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Posted: 06 Sep 2012 05:00 AM PDT
There are few teams in the world with a better pedigree than Brazil’s Santos FC. And there are even fewer players with as much name recognition as their forward Neymar. In our 3-1 road win against Santos last week, the starlet was generous enough to leave me a souvenir: unfortunately it was a black eye.
The 20-year-old has scored 111 goals in less than 200 Brazilian league games and has scored nine times in just 20 appearances with the Brazilian National team. The club also boasts arguably the sport’s best player, Pele, who spent most of his career with Santos before playing in the United States. Pele has said that Neymar is already a better player than Lionel Messi- who is widely considered the best player in the world and two-time defending Ballon d’Or winner. Although Pele’s comparison might be biased because of shared nationality. Santos players, Paulo Henrique Ganso and Arouca have also been selected to play for the National Team. Santos has won the Campeonato Brasiliero eight times, tying for the most in history. Additionally they are also the defending champions of the Copa Libertadores and placed second at the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup, losing in the final against Barcelona. 
Danny Morais challenging Neymar in the game against Santos. Bahia won 3-1.
In a contest for the ball, Neymar -unintentionally- hit me in the face with his elbow. My eye swelled and turned purple, but we still held our talented opponents to a single goal. 
The black eye delivered by Neymar was definitely worth the victory
It was a very good week, despite having a black eye. We won against two of Brazil’s most storied and successful teams. These wins helped us climb to 16th place in the Campeonato standings, and clear of the relegation zone. |
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Posted: 06 Sep 2012 03:34 AM PDT
 After two rounds of fixtures in the 2012-13 Serie A campaign, there are some inferences able to drawn including how new signings have integrated into their teams. Inter Milan had an especially busy transfer campaign, bringing in nine players including three on-loan. They include Alvaro Pereira, Walter Gargano, Antonio Cassano, Gaby Mudingayi, Samir Handanovic, Matias Silvestre, Fredy Guarin, Rodrigo Palacio and Francesco Bardi.One of their priciest signings of the summer was left back Alvaro Pereira whom the Nerazzurri purchased from FC Porto. Pereira did not feature in the first week because the deal was not reached by then, but did start in their game against Roma this past weekend. He was fielded as a left sided midfielder as opposed to the left back slot he predominantly occupied at Porto. Pereira was a focal point of the Inter attack as 40% of their offense came on the left side, while Roma only had 30% of their offense come on the right side, showing that Pereira performed admirably both offensively and defensively (statistics courtesy of whoscored.com). Inter signed Walter Gargano from Napoli on a loan deal after the Uruguayan was unsettled at the Sao Paolo. Gargano started both of their games and performed well as the holding midfielder. Gargano is limited going forward but with the plethora of attacking talent Inter possess, they will be hoping he is able to shield a back four that allowed way too many goals last year. He’s averaged four tackles per game, showing that he provides the midfield steel that Inter so lacked last season. Antonio Cassano was signed from rivals AC Milan just before the window, with Milan giving Inter seven million euros and Cassano in exchange for Pazzini. On paper, the deal was a steal for Inter and Cassano has not disappointed. In the first game, the man known as cassanata assisted and in the following game he scored the only goal against Roma. He’s a versatile player capable of occupying every attacking position and will be a valuable player as the season progresses. Inter fans will hope that Cassano doesn’t get bored with the club or speak out against them which has led to the Italian burning bridges with almost all of his former clubs. Mudingayi and Handanovic have been injured and not factored into the Nerazzurri squad. Mudingayi was doubtful for the game against Roma, so he looks to be returning to fitness while Handanovic seems to still have time left until fully fit. Matias Silvestre was signed on loan from Palermo and has played very well during his short time with Inter. He made three last man tackles in the game against Roma, preventing their two goal loss from being any worse. Coach Andrea Stramaccioni has showed faith in the Argentine so far and he will be a huge cog in Inter’s achievements this season. Fredy Guarin was signed outright after a loan deal with FC Porto last season and has been played on the right side of midfield. Guarin runs tirelessly across the pitch and also possesses a venomous long distance shot. He’s averaged 4.5 shots over the first two games, a solid number for a midfielder and given his ability to strike from distance, expect some spectacular goals from the Colombian this season. Rodrigo Palacio came on as a substitute in the second match of the season. The Argentine has played well and was signed to provide Milito with some support up front. He had a standout season for Genoa and has looked ready to help his compatriot get the Nerazzurri plenty of goals this season. Francesco Bardi was sent out on loan to Novara where the 20 year old will hopefully gain plenty of experience. Castellazzi did not play well especially against Roma and goalkeeping depth behind Handanovic will be important in the years to come. So far, Inter can be adjudged to have had a successful transfer window. If their new signings’ performances can be extrapolated, coach Andrea Stramaccioni has found himself in much better position to lead the team to success. |
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Posted: 06 Sep 2012 02:33 AM PDT
It’s history is legendary. It’s size is remarkable. It’s intimidating nature makes it one of the most difficult places to play in the entire world. There is simply nothing like it.
