of how he got
injured in recent times. Well, I’m not saying that he is finished, but he’s
certainly not in his psychical peak condition anymore. Furthermore, another great
warrior, Abidal, retired because of his Liver transplant – so they needed at
least two defenders, and one of them should have been a center back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Everyone was thinking <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:city></st1:place> were going to
sign a center-back, as a Puyol’s backup. But what did they do? They trolled the
whole football world by signing another midfielder (Alex Song) and a left back
(Jordi Alba).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Well, at least <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:place></st1:city> thought they
trolled us – Football fans – big time, but now it looks like they trolled
themselves by not signing a center-back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">No backup for an aging and
injured Puyol – just no. They swore not to buy any back up for Puyol, as they
may think it be insult for Puyol. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Instead they bought a
‘defensive’ midfielder with no tactical and positional awareness – yes, they bought another midfielder; an area which
is already so overpopulated that a World-class player like Cesc is warming the
bench.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club_Home/2012/8/20/1345470318317/Alex-Song-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club_Home/2012/8/20/1345470318317/Alex-Song-008.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Biggest Part Of Barca's Professional Joke</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">To solve this problem <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:city></st1:place> came up with an
ingenious idea: make Alex Song a defender as a backup of any of the only two
existing CB, Puyol and Pique. </span>Isn’t that hilarious? <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:place></st1:city> thought so.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Oh, they did spend to buy
another player: <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Jordi Alba</st1:city>,
<st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Spain</st1:country></st1:place>’s best
left-back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The question is did they
need him? Yes, they did as Abidal has retired. But did they need an attacking
left-back (when they already have an attacking right-back) more than a
center-back? No.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Read the statement below
which <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:place></st1:city>
released to explain why they bought another midfielder instead of a center-back:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“The world is surely going
through a tough time. Everywhere there is sadness and depression, and so, as
the greatest club we are, we decided to do something for this world – to make
it happier.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“We will make a really
professional joke, which will leave people in awe at first and later they will
just laugh till they pooped in their pants. So here is what we did and what we want to
do: we bought another midfielder, Song, instead of a center-back, in an already
overpopulated midfield, and then made him play as defender. Now, we intend to
play him and Mascherano or Busquets as central defenders.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“This will make people laugh
as, for sure, those midfielders will make stupid mistake when they play as
defenders. Just think how funny it will be to watch when our defender will also
try to dribble past opponents as they have the DNA’s of midfielders? How
beautiful and surprising it will be to watch an empty defense as our beloved
Dani will be in the opponent’s half trying to assist/score more goals rather
than defending, Mascherano will move too his natural ‘midfield’ position by
habit, Alex and Adriano, both, will fly to attack? Isn’t that wonderful? It
will be really funny for spectators to watch.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“By the way, in the near future,
we will buy Neymar and make him the goalkeeper and he will be given permission
to attack and dribble past opposition players – <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSOTp4Xvegc">and will certainly get the
ball away from Di Maria, unlike Valdes</a>.”</span></blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2012/07/16/1226427/291286-neymar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2012/07/16/1226427/291286-neymar.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'My ball control's better than Valdes!' | Barca's Future Goalkeeper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The blue plan of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:city></st1:place> was to make a
little professional joke for the sake of this world. But unfortunately, it’s
not funny anymore.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://twitter.com/faisalut" target="_blank">Follow Faisal On Twitter!</a></span></h2>
<i>Note: The ‘statement’ of
Barca was a pure work of imagination. Barca didn’t, actually, release any
statement like that for real, this was just made up for humour purposes.</i><br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
</h2>
</div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-14000260749289422022012-09-20T12:20:00.000-07:002012-09-20T12:52:16.398-07:00Barca Are Over-Reliant On Messi, Karim Benzema Is Mr. Champions League Junior - What We Learned From Match-Day 1 Of The Champions League…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>By Umid Dey.</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><b><br /></b></st1:place></st1:city></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><b>Malaga</b></st1:place></st1:city><b>
are doing just fine without Cazorla….</b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">When Santi Cazorla joined <st1:city w:st="on">Malaga</st1:city> from Villarreal last summer, the
Yellow Submarines got hit hard. So hard that they failed to win a single game
in the group stages of last season’s Champions League.</span></h4>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This summer, same was expected with <st1:city w:st="on">Malaga</st1:city> when their talisman was sold to
Arsenal. All of those expectations, however, don’t look like will get fulfilled
as <st1:city w:st="on">Malaga</st1:city> have
made a terrific start – both in La Liga and the Champions League.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With the sale of Santi Cazorla, the task to perform well and
fill in his boots fell on the young shoulders of Isco – and the 20 year-old
has, so far, done an excellent job for his team.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.eurosport.com/2012/09/18/890164-14917777-640-360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i.eurosport.com/2012/09/18/890164-14917777-640-360.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malaga's New Messiah</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The youngster put in a stunning performance by scoring twice
in <st1:city w:st="on">Malaga</st1:city>’s 3-0
win over Zenit on Tuesday – a Zenit team which had the likes of Hulk, Bruno
Alves, Shirokov, Lombaerts et al in it.<br />
<br />
Albeit it’s too early in the season, if the way Malaga have
played so far this season is anything to go by, then we might as well say that
Malaga are doing just fine without Santi Cazorla.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Barca are over-reliant on Messi….</b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Arsenal were being mocked as an one-man-team last
season, there was this another team in <st1:state w:st="on">Catalonia</st1:state>
who could have been labeled the same: <st1:city w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:city>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Catalan Club, at times last season, had to solely
rely on Messi to win them games – and he indeed won them some games
single-handedly, but that wasn’t enough to secure the Champions League or La
Liga title.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The same happened last night as well – the Argentine
talisman had to score twice in the last ten minutes to win Barca the game after
them being 2-1 down at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Camp</st1:placetype>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Nou</st1:placename></st1:place> against Unai Emery’s
Spartak Moscow.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media1.fcbarcelona.com/media/asset_publics/resources/000/028/984/size_640x360/2012-09-19_BARCELONA-SPARTAK_32.v1348088530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://media1.fcbarcelona.com/media/asset_publics/resources/000/028/984/size_640x360/2012-09-19_BARCELONA-SPARTAK_32.v1348088530.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barca's One Man: Messi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Whether Messi can save Barca like this every time is yet to
be seen, but the chances of that aren’t 100% as Messi is, after all, a Human
and can have bad games – and Barca will need to find a solution when that
happens, or else they might lose it again like last season.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Juventus are <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Italy</st1:place></st1:country>’s only hope in the Champions
League….</b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ah, the Old Lady is back to where it belongs: the Champions
League.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After 3 years of absence in <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place>’s
elite competition, Juve finally kicked off their Champions League campaign
against defending champions, Chelsea. Things weren’t looking bright for Juve
when Oscar scored twice to give <st1:city w:st="on">Chelsea</st1:city>
a 2-0 lead.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then a saviour appeared in Arturo Vidal.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.france24.com/en/files/imagecache/aef_ct_wire_image_lightbox/images/afp/photo_1348105665117-1-0.jpg?1348108241" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://www.france24.com/en/files/imagecache/aef_ct_wire_image_lightbox/images/afp/photo_1348105665117-1-0.jpg?1348108241" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juve's Saviour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Chilean scored a brilliant goal just before half-time to
give Juve a chance to get back into the game. Vidal looked like he was playing
through an injury barrier – such dedicated players are needed in a team if they
are to challenge for silverware.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then Quagliarella scored in the 80<sup>th</sup> minute
to tie the scores at 2-2.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a great comeback from Juve, especially considering
that they were up against a very strong <st1:city w:st="on">Chelsea</st1:city>
side and were playing in the Champions League after a long time. They also
showcased their great mental strength – they went unbeaten last season and have
not lost a game, so far, this season as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Things, however, don’t look bright for the other Italian
Club in the Champions League, <st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city>.
They drew against <st1:place w:st="on">Anderlecht</st1:place> 0-0 at San Siro
and it was uninspiring.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Pazzini-Anderlecht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://cdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Pazzini-Anderlecht.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frustrated Pazzini</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Milanisti might argue that Juve also drew, so <st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city> drawing isn’t a big
deal. However, Juve drew against a strong <st1:city w:st="on">Chelsea</st1:city>
team at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Stamford</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Bridge</st1:placetype></st1:place> and also put in a great
performance. <st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city>, on the other hand, drew in
their own backyard against <st1:place w:st="on">Anderlecht</st1:place> and the
manner in which they played wasn’t inspiring.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place w:st="on">Milan</st1:place>
lost 2 of their best players in Thiago Silva and Ibrahimovic to PSG – Juve, in
contrast, have strengthened by signing great players like Asamoah and Isla.
Showing no disrespect to <st1:place w:st="on">Milan</st1:place>,
Juve look like the only Italian team capable of going far in the Champions
League.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city> fans will be hoping
that <st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city> pull off a miracle like <st1:city w:st="on">Chelsea</st1:city> did last season
…. but it looks unlikely.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Champions League is Karim Benzema’s competition….</b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Didn’t score for Club or Country since May 2012. Had a
torrid Euro 2012 with <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">France</st1:country>.
Had a woeful start with Real Madrid this season. Yes, that’s Karim Benzema.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Prior to the City game, Karim Benzema was going through a
drought – he hadn’t scored a goal for more than 800+ minutes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Real Madrid were trailing 2-1, with just 5 minutes to go,
after Kolarov gave City the lead once again by scoring from a free-kick. Every
City fan were convinced that their team would come out of the Bernabeu with all
3 points.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But it wasn’t to be because Benzema had something else in
mind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Benzema received the ball on the edge of the box, turned
Nastasic – who was having a storming game – in the wrong direction with his
first touch and shot the ball straight into the right bottom-corner. Hart
couldn’t save this one and Benzema had finally broken his goal drought.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.firstpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/benzema_reuters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.firstpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/benzema_reuters.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'I own the Champions League!'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And what better an occasion to end the drought?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Benzema has scored 26 goals in 43 Champions League
appearances. It was his performances in the Champions League for Lyon that drew a lot of
attention. When it comes to Champions League, it is almost guaranteed that
Benzema will deliver an awe-inspiring performance. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Real <st1:place w:st="on">Madrid</st1:place>
lost Mr. Champions League, Raul, in 2010 – but they have found another one in
Benzema; Mr. Champions League Junior.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>How not to take penalties….</b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bayern Munich, Schalke, Dortmund & Manchester United –
what is common between these four teams? All of them were awarded with a penalty each
and all of their takers failed to score from it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was once a time when penalties made heroes out of
the takers – they would almost always score from them. Lately, it is the
goalkeepers who are getting the better of the penalty-takers and making them
look like fools instead of heroes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02345/nani_2345192b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02345/nani_2345192b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how you take a penalty....not</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you ever want to learn on how to not take penalties, then
you should watch the way Nani, Hummels, Mandzukic & Huntelaar took their
spot-kicks this midweek.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Varane, Nastasic, Isco & Veratti are the stars of the
future…. </b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When City’s and Real’s starting XI came out, everyone was
surprised – two talented 19 year-old center backs were in it; one for Real and
the other for City.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Almost everyone expected Ramos to start for Real and Lescott for City. Instead, a 19 year old Varane filled in the boots of Ramos
& another 19 year old Nastasic took Lescott’s place. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And both of them had a tremendous game.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You may ask how did Real concede 2 and City concede 3 if
they both had great games. Here’s why: Kompany had a terrible game; arguably
his worst game ever since becoming an undisputed starter at City (was heavily
at fault for Cristiano’s winning goal) and all of Real Madrid’s goals were
scored from outside the box – blatantly revealing the inability of City’s
deep-midfielder to close down the space.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/05Omge6gIegj3/x350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/05Omge6gIegj3/x350.jpg" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Future Of City's Defense</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Apart from Benzema’s goal, where the Frenchmen schooled
Nastasic, the teenager had a brilliant game and showed the World why he is one
of the most hyped defenders out there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And Varane; none of the goals Real conceded were his fault –
one came directly from a set-piece and the other from a counter-attack goal
where he had to close down Yaya Toure (Pepe should have tracked Dzeko). He was
astute with his defending and brilliantly organised the defense when City were
building an attack. His composure is way beyond his years.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/Comp_Matches/01/86/17/12/1861712_w1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/Comp_Matches/01/86/17/12/1861712_w1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Future Of Real Madrid's Defense</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now onto Veratti.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A lot is expected of him, a lot of Italians see him as the
next Pirlo; but I can assure you that he won’t be the next Pirlo – he will be
the new Veratti.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Against <st1:city w:st="on">Kiev</st1:city>, he showed that
his incredible performance against <st1:city w:st="on">Toulouse</st1:city>
was no one-match wonder. Against <st1:city w:st="on">Toulouse</st1:city>,
he did everything you could ask from a midfielder: defend, set the tempo by
spraying passes & play some amazing long-balls.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://answers.bettor.com/images/Articles/thumbs/extralarge/Marco-Verratti-inspires-PSG-to-victory-over-Toulouse-188082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://answers.bettor.com/images/Articles/thumbs/extralarge/Marco-Verratti-inspires-PSG-to-victory-over-Toulouse-188082.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Marco Verratti</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And he did the same against <st1:city w:st="on">Kiev.</st1:city></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is absolutely astonishing how a 20 year old has so many
skills; he can read the game so well that he is always in the right defensive
position at the right time, he can pass it, has good ball-control, has great
vision and is really brave. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have already written about Isco earlier in this article, so I will keep it till there for him. If these 4 keep progressing the way they are now, then that
day isn’t far when these 4 would be in the list of Ballon d’Or candidates.<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://twitter.com/banglanco" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Follow Umid On Twitter!</span></a></h2>
</div>
</div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-25877019648984549352012-09-19T09:13:00.000-07:002012-09-19T09:21:02.372-07:00Always Listen To Your Mom - Why Xavi Not Signing For Milan Was A Good Decision For Him<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">By Niklas.</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Freekick from the left side. Pirlo swings in the cross and
OHHHH! It’s Maldini with a volley! What</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
a strike. 1-0 <st1:place w:st="on">Milan</st1:place>.
