SpanishFry

Germany still my favourites despite Croatia defeat

2008-06-13 02:06:38

For the fourth successive day at Euro 2008, the competition produced a truly magnificent game of football. Following on from Holland's 3-0 win over Italy, Spain's 4-1 demolition of Russia and Portugal's classy 3-1 win over the Czech Republic, Germany and Croatia served up a footballing feast as Slaven Bilic's underdogs deservedly prevailed by two goals to one to seal their progress to the quarter-finals as winners of Group B.

Make not mistake, this was an excellent performance from a Croatian team who have enough quality to go on and win this tournament. Portugal, Spain and Holland may have thrown down the marker in the first round of matches but it is the Croatians who will have made Europe sit up and take notice after a performance of such quality. They will now meet either Turkey or the Czech Republic and will fancy their chances to make the semi-finals.

And what of Germany? While they were far from poor against Croatia there were some worrying signs. Marcell Jansen was an accident waiting to happen at left-back, at fault for the first goal and understandably removed at half-time to allow Phillipe Lahm to return to his favoured position. And while Mertesacker and Metzelder are as strong in the air as any defensive partnership in the tournament they were stretched on countless occasions by the nimble Croatians.

Should Germany make it through - and they really should with only Austria to play - then they will face an in-form Portugal in the quarter-finals and Low will have to be on his game to snuff out the threat of Ronaldo and Deco. It wouldn't be the worst idea to play Torsten Frings in a specifically defensive role just in front of the back pair in order to add some much-needed tenacity to this area of the pitch.

Despite the setback to Germany they are still my favourites to win the tournament. They are fortunate enough that the loss shouldn't harm their chances of progression and the defeat to Croatia should give them the kick up the backside they need to improve and move forward. They should give Austria a good thumping in the next match and if the likes of Ballack and Gomez can start making more of an impact then I feel they will be too mentally strong for a Portuguese side which I feel lacks the heart to go on and win the tournament.

Champions League Preview & Predictions

2008-02-17 23:34:08

Schalke v Porto

Both Schalke and Porto did really well to come through tough groups and this is arguably the toughest of all the ties to call. The Portuguese side are absolutely dominating their domestic league and that means they will have had the luxury to focus a lot of attention on this tie. However, Schalke have an excellent home record and I'm tipping something of an upset in this first leg. Prediction: 2-1 Schalke

Roma v Real Madrid

Both sides have been in really good form of late, yet both slipped up on the weekend. Real Madrid undoubtedly have more quality and depth than Roma but the Italian side's gameplan to counter-attack, even at home, may trouble the Spaniards. Prediction: 1-1 Draw

Olympiacos v Chelsea

Olympiacos have done well just to make it this far but I can't see them getting past Chelsea. A draw would give the Greek side the chance to put some pressure on at Stamford Bridge but I feel the English side will edge this one by a goal or two. Prediction: 0-1 Chesea

Liverpool v Inter Milan

Liverpool are in terrible form at the moment, embarrassed at the weekend in the FA Cup by Barnsley, while Inter Milan are top of the Serie A and looking unstoppable. Yet, paradoxically Liverpool seem to relish these nights while Inter have never really got them right in the last decade. Could be the tie of the round, but could also be an absolute snoozefest. Prediction: 1-1 Draw

Celtic v Barcelona

The big question is, can Celtic's fortress of a home ground provide the platform for something special? It is a possibility, but with Barcelona in such excellent form at the moment I see the Spaniards getting at least a draw out of this one, even with Samuel Eto'o out injured. Barcelona enjoyed a good weekend and are in strong form while Celtic will be hoping for a repeat of the Milan game. I can't see it happening. Prediction: 1-2 Barcelona

Lyon v Manchester United

Manchester United are flying after destroying Arsenal 4-0 in the FA Cup on Saturday while Lyon have been pegged back substantially in the league by Bordeaux of late. I'm sure United will be happy to take a draw back with them to Manchester but Lyon and in particular, Karim Benzema, should not be underestimated. Apart from Arsenal v Milan, looks the tie of the round in my opinion. Prediction: 2-2 Draw

Fenerbache v Sevilla

The Turkish side were fantastic in the group stages and thoroughly deserved their spot in the second round. However I cannot see them getting past Sevilla. Regardless, home ground advantage has counted for a lot for the Turks and that could mean a first leg win, even though I can see Sevilla turning it around at home. Prediction: 2-1 Fenerbache.

Arsenal v AC Milan

The tie of the round, both from a personal and general perspective. Arsenal were trounced on the weekend and will want to bounce back, while Milan will be happy to welcome both Pato and Kaka back into the side. It's very much a case of youth versus experience and with Flamini, Adebayor and the two full-backs returning I think Arsenal will win this match at home. Prediction: 2-1 Arsenal

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Diarra a great coup for Portsmouth

2008-01-17 14:13:51

Earlier today, it was announced that Portsmouth had completed the signing of French international midfielder Lassana Diarra from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee. And while the signing is mixed news for Arsenal fans it can only be viewed as a huge positive for followers of Portsmouth.

The young Frenchman has quick feet on the ball, is sharp in the tackle and possesses the speed and dynamism to add a dimension to Portsmouth and propel them towards a UEFA Cup spot this season. A number of strong sides stand in their way, particularly Everton and Manchester City, but Diarra may give Portsmouth the edge they need to make the step up.

Diarra will wear the #14 at Portsmouth and should make his debut this weekend against Derby County. While they shouldn't really need him in the side to ensure they grab the three points his inclusion in the coming weeks while the four Africans are away will be invaluable. Indeed, by the time they come back he could be one of the leading midfielders in England.

I'll certainly be interested to see how things pan out. What do you think?

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