This is just hilarious, at least the first few seconds of it. Just the thought of Philippine football players, the Azkals, dancing along to the anthem of the country at the moment already cracks me up. What more to see them actually do it? And that's with Phil Younghusband!
And for the new year, here's to hoping the Azkals do well in the upcoming Asean Championships against Thailand, Myanmar, and Malaysia. I'd love to see them reach even just as far as the semis.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
The End of Chelsea's Lucky Strike
The game just cost me -20 in the English Premier League's official prediction game. I would've gotten the Banker bonus had the scoring ended in the 87th minute. 2-1 was what I predicted. It was not until Ashley Cole mistakenly kicked the ball hard enough to hit Michael Essien, leading to the latter's own goal that the game ended with a 2-2 draw. I almost got 60 points.
Today's game at Stamford Bridge was more preferrable than what I've seen last week against Wigan, despite the game ending in a draw- much, much more undesirable than our win in the last couple of (away) matches. That in spite of the continuous absence of Petr Cech, Carlo Cudicini and John Terry. Add to that the absence of in-top-form midfielder and last week's saving grace Arjen Robben, who missed the match due to a hamstring injury. Khalid Boulahrouz and Claude Makelele were left out of the squad with Obi Mikel, Ashley Cole, Shaun Wright-Philips, Mahmoud Diarra and goalie Magnus Hedman standing by as subs. Diarra and Hedman were left unused.
Winning the game would've led us to the top of table, something we've all been hoping for, for at least the two hours that Manchester United were playing our last week's opponent Wigan Athletic. We would've welcomed New Year a week ahead. As they beat Wigan at Old Trafford 3-1, we could have only expected the persistent smashing- something which the Blues have not been able to achieve, except for their match against Watford, which ended 4-0. But the hopes of some thousands fans at Stamford Bridge and at home watching on telly on Boxing Day were crushed, proving it's too early to kick off the New Year. We didn't lead.
Drogba once again fired up and scored a brace, each on either half of the game. The first came through an assist from Frank Lampard from the corner; the other through SWP's cross. I am aware of Chelsea becoming a one-man team scoring. Today, it became evident again. Most of the attempts came from the Ivory Coast striker: during the 12th minute when his shot was blocked by Reading goalkeeper Hahnemann; during the 28th minute when he gave a header, only to be blocked once again by the opponent's goalie; for the third time in the 32nd minute; I just can't list all of them down here.
When Lita scored the Royal's first goal of the night, many perhaps expected another dramatic ending in our favor. Fans all the more expected that when the truly unfortunate and unforgivable happened. In the past, we've become knwon as last-minute scorers. It was all the same tonight, except that the ball went through the net on the other side. Ashley Cole wrongly kicked the ball harder than needed, to which Essien completely couldn't have responded. The score then became 2-2, with just 2 minutes left of the game. Seconds before the regular time was up, 3 minutes of stoppage time was flashed. I know I wasn't alone when I asked, who will save us this time?
The game became quicker, the true sign of catching up and hoping for another sweet, dramatic victory. The Blues were passing from one player to the other, finding chances to score another last minute winning goal. But the three minutes have elapsed, with no Robben to save us this time. Drogba's brace may have already been enough for him. Many instances in the past, we relied on Lady Luck. We didn't win convincingly in some matches; we were just lucky.
If we would not be able to recover from this slump to find our way back to the top and just completely rely on some favorable twist and turn of events, then I suppose that tonight, the end of the Blues' lucky strike has just begun. At Stamford Bridge.
Today's game at Stamford Bridge was more preferrable than what I've seen last week against Wigan, despite the game ending in a draw- much, much more undesirable than our win in the last couple of (away) matches. That in spite of the continuous absence of Petr Cech, Carlo Cudicini and John Terry. Add to that the absence of in-top-form midfielder and last week's saving grace Arjen Robben, who missed the match due to a hamstring injury. Khalid Boulahrouz and Claude Makelele were left out of the squad with Obi Mikel, Ashley Cole, Shaun Wright-Philips, Mahmoud Diarra and goalie Magnus Hedman standing by as subs. Diarra and Hedman were left unused.
Winning the game would've led us to the top of table, something we've all been hoping for, for at least the two hours that Manchester United were playing our last week's opponent Wigan Athletic. We would've welcomed New Year a week ahead. As they beat Wigan at Old Trafford 3-1, we could have only expected the persistent smashing- something which the Blues have not been able to achieve, except for their match against Watford, which ended 4-0. But the hopes of some thousands fans at Stamford Bridge and at home watching on telly on Boxing Day were crushed, proving it's too early to kick off the New Year. We didn't lead.
Drogba once again fired up and scored a brace, each on either half of the game. The first came through an assist from Frank Lampard from the corner; the other through SWP's cross. I am aware of Chelsea becoming a one-man team scoring. Today, it became evident again. Most of the attempts came from the Ivory Coast striker: during the 12th minute when his shot was blocked by Reading goalkeeper Hahnemann; during the 28th minute when he gave a header, only to be blocked once again by the opponent's goalie; for the third time in the 32nd minute; I just can't list all of them down here.
When Lita scored the Royal's first goal of the night, many perhaps expected another dramatic ending in our favor. Fans all the more expected that when the truly unfortunate and unforgivable happened. In the past, we've become knwon as last-minute scorers. It was all the same tonight, except that the ball went through the net on the other side. Ashley Cole wrongly kicked the ball harder than needed, to which Essien completely couldn't have responded. The score then became 2-2, with just 2 minutes left of the game. Seconds before the regular time was up, 3 minutes of stoppage time was flashed. I know I wasn't alone when I asked, who will save us this time?
The game became quicker, the true sign of catching up and hoping for another sweet, dramatic victory. The Blues were passing from one player to the other, finding chances to score another last minute winning goal. But the three minutes have elapsed, with no Robben to save us this time. Drogba's brace may have already been enough for him. Many instances in the past, we relied on Lady Luck. We didn't win convincingly in some matches; we were just lucky.
If we would not be able to recover from this slump to find our way back to the top and just completely rely on some favorable twist and turn of events, then I suppose that tonight, the end of the Blues' lucky strike has just begun. At Stamford Bridge.
Monday, December 25, 2006
For the Love of the Game: For the Pain and Bliss Football Brings
'I fell in love with football as I was later to fall in love with women: suddenly, inexplicably, uncritically, giving no thought to the pain or disruption it would bring with it' -Nick Hornby, Fever Pitch
I have set a new record for myself. Not only have I found that one sport I am certain to enjoy for the rest of my life but also, I have found addiction for it. It was strange to have gotten hooked in such a snap; it all started with the 2006 World Cup. Yes, it all started just some 7 months ago.
Before it began, there was all the buzz, World Cup here, World Cup there. Of course, this isn't the kind of buzz you get from an upcoming Manny Pacquiao-Erik Morales game wherein you hear about it in every news break of each broadcasting network in the Philippines. Nor is it the kind of buzz where almost every other person you meet and every other paper you read talks abouts the NBA finals, Miami Heat winning, who scored the most in Game 6, how the Mavs were crushed and so on. Rather this is the rare kind of buzz, at least for me, living in such a basketball-boxing-(and billiards)-inflicted culture, where it seems like the three are the only sports recognized by everyone.
To say World Cup is to always say something big- whether in terms of the participants- participated by 32 countries from all over the globe, the game attendees- there was more than 2 million people for the first round games, and the audience- simply the most watched game on earth. I tried watching not because everybody was talking about it (apparently not, especially in my case) but because my curiosity was aroused by the sport's magnanimity. It is the same question that gets everybody after chancing upon something new to them that got me: what is the fuss all about? My 'journey' started on the very first day of the FIFA World Cup: the opening ceremonies.
I tried watching the opening ceremonies through the old television set with crappy reception, with a newly found interest, curiosity and open eyes. Everyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I have NEVER been a sports fan- what may be the biggest thing missing in my life. I was never one of the millions who stay tuned to Star Sports or ESPN watching basketball games or boxing or billiards (yes, in that particular order). There were times when i tried to enjoy the game, but to no avail. Though I had occasional peek at some golf and pool tourneys, that was it. To actually attempt to learn the rules, to know who plays well for one team and who's rubbish at the other, to stay up until 5am day after day just trying to wait for the victor, to try to avoid mistakes of having to make unnecessary noise that might wake up parents who would send me to sleep- all of that was just plain new.
