As I watch Barça claim their 4th Champions League title, a thought that first flashed through my mind after Villa's goal has gained a foothold. Maybe Mourinho had his tactics for the Clásico series spot-on.
His full strength team did not concede more than a goal against this very same Barça outfit. Man U let in 3. Mourinho's use of the Pepe "bull in a china shop" strategy worked to disrupt the midfield. Barça largely played the way they wanted to, Carrick's comical foul against Iniesta (launching him into the air!) notwithstanding. These are just a couple of facts that lead me to think that some form of this strategy might be the best way of beating this Barça team at their own game. They simply don't give you the ball, why try getting it back from them? Why try to beat them at a game they have positively mastered?
Of course, I can engage in counterfactuals all day. The fact is that Barça got it done, are holding the trophy, and will get no shortage of plaudits in the soccersphere over the summer. Good on them. I can't help but wonder though: how different would the narrative be had Pepe not been sent off in the first semifinal leg?
Showing posts with label soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label soccer. Show all posts
28 May 2011
09 March 2010
yes, more soccer, but soon variety
I realize that many of my posts as of late have been very soccer-related. If that has bothered you, dear reader, I am very sorry. Also, shut up! I will write about what I feel like writing about. Assurances that I will have some variety of topics soon, though, so don't fret too much.
That being said, here is my latest soccer work: a prediction I concocted earlier in the day. Marvel at its accuracy!
Ed. note: I composed this prediction at around 2:25 PM today, long before the start of the matches...
A Fine Tuesday Tradition: The Champions League Pickkake.
Last Week (actually two weeks ago) Retrospective:
Stuttgart 1 - 1 Barcelona (picked 1-3): MISSED on O/U, MISSED on Result
Olympiacos 0 - 1 Bordeaux (picked 1-2): MISSED on O/U, HIT on Result
CSKA Moscow 1 - 1 Sevilla (picked 1-1): HIT on O/U, HIT on Result
Inter 2 - 1 Chelsea (picked 0-1): MISSED on O/U, MISSED on Result
Not too bad, but not great either. Still hovering around mediocrity, but got a direct hit with the Moscow/Sevilla clash. Very nice. On to this week's action...
Tuesday, 9 March 2:45 EST
Arsenal vs. FC Porto (1-2 After 1st Leg): As much as I enjoy Porto for their various name-related foibles (playing in the Stadium of the Dragon and having a man by the name of Hulk), I can't help but see The Arsenal going through to the next round. While they are probably still reeling from that awful leg break suffered by the promising young Ramsey, Arsenal should play tough at the Emirates and use that away goal they have stashed away to their advantage. Porto travel well in Europe, though, so it will be no easy task for the Gunners as they try to advance. I see this one going to extra time to find a winner.
Prediction: Arsenal 2 -1 Porto (AET 3-1) [Arsenal Advance on Aggregate 4-3]
AC Fiorentina vs. FC Bayern Munich (1-2 After 1st Leg): Man, if the first leg wasn't an example of some of the worst Champions League refereeing since, oh, last spring... The best thing that Fiorentina may have going for them in this match (besides their one away goal) is the fact that Bovs Bovsen will not be officiating this match. He and his suspect decisions probably cost them the 1st leg, but Bayern will not be so lucky this time around. I see Fiorentina playing with fire in their bellies in this match, in an effort to avenge the wrongs they suffered at the hands of the Boverson. Will fire and desire be enough, though? I fear that they may not be able to overcome the one goal advantage that Bayern took away from the first leg and will (unjustly) fall out of Champions League competition in this round.
Prediction: Fiorentina 1 - 1 Bayern [Bayern Advance on Aggregate 2-3]
... ack ran out of time (busy day, Part 2 of this Pickkake will feature tomorrow)
11 June 2009
the 228 million dollar odd couple
Teammates!
What better week to come back to the world of blogging than this one, full of fantastic record summer signings for Los Blancos. The Galacti-dos era has gone off to a record-breaking start, first with news this Monday that Kaka was heading to Madrid and late breaking word last night that Cristiano Ronaldo would be following him there. In total, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez lightened his transfer purse by an astounding 228 million dollars in the course of four days, with no end in sight to the spending, as David Villa and others are expected to fill out the ranks in the coming days and weeks.
But I think the signing of these two players in particular cannot pass by without comment. In nabbing these two magnificent players, Madrid has set up quite an interesting situation. Both of these men have been regarded in recent times as the best in their craft: Kaka a master finisher (0:27) and distributor of the ball and Ronaldo a free kick wizard and stepover champion. Their on-the-field abilities aside, I am fascinated by the dynamic that the two of them bring to the squad.
One one hand, we have Kaka. I think Kaka goes to church more often than my old school, ultra-Catholic grandfather. After recovering from a very serious spinal cord injury at a young age, Kaka has devoted his life to Jesus (going so far as to wear an undershirt claiming as such during the Champions League final in 2007). Even his wife is as wholesome as WAGs get, not to mention pretty damn fine. Overall, I must say that Kaka seems like a genuinely wholesome dude, which is even more impressive considering the multitude of vices available to a world famous soccer player.
TCFW!
