Falcao, remember the name because this young lad is something special. Falcao managed a four goal haul against Spanish club Villarreal, no mean feat may I add, helping his side to a 5-1 victory in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final.
It was a first half with plenty of chances on offer for both teams, but it was the visitors Villarreal who drew first blood with a delightful cross from Nilmar finding an unmarked Cani in the box to nod home. With that goal came the close of the first half at 1 nil to Villarreal. In the second half it was a completely different story with a fired up FC Porto squad coming out and levelling the scores within four minutes of play. Falcao made a brilliant run into the box that lured Villarreal 'keeper Diego Lopez off his line and drawing him into a contest for the ball which resulted in a highly questionable penalty for FC Porto. Lopez also getting a yellow card for his troubles, he made minimal contact with Falcao. However Falcao slotted home from the penalty spot making it 1 all. The next goal was a case of persistence as a lovely long ball was played to the flying Freddy Guarin who beat one defender with a cut back before releasing a powerful left shot only for it to strike the post, but it rebounded straight back to Guarin who obliged and headed home making it 2-1 for Porto. Six minutes later Brazilian winger Hulk (it is a nickname) turned provider delivering a sizzling low cross that got Lopez off his line and allowed Falcao to strike home and score his second of the night. Falcao then proceeded to score two fine headed goals, not bad for a striker only 5 foot 9 inches tall. In the 75th minute he scored a wonderfully worked set-piece where he steamed onto a lovely weighted ball and headed home making the score 4-1. He capped of his fabulous four goal effort in the final minutes of the match, where he was left unmarked to head home beautifully making it 5-1 on the night.
What a talent he is, the Colombian native joined FC Porto in 2009 from famous Argentine club River Plate. In his two years at the club so far he has amassed a whopping 69 goals from 82 appearances in all competitions. That is over a goal every two matches which is a brilliant return rate. He is the next big thing in world football you can be sure of that. Make sure you remember this lad because come the European summer he is going to be wanted by the big clubs. You heard it here first. Here are ten of his best goals so far as compiled by SuperAlexdu69
Friday, April 29, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
La Vecchia Signora sings, Carroll carves up City
What a weekend of high quality football rounded out by two contrasting results. Juventus came from behind and showed plenty of fighting spirit to down Genoa 3-2 as the Serie A heats up in the final stretch of the season. Liverpool and Manchester City closed out this weekend's Premier League matches, with the Reds comfortably beating a toothless Manchester City side 3 nil.
To Anfield first where a very much understrength Liverpool showed the real fighting spirit that Liverpool squads of the past have been renowned for by beating 'new money' Manchester City. Andy Carroll the most expensive British football player in history scored his first goal for the club, but he thought one wasn't good enough so he added a second after Dutchman and Liverpool's leading goal scorer Dirk Kuyt put a goal away. The first chance of the match fell to Uruguayan sensation Luis Suarez, who received a superb volleyed through ball from his fellow front man Andy Carroll. Suarez slipped between two defenders before striking the ball low and hard with his left foot at City and England 'keeper Joe Hart who incredibly got fingertips to it and knocked it onto the post to deny Liverpool's number 7. The Kop end didn't have to wait much longer for Carroll's first goal as he fought hard for the ball forcing it onto Raul Meireles whose shot was blocked rebounding to Andy Carroll outside the box. He hit it hard, low and very sweetly with his left foot as it went powerfully into the net to open Liverpool's account. City were then dealt a major blow as captain courageous Carlos Tevez pulled his hamstring and had to be substituted after only 14 minutes, bringing on bad boy Mario Balotelli. In the 33rd minute Liverpool struck again through Dirk Kuyt as some consistent pressure on City's goal payed dividends. Kuyt got the ball after several shots were blocked on the left hand side of the box. He cut in and drilled it home low into the bottom corner to make it two nil to Liverpool. Not long after Liverpool added their third and final goal of the match. Meireles was the man of the moment as he got the ball on the left flank and delivered a pin point cross to Andy Carroll who obliged and headed home a wonderful piece of play to give Liverpool three points and three goals. The rest of the highlights from the match can be watched here:
Finally to Torino where Juventus who are having a poor season by their high standards gave their fans something to sing about as they showed some resilience to come from behind to beat Genoa 3-2. The first goal Juventus conceded was a rather unlucky one as Luca Antonelli looked to play a ball into the box. Juventus centre back Leonardo Bonucci tried to stop it but unfortunately his deflection guided the ball into the net to make it 1 nil to Genoa. Simone Pepe then had a great chance from a set piece on the left, he swung the ball on target but the 'keeper collected. Bonucci then tried to redeem himself with a header from close range which was powerfully struck and only denied by a reflex save from Genoa 'keeper Eduardo. Pepe was again at it on the left flank when a long cross from right back Marco Motta found him open at the back post, only for him to head into the side netting to round out the half.
