France were considered as one of the favourites prior to the start of the tournament. After all they had players like Henry, Vieira and Ribery. France just a couple of years back had reached the world cup final where they lost to Italy on penalties. Lot of new youngsters have also emerged like Benzema ,Nasri and Ben Arfa. But what they also had was a coach named Raymond Domenech. Many would say that the reason for France’s poor performance is the absence of Zidane. It is true upto an extent but I strongly believe that they had enough players to cope up with that. Domenech with his team selection and tactics completely ruined their chances of winning this championship.
I have no idea on what basis he has selected his 23 member squad. Players like Robert Pires, Bacary Sagna, Hatem Ben Arfa, Clichy Flamini and Trezeguet were omitted and players like Sidney Govou, Clerc, Anelka and Malouda were selected. All those players who were omitted had a terrific season that just ended. Yet they were not selected.The most shocking omission had got to be of Philippe Mexes.The fact that boumsong was selected ahead of Mexes shows that he clearly doesn’t select his team on the basis of performance,talent or form. Mexes , pires and Trezeguet have had problems off the pitch with Domenech but that clearly shouldn’t be affecting his team selection. Hats off to Van Basten who sorted out his differences with Van Nistelrooy for the sake of the team.
Even his tactis during matches were really poor. I have no idea what 2 defensive midfielders are doing on the pitch when the team is 2 goals down. It is absolutely shocking. Playing Abidal who is a left back at center back was also another masterclass from domenech which eventually helped Italy knock out France. In a way it is good for French football that they have haven’t qualified for the quarter finals. If they had actually reached the quarters some how, he might have continued. I cannot believe that they haven’t sacked him yet but I am sure he will be out soon. Didier Deschamps has been touted as a possible replacement. This could be a new beginning for French national team. Hopefully he will be able to get the best out of those talented players and also hopefully Raymond Domench will never manage another team again.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Czech Mate
It was quite a thrilling match. The one that mattered yesterday, to decide which team it would be that goes in to the Quarter Finals along with Portugal in Group A.
It was a tough call. Was it going to be Turkey or would it be the Czech Republic that goes through. Last Euro's semi finalists were solid through qualification, yet it would be a close call.
The Czech's have injury worries. Absolutely no one can deny that. Rosicky out is probably one of the biggest blows for the Czech Republic. And because of this, the Czech team lacked teeth. They dont have the finishing powers to step up and win a game.
They have an ageing striker in Jan Koller, who though he scored, is way past his prime. I never considered Koller to be one amongst the best strikers in the world. This, and the fact that the Czech midfield isnt even close to what it once used to be, compounded their difficulties. There was a time when the Czech midfield meant players from the top clubs in Europe. In contrast, nowadays you have Marek Matejovsky who plays with recently relegated Reading.
Turkey won 3-2, with a brace from Nihat. The second of his two was an absolutely stunning goal, put past the hapless Petr Cech. Cech was responsible for the first of Nihat's goals, fumbling a routine cross. This goes to show that even the great Petr Cech is human.
The Czechs may have won had they had a little bit extra in them. The fact that Turkey split open their defence many times in the second half, showed the lack of a hunger on the part of the Czechs. I dont think they were quarter final material anyway, because of their limited attacking options.
Bruckner played very defensively in the second half against a Turkey side that was keen to score a goal. Here lies the difference that a gamble might've made. Van Basten took off his defensive players when France was searching hard for a goal and brought on Robben, a move that might have cost him the game, but didnt. He won the game, comfortably. Bruckner should've brought on Milan Baros to play alongside Koller so that Czech's could retain the ball better and pass it around.
When will coaches learn that playing defensively doesnt always win you a game?
It was a tough call. Was it going to be Turkey or would it be the Czech Republic that goes through. Last Euro's semi finalists were solid through qualification, yet it would be a close call.
The Czech's have injury worries. Absolutely no one can deny that. Rosicky out is probably one of the biggest blows for the Czech Republic. And because of this, the Czech team lacked teeth. They dont have the finishing powers to step up and win a game.
