October 2009 Archives

The Seattle Sounders vs Houston Dynamo playoffs got the MLS playoffs to a raucous start with their edge of the seat performances even it ended in a goalless draw. Seattle also boasts the highest home attendances in the MLS. It all looks promising.

Except as this article points out, there is enough deadwood in the MLS. But speaking your mind can cost you as Kevin Payne discovered. He is D.C. United's president and chief executive officer.

"There are a lot of games in our league that I can't watch," he said. "The problem in our league isn't who is or isn't in the playoffs; it's that not enough people want to watch our league yet, and we have to convince them that our league is worth watching."

He was also frank enough to name those teams that play a soporific brand of soccer. Yes, the Red Bulls is one of them. For that he was guilty of overstepping his bounds and was fined $5000.

Give the man a medal. Better still, lets get him on The Daily Show. Payne and Jon Stewart, an avid soccer fan can come up with ways to fix the MLS.

Two goals by Gonzalo "El Pipita " Higuain had Manuel Pellegrini pumping his hands Wenger style. It was a must win for the Merengues over Getafe as the knives were out for Pelligrini.

After the match, Pelligrini said that the club had "recovered its spirit." He praised Higuain " What he did today did not surprise me. He is a fundamentally sound player and will have a very important role this year. "

"Welcome to my nightmare, welcome to my breakdown."

Alice Cooper's 1975 campy anthem sums up the last five minutes of the first half for Spurs.

Harry Redknapp probably regrets starting a clearly unfit Ledley King who has struggled with injuries this season. Sagna on the right whips in a cross which Van Persie reacts to more quickly, outmaneuvering King to turn the ball past Heurelho Gomes for the first goal in the 42nd minute. At the kick off, it got worse with Wilson Palacios gifting the ball to Fabregas who turns on the burners a la Walcott and zigzags down midfield leaving bemused defenders in his wake before finishing impeccably for Arsenal's second goal. It was a master strike. Two goals just before half time. Spurs caught, in the red, napping.

It was as if the excruciating 40 minutes before these moments of magic did not happen. That period of time seemed to be stuffed into a giant black hole. Was it an apparition? Because Arsenal began as if they had not recovered from the West Ham hangover. Tentative and dull with too many errant passes. And it did not improve. Diaby was all sixes and nines. Fabregas was invisible. Arshavin was a ball hog. But those five minutes, Arsenal was transformed.

Arsenal with the wind on their backs got better in the second half. Eduardo who subbed Bendtner after the Dane left with a groin injury in the 36th minute, should have gotten two more goals, both times with only Gomes to beat. However, RVP once again beat King and Gomes for the third goal which came as Spurs waited for a whistle from Mark Clattenberg after a foul by Benoit Ekotto on Eduardo. The referee played the advantage as Sagna raced down the right with the ball and laid a low cross that both Spurs were unable to clear and again Van Persie was left to turn the ball into goal.

Almunia was solid but he was never tested seriously except for a Bentley shot which he tipped over comfortably in the end and a few half chances by Peter Crouch. Clichy had a much improved game and Diaby improved in the second half. Song was physical and he was a disruptive presence in the Spurs passing game. Wenger exhorting from the sidelines made sure that gifting even one goal to their hated rivals was unacceptable. It made a refreshing change from Arsenal's complacence so evident in the last few matches.

A thoroughly satisfying win with the burden shifting once again Spurs way to make the case that they have a team that can finish ahead of the Gunners.

For those Alice Cooper fans here is - Welcome to My Nightmare

Happy Halloween!

Beleagured Benitez still has no solutions.Liverpool down to nine men were a shambles.Degen was sent off for a reckless lunge on Dempsey.Carragher brought down Zamora and also received a red card.Fulham ended the day with a 3 - 1 victory- the consolation goal for Liverpool coming from Torres.Next up is the crucial CL qualifier against Lyon and it's not looking good.

Tottenham have not won a game against Arsenal in the premier league for the last 10 years and history repeated itself.They went down tamely.Van Persie scoring two and Fabregas another.Goals

The Spanish media really want Manuel Pellegrini gone. They are playing up a war of words that Guti appears to have had with the gaffer during the Madrid vs Alcorcon match.

Apart from being the lionheart that every team needs a lesser known fact about Lampard is that he has an IQ of 150 which puts him right up there with other Bill Gates and other such geniuses.Really.

Wenger responds to Adebayor's insinuations and rumour mongering by dismissing them.

...and remembers some of it's predecessors fondly...

The technical side:A new PowerSpine technology is supposed to give the Predator X an unprecedented increase in shooting power of seven percent in comparison to its predecessor. Ball velocity tests in the adidas laboratory demonstrated that the new PowerSpine enables the Predator X to reach a velocity of 110 kilometres per hour which, when compared to other boots, makes a speed difference of almost three metres per second. This could mean the Predator X shot is 26 centimetres behind the goalline while the other shot is saved by the goalkeeper!
Who else apart from Zidane is going to be seen wearing the tenth predator one of these days ?
Here are some names ....
Michael Ballack,David Beckham, Mark van Bommel,Diego,Steven Gerrard,Lucio, Robin van Persie,Raúl,Daniele de Rossi,Patrick Vieira ,Xavi and Alfred E Neuman.
So what are you waiting for ? Buy a pair and get your name on the list ..!

• Marlon King:

King has vaulted to the top of the rogues gallery with his second conviction. The first one occurred in 2002 for stealing a car and then pretending to the police it was his own. That time too he was given 18 months in jail which was commuted to five, enabling his return to Gillingham. The most recent offense is far more serious and involves assault and battery on a young university girl who spurned his advances at a club. After screaming " Do you know who I am?" he punched her in the face, breaking her nose and leaving her bloodied. This took place in 2008 while King was on loan to Hull from Wigan and had gone out to drinking after the Middlesbrough game with some friends. Two words. Real classy. He should be given another 18 months for his Jeopardy! question.

• Joey Barton:

What can one say about Barton? While on bail for assaulting Man City team mate Ousmane Dabo during a training session, Barton goes out drinking with his brother and cousin in a Liverpool bar and ends up in a fight where he punches a man 14 or 15 times in a drunken rage and then assaults a teenager witnessing the fight. The judge gave him six months for his "cowardly and extremely violent" attacks. Barton was to be arraigned next month for the Dabo trial. One redeeming feature, Barton seems to direct his violence against other men. With just one yellow card, he seems to be keeping himself out of trouble while Newcastle is in the Championship.

• Patrick Kluivert:

Kluivert was convicted of vehicular homicide in 1996 after ploughing into a pedestrian killing him and injuring his wife. The Ajax striker was drunk and driving at twice the posted speed. The judge recommended nine months imprisonment but to the disgust of the Dutch public, he ended with just a two year driving ban and 240 hours of community service. He was then a football god but his career was marked with similar incidences of reckless behaviour and impulsivity leading to a slow decline. He is now looking to jump start his coaching career at AZ Alkmaar. It comes as a bit of a shock that he is only 33 years, and the Dutch top scorer with 40 goals. Ahead of legends like Cruyff, Van Basten, Bergkamp, and Van Nistelrooy. He retired from international duty in 2004.

• Rene Higuita:

The flamboyant Colombian goalkeeper was imprisoned for 7 months for profiting from kidnapping. He acted as a go in between rival drug lords Pablo Escobar and Carlos Molina when Escobar kidnapped Molina's daughter. Higuita secured her release by delivering the ransom money and pocketed $64,000 for his services. He was later arrested as under Colombian law such payments are illegal. Higuita was famous by then for his Scorpion Kick and his brilliant but erratic goalkeeping. He holds the record for most number of goals scored by a goalkeeper along with Jose Luis Chilavert, another equally riveting personality.

• Bernard Tapie:

Even before Florentino Perez dreamed up the concept, Tapie was probably the first person in the world to build a Galacticos team while president of Olympique Marseille. He signed Rudi Voller, Eric Cantona, Fabien Barthez, Klaus Allofs, Abedi Pele, Enzo Francescoli, Chris Waddle, Didier Deschamps and even got Franz Beckenbauer to coach them for a year. Under Tapie, L'Om won four Ligue titles and the 1993 CL title. In 1994, it was discovered that Tapie had paid money to three Valenciennes players to underperform and thus drop the match to L'OM. The club was stripped of its Ligue title and dropped down to the second division following further allegations of financial irregularities. Tapie was convicted of match fixing, subornation of witnesses, and tax fraud. He served 6 months of jail time. In 1996, he acted in Claude Lelouche's "Hommes, femmes, mode d'emploi" in a character role written for him.

• Tony Adams:

What is it about English footballers and drinking? The former England captain and number 3 on the greatest Arsenal players list had a huge drinking problem. "Many of those were accrued amid an off-pitch haze of incidents: the day-long benders, the thumping hang-overs, the falling down the stairs, the childish letting-off of fire extinguishers." In December 1990, Adams drove into a wall while drunk, and was jailed for four months and served two. Adams began climbing back to recovery under Arsene Wenger's gentle guidance when the AS Monaco coach took over in 1996. Adams with his personal experience has been offering advise to fellow abuser, Joey Barton for his drinking problems.

• Peter Storey:

Back to back Arsenal players with Tony Adams. But lets break up the monotony of booze addled Brit footballers charged with assault or causing grievous harm to a wall. Lets go to racketeering and pornography. Storey was one of the hardest tackling defenders in his time, an integral part of the 1971 team that won the Double. The hard man stuff could rub of well with the slightly wimpy group that we have at present. The other stuff not so much. "In 1979, two years after leaving the club, he was fined £700 and given a six-month suspended jail sentence for running a brothel in East London. In 1980 he was jailed for three years for financing a plot to counterfeit gold coins. In 1990 he was jailed for 28 days for attempting to import 20 pornographic videos from Europe which he'd hidden in his spare tyre."

• Guus Hiddink:

Chelsea wants him. Netherlands wants him. For different reasons. The coach that everyone would love to have was slapped with six month suspended jail sentence for evading £940,000 in taxes by claiming to be a Belgian citizen from 2002 to 2003. Dutch prosecutors want nine months. But Russia could not care less. They have Slovenia to contend with in the repechage to seal a World Cup spot. The Russian FA said that Hiddink had no problems with taxes in their country. Real Madrid are you listening? Pay off the Dutch and get Hiddink on board after his Russian revolution.

• Luciano "Lucky" Moggi:

The ex-Juventus general manager and in the eye of the Calciopoli storm was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for his part in match fixing and bribery. Juventus was stripped of its 2005 and 2006 title and relegated to the second division. A series of wiretapping revealed that Moggi had conversations with football officials to influence referee selection and achieve favourable results for Juventus. In addition, Moggi has been banned from football for five years. In a tragic twist, Gianluca Pessotto, Juve's team manager attempted suicide as a consequence of Calciopoli while Italy was World Cup bound. The distractions notwithstanding, Italy was able to win its fifth title. Juve seems to have rebounded smartly from its problems and they look to give Inter a run for this season's Scudetto.

• Eric Cantona:

Cantona was last seen parading at Cannes as the star of Ken Loach's "Looking for Eric." In February 1995, in a match against Crystal Palace, Cantona went looking for an abusive spectator in the stands and scythed him down with a "kung fu" kick. For that he was fined £10,000 pounds and given a fortnight in jail which was later commuted to 120 hours of community service. But he redeemed himself with a literary gem in his press conference by saying "when the seagulls follow the trawler it's because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea." This is only a bit less mystifying than Donald Rumsfeld's "Reports that say that something hasn't happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns -- the ones we don't know we don't know."

The English have Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, and John Terry. No surprises there. Sorry, Ryan Shawcross!

While these two contingents dominate, Argentina's Leo Messi is probably going to get the nod as the POY.

Maradona might have done everything to tarnish Messi's shine with his inept managerial skills as Argentina's coach but one remembers Messi lighting up last seasons Liga and CL. Cristiano Ronaldo who reminds the Merengues of their frailties without him will push him hard.

Fifa shortlist: M Ballack (Germany), G Buffon (Italy), I Casillas (Spain), C Ronaldo (Portugal), Diego (Brazil), D Drogba (Ivory Coast), M Essien (Ghana), S Eto'o (Cameroon), S Gerrard (England), T Henry (France), Z Ibrahimovic (Sweden), A Iniesta (Spain), Kaka (Brazil), F Lampard (England), L Fabiano (Brazil), L Messi (Argentina), C Puyol (Spain), F Ribery (France), W Rooney (England), J Terry (England), F Torres (Spain), D Villa (Spain), Xavi (Spain).

Against Spurs.

Lukasz Fabianski has re-injured himself and is out for three weeks. Vito Mannone looked far from reassuring against West Ham, and his mistake gifted a goal to Carlton Cole in a match that Arsenal should have won.

Which means Almunia might be back in favour.

Juande Ramos would be forgiven if he suffers panic attacks close to the fourth week of October every year from now on, as almost a year to the day since his dismissal from Spurs, he was once again relieved of his CSKA duties.

This article highlights some similarities between his CSKA departure and the way his days at Spurs came to an end. Once again language and an impatient and whimsical owner proved barriers. Only thing is that Ramos had seen enough, orchestrating his exit well in advance. He was gone in 47 days as the CSKA owner Evgeny Giner found a ready replacement in Leonid Slutsky.

Pulsating atmosphere. A sea of green with a few flecks of orange. Deflected passes. Lots of opportunities. Awful finishing. Pat Onstad's momentary lapse of reason. Nate Jacqua bloodied and bandaged carrying on like a gladiator. Lots of fouls and yellow cards.

These were some of the more visceral images of the Seattle vs Houston match which ended in a fascinating draw but not before they proved that the shortest distance between two points is a not a straight line. And on the one occasion it was, Pat Onstad was there to save Jacqua's header. Otherwise it was angles which missed. Patrick Ianni being particularly unlucky as his header was first cleared by Brian Mullan in a goal line save after Onstad was beaten and then on a second occasion, his header of a Ljungberg free kick caroms of the crossbar.

