Today, I stayed home from work to watch those pathetic amateurs who call themselves "Manchester City players". What a waste of time and money!
Man. City has become such a fucking bunch of losers in the away games, that they make me sick!
At this rate, they certainly won't be top contender anymore.
And they're not looking great in home games, either, as of late.
One shot off the bar, that's all they had in this match.
It seems they're improving at hitting the post at the expense of hitting the back of the net. (I remember a similar course of events in the Sunderland away game. They lost that game, too, eventually.)
This is a perfect example of that defective football mentality of most English teams, which I mentioned in an earlier post, at the beginning of January.
After Christmas, all Manchester City players came back at seemingly only 50% of their past potential. (Or less.) WHY???
Mancini supposedly accepts the blame. That's what the media says.
Yeah, so? Is he going to quit? Is he going to promise to win the title, or else give back every money he got while at Manchester City? (No? Well, then, who cares if he accepts the blame?)
And, of course, Everton has been another one of Man. U.'s servants, since as long as I can remember. (I still cringe while thinking about an Everton - Man. U. that ended 2-4, on 28 April 2007, after Everton was up 2-0 in minute 60, and which pretty much sealed the title for Ferguson's team because Chelsea dropped two precious points at home against Bolton, and faith in continuing the fight, surely.) Everton, Wigan, Tottenham, Bolton... those are four more teams than another title contender has in their camp... Man. U. fans must be so proud... because you never see any other team coming back from 0-2 or 0-3 against Everton or Tottenham, do you?
Of course Everton is going to play to the death against the teams that annoy United. I wonder how huge their bonus was, now, for making City drop these three huge points.
Tuesday 31 January 2012
Monday 30 January 2012
Kayserispor Beats Besiktas Again
Kayserispor did the double over Turkish giants Besiktas, and prevented them from fully getting back into the title challenge.
In October, Kayserispor won at the Inonu Stadium, 2-0, and today they also managed to get three points over the third-placed team.
Troisi scored in the first minute, and his was also the last goal of the game.
Besiktas remains on 45 points, 5 less than the leader, Galatasaray, and 3 less than Fenerbahce.
Highlights:
In October, Kayserispor won at the Inonu Stadium, 2-0, and today they also managed to get three points over the third-placed team.
Troisi scored in the first minute, and his was also the last goal of the game.
Besiktas remains on 45 points, 5 less than the leader, Galatasaray, and 3 less than Fenerbahce.
Highlights:
Angola Eliminated
Angola, participant in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, was ousted by Sudan (and Ivory Coast, really) from the African Cup of Nations.
Ivory Coast defeated Angola 2-0 in Malabo, at the same time as Sudan was beating Burkina Faso 2-1 in the other match.
Eboue and Bony scored for Ivory Coast.
And the goals also came as results of awful defensive play.
In Bata, Sudan was up 2-0 until extra time, thus guaranteeing their advancement to the quarter-finals. Burkina Faso's late goal could not help Angola.
This was quite disappointing from the Angolan team.
Highlights from Ivory Coast - Angola 2-0:
Highlights from Sudan - Burkina Faso 2-1:
Ivory Coast defeated Angola 2-0 in Malabo, at the same time as Sudan was beating Burkina Faso 2-1 in the other match.
Eboue and Bony scored for Ivory Coast.
And the goals also came as results of awful defensive play.
In Bata, Sudan was up 2-0 until extra time, thus guaranteeing their advancement to the quarter-finals. Burkina Faso's late goal could not help Angola.
This was quite disappointing from the Angolan team.
Highlights from Ivory Coast - Angola 2-0:
Highlights from Sudan - Burkina Faso 2-1:
Sunday 29 January 2012
Luck is Good
Marseille sucked in Rennes. But they won.
And they only won due to good luck.
At the first goal, not even Remy expected Apam to put it in his own net. The second goal, too, scored by Cheyrou, took a lucky bounce.
There's a saying, though, that goes "luck favours the strong". And Olympique Marseille is the strong team, that knows how to play even when they're not at their best.
On the other hand, in the last seasons, Rennes has always been close to the top but has never proven consistent. Too bad for them, having nothing to show for it.
See highlights here.
And they only won due to good luck.
At the first goal, not even Remy expected Apam to put it in his own net. The second goal, too, scored by Cheyrou, took a lucky bounce.
There's a saying, though, that goes "luck favours the strong". And Olympique Marseille is the strong team, that knows how to play even when they're not at their best.
On the other hand, in the last seasons, Rennes has always been close to the top but has never proven consistent. Too bad for them, having nothing to show for it.
See highlights here.
Big Loss for Porto
FC Porto lost at Gil Vicente today. It's Porto's first internal defeat of the season.
Benfica had dropped points at Gil Vicente, too: 2-2, on August 12, 2011.
But, wow, Porto sure put on a shameful display in this match! Down 3-0, in under 55 minutes...
Vitor Pereira should hide, in shame.
Now, the Lisbon fans who support Benfica can be extremely happy that they see their team 5 points ahead of their northern rivals.
Benfica also remains the only undefeated team in the Primeira Liga.
Gil Vicente only suffered one defeat at home this season, so far: 0-3 against Nacional, 3 weeks ago.
The goals:
1-0
2-0
3-0
3-1
Current standings:
1 Benfica 17 14 3 0 43-14 +29 45p
2 Porto 17 12 4 1 38-12 +26 40p
Benfica had dropped points at Gil Vicente, too: 2-2, on August 12, 2011.
But, wow, Porto sure put on a shameful display in this match! Down 3-0, in under 55 minutes...
Vitor Pereira should hide, in shame.
Now, the Lisbon fans who support Benfica can be extremely happy that they see their team 5 points ahead of their northern rivals.
Benfica also remains the only undefeated team in the Primeira Liga.
Gil Vicente only suffered one defeat at home this season, so far: 0-3 against Nacional, 3 weeks ago.
The goals:
1-0
2-0
3-0
3-1
Current standings:
1 Benfica 17 14 3 0 43-14 +29 45p
2 Porto 17 12 4 1 38-12 +26 40p
Bravo, Lecce!
inter suffered another defeat. I guess they thought they were coming back in the title race, and, after beating Milan, maybe even that they were invincible.
But this just goes to show them that, if the games are played fairly, even Lecce can beat them.
Giacomazzi scored for Lecce, in the 40th minute, and the team from the south of the Italian peninsula managed to hold on till the end.
Both Juventus and Milan won, to extend the difference at the top of the table. Lazio won, also, and overtook inter again.
The goal:
www.todayfoot.com Le 1-0 In 29/01/2012 by 123dz
Highlights from Chievo-Lazio 0-3:
here
Highlights from Milan-Cagliari 3-0:
here
Current standings:
But this just goes to show them that, if the games are played fairly, even Lecce can beat them.
Giacomazzi scored for Lecce, in the 40th minute, and the team from the south of the Italian peninsula managed to hold on till the end.
Both Juventus and Milan won, to extend the difference at the top of the table. Lazio won, also, and overtook inter again.
The goal:
www.todayfoot.com Le 1-0 In 29/01/2012 by 123dz
Highlights from Chievo-Lazio 0-3:
here
Highlights from Milan-Cagliari 3-0:
here
Current standings:
| 1 | Juventus | 20 | 12 | 8 | 0 | 33 | 13 | +20 | 44p | |||
| 2 | Milan | 20 | 13 | 4 | 3 | 43 | 17 | +26 | 43p | |||
| 3 | Udinese | 20 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 29 | 16 | +13 | 38p | |||
| 4 | Lazio | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 30 | 19 | +11 | 36p | |||
| 5 | Internazionale | 20 | 11 | 2 | 7 | 30 | 21 | +9 | 35p |
What a Pathetic Ajax!
How is Ajax expecting to win anything, the way they've been playing?
They have not had a single win against their big four opponents (PSV, Twente, Feyenoord, AZ) this season.
And they really sucked balls in the Champions League! But I guess if they can blow away a 7-goal difference in the last matchday, they're surely not going to win any league, no matter how low it is in the UEFA coefficient rankings.
Maybe Frank De Boer should step down. No offense to him, personally.
...'Cause they have no future in the Europa League, either. (Manchester United is waiting.)
Highlights:
szólj hozzá: Feyenoord vs Ajax 4:2 GOALS
Current standings:
1. PSV 19 12 5 2 52-21 +31 41p
2. Twente 19 11 6 2 52-19 +33 39p
3. AZ 19 12 3 4 37-18 +19 39p
4. Ajax 19 9 7 3 49-28 +21 34p
(very little chance for Ajax now...)
They have not had a single win against their big four opponents (PSV, Twente, Feyenoord, AZ) this season.
And they really sucked balls in the Champions League! But I guess if they can blow away a 7-goal difference in the last matchday, they're surely not going to win any league, no matter how low it is in the UEFA coefficient rankings.
Maybe Frank De Boer should step down. No offense to him, personally.
...'Cause they have no future in the Europa League, either. (Manchester United is waiting.)
Highlights:
szólj hozzá: Feyenoord vs Ajax 4:2 GOALS
Current standings:
1. PSV 19 12 5 2 52-21 +31 41p
2. Twente 19 11 6 2 52-19 +33 39p
3. AZ 19 12 3 4 37-18 +19 39p
4. Ajax 19 9 7 3 49-28 +21 34p
(very little chance for Ajax now...)
