The quarters kick off tomorrow and I am super stoked. Here is what I think will happen in the first legs:
THE FRENCH QUARTER!!!!!!!
I see this being a tight one in both legs. Tomorrow's match is in Lyon and I think it will be a score draw, probably 1-1.
99 Part II
By any objective measure Manchester United are a better team today than Bayern Munich. Add to that the fact that Arjen Robben, a true difference maker for the Bavarians, will not play tomorrow and the possibility of them winning the home leg looks even more slim. To make things worse Martin Demichelis looks like he will play only 4 weeks after having his face rearranged by M. Ballack in a friendly but can not possibly be expected to perform as an elite center half with that mask on his face. I don't think it is a blowout, but I do see United netting multiple away goals and setting themselves up for a victory lap at Old Trafford. 2-1.
Barsa Arsenal (it ryhmes)
This is the best match up of the round. Two elite clubs that are routinely in the latter stages of the competition. Similar brands(*) of attractive football. A rematch of the 2006 Champions League final. For all of this I doubt it will be very close. They may play similar styles but Barcelona are in a class far above Arsenal. There is not a single position on the field in which Arsenal have an edge. This Barcelona team under Pep has made a habit of playing big in big games, something that can not be said of Arsenal in the last 5 years or so. What I think will surprise many people is the possession advantage Barsa will have, even tomorrow at the Emirates. Their ability to win and keep the ball is truly amazing. The way they will badger and pester Arsenal and force turnovers will be a key factor in deciding the game. The absence of Andres Iniesta will hurt, but I still see Barcelona winning the first leg 2-0.
Inter vs. CSKA Moscow
This one appears lopsided but any team that has made it this far belongs here. There is a slight danger of a let down for Inter after the multiple storylines of their epic triumph at Stamford Bridge. I don't read too much into their mediocre league form since that game. The goal at Inter this season is the Champions League. Mourinho's Inter are much, much, much better organized than Jimenez's Sevilla were and I don't see the kind of breakdowns that allowed CSKA to win in Andalucia happening at the San Siro. At the same time I think there are holes to exploit in the Russian back-line, particularly if two agile strikers like Eto'o and Milito have close support from an attacking midfield player. A tough game but Inter 2-0.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
The Coaching Wheel Starts Spinning
Sevilla gave up a late equalizer to lowly Xerez (who are actually looking alive lately, but way way way too late) today and by so doing sealed the fate of Manolo Jimenez. The Andalucians fired their coach following the third disapointing performance in seven days. Completely understandable, it just underscores how much of a rollercoaster coaching at the highest level can be. Rewind ten days and Manolo Jimenez is on the brink of taking Sevilla to a European quarter final for only the second time in the club's history. He has a 1-1 result in the bank with the crucial away goal from the first leg in Moscow and he has Luis Fabiano available for the second leg. The Russians come in and shock the world with a 2-1 win. Then they get spanked by Espanyol at the weekend and are fortunate to only lose 2-0. And now they give away two points to the worst team in the Spanish top flight, at home. When it pains it roars.
AS is reporting that the club have made contact with Luis Aragones. I could see how that makes sense. With Sevilla only a point back of Mallorca for the last Champion's League spot and only 3 points ahead of Bilbao and Deportivo (although they are on the slide too) time is of the essence and whoever is next should be on the sidelines this weekend.
Earlier today I had actually been speaking about Aragones with a friend, but for the Real Madrid job. Another name that popped into my mind is that of Laurent Blanc. With a very good chance of being at the helm of one of the last four clubs standing in Europe, as well as a realistic shot at a second consecutive French title, I think he might have the "it" factor that Madridistas crave so much. Add to that Zidane's role as a special aide to Florentino and the move looks very possible. Time will tell.
Speaking of the not-yet-vacant Real Madrid job: A guy who I think will not be the one is The Special One. In my opinion Mourinho will not be at the Bernabeu next year for 4 reasons:
1. I am an Inter fan and like him just where he is.
2. Jorge Valdano, Florentino's other right hand man and a Real Madrid icon, has a well known and long feud with Mourinho. I am not sure about Valdano but Mourinho does not seem to be the kind of guy to put something like that aside for the glory and prestige of the white shirt.
3. Mourinho is a borderline control freak (and I only say borderline because he wins enough to justify his actions) and Real Madrid is a club where many, many people want to put their stamp on the team.
4. Everyone knows he wants to work in England again. The Liverpool job is likely to come open over the summer and it is rumored Mourinho has always wanted to go there. It is also not inconceivable that Alex Ferguson retires within the next two years, opening up a second job in the Prem's top 4. Both of these suit Mourinho more than Real Madrid.
AS is reporting that the club have made contact with Luis Aragones. I could see how that makes sense. With Sevilla only a point back of Mallorca for the last Champion's League spot and only 3 points ahead of Bilbao and Deportivo (although they are on the slide too) time is of the essence and whoever is next should be on the sidelines this weekend.
Earlier today I had actually been speaking about Aragones with a friend, but for the Real Madrid job. Another name that popped into my mind is that of Laurent Blanc. With a very good chance of being at the helm of one of the last four clubs standing in Europe, as well as a realistic shot at a second consecutive French title, I think he might have the "it" factor that Madridistas crave so much. Add to that Zidane's role as a special aide to Florentino and the move looks very possible. Time will tell.
Speaking of the not-yet-vacant Real Madrid job: A guy who I think will not be the one is The Special One. In my opinion Mourinho will not be at the Bernabeu next year for 4 reasons:
1. I am an Inter fan and like him just where he is.
2. Jorge Valdano, Florentino's other right hand man and a Real Madrid icon, has a well known and long feud with Mourinho. I am not sure about Valdano but Mourinho does not seem to be the kind of guy to put something like that aside for the glory and prestige of the white shirt.
3. Mourinho is a borderline control freak (and I only say borderline because he wins enough to justify his actions) and Real Madrid is a club where many, many people want to put their stamp on the team.