Juventus' defensive problems were on show as they conceded a corner early on in the second half from a defensive mix up. Pepe however tried his best again to bring Juve back on terms as he cut in from the left onto his favoured right foot and blasted the ball at goal only for Eduardo to make another miraculous save. He didn't have to wait long for his goal as Krasic won the ball on the right flank before passing to the open Alberto Aquilani, who in turn delivered a neat cross to Pepe who nodded home and put the Old Lady (Juventus) back on terms. Krasic then looked to get himself more involved in the game and passed it once again to Aquilani who turned it onto striker Matri, he then flicked it on with a neat back heel to a flying Krasic who drove the ball towards goal only to be denied by the brick wall that was Eduardo in the Genoa goals. But it was Genoa who would retake the lead with that man once again - Antonelli - cutting a ball in from the left into the path of an unmarked Antonio Floro Flores to volley home and make it 2-1. The absence of Giorgio Chiellini was really showing for Juventus as their defence struggled with the Genoa attack. Luigi Del Neri - Juventus manager - then decided to make two changes as he brought of Felipe Melo for striker Luca Toni and Marco Motta off for Frederik Sorensen. This payed dividends as left back Traore burst down the left flank before putting in a pass to Luca Toni who flicked the ball back to Matri to dig out from his feet and smash the ball home levelling the scores once again at 2-2. Genoa also looked to their bench with Palacio coming on and curling an effort just wide of the far post with a breath-taking shot. But Pepe wasn't finished with this match just yet as he played a neat one-two with Toni before shooting at Eduardo, only for him to get his leg to the ball and push it wide of the goal. Aquilani was at it once again as he received the ball in the middle of the pitch before delivering a defence piercing pass to striker Luca Toni who negotiated his marker brilliantly and neatly finishing with his right foot and giving Juventus three very valuable points.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Two reds, second leg meaningless?
What a morning of football? Who would have thought in two first leg matches we would see a combined total of eleven goals? Not me thats for sure! Real Madrid overcame ten man Tottenham 4 nil, after striker Peter Crouch was dismissed early on. But the result of the Champions League so far has to go to Schalke beating current champions Inter 5-2 in an end-to-end match full of drama and goals - the only way the Italians and Germans know how to play football.
First we go to the Bernabeu, where Tottenham were forced into a last minute change with Aaron Lennon succumbing to illness before kick off forcing manager Harry Redknapp to bring in Jermaine Jenas on the right wing. Cristiano Ronaldo had the first half chance of the match firing wide from long-range. However it was on the right side where Angel Di Maria was playing that caused Spurs their first problem, conceding a corner kick in the 4th minute. The corner was duly converted by on loan striker Emmanuel Adebayor who headed home with the non-exsistent marking making his job easier and opening Madrid's account. Peter Crouch then committed a silly foul on Real's right back Sergio Ramos and was deservingly booked. He followed this up with his second yellow in the space of seven minutes and was given his marching orders. For a player of his experience it was unexplainable, the challenges will go down as two big brain snaps for the lanky lad. Against the run of play Gareth Bale won a throw-in in Madrid's half before launching a giant throw to Rafael Van Der Vaart who could not make the most of the opportunity. It was then Michael Dawson picking out Bale on the left wing with a superb diagonal ball. Unfortunately Bale couldn't make the most of it as he fired into the side netting. The numerical advantage gave Real a great opportunity with Marcelo dazzling on the left flank, with a brilliant cross that found marauding right back Ramos, who in turn headed across goal with Adebayor just inches short of finishing the ball. Just before half time Madrid had a genuine hand ball penalty turned down by the referee, who was booed off at half time.