The Dynamo showed spells of better ball control and looked more organized with Holden, Davis, Mullan and Clark particularly businesslike. However, they could not translate it into anything meaningful.

Some of Seattle's players were no shows in this match. Fredy Montero except for one or two moments of magic had a relatively subdued game. Steve Zakuani was a bit of a lightweight chasing and losing the ball regularly down the left. Freddie Ljungberg was peripatetic and stirred up the midfield but some of his corners and passes left much to be desired.

Ricardo Salazar, the referee made a hash not giving an advantage after a foul was committed by a Dynamo player and Jacqua's goal was called off as Salazar had already blown the whistle which no one heard. He made Alan Wiley look the energizer bunny.

The return leg is at Robertson Stadium on November 8th.

Put behind bars for 18 months for groping a woman, and after she spurned his advances; breaking her nose.

He is terminated from Wigan although this incident occurred when he was loaned out to Hull.

"He is absolutely sacked - we will not tolerate football players who get sent to jail for 18 months. As far as we are concerned, he is finished with football at Wigan Athletic," club chairman Dave Whelan told Sky Sports News.

This is his second 18 month sentence. The first one involved stealing a BMW in 2002. His sentence was commuted to 5 months and he rejoined Gillingham. This is far more serious and probably means the end of his career.

It is interesting to note that during his sentencing, the acquittal of Steven Gerrard of battery and assault came up. One of his supporters shouted, "Steven Gerrard's still walking the streets."

"Henrik Larsson always scores." The clip shows Celtic fighting back through Larsson against Porto in a pulsating 2003 UEFA Cup final.

My memories of Larsson will always be defined by the Swedish striker entering the game in the 2006 CL final against Arsenal late in the second half. Barca were down a goal and Arsenal were playing surprisingly well given that Lehmann had been sent off early in the first half.

Larsson changed all of that in his final match for Barca. He set up Samuel Eto'o with the equalizer in the 74th minute and then six minutes later, from the right flank delivered a cross to Juliano Belletti who scored the game winning goal. It was Barca in the end with Larsson responsible for those lethal blows

The pain felt after that was immense. The match had so many if only..... but mixed in with those conflicted emotions was admiration for the Celtic legend. A special player had ended Arsenal's dreams. Thierry Henry after the match.

"People always talk about Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Giuly and everything, but I didn't see them today, I saw Henrik Larsson. He came on, he changed the game, that is what killed the game. Sometimes you talk about Ronaldinho and Eto'o and people like that; you need to talk about the proper footballer who made the difference, and that was Henrik Larsson tonight."

Larsson was a big time player and even now in his twilight, the Celtic Park faithful would love to have him back. He won four SPL titles and in those six years, he top scored in five. He is also fourth on the all time Celtic goalscoring list with 174 goals. He did it without fuss whilst being the consummate professional.

It was a tearful farewell as Larsson played his last match in his glittering career as Helsingborg lost to Djurgarden. Fare thee well, King Henrik! You will be fondly remembered by your fans everywhere in the world.

Will Fredy Montero deliver?

Seattle Sounders vs Houston Dynamo, Thursday, 29th October (10 p.m. ET; ESPN2, Deportes)

Who is rooting for Seattle in the playoffs? C'mon Seattle! Today, Qwest Field sold out with 35,700 in attendance to watch the Sounders play the Houston Dynamo in the MLS playoffs.

Seattle has become the MLS success story. A club with a large and passionate fan base that shows up for home games in record numbers. The Sounders also become the first MLS expansion club to make the playoffs since the Chicago Fire in 1998 in their inaugural season.

The match will see two outstanding goalkeepers try and keep the ball at bay. Sounder's Kasey Keller with a .92 average goal given up per game matches up against veteran Pat Onstad of the Dynamo with a .97 average.

Keller is one of the few homegrown talents in the Sounders starting squad along with Brad Evans, James Riley, and Nate Jacqua. The rest of the Seattle squad is an international polyglot of players with former Swedish international Freddie Lungberg of Arsenal fame leading the midfield. Another product of the Arsenal youth system, Steve Zakuani is from Congo and plays left midfield. Cuba's Osvaldo Alonso does duty as holding midfielder.

Striker Fredy Montero is from Campo De La Cruz, Colombia and leads the club with 12 goals scored and assisted with 7 others. His form has led to Premiership interest so he maybe gone next season. His countryman Jhon Kennedy Hurtado is part of a Seattle defense with 29 goals conceded, tying Houston for the stingiest defense. Costa Rica's Leo Gonzalez and Jamaica's Tyrone Marshall round up the back four.

In contrast, the Dynamo's overseas contingent is relatively small. They have two Canadians, Pat Onstad in goal and Andrew Hainault, who filled the shoes for injured defender Wade Barrett. They also have the talented Mexican striker, Luis Angel Landin, Houston's first DP and on loan from Cruz Azul. But their marquee players are US nationals, including Brian Ching, Brad Davis, Ricardo Clark, Wade Barrett and Stuart Holden. The last named has Scottish blood but moved to Houston when he was 10 years old, played for the Clemson Tigers, and since his return to the Dynamo has established himself as one of the most exciting prospects in the national team.

The Sounders do it with speed down the flanks with Jaqua on the right and Zakuani on the left. Ljungberg who is in his Arsenal days used to blister defenses with his speed as the left winger has lost a step or more and now plays just behind Montero in the slot. Montero is turning out a bit like Wayne Rooney, in that he scores and creates opportunities for others.

Sigi Schmid's reworked formulation which in the beginning saw Lungberg and Montero founder off page has yielded results. Seattle's attacking quartet have scored 27 goals and assisted in 27 others.

For the Dynamo, Brian Ching again leads the roster with 8 goals and 3 assists, most of them coming early in the season with a leaner recent spell. His is a more lonely contribution with only midfielder Stuart Holden providing some company with 6 goals and 4 assists.

To counteract Seattle's speed down the wings, the Dynamo will have to hold the ball and they have the personnel to do that with Davis, Mullan, and Clark with their experience and Holden as the creative spark who corrals the ball and feeds Brian Ching up front. Ching has had some big moments in the post season with the 2006 MLS Cup final against the Revs being particularly memorable. The Dynamo will miss Corey Ashe, their most improved player in midfield.

Both Seattle and the Dynamo have evenly matched defenses with Geoff Cameron and Andrew Hainault for Houston and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado and Tyrone Marshall for the Dynamo proving to be standouts.

Pat Onstad will be the busier of the two goalies because Montero is among the top sharpshooters in the MLS with a very high shots on goal average. On the other hand Stuart Holden is a big time player with 5 game winning goals. Montero has one less.

The Dynamo have met the Sounders at Qwest Field before and lost, 1-2 with Houston taking the lead through Brad Davis. Montero equalized and Patrick Ianni scored the winner.

Prediction: Seattle wins again. In front of an electrifying atmosphere with 37, 500 fans. This time by a bigger margin, 3-1.

Manuel Pellegrini's coaching career at Real is in danger. The shocking defeat at the hands of lowly Alcorcon has sent shock waves through the echelons of the most decorated football club in the world.

Jorge Valdano and Florentino Perez have given the Chilean the Getafe match this weekend and the return match against Milan in the Champions League next week to prove himself. If he fails, he is out. The Spanish media has already pinned the blame on Pellegrini for the club's failure to win and want him out. Perez is untouchable as he has performed his job and brought the Galacticos for the second time to Madrid.

Possible replacements are Valdano himself. There is some buzz that Raul could also be drafted as player manager. But Real's list of managers have shrunk. Vicente Del Bosque, Fabio Capello, and Bernd Schuster, were all treated dismissed by the club after winning them them the Liga. And in the summer, the club signed Pellegrini after Wenger, Mourinho, and Ancelotti turned down the Real job.

In a dangerous sign of how dependent a club can get on one player, Cristiano Ronaldo's injury will extend another week which means he misses Getafe and the CL return leg at Milan. The club won seven matches with him present. Since his injury, they have suffered three losses.

Becks shows his expertise with "spit pieces"

The Health Protection Agency has determined that spitting could lead to the spread of the H1N1 virus and asked footballers from refraining to do that on the pitch.

''Footballers, like the rest of us, wouldn't spit indoors so they shouldn't do it on the football pitch. If they are spitting near other people it could certainly increase the risk of passing on infections."

The agency gets a bit moralistic.

''It's about setting examples for young people who idolize them,' the spokesman was quoted as saying.

Recently, players from Blackburn and Bolton were diagnosed with swine flu.

In the French Ligue, a match this weekend between Marseille and PSG was suspended when Ludovic Giuly and Mamadou Sakho went down with swine flu. In the USA, Landon Donovan also suffered swine flu after returning from a World Cup qualifier against Mexico in August.

The CNN article has other examples. I thought only baseball players were capable of such feats.

Matthaus last minute rejection of the Racing Santander job has the club gnashing their teeth. He was supposed to have arrived today to take over the coaching job and help out the beleaguered club but he texted the club saying the deal was off.

Looks like the peripatetic coach developed itchy feet.

Former Paraguayan national team coach Sergio Markarian has been offered the job.

Phil Brown, ex manager and current suntan oil salesman?

The Independent says that Adam Pearson's shock arrival from Derby means that current chairman Andy Duffen and Phil Brown's biggest ally might be on his way out. If that happens then Brown's tenure at Hull is in danger. The abrasive Hull coach has had a unsettled relationship with some players and was booed by fans when he took off Stephen Hunt against Portsmouth.

Behind it is the perilous Hull City finances. The club will have to generate £23m if relegated to pay off liabilities. Hull is presently in 18th position just above West Ham and Pompey.

Pearson returns to the club he first managed when he took charge of Hull in 2001 becoming one of the youngest chairman in football.

In Family Guy:

Chris Griffin: Dad, was there ever a real city of New Orleans?"
Peter Griffin: "No one knows, Chris. No one knows."

It is interesting to see anyone and everyone walk into Pompey, buy up the club, and walk out two days later. The revolving door has led to Pompey being dead last in the Premiership, player wages being delayed, and transfer fees that have yet to be paid two years later. The last infraction has led the EPL to impose a player registration embargo which means that Pompey will be unable to bring any new players on board.

The instability makes Alexander Gaydamak look like the rock of Gibraltar. Sulaiman Al Fahim's ascension made Pompey fans giddy at the prospects of unlimited transfer funds with Al Fahim's personal touch extending to Diego Maradona, rumoured to become brand ambassador for the club if he failed to lead Argentina into the World Cup. With all moneyed ownership, the club that could move precipitously up the Premiership ladder. But Pompey dissolved into a player firesale as Al Fahim essentially had no funds of his own.

Sean Davis, Sol Campbell, Lauren, all walked out free. Some money was made from the sale of Glen Johnson, Niko Kranjcar, and Peter Crouch but that money will have to go into paying of Arsenal for the Lassana Diarra transfer and Chelsea for the Glen Johnson move. The club in turn restocked with bargain basement transfers which bought some solid names but no one of the quality that they had lost. These players till the Ali al Faraj bought out 90% of Al Fahim's stake were in danger of not being paid their wages for the second month running.

Whereas no one knows who quite owns Pompey, everyone knows Mike Ashley at Newcastle.

Both clubs fought till the last day to avoid relegation last season. Alan Shearer's appointment was not enough to stave off relegation for Newcastle in the end. Pompey remained promoted while Newcastle headed down to the Championship. One of the preconditions for a successful climb back was the club's takeover by outside investors. Newcastle became a constant rumour mill of takeovers. In the end Barry Moat, with the most promising bid failed to come up with the 80m required for the buyout with Ashley basically scuttling the deal.

In all that swirl, the one constant was Ashley, who has taken the club off the market. Even as he remains unpopular, his not going away has enabled stability. Chris Hughton was made manager on a permanent basis. A move that engendered little fan opposition because Hughton so far has delivered for Newcastle as they top the Championship. He's made a porous defense watertight and they have only conceded nine goals in 14 matches this season. Ashley with these moves, proves that Newcastle is his club for better or worse. But lets face it he will never be classy; the latest Ashley indignation making the rounds is to try and rename St James Park. He is a known quantity. At Portsmouth, no one knows.

Let the trash talking begin ahead of the Arsenal vs Spurs derby.

Robbie Keane bites the bullet as he claimed that Spurs are ready to overtake Arsenal. A feat last achieved 14 years ago.

"We are at the same level as Arsenal now. If you look at the two squads, you look at us and think we're definitely on a par but that will only be judged at the end of the season."

In 2006 Spurs had their best chance for a top four finish but lost to West Ham as key players succumbed to some dubious Lasagna diarrhea, enabling Arsenal to squeeze past them.

The match that everyone remembers is the outstanding match last year which saw Spurs score an improbable two goals in the last two minutes to fight to a 4-4 draw with Arsenal seemingly sewn up the match.

This season the Gunners have shown a worrying lack of alacrity in some matches and a propensity for self inflicted wounds that Harry Redknapp will be eager to exploit.

Fran Merida scored with a stinging left footed shot in the 19th minute after Voronin gives it away to Craig Eastmond. It was Merida's first goal as a Gunner as Cesc Fabregas looked on ecstatic at his Spanish teammate's achievement.

Emiliano Insua answered back with an even more impressive dipping shot in the 27th minute which looped over Fabianski's head even with the Arsenal goalie completely extended. (Hugo Rodellaga scored through a similar shot against Villa in their first match. He did it with his right foot). Bendtner sealed the win when he picked up Kieran Gibbs pass and with a fine touch controlled the ball as he went around left before crashing his shot into goal in the 50th minute.

Rafa went all out for the equalizer as he introduced Alberto Aquilani for a 15 minute cameo in the second half and the ex- Roma international showed some fine skills. He also had a penalty appeal turned down by Alan Wiley for a Senderos handball. Rafa also turned to Yossi Benayoun in the hopes that the Israeli's vision and creativity so amply shown against Man Utd would overcome the Gunners.

