HighburySon

French Failure + Not Another Italy Fan + Tomorrow Preview

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:00:39 -0500

You know, sometimes its not always good to be right, and that certainly seemed to be true today. To say that I am a France fan would be a bit of a stretch, but certainly against the Italians I'd hoped Les Blues were going to make something magical happen. It started all wrong for the French, with Ribery leaving the game in around the tenth minute because of what looked like an ankle injury. Samir Nasri came on, and for ten minutes he ran around without really getting into the game. With the red card given to Abidal (more on this later), the attacking minded Nasri came back off the pitch to make way for central defender Jean Boumsong. After only twenty five minutes of football, France was down a goal, down a man, without one of their most productive players (in terms of Ribery,) and down to one substitute. Not quite the start I imagine Head Coach Raymond Domenech had hoped for.

The French gave a good account of their selves, but it looked like the game was out of reach for them after Abidal was sent off. Needing a win, they would have had to produce two goals against a usually stout Italian defense, with ten men; having only scored once all tournament. It really didn't look good for the French and if it had not been for a rare save from keeper Gregory Coupet, they could have been down 2 - 0 before half time. The second goal was tremendously unlucky coming off Thierry's left boot from a free kick, but the second Italian goal seemed to be a long time coming. When Nicolas Anelka came on, I would have hoped to see more from him, but once again he lost himself on the pitch and was more or less invisible the last half an hour. Domenech summed it up quite well for the French, "Everything that could possibly go wrong, did go wrong." While I agree with Raymond to a certain extent, I really think that the idea of France going far in this years Euro was more of a good dream than anything else. Of course, they still are one of the most technically gifted sides in the world, but when you look at this side a few things pop into mind. It simply seemed unlikely that a team could make it to the Finals of the World Cup and lose in the fashion that they did, and then be able to succeed at a tournament like the Euro. Beyond that, this is the first major tournament in the last twelve years where neither Zidane nor former keeper Fabian Barthez has been apart of the squad. In their game against the Dutch, the average age of the French was 30 years and 144 days, the oldest starting squad ever in Euro history. Will the French be able to rebound in the future? I am sure they will, with promising players like Karim Benzema (who provided most of the French attack today,) and Samir Nasri who is still coming into his own, the French will be a force to be reckoned with in the future. Following the game, long time French Internationals Claude Makelele and Lilliam Thuram announced their respective retirements from the national team. Both of them have been brilliant and I wish them the best in the rest of their careers. I expect a strong showing from them in the World Cup 2010.

Now, over the past few years, people have always asked me why I don't like the Italian football team. I can give you a multitude of answers, but yesterday I jokingly said that the Italian strategy had to be to dive and hope for the best. Yet, looking at todays match, both of the Italian goals came from dead ball situations. Was the first challenge by Abidal a penalty? I think it might be a bit harsh, there was obviously contact, but if you play the film back slowly, you see that in the final third of the challenge Luca Toni throws his arms in the air and crashes to the ground like a pile of bricks, all the while; Eric Abidal does make contact with the ball. Its obvious that Abidal tagged him, I just think that sending off a man in the 24th minute of such an important match ruins the game for everyone who is watching.

In any case, my biggest problem with Italian soccer has been their inability to win games without referee interference. Its my opinion that a good team shouldn't need to always count on the officials to win games.

Looking at Italy's World Cup run in '06, In the group stage, Italy racked up 7 points. Yet, against Ghana they received a penalty kick, and against the USA; defender Pablo Mastroeni received a questionable red card after Daniel De Rossi was sent off for leaving Brian Mcbride's nose covered in blood due to a blatant elbow. Now, on to the round of 16, Italy played Australia. In the 95th minute, Fabian Grosso dribbled into the box and took possibly the largest dive of all time. Anyways, after being awarded the phantom penalty, the Italians crowded around Grosso to congratulate him on his tremendous dive. To me thats bottom stuff right there, you've cheated another team out of a fair game and your going to rub it in to them; absolute classless.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr2oTmQ0GwM --- Could somebody tell me how to link stuff? I know this look terrible, but here is a video of the dive.