The second half began with a change for Spurs, as Defoe came on for Van Der Vaart - a move many Spurs fans would agree on. Once again Ronaldo had the first chance of the half with a left foot shot going wide. Cristiano still looked not quite match fit in this game. Spurs won a corner early on, with the ball spilling out for Spurs left back Assou-Ekotto who selfishly smashed the ball at goal from long distance. Real then went on the attack winning another corner and how Ronaldo made them pay taking a quick, short corner passing it to Marcelo who managed to pick out Spurs old nemesis - Adebayor - who headed home brilliantly to give Madrid a two goal lead. Jose Mourinho then looked to his bench as he pulled off German Sami Khedira for Lassana Diarra. Diarra had an immediate impact, playing in Adebayor for the umpteenth time and forcing Spurs 'keeper Gomes into another save. Madrid's constant possession strangled Tottenham and gave Argentine Di Maria an absolute screamer of a goal. He received the ball outside the box before cutting in from the right onto his favoured left foot inside the box and curling his effort around Gomes into the top corner to make it 3 nil to Madrid. He then got a well deserved rest as Mourinho brought on Kaka, as well as bringing off Adebayor for Higuain - who is back from injury. Late on Madrid looked to kill off the second leg at White Hart Lane, with some great inter-play between Diarra and Kaka who crossed to Cristiano Ronaldo on the right hand side of the box. Ronaldo then slammed a powerful volley toward goal and Gomes tried feverishly to push it wide, but to no avail as Ronaldo made it 4 nil for Real.
Finally to the San Siro where Schalke posted one of the greatest upsets of European football history beating Inter at their home ground 5-2. Fans didn't have to wait long for the first goal as it came within the first minute, as both sides touched the ball before Inter caught Schalke on the counter, with Cambiasso trying to find Diego Milito with a long ball. Schalke and German 'keeper Manuel Neuer came out and headed the ball away, but straight to Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic who volleyed the ball home from just inside the oppositions half to make it 1 nil to Inter and score a goal that will be remembered for a long time. Raul then got on the end of a Uchida cross but headed wide of the goal. Schalke went onto win a corner, from which they scored. Some sloppy play - in particular Inter's marking - allowed Schalke three attempts on goal, one was saved by Julio Cesar, the second blocked by a defender but the third was slotted home by defender Matip levelling the scores. Ranocchia - one of Inter's centre backs - played a brilliant long ball to Milito who brought it down but was then brought down by Schalke right back Uchida but the referee was having none of it. However Milito didn't have to wait much longer as he skipped down the left flank before passing back to stand-in left back and captain Javier Zanetti. The captain then found Wesley Sneijder in space, he then delivered a neat chip to Cambiasso who in turn headed the ball across to Milito who jumped and side footed it home to put Inter back in front at 2-1. Schalke were quick to respond as they played the ball forward quickly. Young German playmaker Baumjohann sent a beautiful defence splitting pass through to Brazilian striker Edu whose shot was deflected by a defender forcing Julio Cesar to stretch to the ball. It rebounded to the side but as any good striker does Edu followed it up and slotted home from a more narrow angle and again put Schalke on terms with Inter at 2 all.
The second half began with another great chance for Inter, as Wesley Sneijder played a superb aerial through ball to Milito who failed to finish a superb chance. Sneijder got on the ball once again just outside the Schalke box and played Eto'o through with a wonderful ball, he then turned his marker and forced a world-class save from Neuer. Schalke had a reply as Raul dropped deep to collect the ball, he then played a brilliant cross field ball to Peruvian speedster Jefferson Farfan, who raced away from stand-in centre back Christian Chivu, but not enough for Chivu not to foul him blatantly and receive a yellow card for his troubles. Farfan then played a neat one-two with Jurado, before exposing Chivu once again with a pass that found Raul. He then calmly slotted it over Julio Cesar and gave Schalke the lead at 3-2. Another slick passing move resulted in a goal for Schalke, as Uchida played it forward to Raul who delivered a neat pass to the flying Juardo. Juardo then took on the Inter defenders and slid in a cross that was put away accidentally by Inter centre back Ranocchia making it 4-2. It then got worse for Inter as Chivu - frustrated by his failings on the night - went in rashly on Edu, but didn't go through with the tackle and clipped the back of Edu as he twisted and went to ground rather dramatically. The referee gave Chivu his marching orders after his second yellow card. This forced Inter into their second change of the match as Kharja made way for Ivan Cordoba. It was in the first place a poor decision by manager Leonardo to put Chivu in for the suspended Lucio. Chivu had been thoroughly out classed in the previous two ties against Bayern and should have been dropped altogether. The numerical advantage showed for Schalke as Juardo came close to scoring as a great forward move from Schalke spilled outside of the box for the lurking Juardo who drilled a low shot only into the upright. Another chance went begging as Raul set up the play with a pass to Farfan who nut-megged Ranocchia and shot at goal only for Julio Cesar to save, but the ball spilled out and Farfan managed another shot. However Ranocchia was there - in a deja vu moment from the last tie against Bayern - to clear into the post only for Cordoba to have an air swing before getting the ball out of the area. Only for Schalke to get it back and play it to Edu who turned Ranocchia brilliantly and fired home with his left foot wrapping up the match at 5-2 to Schalke.