After watching several matches of the World Cup, I've already come to realize why I got hooked to football like I've never been before by anything:
Score arrives at unexpected times; sometimes it even doesn't. Getting a goal could take as much as the whole stretch of the game, yet it could also take a measley 15 seconds from kick-off. These are people running from one end to the other of the field, whose area is three to four times the size of a basketball court. Just to get from one point to the other already takes time. Getting a goal while three or four defenders try to tackle the ball away, all of you using just your feet, arguably more difficult to control than the hand, is even triple the work and thus could take much longer. Therefore, as time elapses, excitement continuously arises as every member of the audience waits for that one time when their favorite team would get the ball past the goalkeeper. It could take forever yet once it goes in, then fulfillment is just overwhelming. No wonder players who score throw themselves right in front of their teammates, their coaches or the fans and celebrate the moment by doing some emotionally-filled, sometimes even ridiculous moves. No wonder these people, when they score what could already be the winning goal, run all over the field as if they've won the 100M jackpot of the lottery. Ah, euphoria. The fruit just couldn't get any sweeter. Moreover, the gratification usually found in football is just too much to handle. It isn't like basketball where almost every 15 seconds, someone scores. While at some point, crucial shots are made, such a shot is not as rare as having to come back from trailing 2 goals and eventually win with just 5 to 10 minutes left of the game. From a point of comparison, and I hope that this part doesn't get cut out, one can think of football as an intercourse with possible mutliple orgasms while basketball is just a long monotonous copulation.
The second reason why I've come to love football was because of the endless possibility of anyone becoming the game's hero. You have your strikers, alright and you always expect them to score for the team. If you weren't a follower of the sport, you'd expect them to always be the Man of the Match. However, another beauty of the game is, you don't know who would score next. There is the unpredictability as to who would catch the ball and get it in or do a header some 15-30 yards away from the net and then become the game's hero. That man could be the striker, the midfielder or even the defender! Sheer luck is what some might call it. In the Philippines, many would call it ala-chamba. But whether it really is ala-chamba or some pure stroke of talent , it is the very reason why people love the game. Score could come in at any unexpected, nerve wracking moment, from just about anyone. The previously unheard of player suddenly becomes the hero of the match for letting his team win (or in some unfortunate nevertheless sometimes acceptable draw) over their opponent. He could have scored the only goal, given the equaliser or led the team to some sweet, unexpected victory for a last-minute goal. A hero is made out of a single goal precisely because of the very nature of the game. The extremely difficult manner by which a person could score, whether due to the lack of an opening or the very good tackling skills of the opponent, always seems to be in search of some stroke of luck to hit one of the players. A goal could come in as fast as the blink of an eye and the slowly dying crowd could easily come back to life as one partakes on the team's never-ending creation of football history, hopefully leading the team to advance.
Third, while there is the unpredictability of scoring a goal and winning an unexpected victory, there is also the unpredictability of an upset. All of us, I'm quite sure, have been victims of this. Many of us have witnessed how our teams, most especially those in top form- national or club- have been subject to some heavy criticisms for an unexpected defeat. I understand how Nick Hornby was able to open his autobiography with the opening line I used. In the last World Cup, we have all witnessed how Brazil failed to even reach the semi-finals when they have been favorites to win again. We have witnessed how Ronaldinho failed to become a contender for the Golden Shoe. Many of us have witnessed England's early exit as well. We expected them to go far, didn't we? (Yes, I was devastated too when that happened.) Even Sven was sure they can reach the finals and bring back the trophy after 40 years of football drought. Fans were waiting for that moment while singing along to Baddiel and Skinner's "Football's Coming Home". Just recently in the English Premier League, we have seen how Manchester United, on top of the table, was defeated by West Ham United, who have been in the relegation zone for several weeks now. Then there's Chelsea who faced their first defeat of the season in the second week against the struggling Boro. Then just a couple of weeks back, ManUtd was again beaten by Southend United, currently at the bottom of Championship table, and struggling Charlton was beaten by Wycombe Wanderers, a League 2 club.
Finally, there is some real challenge; there is hardcore requirement for skill. Passing the ball in itself carries some tough challenge because the opponent can easily tackle if the man handling it isn't skilled enough to keep the ball with him. Again, the idea of using the feet already requires so much work. The structure of the feet per se makes it difficult for one to move them as freely as one does with the hands. Any kid playing basketball can easily dribble and pass. Whether they know how to play it well or not, a pretty good simulation of the game could still be created. However, any kid attempting to play football might not even get past someone who is blocking him. Nor could he make a decent pass. This could be made worse by two kids who do not know how to play it. A rough simulation might be impossible.
I am not ditching basketball as the easier sport, although it might've been implied with some of my statements. I know that basketball, all in itself, requires a totally different set of skills. My only point is, personally, football is better and more attractive for me for the reasons stated above. I know other lifelong fans could give more. I do believe, however, the bulk have already been discussed here. Anyway, the way we answer to our own biases makes our own POVs problematic from the eyes of the other people. That is the very reason why some hardcore basketball fans would disagree with my thoughts about football (and please don't call it soccer) or even curse me for even attempting to compare the two, and why football fans would be eclectic for my defense of our favorite game.
I have set a new record for myself. Not only have I found that one sport I am certain to enjoy for the rest of my life but also, I have found addiction for it. It was strange to have gotten hooked in such a snap; it all started with the 2006 World Cup. Yes, it all started just some 7 months ago.
Before it began, there was all the buzz, World Cup here, World Cup there. Of course, this isn't the kind of buzz you get from an upcoming Manny Pacquiao-Erik Morales game wherein you hear about it in every news break of each broadcasting network in the Philippines. Nor is it the kind of buzz where almost every other person you meet and every other paper you read talks abouts the NBA finals, Miami Heat winning, who scored the most in Game 6, how the Mavs were crushed and so on. Rather this is the rare kind of buzz, at least for me, living in such a basketball-boxing-(and billiards)-inflicted culture, where it seems like the three are the only sports recognized by everyone.
To say World Cup is to always say something big- whether in terms of the participants- participated by 32 countries from all over the globe, the game attendees- there was more than 2 million people for the first round games, and the audience- simply the most watched game on earth. I tried watching not because everybody was talking about it (apparently not, especially in my case) but because my curiosity was aroused by the sport's magnanimity. It is the same question that gets everybody after chancing upon something new to them that got me: what is the fuss all about? My 'journey' started on the very first day of the FIFA World Cup: the opening ceremonies.
I tried watching the opening ceremonies through the old television set with crappy reception, with a newly found interest, curiosity and open eyes. Everyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I have NEVER been a sports fan- what may be the biggest thing missing in my life. I was never one of the millions who stay tuned to Star Sports or ESPN watching basketball games or boxing or billiards (yes, in that particular order). There were times when i tried to enjoy the game, but to no avail. Though I had occasional peek at some golf and pool tourneys, that was it. To actually attempt to learn the rules, to know who plays well for one team and who's rubbish at the other, to stay up until 5am day after day just trying to wait for the victor, to try to avoid mistakes of having to make unnecessary noise that might wake up parents who would send me to sleep- all of that was just plain new.
After watching several matches of the World Cup, I've already come to realize why I got hooked to football like I've never been before by anything:
Score arrives at unexpected times; sometimes it even doesn't. Getting a goal could take as much as the whole stretch of the game, yet it could also take a measley 15 seconds from kick-off. These are people running from one end to the other of the field, whose area is three to four times the size of a basketball court. Just to get from one point to the other already takes time. Getting a goal while three or four defenders try to tackle the ball away, all of you using just your feet, arguably more difficult to control than the hand, is even triple the work and thus could take much longer. Therefore, as time elapses, excitement continuously arises as every member of the audience waits for that one time when their favorite team would get the ball past the goalkeeper. It could take forever yet once it goes in, then fulfillment is just overwhelming. No wonder players who score throw themselves right in front of their teammates, their coaches or the fans and celebrate the moment by doing some emotionally-filled, sometimes even ridiculous moves. No wonder these people, when they score what could already be the winning goal, run all over the field as if they've won the 100M jackpot of the lottery. Ah, euphoria. The fruit just couldn't get any sweeter. Moreover, the gratification usually found in football is just too much to handle. It isn't like basketball where almost every 15 seconds, someone scores. While at some point, crucial shots are made, such a shot is not as rare as having to come back from trailing 2 goals and eventually win with just 5 to 10 minutes left of the game. From a point of comparison, and I hope that this part doesn't get cut out, one can think of football as an intercourse with possible mutliple orgasms while basketball is just a long monotonous copulation.
