The Good, Bad, and the Ugly

The Good...

Manchester United's fighting spirit whenever they are down
Rooney's mesmerizing run in the middle of the park, easily getting past defenders
The look on Wenger's face when Arsenal are getting beaten
Watching Barcelona play when Ronaldinho and Messi are in full flow
Players who are fiercely loyal and committed to their clubs


The Bad...

Ruud taking free-kicks and wasting good opportunities
The new owners of Manchester United, the Glazers
Chelsea trying to outmuscle every other team in the transfer market
Greedy bastards like Obi Mikel, Cudicini
Florentino Perez and his ridiculously sucking policies

The Ugly...

Players (Pires comes to my mind, immediately) diving inside the penalty box
4-5-1 formation of certain teams
The spitters and the racists

EURO 2008 Draw!

Check out the Euro 2008 draw here

Group B consisting of France, Italy and Ukraine seems to the one to watch out for. England has a relatively easier group with Croatia and Russia being their main opponents. Qualifying starts on Sept. 2 2006 and ends on Nov. 21 2007. The finals to be held jointly by Switzerland and Austria, run from June 7-29, 2008.

News of the World

Eto'o maintained his great form as he scored a hat-trick for Cameroon as they thrashed World Cup qualifier Angola 3-1 in the African Nations Cup. He is already being linked to a 40 million pound summer move to Russian-mafia sponsored Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Eto-less Barcelona registered their 13th consecutive league win with a 2-0 home win over lowly Alaves. Swedish legend Henrik Larsson and Argentine starlet Loinel Messi, touted as the "new Maradona" scored the goals.

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has called on UEFA to open an inquiry into allegations that Olympique Marseille players received injections before the 1993 Champions League final. Marseille beat Milan 1-0 to become the first French club to lift Europe's top club trophy. Former Marseille player Jean-Jacques Eydelie was quoted in the French sports weekly L'Equipe Magazine on Saturday as saying: "Before the final, we were asked to stand in line in order to receive an injection."

After the win over Liverpool, a delirious Fergie attributed the victory to the quality of the ManUtd team. Undoubtedly a spirited display by the ManUtd players, but I still do not know what quality Fergie was talking about.

Arsene Wenger has signed on a teenage sensation from relegated club Southampton for $20 million. Theo Walcott is seen as a player similar to his supposed idol Henry and with Henry yet to sign a new contract, could this signing be viewed as Henry's replacement? Only time will tell. Btw, a sorry Arsenal lost 1-0 away at Everton on Saturday.

Coming back to the African Nations Cup, Arsenal's new signing Adebayor wants to quit the tournament because he was "benched" in Togo's first match, which they lost. Arsenal would only be happy to welcome him back sooner than expected, especially after their pitiful away defeats are being attributed to their opponents' physical game.

I am shocked by the news that Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini has signed a new contract. Just when everyone thought that a world-class keeper that he is would leave after not being able to dislodge Petr Cech in the starting XI for nearly one-and-half years now, he has signed a deal that keeps him at Stamford Bridge till 2009. What can I say...more proof that money has become more important than playing football.

There have been more revelations by "News of the World" which caused a scandal by getting Sven to voice his personal thoughts about the game in England and some of his players. It is now being alleged that Sven also spoke about corruption in the Premier League and how three EPL clubs were involved in shady dealings. Well, we do already know about Chelsea but I wonder what other teams he is talking about.

Finally, the English FA has decided on the future of the England boss after a brief meeting with Sven. Sven will step down after this summer's World Cup. There is already intense speculation about the next manager with several names already linked with the post including Sam Allardyce, Alan Curbishley, Stuart Pearce, Steve McLaren, Guus Hiddink and lately, Big Phil Scolari!

Spirit of the Red Devils

First and foremost, I would say ManUtd did not deserve to win yesterday...but Liverpool did not deserve to win either. However, with lots of injuries, ManUtd were left to play with a crap of a midfield, but showed immense grit and spirit to overcome Liverpool in a not-so-exciting match.