4. Everyone knows he wants to work in England again. The Liverpool job is likely to come open over the summer and it is rumored Mourinho has always wanted to go there. It is also not inconceivable that Alex Ferguson retires within the next two years, opening up a second job in the Prem's top 4. Both of these suit Mourinho more than Real Madrid.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
The Next Round is Set
UEFA drew the match-ups for the quarter final round of the Champions League yesterday. Like with any tournament, much to speculate and debate over. I wish these games were coming up sooner, but I am excited all the same. For the first time in a long time it feels like Inter got a workable draw. And there is some intrigue, two finals rematches. And, in a not-that-awesome-way, I kind of foresee a Manchester United vs Barcelona rematch in the final at the Bernabeu. Here are some initial thoughts on the quarters, although my opinions will like change as kick-offs approach:
Manchester United vs Bayern Munich
It is hard for me not to see United progress to the semifinals from these two. On their day Bayern are a good team and probably deserve to be among the last eight standing but United's efficiency and pedigree in recent years make them a big favorite. The fragility of Robben and to a lesser extent Ribery, players that will be key to unlocking the United defense, is a big hindrance for Bayern. As of now I can see a draw in Bavaria and a United win at Old Trafford. As a replay of the classic 1999 Champions League final at the Nou Camp prepare to be assaulted by a never ending parade of stories about that magical night.
Lyon vs Bordeaux
The French Quarter. Yes I came up with that myself. No I do not see it getting old no matter how many times I use it in the coming weeks. Am I shocked that after half a decade with a French team in the last four of Europe this pairing assures a Ligue 1 team will go at least as fair as the semifinals? I dunno, ask Platini, he probably knows better. Snark aside these two teams are hardworking and well disciplined. They may lack the name recognition of some Serie A, La Liga, and Premiership teams that went out in the last round but they are not out of place at this stage of the competition. As far as predicting who will advance, I do not know enough about these sides to really give a good opinion. I will say this: Lyon's epic triumph over Real Madrid was achieved in large part by using Madrid against itself. Setting up in a tight and coordinated formation and allowing the "we are Real Madrid we can do anything" exuberance result in turn-overs and unimaginative forays forward that were easily picked off. I know it has become the ultimate cliche in sports but Lyon really were masterful in allowing the Real Madrid players and officials arrogant public statements become an albatross around the Merengues necks in the second leg. If it is true that Lisandro Lopez told Sergio Ramos "if you are going to score 5 on us you better get going, the game is almost over," in the final minutes at the Bernabeu that is some of the best on pitch dialogue in a long time.
That said I see Bordeaux just a little (not sarcastic) better suited to take the initiative themselves. And they are not the kind of hubris laden side that will permit itself to be judo'd out so easily by Lyon. So I would probably take them as of now.
These sides know each other extremely well and that may add a wild card factor too.
Barcelona vs Arsenal
There may not be two more similar teams among Europe's elite than Barcelona and Arsenal. Clearly Barcelona are the deluxe version but the supreme level of skill and quickness with which both squads play the ball around the pitch will make this a delightful two legs of football for a neutral. The last time they met in this competition was on the eve of the previous World Cup and Barcelona won the title in that final. I am nearly certain they will win this one as well. I can not stress how similar these teams are and that Barcelona are just better at it than Arsenal. What I think we will see is an illustration of exactly why. And two things come to mind: 1, Barcelona pressure like madmen the second they lose the ball and more often than not are able to make their opponent hurry and unload the ball which results in an easy recovery. Arsenal by contrast seem to go stretches without the ball when up against elite competition. 2, Barcelona's impressive sense for when to make the kill pass that puts a man through on goal. At that highest of high levels it is sometimes tempting to think the final pass is just one more touch, but guys like Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi have an innate sense of when, where, and how that Nasri, Eboue, and others sometimes lack.
Internazionale vs CSKA Moscow
I will readily admit that I am shocked to see the Russians still in the tournament, and given their upset win in Andalucia I can not discount them. Still, Inter are a superior and deeper team who progressed out of the last round in more impressive fashion and should advance to the semis. When they travel to Moscow I expect a very cautious, very Italian performance likely ending in a nil draw. At the San Siro I am nearly certain of an Inter victory. The CSKA backline did a good job handling Sevilla's sometimes dangerous attack but as a unit they look somewhat slow. Milito and Eto'o will count on support from the midfield and the marauding Maicon down the right flank to pull holes in the CSKA defense. Not as straight forward as the Serie A champion against a Russian club would have sounded 5 or 8 years ago, but I do see Inter in the next round.
Manchester United vs Bayern Munich
It is hard for me not to see United progress to the semifinals from these two. On their day Bayern are a good team and probably deserve to be among the last eight standing but United's efficiency and pedigree in recent years make them a big favorite. The fragility of Robben and to a lesser extent Ribery, players that will be key to unlocking the United defense, is a big hindrance for Bayern. As of now I can see a draw in Bavaria and a United win at Old Trafford. As a replay of the classic 1999 Champions League final at the Nou Camp prepare to be assaulted by a never ending parade of stories about that magical night.
Lyon vs Bordeaux
The French Quarter. Yes I came up with that myself. No I do not see it getting old no matter how many times I use it in the coming weeks. Am I shocked that after half a decade with a French team in the last four of Europe this pairing assures a Ligue 1 team will go at least as fair as the semifinals? I dunno, ask Platini, he probably knows better. Snark aside these two teams are hardworking and well disciplined. They may lack the name recognition of some Serie A, La Liga, and Premiership teams that went out in the last round but they are not out of place at this stage of the competition. As far as predicting who will advance, I do not know enough about these sides to really give a good opinion. I will say this: Lyon's epic triumph over Real Madrid was achieved in large part by using Madrid against itself. Setting up in a tight and coordinated formation and allowing the "we are Real Madrid we can do anything" exuberance result in turn-overs and unimaginative forays forward that were easily picked off. I know it has become the ultimate cliche in sports but Lyon really were masterful in allowing the Real Madrid players and officials arrogant public statements become an albatross around the Merengues necks in the second leg. If it is true that Lisandro Lopez told Sergio Ramos "if you are going to score 5 on us you better get going, the game is almost over," in the final minutes at the Bernabeu that is some of the best on pitch dialogue in a long time.