Saturday 28 January 2012
Villarreal Shocks Barca
Barcelona usually beats Villarreal. Therefore, it was expected that they would win today, too, especially because Villarreal was also in relegation difficulties.
But, to my surprise, Villarreal put up an excellent fight.
Even though Alves could have put Barcelona ahead in just the third minute, and there were some great chances for Barca in the second half, too, Guardiola's team just did not have that spark that people expect from them.
And Messi played badly, by his standards.
These two points dropped by Barcelona put Real Madrid in a very comfortable position, 7 points up on the team from Catalonia.
I wonder what Jose Mourinho is thinking...
Standings:
1 Real Madrid 20 17 1 2 70-19 +51 52p
2 Barcelona 20 13 6 1 59-12 +47 45p
But, to my surprise, Villarreal put up an excellent fight.
Even though Alves could have put Barcelona ahead in just the third minute, and there were some great chances for Barca in the second half, too, Guardiola's team just did not have that spark that people expect from them.
And Messi played badly, by his standards.
These two points dropped by Barcelona put Real Madrid in a very comfortable position, 7 points up on the team from Catalonia.
I wonder what Jose Mourinho is thinking...
Standings:
1 Real Madrid 20 17 1 2 70-19 +51 52p
2 Barcelona 20 13 6 1 59-12 +47 45p
Juve - Well Done!
This time, Juventus did not disappoint its fans like in the previous home game, against Cagliari (1-1).
Even though they conceded a goal early in the second half, again, this time they were able to obtain a deserved winner, through the high-flying Matri (who scored both goals).
Unfortunately for Udinese, it seems that they might not be able to keep up with Juventus and Milan.
It's still early, and there are 18 more matchdays to go, but sometimes you can just anticipate these things in football.
The goals:
1-0
www.todayfoot.com Ju 1-0 Ud 28/01/2012 by 123dz
1-1
www.todayfoot.com Ju 1-1 Ud 28/01/2012 by 123dz
2-1
www.todayfoot.com Ju 2-1 Ud 28/01/2012 by 123dz
Even though they conceded a goal early in the second half, again, this time they were able to obtain a deserved winner, through the high-flying Matri (who scored both goals).
Unfortunately for Udinese, it seems that they might not be able to keep up with Juventus and Milan.
It's still early, and there are 18 more matchdays to go, but sometimes you can just anticipate these things in football.
The goals:
1-0
www.todayfoot.com Ju 1-0 Ud 28/01/2012 by 123dz
1-1
www.todayfoot.com Ju 1-1 Ud 28/01/2012 by 123dz
2-1
www.todayfoot.com Ju 2-1 Ud 28/01/2012 by 123dz
Alkmaar Going Down
Well, AZ Alkmaar lost to Roda.
Something seemed imminent about PSV's rise to the top on this matchday.
AZ now remains two points behind PSV, and could be overtaken by Twente, also.
It's really pathetic, sometimes, how teams choke right after the winter break. Everything they've worked so hard for is gone to hell after the holiday.
I bet the number of people who believe Alkmaar could win the Eredivisie, now, has diminished significantly.
Something seemed imminent about PSV's rise to the top on this matchday.
AZ now remains two points behind PSV, and could be overtaken by Twente, also.
It's really pathetic, sometimes, how teams choke right after the winter break. Everything they've worked so hard for is gone to hell after the holiday.
I bet the number of people who believe Alkmaar could win the Eredivisie, now, has diminished significantly.
Third Loss for Galatasaray
Galatasaray lost a great chunk of a hard earned advantage over second-ranked Fenerbahce, by losing away to 2009-2010 champions Bursaspor.
When Bursaspor played Fenerbahce at home, they lost 0-2.
The 2010-2011 top-of-the-table team can now get within two points of Cim Bom Bom, if they beat Mersin Idmanyurdu at home, on Sunday.
Besiktas Istanbul can also match Fenerbahce's total, but they play away, at Kayserispor.
The goal:
Bursa 1-0 Galatasaray by coppoccop
When Bursaspor played Fenerbahce at home, they lost 0-2.
The 2010-2011 top-of-the-table team can now get within two points of Cim Bom Bom, if they beat Mersin Idmanyurdu at home, on Sunday.
Besiktas Istanbul can also match Fenerbahce's total, but they play away, at Kayserispor.
The goal:
Bursa 1-0 Galatasaray by coppoccop
Man. U. - Out!
The Red Devils have been eliminated by the Reds.
Despite the media frenzy surrounding the Suarez-Evra controversy, Liverpool worked hard and managed to eliminate Alex Ferguson's team from contention for the FA Cup, at Anfield.
Dirk Kuyt 's winning goal was not a beauty, but it did make goalkeeper De Gea look stupid!
They always say scoring at the near post is the keeper's fault.
But, wow, did Kuyt pound that in with power!...
I guess all that's left now for Man. U. fans is the league...
Oh, and the Europa League!!! (Ha, ha, ha!)
Many people probably thought we'd never get to say that...
Highlights:
www.todayfoot.com Li 2-1 Ma 28/01/2012 by 123dz
(watch Suarez's reaction at the first goal - nice!)
Despite the media frenzy surrounding the Suarez-Evra controversy, Liverpool worked hard and managed to eliminate Alex Ferguson's team from contention for the FA Cup, at Anfield.
Dirk Kuyt 's winning goal was not a beauty, but it did make goalkeeper De Gea look stupid!
They always say scoring at the near post is the keeper's fault.
But, wow, did Kuyt pound that in with power!...
I guess all that's left now for Man. U. fans is the league...
Oh, and the Europa League!!! (Ha, ha, ha!)
Many people probably thought we'd never get to say that...
Highlights:
www.todayfoot.com Li 2-1 Ma 28/01/2012 by 123dz
(watch Suarez's reaction at the first goal - nice!)
Friday 27 January 2012
Next Euro - To Have 24 Teams
UEFA Euro 2016 will be the first to have 24 teams in Finals.
What?! Why?
So, half of the countries in Europe will be there? But we have so few surprises, as it is!
Who's not there now, and should be? Belgium?... Switzerland?... Norway?... ooh, Serbia!... Come on!
All this means is that countries like Germany, Spain, Italy, England, etc., will always be in. Why should they even bother with qualifiers, then?
Perhaps, like a buddy of mine suggested, they should have raised the number to 20 teams first, if they really needed to raise it.
But with this decision, it seems that Bosnia-Herzegovina could now be a tournament regular.
Hmm...
What?! Why?
So, half of the countries in Europe will be there? But we have so few surprises, as it is!
Who's not there now, and should be? Belgium?... Switzerland?... Norway?... ooh, Serbia!... Come on!
All this means is that countries like Germany, Spain, Italy, England, etc., will always be in. Why should they even bother with qualifiers, then?
Perhaps, like a buddy of mine suggested, they should have raised the number to 20 teams first, if they really needed to raise it.
But with this decision, it seems that Bosnia-Herzegovina could now be a tournament regular.
Hmm...
Morocco Out of the African Cup of Nations
They went to the World Cup in 1994 and 1998. They almost made it out of the group stage in France, except for the unlikely Norway win over Brazil. Now, they're out of the African tournament at the hands of Gabon.
Not that Gabon is not a good team... now.
But I just expected better of Morocco.
Tunisia was able to perform, like expected. But Morocco, even though they led Gabon 1-0 for over 50 minutes of game time, saw themselves down 2-1, in Stade d'Angondjé, within two minutes (77-79). Then, even though they equalized through a 90th-minute penalty, they disappointingly conceded a free kick, which was executed masterfully by Mbanangoye, in minute 90+7. (I wonder why the referee extended the extra time so much, though...)
So, now, like Equatorial Guinea, the hosts Gabon are also through to the quarter-finals after just two games.
Standings:
Group C
Not that Gabon is not a good team... now.
But I just expected better of Morocco.
Tunisia was able to perform, like expected. But Morocco, even though they led Gabon 1-0 for over 50 minutes of game time, saw themselves down 2-1, in Stade d'Angondjé, within two minutes (77-79). Then, even though they equalized through a 90th-minute penalty, they disappointingly conceded a free kick, which was executed masterfully by Mbanangoye, in minute 90+7. (I wonder why the referee extended the extra time so much, though...)
So, now, like Equatorial Guinea, the hosts Gabon are also through to the quarter-finals after just two games.
Standings:
Group C
PSV Finally Makes It to the Top
In the first game of the 19th matchday in the Dutch Eredivisie, PSV defeated Vitesse Arnhem at a leisurely pace, 3-1 in Eindhoven.
Vitesse's goal, scored in the 84th minute by Havenaar, could not bring back a revival, and PSV netted a third one in extra time, restoring the two-goal difference.
Now, the team from Eindhoven has 41 points, while AZ Alkmaar, the former leaders, who play tomorrow, are still on 39.
Alkmaar basically lead in the standings for almost the entire first half of the season, but if they lose at Roda tomorrow, they could see themselves down in third spot.
Current standings:
Vitesse's goal, scored in the 84th minute by Havenaar, could not bring back a revival, and PSV netted a third one in extra time, restoring the two-goal difference.
Now, the team from Eindhoven has 41 points, while AZ Alkmaar, the former leaders, who play tomorrow, are still on 39.