On the other, we have C. Ron. Much has been made of his ultra-metrosexual ways, his womanizing (maninzing?), his man tan, and general dandy-ness. It generally goes without saying that this dude is full of himself and then some. He has also been criticized for being rather petulant and whiny on the field and off, so I wouldn't be going out on a limb in labeling him soccer's #1 prima donna. Apparently he likes to cavort with other ill-regarded, pink-loving, gossip column fodder, proof coming from those fine people at TMZ. Basically, the man in both attitude and lifestyle is the exact opposite of Kaka.
Umm... words cannot describe.
So how will they get on? On the field, I can see magic happening. Off of the field... I can only hope Kaka will at least have some kind of influence on the wild child antics of Ronaldo. After all, one can only hook up with Paris Hilton so many times before becoming completely disabled by VDs.
25 March 2009
new spain kits
Speaking of threestripes...
Spain unveiled their new home kits recently, shown below:
I am really not sure how I feel about it... I mean the stripe seems kind of cool, but it ends awkwardly at the bottom of the shirt. I think keeping the shirt that proved lucky enough for Euro 2008 would have been a good idea, but then again this is soccer and kits must be refreshed to make the bacon.
Also of note is the Cats vibe that the adidas promoters created for the event:
Prrrrr.
Spain unveiled their new home kits recently, shown below:
I am really not sure how I feel about it... I mean the stripe seems kind of cool, but it ends awkwardly at the bottom of the shirt. I think keeping the shirt that proved lucky enough for Euro 2008 would have been a good idea, but then again this is soccer and kits must be refreshed to make the bacon.
Also of note is the Cats vibe that the adidas promoters created for the event:
Prrrrr.
10 March 2009
what an embarrassment
Well, some postgame thoughts from the Real Madrid - Liverpool clash:
1. So much for the "Greatest Team of the XX Century." Yes, they certainly played like a team that peaked 9 or so years ago. Jesus fucking Christ, this was a terrible performance from my beloved Blancos. More nuanced analysis of the shitty play to come.
2. Iker Casillas is arguably the greatest keeper on the planet today. Saying that after a keeper is scored on 4 times in a game may seem surprising, but in reality without him Madrid would have been down 7 or so goals. He played out of his skin for the whole game, even when the result was far out of hand (just look at the Torres attempt just before he came off).
3. Juande Ramos is not the coach of the future for Madrid. This team has looked like absolute crap in two straight big games and I place the blame squarely on the coach. He simply has not gotten them up and ready for the big game. Yes, he has turned their form around in La Liga, but this team, with all of its talent and skill, should win those games on autopilot (or at least with a modicum of decent coaching). I will say it right here that I hope Real can win all of the games they can against La Liga competition beore tehy have to face off with Barcelona towards the end of the season, because they are sure to lose that game. In the best case scenario for Madrid, Liverpool fail to win the Champions League (I would bet on them) and the Premier League (I would not bet on them) and Rafa gets the sack. The new regime of Florentino Perez (I pray) would be smart enough to nab him up immediately.
3a. Rafa Benitez is one of the best Champions League managers of recent times. If Madrid were to get him, they could do to lose out on La Liga for a couple of years while their play in the Champions League would surely improve.
4. Is the Spanish game falling off compared to the English one? The English-speaking commentators on ESPN sure seemed to think so and I would be hard pressed to disagree. Madrid looked as if they were utterly baffled by the quick, physical play of Liverpool. While Madrid's game might suit them well in Spain, it looked absolutely awful against stiff English competition. Then again, with better coaching and preparation, Madrid might have had a better day of it.
5. Heinze needs to be shipped off to MLS immediately... what the fuck is this guy doing on my team? Although the handball in the penalty area was obviously a blown call, he was still not very inspiring or convincing in the back.
Well, that's all I can bear to speak on right now. I have to wash this disgusting feeling off of my person. Blegh.
1. So much for the "Greatest Team of the XX Century." Yes, they certainly played like a team that peaked 9 or so years ago. Jesus fucking Christ, this was a terrible performance from my beloved Blancos. More nuanced analysis of the shitty play to come.
2. Iker Casillas is arguably the greatest keeper on the planet today. Saying that after a keeper is scored on 4 times in a game may seem surprising, but in reality without him Madrid would have been down 7 or so goals. He played out of his skin for the whole game, even when the result was far out of hand (just look at the Torres attempt just before he came off).
3. Juande Ramos is not the coach of the future for Madrid. This team has looked like absolute crap in two straight big games and I place the blame squarely on the coach. He simply has not gotten them up and ready for the big game. Yes, he has turned their form around in La Liga, but this team, with all of its talent and skill, should win those games on autopilot (or at least with a modicum of decent coaching). I will say it right here that I hope Real can win all of the games they can against La Liga competition beore tehy have to face off with Barcelona towards the end of the season, because they are sure to lose that game. In the best case scenario for Madrid, Liverpool fail to win the Champions League (I would bet on them) and the Premier League (I would not bet on them) and Rafa gets the sack. The new regime of Florentino Perez (I pray) would be smart enough to nab him up immediately.
