STOP CALLING IT SOCCER

Febuary Post to the Delight of Most

2008-02-14T11:16:00.002-05:00

While my co-writers practice "real" journalism alas left to my own rythm, the cut n' paste incision of mid-term grades and bad weather in Savannah shades. Winter headlines find Villa breaking into the top five seeds whilst Arsenal holds league lead, despite sacking Big Sam Newcastle is in trouble again as Keegan's renewal can't stop the skid. In fact many managerial faces have changed, awash in the hard rain of expectations involving strategy, glory and g-d. Tottenham appointed Ramos and Chelsea shoved Jose aside, Fulham sacked Sanchez, Bruce got the blues and left City for Wigan while Ally took his place and Paul Jol is now in charge of Derby with egg on his face. Sunderland fights relegation having topped Wigan as Derby fans recite incantations amid PR relations at their club's 9 point BPL funeral. Man City steals points from United at derby spun as Munich tribute 50 years ago to the day, Sven adds gems in the transfer window as clubs shuffle their cards, money-bags Liverpool deny lowly Luton gate fair during FA Cup draw as civil war rages around Rafa.

England's manager Capello stands stern at helm of first win against the Swiss, new faces playing in new places before a tense Wembley crowd. Controversy collides with 70-plus-thousand fans down in Texas land, a night that saw Altidore start and score beautifully was marred as Clint Dempsey's goal, the game-winning third was pulled back for offsides. Honestly, get me a crew from Germany, Australia, Switzerland, or any nation neutral to the USA v Mexico game, someone not possibly corrupted by money, pressure or outright bias!

As a side note I watched that game on Telemundo because the announcers are that much better despite the extreme language barrier. So get wise US journalists, send your camera crews to England so they can learn how to shoot the beautiful game. Trust me on this one, not every sport needs a sky cam. Why ask the impossible of titanic telecasting corporations? Simple, because the arrival of Figo and Zidane are eminent when considering that the same entertainment group that owns the LA Galaxy recently bought Luis Figo's contract. Now will these players alone change MLS for the better, probably not. What MLS needs is an overhaul of US sports ideas; strip down the regional division system for a league table for the love of g-d! New blood could come into the league if USL became the eqivalent of lower league football in England, but this won't happen because of the profit and incentive driven business of owning exclusive rights among other scruples. And another thing, shift the league's schedule to match the rest of the world, this bullshit is really fucking up our national team. Enough MLS venting, back to rhymed ranting. Catch Saturday's FA Cup draw, United v Arsenal, the only game by far, worth watching. With ECC knock-out stages to come next week I can only hope that crowd violence doesn't rear its ugly, unwanted head. Until then, peace.

This is a test

2007-01-24T19:19:00.000-05:00

This is a test of our blogging capabilities

Joyeaux Noel

2006-12-27T01:26:00.000-05:00

just like Ligue A and La Liga, we're out.
Happy Holidays and a Merry New Year.

just get the sink picture out of here

The "everything but the kitchen sink" post

2006-12-11T21:49:00.000-05:00

Okay, I lied, this post has everything including the kitchen sink. This post will cover a lot, so bear with me.

A. Champs League reaction: So i went 4-12 on matchdays 11 and 12 to bring my overall total for the group stage to 53-43 and a 55% accuracy rating. Now, being able to predict 96 matches with a 55% accuracy rating isn't bad, but it isn't really good either. Mark my words though, it will improve in the knockout rounds. Of the 16 teams left in the Champions League, Lille is the only team that can't win. Based on form in the group stage, I would say that Lyon is the favorite, with ManYoo, Bayern, Inter, Barca, and Real Madrid possible winners.

B. FREDDY ADU HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED...to real salt lake. He will start every game he is available there, but the team sucks. This is a bad move for Freddy, but there is nothing he can do about it because his contract is owned by the MLS. If Manchester United do rescue him, good for him; but all inklings from the British press are that Sir Alex just didn't see enough from him to splash the cash that would be required to buy MLS's golden boy.

C. No more Alan Pardew- Okay, so I was wrong about West Ham. Look for Sven Goran-Erikkson or Alan Curbishley to take the reigns. Now that they are completely out of the top 4 picture, I am giving you my new top 4 prediction. Unfortunately, it seems that it is probably going to be the usual suspects:
1. Manchester United- THE CHAMPS
2. Chelsea
3. Liverpool
4. Arsenal

D. The Fifa World Club Championships are upon us, and it doesn't seem to have a lot of luster, maybe because Max Bretos is the commentator, but I digress. However, there could be surprises. Liverpool was supposed to win easily last year, but fell to Sao Paulo in the final. I don't see that happening to Barcelona. They should win it in a walk. So give me Internacional (Brazil) vs Barcelona in the final. Barcelona will win, but don't sleep on the Brazilians.

Goodnight Sweet Prince

2006-12-11T10:35:00.000-05:00

West Ham axe skipper Alan Pardew, claiming to have a replacement set up in time for the January transfer window. Where are all my contributors who had West Ham finishing in the top four? Gone but not forgotten.

Sunil Gulati Must Die

2006-12-08T08:43:00.000-05:00

First of all let me say... FUCK SHIT FUCK SHIT FUCK SHIT FUCK!!!!!
(sorry to any kids out there)
How we could not lock up Klinsmann is beyond my belief. The man wanted the job and is clearly the best man for it. Who the hell does Sunil Gulati think he is anyway? The reason that Klinsmann turned down the job is because Gulati wouldn't give Klinsmann full power. If Klinsmann leaving adidas isn't sign enough that he wanted the job, then Gulati is clueless. Another question, WHY THE HELL IS A GUY NAMED SUNIL GULATI PRESIDENT OF US SOCCER. Mr. Gulati was born in India... NOT IN THE UNITED STATES!!!! Doesn't it seem like our football federation should be ran by, oh I don't know, SOMEONE WHO WAS BORN HERE!!! This man, by not hiring Klinsmann, has officially ran US Soccer into the ground. The only way he can correct this is to have Bob Bradley's interim tag removed within a month and either bring in Jose Pekerman or Carlos Queiroz. Lastly, today is a sad, sad day for US Soccer.

US Soccer: Explain Yourself

2006-12-08T00:08:00.000-05:00

Somebody needs to tell me why we failed to sign the best free-agent coach on the market, Mr. Klinsmann. Sunil Gulati, President of U.S. Soccer, has somehow let out guy go without the slightest inclination why. I am deeply disturbed by this development as I was sure Klinsmann would be a Yank and thus our team would be on the track to respectability....this is obviously not the case. It's now the second week of December and we still don't have a coach. This is not a good sign if you're a fan (or worse, a believer) in US Soccer.

Here's the deal:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=394971&cc=5901

Stone Cold Lead Pipe Locks for Matchday 12

2006-12-06T14:23:00.000-05:00

The last day of group play is upon us. Here are your predictions:

Madrid over Kiev in a cakewalk
Lyon over Steaua
Celtic over Copenhagen to win the group
Milan beat Lille
AEK over Anderlecht at the Constant Vanden Stock
CSKA Moscow defeat Hamburg to set up...
UPSET ALERT-Porto over Arsenal, knocking them out of the Champions League
and in the match of the day... MANCHESTER UNITED break Benfica's spirits by getting out of the gates quickly and winning the match handily.

Show up or get shown up

2006-12-05T13:10:00.000-05:00

It's win or go home time in Europe's top football competition, so let us cut to the chase and get to the sure-fire analysis.

I like PSV in a big way over Bordeaux. This is probably my lock of the day.

Liverpool only need a tie to secure top place in thier group, but they get the win instead, beating Galatasaray 1-nil.

Spartak Moscow is dreadful away from their synthetic frozen pitch back home, and they get it handed to them at Sporting Lisbon.

Valencia at Roma will be a good contest, but Roma need the win to secure the knockout round and Valencia's already through...got to give the nod to the more desperate club here, Roma 2-1.

Shakhtar Donetsk at Olympiakos is my rubber-bullet special of the day. I think they're actually handing out comlimentary body armour and gas masks for the first 5000 supporters. Olympiakos has nothing really to play for whereas Shakhtar has a chance of survival with a win and a Roma loss, but they don't get te result here. Shakhtar and Olypiakos play out to draw, and after the game supporters from both sides will get shanked in the achilles and likely assaulted with tear gas in the streets of Athens.

Internazionale at Bayern will be the match of the day, regardless of what people are saying at the Nou Camp. Both of these squads have been playing their best football of the season and now meet to decide who wins group B. As much as both of these teams want a result, I don't see it happening. Draw along the lines of Lyon at Madrid last matchday...something wild like 2-2.

Chelsea will probably not field a first-team squad but still name the score against a dreadful Levski Sofia squad. Chelsea wins 3-nil.

Finally we come to Barca hosting Werder Bremen, the ESPN2 featured match of the day. I've like Barcelona to win this competition from the outset but they really haven't impressed during the group stage. If they do manage to pull off this win, it's going to be an absolute battle for 90 minutes. From what I've seen of this squad, and given there's no Messi and Eto'o, I can't feel good about Barca's chances. Yet somehow I can't stay away. Give me Barca 2-1 over Werder, which I'll acknowledge up front is a decision made with my heart and not my head. I do, however, feel good about this game going over the 2.5 goal mark. That 2-1 scoreline is going to win this match for someone, I'm just hoping it's the boys in blue.

Enjoy the matches and come back tomorrow for more knowledge.

Stone Cold Lead Pipe Locks for Match Day 11

2006-12-05T10:55:00.000-05:00

Here are Match day 11's picks
Inter Milan over Bayern Munich in Bavaria
Sporting Lisbon tie Spartak Moscow
Liverpool over Galatasaray with a strong performance from Dudek in goal
PSV over Bordeaux (Mendez, you are making me look bad. Score already)
Olympiakos over Shakhtar
Roma beat Valencia at home
Chelsea destroy Levski at the Bridge. Poor, poor Levski. However, Lampard doesn't get any goals because he couldn't hit a barn door with a machine gun.
and, in the match of the day:
Barcelona over Werder Bremen in a barnburner at the Nou Camp. Werder Bremen go on to win the UEFA Cup

HENRIK LARSSON TO JOIN MAN UTD IN JANUARY!

2006-12-01T09:55:00.000-05:00

Chelsea have just been guaranteed second place or worse, because the man who singlehandedly won Barcelona the Champions League last year is joining Man United on loan. This is the perfect move for Manchester United and it gives Larsson, 35, one last gasp at greatness. This will not only propel United to win the league, but it also gives them a proven Champions League threat and makes them a top contender (if they can qualify out of the Group Stage). Larsson can play as an all out striker or on either wing. If United go into January with the lead in the league, then the second half should be a cakewalk with a proven commodity like Larsson in your ranks. I could not be happier with this move. You can read more about this from our esteemed colleagues at ESPN Soccernet.

Champs League Reaction Match Days 9 & 10

2006-11-28T11:24:00.000-05:00

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO RELIVE HISTORY
My predictions took a Zidane headbutt to the chest on match days 9 & 10. I went 7-9 to headbutt my total to 49-31 and my accuracy rating down from 66% to 61%. Still not bad, but these match days were not my best.

