World Soccer Digest

Ten Matches to Watch: Europe

2010-03-12T22:28:03Z

This week's list gets a little crowded as WSDigest (which, confusingly, is being used in the second person here) tips a hat to three leagues who open their seasons this week. Let's all welcome soccer back to (amongst other places) Russia, Sweden and Finland.

In order to feature matches from those league, some good fixtures failed to make this week's list, most regrettably Bayer Leverkusen's Sunday match with Hamburger, with nothing but points separating those two clubs on the Bundesliga table.

I'd like to tell you more about that match, but I'm contractually obligated to write more about matches on the list than those off. It's a three-party contract between Mr.s Me, Myself, and I.

10. Kalmer versus IFK Göteberg, Sunday, Swedish Allsvenskan - Göteberg lost last season's title in the last match, letting AIK turn around a 0-1 halftime deficit in the match, a five point deficit with three matches left to win the league. Despite that disappointment, Göteburg is considered the 2010 Alsvenskan favorite, led by striker Tobias Hysén, last season's leading scorer. Despite being one of Sweden's traditional powers, Göteberg has one the league only once in the last twelve campaigns.

9. Molde versus Rosenborg, Sunday, Norweigan Eliteserian - Last year's two top finishers face each other in Sunday's late match. Rosenborg won last season's title by 13 points. It was Rosenborg's 17th title in 22 years, and if the Troillongan can replicate the team's last meeting, a 2-0 Rosenborg win at Molde, we will have an early idea of what's in store for 2010. Molde did get a draw at Rosenborg last season, though a lot of good that did.

8. Shakhtar Donetsk versus Metalist Kharkiv, Sunday, Ukrainian Premier League - Skahktar was a feature on last week's list, winning the Donetsk derby over Matelurh thanks to a 45th minute goal from Aleksandr Gladkiy. That result may have been disappointing for those hoping somebody will challenge the top two in Ukraine (Dynamo and Shakhtar), thought this weekend should given them greater hope. Metalist getting three points at Shakhtar would be a coup, bringing them within five of second place. Regardless of Sunday's, coach Myron Markevych and Metalist remain the best hope to breaking Ukraine's duopoly, now and into the future.

7. Rubin Kazan versus Lokomotiv Moskva, Sunday, Russian Premier Liga - The two-time defending champions came off their disappointing mid-week draw to Wolfsburg and face the dark horse contender of this year's Liga. Lokomotive Moskva was a steady side last season, but a series of offseason signings that strengthened their midfield could give Yuri Semin some much needed versatility. Rubin lost their best player in January but have enough strength without Alejandro Domínguez to retain the title. The key to their team, their defense, is in tact.

6. Manchester United versus Fulham, Sunday, English Premier League - On the surface, not the greatest match-up, but if somebody tells you Fulham's won the last two meetings with a 5:0 aggregate, isn't your curiosity peaked? Coming off a 4-0 Champions League win over Milan, there is also the weekly intrigue of United. How good is this team? Is it possible, post-Cristiano Ronaldo, that they are best positioned to reclaim the Champions League? That's the subtext of every United match from here forward.

Here's the poll listing the top five, in alphabetical order. Click the clink below to see how I ordered them.

5. Schalke versus Stuttgart, Friday, German Bundesliga - Because of other commitments, I didn't get this list out before the match was over. However, I did type up the blurb I would have published: "These two teams have a scoreless first half in them, a completely unacceptable start for Felix McGath. He will bring on Edu who will score within one minute of being on the pitch. Serdar Tasci may quickly pull it back, but once Kevin Kuranyi scores five minutes later, Schalke will have put the match away within 12 minutes of the second half kickoff." Apologies, but I was completely wrong. Kuranyi's goal came at 55'.

4. Barcelona versus Valencia, Sunday, Spanish Primera Division - Valencia has had three poor performances in a row: a 4-1 loss to Atlético Madrid, draw with Racing Santander and a draw at the Mestalla with Werder Bremen. Now they go to the Nou Camp to try an enact a trite sports irony (and irony be trite): the off-their-game talent getting their act together against a good team. Barcelona's coming off of last week's disappointment at Almería and will be without the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Barcelona does have Stuttgart mid-week, but it's not like Guardiola to start a second choice team.

3. Montpelier versus Auxerre, Saturday, French Ligue 1 - Second place versus third, and if Bordeaux continues their stumbles, the winner could be a first place come Saturday night. Nobody expected these two teams to be here, particularly Montpelier, who were in Ligue 2 last year. But they have been near the top for some time and are starting to play to their record. Auxerre, on the other hand, have had trouble scoring goals all year, yet a four match winning streak has taken them from mid-table to one point off the pace. Such is France, thsi year.

2. Olympique Lyonnais versus Saint-Étienne, Sunday, French Ligue 1 - OL is fight for first, ASSE is trying to stay above the drop ... blah, blah, blah. It's France's biggest derby, which would be enough to make this list regardless of what was happening around Europe. That nothing much else is and thee teams have their individual, different battles makes this must see streaming (thanks, Setanta). And then there's Bafetimbi Gomis, in his second mach against Les Verts since switching this summer.

1. Ajax versus PSV, Sunday, Dutch Eredivisie - No explanation necessary.

Poll

What is/was the biggest match of the weekend?

UEFA Champions League: Wednesday's Update

2010-03-10T17:53:10Z

I was almost 0-for-2 with my UEFA Champions League picks yesterday. Then Arjen Robben's left foot saved my analyst's credibility, a remarkable achievement considering a.) it's a foot, and b.) it saved something that doesn't exist!

That's not to say I'm happy Bayern went through, though. They advanced over Fiorentina, 4-4 on away goals thanks to an Arjen Robben wonder strike.

In truth, I'm neither sad nor happy, but I feel a ping of injustice that Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli - who had his tactics spot-on throughout all 180 minutes of his tie with Bayern - is out of Champions League.

What do I mean what I say "had his tactics spot-on?" You want that explained?

Oh, man. I thought that was the type of thing I was just allowed to say without the need to justify it.

But OK, I'll give it a shot:

Yesterday's match in Florence saw Fiorentina play into Bayern's approach by conceding both flanks while reinforcing the middle. This led to the impression that Bayern was controlling the match, with left wing Franck Ribery and right wing Arjen Robben able to easily get into the attacking third down the flanks.

But as you watched Fiorentina you saw a very compact shape at the back, with holding midfielders Cristiano Zanetti and Riccardo Montolivo reinforcing the back while preventing Bayern's talented wingers from cutting back toward the middle of the pitch. Particularly after getting an early goal (and the lead) from Juan Vargas, this approach forced Munich to open-up and create openings for Fiorentina counters. Nineteen minutes into the second half, La Viola was up 3-1 in the match, 4-3 on aggregate.

To Bayern's credit, they converted the few second half chances they had, and they were not particularly good ones.

For their first goal (Mark van Bommel, 60'), Franck Ribèry took advantage of a mistake from the Zanetti-Montolivo tandem, was able to get to the middle from the left and lay-off a ball for van Bommel. The Dutch midfielder opens his foot onto a ball and got a wind-aided goal from 24 meters.

The wind also played a part on Arjen Robben's goal. For Sebastien Fréy - used to the ball coming at a certain speed - the strong tail wind on each of Bayern's goal could have been the difference. Sometimes, it really is a game of inches, and with a strong wind behind a shot, those inches become more difficult to read. Great shots become perfectly unstoppable.

But if you're a coach and you put in a plan where the other team gets two goals from 24 meters and those (in addition to one good chance in the first half) are the only scoring opportunities you yield, that's indicative of a pretty good plan. Alas for Cesare Prandelli, it was also a losing plan thanks to two win aided goals, a suspect penalty call and an offsides goal (the last two coming in the first leg).

Bayern goes through, Fiorentina is eliminated, and it is on us to remember how the tie really unfolded.

In the other UEFA Champions League tie decided yesterday, FC Porto put on their worst display since ascending to the forefront of European football in 2002-03. They allowed five goals at the Emirates to Arsenal, a few with headshakingly poor defending. Combine that with command performances from Andrei Arshavin and Samir Nasri and you get a 5-0 result for the Gunners.

Arsenal deserves credit for a strong performance. Without Cesc Fabregas, they showed me that they still have the creative players needed to make a hat trick for Nicklas Bendtner or fabricate a rare goal for Emmanuel Eboué.

Don't anoint Arsenal as England or European favorites just yet. Porto was unexpectedly and (in this modern era of Porto futebol) unprecedentedly bad. Yesterday was less about Arsenal's ascendancy than a potential end of an era for Porto, who may not be back in Champions League next year, given their trials in the Liga Sagres.

Previews, Wednesday's Champions League

I'm going to sound like a broken record, because I've been sounding this tune since these two teams were drawn together:

Unless Milan can find a solution to the left side of their defense (the right flank of Manchester United's attack), I don't think they can been Manchester United. They couldn't find that solution at the San Siro, and despite a memorable performance from Ronaldinho, they lost 3-2. They lost because Antonio Valencia could not be stopped, leading to two Wayne Rooney second half headers.