In any case, the next round against Ukraine the same stuff continued. While the Italians failed to get a penalty kick, the number of fouls showed it all as apparently the Ukrainians (who had previously the least amount of yellow cards, and fouls in the tournament,) racked up 3 yellow cards and 31 fouls compared to the 0 Italian cards and only 15 fouls. Those numbers just don't stack up anyway you look at it. Against Germany in the semi finals, it was keeper Buffon to the rescue, who saved the Italians on several occasions; and I will say that he is without a doubt one of, if not the best goal tender in the world.

And finally, against France. While it was the French who got the penalty kick early on, the Italians would rely on winning from the spot once again as they won on penalty kicks to secure the title. However, while Zidane's epic blow up will always be infamously remembered I will never understand how it is that Marco Materazzi, who is over 6'4; could crumble like he did after being head butted. I am sorry, but a real man that size should not be going to the ground so easy. Of course the French player deserved to get removed from the game, but its just a shame that these players feel the need to spend so much time on the ground. It ruins the integrity of the game, and while I know it happens on every time, it just seems like the Italians have made an art of it.

Now looking at the Euro, the only game where Italy has been successful has been against the French. What is the key to their success one might ask? There isn't any need to look very far. The Italians only, in my opinion, only are successful in top flight football when the officiating crew gets themselves involved. A team of world champion pedigree, should not have to rely on outside forces to win a game, simple as that, and until Italy can prove to me that they do not need the officials to win a major tournament, my opinion of them stands.

That was a very intense tangent. Whew. In anycase, the Dutch continued to look amazing, breaking down to the Romanians twice. Robin Van Persie continued to look deadly and capped his performance with a very nice goal, lets just hope he can stay healthy until our season at Arsenal starts. I really tip my hat to the Romanians, no one gave them a chance at all and they more than made a believer out of me. I hope that Adrian Mutu can shrug off his missed penalty kick against the Italians and know that he gave them one hell of a go through the entire tournament. Its sad when Cinderella stories end, and I think everyone (barring French and Italy fans) would have loved to see them advance, but hopefully they will be their to represent their country at the 2010 World Cup.

Tomorrow should be interesting. While Spain and Greece are playing for virtually no reason, everything will be on the line for the Swedes and Russians as they square off for the final spot in the quarter finals. I think its going to come down to whether or not Zlatan Ibrohimavich plays for the Swedish or not, hes been scintillating thus far and as long as his knee isn't bothering him, I assume he'll keep it up. On the other hand, the Russians have been impressive so far. Of course the Spanish dismantled them, but they did give a good account of themselves.

Predictions.. well yesterday I got one right, so I'll be happy with the same luck tomorrow. So here we go.

Spain 3 - Greece 0

Sweden 2 - Russia 1

~Tj

Germany Through + Preview of France and Italy

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:34:56 -0500

It took the Germans 49 minutes to score against a spirited Austrian squad. Needing a win or tie go through, the Germans played efficient football, not stretching themselves and allowing the goal to come to them. Michael Ballack will be relieved to have finally opened his scoring account at the Euro, but he can't be content with how his squad played. While Germany only needed a point to make it through, they looked the same as the team who lost to Croatia not a week ago. In my opinion the Germans did not take advantage of an opportunity to make a statement in a game they could have easily won.

But credit is due to the Austrians, who fought properly and made their country proud in an effort to pull off a massive upset. For most of the game they had control and certainly looked more dangerous, but their touch and crosses let them down in the final third; where almost everyone of their attacks came to a screaming halt. Jens Lehmann was only tested a few times, and instead of taking advantage of his recent struggles with corners and high lofting crosses, the Austrians opted to go for the back post on most of their attempts, often times over shooting their forwards. A disappointing result for so much effort, but I think that the host country exits the tournament on a high note; very little was expected of them, and their heart and determination was obvious to anyone watching.