Impressive teams: Werder Bremen- I hate to say I told you so but... (see other posts)
Celtic- they wanted it more over Man United
Benfica- can knock United out on the last match day again
Liverpool- Gerrard is on top of his game now... watch out
AEK Athens Pizza Express- I just wanted to show off my nick name for them. Impressive win over Milan. They could win the group over Milan if Milan slip to Lille and AEK beat Anderlecht.
Barca- Did what they had to do. Now they HAVE to beat Bremen

Dissapointments: Hamburg: 0 points from 5 matches... Ouch
Roma- you lost to Shahktar... enough said.
Chelsea- cinderella just put her slipper on at your expense.
MAN UNITED- I've been waiting to vent on this one. You can't lose that game. I know that Nakamura's free kick never should have happened because Jirosik took a dive, but Saha absolutely choked. Not only did he miss the penalty, but he missed a one on one with the keeper because he thought he was offside. Louis, no flag was up. You gotta pay attention to that. Now that Sir Alex has officially appointed C-Ron to take all of the penalties, Saha can now focus on just being the Ruud replacement (or lack thereof).

Stone Cold Lead Pipe Locks for match day 10

2006-11-22T15:40:00.000-05:00

I just got back from the Mexican Mecca (El Torero), sorry my picks are late.

Barcelona all over Levski

Bremen and Chelsea draw, which sets up a huge final day showdown between Barca and Bremen

Bayern over spartak

Inter over sporting

Bordeuax and Galatasaray draw

Liverpool and Psv draw

Roma beat Shakhtar

Valencia beat Olympiakos

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SELECTIONS

2006-11-22T13:36:00.000-05:00

I overslept so no official selection for the Spartak Moscow hosting Bayern Munchen match, but I will say that it was my 'rubber bullet game of the day', which, as all you longtime readers know, is the one european football match every day that I predict will end up with body armor and mustard gas and, since we're already in Russia, why not a few Molotov Cocktail's for good measure. On with the offical selections:

Chelsea and Werder Bremen play out a nil-nil draw. Chelsea have got their sights set on this Saturday's clash with top-of-the-table ManU and I think could care less about this match having already assured themselves the round of 16.

Barcelona puts on a clinic in an absolute must win at home against Levski Sofia

Inter hosting Sporting is going to be the game of the day. Sporting is a tough tough out, and Inter are going to have their hands full if they want to win this game and have a shot going into the group finale against Bayern. I still like Inter here but I'm starting to lean a lot more towards a draw. I'll make it official with Inter but I'm telling you this is going to be a lot close than the experts predict.

Bordeaux (yawn) gets by Galatasawhogives a shit 1-nil

Liverpool hosting PSV is another one I'm just not real confident about. My official selection will be Liverpool but PSV is playing some top-flight football in the Dutch league, and I know what you're saying: 'great, it's still the Dutch league' and that's a valid point but they're just playing the schedule in front of them and have been dominating teams of late. They beat Ajax in Amsterdam last week to cement their grip as the class of the league, and Liverpool had better bring their a game, and by that I mean Gerrard.

Valencia will sqeeze past Olympiakos, 2-1

Lastly, Roma goes on the road and takes Shakhtar Donetsk out of their misery 1-0. This game is going to be in a tough environment in Ukraine, not too far up the road from Borat, but I think Roma's ULTRAS fans are more than capable of holding their own, judging by the stories I've read about Italy's most notorius football fans.

Which reminds me...over the holiday and you're looking for something good to read? Check out a great book on football and the fascinating culture of hooliganism. Enjoy.

Stone Cold Lead Pipe Locks for Match day 9

2006-11-21T09:10:00.000-05:00

Yea Klinnsi, I know. Only 4 more match days left in the group stage of the Champions League. Crunch time is upon us, and here are the predictions of the day. So give me:

Bucuresti over Dynamo in a Ukrainian Darby
Benfica will crush Kopenhagen to try and keep their Champs League hopes alive.
Porto over CSKA
Hamburg and the Arse play a really hard fought game, but Arsenal win at the Emirates.
Lille squeak by Anderlecht
AC Milan over AEK Athens Pizza Express
Lyon and Madrid fight out a draw at the Bernabeu
and finally, Manchester United win a dogfight at Celtic Park.

My record right now is 42-22 or a 66% accuracy rate. Watch it go up after a perfect day today.

18 months from now...

2006-11-17T08:30:00.000-05:00

Guys, we have to do everything in our power to land some media credentials for Euro 2008. I know it's next summer, but we have to pool our resources and figure it out. We need to be in Switzerland and Austria for this gig, we just gotta. Think about how sweet that would be, living it up at Europe's biggest football party, having no agenda other than going to games and writing about them...that, my friends, is a dream job.

The day that Man U won the title (NO, NOT THIS WAY)

2006-11-16T11:04:00.000-05:00

This little flashback piece is all about the day that Manchester United was handed the title:

The Madejski Stadium was packed to the brim,
Chelsea fans a many, Reading's times ten.
The referee's whistle started the game,
and twenty seconds in, a moment of fame.
With Stephen Hunt bearing down,
Petr Cech went to ground.
And while Hunt got up from that collision,
Cech is suffering double vision.
Was the play dirty, no one knows?
But now the Prem, to Man United it goes.

Now, I am a HUGE Manchester United fan and I HATE Chelski, but I didn't want to see Manchester United win the title in this way. I wanted to see them earn it. The BEST goalkeeper in the world was injured on that day, and without their #1 stopper, there is no way that Chelsea can win the Prem, let alone Europe. As for the game coming up in 9 days time, It is going to be a real barnburner, a real clashing, and a real...THUMPING. Sir Alex Ferguson is going get the team ready for this game like never before. He knows as well as anyone that this is the opportunity to put Chelsea in the rearview mirror. A six point lead over the current Champs would certainly give Sir Alex's boys a major confindence boost for the rest of the season. I like ManYoo to win this game 3-1 with Wayne, Cristiano, Rio, and all the other boys putting up the perfromance of the season, therefore picking up on the biggest drunkfest of the season stemming from Old Trafford all the way to Athens GA... Where the annual "Clean, old fashioned hate" game between UGA and Georgia Tech (American football) will have been decided the day before. (3:30 Eastern U.S. time, 11/25 CBS.) I like the boys in Yellow and Gold to win this game 24-17. And you CAN take both of those lines to Vegas Baby!

International preview

2006-11-14T20:24:00.000-05:00

Lots of footy action for a wednesday, as the international friendly's highlight a lineup that also sees a few meaningful EURO Qualifiers as well. The two most meaningful games on the day are Croatia at Israel (EURO Qualifying) and the England at Holland friendly.

In the first match we'll see two of group E's four leaders (England and Macedonia the other two) face off with a lot on the line. Croatia is always a tough out in European play, but Israel is poised to make a run at something they've never done, atleast not in my lifetime, and that's make the finals of a major tournament. I think a draw would suit both clubs just fine, but expect a lot of fallout from this game as the loser would suddenly see themselves go from 1st to 5th place in a tough group E.

In the nightcap, disregard the friendly pretext, cause England are coming out with guns blazing. They feel disespected, and quite frankly, they've earned it. Since McLaren's debut when they hung up 4 on Greece I believe, England have layed eggs. And with qualification for Europe not a given this time around, the Redcoats need to step their game up and net some goals. This will be a road game, England are the underdog according to the bookies, and this game has all the signs of a Holland W or a draw. Are England capable of winning on the road? It should be interesting. All that said, I still like the boys in Orange.

Official picks for tomorrow:
Israel/Croatia draw
Ivory Coast over Sweden
Brazil over Switzerland
Belaris over Estonia
Holland over England
late night:
Chile over Paraguay

stay away from the parlays

MLS cup Review

2006-11-12T00:18:00.000-05:00

Okay, I am really drunk right now after going to the Atlanta Hawks game/T.I. concert tonight so you'll have to forgive me if i sound a little crazy tonight.

The MLS cup is tomorrow (I know who cares). But I think we are in for a good game. .Both of these teams (for what little attention I have paid to the MLS this season) have both looked good. The Canadien Dwayne de Rosario for the Dynamo is one of the best players in the MLS, but the New England Revolution are going to win this game. I like my man Clint Dempsey to score and make it known that it should have been him going to Man Utd instead of Freddy Adu. Yes, Clint Dempsey is better than Freddy Adu.

As soon as you meet a guy, you are ready to shine his shoes.

2006-11-11T09:23:00.000-05:00

As this has seemed to turn into "Let's team up on Sambo blog", I want to re-iterate some comments.

1. The Freddy Adu thing is complex. I came out and said things against Stephen's post because at the time I said them they were true. The new Sir Alex quotes came out two days after the original story broke. So don't say I wasn't paying attention to what Sir Alex was saying. Because he didn't say anything until two days after the story broke. I was correct two days ago, Stephen is correct now, and that is all we are trying to do here at the blog. And if you think that's drinking haterade, then I will chug it.

2. I have no beef with Freddy Adu. I think Sir Alex is going to be the best thing that has ever happened to him, but he can't try that "beef with the coach" shit he had with Peter Novak or else Fergie will get rid of him faster than a C. Ronaldo run from touchline to touchline.

3. If this seems like a very pro-Freddy blog, it is because Stephen met him. That's why he is defending him so staunchly.

4. How is our domestic league going to get better if all the good players are leaving? I don't agree with keeping them here when there are better leagues overseas, and I have no solution to this problem. Anyone?

5. The whole "brand" thing is overrated. Henry is sponsored by Reebok, and he plays for Arsenal(Nike) and France (adidas).

Now for Liverpool/Arsenal. This is probably going to happen one of two ways. It will either be a nil-nil bore or it will be a blowout. I am going to say that Liverpool is on the better form right now and call it a 3-1 Liverpool thrashing of Arsenal.

You want knowledge? Here it is, eat it.

2006-11-10T14:09:00.000-05:00

What? Me Worry? This story is dedicated to our intern, Sambo. Make sure you pay attention to what Sir Alex is quoted as saying. Story courtesy of our boys at Soccernet.com

UNITED WILL SIGN ADU IF TRAINING GOES WELL

Manchester United are keen on signing Freddy Adu if the Ghanaian-born American teenager can prove himself, Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed.

The hotly tipped 17-year-old is due to come to United for a two-week trial and could sign in the January transfer window.

Asked if he was interested in signing the midfielder, Ferguson said: 'I think so, he's only a young lad but we have known of him for a long time.

'We tried to get him here some years ago but he signed for DC United and that stopped the progress of us keeping tabs on him.'

United had previously denied any interest in the American star, who has been a considered a massive prospect ever since Inter Milan offered a six-figures fee for him having watched him in just one junior tournament prior to his 14th birthday.

Chelsea have also been linked with Adu, reportedly turning down a solid offer to sign him on loan in January 2007, with a view to a permanent £5 million transfer deal.

If Adu does enough to persuade Ferguson to offer him a permanent contract, a fee would have to be negotiated with MLS who, as with all US-based players, own Adu's registration.

Adu made his professional debut in Major League Soccer at just 14 years of age, making him the youngest professional athlete in modern US pro sports.

Who ya got?

2006-11-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

Liverpool/Arsenal this Sunday--I like the Gunners, but I see this game ending in a draw. Both of these teams need the three points, but who are they kidding. It's early but it ain't that early, the Prem is already a two horse race. Still, this is without a doubt the fixture of the weekend. And Wenger better not try any touchline shoving like last week; Rafa would kick his ass.