That said I see Bordeaux just a little (not sarcastic) better suited to take the initiative themselves. And they are not the kind of hubris laden side that will permit itself to be judo'd out so easily by Lyon. So I would probably take them as of now.
These sides know each other extremely well and that may add a wild card factor too.
Barcelona vs Arsenal
There may not be two more similar teams among Europe's elite than Barcelona and Arsenal. Clearly Barcelona are the deluxe version but the supreme level of skill and quickness with which both squads play the ball around the pitch will make this a delightful two legs of football for a neutral. The last time they met in this competition was on the eve of the previous World Cup and Barcelona won the title in that final. I am nearly certain they will win this one as well. I can not stress how similar these teams are and that Barcelona are just better at it than Arsenal. What I think we will see is an illustration of exactly why. And two things come to mind: 1, Barcelona pressure like madmen the second they lose the ball and more often than not are able to make their opponent hurry and unload the ball which results in an easy recovery. Arsenal by contrast seem to go stretches without the ball when up against elite competition. 2, Barcelona's impressive sense for when to make the kill pass that puts a man through on goal. At that highest of high levels it is sometimes tempting to think the final pass is just one more touch, but guys like Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi have an innate sense of when, where, and how that Nasri, Eboue, and others sometimes lack.
Internazionale vs CSKA Moscow
I will readily admit that I am shocked to see the Russians still in the tournament, and given their upset win in Andalucia I can not discount them. Still, Inter are a superior and deeper team who progressed out of the last round in more impressive fashion and should advance to the semis. When they travel to Moscow I expect a very cautious, very Italian performance likely ending in a nil draw. At the San Siro I am nearly certain of an Inter victory. The CSKA backline did a good job handling Sevilla's sometimes dangerous attack but as a unit they look somewhat slow. Milito and Eto'o will count on support from the midfield and the marauding Maicon down the right flank to pull holes in the CSKA defense. Not as straight forward as the Serie A champion against a Russian club would have sounded 5 or 8 years ago, but I do see Inter in the next round.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Now There Are Eight
Very enjoyable set of games we had this week in the Champion's League. Can't wait to see what the matchups are for the quarters. A lot of the teams with elite European pedigree are out and for what feels like the first time in forever we don't have three English teams still alive at this stage of the tournament. Although I don't think there is much to it this is a pretty diverse field heading into the quarters. 2 English, 2 French (!), 1 German, 1 Spanish, 1 Italian, 1 Russian.
Tuesday
As I wrote on Monday night I thought Inter would go through. But I have to admit I envisioned it the result of a draw, likely 1-1, not an outright win at Stamford Bridge. It is easy to get carried away but the truth is that Mourinho's mastery put Inter over the top. There were many possible approaches he could take but starting 3 forwards with a 2-1 lead, on the road, was not near the top of the list. He took a gamble and by using this formation kept the Chelsea fullbacks out of the game and left it to his midfield, anchored by Cambiasso, to hold their own against Chelsea's. And it worked. The first half saw some dangerous chances for Chelsea but Lucio and Walter Samuel cleared some threatening balls. In the second half Chelsea looked frustrated and almost resigned to going out. When the game ended I was surprised to see Inter actually had the advantage in most statistical categories. Posession, shots on goal, goals (obviously), and almost half the fouls committed that Chelsea had. Very impressive performance.
CSKA winning in Andalucia was the shock of the round for me, even bigger than the "Lyonazo" in Madrid last week. They are a team I see as objectively inferior to Sevilla, even now, and they were going on the road having conceded an away goal. Palop made an absolute meal of the second goal and Perotti missed a pretty easy chance with the score 1-1, but even those things Sevilla should have been able to overcome. The CSKA backline are not very quick and with the firepower Sevilla have they should have exploited them. Shocking.
For me there was no question Barcelona would go through. Today's 4-0 thrashing sent a message they intend to defend the title. Doing so without Xavi and with Ibra on the bench speaks to the fundamental core strength of the team. No surprise here.
Bordeaux beat Olympiakos 2-1 to make their first appearance in the quarters since before it was called the Champion's League. This team is airtight in defense and I am almost a little surprised they gave up a goal, but the outcome was never in doubt.
Tuesday
As I wrote on Monday night I thought Inter would go through. But I have to admit I envisioned it the result of a draw, likely 1-1, not an outright win at Stamford Bridge. It is easy to get carried away but the truth is that Mourinho's mastery put Inter over the top. There were many possible approaches he could take but starting 3 forwards with a 2-1 lead, on the road, was not near the top of the list. He took a gamble and by using this formation kept the Chelsea fullbacks out of the game and left it to his midfield, anchored by Cambiasso, to hold their own against Chelsea's. And it worked. The first half saw some dangerous chances for Chelsea but Lucio and Walter Samuel cleared some threatening balls. In the second half Chelsea looked frustrated and almost resigned to going out. When the game ended I was surprised to see Inter actually had the advantage in most statistical categories. Posession, shots on goal, goals (obviously), and almost half the fouls committed that Chelsea had. Very impressive performance.
CSKA winning in Andalucia was the shock of the round for me, even bigger than the "Lyonazo" in Madrid last week. They are a team I see as objectively inferior to Sevilla, even now, and they were going on the road having conceded an away goal. Palop made an absolute meal of the second goal and Perotti missed a pretty easy chance with the score 1-1, but even those things Sevilla should have been able to overcome. The CSKA backline are not very quick and with the firepower Sevilla have they should have exploited them. Shocking.
For me there was no question Barcelona would go through. Today's 4-0 thrashing sent a message they intend to defend the title. Doing so without Xavi and with Ibra on the bench speaks to the fundamental core strength of the team. No surprise here.
