Football Clubs, Soccer VS other sports and uh ........other stuff!!

Chelsea: Villas Boas may have the Torres Key!

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:25:00 +0000

That Torres underperformance may be down to psychology is a powerful theory.

Let's see whether he is the psychological genius Mourinho was at Chelsea!

A.C. Milan no longer club soccer Super Elite.

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 04:40:00 +0000

Real Madrid 2, Milan Nil.

Deceptive scoreline. Shoulda been wider.

It doesn't seem Milan will win the UCL anytime soon. They no longer buy the best players, and more worrisome, they don't seem capable of attracting the best managers.

Mourinho's Champions League experience advantage seemed overwhelming.

Milan will have to worry deeply about the return leg.

Wayne Rooney? This May be the Shocking Move of the Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 04:22:00 +0000

Wayne Rooney wants to leave Manchester Utd. Wow!!

I'm no Red Devils Fan, but I will feel a sense of loss if he leaves Man U, particularly for a non premiership side?

Players like Rooney have come to embody the personality of United, and indeed that of the Premiership. With him leaving, things may not seem to be the same.

The worrisome aspect of all this is the Ferguson angle. Once more, the old man is causing a great player to leave the club.

I believe Sir Alex has taken this "responsibility off the pitch" thing TOO FAR. Considering the pressure they face in their game, footballers should be allowed to decide what they can do outside the pitch, so long as it does not affect their game and so long as they are breaking no laws. They cannot be expected to bear the same scrutiny as lawyers and politicians.

The real question is, does all this holler about off field ethics actually make the players better behaved? Generally not! We are still yet to hear about so many other escapades, and we will.

With so much money, youth and good athletic physiques, the temptation top footballers face daily is likely to be enormous.

Let's see whether Fergie can eat humble pie and back down this time!

Who was Greater? Pele or Maradona

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 03:50:00 +0000

This has become one of the most interesting debates in Football. The ongoing jibes two 2 men are still throwing at each other don't help matters. Read my article about it at http://ezinearticles.com/?6-Reasons-Why-Pele-Was-Better-Than-Maradona&id=4430121

Liverpool: Roy Hodgson's ass on fire!

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 04:54:00 +0000

I've often questioned if an Englishman can handle any of the premiership's top sides today. Apart from Sir Alex Ferguson, the evidence simply doesn't add up.

I was worried for Liverpool when they hired Hodgson. To be honest, his experience in Europe should have qualified him, but everything that's happened so far is somehow catastrophic.

Rafa Benitez's Reds were a very psychological side. Rafa knew how to get the best out of his side on a big day, though they always underachieved against smaller sides, which was why Rafa never won the premiership.

It seems for Hodgson to succeed, he has to get the players to be willing to go the extra mile for him. He's not going to achieve this by blaming it all on them when things go wrong!

Should Fabregas Leave Arsenal?

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Sat, 15 May 2010 18:56:00 +0000

The Clamor by Barcelona Fans and Players for Arsenal Captain Cesc Fabregas to join them seems to be reaching a crescendo.

While Barca proved that they are currently a more effective team than Arsenal, can the potential of the current Arsenal Squad be ignored if, as Arsenal Faithfuls would hope, Arsenal Management are willing to break the wage ceiling, thereby removing the incentive any predators may be able to dangle in order to lure the Gunner's youngsters away?

Should Fab move Barcawards, he may find himself in the same position he was at Euro 2008: Something more like a super - sub. It will take time for the likes of Xavi and Iniesta to be considered too old to be Barca regulars. The case of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes at Manchester United comes to mind.

Fabregas has a tough choice to make, as a lot depends on how much Arsenal's ambitions as a club increase!

Predicting Who Wins Between Inter and Bayern Munich

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Sat, 15 May 2010 18:38:00 +0000

Something suggests that Inter Milan will find Bayern Munich tougher to handle than Barcelona.

Why?

Despite all their huge talent, Barcelona found themselves in a situation whereby they relied almost too much on Lionel Messi. So Inter had a somewhat simple task: Stop Messi, reduce Barcelona's attacking power by at least 40%.