STOP THE PRESSES!!!

2006-11-09T08:28:00.000-05:00

The dream scenario for Freddy Adu (and, subsequently, the U.S. Soccer Federation) is on the verge of happening. Football media outlets are reporting that Manchester United, at the request of Sir Alex Ferguson, are bringing in the youngster for a two week training period. If all works out, and the Ghanian-born American impresses, then Man U. will negotioate with the MLS to land Freddy during the January transfer window. There are still quite a lot of ifs in this equation, but American saw-ker might finally have just found it's savior. I mean, cmon, Landon Donovan and Taylor Twellman and Brian Ching are all great--in the contexts of the still-diluted talent pool of Major League Soccer. Donovan had a year in Germany and couldnt break through a Bundesliga first team, and while I'm not saying Freddy Adu will be making United's starting 11 anytime soon, it atleast indicates a step up in terms of quality.

Regardless, there's no way Freddy returns to DC United. He and coach Peter Novak outright hate each other, and Freddy has been dreaming of a move to Europe since his days at the IMG academy in Florida. What's really unfortunate about all this is the MLS owns the right for Freddy Adu, just like they do every other MLS player. Therefore they have 100% control over whether or not Freddy hops the pond and plays for Manchester United. Anyone who knows anything about the MLS knows that Freddy is their highest payed player and their biggest cash crop. So what's going to happen when United throw a few million on the table? If the MLS brass know what's good for them, while also considering what's good for the U.S. Soccer Federation, they give Freddy his walking papers and pocket a nice sum of cheese.

For more of this story visit the good lads at soccernet.com

Reaction: Champions League Days 7 and 8

2006-11-08T10:04:00.000-05:00

I love football too sweetheart, but that doesn't mean you need to smuggle them under your shirt.

Now to business. Champions League days 7 and 8 were well... pretty crappy. None of the favorites were impressive (except Liverpool and Chelski) Now for my Impressive and Dissapointing teams:

Impressive: Liverpool- Gerrard is finally back on form, so watch out.

PSV Eidenhoven- this team continues to impress and ALWAYS does well in Europe; another dark horse. (speaking of Dark horse, why is James hating? I called Lyon a dark horse after 3 games. A lot can change in 3 games)

Chelsea- I hate to say it, but the EPL Champs are clicking on all cylinders. Drogba is the best striker in the world right now.

Benfica- they got the must have win against Celtic. They are still in with a chance.

Werder Bremen- Easily dispatched Levski. They control their own destiny and if they can somehow beat/draw Chelsea and beat/draw Barca (good luck) they will advance over Barca.

Dissapointments: Manchester United- losing to Kopenhagen... c'mon. And it gets worse because they were just dumped out of the Carling Cup by last place English 2nd division team Southend.

Valencia- I know going to the Ukraine to play is tough, but you are a contender for La Liga, you gotta win that game.

Barcelona- This team is severely weakened without Eto'o. They do not control their own destiny in Europe. Luckily for them, they get Levski next. But if Werder tie Chelsea, then the Barca/Werder clash becomes the most important match in Barca history. If you look back to my first ever post on this blog ["Meet Sambo" post] I said "Werder Bremen are no pushovers." I'm not going to say I told you so, but...

I took a beating on Matchday 7 with a 4 and 4 record, but slightly improved on matchday 8 with a 5 and 3 record. This brings my overall record to 42-22. My accuracy rate fell from 69% to 66%, but I promise it will go up.

Lennon's Prodigious Talent Official

2006-11-05T22:28:00.000-05:00

36, 070 attended Sunday's Premiership match betwixt Tottenham and Chelsea. 16 years have the Hotspur faithful waited to beat the Blues at White Hart Lane. M. Dawson received the first booking of the match. He also scored his first goal of the season ten minutes after Claude Makelele netted a spectacle half-volley: steak-dinner. Both of the Prem. clashes watched today were voraciously paced. But the London Darby is later...

Robbie Keane spurred the winner to Aaron Lennon, whispered Chelsea target. The Irishman streaked down the left flank, left Khalid Boulahrouz seated with a marvelous bit of skill, crossing at the touchline. A driven ball taking a fortuitous bounce was collected and finished with composure by Lennon's yellow boots, past Hilario dressed as a crow. "The boy had one chance in the game and finished it perfectly. He missed so many openings last week at Watford, but this time he finishes so well on his left foot and you can't explain how he was so clinical this time. It was a special moment for Aaron," Martin Jol. That was the 52nd. Come the 71st, Steve McClaren among others saw skipper John Terry red carded. Martin Jøl's side claws three points as referee Graham Poll blows. Ironically, Mourinho was seen smiling at this game. He now may face FA hot water claims a Setanta article with an erroneous headline. Tottenham pencil in at 10th.

The spectacle of the day was not Marlon Harewood's yellow carded celebration, however. But the shoving match between Arsene Wenger and Alan Padrew. West Ham manager, Padrew, wears his emotions on his sleeve; chewing a bottom lip in anticipation or tapping his outstretched wristwatch. Apparently the Arsenal boss was upset by Padrew who later said, "It was shame because it was a tense game and we were under lot of pressure. I was celebrating the goal, that was all basically." The Hammers move up to 15th, below Man. City.

Meet Nacho Novo

2006-11-02T15:32:00.000-05:00

I introduced the coolest name in the Premiership early in this blog (see: Danny Shittu), but alas, the UEFA Cup has brought a new celebrity into the mix. Allow me to introduce you to the coolest name in the Scottish Prem...Glasgow Rangers' favorite son: Nacho Novo. Don't let the name fool you, either, dude put up a goal today on my boys Maccabi Haifa.

Stone Cold Lead Pipe Locks for Match day 8

2006-11-01T15:43:00.000-05:00

I know it seems late, but my car had some trouble. I swear on my Journalistic career that I haven't seen any of the scores to any of the games when I am making these predictions.

Porto over Hamburg
Arsenal takes care of Moscow
Madrid takes out Steaua
Lille and Athens draw
Benfica, at home and fighting for their Champions League lives, beat Celtic
Lyon beat Dynamo
AC Milan beats Champions League punching bag Anderlecht
and Manchester United, with a severely weakened squad, pull it out against Kopenhagen.

It's All Fun & Games 'Till...

2006-10-31T18:17:00.000-05:00

Someone's heel tendon is severed or a cheek bone, shit maybe even the entire mandible, crushed by a rubber bullet, in reality. Journalists please realize...fuck it, look who im talking to.

Fifa 07...the best

2006-10-31T12:39:00.000-05:00

Actually, I am in my Manager mode year 2017, but I digress
Fifa 07 is without a doubt the best footy simulation ever created, and that is just the regular xbox version. I don't even want to speculate on the version for 360 (fist yourself, Stephen). But there are many things that just make this game better:
1. The free kicks are actually makeable in this game. The amount of loft and spin on the ball are controlled entirely by the user.
2. Ecuador is one of the teams in the "International" category... enough said
3. 95% of the players actually look like themselves (there are still some that don't, still no love for kieran richardson)
4. The manager mode is completely revamped where actual currency is used (you can choose from dollars, euros, or pounds).
You also have a Youth Academy to sign players from.
5. The graphics (on XBOX) are the best I have ever seen in a sports game. And I am sure the 360 version is rediculous.
Unfortunately, the Netherlands only featured in the FIFA World Cup 2006 game, they are not featured in Fifa 07, but I can live with that.
So in conclusion, GO OUT AND BUY THIS GAME!!!!!!!!

Beware Beware

2006-10-31T11:19:00.000-05:00

I'm not a big beleiver in Halloween unless it involves a Costco-sized batch of toilet paper and raw eggs, so let's just get on with it. I'm looking at keeping pace with my fellow peers (and critics) this week as we like the home teams to perform well today.

In the early game, I like Inter to roll over Spartak on the synthetic pitch in Moscow. That's assuming that Inter decides to show up and be, well, Inter.

Bayern wins easily at home against Sporting, chalk up a clean sheat for King Kahn.

Liverpool will edge past Bordeaux but this will be closer than the experts think. I like Dirk Kuyt to grab the winner 10 minutes from time. That dude looks like a ghoul, anyway. Get a haircut, Dirk, you're no Lionel Messi.

PSV cruises past Galatasaray, then heads to the Dampkring afterwards to hang out. This has the potential to be a shootout considering what PSV have done in the Eredivisie over the last two weeks. (They hung 7 on some club)

Roma should beat Olympiakos, unless this game gets called because of the abnormally large number of flares that the local Italians love to light up and throw at each other.

Valencia, despite missing half of their first team due to injury, should win on the road against Shakhtar. Then again, Turkey ain't exactly a trip down the road for these Spaniards. I like a tie.

And in the battle of ugliest uniforms in Europe, Werder Bremen finds a way to beat Levski Sofia in my yawner match of the day. No way there's more than 1 goal in this game.

Finally, in what is undoubtedly the dumbest programming move by ESPN brass to not televise a game, we have Chelsea at Barcelona. I think the Nou Camp plays a big role in this one, with the Catalans much more comfortable at home on their heavenly green pitch. Don't be shocked to see the 'return' of Ronaldinho become official. He tallied the brace last time he put on the Barcelona jersey over the weekend, but this match will leave no doubt. And our boy Messi will seal the deal late in the game. Barcelona 3 Chelsea 1.

Bone Cold Dead Pipe Locks for Matchday Halloween

2006-10-31T09:02:00.000-05:00

OOOOOOOO Spooky, but that is a dank ass footy pumpkin. Can anyone tell me why the ESPN 2 game today is Bayern vs Sporting? The Chelsea/BARCA clash is on ESPN Deportes or PPV broadband, but not on the Dos? This is very upsetting
Alas, the picks must go on
Inter, fresh off of a HUGE win over Milan in the derby, destroys Spartak Moscow. Materazzi dresses like Zidane for Halloween.
Valencia comfortably wins over Shakhtar. Shanks a plenty in this one.
Roma, at home, beats Olympiakos. Pandora's box is opened after the match by a mad Olympiakos fan, and the world ends.
PSV Eidenhoven beats Galatasaray. I keep saying it, but watch out for Edison Mendez.
Liverpool crush Bordeaux at Anfield, and Crouch not only does the robot after scoring, he plays in a robot costume.
Bayern Munich handles Sporting Lisbon, Schweinsteiger and Podolski score dressed as vampires.
Werder Bremen dispatches of Levski Sofia with an inspired performance by Diego, who just got his 1st Brazil call up.
and Finally...BARCA beat Chelsea at the Nou Camp. The ghosts of all the great Barcelona legends (Maradonna, Cruyff, Overmars, Rivaldo, Figo, Riquelme, Schuster, Davids, Romario, etc. I know that all of these players are still alive, but they are ghosts of Barca) arise from the Barca folklore and haunt Jose Mourinho. After the match, Mourinho comes up with another excuse for why Barcelona cheated. Ronaldinho comes back from the death of his form and turns from Gandalf the Grey to the Great White Wizard.
My 69% accuracy rate is on the rise, and after this week, can only get better. As for the FIFA 07 game review, its coming, just be patient my squire. While you wait Stephen, you could go get me a cup of coffee, four creams and four sugars. Thanks man.

