Jose Mourinho looks eager to move back to England next summer and he made no bones about it while speaking to Sun. He said, "I want to come back to England. I want to be back. I'm not the kind of guy to his feelings hidden. I love it here, I love it here, I love it here. I believe I will be back one day. I don't leave any club in mid-season to go to another, so until the end of the season, there is no chance I will leave Inter."
Meanwhile Mourinho's interest in England has sparked a slew of speculations about the club he will come to. Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are reported to have eyed Jose Mourinho as a possible replacement for Rafael Benitez. Rafa however continues to deny any news of his move away from Liverpool.
Read more:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/liverpool/4861058/Liverpool-linked-with-Jose-Mourinho-as-Rafael-Benitez-replacement.html
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
David Villa set for Premiership. United-Chelsea likely suitors.
Valencia and Spain striker David Villa is all set to spark a bidding war between United and Chelsea. Villa, who had decided to stay at Valencia last summer due to 'family' reasons, has now expressed his desire to play in the Premiership.
So how much will he cost and who has the money? Liverpool is out of the race straight away and it would be a fight between United, City and Chelsea. All 3 clubs seem to have the pockets deep enough and it appears that United are set to offer 35 million.
Of the 3, United would be the most eager considering their lack of firepower upfront. Berbatov might be in line to be offloaded to part pay for Villa. John Terry had mentioned Villa sometime in 2008 to Abramovich and it wouldn't be a surprise if Chelsea throws in some more to take Villa away from United. City are likely to give Mancini some free hand in the summer transfer window and he will surely bid if Villa is available.
My personal view is that Villa is most suited for United and it would be a better career move considering how many more minutes he would get to play for United. At Chelsea he would risk sitting on the bench more often.
Clearly Villa is one of the premier strikers today and he would be a great asset whichever team he decides to play for. How the bidding war would turn out is going to be make headlines coming summer.
Just to add, Valencia might put few more players including David Silva and Mata up for sale considering their financial plight and that would mean more opportunities for English clubs.
http://www.clubcall.com/intl-football/villa-tempted-england-move-995728.html
So how much will he cost and who has the money? Liverpool is out of the race straight away and it would be a fight between United, City and Chelsea. All 3 clubs seem to have the pockets deep enough and it appears that United are set to offer 35 million.
Of the 3, United would be the most eager considering their lack of firepower upfront. Berbatov might be in line to be offloaded to part pay for Villa. John Terry had mentioned Villa sometime in 2008 to Abramovich and it wouldn't be a surprise if Chelsea throws in some more to take Villa away from United. City are likely to give Mancini some free hand in the summer transfer window and he will surely bid if Villa is available.
My personal view is that Villa is most suited for United and it would be a better career move considering how many more minutes he would get to play for United. At Chelsea he would risk sitting on the bench more often.
Clearly Villa is one of the premier strikers today and he would be a great asset whichever team he decides to play for. How the bidding war would turn out is going to be make headlines coming summer.
Just to add, Valencia might put few more players including David Silva and Mata up for sale considering their financial plight and that would mean more opportunities for English clubs.
http://www.clubcall.com/intl-football/villa-tempted-england-move-995728.html
Monday, December 21, 2009
Weekend confirms decline of the Premier League elite
Chelsea made a hash of the great opportunity that United had presented them on Saturday. They could have gone 6 clear of United at the top of the premiership instead they were quite lucky to salvage a point against West Ham with a fortuitous penalty. United would heave a sigh of relief with this result as the gap has not widened too much as was widely expected though they still stand 4 points adrift and that would take some catching.
It is also quite obvious now that this year’s championship is not a two team fight to the top. The challengers are looking tougher while the leaders are stuttering to make the championship race most fascinating. The way things are currently poised, the season appears to be heading towards an enthralling second half in 2010 and I am sure that it is going to be a fight till the very end this time around. Chelsea has a clear edge in the standings, they however appear to have lost a lot if it on field. The heat is on the leaders and it is how they respond that will ascertain the final standings in 2010.
You could read the match report at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/dec/20/west-ham-chelsea-match-report
Read more about the saturday games and United debacle at :
http://expresssport.blogspot.com/2009/12/united-feel-heat-at-fulham-gunners.html
It is also quite obvious now that this year’s championship is not a two team fight to the top. The challengers are looking tougher while the leaders are stuttering to make the championship race most fascinating. The way things are currently poised, the season appears to be heading towards an enthralling second half in 2010 and I am sure that it is going to be a fight till the very end this time around. Chelsea has a clear edge in the standings, they however appear to have lost a lot if it on field. The heat is on the leaders and it is how they respond that will ascertain the final standings in 2010.
You could read the match report at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/dec/20/west-ham-chelsea-match-report
Read more about the saturday games and United debacle at :
http://expresssport.blogspot.com/2009/12/united-feel-heat-at-fulham-gunners.html
Dead pitches are killing cricket in India!