Milan could try to out-score United, but the Red Devil defense should have Nemanja Vidic back after the Serbian missed the first leg. They will, however, be without a suspended Michael Carrick, who picked up his first career red card in Italy.

Whether Leonardo can find some way to slow down United on their right flank could determine whether Milan has a chance or this gets ugly. If the first year Brazilian coach responds, Milan could find the two goals they need, especially if Pato (a doubt) starts.

Else, the aggregate on this match could end up 5-2 for United.

In Spain, Real Madrid needs to turn around a 1-0 deficit at the Santiago Bernabeu against Olympique Lyonnais. In the first match, Madrid fell to a Jean Makoun song, though they were outplayed throughout. Fortunately for the Madridistas, the result was less about Lyon greatness and more about los Blancos playing as poor a match as they've played in 2010. Kaká and Esteban Granero were lost. They couldn't find Cristiano Ronaldo. An uncharacteristic Xabi Alonso giveaway gifted Makoun a goal.

Particularly considering this weekend's comeback against Sevilla, it is fair to think Real Madrid has the right mentality not to let this tie slip away. Independent of the two sides' talent, a 1-0 loss on the road, in the first leg, is not bad. Against a Lyon side that could not score this weekend at Ligue 1's 17th place Boulogne, a clean sheet is a reasonable goal.

If I sound down on Lyon, please excuse me, except my apology, as I've been burned too many times. I liked Lyon at the beginning of this season, claimed they would make the Champions League semis as well as reclaim Ligue 1. I loved their depth, I'm a big advocate of what Lisandro López does for a club, and I thought their ability to dramatically make mid-match adjustments to their attack would serve them well in close matches against the Bordeauxs and Marseilles of the world.

But in the face of results, I can't pridefully stick to my pick. Lyon has not impressed since October. Their Champions League group now looks weak, and they couldn't even beat out Fiorentina. They should be doing better in France as Bordeaux seems intent on keeping them, Montpelier, Marseille, Lille, and (now) Auxerre around. Yet Claude Puel has failed to get this team to accept their capabilities.

Perhaps today, at the Bernabeu, that changes, but when I look at a consistently underperforming Lyon side in contrast to a Real Madrid side that's capable of staging late, three goal comebacks against talented, Champions League-caliber sides, my choice is easy.

More

The Set Piece Analysts' Wednesday podcast features a lot of my thoughts on yesterday's results, today's matches ... provided I managed to force them out coherently.
Yesterday there was a lot of action in the comments, but today I'll be following the match in a fanpost.

Continental Championships Preview, Wrap-Up: UEFA, Copa, AFC, CONCACAF

2010-03-09T17:36:29Z

Tuesday sees the return of UEFA Champions League, the world's marquee club soccer competition. Two teams return home with 2-1 deficits and significant absences undermining their abilities to turn their ties around.

We'll get to that more in a moment.

Why Tuesday mornings are a time for WSDigest to reflect on impending UEFA Champions League action, such single-minded focus can be seen as a disservice to great football taking place in other corners of the globe.

True, the CONCACAF Champions League carries little (or none) of the prestige of its UEFA counterpart, but it's still a competition worthy of consideration.

Likewise the AFC Champions League and the South American equivalent, the Copa Libertadores.

I've made it a point to (try to) keep everybody talking about Copa, but I've neglected Asian Champions League, a neglect I hope will not continue, let alone influence how I approach the CONCACAF's tournament.

I am not an expert on any of these tournaments, but that does not mean we can't all help bring each other up to date.

After the jump, we start going through Tuesday's action in these four competitions.

UEFA Champions League: Tuesday's two matches will crown the competition's first quarterfinalists, each match carrying a good chance of going to penalty kicks.

Much of the English-language press has focused on the match at the Emirates in London, where Arsenal hosts Porto, trailing 2-1 after last month's match at the Dragão. The silver lining of that Arsenal cloud says each goal given up in Portugal was freakish in nature. But clouds are much more than their linings, and the body of this nimbus floater notes Cesc Fabregas will miss this match.

A 1-0 will take it to kicks, but my feeling is that Porto - a club not as strong the the incarnations we've seen over the last seven years - wins this one, making Arsenal the second English club knocked out of Champions League.

I also like Internazionale to beat Chelsea. If that happens (which it won't), only one English club could be in a quarterfinal stage that has gotten used to seeing four Premier League sides.

In Italy, Fiorentina can go through with a similar 1-0 win against Bayern Munich, but they will have to do it without Massimo Gobbi (suspension), Alessandro Gamberini (injury) and Adrian Mutu (Mutu-ness). While Fiorentina has played well in Champions League (including in the tie's first leg in Munich), it is not enough to say that this struggling Serie A side is just better in Champions League.

La Viola is in tenth in Serie A though they are legitimately trying. With their Champions League group (with Liverpool and Lyon) now not looking as strong as once thought, so we have reason to think it likely that La Viola can replicate their Munich performance.

Copa Libertadores: Estudiantes was embarrassed the last time they ventured out of Argentina, losing 4-1 in Peru to Alianza Lima, Walter Aguierre scoring three goals. Of greater concern may be El León's domestic performance, which has them goalless over the last 180 minutes.

I doubt the holders have anything to worry about against Bolivia's Bolivar. The Bolivian sides are a step below most in this competition, so unless Estudiantes replicates their Lima performance, it will be difficult for Bolivar to break through a still strong Estudiantes defense.

Bolivar is at the bottom of Group 3 with a 1:5 goal ratio through two matches. Estudiantes is second, better on difference than Juan Aurich.

Cerro Porteño is supposed to compete with Independiente Medellín for second place in Group 1 behind Corinthians. Through one round of the group, that story has held, though Cerro's draw in Paraguay against Independiente means they have little margin for error in Uruguay against Racing Club, with a trip to Colombia still on their schedule.

Racing Club is a distant fourth in terms of quality in Group 1. They had lost four matches in a row before defeating Danubio 3-2 this weekend in Primera Division action. That match featured four read cards and saw Racing Club get the tying goal late, while up a man. Danubio is 2-1-4 this season - not the best resumé.

Going on the road in international competitions is always difficult. It's easy to see even a struggling Racing Club getting a point. However, if Cerro can't get three - even if Independiente loses to Corinthians on Wednesday - they will have fallen behind.

AFC Champions League: Yesterday, China's Changchun Yatai got a 9-0 win over Indonesia's Persipura Jayapura. Reason to scoff? I don't know. To me -- somebody observing from a distance - it makes me more curious. One thing I do know, and it will be reflected in other scores throughout this competition: There are federations, leagues within Asia that are still developing, and when it comes to this international competition, those leagues will be exploited. Yesterday, Gao Jian and Johnny Lambert had hat tricks in exploiting Persipura, who have a 1:13 ratio through two matches.

Japan's Kashima Antlers are at the head of that group - Group F - having previously beaten Changchun and recording a 2-1 victory today at Korea's Jeonbuk Motors. Yasushi Endo had a stoppage time, tie-breaking goal for the visitors.

Group E also finished their matches earlier today, with Korea's Seongnam Ihwa Chunwa getting a 2-0 win at A-League's Melbourne Victory while China's Beijing Guaon beat Japan's Kawasaki Frontale, 3-1 in Japan. Australian Joel Griffiths are two goals for Beijing, who are perfect - tied with Seongnam - after two rounds.

Group A - one of the west Asian groups - saw Iran's Esteghal move to the head of the quartet with a 0-0 draw against UAE side Al Jazira. Ongoing as I write, Qatari side Al Gharafa will host Saudis Al Ahli with the chance to move to six points and the head of the group (as I write, it looks like Al Ahli is up 3-2 in the match's final minutes, with Al Gharafa having just threatened for an equalizer down their right flank).

The other group in action today is Group B. Uzbek power Bunyodkor - of Luiz Felipe Scolari and Rivaldo fame - got two goals from Brazilian striker Denilson in beating Al Wahda, 2-1. A stoppage time goal from the UAE team made the score more flattering than the match played, with the Uzbeks controlling much of the play.

The result pushes Bunyodkor to the top of Group B. Iranian side Zob Ahan, at Saudi power Al Ittihad later today, could draw even on points with a win.

CONCACAF Champions League: Major League Soccer is back in action today in one form, with the Columbus Crew hosting México's Toluca. MLS has had a poor record against their neighboring league, and with Columbus suffering through a number of injuries and suspensions, hopes are not high for the MLS side to reverse the trend tonight.

Toluca is off to a slow start in México's Bicentenario and may take it easy on Tuesday, knowing next week's return leg will give them another chance to advance to the tournament's semifinals. However, as we saw in group stage, Méxican sides in cruise control can still perform well in this competition.