Alkmaar basically lead in the standings for almost the entire first half of the season, but if they lose at Roda tomorrow, they could see themselves down in third spot.
Current standings:
| 1 | PSV | 19 | +31 | 41 |
| 2 | AZ | 18 | +21 | 39 |
| 3 | Twente | 18 | +30 | 36 |
| 4 | Ajax | 18 | +23 | 34 |
| 5 | Heerenveen | 18 | +13 | 31 |
Wednesday 25 January 2012
Real Out, of Course
It was coming.
But Real gave it a nice shot, coming from 0-2 down, to tie it and even to dream at the possibility of a third goal.
1-3, 1-2, 2-2... what's next?
Highlights:
www.todayfoot.com Ba 2-2 Re High 25/01/2012 by 123dz
But Real gave it a nice shot, coming from 0-2 down, to tie it and even to dream at the possibility of a third goal.
1-3, 1-2, 2-2... what's next?
Highlights:
www.todayfoot.com Ba 2-2 Re High 25/01/2012 by 123dz
Well Done, Napoli!
After crushing inter 3-0 in Milan on October 1st, Napoli did it again, this time eliminating the high-flying inter team from the Coppa Italia.
I can't say I'm not happy.
How inter managed to get eight wins in a row prior to this, including against rivals Milan and Lazio (although, as previously stated, I'm not so sure Lazio is a rival for them), I don't really know. I think there's something fishy going on with that.
Because they managed to just go past Napoli in the standings, but look at this performance in a fair fight: inter is nowhere near being able to claim superiority over Napoli.
Claudio Ranieri says a penalty given to Napoli, in tandem with a penalty not given to his side, decided the match. What's the matter, Claudio? Perhaps you're disappointed that there was no greasing the referee? I don't hear Mazzarri saying anything about the Chivu intervention in the first half.
The goals:
1-0
www.todayfoot.com Na 1-0 In 25/01/2012 by 123dz
2-0
www.todayfoot.com Na 2-0 In 25/01/2012 by 123dz
I can't say I'm not happy.
How inter managed to get eight wins in a row prior to this, including against rivals Milan and Lazio (although, as previously stated, I'm not so sure Lazio is a rival for them), I don't really know. I think there's something fishy going on with that.
Because they managed to just go past Napoli in the standings, but look at this performance in a fair fight: inter is nowhere near being able to claim superiority over Napoli.
Claudio Ranieri says a penalty given to Napoli, in tandem with a penalty not given to his side, decided the match. What's the matter, Claudio? Perhaps you're disappointed that there was no greasing the referee? I don't hear Mazzarri saying anything about the Chivu intervention in the first half.
The goals:
1-0
www.todayfoot.com Na 1-0 In 25/01/2012 by 123dz
2-0
www.todayfoot.com Na 2-0 In 25/01/2012 by 123dz
The Hypocrisy of Big Football Businesses
I was just looking on the FIFA website, to check out the CAF rankings. With the African Cup of Nations taking place, I was wondering if Zambia was ranked higher than Libya. (They had ended their game in the second matchday of the competition in a tie, 2-2. And it turns out that Zambia is below Libya in the FIFA standings.)
But here's what of interest here: It's not the FIFA rankings, but the FIFA/Coca-Cola rankings. What the hell does Coca-Cola have to do with football? (Just money, I guess...)
So, I suppose when somebody tries to share a video, for free, on YouTube, their video gets blocked because it's FIFA content and only FIFA can put their name on it.
But when they get a ton of money, FIFA can allow a company that has nothing to do with football to plaster their name all over one of the most important facets of international football today, the world rankings. Amazing! And laughable.
What a bunch of money-sucking hypocrites!
But here's what of interest here: It's not the FIFA rankings, but the FIFA/Coca-Cola rankings. What the hell does Coca-Cola have to do with football? (Just money, I guess...)
So, I suppose when somebody tries to share a video, for free, on YouTube, their video gets blocked because it's FIFA content and only FIFA can put their name on it.
But when they get a ton of money, FIFA can allow a company that has nothing to do with football to plaster their name all over one of the most important facets of international football today, the world rankings. Amazing! And laughable.
What a bunch of money-sucking hypocrites!
Fenerbahce Loses in Istanbul
...Okay, they didn't lose on the home field, but they did lose in Istanbul. Buyuksehir defeated the Fener team 3-2 today, leaving Galatasaray the chance to open up a five-point gap at the top.
Istanbul BB (Buyuksehir) led for most of the game, too, and they were even up 3-1 until minute 89.
Highlights:
Istanbul BB (Buyuksehir) led for most of the game, too, and they were even up 3-1 until minute 89.
Highlights:
Monday 23 January 2012
Balotelli Charged by FA
After the encounter between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, on Sunday, Mario Balotelli has been charged with violent conduct, by the FA, for striking Scott Parker in the head.
Highlights here.
Parker made a meal of it, of course, by acting as if he had been shot or impaled with something, and it's not at all obvious that Balotelli ever meant to hit him.
After all, Balotelli was backing up, and he couldn't see where exactly to step. It seemed like he was trying to re-gain his balance, too.
Of course, people could say that the second landing of Balotelli's leg was unnatural, a little, but: number 1, sometimes people make unnatural moves when in unnatural positions, and, number 2, that move did not actually appear to hurt Parker; it was the first one that made Parker squirm.
So, even though it wasn't as obvious as what Pepe did to Messi, in the Copa del Rey, last Wednesday, Balotelli now faces a four-match ban.
It kind of makes you wonder: What kind of people are running the FA? And could they be interested in preventing Manchester City from winning the title?
Incidents like that occur more often than the press surrounding this particular one seems to suggest.
Highlights here.
Parker made a meal of it, of course, by acting as if he had been shot or impaled with something, and it's not at all obvious that Balotelli ever meant to hit him.
After all, Balotelli was backing up, and he couldn't see where exactly to step. It seemed like he was trying to re-gain his balance, too.
Of course, people could say that the second landing of Balotelli's leg was unnatural, a little, but: number 1, sometimes people make unnatural moves when in unnatural positions, and, number 2, that move did not actually appear to hurt Parker; it was the first one that made Parker squirm.
So, even though it wasn't as obvious as what Pepe did to Messi, in the Copa del Rey, last Wednesday, Balotelli now faces a four-match ban.
It kind of makes you wonder: What kind of people are running the FA? And could they be interested in preventing Manchester City from winning the title?
Incidents like that occur more often than the press surrounding this particular one seems to suggest.
Sunday 22 January 2012
Was Marchetti Serious?
I can understand that Klose played atrociously because he's a thousand. (Why is that guy still playing, really? Maybe in 2014, he'll finally beat Ronaldo's record of most goals in World Cups, and that's why he's still trying...)
But Marchetti really destroyed Lazio's hopes to do something worthwhile against inter Milan.
Even at the first goal, it seemed like the ball went through him, but the second goal was really a feat of remarkable incompetence, as far as goalkeepers are concerned. Anticipation is certainly not his forte. Not that speed is one of his qualities, either.
Unless, of course, inter finally raised some more money to spend on the Serie A, and texted him during the first half an hour of the game, or something. (I wouldn't be surprised if Marchetti had time to read texts, because Lazio totally outclassed its opponent in the first 30 minutes, or so. And, then, something weird happened, and they totally lost it.)
The Roman teams suck, I know (- more about that in another post -) but based on how well Lazio had started, I expected much better at least in this game.
For shame!...
But Marchetti really destroyed Lazio's hopes to do something worthwhile against inter Milan.
Even at the first goal, it seemed like the ball went through him, but the second goal was really a feat of remarkable incompetence, as far as goalkeepers are concerned. Anticipation is certainly not his forte. Not that speed is one of his qualities, either.
Unless, of course, inter finally raised some more money to spend on the Serie A, and texted him during the first half an hour of the game, or something. (I wouldn't be surprised if Marchetti had time to read texts, because Lazio totally outclassed its opponent in the first 30 minutes, or so. And, then, something weird happened, and they totally lost it.)
The Roman teams suck, I know (- more about that in another post -) but based on how well Lazio had started, I expected much better at least in this game.
For shame!...
Cim Bom Bom Drops Points
Galatasaray was unable to beat Eskisehirspor, away from home, and is now leading Fenerbahce by only two points, in the Turkish Super Lig. The game ended in a stalemate, 0-0.
Eskisehirspor also outplayed the leaders, for most of the game, and even had a goal waved off.
Fenerbahce, who crushed Kayserispor, 4-0, at home, one day before, is now on 45 points, while Galatasaray is on 47.
Fatih Terim's team hadn't drawn since the 20th of November.
Eskisehirspor had previously lost at home to Trabzonspor and Manisaspor, by the same scoreline, 0-2, but they had succeeded in beating Besiktas, another Turkish giant, 2-1.
Highlights:
Eskisehirspor also outplayed the leaders, for most of the game, and even had a goal waved off.
Fenerbahce, who crushed Kayserispor, 4-0, at home, one day before, is now on 45 points, while Galatasaray is on 47.
Fatih Terim's team hadn't drawn since the 20th of November.
Eskisehirspor had previously lost at home to Trabzonspor and Manisaspor, by the same scoreline, 0-2, but they had succeeded in beating Besiktas, another Turkish giant, 2-1.