WTF

2006-10-31T00:22:00.000-05:00

It's Christmas eve (15 hrs before Barca/Chelsea part deux) and I'm still waiting for Sambo's official FIFA07 game review. Don't tell me you haven't been playing it, either. Being the intrepid reporter that you are, my guess is you're playing it so much you haven't had the time to take care of business, but that time is now boy. Step away from manager mode year 2016 and let the XBOX 360 faithful hear what you have to say. We are an anxious and potentially hostile group having to wait an extra 8 weeks for our 360 version to be released. I want feedback, homie.

Coming with daybreak...Champions League matchday 18 picks. In case I don't post it early enough for Moscow time, I like Inter in a big way.

The Oldest Scorer in Town

2006-10-29T16:25:00.000-05:00

After much remorse East London exudes relief. West Ham United snapped their worst run since 1932. Losses in all competitions (5 Prem, 2 UEFA, 1 Carling Cup) stacked to eight consecutive. Equating in eight hours and ten minutes of Premiership play without a goal. Make that 590 minutes of match play. Upton Park's atmosphere could only be described as fanatical. Supporters packed the stands hoping to see their lads brave a win and answering the call of under-fire manager Alan Padrew. The Blackburn Rovers attempted to exploit their confidence, best deemed fragile.

Today's match featured a fine tuned Hammers line-up. On both sides of the spectrum Pardew's starting eleven showcased G. McCartney in his premier and Teddy Sheringham attacking. As the old saying goes, matches aren't played on paper...West Ham's worst home defeat came at the hands of Blackburn 8-2 in 1963. I don't know what exactly Pardew said to his boys or what happened on the training grounds leading up to the big home match. But I do know that the mindset of West Ham's players was markedly different.

Inside the first half-hour of play Bobby Zamora headed a long ball down to Yossi Benayoun at the edge of the area. The Hope delivered the patented 'spoon pass' to Teddy Sheringham's head. The 40 year old became the oldest player in the history of the EPL to score a goal after he finished beautifully past Brad Friedel, slotting top drawer. Joy read over the expressions of teammates surrounding the Englishman in celebration. Come the 79th minute Hayden Mullins netted his first goal evoking a fist pump from Alan Padrew as the stadium exploded behind him. Solid work as a cohesive unit sealed the score line, with saves from R. Green, at 2-1. Bently scored for Blackburn in injury time while the majority of 33,833 spectator's chants rained down in sheets.

Personally, Sheringham ended a scoreless run of seven months. But the gravity of his goal may have yet sunk in the rolodex of the casual footy follower. West Ham have moved to 16th place, now clear of the bottom three. Essentially, this Sunday won't fade for some time in the memory of the faithful; who disregarded the history books to make their own.

Reaction: Champions League Days 5 and 6

2006-10-18T16:45:00.000-04:00

After matchdays 5 and 6, I am left with a glass half full/half empty feeling. If his sloppy form continues, Ronaldinho will relinquish his status as the best player in the world (and give it to Cristiano Ronaldo, who is on blazing hot form nowadays).

Impressive: Manchester United- they are looking great so far and Scholes had a cracker of a goal yesterday.
Chelsea- Drogba scored an absolutely brilliant goal against Barca, and the current Prem champs looked strong
Liverpool- tough win without Gerrard over Bordeaux
Inter- Back on track, but need to prove something against big opponents
Bayern- Full points, looked good so far
Lyon- My dark horse to win it all, Juninho, Kaka, or C. Ronaldo should win the FIFA and UEFA Player of the Year awards

Dissapointments: Barca- IN DEEP TROUBLE WITHOUT ETO'O. The commentators said it all match, and they were right
Shevchenko- LOOKS TERRIBLE
Rooney- getting better, but still well short of best form

Stephen and I both went 6 and 2 on matchday 6 and that brings my tally to 33 correct and 15 incorrect, to bring me up to 69% accuracy rate. If you want stephens full numbers, ask him because he skipped a day (amateur!) We here at the blog will continue to give you the most up to date champs league reaction. Thanks for reading.

Stone Cold Lead Pipe Locks for Match day 6

2006-10-18T14:39:00.000-04:00

On Matchday 5 I went 6-2 to bring the overall tally to 27 correct and 13 incorrect and a 2% accuracy increase, so on Matchday 6 I'll take:

Inter over Spartak
Bayern over Lisbon
Liverpool struggle without Stevie G, but still beat Bordeaux
PSV beats Galatasa-whatever, look out for Edison Mendez
Roma draw with Olympiakos
Werder over Levski
Valencia over Shakhtar
and I already gave it to you early, but Barcelona over Chelski

And if I am the intern, then stephen is the mail clerk

Anatomy of my Punt

2006-10-18T12:15:00.000-04:00

Champions League Picks--Matchday 6

2006-10-18T09:53:00.000-04:00

Get used to this look, you'll be seeing it in a few hours after Chelsea get it handed to them and their manager still tells the press he's got the better team. Just unlucky, right Jose? We're done buying it.

Not one of my better days yesterday, but I'm back and better than ever. I'll leave it up to my intern Sambo to give us the updated count, all I know is that I'm behind. So without further adieu, I give you Stephen's Sensual Selections matchday 6:

Inter Milan beats Spartak Moscow in an absolute must win for Internazionale

Bayern goes on the road and beats Sporting Lisbon, Podolski with the late winner

Liverpool and Bordeaux draw nil-nil in typical Liverpool fashion

PSV gets the upset in a tough road environment at Galatasaray

Roma crosses the Aegean and gets the win at Olympiakos

Valencia all over Shakhtar Donetsk early and often, easy win for the boys in the Toyota jerseys

Werder Bremen has yet to put up a goal in the group stages, and I see that trend continue, however the Germans pick up an own goal late and win over Levski Sofia. This is my rubber bullet special of the day. First 20,000 fans get complimentary riot gear.

Finally, in the granddaddy of 'em all, Barcelona looks top class against a Chelsea unit without their top two keepers. The headline writers in England are going to have a field day when third string Chelsea keeper Hilario gives up three goals in the first hour, as I see Chelsea playing from behind most of this match. Final score line, as I've been saying for a good week now, Barca 3, Blues 1. Goal tallies by Ronaldinho, Messi, and Gudjohnson. Sheva for Chelsea, trying to make a game of it to no avail.

A Collective pledge!!

2006-10-17T11:50:00.000-04:00

On the last two posts on this footy blog, there have been unnaceptable Journalistic errors by myself and Mr Stephen Hartzell. I predicted a match on the wrong day, and Stephen said that Barcelona plays at the San Siro. We have gotten a little bit sloppy, but that will change. I hereby swear to check all of my stories for errors and try to get them as perfect as possible before posting them. Sam Franco

(other bloggers can comment on this post to add their signatures)

(I am sitting in Journalism class right now learning about style errors and false facts so that is probably why I went on this rant)

Stephen's Sensual Selections

2006-10-17T10:32:00.000-04:00

Another exciting Tuesday installment of Champions League football coming at us, and we look for the away teams to show up in a big way and deliver on the road. My flaming arrow picks through the heart and soul of man are as follows:

Lyon wins at Dynamo, our man Fred scores yet again

Real Madrid wins at Steau Whogivesashit, Spaniards beware of molotov cocktails and blatant racism

Celtic and Befica play to a draw in what could be one of the more exciting, even-tempo'd pairings of the week

Arsenal pitches a shutout on the road in a classic 1-nil or 2-nil road win in Moscow. Atleast one Arsenal supporter gets a rubber bullet to the abdomen in a postgame fracas with CSKA Ultras.

Porto beats Hamburg in a yawner (as is the case with most German squads outside of Munich aka Podolski Incorporated)

AC Milan continues to play well in Europe, wins easily at Anderlicht

AEK Athens brings tzatziki sauce and rolls up the Frenchies in pita and eats them, winning comfortably at Lille

finally Manchester United brings the ruckus at home versus Copenhagen. Rooney gets the brace, Ronaldo takes off his shirt, Van der Sar saves a penalty, and the Old Trafford faithful see their boys hang up the five spot before it's all said and done.

Simply cannot wait until tomorrow, Chelsea/Barca is actually going to trump the World Cup final, it's going to be that good. And then later for the return leg at the Nou Camp....football fans around the world have got to be thrilled at the prospect of this (as they have the last two years, in addition), but now with Sheva on the Blues, a year-older Messi starting for Barca, those new Adidas blue homes versus the amazing new Nike Orange aways! The scene is set for an absolute cracker in Stamford Bridge. Barcelona 3 Chelsea 1, mark it dude.

Stone Cold Lead Pipe Locks for Match day 5

2006-10-16T20:43:00.000-04:00

The Jolly Green Giant: Always a sure bet between the sticks.

On matchday 4, I went 5 and 3 to bring my grand total for predictions to 21 correct predtictions and 11 incorrect predictions. That's a 66% accurate prediction rate which is pretty good, and will go up after my predictions for matchday 5:

Barcelona wins a close one over Chelski
Lyon handles Dynamo Kiev
Real Madrid take care of business against Steaua Bucharesti (yes, that is the correct spelling)
Benfica and Celtic fight out a draw @ Celtic Park
Arsenal win in a tough road environment at CSKA Moscow
Porto over Hamburg
AC Milan over Anderlecht
Lille over AEK Athens...
and finally MAN UNITED stomp Copenhagen (sorry James, this isn't one of your created FIFA fantasy teams)

Big Sam to the Chelsea (boo) Rescue

2006-10-16T09:47:00.000-04:00

Big Sam Allardyce is not a man to be messed with. And word on the street is this mug gonna lend Chelsea a goalkeeper for their Champions League showdown with Barcelona at the midweek. What does this to mean, you ask? Well for starters, take all of your money to the window and take Barca to walk all over the Blues, then go cut out today's EPL standings and put it on your fridge. Weeks from now, when Morinho and Co. are middle of the table, you can have the last remaining relic of what will cease to be a Chelsea-dominated domestic market.

Petr Czech almost DIED over the weekend. His brain was so swolen they had to crack his skull to let it breathe or else it was going to EXPLODE. And Cudicini got knocked out cold in the same game--instant blackout inside the six yard box. So what are your options when your top two goalkeepers are in hospital beds with head trauma? Call up your boy Big Sam and have him give you a 4th string reserve just in time for your biggest international of the year. And I say this because at this rate no way in hell Chelsea get to Europe's round of 16. Pastiness aside, Petr Czech is a worldclass keeper, probably top three or four, and without him Mourinho's defense ain't nearly as daunting.

You heard it here first: Chelsea 1 Barcelona 3 Champions League Prediction for the midweek.

Read this article

2006-10-13T20:06:00.000-04:00

Do yourself a favor and stay an informed, educated football fan. Read this article from our fine folks at the British Broadcasting Corporation: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/6047656.stm

After a long layoff, MY MOST IMPORTANT POST EVER!

2006-10-10T11:18:00.000-04:00

This is, without a doubt, the most queer looking thing I have ever seen in my life. It looks like there should be a caption that reads, "Yah, Yah, shower us wit za love juice, Yah!" I mean come on, their names are "Trix" and "Flix." The fudgepackers union are clearly behind this. This is why Footy can't be popular in America yet, because we here in America want "real man" sports. Take the Miller Lite Man-law ads. Enough said. If footy would just "Man-up" when it presents itself to America, then maybe it could become popular here.