Bordeaux beat Olympiakos 2-1 to make their first appearance in the quarters since before it was called the Champion's League. This team is airtight in defense and I am almost a little surprised they gave up a goal, but the outcome was never in doubt.
Monday, March 15, 2010
There Will be Eight
United, Lyon, Arsenal, and Bayern are through and within 48 hours they will know the other four teams in the Champion's League quarter finals. I am pretty excited for these next two days of football. America's disregard for global conventions regarding daylight savings plays to our advantage as on the east coast matches will kick off at 3:45, making it entirely reasonable to catch the second half live without having to make up an excuse for sneaking out of work. Score one for USA. Here are some thoughts on the eve of the games:
TOMORROW (3/16)
Chelsea vs Inter Milan
This is clearly the glamour match up of the round. Inter are heading to the bridge with a 2-1 lead in hand but that means very little. Chelsea rarely lose at Stamford Bridge. Fortunately for Inter, Mourinho loses there even less often than Chelsea. Ancelotti's is a steady hand and with a one goal deficit and the away goal in hand I don't think Chelsea will be guilty of exposing themselves due to eagerness in chasing the first goal. They will go forward of course but it does not feel like one of those second leg games where if the home side don't score in the first twenty minutes or so the game is over. I still think Inter go through, and I see it being a score draw tomorrow.
Sevilla vs CSKA Moscow
Sevilla's composition will be markedly different tomorrow than in the first leg. Replacing Alvaro Negredo will be Luis Fabiano who didn't play in Moscow due to injury. Reports have him as the lone man up top as Sevilla will come out in a 4-4-1-1. With a 1-1 result in their pocket Sevilla have the luxury of making their opponents chase the game on hostile ground. CSKA Moscow have looked a cut below to me and although they are at this stage of the competition for a reason I do not see them going into Andalucia and blowing Sevilla away. They will probably score but I don't expect tomorrow's match, or the aggregate score, to be close. Sevilla 3-1 or something like that.
WEDNESDAY ( 3/17)
Barcelona vs Stuttgart
Barcelona may have been nudged off their perch in La Liga but yesterday's demolition of Valencia (who sit in a CL spot as of now, not exactly bottom feeders) indicates they have not lost form. The 1-1 they got in Germany is useful but it will be irrelevant in the second leg. I see them winning this game outright, with ease. I know I had a similar prediction a couple weeks back and they were unable to pull it off but this feels like one of the games Guardiola's team is made for. 2-0 at the Nou Camp.
Bordeaux vs Olympiakos
Being between two perhaps not as well known teams this match up has not gotten a lot of attention. In my opinion Bordeaux is a clear step above Olympiakos and while I thought they would ride out the away leg with a draw they were able to get the win on foreign soil. It is difficult to think of a realistic scenario in which Olympiakos turn it around in France. Bordeaux won a group that included Bayern Munich and Juventus and to date have the stingiest defense in the Champion's League. I do not see Olympiaklos finding the key that unlocks it on Wednesday. 2-0 will put Bordeaux into the quarter finals.
TOMORROW (3/16)
Chelsea vs Inter Milan
This is clearly the glamour match up of the round. Inter are heading to the bridge with a 2-1 lead in hand but that means very little. Chelsea rarely lose at Stamford Bridge. Fortunately for Inter, Mourinho loses there even less often than Chelsea. Ancelotti's is a steady hand and with a one goal deficit and the away goal in hand I don't think Chelsea will be guilty of exposing themselves due to eagerness in chasing the first goal. They will go forward of course but it does not feel like one of those second leg games where if the home side don't score in the first twenty minutes or so the game is over. I still think Inter go through, and I see it being a score draw tomorrow.
Sevilla vs CSKA Moscow
Sevilla's composition will be markedly different tomorrow than in the first leg. Replacing Alvaro Negredo will be Luis Fabiano who didn't play in Moscow due to injury. Reports have him as the lone man up top as Sevilla will come out in a 4-4-1-1. With a 1-1 result in their pocket Sevilla have the luxury of making their opponents chase the game on hostile ground. CSKA Moscow have looked a cut below to me and although they are at this stage of the competition for a reason I do not see them going into Andalucia and blowing Sevilla away. They will probably score but I don't expect tomorrow's match, or the aggregate score, to be close. Sevilla 3-1 or something like that.
WEDNESDAY ( 3/17)
Barcelona vs Stuttgart
Barcelona may have been nudged off their perch in La Liga but yesterday's demolition of Valencia (who sit in a CL spot as of now, not exactly bottom feeders) indicates they have not lost form. The 1-1 they got in Germany is useful but it will be irrelevant in the second leg. I see them winning this game outright, with ease. I know I had a similar prediction a couple weeks back and they were unable to pull it off but this feels like one of the games Guardiola's team is made for. 2-0 at the Nou Camp.
Bordeaux vs Olympiakos
Being between two perhaps not as well known teams this match up has not gotten a lot of attention. In my opinion Bordeaux is a clear step above Olympiakos and while I thought they would ride out the away leg with a draw they were able to get the win on foreign soil. It is difficult to think of a realistic scenario in which Olympiakos turn it around in France. Bordeaux won a group that included Bayern Munich and Juventus and to date have the stingiest defense in the Champion's League. I do not see Olympiaklos finding the key that unlocks it on Wednesday. 2-0 will put Bordeaux into the quarter finals.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
GONE-zalo Higuain?
Today's events may have changed things a bit but in the wake of the humiliating elimination from the Champion's League one of the big scapegoats was looking to be Gonzalo Higuain. Obviously the manager was first in line and Kaka was coming in for his share of blame but Higuain's effort off the post after he had the keeper beat, along with a few other plays where he could have done better, had most of Madridom shouting that if only they had someone else in that position they would be looking forward to finding out who their quarter-final opponent would be. Then news of a dust up between him and the The Greasy One, who appears to be untouchable in the Merengue universe, surfaced and other players had to come out and insist everyone was cool and there was nothing to it. And on top of that there is the issue of his contract. Higuain and his agent told Real Madrid they want 4 million euros a season and the club responded with complete silence. There are still months to go until the end of the season but you would think a club would jump at a chance to lock up a guy like him at such a modest salary. Taken together all these things suggest that maybe Gonzalo Higuain is on his way out of Madrid.