3a. Rafa Benitez is one of the best Champions League managers of recent times. If Madrid were to get him, they could do to lose out on La Liga for a couple of years while their play in the Champions League would surely improve.
4. Is the Spanish game falling off compared to the English one? The English-speaking commentators on ESPN sure seemed to think so and I would be hard pressed to disagree. Madrid looked as if they were utterly baffled by the quick, physical play of Liverpool. While Madrid's game might suit them well in Spain, it looked absolutely awful against stiff English competition. Then again, with better coaching and preparation, Madrid might have had a better day of it.
5. Heinze needs to be shipped off to MLS immediately... what the fuck is this guy doing on my team? Although the handball in the penalty area was obviously a blown call, he was still not very inspiring or convincing in the back.
Well, that's all I can bear to speak on right now. I have to wash this disgusting feeling off of my person. Blegh.
cl preview edition, 2nd leg
Its the second week of March, we have all turned off the heat (except for Jesse, perhaps?) and are ready to tune in to the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16. Last time around, I think I was decent with my predicting. Now I know there is a big difference between a 1-1 draw and a 2-2 draw when the away goals rule is in effect, but still there is only so much clarity I can get from my crystal ball - unlike Mike's new TV, which when coupled with Ashaad's HDMI cable provides stunning clarity... we should expect nothing less from Champions League sponsor Sony!
Second Leg:
10 March
1) Juventus - Chelsea
"Fantastic Donkey" Didier Drogba picked himself off the ground and scored a early game matchwinner at home in the first leg to provide the Pensioners a slim lead going into this tie. I see Juve playing Chelsea tough again, even gaining an early goal, just to see the effort go to rot with a daggerific Chelsea goal in the later stages of the game.
Juventus 1 - Chelsea 1 (Chelsea advance on aggregate 2-1)
2) Panathinaikos - Villarreal
The return leg of the Gyro Express versus the Yellow Submarine just reminds us all that somehow, one of these lackluster clubs is going through to the next round while either Manchester United or Inter will not. Ain't that a b? Anyway, I see the home cooking sinking the Yellow Submarine after giving up that costly goal at home in Spain.
Panathinaikos 1 - 0 Villarreal (Panathinaikos advance on aggregate 2-1)
3) Liverpool - Real Madrid
Oh boy... how quickly can the tables turn on your squad of choice. Heading into the first leg, Madrid were coming off a solid 2-0 victory against baby Barca squad RCD Espanyol while Liverpool were coming off of a backbreaking, nay, season-dooming draw to Man City. While Liverpool aren't exactly resurgent, Madrid seem like they have completely forgotten how to play the game. Coming off of a lucky draw to cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid, Real don't seem like they are in a mood to advance. Expect attacking play to earn them a goal, but it won't be enough to see them through when the Kop urges on their squad to an advancing goal. Rafa to celebrate at local pastry shop after the game.
Liverpool 1 - 1 Real Madrid (Liverpool advance on aggregate 2-1)
4) Bayern Munich - Sporting Lisbon
Why should I bother? When you let the Germans have a romp in your backyard like they did two weeks ago, what chance do you have to advance, Sporting? None is the answer. I see you saving some modicum of face by scoring a goal, but that might be it. My initial hopes for Landycakes getting some CL time may have to wait for some future matchup with an even bigger lead going into the second leg, should that ever occur.
Bayern 3 - 1 Sporting (Bayern advance on aggregate 8-1)
11 March
1) Man U - Inter
I'm not going to lie, Man U didn't do themselves many favors by not scoring away in the first leg. Not that these team seems very stoppable right now, I just think it leaves too much room for a Special One coup through a shocking goal or goals. Van Der Saar needs to make sure he has his head on straight going into this tie, for Inter are no Newcastle and could certainly punish any foolish mistakes the Dutchman could make. Maybe its the puppet admirer in me, but I think Jose will pull out all the stops to zap his gum chewing rival.
Man U 1 - 1 Inter (Inter advance on away goals 1-1)
2) Roma - Arsenal
I think the Voyeur should feel safe in his team advancing through to the next round. They've got their home goal in the bank and will be looking to score another for insurance, which I am sure they will be able to do. Roma will not go down without a fight, though, and I see them pulling one back to great futility late in the game.
Roma 1 - 1 Arsenal (Arsenal advance on aggregate 2-1)
3) Barcelona - Lyon
Well-a, this second leg is going to be a lot spicier than my earlier prediction would have let on. Barca was 'avin a bit of a laffa for the past couple of weeks, but they seemed to have had a return to form after their clash with Athletic Bilbao baggins this weekend. Lyon suffered a recent domestic defeat, but I think they will be inspired by the possibility that this tie presents. In the end, though, the stage and players for Barca will be too much and I see them advancing through (especially when Barca realizes that goals only count when they go into the net, not hit the woodwork).