Against Bayern, Inter won't enjoy such a luxury. Bayern have 3 equally deadly forwards: Ribery, Robben and Olic, neither of whom have won the champions league before. For Ribery, for instance, the Champions League may be his brightest chance for a global trophy in 2010.

For Inter, my fear is that the lingering euphoria of beating Barca may just cause them not to pay attention to the strengths of a Bayern team that seems to have reached the final through the benefits of the away goal rule.

It will be a tough final. The hunger of Jose Mourinho, who has no world cup to be in, may be the added catalyst that Inter need to finish the good work started.

Pacquiao Vs Mayweather? How Much Blood are we talking about?

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Thu, 06 May 2010 18:59:00 +0000

I think the Mayweather camp have scored a point in insisting on Olympic style drug testing before the proposed battle.

Since Olympic fighters do this and still survive, and since Mayweather has submitted himself to it, he has thrown the gauntlet to Pacquiao to do something he has probably done earlier in his career, in his amateur days.

Pacman's reluctance is raising some eyebrows that need to be settled. He needs to silence those who are beginning to question his relentless attacking style and his ability to maintain punching power and speed over 7 weight categories. The amount of blood needed for the test surely will not be enough to do him much damage!

That being said, if Pacman finally concedes, as I suspect he would eventually have to, he would throw the gauntlet to Mayweather, who must then make the fight happen or be clearly seen to be YELLOW.

I am sure this fight will happen in 2010.

Money Vs Manny (Mayweather Vs Pacman) - Raw Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Thu, 06 May 2010 18:18:00 +0000

I've been privy to view clips of the last fights of Floyd and Pacman.

Mayweather did beat Moseley over 12 rounds, BUT, came too close in my opinion, to getting knocked out by a smaller, aging fighter who wasn't scared of him. He did not come quite as close to knocking out Sugar Shane even when the latter fighter was clearly tired and almost resigned to defeat as the fight drew to a close.

Pacquiao, on the other hand, was the aggressor throughout his last fight against the bigger Clottey, who probably had only his super defence to thank for his lasting the distance.

Now, my granted not so perfect knowledge of boxing tells me that many fights will be won by the fighter more likely to win by knockout. Against Mosely, Mayweather seemed unable to come up with a real knockout punch, a feat achieved by Vernon Forrest when Mosely was much younger. This may confirm Money's known weakness, weak hands. Mosely also called into question Mayweather's ability to take real punishment. He will receive plenty against Pacquiao, especially now that the drug testing issue is gradually creating the basis for a grudge match.

Pacman's dominance against Clottey gives us a picture of what to expect if the big match becomes a reality. A smaller, angry man chasing a taller, more slippery fighter all over the ring. To beat Pacquiao, Floyd will have to hid harder than ever in his career, as Pacman seems the sort to get off the floor and fight again and again if knocked down in a fight. Mayweather's ability to survive a real knockdown is more questionable.

All the above being said, perhaps the Mayweather camp's worries about steroid use by Manny are real since he is likely to be the more aggressive fighter. Being juiced up will definitely give Manny a huge edge, if the claim is to be believed.

African Cup of Nations 2010 Review (World Cup Qualifiers) - Pt 2

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Thu, 06 May 2010 16:32:00 +0000

Cameroon

The Nations Cup confirmed my fears for the Indomitable Lions, who are a team I usually admire. Apart from Samuel Etoo Fils and Alex Song, the only other inspiring player they had was Idrissou.

That the Cameroonians lost so clearly in the quarters to the team they surely badly wanted to beat, Egypt, (who got them out of the 2006 world cup and who HUMILIATED them at the previous Nations Cup in Ghana), showed that the this team is not yet world class.

Coach Le Guen must do a lot of work on this team if they are to qualify from a group including Denmark and Netherlands, plus Japan who are not pushovers anymore.

Ghana

Of all those World Cup bound, Ghana may be said to be strongest being that they got to the final without their major experienced players. Nevertheless, they never scored more than 1 goal in any match and this underscores their lack of scoring prowess, given that none of the experienced absentees is a pure attacking player. It would seem that Ghana's defence would have to get even tighter ifthis is to be their strong point in an ultra world class tournament.