They have an ageing striker in Jan Koller, who though he scored, is way past his prime. I never considered Koller to be one amongst the best strikers in the world. This, and the fact that the Czech midfield isnt even close to what it once used to be, compounded their difficulties. There was a time when the Czech midfield meant players from the top clubs in Europe. In contrast, nowadays you have Marek Matejovsky who plays with recently relegated Reading.
Turkey won 3-2, with a brace from Nihat. The second of his two was an absolutely stunning goal, put past the hapless Petr Cech. Cech was responsible for the first of Nihat's goals, fumbling a routine cross. This goes to show that even the great Petr Cech is human.
The Czechs may have won had they had a little bit extra in them. The fact that Turkey split open their defence many times in the second half, showed the lack of a hunger on the part of the Czechs. I dont think they were quarter final material anyway, because of their limited attacking options.
Bruckner played very defensively in the second half against a Turkey side that was keen to score a goal. Here lies the difference that a gamble might've made. Van Basten took off his defensive players when France was searching hard for a goal and brought on Robben, a move that might have cost him the game, but didnt. He won the game, comfortably. Bruckner should've brought on Milan Baros to play alongside Koller so that Czech's could retain the ball better and pass it around.
When will coaches learn that playing defensively doesnt always win you a game?
Total Football
Group C, the group of death! Or so it was called before Euro kicked off. Both World Cup finalists, Holland and Romania (who finished on top of Holland after the qualifiers). Most people said that Italy and France would make it to the group stages. Well, it seemed most likely. After all, look at the squad that both the teams have. France has the likes of Henry, Vieira, Flamini, Makelele, Nasri, Benzema etc and Italy have Del Piero, Cassano, Luca Toni, Pirlo and the lot.
However, the Dutch have stolen the spotlight in this group. They have already made their way to the group stages by beating both the World Champions and the Runners Up. Not by a margin of 1-0, or 2-1, but thumping victories that took both these teams to the sword! The Orange Army beat Italy 3-0 and France 4-1.
Holland versus Italy was dubbed as the perfect Attack V/S Defence game. Contradictory to modern football, Attack won. With ease.
It was counter attacking football to the core. It was a brilliant breakaway, some brilliant movement by the Dutch, the quick legs of people like Sneijder and Van der Vaart and some good covering up work by the likes of Engelaar and De Jong (who?)
The first goal that the Oranje scored seemed to be covered in controversy. I do not wish to comment on it, but all I can say is that the referee called on side, and so did FIFA. Now we put that matter to rest. But birthday boy Sneijder scored a superb goal. He put it in through virtually NOTHING, and that too against Buffon!
The Dutch are a brilliant attacking force, it isnt funny! Rafael Van der Vaart, Sneijder, Kuyt and look at who comes off the bench, Robben and Robin Van Persie, Huntelaar (if you want a Ruud Van Nistelrooy type player up front).
Not to mention Van Nistelrooy, who has really mastered the lone striker role. It isnt all about the goals anymore for Van Nistelrooy, though of course, he will score from his regular tap ins and we saw against Italy, but he's matured as a player.
Much has been said about Spain's 4-1 victory against Russia, but you must look at it logically. Spain beat Russia 4-1, and beat Sweden 2-1, whereas Holland beat ITALY 3-0 and FRANCE 4-1!
Dutch Masterclass, and the Mastermind behind it is Marco Van Basten.
Go Orange!
However, the Dutch have stolen the spotlight in this group. They have already made their way to the group stages by beating both the World Champions and the Runners Up. Not by a margin of 1-0, or 2-1, but thumping victories that took both these teams to the sword! The Orange Army beat Italy 3-0 and France 4-1.
Holland versus Italy was dubbed as the perfect Attack V/S Defence game. Contradictory to modern football, Attack won. With ease.
It was counter attacking football to the core. It was a brilliant breakaway, some brilliant movement by the Dutch, the quick legs of people like Sneijder and Van der Vaart and some good covering up work by the likes of Engelaar and De Jong (who?)
The first goal that the Oranje scored seemed to be covered in controversy. I do not wish to comment on it, but all I can say is that the referee called on side, and so did FIFA. Now we put that matter to rest. But birthday boy Sneijder scored a superb goal. He put it in through virtually NOTHING, and that too against Buffon!