Barca 2 - 1 Lyon (Barca advance on aggregate 3-2)
4) Porto - Atletico Madrid
While I thought the contest was going to be evenly matched last leg, I didn't see as many goals being scored as there were. After seeing Atletico take on my boys this weekend, they seem like they have got their footballing act together... minus the whole finishing thing. By rights, the result in the derbi madrileño should have favored Atletico by at least 3 goals, but they were lacking the cutting edge in a big way. I see them digging out of their away-goals hole to come out on top in this match:
Porto 1 - Atletico 2 (Atletico advance on aggregate 4-3)
Second Leg:
10 March
1) Juventus - Chelsea
"Fantastic Donkey" Didier Drogba picked himself off the ground and scored a early game matchwinner at home in the first leg to provide the Pensioners a slim lead going into this tie. I see Juve playing Chelsea tough again, even gaining an early goal, just to see the effort go to rot with a daggerific Chelsea goal in the later stages of the game.
Juventus 1 - Chelsea 1 (Chelsea advance on aggregate 2-1)
2) Panathinaikos - Villarreal
The return leg of the Gyro Express versus the Yellow Submarine just reminds us all that somehow, one of these lackluster clubs is going through to the next round while either Manchester United or Inter will not. Ain't that a b? Anyway, I see the home cooking sinking the Yellow Submarine after giving up that costly goal at home in Spain.
Panathinaikos 1 - 0 Villarreal (Panathinaikos advance on aggregate 2-1)
3) Liverpool - Real Madrid
Oh boy... how quickly can the tables turn on your squad of choice. Heading into the first leg, Madrid were coming off a solid 2-0 victory against baby Barca squad RCD Espanyol while Liverpool were coming off of a backbreaking, nay, season-dooming draw to Man City. While Liverpool aren't exactly resurgent, Madrid seem like they have completely forgotten how to play the game. Coming off of a lucky draw to cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid, Real don't seem like they are in a mood to advance. Expect attacking play to earn them a goal, but it won't be enough to see them through when the Kop urges on their squad to an advancing goal. Rafa to celebrate at local pastry shop after the game.
Liverpool 1 - 1 Real Madrid (Liverpool advance on aggregate 2-1)
4) Bayern Munich - Sporting Lisbon
Why should I bother? When you let the Germans have a romp in your backyard like they did two weeks ago, what chance do you have to advance, Sporting? None is the answer. I see you saving some modicum of face by scoring a goal, but that might be it. My initial hopes for Landycakes getting some CL time may have to wait for some future matchup with an even bigger lead going into the second leg, should that ever occur.
Bayern 3 - 1 Sporting (Bayern advance on aggregate 8-1)
11 March
1) Man U - Inter
I'm not going to lie, Man U didn't do themselves many favors by not scoring away in the first leg. Not that these team seems very stoppable right now, I just think it leaves too much room for a Special One coup through a shocking goal or goals. Van Der Saar needs to make sure he has his head on straight going into this tie, for Inter are no Newcastle and could certainly punish any foolish mistakes the Dutchman could make. Maybe its the puppet admirer in me, but I think Jose will pull out all the stops to zap his gum chewing rival.
Man U 1 - 1 Inter (Inter advance on away goals 1-1)
2) Roma - Arsenal
I think the Voyeur should feel safe in his team advancing through to the next round. They've got their home goal in the bank and will be looking to score another for insurance, which I am sure they will be able to do. Roma will not go down without a fight, though, and I see them pulling one back to great futility late in the game.
Roma 1 - 1 Arsenal (Arsenal advance on aggregate 2-1)
3) Barcelona - Lyon
Well-a, this second leg is going to be a lot spicier than my earlier prediction would have let on. Barca was 'avin a bit of a laffa for the past couple of weeks, but they seemed to have had a return to form after their clash with Athletic Bilbao baggins this weekend. Lyon suffered a recent domestic defeat, but I think they will be inspired by the possibility that this tie presents. In the end, though, the stage and players for Barca will be too much and I see them advancing through (especially when Barca realizes that goals only count when they go into the net, not hit the woodwork).
Barca 2 - 1 Lyon (Barca advance on aggregate 3-2)
4) Porto - Atletico Madrid
While I thought the contest was going to be evenly matched last leg, I didn't see as many goals being scored as there were. After seeing Atletico take on my boys this weekend, they seem like they have got their footballing act together... minus the whole finishing thing. By rights, the result in the derbi madrileño should have favored Atletico by at least 3 goals, but they were lacking the cutting edge in a big way. I see them digging out of their away-goals hole to come out on top in this match:
Porto 1 - Atletico 2 (Atletico advance on aggregate 4-3)
23 February 2009
cl preview edition
Ah, the refreshing gusts of 37-degree air, the meteorological confusion of the wintry mix, and the thawing of topsoil across the land... it must be late February, and we all know what late February means. That's right, in a few days we will be blessed with the beginning of Champions League Round of 16 play!!!!111 (insert appropriate zomigods and anticipatory yelps here). Each game is super important now and with the away goals rule, the balance of each match up can change at the strike of a single golazo. Europe's - nay the world's - finest clubs (and the assorted Portuguese, Greek, and second rate Spanish dongles) will duke it out for the opportunity to advance to the Quarterfinals. Who's dreams of European glory will be fulfilled? Who will ignominiously crash out? I take this opportunity to pontificate and prognosticate.