Highlights:
Olympiakos Loses Big
Xanthi Skoda succeeded in changing the leader in the Greek league. They did so by beating the most prestigious club in Greece, Olympiakos Piraeus, 1-0, at home.
In tandem with Panathinaikos' 1-0 win against Atromitos, what all of that means is now Panathinaikos leads the Super League, by two points over Olympiakos, and with one game in hand (to be played on Wednesday).
When Xanthi played Panathinaikos at home, they lost, 2-3.
There are twelve full matchdays left in the Greek Super League.
In tandem with Panathinaikos' 1-0 win against Atromitos, what all of that means is now Panathinaikos leads the Super League, by two points over Olympiakos, and with one game in hand (to be played on Wednesday).
When Xanthi played Panathinaikos at home, they lost, 2-3.
There are twelve full matchdays left in the Greek Super League.
Doesn't This Performance (w)Anger Anybody?
I don't know how Arsenal's fans can put up with so much incompetence.
If I was living in London and supporting Arsenal, I would have stopped going to the stadium, and thus I would have stopped contributing money to a bunch of morons, a long, long time ago. Why are they morons? Well, wouldn't you have to be, to go from a team that dominates the league, year after year, to a team that cannot get a point against their past fiercest rivals, to save its life? What kind of management is that? And why do they insist on keeping Wenger as a coach?
Apparently, he's even having problems when thinking about what substitutions to make. Arshavin was just awful.
And I just don't know what kind of defense training Wenger does with his players. Because Wellbeck should never have gotten to that winning ball...
However, Wenger thinks Arsenal is "in a fighting position".
Not from what I saw. Arsenal played badly. They're like a junior team on the pitch, against the big teams. And who are they fighting? Leeds? Wow, that's impressive! Maybe next year they can fight MK Dons...
Ferguson says the difference should have been bigger, on the scoreboard. And I think he has the more accurate of the two analyses. I was hoping that Arsenal could make United lose points today, but Arsenal cannot perform in a crucial match anymore. (And it all started in 2004.)
But, hey, Wenger says the team should be inspired by this game. Maybe we should all be inspired and support a team that can actually win trophies and make its fans happy.
If I was living in London and supporting Arsenal, I would have stopped going to the stadium, and thus I would have stopped contributing money to a bunch of morons, a long, long time ago. Why are they morons? Well, wouldn't you have to be, to go from a team that dominates the league, year after year, to a team that cannot get a point against their past fiercest rivals, to save its life? What kind of management is that? And why do they insist on keeping Wenger as a coach?
Apparently, he's even having problems when thinking about what substitutions to make. Arshavin was just awful.
And I just don't know what kind of defense training Wenger does with his players. Because Wellbeck should never have gotten to that winning ball...
However, Wenger thinks Arsenal is "in a fighting position".
Not from what I saw. Arsenal played badly. They're like a junior team on the pitch, against the big teams. And who are they fighting? Leeds? Wow, that's impressive! Maybe next year they can fight MK Dons...
Ferguson says the difference should have been bigger, on the scoreboard. And I think he has the more accurate of the two analyses. I was hoping that Arsenal could make United lose points today, but Arsenal cannot perform in a crucial match anymore. (And it all started in 2004.)
But, hey, Wenger says the team should be inspired by this game. Maybe we should all be inspired and support a team that can actually win trophies and make its fans happy.
Thank God City Won!
Tottenham really is not up to compete for the league title.
Even when they were lucky enough to draw level, at 2-2, they did not really seek the lead. They seemed perfectly content with the draw.
In the last fifteen minutes, or so, three of the Tottenham players necessitated interruptions in game play, for their (exaggerated?) injuries to be treated. That does not look like a team wanting the win.
...Even despite Defoe's chance in minute 90 + 1.
For the good of the league, which should not have just one winner all the time, it's good that Spurs lost! Third place is like gold for them, anyway...
This link has streaming highlights.
Even when they were lucky enough to draw level, at 2-2, they did not really seek the lead. They seemed perfectly content with the draw.
In the last fifteen minutes, or so, three of the Tottenham players necessitated interruptions in game play, for their (exaggerated?) injuries to be treated. That does not look like a team wanting the win.
...Even despite Defoe's chance in minute 90 + 1.
For the good of the league, which should not have just one winner all the time, it's good that Spurs lost! Third place is like gold for them, anyway...
This link has streaming highlights.
Saturday 21 January 2012
Which is the Real Derby?
City - Spurs and Gunners - Man. U.
Two big, big games coming up on Sunday.
Some might say that Arsenal - Manchester U. is the main derby. If you look at the head-to-head against these teams until 2004, then yeah, it is.
But you have to look at the positions in the standings, and Manchester City - Tottenham is clearly the most important game of the matchday. Tottenham could pull within two points of the leaders, or the Citizens could reduce Spurs' hidden title challenge to nothing. (Not that Harry Redknapp is not trying to do that already...)
And what is there to say about Arsenal?
Even if they win, they still won't be in the top four. Enough said, about their form.
It also seems that Henry is uncertain for this encounter. What in the world?... They just got him, and he's already broken? Or do they only use him in matches against teams from the Championship (the second tier of English football)? But maybe it's just a deceiving tactic, and he will feature against Man. U. I know I'd like to see old-man Henry perform against the strongest teams in football, not the likes of Leeds.
Two big, big games coming up on Sunday.
Some might say that Arsenal - Manchester U. is the main derby. If you look at the head-to-head against these teams until 2004, then yeah, it is.
But you have to look at the positions in the standings, and Manchester City - Tottenham is clearly the most important game of the matchday. Tottenham could pull within two points of the leaders, or the Citizens could reduce Spurs' hidden title challenge to nothing. (Not that Harry Redknapp is not trying to do that already...)
And what is there to say about Arsenal?
Even if they win, they still won't be in the top four. Enough said, about their form.
It also seems that Henry is uncertain for this encounter. What in the world?... They just got him, and he's already broken? Or do they only use him in matches against teams from the Championship (the second tier of English football)? But maybe it's just a deceiving tactic, and he will feature against Man. U. I know I'd like to see old-man Henry perform against the strongest teams in football, not the likes of Leeds.
Two More Points Lost by Chelsea
We said it before, and we'll say it again: It's clear that Chelsea is not Premiership-winning material.
One more time, they lose points to a team that they're normally expected to beat. (Which is why I'm so sorry that they beat Manchester City. Why did they get so lucky exactly when playing one of the legitimate title contenders competing strongly against Manchester United?)
But, anyway, I see that Villas-Boas defends Torres. Again, he defends his players.
And he always believes his team played a good game.
Awww...
Stop with the hippie stuff, Andre! It's lame.
And make with the good results, already!
But, really, Chelsea's problem is not just the coach. (Although Ancelotti was better.) It's the whole impotent lot of players!
One more time, they lose points to a team that they're normally expected to beat. (Which is why I'm so sorry that they beat Manchester City. Why did they get so lucky exactly when playing one of the legitimate title contenders competing strongly against Manchester United?)
But, anyway, I see that Villas-Boas defends Torres. Again, he defends his players.
And he always believes his team played a good game.
Awww...
Stop with the hippie stuff, Andre! It's lame.
And make with the good results, already!
But, really, Chelsea's problem is not just the coach. (Although Ancelotti was better.) It's the whole impotent lot of players!
Friday 20 January 2012
It's Monchengladbach Again!
After losing to Borussia M'Gladbach in the first matchday of the season, at home, Bayern fumbled again against the same team.
They were down 3-0, at one point. And good for M'Gladbach, for knowing how to repel Bayern's attacks.
However, what really set the Borussia team on their way was Manuel Neuer's inexplicable mistake at the first goal, scored in minute 11 by Marco Reus.
Bayern is still first in the standings, though, and will continue to remain so, unless Borussia Dortmund pulls out a 9-goal win. (For teams tied on points, goal difference is the main criterion of separation in the Bundesliga.)
But now Schalke could pull even with Bayern on points, too.
This link has streaming highlights.
They were down 3-0, at one point. And good for M'Gladbach, for knowing how to repel Bayern's attacks.
However, what really set the Borussia team on their way was Manuel Neuer's inexplicable mistake at the first goal, scored in minute 11 by Marco Reus.
Bayern is still first in the standings, though, and will continue to remain so, unless Borussia Dortmund pulls out a 9-goal win. (For teams tied on points, goal difference is the main criterion of separation in the Bundesliga.)
But now Schalke could pull even with Bayern on points, too.
This link has streaming highlights.
Wednesday 18 January 2012
Is Mourinho to Blame?
Real lost again to Barcelona. At home.
This time, they even lead at half time.
What the hell?
When is Real going to beat Barcelona more than Barcelona beats Real again?
If nobody is asking Mourinho that question yet, maybe somebody should. Stat. Florentino Perez, this is your cue.
A club that has the best record in the Champions League and the Spanish League, and one of the most competent coaches in the world running the team, should not be so lame in the encounters against their biggest rival.
The goals:
1-0
1-1
1-2
And I think nobody would bet that Real will make it past Barcelona in this competition, now. Right?
This time, they even lead at half time.
What the hell?
When is Real going to beat Barcelona more than Barcelona beats Real again?
If nobody is asking Mourinho that question yet, maybe somebody should. Stat. Florentino Perez, this is your cue.