The absences to players like Guillermo Barros Schelotto (suspension), Chad Marshall (injury) and Frankie Kejduk (suspension) means Columbus may be happy with a draw.

Use the comments section to follow your matches throughout the day, as I will be checking back often.

Poll

Which UEFA Champions League participant is more likely to turn-around their 2-1 deficit?

Arsenal, versus Porto

8 votes

Fiorentina, versus Bayern Munich

2 votes

10 votes | Poll has closed

Security Breach Has England National Team Preparations Taped, Shopped

2010-03-08T23:12:32Z

Fabio Capello is reported to have had conversations concerning England national team preparations illicitly taped ahead of last week's friendly with Egypt. (Photo: Klingon50/Flickr)

View full size photo »

Reports out of England say the Fabio Capello has had his World Cup preparations compromised by security breaches that have had discussions amongst coaching staff and players recorded.

According to reports, the taped conversations are being shopped to media sources by a somebody who illicitly made the recordings. To day, nobody has paid, and Football Association lawyers have send media outlets a warning letter, stating that publishing details obtained from the recordings would be illegal.

The breach in security that allowed the illicit records is said to have occurred at The Grove hotel in London ahead of last week's friendly between England and Egypt. The subject matter is said to concern tactics and potential player bonuses.

Whether these tapes exist or not, the FA is convinced they do.

The motive for making these recordings seems straight-forward enough. While Capello has hinted at the English press's unhealthy fascination with the negative, this is the act of a person trying to make a buck. Or a pound, as it were.

If the person's able to sell the recordings, it will be to an outlet that assumes it can make money off publishing the contents. Which gets back to consumption.

If the public wants to hear these details and are willing to express their willingness at the newsstand, the tapes will sell, the perpetrator will make money, and the likelihood of this happening against skyrockets.

I'm not particularly interested in the information. Capello could be telling Franco Baldini that he's going to recall Alan Shearer to the team and would give it no more attention than I do to the other rumors that fly around the internet. Unless Capello is willing to put his names or his actions behind something, I'm going to doubt its veracity.

If the tapes mention tactics, are they more reliable sources of information than England's match with Egypt? Or the Three Lions' qualifiers?

If the tapes talk about bonuses, I could care less. It's a part of international soccer that does not interest me.

Maybe there is demand for this kind of behind-the-scenes information, but it doesn't come from me.

Being inside a coach's mind before I see the drama unfold on the pitch? That sounds decidedly not fun.

Weekend Wrap-Up: The Americas

2010-03-08T18:07:22Z

Guadalajara sprinted out of the gate in México, winning their first five matches of the Bicentenario, recording victories over Toluca, Pachuca, and Puebla along the way. Surely, this week against winless Jaguares ...

I can't do it. I can't use this devise to raise the stakes. The score will speak for itself.

Jaguares posted a shocking 4-0 win over Guadalajara thanks to goals from Jorge Hernandez, Edgar Andrade, Christian Valdéz and Jackson Martínez.

It was one of a number of lop-sided results this weekend, including Monterrey's 3-0 rout of Pachuca, Pumas's 4-1 over Atlante and América's 6-0 pounding of Querétaro, with Antonio López completing his hat-trick within 46 minutes.

Again, Group 2 in México is proving excessively deep, with three of the Bicentenario's five best records residing with that division.

More on an active weekend in the Americas - with big matches in Argentina, Ecuador and Peru - after the jump. First, the poll:

Argentina: Independiente finds itself in first place thanks to their 2-0 win over River Plate thanks to Newells Old Boys getting a 2-1, Sunday win over Godoy Cruz. It was Godoy Cruz's first loss of the Clausura, one that will leave La Tomba with thoughts of what could have been. NOB central defender Roland Schiavi was given a straight red in the 31st minute. Shortly after, Jairo Castillo put Godoy Cruz up 1-0. Then Nicolas Olmedo garners a second yellow card and evened the sides at ten. Joaquin Boghossian scored goals in the 39th and 49th minutes, giving Newells a 2-1 win, vaulting them into fifth place.

Independiente got goals from Dario Gandín and Nestor Silvera, putting them on 17 points, two more than Goody Cruz.

Peru: Sporting Cristal is the only perfect time in the Primera Division after their 1-0 win over León de Huánuco, Luis Advincula's 65th minute goal the difference. As shocking, though, is Universitaro now sitting at the bottom of the league. With their match with Total Chalaco postponed and Cienciano's 2-1 win over Sport Huancayo, La U is the only team in the league without a point.

UPDATE: SantiagoColombia picks up on a bit of poor research on my part - Universitario has been suspended from the competition (hence the postponement). Apparently, La U likes a different airline than the one that officially sponsors the league. I'm not sure I'm using this word correctly, but ... Crickey.

Ecuador: LDU Quito got an early goal from Edison Méndez (rumored to be moving to Brazil soon) before chaos ensued against Deportivo Quito. Red cards shown Efren De la Cruz and Neicer Reasco left Liga with nine at the 43rd minute. Deportivo's Isaac Mina's red card made the match 10-on-9, though the home side was unable to get on the scoresheet, losing 1-0.

In the league's other big match, Emelec cam back from their embarrassing loss last week, routing Barcelona 3-0. There was also a red card shown in this one - to goal scorer Hernán Peirone - making it five reds shown in six matches this weekend in Ecuador.

Colombia: Independiente Medellín and Junior played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday, with the reigning champions getting a late, penalty kick goal from Luis Arias to equalize Junior's Carlos Bacca, who put the visitors ahead in the 74th minute. Junior was down a man at the death, with Victor Cortes having picked-up a second yellow in the 87th minute.

That result gave Real Cartegena a chance to gain some distance at the top of the league, but a 1-0 lead disappeared in stoppage time when a Jorge Torres foul gave Envigado a penalty kick. Neider Morantes converted to give the fifth place team a point, keeping Cartagena within three of Junior and Independiente.

Honduras: Motagua's 1-2 loss at Platense dropped them from first to third, with Vida moving into the league off of an impressive 4-1 win over Real Juventud. Olimpia, a league giant, is no longer sleeping, posting a 4-0 win over Hispano that gives them the league's best goal difference. Marathón, however, continues their slumber, staying on one win in eight after their 2-2 draw Saturday with Victoria.

Brazil, Paulista: Santos got a 89th minute goal from Zé Eduardo to get a point at Portuguesa, who had jumped out early with a 14th minute goal from Heverton. It was only Santos's third blemish of the season, coming in a match where they played much of their first choice team.

Santos's lead is now down to two after Santo André's impressive drubbing of previously third place Botafogo SP. The 4-1 result for Santo André was courtesy goals from Bruno Cesar, Branquinho, Ricardo Conceicao and Nunes.

The loss knocked Botafogo down to fifth thanks to wins from São Paulo (2-0 at Ponte Preta, two goals from Washington) and Corinthians (1-0 at São Caetano thanks to an 86th marker from Dentinho).

Brazil, Miniero: Tupi was a mild upset of leaders Cruziero move within three points of first in a match that saw Cruziero rest a number of regulars ahead of their mid-week Libertadores match with Deportivo Italia. The Serie A side remains two points ahead of Ipatinga and Democrata, both of whom lost on Saturday.

The competition's other Serie A side, Atlético Mineiro, beat Democrata 1-0 and also is on the verge of confirming Edison Méndez as a summer signing.

Brazil, Carioca: Fluminense beat Taça Guanabara champions Botafogo 2-1, getting another goal from former Lyonnais star Fred - the striker's third in three matches. Again, red cards played a part in this match, with star midfielders Dario Conca being dismissed for Flu in the 68th minute, goal scorer German Herrera joining him from Botafogo in the 77th.

Flamengo rolled Resende 4-0 to stay at the top of their group, while Vasco de Gama got a Carlos Alberto penalty kick in their 1-0 win over Boavista.

Brazil, Gaucho: Internacional and Gremio each got 1-0 wins, with first round finalists Novo Hamburgo continuing their strong play, getting a 2-0 win over Inter de Santa Maria.

Poll

Which result was most impressive this weekend in the Americas?

Weekend Wrap-up: Europe, the Big Five

2010-03-08T16:29:26Z

Leave it to Italy to take the big build-up I gave it last Friday and give us no goals from the league's top three teams.

I'm not going to make the argument that soccer is only entertaining when goals are scored. For the record (please, don't keep a record), I have nothing against a lack of scoring. Nil-nils are not our enemies.

But you can't have a decisive moments without at least one goal, and with Milan's nil-nil at Roma and Internazionale's scoreless draw at home with Genoa, we got nothing decisive to talk about.

I was particularly confused by the team chosen by Roma's Claudio Rainieri. One choice in particularly, starting Luca Toni on the bench, seemed to hurt the team. Forcing Mirko Vucinic to play the role higher on the pitch takes away from the movement Roma gets at that second level of attack, where Vucinic, Simone Perrotta and Rodrigo Taddei's movement can give a back line so many problems. Against a suspect Milan defense, this movement could have been decisive. As is, Milan got a point and stayed in second place.