First Leg:
24 February
1) Inter - Man U
The Special One butts heads once again with his former Premier League rival Sir Alex when domestic league leaders Inter and Man U face off in this delightful tie. Inter has not had a flair for CL play as of late (epic brawl with Valencia '07, pwnage by Gerrard '08 come to mind) and the Special One's reputation for falling short in the competition precedes him. Those factors, combined with Man U's dominance of form and more favorable recent history makes me favor the Red Devils overall in this matchup. I tend to favor home teams, though, so I will throw Inter a bone on this one:
Inter 2 - 2 Man U
2) Arsenal - Roma
This clash of almost top 4 teams lacks some of the luster that the matchup may have presented in previous years. Everyone is glad to see Eduardo back from his near-amputation causing leg injury, but will he strike fear in any of Roma's defenders? The Professor is known for preparing his sides well, so I would be remiss to shortchange his side in this encounter. I think Arsenal takes the home leg handily, but may not find the confines of the Olimpico in Rome as inviting:
Arsenal 2 - 0 Roma
3) Lyon - Barcelona
In yet another matchup of league-leaders, top of the world Barcelona head north to face off against Ligue 1 Oranjello superchamps Lyon. Who are we kidding here? Barca has to be the runaway favorite in this one. With their lead in La Liga all but insurmountable (despite the best efforts of my beloved Real Madrid) and a laundry list of characters who can bulge the auld onion bag, how can you not favor them against Olympique "leading the league by the skin of our teeth" Lyonnais? I would rather not, but I have to give a ringing endorsement for Barca:
Lyon 1 - 3 Barca
4) Atletico Madrid - Porto
This runt in an otherwise impressive litter of games. One on side we have 6th place Atletico, a side that is not convincing many of its ability to qualify for the UEFA Cup next year, let alone the Champions League. They have proven inconsistent this year, and who knows which side will show up for this tie. Then we have Porto, sitting atop the Portuguese Liga by a slim 1 point, as if being a Portuguese team weren't marginal enough. Bolstered by the unwashed masses at the Calderon, I see Atletico making this one a pretty even contest:
Atletico 1 - 1 Porto
25 February
1) Chelsea - Juventus
Chelsea - the club of 4 coaches in the past 2 seasons - are a bit of an unknown heading into this tie. Reports of a locker room split, a lack of fitness among the starters, and a general sense of malaise surrounding the squad since the ouster of Scolari make me want to discount them off the bat against Juve. Juve, however, have not played in the Champions League Round of 16 in some time, and could display a bit of rust in such a pressure-packed situation. I see Chelsea overcoming an early away goal from Juve to eek out the win at Stamford Bridge:
Chelsea 2 - Juventus 1
2) Villarreal - Panathinaikos
While this pairing would certainly be a dream matchup in the UEFA Cup, its hardly impressive in the context of the CL Round of 16. While Villarreal have managed to place 5th so far in La Liga they, like their Spanish also-ran brethren Atletico, have had an inconsistent season. Panathinaikos, ugh, well they are a distant second in the Greek Super League. When you are not in the running for your domestic title in GREECE, you are a trifling club, I'm sorry to say. I see the Greeks putting up a staunch defense that will be torpedoed by an opportunistic Yellow Submarine:
Villarreal 1 - 0 Panathinaikos
3) Real Madrid - Liverpool
Ah yes, the famed Brendan Sepulveda derby. When I first found out about the draw I was made extremely nervous by the power of then 1st-placed Liverpool, but I am now feeling more confident in Los Blancos. Under Ramos' stewardship, they have managed to pull themselves out of a state of complete disaster and seem poised to lock in on the second place spot in La Liga. Raul is in a bit of a renaissaince, as he is bound to do for a stretch each season, and that will help Real tremendously in the tie. Liverpool are formidible, however, and I think they will have an incredibly strong showing at the Bernabeu. Real have made a habit of crashing out in the Round of 16 as of late, and I am not entirely sure they have kicked it just yet. For now, though, they will probably get their home win (to set me up for heartbreak on the away leg):
Real Madrid 2 -1 Liverpool
4) Sporting Lisbon - Bayern Munich
I am actually looking forward to this undercard match, as I want to see if Bayern can live up to the Champions League expectations that many had for them going into the campaign. After ignominiously missing out on the competition last year, they are back and supposedly primed to go far. Their domestic record, where they are currently sitting at 4th (2 pts out of first), would seem to indicate that they are slighly out of peak form, but I have faith that they will impress away at Sporting. I think Sporting will make a decent showing of it at home, but I don't expect them to make it out of this round:
Sporting 1 - 2 Bayern
The games are a couple of days away, and I couldn't be more excited. Bring on the Heineken/Sony Bravia commercials, the commentary of enthusiastic ESPN Deportes announcers, and the majesty of the Champions League anthem!