I am not suggesting he is a better player than Cristiano Ronaldo, but I do think a lot of people (particularly Real supporters) don't grasp just how valuable he is. He started last season somewhere between starter and sub and wound up leading the club in goals. With the army of superstars the club signed over the summer he had to start over again and prove he should start. And now, in the middle of March, he is the team leader in league goals. After today's hat trick Higuain's La Liga total is 19, 4 ahead of The Greasy One. It is worth noting that Higuain has achieved this while playing less minutes thus far this season than his teammate. And all of his goals have come from open play while two of the TGO's have been from the penalty spot. So in reality Higuain has scored six more goals than the most expensive player in the history of professional sports, and yet Madrid is not sure he is worth four million euros a year.
Again, the apparent difficult moment for Higuain at the club may just be the passing by product of a tense week. But it may not. If the sixth consecutive CL debacle for Real Madrid results in Higuain at another club it will be the gift that keeps on giving. They will lose a key under appreciated piece, and I will finally be able to pull for a player I like without the mental asterisk that comes with seeing him in a Madrid shirt.
I am not suggesting he is a better player than Cristiano Ronaldo, but I do think a lot of people (particularly Real supporters) don't grasp just how valuable he is. He started last season somewhere between starter and sub and wound up leading the club in goals. With the army of superstars the club signed over the summer he had to start over again and prove he should start. And now, in the middle of March, he is the team leader in league goals. After today's hat trick Higuain's La Liga total is 19, 4 ahead of The Greasy One. It is worth noting that Higuain has achieved this while playing less minutes thus far this season than his teammate. And all of his goals have come from open play while two of the TGO's have been from the penalty spot. So in reality Higuain has scored six more goals than the most expensive player in the history of professional sports, and yet Madrid is not sure he is worth four million euros a year.
Again, the apparent difficult moment for Higuain at the club may just be the passing by product of a tense week. But it may not. If the sixth consecutive CL debacle for Real Madrid results in Higuain at another club it will be the gift that keeps on giving. They will lose a key under appreciated piece, and I will finally be able to pull for a player I like without the mental asterisk that comes with seeing him in a Madrid shirt.
Man City Leave it Late
Just watched Manchester City claw out a draw in the dying moments on their visit to Sunderland. Very interesting match I thought. Looked like a totally different game on either side of the break. Sunderland deserved the lead they took into the locker room after dominating a bland looking Man City team. The Citizen defense was terribly shaky and it would not have been unjust for the margin to be more than a goal. But from the opening moments of the second half City were reenergized and refocused. The first ten minutes had two legitimate opportunities that were harder to miss than convert, but that is what happened. The equalizer finally came in stoppage time when Adam Johnson who came on as a substitute curled a beautiful shot from the corner of the penalty area to the upper corner on the opposite side of goal. The ball dropped in just below the crossbar and just above the Sunderland defender's jumping attempted header. Wonderful goal.
Here are some other thoughts about the game:
Craig Gordon was fantastic. Probably not entirely fair that he didn't walk away with the clean sheet. At least 4 eye opening saves.
Craig Bellamy had what was probably one of the most frustrating games of all time. Two or three fouls called against him in situations of consequence where he clearly did nothing wrong. Two very good shots thwarted by the spectacular Gordon. He worked and worked but it wasn't his day.
Roque Santa Cruz is terrible. He was by far the worst player for Manchester City today. I could barely believe Mancini left him on when he burned his last change. Bad in every aspect of the game. More and more it appears his 20 goal season with Blackburn Rovers was the exception. I know he isn't too old but I think his time at the top level is just about over.
Adam Johnson was awesome. He only played about 15 minutes or so but he was excellent every time he touched the ball. And the goal was incredible.
Here are some other thoughts about the game:
Craig Gordon was fantastic. Probably not entirely fair that he didn't walk away with the clean sheet. At least 4 eye opening saves.
Craig Bellamy had what was probably one of the most frustrating games of all time. Two or three fouls called against him in situations of consequence where he clearly did nothing wrong. Two very good shots thwarted by the spectacular Gordon. He worked and worked but it wasn't his day.
Roque Santa Cruz is terrible. He was by far the worst player for Manchester City today. I could barely believe Mancini left him on when he burned his last change. Bad in every aspect of the game. More and more it appears his 20 goal season with Blackburn Rovers was the exception. I know he isn't too old but I think his time at the top level is just about over.
Adam Johnson was awesome. He only played about 15 minutes or so but he was excellent every time he touched the ball. And the goal was incredible.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Round So Far
Pretty entertaining set of matches we had this week. I got some right some wrong. Here are some thoughts on how it shook out:
Arsenal 5-0 Porto
I picked Porto to advance from this matchup and could not have been more wrong. It was not even close. No Cesc was not a problem for Arsenal. Bendtner's hat trick was fantastic for Arsenal but the fact that it came less than a week after he squandered 3 legitimate scoring opportunities shows he has the mindset to be a world class striker. Absolute gulf in class here.
Fiorentina 3-2 Bayern Munich
Fiorentina put up more of a fight than I thought, in fact they won the game but were done in on away goals. I didn't see the whole game but what I did catch I thought Bayern played a little below their potential. They now have some extra time to get ready for their next opponent. Their back line should be back to health by the time the quarter final round begins and the always fragile Ribery and Robben may be in better shape.
Manchester United 4-0 AC Milan
There was never a doubt in my mind United were moving on, but I didn't think it would be such a blow out. The fact that the second place team in Serie A lost 7-2 on aggregate I think says a lot about the balance of power in Europe these days. It really is Spain and England then everybody else.