That was the fastest goal ever in a Champions League final.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sheva in front of Dudek. Will he score? What a vision! He
sees Crespo and passes it to him who just taps the ball into the net. Its
two-nil to <st1:place w:st="on">Milan</st1:place>!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Unbelivable! What a great pass from Kaka. Crespo in front
of Dudek and he lobs the ball over the</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
goalkeeper and into the net. 3-0 for <st1:place w:st="on">Milan</st1:place>. Congratulation for your 7th European
triumph, <st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city>!
The referee blows the wistle and we go into half-time. See you in 15 minutes!“</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A cross into the <st1:place w:st="on">Milan</st1:place>
box. Gerrard scores with a header and it is 3-1....” “Shot from outside the
box.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dida can’t save the ball. Its 3-2. Can <st1:place w:st="on">Liverpool</st1:place>
turn this game around?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“PENALTY! Clumsy foul from Gattuso. Dida vs Alonso. Dida
Saves! But Alonso scores from the rebound to make it 3-3! <st1:place w:st="on">Liverpool</st1:place>
equalized in just six minutes! Are they now gonna to win this game?!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Just one more minute to play and we will go into penalty
shootout. Freekick to <st1:place w:st="on">Milan</st1:place>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will they score in the last second? OHHH they will!!! Xavi
scores. The boy they signed from</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:city>
at the age of 17 scores the winning goal. And that’s it. 4-3 in <st1:place w:st="on">Istanbul</st1:place>. <st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city> won their 7th European Cup.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The commentary in the last paragraph could have happened
back in 2005 – one of the worst nights Rossoneri fans ever had. Instead, you
all know how things turned out. <st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city>
lost that final and they never signed Xavi. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/04_03/livcelebDM_468x312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/04_03/livcelebDM_468x312.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liverpool Won That Final To Win The CL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some guys of you may now think: “Of course Xavi didn’t sign
for <st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city>, he
plays for the best club in the world; why would he want to play
for <st1:place w:st="on">Milan</st1:place>?
Besides <st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city>
can only sign useless players on a free transfer.” That may be true for the
recent <st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city>, but back in 1999 <st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city> were on the verge of signing the
talented Spaniard.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to Milan CEO Galliani, the <st1:city w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:city>
man, who is one of the best midfielders in the world was close to joining <st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city>. “A few years ago
we were really an inch away from taking Xavi [from Barca]. He’s a player with
incredible qualities, which I’ve always liked. We had already spoken to his
father, and really only missed the final details, but ultimately he decided to
renew with <st1:city w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:city>,”
Galliani said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://aislingbarca.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/n_f_c_barcelona_xavi_hernandez-18218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://aislingbarca.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/n_f_c_barcelona_xavi_hernandez-18218.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">A Young Xavi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Certainly he was close to making the move, with Xavi having
felt his opportunities at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Camp</st1:placetype>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Nou</st1:placename></st1:place> may be restricted by
the presence of Pep Guardiola in the midfield. Xavi himself said that it was
"actually Barca which decided that I had to stay", but it appears his
mother, Maria, also played a part.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"We were offered a villa and more than €1 million for
five seasons [by <st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city>].
Trips would be paid for, a job for my husband. We analysed it as family - Xavi
is the third of four children, and they were all against me. Everyone wanted
him to take this opportunity and also the complicating thing was the fact that
Pep Guardiola was playing in his position. I said: 'If he leaves, I will divorce.'
The final decision was still taken by him, however,” Xavi’s mom said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wise decision by the then 17 year old boy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He won several league titles with Barca plus three Champions
League titles, became one of the best players football has ever seen and a
focal point for the Spanish National team. But what if he moved to <st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city> in 1999? Could he
still have achieved the same success?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ball72.com/data_images/xavi-hernandez/xavi-hernandez-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://ball72.com/data_images/xavi-hernandez/xavi-hernandez-01.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Brain Of Spain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city> showed signs of being
over the hill, having had several aging players while it won the league in
98/99, so the addition of a young Xavi could have helped <st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city>. With midfielders like Albertini,
Boban, Leonardo and Guly, playing time might have been hard to find for the
young Xavi. But Zaccernoi could have built a midfield that would still exist
today.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Giving Xavi the full creative control of the midfield, while
using young Gattuso and Ambrosini to cover his back and energetic midfielder Serginho
to provide him with some help, the bad season in which Milan crashed out of the
Chamions League in the group phase could have been avoided. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The strike force was immense at that time with Bierhoff,
Weah and the legendary Shevchenko – all of whom could have profited from Xavi’s
vision and assists.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1qRE97dnWhw3EudA_D7-8Y61QJAFTys1q-KhQUKFXF2MbrV0KsvAFAhoQQIgvHGcKUzX79EOIXqN8dwTdR73W60iDrd93IbsxliFKjRt6P14p-3iSj-3bUeT3JiMICx3vxpMpg_k1m4/s1600/_xavi_+hernandez_00012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1qRE97dnWhw3EudA_D7-8Y61QJAFTys1q-KhQUKFXF2MbrV0KsvAFAhoQQIgvHGcKUzX79EOIXqN8dwTdR73W60iDrd93IbsxliFKjRt6P14p-3iSj-3bUeT3JiMICx3vxpMpg_k1m4/s400/_xavi_+hernandez_00012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Maestro</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, Xavi would have had to settle in very quick. You
can’t expect a 17 year old to find his place in a league that is so different from
the Primera Division in such a short time. If <st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city> had given him some time to settle in,
he had to fight with Pirlo over a starting spot and Xavi might have lost that.
Both players are too similar to play together and succeed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With <st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city>’s
philosophy to loan young players to other Serie A or B clubs, he could have got
playing time. But then again he would have had to fight for a spot in <st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city>’s midfield.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All in all, Xavi made a good decision in staying at Barca.
He would have never been the player he is today if he had joined <st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city> & looking at <st1:place w:st="on">Milan</st1:place>’s current side; he might have not won
even half the trophies like he did with Barca. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what did we learn? Always listen to your Mom.<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/niklas.barthdorf" target="_blank">You can add Niklas on Facebook here!</a></h2>
</div>
</div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-4781976968540807162012-09-18T14:47:00.001-07:002012-09-19T11:02:51.002-07:00Extracts From The Secret Diary Of Nicklas Bendtner….<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">By Umid Dey.</i><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<strong style="background-color: white;">August 18, 2012.</strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="background-color: white;">7 am. I wake up from sleep. The first things I see after opening my eyes everyday are posters of Nicklas Bendtner with a caption of ‘The Best In The World’ all around my room.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcRMfgADcaqHAYSSxnLVLyloxNnjMQjfF_B9PP-4rRc7_syfutUpp7XtMFw-f8toEdj3-Wt_4KKkZMkojWhocnaEnV8j_L5SFDl2tD98f8N-DJZjyZdFgf8JWpgonNh_uB03MRbHljT7i/s1600/nickycrotch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcRMfgADcaqHAYSSxnLVLyloxNnjMQjfF_B9PP-4rRc7_syfutUpp7XtMFw-f8toEdj3-Wt_4KKkZMkojWhocnaEnV8j_L5SFDl2tD98f8N-DJZjyZdFgf8JWpgonNh_uB03MRbHljT7i/s400/nickycrotch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I wake up pleased. Everyday.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">But today, I was extra-pleased because tonight my Club Arsenal will be playing Real Madrid – one of the best teams in the World – and I am going to be in the starting XI. Only a foolish manager would leave out his best player when his team is playing against the best team in the World.</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white;">August 19, 2012.</strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I was too tired to write about last night’s game last night itself; after all, I scored 5 goals against Real Madrid to help Arsenal win 5-4 after being 4-0 down at half-time. So I was tired; tired of carrying Arsenal on my back – but, they don’t call me The Great Dane for no reason.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I not only scored 5 goals, but I assisted 5 of them as well. I didn’t allow Szczesny to take goal-kicks because, if he did, the assists would have been his. So I took the goal-kicks myself by shooting the ball in the air and then running to reach the place where the ball would land, receive it, dribble past my opponents, and then score.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">For my 5th goal, I actually told my team-mates, including Szczesny, to stand in my way while I am dribbling so that I would dribble past all 21 players on the pitch and then score. And that’s exactly what happened: I dribbled past 21 players, then went past the referee, then nutmegged my own self by slowly pushing the ball and quickly standing in front of it to let it roll between my legs and then scoring.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I went past all 22 players on the pitch – including myself – and 23 men to score the greatest goal of all time. Only Nicklas Bendter can go past Nicklas Bendtner with the ball - I am just too awesome.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Once Mourinho said that 5-4 is a “disgraceful” score-line in a 11v11 game and that he sends his players back to the dressing rooms, as they are not defending properly, if the score-line reaches 5-4 in a 3v3 training match. I wonder what he did to his players last night after they conceded 5.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">They once conceded 5 against Barcelona, too, but conceding 5 against Barcelona and conceding 5 against a team that has Nicklas Bendtner – the best in the World – in it is 2 very different things.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Barcelona didn’t have me – Nicklas Bendtner – so it’s not understandable to concede 5 against them. After all, who did Barca have in that game? Lionel Messi? Andres Iniesta? David Villa? Meh. These are players who are not even fit to tie the laces of my boots – you get these players in every street of Denmark.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">However, last night was different. Real conceded against me. They should, and must, be happy that they were blessed enough to concede 5 against the best in the World. If Mourinho didn’t do anything to his players after they conceded 5 against Barca, then he must have partied last night after conceding 5 against me as he conceded way less than he expected.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Anyways, after the match, Wenger came to me and told that I was excellent and bla bla… the usual stuff to make me feel good. I don’t know what kind of an idiot he is because even after being with me for so many years, he doesn’t realise that I always feel good about myself, regardless of whether I get praised or not.</span></div>
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A reporter came to me and asked me how I felt scoring 5 against a great team like Real. I replied, “It was easy, a piece of cake. Scoring goals have always been as easy as walking in the park for me; whether it is against Real Madrid or any other team.” (I know that this is my diary and thus putting my own words in quotes may have baffled you, but guess what; this is cool – the guys you see doing the same with their tweets on Twitter or comments/statuses on Facebook got that from me. This is called ‘being awesome’.)</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I went to the dressing room and got a hero’s welcome. The new guy Cazorla came to me and said that he never had a team-mate who made such good use of his passes. I replied to him, “that’s because you never had Nicklas Bendtner as your team-mate”. (Again, I’m being awesome.)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Now you must be wondering when did Arsenal play against Real Madrid. They played Sunderland on August 18, not Real Madrid, you must be shouting in your head.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Well, that’s in your inferior Universe – the Universe which everyone sees. In your Universe, Arsenal played Sunderland and drew 0-0. But in that superior Universe, Arsenal played Real Madrid and I scored 5.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">That superior Universe is located in a blissful place called ‘The Mind Of Nicklas Bendtner’. You have to be Nicklas Bendtner to see what is happening in that Universe and God has made just one Nicklas Bendtner – and that’s me – so only I can see that Universe. No-one else can.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">So all of you mere mortals: be pleased by being and seeing this inferior Universe and I, on the other hand, will be owning that superior Universe by my breath-taking, jaw-dropping and eye-popping Football skills – and you won’t be able to see that.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">“HAHAHAHAHAHA,” I laugh at you all.</span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
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</div>
<div>
<i>Note: This is just a satirical article and isn't Nicklas Bendtner's real diary - this is just intended for fun purposes and not to offend Bendtner or anyone mentioned in this article.</i></div>
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footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-6798625980855990682012-09-17T03:48:00.001-07:002012-09-17T04:12:54.652-07:00Why African Football Needs To Change For The Good For A Brighter Future...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<i>By Patrick Owusu.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<a href="http://english.ahram.org.eg/Media/News/2011/7/2/2011-634452200127441614-744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://english.ahram.org.eg/Media/News/2011/7/2/2011-634452200127441614-744.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Africa has got in abundance many talented footballers but there is lack of recognition of our various leagues and tournaments. This is because of the habitual movement of our players to Europe and other parts of the world, the moment they make a name for themselves.<br />
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African players move abroad because of money and fame. We can’t even keep our star players in our own country in other for them to play in our leagues, so that we will develop and gain recognition like other leagues in Europe [La liga, EPL, Ligue 1, Serie A, and etc]. The players move to Europe because they are not paid well in Africa .There is also no good insurance packages for our footballers.<br />
<br />
Another major problem is lack of advertisement and also low level of patronage by us the Africans. We don’t invest and patronize our league. Africans spend too much time watching European and other parts of the world’s leagues. Most Africans even support teams in Europe whereby they don’t support any team in Africa.<br />
<br />
Even shops that sell jerseys in Africa, patronise the selling of foreign jerseys more than our local teams jerseys. And also most of our journalists take much time and joy in talking and debating of foreign Football news on the radio and television sets. They, therefore, also give the masses the chance to phone in on live Football programs to give their ideas about foreign issues mostly than local issues. This means that publicity of our game is very low.<br />
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Also, we lack the facilities that will help make the game interesting and a joy to watch. Many young and upcoming footballers even lack sports wears to help them play football. Our football fields are not good enough to play the game of football on and this really doesn’t help us to really enjoy the game very well. A farmer can’t weed without using a good cutlass and the same applies to football, whereby we can’t play the game by not using good and recommended facilities.<br />
<br />
Our players don’t wear quality team jerseys during matches. Also during training sections, our players don’t wear uniformed bibs or jerseys to show the particular team they are training for. Most of our coaches also don’t have a specific training routine program to follow daily.<br />
<br />
Management of African football is very poor. Bribery and corruption is killing our game. The right people are also not given the mandate to manage our Football because of favoritism and nepotism. This all because of our selfish interests. Most of our football administrators are not qualified and are corrupted. Some of our coaches are still used to playing the old way of football rather than the new way of football, which is all about tactics.<br />
<br />
Most of the teams in Africa don’t have good medical personnel because they can’t finance them. The teams also don’t have lucrative sponsorship deals to help the administrators to finance their teams very well. Most of the players too are tactically indiscipline and this has hindered the beauty of our game. The rules and regulations of football in Africa are weak and need to be strengthened to make the game very disciplined and a joy to watch.<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
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</div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-6838566741507953822012-09-14T22:31:00.002-07:002012-09-14T22:33:17.992-07:00Why Arsenal should keep Theo Walcott on the bench<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>By Abhinav.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','Arial';">The following piece has
nothing to do with Theo’s quality or that
the act of being put on the bench as a punishment for not agreeing to
a contract extension is right. In fact, it’s praising Arsene Wenger
for keeping Walcott on the bench in Arsenal’s last two games – something
which will get the best out of him.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','Arial';">Making the transition
from a squad player into an impact sub into
a first teamer – most notably, since the 2010-2011 season began
– Theo has come a long way ever since signing for Arsenal in
2006 as a 16 year old.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thesportboys.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/theo-walcott-southampton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://thesportboys.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/theo-walcott-southampton.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Walcott At Southampton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','Arial';">He came with a lot of
expectations due to his price tag along with
the media hype and Sven Goran Eriksso<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1336994332962286372" name="0.1__GoBack"></a>n calling
him up
to the England squad for the 2006 World Cup didn’t exactly help his
development as a teenager:</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.exposay.com/celebrity-photos/theo-walcott-world-cup-2006-england-versus-portugal-0RaYbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.exposay.com/celebrity-photos/theo-walcott-world-cup-2006-england-versus-portugal-0RaYbs.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walcott In The 2006 World Cip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','Arial';">“My
opportunity to do my growing up as a footballer
out of the spotlight had disappeared for ever. I couldn’t now learn
on the undercard of a bill, like a young fighter making his way through
the ranks. I was still a raw novice but I had to accept that I was also
one of the headline acts. It didn’t matter whether I liked it or not.