A club that has the best record in the Champions League and the Spanish League, and one of the most competent coaches in the world running the team, should not be so lame in the encounters against their biggest rival.
The goals:
1-0
1-1
1-2
And I think nobody would bet that Real will make it past Barcelona in this competition, now. Right?
Monday 16 January 2012
Unfortunate Accident, or Foul Play?
In the fifth minute of extra time, in the game Manisaspor - Fenerbahce, ended 1-2, the player Incedemir scored a winner for the team from Istanbul by heading the ball in his own net.
You gotta wonder how accidental this goal really was...
After all, Fenerbahce is famous for being expelled from UEFA competitions this season because of the dubious circumstances of, and the investigations about, taking the Turkish title last year.
The team from Fener was apparently freed of blame by the Turkish football association, but was never re-instated in the intercontinental competitions.
And yet another draw for the team would have seen them drop to six points behind the leaders, Galatasaray.
Now, Fenerbahce is four points behind the Cim Bom Bom, which currently has 46 points.
You gotta wonder how accidental this goal really was...
After all, Fenerbahce is famous for being expelled from UEFA competitions this season because of the dubious circumstances of, and the investigations about, taking the Turkish title last year.
The team from Fener was apparently freed of blame by the Turkish football association, but was never re-instated in the intercontinental competitions.
And yet another draw for the team would have seen them drop to six points behind the leaders, Galatasaray.
Now, Fenerbahce is four points behind the Cim Bom Bom, which currently has 46 points.
Sunday 15 January 2012
What Losers!!!
Just when Milan was back to being the main team in the Italian league, like in the early-to-mid-'90s, they started losing to the team they hate, or should hate, the most, exactly like in the Capello era I previously mentioned.
And Milan's coach seems to be quite apathetic about it, in a very retarded way.
Have a look at this article:
Of course, Allegri is a moron for saying "this changes [no]thing", and then saying "[oh, and, by the way] inter are back in the Scudetto race".
What kind of a retarded coach are you, Massimilliano? How can you even criticize your opponents for playing defensively? It's the Italian way of playing. It's what made Italian squads get rid of some opponents that they could not take out otherwise, in many, many past games.
Instead, you should look at how pathetic Milan was, and pray that your team gets better.
Where the hell was Milan's defense, in minute 54? Not that the over-rated Milito was not lucky to score there, but how come he was left so free, anyway?
I never heard of Allegri before last season. Apparently, last season, Milan had no competition. If this year, when they have competition, Milan does not win the title, Allegri clearly is a hack of a coach.
And one more thing: If you cannot find spaces to score against a team that puts "10 men behind the ball", as Allegri claims, then how are you going to beat your opponents in Serie A?
This was a bad, bad day for Milan, a humiliation, because inter should still be perceived as a team that sucks, until they beat a truly great team, and Allegri is the main guilty party as far as Milan's failure is concerned.
And Milan's coach seems to be quite apathetic about it, in a very retarded way.
Have a look at this article:
Of course, Allegri is a moron for saying "this changes [no]thing", and then saying "[oh, and, by the way] inter are back in the Scudetto race".
What kind of a retarded coach are you, Massimilliano? How can you even criticize your opponents for playing defensively? It's the Italian way of playing. It's what made Italian squads get rid of some opponents that they could not take out otherwise, in many, many past games.
Instead, you should look at how pathetic Milan was, and pray that your team gets better.
Where the hell was Milan's defense, in minute 54? Not that the over-rated Milito was not lucky to score there, but how come he was left so free, anyway?
I never heard of Allegri before last season. Apparently, last season, Milan had no competition. If this year, when they have competition, Milan does not win the title, Allegri clearly is a hack of a coach.
And one more thing: If you cannot find spaces to score against a team that puts "10 men behind the ball", as Allegri claims, then how are you going to beat your opponents in Serie A?
This was a bad, bad day for Milan, a humiliation, because inter should still be perceived as a team that sucks, until they beat a truly great team, and Allegri is the main guilty party as far as Milan's failure is concerned.
Swansea - Arsenal, or London Team Is Falling Down...
The last (and deciding) goal in this game is yet another testimony to Wenger's clueless method of coaching.
I mean, do you not tell your goalkeeper that he should never back away from an opposing attacker who is advancing on goal with the ball at his feet?
Do you not tell your players that they are most at risk for conceding right after they score?
'Nuff said.
And was Henry even in this game? Or does he only perform against second-quality teams?
This link has streaming highlights - good on 16 January.
I mean, do you not tell your goalkeeper that he should never back away from an opposing attacker who is advancing on goal with the ball at his feet?
Do you not tell your players that they are most at risk for conceding right after they score?
'Nuff said.
And was Henry even in this game? Or does he only perform against second-quality teams?
This link has streaming highlights - good on 16 January.
Juventus' Stupidity
The only undefeated team in the big-five leagues (Spain, England, Italy, Germany and France). One would have expected them to do better against a mid-table team.
Unless if maybe that team was paid by Juventus' rivals to play well in this particular match. Then, it's not surprising that Cagliari played so brilliantly at the Juventus stadium.
But, still, Juventus should have won. They have to win games like this one, to win the league. Now, Milan could pass them. Or, worse, inter Milan could get closer to them (and to AC Milan, too, of course).
This was just a stupid mistake from a team that works hard to win honestly now.
Unless if maybe that team was paid by Juventus' rivals to play well in this particular match. Then, it's not surprising that Cagliari played so brilliantly at the Juventus stadium.
But, still, Juventus should have won. They have to win games like this one, to win the league. Now, Milan could pass them. Or, worse, inter Milan could get closer to them (and to AC Milan, too, of course).
This was just a stupid mistake from a team that works hard to win honestly now.
Saturday 14 January 2012
Does Valencia's Surprise Loss Count as Big News?
It seemed that, if any team could make a feeble attempt to compete with the giants, Real and Barcelona, for the title in the Primera Division, it would be Valencia.
They were clearly the most consistent team except for the two colossi.
And nobody expected them to lose at home to Real Sociedad, especially their fans. (Just look, if you watch the highlights, how persistent they are in asking for a resignation at the end of the game.)
But does anybody care, really?
Valencia couldn't even secure their place in the second round of the Champions League...
Primera Division is a two-horse race this year, again.
But, hey, third place still leads to the Champions League, doesn't it?
This link has streaming highlights.
They were clearly the most consistent team except for the two colossi.
And nobody expected them to lose at home to Real Sociedad, especially their fans. (Just look, if you watch the highlights, how persistent they are in asking for a resignation at the end of the game.)
But does anybody care, really?
Valencia couldn't even secure their place in the second round of the Champions League...
Primera Division is a two-horse race this year, again.
But, hey, third place still leads to the Champions League, doesn't it?
This link has streaming highlights.
Is Montpellier for Real?
Montpellier HSC never won Ligue 1.
But they've been doing better and better in the past few seasons. Maybe they can be a contender, finally.
The game against Lyon certainly showed that they can play well in crucial games. They certainly outplayed Lyon, and they more than deserved the resulting scoreline:
Clearly, based on the statistics, Montpellier was the team that attacked throughout this derby.
But can Montpellier keep up against PSG, Marseille (who's climbing fast in the standings) and maybe even Lyon?
...Although Lyon clearly is not a great team. They could never score 7 goals in one game, without outside help... (For those who might have a hard time placing this allusion, it hints at the last game Lyon played in the CL in 2011, in Zagreb.)
This link has streaming highlights.
But they've been doing better and better in the past few seasons. Maybe they can be a contender, finally.
The game against Lyon certainly showed that they can play well in crucial games. They certainly outplayed Lyon, and they more than deserved the resulting scoreline:
 |
| tirs = shots; cadres = on target |
But can Montpellier keep up against PSG, Marseille (who's climbing fast in the standings) and maybe even Lyon?
...Although Lyon clearly is not a great team. They could never score 7 goals in one game, without outside help... (For those who might have a hard time placing this allusion, it hints at the last game Lyon played in the CL in 2011, in Zagreb.)
This link has streaming highlights.
Tottenham, a Title Contender? BullCrap!
No wonder Harry Redknapp was so quick to dismiss discussions about potentially fighting for the title. He was so strongly insisting that Tottenham is only fighting for a Champions League spot, namely third or fourth, in a TV interview, that I thought he was going to throw something in the reporter's face and run away and hide.
But, really, maybe Tottenham doesn't even want to win the title. Ever.
What ambitions have they ever had? Probably, if they were top of the table, with one match to go, they would step aside and say to the next team in the standings, surely Manchester United, "there, you take it!" ("we don't want it!")
Right, Harry?
And, indeed, true to Harry's prophetic words, Spurs quickly fucked up in the following match.
After all, they were getting too uncomfortable for Man. U. there, for a while. They better get back where they belong: Fighting against the fallen-from-grace Arsenal, and even Chelsea, now.
What a pathetic display from a team that was running like clockwork until Redknapp started making statements!
But, really, maybe Tottenham doesn't even want to win the title. Ever.
What ambitions have they ever had? Probably, if they were top of the table, with one match to go, they would step aside and say to the next team in the standings, surely Manchester United, "there, you take it!" ("we don't want it!")
Right, Harry?
And, indeed, true to Harry's prophetic words, Spurs quickly fucked up in the following match.