Referee Manuel Mejuto Gonzales must of been having a bad day from the start. He booked the Austrians on several occasions for less than convincing challenges, and it became rather frustrating that the game was interrupted so often by penalties. Its international football. I am sure that a referee could find something to call on every single tackle, but that would ruin the game. It would have been nice if he could have let them play, because most of the first half was lost to the stop and start nature of an officials whistle. One of the more bizarre moments I've seen of the tournament so far was when Gonzales ordered both respective head coaches to the stands after apparently getting tired of their "constant bickering." A note to Mr. Gonzales, you should be paying attention to the field, unless you see the two said men in a full brawl, in my opinion it doesn't concern you. Coaches are going to argue, are going to talk trash to one another, its just another aspect of the game that an official should let be unless it begins to impact the integrity of the game.

Elsewhere the Croatians put down upset minded Poland with a squad that had 8 new faces as they rested up for their quarterfinal date against Turkey. I do feel a bit bad for the Poles, they seem to just have the worst luck when it comes to these major tournaments. The skill seems to be there, but sometimes you need Lady Luck on your side, and it just hasn't been their for the Polish side. Artur Boruc continued to impress with a string of amazing saves against the Croats. Before we signed Fabianski I really was hoping we would make a bid on the Celtic goal tender; but I think that in the years to come he'll be swooped up by one of the bigger Spanish sides or an Italian giant, he certainly has the skill.

Tomorrow looks to be an interesting day with France and Italy squaring off in what could be either an epic game or another bore between super powers, unfortunately my money is on the latter. The scenario is rather simple, with a win Romania can knock both France and Italy out of the tournament, but if they tie, they need France and Italy to also tie in order for them go through. Yet, if they lose, then it will be the winner of the France and Italy game who goes through. If both games end in draws, then Romania will be through because of their Goal Difference which is at zero.

Personally I am not a fan of the Italians; so I'm not going to go in to how they need to win. Alright I can't resist. Take as many dives as possible inside the eighteen and hope for the best, seems to be the most reasonable strategy for the Italians over the last six years. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

In any case, the French; I pray will start Henry and Anelka up top. Franck Ribery has been doing a great job of putting dangerous balls into the area and those two will pounce on them eventually. I was quite impressed with Henry, as he showed a few of us that he still has the legs and is as deadly as ever. Of course hes a bit off his form, but expect him to play an important role in tomorrow's match. I'll be dissapointed if French coach Raymond Domenech decides to play only one striker again, as I just dont think you can settle with a defensive formation. Sometimes you need to play to draw, and others; like tomorrow, you need to play to win. I'd expect the French to play rather aggressive, and after watching the Dutch destroy them with it, the Italians will most likely try to play the counter attack. Something that Lilliam Thuram and Gunner captain William Gallas will need to protect against; they both looked dreadful in their last game. And on a different tangent, if Domenech brings on Bafetimbi Gomis again, I'll likely break the Television. He's been dull and unconvincing in both games, bring on Benzema if your looking for a different attacking threat would be my advice to the French skipper.

Now in a miserable world, as so often happens when two super-giants square off, the game becomes more of a chess match then anything, with neither team really committing to the attack. Hopefully the game is wide open from the start, and both coaches throw caution to the wind. Its dissapointing that both games are on at the same time, because I'd really like to watch Romania play and see if they can overcome steeps odds and be the second team to make it out of the group of death. For those in the states, I don't get ESPN classic; which is why I wont be able to watch them take on the Dutch, but it will be broad casted.

My Predictions? I am always the optimist, so I am going to say. France 2 - Italy 1 and Netherlands 2 Romania 0.