I just had to get on with it.”</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','Arial';">Known for his
blistering pace and yet, terrible final ball and inconsistency,
Theo has shown more of his ‘football brain’ in recent seasons
on the wings despite claiming he is best utilized in the center forward
role. The England international was the most productive English winger
last season while also directly contributing to 46 goals in the last
two seasons prior to the 2012/2013 season.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','Arial';">However, he can be
complacent and invisible at times – mainly due
to the fact that he knew he wasn’t going to be dropped for a declined
Andrei Arshavin. But with the rise of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, an
adapted
Gervinho along with the signing of forward, Lukas Podolski – equally
adept at playing on the left – Walcott has a fight on his hands to
even get on the bench.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','Arial';">Having reportedly
rejected a new contract extension at Arsenal worth
around £75,000 per week, asking for £100,000 per week in the process,
Arsene Wenger has opted to keep Theo despite his contract running out
this summer. £100,000 is a large salary, especially for an inconsistent
24 year old, considering the fact that players like Mikel Arteta and
Santi Cazorla earn less.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/About/General/2012/2/2/1328200437297/Theo-Walcott-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/About/General/2012/2/2/1328200437297/Theo-Walcott-007.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','Arial';"> Ever since those
contract talks reportedly ended, Theo has been kept
on the bench for the away games vs Stoke City and Liverpool, not
featuring
in the latter 2-0 win. He isn’t expected to start the game against
Southampton either – and this is perfectly fine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','Arial';">Being on the bench
frustrates players – it certainly frustrated
Walcott when he was on the bench for the game against Barcelona in the
Champions League in 2010 as he wrote in his book. Benched players
deliver
their utmost best as they have to make an impression to their managers,
working twice as hard.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','Arial';">Walcott is deadlier as
an impact substitute anyway as whom better
to bring on in the 60<sup>th</sup> minute against tiring defenders than
a speed merchant like Walcott? Barcelona wouldn’t be able to answer
that for you.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','Arial';">It is debateable but
Walcott’s best performances have come on the
global stage, notably, as a substitute. Three games come to mind; his
cameo against Liverpool in the 2008 quarterfinals of the Champions
League
where he made a sensational run from inside his own half into the
Liverpool
box before finally assisting Emmanuel Adebayor. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','Arial';">Another was his
substitute appearance against Barcelona in the 2010
Champions League quarterfinals when Arsenal were trailing 2-0 at the
Emirates, only for Walcott to come on and change the game with his pace,
ultimately scoring a goal as Arsenal eventually pegged Barcelona back
2-2.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2010/4/7/1270628483496/Theo-Walcott-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2010/4/7/1270628483496/Theo-Walcott-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','Arial';"></span>
<i><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','Arial';">"I
can only speak from experience but he [Theo
Walcott] was one of the most dangerous players I have ever played
against."
- Lionel Messi.</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','Arial';"></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','Arial';">And lastly, a more
recent example – England’s EURO 2012 group
stage game with Sweden, where the three lions were losing 2-1, only
for Walcott to come on and score an equalizer while terrorizing the
Swedish defense with his pace, and assisting Danny Welbeck for the
eventual
winner.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','Arial';">Defenders can prepare
knowing Walcott will start as he’s not the
best at utilizing his pace to get past players and can be contained
more or less very easily, however, coming off the bench, he would be
a deadly asset as tiring defenders wouldn’t be able to cope with him
nor would they bomb forward knowing there’s a legitimate counter
attacking
threat.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','Arial';">Walcott may not be the
best technical player but he is certainly a
game changer – an enigma as seen by the 5-2 win over Tottenham
in late February 2012. After being wanted off by Arsenal fans by
halftime,
the former Southampton man scored twice in the second half compounding
Spurs’ misery.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','Arial';">Arsene Wenger would
want to keep Walcott following the end of this
season and the Englishman would be even more deadly coming off the bench
for more reasons than one.</span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
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</div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-28418738124823781932012-09-12T08:42:00.000-07:002012-09-12T09:11:13.342-07:00C for Champions, D for Death – A quick look at CL Group D <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>By Fahim Alam.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14pt;">Following Chelsea’s shock triumph over
Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, where Chelsea’s dogged performance helped
to hold out a 1-1 score line before the penalties, with Peter Cech’s heroics
and Robben’s penalty miss finally presenting Roman Abrahimovich with his long
ch</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">erished ‘holy grail’ – the Champions League Trophy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This year, the Champions League is back
and it never fails to bring out the excitement among the ardent football fans.
Following the draw, the highlight of which was ‘Group D’ – which inherited the
‘Group of Death’ title, where the Champions of England, Germany, Spain and
Holland will face off each-other, looks to be the most exciting group of the
draw. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Ajax</span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIeWjBJthCAiLDNew15sB_2BaBNsjA6Juwhfz6DPtMHZXoEbmdcs100wIcDgjW8nfMsX2445ssNps-25_wPvQ6s88mmQ-Qd7O1rCly8wfrEYsgRpL52eHbgZhXRRVKZa90q2RB76HKij_/s1600/ajax.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIeWjBJthCAiLDNew15sB_2BaBNsjA6Juwhfz6DPtMHZXoEbmdcs100wIcDgjW8nfMsX2445ssNps-25_wPvQ6s88mmQ-Qd7O1rCly8wfrEYsgRpL52eHbgZhXRRVKZa90q2RB76HKij_/s400/ajax.png" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">The Dutch powerhouse have had a
disappointing summer, losing some of their most influential players in their
former captain Vertonghen, midfield enforcer Vurnon Anita, wing-back Van Der
Wiel and veteran midfielder Theo Janssen among others. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">They have also
reinforced with a number of players, the pick of which would be Dutch winger
Ryan Babel and seasoned Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen. Therefore the
weight of this Ajax team will be on the young shoulders of free-scoring striker, and current Ajax captain, Siem de Jong and midfield maestro Christian Eriksen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">New signing </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Niklas
Moisander will face the daunting task of defending against the likes of Aguero,
Ronaldo, Lewandowski. However, the star of Ajax is their excellent team of
talented coaches under the tutelage of their charismatic manager </span><b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Frank de Boer,</span></b><b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">upon whom falls the duty to devise a plan to unlock the resilient defense
of Real, City and Dortmund. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">With the loss of important players, and addition of
untested and inexperienced players, they are not expected to progress further
than the group stage by many. However, Champions League is always full of
surprises, so never say never.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">PLAYER TO WATCH OUT FOR: </span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> Siem De Jong</span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Manchester City</span></b><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjN9Ac5sefUsqeUpZGowaXPyxCt-1vwwUE3W3-TeQ2WaXpi2tKTIzh7yXbClXm6wXoCw6QkyNac5kxD834Utp2spZ2F2M8UruKm70jlDR_HdJQ6eQ0VKqB_e40VVwiO8V-mdiwM4Y1-aem/s1600/city.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjN9Ac5sefUsqeUpZGowaXPyxCt-1vwwUE3W3-TeQ2WaXpi2tKTIzh7yXbClXm6wXoCw6QkyNac5kxD834Utp2spZ2F2M8UruKm70jlDR_HdJQ6eQ0VKqB_e40VVwiO8V-mdiwM4Y1-aem/s400/city.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Following their dramatic last-game title
win, thanks to an astounding injury time goal from Aguero, Manchester City
enters the Champions League this season in a bullish mood. Backed by the
limitless wealth of </span><a href="http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=manchester%20city%20owner&source=web&cd=14&cad=rja&ved=0CG4QFjAN&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FSheikh-Mansour-Bin-Zayed-Manchester-City-Owner%2F112831302610&ei=eE9MUMeLKeeViQff14DADQ&usg=AFQjCNFFwDTGZH4RgWcnFKqtT98F6DQUKw"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed</span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">, the Blues participated in
their maiden Champions League voyage last season, only to hit the iceberg early
on in the group stage. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Real Madrid, Ajax and Borussia Dortmund bring 14 European
Cups between them, with City being the newbies in this group. However, they
have a very good shot at progressing from this group this time around. Having
an expensively assembled squad with the likes of Yaya Toure, Aguero, Dzeko,
Balotelli, Tevez among others, under the leadership of uncompromising captain
Kompany, Mancini certainly has a squad capable of competing with the European
elites.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Unsurprisingly, they have splashed cash again to reinforce
their midfield, which seemed to lack the presence of a deep-lying playmaker
last season - and they still lack one - with Yaya Toure playing as an all-action box-to-box midfielder & Barry doing the dirty work in front of the defense. With De Jong
leaving the club, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Rodwell was signed in a £12m deal from Everton; while García was signed for £15.8m from Benfica,</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Despite that, the team may face still a
difficult midfield battle and it remains to be seen how their defense deals
with the likes of Ronaldo, Reus and de Jong. Nevertheless, this new squad will
face their sternest European challenge competing against the former European
Champions, but with a team that has been playing together for more than a year,
they certainly have a chance of progressing further than the group stage this
season.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">PLAYER
TO WATCH OUT FOR: </span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Aguero</span><br />
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Borussia
Dortmund</span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://liveuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/borussia-dortmund-champions-bundesliga-2010-20111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://liveuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/borussia-dortmund-champions-bundesliga-2010-20111.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">The high-flying young Germans won the
Bundesliga title last season, overcoming the challenge of the German giants
Bayern Munich, with a young, talented and exciting team, playing some
eye-catching attacking football. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">A former winner of the Champions league title
during the 1996-97, the young team showed great promise and has blossomed under
their young coach</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Jürgen
Klopp.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Despite not splashing out big in the
transfer market, unlike the Bavarians, Dortmund are known for plucking out
rough diamonds out of wilderness and shaping then into some of the finest. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">One
of their finest and most influential players of last season, Shinji Kagawa has
moved on to ply his trade with Manchester United. But this time Dortmund has
reinforced with the signing of exciting German youngster </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a2732; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Marco
Reus for a reported 17.5 million euros along with </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">forward Julian Schieber, and 0midfielders Oliver Kirch and Leonardo
Bittencourt have been added to their ranks. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1a2732; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1a2732; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Moreover, they have resisted interests from all
over Europe for their star striker</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; text-decoration: none;">Lewandowski</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">. In German internationals Mario Goetze and Mat
Hummels, Dortmund boasts some of the finest German talents. However, as
exciting and talented the team may look, experience has always been vital in
Champions League and they will be highly tested against the champions of some
of the biggest leagues in Europe.</span></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">PLAYER TO WATCH
OUT FOR:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MARIO GOETZE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Real Madrid</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeT7Ow1NdVcUD4LaR0kjf4s0VI3F-f4ub1-gr0mxN8gsYLHCwNooO5HBstwi2IkOaYVaC1A_PRyPxI0tTeSonWLc_e86SXTVDevD44OWjgcgkqNU5G6quXykLeDZnhaWeD_D2taK3NlRya/s1600/Iker+lifting+the+trophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeT7Ow1NdVcUD4LaR0kjf4s0VI3F-f4ub1-gr0mxN8gsYLHCwNooO5HBstwi2IkOaYVaC1A_PRyPxI0tTeSonWLc_e86SXTVDevD44OWjgcgkqNU5G6quXykLeDZnhaWeD_D2taK3NlRya/s400/Iker+lifting+the+trophy.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">32<sup>nd</sup> La Liga title, 100
points, 121 goals – Real Madrid had a record breaking season last season,
finally winning the La Liga title after a wait of four years, and in quite a
spectacular fashion. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">However, Champions League has still been their own