The second reason why I've come to love football was because of the endless possibility of anyone becoming the game's hero. You have your strikers, alright and you always expect them to score for the team. If you weren't a follower of the sport, you'd expect them to always be the Man of the Match. However, another beauty of the game is, you don't know who would score next. There is the unpredictability as to who would catch the ball and get it in or do a header some 15-30 yards away from the net and then become the game's hero. That man could be the striker, the midfielder or even the defender! Sheer luck is what some might call it. In the Philippines, many would call it ala-chamba. But whether it really is ala-chamba or some pure stroke of talent , it is the very reason why people love the game. Score could come in at any unexpected, nerve wracking moment, from just about anyone. The previously unheard of player suddenly becomes the hero of the match for letting his team win (or in some unfortunate nevertheless sometimes acceptable draw) over their opponent. He could have scored the only goal, given the equaliser or led the team to some sweet, unexpected victory for a last-minute goal. A hero is made out of a single goal precisely because of the very nature of the game. The extremely difficult manner by which a person could score, whether due to the lack of an opening or the very good tackling skills of the opponent, always seems to be in search of some stroke of luck to hit one of the players. A goal could come in as fast as the blink of an eye and the slowly dying crowd could easily come back to life as one partakes on the team's never-ending creation of football history, hopefully leading the team to advance.
Third, while there is the unpredictability of scoring a goal and winning an unexpected victory, there is also the unpredictability of an upset. All of us, I'm quite sure, have been victims of this. Many of us have witnessed how our teams, most especially those in top form- national or club- have been subject to some heavy criticisms for an unexpected defeat. I understand how Nick Hornby was able to open his autobiography with the opening line I used. In the last World Cup, we have all witnessed how Brazil failed to even reach the semi-finals when they have been favorites to win again. We have witnessed how Ronaldinho failed to become a contender for the Golden Shoe. Many of us have witnessed England's early exit as well. We expected them to go far, didn't we? (Yes, I was devastated too when that happened.) Even Sven was sure they can reach the finals and bring back the trophy after 40 years of football drought. Fans were waiting for that moment while singing along to Baddiel and Skinner's "Football's Coming Home". Just recently in the English Premier League, we have seen how Manchester United, on top of the table, was defeated by West Ham United, who have been in the relegation zone for several weeks now. Then there's Chelsea who faced their first defeat of the season in the second week against the struggling Boro. Then just a couple of weeks back, ManUtd was again beaten by Southend United, currently at the bottom of Championship table, and struggling Charlton was beaten by Wycombe Wanderers, a League 2 club.
Finally, there is some real challenge; there is hardcore requirement for skill. Passing the ball in itself carries some tough challenge because the opponent can easily tackle if the man handling it isn't skilled enough to keep the ball with him. Again, the idea of using the feet already requires so much work. The structure of the feet per se makes it difficult for one to move them as freely as one does with the hands. Any kid playing basketball can easily dribble and pass. Whether they know how to play it well or not, a pretty good simulation of the game could still be created. However, any kid attempting to play football might not even get past someone who is blocking him. Nor could he make a decent pass. This could be made worse by two kids who do not know how to play it. A rough simulation might be impossible.
I am not ditching basketball as the easier sport, although it might've been implied with some of my statements. I know that basketball, all in itself, requires a totally different set of skills. My only point is, personally, football is better and more attractive for me for the reasons stated above. I know other lifelong fans could give more. I do believe, however, the bulk have already been discussed here. Anyway, the way we answer to our own biases makes our own POVs problematic from the eyes of the other people. That is the very reason why some hardcore basketball fans would disagree with my thoughts about football (and please don't call it soccer) or even curse me for even attempting to compare the two, and why football fans would be eclectic for my defense of our favorite game.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Where Chelsea are and where they're headed.
Two points behind, two dramatic games, and two last games before welcoming the new year, where are Chelsea now and where are we headed?
The match against Everton at Goodison Park was nothing short of maginificent. One of the best matches I have seen so far. If there were such a thing as Chelsea 'Game of the Season', that definitely would be a contender, of course the others being the away game against ManUtd at Old Trafford and at Nou Camp against Barca during the Champions League Group Stages. To come back from behind, not once but twice, through magnificent goals from Lampard and Drogba, whose goal I consider a contender for 'Goal of the Season' and win the game was nothing short of dramatic but effective. We deserved to win the game.
I'm quite certain though many Chelsea haters (and even some neutrals) are still clammoring that we win because we cheat, calling Drogba the worst diver of all and Robben a runner-up, and Stamford Bridge, the school of diving. So the two often dive, but so do other players from other teams. While it is unacceptable, it has admittedly become a tactic. Chelsea are a strong team and the current champs, back to back if I may say. As a consequence people started hating them, especially as Abramovich whimsically throws money on our way for our spending on players. But remember, weren't ManUtd also hated being the champs (with Fergie's arrogance)? It's the way football goes, I guess.
So Mourinho gave offensive comments about England and Everton striker Andrew Johnson, accusing him of diving, which eventually gave way to their first goal of that match. But I suppose every other coach and even some players under the heat of the moment plus given a particular and significant circumstance- in this case, Chelsea's chance to narrow the gap between them and ManUtd down to two- we could expect them to say quite a lof of things- rubbish or otherwise, couldn't we? Besides, the man has apologised. For someone with a personality like Mourinho, we should actually be thankful he even bothered apologising. While it was the right thing to do, we just couldn't expect every other man to admit his mistake, could we? So the issue is over, let's move on.
Everton played a good game, but we ended the game the way it should've. No one is denying the boys of Goodison Park did a remarkable job but given the terrific individual acts alongside the magnificent team effort and spirit, we clearly showed class and reiterated why we were champions.
HOWEVER. The match against Wigan showed the complete opposite. While we managed to win, it was admittedly due to sheer luck. Even Mourinho admitted that. Robben's been consistently playing well, albeit not scoring goals. But in that match, he scored his first crucial goal in months, putting an end to his goal drought, in the extra time. Without it, we could've drawn with a team from the bottom half of the table. That match would've widened the gap once again. THANKS TO THE EXTRA TIME.
In our last few matches until last week against Everton, the pattern was do bad in the first half, get back on track, catch up and own the second. In a sense, that is more acceptable than owning the first half and then slowing down on the second, handing over to the opponent the chance to get back at us (and lead), if ever we created an edge on the first half, or just simply lead. That's exactly what happened at JJB Stadium. We did great in the first half, though it wasn't even completely our own. In the early minutes we saw Wigan take possession but later on, we managed to score what the Blues have thought to be enough to win the game. We thought it was over but Emile Heskey's penalty goal claimed otherwise. Perhaps many of us thought, ah, Chelsea would score a couple more in the second half. After all, that has been the pattern in the last few matches we've had. But we could only get surprised at how the second half turned out.
WE WERE TERRIBLE. Terrible passes, terrible defense even, and finally a couple of terrible players. It was in that match that I joined the petition of thousands of other Chelsea fans: We need Cech back in the goalpost; we need John Terry back in defense! The last couple of weeks , I realized how Boulahrouz and Hilario are slowly becoming (if they aren't already) liabilities to the team. In Hilario's first match against Barca during the Champions League Group Stages, I applauded him for a job well done. But where is that man now? I guess we were lucky that some of the shots didn't go in. Otherwise, we would've lost. Hilario's goalkeeping just doesn't look right. There were instances when the ball could've easily gotten in. (I don't know if it's the slow reflex, the lack of exposure, or simply his lack of talent.) Then there's Boulahrouz. His bad games have led us a couple of times to conceding goals. I could only be very thankful for several things in that match: that Lampard is scoring once again, that we have such a kind of team spirit and... that there was a long extra time, which allowed Robben to present us fans our early (and memorable) Christmas gift- his saving goal.
Apparently, we couldn't play the same way week after week if we want a three-peat. Looking at the team's number 1 opponent, Manchester United is playing what is perhaps the most attractive football at the moment. Their squad is composed of a terribly quick midfielder in Ronaldo, excellent strikers in Rooney and Saha, and a couple more good players in Giggs, Scholes and Ferdinand. (Feel free to name more if you want.) They are in top form, no doubt about it. Honestly, I don't think the arrival of Larsson in the team would make much of a big difference, if only to increase their goal difference. The only way for them is to keep playing well. And the way for us? Well, there's a looong way for us.
One, again, we need Cech (Cudicini will actually do) and Terry back in the field. Two, we need Sheva to find the form he had in Milan and Joe Cole to be 100% fit and start playing again. Three, we need more goals from players other than Drogba. I'm starting to worry that Chelsea is becoming a one-man goalscoring team. Finally, and probably what sums up the first three and the most important, we need to be in top form. At the moment, we are haunted by injuries yet we manage to win our matches albeit not always convincingly (and get luck on our side at times) while ManUtd are truly blessed to be free from injuries.