Real Madrid 1-1 Lyon
On Monday night I accurately predicted the score of this game. Genius, genius, genius. When The Greasy One put Madrid up in the opening minutes I thought they were probably heading to the quarters, but the game settled into the pattern I expected in the second half. Madrid have themselves to blame as they squandered at least 3 clear opportunities. Lyon did a good job of containing Madrid. Not terribly exciting to watch and a bit cynical at times, but they had a plan and stuck to it. As a result they are among the 8 teams left standing and Real Madrid are out of Europe in the first knock out round for the sixth time in a row. All of the doomsdaying you would expect is in full swing in the Spanish press and this game is sure to be the reference point for an avalanche of changes going forward. I am going to enjoy this for now and will probably write a longer post about it in the days to come.
Thoughts:
All in all 4 pretty cool games. Each one interesting in its own way. This might be a snobbish thing to say but I think of the 4 teams who made their way into the next round this week only Manchester United has a strong chance of being Champions of Europe this year. For me the other real contenders are playing next week. Still, any one of the other three teams is capable of ending a campaign for one of the heavies. Look forward to the reshuffling.
Real Madrid, Liverpool, and AC Milan are the three most accomplished clubs in European competition and none of them are still alive. Probably doesn't mean anything in itself, but I find it interesting.
Arsenal 5-0 Porto
I picked Porto to advance from this matchup and could not have been more wrong. It was not even close. No Cesc was not a problem for Arsenal. Bendtner's hat trick was fantastic for Arsenal but the fact that it came less than a week after he squandered 3 legitimate scoring opportunities shows he has the mindset to be a world class striker. Absolute gulf in class here.
Fiorentina 3-2 Bayern Munich
Fiorentina put up more of a fight than I thought, in fact they won the game but were done in on away goals. I didn't see the whole game but what I did catch I thought Bayern played a little below their potential. They now have some extra time to get ready for their next opponent. Their back line should be back to health by the time the quarter final round begins and the always fragile Ribery and Robben may be in better shape.
Manchester United 4-0 AC Milan
There was never a doubt in my mind United were moving on, but I didn't think it would be such a blow out. The fact that the second place team in Serie A lost 7-2 on aggregate I think says a lot about the balance of power in Europe these days. It really is Spain and England then everybody else.
Real Madrid 1-1 Lyon
On Monday night I accurately predicted the score of this game. Genius, genius, genius. When The Greasy One put Madrid up in the opening minutes I thought they were probably heading to the quarters, but the game settled into the pattern I expected in the second half. Madrid have themselves to blame as they squandered at least 3 clear opportunities. Lyon did a good job of containing Madrid. Not terribly exciting to watch and a bit cynical at times, but they had a plan and stuck to it. As a result they are among the 8 teams left standing and Real Madrid are out of Europe in the first knock out round for the sixth time in a row. All of the doomsdaying you would expect is in full swing in the Spanish press and this game is sure to be the reference point for an avalanche of changes going forward. I am going to enjoy this for now and will probably write a longer post about it in the days to come.
Thoughts:
All in all 4 pretty cool games. Each one interesting in its own way. This might be a snobbish thing to say but I think of the 4 teams who made their way into the next round this week only Manchester United has a strong chance of being Champions of Europe this year. For me the other real contenders are playing next week. Still, any one of the other three teams is capable of ending a campaign for one of the heavies. Look forward to the reshuffling.
Real Madrid, Liverpool, and AC Milan are the three most accomplished clubs in European competition and none of them are still alive. Probably doesn't mean anything in itself, but I find it interesting.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Champs League is Coming
Tomorrow! And Wednesday! But before that was Monday! And Wigan took a bite out of Liverpool's hopes of being in the knockout rounds this time next year with a 1-0 win. I am not sure what the exact situation was but I recall them beating Chelsea 1-0 roughly around this time 2 seasons ago and the Blues went on to lose the league to United by the narrowest of margins. Spoilers. I still can't believe Liverpool worked their way back into a European place and gave away three points.
Tomorrow
Arsenal vs Porto-
I think Arsenal are going out, and my pick is a 1-1 draw that puts Porto through 3-2 on aggregate. Without Fabregas to run play Arsenal are going to have to use a more straight forward attack in search of a goal and despite not being the team they were in years past, Porto will be able to snuff out the danger. Radamel Falcao is one of the players I picked to be a surprise in the Champs League and he has been awesome, I wouldn't be surprised to see him on the scoresheet tomorrow.
Fiorentina vs Bayern Munich-
The first leg pitted two teams flying in completely opposite directions against each other and not much has changed in the couple of weeks since. The injury to Martin Demichelis is inconvenient but not a real threat to Bayern. With the comfort of a lead built up at home they can dictate the play in Florence to an extent. If Fiorentina aren't on the board by the fifteenth minute I think it is safe to say this one is over.
Wednesday
United vs AC Milan
It would take a real jaw dropping turn of events to see Milan through and I just don't think it is in the cards. Although they only trail by one on aggregate they conceded THREE away goals in the first leg. As presently constituted Milan do not look like the kind of side that can easily rack up goals at Old Trafford. But for the sake or argument let's say they do, it is impossible to imagine that kind of attack not exposing what is a pretty wobbly defense to counterattacks. I actually think United wins this game outright, probably 2-1. For all the story lines this one is kind of anti-climatic.
Real Madrid vs Lyon
If Madrid were going to lose the first leg, having only the minimal deficit to turn around at the Bernabeu doesn't seem like too big a hill to climb. It is not, but it is also not a given. Lyon did not stumble into the win at home, they were disciplined, organized, and lethal. There is no reason to think they can not do this again with the comfort of starting the match with a lead. Many people have suggested this game is a custom made big stage for the Greasy One to announce to the world he is Real Madrid now. That can go either way. The pressure and scrutiny and bigness of the moment might be enough to charge up and he overruns Lyon in a virtuoso performance. Or he takes the team on his shoulders and charges ahead but is picked off by a rigid and prepared team and they get an early goal on the counter. I am probably in the minority on this but I see a 1-1 draw, with Lyon going through on aggregate.