We are talking about Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium and its unparalleled history.  The Azteca is the only venue to ever host two World Cup finals when it crowned Pele’s Brazil in 1970 and Maradona’s Argentina in 1986.It was the location of the finals of the 1968 Olympics, 1983 World Youth Championships, 1999 Confederations Cup and the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Outside of football, it also boasts an impressive list of notable events. In 1999 it hosted a Papal Mass. The summer of 2005 saw it as the host venue for the first ever NFL regular season game outside the United States, played between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals. Paul McCartney, U2, Elton John, the Three Tenors and Michael Jackson have all performed at Azteca in front of sellout crowds. Most football fans dream of seeing games at Manchester United’s Old Trafford or Barcelona’s Nou Camp; but attending a game at Azteca must be on serious fan’s bucket list. Built in 1961, it is the former home of Necaxa, Atlante, Universidad Nacional, Atletico Espanol and Cruz Azul. As of now it is the home of Club America and the Mexican National team. In fact, the national team has only lost eight times in their history at Azteca. Outside the stadium there are monuments that enshrine some of the most notable events in the venue’s history. First there is plaque for the goal of the century that was scored by Diego Maradona. It was an iconic goal against England at the 1986 World Cup where he dribbled through the entire defense to give Argentina a 1-0 win. Later in that game, Maradona also scored perhaps the most infamous goal in the history of the sport in the “Hand of God.” There is also a monument for the Game of the Century between Germany and Italy at the 1970 World Cup, where the Italians would win 4-3 in extra time at Azteca. Indeed, whenever you walk into Azteca you will be taken back by its history and reputations. If that does not overwhelm you, the sheer size of it will. It’s capacity is listed at around 105,000 but actual crowds can be much larger. When riding through the Santa Ursula neighborhood, you arrive at Azteca and are immediately aware that you’ve come upon a place that is special. It’s not just the history that makes the place great; the stadium also holds up well for the modern game. Every seat offers a nice view of the field and it is spread out. The roof over the stands (which was implemented for the 1986 World Cup) makes the experience more comfortable. Whether it be a Club America or Mexican National Team match, the experience will be memorable and electric. It is truly one of the best football venues that the world has to offer. |
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Posted: 05 Sep 2012 10:32 PM PDT
Turkish giants, Fenerbahce have made an impressive run in the transfer window this summer. It started early on with the signature of Dutch international forward, Dirk Kuyt from Liverpool and was capped with the signing of yet another former Liverpool player in Raul Meireles.
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Posted: 05 Sep 2012 09:27 PM PDT
When it comes to the UEFA Europa League, there are haters and there are lovers. Haters hate because it’s a European competition amongst teams of less ‘quality’ than those in the UEFA Champions League. Lovers love because it’s a league that exemplifies the passion of the game – a league where underdogs battle fellow underdogs as well as UCL outcasts in matches that are free from posturing and chock full of brilliant golazos.
The Group Stage of the Europa League kicks-off on September 20th when 12 groups of 4 teams begin the round-robin phase of the most exciting tournament on the planet. So, in the spirit of the Europa League let’s take a cliffs-notes look at each group, forecast who will make the Round of 32 and discover the most exciting underdogs who should vie for your undying affection. In Part I of the Europa League Group Stage Preview and Predictions we take a look at Groups A, B and C. 