Samir Nasri showed up and did well to play all 90 minutes. Craig Eastmond as holding midfielder made a very impressive debut and Kieran Gibbs had an eye catching display which should pique Fabio Capello's interest.

Wenger, post match:

"Overall it was a game of top quality with two teams who really went for it, played at a high pace.

"We gave people what they paid for - top quality. The experienced players played well, so did the young players.

"Liverpool came back to 1-1, and we still managed to win, that shows we have also mental resources."

The goalkeeping controversy is still alive with Fabianski back in action and he and Almunia would be available Saturday against Spurs with Wenger indicating that he had no idea who he would start.

Both teams played entertaining and attacking football but Arsenal as usual looked slick and fluid in midfield and matched that with enough of a finishing touch to achieve the win.

Twitter gives an outlet for players to get all "emo". Altidore joins a list of players who have done exactly that.

We can make a case for Twitter as it became a source of information on the rigged Iranian elections this summer. But in other instances, especially sports, this instant gratification tool has real capacity for abuse and potential to do damage to clubs who don't want tactics and player information to go public.

It is left to managers to deal with how to regulate content without censuring. Clubs may have to deal with this individually including fines, benching, or suspending Twitter privileges. But the FA or UEFA might want to issue some general guidelines because of the potential for insider information during matches.

At the US Open this year, authorities warned players to be careful of what they posted on social networking sites during the tournament. They feared it could be used to violate anti-corruption rules at the Open.

This season is bringing back memories of some of the more undesirable aspects of the 70s and 80s.

The Barnsley and Man Utd Carling Cup fixture is now better known for its hooliganism (with more pictures). Catering staff were trapped for almost half an hour inside a food kiosk as Man Utd fans stole food and cash.

Stewards had food thrown at them on the pitch. The police was on the pitch were present with riot gear and dogs to prevent pitch invasions. The North stands at Oakwell were "substantially damaged" as fans kicked doors down, damaged tills, and threw food and drink.

The FA and the South Yorkshire police are launching investigations and reviewing CCTV footage. The club is also contemplating claiming compensation from Man Utd for the damage done by their fans.

On the heels of the most serious Milwall - West Ham riots, there have been smaller incidents involving Arsenal fans at City, and now this. There have been well documented flash points in each one of them. But I think the current economic crisis with continued increase in unemployment and six quarters of negative growth is fueling some of this too.

In a Copa Del Rey match, Jerzy Dudek was the goalie under siege as Francisco Borja scored the first goal, a under pressure Alvaro Arbeloa scored an own goal, Ernesto Gomez tapped in a third, and Borja completed Madrid's woebegone display with his second goal and Alcorcon's fourth.

Pellegrini rested Kaka and his place was taken by Guti. He was taken out at halftime, visibly upset and replaced by Fernando Gago.

Jorge Valdano later apologized to Real Madrid fans asking for "their forgiveness" and calling it a "sad night."

"We have to learn a lesson in humility. But we have to trust the professionalism of our players to turn this around."

Raul also apologized to the fans and vowed a great comeback in the return leg to be played on November 10th.

Manuel Pellegrini said he was "very embarrassed " and "we must come forward and each take responsibility". He also denied that he was to resign or leave Real Madrid.

It was clear in the Milan game, Florentino Perez has made defense an after thought. He thought Kaka, Ronaldo, Alonso, and Benzema would compensate for Arbeloa, Albiol, Pepe, and Garay, who while respectable are not exactly world beaters.

Ten more shares bought for £8,500 per share as Stan Kroenke creeps up to 28.9%, a mere 1.09% away from the threshold where he can make an automatic bid for Arsenal.

Any such offer will have to be at a price not less than the highest price per share paid in the last 12 months, which was May 2009 when he bought 5000 shares which belonged to Clive and Richard Carr, and Sarah Phipps-Bagge for £10,500 per share.

As this comment highlights, Kroenke can make a voluntary bid for the club at any time, but it might make more business sense to wait till April 2009 for that crucial 12 month period to lapse after which he can offer a lower price per share.

Alan Wiley's new "slimming" photo-angle

Sir Alex has admitted to improper conduct regarding Alan Wiley.

Alan Leighton of the referees union, Prospect warned that Sir Alex's remarks could set the tone for more abuse.

"Some people suggest it is us picking on Sir Alex. I'm not interested in previous. If this had gone unchecked, other managers would have felt able to make similar slurs and that fundamentally brings the game into disrepute."

So does Sir Alex get fined or face a touchline ban? As per Leighton he is looking for something more severe, a coaching ban which could mean five games.

It's getting a bit tiresome hearing coaches whine about referees. Arsene Wenger doing the same with the decision to give a penalty for Song's push. The focus should be on the team not pulling of a win when they clearly had plenty of opportunities.

Arseblog as usual gives a well balanced summation and my two cents is that the "killer instinct" message should be obvious by now. It cannot be emphasized enough but now it needs to be internalized. I also think it comes from a leadership vacuum on the pitch.

This season, most matches need at least two goals for padding. Throw in Arsenal's propensity for individual mistakes and bad breaks and you need more. The casualness with which Arsenal played after the second goal was picked up by Zola and his players, who started pushing up.

Clichy's ballooning crosses met no one except empty space and the opposite sideline. And as Arseblog mentions, Mannone has done a creditable job considering his sudden elevation to first goalkeeper but that was some poor stuff that gifted Carlton Cole his goal. It would be good to put Fabianski back in the Carling Cup squad just to warm up his hands but also to give some more depth in the goalkeeping chart. Almunia looked pretty miffed yesterday and it must be a bit of a shock seeing how he had very little competition for his position just weeks ago. The message that he cannot take his starting position as guaranteed must have been received loud and clear.

Fabregas was less assertive in midfield and Arshavin except for a few brilliant cameos seemed to be more intent in trying potshots from midfield.

On a day when the top teams struggled to put space between themselves, we could have done better.

Jack Bell creates a list of 10 most memorable games at Giants Stadium.

Some of the highlights.

Last summer's USA vs Mexico Gold Cup final turned out be an embarrassing 5-0 rout. David Beckham's New York introduction in 2007 resulted in a 5-4 pulsating shootout between the Galaxy and the Red Bulls. The 1994 World Cup group match resulted in a shock Irish win against eventual runners up Italy, 1-0. And Pele's farewell match was played at the Stadium in front of 75,646 spectators on October 1st, 1977.

Barcelona have stormed back to the top of the La Liga charts with a 6 - 1 over Zaragoza.Ibrahimovic scored two and Messi completed the rout. They are 3 points clear of Real Madrid who are looking a bit green around the gills ever since Ronaldo has been walking around with his ankle in a sling.

Kelly committed the foul.

Hangeland got the red card
Platini's wonderful system of having extra referees behind each goal post blew a major fuse in Roma's 1 -1 draw with Fulham a couple of days back.Stephen Kelly's foul on Riise occurred 10 yards from where the additional assistant referee, Johan Verbist, was stationed to one side of the Putney End goal.The referee Paul Allaerts decide to consult Verbist before giving the red card.He was told that it was Hangeland who had impeded Riise, not Kelly. So Allaerts brandished the red card at an incredulous Hangeland.Plenty of chaos and consternation followed before the red card was eventually given to the right player who was in the wrong [ and not the other way around]
Of course Platini is justifying this error by saying you can see how an additional assistant referee can mix up the two players at 10 yards seeing how alike they look.The fact that players of the same team wear same coloured uniforms would also confuse a near sighted additional assistant referee.His latest plan now is to tell the ref to wave the red card in the general direction in which the foul was committed and then wait for the right player to own up.And of course he wouldn't dream of telling a near sighted ref to get a decent pair of spectacles because he doesn't believe in all that kind of new fangled technology....!
The whole story here
Goals of the game...

Talk of a bunch of self entitled players. This team will not get a "major trophy", or even a self titled piddling little one. For the second match in a row, Arsenal decided to "wing" it.

Wenger's memos of bravado do not seem to be filtering down to the players. At the very least, one would expect some positive response to such a bold and unequivocal statement. But the shambolic way the Gunners played the Hammers, it seems clear that some of the big time players believe that their presence is enough to win them games.

Yes, Andrei Arshavin was too cute by half and Fabregas was no Benayoun by half. They were pedestrian and even the goals by RVP and William Gallas came against the run of play. The self assured possession game which was a hallmark of Arsenal's football was rarely seen. In place was this twisted, mutated long ball form which served no purpose other than gifting the ball to West Ham. As it turned out Carlton Cole and Alessandro Diamanti took full advantage to come back and equalize.

So we plead with Wenger. Can we have a moratorium on the "major trophy" crap or the comparisons of Abou Diaby to Patrick Vieira or of RVP to Dennis Bergkamp? Roll up your sleeves and start winning. Unlike Barack Obama who gets a Nobel Peace Prize just for being the anti Bush, the Premiership is not awarded to a team committing the least number of fouls.

By now, it must be obvious.

The best player in the Premiership on this day was Yossi Benayoun. No words can describe the moment of genius that possessed him to split the Man Utd defense, in so comprehensive a fashion as that pass that isolated Fernando Torres, a move which had Rio Ferdinand grab him futilely. El Nino shrugged him off and blasted a ball over Van Der Saar in a scintillating finish.

The canny Israeli was the spark that moved a team from a dangerous swoon in self esteem to one that resulted in a David Ngog goal sealing a giddy victory. This was so much sweeter than last season's win. And for purveyors of good football, this match does not get better.

I cheered on as we watched at Central Bar. Liverpool was abundant in its attack as they fought to quiet the critics with their defense following suit against a dangerous opponent. Man Utd on the counterattack had a few scoring chances but none closer than Antonio Valencia's shot that ricocheted of the crossbar. But the defense led by Jamie Carragher held firm as Man Utd surged forward. A few beach balls floating down the pitch tried changing the equation but this was Liverpool's day.

Liverpool have found its raison d'etre and the Pemiership are so much the better for it. Torres was quality and so was Benayoun. Without a doubt, the two best players. But Pepe Reina, Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger, Glen Johnson, and Fabio Aurelio all deserve credit for blunting the attack. Javier Mascherano, love him or hate him, did enough to disrupt the Man Utd attacking flow, paying with a red card.

Rafa outclassed his more illustrious counterpart today. This is the boost that Liverpool was looking to get and if they continue to win this Man Utd match will be remembered as the turning point.

Coming from a long-time Arsenal fan, this article is not easy to write; but at the same time, if any fan of football today chose to watch Arsenal vs West Ham, you would have seen a pattern like this:

Arsenal take the lead through an attacking move with less than 6 passes (the most common move of scoring a goal, as stated in Inverting The Pyramid) and partly due to an error by the England first-choice goalkeeper, Robert Green. Minutes later, a corner from Robin Van Persie and a simple header by Gallas took Arsenal to 2-0 ahead, despite the Gunners not performing very well against West Ham, in a game where the Hammers needed 3 or 1 point(s) to start moving themselves up the table.

At this point - Liverpool had beaten Man Utd, Arsenal were now 2-0 up against West Ham, at that moment in time - they had 21 points, with a game in hand, hold out for 45 minutes and win the game in hand, they would be top of the table after 10 games.

This would have certainly been interesting - with many "pundits" (and I use the term rarely, as most modern day pundits, such as Jamie Redknapp and Alan Hansen, do not give any tactical explanation or analysis to football) claiming that Chelsea and Manchester United would be the favourites to win the league, Arsenal being on top of the league would have been great for 3 reasons:

1) As an Arsenal fan, this is what, naturally, I would desire.
2) It would baffle those who have a biased view towards Arsenal - they would ponder; how are Arsenal doing so well?
3) It would make for an interesting season.

This is all hypothetical as Arsenal, did not win the game, and now have 19 points - which is no shame, they are still ahead of Liverpool, providing they win their next game, they will be second place, behind Chelsea, who, to be fair, have been flawless so far, no shame in that.

There is nothing major wrong here - there is no silly, scathing attack on Arsene Wenger, this is just a tactical explanation on why Arsenal cannot win the Premier League and why they have not done so for around 4 or 5 years; this should be a guide on football tactical theory and a view on how attacking football does not always work.

We must start with the basis of looking at Arsenal's formation, and how they play as a team; what kind of mentality they have, etc. Based on this we can underline what Arsenal try to do on a football pitch - and the reason why their principles aren't good enough to win the Premier League.

Arsenal play a very fluid (note, not fluid, but very fluid, there is difference from a fluid side such as Manchester United, to a very fluid side such as Arsenal) system, with high creativity among the players - they are free to interchange positions, to roam around the pitch (free role), etc, but there are always 3 players that stay back - in the match today it was Vermaelen, Gallas and Song, the 2 centre backs and the defensive midfielder out of the trio.

Fluid football, with technical players (players with great technique, great first-touch, etc) means Arsenal will always score goals - providing they win their next game, they will have the highest goal difference in the league, and this is from the team that conceded 4 at Manchester City.

However, the quantity of goals depend on a few things - the opposition's defence, the morale of the Arsenal team, the weather conditions, how narrow/wide the stadium is, etc, in the modern game, even technical, scientific coaches like Arsene Wenger have taken account that not all games can be controlled - there is a luck element, possibly bad refereeing.

In the West Ham game today, Arsenal were 2-0 up, with Arshavin, one of the players free to roam around the pitch, certainly had a low morale to him - he was invisible at times during the match, you expect more from an experienced international; it could be that the distribution to him was not enough; the lethargic, but talented Diaby does not have the vision of Fabregas or the increasing composure of Alex Song, Diaby is a box-to-box midfielder, he sees a lot of the ball, and not nearly enough of it was sent to Arshavin today, it was sent to Eboue - who as great as he is, isn't as good as Arshavin.

This is one reason why Arsenal cannot always win - their distribution and decision-making, at crucial times, is poor. If they had 2 Cesc Fabregas's playing (which would have happened, with Rosicky and Nasri nearly as good as the Spanish maestro) then Arshavin would have had a better effect on the game - just ask Liverpool on how deadly the ruthless Russian can be.