VERDICT

Baring the kind of apparently generous officiating which helped the two Asian hosts (Japan and South Korea) get to the 2nd Round and Semi Finals respectively of the 2002 World Cup, it does not seem this will be an African World Cup in anything more than a locational sense. The Ivoriens, who of the qualifiers have the best attack, have made a sub optimal choice of manager in Sven Goran Eriksson, who, if England's Wayne Rooney is to be believed, may not have the steel to get the very best out of the super stars among the Elephants.

None of the African Qualifiers seems technically balanced, nor do any seem to possess the team spirit and mental attitude needed to guarantee even a Quarter Final Place. Indeed, the lowly rated South African team may even emerge Africa's top performers, if the last Confederation's Cup is any pointer.

I fear that this may not be Africa's best WC performance. The ambition of the highly rated contenders like Brazil, Germany, etc is not going to wane.

I would be very impressed if 2 African Teams make the Quarters. I'm just a soccer realist.

Inter Milan Beat Barcelona - Haven't Managers Become Greater Factors than Players?

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Thu, 06 May 2010 16:29:00 +0000

The 2009/2010 UEFA Champions League Semi Final Pairing pitted the most exciting club in European Football against perennial Italian Under-Achievers Inter Milan.

Jose Mourinho was compelled to concede that his team had already lost the match before it started if possession was the deciding factor.

While both teams had their stars, with Barcelona the far stronger in this regard, it was clear that attention was going to be focused on 2 individuals: Lionel Messi, now seen without much controversy to be the world's best player, and Jose Mourinho, the "SPECIAL ONE", the Portuguese born tactician who is certainly the most celebrated manager in today's football and who was generally regarded as the reason why Inter were part of the tie in the first place.

At the end of the 2 legs, the result confirmed the easily imaginable conjecture that Inter pulling an upset in this tie depended on their ability to keep Messi very relatively quiet. Inter clearly achieved this, and Mourinho was able to get his own talented players: Maicon, Schneider, Milito and Etoo, to share in the limelight that would probably have been reserved for El Messi in most situations.

That Inter should have scored at least 2 more goals in the first leg and managed to hold on with a man down in the second (where the officiating seemed skewed against them) underscored what many, including Jose himself, saw as a pure coaches victory, achieved against the best player in the world.

In modern soccer, it does appear that Managers are becoming more important than players.

African Cup of Nations 2010 Review (World Cup Qualifiers) - Pt 1

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Mon, 03 May 2010 19:58:00 +0000

It was a tournament that hardly pulled up enough surprises. The Egyptians confirmed that they are undoubtedly the strongest team in Africa. Their third consecutive clear victory only underscored the tragedy of their non qualification for SA 2010.

Quite sadly, none of the African World Cup qualifiers seem likely to do as much justice to their place as Egypt would have done.

Cote D'ivoire.

In their highly rated clash against Ghana, the Ivoriens were pitting their offensive power against Ghana's defensive depth. It was attack versus defense. This time, attack won, probably because of the experience advantage of Drogba and Co.

However, as was exposed during the previous CAN, Cote d'ivoire have a fragile defence despite the presence of Kolo Toure and Eboue, and it took professional giant killers Algeria to bring this point home again. In what may have been the match of the tournament, Algeria scored three times, their highest goals tally in the competition, to confirm the Ivoriens as perpetual underachievers in the African Cup of Nations.
While they were hard done in the denial of Toure's goal, they had NO BUSINESS conceeding 3 goals, and this defensive fragility may once again deny them going past the first round in South Africa.

Nigeria

Their first match with Egypt showed that the Nigerians were clearly not the best on the African Continent. Though they scored the first goal, a masterpiece, the second half showed that the Egyptians were the classier act.

As has been the case with the Super Eagles for some time now, they were able to somehow triumph over weaker opposition but came unstuck whenever they played against Africa's true giants. Nigeria were eliminated by a young Ghanian team, once again in the semi's.

Algeria

The Algerians were the most inconsistent of the rated teams. They started their campaign with a shocking 0-3 loss to no hopers Malawi, only for them to beat the Malians 1-0 and then hold the angolans to a draw. They then put the book makers out of business with a 3-2 win that was probably the match of the tournament.