Image via Getty Images
Group A action should be silly fun. Vegas is tipping Liverpool (6/4) and big spending Anzhi Makhachkala (9/4) to advance with Udinese (4/1) and Switzerland’s BSC Young Boys (20/1) as the outsiders looking in. PREDICTION TO ADVANCE: Anzhi and Udinese Teams will struggle against Anzhi, who not only have sick talent (Chris Samba, Samuel Eto’o, Yuri Zhirkov, Lassana Diarra) but also an incredible home field advantage of playing in lovely Makhachkala. Plus, Anzhi has been rolling along well in the Europa, having advanced to the Group Stage after pounding a decent AZ side 6-0 in the aggregate. Despite losing their first two Serie A matches, I like Udinese because Antonio Di Natale is a full-blown stud and the Bianconeri have fantastic Europa League experience, which brought them deep in last year’s tournament (a Round of 16 knockout by AZ). Despite Liverpool’s lavish European legacy and FSG-injected squad, I don’t see them advancing out of this group. Pepe Reina looks horrid, the defense can’t seem to get it right, there are too many new faces in the midfield and no one can score. Remind me why the American-owned squad didn’t throw some dough on Clint Dempsey? As for the BSC Young Boys, the 114 year old Swiss club got the short end of the stick with this draw. If they manage to pip a point off someone it will be an accomplishment. 
(Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)
The battle to be the second team that makes it out of Group B should be entertaining. The odds makers like Madrid (1/25) and Plzen (8/11) to advance with Hapoel (15/8) and Academica (11/4) heading home. PREDICTION TO ADVANCE: Atletico and Hapoel This will be a cakewalk for Atletico, who’s won the Europa League twice in the last three years. Last year’s performance was straight dominant, with Radamel Falcao scoring from all kinds of crazy positions. After last week’s hat-trick in the 4-1 Super Copa victory over Chelsea, Falcao will almost definitely be sold in the January transfer. Nevertheless, I think the Rojiblancos still go deep in this tournament. The battle between Hapoel and Plzen will be tight but I’m going with Hapoel on this one – mainly because I’ve got an inside tip. A buddy in my ‘hood, Roy is a massive Hapoel supporter who purchased a special satellite just to watch his club’s matches on a weekly basis. He tells me that despite the fact that Hapoel got raided in the transfer market, they still have a dangerous squad. And I agree. I watched Hapoel closely in last year’s Europa and they play some Swansea-esque tidy football. And that’s exactly the style that will break down teams like Plzen. Plzen are a strong Czech club who lack technique but can nevertheless surprise teams. This will be their third straight Europa League season and last year they were nipped by a dangerous Schalke squad. Watch out for talented midfielder Daniel Kolář linking up with Slovakian striker Marek Bakoš. Despite having Académica de Coimbra in the bottom of Group B, the 2011-12 Portuguese Football Cup winners are dangerous and it wouldn’t surprise me if they snatched 3 points from one of their opponents. But advancing in this group just isn’t foreseeable. 