The talking points? It is surely the performance of the referee's in both matches as they were far too inconsistent to be refereeing matches at this stage of the tournament. Both send-off's are arguable - to a degree. Personally I think Crouch's send off was the right call, the second yellow for Chivu was however a bit harsh. I maintain that Leonardo should have started with Cordoba at centre back rather than the clumsy Chivu. You could almost guarantee that both Real Madrid and Schalke will progress to the semi-finals, but we have seen weirder things, just remember what happened today.
First we go to the Bernabeu, where Tottenham were forced into a last minute change with Aaron Lennon succumbing to illness before kick off forcing manager Harry Redknapp to bring in Jermaine Jenas on the right wing. Cristiano Ronaldo had the first half chance of the match firing wide from long-range. However it was on the right side where Angel Di Maria was playing that caused Spurs their first problem, conceding a corner kick in the 4th minute. The corner was duly converted by on loan striker Emmanuel Adebayor who headed home with the non-exsistent marking making his job easier and opening Madrid's account. Peter Crouch then committed a silly foul on Real's right back Sergio Ramos and was deservingly booked. He followed this up with his second yellow in the space of seven minutes and was given his marching orders. For a player of his experience it was unexplainable, the challenges will go down as two big brain snaps for the lanky lad. Against the run of play Gareth Bale won a throw-in in Madrid's half before launching a giant throw to Rafael Van Der Vaart who could not make the most of the opportunity. It was then Michael Dawson picking out Bale on the left wing with a superb diagonal ball. Unfortunately Bale couldn't make the most of it as he fired into the side netting. The numerical advantage gave Real a great opportunity with Marcelo dazzling on the left flank, with a brilliant cross that found marauding right back Ramos, who in turn headed across goal with Adebayor just inches short of finishing the ball. Just before half time Madrid had a genuine hand ball penalty turned down by the referee, who was booed off at half time.
The second half began with a change for Spurs, as Defoe came on for Van Der Vaart - a move many Spurs fans would agree on. Once again Ronaldo had the first chance of the half with a left foot shot going wide. Cristiano still looked not quite match fit in this game. Spurs won a corner early on, with the ball spilling out for Spurs left back Assou-Ekotto who selfishly smashed the ball at goal from long distance. Real then went on the attack winning another corner and how Ronaldo made them pay taking a quick, short corner passing it to Marcelo who managed to pick out Spurs old nemesis - Adebayor - who headed home brilliantly to give Madrid a two goal lead. Jose Mourinho then looked to his bench as he pulled off German Sami Khedira for Lassana Diarra. Diarra had an immediate impact, playing in Adebayor for the umpteenth time and forcing Spurs 'keeper Gomes into another save. Madrid's constant possession strangled Tottenham and gave Argentine Di Maria an absolute screamer of a goal. He received the ball outside the box before cutting in from the right onto his favoured left foot inside the box and curling his effort around Gomes into the top corner to make it 3 nil to Madrid. He then got a well deserved rest as Mourinho brought on Kaka, as well as bringing off Adebayor for Higuain - who is back from injury. Late on Madrid looked to kill off the second leg at White Hart Lane, with some great inter-play between Diarra and Kaka who crossed to Cristiano Ronaldo on the right hand side of the box. Ronaldo then slammed a powerful volley toward goal and Gomes tried feverishly to push it wide, but to no avail as Ronaldo made it 4 nil for Real.