~Tj

Turkish Delight + Arsenal Round Up

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:13:50 -0500

You know, sometimes in sports their are spectacles that just go above and beyond the norm. Most times people expect it to be a duel between two great heavy weights, or two arch rivals; but I dont think anyone would have expected todays game between Turkey and the Czech Republic to provide such excitement.

I know that yesterday I had said that the Turks game against the Swiss was the best match of the tournament, but once again they've out done their selves. In the 20 games thus far played, only two of the games have seen a team come from behind to snatch a win, and twice it was has been the Turks.

After Koller's thundering header put the Czechs in the driver's seat early on, the Turks pushed forward coming out of half time. A string of opportunities saw Cech get called into action a few times but the Turks really had only one or two solid opportunities in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Unfortunately for them thats when lightning struck as they were caught on the counter and Plasil scored the second for the Czechs.

The Commentators more of less had signed off, and didn't expect much out of Turkey in the final twenty five minutes of the games. But Arda Turan had other ideas in the 75th minute, and off a brilliant cross from the wing he smashed the ball into the side of Petr Cech's goal. In the 87th, another cross came in and the Chelsea keeper bobbled the ball; allowing Nihat to touch it in from close range, tyeing the game at 2s. But Nihat wasn't done, two minutes later (89th), a brilliant ball played in front of him gave him a one on one against the keeper, and he was able to convert the chance, giving Turkey the 3-2 lead. Three Goals in just under thirteen minutes. Of course it wasn't over, the Turkish goal keep ended his day with a Red Card after decking Jan Koller with a right hook, which is probably going to keep him out of his next two matches at least. With three subs already used, Tuncay put on Volkan's jersey and luckily the midfielder didn't face any shots in the final minute of the match.

Sitting in a small bar in Telluride, Colorado, you would not believe the cheer from about twenty neutral fans who were willing the Turks on. And in truth, they deserved all the support they got. This Turkish team has shown on two occasions that they are the real deal, and playing Croatia next, I certainly think they have an opportunity to make the Semi Finals, and maybe even further if they get some luck on their side. Of course for the Czech's, I feel bad for them, even Petr who's a lousy Chelsea man. Its tough business to lose not only the Champions League final, but then the direct reason for allowing a very easy goal. In truth though, with the rain pouring as hard as it was, the man can hardly be blamed; but I have to suggest; perhaps if he didn't play for a club like Chelsea the luck would've been on his side. But thats neither here nor there. The Swiss gave their fans a nice farewell gift by beating previously unbeaten Portugal before they ended their tournament. The Portuguese reserves looked stagnant at best, but I would have to say, Helder Postiga's goal should have stood.

In the world of Arsenal, apparently AC Milan are finally coming to realize they dont have enough money in the bank to go out and buy whoever they want. According to Sky Sports, AC Milan President Silvio Berlusconi said "I don't know whether he will wear our jersey," said Berlusconi when quizzed about The Gunners target-man. "He costs a lot."" So hopefully they'll stop making waves over something that is rather stupid. I'm sick of hearing about these mega clubs, who have more funding than is given for the National Defenses of Eastern European counties. Frankly, I am of the opinion that it was all merely to get the Arsenal board to re-consider Adebayor's contract and give him a salary raise. Does he deserve it? I mean, the guy did play great last year, but he needs to prove that he can do that for more than one season, I think if he plays at the same level this coming season, then he would have valid grounds for a change to his contract, otherwise let it be.

The Hleb deal has been just about silent lately; the last thing I read was that the Barcelona board was frustrated with how much Arsenal wanted for him. It's so typical of them to try to get upset because another team won't simply give away on of their integral players. I seem to remember the hard time the gave us when we tried to negotiate Thierry for Samuel E'Eto. So, I reckon we should keep playing hard ball, if Hleb really wants to leave; let him, just make sure the price is right. In my opinion he's been a real bore the last three years, and its an insult to Arsene that he would up and leave after all the manager's faith in him.