Image via Joey Barton official site
Marseille (6/4) and Borussia Monchengladbach (15/8) are favored to win Group C, with Fenerbahce (7/2) and AEL Limassol (16) both missing out. PREDICTION TO ADVANCE: Marseille and Monchengladbach I’ve got Marseille cleaning up this group largely due to the presence of Joey Barton. Kidding. But I do like Les Phocéens for their fantastic European experience (winning the UEFA Cup/Europa League in 1998-99 and 2003-04), phenomenal players (Loic Remy, Andre Ayew and Andre-Pierre Gignac) and the fact that they’re currently dominating Ligue 1 with a 4-0 record. Monchengladbach were sensational last year in the Bundesliga and despite losing Marco Reus to Dortmund they still have the likes Dutch dynamo Luuk de Jong and the timeless Venezuelan midfielder, Juan Arango, to score goals. Fenerbahçe will give Marseille and Monchengladbach a run for their money but ultimately, the Turkish side lacks the talent of the French and German outfits. Further complicating things for the Turks is AEL Limassol, who won last year’s Cypriot First Division and no one will want to play. Limassol will be hoping to replicate the Champions League performance of fellow Cypriot side APOEL, whose incredible run was ended by Real Madrid in the quarter-finals. Tune in later this week as we preview and predict Part II of the Europa League Group Stage. |
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Posted: 05 Sep 2012 08:07 PM PDT
 Jamaican Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt may finally get his wish – to play for Manchester United. A source from the magazine Inside United has dropped the word that Sir Alex Ferguson may be ready to grant Bolt's wish and allow him to play for United.As many already know he is a huge Manchester United fan and would really love to get in the game. After winning his gold medals in London and accepting an invitation from Ferguson, Usain Bolt took time to visit Old Trafford and the United team. The gold medalist said his lifelong passion is to play for United, and it seems he is getting closer and closer to making those dreams reality. He spent time with the team after their 3-2 victory over Fulham in August, meeting with players, snapping photos and even spent time chatting with Ferguson.  And it seems that Ferguson may finally budge and let Bolt play in the annual charity match against Real Madrid legends. The club's Inside United magazine revealed that Ferguson wants to let Bolt play. Ferguson told Inside United that:‘Usain's a character and a big United fan. But it's interesting he says he'd like to play in a charity game. It could be brilliant, and next year when we play Real Madrid's Legends again, there could be opportunities to bring him up and see how he does.’ Is Usain Bolt on track to becoming a Red Devil? Maybe, maybe not. But there is talk that he will play in the charity match next year. It will be interesting to see just how it all pans out. Who knows, maybe Bolt will be expanding his sports career. |
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Posted: 05 Sep 2012 06:47 PM PDT
 The Premier League clubs have finalized their 25-man squads until the January transfer window. Almost as surprising as the news that Michael Owen signed with Stoke City is the appearance of Darren Fletcher in Manchester United’s roster.It’s not that he isn’t needed – quite the opposite in fact, as a big-game player whose combative skills are somewhat lacking among other midfielders at the club (Paul Scholes can be combative when tackling, but seldom skillful). What is truly remarkable, and welcome, is the implication that the player is winning his battle against ulcerative colitis. Anyone with a mother who has suffered from the problem knows this is a particularly nasty condition. When a player takes a break from the game described as ‘indefinite,’ people are bound to fear the worst. But many top sportsmen have suffered with the disease. Rowing legend Steve Redgrave did, along with diabetes. But he won two more Olympic gold medals to take his tally to five after being diagnosed in 1992. Ulcerative colitis is not a curable condition, but it is controllable. Late last season, Fletcher looked pale, gaunt and skinny. But then again, he always did. As Sir Alex Ferguson once said of his physique: “He was never exactly Charles Atlas.” Darren Fletcher may not be ready to play just yet, and his is a battle that will never quite be won. But if he can keep getting through each day, his fighting spirit might see him out on the pitch again. |
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Posted: 05 Sep 2012 11:28 AM PDT
 Real Madrid. Barcelona. Barcelona. Barcelona. Real Madrid. Real Madrid. Real Madrid. Barcelona.Notice anything kind of monotonous at all? That’s the winners of the top flight in Spain La Liga, going back for the past eight seasons. The two biggest sides in the country, arguably in the world, have utterly dominated Spanish football over that period of time, with nobody looking like ever mounting a sustained challenge to their rule. But go back one year further, and Valencia were the league winners. In 2003-04, under the guidance of former Inter Milan and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, Valencia beat off the competition to take the league crown by an impressive five points. This was no isolated incident either; two years previously Valencia also won the league, their first victory since 1970-71. After Benitez left following the 2004 success, Valencia had a