After all, they were getting too uncomfortable for Man. U. there, for a while. They better get back where they belong: Fighting against the fallen-from-grace Arsenal, and even Chelsea, now.
What a pathetic display from a team that was running like clockwork until Redknapp started making statements!
Sunday 8 January 2012
Espanyol Helps Real's Cause
By scoring in the 86th minute of their game against Barcelona, Espanyol helped Real Madrid open a five-point gap on their arch-rivals.
Alvaro's goal was somewhat random, sure, but the goal Fabregas had scored in the first half was more than a fluke, too, so Barca should not feel absolutely robbed by this result.
Even though they had a great case for demanding a penalty in the dying moments of the game, Barcelona really should have put away the chances they had. They didn't, and now they're five points behind.
I guess that goes to show you: You can beat Real away from home in the direct match, but you cannot get close to them in the standings. Interesting!
This link has streaming highlights.
Alvaro's goal was somewhat random, sure, but the goal Fabregas had scored in the first half was more than a fluke, too, so Barca should not feel absolutely robbed by this result.
Even though they had a great case for demanding a penalty in the dying moments of the game, Barcelona really should have put away the chances they had. They didn't, and now they're five points behind.
I guess that goes to show you: You can beat Real away from home in the direct match, but you cannot get close to them in the standings. Interesting!
This link has streaming highlights.
Benfica Finally Alone at Top
Sporting Lisbon managed to prevent Porto from remaining on top of the Portuguese Primeira Liga, and at the same time did a favour to their cross-town rivals, Benfica.
One day after Sporting CP drew FC Porto at the Jose Alvalade, Benfica crushed Uniao Leiria in Marinha Grande, 4-0.
Benfica is now two points up on Porto, and the difference between the teams' goal differences has diminished significantly, too. (Porto has +24, Benfica +23.)
On top of that, the remaining direct encounter is to be played in Lisbon.
Porto's not looking good this year. It couldn't be the fact that Villas-Boas left, could it?
One day after Sporting CP drew FC Porto at the Jose Alvalade, Benfica crushed Uniao Leiria in Marinha Grande, 4-0.
Benfica is now two points up on Porto, and the difference between the teams' goal differences has diminished significantly, too. (Porto has +24, Benfica +23.)
On top of that, the remaining direct encounter is to be played in Lisbon.
Porto's not looking good this year. It couldn't be the fact that Villas-Boas left, could it?
What Happened to City's Home Form?
This was so much like the Community Shield match in August, but reversed, meaning that the Blues scored theirs last this time.
The fact that Manchester City can come on the pitch and concede three goals so easily in the first half is living proof that they still have a lot of work to do before they become a great team.
And Roberto Mancini had the nerve to say that his team played well. Don't ever say that, dude, when you lose to your most-hated rivals!
This is also the team that has ten wins out of ten, at home, in the League!
It better not happen again, in the Premiership, or else that 6-1 victory at Old Trafford will have been a completely wasted effort. (In a few decades, the players and staff could tell a pathetic story of how they won 6-1 on Man. U.'s pitch, and led for more than half a season in the standings, but did not win the title, as opposed to the glorious tale that was shaping up until that defeat at Stamford Bridge.)
The fact that Manchester City can come on the pitch and concede three goals so easily in the first half is living proof that they still have a lot of work to do before they become a great team.
And Roberto Mancini had the nerve to say that his team played well. Don't ever say that, dude, when you lose to your most-hated rivals!
This is also the team that has ten wins out of ten, at home, in the League!
It better not happen again, in the Premiership, or else that 6-1 victory at Old Trafford will have been a completely wasted effort. (In a few decades, the players and staff could tell a pathetic story of how they won 6-1 on Man. U.'s pitch, and led for more than half a season in the standings, but did not win the title, as opposed to the glorious tale that was shaping up until that defeat at Stamford Bridge.)
Olympiakos Loses the Advantage
After Panathinaikos drew at Panaitolikos on January 4th, meaning that at the time they could only draw even with Olympiakos if they won their games in hand, now Olympiakos lost two points in the title race, too.
But Olympiakos' stumble seems all the more surprising due to the team to which they dropped points. Olympiakos could not beat Doxa Dramas, which is dead last in the league, with 0 wins, and 8 defeats out of 11 played.
So, this means that, if Panathinaikos wins their two games in hand, they would have two points up on their rivals.
But Olympiakos' stumble seems all the more surprising due to the team to which they dropped points. Olympiakos could not beat Doxa Dramas, which is dead last in the league, with 0 wins, and 8 defeats out of 11 played.
So, this means that, if Panathinaikos wins their two games in hand, they would have two points up on their rivals.
Thursday 5 January 2012
Holy Crap, Man. U.!...
Newcastle - Manchester United. 4 January 2012.
3-0??? Yes, 3-0.
No, there's no error. That was the final score. I wouldn't have thought it possible before the game.
I mean, sure, Manchester City pulverized United 6-1 at Old Trafford, ha, ha, but that was a freak accident, and will probably not happen again in a hundred years, or more.
I guess another set of circumstances got together, again, to make Man. U. lose big, for the second time this season.
First, it seems De Gea felt a little bit of Ferguson's wrath. The blunder the Spanish 21-year-old made against Blackburn, causing the third goal by Rovers, seems to have made United's coach prefer the older Anders Lindegaard in goal. Man, did that ever backfire!
Not that Lindegaard is clearly a bad goalkeeper, but one could sort of see he was not exactly familiar with how the defenders do their job for United, at both Ba's goal and Jones' own goal. (And wasn't that a funny one?...)
Lindegaard could also be blamed at Cabaye's goal, if one would really be inclined to assign blame.
Secondly, Newcastle United did really well, and played cohesively in defense, too. At 2-0, they cleared the ball off the line of their own net one time, I remember.
And thirdly, of course, Newcastle can attribute their win to a little bit of luck, too, because at all of their three goals the ball could have gone wide, on a worse day.
But kudos to United. Newcastle United, that is!
If you want to check out the highlights of this nice game, again, go here.
UPDATE: The link is now dead, apparently, but check out what Alan Pardew, Newcastle's manager, had to say after the game.
3-0??? Yes, 3-0.
No, there's no error. That was the final score. I wouldn't have thought it possible before the game.
I mean, sure, Manchester City pulverized United 6-1 at Old Trafford, ha, ha, but that was a freak accident, and will probably not happen again in a hundred years, or more.
I guess another set of circumstances got together, again, to make Man. U. lose big, for the second time this season.
First, it seems De Gea felt a little bit of Ferguson's wrath. The blunder the Spanish 21-year-old made against Blackburn, causing the third goal by Rovers, seems to have made United's coach prefer the older Anders Lindegaard in goal. Man, did that ever backfire!
Not that Lindegaard is clearly a bad goalkeeper, but one could sort of see he was not exactly familiar with how the defenders do their job for United, at both Ba's goal and Jones' own goal. (And wasn't that a funny one?...)
Lindegaard could also be blamed at Cabaye's goal, if one would really be inclined to assign blame.
Secondly, Newcastle United did really well, and played cohesively in defense, too. At 2-0, they cleared the ball off the line of their own net one time, I remember.
And thirdly, of course, Newcastle can attribute their win to a little bit of luck, too, because at all of their three goals the ball could have gone wide, on a worse day.
But kudos to United. Newcastle United, that is!
If you want to check out the highlights of this nice game, again, go here.
UPDATE: The link is now dead, apparently, but check out what Alan Pardew, Newcastle's manager, had to say after the game.
Fenerbahce Cannot Beat Orduspor
A year ago, Orduspor was playing in the second division in Turkey.
But, just today, they prevented Fenerbahce, the club with the most titles in Turkey from getting closer to Galatasaray, the Turkish leaders.
In fact, given Galata's win yesterday, one could say Fenerbahce even lost points.
At half time, Orduspor was even up 1-0. Nice going!
An interesting fact is that Orduspor is managed by Hector Cuper, of Valencia fame. I was wondering what had happened with him...
But, just today, they prevented Fenerbahce, the club with the most titles in Turkey from getting closer to Galatasaray, the Turkish leaders.
In fact, given Galata's win yesterday, one could say Fenerbahce even lost points.
At half time, Orduspor was even up 1-0. Nice going!
An interesting fact is that Orduspor is managed by Hector Cuper, of Valencia fame. I was wondering what had happened with him...
Panathinaikos Loses Ground
Panathinaikos lost two points in their attempt to keep up with perennial powerhouse Olympiakos, in the Greek First League.
Olympiakos barely beat Atromitos at home, 1-0, but they won, and their own goal got the precious three points.
On the other hand, Panathinaikos Athens could not defeat Panaitolikos, two hours and fifteen minutes earlier. They were even losing 0-1 until the very last minute, when Toche managed to equalize.
Now, even if they win their two games in hand, Panathinaikos can only achieve the same number of points that Olympiakos currently has.
Olympiakos barely beat Atromitos at home, 1-0, but they won, and their own goal got the precious three points.
On the other hand, Panathinaikos Athens could not defeat Panaitolikos, two hours and fifteen minutes earlier. They were even losing 0-1 until the very last minute, when Toche managed to equalize.
Now, even if they win their two games in hand, Panathinaikos can only achieve the same number of points that Olympiakos currently has.