With one theorem covered, we now move on that was specific to the match today - the pitch at West Ham's stadium is very, very narrow. This means attacking is harder - if you are confused about this, think about it - is it easier to find space in a big pitch, or easier to find space in a small pitch? Arsenal failed to find space with the ball in the narrow pitch at West Ham - both goals they scored had a touch of luck about them, never-the-less, Arsenal still scored 2 goals out of nothing, something only top, top teams do. The mistake here, is that Arsenal failed to adjust their tactics (as a pundit would say, lack of a plan B), instead of attacking through the flanks (with Eboue and Arshavin, with Clichy and Sagna as the wing-backs), Arsenal should have focused on attacking centrally - when they did, Fabregas and Arshavin had dangerous shots saved from a central position.

Finally, something so frustrating for a long-time Arsenal fan, is Arsenal's full-back problem. This is the component reason on why I feel they cannot win the league - their full backs are not good enough going forward, often teams play defensively against Arsenal; meaning Arsenal will assign around 7 players to attack - Van Persie (central striker), Eboue (right winger), Arshavin (left winger), Fabregas (but also dropping deep), Diaby (occasional runs) and both full-backs - if both Clichy and Sagna deliver sub-par performances going forward, Arsenal will not create enough chances - something that we saw today against West Ham.

There are positives - there is a better mentality around the team, Fabregas is playing unbelievable at the moment, with Rosicky and Nasri coming back, it does help. Wenger has realised just how important set pieces are - this year they are scoring more from corners and free-kicks than ever, realising that when you aren't playing well and win a cheap corner, then score from that, is called winning ugly, it is what Arsenal have started to do efficiently.

Add to having an excellent manager, with Ivan Gazidis backing him and Usmanov not interested in purchasing the club recently, Arsenal are in better shape this year than last year - but ultimately with the 3 main reasons that I listed, they cannot win the league this year, results again AZ Alkamaar and West Ham will happen 3 or 4 more times this year - add to Arsenal having a natural "poor" game every now and then, with 1 game decided on luck and another on bad refereeing decisions, statistics and logic will say that Arsenal will not win the league this year.

But no matter how many statistics, how many theories, or how much logic you can mess around with, ultimately we are creatures that run on emotion - I hope Arsenal do well this year.

A terrific goal from Fernando Torres off a superb through pass from Benayoun.Torres had Rio Ferdinand hanging on to one of his arms when he scored this.

And Ngog delivered this,the coup de grace in the 95th minute to ensure that the 4 games in a row losing streak was over.

In between huge sighs of relief Benitez had a few words for the press which can be read here..

New coach Quique Sanchez Flores would have looked at this with wild eyed disbelief .Or is it the team that has lost all belief in itself ? The opposition ( Mallorca) were down to 9 men thanks to two red cards in the game.They were playing at home.They were winning 1 - 0 at long last.Injury time was almost over.And then Borja Valero scored this equaliser through the goalie's legs.That's Atletico Madrid at an all time very very low low....

Gregg Berhalter is all business!

While Landon Donovan and David Beckham bask in the aftermath of the Galaxy making the playoffs, the real story in their turnaround is their defense.

31 goals given up in 2009. That is half of the 2008 total!

That is right. In 2008, the Galaxy gave up 62 goals even as they set the scoring ablaze with 55 goals.

The Galaxy defense with goalies Steve Cronin, Josh Saunders, and Josh Wicks gave up over 2 goals a game.

In comparison, with tight fisted Donovan Ricketts in goal and rookies AJ DeLaGarza and Omar Gonzalez, LA gave up just about a goal a game in 2009.

The completely revamped Galaxy defense also included Galaxy returnee Todd Dunivant and TSV 1860 Munich defender Gregg Berhalter.

While Landon Donovan and David Beckham preen, give it up for the unheralded Galaxy defense. They are the true heroes!

Landon Donovan sparked a 2-0 defeat of San Jose completing a turnaround for the LA Galaxy after missing the playoffs three years in a row. In an interesting formation, David Beckham played central midfield and Mike Magee played striker.

Sheesh! Every match Sir Alex gets 5 minutes of extra time?

While each fan will be watching his club play tomorrow, it will be the Liverpool vs Man Utd knockout that will occupy centerstage. It is all about establishing narratives.

The club that most pundits, including the Guardian, that oracle of footballing wisdom, picked to win the Premiership is faced with a situation where this win if it does happen, does not salvage its season as much as it gives hope that there is a kinder God.

Bruised, battered, bewildered. A manager's career lies at stake. A career that has been debated endlessly over the airwaves, blogs, fan forums, pubs, and every form of punditry. Rafa's five years have been reduced to one day, one match. A win will give him a new lease on endless love, a loss will predictably hasten his exit. And a draw will leave no solutions. Amongst Rafa's many nowhere men, will the ones who have succeeded stand up and salvage his reputation?

Anfield is a bit of a tinderbox nowadays as fans battle an unloved duo of owners (10,000 fans will stage a protest against Tom Hicks and George Gillett before the match) who have made many rose coloured promises but failed to deliver. Liverpool's continued success on the pitch introduces a fragile truce between the two parties. It is a strange brand of escapism from the economic abyss facing the club.

Rafa has Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson back in the squad and Steven Gerrard is on the bubble. Fans will remember the 4-1 win last season which was partly caused by an imploding Man Utd defense. And Liverpool have to hope that there are one or two moments of weakness because Antonio Valencia and Dimitar Berbatov have picked up admirably from where an injured Wayne Rooney and the departed Cristiano Ronaldo left off.

The Red Bulls ended Toronto FC's playoff hopes by shellacking them 5-0. The worst MLS team reserved its best for its last game at Giants Stadium.

Next season will be at the Red Bull Arena. Last year, the Red Bulls were runners up to the Crew in the MLS. Hopefully, they will do better in their new digs.

"I say, Arsene, I've got to get this guy off my back. Any ideas on how to beat him? I am on the ropes. How he carries on against fat people. Look at Alan. Mierda! It's not fair."

Chelsea go back to the top of the table with a 5 - 0 hammering of Blackburn.

Watch Chelsea Highlights in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Spurs plied on the pressure but an excellent Steve Simonsen and a dour Stoke defense kept them at bay. Crouch, Keane, Kranjcar, and Lennon tried and tried but all in vain. Twelve shots on goal, none that paid off. Stoke got two chances on goal as they were outclassed and on the second, Keane's Ireland team mate Glenn Whelan scored for Stoke. It proved the difference.

Spurs bright start to the season has stalled. Its a matter of X's and O's as Stoke could have been pulverized just like Hull or Burnley. But Simonsen stood his ground, and when he did not, the goalpost turned away Kranjcar's blistering shot while another occasion saw James Beattie pull off a goal line save. Ever feel that you will never score a goal no matter what? That was Spurs today.

Grampus Eight manager Dragan Stojkovic scored this goal from his technical area and got a red card for his trouble.Meanwhile Fergie,who may also get a red card for his remarks about Alan Wiley is in the meantime passing some unkind remarks about the famous beach ball as the mind games before the big game against Liverpool begin.

Capello should tap this man for ideas

Capello on how other sports can influence football and how he is going to use them to prepare the England team for the World Cup.

"It's important to understand the psychology of all these sports and they've helped me to improve my own style," said Capello. "The mind-set is different in all sports but you can take aspects of them [into football coaching]. Rugby and ice hockey are about fighting. Volleyball is about balance and movement around the court. Baseball is about concentration."

The most obvious choice would have been basketball, a sport that has far greater resonance to football than any of the above mentioned. Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker all cite playing football in their childhood as improving their game. The use of the sidelines, dribbling, the no look pass, the pick and roll, and alley oop are all aspects of the game used by football players in some form or shape. See the similarities between a basketball player double teamed and a football player hemmed in at the sideline trying to break free or find a team mate to pass? Basketball is the most visuo-spatial of the contact sports and next to it is football.

Nash plays pick up soccer in NY's Chinatown on Saturday mornings and works out with the Red Bulls when he is in town. This is what he said:

"You see it a lot in international players the influence soccer has had."

" It allowed them to gain an advantage somewhere along the line. Whether it be agility or footwork, or passing angles and finding creative ways to get the ball either to the basket or to pass it to someone. I think there is something to be transferred from each sport.''

I would advise Capello to ditch the other sports. One word. Basketball. Maybe Nash can advise Capello on how to combine common aspects of the two games. He should have no qualms about supporting England. As someone who grew up on Spurs, he should be a big fan of Aaron Lennon, whose speed, moves, and passing ability remind one of Nash himself.

It was his birthday and the AGM was conducted in a very different atmosphere from the last meeting. So of course, in the warm bask of accolades and affection, one tends to become magnanimous.

But I saw the AZ Alkmaar match and if we are to win a major trophy, we need to do much much better. A 93rd minute equalizer and Abou Diaby coming close to scoring another own goal. It won't do. We should have won against Man Utd but the cheap giveaways continued. It was the same against City. So, lifting a major trophy after a number of years would be very nice but it is way too premature for these predictions.

And as much as one likes comparing present players to other Arsenal greats, it would be jumping the gun to talk about RVP and Bergkamp in the same breath or Abou Diaby and Patrick Vieira. I wish Wenger would let it percolate a little bit longer before these making these comparisons. One stellar game is no basis. Let a season or two go by.

Link:

A shambolic display with inept defending. Crosses, corners, and long balls and and out of position Tim Howard in each situation. To be fair to him, the defense gave no help. It was so bad that fans started exiting the stadium after the fourth goal in the 51st minute. Moyes looked like he has swallowed a toad.

Rafa is in the crosshairs but the same can be said for David Moyes, his derby counterpart.

A stuttering Everton display in the Premiership has seen goals dry up and if it was not for a rejuvenated Louis Saha the situation would have been dire. The defense rebounded after conceding six against Arsenal in the first match. But Burnley was a costly loss and draws against Wolves and Stoke have not helped. Everton are in 11th position and just like Liverpool could do with some badly needed wins. They meet Bolton, which always seems to run its opponents close this weekend. Moyes will be looking to regroup his players after yesterday's horror show.

Strathclyde Police are reviewing CCTV footage to determine which Rangers fans racially abused Maurice Edu after the Unirea Urizceni match.

A spokesman said last night: "It occurred at 10pm following the match. A man, accompanied by another man, shouted racial abuse at the player within the school car park in Hinshelwood Drive, Ibrox.

Edu using Twitter: "Not sure what hurt more: result last night or being racially abused by couple of our own fans as I'm getting in my car."

If Ranger players in the Unirea match were their team's worst enemies, should we expect fans to be any better?

Charlie Davies seems to be recovering well after undergoing additional surgeries to repair a broken left elbow and stabilize facial fractures earlier this week. He sat up in bed and took his first steps. His rehabilitation has begun and could take 6 months to a year.

Gooch underwent surgery to repair his patellar tendon this Wednesday. The surgery was performed by Dr Bert Mandelbaum which was deemed a success. He commenced his rehabilitation exercises immediately which could take 6 months.

Jay De Merit is recovering from eye surgery to replace an infected cornea. The infection occurred when grit got into his left eye under his contact lens in a match against Plymouth last month. Antibiotics stopped the infection but it led to scarring and he underwent a corneal replacement this past Saturday. He is expected to be out for the next two months.

By Barca's high standards this year's CL performance has been shocking. A bare four points and tied with Dynamo Kyiv and Rubin Kazan at the half way mark in the group stage is not what Pep Guardiola and Xavi had in mind.

Xavi sounded a bit defensive, when he said that all the talk of an end of a cycle was nonsense and that the defeat against Rubin Kazan was unexpected. Leo Messi's performance also came for comment.

There has been a drop off in their goal scoring. Against a dogged Almeria, whose man to man marking made goalscoring almost impossible, it was Pedro who rescued them. Valencia resulted in a desultory draw. Andres Iniesta returned from injury but now Dani Alves is out for three weeks.

Barca face Zaragoza at home on Sunday and they will look to getting back on track.

The 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea in the CL group stage was the last straw. With Atletico almost out of the CL and only one win in the Liga, it has been a horrible start to the new season. Goals have been hard to come by given that the club boasts the likes of "Kun" Aguero and Diego Forlan. It had come time to replace Resino.

Replacing Resino will be Quique Sanchez Flores whose had coaching stints with Benfica and Valencia and is already a bit of a rolling stone in his short managerial career. Quique has a reputation of putting in impressive first year results most notably with Getafe, who he guided to an impressive 13th place finish in 2005 and a third place finish for Valencia in 2006.

He might be the ideal person to resuscitate the Colchoneros. In the interim, Santa Denia, the assistant coach will lead the club against Mallorca tomorrow.

In a press conference Abel Resino said, "He who gives everything has no obligation to give anymore. My conscience is clear because I have tried everything. We have been hit hard with results not going our way. Football is capricious."

Coaching tips:What to do when asked a question you don't want to answer ? You say "Silly question and it gets no answer. I've nothing to say about it. I'm at a press conference for a game tomorrow. I'm here to talk about that. Goodnight.". And you storm out.Slamming a door [ if available] helps to add effect.Otherwise you have to be content with just storming out.

Its become almost automatic for the US to qualify for the World Cup nowadays. But there were forty years in the wilderness before the US qualified for the 1990 World Cup when Paul Caliguiri in the grandiloquent "The Shot Heard Around The World" scored against T&T to put the US through. He is therefore the grand poobah of clutch performers.

US Soccer has a post on clutch performers who have guided the US into the World Cup. Aldo 'Buff' Donelli (1934), Pete Matevich (1950), Claudio Reyna (1998), Joe Max Moore (2002), Steve Ralston (2006), and Landon Donovan (2010) are the other names. Donovan gets a mention because of his match winning free kick against Honduras at San Pedro Sula, as clutch as it gets.