weakness and once again they have fallen victim to the heroics of Bayern Munich
shot-stopper Manuel Neuer in the Champions League final. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This year, they are
back, chasing the elusive La Decima. After a summer long drama, they finally
got their man and signed Luka Modric from Tottenham and, in the final minutes
of transfer season, also secured a loan deal for Michael Essien from Chelsea. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There have also been outgoings from Real, with squad players Altintop, Lass and
fan-favorite Granero all exiting the Bernabeu. However, they have had a
stuttering start to the campaign with a draw and a defeat in their first two
matches. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In order to win the Champions League, they must get back to their best
and hope the attacking trident of Ronaldo, Benzema and Higuain are all fit and
firing, flanked by assist machines Ozil and Di Maria. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Real Madrid have always
been dominant in their group stages, progressing as group champions in most
seasons. This time around, they will have a bigger challenge and they will need
to stay focused and consistent, and hope that luck is on their side too. Can
Real Madrid finally banish their Champions League hoodoo and finally win the La
Decima?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><strong>PLAYER TO WATCH OUT FOR: </strong>Luka Modric.</span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large;"><a href="http://twitter.com/realfahim" target="_blank">Follow Fahim on Twitter!</a></span></h2>
</div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-38082614131295358532012-09-12T01:25:00.001-07:002012-09-12T01:25:37.025-07:00Neymar's Europe Trip...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>By Faisal Uddin.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Neymar; another talent from <st1:place w:st="on">Brazil</st1:place>. And, of course, as a
Brazilian you will expect him to be more hyped (player like ‘Phenomenal
Ronaldo, ‘Beast Carlos’, ‘Elastico Ronaldinho’ can be thanked for this). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.portugueseblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/neymar-santos-vs-barcelona.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://www.portugueseblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/neymar-santos-vs-barcelona.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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For a long time, we are hearing a possible move of Neymar to
<st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place>. Now, let’s see how he will fit, and
which <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place> league…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At first I will rule out any move of Neymar to Italy and
Germany – Clubs in countries just don’t have the money to buy him (Bayern do,
but they have already spent a lot of money this summer and it is unlikely that
they will spend around 65mE on another player). Even if they do, there is a
very slight chance that Neymar would go there, especially with Clubs like Real
and Barca’s interest in him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Now, onto the Premier League.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only 2 Clubs in this league have the money to sign Neymar;
Chelsea and Manchester City (though, both unlikely to sign him as City have
spent a lot over the past few years and Chelsea spent a lot this year – and FFP
comes into play in a year’s time). If he joins one of these Clubs, however, I
believe that he will initially struggle and will take time to settle to the
physicality of the Premier League.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many may argue that players like David Silva, Mata and Cazorla
didn’t take any time to settle to the game in <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">England</st1:country>, so Neymar can too. Well,
here we need to consider the position they are playing in. The former two are
midfielders, and Neymar is an attacker – someone who makes a lot of box runs to
score goals. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The battle in midfield is to win the ball, but the tackles
in the box area are really the hard ones which the defenders execute as the
last attempt to stop the attacker. This kind of last attempt tackle is usually
done with full force, whereas the tackles in midfield aren’t as hard as this.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is not to say that Neymar won’t succeed in the Premier
League – in fact, he will. But it will take him some time to settle to the
League and do what he does best – make runs inside the box from the left and
score.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The best move for Neymar, at this point of time, would be
in Spain</b>. Why? Not because of Real Madrid and Barcelona, but this league is
somehow similar to Brazilian League; less physical, lots of passing, quick
build-up, few direct/aerial balls.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://myloveforthegame.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Neymar-Santos-Latest-News.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://myloveforthegame.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Neymar-Santos-Latest-News.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now the question is which Club: Real Madrid or <st1:city w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:city>?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Real <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Madrid</st1:place></st1:state><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Real <st1:place w:st="on">Madrid</st1:place>’s
name comes automatically at first because of their past history to get star players.
However, if reports are to be believed, a move to Real Madrid seems unlikely
now <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/596/exclusive/2012/03/20/2978066/the-complete-neymar-saga-the-brazilian-wont-sign-for-real-madrid-">after
Santos refused to sell him to the Galacticos after Perez’s hastiness</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyways, if Santos do change their mind and sell Neymar to
Real Madrid, I believe that he will have to adjust his playing style a lot in
order to gel into Real’s quick-attacking style of play.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Neymar keeps the possession of the ball for a long time;
this habit of his sometimes interrupts the flow of game. Mourinho just won’t
tolerate this, we all saw how Cristiano changed under Mourinho – ‘The Only one’
won’t let the flow of game to be disturbed just for the sake of some dribbling,
even if they are jaw dropping.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, of course, Neymar will have to forget about his love
for the smell of ‘Grass’, Mourinho has allergy with grass – the way Cristiano
and Di Maria have reduced their diving habits under Mourinho is a testament to
that. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is another problem. Neymar has a habit of going down
to almost wing position to collect the ball and then run fast towards goal. Can
you people guess who does that at Real Madrid? Yes, you are right; it’s Cristiano
Ronaldo - the Complete Package. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, it’s very, very unlikely that Neymar will actually move
to Real Madrid till Mourinho is in charge. And even if he does, he will have to
make a huge change in his style of play and even then he will have to play
second fiddle to Cristiano.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><b>Barcelona</b></st1:place></st1:city><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As of now, a move to Barca seems like the most likely thing
to happen with some reports even claiming that a deal has already been accepted
between the two Clubs and Neymar would move to the Catalan Club in the summer
of 2013.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If he does moves to Barca, here is what I think would be the
result.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:place>
have a slower game play. Their key thing is keeping possession. They do back
pass and circulate the ball among them just to keep the ball; sometimes, in
this sense, Neymar’s habit of keeping ball won’t disturb the flow of their game
too much.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a Brazilian, he is good in tiki-taka style and if you
have seen him play for <st1:city w:st="on">Santos</st1:city>,
you would know that he is a very good passer of the ball.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First problem he will face is smaller circle to play than he
is used to in <st1:place w:st="on">Santos</st1:place>.
As I mentioned before, he has a habit of going down and collect the ball and
make sole run towards the goal. This habit of him won’t be accepted in <st1:place w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:place>, simply because Barca
are more efficient with Xavi and Iniesta collecting the ball and spraying it
around or making a defense-splitting through-ball. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some people may argue Messi too does this kind of run, but
so far from my observation Messi doesn’t go that down as Neymar, and he does
some passing during his run. And also, Messi is Messi – the biggest fish in
Barca, Neymar has a long way to go to reach his level.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Second problem will be the little Magician, Messi. Neymar
can’t play as main attacker in <st1:city w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:city>
as long Messi is on pitch – just ask Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Virtually I feel there
is no main attacker in <st1:city w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:city>
except Messi, all others seems to be playing in a supportive role in order to
get the best out of their best man.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/001/814/629/hi-res-136082321_crop_exact.jpg?w=650&h=440&q=75" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/001/814/629/hi-res-136082321_crop_exact.jpg?w=650&h=440&q=75" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Future Team-Mates?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Messi’s unbelievable skills and records gave him this
privilege. So, Neymar will also have to be in supportive role, which of course
will limit his freedom and reduce those dazzling dribbling in the D-box area. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In recent history, we saw many great strikers failed to play
the supportive role (especially in Barca) – when their freedom reduced. As I
have mentioned above, Ibrahimovic failed to do so and David Villa took a lot of
time to adjust to that role.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So only time will tell how Neymar will play the supporting role.
It’s a big question, so big that it can determine his future in <st1:place w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:place> if he moves.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://twitter.com/faisalut" target="_blank">Follow Faisal on Twitter!</a></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-81706182314199158622012-09-11T11:18:00.002-07:002012-09-12T13:49:48.341-07:00Ruben de la Red – The Star That Faded Before It Could Shine….<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
By Umid Dey.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
29<sup>th</sup> June, 2008. <st1:place w:st="on">Spain</st1:place> had just won the Euro 2008 –
their first ever major International title since the long forgotten 1964 Euro
triumph. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The players were ecstatic. Every Spaniard was celebrating.
Every Spaniard was sensing a start of a Golden Era. And almost every Spaniard
was expecting Ruben de la Red to be a part of it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theoffside.com/files/2010/11/de-la-Red-Kissing-Euro-08-trophy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.theoffside.com/files/2010/11/de-la-Red-Kissing-Euro-08-trophy1.jpg" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">De la Red Kissing The Euro 2008 Trophy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
De la Red himself was celebrating like a small child after
getting presented with chocolates. He was proud that he was in the squad that
won a major trophy after years. He may not have played a big part in it, but he
scored a goal against <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Greece</st1:country>
to help <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Spain</st1:country>
just overcome them 2-1.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Things were looking bright for Mostoles-born man. He was
returning to Real Madrid after a great season at <st1:city w:st="on">Getafe</st1:city> where he helped them achieve a
respectable 14<sup>th</sup> place finish. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He had all the qualities you could ask from a central
midfielder: he could tackle, had a great defensive positional sense, had a
great vision, was an excellent passer, was tireless and had an eye for goal. He
was a complete package.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His route to glory wasn’t such an easy one, of course. He
arrived at Real’s youth academy at the age of 14. After relentless amount of
hard-work and dedication, he finally got his debut with the first team on
November 10, 2004. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.realmadridsc.com/photos/ruben-de-la-red-gutierrez-bio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.realmadridsc.com/photos/ruben-de-la-red-gutierrez-bio.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruben Flying High</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The talent he had was apparent and, in order to polish it,
he was transferred to <st1:city w:st="on">Getafe</st1:city>
with a buy-back clause. Real activated the buy-back clause to bring their youth
product back just after one season at <st1:city w:st="on">Getafe</st1:city>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A lot of Madridistas were thrilled by this – Madridistas
love their <i>canteranos </i>a lot and Ruben was one of their apple-eye – even
though it was reported that he would be used in a swap deal to bring in some other player. They were all looking up to him in hope that he was the man who
could finally replace Claude Makelele because they knew he had the
capability to do so.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, the journey ended before it could even get started.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On 30<sup>th</sup> October, 2008. Real <st1:place w:st="on">Madrid</st1:place> took on Real Union at the Bernabeu in
a Copa del Rey clash. Then the unthinkable happened; fans at the Bernabeu – and
across the World – were in shock.