While I was watching India plunder the Lankan attack at Rajkot, I couldn’t help but wonder about the poor state of our wickets. When Lanka responded the way they did I was utterly shattered. My nationality was surely not the cause of this disappointment – remember India had won- but it was the utter disdain that the bowlers were treated with and I couldn’t help but despise the fans around me who hailed it as one of the great matches.
The match was a killer all right and everyone went home happy. India for being the winners, Lanka for coming that close to a 415 target and the viewers for getting every penny’s worth.
Yes, there were some outstanding knocks played and it was a close game of cricket and a last ball decision would suggest a thrilling encounter. I profoundly disagree as I could feel the thrill and excitement for only the last 30-40 balls of Srilankan innings and that sums up to mere 30 minutes of cricket. So what was happening for the rest of 6+ hours? All I can recall from those 6 odd hours is the fact that there were some mere mortals delivering the cricket ball and were being dismissed out to the woods- not much fun. Captain had nothing more to do but to try and hand over the ball to anyone who could go for less than 10 an over- really sad.
The true cricket fan would have surely missed the lack of fight between the ball and the bat- I did. I cannot see this taking our sport too far. Someone needs to realize that we are actually killing this sport with the kind of unsporting batting beauties. Soon individual 200 would be overwhelmed in a one day game and soon there will be a 25 ball hundred but would it all be worth? - I guess not.
There would soon be too many “Great” batsmen and too few “Great” bowlers and we would have a Coliseum where bowlers would step up to be slaughtered all in the name of entertainment. I shudder to think of that day but it’s not too far away. Cricket in India is at the gallows.
PS: A lot of talk has been centered on reviving test cricket. The test matches being played around the world over the last few weeks have been excellent advertisement for the game unlike ODI’s in our part of the world.
England v South Africa went till the last ball on day 5 while Windies came as close as 30 odd to upset the Aussies. Anyone who watched those games would agree that Test cricket is alive and kicking around the world and as I had mentioned earlier, just the pitches can make a world of difference to how the game can move forward.
We don't really need a major upheaval as perceived by too many expert voices rather we need the establishments- especially in India- to realize that their myopic view will kill our beloved sport- forever.
The match was a killer all right and everyone went home happy. India for being the winners, Lanka for coming that close to a 415 target and the viewers for getting every penny’s worth.
Yes, there were some outstanding knocks played and it was a close game of cricket and a last ball decision would suggest a thrilling encounter. I profoundly disagree as I could feel the thrill and excitement for only the last 30-40 balls of Srilankan innings and that sums up to mere 30 minutes of cricket. So what was happening for the rest of 6+ hours? All I can recall from those 6 odd hours is the fact that there were some mere mortals delivering the cricket ball and were being dismissed out to the woods- not much fun. Captain had nothing more to do but to try and hand over the ball to anyone who could go for less than 10 an over- really sad.
The true cricket fan would have surely missed the lack of fight between the ball and the bat- I did. I cannot see this taking our sport too far. Someone needs to realize that we are actually killing this sport with the kind of unsporting batting beauties. Soon individual 200 would be overwhelmed in a one day game and soon there will be a 25 ball hundred but would it all be worth? - I guess not.
There would soon be too many “Great” batsmen and too few “Great” bowlers and we would have a Coliseum where bowlers would step up to be slaughtered all in the name of entertainment. I shudder to think of that day but it’s not too far away. Cricket in India is at the gallows.
PS: A lot of talk has been centered on reviving test cricket. The test matches being played around the world over the last few weeks have been excellent advertisement for the game unlike ODI’s in our part of the world.
England v South Africa went till the last ball on day 5 while Windies came as close as 30 odd to upset the Aussies. Anyone who watched those games would agree that Test cricket is alive and kicking around the world and as I had mentioned earlier, just the pitches can make a world of difference to how the game can move forward.
We don't really need a major upheaval as perceived by too many expert voices rather we need the establishments- especially in India- to realize that their myopic view will kill our beloved sport- forever.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
United feel the heat at Fulham. Gunners biggest benificiary.
United were wounded even before the game and the crushing 3-0 loss to Fulham could spell doom for their premiership chances this season. The way this year’s championship is poised this loss could be hugely damaging for United.
With loads of lower ranked teams springing surprises, the season is far from over however the gap at the top is widening and Chelsea have a great chance to make it 6 by the time this weekend is over.
Gunners are the biggest beneficiary of United’s loss and they have responded well with a fine 3-0 win over Hull. They are looking to find back their feet and could soon be moving above United in the standings.
The game itself was dominated by Fulham with United appearing a pale shadow. Zamora and Duff were exhilarating while United missed some key players in defense. As the season progresses, loss of Ronaldo is starting to hurt even more.
"We were playing against a wounded Manchester United," said Hodgson, "Alex has my sympathy. But it was up to us to take advantage and we did it from first minute to last."
