Paddy McCourt scored twice for Northern Ireland in a European Championship qualifier this week. His second goal was a sublime finish after a Lionel Messi like run. Credit must be given to the Northern Ireland fans who chanted McCourt’s name at Belfast’s, Windsor Park. There is nothing unusual in a player being cheered for scoring two goals. But when one considers McCourt is a Celtic player, from a nationalist/Catholic background and from the heart of Republican/Catholic, Derry then the fans’ response deserves a mention and some praise.
Two players blatantly dived in EPL games this weekend, in attempts to win a penalty for their respective teams. One, on his debut, was roundly criticized and labeled a cheat. The other wasn’t. No prizes for guessing which one was English.
Two players blatantly dived in EPL games this weekend, in attempts to win a penalty for their respective teams. One, on his debut, was roundly criticized and labeled a cheat. The other wasn’t. No prizes for guessing which one was English.
The commentator in the Liverpool-Sunderland game said that there was “a sharpness and an appetite about Liverpool.” I would hope so. It was the first game of the season, they were at home, they were playing in front of their famed fans, they had four players making their debut, they had millions of pounds worth of talent on the field, and their legendary player, now manager has built them up as potential champions. Commentators do make some stupid statements.
Can someone explain to me why Sunderland played 4-5-1 in the opening game of the season? Yes, they earned a draw, so the end may have justified the means. But why did Steve Bruce’s side not go to Anfield and attack Liverpool’s weak back four, to see if it could handle the pressure? Defending in numbers has become the norm for away teams in the EPL and has even become a tactic used at home. See Stoke versus Chelsea. If the trend continues, the EPL will become like Serie A and will kill the goose that laid the golden egg.
Can someone explain to me why Sunderland played 4-5-1 in the opening game of the season? Yes, they earned a draw, so the end may have justified the means. But why did Steve Bruce’s side not go to Anfield and attack Liverpool’s weak back four, to see if it could handle the pressure? Defending in numbers has become the norm for away teams in the EPL and has even become a tactic used at home. See Stoke versus Chelsea. If the trend continues, the EPL will become like Serie A and will kill the goose that laid the golden egg.
Internazionale’s, Samuel Eto is rumored to be heading to Russia to play for Anzhi Makhachkala on a reported $300,000 a week. I don’t care how good Eto is, he, nor any other footballer for that matter, is worth that obscene amount of money. If this transfer goes through and the Eto salary is confirmed then it will be the latest proof that football has lost touch with its roots.
Jurgen Klinsmann took charge of his first game as coach of the US National team in Philadelphia on Wednesday. The US were out of sorts in the first half, but played well in the second to earn a credible 1-1 draw against Mexico. Klinsmann was animated on the sideline and seemed to have told his players to enjoy themselves. He may not improve the team’s level of performance, nor match Bob Bradley’s overall accomplishments, but his positive attitude might just rub off on his new team.
Jurgen Klinsmann took charge of his first game as coach of the US National team in Philadelphia on Wednesday. The US were out of sorts in the first half, but played well in the second to earn a credible 1-1 draw against Mexico. Klinsmann was animated on the sideline and seemed to have told his players to enjoy themselves. He may not improve the team’s level of performance, nor match Bob Bradley’s overall accomplishments, but his positive attitude might just rub off on his new team.
The Spanish Super Cup Final first leg between Barcelona and Real Madrid ended 2-2 in what was a moral booting result for the European Champions. Jose Mourinho put out a full strength side and at times Real tore Barca apart. The Catalans were not at full strength, scored twice against the run of play and held on for a draw they scarcely deserved. Madrid played some excellent football and demonstrated that they mean business in this year’s La Liga and Champions League. They have a sinister side to their game which they employed against Barca. Pepe, Marcello and Alonso were all lucky not to see red for some cynical challenges. Real Madrid will not win over many neutral fans. Therefore, they have finally become a Mourinho team.
As soon as Joey Barton opens his mouth, Tweets or steps on to a football field, controversy is sure to follow. He was in the thick of it before, during and after the Newcastle-Arsenal game at the weekend. Imagine then, how much worse the criticism would have been, had Barton slapped Gervinho and stomped on the back of Alex Song’s leg as opposed to the other way around.
Sergio Aguero scored twice on his debut for Manchester City ‘08 last night. He has already been lauded as the signing of the season, a possible player of the year and the best Manchester City player ever. A bit of perspective is needed. Aguero scored twice against Swansea City. They were a Championship side three months ago. Any forward worth 35 million pounds should be scoring a goal or two against a newly promoted team. When Aguero (and City for that matter) beat Man United in the league or Champions Legaue, when it counts, then he (and they) will truly have earned all the superlatives that will come their way.
Sergio Aguero scored twice on his debut for Manchester City ‘08 last night. He has already been lauded as the signing of the season, a possible player of the year and the best Manchester City player ever. A bit of perspective is needed. Aguero scored twice against Swansea City. They were a Championship side three months ago. Any forward worth 35 million pounds should be scoring a goal or two against a newly promoted team. When Aguero (and City for that matter) beat Man United in the league or Champions Legaue, when it counts, then he (and they) will truly have earned all the superlatives that will come their way.
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