dip which saw them blow through five managers (plus two more caretaker managers) in the next four years—and stutter to a 7th place finish, bounce back to third, then drop to fourth, 10th and 6th as inconsistencies took their inevitable toll. Consecutive third place finishes in 2010, 2011 and 2012 have firmly established Los Che as Spain’s best of the rest again, with a raft of quality players making a real name for themselves in La Liga and the Champions League. But that same raft of quality players continue to use Valencia as a mere stepping stone. David Silva and David Villa both departed in the summer of 2010. Juan Mata did the same last year and only a few short weeks ago Spain’s newest star, left-back Jordi Alba, departed for Barcelona. Wide forward Pablo Hernandez, midfielders Mehmet Topal and Hedwiges Maduro and centre forward Aritz Aduriz are amongst the other departures from last season’s squad. Could it be that third place is the glass ceiling for Valencia and the rest of Spain, with the big two forever more out of reach as the club juggles playing success with financial manageability? Will every time they get close, the best move on to the big two or abroad and other squad members have to be sold to help replace the best players? Well…possibly not. Valencia have strengthened well each time they have lost players, and this summer—at first glance—appears to be no exception. Left-back Aly Cissokho has long been one of the most coveted full-backs on the continent and he should dovetail just as well with Jeremy Mathieu as Alba did. Andres Guardado adds real pace and quality on that left flank too and if he can recapture his best form he will be a truly inspirational signing. Midfielders Fernando Gago and Sergio Canales never quite got the chance to impress for a sustained period at Real Madrid. They surely forge a magnificent combination for Valencia; combining technical excellence with work rate from the latter and good positional sense from the latter, who will operate slightly deeper. If Jonas, Nelson Haedo Valdez and Roberto Soldado can continue to fire goals between them, then another top three place should be assured. And higher? Well, Real Madrid have the same squad as last season with the notable additions of Michael Essien (loan) and Luka Modric, as well as the irrepressible Jose Mourinho leading them all in search of further glory. Realistically, Valencia are unlikely to challenge Real’s current supremacy—regardless of their indifferent start—unless they take an early exit from Europe and find an amazing run of consistency in their league form over the second half of the season. But perhaps Barcelona offer an attainable target. It remains still to be seen if Tito Vilanova can spur his team on to catch Real Madrid once more. The early signs are that they will once again be the team to beat and the style to enjoy. Over the course of an entire season, however, there may be moments when inexperience is key to Barcelona’s managerial situation and in those instances they must hope that Vilanova does not come up found wanting. Speaking of which…Valencia’s own start to the season has hardly been impressive points-wise, tallying two from their first three games, but they have already played last year’s runners up (lost 1-0) and champions (drew 1-1). So not too shabby, all things considered. A step up in results and a quick bedding-in of the new signings could be hugely beneficial for Valencia’s aspirations in mounting a real challenge to the established top two of the league. But winning La Liga outright? They might have to wait a little longer. Follow @karlmatchett// |
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Posted: 05 Sep 2012 11:08 AM PDT
 In the last year, the US Men’s National Team has created a lot of history. They went to Italy and won; they went to Mexico and won; now, they have the chance to go to Jamaica and create more history. The US has never won on Jamaican soil. Can they do it this time?Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann has brought in a seasoned squad to take on the Reggae Boyz. Despite all the commotion and controversy revolving around Clint Dempsey in the past few months, the US stalwart is back in action after signing with Tottenham last Friday. Players such as Terrence Boyd, Hercules Gomez, Fabian Johnson and Michael Orozco-Fiscal are deservedly back after making history in Mexico. Steve Cherundolo and Clarence Goodson return to help anchor the backline. There are a few names, however, that are not on the roster due to injury. Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley and Joshua Gatt are three big names who won’t put on the waldo stripes this time around. This could have heavy implications, as Donovan and Bradley have proved to be key players in almost every match for the US. The senior presence of Donovan will be missed, but offers a chance for other teammates such as Brek Shea to prove their worth. Bradley’s heavy presence in the midfield won’t be filled easily, but Jose Torres or Maurice Edu could act in his stead going forward. The absence of Josh Gatt will perhaps be felt less, but his speed would have been extremely useful against a fast Jamaican team and it would have added another dimension to the Amercian side. Klinsmann seems to recognize this now, and we can probably expect to see Gatt become a regular call up – if he can stay healthy. Returning to Jose Torres for a minute. This is a player who, in a writers opinion, has yet to be played to his