Wednesday 4 January 2012
Real Madrid Almost Embarrassed
Real Madrid had an amazing comeback against Malaga, in the Copa del Rey, on Tuesday.
In only 9 minutes, they scored three goals against a Malaga team that lead 2-0 at half-time.
But how come they were even in that position?
Real Madrid looks awesome at times, but still they have a long way to go to match the invulnerability aura that seems to envelop FC Barcelona almost every match.
Malaga has some good players, like Demichelis, Toulalan, Cazorla and van Nistelrooy, but still... Mourinho, watch out! You've gotten too cocky before...
In only 9 minutes, they scored three goals against a Malaga team that lead 2-0 at half-time.
But how come they were even in that position?
Real Madrid looks awesome at times, but still they have a long way to go to match the invulnerability aura that seems to envelop FC Barcelona almost every match.
Malaga has some good players, like Demichelis, Toulalan, Cazorla and van Nistelrooy, but still... Mourinho, watch out! You've gotten too cocky before...
Nice Liverpool!...
It surprised me how easily Manchester City beat Liverpool on Tuesday. Especially given how poorly City played against West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland.
But, then, again, Mancini's team does have 9 wins out of 9 -- oops, make that 10 out of 10 now -- at the Etihad Stadium.
Sort of makes you wonder if they can make it 19 out of 19. I'm willing to bet that no, they won't. (Although I shouldn't underestimate City, even with Manchester United and Chelsea still to come to play there; and Ferguson's team is coming to practice, in a few days' time, in the FA Cup, too...)
Getting back to this game, I have one question, only. How the hell is Pepe Reina still goalkeeping for a big club (well, sort of), like Liverpool?
That intervention of his at the first goal was even worse than Robert Green's, at the World Cup in South Africa. Maybe Dalglish should do what Capello did.
But, then, again, Mancini's team does have 9 wins out of 9 -- oops, make that 10 out of 10 now -- at the Etihad Stadium.
Sort of makes you wonder if they can make it 19 out of 19. I'm willing to bet that no, they won't. (Although I shouldn't underestimate City, even with Manchester United and Chelsea still to come to play there; and Ferguson's team is coming to practice, in a few days' time, in the FA Cup, too...)
Getting back to this game, I have one question, only. How the hell is Pepe Reina still goalkeeping for a big club (well, sort of), like Liverpool?
That intervention of his at the first goal was even worse than Robert Green's, at the World Cup in South Africa. Maybe Dalglish should do what Capello did.
Tuesday 3 January 2012
Prediction for Wigan - Sunderland
It's become clear to me, for many months now, that Wigan is Man. U. 's bitch.
Just to make obvious what I believe: It's impossible for me to acknowledge how Wigan can constantly put on such good footballing displays against United's adversaries, especially Chelsea, while at the same time losing shamelessly by large margins each and every time they play the team from Manchester.
I've always thought they should be called "Manchester United 2" (or "pet", or "servant", if you wish)...
But, anyway...
I never looked at Sunderland that way until recently, though.
But, come to think of it... Sunderland's excellent form against Manchester City the other day, which severely contrasts with Sunderland - Wigan 1-2, in the previous encounter between these two teams... well...
My guess is, since both these teams may very well be closer to Manchester United than to any other team in the Premier League, Wigan is going to take the points in this upcoming match because it needs them badly. (Plus, I'm sure the people who deal with this kind of stuff at Manchester United, if any, cannot be sure that Wigan is going to be able to wrestle points away from Manchester City, just like Sunderland and West Brom did. They realize Wigan is desperate for easy points.)
Especially considering their luck against Man. City, Sunderland can afford to not fight hard for these points, if Wigan is meant to get help from somewhere other than their own merits.
And Wigan getting some more points, here and there, and remaining in the Premier League next year, too, would be much better for Man. U. than if it was to be relegated. Just look at the history, and tell me that's not true!...
So, to sum up, Wigan - Sunderland, on the 2nd of January, 2012 -- definite win for the hosts; that's my firm prediction. Let us see!
UPDATE, 3 January 2012, 22:45 CET: Well, I guess I was wrong about Sunderland. (But that doesn't mean I'm wrong about Wigan.) I guess Sunderland probably did beat Manchester City because they really wanted to, and were able to do so due to The Citizens' performance. And it's not bad, in the grand scheme of things, that they did the same to this annoying Wigan. After watching the highlights, though, I'd say they were lucky on at least two goals, namely the first and the last.
Just to make obvious what I believe: It's impossible for me to acknowledge how Wigan can constantly put on such good footballing displays against United's adversaries, especially Chelsea, while at the same time losing shamelessly by large margins each and every time they play the team from Manchester.
I've always thought they should be called "Manchester United 2" (or "pet", or "servant", if you wish)...
But, anyway...
I never looked at Sunderland that way until recently, though.
But, come to think of it... Sunderland's excellent form against Manchester City the other day, which severely contrasts with Sunderland - Wigan 1-2, in the previous encounter between these two teams... well...
My guess is, since both these teams may very well be closer to Manchester United than to any other team in the Premier League, Wigan is going to take the points in this upcoming match because it needs them badly. (Plus, I'm sure the people who deal with this kind of stuff at Manchester United, if any, cannot be sure that Wigan is going to be able to wrestle points away from Manchester City, just like Sunderland and West Brom did. They realize Wigan is desperate for easy points.)
Especially considering their luck against Man. City, Sunderland can afford to not fight hard for these points, if Wigan is meant to get help from somewhere other than their own merits.
And Wigan getting some more points, here and there, and remaining in the Premier League next year, too, would be much better for Man. U. than if it was to be relegated. Just look at the history, and tell me that's not true!...
So, to sum up, Wigan - Sunderland, on the 2nd of January, 2012 -- definite win for the hosts; that's my firm prediction. Let us see!
UPDATE, 3 January 2012, 22:45 CET: Well, I guess I was wrong about Sunderland. (But that doesn't mean I'm wrong about Wigan.) I guess Sunderland probably did beat Manchester City because they really wanted to, and were able to do so due to The Citizens' performance. And it's not bad, in the grand scheme of things, that they did the same to this annoying Wigan. After watching the highlights, though, I'd say they were lucky on at least two goals, namely the first and the last.
Arsenal Messes with Its Fans Again
What's happening at Arsenal (and of which Fulham - Arsenal 2-1 is only the latest episode) clearly indicates that it's not the players who are under-performing at the club, of late, but the coach.
They have been getting more new players at Arsenal, since 2004, than Ferguson has ever brought at Manchester United since he took over, in the mid-eighties.
And what has smooth-talking Arsene Wenger done with them?
That's a rhetorical question, of course.
I'm surprised at how much patience the owners of the club have with this unambitious, incompetent football manager.
Wenger is good with making a young player into a relatively good, matured one. That's clear to everyone. But, unless the club has no close rival in the league, Wenger is not apt, in the least, to manage their way to a title.
Nobody seems to want to say that about the elegant-looking Frenchman, but it's been the case time and time again, since that notorious unbeaten season (when Arsenal had no close rival, yes).
But, with more and more clubs emitting interest in the highest spots in the Premiership standings, there's no way for Arsenal to go but down.
Even Tottenham seems more likely to end up in the top two, from now on, than Arsenal.
And, ha ha ha, there have been talks of Henry coming back to the Gunners!... Do they really think old-man Henry can bring back the club to the 2003-2004 apogee? Even Wenger cannot be that naive, despite the way he talks whenever he's interviewed.
They have been getting more new players at Arsenal, since 2004, than Ferguson has ever brought at Manchester United since he took over, in the mid-eighties.
And what has smooth-talking Arsene Wenger done with them?
That's a rhetorical question, of course.
I'm surprised at how much patience the owners of the club have with this unambitious, incompetent football manager.
Wenger is good with making a young player into a relatively good, matured one. That's clear to everyone. But, unless the club has no close rival in the league, Wenger is not apt, in the least, to manage their way to a title.
Nobody seems to want to say that about the elegant-looking Frenchman, but it's been the case time and time again, since that notorious unbeaten season (when Arsenal had no close rival, yes).
But, with more and more clubs emitting interest in the highest spots in the Premiership standings, there's no way for Arsenal to go but down.
Even Tottenham seems more likely to end up in the top two, from now on, than Arsenal.
And, ha ha ha, there have been talks of Henry coming back to the Gunners!... Do they really think old-man Henry can bring back the club to the 2003-2004 apogee? Even Wenger cannot be that naive, despite the way he talks whenever he's interviewed.
Monday 2 January 2012
Unprofessionalism Starts at Christmastime
Why are British football teams (except for Manchester United, to a large extent) so pathetic and dumb?
Look at Manchester City. They were doing so well, and even luck was on their side. I'm talking, of course, of the Blackburn performance at Old Trafford, on December 31st, 2011.
How in the world a team that scored in all previous games this season could not score even one in two consecutive games, in the Christmas - New Year period (and to only gather one point out of 6, even as their coach kept making statements about knowing how important these games are), is beyond me.
Maybe the holidays do make all English contenders (except for Man. U., to a large extent) suck balls, and they should forget about playing so many games in such a demented schedule.
But this is a British-team issue. In how many other leagues do you see teams that lead in the standings up until Christmas start to sink faster than a turd in a working toilet, after that?