Madridistas were in tears. Ruben de la Red collapsed on the ground, motionless,
fighting for his life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No matter how hard they try, that moment would forever stick
in Madridistas’ minds. <br />
<br />
Every second felt like an hour. Every passing second added more pain & fear in Madridistas. Every Madridista was feeling helpless – their dear one was battling death and they could do nothing but pray....</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were prayers all around; even an Atheist Madridista
might have prayed to God that night for the well-being of Ruben’s health. And
God listened to those prayers as it was soon revealed that Ruben was in a
better condition; he had survived, he had beaten death like a true warrior he
is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Madridistas now were hoping that they could see their
beloved Ruben back on the field, playing for their beloved Club. But further
tests on his heart condition convinced the doctors that he could’t play Football
anymore because it would be risky for his health.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And on 4<sup>th</sup> of November, 2010, he announced his
retirement from Football – Ruben’s heart broke the hearts of a lot of his fans. His heart, which had Real Madrid in it, wouldn't let him play for Real again. God doesn’t fulfill all wishes – he playing again for Real Madrid was one of
them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeHTnFyQerf98im6OKcMSeVdW9l8hQuZJtPEpfEkkxut-265hqaeNi-eEIdws2xTinMZAideHSReSy3pcTOjIJF1NPKkXuBMUlloBKy22VLN7nirx9TmtGpRek6fbAse4Hb_NuampWWG1/s1600/Ruben-de-la-red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeHTnFyQerf98im6OKcMSeVdW9l8hQuZJtPEpfEkkxut-265hqaeNi-eEIdws2xTinMZAideHSReSy3pcTOjIJF1NPKkXuBMUlloBKy22VLN7nirx9TmtGpRek6fbAse4Hb_NuampWWG1/s400/Ruben-de-la-red.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Madridistas' hearts still beat for you, Ruben</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I had to retire because of a problem with my heart, but my heart still beats for Real Madrid,” an emotional Ruben de la Red told in
his farewell press-conference. Ruben continued, "I want to start giving my
support to all those athletes who have suffered like me, who have had their
dreams cut short sooner than expected. I advise them to look ahead as I am
doing.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These words could only come out from a man who fiercely
loved his Club – Ruben wore the crest of Real Madrid in his heart. His love for
Real Madrid – and Football – can’t be told highly of enough; he accepted the
offer of Real Madrid to continue with the Club as its youth coach.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Ruben de la Red the player, the Football World not only
lost a great player with immense talent, but also a great & classy professional who
never gave less than his 100% on the field. And Madridistas lost the charm of
their Club.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, what a player he could have been. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This story, however, doesn’t end here. Ruben de la Red is now
working with the Real Madrid youth academy and also wants a coaching degree. He might
as well go on to become the manager of Real Madrid one day and fulfill his
dreams which he couldn't as a player. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In almost every fairy-tale we have read in our lives, the
ending has been a happy one. And here is hoping that the ending here will be
the same as well.<br />
<br />
But one thing is for sure; Ruben's heart still beats for Real Madrid, and Madridistas' hearts still beat for him.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://twitter.com/banglanco" target="_blank">Follow Umid on Twitter!</a></h2>
</div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-74648695914859987432012-09-10T06:00:00.001-07:002012-09-10T06:22:16.798-07:00Remember The Name: Emmanuel Boateng<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>By Patrick Owusu.</i><br />
<br />
From Batama to California.<br />
<br />
Emmanuel Boateng is a young talented and tactically disciplined footballer. Emmanuel resided at Bantama, a suburb of Kumasi in the Ashanti region during his days in Ghana. He started his football career at Ebony FC, which is a colts team in Kumasi. Emmanuel Boateng’s story starts thousands of miles away on the dusty fields in Ghana, but where it may end is what makes his tale so fascinating.<br />
<br />
Boateng went to the United States in 2009 as part of the Right to Dream Academy, which helps athletes in Ghana explore opportunities [both in education and sports] all around the globe.<br />
<br />
The brilliant midfielder’s first stop in the States was Cate School, a small, private boarding school in the foothills of Santa Barbara, California. Boateng’s high school career hit a high point during his junior year with the 2011-12 Gatorade National Boys Soccer High School Player of the Year award .“It has been great,” Boateng told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “To be part of something that the school can look back on and be proud of is special.”<br />
<br />
The 18-year-old is the first athlete from Cate (which Boateng became the first American) to win the Gatorade award in the school’s 102-year history, to earn MVP honors in the 30-year history of the Milk Cup when he led the South Coast Strikers to fourth place in the 2011 Premier Section at the tournament in Northern Ireland. Boateng is only the underclassman to the Gatorade Player of the Year award in its 27-year history. Boateng joins Wayne Rooney, David Beckham and Giovanni Dos Santos as the youngest athletes to have won the Milk Cup MVP honors.<br />
<br />
The Ghanaian has brought other honors unto the school as well including a pair of California High School Division VII titles during his three years on campus, but his junior year will be his final in high school as he decided earlier this year to enroll at UC Santa Barbara in 2012, having maintained a 3.75 GPA at high school.<br />
<br />
“It was a tough choice,” Boateng said. “I wrestled with it a lot, but at the end of the day I thought it was the best choice for me.” For Boateng, the choice was not simply about returning to Cate for his senior season or enrolling early at UCSB, there were other professional clubs also in the mix.<br />
<br />
Manchester City has been closely monitoring the star for the past few years after inviting him on trial in 2010 and was poised to sign him this summer .“I considered it,” Boateng said about joining the English Premier League Champions. “Thinking about leaving [to join City] in mid-July . . . but I think I made the right choice right now to wait and get the collegiate experience."<br />
<br />
Boateng’s role model is Steve Gerard of Liverpool. Boateng enjoys playing central midfield and is also a utility player. He is eligible to play for either Ghana or USA national team. He is one player that I really admire and won’t be surprised to see him rise to be the best in Africa and subsequently in the world in future.<br />
<h2>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Follow </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; white-space: nowrap;">Patrick Owusu Ansah on</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; white-space: nowrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="color: cyan;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/PatrekPatreken" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; color: #009db8; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</b></span></span></h2>
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footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-87991765486398536122012-09-09T21:59:00.000-07:002012-09-10T00:03:04.883-07:00Should African football associations only hire nationals?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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by <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; white-space: nowrap;">Patrick Owusu Ansah</span><br />
<br />
This will not be happening in the foreseeable future because the fans, but the football associations and the politicians want immediate results. They reckon that experienced coaches who can deliver instant results are not African! Long-term planning of upgrading local coaches' education and investing of trust in a pool of local coaches appear to be unAfrican qualities. Local coaches are not even allowed the latitude of an occassional blip in form of the team.<br />
<br />
Part of the reason why African coaches have not succeeded at the World Cups is because they are handed long and secure tenure in their positions to enable them build cohesive sides that can gell in time for tournaments. The African coach is not trusted. He is viewed as incompetent and incapable. Yet, African coaches have won junior World Cups before.<br />
<br />
An African coach has guided a nation to an Olympic football title before. Cameroon's Jean Paul Akono and not Pierre Lechantre was the architect of the Indomitable Lions' triumph at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Ghana's Charles Gyamfi and Egypt's Hassan Shehata have each won the Africa Cup of Nations three times making them the most successful African coaches at the Africa Cup. Ghana’s Sellas Tetteh has also won the U 20 World cup before. <br />
<br />
However, this pedigree of African coaches appears not to be enough in the eyes of Africa's football federations. So, the continent will continue to pay an expensive price at serious football tournaments through their highly-paid expatriate coaches who are not only disconnected from their players, but they have little connection with the style and traditions of African football.<br />
<br />
It is hard time, African football Associations should start hiring nationals as coaches .We must believe in nationals, because they also know the techniques and tacticality of the game.<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Follow <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; white-space: nowrap;">Patrick Owusu Ansah on</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="color: cyan;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/PatrekPatreken" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</b></span></span></span></h2>
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footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-79986701561348349702012-09-08T07:51:00.000-07:002012-09-09T23:56:30.165-07:00Why Cristiano Ronaldo Deserves To Win The Ballon d'Or Ahead Of Messi This Year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>by Nour Sedki.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of the best...</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Well, that's the big debate. It's the debate that possibly divides fans the world over. What remains is the question: Who's better, Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo or Barcelona star Lionel Messi? Firstly, I would like to say this article will not certainly settle that debate as fans' opinions are so solidified at this point that I doubt any article could.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">While Messi may be more beloved and has better stats overall in 2012 as things stand, I'm one of those objective writers whom are of the opinion the Portuguese attacker fully deserves to snatch this year's Ballon d'Or award. It's quite true Messi notched a staggering amount of goals last season, surpassing the mark of 70 strikes for club and 80 if taking national team goals into consideration. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sportnomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/fifa-ballon-dor-award-lionel-messi-2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://sportnomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/fifa-ballon-dor-award-lionel-messi-2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Defending Champion</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">One could suppose Messi has no opponents to square off against for this year's award considering he had completed the greatest individual season of all time, but what most people are yet to realise is that team performance counts when talking about the Ballon d'Or. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Saying that Barcelona struggled as some of their key players were injury-prone for nearly half of the season and Messi had to carry an off-form Barcelona side to glory all by himself undoubtedly makes sense. As shown statistically, if we take out Messi's 50 league goals, Barcelona would have ended up at 6th place, which proves how important Messi has been for Barcelona. And while Ronaldo had Higuain and Benzema on his side with both scoring 25+ goals, it was a lot easier for him to get the job done. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">However, one could also argue Ronaldo has been the most decisive player in club football this year. Even though he had teammates uninjured and creating chances for him to score, we have witnessed a more unselfish and less individualistic Cristiano Ronaldo. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Taking team performance into account, Ronaldo led Real Madrid to their first league title in four year after racking up 46 goals in La Liga over 60 in all club competitions. Moreover, Ronaldo had silenced 95% of the people who previously criticized him for not scintillating in the most crucial games, the 'Big Games'. Ronaldo, unlike rival Leo Messi, proved decisive for Real as he produced several match-winning displays that have helped the Whites through all competitions - i.e: v (Barcelona, Bayern, Betis, Valencia, Lyon, Atletico Madrid, Rayo Vallecano,..etc) Ronaldo showed up when it mattered most for his side, something the Argentine phenomenon couldn't do.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Another thing people seem to forget nowadays is that the Ballon d'Or is given based on the player's performances throughout the calendar year, and not the season, so all what will be taken into consideration are Ronaldo and Messi's plaudits back from January the 1st until the 31st of December. Thus, statistically speaking, the pair share the same amount of goals (64) whilst the Argentine currently has more assists (21) compared to Ronaldo's (15). </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">But what really gives the Portuguese the edge is his impressive performances at the Euros with Portugal. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/About/General/2012/6/20/1340186915475/Cristiano-Ronaldo-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/About/General/2012/6/20/1340186915475/Cristiano-Ronaldo-008.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carried Portugal On His Shoulders...</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Ronaldo got off to a poor start following two lackluster showings respectively against Germany and Denmark, but then produced the goods since taking the Seleccao further than expected - the semifinals of the tournament. Ronaldo scored thrice and ended up being the top scorer of the tourney along with five other players. Portugal have unfortunately got eliminated at the hands of eventual winners Spain, on penalties, in which Ronaldo could not take a single spot-kick.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Ronaldo then traveled to France and Thailand with future wife and current girlfriend Irina Shayk as part of his short two week vacation. He returned to training on the 28th of July, hoping for a great start to the new season in order to win trophies with Real Madrid. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Real kicked off their La Liga title defence with poor performances against Valencia and Getafe as Real drew 1-1 against Los Che and suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Getafe after a late goal from Barrada. Ronaldo afterwards showed why he truly deserves this year's Ballon d'Or when he was integral in Madrid's conquest of their first Supercup since a long time following a 2-1 victory over eternal rivals, FC Barcelona, where he scored a goal each in both legs. Ronaldo unquestionably outplayed Pique and his charming displays might have overlooked Messi's during that game.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ronaldo7.net/news/2012/cristiano-ronaldo-545-goal-celebration-at-the-camp-nou-in-barcelona-3-2-real-madrid-for-the-spanish-supercup-2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://www.ronaldo7.net/news/2012/cristiano-ronaldo-545-goal-celebration-at-the-camp-nou-in-barcelona-3-2-real-madrid-for-the-spanish-supercup-2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cristiano Celebrating His Goal Against Barca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Ronaldo obviously has a very good chance at scooping this year's prize from rival Lionel Messi. Reasons in short are because his dragging of Portugal to Euro Semis after scoring three crucial strikes, he helped Real Madrid secure their first La Liga title since 2008, he showed up when it mattered most and was arguably this year's most pivotal player. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">And that's why he deserves the Ballon d'Or more than Messi.</span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Follow Nour on <a href="https://twitter.com/Noursedki28" target="_blank">Twitter</a>!</span></h2>
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footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-48276756269249021382012-09-08T00:11:00.001-07:002012-09-09T23:58:07.984-07:00Barclays Premier League 2012-13 Preview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>by Shubham Mazumdar. </i><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://footballequalslife.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/pl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://footballequalslife.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/pl2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">After the incredible battle at the top of the 2011-12 EPL table
between Manchester United and <st1:placename w:st="on">Manchester</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype>, followed by Aguero’s last
gasp winner for <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Manchester</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place> on the final day of
last season somehow made sure that when it comes to competition, Premier League
keeps you at the edge of your seats.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">With the 2012/13 season already here, I look at each team’s
prospects for the campaign ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Arsenal<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">While their captain Robin van Persie left for one of their
biggest rivals, the Arsenal fans can still cherish the fact that Wenger was
able to grab Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla.