First Leg:
24 February
1) Inter - Man U
The Special One butts heads once again with his former Premier League rival Sir Alex when domestic league leaders Inter and Man U face off in this delightful tie. Inter has not had a flair for CL play as of late (epic brawl with Valencia '07, pwnage by Gerrard '08 come to mind) and the Special One's reputation for falling short in the competition precedes him. Those factors, combined with Man U's dominance of form and more favorable recent history makes me favor the Red Devils overall in this matchup. I tend to favor home teams, though, so I will throw Inter a bone on this one:
Inter 2 - 2 Man U
2) Arsenal - Roma
This clash of almost top 4 teams lacks some of the luster that the matchup may have presented in previous years. Everyone is glad to see Eduardo back from his near-amputation causing leg injury, but will he strike fear in any of Roma's defenders? The Professor is known for preparing his sides well, so I would be remiss to shortchange his side in this encounter. I think Arsenal takes the home leg handily, but may not find the confines of the Olimpico in Rome as inviting:
Arsenal 2 - 0 Roma
3) Lyon - Barcelona
In yet another matchup of league-leaders, top of the world Barcelona head north to face off against Ligue 1 Oranjello superchamps Lyon. Who are we kidding here? Barca has to be the runaway favorite in this one. With their lead in La Liga all but insurmountable (despite the best efforts of my beloved Real Madrid) and a laundry list of characters who can bulge the auld onion bag, how can you not favor them against Olympique "leading the league by the skin of our teeth" Lyonnais? I would rather not, but I have to give a ringing endorsement for Barca:
Lyon 1 - 3 Barca
4) Atletico Madrid - Porto
This runt in an otherwise impressive litter of games. One on side we have 6th place Atletico, a side that is not convincing many of its ability to qualify for the UEFA Cup next year, let alone the Champions League. They have proven inconsistent this year, and who knows which side will show up for this tie. Then we have Porto, sitting atop the Portuguese Liga by a slim 1 point, as if being a Portuguese team weren't marginal enough. Bolstered by the unwashed masses at the Calderon, I see Atletico making this one a pretty even contest:
Atletico 1 - 1 Porto
25 February
1) Chelsea - Juventus
Chelsea - the club of 4 coaches in the past 2 seasons - are a bit of an unknown heading into this tie. Reports of a locker room split, a lack of fitness among the starters, and a general sense of malaise surrounding the squad since the ouster of Scolari make me want to discount them off the bat against Juve. Juve, however, have not played in the Champions League Round of 16 in some time, and could display a bit of rust in such a pressure-packed situation. I see Chelsea overcoming an early away goal from Juve to eek out the win at Stamford Bridge:
Chelsea 2 - Juventus 1
2) Villarreal - Panathinaikos
While this pairing would certainly be a dream matchup in the UEFA Cup, its hardly impressive in the context of the CL Round of 16. While Villarreal have managed to place 5th so far in La Liga they, like their Spanish also-ran brethren Atletico, have had an inconsistent season. Panathinaikos, ugh, well they are a distant second in the Greek Super League. When you are not in the running for your domestic title in GREECE, you are a trifling club, I'm sorry to say. I see the Greeks putting up a staunch defense that will be torpedoed by an opportunistic Yellow Submarine:
Villarreal 1 - 0 Panathinaikos
3) Real Madrid - Liverpool
Ah yes, the famed Brendan Sepulveda derby. When I first found out about the draw I was made extremely nervous by the power of then 1st-placed Liverpool, but I am now feeling more confident in Los Blancos. Under Ramos' stewardship, they have managed to pull themselves out of a state of complete disaster and seem poised to lock in on the second place spot in La Liga. Raul is in a bit of a renaissaince, as he is bound to do for a stretch each season, and that will help Real tremendously in the tie. Liverpool are formidible, however, and I think they will have an incredibly strong showing at the Bernabeu. Real have made a habit of crashing out in the Round of 16 as of late, and I am not entirely sure they have kicked it just yet. For now, though, they will probably get their home win (to set me up for heartbreak on the away leg):
Real Madrid 2 -1 Liverpool
4) Sporting Lisbon - Bayern Munich
I am actually looking forward to this undercard match, as I want to see if Bayern can live up to the Champions League expectations that many had for them going into the campaign. After ignominiously missing out on the competition last year, they are back and supposedly primed to go far. Their domestic record, where they are currently sitting at 4th (2 pts out of first), would seem to indicate that they are slighly out of peak form, but I have faith that they will impress away at Sporting. I think Sporting will make a decent showing of it at home, but I don't expect them to make it out of this round:
Sporting 1 - 2 Bayern
The games are a couple of days away, and I couldn't be more excited. Bring on the Heineken/Sony Bravia commercials, the commentary of enthusiastic ESPN Deportes announcers, and the majesty of the Champions League anthem!
08 June 2008
usa - argentina
Sorry for all of the soccer posts as of late, but with the Euros going on and really not that much else taking place in my life, there really isn't much else to talk about.
Sadly, I wasn't able to enjoy today's Euro '08 as much as I would have liked due to a combination of shambolic transmission from my best friends at Comcast and me wasting a lot of time showing my computer illiterate cousin how to burn dvds from his girlfriend's laptop. I am ok with people being computer illiterate (if you are over 40), but what really irks me is when people fill up their generic PC computing box with a lot of generic bullshit spyware nonsense (those stupid search engine bars in IE and animated cursors, terrible). So helping involves a number of hurdles, such as overcoming the fact that your cursor is actually a fucking "I <3 NY" icon and you have filled up your hard drive with adware doodoo. Nice.