Sir Alex was quite candid when he said "The way the league is at the moment I hope it is not too damaging," he said. "I hope it doesn't cost us the league. It was a dreadful day for us, but given the fragility at the back, I have some sympathy for the players in that respect."
The other results on Saturday mean both Spurs and Villa continue to take right steps forward and Liverpool continue to slide into oblivion.
Find all match day results at:
http://www.premierleague.com/page/FixturesResults/0,,12306,00.html
With loads of lower ranked teams springing surprises, the season is far from over however the gap at the top is widening and Chelsea have a great chance to make it 6 by the time this weekend is over.
Gunners are the biggest beneficiary of United’s loss and they have responded well with a fine 3-0 win over Hull. They are looking to find back their feet and could soon be moving above United in the standings.
The game itself was dominated by Fulham with United appearing a pale shadow. Zamora and Duff were exhilarating while United missed some key players in defense. As the season progresses, loss of Ronaldo is starting to hurt even more.
"We were playing against a wounded Manchester United," said Hodgson, "Alex has my sympathy. But it was up to us to take advantage and we did it from first minute to last."
Sir Alex was quite candid when he said "The way the league is at the moment I hope it is not too damaging," he said. "I hope it doesn't cost us the league. It was a dreadful day for us, but given the fragility at the back, I have some sympathy for the players in that respect."
The other results on Saturday mean both Spurs and Villa continue to take right steps forward and Liverpool continue to slide into oblivion.
Find all match day results at:
http://www.premierleague.com/page/FixturesResults/0,,12306,00.html
City sacks Mark Hughes. Mancini to take over.
Mark Hughes was handed the sack by City bosses soon after his team won against Sunderland. I had mentioned earlier that Guss Hiddink was touted to take over at City but for now it is the Italian- Mancini.
"A return of two wins in 11 Premier League games is clearly not in line with the targets that were agreed and set," read a City statement. "Sheikh Mansour and the board felt that there was no evidence that the situation would fundamentally change.
"This is a particularly difficult announcement given the personal investment over the past 15 months on all sides and we would like to put on record our respect for and thanks to Mark Hughes and we wish him the best in his future career."
City is currently sixth in the Premier League, having lost only twice in the league all season, and are through to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup. They beat league leaders Chelsea a fortnight ago, ending a run of seven successive draws in the top flight, but suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat at Tottenham in midweek.
The 46-year-old Welshman enjoyed a glittering playing career as a striker with Manchester United, Barcelona and Chelsea before moving into coaching by taking charge of Wales and narrowly missing out on qualification for the Euro 2004 finals.
The 45-year-old Italian- Mancini won 36 caps for Italy and spent the majority of his playing career at Sampdoria before a brief stint with Leicester City in 2001 just before he retired.
He has managed Fiorentina and Inter Milan, where he won three successive Italian League titles and two Italian Cups, before being dismissed in May 2008. Since then, he has regularly been linked with managerial vacancies in England.
Sunderland boss and former mate of Hughes at United said "You can't build a football club in 18 months and one transfer window. You need a bit of time,"
Arsene Wenger also said he was "sad" to see Hughes leave City, adding: "We all believe in patience on the technical side but on the other side it's not always the same."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/8422676.stm
"A return of two wins in 11 Premier League games is clearly not in line with the targets that were agreed and set," read a City statement. "Sheikh Mansour and the board felt that there was no evidence that the situation would fundamentally change.
"This is a particularly difficult announcement given the personal investment over the past 15 months on all sides and we would like to put on record our respect for and thanks to Mark Hughes and we wish him the best in his future career."
City is currently sixth in the Premier League, having lost only twice in the league all season, and are through to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup. They beat league leaders Chelsea a fortnight ago, ending a run of seven successive draws in the top flight, but suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat at Tottenham in midweek.
The 46-year-old Welshman enjoyed a glittering playing career as a striker with Manchester United, Barcelona and Chelsea before moving into coaching by taking charge of Wales and narrowly missing out on qualification for the Euro 2004 finals.
The 45-year-old Italian- Mancini won 36 caps for Italy and spent the majority of his playing career at Sampdoria before a brief stint with Leicester City in 2001 just before he retired.
He has managed Fiorentina and Inter Milan, where he won three successive Italian League titles and two Italian Cups, before being dismissed in May 2008. Since then, he has regularly been linked with managerial vacancies in England.
Sunderland boss and former mate of Hughes at United said "You can't build a football club in 18 months and one transfer window. You need a bit of time,"
Arsene Wenger also said he was "sad" to see Hughes leave City, adding: "We all believe in patience on the technical side but on the other side it's not always the same."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/8422676.stm
Friday, December 18, 2009
Champions League: Enticing match ups in round of 16
Champions league round of 16 draw will guarantee loads of firework with United facing Beckham’s Milan and Chelsea pitted against Jose Mourinho’s Inter.