But here is also an obvious question-mark about how quickly they
can adjust to the Premier League. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Arsenal's biggest concern last season was their shabby defence,
which is basically because of the disastrous injury list that almost
derailed their season, but seems like the lesson learned from last season
can work out for them and make the Gunners a sturdier looking unit this time,
conceding no goals in the 3 games they have played so far – the only team in
the Premier League to yet to concede. Steve Bould, new Arsenal assistant manager, effect.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8422/7732365392_516b67f7e5_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8422/7732365392_516b67f7e5_z.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arsenal's Saviour?</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.25pt;">If the new trio is able to gel in time, and if a certain Jack
Wilshere can return back from injury, Arsenal can give the top contenders a run
for their money - and, who knows, even </span><a href="http://thetrivote.blogspot.com/2012/07/why-santiago-cazorla-would-be.html" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.25pt;" target="_blank">win a title as they have the Spanish talisman Santi Cazorla in their team</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.25pt;">.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Aston Villa<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">After a poor season under Alex McLeish, Paul Lambert now
gets his chance to turn the club’s fortunes around. Bent's absence through
injury for much of the second half of last season almost cost Villa their place
in the Premier League. With a fit Darren Bent in the side, the side will look
more confident than ever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"> "There's real optimism about the season ahead,"
Darren Bent said after reporting back for pre-season. "We felt it in our
first session when [the manager] came in and told us how he wanted to play. It
was great because he said he wanted us to play with real freedom. He wants us
to be an attacking outfit… he wants us to have a right good go at every single
team. That's how it should be."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">A lot will be expected from Charles N’Zogbia and Stephen
Ireland, as well as the impact of new boy Ron Vlaar, signed from <em>Feyernoord.</em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i> </i></span>Looks like a top half finish
won't be a tough ask this time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></st1:place></st1:city></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Chelsea</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">The champions of <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place> and
winners of the FA Cup look much stronger this season after the addition of the
likes of Eden Hazrd, Marko Marin & Oscar. Fernando Torres seems to be
on the rise again, and might even prove his critics wrong if he manages to
bring out the old Nino back. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02320/fernando-torres_2320311b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02320/fernando-torres_2320311b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chelsea's Stars</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.25pt;">Defense can be a problem for them – their display against a much
more composed side Athletico </span><st1:state style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.25pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Madrid</st1:place></st1:state><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.25pt;">
in the Euro Super Cup was a testament to that. Terry will be missing a
month or two because of the ban imposed by FA for the Anton Ferdinand fiasco
and that would hurt </span><st1:city style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.25pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chelsea</st1:place></st1:city><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.25pt;">
even more as their a little thin in the defense area.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Will Roberto di Matteo keep his job, come season end? That would
be interesting to see. A top three finish seems probable – but not
winning a title with this team would be a huge disappointment for <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chelsea</st1:place></st1:city> fans. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<b style="line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Everton</span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<b style="line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Despite the exits of Tim Cahill and Jack Rodwell, Nikica
Jelavic and Marouane Fellaini will still
be the key players for the club, and players like Tim Howard, Phil
Jagielka and Leighton Baines will be crucial for the tough season up
ahead.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/SPORT/Pix/pictures/2011/11/17/1321532989796/Marouane-Fellaini-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/SPORT/Pix/pictures/2011/11/17/1321532989796/Marouane-Fellaini-007.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Premier League's Finest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.25pt;">Ross Barkley will surely benefit after the departure of Rodwell, who
first burst onto the scene at the beginning of last season with a series of
good match displays.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Although Everton were let down badly by their away form last
season where they managed to win just five games on their travels all season,
they look like a top eight team again - and a lot depends on their best player, Marouane Fellaini - arguably the best box-to-box midfielder in the Premier League after Yaya Toure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></st1:place></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Liverpool</span></b></st1:place><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></st1:place></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">The appointment of Brendan Rodgers seems like a good move, and
with new additions like Joe Allen, Borini and Nuri Sahin to the squad,
they should be a match for anyone.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Inspite of being hampered by injuries, Kop hero and <st1:place w:st="on">Liverpool</st1:place> captain Steven Gerrard still is the key man. Suarez
is also a key payer, but his poor finishing of late is costing <st1:place w:st="on">Liverpool</st1:place> points. Raheem Sterling is promising, and
someone to watch out for. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Nuri Sahin is also there to provide <st1:place w:st="on">Liverpool</st1:place>
with creativity from deep. He might have looked lost in his first game, but
once he settles into the pace of the league; he will do wonders for <st1:place w:st="on">Liverpool</st1:place>. Also, the injury of Lucas has once again given
<st1:place w:st="on">Liverpool</st1:place> a huge blow – Lucas was the perfect
partner for Nuri Sahin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Squad depth can be a problem for the Reds; top four is out of
the question! Maybe?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></st1:placename></st1:place></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Manchester</span></b></st1:placename><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"> <st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype></span></b></st1:place><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><st1:placetype w:st="on"><br /></st1:placetype></span></b></st1:place></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Title Defenders will be looking for another successful season up
ahead. The richest club in the Premier League, they are possibly the best
club in England now, so the old accusations of players only being lured by
City’s wealth and bulging pay packets would no longer hold true as the appeal
of playing for the champions would now outweigh the financial gains. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">If Mancini is able to keep egos in check, the Citizens
can be unparalleled throughout the season. The form and
confidence of Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli will be a big influence. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://content.mcfc.co.uk//~/media/Images/Shared/Players/Players1213/Javi%20Garcia%20profile%20pic.ashx?mh=700&mw=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://content.mcfc.co.uk//~/media/Images/Shared/Players/Players1213/Javi%20Garcia%20profile%20pic.ashx?mh=700&mw=800" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midfield Dynamo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.25pt;">With the addition of Javi Garcia and Rodwell, the team looks
better in their defensive aspect, and it won't be shocking if they
are successful in retaining the title eventually. However,
they still lack a deep-lying playmaker who would give creativity from deep – a
deep-lying playmaker isn’t a necessity to win the Premier League, but a player
like that is needed in the Champions League.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></st1:place></st1:city></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Manchester</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"> United<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">In this, the 20th season of the Premier League, it is worth
noting that only on three occasions have United finished outside of the top two
and never lower than third, compelling evidence of their enduring class and
title threat. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">With the addition of big players like Robin Van Persie and
Bundesliga Player of the Season Shinji Kagawa, they are still the
biggest threat to City's title defending campaign.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i4.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article1298351.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Manchester+United's+Robin+van+Persie+celebrates+after+scoring+a+hat-trick+against+Southampton+and+his+100th+goal+in+the+English+Premier+League" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i4.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article1298351.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Manchester+United's+Robin+van+Persie+celebrates+after+scoring+a+hat-trick+against+Southampton+and+his+100th+goal+in+the+English+Premier+League" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Already United's Best Player</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Vidic's return is a lift, but there are questions over just about
everyone else in defence. <st1:place w:st="on">Rio</st1:place> and Evra
are ageing, and Evans and De Gea need to mature. Butner isn't an answer
for the left back position as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Towards the end of last season, Rooney reveled in the No.10
role, playing just off Hernandez in a position that allowed him to exert more
influence and dictate the flow of games.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"> He is likely to play a similar role
this season, particularly in <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place>, after he
returns from injury. Eleven men take the field, but, more so than
ever, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ferguson</st1:place></st1:city>
is United’s most important player this season. Title contenders for sure!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Tottenham Hotspur<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Whites were ignored a champions league spot last season,
after <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chelsea</st1:place></st1:city>’s
heroics in the competition, despite finishing 4<sup>th</sup> in the
table. For many fans of other clubs, the removal of Harry Redknapp as
Tottenham’s manager was almost a suicidal decision, but when André Villas-Boas
was presented to the media on 11 July he talked of the need to
"complete" the squad.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Early summer signings of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jan Vertonghen
were brilliant piece of business done by the Portuguese, thus
adding depth in defence and midfield, even if they do have worryingly few
options up front. Defoe and Adebayor will be key players, along with high
flying Gareth Bale.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/09/01/article-2196714-14C99904000005DC-929_634x432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/09/01/article-2196714-14C99904000005DC-929_634x432.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dembele - Spurs' New Key Man</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Luka Modric will be thoroughly missed, Scott Parker is
a long-term injury casualty – and this is where Sandro; a guy with a lot of
talent and huge potential, gets his chance to prove his worth.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">After being spoilt in the last few seasons, the fans would love
a trophy, be it the Europa League, The FA Cup or the League Cup. 5 of the
last seven season have seen them finish in the top five of the
Premiership, including finishing fourth twice in the last 3 seasons. Same will
be expected this time around, especially after signing quality players like
Hugo Lloris, Dempsey and Dembele on deadline day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<b style="line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">QPR</span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"> Hughes brought in defender Nedum Onuoha as well
as forwards Djibril Cisse and Bobby Zamora during the January transfer window
and all of those players contributed to the club's success at the end of the
season. With players like Esteban Granero, Park Ji Sung, Fabio, and Robert
Green, the squad looks roaring to be the surprise package this season.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></st1:place></st1:city></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Newcastle</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"> United</span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Having lost
four key players since his appointment in January 2011 – Joey Barton, Andy
Carroll, Jose Enrique and Kevin Nolan – Pardew did a magnificent job, with the
help of chief scout Graham Carr, to rebuild the side. Cheik Tioté will be
the man to watch out for this season. However, with Chelsea and Spurs strengthening, it will be very hard for Newcastle to repeat their heroics of last season. Newcastle United will enjoy a
top-half finish this season. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<b style="line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<b style="line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Stoke City</span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">They won’t change. They will keep playing
those long-balls, they will keep playing rough and they will keep angering
their opposition teams. Playing Stoke has never been easy for other team. This
year, it will be harder to beat them as they are looking to add creativity
(sort of), signing of Charlie Adam is a signal to that, to their tough style of
play. It is already hard to handle the physical play of Stoke, add a little bit
of creativity to that and they become a stronger team. Top 10 finish is on the
cards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Swansea</span></b></st1:place></st1:city></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Laudrup was
considered not just among the best of his generation, but among the best of all
time. A great passer of the ball himself, he will be looking to keep the main
focus on the team's passing. When team's play the possession game, it all
starts with the center midfielders. Britton may be feeling a bit lonely when
the season starts due to Joe Allen and Gylfi Sigurdsson's departures, but <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Swansea</st1:place></st1:city> had a great
transfer window where they bought a lot of players, with Michu (4 goals in 3
games already; all of them playing as a midfielder) and Pablo Hernandez being
the big name ones. <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Swansea</st1:place></st1:city>
are going to the surprise package of this season and ruling them out of
European spots contention would be a mistake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">West Ham </span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">They have strengthened greatly over the
transfer window by signing players like Matt Jarvis, Yossi Benayoun and Andy
Carroll. Yossi will give them the creative edge they needed since….well…Yossi
left in 2007. Andy Carroll gives them that huge presence in the box and in
Jarvis, Andy gets a great partner as Matt Jarvis is a very good crosser of the
ball. There’s no way that West Ham are getting relegated this season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Fulham</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"> have considerably weakened themselves by
selling 2 of their best players; Dembele and Dempsey. They have, however,
signed Berbatov and if the Bulgarian gets back to his best under Martin Jol –
the man under whom he played of his best Football – and if Bryan Ruiz does what
he is capable of, then Fulham will comfortably finish mid-table. However, there
are no ifs and buts in life, so it will be very hard for Fulham in the Premier
League this season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></st1:place></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Wigan</span></b></st1:place><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"> are the trolls of
the Premier League. Always seem like they will relegated, but then in the end,
they will somehow escape relegation by winning against team who they, on paper,
don’t even have a chance to get a result out. Roberto Martinez is a good
manager and will once again save <st1:place w:st="on">Wigan</st1:place> from
getting relegated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></st1:place></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<st1:place style="line-height: 14.25pt;" w:st="on"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">Southampton</span></b></st1:place><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.25pt;"> have won a lot of
admirers in the 3 games they have played, but they are yet get a point in the
Premier League. They played both United and City and almost beat them. They
were leading in both games, but then due to loss of concentration in defending,
they lost out eventually. With a bit more luck, and more concentration while
defending a lead, they can surely avoid relegation.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">West Brom, Sunderland, Reading </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.0pt;">and<b> <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Norwich</st1:place></st1:city></b> will all be
fighting to avoid relegation – this is going to be a very long and hard season
for these teams. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large; line-height: 14.25pt;">Follow Shubham on <a href="http://twitter.com/mzshubham" target="_blank">Twitter</a>!</span></h2>
</div>
</div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-30997592285156832432012-09-07T06:00:00.003-07:002012-09-07T08:04:30.426-07:00Bundesliga Preview 2012-13 Season<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;"><i>by Niklas.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">The German Bundesliga celebrates its 50</span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 7pt;">th </span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">anniversary.