FUTURE HOME OF SAMBO'S OFFICIAL FIFA07 GAME REVIEW

2006-10-09T20:17:00.000-04:00

Do your homework

2006-10-03T15:40:00.000-04:00

In light of some ignorant comments made by outsiders, I have decided to assign the above text as a homework for any and all footy fans who are hungry for knowledge. Here it is, eat it. Quite simply, this is the finest piece of literature ever written on the beautiful game, and don't even try and come at with me with Nick Hornby's Fever Pitch, Americans, because I've read it and does little for me. Eduardo Galeano is (a) South American, and therefore (b) has a genetic disposition that enables him to not only identify quality football but then, as a man of age and wisdom, place it in the contexts of history and sociology. If I ever become a teacher of the language arts, this will undoubtedly be a required text for my course.

INTEROUBLE

2006-09-29T14:28:00.000-04:00

Inter Milan is about to become the favorites to win the UEFA cup--but even that is up in the air because in order to qualify you have to finish 3rd in your Champions League group, and Inter currently sit in the cellar with no points. This is a team of all-world talent, yet all they have to show for two games is three red cards and no goals. What the hell is going on here? You can bet the pink pages of Italy's Gazzetto dello Sport are filled with the same wtf attitudes of this writer. In a word, unnacceptable. And after crosstown AC Milan's discouraging tie with lowly Lille, it makes you question the state of Italian footy even more.

Zidane, un Portrait du 21e Siècle

2006-09-27T23:06:00.000-04:00

Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait is the 2006 product of directors Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno. Released in Spain and France, well Europe for that matter. Consisting of a 90+ minute games between Real Madrid and Villereal. 27 cameras focus on Zidane in a mix between sport and art documentary. This remake of Costard's 1971 "Football as Never Before" with Zissu taking place of George Best is seen as pale by some critics, but as with art films; the only way you know its good is if everyone hates it. Check out the trailer for yourself http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0478337/trailers

Champs League: Reaction Day 3 and Predictions Day 4

2006-09-27T10:51:00.000-04:00

Man, is this guy ever not smiling?
After Match Day 3, the prediction tally is:
Sam 16 wins 8 losses
Stephen 12 wins 12 losses (Step yo game up son)
Hopefully stephen will post his day 4 predictions, but I digress:
Day Three was a good day overall. Man U played a very sloppy first half, but finished strong. Real Madrid was very impressive and had to shake off the dust after their loss to Lyon. AC Milan not being able to beat Lille is the shock result of the Champs League so far, and doesn't help in what will be a dogfight of a season for them. Arsenal, despite their always patchy form in the Prem, continue to look great in Europe. I sink Arsene Wenger is ze best manager at preparing players for ze style oof play in european competition and ze champions ligue (its hard to type in Wenger's accent). Now all joking aside, here is day 4 predicts:
Barca all over Werder (Ronaldo de Assis Moreira comes to play, and scores)
Chelski all over Levski
Inter beats Bayern in a close one (Podolski still has yet to score in a competitive game for Bayern)
Sporting Lisbon over the other Moscow
PSV over Bordeaux (Edison Mendez scores, viva la tricolor)
the Liverpudlians over Galatasaray (Liverpool is on hot form, two wins in a row in the prem)
Shakhtar and Olympiakos in a hard fought draw, with plenty of shanking and at least 20 hospitalizations
and Finally, Valencia beats Roma

Okay Steee, lets see if you can catch me

Hmm...Match Day 3

2006-09-26T13:45:00.000-04:00

No picture today, straight business.

Okay, here we go for predictions: day 3
Manchester United makes my day and lifts me from the depression I have from the terrible Monday Night Falcons debacle
Man U 3 Benfica 1 Ronaldo has a chip on his shoulder and will relish playing portuguese competition
Madrid over Kiev
Lyon crushes Steau with goals from Fred, Juninho, and more
Celtic over Copehagen
Arsenal over Porto
Hamburg over CSKA
Athens and Anderlecht draw
AC Milan absolutely manhandles the French side and Poacher Inzaghi scores
Lets keep the good predictions rolling

Champions League Handicapping

2006-09-25T23:36:00.001-04:00

Nothing spells Champions League quite like a fat-faced Ronaldo. Mmmmmm.
For all the degenerate gamblers out there who subscribe to ESPN deportes for the sole purpose of watching these matches live, this post is for you.

Tuesday's predictions

ManU redeems itself after last year and puts up a 2-nil win over a Benfica playing without their resident badass Rui Costa

Real Madrid easily over Dynamo Kiev--fatface puts up a goal in his return, Ruud too

Lyon with a late winner over Steaua

Celtic beats Copenhagen (yawn)

Arsenal rides the momentum to a win at home over FC Porto

CSKA and Hamburg tie in a who cares, fans most likely to be hit with tear gas or shanked in the achilles kind of match

AEK Athens over Anderlecht in a battle of two teams with no chance of getting out of the group stage

And lastly, despite their blathering, Lille will get upended by AC Milan. Someone needs to remind these Frenchies that they play in a sub-par Ligue 1 and guess what? Milan could beat you with their second team no questions asked.

I like the Real Madrid and AC Milan matches to go over the 2.5 goal mark, while Steau and Lyon are my lock to finish under.

By the way, am I alone in having a severe distaste/bafflement at the UEFA Champions League anthem that they play before each match? Good god is that awful. You'd think with all their money and sponsors that UEFA would ditch the Enya-themed anthem and just play some footy. I'll be watching tomorrow with my nachos, as always.

Campions Leauge Prediction In One Word

2006-09-25T01:47:00.000-04:00

Fred

It's official: Reading is for real

2006-09-24T18:33:00.000-04:00

I'm not here to jump on the Reading bandwagon after a home draw with Manchester United, but I am going to go on record now, with a week left in September, and proclaim that the Reading Royals will finish in the top eight of the Prem. Some of you are scoffing, 'top eight, big deal'. Well for a newly promoted side who's never played top-flight footy, finishing in the top half of what is largely considered the toughest league on earth, then hell yes it's a big deal. What I like about this team is that they know how to score. And I don't care what type of playmakers you have on your eleven, if your squad doesn't have the ability to put up goals--especially away from home--then you're on a one way trip to the Championship. As in Coca-Cola Championship. And no, that's not a good thing you damn yankees.

Look at the teams in the bottom third of the Prem: Wigan, Middlesbrough, Watford, Charlton, Sheff. Utd (I'm going to omit Tottenham because they have top class goalscorers), where are the goals going to come from? I'm not going to go on a team-by-team breakdown but all you have to do is look at the rosters. The majority of these teams will not score 40 goals in a season. And if you're that bad at hitting the back of the ol' onion bag (thank you Tommy Smith), then by all means, atleast spend some of your gate receipts and go buy a Brazilian teenager and hope for the best.

Last year Reading netted something ridiculous like 120 goals. And granted, that's against Championship teams, but atleast they know what it's like to score. There's a culture of scoring, if you will. Not to mention they have an underrated and more than serviceable keeper in Marcus Hahnemann (who, with Tim Howard, is our netminder in South Africa 2010, just too early to tell who's backing up who).

Look, everyone needs a darkhorse. Somebody they can pull for not to win the damn thing, but put up a fight week in and week out. My darkhorse at the beginning of year was Reading, and if their first seven games of the campaign are any indication, then it looks like a lot of folks are going to come out of the woodwork in the coming weeks and join me.

Sambo tomorrows monday where's my Champions League preview? I need to redeem myself after last weeks picks.

From Villain to Hero in Thirty Seconds

2006-09-19T13:03:00.000-04:00

A Hindu woman with the Tilakam on her forehead, held Krushchev in a gaze of adoration reserved for sons and daughters after he batted down skipper Gilberto Silva's pk. I caught this moment in an instant replay during Sunday's premireship clash...sitting alone at the pine of Molly MacPhearson's pub. The ebb and flow of this match equates in beauty to the racks of scotch and bourbon, upside down in their amber glow. Old Trafford was teeming with 75,500 spectators when Arsenal snatched victory and a full three points from the jaws of defeat. Although the gunner's possesion statistics may appear comfortable, manager Arsene Wenger didn't act the part. That is until Togo's star striker, Emmanuel Adebayor slotted a goal underneath the charging keeper. Usually stoic, Wenger was first to leave his seat in celebration whilst his young talent pointed to the heavens in gratitude. Defensive flaws point toward a lack of concentration on be-half of Man U. Furthermore, despite Darren Fletcher finding his man-strength the once heralded mid-field has yet to come fully into form. Just like Wayne Rooney. Some point to an overreliance on 'super wayne' but the devils just became too comfortable 'round the 70th minute with nothing to show for it. Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann ( makes headlines on brittish tabloids ) faces a police probe after he was accused of kicking a water bottle at Manchester United fans. The German international was accused of booting the bottle into the East Stand during Sunday's Premiership match. Lehmann's primadonna antics are appauling! I've had a ball driven at my face before between the sticks and the match surely didnt stop so i could be attended: RUBBISH.

Memories...'sigh'

2006-09-15T11:22:00.000-04:00

I don't know why I put these pictures on this post, probably just wanted to relive one of the happiest days of my life. I was in Hamburg World Cup Stadium watching Ecuador whoop up on Costa Rica. There's a funny story about this game. The Agustin Delgado near post Wundergoal (pictured) was to me one of the best of the Cup (of course behind Maxi Rodriguez, Joe Cole, and Beckham's free kick that drove a dagger through my heart). The only people out of my family [Me, my older brother Phillip, my two younger brothers Tony and Brian, My Grandpa Yayo (pronounced Jah-Joe for those who had there minds where their noses are), and my Dad] that saw the goal live were me and Tony. This actually was the best thing that could have happened to Tony because he could be the next American Wunderkid because of his left foot. When the goal happened, I turned to him and yelled, "THIS IS WHY YOU GOTTA PLAY SOCCER INSTEAD OF BASEBALL IN HIGH SCHOOL." He now has made his decision and is running Cross Country to get ready for footy season. But anyway, the people who didn't see the goal because they were getting food didn't talk to me and Tony for the rest of the day. It was great.
But anyway, the reason I wanted to post today was to give a little preview of this weeks Prem Action. Of Course the two big games are ManYoo v Arsenal and Chelski v the Liverpudlians. I see Man Yoo winning by two due to the fact that Henry and Van Persie are not expected to play. I don't see any way that Liverpool can win this game due to the week that they have had (0-0 v PSV and 0-3 loss to Everton) unless Stevie G rises to the big game hero status of the Champs League Final and the FA Cup final. Scorlines: ManYoo 3 Arsenal 1 and Chelski 2 Liverpool 1

Hammer's Future Bright

2006-09-14T19:02:00.000-04:00

Old fashioned striker Marlon Harewood has been rewarded for findin' the back of the 'ol onion bag sixteen times last season. He's inked an improved contract that expires in 2010, claiming "'The future is looking good here and I want to be part of it. This is a great club with a great bunch of lads and a great team spirit that I want to remain involved in." Although West Ham currently has six strikers, the services of Harewood have been duely noted and secured for seasons to come. My favorite EPL player Yossi "The Diamond" Benayoun revealed tuesday that he has also inked a new five year contract. I like to call him "Hatikvah" which doubles in meaning; Israel's national anthem or simply "The Hope." Harewood will be on the recieving end of Yossi's fabled spoon passes for a while longer. Albiet rumors that West Ham are the subject of a takeover bid, their future is ensured in this fans eyes.