In the league's other notable match, Juventus got a second minute goal from Diego and added a second half tally from Fabio Grosso to record a 2-1 win in Florence over Fiorentina. Juve stays within two points for fourth place Palermo, who needed a late goal from captain Fabrizio Miccoli to get a 1-0 win over relegation-embattled.

The poll goes over the weekend's notable results, and after the jump, we go league-by-league.

England: The weekend was split between FA Cup action and Premier League fixtures. Chelsea and Portsmouth advance to Wembley with 2-0 results. Aston Villa got three goals in twelve minutes to open the second half, reverse a 2-0 deficit to Reading, and eventually win 4-2. They're through to the semifinals, where they'll face Chelsea. Tottenham and Fulham will replay on March 24 at White Hart Lane after their 0-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

In league, Manchester United's 1-0 win at Wolves vaulted them to first, two points ahead of Chelsea and an oncoming Arsenal, whose 3-1 win over Burnley vaulted them into a tie for second. (Click here for the Premier League review at Set Piece, and here for the FA Cup round-up)

Spain: It's strange looking at the table and not seeing Barcelona's name at the top, but after a tough 2-2 draw at Alméria, the Blaugrana opened the door for Real Madrid. An early goal against the run of play put the hosts ahead. Messi pulled Barça back. Alméria got a second half goal via Carles Puyol (OG). Messi pulled Barça back, though this time Barcelona was down a man, Zlatan Ibrahimovic getting a curious, straight red.

Whereas Barcelona was not able to complete their comeback, Real Madrid impressively came back from a two goal deficit (with an own goal of their own) to beat Sevilla 3-2. Thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Rafael van der Vaart - all coming the the match's last thirty minutes - los Blancos were able to vault Barcelona into first place in the Primera, their 62 points giving them the goal difference tiebreaker.

Germany: Bayer Leverkusen's first loss of the year came to an unexpected foe, losing 3-2 at relegation-battling Nürnberg. That allow Schalke to pass Bayer into second place, now with 51 points after their 4-1 win over Frankfurt. Meanwhile, league-leading Bayern München were surprisingly drawn at Koln, with former München forward Lukas Podolski scoring for the home team. München sits two points above Schalke.

France: The five top teams in France all drew allowing Auxerre - a team that is averaging less than one goal scored per match - to pull within four points of first, even with fifth place Lille. The headline match - first place Bordeaux against second place, even on points Montpelier - ended in a 1-1 draw with the Girondins playing most of the match a man down. Olympique Lyonnais could have drawn even but failed to get three points (or a goal) at 19th place Boulogne, while Olympique Marseille were drawn at home with Lorient (1-1).

Poll

Which result was most impressive this weekend, from Europe's big five leagues?

Ten Matches to Watch - The Americas

2010-03-05T21:12:27Z

Edison Méndez and LDU Quito take on Deportivo Quito in an Ecuadorian derby, Saturday.

View full size photo »

Leagues throughout the Americas have started, with early stories in Ecuador and Peru drawing our attention away from Brazil's state championships and the Copa Libertadores.

One reminder, before we get to the list: The Chilean league postponed its matches this weekend because of last week's earthquake. For information on how you can help, here is a link to information on how you can help the American Red Cross's Chile relief efforts.

Now, the list!

10. Nacíonal versus Guaraní, Paraguayan Division Profesional - An opening round win over Libertad has vaulted Guaraní, 26 years without a title, to second place, the league's only team without a loss. In Montevideo on Saturday, Guaraní will get their second test of the tournament. Nacional is a league power, though Copa Libertadores is distracting from their domestic campaign. The Clausura champions have lost three of their six matches, but with the international break temporarily alleviating Nacíonal's travel commitments, expect Guaraní to join the ranks of the defeated.

9. Jaguares versus Guadalajara, Mexican Primera Division - Until they drop points, Guadalajara's matches will get my attention. They are eight rounds into the Bicentenario, have eight wins and has scored 19 goals. They'll face little opposition this weekend from Jaguares, one of two winless teams in the tournament. Come Monday, Guadalajara will likely be twelve points up in their group.

8. Santo André versus Botafogo SP, Brazilian Paulista - The two teams behind Santos in the Paulista will meet in Santo André this weekend. Botafogo is five points back of Santo André and nine behind Santos, having won only once in their last five matches. Santo André, on the other hand, have won six in a row thanks to leading goal scorer Rodriguinho (10 goals, 12 appearances) and a the young midfield with Gil, Ale, and Bruno Cesar. They augment an attack that's scored 29 goals, second in the Paulista. Botafogo is the Paulista's best defensive team, having allowed only eight goals in 12 matches.

7. Fluminense versus Botafogo, Brazilian Carioça - Botafogo was the surprise winner the Taça Guanabara, beating Flamengo and Vasco de Gama in the playoff. They are off to a perfect start through two rounds of the Taça Rio, not surprising in a tournament where the big four (Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Vasco) dominate. This weekend, Botafogo catches another of that quartet, with a perfect Fluminense holding a 8:1 goal ratio ahead of this match. Fred, Everton, and Dario Conca each have two goals for Flu in the tournament's second half.

6. Monterrey versus Pachuca, Mexican Primera Division - After Monterrey's lackluster InterLiga performance and the loss of Humberto Suazo, I backed off my analysis that had the Rayados as one of the Bicentenario's favorites. Proving against that I know <1% of what I think I do, Monterrey has been on of the stronger teams this tournament, sitting at the top of their group going into this weekend's match with Pachuca. The Tuzos, who had such an impressive start to the Bicentenario, are winless in three and risks, if they don't find their form, being drawn into the same playoff battle they lost at the end of the Apertura.

For more on the weekend in Mexico you can read Eben Lehman's work at Set Piece.

Here, you can see in the poll (below) the matches comprising my top five. Click the link below the poll to see the order.

5. Independiente Medellín versus Junior, Colombian Primera A - Independiente and Junior each have 14 points, three behind league leading Real Cartegena, seven rounds into the Colombian season. With only eight goals in seven matches, Independiente clearly miss Jackson Martínez, who has moved to Jaguares in Mexico. For Junior, scoring has not been a problem, averaging just under two per match, with forward tandem Martin Arzuaga and Victor Cortes each already tallying three goals.

4. Sporting Cristal versus León de Huánuco, Peruvian Primera Division -The top two teams in Peru meet in Lima on Sunday, both clubs perfect through the league's first three matches. León has already defeated Alianza Lima and Juan Aurich, having allowed only one goal through three matches. Sporting Cristal have a win over a Universitario side that is (shockingly) on no points through three rounds. Sporting has scored eight but allowed four in that time.

3. Emelec versus Barcelona, Ecuadorian Primera A - Emelec is coming off an embarrassing loss last week at LDU Quito, 0-5. This week, they host second place Barcelona, who have yet to lose and have only allowed one goal in four matches. Going back to last tournament, Barcelona has only lost once in their last twelve matches: a 4-0 loss at LDU Quito. Perhaps Sunday will serve as a needed therapy session: two teams dealing with bad memories.

2. Independiente versus River Plate, Argentine Primera Division - I'm not a supporter, but for some reason I'm starting to get excited about the prospect of Independiente competing for the Clausura, and since I don't like things I can't explain, I'm worried. But enough about me. When Independiente and River Plate play there's always some spectacle to the match, but with River coming off a good win over San Lorenzo (and now undefeated in three), this could actually be a quality - in addition to a big name - match.

1. Deportivo Quito versus LDU Quito, Ecuadorian Primera A - Defending champions Deportivo Quito had been suspended from play early last week but had that suspension lifted before last week's match after paying off their debts. Those debts were owned to the league and former players, with an Ecuadorian tax lien also impacting the club. As further punishment, Deportivo Quito - with only one win in four to start the season - gets LDU, who have scored 11 goals while allowing one two. Hernan Barcos leads the league with four goals.

For more on the Ecuadorian league you can tune into the Set Piece Analysts' daily podcast, as we spend a few minutes talking about the Quito derby, starting at the 42 minute mark of Friday's show.

Poll

Which is your Match of the Weekend in the Americas?

Deportivo Quito versus LDU Quito (Ecuador, Primera A)

2 votes

Emelec versus Barcelona (Ecuador, Primera A)

3 votes

Independiente versus River Plate (Argentina, Primera Division)

0 votes

Independiente Medellín versus Junior (Colombia, Primera A)

1 votes

Sporting Cristal versus Leôn de Huânuco (Peru, Primera Division)

1 votes

7 votes | Poll has closed

Ten Matches to Watch - Europe

2010-03-05T19:46:15Z

I'm not pretending that you are going to watch all these matches. I'm not even going to pretend that you can watch all these matches. But come Sunday night if you have time to hit a Google search for some matches, I'd recommended reading up on these:

10. Chelsea versus Stoke, England's FA Cup - With their struggles, the Blues' best chance for silverware becomes retaining the FA Cup, though it they don't play better than they did during last week's loss to Manchester City, Stoke could have Chelsea. The Blues are still without Michael Essien, Petr Cech, Deco and Yuri Zhirkov, and that's in addition to long-term injuries to Ashley Cole and José Bosingwa. Where Chelsea's missing their quickest and most athletic players, a win for Stoke doesn't look that far-fetched.