Finally to the San Siro where Schalke posted one of the greatest upsets of European football history beating Inter at their home ground 5-2. Fans didn't have to wait long for the first goal as it came within the first minute, as both sides touched the ball before Inter caught Schalke on the counter, with Cambiasso trying to find Diego Milito with a long ball. Schalke and German 'keeper Manuel Neuer came out and headed the ball away, but straight to Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic who volleyed the ball home from just inside the oppositions half to make it 1 nil to Inter and score a goal that will be remembered for a long time. Raul then got on the end of a Uchida cross but headed wide of the goal. Schalke went onto win a corner, from which they scored. Some sloppy play - in particular Inter's marking - allowed Schalke three attempts on goal, one was saved by Julio Cesar, the second blocked by a defender but the third was slotted home by defender Matip levelling the scores. Ranocchia - one of Inter's centre backs - played a brilliant long ball to Milito who brought it down but was then brought down by Schalke right back Uchida but the referee was having none of it. However Milito didn't have to wait much longer as he skipped down the left flank before passing back to stand-in left back and captain Javier Zanetti. The captain then found Wesley Sneijder in space, he then delivered a neat chip to Cambiasso who in turn headed the ball across to Milito who jumped and side footed it home to put Inter back in front at 2-1. Schalke were quick to respond as they played the ball forward quickly. Young German playmaker Baumjohann sent a beautiful defence splitting pass through to Brazilian striker Edu whose shot was deflected by a defender forcing Julio Cesar to stretch to the ball. It rebounded to the side but as any good striker does Edu followed it up and slotted home from a more narrow angle and again put Schalke on terms with Inter at 2 all.
The second half began with another great chance for Inter, as Wesley Sneijder played a superb aerial through ball to Milito who failed to finish a superb chance. Sneijder got on the ball once again just outside the Schalke box and played Eto'o through with a wonderful ball, he then turned his marker and forced a world-class save from Neuer. Schalke had a reply as Raul dropped deep to collect the ball, he then played a brilliant cross field ball to Peruvian speedster Jefferson Farfan, who raced away from stand-in centre back Christian Chivu, but not enough for Chivu not to foul him blatantly and receive a yellow card for his troubles. Farfan then played a neat one-two with Jurado, before exposing Chivu once again with a pass that found Raul. He then calmly slotted it over Julio Cesar and gave Schalke the lead at 3-2. Another slick passing move resulted in a goal for Schalke, as Uchida played it forward to Raul who delivered a neat pass to the flying Juardo. Juardo then took on the Inter defenders and slid in a cross that was put away accidentally by Inter centre back Ranocchia making it 4-2. It then got worse for Inter as Chivu - frustrated by his failings on the night - went in rashly on Edu, but didn't go through with the tackle and clipped the back of Edu as he twisted and went to ground rather dramatically. The referee gave Chivu his marching orders after his second yellow card. This forced Inter into their second change of the match as Kharja made way for Ivan Cordoba. It was in the first place a poor decision by manager Leonardo to put Chivu in for the suspended Lucio. Chivu had been thoroughly out classed in the previous two ties against Bayern and should have been dropped altogether. The numerical advantage showed for Schalke as Juardo came close to scoring as a great forward move from Schalke spilled outside of the box for the lurking Juardo who drilled a low shot only into the upright. Another chance went begging as Raul set up the play with a pass to Farfan who nut-megged Ranocchia and shot at goal only for Julio Cesar to save, but the ball spilled out and Farfan managed another shot. However Ranocchia was there - in a deja vu moment from the last tie against Bayern - to clear into the post only for Cordoba to have an air swing before getting the ball out of the area. Only for Schalke to get it back and play it to Edu who turned Ranocchia brilliantly and fired home with his left foot wrapping up the match at 5-2 to Schalke.
The talking points? It is surely the performance of the referee's in both matches as they were far too inconsistent to be refereeing matches at this stage of the tournament. Both send-off's are arguable - to a degree. Personally I think Crouch's send off was the right call, the second yellow for Chivu was however a bit harsh. I maintain that Leonardo should have started with Cordoba at centre back rather than the clumsy Chivu. You could almost guarantee that both Real Madrid and Schalke will progress to the semi-finals, but we have seen weirder things, just remember what happened today.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Another famous victory for the Socceroos
Australia have come away with another famous victory against three time world champions Germany. It is fair to say Australia had a lot of luck go their way in this victory, but they fought hard to keep a young, creative German squad quiet - and they succeeded. It was refreshing to see Australia also manage to hold onto the ball once they had some confidence.