Now its Okay to Cry for Argentina

2006-09-14T09:38:00.000-04:00

Keeping on top of things like we do here at the "Stop calling it soccer" blog, I have a terribly sad announcement to make. Juan Roman Riquelme has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team at the ripe old age of 28. He cited his mother's health as the reason for him hanging up the internatty boots. "Riquelme said he feared criticism of his Argentina performances may have worsened his mother's health. 'There's been a lot of bad blood and I don't want to make her suffer,' he said.
'My mother is my mother and I can't compare her with the Argentina shirt or anything else.' " I fully respect his decision and think it is refreshing to see a player put his family first. None of this would have happened if the stupid Argentinian media hadn't of cirticized its best player. Way to chase off one of the best playmakers in the world. The team will suffer a great setback in trying to find his replacement. They are still a very good team, but replacing Riquelme would be like replacing Ronaldinho. Hopefully this is one of those short term retirements and he comes back to play for the Argentines. But if he stays retired, he will be missed. You can read the entire story @
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=379431&cc=5901

Reaction: Champions League Days 1 and 2

2006-09-13T16:42:00.000-04:00

The champions league is underway, and the most unpredictable of tournaments is proving just that. Now I give you the winners and losers of Match day 1

Impressive Teams
Lyon: Very Impressive win over Madrid. I was wrong in saying that they would miss diarra
Man Utd: Showed a lot of grit in holding off celtic
Celtic: Showed a lot of fight, should easily get second in this group
Barcelona: Blowout of Levski, picking right up where they left off
Arsenal: Proved steven and I wrong (we both picked Hamburg)
Sporting Lisbon: Impressive win over an Inter team that Jose Mourinho says is the best in the world
PSV: Despite playing a very lackluster Liverpool team, they held their ground
Stuea Bucuresti: Won very impressively over Dynamo Kiev in a very tough stadium to play in

Disappointments
Real Madrid: Favored to beat Lyon, should still be Okay in a weak group
Liverpool: Came out completely flat. Benitez is out of his mind for not starting Gerrard (who almost won the game for them anyway)
Inter: Definately should have beaten Sporting, but as this team builds its chemistry, Watch Out

Well For Match day two My predictions were 4-4, and Steven's were 2-6 which brings the over all standings to:
Sam 10 correct 6 incorrect
Steven 7 correct 9 incorrect
Bad days for both of us, but I lead and hope to keep this lead without relinquishing it.

Predictions: Match Day 2

2006-09-13T10:44:00.000-04:00

Man. wouldn't it be nice to see this again...
Now for Predictions on Match Day 2
(Drumroll Please)
Give me bucuresti over dynamo Kiev(no sheva).
Madrid over Lyon in a close one (Lyon will sorely miss diarra, who is now a galactico).
FC Copenhagen and Benfica play out a draw.
Porto over CSKA Moscow.
UPSET ALERT: HAMBURG OVER ARSENAL (in Germany + No Thierry= loss).
AC Milan spanks AEK Athens in a battle of two of the greatest ever world empires.
Lille over Anderlecht.
and finally ... MAN UTD utterly destroys Celtic upon the glorious return of Rooney and Scholes.
By the way, yesterday my predictions went 6-2 steven's went 5-3, we got a prediction battle on our hands here people, lets see who wins over the entire champs league season.

I promise that this is the last ashley cole post...

2006-09-13T10:29:00.000-04:00

I also just wanted to see this picture again... but I digress. This time Cashley Cole is in the news for two reasons. The first is for ratting out Cesc Fabregas in the infamous pizza-gate incident where a player from Arsenal threw a piece of pizza across the dining hall at Old Trafford and hitting the Gaffer, Sir Fergie, in the face. You can read more about this story at http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=379307&cc=5901
The second reason is that he has also come out and slammed his former Arsenal teammates for being lazy and "rubbish" throughout last season. He is quoted as saying "I saw too much rubbish, lazy players who didn't pull their weight and schoolboy errors." Granted, I love the use of the word schoolboy (Burgundy's gone soft on us like some school boy bitch. Yea you sound like a gay), He also slams Arsenal for being cheap. "I can't remember a time when Arsenal have counted their pennies so carefully" You can read more about this story at http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=379306&cc=5901
Okay, I was watching Fox Football Fone-In Last Night on the one and only Fox Soccer Channel, and Nick and Steven couldn't have said it better. "Ashley Cole... JUST SHUT UP!. I am tired of him and his shenanigans (man I love that word) and
I still stand by my wish of him having a career ending injury and his girl leaving him. By the way Ms. Cheryl Tweedy, did I mention that my dad's house has a pool?...

Viva La Tricolor

2006-09-12T15:16:00.000-04:00

As I sit and watch Liverpool taking on PSV in the Champs League, I am watching Edison Mendez, an Ecuadorian, In suit for PSV. I do some snooping on the web to find out that he made his debut for the club on Saturday in the Eredivese. He scored 2 goals in the first 21 Minutes. It makes me proud to see more Ecuadorians playing in Europe. Look for both him and Luis Valencia of Wigan to have good seasons.
Now for my predictions of the day:
Chelski over Bremen
Barca over Levski
Valencia over Olympiakaos
Inter over Lisbon
Bayern over Moscow
Galatasaraay (or however it is spelled) over bordeaux
Roma over shahnk-whatever
Liverpool and PSV Draw
Note to steven: I am watching Liverpool vs. PSV in HD right now on ESPN2HD

2006-09-12T13:06:00.000-04:00

Stephen's sensual selections:

Tuesday action
Barca all over Levski
Inter bears Sporting
Galatasaray ties Bordeaux
Liverpool one nil over PSV
Roma ties Shakhtar
Valencia spanks Olympiakos
Bayern beats Spartak
Chelsea struggles but beats Werder

I like Barca, Valencia, and Inter games to go over the 2.5 goal mark (for all you degenerate gamblers out there). ESPN2 is kind enough to be televising the 'Pool at PSV match (not on HD though, bitches), so I'll be sure to tuning in, take out nachos in hand. Check back tomorrow and watch me go 16-0.

Chile's Colo Colo fields 14 year-old

2006-09-11T19:13:00.001-04:00

Nicolas Millan became the youngest player to play in the Chilean championship when he made his professional debut for Colo Colo at the age of 14 on Sunday. Millan came on in the 79th during an away match at Santiago Wanderers when he replaced Felipe Mella. Shortly afterwards, Millan had a chance to score but fired his shot over the crossbar after being left unmarked in the penalty area...I sincerly hope that Nicolas Millan fairs better than D.C. United's Freddy Adu. That is to say, hopefully the pressure of advert schemes dosen't drown this young man. The M.L.S. has proved itself indubitably flawed in its inability to nurture the young talent of its once heralded golden boy. Currently our enfatuation with money serves only those who hump short term gains, while avoiding long term catastrophes, yet the issue isn't adressed: Immence stress placed upon the shoulders of our youth rob them firstly of joyful innocence and secondly of true perspective. I hope young Millan finds the back of the net more than the teeth of despair.

You have this girl... and you're complaining why??

2006-09-11T09:15:00.000-04:00

Of all the most maddening, idiotic stories I have read all year, nothing beats the Ashley Cole saga, and the latest chapter has caused me to lose all respect for him. Now I hated him anyway for blocking Carlos Tenorio's sure goal for Ecuador against England in the World Cup, but you had to respect the best left back in the world. Now, the respect is gone. According to espnsoccernet, these are comments "Cashley" Cole made about the reason he left Arsenal for Chelsea." 'The club made Thierry feel wanted and special, wooing him, wining and dining him, speaking in public about how much they want him to stay, going on a deliberate charm offensive.

But me? I didn't have one dinner, one meeting or one phone call from anyone. That's not sour grapes, it's just a sad truth. The truth is that the Gunners had done nothing all season to hold on to me.'
He added: 'My worst fears were confirmed when, as Thierry and I sat in the centre circle after the final whistle, his name was sung from the rooftops while my contribution was recognised by a deafening silence.
As his chants faded away we waited for mine. And we waited. And there was nothing. `They're not bothered about me', I said, resigned to the fact. It was like I was the invisible man.' "

NOT SOUR GRAPES??? If I have ever heard sour grapes, then this is it. WAH WAH WAH, nobody likes me as much as Thierry... that's because he is ONE OF THE TOP 5 PLAYERS IN THE WORLD YOU IDIOT!!! Arsenal will be fine without Ashley Cole, especially because they got Gallas in return (who can play anywhere), but if they had lost Henry, you could already condemn them to relegation. Okay, maybe that is a bit harsh, but getting back to my point, this is exactly what's wrong with sports nowadays, GREED.

If this story doesn't make your stomach turn, then I don't know what would. How athletes are allowed to make more money than Doctors and teachers is beyond me, and another topic altogether, but Ashley Cole is one of the richest footballers in the world, and has a bangin girl(Cheryl Tweedy, pictured) to boot, but he still has to hold out for more. I hope Ashley Cole suffers a career ending injury and his girl leaves him. If that does happen... Hey Cheryl Tweedy, My name is Sam Franco. I am 6 ft 1...

Damn, doesn't Ruud look good in that Royal White

2006-09-10T15:04:00.000-04:00

I hate to say I told you so, but I TOLD YOU SO!!! If you read my September 7th post entitled "I think its time for some time out", i said "United will probably rue the day" that they sold Rutgerus. Well, today vs Levante, Ruud went postal. He scored a hat trick and could have had more. The only reason United sold Van Nistelrooy was because of Sir Alex Ferguson. Now, I think Sir Alex is the best manager in the world and Manchester United will ALWAYS be my team, BUT Fergie made a HUGE mistake in getting rid of Van Nistelrooy because as I said before, there is no way that Saha can replace Ruud. If United don't get trophies out of this year, and Van Nistelrooy gets his 30 goals this season, then I think the Glazers might need to start looking for a replacement for the 20 year manager of United. I know its blasphemy, but results and trophies are all that matter. So if you haven't been able to figure out that RVN is my favorite player, you have been living under a rock. Imagine if United play Madrid sometime in this year's champions league...

P.S. Another Pigskin refrence (sorry): After watching the Falcons/Panthers game this weekend, I have come to the conclusion that the Falcons actually have a Super Bowl caliber team and am now calling that the super bowl will be Falcons/Patriots, with the Dirty Birds winning 24-21. Mark It Down!