Two subsequent losses to Egypt and Nigeria guaranteed them an undeserved 4th place despite the victory over the Ivoriens.

Aguero to Chelsea, a great deal

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:08:00 +0000

Sergio Aguero coming to Chelsea will be the biggest swoop Chelsea will make in a long long time.

It also means that they will not be without striking options when Drogba and Kalou are away.

All that being said, I still believe Chelsea should be looking to strengthen the creative department with some maybe South american midfielders so that scoring can be somewhat easier.

I still think Chelsea labour too much to get goals compared to Man U and Arsenal.

Hope someone listens to a little fan!

Ronaldinho gets his timing right against Juventus

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:54:00 +0000

2 Goals out of 3 against Juve. Mr. Gaucho is finally playing the role Berlusconi made him promise to play by Standing on a table right before his teammates.

He is making it all the way easier for Dunga to keep him in his world cup plans.

I still believe that Dinho, at his very best, is the world's best player, (due respect to C Ronaldo and Messi). All he needs to do is get his fitness, motivation and discipline up.

The problem I see at Milan is that they rely almost entirely on the trio of Ronaldinho, Seedhorf & Pato for any potent attack, though the result against Juve may represent a change of affairs.

I hope Ronaldinho can keep taking the pressure, he may yet get another world best award for 2010.

Africa Nations Cup: Togo exit makes Group B DICEY!!

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Tragedy struck, and a former African player of the year (Seyi Adebayor) could have been killed.

Togo's exit may also mean tragedy for either of giants Ghana and Cote D'ivoire. With only one weaker team to play against (Burkina Faso), one surprise result could sent either of these favourites home.

Latest: Burkina Faso held Ivory Coast 0-0, So, Ivory Coast must beat Ghana next match to secure qualification. Ivory Coast - Ghana will be the biggest match of the first round. It is a MUST WATCH.

Why is Leonel Messi Considered better than C. Ronaldo?

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:41:00 +0000

I've watched both players and they are both truly exceptional. In fact, world football will be incomplete without them.

In my opinion, Ronaldo is a more complete attacking player, proficient with both legs, good dribbler, deadly with his head, good at direct free kicks, and relentless when victory is needed.

Messi however is unrivalled on the run with the ball at his feet.

If soccer were purely an art, I would vote for Messi anyday. However, however, the game is decided by goals, and a players capacity to produce them. I believe that C Ronaldo has more qualities that can produce goals when they are badly needed.

Messi seems to have the edge now, maybe because he plays for a Barca team he is already used to, whereas Ronaldo is still settling into Madrid.

Actually, neither player is unstoppable. I've seen both players frustrated by defenders for 90 minutes.

Messi has more magic, Ronaldo more effeciency.

When space is at a premium, I'll give C Ronaldo an edge.

I could be wrong!!

Van Persie Injury

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:44:00 +0000

Oh what a horrific blow, Arsene Wenger must be saying!

This is why the top Club Managers have been complaining about Friendlies.

The Italians it seemed, were ready to do anything not to be badly licked again by the dutch, and Robin was the victim.

Poor Van Persie, it hasnt been that long since his last major injury!!

Oba Martins Saves Shuaib Amodu's Job (For Now!)

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:34:00 +0000

He left Martins, Nigeria's best Striker, out of the Tunisia Game in Abuja.

Now, with every thing to play for in Kenya, Amodu had to wait until the second half to bring on Obafemi Martins, who went on to score 2 goals, without which Nigeria may have lost the match, since Kenya scored 2 goals.

A 3-2 away win, coupled with Tunisia's actually bizarre loss to Mozambique, puts Nigeria through to South Africa at the 11th Hour.

This is one result the Manager wont get credit for!

Anelka Comes of Age

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:26:00 +0000

At one time he was the young French enfant terrible who seemed to think too much of himself, declaring himself the 'best striker in Arsenal' even with the presence of Dennis Bergkamp etc.

Now it does seem Anelka has very much grown up.