The Dutch are a brilliant attacking force, it isnt funny! Rafael Van der Vaart, Sneijder, Kuyt and look at who comes off the bench, Robben and Robin Van Persie, Huntelaar (if you want a Ruud Van Nistelrooy type player up front).
Not to mention Van Nistelrooy, who has really mastered the lone striker role. It isnt all about the goals anymore for Van Nistelrooy, though of course, he will score from his regular tap ins and we saw against Italy, but he's matured as a player.
Much has been said about Spain's 4-1 victory against Russia, but you must look at it logically. Spain beat Russia 4-1, and beat Sweden 2-1, whereas Holland beat ITALY 3-0 and FRANCE 4-1!
Dutch Masterclass, and the Mastermind behind it is Marco Van Basten.
Go Orange!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Changes that are a must for Arsenal
Arsenal has ended another season trophyless inspite of playing sum terrific attacking football.Injuries and refreeing decisions has played a part in this but it was arsenal's weak squad that cost them the title.There is no doubt that all the players have abundant talent but it takes more than that to win matches and titles.The main difference between united and arsenal players is character.Ferguson gets players with technical qualities as well as strong character.Whereas wenger focusses more on technique.Perfect examples for meare players like denilson, diaby, senderos etc.There is no denying that these players have talent but they just lack that extra bit which is a must.I think denilson in terms of talent is as good as united's anderson but u can clearly notice the difference when both these players play.Anderson plays with so much passion and aggression and inspires his team mates when things are going against them.Nothing of that sort can be expected from the likes denilson and diaby.That for me is main differnce between arsenal's squad of 2003-2004 and arsenal's current squad.Even the substitutes could come and change the game and inspire others.Wenger has to make some tough important decisions to win some silverware.He should stop being too loyal to his players.These are the changes that i think wenger should make which would help arsenal win titles.
1.Goalkeeper-Alumnia's performance this season has been satisfactory.He is not a bad keeper but isnt a great one either.He is not in the same league as buffon,casillas or frey.He is not going to win arsenal matches.I dont think wenger should spend too much money on a keeper.Some one like given of newcastle or green of west ham would be a great signing.
2.Defence-This has been arsenal's biggest problem this season.Especially the centre of defence.Gallas and toure are excellent defenders but are too similar.They just cant handle aerial threat.Arsenal should get rid of senderos and djourou.Senderos hasnt been that bad this season but he has always looked shaky.Arsenal has been recently linked to thuram as a player coach.Woud be a great signing as he can help out many youngsters in arsenal.Arsenal should definitely sign some one who will help arsenal deal with aerial threat.Some one like Mertesacker,mexes,lucio or richard dunne would be great.Alex song i think i can become a very good defender and also nordtveit can also play a small part.Another factor which affects arsenal's defence is the whole captaincy issue.Will Gallas continue as a captian or will wenger give toure or fabregas the captaincy?Personally i think toure should become the captain and i dont think gallas would feel great about it.If that happenes wenger will have to get further reinforcements.Clichy and sagna are perfect as fullbacks with traore and eboue for cover.
3.Midfield-Flamini has already left and it looks like hleb will also leave unless of course nobody comes to buy him.It looks pretty much certain that wenger has signed ramsey and nasri.Nasri would be a obvious replacement for hleb and ramsey has been bought for the future.I think wenger should sell hleb and get yaya toure in return or sell him for a very good amount.Carlos vela is back for next season who could play in the midfield too.If wenger doesnt get yaya toure he should go for barry or toulalan 2 players who would be worth every penny spent.Gilberto silva should stay and can provide much needed experience.Wenger should either sell denilson or send him on loan because there is no way he going to develop with 10 to 15 appearances in a season.Wenger last season played eboue in the midfield to provide balance which would have been the worst decision ever made by him.There is this 1 players who i think is the perfect replacement for ray parlour role.He is mark noble.He may not be really talented but he gives 100% during every match.Good at tackling he can also play anywehere in midfield and is the just the kind of player who can lift the team when things are going against them.Hopefully rosicky will stay fit next season.