Newcastle needs a Newcastle

2006-09-10T01:40:00.000-04:00

Is it just me or is Newcastle FC like the Chicago Cubs of the English Premiership? There's the whole Michael Owen fiasco (think Mark Prior and Kerry Wood), they can't close even the easiest of fixtures (see yesterday's two goals given up to lowly Fulham in the final 8 minutes), and despite having the most passionate--and desperate--fans in the Prem, the product on the pitch consistently dissapoints. And unlike the Cubs I actually like Newcastle. I want to see them do well. They have a world-class keeper in Given, new signing Obafemi Martins is a straight baller, and summer catch Damien Duff is on my all-name team. They should be so much better than they are. But they suck, and it's for the same reasons why the Chicago Cubs continue to be cellar dwellers year after year: unrealistic expectations. Yes, we know about the legacy, but I'd ask any Newcastle supporter the following question: 'What have you done for me lately?' National treasure Alan Shearer is gone, and despite having arguably the coolest stadium in the Prem (love St. James' park--awesome architecture), your fans are a bunch of rabid drunks who smell like hot garbage and your players have been known to come to fisticuffs on the field. During a game. Totally unacceptable. So throw everything you've got at Fernando Torres and hope for the best because unless you're bringing in a pure striker to go surgical on some poor keeper, then go ahead and kiss this season goodbye. You Newcastle fans are pretty used to that.

No Rooney, No Scholes, No Problem

2006-09-09T14:32:00.000-04:00

Don't look now, but United just won three in a row without the services of Scholes and Rooney. Now with Rooney and Scholes coming back, the red devils will be stronger than ever. I can sense chelsea's grip on the trophy slipping already.
P.S. Champs League footy starts this week, life can't get any better.

Wayne Rooney in "Barfights in Manchester"

2006-09-08T09:53:00.000-04:00

Just when it couldn't get any worse for Super Wayne, it does. According to the mecca of Footy information on the web, ESPNSoccernet, Michael Gray (who??? (pictured above)) was sloppy at a restraunt in Manchester and came over to Mr. Rooney and his fiancee's table. He said some things he shouldn't have about Rooney's Fiancee and Wayne, while still sitting, gave him a black eye. Apparently no disciplinary action will be taken, but the publicity is very bad. By the way... Who the bloody hell is Michael Gray??? Just some stupid guy who got capped for England 3 times in his "illustrious" career and was jealous of wayne rooney. Why can't people just leave wayne alone and let him ressurect English Footy? Wayne just needs to get back on the field, not just for the fans, but for himself so he can stay outta trouble. Rooney is the best player that England has ever produced, but he is still not fully matured. This guy probably just wanted to get a rouse out of Wayne Rooney and he was succesful. Wayne is going to have people like this with their hands in his pocket, and he has to learn to control his temper and deal with these people accordingly. Please, come back soon Wayne, the Reds need you.

Kaka' pulled a Maradona on the Argentinians... classic

2006-09-07T23:14:00.000-04:00

If any of you readers out there watched Brazil's 3 nil thumping of Argentina last weekend, then you undoubtedly saw Kaka's Maradona-esque goal in the latter stages of the game. For those of you who didn't see it. Kaka got the ball on a counter attack at about halfway between his own goal and midfield. After that is was a footrace between him and Messi. Now I thought Messi was fast, Kaka' burned him. He burned messi and did a couple of moves past another argentinian defender, and poked the ball past the keeper. Que Buenisimo!! Only one of the best players in the world is capable of scoring this goal, and if there was no ronaldinho (take a moment to imagine life without ronaldinho...don't worry it is just a scenario. You can put the neuse away) Kaka' would be the best player on Brazil. That means that Kaka' is, if not the second best player in the world(in my mind) he is definately top 5. And his story is brilliant. The name Kaka' came from his little brother not being able to pronounce his real name, Ricardo, as a child. So he just said Kaka'. Wouldn't he look great in a ManYoo jersey. Hey, c'mon, let a man dream okay.

I think its time for some time out

2006-09-07T23:04:00.000-04:00

After reading the head soccernet headline the other day about ruud coming out and saying that Fergie stabbed him in the back, I have one thing to say. ENOUGH!!!! You are on separate teams now. While this problem was being sorted, Fergie was referring to Ruud the same way the Parcells is referring to T.O. nowadays ( sorry for the American throwball reference). They both need to go to time out. Ruud didn't deserve to be benched the way he did, and unfortunately, United will probably rue the day they got rid of him (if not in the league, then definately in Europe). The Prem is more about defense. Europe is more about offense, and there is no way that you can even put Louis Saha in Van Nisteljoys league. I hate to say this, but Fergie can act like a stubborn little child sometimes, and they lost Beckham, Staam, and most recencly Keane because of it, but he is still the best manager in the world. I wish both parties the best (I know Ruud will flourish in spain with another 30+ goal season at the demise of Fat Ronaldo, and ManYoo is going to win the Prem.)

Mmmmm parlays

2006-09-05T21:01:00.000-04:00

4-0 over the weekend....can we keep it going?

9.2.06

Greece over Moldova
Czechs over Wales
France over Georgia
Sweden over Latvia

9.5.06

England over Macedonia
Norway over Moldova
Ukraine over Georgia

and in closing, lets go Israel--
-impressive 3 points at Estonia this weekend

Hatikfah

STOP EVERYTHING YOU ARE DOING!! HOLD THE PRESSES!!!!

2006-08-31T15:26:00.000-04:00

HOLD EVERYTHING, WEST HAM have done it. The deal to sign Carlitos "Apache" Tevez and Javier Mascherano is complete for WEST HAM, and it isn't a loan deal as we originally thought, THESE ARE PERMANENT CONTRACTS!!!!! I don't know how they did it, but here is a quote from the Hammers website, "The transfers represent a massive coup for the Hammers, who have beaten off some of Europe's biggest clubs to secure the services of the duo." I say good for you Hammers, You did something that ManYoo, Chelski, and International Arsenal couldn't do. The Hammers had the inside track on the two Argentinians because they are owned by the same company that owns Corinthians, but I digress. Look for the Hammers to win the UEFA cup now and definately qualify for the Champions league next season, thats right Hammer fans, CHAMPS LEAGUE football @ Upton Park.

Welcome to the Prem, DaMarcus

2006-08-31T10:59:00.000-04:00

Damarcus Beasley is on the move, and it is a loan move to Man City. City are looking up after beating arsenal and Beasley now gets his chance in the prem. I hope he makes the most of it

You've gotta be kidding me

2006-08-31T07:13:00.000-04:00

Alright, I know that my 4th place in the EPL prediction is changing quicker than a Truman's body composition (oooooh burn), but all that was before I read espnsoccernet this morning. Ok here it goes... According to the man himself... Carlos Tevez, along with his international teamate Javier Mascherano are both heading to London. Now there is a plethera of teams in London so let me ellaborate. Arsenal...NO. Chelski...Not even close. Ok here it is...WEST HAM. According to espnsoccernet, "Tevez and Mascherano are expected to join the east London club on a season-long loan and a permanent deal next summer is possible, either at Upton Park or elsewhere." WHAT!!!!!! This is crazy. I want to know how they can afford this, but regardless, these two Argentinians could push the Hammers to a major trophy this year, but it DEFINATELY secures them 4th place in the league, regardless of what Redknapp does at Pompey. My top three are still the same though:
1. ManYoo
2. the Liverpudlians
3. Chelski
4. one of our esteemed bloggers favorite teams: the HAMMERS

Sir Alex...HOW COULD YOU LET TEVEZ GO TO THE HAMMERS...You've gotta be kidding me, somebody wake me up from this nightmare. Don't get me wrong, I like the Hammers, but where are the Reds on this one man. If West Ham could have secured the services of Tevez and Mascherano, both of who supposedly interest Fergie, then Man U definately could have secured the same loan deals and signed both of them to permanent deals when the season closes. Well, West Ham finally have a World Class striker (no offense to their current crop of Zamora, Teddy "AARP" Sheringham, Dean Ashton and Marlon "Shit the Bed" Harewood) and a dominant midfield force in Mascherano. I guess Hammers would be willing to part with reo-coker now, but why would Man U want Reo-Coker over Mascherano? I will bring this post to an end by saying that this has been the most frustrating offseason/transfer window EVER for Manchester united, and they gave up Marcos Senna because they thought they could get Hargreaves, and they have neither now. They pissed off Senna by completely dropping interest as soon as Hargreaves illegally declared his desire to play for United, and now have no chances of signing the Brazilian-born Spaniard. I still have Man U winning the league, but they BETTER do something in the January window or else, in the words of Donny Greens, they are "F#$%*D." Great...just Great

American-born Italian International...WTF man, WTF

2006-08-30T21:35:00.000-04:00

Things just got a little brighter on Tyneside. Giuseppe Rossi has been loaned to Newcastle until January 1st 2007. Sir Alex Ferguson says that this move will give Rossi some "invaluable 1st team experience." This is just a stall move by Newcastle while trying to get Michael Owen healthy again. The Rossi-Martins tandem will be one of the fastest strike pairs in all of England, but they both have a lot to prove. Rossi is the main reason that Sir Fergie let Ruud Van Nistel-Joy go to Los Galacticos de Madrid. If you can put that much faith (30+ goals a seasons worth) in an unproven AMERICAN-italian, then he must be worth his weight in salt. This also gives Ferguson some time to see if Alan Smith can move back to striker. Glenn Roeder must have a very bright outlook on the first half of the season, and Rossi will see some European action in the UEFA cup; which doesn't disqualify him for playing for Man U in the Champions League upon his return because they are different competitions. So all in all I think that this is a great move for both clubs and both gaffers can be pleased with it.
P.S. Man U really need to pick up CARLITOS TEVEZ and sell Louis Saha, because Rossi will be ready upon his return from the Tynside

transfer gossip...great

2006-08-30T09:08:00.000-04:00

Ok, so the trasfer deadline has come and gone and my boy Stephen Appiah is doomed to Fernerbache for at least a few more months Appiah plays the same holding middy role that Hargreaves plays, and Appiah is BETTER. So why didn't Sir Fergie try to get him

If Portsmouth do get Appiah in January, Pedro Mendes recovers from that year-long ban worthy tackle, and the Democratic Republic of Congo trickster Lomano Lua-Lua (whose name is just as cool as Shittu) returns to full health, then they could be poised to make a late run and possibly a Uefa cup spot, because that forth spot for the Champs league is already on Lockdown by West Ham.

A little more transfer gossip: Apparently there is going to be a tug of war between Arsenal and Man U for the signature of Carlos Tevez, whether it happens between now and the end of the transfer window or the start of the new one, it will happen. I just hope Fergie doesn't do something stupid and sign Trezeguet instead. He is garbage, and Man U already have a French striker, so GO GET TEVEZ!!!!!!!!

P.S. LEO MESSI IS THE SHIZNITTLE BAM SNIP SNAP SAP and BARCA are unstoppable with him, Eto'o and Dinho on the field @ the same time. It turns out that the Ronaldinho/Rijkaard rift was completely made up, and probably by some Madridista, you gotta watch those f'ing madridistas. Sevilla showed that the impenetrable force that is Barcelona is penetrable by way of counter attack. This is so because Barcelona doesn't have a holding midfielder (they let him go to Bayern Munich, so now they have two holding midfielders in Van Bommell and Hargreaves). Without Van Bommell, all Barcelona has is attacking midfielders. If they can fix this in the January window, then they should win the league just fine, but if not, look for los Galacticos de Madried or los Xotos de Valencia to win the league due to Barcelona's lack of a defensive mentality, especially in the midfield.

