German Performance, Barcelona make contact and Grant going to Georgia?

What a sterling performance by Turkey, they pushed the more fancied Germans all the way to the end. Everyone who watched the match (including the Germans) can admit that Germany’s performance was below-par but that what makes them such a threat. That they can produce a performance like that and still manage a victory. Low will surely have a few stern words for his defenders, who looked at times completely unable to handle the Turkish attack. Philipp Lahm looked uneasy and failed to cope with the runs that Sabri Sarıoğlu made at him. Though scoring the winning goal will have redeemed his performance, it came as a surprise that Lahm was named man of the match. I also found it surprising to see how Germany failed to take control of the midfield by missing Torsten Frings, they will surely need him to make a full recovery for the final. The prospect of playing Spain or Russia will need someone to cut off the supply of constant attacking football that they play.

Is it me or are the English press making too much noise over Colin Kazim-Richards? He seems a very average player but his name seems to be mentioned all the time.

Club News: Barcelona has contacted Zenit St Petersburg about purchasing Andrei Arshavin. They say his future will be sorted out when he returns from the European Championships but they have conceded that there is a strong possibility that he will be moving. Barcelona are looking to replace the out of favour Deco and it seems that Arshavin fits the bill perfectly. Arshavin has stated that Barcelona is his preferred destination over the English Premiership. I think the creativity, strength and flair of Arshavin is exactly what Josep Guardiola needs. Playing alongside with Messi will certainly see lots of chances created for Bojan and co. You have to think that if Barcelona were to buy Arshavin, what would that mean for Alex Hleb? Inter is no longer a possibility with the appointment of Mourinho and A.C Milan don’t have the resources to purchase him.

Marseille have signed highly rated Lyon winger Ben Arfa on a season loan. Ben Arfa was reportedly unhappy about the lack of first team opportunities he got last season. This move will allow him to fill the void of the departing Nasri. Honestly, I am surprised that no other European clubs have attempted to buy him, his ability to attack defenses is beyond his years though he could work on his crossing, he is a creative talent that would fit in well with most clubs.

Georgian FA have contacted former Chelsea boss Avram Grant about the possibility of managing the national team. Grant did a good job under the circumstances he was in last season for Chelsea and he deserves to receive a better job offer than Georgia. I would be very surprised if he were to accept the position.

Finally, Diego Milito of Real Zaragoza is reported to have caught the attention of Manchester City. The 29 year-old had a fine season scoring a total of 15 goals. Zaragoza will be looking to hang on to there captain but might be tempted to let him go depending on the offer.

Does Kanu warrant a 2 year contract extension?