Tomorrow
Arsenal vs Porto-
I think Arsenal are going out, and my pick is a 1-1 draw that puts Porto through 3-2 on aggregate. Without Fabregas to run play Arsenal are going to have to use a more straight forward attack in search of a goal and despite not being the team they were in years past, Porto will be able to snuff out the danger. Radamel Falcao is one of the players I picked to be a surprise in the Champs League and he has been awesome, I wouldn't be surprised to see him on the scoresheet tomorrow.
Fiorentina vs Bayern Munich-
The first leg pitted two teams flying in completely opposite directions against each other and not much has changed in the couple of weeks since. The injury to Martin Demichelis is inconvenient but not a real threat to Bayern. With the comfort of a lead built up at home they can dictate the play in Florence to an extent. If Fiorentina aren't on the board by the fifteenth minute I think it is safe to say this one is over.
Wednesday
United vs AC Milan
It would take a real jaw dropping turn of events to see Milan through and I just don't think it is in the cards. Although they only trail by one on aggregate they conceded THREE away goals in the first leg. As presently constituted Milan do not look like the kind of side that can easily rack up goals at Old Trafford. But for the sake or argument let's say they do, it is impossible to imagine that kind of attack not exposing what is a pretty wobbly defense to counterattacks. I actually think United wins this game outright, probably 2-1. For all the story lines this one is kind of anti-climatic.
Real Madrid vs Lyon
If Madrid were going to lose the first leg, having only the minimal deficit to turn around at the Bernabeu doesn't seem like too big a hill to climb. It is not, but it is also not a given. Lyon did not stumble into the win at home, they were disciplined, organized, and lethal. There is no reason to think they can not do this again with the comfort of starting the match with a lead. Many people have suggested this game is a custom made big stage for the Greasy One to announce to the world he is Real Madrid now. That can go either way. The pressure and scrutiny and bigness of the moment might be enough to charge up and he overruns Lyon in a virtuoso performance. Or he takes the team on his shoulders and charges ahead but is picked off by a rigid and prepared team and they get an early goal on the counter. I am probably in the minority on this but I see a 1-1 draw, with Lyon going through on aggregate.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Thoughts On Inter
I was really stoked for this game. Sunday afternoon, relax and watch Inter vs Genoa. And it was terrible. Pretty boring nil draw. I was surprised by the amount of sloppiness from both squads. Soooo many lazy passes resulting in turn overs, poor marking, weak finishing.
Milito was clearly fouled in the box early in the second half. From the ref's angle I think it was a hard call to make, but it should have been a penalty.
Lucio and Zanetti are awesome.
Ricardo Quaresma still sucks. How can you be that bad for that long at that many clubs and still get trotted out to play elite football on occasion? Mystifying.
Mario Balotelli has serious difficulties with the mental side of the game. Watching today both his exceptional talents and his debilitating attitude were on full display. He is capricious and childish and not lazy but has a certain "over it" streak in him that stand between him and being a superstar. All the physical tools are there, and I hope he and Inter are able to put it together.
Rodrigo Palacio is one of those guys people will look back on twenty years from now and think he missed out on being a legend by a chance. Watching him today as a slightly above average attack player on a mid table or maybe a bit better team in Serie A it was strange to recall how dominant of a force he was in the middle part of the 00's with Boca Juniors. He turned down deals to some of the bigger clubs in Europe and when he finally made the jump (for considerably less money than he'd been offered) injury and age made him less than he should have been. I'm not a Boca fan but it is kind of sad.
AC Milan vs Roma was also a nil draw so nothing really changes. Take one more game off the schedule, that much closer to winning the league. What does it say about Italian football when the top three teams in the league combine for zero goals? That it is still Italy.
Milito was clearly fouled in the box early in the second half. From the ref's angle I think it was a hard call to make, but it should have been a penalty.
Lucio and Zanetti are awesome.
Ricardo Quaresma still sucks. How can you be that bad for that long at that many clubs and still get trotted out to play elite football on occasion? Mystifying.
Mario Balotelli has serious difficulties with the mental side of the game. Watching today both his exceptional talents and his debilitating attitude were on full display. He is capricious and childish and not lazy but has a certain "over it" streak in him that stand between him and being a superstar. All the physical tools are there, and I hope he and Inter are able to put it together.
Rodrigo Palacio is one of those guys people will look back on twenty years from now and think he missed out on being a legend by a chance. Watching him today as a slightly above average attack player on a mid table or maybe a bit better team in Serie A it was strange to recall how dominant of a force he was in the middle part of the 00's with Boca Juniors. He turned down deals to some of the bigger clubs in Europe and when he finally made the jump (for considerably less money than he'd been offered) injury and age made him less than he should have been. I'm not a Boca fan but it is kind of sad.
AC Milan vs Roma was also a nil draw so nothing really changes. Take one more game off the schedule, that much closer to winning the league. What does it say about Italian football when the top three teams in the league combine for zero goals? That it is still Italy.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Dudes!!!!
Yo!!!! The World Cup is like less than 100 days away and stuff!!! Bam! Woo! Smash!
So much snow in New York I almost forgot! Whoa.....
So yesterday and today a bunch of WC teams played friendlies. For some the final tune up before they name their squad. Some interesting stuff but it is important not to read too much into it. I just felt like posting because hearing/reading the words "last friendly before heading to South Africa" made me pop a six foot boner for charity.
Brazil vs Ireland
I can't imagine Dunga is serious about excluding Ronaldinho AND Pato but plans on bringing Adriano to the WC. I think at least Pato makes the squad and if his options are healthy Adriano stays in Brazil. Robinho has a real problem grasping the concept of offside vs onside. I was kind of hoping for Ireland to grab a win hear and maybe attenuate the sting of being robbed of a spot this summer. That and I absolutely loathe Brazil.