Don't mess with Messi

2006-08-29T21:17:00.000-04:00

After Sam's lovely focus piece on Rio Ferdinand, I was obligated to follow up with my own tasty bit, this one on my favorite teenager in football, Mr. Lionel Messi. All you need to know is that this kid plays internationally for a perennial powerhouse in Argentina (where they call him the second coming of some guy named Maradona), and plays his club footy for the Champions of Europe in Barcelona. And when you have the likes of Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o, and Frank Rijkaard practically raising you on the football pitch (he's been in Barca youth development since he was 13), then you are destined for great things. I know it's way too early to even talk about it, but him and Carlos Tevez are going to go apeshit in South Africa 2010. Dude's also got a sweet Euro-mullet.

Portsmouth!?

2006-08-29T20:30:00.000-04:00

When I started this footy blog I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd ever write about Portsmouth FC, and yet here I am, three games into the Premiership season, with Pompey staring at me with seven points and no goals allowed. The obvious question on everybody's mind is where the hell did this come from? I'm here to say, like the rest of you, that I have absolutely no idea.

Whatever manager Harry Redknapp has his boys beleiving in, it's working. Because not only can Portsmouth claim to be the only Prem team to not concede a goal, they also boast its top scorer, ex-Arsenal striker Nwakwo Kanu. And assuming their keeper, David "Calamity" James, doesn't have a relapse and go into meltdown mode like seasons past, then I'm here to say that Pompey might have what it takes to finish in the top six and qualify for Europe before it's all said and done.

Just look at their roster: Kanu is a gem, and will score 25 goals this season without breaking much of a sweat; Sol Campbell, despite the slandering he's received from the British press the past year, is a more than serviceable defender and an absolute beast on set peices; Glen Johnson is a stud defender, regardless of his age and immaturity; and midfielder Pedro Mendes, if and when he ever wakes up from that nasty challenge from Ben Thatcher, is an all-around solid midfield maestro.

It's not the Portsmouth of recent years, this much is certain, because when you see the players Harry has assembled you realize these guys aren't a bunch of slouches. They can play--and perhaps more importantly--play well with each other. Amazing how quickly a team can gel when they're winning games, so now the question is how long can they keep it up? With Calamity James between the posts, it's only a matter of time before the winning is going to stop, or atleast slow down, so it oughta be interesting to see how Redknapp and Co. respond when the going gets tough. I'm here to give them my full endorsement for a top six finish, I just hope there's still room on the Pompey bandwagon.

A Rio runs through it

2006-08-28T20:18:00.000-04:00

While Manchester United continue their march to the Premier League title this year, a shaven-head Rio Ferdinand takes the field and anchors the defense. This isn't the first time that Rio has gone au natural, but it is at the expense of the raw Marley locks that he rocked during the tour of South Africa this summer (see above). But whether he is cornrowed, shaved, or bald, he is still one of the best defenders in the world, despite the rare occasion of a slip up. He has been rock solid for United this year so far, and survived the scare of the metatarsal that has rocked England before. So in the little town of Manchester, one thing is a constant, A Rio always runs through it.

Not inside my 18

2006-08-27T00:26:00.000-04:00

At school I schlep to watch games at Savannah’s Scottish pub, Molly McPherson’s. Polished wood floorboards usually creak, to announce its only customer. Fans flutter flags and stir the simmering heat of mid-evening Savannah, which creeps in behind me. Voices of British announcers drift through surround sound speakers. As the lads trickle inside to sip on pints the maroon and violet of Barcelona scarves color few necks in a row. The European Champion’s league telecast was the object of our affection. A few months ago I sat scrawling words similar to these in an arduous attempt to hammer out a journalism piece: which relayed my passion and reverence for the game. But, an article which carried an informative yet stern tone as to the current state of U.S. footy affairs.

Where are the nail-biting fans or dedicated supporters packing into the armpit of pubs and sports bars? Can our beloved footy float in the sea of America’s most popular sports? At Giants stadium, for example, the cost of parking, $10.00, exceeds the cost of admittance to a Metrostars game, $8.00. Ian Ng, a college freshman, lent me some insight, “I don’t like soccer as much as football, basketball or baseball…I like American sports better. Football, basketball and baseball were created in America. Soccer is not an American sport because many other countries play it.” Acceptance must hinge on shoe deals and advertising schemes, for big business has reduced this nation to the state of a selfish and ignorant child.

Not one to hold my breath for the rumor-mill, Beckham printed on the back of a L.A. Galaxy uniform might revive footy from its dismal stateside existence. A wave of change could follow Beckham’s entrance into Major League Soccer; reminiscent of Pele’s influence when playing for the New York Cosmos. Maybe the USL and other professional leagues should sit down with the M.L.S. and sew together a cohesive fabric for promotion and relegation within a new system. In truth, doubt’s shadow looms over future prospects in America; grassroots support at the youth level just isn’t what it could be.

In the wake of this summer’s World Cup it seems most of the polity have slipped into or have never left a state of mental submission. Comedian politicians, stock market flux, fixed apr mortgage rates, or prescription drug refill dates have caught Americans in their usual mire of narcissism. Thankfully the EPL begins anew.

A thought to close: During memorable road trips along Jamaica’s western coast, my brother Stephen and I saw more fields and playable pitches adorned with posts, barrels, and players than witnessed our entire lives growing up in Atlanta, Georgia

Meet Sambo

2006-08-25T18:09:00.000-04:00

Alright, Sam here, and with my first post, I am going to shed some light on a few subjects. First of all, THERE IS NO PROBLEM BETWEEN ROON AND RONNY. If the first game of the season against Fulham is any sign of things to come, watch out Chelski.

For my next point I would like to tell all home fans of any team that Man U comes to play this year that booing Ronaldo is a bad strategy. In case you didn't watch the world cup, he thrives on it. It makes him play that much better.

Third, I would like to call for Ben Thatcher of Man City to face a year long ban for his horrendous challenge on Pedro Mendes of Portsmouth. This challenge caused Mendes to spend a night in the hospital after having a seizure, and the referee only busted out a yellow card. The FA need to send a message that these kinds of challenges are unnaceptable, and thankfully the referee has been taken off of the list of Premiership Officials.

Speaking of unnaceptable, I would like to ask Bayern Munich to remove their heads from their ass and let Owen Hargreaves make his dream move. Up until the world cup, I wasn't a fan of Hargreaves, but after the cup, I (and the Gaffer Sir Alex) have come to realize that Hargreaves would be a vital asset to Man Utd. Bayern Munich just have to accept the fact after 9 years, Hargreaves needs and deserves a new challenge .

And lastly, I would like to comment on the Champions League draw. Chelski beware. Barcelona will beat Chelski both matches, and Werder Bremen are no pushovers, Miroslav Klose can strike anywhere at anytime. Man Utd can now extract some revenge on Benfica, and Inter finally have the tools to move deep into Europe. Who will win? If I had to guess now, I would say Barcelona wins it again over an English team in a classic.----- Sam out

Get used to it

2006-08-24T14:11:00.000-04:00

I know it's early, but has anyone looked at the top of the table recently? Man U has eight goals for to just one against. Ruud Van Who?

Poor, poor Chelsea

2006-08-24T13:27:00.000-04:00

Thursday evening in Monaco was UEFA's Champions League group draw, which saw title holders Barcelona put in the same group as their perennial nemesis (and mine) Chelsea. What amazes me here is that two time defending EPL champs Chelsea aren't even included in the top pool of clubs UEFA uses to seed the group phase. So despite their $200 million roster and back-to-back EPL trophies, the Blues still aren't considered a top seed in Europe's eyes. Now they have two fixtures with the unstoppable force that is Barcelona just to make it through to the round of 16. And we all know how Chelsea has fared against the Catalians the last two years: o-fer

The way it works is UEFA uses a formula to evaluate and seed the 32 teams that make the Champions League draw, based on domestic record, strength of domestic league, and international record over the last five years. Now I know Chelsea haven't had near the success in Europe as their counterparts Liverpool and Arsenal (both of which were included in this year's top pool), but give them credit where it's due, because they've been wiping the floor with both of those clubs when it comes to the Prem. I hate to praise them, but let's face it, Chelsea have dominated English football recently.

The U.S. knows all about getting a bum rap when the lottery balls are bouncing (see World Cup draw, with the U.S. a 9th seed and the top 8 seeds getting placed in seperate groups--how'd that end up working out for us?), however the point is that Chelsea have been assembled for the sole purpose of winning Europe, and they have yet to make even the semis. That's not to say they stopped caring about domestic ties--although anyone watching them against Middlesborough would argue otherwise, what a pathetic final fifteen minutes!--but at this point, owner Roman Abamovich desperately wants to own the only trophy that has yet to grace his cupboard, the Champions League. And guess what? The world's 49th richest man is going to have to wait another year, 'cause either Barca repeats or Inter Milan is going to bring home the hardware, you heard it here first.

To see the official Champions League group draw, as well as the four pools of clubs UEFA used in the lottery, see the following page: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=340368&cc=5901

The coolest name in the Prem

2006-08-22T20:41:00.000-04:00

Danny Shittu
Defender
# 17
Watford FC
Nigerian International

EPL top four predictions

2006-08-21T15:48:00.000-04:00

Let's face it, the English Prem is the toughest football league, top to bottom, in the entire world. The best players (outside of Barcelona), the best fans, the coolest managers, and by far the most exciting brand of football. La Liga is no joke, don't get me wrong, but as far as quality goes--and quality means everything when it comes to top tier footy--Spain doesn't have it outside of their top six or eight clubs. And even that's being generous. Germany and Italy have both fallen off the face of respectability as far as I'm concerned. Go a season without scandal, then we'll talk.

Everyone likes Chelsea but me. I like their players, but only as individuals, not as a unit which wears blue and reeks of the New York Yankees. Did you know Bin Laden is a Chelsea supporter? So is the guy from North Korea. I'm not making this up. I think they're loaded at every position, but for me to pick them at the top goes against everything I stand for. Let's not forget this is the team that lost to the MLS Allstars in July. That's just inexcusable. So as much as I want to see Reading or Tottenham win the Prem, these are realistic predictions so I'm going with another often loathed squad, Manchester United.

Anyone who wants to argue I'd like you to see the ninety minutes they put in versus Bolton yesterday. Goodness gracious, they are going to score more goals then any team in the league, including the 40 (that's right, forty) that Rooney's good for. Second will be Liverpool, in a title chase that comes down to last few fixtures of Spring, followed by Chelsea third and Tottenham inching past rivals Arsenal for fourth. I implore you to give me your four, especially if you don't have Chelsea in your top two. Call me crazy but isn't it ok to not like a team based on their philosophies? Alright then, come on you Reds!

Play beautiful, my brothers

2006-08-21T11:07:00.000-04:00

Welcome to our footy blogspot. The articles posted here will be written, for the most part, by a group of American kids who spend their weekends waking up a 7:00 AM and watching live footy all morning. We know the players, we know the game, we know the culture, and none of us will ever, ever refer to the beautiful game as soccer--it's footy and that's a promise. Somebody needs to let the public know that there are Americans who give a damn, because based on our recent World Cup performance, even our players and coaches don't know what the hell is going on out there. That's why we're here; partly to help resuscitate whatever kind of footy pulse this nation had, but also to spread the gospel, so to speak, on a worldwide scale. It is our hope that those who visit this site appreciate what we're trying to do here, and, if you're feeling up for it, leave us a few thoughts of your own. Or else you're liable to end up like this poor chap on the right.