In other news, David Bentley wants to leave Bolton. I don't think he has what it takes to play at a higher level right now, but I guess we'll see. I am a firm believer in the world of sports that the media is a place for gifted athletes, and stupid athletes. I'd say the latter of him, he should just stay quiet for a little bit, that would be a refreshing thing from the former Arsenal player.

Well anyways, till tommorow.

~Tj

A Talk About the Euro

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 19:08:31 -0500

With two games down for each side in the Euro, it would be a bit easy for me to tell you who I thought would be going through. In any case, I'll round it up for those who haven't been paying much attention. And if you haven't, shame on you because you've missed a great tournament.

In Group A Portugal has wrapped things up with the top seed, and tomorrow Turkey and the Czech Republic will play to see who goes through, with Phillipe Senderos' Switzerland already knocked out. In Group B, its all wrapped up by an Eduardo-less Croatia; who stole first place of the group from Germany, and on Monday it will be up to Germany to secure a win against Austria if they want to guarantee their place in the final 8, while Turkey attempt to prove a massive upset and sneak into the next round. In Group C, dubbed "The Group of Death," The Netherlands has secured first place. With a Romania win against the unbeaten Dutch, they could secure a spot in the final eight. But in what should be the marquee match of the tournament thus far, France and Italy fight for their Euro lives, and with a win by one of them and a lose or tie by Romania, they will be through to the next round. In Group D, Spain is through and in a do or die match Sweden and Russia will play one another in the final round of the group stage.

Now that I've gotten all that garbage out of the way, lets talk about the games a bit. I've been saying it for years, but without fail, the games in which your heavy weight teams (E.I. -- France, Germany, Spain, etc) are not always the best. In fact, I'd go so far as to say the best games are the ones where you have two less skilled teams fighting for the vital points that they need to stay alive. I would have to say, watching Turkey against Switzerland was just amazing, a game where Turkey stole a last minute goal, it really had it all.

Other than that, today's Spain vs Sweden match proved for some excitement. You really began to think that Spain had once again played themselves out in their first match, just as in World Cup '06. But, David Villa proved once again why he's in the line up with the goal in the 92nd minute.

Now so far the games have been great, commentators have been questioning a few of the calls made my the referees, but in truth; there really haven't been that many missed calls. They seem to be cracking down on the tussling in the box on corner and free kicks, and to them I'd say fair game. Defenders should not have arms around their opponents neck and chest, leave that for the bedroom. And of course, their has been some concern over the Netherlands first goal against the Italians, where Christian Panucci was knocked out of bounds by Buffon, and as such was considered as the last defender, leaving Ruud able to smash in a goal from close range. Personally I think it was the right call, he wasn't escorted of the field, and if anything, he was knocked out by his own teammate; so I think its cut and dry, thats about it on that.

Now, at the beginning of the tournament I was certainly backing the French and The Spanish to take it all the way. The French, as usual; have been lackluster at best in the group stage. They showed little to no life against Romania, and other then Ribery and Henry; against the Netherlands, they just seemed completely outmatched. The Spanish on the other hand looked great against Russia, but against Sweden; once again they got stuck and bogged down in the midfield. With so much talent in the middle of the field, they do dominate it, but on a few occasions, a shot would have been preferable to another harmless pass. One worthy note is that both times Cesc has come on for Spain, he's been a catalyst and has created opportunities. I can't see Aragones sitting him again in favor of Senna, who in my opinion has been dull at the best.

