So once again Mr. Sepp Blatter wants to control the number of foreign players in the european teams.

Great idea but very much improbable that will be approved by the UEFA members. And that's about it.

But I decided to write (and read your opinions) about it.

Mr. Blatter's idea is not just bullocks. It does have a good intention behind it. He claims (and he's right) that the way the big clubs are right now make it impossible for a smaller team to fight for a league title. And that is very bad for football, very bad for the national teams but very good for global business for those big clubs.

When we see a team like Arsenal for example. 25 foreign players and only 12 Brittish on the 2007-2008 squad.  With Internazionale  Milan from Italy it's even worse. Out of the 29 players on the regular first team only 4 are Italian. It's not rare to see Inter playing with a starting XI that features only Marco Materazzi as an italian born player (well and then he gets a red card and Inter ends up with 10 foreign footballers on the pitch).

It is a pleasure for the fans to see their team win titles and sweep their rivals off the map for one season but when it happens like in France where Olympique Lyon (10 foreigners) is about to win the French League for the 7th time in a row, I start to understand (and partially agree) with the FIFA President.

The main difference between me and SOME other people that write here at OleOle is that I'm absolutely NEUTRAL.

I love good football and I know some of you will say "if you love good football you should love the foreign presence because they give quality to the Brittish teams". 

They do. The English sides of Manchester United and Chelsea fought for the league this season and going to play for the continental title thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo, Tevez, Vidic, Anderson, Ballack, Drogba, Cech, Essien, etc... 

Of course there is also Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Wayne Rooney BUT neither of the two teams could rely on an all-Brittish squad to get this far in the tournaments. WE KNOW THAT!

And as the powerful clubs become richer, more international and consequently more powerful we see the National Teams becoming weaker and weaker. England out of the Euro ... hmmm... that might say something... 

So, (try to) leave your passion aside just for little bit and think how much more exciting would be if we had other teams besides Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and ManU in England, Real Madrid and Barcelona (and sometimes Valencia) in Spain, Juventus, Inter and AC Milan in Italy, Olympique Lyon in France. 

What's your opinion on this? 

So we are less than two months away from kick off at the Euro 2008.

The main nations like Spain, Germany, Italy, Holland, France, Portugal … are intensifying their preparations for the most important competition in the continent.

After some research I could see that most of the betting sides point Germany as favorites to win the tournament followed by World Cup Champions Italy. Among internet users it seems that Spain is at the highest preference as possible winners.

I truly believe that none of these teams will take the title. I would put my money on France.

With Abidal, Diarra, Saha, Flamini, Vieira, Ben Arfa, Anelka, Ribery and Benzema … the French can even leave Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet sitting on the bench…

I don’t particularly support any of the teams although I always have hopes that Spain is going to perform well in and International Competition. (I’m getting tired of hoping).

But before getting to the finals the teams need to qualify in their groups so my first question for you, CRAZY FOOTBALL FANS is … who are the teams that will make to the quarter-finals

HERE ARE THE GROUPS:

Leave your predictions:

An electrifying match played at Anfield proved why the Premier League is the best club league in the world at the moment. Arsenal and Liverpool fought until the very end for a place in the 2007/2008 UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

 

Arsenal turned things in their favor when, at minute 13, after a great play from Cesc Fabregas, Darby with a powerful shot put the Gunners ahead (picture). LIVERPOOL 0 x 1 ARSENAL

17 minutes later Hyypia header made things even for Liverpool. LIVERPOOL 1 x 1 ARSENAL

The score was now set for a possible extra time but just as the second half started we could tell that none of the teams were gonna settle for that.

Chances missed from both sides on the second half until Fernando Torres received the ball in the box, turned and with a powerful shot scored a beautiful goal (picture) and put Liverpool ahead. Now the possibility of a penalty shootout didn't was eliminated. LIVERPOOL 2 x 1 ARSENAL

I always criticize the British style of football with their long crosses and physical game but I see hope when I see a kid like Theo Walcott touch the ball. And what a touch he had at minute 84.

Coming from his own field, Walcott dribbled all the Liverpool defenders that came into his way and assisted Adebayor that only had to place the ball into the net. Arsenal tied the game and had one foot on the semis. LIVERPOOL 2 x 2 ARSENAL

But one foot is not enough. Especially when you're playing against a powerful offense like Liverpool's. One minute later Babel invaded Arsenal's box and was tripped after having his shirt pulled. An obvious foul and inside the box it means PENALTY!

Gerrard gave Almunia no chance and Liverpool crashed the Gunner's morale right there. LIVERPOOL 3 x 2 ARSENAL

Arsenal moved all offense. A goal would put them through but with little time to do it, the team got desperate and that gave Liverpool the chance of counter attack. At minute 92 Liverpool confirmed their ticket to the semifinals with Babel socring the 4th goal in a quick counter-attack. LIVERPOOL 4 x 2 ARSENAL

A game that could've gone either way ended with the victory of the most consistent team in the past weeks. Arsenal had a great first half of this season but the team started going down hill since the beginning of the year. That got even worse when Eduardo got injured and now they need to pick up the pieces and fight for at least a place in the next Champions League.