So this is how things must go: we maintain the kind of performance we've given week after week (with the exception of that last match against Wigan), we get our injured players back 100% fit, we find our top form, and... ManUtd to finally get the injuries, knowing how tight their first team is, without so much the flexibility and depth Chelsea have. Even if the good things happen only on our side, then we can be more than sure to win the trophy for the third time. We can't afford to just be at level with ManUtd; the goal difference is going kill us. They are the scoring machine of the League at the moment. The only way to beat that is to disallow draws and defeats in the second half of the season and start winning everything convincingly.
Remember, it is not always Christmas.
The match against Everton at Goodison Park was nothing short of maginificent. One of the best matches I have seen so far. If there were such a thing as Chelsea 'Game of the Season', that definitely would be a contender, of course the others being the away game against ManUtd at Old Trafford and at Nou Camp against Barca during the Champions League Group Stages. To come back from behind, not once but twice, through magnificent goals from Lampard and Drogba, whose goal I consider a contender for 'Goal of the Season' and win the game was nothing short of dramatic but effective. We deserved to win the game.
I'm quite certain though many Chelsea haters (and even some neutrals) are still clammoring that we win because we cheat, calling Drogba the worst diver of all and Robben a runner-up, and Stamford Bridge, the school of diving. So the two often dive, but so do other players from other teams. While it is unacceptable, it has admittedly become a tactic. Chelsea are a strong team and the current champs, back to back if I may say. As a consequence people started hating them, especially as Abramovich whimsically throws money on our way for our spending on players. But remember, weren't ManUtd also hated being the champs (with Fergie's arrogance)? It's the way football goes, I guess.
So Mourinho gave offensive comments about England and Everton striker Andrew Johnson, accusing him of diving, which eventually gave way to their first goal of that match. But I suppose every other coach and even some players under the heat of the moment plus given a particular and significant circumstance- in this case, Chelsea's chance to narrow the gap between them and ManUtd down to two- we could expect them to say quite a lof of things- rubbish or otherwise, couldn't we? Besides, the man has apologised. For someone with a personality like Mourinho, we should actually be thankful he even bothered apologising. While it was the right thing to do, we just couldn't expect every other man to admit his mistake, could we? So the issue is over, let's move on.
Everton played a good game, but we ended the game the way it should've. No one is denying the boys of Goodison Park did a remarkable job but given the terrific individual acts alongside the magnificent team effort and spirit, we clearly showed class and reiterated why we were champions.
HOWEVER. The match against Wigan showed the complete opposite. While we managed to win, it was admittedly due to sheer luck. Even Mourinho admitted that. Robben's been consistently playing well, albeit not scoring goals. But in that match, he scored his first crucial goal in months, putting an end to his goal drought, in the extra time. Without it, we could've drawn with a team from the bottom half of the table. That match would've widened the gap once again. THANKS TO THE EXTRA TIME.
In our last few matches until last week against Everton, the pattern was do bad in the first half, get back on track, catch up and own the second. In a sense, that is more acceptable than owning the first half and then slowing down on the second, handing over to the opponent the chance to get back at us (and lead), if ever we created an edge on the first half, or just simply lead. That's exactly what happened at JJB Stadium. We did great in the first half, though it wasn't even completely our own. In the early minutes we saw Wigan take possession but later on, we managed to score what the Blues have thought to be enough to win the game. We thought it was over but Emile Heskey's penalty goal claimed otherwise. Perhaps many of us thought, ah, Chelsea would score a couple more in the second half. After all, that has been the pattern in the last few matches we've had. But we could only get surprised at how the second half turned out.
WE WERE TERRIBLE. Terrible passes, terrible defense even, and finally a couple of terrible players. It was in that match that I joined the petition of thousands of other Chelsea fans: We need Cech back in the goalpost; we need John Terry back in defense! The last couple of weeks , I realized how Boulahrouz and Hilario are slowly becoming (if they aren't already) liabilities to the team. In Hilario's first match against Barca during the Champions League Group Stages, I applauded him for a job well done. But where is that man now? I guess we were lucky that some of the shots didn't go in. Otherwise, we would've lost. Hilario's goalkeeping just doesn't look right. There were instances when the ball could've easily gotten in. (I don't know if it's the slow reflex, the lack of exposure, or simply his lack of talent.) Then there's Boulahrouz. His bad games have led us a couple of times to conceding goals. I could only be very thankful for several things in that match: that Lampard is scoring once again, that we have such a kind of team spirit and... that there was a long extra time, which allowed Robben to present us fans our early (and memorable) Christmas gift- his saving goal.
Apparently, we couldn't play the same way week after week if we want a three-peat. Looking at the team's number 1 opponent, Manchester United is playing what is perhaps the most attractive football at the moment. Their squad is composed of a terribly quick midfielder in Ronaldo, excellent strikers in Rooney and Saha, and a couple more good players in Giggs, Scholes and Ferdinand. (Feel free to name more if you want.) They are in top form, no doubt about it. Honestly, I don't think the arrival of Larsson in the team would make much of a big difference, if only to increase their goal difference. The only way for them is to keep playing well. And the way for us? Well, there's a looong way for us.
One, again, we need Cech (Cudicini will actually do) and Terry back in the field. Two, we need Sheva to find the form he had in Milan and Joe Cole to be 100% fit and start playing again. Three, we need more goals from players other than Drogba. I'm starting to worry that Chelsea is becoming a one-man goalscoring team. Finally, and probably what sums up the first three and the most important, we need to be in top form. At the moment, we are haunted by injuries yet we manage to win our matches albeit not always convincingly (and get luck on our side at times) while ManUtd are truly blessed to be free from injuries.
So this is how things must go: we maintain the kind of performance we've given week after week (with the exception of that last match against Wigan), we get our injured players back 100% fit, we find our top form, and... ManUtd to finally get the injuries, knowing how tight their first team is, without so much the flexibility and depth Chelsea have. Even if the good things happen only on our side, then we can be more than sure to win the trophy for the third time. We can't afford to just be at level with ManUtd; the goal difference is going kill us. They are the scoring machine of the League at the moment. The only way to beat that is to disallow draws and defeats in the second half of the season and start winning everything convincingly.
Remember, it is not always Christmas.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
You Could Become A (Good) Coach!!!
Within those months that I was loving football, I was breathing it people, an idea dawned upon me- if I were to go back to school, I'd want to study football. I didn't and I still don't have an idea exactly what I want to learn about it since I'm already pretty much self-sufficient around the four corners of my room, just surfing the net for the latest news, rumours, stuff. Click after click after click. Besides, no school even offers a football-related degree. I know of Sports Science, which is what a friend of mine is taking at the moment. At least that one's acceptable for it covers basically many, if not all, of the sports. But for something to go as specific as 'BS/MSc/PhD/whatnot Football this' or 'BS/MSc/PhD/whatnot Football that' just sounds ridiculous, if not so far-fetched. HOWEVER. The last laugh was on me when I stumbled upon a certain Certificate in Applied Management for FOOTBALL (CAM for Football) being offered by, guess what, University of Warwick's Business School. Do you hear me? It's not even some lame school, it's WARWICK. You don't believe me? Here:
Just to add to your interest, this is what some people had to say about the program (plus some of my comments perhaps):
I did not post the comments to ruin the reputation of the program. The concept is lovely, really. But I just couldn't help noticing the common factor of those who commented. None from the coach/es of teams belonging in the upper half? Nevermind. The program sounds really good, if only I were a coach, even an amatuer one just so I could go give it a shot. Following is a snapshot of their course-specific application form:
Just imagine how beautiful it would be if you had the playing experience of say, ManUtd's Giggs or Scholes plus the coaching experiences of Fergie or Mourinho. (Though if you had such credentials, chances are you don't even need the program. You're better off teaching!!!)
Anyway, I thought Warwick was alone. Somewhere in Russia, one institution called Moscow University of Industry and Finance partnered with some Football Market Company to create what is known as Higher School of Football Management, which offers not one but FOUR different football programs.
-Master's in General and Strategic Management in Football Industry (2 years)
-Management in Football Industry Retraining Program (520 hours)
-Football Club Management Advanced Training Program (40 hours)
-Football Management (3.5 years)
Well, it's very impressive that football management's being given such focus. At least, we know there are some people who are concerned enough to want to be able to manage a team very well, ie., become good coaches, in the future. As for me, I'd continue dreaming that one day, there'll be something for me, a fan who doesn't even play and hasn't ever (and will never) played.
Just to add to your interest, this is what some people had to say about the program (plus some of my comments perhaps):
I heard someone saying 'I didn't know what state my club was in' and I was thinking 'Well I would have done, because your balance sheet was used as an example on the course last week'.