FIFA has figured out how to catch overage players from sneaking into the under-17 World Cup due to kick off in Nigeria soon. Medical officers will carry out MRI scans of players' wrists and by measuring the fusion of bones will be able to determine whether they are actually under 17.
The results from the Under-17 World Cups in 2003, 2005 and 2007, analysed retrospectively, showed that up to 35% of players were overage.

"Dear Leaders"

I think even Kim Jong il woud be envious of the uninterrupted reign of Sepp Blatter.

He and his father, Kim il Sung's combined 37 year rule of North Korea have isolated that country and created an international crisis group that deals with that country's nuclear weapons. Blatter and his mentor Joao Havelange have ruled FIFA for 35 years. They have made the world's largest organization (FIFA has more member nations than the UN) their personal fiefdom.

The bad news is that Blatter wants to run again in 2011.

This was a man who was former president of the World Society of Friends of Suspenders, an organization formed to protest "women replacing suspender belts with pantyhose ." He did not stray too far from that underlying philosophy as FIFA president when he said women players should wear tighter knickers as it was more attractive to the female aesthetic.

Showing more leg may be the name of the game but under Blatter, the FIFA does not reveal its hands. It has all the transparency of a hedge fund. Under his watch the ISL bribing scandal occurred when it was revealed that payments of over $100 million were made from 1989 to 2001 to sports officials and others to secure TV and marketing rights.

ISL (International Sports and Leisure) was FIFA's marketing partner and enjoyed extensive connections with that organization for over 20 years. The scandal erupted when it was revealed that $75 million which was to be paid to FIFA for the TV rights of the 2002 World Cup was withheld by ISL who was cash strapped and shortly went belly up, over $300 million in debt. The decision to protect ISL so close to the World Cup as stated by Urs Linsi, FIFA's former finance director "was a higher-level decision within Fifa not to put too much pressure on ISL." There was only one level higher than Linsi - president Blatter.

Blatter survived the ISL scandal mainly because of his friendship with powerful wheeler dealers like Jack Warner, one of FIFA's vice presidents and Julio Grondona, AFA president who wield enormous clout within the CONCACAF and CONMEBOL voting blocs. Warner has a long laundry list which includes black market ticket sales to the tune of $1 million and withholding promised payments to the Soca Warriors after the 2006 World Cup.

It is not just nepotism that rims the corridors of FIFA but Blatter has used the FIFA as bully pulpit especially to subjugate smaller and less powerful countries. FIFA imposed a ban on high altitude matches after Brazil and Argentina complained about playing in Bolivia and Ecuador. Disputes within federations or government interference are almost always settled in knee jerk fashion, suspending smaller countries from international competition. So as Kenya, Iran, Greece, Peru were suspended, Spain escaped sanctions.

FIFA's awarding of the 2010 World Cup to South Africa can be counted as one of Blatter's noteworthy accomplishments but the vote of confidence has been extremely controversial and conditional. It is actually four years late as the original plan was to stage the 2006 World Cup in SA but in what is now widely believed to be a rigged process, the bid was scuttled and Germany was awarded the World Cup. Blatter has used a carrot and stick approach to SA's preparation for the World Cup, publicly supportive of its efforts but not quite tamping down rumours of a 11th moment Australian or USA takeover.

The overall impression of FIFA is that it is a pyramid where all the power is concentrated at the top, in the hands of a powerful few, in a very opaque way. It is strangely disconnected from the more egalitarian roots of the global game. Sepp Blatter has done very little to change that course. Before reforming the game, FIFA should reform itself, starting with term limits for its office holders. Blatter should take that lead.

Listen to Emmanuel Petit, David Dein and Lee Dixon during a special programme, Arsene at 60, on BBC Radio 5 live at 2000 BST on Thursday.

I wonder what Dein will have to say. He has had a complex relationship with Wenger, being responsible for his arrival but his business dealings clashed with Wenger's philosophy of developing low budget talent.

Here is a bit by the Beeb.

" Wenger has not only changed Arsenal - it is widely accepted that his approach to scouting, training, nutrition and statistical analysis encouraged English football to embrace the continental approach to management."

But for Emmanuel Petit, coached by Wenger at Monaco and Arsenal, it is his former mentor's man management which makes him so special.

A video tribute to the Arsenal manager. And some life lessons well learned.

And luckily for all of us, he wants to keep continuing to coach.

"No, it is not me to stop," he said speaking before the weekend game. "If one day I do not do that anymore then I do not see why I should only have the problems!"

Here are some pictures of today's AGM >>

Germany is taking security at the World Cup 2010 very seriously.Their players will be wearing bullet proof vests.Seriously.

The Daily Mail seems to have moved on from shaming divers and cheaters in football to something more fire and brimstone.

I wonder if this wonderful rag had much to say about Max Mosley. I don't remember Jan Moir writing an article about " a life shadowed by dark appetites or fractured by private vice."

I go to the Daily Mail sometimes to catch up on Graham Poll's column but Moir reminds me why this rag is so medieval. Actually Poll's diatribe fits in well with the tone of puffed up indignation and self righteousness.

It seemed the CL was full of petulant players slapping one another. This time it was Grafite slapping Kas in the Wolfsburg vs Besiktas match. It got him the red card.

The biggest debate in the Premiership right now.

Has Rafa made mistakes? Yes, many. It was a huge mistake hawking Alonso in that cheap and tawdry fashion. Rafa does have a reputation of giving short shrift to the personal touch. His use of Benayoun, a creative and clever spark is an after thought. His tactic of rotating strikers have been unsettling and at times unproductive. We have seen some questionable buys in Fernando Morientes, Mark Gonzalez, Jermain Pennant, Andrea Dossena, and Ryan Babel. So we know his faults. Every manager has them. I am an Arsenal fan and in Wenger we trust but there have been moments of real exasperation and second guessing.

But.... the season is early and a few wins later and this could blow over. The best thing going this season is the open look of the league. The Sunderlands and the Stoke Cities have proven real thorns. They can stick it to the best teams who look vulnerable.

Rafa has a track record and it is an enviable one. Liverpool has the best CL record under him in Europe. Last year, they pushed Man Utd hard and if it was not for a series of draws (11) they could have won their first title. They have steadily increased their goal output leading the league with 77 goals. It has become attractive watching Liverpool with Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres play at full tilt and one remembers that classic 4-4 shootout with Arsenal at Anfield.

How Alberto Aquilani performs will be crucial to Rafa's future. After all Rafa spent £20m for him and he is slated as Liverpool's playmaker, so it is only fair to reserve judgment till then. He has been cleared to play and should start by the end of the month. He could be the game changer Liverpool need and Rafa would then look like a genius. If he does not deliver, then yes, the calls for him to resign gain legitimacy. But any new manager coming to Liverpool knows he comes to a club facing economic uncertainty and two unloved owners.

Here is a spirited defense of Rafa >>

Without Cristiano Ronaldo, the Merengues lacked creativity and an attacking spark.

Karim Benzema and Kaka both had an unmemorable outing. It was the supporting cast of Granero, Marcelo and Raul that provided the threat and in the second half Royston Drenthe had his moments.

Pellegrini turned defensive with Lass and Alonso creating redundancy in the holding midfielder positions, with Alonso a bit more adventurous. The lack of width down the right was also quite stark compared to the free movement with Marcelo and Drenthe on the left.

Valencia's winning goal for Man U against CSKA Moscow brought back memories of the missing Ronaldo.

At the back of the head. That is a highlight, yes sirree!

Kaka on his former AC Milan team mate, fellow Brazilian, and heir to his heritage.

" I knew that Pato would deliver at the right time, unfortunately for us. Although there was talk of a crisis, one must simply wait for him and then the talent comes out. "

Atletico Madrid were no match for Chelsea.A dismal 4 - 0 loss is what they came up with.Two goals from Salomon Kalou and one each from Lampard and Luis Perea.

Lights! Camera! Action! The second half had it all. Saves, goals, a melee, and a win for beleaguered AC Milan.

Clarence Seedorf showed an exquisite touch chipping the ball to Alexandre Pato who volleyed home the match winner past Iker Casillas. Seedorf was peripatetic, playing with a vigour that put some of the younger players to shame.

Both Casillas and Dida made two extremely forgettable mistakes, with Raul pouncing on Dida's fumble and putting Madrid ahead in the first half. Dida started the match as Marco Storare injured himself in the Roma game. The match in the first half with the exception of that moment devolved into a humdrum affair with little inkling of a classic encounter.

Pirlo's equalizer came out of nowhere. Just when one despaired of a Pirlo sighting, he pops up at midfield and flicks the ball casually goalward. The ball squeezes past Casillas at the near post as the rest of the players move no muscle. It took a few seconds or so to realize it was a goal. A reminder of how dangerous Pirlo could be, the languid grace and a silky killer touch. The goal energized Milan out of its somnolence and the second goal came from an Ambrosini flick which found Casillas rushing out and the ball skipping past him on a rain slick surface as Pato took possession and smashed the ball into an empty net. Milan 2 Madrid 1.

Manuel Pellegrini brought out Royston Drenthe, another Dutchman who spends an inordinate time on the bench. It turned out to be an important substitution as Drenthe with his bouncing dreads brought an alacrity and sharpness down the left flank and with Marcelo pushed the Milan defense back. Dida was forced into making some sharp saves. A Raul corner isolated Drenthe whose low grounder eluded Dida at full stretch, the ball lodging itself in the right hand corner. Milan 2 Madrid 2.

Nesta and Zambrotta managed to blunt the Madrid attack as Milan took possession in the last 10 minutes. It seemed Thiago Silva had scored the matchwinner from a corner which was controversially disallowed and resulted in a melee that saw Raul and Nesta receive yellow cards. But Milan would not be denied minutes later when Pato scored the matchwinner.

Seedorf, Pirlo and Pato were the pick of the Milanistas. Ronaldinho had a magical moment but his delectable footwork and flick found Seedorf wanting in his finish. For the Mernegues Granero, Marcelo and Drenthe played extremely well and Raul as usual was a goal threat. But Kaka, the biggest name had a pretty disappointing evening.

Group C is very evenly poised. AC Milan and Madrid are both tied with 6 points and Marseille and Zurich are at 3 points each.

November 3rd, Milan plays Madrid at home at the Giuseppe Meazza. That will be some game.

Stan Kroenke has been quietly sweeping up shares wherever he can find them. He is now a mere 1.04% short of the 29.9% trigger for a complete bid for the club. Whether he can spare the £460 million, in the short term to buyout the club is a different question.

Frankly after the Tom Hicks and George Gillett hatchet job at Liverpool, you have to be very wary of someone yet to pay half of the £100m he owes for the shares that he bought last December. Kroenke is also in the risky business of real estate investment which we all know is doing swimmingly poorly in this recession so he takes on even more debt in a takeover.

However, he must be looked on as one of the good guys and his alliance with Danny Fiszman keeps the share level at close to 50% effectively blocking out the unsavoury proposition of having Alisher Usmanov and his Red and White consortium assuming control. That the unaligned shareholders have not been tempted to selling their shares to Red and White is because of the antipathy felt towards Usmanov.

These checks and balances introduced by various factions may sometimes result in seeming inertia but in these troubled financial times it does Arsenal a world of good.

Just so bigoted.

Maurice Edu who played so well in his first season with the Gers was the target of racial abuse by his own club supporters as he exited the stadium after the match against Unirea Urziceni.

Edu did not even play as Rangers imploded under a barrage of own goals in a 4-1 loss to Unirea in a CL group stage match. He has been sidelined with a knee injury and has not played this season.

Rangers Supporter Trust spokesman David Edgar issued a statement: "We would absolutely condemn that if that's the case. These are not Rangers fans and they should be caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law."

C'mon people, grow up.

Minus Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher, Ji Sung Park, and Patrice Evra. All key players. Which should bolster CSKA's chances.

But the one adage after all these years - you count out Man Utd at your own peril. And Juande Ramos will do well to heed this advice. By the way, Ramos has been busy with extracurricular activities, including writing a non-fiction piece aimed at business executives. He will present a signed copy to Sir Alex which the Man Utd manager can peruse on the way home. I wonder if Daniel Levy and Florentino Perez are going to be recipients too.

The backdrop to all this is Sir Alex's storming out of the press conference when he refused to be drawn into questions Alan Wiley. A potential five match touchline ban is a sensitive issue.

But apart from the weighty Wiley issue, he is also be concerned about Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic's drop off in performance. To make it more intriguing Jonny Evans will probably start seeing more playing minutes and could pair up either of the two in the central partnership. It makes sense as Rio slows down as a consequence of injuries and age.

The trip to CSKA also serves another purpose, monitoring Russian players who are now hot commodities. Sir Alex has his eye on 23 year old goalie Igor Akinfeev compared favourably to Lev Yashin as a replacement for Edwin Van Der Saar.

FIFA have established a new award named after Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskas that will be given to the player who scores "the most beautiful goal" of the year.
It will be inaugurated in December during the 2009 FIFA World Player Gala and presented to the player - man or woman - who has scored the "most beautiful goal" during the past year.
Blatter had the following to say about the award.
"I don't think there's ever been another player with the same personality, on or off the field. With this new award, we are not only paying homage to Ferenc Puskas, we're honouring the philosophy of the game."
Mrs Erzsébet Puskás,widow of Ferenc Puskas said:"It is truly an indescribable honour that FIFA, which in the area of our youth is already one of the world's most prestigious organisations, names such an important award after Ferenc Puskás. I thank you in the name of 'Öcsi' and on behalf of all those who admired Ferenc Puskás' ability and personality and who appreciated and respected my husband around the whole world. In particular I would like to welcome here our old friend, Mr Sepp Blatter, who has done so much to create this award. I am very grateful to the Puskás Academy and the Hungarian Football Association, which assisted in the creation of the Puskás Award. I trust that the men and women who will win the FIFA Puskás Award in the future will be appreciative and that football supporters will also be proud of them."

FIFA have announced the following criteria for selecting the goal of the year:

1. It should be a beautiful goal (subjective - the spread of goals should include long-range shots, team goals, overhead kicks, etc.).