The Draw is as follows with team listed first playing at home in the first leg:
Internazionale v Chelsea
Lyon v Real Madrid
Milan v Manchester United
Olympiakos v Bordeaux
FC Porto v Arsenal
CSKA Moscow v Sevilla
Stuttgart v Barcelona
Bayern Munich v Fiorentina
The first-legs ties will be played on 16-17 February and 23-24 with the second-leg ties on 9-10 and 16-17 March.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/dec/18/champions-league-draw-chelsea-inter-mourinho
The Draw is as follows with team listed first playing at home in the first leg:
Internazionale v Chelsea
Lyon v Real Madrid
Milan v Manchester United
Olympiakos v Bordeaux
FC Porto v Arsenal
CSKA Moscow v Sevilla
Stuttgart v Barcelona
Bayern Munich v Fiorentina
The first-legs ties will be played on 16-17 February and 23-24 with the second-leg ties on 9-10 and 16-17 March.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/dec/18/champions-league-draw-chelsea-inter-mourinho
ICC set to revamp test Cricket!
A friend of mine reported on his blog that ICC is planning to introduce D&N test cricket soon to give the format a new lease of life. I am not all that convinced though.
International Cricket Council (ICC) has said it expects day-night test cricket within two years and described a world test cricket championship as a "work in progress".
Reuters reports that ICC president David Morgan said yesterday: "I'd be "surprised" if we don't see day-night test cricket within the next two years - surprised and disappointed."
I am huge fan of test cricket and in my opinion there is not too much wrong with the format except for the wickets and few other minor flaws.
Following is my comment on my friend’s blog:
"Too much to digest. D&N test cricket .. Well sounds interesting but appears only half baked.. There are too many issues to sort out before that happens and my guess is if ICC does not do enough home work it would turn out to be as ugly as the newly launched referral system."
"I wish some things can remain the way they are. White clothes, red cherry and day games. What needs to change is the state of wickets and grounds. Pitches if sporting can change the state of this sport. "
"I wish ICC can stick to basics rather than going for the jugular."
Read more at:
http://sportsbizfreak.blogspot.com/2009/12/test-cricket-to-get-face-lift.html
International Cricket Council (ICC) has said it expects day-night test cricket within two years and described a world test cricket championship as a "work in progress".
Reuters reports that ICC president David Morgan said yesterday: "I'd be "surprised" if we don't see day-night test cricket within the next two years - surprised and disappointed."
I am huge fan of test cricket and in my opinion there is not too much wrong with the format except for the wickets and few other minor flaws.
Following is my comment on my friend’s blog:
"Too much to digest. D&N test cricket .. Well sounds interesting but appears only half baked.. There are too many issues to sort out before that happens and my guess is if ICC does not do enough home work it would turn out to be as ugly as the newly launched referral system."
"I wish some things can remain the way they are. White clothes, red cherry and day games. What needs to change is the state of wickets and grounds. Pitches if sporting can change the state of this sport. "
"I wish ICC can stick to basics rather than going for the jugular."
Read more at:
http://sportsbizfreak.blogspot.com/2009/12/test-cricket-to-get-face-lift.html
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Hiddink for City ?
City look set for a change with Guus Hiddink being linked for a summer move to City. Pressure on Mark Hughes to convince his bosses has rightly increased after 3-0 drubbing by fellow championship hopefuls-Spurs. Of the last 10 games, City has won one, lost one and drawn a whopping 8 games. They find themselves languishing at 8th in the league and somehow it appears that all of £170m+ spent this year has not been enough.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/dec/18/mark-hughes-manchester-city
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/dec/18/mark-hughes-manchester-city
Who will win Barclays Premier League ?
Few weeks back I had mentioned Chelsea as the front runners with ManU and Arsenal close behind. Over the last two weeks things have not changed too much apart from the fact that Chelsea has left the door open for those chasing them. It would be difficult for most teams barring United to catch them but the way top teams are tumbling nothing can be taken for granted.
Look at the traditional top 4 and none of them look as strong as previous years. They all look fragile and prone to a shock. As the table stands right now, Chelsea are still upfront but they do not look as invincible as few weeks back when they had threatened to run away with the title. United had the opportunity but they failed to punish the Blues after City had shocked them. While Gunners have also failed to close in with a mid week draw with Burnley, Liverpool’s season is still waiting for a fillip which I guess will have to wait until next year and by that time it would be all too little too late for them. If the reds finish in the top 4 it would be a huge surprise for me looking at the way things stand right now.
Let's look at some of the outsiders who could upset the applecart. Villa and Spurs look threatening while City and Liverpool cannot be taken for granted at any stage. Then there are Birmingham and Fulham both capable of untimely surprises for any of the top runners. The closeness of teams this season has meant a wonderfully entertaining and competitive league- especially for an outsider.
Wenger has summed it up quite nicely by stating this years’ as the most open title race -
"Yes [this is the most competitive I have known the Premier League since joining Arsenal]. It is, why? Because nobody looks to run away early in the season and there are six, seven, eight teams that can create a surprise any weekend and it is certainly the most open race," Wenger said in his pre-match press conference. "I think yes, that many [eight] can mount a title challenge."