He is delivering, with a good mental attitude for Club (Chelsea) and Country (France).

His crucial away goal against a vastly improved Irish team may just be the reason France will make it to SA 2010.

Manny Pacqiao proves ready for Mayweather

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:08:00 +0000

So, he wins it convincingly again in a higher weight division against an established fighter in that division. That he knocked cotto down shows this victory was no fluke.

Yeah, the Pacman is the pound for pounder no doubt.

And, by declaring that he won't go higher, he is throwing the gauntlet to Floyd Mayweather Junior to step down to weltherweight to fight him.

Fact is, now, Mayweather has more to prove than Pacquiao.

Will he bite? Everyone in boxing wants the fight. After the Pacman-Cotto, the crown chanted "We want Floyd"

Somehow, I think Mayweather's ego will get to him. This may be the only catalyst, as Manny isn't the taunting type!

Rio Ferdinand's dropped form

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:29:00 +0000

Football can be sooo unsympathetic.

One moment, Rio Ferdinand is rated one of the world's best defenders,the next, he is the blame boy for Manchester's surprise clear loss to Liverpoool and may lose his first team place in Club & Country.

While I have never rated Rio one of the world's best 3 central defenders, he has certainly justified the seemingly generous amount Man United paid to get him from Leeds United.

Anyhow, I believe the desire to go to the world cup would fire him to perform at his best again.

Fight on, Rio. U still got a lot to play for!

Ferguson's rant against Friendlies

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:04:00 +0000

A new dimension in the club vs country rows that are commonplace in modern football

One of soccer's most prominent managers is critisizing friendlies. No less because many of his Club's players are also playing for their national teams.

He says that mosdt friendlies are unnecessary.

REALLY?

So why does Manchester United NEVER fail to go on a pre season tour?

It does appear that the real prospect of not winning a 4th straight premiership is getting to Dear Old Fergie!

He seems to be picking quarrels with everyone nowadays:Managers, Referees, and now this.

Calm down, old chap, so you dont have to finish half the bubble gum in Europe!

Ryan Giggs wishes to coach Wales

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:48:00 +0000

Ryan Giggs will definitely go down as one of the best British players outside Scotland who refused to play for England.

Till this moment, he is still making magic happen in the Manchester United midfield.

He has never been to a major tournament with Wales, but talk of Club achievements, he won them all with Man U.

So I suppose it's only befitting a man of his stature to Coach his beloved national team and achieve as a coach what he couldn't as a player due I think to no fault of his.

Hopefully, patriotism will yield it's own rewards.

Egypt must do the impossible to qualify

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:56:00 +0000

Good news: Egypt's chances of qualifying for SA 2010 are in their hands.

Bad News: They must beat hungry and undefeated Algeria to do it. Though a home match, this will not be an easy call as for one, it is a North African derby and we know how derbies usually go.

For the most inconsistent team at the last FIFA Confederations cup to do it, they must beat Algeria with a 3 goal margin. A two goal margin victory will make them perfectly even with Algeria and accordingly get them a playoff tie against the same Algeria.

Basically, if they dont beat the Algerians by 2 clear goals, THEY ARE OUT, and they will have themselves to blame for it.

They allowed themselves to be thumped by the Algerians in June and then further humiliated themselves with a home draw against Zambia, probably thinking Algeria would drop points along the way. This basically hasn't happened and Egypt must now perform a near miracle against a strong side to qualify.

Well, if in Cairo, they can play the kind of dominant football that has seen them win two African Cup of Nations back to back, maybe they can achieve a spectacular result come November 14.

That will be the kinda much I love to watch.

Boy, wish I had DSTV!!

Portsmouth show that they CAN beat the drop.

noreply@blogger.com (Messidinho) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:17:00 +0000

Portsmouth just defeated the same team that whalloped Chelsea 3-1, and by 4 unreplied goals.

So mathematically, Portsmouth can beat Chelsea by 6 goals on a dream occasion (which I hope never comes to life).

What it simply means is that Portsmouth cannot yet be considered DOOMED TO RELEGATION!

They will play their part in a promisingly interesting season that may have just started heating up. Whether they go down may be up to them to decide?