With an overall record transfer market, German teams spent more than €240m on
new players, this season promises to be one of the best.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">Borussia Dortmund<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">The German champion and cup winners are big favourites
for the title this year as well. They sold only Kagawa to Man United and retained
the rest of their squad, despite huge interest in players like Lewandowski and
Götze. With Piszszcek, Hummels, Subotic and Schmelzer; they arguably have the
best defense in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Germany</st1:country></st1:place>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">New signing and one of the stars of the last season,
Marco Reus, has already shown his enormous talent. Dortmund always state that
Bayern are the favourites for the title, but the team in black and yellow are
the most favourites to win the Bundesliga title for a 3</span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">rd </span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">consecutive
time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">FC Bayern München<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">No title for more than two years. Unimaginable, and
unacceptable, for a club like Bayern Munich.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">They came second in every competition they played in
last season – be it the Champions League, the Bundesliga or the German Cup;
they were the best losers of last season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">However, with record Bundesliga signing, Javi Martinez,
plus Swiss wonderkid, Shaqiri, they have signed two players who not only
strengthen their team, but also give them a lot of tactical ploys to use. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">In Mandzukic and Pizarro, they finally have strikers
who could be great back-ups to Mario Gomez. If Schweinsteiger stays fit and the
duo of Robben and Ribbery get back to their best, then Bayern will of course
fight for the Bundesliga title. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">After the two lost CL-finals against Inter and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Chelsea</st1:city></st1:place>, it is apparent
that the team still haven’t found their winning mentality, so Jupp Heynckes has
a job to do – to inflict the winning mentality.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">FC Schalke
04 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">No money at Schalke. They are in a bad financial
condition and need to save a lot of money. That means no big signings but also
no big sales. Despite a 20m Euros offer from Zenit for young defender<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">Papadopoulos and interest in striker Huntelaar, Schalke
refused to sell them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">They have, however, brought in Ibrahim Affelay from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:place></st1:city> on loan and he
can help them a lot as he is a great player when fit. The team is good enough
to fight for a CL-spot, with a bit of luck they can actually win Bundesliga.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">Borussia Mönchengladbach<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">Gladbach sold the backbone of their team in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Reus</st1:city></st1:place> and Dante. It needs
to be seen if new signings Luuk De Jong and Alvaro Dominguez can fill in the
huge boots left by the departures of the former 2 players. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">They are a young talented team, maybe to inexperienced
to repeat last season’s heroics. With European football this season the team
needs to be competitive on both fronts; and I skeptical about their chances. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">Bayer 04 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Leverkusen</st1:city></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">Leverkusen</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;"> will compete in the Europa League. However, they have
lost plenty of experience with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">Rene Adler, Michael Ballack, Tranquillo Barnetta and
Eren Derdiyok all heading for the exit door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">However, they have also signed some young talented
players, like Daniel Carvajal – a promising right-back from Real Madrid’s B
team. They have signed 17 players (6 on loan) and only 5 of them are over the
age of 21 – that shows their emphasis on signing young players with some
experienced players as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">Joint-coaches Sascha Lewandowski and Sami Hyypia will
need to cut out last season’s inconsistency if they are to do well this season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">VfL Wolfsburg<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">The season’s surprise package could well be 2009
champions <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wolfsburg</st1:place></st1:city>,
who again start a full<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">season under Felix Magath, the man who masterminded
the historic campaign four years ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">‘Die Wolfe’ have no European commitments and boast an
impressive forward line after the signings of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">Ivica Olic, Eredivisie top-scorer Bas Dost and Czech
winger Vaclav Pilar. An improvement on last year’s modest 8th place finish is
on the cards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">SV Werder <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bremen</st1:place></st1:state><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">Werder meanwhile, have suffered key losses in Naldo,
Claudio Pizarro and Tim Wiese. A rebuilding operation looks like manager Thomas
Schaaf’s main priority. The sleeping giants of yesteryear will probably have to
settle for mid-table mediocrity and hope for domestic cup success once again<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">Hamburger SV<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">With Mladen Petric leaving for Fulham and the
charismatic Jose Paolo Guerrero jumping ship to<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">Corinthians, <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hamburg</st1:place></st1:state>
will have to start from the scratch during a transitional period at the Imtech<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">Arena. New signing van der Vaart might as well save
them from getting relegated – but that is not a certainty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">Others<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">Both <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Stuttgart</st1:place></st1:city>
and Hannover 96 look well set to at least build on last year’s upper mid-table<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">positions and will again count on impressive home
records to help them on their way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">Elsewhere,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">Hoffenheim have recruited well with the likes of
Derdiyok, Wiese, Mathieu Delpierre & the extremely talented Joselu – who
scored 40 goals in 72 games he played for Real Madrid’s B team - and head<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">a host of teams looking to push on from the bottom
half of the table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">Lastly, promoted clubs Eintracht Frankfurt and Fortuna
Düsseldorf have been particularly busy in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">the transfer market in the hope surviving the dreaded
drop, whereas <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Augsburg</st1:city></st1:place>
may well suffer from<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">‘second-season syndrome’, and for these three, along
with Bundesliga newcomers Greuther Fürth,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-language: #0845;">avoiding relegation will be the one
clear objective in mind.</span><br />
<br />
<h2>
You can add Niklas as your friend on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/niklas.barthdorf" target="_blank">Facebook</a>!</h2>
</div>
</div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-71289203096737566982012-09-07T00:13:00.001-07:002012-09-07T08:02:45.357-07:00Serie A 12/13 Preview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">by Niklas.</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Some
things in Italian Football never change; the new season has been overshadowed
by the latest match fixing scandal, the Italian national team proved their
critics wrong at a major tournament, and the presidents are as crazy as ever.
This season promises to be one of the most interesting and exciting ever. With
a host of clubs fighting for the Scudetto title and a lot of teams fighting for
a European spot, this season is<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">the
most balanced in recent times. Its time for another year of Serie A football.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Juventus<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Like
a phoenix, Juventus have risen from their ashes with a glorious performance
last year that brought them the Scudetto on a 38 games unbeaten run. Legendary
striker Alessandro Del Piero waved goodbye to end a remarkable era, bringing
tears in the eyes of many Juventus fans. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">With
additions like Isla and Asamoah (both from Udinese), Lucio (from Inter but is
now sidelined for at least 3 months due to injury) and youth-product Giovinco
(from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Parma</st1:city></st1:place>)
they arguably had the best <i>mercatto</i>
in Serie A. With the right mixure of proven player (Pirlo, Buffon, Chielini)
and young, talented ones (Giovinco, Pogba, Giabbiandini) they seem to be the
high favourites for their 29</span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">th </span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">offical
Scudetto. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">However
they are a club in somewhat of a mess as Conte has been suspended from football
management for the whole season after being found guilty in court of failing to
report match fixing that he was aware of during his short spell in charge of
Siena in Serie B. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">They
still miss a striker who can bang in 20 goals a season up front. The Old Lady
also need to show they can keep up on all three fronts – Juve are participating
in the Champions League for the first time in three years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Retaining
the Serie A title seems like the main target and they do have the strongest
squad but it remains to be seen what impact the Conte situation will have on
the squad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Internazionale<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Just
like Juve, Inter seems to be back from the dead. With a horror showing last
season, no-one thought Inter can recover in such a short time, but they are
serious title contenders this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Internazionale
have decided to give the inexperienced Andrea Stramaccioni a chance as the permanent
manager for this season after an impressive spell at the end of last season.
There have been a couple of quality additions in Fredy Guarin from FC Porto,
Handanovic who will replace Julio Cesar, Antonio Cassano and Rodrigo Palacio, who
had a great season up front for <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Genoa</st1:city></st1:place>
last time out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">There
haven’t been too many departures either with only Lucio, Diego Forlan and Goran
Pandev moving on so it is a settled squad which may help the new manager. They
will look again this season to the likes of experienced campaigners Wesley
Sneijder, Maicon, Esteban Cambiasso, Diego Milito, Walter Samuel, Coutinho and
the immortal Javier Zanetti. A push for one of the three Champions League
places is a realistic expectation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">AC
Milan<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">On
the other side of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city></st1:place>
the situation doesn’t seem so rosy. Not just the old guards left AC Milan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">(Seedorf,
Gattuso, Inzaghi, Nesta….), they also sold two of their best players in Thiago
Silva and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Zlatan
Ibrahimovic. All these players have left huge boots to fill in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Milan
have signed a bunch of young players in Niang, Acerbi, Bojan, Gabriel plus some
experienced ones in Montolivo, Pazzini and Zapata. If they are to achieve
success this time, players like Boateng, Nocerino and Abate will need to step
up a level and show that they are capable of leading a club like <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city></st1:place> into a new era. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">The
responsibility for goals will fall on Alexandre Pato who, after three strong
seasons, struggled last term with injury and only managed one goal in the
league. In summary, Milan’s situation will be an interesting one to watch this
season and nobody is quite sure what to expect from them, still they need to
aim for the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Champions
League spot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Napoli</span></b></st1:place><b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">After
winning the Coppa Italia last term, <st1:place w:st="on">Napoli</st1:place>
will aim for more silverware this season. The loss<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">of
Ezequiel Lavezzi to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Paris</st1:city></st1:place>
St Germain is a blow and Inter have taken Walter Gargano but they<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">have
brought in wonderkid Lorenzo Insigne who is capable of getting a decent goals
tally in Serie A.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">They
have a great focal point in Edinson Cavani and a strong backbone to the side
from front to<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">back
including De Sanctis in goal, Cannavaro and Gamberini at the back, Inler in the
centre of the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">park,
support from the wings in Vargas and Maggio, and the playmaking abilities of
Hamsik who could be expected to feature a lot in his natural position behind
the striker since Lavezzi has left. All in all, it is a strong squad that will
fight for a top four finish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">AS
Roma<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">After
Project Barca 2.0 was a complete failure, AS Roma will try to get a European
spot this season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">With
new coach Zdenek Zeman in charge and legends like Totti and De Rossi plus
younstars<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Llamela,
Pjanic and co., they have a great foundation for a successful season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">They
lost young Italian international Borini to <st1:place w:st="on">Liverpool</st1:place>,
but signed Balzaretti and Destro - two other Italian national players. Whatever
this season brings it is almost surely going to be done with flair,
ultra-attacking all-guns-blazing style under Zeman, who is one of the only two
managers in Serie A who are not Italian with the other across Rome at Lazio.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Lazio<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">After
leading Lazio to an impressive 4th last term Edoardo Reja decided to leave the
club and his replacement Vladimir Petkovic has a lot to live up to but does
still have the majority of the squad to select from. Klose, Mauri, Zarate,
Hernanes and Rocchi up front will deliver them a Europe League spot this term.
Anything less than that could be
considered as a failure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Fiorentina<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">After
leading <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Catania</st1:place></st1:city>
to an 11th place finish, Vincenzo Montella left them to join underachieving<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Fiorentina
where he will look to revitalise the Viola with the help of Stevan Jovetic,
Alberto<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Aquilani,
Pizarro and Borja Valero. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">They
might have lost their promising young defender Nastasic, but they have signed
Gonzalo Rodriguez fro Villarreal – a resolute defender who is more than capable
of handling tricky players. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Fiorentina
will be the surprise team this season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Udinese<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Udinese
finished third again last term, but once again failed to reach the Champions
League group stage after getting knocked out against <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Braga</st1:city></st1:place> in the playoffs. And yet again they
sold their best players Isla, Asamoah and Handanovic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Udinese
would be hoping tha the void would be filled by new signing Maicosuel and
Willians – both of whom have looked good in the games they have played so far.