When I first had a look at the team-sheet, I thought ManUtd would be lucky to get away with a point and I was even more convinced as I saw one of their most lacklustre displays in recent times, especially in the midfield. Xabi, Sissoko and Gerrard were ruling the midfield but weren't creating enough chances for their forwards. On the other hand, the ManUtd midfield, for all their injury problems, did not know what was happening. Meanwhile, Rooney decided to take matters into his own hands and put up some good displays but he needs better control of the ball just before he takes his shot.

ManUtd, though lacking in creativity, showed much more hunger and throwed themselves at every ball and made crucial blocks. Rio changed the course of the game when he made a great goal-line clearance. Cisse turned villain when he missed a sitter, he had an open goal and he somehow skyed it over the post. With Crouch substituted due to injury, and Pongolle coming in for the abysmal Cisse, the heat was on in the final minutes. Giggs, played a good match in the midfield, and continued his sizzling runs even after 80 minutes.

Rio continued his good form this season in front of the goal by powering in a great header from a Giggs free-kick. That goal was enough and ManUtd players celebrated the win with full fervor and I guess they valued it more than the win against Chelsea. Producing a spirited display with a crappy team, I cannot imagine how they will not retain their top form and reputation as one of European best if they make some good buys in the midfield this summer.

Rio's Winning Header

Sven Sheikhen

The latest sting done by England's leading newspaper "News of the World" on England coach Sven Goran Eriksson has created a huge uproar. The tabloid's undercover reporter acting as an Arab sheikh wanting to takeover Aston Villa, got Sven to reveal his private thoughts about certain England players and also his readiness to accept the coaching role at Villa if England win the World Cup.

Sven has already embarassed the English FA a lot of times before. Not long ago, he accepted his affair with the FA scretary Faria Alam. Now the latest revelation about his comments on players and his coaching job has come as a huge shock as well as embarassment. Though he is incredibly stupid to blabber his thoughts to someone he rarely knew, I do feel for him and I don't think this sort of sting operation was needed, especially in the World Cup year.

The English tabloids have always been waiting for opportunities to pull down managers, especially if he is a foreign one. Waiting candidates for the England mangerial role such as Sam Allardyce, Alan Curbishley and many others have often been vociferous in their demand for an English manager to instated. And Sven revealing some of the secrets of his stars has already made people seething in anger. The FA has declared it is content with Sven's clarification but has asked him to reveal his intent about his plan to quit his job.

Now, it seems highly likely that Sven would be relieved from his job after the World Cup but the English tabloid's sting has made it much more difficult for the coach and the players to work together to win the World Cup.

Here's what Sven had revealed to the 'Sheikh'...

On Beckham - "He is not happy at Real Madrid not having won anything after going there. I can get him to Villa in the summer."

On Rooney - "He has a bad temper. He comes from a poor family."

On Rio - "He is very lazy."

On SWPhilips - "He is not worth 20 million pounds."

On Owen - "He is not happy at Newcastle. He said to me he had gone there because he has not got so much money before from any other club."

Irresistible Barca

Team Barca!

Barcelona have set a new record in Spain by claiming their 16th win in a row by beating Zamora 6-0 in the Spanish Cup, thereby surpassing the historic 15 game winning run of the Real Madrid side of 1960/61 which starred the legendary Alfredo Di Stefano.

Barcelona has been one of the top teams in Europe over the past 2 seasons and are already 22 games unbeaten in all competitions since their2-1 away loss to Athletico Madrid. Their squad runs very deep this season and considering the fact that they managed to win the league title last season even with many players injured, their title should be much easier to defend.

The reigning World Player of the Year - Ronaldinho and 2nd runner-up Samuel Eto'o deserve much of the credit, as does coach Frank Rijkaard, for being able to inspire the team and play a game that is by far the best in Europe and probably, the world. Eto'o is the leading scorer in La Liga with 17 or 18 goals taking his tally to 23 in all competitions this season. Ronaldinho has already surpassed his goal tally of last season and when he is not scoring, he creates most of the chances to score for his teammates.

Barca have a lot more attacking options with the emerging star Lionel Messi providing stiff competition to Guily for the right wing attacking position. Messi, at 19, has already shown the world his attacking prowess and it is no wonder they already call him the "next Maradona". In my opinion, he is one of the players to watch out for along with Rooney in this year's World Cup.