The first half was all Germany's as they felt their way into the match. They held possession well and created a few good opportunities, as well as winning numerous free kicks in around Australia's box. Australia just couldn't get the ball and when they did they struggled to hang onto it with misguided passes or good pressure and de-possessions from Germany in defence. It was Germany who struck first in the 26th minute after a build up of consistent pressure in Australia's half, debutant André Schürrle played a brilliant pass to Mario Gomez, who controlled and finessed the ball into the top left corner of the net. Germany had the confidence and went looking for a second soon after. They managed to win a free kick in shooting range and Lukas Podolski strode forward to take it, only managing to curl his effort wide of the right hand post. Australia's best chance of the half came from a quickly taken free kick by captain Lucas Neil who smashed the ball down field to Brett Holman, who in turn volleyed first time wide of the goal. Harry Kewell also had a chance after a nice turn between two German defenders but also blazed wide, as the first half ended 1 nil to Germany.
The second half got off to a much slower start, as Germany looked to relax both on and off the ball. This certainly gave Australia a whiff of getting back into the match and this was further helped when German manager Joachim Low brought off captain and lynchpin Bastian Schweinsteiger. The second goal of the match soon followed the substitution as David Carney looked to break down the left flank and played a neat one-two, but some sloppy defence from Germany allowed Carney to get in behind and one on one with the Tim Wiese - the German goal keeper - and slot neatly home between his legs, levelling the scores at 1 all. Australia now had the momentum and confidence for the first time in the match and minutes later Harry Kewell worked his way into the box only to be caught by German right back Christian Trasch. It was a heavily debatable decision as the referee pointed to the spot. Luke Wilkshire stepped up to the spot and struck home down the centre of the goal making it 2-1. Germany then looked to goal scoring hero Miroslav Klose to change the score, and he had one great opportunity but Socceroo gloves-man Mark Schwarzer was equal to the task. In the 80th minute we got to see German bound Robbie Kruse who replaced Harry Kewell, and one for the future Brent McGrath coming on for Holman in the 90th minute. A great result for Australia no matter how lucky it was, it will give the lads a lot of confidence heading into the 2014 world cup qualifiers. Lets just hope it puts football to the forefront of the sporting media in this country, after yet another giant killing performance by our boys.
The first half was all Germany's as they felt their way into the match. They held possession well and created a few good opportunities, as well as winning numerous free kicks in around Australia's box. Australia just couldn't get the ball and when they did they struggled to hang onto it with misguided passes or good pressure and de-possessions from Germany in defence. It was Germany who struck first in the 26th minute after a build up of consistent pressure in Australia's half, debutant André Schürrle played a brilliant pass to Mario Gomez, who controlled and finessed the ball into the top left corner of the net. Germany had the confidence and went looking for a second soon after. They managed to win a free kick in shooting range and Lukas Podolski strode forward to take it, only managing to curl his effort wide of the right hand post. Australia's best chance of the half came from a quickly taken free kick by captain Lucas Neil who smashed the ball down field to Brett Holman, who in turn volleyed first time wide of the goal. Harry Kewell also had a chance after a nice turn between two German defenders but also blazed wide, as the first half ended 1 nil to Germany.
The second half got off to a much slower start, as Germany looked to relax both on and off the ball. This certainly gave Australia a whiff of getting back into the match and this was further helped when German manager Joachim Low brought off captain and lynchpin Bastian Schweinsteiger. The second goal of the match soon followed the substitution as David Carney looked to break down the left flank and played a neat one-two, but some sloppy defence from Germany allowed Carney to get in behind and one on one with the Tim Wiese - the German goal keeper - and slot neatly home between his legs, levelling the scores at 1 all. Australia now had the momentum and confidence for the first time in the match and minutes later Harry Kewell worked his way into the box only to be caught by German right back Christian Trasch. It was a heavily debatable decision as the referee pointed to the spot. Luke Wilkshire stepped up to the spot and struck home down the centre of the goal making it 2-1. Germany then looked to goal scoring hero Miroslav Klose to change the score, and he had one great opportunity but Socceroo gloves-man Mark Schwarzer was equal to the task. In the 80th minute we got to see German bound Robbie Kruse who replaced Harry Kewell, and one for the future Brent McGrath coming on for Holman in the 90th minute. A great result for Australia no matter how lucky it was, it will give the lads a lot of confidence heading into the 2014 world cup qualifiers. Lets just hope it puts football to the forefront of the sporting media in this country, after yet another giant killing performance by our boys.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
The most hotly debated armband...in the world
The English football team's captaincy is one of the most fiercely debated topics, not just in England but around the globe. So when manager Fabio Capello this week decided to hand Chelsea hard man John Terry the armband back after first stripping it off him, a massive split in opinions arose. How did Terry lose the armband in the first place I hear you ask? Well last year rumours were confirmed that John Terry had an affair with team mate Wayne Bridge's ex girlfriend, talk about a captain's knock. Capello then handed the captaincy to injury prone Manchester United centre back and Terry's partner in crime for the Three Lions Rio Ferdinand. That in itself was an enormous decision the Italian - Capello - took, but it showed his authority on the team and why the English FA (Football Association) hired him. So little over a year later John Terry gets "his" armband back, but is it the right decision? In short, yes it is. John Terry is a natural leader and in my honest opinion England suffered majorly in South Africa largely on the back of him being stripped of the captaincy. But you could clearly see Capello had to strip it off him and it left England in a state of limbo. I do not agree with John Terry's style of play and his ethics for that matter but you cannot dispute his leadership qualities, he is one of the best captains around.