While Wenger is upbeat about his teams title chances, Harry Redknapp has proclaimed the end of the Premier League's big four by declaring that only Chelsea and Manchester United are certainties to finish in the Champions League places this season and that the other pair of prized berths for Europe's elite tournament could be filled by any two of several teams – including Tottenham Hotspur.
Redknapp said "I've said since the start of the season that the champions will come from Chelsea or Manchester United but after that it's up for grabs," he said. "Anything is possible this season. Look at Arsenal, you would have expected them to go up and win at Burnley after beating Liverpool, but they didn't so that shows you how hard it's going to be."
Read more at:
http://goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/12/15/1689097/arsene-wenger-highlights-most-open-premier-league-title-race
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/dec/17/harry-redknapp-tottenham-manchester-city
Look at the traditional top 4 and none of them look as strong as previous years. They all look fragile and prone to a shock. As the table stands right now, Chelsea are still upfront but they do not look as invincible as few weeks back when they had threatened to run away with the title. United had the opportunity but they failed to punish the Blues after City had shocked them. While Gunners have also failed to close in with a mid week draw with Burnley, Liverpool’s season is still waiting for a fillip which I guess will have to wait until next year and by that time it would be all too little too late for them. If the reds finish in the top 4 it would be a huge surprise for me looking at the way things stand right now.
Let's look at some of the outsiders who could upset the applecart. Villa and Spurs look threatening while City and Liverpool cannot be taken for granted at any stage. Then there are Birmingham and Fulham both capable of untimely surprises for any of the top runners. The closeness of teams this season has meant a wonderfully entertaining and competitive league- especially for an outsider.
Wenger has summed it up quite nicely by stating this years’ as the most open title race -
"Yes [this is the most competitive I have known the Premier League since joining Arsenal]. It is, why? Because nobody looks to run away early in the season and there are six, seven, eight teams that can create a surprise any weekend and it is certainly the most open race," Wenger said in his pre-match press conference. "I think yes, that many [eight] can mount a title challenge."
While Wenger is upbeat about his teams title chances, Harry Redknapp has proclaimed the end of the Premier League's big four by declaring that only Chelsea and Manchester United are certainties to finish in the Champions League places this season and that the other pair of prized berths for Europe's elite tournament could be filled by any two of several teams – including Tottenham Hotspur.
Redknapp said "I've said since the start of the season that the champions will come from Chelsea or Manchester United but after that it's up for grabs," he said. "Anything is possible this season. Look at Arsenal, you would have expected them to go up and win at Burnley after beating Liverpool, but they didn't so that shows you how hard it's going to be."
Read more at:
http://goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/12/15/1689097/arsene-wenger-highlights-most-open-premier-league-title-race
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/dec/17/harry-redknapp-tottenham-manchester-city
Sunday, December 6, 2009
City brings smiles in Manchester!!!
Holders Manchester United's thrashing of West Ham was followed by City's brilliant come from behind victory against the leaders –Chelsea. It capped a brilliant day for both Manchester sides. City desperately needed a win to put their season back on track and they were excellent all around barring last few minutes where they threatened to let the advantage slip away - once again.
City was good all through as they out played Chelsea for most part. They however came really close of getting another draw when Frank Lampard stepped up to take the penalty in the 81st. Shay Given saved the day for City after brilliant Tevez free kick had put City ahead. Chelsea's lead at the top has now been reduced to only 2 points but more importantly City have also showed that Chelsea is not unbeatable.
Detailed match report at:
http://www.premierleague.com/page/MatchReports/0,,12306~48535,00.html
City was good all through as they out played Chelsea for most part. They however came really close of getting another draw when Frank Lampard stepped up to take the penalty in the 81st. Shay Given saved the day for City after brilliant Tevez free kick had put City ahead. Chelsea's lead at the top has now been reduced to only 2 points but more importantly City have also showed that Chelsea is not unbeatable.
Detailed match report at:
http://www.premierleague.com/page/MatchReports/0,,12306~48535,00.html
Friday, December 4, 2009
England's World Cup Draw: High Profile Reactions...
As last night's draw was unfolding, plenty of reactions were pouring in. Following are few from the English-men who matter:
Capello: "You have to respect all the teams and I know from my experience as a player that when you have to play here, the pressure is different and the mentality is different."
"We played against Slovenia at home and I well remember suffering in the second half. Slovenia's style is Balkan. They are technically good, a lot of passes and imagination. USA can prepare for the World Cup better than us and prepare with their training a long time before us." The manager admitted he knew "nothing" about Algeria and saw only "some moments" of their dramatic victory over Egypt. "I saw the goals they scored to qualify but not too much to understand the style or what will happen during the game."
Beckham: "It's a very interesting group. You don't get easy games at the World Cup. As a country we're very honored to be here and very honored to play a part in such a historical time in South Africa."