9. Benfica versus Paços de Ferriera, Portuguese Liga Sagres - After some stumbles from S.C. Braga, who have been wrestling with Benfica atop the Liga the entire season, the Eagles after alone in first and now have the best defensive record to go with a goal scoring rate that outpaces the next-most-proflic club by more than a half-a-goal per match. Paços de Ferreira is on the edge of European qualification, sitting in sixth place, unbeaten in seven league matches.

8. Unirea Urziceni versus Steaua Bucuresti, Romanian Liga - Now out of Europe, Unirea can turn their attention to the league. Their first obstacle, Steaua Bucuresti coming off a good draw last week against league leading CFR Cluj. Steaua features the league's leading scorer, Greek attacker Pantelis Kapetanos. Each team sits on 35 points, tied with second place Timisoara for the Liga's final Champions League spot. In Romania, the league's second through seventh place teams are separated by three points.

7. Metalurh Donetsk versus Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukrainian Premier League - The Ukrainian league is back from a long break, and while most avid followers of European club football would be classified as "addicts" if they could name players from Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar Donetsk, there are other very good clubs in the league. Metalist Kharkiv and Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk are worth your time, as is Metalurh Donestk - the league's fourth place team who hosts a local derby on Sunday. Shakhtar, like Unirea, is (shockingly) done with Europe and can now concentrate on closing the two point gap between them and Dynamo.

6. Fiorentina versus Juventus, Italian Serie A - Saturday's early match in Italy sees two of the league's most talented teams meet in Florence, though the list of injuries tempers my excitement. For La Viola, Mario Santana, Juan Vargas, Alessandro Gamberini are all out, with Marco Marchionni and Massimo Gobbi doubtful. For the Old Lady, Gianluigi Buffon, Mauro Camoranesi, and Amauri are out, while Nicola Legrottaglie and Diego are doubts. Hmm - perhaps number six is too high for this match.

The top five matches are in this poll. Click the link, below, for more discussion of them.

5. Werder Bremen versus Stuttgart, German Bundesliga - Christian Gross has Stuttgart climbing the table in the Bundesliga, and a European spot is now a reasonable expectation. Werder Bremen is too far behind München, Bayer and Schalke to think the league (or Champions League) is possible, but having shaken off the cobwebs from the five match losing streak that took them out of the title race, Bremen is unbeaten in four and through to the Round of 16 in the Europa League. Expect a high scoring match, as both sides have been scoring goals for fun. But then again, is there any other way to score goals?

4. Fulham versus Tottenham, England's FA Cup - More FA Cup action sees two London clubs meet at Craven Cottage. Coming off his brace on Wednesday, will Peter Crouch start above Roman Pavlyuchenko, who has five goals in three games? Regardless, with Chelsea stumbling, Spurs could be looking at a chance for silverware, though Fulham could say the same. Their ability to knock holders Shakhtar Donetsk out of Europa League speaks to their potential, and if they can get past this round, they could find themselves a healthier side come the semifinals.

3. Bordeaux versus Montpelier, French Ligue 1 - Consecutive postponements of Girondins matches has allowed Montpelier to catch them at the top of Ligue 1, but with two matches in hand Bordeaux still has a firm grasp on the league. However, Laurent Blanc has to be concerned that the momentum the club had with strong wins against Saint-Etienne and Lorient was squandered in a their squeaker at Olympiacos, where they won 1-0 on a set piece goal. Montpelier is not a strong team, but they have managed their season well. If they manage a win on Sunday, they will be alone in first place (and I will have to change my toon).

2. Real Madrid versus Sevilla, Spanish Primera Division - Back in the happier, more competitive days of the 2009-10 Primera campaign. Sevilla was proving Real Madrid vulnerable (winning 1-0 at the Sanchez Pizjuan), flaming hopes of a three team race, and when Valencia kept-up with the trio, tears welled in our eyes thinking about the season that could be. Fast forward to March, Barcelona and Real Madrid have run away from the pack, and we're left with Saturday's match at the Santiago Bernabeu, a time machine back to a happier time in Spanish fútbol. Sniff.

1. Roma versus Milan, Italy's Serie A - This match is big enough that it deserved its own post.

Poll

What is Europe's Match of the Weekend (trademark pending)?

Bordeaux versus Montpelier (France, Ligue 1)

3 votes

Fulham versus Tottenham (England, FA Cup)

5 votes

Real Madrid versus Sevilla (Spain, Primera Division)

16 votes

Roma versus Milan (Italy, Serie A)

25 votes

Werder Bremen versus Stuttgart (Germany, 1. Bundesliga)

2 votes

51 votes | Poll has closed

José Bosingwa Out for Season, World Cup

2010-03-05T17:49:43Z

Chelsea right back José Bosingwa will be out for the remainder of the season, having to have surgery on his right knee. The talented attacker will also miss the World Cup, where he was to represent Portugal.

View full size photo »

José Bosingwa's absence from Chelsea's right wing becomes more important with each passing match, but hopes for his return this season can now (unfortunately) end with the announcement that the Portuguese star will miss the remainder of the season.

Before getting into the details, let's stop to consider Bosingwa's impact.

When he moved from Porto to Chelsea at the beginning of the 2008-09 season, I was not convinced Bosingwa would make a big impact in the English Premier League. I had seen him play for Porto and for Portugal and thought he drifting in-and-out of matches and felt he could be physically overmatched in the Premiership.

Thankfully, I was wrong. With the help of his former national team coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, Bosingwa's fit with Chelsea was seamless, far out-lasting Scolari's. He has given an aging, slowing, stoic Chelsea team an element of dynamism, and the symmetry with left back Ashley Cole has been beautiful.

Without Bosingwa, Chelsea's worst characteristics have been exposed. Now that the Portuguese has been declared out for the season, the Blues will have to dramatically adjust (rather than waiting for him to return). They are not getting his width back.

Bosingwa will go in for another knee surgery, keeping him out of the rest of the season and this summer's World Cup.

With Chelsea up only one point on Manchester United (and three on Arsenal), this injury could be one of the small things the Blues point to if they're meeting this summer trying to determine what went wrong.

For Portugal, where there is little room between them and group-mates Côte d'Ivoire, Bosingwa's absence is also disproportionately important.

One of the best right backs in the world, Bosingwa's loss is also a hit for football fans, as is every injury. I hope he returns healthy for 2010-11.

Poll

Who will miss José Bosingwa more?

Weekend Club Preview: Italy

2010-03-05T16:51:42Z

Special focus on Italy this weekend, as the biggest club match in the world is on the Serie A docket.

Whereas once Internazionale boasted an 11 point lead in Italy, Milan has closed the gap to four. This weekend, the Rossoneri visit the Giallorossi - Roma, third place in the league. Roma is two points back of Milan but, even considering their opponent's four match winning streak, have been the league's best team in 2010.

The chink of Roma's roster is their Europa League performance. Last week Roma was down 2-3 after the first leg in Greece against Panathinaikos. Returning to the Stadio Olimpico, it seemed Roma had the tie under control. Claudio Ranieri's side proceeded to lose 3-2, drop out of Europa League, and make Italy more vulnerable to losing their fourth UEFA Champions League spot to the German Bundesliga.

Don't look too deep into Roma's European exploits. We see it every year. Some teams don't take their continental competitions seriously. Even when they play their first team, there is not the same intensity.

I don't know if that is the case with Roma; however, we have seen enough examples of teams prioritizing the league (or, as is the case with Milan over the years, prioritizing Europe). We should entertain the idea that Roma is still strong.

Tactically, Roma matches up very well with Milan. Giallorossi pivots Daniele De Rossi and Davide Pizzaro can dominate the Milan midfield, though De Rossi is an injury doubt. Francisco Totti will miss the match, while Milan's Alexandre Pato is also out.

Pato's absence is particularly important because of John Arne Risse, Roma's in form left back. The Brazilian starlet is apt to play on the right side of Roma's attacking threesome. Were he playing, Riise would have a greater defensive commitment. With Pato out, Riise can play with more abandon.

Without Pato, Milan will hope for brilliance from Ronaldinho, an approach that has served them will this season. Roma defender Nicolás Burdisso will be counted on for a strong performance.

Even if Ronaldinho plays well, the movement in the final third Roma gets from Rodrigo Taddei, Simone Perrotta, and Mirko Vucinic will get a suspect Milan defense troubles. Complemented by Luca Toni in the middle, it's difficult to see Milan keeping Roma to one (or less) goals.