true strength. In the last few games, Klinsmann has fielded him on the wing when his strength comes from playing in the middle. Even so, this is perhaps a grace shot at proving that he can make an impact for the US. Against Brazil and Mexico he did nothing. His habit of whining to the referee when easily pushed off the ball is not endearing. Torres needs to show more bite and fight, along with the cutting edge passes he is capable of. If not, this could be the last time we see him. So how will the US line up against speedy Jamaica? I can see this (L to R): Howard, Johnson, Cameron, Bocanegra, Cherundolo, Edu, Jones, Zusi, Torres, Dempsey, Altidore. Essentially a 4-2-3-1 formation. Ideally, Torres will sit behind Altidore and link the midfield with play up top. This will allow Torres to spray balls to either side, while giving Altidore the ability to play off Dempsey and Zusi coming down the wings. Zusi gets the start due to his impressive form in MLS and in front of Klinsmann. Dempsey takes the other side assuming he’s fit to play-Shea gets the nod if not. Edu and Jones will hold down the middle, with Jones pushing forward while Edu stays back to protect the defense. The other pairing in the center of defense with Geoff Cameron is difficult to state at the moment. Bocanegra has the senior experience, but his match fitness will be a question since he’s been playing in lower divisions. Still, I believe he starts ahead of Goodson or Parkhurst largely because of his experience in games like this. The worrying thing will be the speed Bocanegra goes up against. The offsides trap will have to be quick, and the captain will need to avoid getting turned. The bench is full of super subs. Gomez and Boyd are both hot right now, and provide great depth up front. Either can go in and pair with Jozy up top while Dempsey slides in behind (likely in place of Torres) – something we’ve seen in the past, late on in games. Brek Shea seems to be best used as a super sub at this point in his career. One of the few true wingers the US has, it will be interesting to see if he can have the same impact against Jamaica that he did against Mexico. At Azteca, his impact was almost instant. His ability to take on defenders one-on-one and stretch the defense is key. (Someday I would love to see Shea and Gatt on the wings of the US team…hopefully soon.) The only downer is you never really know which side of Brek Shea you will get. Klinsmann seems to be able to get positive results out of him, something that the coaching staff at FC Dallas seems to struggle with at times. Hopefully we see the Brek Shea everyone knows exists…the super one. Jamaica is a fast team, but that’s about it. There is talent there, but the US takes the advantage in that category. This will be the first look at Darren Mattocks, who plays for Vancouver in the MLS, that the US will get. He is dangerous, and relatively unknown as to what sort of impact he may have for the Reggae Boyz. Coming away with a victory has been a struggle for the US in Jamaica, but the Yanks come in full of confidence and aware that records are made to be broken. Can the US pull a victory in Kingston? Ya mon! |
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Posted: 05 Sep 2012 10:44 AM PDT
 Last season was a struggle for Arsenal. They only finished ahead of Tottenham in 3rd, scraping into Champions League qualification. They were knocked out of cup competitions early on.This, along with the injury to Jack Wilshere and the problems of Tomas Rosicky, meant that Aaron Ramsey had to play behind Robin van Persie (*hiss*) in what had become known as ‘the Cesc role’. Everybody knew of Ramsey’s potential, but there were doubts over whether he could manage to perform in such an important role. The answer seemed to be ‘no’. In the first half of the season, although he wasn’t bad, he struggled to replicate anything like Fabregas’ best form – understandably – and under the pressure he seemed to wilt in the second half of the season, and there were question marks over whether he could reach his potential. What was puzzling and yet also relieving was that he was back to his old self when he played for Wales. It was concerning how he was unable to replicate that form in an Arsenal shirt, but it was encouraging that the player was still there, and just needed time to reproduce that form under Wenger. For the first time against Liverpool on Sunday we saw the old Ramsey. The Ramsey full of energy and excellent at keeping the ball in tight spaces. His form seems to have returned now that Santi Cazorla is in ‘the Cesc role’, and that’s no coincidence. Ramsey seems liberated from the pressure of the most central – literally as well as in terms of importance – position in Arsenal’s side, and rather than trying to do what Fabregas did, is able to go back to being his own player. No player suffered more from the sale of Fabregas, despite the opportunity it gave him – it was certainly too soon for a role of that magnitude – and equally few players seem to have been lifted by the signing of Cazorla, a late Fabregas replacement. It may have meant that his progress was stunted for a while – although he would have learned some vital lessons in that role last year – but it seems like Ramsey is back on the road to success. Previously an unreliable option in midfield, it seems like Ramsey, as well as Abou Diaby, is vindicating Arsene Wenger’s decision not to sign another centre midfielder.  |
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