Gerrard: "I am really encouraged by the draw. It is all we could ask. There are no surprises and it's been really kind, even beyond the first group stage. We have to be professional and show the right attitude, because even though we'll be massive favorites you know the other teams in our group will see England as a huge scalp - almost their own World Cup final. But we have to be confident of getting maximum points, otherwise we shouldn't be going. And that can give us the confidence to progress, given that a lot of the favorites to win the trophy are in the other half.
Terry: "We've been labeled the Golden Generation and soon we'll find out if we can live up to the billing or risk being dubbed the Lost Generation," he told the Sun. He spoke of "a lot of unfulfilled ambition in the dressing room" and added: "For myself, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, David James, Ashley Cole and Rio Ferdinand it's now or never."
Lampard: "People want and expect us to win the tournament, which is how we feel as players. Anything other than winning it would be failure almost."
Shearer: "Fabio Capello will be sat in his seat in Cape Town, and inside he will be absolutely delighted with that draw. I can see England doing well in all of their group games. I don't think anyone can be anything other than delighted with that - if you'd offered that group to Fabio this morning, he would have bitten your hand off."
BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson on England's World Cup draw: "That couldn't have gone any better. Privately, Fabio Capello will be absolutely delighted with that."
Read more here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/8391833.stm
Capello: "You have to respect all the teams and I know from my experience as a player that when you have to play here, the pressure is different and the mentality is different."
"We played against Slovenia at home and I well remember suffering in the second half. Slovenia's style is Balkan. They are technically good, a lot of passes and imagination. USA can prepare for the World Cup better than us and prepare with their training a long time before us." The manager admitted he knew "nothing" about Algeria and saw only "some moments" of their dramatic victory over Egypt. "I saw the goals they scored to qualify but not too much to understand the style or what will happen during the game."
Beckham: "It's a very interesting group. You don't get easy games at the World Cup. As a country we're very honored to be here and very honored to play a part in such a historical time in South Africa."
Gerrard: "I am really encouraged by the draw. It is all we could ask. There are no surprises and it's been really kind, even beyond the first group stage. We have to be professional and show the right attitude, because even though we'll be massive favorites you know the other teams in our group will see England as a huge scalp - almost their own World Cup final. But we have to be confident of getting maximum points, otherwise we shouldn't be going. And that can give us the confidence to progress, given that a lot of the favorites to win the trophy are in the other half.
Terry: "We've been labeled the Golden Generation and soon we'll find out if we can live up to the billing or risk being dubbed the Lost Generation," he told the Sun. He spoke of "a lot of unfulfilled ambition in the dressing room" and added: "For myself, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, David James, Ashley Cole and Rio Ferdinand it's now or never."
Lampard: "People want and expect us to win the tournament, which is how we feel as players. Anything other than winning it would be failure almost."
Shearer: "Fabio Capello will be sat in his seat in Cape Town, and inside he will be absolutely delighted with that draw. I can see England doing well in all of their group games. I don't think anyone can be anything other than delighted with that - if you'd offered that group to Fabio this morning, he would have bitten your hand off."
BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson on England's World Cup draw: "That couldn't have gone any better. Privately, Fabio Capello will be absolutely delighted with that."
Read more here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/8391833.stm
Bookmaker makes England second favorites ahead of Brazil!!!
Immediately after the draw bookmakers William Hill made England 5-1 second favorites to win the World Cup behind Spain at 4-1.
Perhaps surprisingly, they make Brazil third favorites at 11-2 after the South Americans were drawn in a tough Group G with North Korea, Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.
The list from William Hill looks like this:
Spain 4/1
England 5/1
Brazil 11/2
Argentina 9/1
Italy 11/1
France 11/1
Germany 12/1
Netherlands 14/1
Portugal 25/1
Ivory Coast 28/1
http://sports.williamhill.com/bet/EN/betting/e/839/World-Cup-2010---Outright.html
Perhaps surprisingly, they make Brazil third favorites at 11-2 after the South Americans were drawn in a tough Group G with North Korea, Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.
The list from William Hill looks like this:
Spain 4/1
England 5/1
Brazil 11/2
Argentina 9/1
Italy 11/1
France 11/1
Germany 12/1
Netherlands 14/1
Portugal 25/1
Ivory Coast 28/1
http://sports.williamhill.com/bet/EN/betting/e/839/World-Cup-2010---Outright.html
2010 FIFA World Cup Final Draw: Pot Luck favors England
I just got off ESPN and draw has been a fair boost for English World Cup aspirations. England has been drawn in Group C which looks like this:
Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
England will have a tough game against USA that would possibly decide the group standings. I expect England to go through easily however they would be wary of finishing behind USA as that could mean Germany in the round of 16. The group could have been a lot tougher with either Portugal or France and England has been lucky to avoid both of them.
The Good:
In my opinion, England has been overtly lucky this time around. By being drawn in the first half of the group, England make sure they do not meet any of the following until the Semi-Finals:
Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Netherlands and Ivory Coast
Two top contenders - Brazil and Spain- along with the ever dangerous Italy, Portugal and Holland have been drawn in the south side of the draw- very very good for England.