4.Attack-Adebayor scored 30 last season and also missed 3000 sitters.He for me is simply not good enough.AC Milan have come up with a very good offer for him and i really think arsenal should sell him.I dont really care whether wenger buys another striker but i think he should let adebayor go.Van persie when fit is world class and i think walcott will take the premier league by storm next season.Bendtner is also capable of playing a important part.The tricky situation here is the eduardo situation.Will he be the same player when he comes back.Its difficult to say.Arsenal can definitely get villa with money they get after selling adebayor.The strike force of arsenal could be the most feared in europe.
Provided wenger makes these signings which is very much possible because arsenal can make a lot of money by selling adebayor and hleb i think arsenal have an excellent chance of winning titles next season.Next season will probably be the most important in wenger's managerial career as he is under pressure to win trophies.Arsenal can definitely achieve success without sacrificing their attacking style of play and it would be a great victory for football.
1.Goalkeeper-Alumnia's performance this season has been satisfactory.He is not a bad keeper but isnt a great one either.He is not in the same league as buffon,casillas or frey.He is not going to win arsenal matches.I dont think wenger should spend too much money on a keeper.Some one like given of newcastle or green of west ham would be a great signing.
2.Defence-This has been arsenal's biggest problem this season.Especially the centre of defence.Gallas and toure are excellent defenders but are too similar.They just cant handle aerial threat.Arsenal should get rid of senderos and djourou.Senderos hasnt been that bad this season but he has always looked shaky.Arsenal has been recently linked to thuram as a player coach.Woud be a great signing as he can help out many youngsters in arsenal.Arsenal should definitely sign some one who will help arsenal deal with aerial threat.Some one like Mertesacker,mexes,lucio or richard dunne would be great.Alex song i think i can become a very good defender and also nordtveit can also play a small part.Another factor which affects arsenal's defence is the whole captaincy issue.Will Gallas continue as a captian or will wenger give toure or fabregas the captaincy?Personally i think toure should become the captain and i dont think gallas would feel great about it.If that happenes wenger will have to get further reinforcements.Clichy and sagna are perfect as fullbacks with traore and eboue for cover.
3.Midfield-Flamini has already left and it looks like hleb will also leave unless of course nobody comes to buy him.It looks pretty much certain that wenger has signed ramsey and nasri.Nasri would be a obvious replacement for hleb and ramsey has been bought for the future.I think wenger should sell hleb and get yaya toure in return or sell him for a very good amount.Carlos vela is back for next season who could play in the midfield too.If wenger doesnt get yaya toure he should go for barry or toulalan 2 players who would be worth every penny spent.Gilberto silva should stay and can provide much needed experience.Wenger should either sell denilson or send him on loan because there is no way he going to develop with 10 to 15 appearances in a season.Wenger last season played eboue in the midfield to provide balance which would have been the worst decision ever made by him.There is this 1 players who i think is the perfect replacement for ray parlour role.He is mark noble.He may not be really talented but he gives 100% during every match.Good at tackling he can also play anywehere in midfield and is the just the kind of player who can lift the team when things are going against them.Hopefully rosicky will stay fit next season.
4.Attack-Adebayor scored 30 last season and also missed 3000 sitters.He for me is simply not good enough.AC Milan have come up with a very good offer for him and i really think arsenal should sell him.I dont really care whether wenger buys another striker but i think he should let adebayor go.Van persie when fit is world class and i think walcott will take the premier league by storm next season.Bendtner is also capable of playing a important part.The tricky situation here is the eduardo situation.Will he be the same player when he comes back.Its difficult to say.Arsenal can definitely get villa with money they get after selling adebayor.The strike force of arsenal could be the most feared in europe.
Provided wenger makes these signings which is very much possible because arsenal can make a lot of money by selling adebayor and hleb i think arsenal have an excellent chance of winning titles next season.Next season will probably be the most important in wenger's managerial career as he is under pressure to win trophies.Arsenal can definitely achieve success without sacrificing their attacking style of play and it would be a great victory for football.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Barclays Premier League Team of the Season
This, according to us, is THE team of the 2007-08 season. Played in a 4-4-2 system.
Strikers
Torres (Liverpool) - Joint Second Highest Goalscorer of the season and the only reason Loserpool have finished fourth, in his very first season in the Premier League.
Santa Cruz (Blackburn Rovers) - 19 Goals in his very first Premier League season puts Roque Santa Cruz ahead of Arsenal's "Goal Scoring Machine" Emmanuel Adebayor.