You look at PSG, in Ligue 1, or the new Juventus, in Serie A, this year, and you see a couple of teams with passion, consistency, willingness to keep making pragmatic efforts and the ability to keep going.
I hope I'm wrong about this, but the current Manchester City team is like a chicken with its head cut off. It keeps making stupid, laughable efforts, but it's not going to accomplish anything anymore. I know because I've watched them close, lately.
Just like the Liverpool of 2008-2009, the Chelsea of 2007-2008 and 2010-2011, and so many Arsenals of the late '90s and early 2000s, the new Premiership challenger also seems destined to fuck up just enough to allow Manchester United to keep winning through this joke of a league.
I mean, why do they even play for the title so long? Just ask these teams that think they can win to play at Christmas some matches, and, if they cannot win more than one or two, just give Manchester United the trophy.
Every year, people watch, hoping for a better performance, and every year Man. U. 's opposition always starts fucking up, and going down, at Christmastime.
All credit to Chelsea for managing to keep Manchester United away from three titles since the spring of 2004. How the heck they found the strength to do it is beyond me. But Chelsea, as a contender, is done and dusted, too.
And no matter how many foreign coaches and players, foreign tactics, and even foreign investors, any of these stupid Premiership teams bring, they had, still have, and always will have, a disappointing lack of urgency and ambition in the most crucial moments of any given season.
Fabio Capello, regardless of your talent and expertise, managing a team made entirely of British players is clearly a waste of your fame, as you will not add anything to it.
Why? Because the British do not know when they have to be careful on the pitch and when to really play properly.
It seems they will never know. And nobody can teach them.
Look at Manchester City. They were doing so well, and even luck was on their side. I'm talking, of course, of the Blackburn performance at Old Trafford, on December 31st, 2011.
How in the world a team that scored in all previous games this season could not score even one in two consecutive games, in the Christmas - New Year period (and to only gather one point out of 6, even as their coach kept making statements about knowing how important these games are), is beyond me.
Maybe the holidays do make all English contenders (except for Man. U., to a large extent) suck balls, and they should forget about playing so many games in such a demented schedule.
But this is a British-team issue. In how many other leagues do you see teams that lead in the standings up until Christmas start to sink faster than a turd in a working toilet, after that?
You look at PSG, in Ligue 1, or the new Juventus, in Serie A, this year, and you see a couple of teams with passion, consistency, willingness to keep making pragmatic efforts and the ability to keep going.
I hope I'm wrong about this, but the current Manchester City team is like a chicken with its head cut off. It keeps making stupid, laughable efforts, but it's not going to accomplish anything anymore. I know because I've watched them close, lately.
Just like the Liverpool of 2008-2009, the Chelsea of 2007-2008 and 2010-2011, and so many Arsenals of the late '90s and early 2000s, the new Premiership challenger also seems destined to fuck up just enough to allow Manchester United to keep winning through this joke of a league.
I mean, why do they even play for the title so long? Just ask these teams that think they can win to play at Christmas some matches, and, if they cannot win more than one or two, just give Manchester United the trophy.
Every year, people watch, hoping for a better performance, and every year Man. U. 's opposition always starts fucking up, and going down, at Christmastime.
All credit to Chelsea for managing to keep Manchester United away from three titles since the spring of 2004. How the heck they found the strength to do it is beyond me. But Chelsea, as a contender, is done and dusted, too.
And no matter how many foreign coaches and players, foreign tactics, and even foreign investors, any of these stupid Premiership teams bring, they had, still have, and always will have, a disappointing lack of urgency and ambition in the most crucial moments of any given season.
Fabio Capello, regardless of your talent and expertise, managing a team made entirely of British players is clearly a waste of your fame, as you will not add anything to it.
Why? Because the British do not know when they have to be careful on the pitch and when to really play properly.
It seems they will never know. And nobody can teach them.
Sunday 1 January 2012
Do Football Rules Need Revitalizing?
Sunday. May 11th, 2008. It's the last matchday of the season in the Premier League.
Apparently, a lot is still to be decided in the title race. Manchester United has 84 points, and a +56 goal difference, while Chelsea also has 84 points, but only a +39 goal difference.
That means that, if Manchester United was to win, by, say, one goal, (and they are playing at Wigan, a team renowned for always being crushed with ease by Ferguson's team, no matter what the venue), Chelsea would have to win by 20 goals, or more, to obtain the title.
Of course, Man. U. ends up beating Wigan, by two goals, and Chelsea is so abject on the day that they cannot even bag a win against Bolton, at home.
Apparently, a lot is still to be decided in the title race. Manchester United has 84 points, and a +56 goal difference, while Chelsea also has 84 points, but only a +39 goal difference.
That means that, if Manchester United was to win, by, say, one goal, (and they are playing at Wigan, a team renowned for always being crushed with ease by Ferguson's team, no matter what the venue), Chelsea would have to win by 20 goals, or more, to obtain the title.
Of course, Man. U. ends up beating Wigan, by two goals, and Chelsea is so abject on the day that they cannot even bag a win against Bolton, at home.
Almost one year later. Spain. Primera Division. May 2nd, 2009. Real Madrid has a chance of getting to within one point of Barcelona, at the top of the standings, by beating their eternal rivals in El Clasico, at the Bernabeu, with four more matches left.
But they fail miserably. Barcelona wins 6-2, away from home, and Real never gets another point till the end of the season.
Barca wins the title with a +70 goal difference, and Real finishes with +31.
But they fail miserably. Barcelona wins 6-2, away from home, and Real never gets another point till the end of the season.
Barca wins the title with a +70 goal difference, and Real finishes with +31.
How can two teams be so close on points, but so far apart in goal difference? (which, quite frankly, oftentimes says more about form and consistency than points do)
This, to me, signals that there is something very wrong with official football rules.
I'm talking about rules everywhere, not just in Spain or England.
How come a team that wins 8-0 gets the same reward, in points, as a team that barely makes it 2-1 in the 90th minute? It's weird, and nasty, for the team that plays well, and for its fans.
On the other hand, it takes only one miserable error, one slip-up, or even a refereeing mistake, leading to your team conceding one unlucky goal, at the wrong time... and, if you're just leading by one, all of a sudden you lose two points and possibly the nice position you fought so hard in hope of achieving.
No! These rules that give three points for any kind of a win, and just one for a draw, are stupid, dumb, old-fashioned, retarded rules. They don't really succeed in making teams always go for the win, regardless of what those people who introduced them everywhere in the footballing world, in the early '90s, said.
They took a pathetic rule, from a pathetic league (- guess which federation was awarding three points for a win first? -) and thought this would revolutionize football.
But it made it more unfair, is what it did.
That's not to say that the two-points-for-a-win rule was much better. ...Although it was more balanced, I would argue.
However, not to beat around the bush any further, here's what I'm proposing:
To truly reward spectacular, deserving teams, larger goal differences in a match have to be worth more. And teams who lose big have to be going down easier, too.
(For example, in the Portuguese Primeira Liga 2009-2010, Belenenses finished with 23 points and a -21 goal difference, and was relegated, while Setubal had 25 points but a -28 goal difference and stayed up. Moreover, Belenenses won at Setubal 2-1 on the last matchday, but they knew they were going down no matter what. Just imagine if Setubal could have lost points that game [sic!], and if Belenenses could have gained more than 3 points with a victory there. It could have been a cracking encounter!...)
So, let's get to the point:
1) A win by a one-goal difference should be worth 2 points in the standings;
2) A win by two or three goals should be worth 3 points;
3) A loss by one or two goals should not cause any gain in the standings for that team, so it should be 0 points;
4) A loss by three or four goals should be -1 [sic!] points;
5) A win by four or five goals should give the winning team 4 points;
6) A loss by five, six or seven goals should be worth -2 points;
7) A win by six, seven or eight goals should award 5 points;
8) A loss by anywhere from eight to eleven goals should be -3 points;
9) A win by nine to twelve goals should be 6 points;
10) A loss by more than and including twelve goals should be -4 points;
11) A win by more than and including thirteen goals should award 7 points to the victor;
Note: In those leagues where such goal differences of more than 12-13 goals are more frequent than just being freak occurences, obviously the rules could be taken further;
12) Any kind of draw should still give 1 point to each team involved.
To illustrate, Real Madrid - FC Barcelona 2-6 would subtract 1 point from Real's total and add 4 to Barcelona's points.
Make it interesting and rewarding, is what all of this is saying! Every goal should count.
Additional Mention: Goal difference very rarely makes a difference, but it should still be counted in those truly, actual, head-to-head races, where the difference between goal differences is very close to zero. (What I'm saying is, only if the rules above still lead to two teams having the same number of points, the goal difference as a separating criterion could still apply because it is possible that one team would have +39 goal difference, let's say, and one could have +37 goal difference, even though they could be tied on points at that point.)
To sum up, I know there are always people who say "Oh, we don't need any change. We feel everything is fine the way it is. Long live the status quo!" But isn't that the atitude of a person who wants to control things, and who cares more about his current financial well-being and power than about fairness and future progress?
And imagine how hard it would be for the teams who spend money getting their adversaries to drop points to anticipate when, where and how that money would be best spent.
(And how interesting final matchdays would be, if turn-arounds of 10 points or more in one matchday could be possible.)
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