England is in Group C and I would expect them to top the group ahead of USA. If that happens and Germany top their group 'D' as expected, England would avoid even the Germans until the Finals.
The Bad:
England has a possibility of facing Argentina, France or Aussies somewhere before the semis. While these are good teams they do not match up to Spain, Brazil or Italy. So really it is not too bad for England.
The Ugly:
Only one possibility- England finish behind USA in Groups.
It's already 1:30 AM in India and I am groggy now... More to follow later.
Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
England will have a tough game against USA that would possibly decide the group standings. I expect England to go through easily however they would be wary of finishing behind USA as that could mean Germany in the round of 16. The group could have been a lot tougher with either Portugal or France and England has been lucky to avoid both of them.
The Good:
In my opinion, England has been overtly lucky this time around. By being drawn in the first half of the group, England make sure they do not meet any of the following until the Semi-Finals:
Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Netherlands and Ivory Coast
Two top contenders - Brazil and Spain- along with the ever dangerous Italy, Portugal and Holland have been drawn in the south side of the draw- very very good for England.
England is in Group C and I would expect them to top the group ahead of USA. If that happens and Germany top their group 'D' as expected, England would avoid even the Germans until the Finals.
The Bad:
England has a possibility of facing Argentina, France or Aussies somewhere before the semis. While these are good teams they do not match up to Spain, Brazil or Italy. So really it is not too bad for England.
The Ugly:
Only one possibility- England finish behind USA in Groups.
It's already 1:30 AM in India and I am groggy now... More to follow later.
2010 FIFA World Cup Final: Draw is out
The final draw is out. Here it is:
Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, Korea Republic, Greece
Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana,
Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Group G: Brazil, Korea DPR, Côte d'Ivoire, Portugal
Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile
Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, Korea Republic, Greece
Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana,
Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Group G: Brazil, Korea DPR, Côte d'Ivoire, Portugal
Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile
So what's this world cup worth ?
So you wanna know how much money is at stake in this World Cup? Read on for the details :
http://sportsbizfreak.blogspot.com/2009/12/so-whats-this-world-cup-worth.html
http://sportsbizfreak.blogspot.com/2009/12/so-whats-this-world-cup-worth.html
England's journey to glory rests on pot luck- Part 2
A lot is being said about how England's progress would depend on a favorable draw and how Capello's boys would want to avoid certain teams. What's lost with all such theories is that England is a darn good football team who has a damn good opportunity to reach the summit in South Africa
England does not want to be drawn with France or Portugal- well who wants to? It's a huge tournament and no team will win it without a lot of hard work and some luck. It's that slice every team is looking for at the draws and if that means praying for an easy draw - nothing wrong.
It's simple, even mighty Brazil or Spain would want to avoid bigger teams up front. No one would want to go out early from a World Cup. England has possibly as good a chance as any other top team and there is no doubt they would be a handful for even the best team in the world. Draw- good or bad- would eventually assist the teams and their managers to prepare and plan for the biggest tournament in the world.
"Eight matches, eight wins and Capello’s team swept to South Africa. Confidence is coursing through the squad although there is a realization that beyond a core of 14-15 players, England may struggle. Yet if they cannot succeed under Capello then it will never happen. Expect a semi-final - at least. The manager is on a mission and, with luck, who knows? They will certainly be prepared"
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/england/6596762/England-team-at-World-Cup-2010.html
England does not want to be drawn with France or Portugal- well who wants to? It's a huge tournament and no team will win it without a lot of hard work and some luck. It's that slice every team is looking for at the draws and if that means praying for an easy draw - nothing wrong.
It's simple, even mighty Brazil or Spain would want to avoid bigger teams up front. No one would want to go out early from a World Cup. England has possibly as good a chance as any other top team and there is no doubt they would be a handful for even the best team in the world. Draw- good or bad- would eventually assist the teams and their managers to prepare and plan for the biggest tournament in the world.
"Eight matches, eight wins and Capello’s team swept to South Africa. Confidence is coursing through the squad although there is a realization that beyond a core of 14-15 players, England may struggle. Yet if they cannot succeed under Capello then it will never happen. Expect a semi-final - at least. The manager is on a mission and, with luck, who knows? They will certainly be prepared"
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/england/6596762/England-team-at-World-Cup-2010.html
England's journey to glory rests on pot luck
A lot depends on how England fares in South Africa next year including their bid for 2018 and FA's debt.
A nice read below for people who follow English football:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/england/6720893/World-Cup-2010-draw-Englands-journey-to-glory-rests-on-pot-luck.html
A nice read below for people who follow English football:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/england/6720893/World-Cup-2010-draw-Englands-journey-to-glory-rests-on-pot-luck.html
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Spain: Europe's best bet!!