Famous last words.

Elsewhere in Italy, Internazionale hosts ninth-place Genoa. The Nerrazzuri have to be favored to get three, which means they would increase their Serie A lead unless Milan wins. Over at Set Piece Analysts, Brian Zygo talks about that (and the other points of interest in the Italian weekend).

And while neither team is performing to expectations, Juventus's trip to Florence to take on Fiorentina will possess as much talent as any match this weekend - Roma-Milan included.

Poll

Who is your pick in Saturday's Roma-Milan match?

Milan

5 votes

Roma

4 votes

9 votes | Poll has closed

Most, Least Impressive Nations During International Friendlies

2010-03-04T17:46:00Z

Gonzalo Higuain celebrates Argentina's goal in the Albiceleste's 1-0 win over Germany. (Photo: ZumaPress)

View full size photo »

Only Chile and Paraguay were not in action during the mid-week international friendlies, leaving thirty World Cup qualified teams to evaluate.

Before that can be done we need time to take in all the matches, though that shouldn't stop us from doing some guarded evaluation of the most and least impressive results from Wednesday.

Five Most Impressive Results

1. Argentina - Gonzalo Higuaín's 45th minute goal gave the Albiceleste the win, a gift from René Adler. Argentina's ranking here is based on defending alone. In Germany against one of this summer's contenders, Diego Maradona deployed a foursome that gives us reason to consider whether Argentina's biggest problem - their defending - might have reason for hope. The quartet for Martín Demichelis, Gabriel Heinze, Nicolas Otamendi, and Walter Samuel kept a clean sheet for the first time in four matches.

2. England - Perhaps this is my high regard for Egypt speaking, but winning 3-1 against a full-strength African champs' squad impresses me. I don't care if it was in Wembley. Egypt had a good chance to win this match, but given the result - the way the Three Lions adjusted and came back from a goal down - my awe of Don Fabio increases. Two goals from Peter Crouch beg the question whether he is the better choice than Emile Heskey for the number nine. Regardless, England keeps scoring loads of goals.

3. Serbia - Algeria showed in the Cup of Nations (against Malawi and Egypt) that they are prone to this type of game. Still, for an Eastern European country to go to Algiers and win 3-0 is worth a place on this list. Granted, Serbia's size and prowess on set pieces makes them particularly well-suited to match-up with Algeria. However, match-up advantages always exist. It's rare we see them converted into a 3-0, away victory.

4. Uruguay - Again, my biases might inform this ranking, as I saw Uruguay as a weak side. The were poor at the end of qualifying, and at a decent Swiss team that has a number of in-form players, I thought Uruguay would lose. On the contrary, the Sky Blues posted a 3-1 victory, the only goal allowed coming from a penalty kick. The Luis Suarez golazo is worth You Tubing.

5. Slovenia - They were only playing Qatar, but if you've seen this Slovenia team over the last year, you know how remarkable it is that they scored four goals. Qatar is not a bad team, but a 4-1 loss to Slovenia hints otherwise.

Five Least Impressive Results

In the interest of symmetry, let's count down.

5. Algeria - In their last six matches (going back to the Cup of Nations), they've had three "blow-ups." How does Rabah Saadane allow this to keep happening?

4. Ghana - The scoreline was not that bad, a 2-1 loss in Sarajevo to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The display, however, was. Ghana looked inhibited against a Bosnia and Herzegovina side against whose defending you can play ambitious. As I explained yesterday, I just don't understand what Milovan Rajevac is doing.

3. France - Were their Wednesday performance against any other team, it would be the clear "winner" on this list. As is, Les Blues get a break because they were playing Spain. However, they were at home, and for a team with the talent of France, giving an ineffectual 0-2 performance continues a disturbing trend of poor results.

2. Côte d'Ivoire - The only excuse for Les Elephants is their Federation throwing this tie into turmoil by firing Vahid Halilhodzic this weekend. But a 0-2 loss to South Korea is still surprising. South Korea is a very good team, but Côte d'Ivoire has physical advantages they should have been able to exploit.

1. Greece - When the 12th ranked team in the world loses at home to the 91st, it's a disappointing result. When the loss is by two goals with the favorites help scoreless, it may be a terrible result.

Notice no mention of the U.S. Men's National Team. I know a lot of you are interested in them, but while they played poorly in Amsterdam, they did not fit either of these lists.

However, if you need your fix, here are some resources:

Steve Davis at Daily Soccer Fix provides his notes on the friendly.
Set Piece Analysts' coverage: Match report; minute-by-minute; players' stock-up, stock-down.
The SPA Daily Podcast talking about all the results, though we give special focus to the USMNT result.

Poll

What Wednesday result was most impressive?

Previewing Wednesday's International Match Day

2010-03-03T07:08:00Z

John Terry (left) and Wayne Rooney preparing for one of the world's most important Wendeday matches. (Photo: Zumapress)

View full size photo »

If I were in charge of a World Cup contender's set-up, I would have called in a B-team for Wednesday's international friendlies. It would be more valuable to give my A-team a week off. If my team needs the experience of this isolated match, my team may already be too far adrift. After all, do Brazil or Spain really need Wednesday's match to build their team's core?

Regardless, their are four marquee-caliber matches on Wednesday's docket, and why they are only friendlies, each will be worth watching for the countries' name value alone:

France (#7, FIFA) versus Spain (#1) - France has the talent to be a contender in June (and July), but they have not played consistently strong soccer since 2000. Spain has been the world's standard over the last two years, their dominant UEFA qualifying performance underscoring the shock of their Confederations Cup disappointment. This may be France's last chance to prove to themselves that they are a legitimate contender in South Africa.
Germany (#6) versus Argentina (#8) - a brilliant battle of styles would be historically be a brilliant tactical battle, but here we have Joachim Löw's prowess against Diego Maradona. While Maradona's decisions have been interesting since he took over for Coco Basile, they have rarely been associated with prowess.
England (#9) versus Egypt (#10) - Egypt has brought in a full squad, a squad that is more powerful than their African Cup winners thanks to the return of Mohamed Abroutrika. A win over England will help their claim to being a significant club on the international scene, even if they have not been to a World Cup in 20 years.
Netherlands (#3) versus United States (#14) - the U.S. is depleted (missing Onyewu, Cherundolo, Dempsey and Davies), but they have garnered the world's attention after their performance last summer in South Africa. The Dutch are slightly overrated at third in the world, yet they provide a great test of the U.S., particularly in defense.

For more information on Wednesday's friendlies

Here is a brief, sometimes cheeky preview of Wednesday's matches I did for Set Piece Analysts, sorting all the teams by their FIFA rankings.
Also over at Set Piece Analysts, the daily podcast features Jeff Kassouf and myself focusing on the day's action.

Poll

Which match do you find most interesting?

Weekend Review: The Americas

2010-03-01T18:02:36Z

Vélez Sarsfield suffered their first loss of the Argentine Clausura, getting knocked off the top spot of the table with a 3-2 loss at Huracán.

Vélez's strong first half, which saw them go into half up 1-0 on Rolando Zarate's goal, was submarined by two Huracan penalty kicks and a final half-hour of playing with ten men after Leandro Velazquez was dismissed. Vélez would finish with nine after Maxi Moralez was dismissed in stoppage time, a late Santiago Silva goal creating a deceivingly close scoreline.

Now, Colón and Godoy Cruz are the only undefeated teams in Argentina, tied atop the table after Colón drew with Rosario Central while Godoy Cruz beat Argentinos. Each club has 12 points through six matches, one point ahead of Vélez and Independiente, who beat Racing Club 1-0 on Saturday.

Despite the fun at the top of the table, the headline match was Estudiantes' trip to the Bombonera. A late goal from Leandro Gonzalez salvaged a point for the continent's champions, earning a 1-1 draw with Boca Juniors.

More action from across the Americas after the jump.

Brazil, Paulista: It was billed as Robinho verus Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos when Santos hosted Corinthians on Sunday, though Santos failed to live up to their end of the bargain. Robinho did not play. Neymar, however, played and scored the opening goal. André Felipe would add a second leading Santos to a 2-1 win over a near-full strength Corinthians side.

Santos is now four points clear at the top of the Paulista through eleven of the tournament's nineteen rounds.

Brazil, Gaucho: Gremio won the first round with a 1-0 win over Novo Hamburgo on Sunday, a nineteenth minute goal from Ferdinando holding up. Hamburgo had upset Internacional last weekend to reach the final, their two wins in the final stage matching their total for the entire group stage.

Brazil, Carioca: Last week, Botafogo's 2-0 victory over Vasco de Gama won the Taça Guanabara (the first half) one week after upsetting Flamengo in semifinals. This week, Botafogo started the Taça Rio strong with a 3-1 win over Americano thanks to two goals from Caio. The tournament's three other big clubs - Flamengo, Fluminense and Vasco de Gama - also won.