To me the bottom line is the more education you can give yourself, and the more preparation you can do, the less chance of failing. That's my philosophy.
The Certificate in Applied Management should be compulsory for any aspiring manager and I couldn't have done this job without it.
The idea is to take good practice from business and other sports, things like dealing with the media, project management, organising finances, which make you more prepared. The course is the best one I've ever been on.
I did not post the comments to ruin the reputation of the program. The concept is lovely, really. But I just couldn't help noticing the common factor of those who commented. None from the coach/es of teams belonging in the upper half? Nevermind. The program sounds really good, if only I were a coach, even an amatuer one just so I could go give it a shot. Following is a snapshot of their course-specific application form:
Just imagine how beautiful it would be if you had the playing experience of say, ManUtd's Giggs or Scholes plus the coaching experiences of Fergie or Mourinho. (Though if you had such credentials, chances are you don't even need the program. You're better off teaching!!!)Anyway, I thought Warwick was alone. Somewhere in Russia, one institution called Moscow University of Industry and Finance partnered with some Football Market Company to create what is known as Higher School of Football Management, which offers not one but FOUR different football programs.
-Master's in General and Strategic Management in Football Industry (2 years)
-Management in Football Industry Retraining Program (520 hours)
-Football Club Management Advanced Training Program (40 hours)
-Football Management (3.5 years)
Well, it's very impressive that football management's being given such focus. At least, we know there are some people who are concerned enough to want to be able to manage a team very well, ie., become good coaches, in the future. As for me, I'd continue dreaming that one day, there'll be something for me, a fan who doesn't even play and hasn't ever (and will never) played.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Interview with the Drogs!
From ChelseaFC.com
Didier Drogba has revealed in an interview that he has long known he had a season in him like the one his currently enjoying.
With the Chelsea striker sitting top of the scorers' chart in both the Barclays Premiership and the Champions League, observers are finding it hard to suggest a more in-form striker in world football.
'I knew in my heart that I was going to be one of the biggest strikers in the world,' Drogba has said, speaking to supporters on the other side of the Atlantic via an interview given to the New York Times.
The full interview follows:
Q: I was reading through some of your biographical information and saw that you began your soccer career as a defender. How did that happen and how did you end up moving from defense to offense?
A: It happened when I was 11 because my uncle said to me that I was scoring too many goals to be a right back. He said I have to go in front, then score many, many goals from that position. I really wanted to be up front anyway. I was enjoying scoring goals. There is a different feeling when you score goals.
Q: Was it difficult for you to make the move from France to England?
A: It is normal to take time to adjust. Coming from France, with it's nice weather and moving to a different country. It took me time to adapt to England. It is normal for a football player when you spend all you life in a country then you have to change. It is really just another challenge.
Q: What was the toughest thing?
A: When you arrive, you don't understand what people are saying to you because you cannot speak the language. It is very difficult because the football is very universal. It is easy to understand what is going on on the pitch, with your coach, your teammates. But when you go out with your family to have dinner, to do shopping, to walk around the city, it is not always easy.
Q: You have scored some terrific goals since you have been at Chelsea, including that wonderful goal at Barcelona in the Champions League. Is there one goal that you consider to be your best?
A: I think we can say that all the goals I score are very important.
Maybe because I am strong, maybe because I am sometimes lucky. I found that the best way for me to play in England was to adapt. After two years, I understand that.
What is the hardest is playing so many games and not having a lot of time off. When I first came to Chelsea I had only seven days off. The second year, I had only 15 days. And this year it was difficult starting the season because there was only one month off because of the World Cup. But I am feeling good now. When your body is fresh you can give everything and run everywhere.
Q: There has been a lot of talk recently and a lot of stories written in the papers about Shevchenko's first season at Chelsea. Some people think he is not happy and that he could soon end up going back to Italy. Do you think it's normal for a new player to struggle at Chelsea and in England?
A: I think he is going through some of the same things that I did. I'm not scared for him, I'm confident for him. I know that the English people want you to score quick, run everywhere. But it's not easy when you're not used to playing that way, to the English style. He came from Milan where they play football a different way. It is a different culture of football.
Q: I was surfing the Internet recently and came across a story about a video game that includes you and Thierry Henry and rates him as the top striker in the world. You said something about being the best. What's the story?
A: It was a joke. We were doing some advertising for this game and I was joking. There is nothing between him and me, we're friends.
And I'm not this kind of person to say I am the best. It is not for me to say. It is for the journalists and the fans of football. The game is a collective sport, not an individual sport. Look at a sport like tennis: it is easier to say that the best is Roger Federer. But in football, a striker cannot score alone. You need balls to come to you to perform. You can be the best striker, but if they don't give you the ball it is difficult to perform.
Q: Is it strange for you and the club to be in second place in the E.P.L.
A: The season I arrived in England we started like this. Arsenal was in front and we were something like five points behind. I know how it is to be in second place but, in a way, it is unusual for us, for Chelsea. But this is a good point for us. We have been the best for two years and I think people don't like to admit it. All the games we have to play are important to win. If we beat Arsenal and then lose to the next team then we are in trouble.
Q: You helped to lead Ivory Coast to its first appearance in the World Cup finals. How important was that for you?
A: The World Cup means a lot, it means everything. Looking back four years, Ivory Coast had no sponsor, no team and the country was in big trouble. It was also difficult to unite the players. We had a tough qualifying group with Cameroon, but what we did was fantastic for our people. It was a big achievement.
For me, it meant a lot to play for Ivory Coast. It was a fantastic experience even if it ended up being a disappointment. It was a big experience and we hope to do it again in 2010.
Q: During the World Cup there were some stories out of Germany saying that you wanted to leave Chelsea, that you had been seen having lunch with an official from A.C. Milan. Was there any truth to those stories?
A: At the end of every season people talk about who is moving, who is staying. I knew in my heart that I was going to be one of the biggest strikers in the world. There's nothing wrong with that. But you always are thinking about fitting in with the best club and for me that club was Chelsea and with Jose. He always has given me confidence and that is very important to me. Leave Chelsea? There's just no point.
Q: Since you arrived at Stamford Bridge the club has kept adding some of the top players in the world. Do you worry about getting enough playing time?
A: The competition is very intense. Everyone wants to play. In the end everybody is behind the team, even the players who don't play. When we win, it is the Chelsea name that wins, not the individual.
Q: You and Chelsea have come to the United States the past two summers. Have you enjoyed those trips?
A: What I really like about the States is that it is a very different culture. Who knows, maybe after my career I will go there to try something. In terms of football, I think it has improved a lot since the first time I was there four years ago. I like this team D.C. United.
They are good and strong. And that young boy [Freddy] Adu is very good.
(Adu was traded by D.C. United to Real Salt Lake earlier this month).
-----------------------------------------------------------
DC United? Sounds familiar! I hope to see these guys play once I'm in DC.
Didier Drogba has revealed in an interview that he has long known he had a season in him like the one his currently enjoying.
With the Chelsea striker sitting top of the scorers' chart in both the Barclays Premiership and the Champions League, observers are finding it hard to suggest a more in-form striker in world football.
'I knew in my heart that I was going to be one of the biggest strikers in the world,' Drogba has said, speaking to supporters on the other side of the Atlantic via an interview given to the New York Times.
The full interview follows:
Q: I was reading through some of your biographical information and saw that you began your soccer career as a defender. How did that happen and how did you end up moving from defense to offense?
A: It happened when I was 11 because my uncle said to me that I was scoring too many goals to be a right back. He said I have to go in front, then score many, many goals from that position. I really wanted to be up front anyway. I was enjoying scoring goals. There is a different feeling when you score goals.
Q: Was it difficult for you to make the move from France to England?
A: It is normal to take time to adjust. Coming from France, with it's nice weather and moving to a different country. It took me time to adapt to England. It is normal for a football player when you spend all you life in a country then you have to change. It is really just another challenge.
Q: What was the toughest thing?
A: When you arrive, you don't understand what people are saying to you because you cannot speak the language. It is very difficult because the football is very universal. It is easy to understand what is going on on the pitch, with your coach, your teammates. But when you go out with your family to have dinner, to do shopping, to walk around the city, it is not always easy.
Q: You have scored some terrific goals since you have been at Chelsea, including that wonderful goal at Barcelona in the Champions League. Is there one goal that you consider to be your best?
A: I think we can say that all the goals I score are very important.
Maybe because I am strong, maybe because I am sometimes lucky. I found that the best way for me to play in England was to adapt. After two years, I understand that.