Spain has been the perennial underachiever at the World Cup’s but things are looking different this time around. They have displaced Brazil at the top of FIFA world rankings and have easily brushed aside any competition en-route to finals. They look by far the best European team – and alongside Brazil- are being touted as the tournament favorites.
Since the World Cup started in 1930, no European nation has won the trophy on another continent. Spain has the potential to change this forever in July 2010 provided they have some luck and they keep their top players fit. A lot would depend on Torres’ goal scoring ability and Spain would need him fit and firing. They have talent all across the pitch and for the first time in years they also appear to have the resolve to go far. This Spanish side plays fluid and sumptuous football and is the team to watch out for.
What about the other European powerhouses? Germany and Italy are big match teams and they have the knack of producing their best when it matters. They will be a threat as always and have a fair chance of going deep into the tournament. I would not be able to say the same about France though. I feel they will struggle under Domenech and an early exit for France would be justice for Ireland. The farther that France goes the more will it hurt. I hope they are drawn alongside either Brazil or Spain with USA or Ivory Coast for company. With Capello at helm, England appears formidable if they can keep the squad injury free. This is going to be my team in South Africa and I would root for them all the way.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philminshull/2009/12/spain_can_finally_end_europes.html
Since the World Cup started in 1930, no European nation has won the trophy on another continent. Spain has the potential to change this forever in July 2010 provided they have some luck and they keep their top players fit. A lot would depend on Torres’ goal scoring ability and Spain would need him fit and firing. They have talent all across the pitch and for the first time in years they also appear to have the resolve to go far. This Spanish side plays fluid and sumptuous football and is the team to watch out for.
What about the other European powerhouses? Germany and Italy are big match teams and they have the knack of producing their best when it matters. They will be a threat as always and have a fair chance of going deep into the tournament. I would not be able to say the same about France though. I feel they will struggle under Domenech and an early exit for France would be justice for Ireland. The farther that France goes the more will it hurt. I hope they are drawn alongside either Brazil or Spain with USA or Ivory Coast for company. With Capello at helm, England appears formidable if they can keep the squad injury free. This is going to be my team in South Africa and I would root for them all the way.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philminshull/2009/12/spain_can_finally_end_europes.html
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Arsenal to go shopping for a striker
Arsene Wenger is out shopping for a striker. January transfer window would be an ideal opportunity in wake of Van Persie's injury.
Wenger's interest in the Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh is well documented, although a January deal appears unlikely. His other targets include André-Pierre Gignac of Toulouse, Milan's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Mario Balotelli of Internazionale. Sampdoria's Giampaolo Pazzini is another Serie A striker on Wenger's radar. Arsenal have bid €30million for Inter striker Mario Balotelli, but Jose Mourinho wants Cesc Fabregas as part of the deal.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/dec/01/arsene-wenger-buy-striker-january
Wenger's interest in the Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh is well documented, although a January deal appears unlikely. His other targets include André-Pierre Gignac of Toulouse, Milan's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Mario Balotelli of Internazionale. Sampdoria's Giampaolo Pazzini is another Serie A striker on Wenger's radar. Arsenal have bid €30million for Inter striker Mario Balotelli, but Jose Mourinho wants Cesc Fabregas as part of the deal.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/dec/01/arsene-wenger-buy-striker-january
2010 FIFA World Cup Final Draw: The Pots revealed
Following are the pots for the draw coming up this friday the 4th:
Pots for Friday's draw: eight groups of four countries to be drawn, each group containing one country from each pot.
Pot 1 (seeds): South Africa, Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Argentina, England
Pot 2 (Asia, Oceania and North/Central America): Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Australia, New Zealand, United States, Mexico, Honduras
Pot 3 (Africa and South America): Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay
Pot 4 (Europe): France, Portugal, Slovenia, Switzerland, Greece, Serbia, Denmark, Slovakia
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/8390084.stm
Pots for Friday's draw: eight groups of four countries to be drawn, each group containing one country from each pot.
Pot 1 (seeds): South Africa, Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Argentina, England
Pot 2 (Asia, Oceania and North/Central America): Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Australia, New Zealand, United States, Mexico, Honduras
Pot 3 (Africa and South America): Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay
Pot 4 (Europe): France, Portugal, Slovenia, Switzerland, Greece, Serbia, Denmark, Slovakia
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/8390084.stm
2010 FIFA World Cup Final Draw: Seeds are out!!
The seeds for next year's World Cup are out today. Previously FIFA had used a combination of previous 2 world cup performances alongside current rankings to determine the seeds. This year however, FIFA decided to go with the October rankings alone.
The seeds for this year’s draw are:
South Africa, Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Argentina, England
In one of my previous posts I had made some firsthand calculations based on previous world cup draws to arrive at the probable seeds. Check below for more details:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/8390084.stm
The seeds for this year’s draw are:
South Africa, Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Argentina, England
In one of my previous posts I had made some firsthand calculations based on previous world cup draws to arrive at the probable seeds. Check below for more details:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/8390084.stm
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