England vs Egypt
Kind of embarrassing to go into the break a goal down to a team that didn't even make the dance, but a 3-1 win is enough. Don Fabio seems to be the meticulous kind of manager that has purpose in everything he does and I suspect many guys played for their spot on the team today. To me James Milner is one of the most underrated players in the Prem and definitely deserves a starting spot on the national team if they are going with 4 midfielders, which appears to be case. Surprised he didn't start. Cartlon Cole is a very dangerous player that maybe doesn't get his due because he is at West Ham. Given the strike corps drops pretty hard after Rooney and DeFoe I can see Cole getting some minutes in South Africa.
Argentina vs Germany
I know it is a one goal win. I know it is a friendly. I know there are gargantuan problems standing between Argentina and the World Cup. So I am just going to enjoy this. Always a classic match up and the pieces I got to see were hard fought and fairly entertaining. Di Maria looked lethal. Much of the team has sorted itself out but the backline continues to be undefined. Demichelis' injury shouldn't keep him from SA. Along with Heinze I think he is a lock. But who else? There are at least 3 guys who could start at right back (Zanetti, Zabaleta, Papa) and a whole raft of center-halfs. Heinze could even play there and have Insua slide in at left back. I think today cemented Higuain as the 9 for the tournament.
France vs Spain
Spain are an absolute machine. France's problems off the field are well known but they are still a quality side. If someone, anyone, else were in charge the talent in this group would be enough to have them considered in an elite group of favorites. And they were beaten soundly at home by their neighbors. Right now I see Spain as the best team going into the tournament by a sizable margin. The only concern I have regarding Spain is exhaustion. They have played international tournaments the last two summers with essentially the same squad and almost all their players are at elite clubs that go deep into multiple competitions. In addition four of their key players (Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, and Xavi) are staples in the Barcelona lineup and have been subjected to an almost superhuman fixture list. If Spain reaches the final in July Xavi will have played competitive football for 22 of the previous 24 months at the highest possible level.
Holland vs USA
I don't think there is much to take from this. A 2-1 loss in the Netherlands is neither discouraging nor surprising. Stuart Holden got hurt and that is bad. We more or less know who is in the squad and where it is weak and strong. A spot in the final 16 is very doable and hard work and focus should get the Americans there.
Switzerland vs Uruguay
The Swiss went up 1-0 at home and then got run off the park. A 3-1 win in the Alps might be a big boost for Uruguay, a squad I think will surprise a lot of people next summer. You can say what you want about qualifying groups but the Swiss have been in two consecutive WC's. Uruguay are not terribly deep in many areas but they are gritty and tough and have skill in their strikers that is equalled by very, very, very few national teams. If they are able to keep themselves on the park I think they are going through as the second team in group A.
So much snow in New York I almost forgot! Whoa.....
So yesterday and today a bunch of WC teams played friendlies. For some the final tune up before they name their squad. Some interesting stuff but it is important not to read too much into it. I just felt like posting because hearing/reading the words "last friendly before heading to South Africa" made me pop a six foot boner for charity.
Brazil vs Ireland
I can't imagine Dunga is serious about excluding Ronaldinho AND Pato but plans on bringing Adriano to the WC. I think at least Pato makes the squad and if his options are healthy Adriano stays in Brazil. Robinho has a real problem grasping the concept of offside vs onside. I was kind of hoping for Ireland to grab a win hear and maybe attenuate the sting of being robbed of a spot this summer. That and I absolutely loathe Brazil.
England vs Egypt
Kind of embarrassing to go into the break a goal down to a team that didn't even make the dance, but a 3-1 win is enough. Don Fabio seems to be the meticulous kind of manager that has purpose in everything he does and I suspect many guys played for their spot on the team today. To me James Milner is one of the most underrated players in the Prem and definitely deserves a starting spot on the national team if they are going with 4 midfielders, which appears to be case. Surprised he didn't start. Cartlon Cole is a very dangerous player that maybe doesn't get his due because he is at West Ham. Given the strike corps drops pretty hard after Rooney and DeFoe I can see Cole getting some minutes in South Africa.
Argentina vs Germany
I know it is a one goal win. I know it is a friendly. I know there are gargantuan problems standing between Argentina and the World Cup. So I am just going to enjoy this. Always a classic match up and the pieces I got to see were hard fought and fairly entertaining. Di Maria looked lethal. Much of the team has sorted itself out but the backline continues to be undefined. Demichelis' injury shouldn't keep him from SA. Along with Heinze I think he is a lock. But who else? There are at least 3 guys who could start at right back (Zanetti, Zabaleta, Papa) and a whole raft of center-halfs. Heinze could even play there and have Insua slide in at left back. I think today cemented Higuain as the 9 for the tournament.
France vs Spain
Spain are an absolute machine. France's problems off the field are well known but they are still a quality side. If someone, anyone, else were in charge the talent in this group would be enough to have them considered in an elite group of favorites. And they were beaten soundly at home by their neighbors. Right now I see Spain as the best team going into the tournament by a sizable margin. The only concern I have regarding Spain is exhaustion. They have played international tournaments the last two summers with essentially the same squad and almost all their players are at elite clubs that go deep into multiple competitions. In addition four of their key players (Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, and Xavi) are staples in the Barcelona lineup and have been subjected to an almost superhuman fixture list. If Spain reaches the final in July Xavi will have played competitive football for 22 of the previous 24 months at the highest possible level.
Holland vs USA
I don't think there is much to take from this. A 2-1 loss in the Netherlands is neither discouraging nor surprising. Stuart Holden got hurt and that is bad. We more or less know who is in the squad and where it is weak and strong. A spot in the final 16 is very doable and hard work and focus should get the Americans there.
Switzerland vs Uruguay
The Swiss went up 1-0 at home and then got run off the park. A 3-1 win in the Alps might be a big boost for Uruguay, a squad I think will surprise a lot of people next summer. You can say what you want about qualifying groups but the Swiss have been in two consecutive WC's. Uruguay are not terribly deep in many areas but they are gritty and tough and have skill in their strikers that is equalled by very, very, very few national teams. If they are able to keep themselves on the park I think they are going through as the second team in group A.
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