The Barca midfield has been awesome this season with Xavi, Deco, Van Bommel providing the ball to the strikers. Even though Xavi is out for the season due to injury, Iniesta has managed to fill the gap wonderfully well. Mexico captain Rafael Marquez has been really been the most underrated performer in the side and has been incredible in his as a defensive midfielder. When he has been injured, Edmilson has filled his role admirably.

Captain Puyol has been a rock in the defence and is one of the best defenders in Europe. Oleguer and Edmilson have partnered him in the central defence and been performing well. However, the defence seem to be suspect in the dead-ball situations. Perhaps, buying another able central defender would help them to address this concern. Also, Valdes has been important for Barca in the goal, making some crucial saves this season.

The Barca President Joan Laporta has been wise and more importantly has not made stupid blunders like his counterpart in Real Madrid, Perez. He has given a free hand to Rijkaard in team matters. Thanks to the efforts of these people, the club has seen a metamorphic rise over the past 2 seasons and FC Barcelona has thrown the gauntlet to rest of the top European clubs.

The End of Silvestre?

ManUtd have signed on a centreback Nemanja Vidic from Spartak Moscow and a leftback Patrice Evra from Monaco. Bringing Vidic will hopefully signal the end of Silvestre, who is nothing but a liability at the back. But I still don't understand the need for a leftback when the Premiership season is as good as over and Heinze should hopefully return next season.

Sir Alex still is mulling over various options for the midfield positions and I guess he is set to persist with Fletcher, O'Shea, Smith and Scholes this season for the 2 central midfield positions. However, as I have often stated, it is extremely critical that ManUtd buy 2 good central midfielders if they have to pose a serious threat to the Premiership and European titles. I still can't get over the fact as to how the hell Fergie thought he could win in Europe with a midfield that is only better than those of bottom-placed EPL clubs.

Where Is It?

The incessant quest by millionaires to take over football clubs, the tapping of players, the lure of money, the enormous greed of players, the absolute lack of loyalty, the 4-5-1 formations, the nil-nil draws, the arrogance of coaches, the ugly brawls among players - all these raise a question "where the hell is the beautiful game?"

A New Year - A New Hope

The highlights of the year 2005 were new coaches Rafa Benitez masterminding Liverpool's dramatic comeback in the Champions League, and Jose Mourinho buying Chelsea its first title in 50 years. Meanwhile in Europe, Barcelona and Ronaldinho were mesmerizing opposition teams and Brazil were proving once again why they are the team to beat in this year's World Cup. Meanwhile, Fergie reached his lowest point in his ManUtd coaching career as they were knocked out of Europe in the group stages itself.

The new year brings new hopes and expectations, a promise of better football and there is eager anticipation among fans that their clubs would do better. While certain clubs were eager for the transfer window to open, there were the others who seemed wary of it for the fear of losing their best players.

Ever since the implementation of the Bosman ruling, which incidentally celebrated its 10th anniversary a couple of months back, the players have become stronger than the clubs. In addition, the gap between clubs seems to have widened financially, resulting in many clubs waiting for billionaires to take over and invest money into the clubs. Portsmouth might just be the next Chelsea as talks take place for a takeover by a Russian billionaire.

Meanwhile, I expect Chelsea's domination in EPL to end as soon as Sunderland wins another Premiership match. It's quite obvious that neither will happen in the near future. Boy! Am I eagerly awaiting for some exciting clashes between Chelsea and teams like Sheffield Utd next season!

There is the World Cup in the month of June where we can expect to see a wide galaxy of stars, all weary and burnt-out after a long season that included the respective leagues, Champions League, Cup and more Cup Championships. England coach Eriksson would have been very relieved to see ManUtd crash out of Europe altogether and thus, the burden on Rooney lessening to an extent.

Apart from the lone World Cup they won on home soil, the England football team always seem to falter in the top competitions and some cynics still point out that England was lucky as the ball never crossed the line in that fateful final. Maybe, the curse from that final victory is still on the national team. The team is being hyped up as never before and if the English press are to be believed, the only thing that stands between their team and the trophy is Brazil.