2. The importance of the match should be taken into account (objective - limited to "A" international teams, confederation championships and national top-division club matches: the more important the goal, the better).

3. The goal should not be the result of luck or mistakes by the other team.(Balloon assisted goals are ruled out)

4. The goal should support fair play, i.e. the player should not have behaved badly in the game (Ronaldo,Drogba ruled out) or have been charged with doping etc

5. Only goals scored from July 2008 to July 2009 will be considered. (Maradona has a few things to say about this )
Catch up with our old friend - Beaming Blatter - unveiling the new award here..

The win over Derby did not save Southgate's job who was sacked hours later by chairman Steve Gibson. Boro are fourth in the Championship table a point behind West Brom.

It would have appear that Southgate had managed some breathing space with the Derby win stopping a three game losing streak at home but obviously Steve Gibson had other ideas.

Pep Guardiola downplays the defeat and says "it is hardly a clarion call."

Guardiola insisted his team played "well" and that Barça "had done everything to win", but stressed the accuracy of the Russians, a "home run in the opening minutes" and a counterattack, eventually gave victory to Rubin.

However Xavi believed that the Russians did not deserve the win. He complained that they had virtually no attack and got lucky with the 30 yard scorcher that Ryazantsev unleashed to score the first goal.

I have no idea why Yossi Benayoun was substituted by Andriy Voronin. This has been Rafa's blind spot this season - the easy dismissal of the one player who gives Liverpool its best chance at crafting goals in the absence of Torres and Gerrard.

Also, the equalizer by Maxime Gonalons was achieved with 9 Liverpool players in the box who milled around clueless as Reina fell third time unlucky. Similarly, Cesar Delgado arrived at the far post with Jamie Carragher failing to shadow him. It led to the winner in stoppage time.

Lyon lead Group E with 9 points followed by Fiorentina with 6 points (they beat Debrecen, 4-3 in a thriller). Liverpool is third garnering 3 points while Debrecen are yet to gain a point and lie last. Both teams meet each other on 4th November at the Stade de Gerland. It is the worst start to Liverpool's season in 22 years.

Next Sunday, against Man Utd Rafa has to work without Steven Gerrard who could not last even one half against Lyon aggravating his adductor strain yet again. Fernando Torres, Glen Johnson, and Alberto Riera are all doubtful.

Rubin Kazan beat the defending champs 2-1 in their home lair. Against all odds.The odds were 30 to 1 actually. Rubin Kazan would be good at this Russian roulette kind of win.After all they are the Russian Premier League champs of 2008.

For life.

Wenger said: "I'd never want to go anywhere else. Touch wood, as long as I have my health, I would want to work as long as I live but adapted to my potential."

I have to tip my hat to the man. He is committed. He is focused. He breathes the club and the game. You simply cannot ask more from a manager. His belief in the team and the system he has put into place is unshakable and unmistakable. There is something very uncynical, a wonkish joy at embarking on a great voyage together.

"But football is exciting because when you have a team like I have now, it is absolutely exciting because you know that there is potential in this team and it's down to me to get it out."

In many ways Wenger has given Arsenal to the world. There is a deep respect and admiration for the club that I have encountered from those who love the game and it is due to Wenger's philosophy. There are clubs like Man Utd, Liverpool, Barca, Milan, and Real who have enjoyed worldwide adulation for many many years but the last ten years or more also belong to Arsenal capturing the public's imagination with the way they won the EPL and FA Cups. The days of George Graham and his stiflingly dour and defensive teams seem very distant. The Arsenal of today plays an entertaining, stylish, fluid, and attacking brand of football even as it creates critics who measure success through regular silverware. How banal!

But as this article shows, it has not been easy with Wenger entertaining quitting if his health becomes an concern because of a young daughter. Or the disgruntled members in the last shareholders meeting who shocked Wenger with their comments over last season's performance.

On his 60th birthday, our manager will spend a low key evening with his wife, open a bottle of expensive red wine and watch the Europa Cup.

"My birthday will be very quiet. I have the AGM and we have a big game on Sunday again and Thursday night is the Europa League with the fifth referee system. They (referees) are responsible for my ageing so I have to watch that!"

Typical Wenger. Even on his birthday he will not take a day off from work. But I will take out a bottle of good Cabernet and toast the manager who has provided Arsenal with so many memorable memories. Salud!

Here are 10 things about Wenger you may not be aware of >>

I have to say that the Gunners looked like they took their foot of the accelerator most of the second half. In total they possessed the ball just 47% of the time, a statistic that is unlike them. Fabregas did not look sharp and Song looked lackadaisical. The team was missing its characteristic fluid passing style. There were moments of uncertainty with Mannone and the defenders.

On the other hand AZ Alkmaar really pushed up field trying hard to draw level with Cesc Fabregas 36th minute goal and succeeded in keeping away the ball away from Arsenal fro long periods of time. The Fabregas goal came from a mistake made by Nicklas Moisander who gave the ball away to Arshavin. Quick as a flash, the Russian shifted gears finding RVP bypassing him on the left. The Dutchman unselfishly gave up the ball crossing from the left for the arriving Fabregas left with the simple job of tapping the ball home.

The equalizer came in the 93rd minute as the Arsenal defense failed to pick up Graziano Pelle who headed down from a free kick and midfielder David Mendes da Silva volleyed the ball over Mannone. Again, its a pattern noticeable against Birmingham too, these crucial lapses in concentration. There seems to be a unawareness that every minute of the match needs to be played. AZ only got one clear chance at goal but it was enough.

Arsenal retain the lead on top of group H with 7 points, Olympiakos has 6, AZ has 2, and Standard Liege 1. These two team meet up again on November 4th at the Emirates.

His latest incredibly bad idea is that he is going to stand for re- election in 2011.
This latest horrendous error in judgement is comes from a feeling that "he hasn't finished yet"

One of the most eagerly anticipated CL match will be Real Madrid's encounter with AC Milan which will see Kaka meet his old team mates at the Santiago Bernabeu this Wednesday.

This match is a reunion of players associated with both clubs as Klaas Jan Huntelaar a Real reject would like to gain some modicum of payback with a goal. Clarence Seedorf who won the CL in 1998 as a Merengue also returns. And Ronaldinho will relive fond memories of his Barca exploits at the Bernabeu scoring a famous solo goal in a 3-0 win in the 2005-2006 season in the El Clasico. He and the Milanistas have a lot to play for against Real.

Amidst this subtext, Kaka forever princely, has stated that he will not celebrate if he scores.

"I will not celebrate out of respect for everything that Milan have given me, but I will do everything to score as many goals as possible."

Milan will hope that he or any other Real player does not get on the scoreboard. They suffered an embarrassing loss to FC Zurich in their first group match and a loss will set them back six points from Real making it difficult to qualify.

The Swede who is director of football at Notts County felt he could combine his position at the club and the coaching job of the Swedish national team. The Swedish football association was on board with the proposal. But Notts County executive chairman Peter Trembling felt that Eriksson could not have his cake and eat it too.

"We wouldn't allow him to do both jobs - this is a full time job at Notts County," Trembling said on Monday.

The Magpies once promising start has hit foul weather. Some high profile signings have not panned out with Sol Campbell's farcical departure and Roberto Carlos yet to land. They have had a series of insipid draws and losses which have pushed them back to fifth in the league table and they are yet to find a successor to Ian McParland who was sacked on October 12th.

McParland's departure has proved highly unpopular with Lee Hughes being particularly vocal about it. And Notts County is subject to endless media speculation as to ownership control with Anwar Shafi denying he has any role even after the club named him as an investor.

Given these difficult set of circumstances, Peter Trembing probably feels that Eriksson would be distracted with the Sweden job and be less inclined to address the club's pressing concerns.

Indonesia's bid for the 2022 World Cup will be marketed as the "Green World Cup" and be themed around saving the planet - "For the Game. For The World. For Our Planet Safety"

FIFA is scheduled to announce the 2022 host on Dec. 10, 2010.
Indonesia's national squad is currently ranked 144th in the world.
Soccer is mostly played at an amateur level and so it doesn't seem likely that the Indonesian bid is going to go very far.
The idea is good however.

The draw is in. Eight team compete for the last four spots from the European zone.

France line up against Ireland in a two match playoff next month. In the other head to head, Portugal face Bosnia, Russia play Slovenia, and Greece take on Ukraine.

Raymond Domenech who has survived innumerable calls for his dismissal gets one more chance to silence his critics. Carlos Queiroz, another manager under pressure, gets another opportunity to rally his underwhelming Portugese side fortuitously reprieved when Denmark beat Sweden to force them out. If both France and Portugal fail to qualify then surely it is curtains for these two coaches.

Most fans in France barely tolerate Raymond Domenech but he has found one in Catherine Renger, a well known chanteur who gives him a dose of unabashed adulation with her song Le Kiffe Raymond ( I fancy Raymond). The lyrics are unlike Leonard Cohen to be sure.

Go on Raymond, you're handsome, you're good
And I imagine just one golden match and then everyone would adore you
And if he attacked my penalty areas I would be without defenders
A transfer, a good pass and long live our colours
Yeah, you're good, you're classy

Interesting factoid.

AZ Alkmaar inaugurated their new DSB stadium on August 4, 2006 with a 0-3 loss to the Gunners. Gilberto Silva, Emmanuel Adebayor and RVP scored goals. You can watch the goals >>1-0, 2-0, 3-0.

For the record: AZ were undefeated in all 32 of their home matches in European competitions, a sequence which ran from 1977 until 20 December 2007, when they finally lost to Everton of England, by a score of 2-3.

They became Eredivisie champions for the second time last season after a gap of 28 years and their success is built around a tough back four led by Kew Jaliens, an excellent attacking midfielder in Maarten Martens, and Moroccan striker Munir El Hamdaoui who led the league with 23 goals.

AZ Alkmaar v Arsenal
UEFA Champions League
Tuesday, October 20, 2009 2:45 PM (ET)

Walcott's injury woes continue.

His medial collateral ligament has been damaged and will sideline him for four weeks. The team left for their AZ Alkmaar fixture without him. He will also miss the derby against Spurs and is doubtful for the England friendly against Brazil at Doha on November 18th.

Tomas Rosicky is also out with a niggling knee injury but Gael Clichy has been declared fit.

Arsenal squad to face AZ Alkmaar:

Vito Mannone, Manuel Almunia, Carlos Vela, Robin van Persie, William Gallas, Bacary Sagna, Kieran Gibbs, Thomas Vermaelen, Mikael Silvestre, Gael Clichy, Andrey Arshavin, Fran Merida, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Eboue, Abou Diaby, Alex Song

Catch it at The Central Bar on 109E, 9th St, NY

Mike Jones wasn't the only ref to have a bad week.Graham Poll (gleefully?) points out that a collection of game officials had a controversial merry go round kind of experience at the Chelsea - Aston Villa game.These have been named as being Steve Bennett,Paul Rejer,Kevin Friend and Nigel Marriott.
He also found Phil Dowd's refereeing at Fratton park and Referee Lee Probert's work in the Arsenal game not up to the mark.All this on his webpage here..

It had to happen sooner than later. Joel Santana stepped down as SA coach. After the invigorating display by the Bafana Bafana at the Confederations Cup this summer amidst the vuvuzelas, the team went into a tailspin.

Santana's ultra cautious approach and reliance on two defensive midfielders stifled the team's attacking instincts leading to eight losses in nine friendlies, the latest one coming against Iceland five days ago.

Jomo Sono and Clive Barker as well as SuperSport United's Gavin Hunt were appointed assessors by SAFA's new president Kirsten Nematandani to track Santana. But they were denied travel visas for the European friendlies and were waiting for the home games to Japan and Jamaica in November to file their assessment. Santana must have realized that his position was untenable even as he continued his defiance.

Now SAFA which has been inept in its coach selection has yet another chance to get this right. It is believed that Carlos Alberto Parreira might be heading back. Jairo Leal who arrived with Parreira in his previous stint as Bafana Bafana's coach and continued as Santana's assistant has been retained.

Parreira told Globo.com "There is a strong indication that they want to keep the Brazilian style which has adapted perfectly to South African football. There is a possibility of an invitation. I would be inclined to consider if by chance this happens."

Other possibilities mentioned are Leo Beenhakker who was sacked recently as Poland's national coach and SuperSport United's Gavin Hunt.

Under Santana, Nasief Morris who was dropped for disciplinary issues before the Confederations Cup fell out of favour. The left wingback is at new club Racing Santander and has been playing regular minutes. Benni McCarthy was also ignored by Santana even as calls for his comeback mounted led by Didier Drogba and Jacob Zuma, SA's president. A new coach might be able to bring a successful end to McCarthy's international exile.

Oguchi Onyewu will have surgery Wednesday to repair a ruptured patellar (patella- knee cap) tendon in his left knee, an injury sustained during last week's World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica.

The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS) says that a force of 17.5 times the body weight is required to rupture the patellar tendon in a healthy individual. Which means that Gooch was subjected to a force of approximately 3600-3700 lbs.

" The injury most commonly occurs in patients younger than forty years of age who overload the extensor mechanism during athletic activity."

The diagnosis of patellar tendon rupture should be differentiated between quadriceps tendon rupture and meniscal injury. Diagnosis should be carefully established by thorough physical examination and radiological investigation.

History

• Pain out of proportion to injury

• Inability to stand or walk

• Giving-way of knee joint

Physical examination

• Inability to extend knee

• Palpable defect in patellar tendon

• Effusion (swelling)

Radiographs

• Patella alta

When the patella rides high on the lateral view of a radiograph (as seen in the above figure) it is called patella alta and a ratio establishes the extent of displacement. Patella alta occurs when the patellar tendon ruptures.

Usually surgery is delayed 4-7 days for the swelling to subside and to decrease the chances of wound complications.

Most patellar tendon repairs take 4-6 months to rehab (Gooch's timeframe is to be determined after surgery) with his physical therapy progressing in stages relying on getting back good active knee control and at the end of the 4th month commence running and sport specific training.