What is the hardest is playing so many games and not having a lot of time off. When I first came to Chelsea I had only seven days off. The second year, I had only 15 days. And this year it was difficult starting the season because there was only one month off because of the World Cup. But I am feeling good now. When your body is fresh you can give everything and run everywhere.
Q: There has been a lot of talk recently and a lot of stories written in the papers about Shevchenko's first season at Chelsea. Some people think he is not happy and that he could soon end up going back to Italy. Do you think it's normal for a new player to struggle at Chelsea and in England?
A: I think he is going through some of the same things that I did. I'm not scared for him, I'm confident for him. I know that the English people want you to score quick, run everywhere. But it's not easy when you're not used to playing that way, to the English style. He came from Milan where they play football a different way. It is a different culture of football.
Q: I was surfing the Internet recently and came across a story about a video game that includes you and Thierry Henry and rates him as the top striker in the world. You said something about being the best. What's the story?
A: It was a joke. We were doing some advertising for this game and I was joking. There is nothing between him and me, we're friends.
And I'm not this kind of person to say I am the best. It is not for me to say. It is for the journalists and the fans of football. The game is a collective sport, not an individual sport. Look at a sport like tennis: it is easier to say that the best is Roger Federer. But in football, a striker cannot score alone. You need balls to come to you to perform. You can be the best striker, but if they don't give you the ball it is difficult to perform.
Q: Is it strange for you and the club to be in second place in the E.P.L.
A: The season I arrived in England we started like this. Arsenal was in front and we were something like five points behind. I know how it is to be in second place but, in a way, it is unusual for us, for Chelsea. But this is a good point for us. We have been the best for two years and I think people don't like to admit it. All the games we have to play are important to win. If we beat Arsenal and then lose to the next team then we are in trouble.
Q: You helped to lead Ivory Coast to its first appearance in the World Cup finals. How important was that for you?
A: The World Cup means a lot, it means everything. Looking back four years, Ivory Coast had no sponsor, no team and the country was in big trouble. It was also difficult to unite the players. We had a tough qualifying group with Cameroon, but what we did was fantastic for our people. It was a big achievement.
For me, it meant a lot to play for Ivory Coast. It was a fantastic experience even if it ended up being a disappointment. It was a big experience and we hope to do it again in 2010.
Q: During the World Cup there were some stories out of Germany saying that you wanted to leave Chelsea, that you had been seen having lunch with an official from A.C. Milan. Was there any truth to those stories?
A: At the end of every season people talk about who is moving, who is staying. I knew in my heart that I was going to be one of the biggest strikers in the world. There's nothing wrong with that. But you always are thinking about fitting in with the best club and for me that club was Chelsea and with Jose. He always has given me confidence and that is very important to me. Leave Chelsea? There's just no point.
Q: Since you arrived at Stamford Bridge the club has kept adding some of the top players in the world. Do you worry about getting enough playing time?
A: The competition is very intense. Everyone wants to play. In the end everybody is behind the team, even the players who don't play. When we win, it is the Chelsea name that wins, not the individual.
Q: You and Chelsea have come to the United States the past two summers. Have you enjoyed those trips?
A: What I really like about the States is that it is a very different culture. Who knows, maybe after my career I will go there to try something. In terms of football, I think it has improved a lot since the first time I was there four years ago. I like this team D.C. United.
They are good and strong. And that young boy [Freddy] Adu is very good.
(Adu was traded by D.C. United to Real Salt Lake earlier this month).
-----------------------------------------------------------
DC United? Sounds familiar! I hope to see these guys play once I'm in DC.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Blue December
After the first half of the season is almost over, after the Blues trailed ManUtd by 8 points, after playing so well... the trail is now down to 2 points, with 1 more match to end the season's first half. As of today, this is what the table looks like.
ManUtd, 44. Chelsea, 42. Liverpool which surprisingly caught up, 31.
I thought the second half won't start until next year. However, after checking the fixtures, I realized that the usually 3 week's worth of games, spread over the weekend plus a weekday or two, would be squeezed in to the 2 remaining weeks of December. One of the 3 matchdays are to be played on weekdays.
Matchday19: December 23.
Matchday20: December 26 (and 1 on the 27th).
Matchday21: December 30.
On the 26th, Chelsea play Reading, home. (Payback time!) Then, on the 30th, the Blues play Fulham. We play somewhat the toughest teams we played during the 1st half, both away.
It's going to be a very busy December for us all! Let's see how the year ends for us.
PS I am a WestHam United fan for a night, or a day, or for a week even, for beating the shit outta ManUtd. A good start for Curbishley. I'm forever blowing bubbles, blowing bubbles in the air! United! United!
ManUtd, 44. Chelsea, 42. Liverpool which surprisingly caught up, 31.I thought the second half won't start until next year. However, after checking the fixtures, I realized that the usually 3 week's worth of games, spread over the weekend plus a weekday or two, would be squeezed in to the 2 remaining weeks of December. One of the 3 matchdays are to be played on weekdays.
Matchday19: December 23.
Matchday20: December 26 (and 1 on the 27th).
Matchday21: December 30.
On the 26th, Chelsea play Reading, home. (Payback time!) Then, on the 30th, the Blues play Fulham. We play somewhat the toughest teams we played during the 1st half, both away.
It's going to be a very busy December for us all! Let's see how the year ends for us.
PS I am a WestHam United fan for a night, or a day, or for a week even, for beating the shit outta ManUtd. A good start for Curbishley. I'm forever blowing bubbles, blowing bubbles in the air! United! United!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Lampard's and Terry's 300th etc.
Both Frank Lampard and John Terry are about to make their 300th Chelsea appearance over the Christmas period.
Frank plays his 200th Premiership game today against Everton.
Record for other Chelsea players' appearances (including subs and loaned players):
Terry 295, Lampard 292, Cudicini 192, Makelele 157, J Cole 155, Drogba 108, Cech 98, Carvalho 97, Geremi 93, Robben 89, Ferreira 87, Bridge 86, Crespo 73, Johnson 69, Essien 68, Wright-Phillips 54, Shevchenko 22, Ballack 20, Kalou 20, A Cole 17, Boulahrouz 14, Veron 14, Diarra 11, Mikel 11, Hilario 9, N Morais 4, Grant 1, J Smith 1.
On the other hand, former Blues players who have already gone past this mark make a pretty good list:
R Harris 795, Bonetti 729, Hollins 592, Wise 445, Clarke 421, Dixon 420, McCreadie 410, Bumstead 409, K Armstrong 402, Osgood 380, Cooke 373, G Smith 370, Tambling 370, Bentley 367, J Harris 364, H Miller 363, Blunstone 347, Pates 346, Hinton 344, Houseman 343, Harrow 333, Law 319, Locke 317, Droy 313, Le Saux 312, Zola 312, Crawford 308, McNeil 307.
I don't know any of these people. I've only heard of some of them. Osgood from the song 'Blue Day' (...when Ossie and co. restored our pride...), Ron Harris, and Zola.
Frank plays his 200th Premiership game today against Everton.
Record for other Chelsea players' appearances (including subs and loaned players):
Terry 295, Lampard 292, Cudicini 192, Makelele 157, J Cole 155, Drogba 108, Cech 98, Carvalho 97, Geremi 93, Robben 89, Ferreira 87, Bridge 86, Crespo 73, Johnson 69, Essien 68, Wright-Phillips 54, Shevchenko 22, Ballack 20, Kalou 20, A Cole 17, Boulahrouz 14, Veron 14, Diarra 11, Mikel 11, Hilario 9, N Morais 4, Grant 1, J Smith 1.
On the other hand, former Blues players who have already gone past this mark make a pretty good list:
R Harris 795, Bonetti 729, Hollins 592, Wise 445, Clarke 421, Dixon 420, McCreadie 410, Bumstead 409, K Armstrong 402, Osgood 380, Cooke 373, G Smith 370, Tambling 370, Bentley 367, J Harris 364, H Miller 363, Blunstone 347, Pates 346, Hinton 344, Houseman 343, Harrow 333, Law 319, Locke 317, Droy 313, Le Saux 312, Zola 312, Crawford 308, McNeil 307.
I don't know any of these people. I've only heard of some of them. Osgood from the song 'Blue Day' (...when Ossie and co. restored our pride...), Ron Harris, and Zola.
UEFA Cup Group Stages Results, Round of 32 and Round of 16 draws
The last UEFA Cup Group Stages matchday ended this week. Just like in the Champions League, English teams finished on top of the respective groups- the Spurs in Group B with perfect points (12), Blackburn in Group E, and the Toon in Group H each with 10 points. Unlike in UCL though, the UEFA Cup's Group Stages consisted of 40 different teams with the top 3 of each group advancing to the next round.