Liverpool moves on to face Chelsea and I believe they have a big chance of pulling this one of and making to the big Final.

They've just announced the draw for the quarter-finals of the 2008 UEFA Champions League:

Here are the matches and a quick personal analysis:

Game 1: Arsenal X Liverpool

The game that every football fan were dying to see. This match is probably the most interesting match of the four. Last time these two teams played was on October 28th at the Anfield. The score ended 1-1 and some curious facts can be pointed to help us predict this clash:

*Liverpool scored early in the game with a free kick from Gerrard. The equalizer came with Fabregas but only at minute 79.

*Fernando "El Niño" Torres only played the first 45 minutes and left the pitch injured, now he's fully recovered and playing at his best.

*Eduardo was not even on the bench for that match and now he will once again watch the game from his home.

***MY PREDICTION: Arsenal will not be able to stop "El Niño" and Liverpool will move on to the semi-finals.

Game 2: Roma X Manchester United

If the first game is the most interesting this one is possibly the most exciting. Both teams have tremendous capacity of creating offensive plays so we might see many goals in this draw. That's why, even though one might think Man U are the favorites with Cristiano Ronaldo, Tevez and Rooney leading the pack, I still believe they should not even think of underestimating Pizarro, Mancini and Totti.

***MY PREDICTION: I'll be cheering for Roma on this one because of my "homeboy" Mancini but I believe Manchester United is indeed a stronger side and will advance.

Game 3: Schalke 04 X Barcelona

Well, well, well... If Ronaldinho plays his best, if Henry forgets about his unhappiness, if Etto scores the necessary goals then Barcelona will have an easy path to the semifinals. The only problems is that a football match is never decided by "IFs". Schalke made this far for a reason so the Catalan Team will have to foccus and play well without their Wonder Kid Lional Messi.

***MY PREDICTION: Ronaldinho is eager to shut up his critics and I'm expecting him to perform his best, with that been said, it's Barcelona in the semifinals.

Game 4: Fenerbahçe X Chelsea FC

This is not gonna be pretty. Chelsea doesn't follow the "play beautifully" slogan. They play to win and that's it. Fenerba'hçe on the other hand plays with heart. They might not have the best team on the paper but their home crowd can make all the difference. It's not gonna be easy for Chelsea playing in Turkey. So we might have a surprise with this one.

***MY PREDICITION: Brazilian Coach Zico will infuse passion in his players hearts and Fenerbahçe will repeat Barnsley achievement and knock Chelsea out of the competition.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN TO AGREE OR DISAGREE...

POST YOUR PREDICITONS!!! 

After yesterday's and today's games I came to a few personal conclusions (feel free to disagree)

 * Using the home team advantadge is crucial at this point of the competition.

* But a one goal is still a dangerous result for Fenerbahce and Roma. They will both face strong spanish teams that will play for their crowds. And Sevilla and Real Madrid will need a simple victory by 1 x 0 to move to the next round.

* Schalke has a better change to hold up Porto. The tactical discipline of German football can make the difference

* Liverpool is a little bit more confortable to face Internazionale after scoring twice and not allowing a reaction by the leader of Serie A.

* Real Madrid's inefficiency to create trouble to Roma's defense in the second half proved that Robinho is much more important for the team than Robben right now.

* Vitor Valdes needs to improve his game or soon he'll be getting the boot. How couldn't he save that header in Celtic's second goal?

* Olympique Lyon will have a lot of problems to stop Tevez and Ronaldo in the second leg. Lyon can always count on Bezema and Juninho but if Ronaldo, Tevez and Anderson really play at the top of their games it would be improbable to Man Un to be beaten.

* Experience still goes a long way. Of course I'm talking about AC Milan. They bravely held up a 0 x 0 result against a Arsenal that had at least 2 clear chances to score. Arsenal still has a chance but beating the European (and World) Champions will not be a simple task at all.

* Messi is the pulsating heart of Barcelona now! And Ronaldinho finally woke up! And that's excellent for the spectacle of football!!!

Please add your own points of view!

Kevin Kurani (Schalke 04)

Ernesto Farias (FC Porto)

Raul (Real Madrid)

Mancini (Roma)

Kovacevic (Olimpiacos)

Drogba (Chelsea)

Tevez & Rooney (Manchester United)

Karim Benzema (Lyon)

Materazzi (Iternazionale)

Gerrard (Liverpool)

Kezman (Fenerbahçe)

Dani Alves (sevilla) vs. Alex (Fenerbahçe)

Kaka (AC Milan)

Eduardo (Arsenal)

Barry Robson (Celtic)

Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

I decided to watch Roma vs. Real Madrid simply because both teams have a style of football that pleases me a lot. Even though Madrid played without Robinho I would have the chance to see Robben, Sergio Ramos, Casillas. Raul, Van Nilsterooy and Julio Baptista and on the other side I really like the way Roma plays. Mancini, Totti, Pizzaro, Juan... I knew this would be a great game.
.