Back to Capello now and I think he has handled the re-giving of the armband to John Terry/taking it off Rio all wrong. First we heard the rumours once Rio was not fit to play in England's Euro qualifiers. This is when - in mine and a lot of other people's opinions - he should have taken Rio aside and told him of his decision in private before any one else knew. Unfortunately Fabio Capello didn't do it this way and let the English press run riot with captaincy stories and eventually announcing a press conference to confirm John Terry has reclaimed the Three Lions armband all the while not making much if any contact with Rio Ferdinand. Rio can certainly feel hard done by, his manager not even talking to him about this first is quite a blow but I'm sure Rio will come out the other side, maybe just not wearing the white of England anymore.
Back to Capello now and I think he has handled the re-giving of the armband to John Terry/taking it off Rio all wrong. First we heard the rumours once Rio was not fit to play in England's Euro qualifiers. This is when - in mine and a lot of other people's opinions - he should have taken Rio aside and told him of his decision in private before any one else knew. Unfortunately Fabio Capello didn't do it this way and let the English press run riot with captaincy stories and eventually announcing a press conference to confirm John Terry has reclaimed the Three Lions armband all the while not making much if any contact with Rio Ferdinand. Rio can certainly feel hard done by, his manager not even talking to him about this first is quite a blow but I'm sure Rio will come out the other side, maybe just not wearing the white of England anymore.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Braga bore Liverpool to the end
A massive upset was on the cards at Anfield, as little Portuguese club Braga held onto a 1 nil lead from the opening tie to keep Liverpool goal less in the second tie as well and knock them out of the Europa league. It was a match with many half chances for both squads, but they were both far too predictable to have any influence on the game. On one hand Braga sat back and were only interested in taking on Liverpool mainly on the break. Liverpool played the traditional English game, long balls to the target man up front. Whilst it was great to see Andy Carroll back from injury in his first start for Liverpool, he really didn't get any quality service from the midfield which was very disappointing for the Reds. They thoroughly missed midfield general, captain and heart of Liverpool Steven Gerrard. They also missed their other summer signing Luis Suarez, who is cup-tied because he played for Ajax who play in the same competition. Liverpool really missed these two and it was showing on the park, with lots of long aimless balls coming from the back looking for Carroll, and when he did get to them there was hardly any one to lay it off to. I found the game very disappointing, as Liverpool really didn't look to mix up their play with some shorter passes to unlock the Braga defence. They really needed to use a combination of the long ball and short ball to really try and break down a packed Braga defence. We also got the chance to see one Joe Cole making a rare appearance. You could tell he had hardly played this season, as he would show some glimpses of his brilliance before losing possession. It's fair to say he has had a wretched season full of injury, which is a shame for Liverpool because he looked a strong addition to their side pre-season. Andy Carroll as well looked a tad rusty still and will need another couple of games under his belt before we see him return to his goal scoring form which took him to his first English team cap last year. Liverpool must now focus on their crucial match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, where mind you Carroll gave the Sunderland defence a nightmare in the derby in December before he joined Liverpool in the next month. Braga progress to the last eight with a steely performance that will put them down as dark horses for the competition. Yet again Liverpool have another season without silverware. Dalglish has certainly turned the club around, but it will take more than the King himself to make this club a force again. He must rally his chargers home in the Premier League if they want to be playing Europe next season, with a depleted squad it looks a grim task, but if you were going to trust any one to do it, it would have to be King Kenny.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Real Madrid monster lifeless Lyon
It was a sense of deja vu for both Real Madrid and Olympique Lyonnais as they once again met up in the round of 16. The tie in Lyon was a 1 all draw, and fair to say like most of the first leg encounters a bit of a nap-athon. However Lyon came to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu with bags of confidence having knocked out a fairly underwhelming Real Madrid in last years match. It was clear from the outset that Lyon were planning the same 'hijack' game as last year. Puel's - Lyon Manager - idea was good in principle but he must have forgot who his opposite number was, the 'special one' (Jose Mourinho). This 'hijack' mentality that Lyon tried played right into Mourinho's mens hands, as the French side sat back and waited to catch Real on the break. Brazilian left back Marcelo's runs down the left flank were causing all sorts of troubles for the right side defence of Lyon, and early on Marcelo had a half chance denied by Lyon and French number 1 Hugo Lloris. It was a trend Lloris would have to get used to as Madrid looked likely to score every time they went on the attack. In the 37 minute Marcelo received the ball from a Lyon play being broke down, he then proceeded to play a beautiful one-two with Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo and produce some magical footwork to beat two defenders before hammering a shot that Lloris could only just manage to get a hand to and open Madrid's account for the night and make it 2-1 on aggregate.