The knock-out rounds are played almost the same way as that in the UCL. Here are some of the rules of the knock-out stages (including the semi-finals):
1. Scores are to be aggregated, with the team gathering the higher aggregate score to advance.
2. In case of ties, the team with more away goals advances.
3. If the previous rule proves inconclusive, 2 15-minute games are to be played.
4. In case of ties, the game shall be decided upon by a penalty shootout.
5. After the semi-finals, the two teams that advance shall compete for the trophy on a single match in Glasgow's Hampden Park, home to Queen's Park FC, on May 16, 2007
The result of the draw for both Round of 32 and Round of 16 are as follows:
Take note:
1. The champions of each group in the Group Stages first play away against the 3rd placers.
2. The runners-up then play the 3rd placers of the UEFA Champions League Group Stages.
3. The two legs of the Round of 32 are to be played on February 14 and 22.
4. I would've loved to see Barca here instead of Bremen. But anyway, they might give Liverpool some beating. Or it could be the other way around.
PS I just discovered that there's a UEFA Super Cup, a one match cup wherein the champions of the Champions League and the UEFA Cup face each other. Just las August, Sevilla FC defeated FC Barcelona, 0-3. Could it be that Barca just didn't give a damn about this? LOL
The knock-out rounds are played almost the same way as that in the UCL. Here are some of the rules of the knock-out stages (including the semi-finals):
1. Scores are to be aggregated, with the team gathering the higher aggregate score to advance.
2. In case of ties, the team with more away goals advances.
3. If the previous rule proves inconclusive, 2 15-minute games are to be played.
4. In case of ties, the game shall be decided upon by a penalty shootout.
5. After the semi-finals, the two teams that advance shall compete for the trophy on a single match in Glasgow's Hampden Park, home to Queen's Park FC, on May 16, 2007
The result of the draw for both Round of 32 and Round of 16 are as follows:
Take note:
1. The champions of each group in the Group Stages first play away against the 3rd placers.
2. The runners-up then play the 3rd placers of the UEFA Champions League Group Stages.
3. The two legs of the Round of 32 are to be played on February 14 and 22.
4. I would've loved to see Barca here instead of Bremen. But anyway, they might give Liverpool some beating. Or it could be the other way around.
PS I just discovered that there's a UEFA Super Cup, a one match cup wherein the champions of the Champions League and the UEFA Cup face each other. Just las August, Sevilla FC defeated FC Barcelona, 0-3. Could it be that Barca just didn't give a damn about this? LOL
UEFA Champions League Group Stages Results, Round of 16 draw
The group stages of the Champions League ended last week with all 4 English teams finishing on top of their respective groups. The Blues topped Group A while current champs FC Barcelona almost failed to make it to this year's Round of 16, the first knockout round, if it weren't for their win over Bremen in the last matchday. (Damn!) For that, as 3rd placers, Bremen move (down) to the UEFA Cup. Liverpool finished first in Group C despite losing to Galatasatay in the last matchday, 3-2; PSV ranked second. In Group F, Man Utd (and Scottish football team Celtic FC) did enough to move on to the next round. The Gunners topped Group G, going past Porto only on goal difference; both had 11 points. Real Madrid finished second in Group E, behind Lyon by 3, getting 11 points. Other results: (Winners, Runners-Up)
Group B: Bayern Munich, Internazionale
Group D: Valencia, Roma
Group H: Milan, Lille
Then just last Friday, the draw for the first knock-out stages, the Round of 16, was done in Nyon, Switzerland to determine which among the runners-up will face the champion of each group (first rule).
Other rules in the draw:
1. One group's champion cannot face their runner-up.
2. A champion and a runner-up from the same country also can't face each other.
3. Runners-up to be picked first, with the first of the 2 legs (home and away) to be played on the field of the runner-up.
The following is the result of the draw:
Some rules of the knock-out stages (including the semi-finals):
1. Scores are to be aggregated, with the team gathering the higher aggregate score to advance.
2. In case of ties, the team with more away goals advances.
3. If the previous rule proves inconclusive, 2 15-minute games are to be played. In case again of ties, away goals are to count double. Therefore, the away team advances.
4. In case no goal is scored during the 2 extra times, the game shall be decided upon by a penalty shootout.
5. After the semi-finals, the two teams that advance shall compete for the trophy on a single match in Greece in May.
Some thoughts on the draw:
1. Porto and Chelsea make an interesting pair, with the former previously handled (and eventually led to the championship) by Jose Mourinho and the latter currently handled by the same.
2. Between Celtic and Milan, I am for Celtic.
3. I think Arsenal got a relatively easier opponent.
4. It should be a breeze for Man Utd to get past first-timers Lille.
5. I am for Lyon over Roma.
6. Barca and Liv also make an interesting, if not the most interesting pair. Liverpool have been doing well against other European teams while they struggled early on against other Premiership teams. Barca, on the other hand, almost failed to make it to this next round.
7. It looks like it's going to be a tough match between Real and Bayern. I am for RM.
8. Between Inter and Valencia, I go for the latter only if it weren't for one of my favorites Spanish striker David Villa.
The Round of 16 won't be played until February 20 and 21, 2007.
Group B: Bayern Munich, Internazionale
Group D: Valencia, Roma
Group H: Milan, Lille
Then just last Friday, the draw for the first knock-out stages, the Round of 16, was done in Nyon, Switzerland to determine which among the runners-up will face the champion of each group (first rule).
Other rules in the draw:
1. One group's champion cannot face their runner-up.
2. A champion and a runner-up from the same country also can't face each other.
3. Runners-up to be picked first, with the first of the 2 legs (home and away) to be played on the field of the runner-up.
The following is the result of the draw:
Some rules of the knock-out stages (including the semi-finals):
1. Scores are to be aggregated, with the team gathering the higher aggregate score to advance.
2. In case of ties, the team with more away goals advances.
3. If the previous rule proves inconclusive, 2 15-minute games are to be played. In case again of ties, away goals are to count double. Therefore, the away team advances.
4. In case no goal is scored during the 2 extra times, the game shall be decided upon by a penalty shootout.
5. After the semi-finals, the two teams that advance shall compete for the trophy on a single match in Greece in May.
Some thoughts on the draw:
1. Porto and Chelsea make an interesting pair, with the former previously handled (and eventually led to the championship) by Jose Mourinho and the latter currently handled by the same.
2. Between Celtic and Milan, I am for Celtic.
3. I think Arsenal got a relatively easier opponent.
4. It should be a breeze for Man Utd to get past first-timers Lille.
5. I am for Lyon over Roma.
6. Barca and Liv also make an interesting, if not the most interesting pair. Liverpool have been doing well against other European teams while they struggled early on against other Premiership teams. Barca, on the other hand, almost failed to make it to this next round.
7. It looks like it's going to be a tough match between Real and Bayern. I am for RM.
8. Between Inter and Valencia, I go for the latter only if it weren't for one of my favorites Spanish striker David Villa.
The Round of 16 won't be played until February 20 and 21, 2007.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
[Last Year's] Big Four Biggest Striking Flops
Found this on F365's site. Pretty interesting so I'm posting it here.
To make Chelsea feel better about potentially writing off £30m on Andriy Shevchenko, we look at some of the other big striking flops. Anyone want a 'fox in the box'? Or Sally Gunnell?
ARSENAL
Although there's a case to be made for Jose Antonio Reyes, who never really settled in with the 'bad people' at Highbury, at least the Gunners are likely to recoup most of their quite considerable outlay on the Spaniard. But not so Francis Jeffers, who cost a massive £8m from Everton and scored a grand total of four (count 'em) Premiership goals. Heralded as the 'fox in the box' that Arsenal needed, it's now suspected that Arsene Wenger had had a funny turn the day he sanctioned that move.
Jeffers has since flopped back at Everton (on loan), Charlton (who paid £2.6m too much for him), Rangers (on loan) and Blackburn (who paid exactly the right amount). And people wonder why Wenger doesn't like to buy British...
CHELSEA
Andriy Shevchenko is by no means the first big-money big-name striker to struggle at Chelsea, and he should probably take heart from the fact that Didier Drogba was being dismissed as a £24m flop two years ago and he's now widely regarded as the drog's bollocks.
Other striking stinkers have included Mateja Kezman (somehow Chelsea made a profit), Adrian Mutu (cost of £15.8m plus £13.8m for writing off his contract after he tested positive for cocaine) and George Weah (altogether now...'bloody hell, I'd forgotten he played for Chelsea').