But I digress.
Highlight of the day was definitely the USA-Argentina match that I was able to watch without illiterate interruption. Here are some of the things that I liked (+) and didn't like (-) about the match:
+ Gago and Dempsey getting pissy with each other and trading words and fouls in the first half.
+ Eddie Johnson apparently yanking Mascherano's johnson in the second half... much to Javier's chagrin.
- the fact that Argentina continue to be one of the more hideous national sides in the world. Its almost as if they outcrossed Carles Puyol and a thawed Neanderthal to produce the team. (Reference exhibits A, B, and C.)
- refereeing worthy of UVA IMs instead of a FIFA governed international friendly. Who in their right mind could confuse Edu and Mastroeni?
- lackluster American commentary... Aguero plays in the Spanish Primera Liga, or La Liga, not "the Spanish League", that league does not exist. Thanks.
+ a gritty, impressive showing from the Americans (Man of the Match is Tim Howard for me) against a solid Argentina side.
Euro 2008 match prediction success rate: 100% (4 for 4... look for this to take a hit with tomorrow's group of death matches)
Sadly, I wasn't able to enjoy today's Euro '08 as much as I would have liked due to a combination of shambolic transmission from my best friends at Comcast and me wasting a lot of time showing my computer illiterate cousin how to burn dvds from his girlfriend's laptop. I am ok with people being computer illiterate (if you are over 40), but what really irks me is when people fill up their generic PC computing box with a lot of generic bullshit spyware nonsense (those stupid search engine bars in IE and animated cursors, terrible). So helping involves a number of hurdles, such as overcoming the fact that your cursor is actually a fucking "I <3 NY" icon and you have filled up your hard drive with adware doodoo. Nice.
But I digress.
Highlight of the day was definitely the USA-Argentina match that I was able to watch without illiterate interruption. Here are some of the things that I liked (+) and didn't like (-) about the match:
+ Gago and Dempsey getting pissy with each other and trading words and fouls in the first half.
+ Eddie Johnson apparently yanking Mascherano's johnson in the second half... much to Javier's chagrin.
- the fact that Argentina continue to be one of the more hideous national sides in the world. Its almost as if they outcrossed Carles Puyol and a thawed Neanderthal to produce the team. (Reference exhibits A, B, and C.)
- refereeing worthy of UVA IMs instead of a FIFA governed international friendly. Who in their right mind could confuse Edu and Mastroeni?
- lackluster American commentary... Aguero plays in the Spanish Primera Liga, or La Liga, not "the Spanish League", that league does not exist. Thanks.
+ a gritty, impressive showing from the Americans (Man of the Match is Tim Howard for me) against a solid Argentina side.
Euro 2008 match prediction success rate: 100% (4 for 4... look for this to take a hit with tomorrow's group of death matches)
07 June 2008
euro thoughts
The tournament began today, and not a day too soon because I was getting tired of the only thing going on in the soccer world being transfer rumors. I enjoyed both games, and figured I would share my thoughts about each one.
Switzerland 0 - 1 Czech Republic
- Some countries have extremely trifling national anthems. The Czech Republic is one of them. "Where is My Homeland?" asks a question to which the answer is clearly "somewhere behind the Iron Curtain of old", because it sounds like a straight up soviet dirge. Terrible.
- Speaking of national anthems, instead of having the typical, you know, Swiss-looking person singing it, they had what appeared to be a gypsy in a swiss miss red dress. At least it was a respectable tune.
- Philippe Senderos is a clown in "defense". One of his best moves of the day was when he closed his legs to prevent an imminent megging, just to be dribbled around instead. Good job.
- Jan Koller is an absolute lurch of a man. He lacks the spindly, awkward qualities that at least make Peter Crouch entertaining to watch.
Portugal 2 - 0 Turkey
- Whoa, am I playing FIFA? No, thats just Andy Gray commentating on a real life match!
- All bias aside, the new generation of Nike uniforms are a little tight fitting for my taste... I saw a little more nipple outlines from both teams than I would care to see.
- I could have sworn this was a sneak preview of the games in Beijing, but not of the soccer competition. No, no, I thought the team diving competition had begun a few months early. Both teams were guilty of some rather mediocre acting in this respect, chief among all being the antithesis-of-handsome Tuncay Sanli.
- I wish ESPN would quit trying to provide American coverage of the tournament and just patch through telecasts from an English-speaking country that has sportscasters who know what the fuck is going on. Julie Foudy is a sweetheart, but I would even take the squad over at FSC over this.
Euro 2008 match prediction success rate: 100%
Thats all for today, I think I am going to Outback with my parents now. Oh, and Clinton conceded today... could this day get any better?
Switzerland 0 - 1 Czech Republic
- Some countries have extremely trifling national anthems. The Czech Republic is one of them. "Where is My Homeland?" asks a question to which the answer is clearly "somewhere behind the Iron Curtain of old", because it sounds like a straight up soviet dirge. Terrible.
- Speaking of national anthems, instead of having the typical, you know, Swiss-looking person singing it, they had what appeared to be a gypsy in a swiss miss red dress. At least it was a respectable tune.