The Alan Wiley drama finally came to a head with the FA charging Sir Alex with improper conduct for questioning Wiley's fitness levels. It could impose a fine and a touchline ban.

"He just wasn't fit enough for a game of that standard," Ferguson said. "The fitness of the players, the pace of the game demanded a referee who was fit. He took 30 seconds to book a player, I think he's taking a rest writing down names on his card."

Or maybe there were too many foreign sounding names and he was trying to get the spelling right or the pen was not flowing freely on a cold October morning.

This season has already had its share of refereeing controversies and there might be a besieged feeling on the part of the referees association. The Europa fixtures with two additional referees has already come in for criticism. Questioning match fitness levels of referees really adds insult to injury.

Just happened to catch Keith Costigan, Warren Burton, and Chris Miles this Sunday talk about the economic import of the 2010 World Cup. This complex issue got about two minutes.

First, none of the three really work on this particular aspect of the sport. And it showed. There were banalities - it is good for the host country and the fans of the qualifying countries who go to pubs to see matches, boost the local economy. Not particularly insightful.

Second, If you expected statistics and charts which would lay out the numbers you would be disappointed. There were none. There is enough data from the last World Cup to show that it was a financial windfall for Germany. They could have used it to make the section interesting.

" The four-week tournament earned Germany's tourism industry an extra 300 million euros ($399 million) in revenue, added 2 billion euros to retail sales and yielded 50,000 new jobs, according to the final report on sports' biggest event."

Get an expert from a sports business group to add meat to the discussion. It could be an important lede to the 2018 or the 2022 World Cup bid by the USA.

From the US Soccer website:

This week Davies who is out of the ICU will undergo surgery to repair a broken left elbow, and may require operations to deal with facial fractures.

Meanwhile you can email your good wishes to him at:
CharlieDavies9@yahoo.com

711 games for Real Madrid.That's Raul's latest Real record.He also scored two goals in the game.Real Madrid moved to within a point of Barcelona after their 4-2 win over Valladolid because Barcelona only managed a draw in their game against Valencia.

You can clearly see Glen Johnson did not get his foot on the ball. Bent's shot skips just over the defender and hits the red beach ball and deflects into goal. And the culprit is one of Liverpool's fans.

Steve Bruce should heave a sigh of relief on this one.

Even a lay person not well versed with rules, would be sufficiently at unease when an outside agency influences a match. What prevents the fans then from launching dozens of bright red beach balls? Or from throwing debris that could distract players? It is preposterous that Mike Jones was unaware of such a basic rule.

Rafa might very well have a reputation for being overly analytical but even for him this is a particularly dispassionate reaction.

"The goal changed the game but we made some mistakes and gave the ball away. When we had our chances, we didn't take them. These things can happen. It's a bad situation for us that the [beach] ball was in the middle and was influential but again I will say we didn't play well - that's the main thing for me."

"Losing four games is bad but crucial? That depends on the next few games. If we can win two or three games in a row we can be at the top of the table. It's a question of keeping our confidence, working hard and trying to do better."

Having no Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres is bad enough but factor in a beach ball undoing a possible draw against a good Sunderland side unlucky not to get a win against Man Utd two weeks ago. Liverpool would be in sixth position albeit in a very early season where dropping a point carries less consequences but given the open look this year might very well turn out crucial. Rafa maybe right that winning two or three games puts them back in contention but if the clubs ahead of him also do the same then the gap remains the same.

At the club itself the economic prospects are dismaying with George Gillett and Tom Hicks looking to end their joint ownership with an eye out for new buyers. The parent company Kop Football Holdings suffered a $42.6m loss for the year ending July 2008. Rafa's relationship with the club's American owners have been contentious in the past especially over player transfers and it goes without saying that funds will be harder to come in the future if the club fails to attract additional investment.

There have been missteps with player signings as Glen Johnson for all his offensive prowess has proven less deft with his defensive abilities. Rafa also did not endear himself using Xabi Alonso as bait and then signing a crocked Alberto Aquilani for £20m slated to start his playing career in about two weeks after a long injury layoff. It has left him with far less goodwill with fans.

These words by Rafa do little to galvanize just before a very difficult week for them against Lyons in the CL group stage and then face league leading Man Utd this coming weekend. They may mean a gradual emotional disinvestment from the club. Lets face it even managers are not impervious to the Liga's seductive embrace.

While most of the US was transfixed by the Balloon Boy saga, Liverpool fans were encountering their own problems with dirigibles.

Yes, a bright red beach ball that wandered onto the pitch seems to have transfixed Pepe Reina's attention. Enough distraction and deflection of a Darren Bent shot to find its way to goal.

The media is now calling Balloon Boy a hoax. And across the pond former EPL referee Jeff Winter is calling it something similar. He says that the decision by Mike Jones to let the goal stand was shocking.

"It is basic law in football," Winter said. "The goal should just not have stood. The laws state that if there's an outside interference the game has to be stopped. Talk about an outside influence - the ball went in off the beach ball and completely deceived the Liverpool goalkeeper."

Rafa Benitez shrugged of Beachballgate.

"It's a bad situation for us that the [beach] ball was in the middle and was influential but again I will say we didn't play well - that's the main thing for me."

Contrast the placid cow approach to the inevitable ballistic Sir Alex Ferguson reaction which would have been to call for Mike Jones head or the summary execution of all bright red beach balls in the UK.

If Liverpool fall out of the top four, should we have the Ballon D'Or given to one bright red beach ball? Just a reminder, Sheffield United's goal against Man City was allowed to stand in a similar situation in a FA Cup fourth round match last season. Joe Hart was the unlucky custodian.

And here for old times sake is a classic >>

Wenger on Walcott following the Ridgewell tackle.

"He has a bruised knee, it is swollen and difficult to assess at the moment. Is it a medial knee ligament that is twisted or just a kick? The fact that he says he felt a little unstable when he was running is not good news. We don't know yet how much of his pain is down to the kick and how much is down to the fact he twisted his ligament."

The knee instability is worrying. If it is a ligamentous injury then the AZ Alkmaar match is out and maybe more.

A note. Walcott's injuries have taken a worrying toll on his visibility. Whether it is his back or now his knee, it does not bode well for a player who seems to be on the cusp of a more significant career.

Yup - that's Messi all right.No doubt about it.....!

Lovely bit of footwork by Van Persie in the box and a snappy finish after Song feeds him of a sloppy clearance by Birmingham. Eboue stretches Birmingham wide before dishing to Rosicky who centers the ball which evades everyone before Diaby arrives to notch up the Gunners second goal.

But Arsenal would not be Arsenal if it did not believe in shooting themselves in the foot. The Blues come back through a Lee Bowyer goal after Mannone fails to collect a Diaby deflection that balloons skywards of a James McFadden cross. But the lapse would not have occurred if the Arsenal defense had reacted in a timely fashion to the unfolding sequence of passes. A nervy feel to the game.

The Gunners persisted coming close a couple of times with Arshavin dragging wide of goal having only Hart to beat and then Van Persie's blast clipped the crossbar. Birmingham came close to equalizing when a falling Mannone managed to palm Ridgewell's center and Gallas was at hand to clear upfield. Arsenal added a third goal after Arshavin coolly found the seam between Hart and the goalpost from a Fabregas pass.

Dejan Stankovic scores this one from the halfline in Inter Milan's 5 - 0 win over Genoa.

It will be awarded to the player who scores the best goal off a balloon lying on the pitch.A lot of painstaking research on the net over a period of five whole minutes has turned up two candidates.One is Darren Bent.His sublime effort is on view in the last post.This second candidate is a player from Sheffield United who also used a balloon to good effect.

This trophy is not to be confused with the Ballon d'Or which is awarded to the European Footballer of the Year - the nominees list of which can be viewed here..Pictures of the respective trophies have been posted to eliminate any possible confusion ...

That one is the Ballon d'Or.
And this one is the Balloon d'Or.As you can see its quite different.

Literally. Darren Bent scored this winning goal for Sunderland off a balloon lying near the Liverpool goal.That sound you can hear is Benitez gnashing his teeth.

And this is how the balloon got onto the pitch in the first place....
Placed there by an away Liverpool fan who had no idea of how much damage his balloon was going to do to their title hopes.

The Hilarious Balloon Goal - Sunderland Vs Liverpool - Watch more amazing videos here

Bjorn Heidelstrom is cycling from Oslo to Cape Town and collecting signed football jerseys from all teams of all levels along the way. All these shirts will be be sewn together to form the world's largest signed football-shirt - a symbol of the unity of the football family and its solidarity with the plight of young refugees.
He says, "We are creating the world's largest football shirt - a shirt and a symbol that is sewn together by the signed club-shirts." The Shirt symbolises the "football family standing together and not forgetting the small ones."
Big clubs, little clubs and even fans who sign their own shirts can become a part of the one big shirt - all are welcome!
His website showing the number of shirts collected so far (updated whenever he gets some time off from cycling) is here
Some more details here..

[Bjorn Bjornstrom is ex-professional footballer with a long career in Norway and England (Leyton Orient). Since hanging up his boots, he has worked with football as a focus for marketing, media, values, Soccer Against Crime and Valerenga against racism.
Shirt 2010 already has the backing of the Norwegian Refugee Council and the South African Premier Soccer League and is hoping to get official recognition from FIFA over the coming weeks.Along the route, he's picked up official support from a number of organisations, including the Irish Football Association, and whilst he's cycling through Spain, we hope to get more organisations on board and turn The Shirt 2010 into a symbol of solidarity for football fans around the world.]

Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu of Ghana will get his name written into the history books.He scored the winning penalty that gave a ten man Ghana team a 4 -3 win over favourites Brazil in the FIFA under 20 world cup.

Kaka is "The Maestro" and he's the latest addition to Zidane's squad.

Which is merely a creative way of saying that the awful justice of FIFA may catch up with Maradona for his recent antics.Blatter is threatening to look into the matter and hand out a 5 match ban.

Shortly after Argentina had scraped together another extremely modest victory Maradona,carried away by relief or the emotion of the moment or both,outraged the Argentinian media by some directing some really unsavoury comments towards them.
Details...
A new low to add to this collection of highs and lows

Dimitar Berbatov scored a hat-trick in Bulgaria's 6-2 win over Georgia in a World Cup qualifier and also became the proud father of a baby girl who has been named Dea.

Alberto Gilardino scored a late hat-trick to bring Italy back from the brink- back from being 2-0 down to eventually beat Cyprus 3-2 in their world cup qualifier.

Jonas Gutierrez is brought down by Martin Caceres in a momentary lapse of reason. Leo Messi feeds the ball to Juan Sebastian Veron who blasts the ball into a thicket of legs. Luckily for Argentina and Maradona, the ball bounces of a Uruguayan defender straight into the legs of substitute Mario Bolatti who turns the ball past Nestor Muslera in goal.

Argentina booked their place in the World Cup while Uruguay play Costa Rica in the playoffs for the fifth and final spot.

From the US Soccer website:

Davies suffered a lacerated bladder and fractures to the tibia and femur bones in his right leg. He also suffered facial fractures and a left elbow fracture. Davies was air-lifted to the hospital where a team of doctors first repaired a ruptured bladder and then inserted titanium rods in both the tibia, the bone in the lower leg, and the femur, which is the thigh bone, with no complications. Davies will be hospitalized for at least a week and additional surgeries will be required to stabilize his left elbow fracture and possibly the facial fractures.

"Injuries of this nature usually require a recovery period of six to 12 months and extensive rehabilitation," said U.S. Soccer physician Dr. Dan Kalbac, who is with the team in D.C. and collaborated with the treating doctors. "Due to Charlie's fitness level, his prognosis for recovery and his ability to resume high-level competition is substantially improved."

Great news. Davies can be expected to resume his playing career and it might be a year or so to achieve complete match fitness through arduous and painstaking rehabilitation which will go through various weight bearing states, progressive resistance exercises, and various forms of ambulation. The pressure will be on but the odds that Davies will see action in the World Cup are slim. The priority is to heal well and avoid all the niggling complications that come from a rushed rehab program.

Charlie Davies was in serious but stable condition after several hours of surgery following a deadly car accident that claimed the life of 22 year old Ashley J Roberta.

Although the injuries suffered by Davies were not life threatening they were serious enough that his playing career could be threatened. Details are sketchy at this point and we don't know the extent of bony and ligamentous damage that he might have sustained.

We are very glad that Davies survived the crash which seemed to have occurred with such force that it split the SUV he was traveling in into two. But this news is tragic for one of the brightest soccer prospects to play for the US team in years. For Team USA, this is one tough break.

Davies burst on the scene this summer in the Confederations Cup where his blistering speed and combination with Landon Donovan sparked the US into serious contention for the title. Bradley's World Cup striker tandem was pretty much nailed down with Davies proving to be the adventurous and more mobile counterfoil to the physically stronger and taller Jozy Altidore, willing to operate on the wings and switch positions with Donovan, giving the attack a multi-dimensional and fluid look. His one two with Donovan against Brazil in the Confederation Cup final still stands out.

In Davies absence and there is no knowing when he will be able to come back onto the pitch if at all, Bob Bradley will have to re-consider his options and play the more experienced Brian Ching or Conor Casey who scored two goals in the victory over Honduras. Frankly, they lack Davies zest.

The accident took place late at night and it appeared Davies violated his curfew. According to the police he was not driving and was one of two passengers. The US team plays the Ticos tomorrow at RFK stadium in an otherwise inconsequential match.

"As a team, we were saddened to learn this news," Bradley said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Charlie and Charlie's family as well as the others involved. ... It hit us all hard."

We wish him a speedy recovery and here is praying that Davies once again dons his boots and resumes his promising career. Condolences to Ashley J Roberta's family. May she rest in peace.

Fergie will be making a second apology over his comments about referee Alan Wiley to try and stop the wave of indignant referees heading his way - baying for blood.

This article should read " why US sports is synonymous with event management" or "the MLS without toppings is just another cheese pizza."