But the award goes to Chris Sutton, a £10m striker back in the days when Chelsea really didn't have £10m to splash out on any old rubbish. And he was rubbish. One Premiership goal for Chelsea and a year later he was sold to Celtic for £6m. And there he found his level.
LIVERPOOL
'Liverpool ruin strikers' is the familiar lament from one F365-er. And he's right. When was the last time Liverpool bought a striker and he didn't end up being a considerably worse player than when he arrived? The jury's out on Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt, but they might well be the first to buck a worrying trend.
Let's see - there's Emile Heskey (all £15m of him), Lord Djibril Cisse (£14m and sent out on loan with a broken leg), Milan Baros, El-Hadji Diouf, Jari Litmanen, Stanley Victor Collymore...
But the cherry on the striking pie has to be Fernando Morientes, one of the best strikers in the world and winner of four Champions League medals. And then he came to Liverpool. And he was pants. £6.3m paid for 12 goals in 60 appearances before he was shipped off back to Spain for a fraction of the fee. He's now of course absolutely brilliant again at Valencia. Just what do they do to their strikers?
MANCHESTER UNITED
He's not bad at buying strikers, that Sir Alex fella, it's central midfielders and goalkeepers that cause him most trouble. Think £28m for Juan Veron, £5.9m for Kleberson (he won a World Cup, you know), £3.5m for Eric Djemba-Djemba-Djemba-Djemba and £4.5m for Massimo Taibi.
But there have been a couple of exceptions. We're still stroking our chins about Alan Smith, but there's no question at all when it comes to a certain Diego Forlan, who took a grand total of eight months and 28 games to score his first goal for ManYoo after a £6.9m move.
Forlan might have become a cult hero for goals against Liverpool and for running around with his top off, while collecting a record number of lookalikes suggestions (yes, we know he looks like Sally Gunnell), but he still only scored 17 goals in 95 appearances. Funny how Sir Alex then felt the need to buy Wayne Rooney...
Inevitably, Forlan was then fantastic at Villarreal and shared the Golden Boot with a certain Monsieur Henry the season after he was kicked out of Old Trafford. It seems Sir Alex doesn't get everything right...
Friday, December 01, 2006
Blue Day
Among the 4 songs that I have in iTunes, Blue Day is my favorite. It's just so Chelsea-ish. But of course, that is not to say that the other 3 aren't good.
The only place to be
Every other Saturday
Is strollin' down the
Meet your mates and have a drink
Have a moan and start to think
Will there ever be a blue tomorrow?
We've waited so long
But we'd wait for ever
Our blood is blue and
We would leave you never
And when we make it
It'll be together, oh oh oh
Chelsea Chelsea, Chelsea Chelsea
We're gonna make this a Blue Day
Chelsea Chelsea, Chelsea Chelsea
We're gonna make this a Blue Day
We've got some memories
Albeit from the Seventies when
Ossie & Co restored our pride
Now we've got hope, and a team, suddenly it's not a dream
We'll keep the Blue Flag flying high
We've waited so long
But we'd wait for ever
Our blood is blue and
We would leave you never
And when we make it
It'll be together, oh oh oh
Chelsea Chelsea, Chelsea Chelsea
We're gonna make this a Blue Day
Chelsea Chelsea, Chelsea Chelsea
We're gonna make this a Blue Day
Now even Heaven
Is Blue today, you should
Hear the Chelsea roar
Hear the Chelsea roar
Chelsea Chelsea, Chelsea Chelsea
We're gonna make this a Blue Day
Chelsea Chelsea, Chelsea Chelsea
We're gonna make this a Blue Day
Chelsea Chelsea, Chelsea Chelsea
We're gonna make this a Blueeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Day!
Footie Updates on the 1st of December
The Gunners might face the Spurs over the weekend without the talismanic French international Thierry Henry due to a neck injury, which saw him off the squad in the match against Bolton last weekend. Some of the team's great players-Baptista, Ljungberg, Eboue, and Clichy- also didn't play during the match against Fulham Wednesday night, while Cesc got subed during half-time. The team lost 3-0 to the Cottagers. Their race for the title seems to be slowly fading. Their upcoming matches are against Porto for the Champions' League and the Blues at Stamford Bridge for the Premiership on the 10th. Wenger considers the matches the 'moment of truth' for the Gunners.
Fergie claims Drogba should've been given a red for the aerial challenge on Vidic, smashing his elbow to the face of the Red Devils players. The Ivory Coast striker only got a yellow. [Whatever Fergie.]
John Terry was given 2 weeks to respond to FA's charge for the player's alleged improper conduct, involving the referee Graham Poll which got him a second yellow during the match against the Spurs. The skipper claimed the ref gave him conflicting reasons for his second yellow. The FA said in a statement: "John Terry claimed in an interview with Chelsea TV, which was subsequently widely reported, that Graham Poll had given him conflicting reasons for his second yellow card, saying: 'On the pitch, Graham Poll said to me that it was for the barge on [Hossam] Ghaly where I just kept running. "'Then, after the game, he then said to me it was for the fall when me and Ledley King fell so, you know, he's obviously had a look at it, or got people to look at it and decided that's probably the best option for him and it covers every angle for him.' The claim is denied by Poll. If Terry is found guilty, he'll be fined, rather than get a suspension.
Rafa Benitez, Liverpool manager, targets again next season's UCL by finding the Reds a spot on the top 4 of the EPL. At least he concedes that the top 2 already belong to ManUtd and Chelsea (or Chelsea and ManUtd?) On the other hand, Moyes, Everton's manager almost thinks about the same thing. According to him, they won't think about it for now. They're just going to look at how things unfold for the Toffees.
Newcastle sit pretty on top of Group H of the UEFA Cup after a nil nil draw against Eintracht last night, getting 10 points out of the 4 matches played. The Toon sail through to the last 32 of the Cup. The next round will be played in February of 2007. Not a Toon fan but maybe this is worth posting: Magpies boss Glenn Roeder said: "This was without doubt the toughest of the four (group) games. It has been a magnificent effort by a squad that is severely ravaged by injuries to finish with 10 points with three wins and a draw." Eintracht manager Funkel said, "The best compliment I received was from the visiting manager, who said no team so far has put his team under so much pressure."
Royals striker Kev Doyle claims he is yet to hit his top form. He warns that a leg problem has caused him to play at the level he is playing now. He believes there is more to show and more for people to see. The Republic of Ireland striker has scored 7 goals in the last 14 matches and is one of the top strikers in the League. He claims he is ready to play at full capacity.
Fergie claims Drogba should've been given a red for the aerial challenge on Vidic, smashing his elbow to the face of the Red Devils players. The Ivory Coast striker only got a yellow. [Whatever Fergie.]
John Terry was given 2 weeks to respond to FA's charge for the player's alleged improper conduct, involving the referee Graham Poll which got him a second yellow during the match against the Spurs. The skipper claimed the ref gave him conflicting reasons for his second yellow. The FA said in a statement: "John Terry claimed in an interview with Chelsea TV, which was subsequently widely reported, that Graham Poll had given him conflicting reasons for his second yellow card, saying: 'On the pitch, Graham Poll said to me that it was for the barge on [Hossam] Ghaly where I just kept running. "'Then, after the game, he then said to me it was for the fall when me and Ledley King fell so, you know, he's obviously had a look at it, or got people to look at it and decided that's probably the best option for him and it covers every angle for him.' The claim is denied by Poll. If Terry is found guilty, he'll be fined, rather than get a suspension.
Rafa Benitez, Liverpool manager, targets again next season's UCL by finding the Reds a spot on the top 4 of the EPL. At least he concedes that the top 2 already belong to ManUtd and Chelsea (or Chelsea and ManUtd?) On the other hand, Moyes, Everton's manager almost thinks about the same thing. According to him, they won't think about it for now. They're just going to look at how things unfold for the Toffees.
Newcastle sit pretty on top of Group H of the UEFA Cup after a nil nil draw against Eintracht last night, getting 10 points out of the 4 matches played. The Toon sail through to the last 32 of the Cup. The next round will be played in February of 2007. Not a Toon fan but maybe this is worth posting: Magpies boss Glenn Roeder said: "This was without doubt the toughest of the four (group) games. It has been a magnificent effort by a squad that is severely ravaged by injuries to finish with 10 points with three wins and a draw." Eintracht manager Funkel said, "The best compliment I received was from the visiting manager, who said no team so far has put his team under so much pressure."
Royals striker Kev Doyle claims he is yet to hit his top form. He warns that a leg problem has caused him to play at the level he is playing now. He believes there is more to show and more for people to see. The Republic of Ireland striker has scored 7 goals in the last 14 matches and is one of the top strikers in the League. He claims he is ready to play at full capacity.
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