Brazil, Miniero: Cruziero continues to trail Ipatinga and Democrata, with one point separating the tournament favorite from the co-leaders. As with the other state tournaments, we see the Copa LIbertadores participant having to make considerations for the continental tournament, playing a half-first team in their 1-0 win over cellar-dwelling Ituiutaba (who has scored only one goal in six matches). Atlético Miniero is sixth (out of 12) after their 5-2 win over Uberländia - Obinna with a hat-trick.

Uruguay: Peñarol is perfect after six rounds, overcoming a numerical disadvantage to beat River Plate 3-2 on Saturday. Up 2-0 after eight minutes, Peñarol seemed to be cruising, though a 54th minute straight red to Matias Aguirregaray preceded tying goals from Jorge Zambrana and John Varela. The second goal of the match from Jonathan Uretaviscay kept Peñarol perfect, now having scored 18 goals in the tournament's first six rounds.

Peñarol has a five point lead on Fénix and Cerro, with Nacional already eight back.

Paraguay: Cerro Porteño's first loss of the tournament came Sunday at Olimpia thanks to goals from Cristian Ledesma, Carlos Bonet and Nelson Cuevas. Those goal were one more than Cerro had allowed through the preceding five matches, leading to the 3-2 loss. Second place Guaraní, who were drawn at home on Saturday against 3 de Febrero, sits one point back and is the league's only undefeated team. Libertad sits sixth with Nacional, even on points, one place behind.

Chile: In the wake of the earthquake that hit the country over the weekend, all matches were cancelled. Here is a link to the American Red Cross with information on what they are doing and how you can donate.

Peru: León de Huánuco has now defeated Juan Aurich and (on the first match day) Alianza Lima in maintaining a perfect record through three rounds. Their 1-0 win Sunday came from Luis Perea, who scored in the 39th minute. Sporting Cristal, the league's other perfect team, plays at Universitario on Tuesday. Universitario is without a point through their two matches.

Ecuador: LDU Quito shredded Emelec 5-0 on Sunday in a match played ten-on-ten for 52 minutes. Enrique Vera opened the scoring in the twelfth minute but was later dismissed (38'). Edison Méndez added a goal while Juan Salguiero added a brace.

LDU has ten points in four matches while posting an 11:2 goal ratio. Barcelona is keeping-up, their 1-0, Sunday win over Olemdo giving them ten points and a 7:1 ratio. Deportivo Cuenca also is on ten after their 3-0 win over Independiente. They have scored six goals this season while allowing one.

Colombia: Real Cartagena got a late goal from Edwards Jimenez to get full points at Cortuluá Saturday with a 2-1 victory. They stay three points ahead of holders Independiente, who posted an unimpressive 1-0 win over last place Deportes Quindío - a club that has yet to score a goal in six matches. Quindío played the last forty minutes a man down, but thankfully for Independiente, unimpressive three points count the same as glorious ones.

Honduras: Motagua's 1-0 win over Olimpia means the leaders have knocked-off both them and Marathón during th tournament's first seven round. Marcelo Cabrita had the match's only goal, keeping Motagua one point ahead of Vida, who won 3-1 at Victoria on Saturday.

México: Guadalajara is remarkably perfect through eight matches after their 2-0 win over San Luis. While that result was not unexpected, it's still amazing to see a club that missed last tournament's Liguilla sitting atop their group with 24 points through eight matches.

Elsewhere, Pumas win big in Pachuca, posting a 3-0 result that will put to rest any question as to whether UNAM has moved beyond their Apertura problems.

Also of note, Cruz Azul won 3-1 over Atlas. While that result may not be remarkable in the big picture (Cruz Azul won at home, wow), the three goals represented one more than la Maquina had scored in the preceding seven matches.

Other winners: Monterrey, Morelia, América, Toluca.

Poll

Who posted the more impressive win in this weekend's action across the Americas?

Nigeria Hires Lagerback

2010-03-01T16:30:40Z

Former Sweden national team coach Lars Lagerbäck will be named Nigeria's coach on Wednesday.

View full size photo »

Nigeria will officially fill their mens national team's coaching vacancy on Wednesday when Lars Lagerbäck is named head coach.

Lagerbäck is best known as the head coach of the Swedish national team during their excursions into the knock-out rounds of the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. Under his guidance Sweden made every major tournament from 2000 to 2008.

He left the Swedish position after the national failed to qualify for South Africa.

The 61-year-old Swede reported beat out Sven-Göran Eriksson, Bruno Metsu, Ratomir Dujkovic and Glenn Hoddle for the position.

He replaces Shaibu Amodu, who guided Nigeria to a third place finish in January's Cup of Nations, though the Nigerians played relatively poorly during the tournament.

Lagerbäck will head the Super Eagles in June at the World Cup, where Nigeria is grouped with Argentina, South Korea and Greece.

Côte d'Ivoire Dismisses Halilhodzic

2010-03-01T16:15:45Z

Cote d'Ivoire replaced head coach Vahid Halilhodzic on Sunday.

View full size photo »

Saying that winning the Cup of Nations was a stated goal of their federation, Côte d'Ivioire has dismissed head coach Vahid Halilhodzic.

Côte d'Ivoire was eliminated by Algeria in the Cup of Nations quarterfinals, giving up two leads before losing to the Desert Foxes in extra time. Their uninspired play caused many to speculate that they were focused on June's World Cup. This weekend's action by the Fédération Ivoirienne de Football made it clear that the focus was supposed to be the continental championship, eventually won by Egypt.

Halilhodzic was hired in 2008 and guided the team to World Cup qualification and had impressed me with this personnel management and his tactical decisions. One of the main reasons I felt Côte d'Ivioire was best positioned to excel come June was Halilhodzic showing that he could augment the nation's raw talent with an awareness of how to use it.

While Côte d'Ivioire disappointed in Angola, I would not have dismissed Vahid Halilhodzic without already having another, better coach ready to step-in. The speed with which this vacancy is filled will indicate whether that's the case.

This will be a highly sought-after position. With the Nigeria position being filled (more on that later), Côte d'Ivoire and their talent - Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré, as examples - will be able to draw interest from high profile coaches (Sven-Göran Eriksson's name will appear hear, also) who, if they are willing to work one summer on the cheap, would have a shot at World Cup glory.

Weekend Review: England

2010-03-01T15:57:01Z

The most memorable weekend in England's 2009-10 season saw silverware dispersed, the league leaders exposed, and a memorable performance from a club dealt a traumatic level of adversity.

England's League Cup final was on Sunday, with Aston Villa - without silverware since 1996 - taking on a Manchester United team hoping to become the first repeat winners in twenty years.

Aston Villa was on the board in the fourth minute when James Milner converted from the spot, a kick awarded after Untied center half Nemanja Vidic pulled down Gabriel Agbonlahor though controversially avoided a red card.

Michael Owen brought United back eight minutes later. In the second half, Wayne Rooney - on for the injured Owen - header United clear. United retains England's League Cup, defeating Aston Villa, 2-1.

Comments on the league, after the jump.

In league, United finds themselves only one point behind Chelsea, the league leaders, who were routed at Stamford Bridge, losing 4-2 to Manchester City. It was a complete implosion on the part of the Blues, their worst loss in this current era of Chelsea football. Braces from Carlos Tévez and Craig Bellamy came while City sat back and waited for an unorganized Chelsea defense opened up for City's counters.

As embarrassing as the final score was Chelsea's behavior. As has become common practice, Chelsea players were often seen squaring up with the referee over petty reasons. Michael Ballack became the prime exemplar of the club's immature behavior when he went knee-high from behind into Tévez, wrapping his legs around the Argentine as he took him to the group. At the time, the score was 4-1. Ballack was given a second yellow and dismissed, leaving Chelsea with nine men (Juliano Belletti had already been dismissed).

Ballack's tackles was terrible and suspension worthy but is being overlooked because of what happened at the Brittania. There, Arsenal suffered another horror injury when Potter Ryan Shawcross was a moment late on a 50/50 ball. Gunner Aaron Ramsey suffered a broken tibula and fibia and had to leave the pitch with an ambulance waiting just beyond the byline.

Arsenal was emotionally devastated, with any players reliving a similar incident that happened two years earlier to Eduardo at St. Andrew's. That day turned Arsenal's season. The Gunners would give away a large lead atop the table, capitulating to Manchester United.

This weekend, Cesc Fabregas brought Arsenal through, converting a penalty kick near stoppage time then unselfishly setting-up Thomas Vermaelen for the final goal in a 3-1 win.

Arsenal is now within three point of Chelsea.

Elsewhere, Tottingham staying in fourth with their 2-1 over Everton, Liverpool won by the same score over Blackburn, and Bolton climbed out of the drop with their 1-0 win over Wolves. The three teams in the drop zone: Portsmouth, Burnley and Hull City.