I would have to say that after the first two games, there is not a better team in the Tournament than the Dutch. If someone was to have told me on June 1st that by June 13th, the Netherlands would have beaten both Italy and France by a combined score of six goals, I would probably have taken them to the nearest doctor to get checked out. But the Netherlands has made a believer out of me. Not only are they playing brilliantly and winning games, they are simply fun to watch. While their starting line up the first two games was without Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben, they still found more then enough attacking force to get by two formidable defenses. And, when those two players did come on, the chances just kept coming. (RVP and Arjen both scored after coming on against France.) And, defensively, they just have been tight all around. With Van De Sar playing in goals, even the most attacking minded teams are going to have a tough time into the back of the net, and he's playing at possibly the best level of his career. They'll most likely be playing Sweden (but possibly, although less likely Russia) in the next round, and frankly I don't see them having a problem with either of them. Sweden likes to play defensive, but they'll get torn apart by the counter attacks of the Dutch, a place where the Spanish exploited them today. So at this point in time, I'd have to toss the money in on the Dutch, unless Portugal gets rolling; or the Germans wake up, I think that even against Spain the Dutch are all around simply a more sound side.

Fair enough though, I'll leave you with that.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Best Player in the World?

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 19:03:53 -0500

Fast, flashy, intelligent, skilled, nimble and unstoppable are a few of the words that have been used to describe the young Portugese mid-fielder named Cristiano Ronaldo during the first week of the 2008 European Championships. Commentators from Andy Grey and Tommy Smyth to Derek Rae and Julie Foudy have heralded him as simply, "the best." There is certainly a large contingent of the footballing world that would agree, and his numbers on the field seem to back up that notion.

After starting his professional career at the age of 16 for Sporting Lisbon A Portugese Side out of Lisbon), by 2001; in his career debut for the squad, he netted twice, and scored the game winner against Boavista all before his seventeenth birthday. Attracting the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson(Manchester United's revered manager;) who was seeking to replace the loss of golden boy David Beckham, he soon signed with the Red Devils. Although his campaign in 2003 (his first with United) was one filled with mixed sucess, he soon found his swagger again. In the time that has passed since his debut with the outfit, Ronaldo has scored an impressive 92 goals for United. Something unheard of from a wide player, (Cristiano plays on the attacking end of the right mid - field,) and there are certainly many first time strikers who cannot boast the same scoring record. Compared to David Beckham, who scored 41 Goals in 9 seasons as a first team regular for Manchest United; the numbers certainly seem to show Ronaldo as a clearly better player.

Looking at Intentional statistics, Ronaldo has been a vital member of the Portugese national team for a number of years now. While he has been apart of the set up since he was 17, his first team experience began at the Euro 2004, where he played a pivotal roll in getting the Portugese into the final, where they fell to the Greeks in a tight game. In his career he has scored 26 goals for Portugal, and he show cased his skill in today's game against the Czech Republic, where he scored a goal and created another in their 3 - 1 win.

Simply by the numbers alone, Cristiano may be one of the highest scorers in both International, and club soccer. He certainly has ecliped the records of Beckham, and at the age of 23, the sky seems to be the limit. Why then do certain members of the footballing world criticize the young man with a taste for brilliance?

The most common arguement brought against the Portguese player is that he simply goes down with little to no contact. Of the player's 31 goals for the club this season, 8 of them came from the spot. A number that is particularly large, and beyond that; he drew over 13 Penalty Kicks on opposing during the season. To put that in perspective, Derby County (who finished last in the Premiership) were only awarded a mere two penalties the entire season. Of course the possiblity that Ronaldo is simply that amazing is a possibility, but upon further review of most of these calls; they seemed dubious at best. While many lady's would swoon in the presence of Cristiano, his acting and complaints on the pitch would go a long way to help him improve his image as more then an athletically gifted James Franco.

It is obvious that Cristiano is, and will be one of the world's best players for years to come. However, while it is up to you to form your own opinions, it is my belief that while he is an amazingly gifted talent, until he matures past his on field antics and is able to withstand a challenge in the penalty box without crumpling like a piece of paper, he will never be the best in the world. The best player in the world should be somebody who is not afraid to take somebody one on one, and will always fight with determination rather then hoping the officials get involved. Will that become Ronaldo? Will he be indoctrined into the ranks of legends such as Zidane, Platini, Van Basten, Pele, Maradona, and other greats? Only time will tell.