- Philippe Senderos is a clown in "defense". One of his best moves of the day was when he closed his legs to prevent an imminent megging, just to be dribbled around instead. Good job.
- Jan Koller is an absolute lurch of a man. He lacks the spindly, awkward qualities that at least make Peter Crouch entertaining to watch.
Portugal 2 - 0 Turkey
- Whoa, am I playing FIFA? No, thats just Andy Gray commentating on a real life match!
- All bias aside, the new generation of Nike uniforms are a little tight fitting for my taste... I saw a little more nipple outlines from both teams than I would care to see.
- I could have sworn this was a sneak preview of the games in Beijing, but not of the soccer competition. No, no, I thought the team diving competition had begun a few months early. Both teams were guilty of some rather mediocre acting in this respect, chief among all being the antithesis-of-handsome Tuncay Sanli.
- I wish ESPN would quit trying to provide American coverage of the tournament and just patch through telecasts from an English-speaking country that has sportscasters who know what the fuck is going on. Julie Foudy is a sweetheart, but I would even take the squad over at FSC over this.
Euro 2008 match prediction success rate: 100%
Thats all for today, I think I am going to Outback with my parents now. Oh, and Clinton conceded today... could this day get any better?
06 June 2008
euro 2008
Tomorrow marks the beginning of Euro '08, which I don't think I could be more excited about. Futbol rivals football as my favorite sport, and the prospect of having almost an entire month of top notch competition going on makes me tingle with joy (yeah its that exciting).
And what takes already sumptuous sports competition even better? Yes that would be fantasy sports. As such, I have joined a few leagues and am willing to share my brash and probably incorrect predictions right here. Have more confidence in your predicting abilities, Brendan you say? I would, but... I kind of predicted that Italy would go nowhere in Germany 2006. Yeahhhh, so take these predictions and the commentary for what its worth.
Euro 2008
Preview - Group Stage (projected winners in bold)
Group A
Czech Republic
Portugal
Switzerland
Turkey
// The Czechs and the Portuguese overpower the competition in this one, but I give Rosicky and friends the edge to advance at the top spot. The Swiss will miss out in qualification for the knockout round, but will make it interesting and may well prove me wrong, as host countries are not to be underestimated (unless you are Austria, sry).
Group B
Germany
Croatia
Poland
Austria
// The Germans cruise as they look as comfortable in Austria as they did back in '38. The Croatians pip the Polish and advance as the two seed... sadly the Austrian hosts are blanked and will probably have to streak the Alps or something.
Group C - XXX GROUP OF DEATH XXX
France
Italy
Netherlands
Romania
// The aptly named group of death will offer up some of the best matches of the competition. Apologies to the Romanians, but they will probably be joining the Austrians in their streaking, as they will find it hard to claim a point in this group. I see France going out of the group on top, and the Netherlands missing out on the next round due to a lack of fitness overall.
Group D
Spain
Sweden
Greece
Russia
// With England out of the competition, Spain has sole claim of the title "biggest underperformers with highest expectations". They won't let that title stop them from advancing in first place from the group, but just wait for the later rounds for their patented knockout round chokejob. Sweden will edge out holders Greece for the second spot, as the Greeks will find it hard to repeat the magic of 2004.
So those are my predictions and I am sticking to them... right or (more probably) wrong.
And what takes already sumptuous sports competition even better? Yes that would be fantasy sports. As such, I have joined a few leagues and am willing to share my brash and probably incorrect predictions right here. Have more confidence in your predicting abilities, Brendan you say? I would, but... I kind of predicted that Italy would go nowhere in Germany 2006. Yeahhhh, so take these predictions and the commentary for what its worth.
Euro 2008
Preview - Group Stage (projected winners in bold)
Group A
Czech Republic
Portugal
Switzerland
Turkey
// The Czechs and the Portuguese overpower the competition in this one, but I give Rosicky and friends the edge to advance at the top spot. The Swiss will miss out in qualification for the knockout round, but will make it interesting and may well prove me wrong, as host countries are not to be underestimated (unless you are Austria, sry).
Group B
Germany
Croatia
Poland
Austria
// The Germans cruise as they look as comfortable in Austria as they did back in '38. The Croatians pip the Polish and advance as the two seed... sadly the Austrian hosts are blanked and will probably have to streak the Alps or something.
Group C - XXX GROUP OF DEATH XXX
France
Italy
Netherlands
Romania
// The aptly named group of death will offer up some of the best matches of the competition. Apologies to the Romanians, but they will probably be joining the Austrians in their streaking, as they will find it hard to claim a point in this group. I see France going out of the group on top, and the Netherlands missing out on the next round due to a lack of fitness overall.
Group D
Spain
Sweden
Greece
Russia
// With England out of the competition, Spain has sole claim of the title "biggest underperformers with highest expectations". They won't let that title stop them from advancing in first place from the group, but just wait for the later rounds for their patented knockout round chokejob. Sweden will edge out holders Greece for the second spot, as the Greeks will find it hard to repeat the magic of 2004.
So those are my predictions and I am sticking to them... right or (more probably) wrong.
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