Who is your current favorite to win the English Premier League?

Copa Libertadores: This Week's Matches

2010-02-24T00:09:27Z

View full size photo »

The three Brazilian clubs who have yet to kick-off Libertadores host home matches this week, providing us with our first glimpse of Corinthians' centenary-year run at the Americas' title.

Corinthians famously signed Ronaldo last summer and have brought Robert Carlos back from Europe. Along with Matias Defederico they have bolstered the people's team, leading many to regard them as tournament favorites.

Defederico, his acquisition overshadowed, will be key, combining with Jorge Henrique to provide consistency to the attack. With Ronaldo's fitness making him a constant question mark, the former Huracán midfielder will need to form a partnership with Henrique - and possibly newly-acquired Iarley (from Goías) or starlet Dentinho - to make sure the team does not get derailed should another injury befall their marquee player.

Corinthians have a relatively easy group, play in which starts tonight in São Paulo against Racing Club or Uruguay, a first round qualifier. Their other competition in this group: Colombian champions Independiente (Medellín) and Cerro Porteño (Paraguay).

More Libertadores thoughts, after the jump.

Flamengo's play since last summer justified the lead of this piece, but as spectacular as Adriano has been, he does not have the charm of Ronaldo, which a shame because he is far more dangerous. Adriano's physicality, a problem for even the most stout European defense, is impossible for South American sides to deal with. At least, it has been, since the former Inter striker assimilated into the team last summer.

Since then, Flamengo has been the continent's best team, and unless an opposing coach can figure out how to counter Adriano's influence, Flamengo could be too strong for this tournament.

Internacional, who also starts Libertadores play tonight, sees their strength lie a little deeper in the formation. By now even the most Euro-centric of football fans has tangentially heart of Sandro - the 20 year old midfielder who was withheld (by his club) from the U-20 World Cup and spent the winter campaigning for a move to Tottenham (with whom Inter has a working agreement). Sandro provides a potentially decisive physical presence in the middle.

Along with Andrezinho, Pablo Guiñazu and fellow U-20 star Giuliano, Sandro forms one of the better midfields you'll see in this tournament (particularly if Guiliano play to expectations).

Inter has looked steady in the Gaucho, and with the recent acquisition of Pato Abbondanzieri in goal could be a dark horse one season after many picked them to win the Serie A.

Inter starts their Copa on Tuesday night, hosting Ecuador's Emelec. Flamengo is at home Wednesday against a good Universidad Católica team.

This week's other Copa matchups:

Tuesday

Deportivo Italia (VEN) vs. Vélez Sarsfield (ARG)

Internacional (BRA) vs. Emelec (ECU)

Morelia (MEX) vs. Nacional (URU)

Wednesday

Juan Aurich (PER) vs. Bolivar (BOL)

Cruziero (BRA) vs. Colo Colo (CHI)

Corinthians (BRA) vs. Racing Club (URU)

Flamengo (BRA) vs. Universidad Católica (HI)

Monterrey (MEX) vs. Nacional (PAR)

Thursday

Blooming (BOL) vs. Lanús (ARG)

Once Caldas (COL) vs. São Paulo (BRA)

Universitario (PER) vs. Libertad (PAR)

Barcelona, Bordeaux Jump Ahead in UCL Ties

2010-02-23T23:39:15Z

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, during Barcelona's Tuesday trip to Stuttgart. (Photo: ZumaPress)

View full size photo »

Barcelona got a scare from from Stuttgart when Cacau headed the Germans ahead in the first half, the culmination of five minutes of threats from the home side. Barcelona would get a Zlatan Ibrahimovic goal in the second half to garner a 1-1 result in what was otherwise an display from the holders.

That is not to say Barcelona was second best; rather, they weren't up to their normal standards. While they dictated the game's pace and were poised, at the beginning of the second, to make the match into a typical Barcelona affair, Stuttgart's strong first half justified their confident strut going coming off the pitch at intermission. Late the second, presumedly to counter Barcelona's ascent, Stuttgart became noticeably more physical, a tactic that worked, getting Barcelona out of their rhythm.

Credit to Stuttgart for playing well, their best performance of the Champions League campaign. Barcelona was not themselves, but they also were not bad, and although they got a road goal and a draw before the return leg in Barcelona (March 16), Stuttgart have them reason to believe leg two must be taken seriously.

The day's other favorite, Girondins de Bordeaux, lived up to expectations. Unfortunately.

The Ligue 1 leaders got a late first half goal - Yoann Gourcuff's set piece finding Michael Ciané at Olympiacos's near post - to go up 1-0 ahead of the second leg in Bordeaux.

It was Girondins' 11th 1-0 win of the season.

The second half saw a lot of fouls from Bordeaux and, though the home team had a number of shots, a paucity of equalizing opportunities. In other words, just as Bordeaux has come to write 'em.

While getting a 1-0 result on the road is undeniably good, Bordeaux has kept a capable team within striking distance. Olympiacos is a strong defensive unit (as evidenced today), and if they can maintain their performance at the back, they are one sequence of play away from equalizing. While that phraseology could always be applied whenever there's a one goal lead, it is more apt in this case, where strong defenders are playing against a side that has often lacked the appetite for a second goal.

If Bordeaux's strong Champions League form is persent at kickoff on the 16th, they'll find another goal quickly and put Olympiacos away. Else, Girondins' supporters will have ninety nervous minutes three weeks from now.

Poll

Which team is more likely to advance to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals?

Olympiacos (over Bordeaux)

24 votes

Stuttgart (over Barcelona)

6 votes

30 votes | Poll has closed

UEFA Champions League: Tuesday

2010-02-23T16:48:59Z

Barcelona re-starts their Champions League defense Tuesday, going to Germany to face a mid-table Bundesliga-side, Stuttgart.

If it sounds like I'm trying to portray that as a lop-sided match, I'm not as poor a writer as I thought.

If you had to rank the sixteen surviving Champions League sides 1-to-16, Barcelona should be one, and many would put Stuttgart close to the bottom. Sure, Barcelona finally lost in Spain, and Stuttgart has improved under Christian Gross, but it would be far more than a Lyon-Real Madrid-surprise to see Stuttgart pull a similar upset over Barça. Stuttgart is not as talented as Lyon, and coming out of the weakest Champions League group, they are not as proven.

Barcelona should be without Xavi Hernández, Dani Alves and Seydou Keita, but coming off a 4-0 weekend drubbing of Racing, the Atlético result has been shown a fluke.

In today's other match, Bordeaux goes to Pireaus to face Olympiacos. If Bordeaux is on their game, they are legitimate contenders (though far from favorites) to win this competition. By on their game, I mean the team that's won their last two matches by a 7-2 aggregate.

If we see the Bordeaux side that has ten 1-0 wins this season, Olympiacos could actually eliminate the French champions. They have players like Diogo and Dudu, both of whom are injury doubts today. Even if they do not play, Argentines Cristian Ledesma and Jesus Dátolo along with Kostas Mitroglou can find a goal, and with talent in defense featuring Greek internationals Vasilis Torosidis and Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Sweden's Olaf Mellberg and goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis, Olympiacos has the ability to keep the match close.

It is incumbent on Bordeaux to stay ambitious. If they slip back into 1-0-mode, Olympiacos can steal this tie, even if they have to do so in France.

UEFA Champions League: Wednesday

2010-02-17T19:11:00Z

Mario Gomez and Bayern Munich are on top of the game ... and possibly Europe, carrying a twelve match winning streak into their first leg with struggling Fiorentina. (Photo: ZumaPress)

View full size photo »

After yesterday's classic match in Milan and compelling result at Stade Gerland, UEFA Champions League continues in one hour with Arsenal's trip to Porto while Bayern Munich hosts Fiorentina.

I'm a bit frightened, yet compelled, about the Bayern-Viola match. Bayern is arguably the best team in Europe right now, in arguably the hottest, winning twelve matches in a row. Fiorentina is down to 11th in Italy and might be the worst team still alive in Champions League. After Bayern's 12-1, Round of 16 result last year against Sporting Lisbon, I'm scared ... for Fiorentina, who will be without Adrian Mutu (suspension) and Alessandro Gamberini (injury).

Arsenal also has injury concerns against Porto. Andrei Arshavin is out, as is William Gallas and Manuel Almunia. Add in Alex Song, who is a doubt, and that's most of the team's spine. Eduardo is also out, compounding the forward problems that have never been solved after Robin van Persie's injury.

Thankfully for Arsene Wenger, he is not facing the Porto teams of year's past. This club is going to lost the Liga Sagres from the first time in six years, and although they have talents like Radamel Falcão and Hulk up top, there have yet to fully maximize the benefits of playing them together. With Cristian Rodríguez out, it may be difficult to get the kind of two-goal result Porto might need ahead of a trip to the Emirates (March 9)

Throughout the matches today, I'll be checking this thread to see if anybody wants to chat-it-up. Just let me know.