Midfield
Cristiano Ronaldo (unfortunately Manchester United) - No one can deny stats. 31 goals in the season. Unfortunately, Ronaldo makes it into our Premier League Team of the Season.
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) - A class act. Faded towards the end of the season, mainly due to fatigue which resulted from playing every single Premier League game except when injured. 19 assists and 7 goals in the season.
Ashley Young (Nishanth) [Aston Villa] / Joe Cole (Keshav) [Chelsea] - Ashley Young has the second highest assists in the Premier League and one of the main reasons why Villa have qualified for Inter Toto. Joe Cole has 7 goals in the season and has been one of Chelsea's greatest assets.
Michael Essien (Chelsea) - The unsung hero. Plays every position you ask him to. Has chipped in with valuable goals over the season and is great asset defensively.
Defence
Bacary Sagna (Arsenal) - Bought for 6 million pounds, a brilliant Arsene Wenger signing, probably much cheaper than what Daniel Alves will be available for.
Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United) - United' Pittbull. Has been rock solid throughout the season except when playing with a broken nose or so.
Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) - Crappy when playing alone, but alongside Vidic has formed a brilliant partnership which is the main reason for United winning the league and not Ronaldo's 41 goals.
Patrice Evra (Manchester United) - Great going forward, needs to improve a bit when tracking back, but overall a brilliant full back.
Goalkeeper
David James (Portsmouth) - David James is the main reason why Portsmouth has such a good defensive record. Finally won an FA Cup.
This is our Premier League team of the season. If you have any disagreements, please leave a comment and we shall get back to you (probably to abuse you)
Thank you.
Strikers
Torres (Liverpool) - Joint Second Highest Goalscorer of the season and the only reason Loserpool have finished fourth, in his very first season in the Premier League.
Santa Cruz (Blackburn Rovers) - 19 Goals in his very first Premier League season puts Roque Santa Cruz ahead of Arsenal's "Goal Scoring Machine" Emmanuel Adebayor.
Midfield
Cristiano Ronaldo (unfortunately Manchester United) - No one can deny stats. 31 goals in the season. Unfortunately, Ronaldo makes it into our Premier League Team of the Season.
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) - A class act. Faded towards the end of the season, mainly due to fatigue which resulted from playing every single Premier League game except when injured. 19 assists and 7 goals in the season.
Ashley Young (Nishanth) [Aston Villa] / Joe Cole (Keshav) [Chelsea] - Ashley Young has the second highest assists in the Premier League and one of the main reasons why Villa have qualified for Inter Toto. Joe Cole has 7 goals in the season and has been one of Chelsea's greatest assets.
Michael Essien (Chelsea) - The unsung hero. Plays every position you ask him to. Has chipped in with valuable goals over the season and is great asset defensively.
Defence
Bacary Sagna (Arsenal) - Bought for 6 million pounds, a brilliant Arsene Wenger signing, probably much cheaper than what Daniel Alves will be available for.
Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United) - United' Pittbull. Has been rock solid throughout the season except when playing with a broken nose or so.
Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) - Crappy when playing alone, but alongside Vidic has formed a brilliant partnership which is the main reason for United winning the league and not Ronaldo's 41 goals.
Patrice Evra (Manchester United) - Great going forward, needs to improve a bit when tracking back, but overall a brilliant full back.
Goalkeeper
David James (Portsmouth) - David James is the main reason why Portsmouth has such a good defensive record. Finally won an FA Cup.
This is our Premier League team of the season. If you have any disagreements, please leave a comment and we shall get back to you (probably to abuse you)
Thank you.
The Beautiful Game
Welcome to this wonderful blog. This is a blog maintained by two crazy football fans who support two different Barclays Premier League Teams. Nishanth (Arsenal) and Keshav (Manchester United).
This is a blog where ONLY football will be discussed and Anti Cristiano Ronaldo material. We both dislike him, for obvious reasons.
Thanking you,
Yours Sincerely
The Special Ones
This is a blog where ONLY football will be discussed and Anti Cristiano Ronaldo material. We both dislike him, for obvious reasons.
Thanking you,
Yours Sincerely
The Special Ones
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)