They still have strong performers in Pinzi, Armero, Danilo and top scorer
Antonio Di Natale and with some uncertainty around teams expected to challenge
for the Champions League who would bet against Udinese getting a top three
place again?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">The
others…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Fighting
for a surprise Europe League spot are <st1:city w:st="on">Parma</st1:city>, <st1:city w:st="on">Genoa</st1:city>, <st1:city w:st="on">Palermo</st1:city> and, after their
win against <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Milan</st1:city></st1:place>,
Sampdoria. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Parma</st1:city></st1:place>
lost their best player in Giovinco, but are still full of talent to prove their
critics wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Genoa</span></st1:city></st1:place><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">
have completely renovated their team with players like Veloso gone and a bunch
of new arrivals. They underperformed last season, but given the right tactical
setup they can aim for a top 8 spot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Eccentric
president Zamparini wants his <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Palermo</st1:place></st1:city>
to perform this season and maybe he finally will keep Sannino for the whole
season (however, we wouldn’t recommend you to bet on that!). Miccoli, Illicic
and Hernandes are an impressive trio, however, it needs to be seen if the rest
of the team can keep up with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Cagliari</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">,
Atalanta, Chievo and Cantania will be happy with a mid-table finish, while
newly promoted<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city w:st="on"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Pescara</span></st1:city><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">
and <st1:place w:st="on">Torino</st1:place>, Bolgna and AC Siena (started with
-6 points because of the match fixing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">scandal) have to fight for relegation and things aren’t
looking good for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
You can add Niklas as your friend on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/niklas.barthdorf" target="_blank">Facebook</a>!</h2>
</div>
</div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-33063765244865381212012-09-06T01:28:00.003-07:002012-09-07T08:00:46.440-07:00Spanish Primera Liga 2012-13 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
By Sakib. <br />
<br />
So, a brand new season of La Liga is upon us and promises to
thrill yet again. This league never fails to amaze us with its quality of
football. While tough economic conditions in <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Spain</st1:country> mean the clubs can't spend
lavishly, they are still producing brilliant new players and making shrewd
signings on loan. Many of the best talents of La Liga have moved to other
leagues this year, but plenty of talents still remain. Here we look at all the
20 teams that'll contest one of the best leagues in the world.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Real <st1:state w:st="on">Madrid</st1:state>
<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jose Mourinho's boys notched up 100 points last season and
were clearly the deserving champions. Even the gaffer has admitted it'll be a
tough act to follow. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only two new arrivals (one of them on loan) suggest the
manager is pretty happy with what he has at his disposal. Luka Modric will add
quality to the midfield, and maybe take some load off from Xabi Alonso. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michael Essien's loan move from <st1:city w:st="on">Chelsea</st1:city> looks to be a shrewd one on paper. Michael
Essien may look like he is injured forever, but he is only 28 and would have
been at his peak had it not been for injuries. Under his old boss Mou, he might
as well reach his top form once again and that would be beneficial for Real.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can they maintain the hunger, drive and passion of last
season? Only time will tell. But this is a squad with brilliance in every
position and more than capable of winning the title again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
<st1:place w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:place></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life after Pep begins for the Catalans. Will Tito Vilanova
prove to be as competent as his predecessor? He has inherited a brilliant team
and will look to continue the same way as before. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alex Song & Jordi Alba have arrived. Jordi Alba's
arrival from <st1:place w:st="on">Valencia</st1:place>
was one of the bargains of the summer. The
only Achilles heel of this team looks to be the centre back position. Age is
fast catching up with captain Carles Puyol and at times Pique looks lost
without his senior centre back partner. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
David Villa is back from a long term injury, Pedro is back
on form. Messi, Iniesta, Xavi are fit and firing. The team will be hungry to
regain their lost crown. An epic title race is on the cards. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, a lack of strength in depth, because of a thin
squad, may prove costly for the Catalans – just like it did last season.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<h1>
Atletico <st1:place w:st="on">Madrid</st1:place>
</h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Diego 'El Cholo' Simeone & Radamel 'El Tigre' Falcao -
two men who have completely turned around Atleti's performance over the last
year. They are now the Europa League, UEFA Super Cup holders; playing some
brilliant football. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A compact squad, coupled with the prudent leadership of
Simeone & Falcao’s ability to score whenever he wants has allowed 'Los
Colchoneros' to dream again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All hopes of a top 3 finish will depend on Falcao staying
fit and scoring goals. Can they finish in top 3? With the quality they have, at
the moment, and Falcao firing on all cylinders (a hattrick each in the last 2
games), they have a strong chance to finish 3<sup>rd</sup>. Consistency,
however, is needed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Players to watch out for: Oliver Torres, Adrian & Arda
Turan </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
<st1:place w:st="on">Valencia</st1:place>
</h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place w:st="on">Spain</st1:place>'s
third best team for the last three years. They keep losing their best player
every year and this year was no different. Left-back Jordi Alba has left for <st1:city w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:city>. But as always,
<st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Valencia</st1:country>
have made some shrewd (but cheap) signings. Players like Fernando Gago,
Portuguese right-back Joao Pereira, Paraguayan Striker Nelson Valdes, Aly
Cisokho will definitely strengthen this team.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Valencia</st1:country>
fans are notoriously difficult to impress, just ask Unai Emery. The man led
them to 3 consecutive 3<sup>rd</sup> place finishes, but that still didn’t
please the <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Valencia</st1:country>
fans. One must wonder how <st1:place w:st="on">Valencia</st1:place>
fans think their team could do better in a league which have 2 of the strongest
teams in the World. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
New manager Mauricio Pellegrino's task isn't an enviable
one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Prediction- 4th place </div>
<h1>
<st1:place w:st="on">Malaga</st1:place> </h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the tremendous highs of last season when <st1:city w:st="on">Malaga</st1:city> finished 4th and
qualified for Champions League, the Andalusians have been hit by crushing
reality. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Their Qatari owner Al Thani has stopped investing in the
team and is not even paying the wages properly. This has led to mass departures
from the team which includes their most priced asset, Santi Cazorla, and
leading goal scorer of last season, Salomon Rondon. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even amidst the doom and gloom, they have started the season
rather well. Two new arrivals came on the transfer deadline day; Javier Saviola
and Roque Santa Cruz. They won't set the world on fire but will provide much
needed experience in front of goal. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still, a repeat of last season's heroics looks very
unlikely. Manager Pellegrini will be happy with a Europa League place. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Player to watch out for: Isco Alarcon & Juanmi.</div>
<h1>
Athletic Club <st1:city w:st="on">Bilbao</st1:city></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bielsa's Athletic took Europa League by storm last season
playing some brilliant entertaining football. Although they failed in the final
hurdles in both Europa League and Copa Del Rey, the team gave its passionate
fans plenty to cheer about. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What a difference a summer makes! Their talismanic striker
Fernando Llorente has declined to sign a new contract, Javi Martinez has gone
to Bayern Munich. Suddenly, the team looks pretty vulnerable. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As they sign only Basque players, it's pretty difficult for
Atheltic to find players of very high quality on a regular basis. There was a
talk of bringing in Benat Exteberria from Betis which didn't materialise. It
could, however, happen as Athletic have been allowed to buy players till
September 29 as Bayern Munich paid the full release clause of Javi Martinez and
Athletic could do nothing but see their player go off their hands, abnd this
they have been handed another month to bring in a replacement.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The squad is small but has plenty of talent to compete. The
likes of Oscar De Marcos, Iker Muniain, Susaeta, Aurtenetxe et al will have to
take more responsibilities now. Can Bielsa thrill us with his team's 'Gung-ho'
football again? We hope so, but the signs, so far, haven’t looked good. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
Sevilla</h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Porous at the back, far too inconsistent up front – that's
Sevilla under Michel. Early signs are that the trend will continue. Mid table
mediocrity awaits for this Andalusian giant. <br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The fact that they have retained all their best players like
Alvaro Negredo, Ivan Rakitic, Jesus Navas will give them hope. Club legend
Frederic Kanoute has left for <st1:place w:st="on">China</st1:place>
which will create a huge gap in the team. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there is one undiscovered pearl in this team – Geoffrey
Kondogbia: watch out for him, he is some talent.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
Real Betis</h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sevilla's feisty Andalusian neighbours and biggest rivals. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Seville Derby is a pretty big occasion down in <st1:place w:st="on">South Spain</st1:place>. Betis under Pepe Mel are a very entertaining
outfit and have a strong team. Star man is definitely Benat Extebarria, who has
been called up to Spain squad this summer and rightly so, is a brilliant deep
lying playmaker who can weave magic against any defense Arsenal's promising
striker Joel Campbell has arrived on loan as well. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, Benat may be bought by Athletic and that would
weaken the team considerably.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
Levante</h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This team, on paper, shouldn't really be anywhere near the
top of the league. A small squad mainly made up of free agents and old players.
Yet they are confounding every one with
their solid, no nonsense football. Last season they were sixth and have
qualified for <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place> for the first time.
They'll struggle with the hectic schedule of EL and their league form might
suffer this season. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Main striker Arouna Kone is off to <st1:place w:st="on">Wigan</st1:place>,
so the goals might dry up as well. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, this is Levante and after what they did last
season, anything great they do won’t be of any surprise.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
<st1:place w:st="on">Getafe</st1:place> </h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The curious case of <st1:city w:st="on">Getafe</st1:city>
– their stadium Alfonso Perez Coliseum remains empty all the year round. No one
really wants to see them in top flight, but here they are in Primera ; for the
8th successive season. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:placename w:st="on">Luis</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Garcia</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Plaza</st1:placetype>
is regarded as one of the most promising young managers of <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Spain</st1:country> and he
has built a side fit for war. Occasional upsets against the big boys – they
have already beaten city rivals Real Madrid on match day 2 – pretty consistent
home form mean they are placed comfortably in mid table every year. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More of the same this season.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Player to watch out for: Abdelaziz Barrada </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
Deportivo La Coruna</h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Spain</st1:country>'s
biggest clubs is back in top flight. They won the Segunda Division last season
and actually have a strong squad. Strong enough to avoid relegation comfortably,
at least. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Plenty of Portuguese players have been brought on loan. The
ever green Manuel Pablo & midfield
maestro Juan Carlos Valeron are still in the team. Highly rated Portuguese
striker Nelson Oliveira is one of the players who can thrill. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A trip to Riazor – the holy stadium in which the backheel of
God happened – won't be an easy one for other teams and that is certain. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
convict </div>
<h1>
Celta De Vigo</h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Depor's biggest rivals Celta are also back to the big stage.
So we can look forward to 2 highly charged Galician derbies in La Liga this
season! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
bestow Clarify </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Striker Iago Aspas has to score a hatful of goals by himself
to give Celta any chances of survival. The squad, however, is pretty weak .
Some notable inclusions have been the promising goal keeper from Sevilla Javi
Varas, Danish midfielder Krohn-Dehli , Arsenal's Park ChuYoung. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even with the useful additions, Celta are favourites to get
relegated this season.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
Espanyol </h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These are tough times for the second biggest club in <st1:state w:st="on">Catalonia</st1:state>. They have a shiny
new stadium Cornella El Prat , but the fans are losing interest in a declining
team. They had a disastrous second half of last season and their two best
performers Coutinho and Weiss have left.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, they have also strengthen their squad by signing
players like striker Christian Stuani, a proven goal-scorer in lower leagues
and does bang in a few at the top tier, experienced Portuguese winger Simao and
a solid young holding midfielder in Wakaso Mubarak.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It will be fun to watch the Catalan derby this season.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
Real Sociedad </h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
'La Real' as they are known - had a pretty stress free
season last time. They have retained Carlos Vela and the very highly rated
youngster Griezman. With a solid team Real Sociedad will look to stay out of
trouble and maybe push for a European place. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Player to watch out for: Ruben Pardo ( the new Xabi Alonso?)
& long-shots’ lord Inigo Martinez.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
Rayo Vallecano </h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A small club of <st1:place w:st="on">Madrid</st1:place>
with a giant heart. A difficult season awaits them this year. They have lost
their talisman Michu , Raul Tamudo , Diego Costa. Well one thing they won't
lack is the support. Should just about save themselves from the drop. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Player to watch out for : Leo Baptistao </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<h1>
<st1:place w:st="on">Granada</st1:place></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not getting relegated will be the prime target for them this
season. Their new manager Juan Antonio Anquela is one of the most highly
respected managers in Spanish football. Many of their players come on loan from
Udinese and this year has been no different. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, the squad looks strong enough to avoid relegation
as they bought the likes of Nicke Bille Nielsen, a decent poacher who can score
about 10-15 goals a season, a very talented Mohammed Abu on loan and decent
center-back in Rodri.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Player to watch out for: Guilherme Siqueira </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<h1>
Osasuna </h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A trip to <st1:city w:st="on">Pamplona</st1:city>
is one of the most unpleasant experiences for traveling teams in La Liga.
Osasuna and their boisterous home fans are once again ready to unleash hell on
the teams. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although their best player last season Raul Garcia is off to
Atletico, they will be pretty confident of finishing mid table. And shrewd
signings like Anthony Annan & Joseba Llorente will help them do so.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
Real <st1:place w:st="on">Mallorca</st1:place></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joaquin Caparros is working wonders with a frail looking
team. They don't have much money and so need to sell their best players every
season. Centre back pairing of Ivan Ramis and <st1:city w:st="on">Chico</st1:city> are the main players who have left. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They had a great transfer window bringing players like
Giovanni Dos Santos, who will bring much needed creativity to the team and look
to ruffle a few feathers in La Primera, a no-nonsense center-back Geromel and
Javier Arizmendi to help them achieve a respectable mid-table position. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
Real <st1:place w:st="on">Zaragoza</st1:place></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pulled off the mother of all escapes last season. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Very unlikely that lightening will strike twice. They have a
very poor squad further depleted by the loss of Lafita . In Roberto they have
one of the best shot stoppers in the world and he'll need to be at his best to
keep their goal and dignity intact. One of my picks to get relegated. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
Real <st1:place w:st="on">Valladolid</st1:place>
</h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The third team to come up from Segunda. Their star man is
their manager Miroslav Dukic who was a possible candidate to replace Unai Emery
in <st1:place w:st="on">Valencia</st1:place>
. The Serbian has built a very competent team who play an eye catching brand of
football. Will it be enough to survive the rigors of top flight? Difficult but
possible </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Player to watch out for: Oscar Gonzales<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<i>Follow Sakib on <a href="http://twitter.com/docsakib" target="_blank">Twitter</a>!</i></h2>
</div>
</div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336994332962286372.post-25481506589561389582012-09-06T00:56:00.002-07:002012-09-06T00:56:34.563-07:00Hello all.... Start of a dream<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello, all. We are a bunch of people who have one thing in common: loving Football. Without Football, our life is like a carnival of rust, a day without oxygen and other common cliches.<br />
<br />
Anyways, without further ado, we'd like to reveal the reason to open this blog: we have opened this blog to write articles related to Football and get opinions of you, the people.<br />
<br />
We hope that this journey is more awesome than Iniesta's close-control skills...</div>
footyaddictshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023419651396613975noreply@blogger.com0