***

The first half was not as good as it could be but Robben was the differential. At the 8th minute he started the play that ended with Raul putting the ball inside Doni's net. Real was up by 1 and looked pretty comfortable in the game.

***

The problem is that "Los Merengues" miss Robinho very much. Mainly because he is the one able to cause defenses to collapse simply by moving without the ball. And when he has it he is able to take defenders easily and create spaces for Raul and Van Nilsterooy. Without him Real Madrid was not able to transform its first half superiority into goals.

***

So that at the minute 24th Pizarro scored Roma's equalizer confirming that if don't score when you have the chance you end up boosting your opponent's morale.

***

Pizarro celebrating his goal .

***

And then came the second half. Roma came back a different team. Still the same players but with a different spirit. At minute 12 Mancini did what he does best. Coming on the left side in an individual play he shoots and puts the home team on the lead..

***

After the goal, Roma became a little bit more cautious and Real Madrid still wasn't able to be really dangerous. Even though the (fanatical) "Diario Marca" states that the result was unfair I honestly didn't think so.

***

In football you got to transform superiority into opportunities and those into goals. Real Madrid didn't but Roma did.

***

I know 7 teams are missing from the picture (Porto, Olimpiakos, Fenerbahce, Schalke, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United) but I just thought that it was really cool to open my closet and see that I have 9 of the 16 Champions League teams jerseys. Who will take the "Big Ears" trophy this year???

AC Milan versus Inter will be he frist great battle this sunday.

It's a match that will be interesting more because of the rivalry, the tradition and the number of great players that will bo on the pitch but in fact if you look at the Serie A table you will see that this game matters a lot more the World Champions AC Milan than for their rival neighbors.

Internazionale is leading the Serie A with a reasonably comfortable 7 point difference to the second place (Roma) on the other hand AC Milan has only 18 points in the 11th position.

If AC Milan intends to repeat the sucess of 2007 they'd better start winning games and what would be better than starting against their biggest rivals?

I believe it will be a close game and I really can't wait to see Kaká for AC Milan and Ibrahimovic for Inter to put up a great show!

Any score prediction??? I'd say 2 x 1 for AC Milan - just because the game matters a lot for them.

Here is how the teams might play, according to the Italian Newspaper "Corriere Dello Sport"

I have been watching a few games of the English Premier Football League and one conclusion came to my mind: the British style of football is outdated.

 

 I know a lot of my fellow English friends are gonna be very upset with me but this is my very honest opinion and I’ll explain how I got to this sad conclusion.

 

When you analyze the dynamics of modern football you will end up talking about teams like Chelsea, Real Madrid, Milan, Barcelona, Boca Juniors, São Paulo just to name a few. These teams represent a huge evolution in strategies, efficiency, and ability. An almost perfect balance of defense and offense without taking away the finesse that the sport requires. But when it comes to National Teams we don’t see that same balance.

 

Some National Teams were able to evolve and some others just got stuck in their own tradition. That’s the case of England.

 

I don’t like to analyze football using numbers but they will play an important role in this case so let’s check them out:

 

Even though being the inventors of football, England only started playing in the World Cup in 1950. Since then the event happened 15 times and England qualified for 12 of them. (England did not qualify for the 1974, 1978 and 1994 WCs)

 

In those 12 participations England only won 1, in 1966 when they were the hosts. The next best result was a 4^th place in 1990.

 

England never won the European Championship. The best results were a 3^rd place in 1968 and they also got to the semi-finals in 1996. That’s it.

 

I know that England gave the world of football some amazing players: Gordon Banks, Bobby Charlton, Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker,  David Beckham, Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney… but the question is: how many of them could actually lead the English team to a title? Well, Gordon Banks and Bobby Charlton did in 1966…

 

I’m not a fan of the British style of football. I grew up admiring Gary Lineker but I haven’t seen any transformation in the English team since then. I saw “the promise” Michael Owen become not more than a promise, I saw David Beckham rise in the eyes of the media but didn’t see him being really effective for the country, and I’m still waiting to see something amazing from Wayne Rooney.

 

England is out of the Euro 2008 so we will have to wait for the 2010 World Cup to see some changes. Well, that’s if they qualify (?)

 

What do you think should change in the English team to make them a winner team?

 

Is the massive presence of foreigner player in the Premier League a problem?

 

Is the fact that all players in the National Team only play in England a problem?

 

Do you think if England “exported” its players to countries like Spain, Portugal, Russia, Italy… the game style would be improved?

 

Let us know what you think…

 

 Hoping for some future Glory...