The second half began with a substitution for Lyon as they looked to take back the tie with in-form striker Bafetimbi Gomis coming on for Jimmy Briand who failed to produce in the first half. Madrid again had a monopoly of chances, but Hugo Lloris looked determined to keep his side in the game producing some brilliant saves. Ronaldo looked dangerous at times but really lacked match fitness, as a few of his shots blazed wide or over the mark. But not even Ronaldo's off colour performance could stop the Madrid juggernaut as they made Lyon pay in the space of ten minutes. It began in the 66th minute when a long ball from the back was played to German playmaker Mesut Oezil, but he failed to reach it as it drifted past and former Lyon striker Karim Benzema used his pace to get to the ball before an out of position Cris to go one on one with Lloris. Benzema calmly slotted the ball between Lloris' legs making it 2 nil on the night and 3-1 on aggregate, surely killing off the contest. Lyon decided it was time for another change as they took of French international Yoann Gourcuff for Pied. Mourinho decided to possibly rest his star player Cristiano Ronaldo for the Madrid derby on the weekend, as he brought on the on-loan Adebayour. Two minutes later Madrid struck again as it was that man again Benzema coming back in defence to take the ball before playing it forward to Oezil who in turn flicked it on to Argentine Angel Di Maria to finish and wrap up the game 3 nil and 4-1 on aggregate. Real Madrid finally making it past the round of 16 as they lift their European curse. It was fair to say this was nothing short of a training match for Real, they were in control from start to finish. A real clinical effort that would have Mourinho happy for now, but I'm sure he will let his lads know they need to finish a lot better if they want to continue their progression in Europe.
The second half began with a substitution for Lyon as they looked to take back the tie with in-form striker Bafetimbi Gomis coming on for Jimmy Briand who failed to produce in the first half. Madrid again had a monopoly of chances, but Hugo Lloris looked determined to keep his side in the game producing some brilliant saves. Ronaldo looked dangerous at times but really lacked match fitness, as a few of his shots blazed wide or over the mark. But not even Ronaldo's off colour performance could stop the Madrid juggernaut as they made Lyon pay in the space of ten minutes. It began in the 66th minute when a long ball from the back was played to German playmaker Mesut Oezil, but he failed to reach it as it drifted past and former Lyon striker Karim Benzema used his pace to get to the ball before an out of position Cris to go one on one with Lloris. Benzema calmly slotted the ball between Lloris' legs making it 2 nil on the night and 3-1 on aggregate, surely killing off the contest. Lyon decided it was time for another change as they took of French international Yoann Gourcuff for Pied. Mourinho decided to possibly rest his star player Cristiano Ronaldo for the Madrid derby on the weekend, as he brought on the on-loan Adebayour. Two minutes later Madrid struck again as it was that man again Benzema coming back in defence to take the ball before playing it forward to Oezil who in turn flicked it on to Argentine Angel Di Maria to finish and wrap up the game 3 nil and 4-1 on aggregate. Real Madrid finally making it past the round of 16 as they lift their European curse. It was fair to say this was nothing short of a training match for Real, they were in control from start to finish. A real clinical effort that would have Mourinho happy for now, but I'm sure he will let his lads know they need to finish a lot better if they want to continue their progression in Europe.
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