Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Curtains for England

The pre-match talk was all about the artificial pitch. The post-match talk was all about blaming England's defeat on watering of the pitch right before the kick-off. In the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier at Moscow, England was surprisingly doing well, courtesy of a Rooney strike in the 29th minute. But a shocking miss by a poor Gerrard, followed by 2 goals by Russia in a space of 4 minutes in the 2nd half, contributed to England's downfall.

The antagonism towards Chelsea must have certainly increased manifold for English fans as they saw Roman Abromovich celebrating the Russian goals. The 2-1 defeat for England means their Euro 2008 hopes are hanging by a thread and qualification is no longer in their hands. We can safely assume Russia and Croatia will win their other match against Andorra and Macedonia respectively. England have to hope Israel, which is already out of the race, avoid defeat to Russia at home. Even if that happens, England would have a huge task of beating Croatia at the Wembley.

Yet again, England find themselves in the familiar position of struggling to qualify for a major tournament. However, the last time they missed out on one was way back in '94 when they missed the World Cup. The English FA is certain to take a beating in terms of finances if the unthinkable happens - Hiddink's Russia qualifying at the expense of McClaren's England. The FA is certain to rue its decision to appoint McClaren when they had the chance to get Hiddink or Martin O'Neil.

O'Neil, a manager of the highest caliber and a person with numerous trophies in his time at Celtic was not selected as the FA did not find his presentation impressive. And, Hiddink was supposedly incensed at the FA's insistence that he had to make a presentation. On the other hand, a great presentation was all McClaren needed to persuade the FA to appoint him for one of the toughest managerial jobs in football.

For all his lack of pedigree and experience at the highest level, McClaren could have certainly done a good job with the squad at his disposal, IF he had the tactical nous of Hiddink. In spite of the consecutive 3-0 wins, including against Israel and Russia at home, most fans were never confident in a man whose only achievement was a Carling Cup title at Boro. And of course, he was as an assistant to Fergie at ManU during the treble-winning season.

In spite of the great players in the England squad, it is really the quality of the manager that reflects the performance of the team. Given the talented players in the England squad, it would have been an easy task to qualify had the team been managed by a Hiddink. A manager, with superior tactical and motivational skills and one who would have the balls to drop underperforming superstars, is needed if England has to win any trophy at the highest level. It will take a miracle if we are to witness England at Euro 2008. Even if they do qualify, I wouldn't be surprised to see a wily Portugese at the helm for the Euro Championships.

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Saturday, October 06, 2007

Messiah

ManU was back among the goals at the weekend at home against Wigan. After a difficult first half when O'Shea and Vidic were lost to injuries, ManU came out guns blazing in the second. The attacking trio of Tevez, Ronaldo and Rooney all scored and finally ManU fans could see the some real action after a difficult start to the season. Also, ManU was lucky to escape with all 3 points in the midweek CL match at home against Roma as a result of the latter's profligacy in front of goal.

Meanwhile, Barca has been rather impressive lately, with Messi being proclaimed as the their 'Messiah'. Henry managed a hat-trick last weekend at Levante but Messi has been the more dominant performer for Barca. However, Barca, like ManU, has been struggling with injuries. Their injury list seems to be growing by the day as Puyol, Marquez, Zambrotta, Toure, Edmilson all join Eto'o on the sidelines. Barca take on a revitalized Athletico today at the Camp Nou and this should be an exciting clash. Finally, Barca doesn't need to depend completely on Ronaldinho.

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Monday, October 01, 2007

Another European Night

The goals that were flowing last season appears to trickle down this season. In spite of the lack of goals, ManU has managed to hold their own and come up with spirited wins home and away, including the crucial home win against Jose-less Chelsea. ManU youngsters lost a great opportunity to get some playing time in the first team after their Carling Cup exit at the hands of Coventry. To put things into perspective, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all won.

And tonight, Roma visit Old Trafford, revenge on their minds, after their humiliating 7-1 loss to the Red Devils in April. This should be a pretty exciting game. Although I like Roma Captain Totti very much for his loyalty to his club, he has been shooting his mouth way too often. He should have learnt his lesson after the 7-1 drubbing last season but looks like he hasn't. Another good win for ManU should put him in his place.

Owen Hargreaves is still recovering from his injury, although there is a possibility he might start. Carrick has been woefully out of form this season and I hope he improves soon, for he was one of the most underrated performers for ManU last season. Pique might get his chance in defence since Vida and Brown are struggling with injuries. I hope Pique plays and puts in a terrific performance.

My first choice XI for today...

Kuszczak
O'Shea Rio Pique Evra
Ronaldo Owen Scholes Giggs
Tevez Rooney

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