The World Cup qualifier between Mexico and El Salvador saw some un -bee - coming tactics by a swarm of bees that were obviously supporting Mexico.
The swarm took up temporary residence inside the El Salavdor goal and proceeded to distract the goalie by buzzing around and cheering for Mexico.He took offence at this and the game had to be stopped till the overpatriotic insects could be cleared from the area.Mexico went on to win 4 -1. There's a more detailed description of the comedy surrounding the efforts to chase the bees away here...

An unusual occurrence.Of the 7 goals scored in the world cup qualifier between Greece and Latvia - two were scored off overhead kicks.One was scored for each team.Each scored from more or less the same angle at the same goal.
Maris Verpakovskis scored the first for Latvia like this......

Giorgos Samaras did the same for the Greeks scoring a similar goal from a similar angle...

The final score of the game was 5 - 2 and all the 4 remaining greek goals were scored by Theofanis Gekas.

Miroslav Klose's 35th-minute goal helped them to beat Russia in Russia which is no mean feat in itself.It also meant that that Germany have taken their customary place - qualifying for yet another World Cup.

And after he had picked himself up here are some of the things he said to the press
On religion.
"..... a miracle from Saint Palermo occurred that has given us one more life to qualify "
"The bearded man [God] came to visit the stadium of River,"
On Messi
"I'm not preoccupied by the form of Leo [Messi] at all. It reminded me of when I played at these fields with the wind and the rain and I couldn't touch the ball. I understand Leo, I will continue putting him on. But putting Palermo and [Gonzalo] Higuain on together, no, it will be one of the two. It will only be Palermo and Higuain together if we need to."
On the game to come against Uruguay..
"We will be playing for our lives in Uruguay to qualify."
And Argentina is saying "Amen"

Haminu Dramani catches Reyna napping on the ball
(2006 World Cup)

Buried deep in the mountain of sports news on college football, NFL, and the baseball playoffs in the NY Times, Jere Longman writes about the US qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. It was not exactly on top of the sports news in the major broadcasting networks either. Some of this may have to do with the match's limited airplay.

But more to the point, the feeling is sixth time around, the novelty has long worn off and it merits little attention. After all capturing one of the four CONCACAF spots is not exactly a coronation. It is what you do with it after that counts.

The US performing well in the Confederations Cup brought on a bit of mainstream news cycle and for a ephemera the team forced itself into the national consciousness (Barack Obama cheering on) but the fringe-y feel quickly returned once the competition was over. The World Cup qualifying has sprawled on in subterranean fashion.

However, this World Cup should feel different not just because every four years it attracts part time lovers of the world's biggest sports spectacle but I think the US is positioning itself as actually doing well in a competition that really counts. Bob Bradley might have his detractors but he took a chance with Conor Casey and it paid off. The US was able to fight back after falling behind Honduras.

There is a settled feel to the team and in Landon Donovan they have a captain with a look in his eye missing from Claudio Reyna. And its been a long time since one has been excited by one player (Cobi Jones) but Charlie Davis brings that quality. The group of death in the 2006 World Cup did not help and the US needs a bit of luck with the draw but overall this team means business. I think we can look to less of those Haminu Dramani moments.

There have been false starts like the 1994 World Cup and the 2002 World Cup euphoria which have bred skepticism but there are deeper and more parallel processes in play with the USA bidding for the 2018 or 2022 World Cup and a president who seems to follow the sport as passionately as he can without detracting from his hoop dreams.

Soccer fits well into the USA's improved image abroad as do the rapidly changing demographics with large immigrant and exurban populations growing up on the sport. Seattle is a successful example of a city that can support traditional US sports as well as the MLS. Similar demographics favour MLS expansion into the Raleigh Durham and Austin areas. And big European clubs now recognize the depth of of interest in the US market. The record breaking attendances following Chelsea, Barcelona, and Real Madrid in their preseason showed that there is an audience for good soccer.

The sport with its much higher profile stands to gain from more media attention devoted to it. But first, nothing breeds success like success. The US has another chance to prove that this World Cup.

The US goes through to the World Cup!

I gave the Hondurans the benefit of their stranglehold at San Pedro Sula and happily I was proven wrong.

A blizzard of goals descended on the second half of the match. And the US came out winners in the end. Amongst all the chatter about Charlie Davis, Jozy Altidore, and even Brian Ching; Bradley trotted out Conor Casey to start.

In the scale of shock, this fell a wee bit short of Barack Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Casey is Crew's not so secret weapon but apart from that distinction he is not really known for his stellar national contribution.

But it is a peculiarity of this US team that there are a finite number of players but infinite heroes. They crop up every game. Yes, Landon is a staple and once again he did not disappoint but Casey put the exclamation point(s) on this game.

So even as we feel good that the US invariably manages to be very efficient in converting shots on goal there is a bit of the separate the "wheat from the chaff" syndrome. The Hondurans missed a penalty which might have given them a draw and the defending again did not shine. Bradley needs to pause to recalibrate.

We have entered the World Cup for the sixth time in a row but are we being set up for a giant pratfall? For now we celebrate. But we should guard from the cock a hoop attitude that fatally undermined our 2006 World Cup appearance. Partly generated by the unprecedented 2002 World Cup success but also by being part of the insulated CONCACAF region that can induce a sense of misplaced destiny.

Mexico clobbers El Salvador 4-1, in front of a sellout crowd at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Our friend Blanco "technically" scored two of them, although he was awarded just one.

The US surprised everyone including Coach Bradley by leading Honduras and closing it down 3-2. Two goals by the Rapids' Conor Casey and a third by Landon Donovan sent Honduras packing. Now they might actually have to play Maradona's Argentina to qualify (if Argentina loses to Uruguay on Wednesday, that is).

Well done Mexico. And well done USA. Now let's have a great World Cup!

Diego's tattered dream lives on.Still alive,barely so, but alive still.Martin Palermo did a Paulo Rossi - he was in the right place at the right time.93 minutes had ticked themselves off the clock when he came up with the winner.

Simao Sabrosa scored twice and the third goal came from Liedson .
Rooney will be disappointed... Ronaldo is laughing.

What a tragicomedy.

Higuain puts Argentina up 1-0 at the beginning of the second half. Then it starts pouring. And in the 90th minute, Peruvian substitute Rengifo nods one in to tie the game.

It's all over for Argentina, or is it?

In the 93rd minute, Martin Palermo equalizes for Argentina. I missed it, but apparently Maradona does a belly flop to celebrate.

Then Peru kicks off and hits the Argentinian cross-bar from the halfway line. No goal.

Game ends. 2-1. Maradona's Argentina squeak by. Messi was largely ineffective - again.

Now it's Uruguay on Wednesday.

Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano has been a bastion for the Catrachos

If representation in the world leagues were a criterion for winning, the Hondurans would be a strong match for the US. Unlike Jozy Altidore, Jonathan Spector, and Oguchi Onyewu, these players also get to make the starting squad. Wilson Palacios, Hendry Thomas, and Maynor Figueroa are all stalwarts for the Premiership teams and David Suazo is now back in Inter after a somewhat indifferent spell at Benfica.

The question on the road is whether Bob Bradley wants to play to win against a strong Honduran team that has been perfect at home. They have scored as many goals and conceded fewer.

Bradley himself says "the challenge to go there (Honduras) and come away with three points is one we're embracing."

But he seems unsure.

"Ideally we can finish up things Saturday but there are factors in all of this that are sometimes out of our control. It has been a very tight final round," Bradley said.

Bradley could go all out and and still lose risking fatigue and injury and leaving him vulnerable against the Ticos who play on Wednesday at home for the final match. Or he could play for a draw and then go all out on Wednesday knowing he stands a better chance of a win.

He has questions at right midfield and at the left back position. The other problem areas are difficulties in keeping the ball and defensive lapses.

Deuce will be MIA with a shoulder sprain. Lets put it this way. The man is an enigma missing the mark more often than not but as soon as he is counted out he pops up with a timely goal. With him the US are effectively a 4-3-3 squad. The protean Dempsey is a important link in the overlapping and interchangeable game that the US uses with great success.

If Bradley wants to go for a win then Stuart Holden will be a strong pick. He widens the game with his speed and a strong physical center like Altidore could be the beneficiary of his set pieces and crosses.

Depending on his priorities Bradley can also turn to Benny Feilhaber for more midfield control and better ball possession if the US struggles to make an impact. Feilhaber has become the go to player in such circumstances.

As left back, Jonathan Bornstein has been soft and we saw some inept defending by him against El Salvador at Sandy. Reinaldo Rueda could potentially exploit the situation by introducing the speedy Wilson Palacios against Bornstein.

Key match ups:

Carlos Costly vs Carlos Bocanegra and Oguchi Onyewu

The Hondurans have Carlos Costly who loves running straight upfield and will try and overcome the central barriers of Onyewu and Bocanegra with his speed. Inter's David Suazo should return too after a long absence and he could pair up with Costly. Reinaldo Rueda could also turn to Carlos Pavon who at the age of 35 remains incredibly productive.The US defense has had some embarrassing ball watching moments where they give way too much space which the hard running Hondurans could exploit easily.

Wilson Palacios vs Jonathan Bornstein

Jonathan Bornstein is the weak link and the Hondurans could exploit the left back position with Wilson Palacios. The Spurs man provides the heft in midfield with his indefatigability and speed. Look for a number of attacks to emanate from this flank. The US with Donovan should track back to help out Bornstein.

Landon Donovan vs Hendry Thomas

Out of the two strikers Davis has had a stronger impact with his new club Sochaux with Altidore again finding himself on the bench at Hull. Davis is so much more dangerous as he combines seamlessly with Donovan. Hendry Thomas has bolstered Roberto Martinez's Wigan squad with his hardman tactics and he will be called in to disrupt the US passing game which means closing down Donovan.

Ricardo Clark vs Ramon Nunez

The mirror of the Donovan vs Thomas match up will be Ricardo Clark marshaling the defense to stop Ramon Nunez who is Honduras playmaker in the absence of Amado Guevara from supplying the ball upfield. Ball possession will also be pivotal and there has to be an awareness in the backfield of the dangers of cheap giveaways with Clark leading that effort.

The US will come out strong and if they can snatch a goal, it might prove consequential in a draw. Look for some good counterattacks but the Hondurans are going to control the ball and come back in the match.

My prediction: USA 1 Honduras 2

Not a literal reference to the Honduran coup which ousted Manuel Zelaya but the decision not to broadcast the match by the Honduran soccer federation.

From the US soccer website:

" In regards to the U.S. Men's National Team's match against Honduras on October 10, the rights are owned by the Honduras federation, which chose to sell the U.S. television rights, in both English and Spanish, to a company which opted to broadcast via closed circuit feed only. As a result, the match will not be televised by any network or cable channel. "

For NYers, the Play by Play Sports Bar at Madison Square Garden and Nevada Smith's are hosting the match. For more info on where to catch the match >>

U.S. Men vs. Honduras
Estadio Olimpico; San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Oct. 10, 2009 @ 10 p.m. ET

Yesterday we had Ronaldinho on the bongos.Today's musical entertainment comes from the golden voice of ..wait for it .. Cristiano Ronaldo.It's an advert for a bank and you hear him sing for about 5 seconds.

This second video reveals that maybe "golden voice" is a bit of an exaggeration.Ronaldinho on his bongos is definitely a better musical experience.Some technical skullduggery was definitely afoot in the first video.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge fans will remember what he said.."Swans sing before they die - 'twere no bad thing,should certain persons die before they sing."
That sums it up pretty well.

In a statement to his club's website, Alex Ferguson said the following with regard to the Alan Wiley issue "I apologise to Mr Wiley for any personal embarrassment that my remarks may have caused and to The FA for going public with my views.In retrospect, I accept that this could be deemed as expressing those views in an inappropriate forum.It was never my intention to bring the focus of intense media attention on Mr Wiley. I intend to contact him personally after I return from a trip overseas during this international break.I would wish it to be noted that I have always respected Mr Wiley's integrity and that I did not state or imply: that Mr Wiley is a bad referee; that he was in any way biased; that decision-making generally during the game was poor, or that he missed any key incident during the game.My only intention in speaking publicly, was to highlight what I believe to be a serious and important issue in the game, namely that the fitness levels of referees must match the ever increasing demands of the modern game, which I hope will now be properly addressed through the appropriate formal channels."
And that's what humble pie tastes like.

At the L'Ermitage club in Paris celebrating the goal he scored the other day.The powers that be at AC Milan are however most likely going to take a dim view of his skills on the bongo...

Torino and Ancona from Italy's Serie B was where this bit of long range marksmanship took place.Torino keeper Matteo Seren cleared the ball and was probably in the process of congratulating himself quietly for a clearance well made when he saw the ball hurtling back towards him at an altitude still beyond his reach.The clearance had landed near Ancona's Pasquale Schiattarella standing near the halfline.He had booted it back and and must have been more than half pleased to see it sail over Seren's head into the goal.It looked like a bit of a fluke but Schiattarella ran around and basked in the glory for a bit and generally gave the impression that he knew it was going to be a goal.

...remembers stamping on Portugal's Ricardo Carvalho in the World Cup quarter-final in Germany and the subsequent theatrics from Ronaldo and his red card.There's a certain lack of sympathy therefore at Portugal's struggle to qualify for 2010.It's a pity he has let Ronaldo to symbolise the entire Portuguese nation but that's the way it goes.The Independent have compiled 10 such cases where sportspeople have lumped players together with nations.And the video of the famous stamp that launched a thousand you tube clips on winks.

Mourinho takes questions from a bunch of really small italian reporters ...and looks really happy for a change.
One of the kids took a particular interest in Mourinho's status as one of the highest earning trainers in football, asking if he gets paid even when Inter don't win.
Mourinho replied: "Usually the Coaches earn more when they have been sacked than when they are working, but I prefer to work than earn more."
Another kid said he rarely sees Mourinho having fun and asked him if he does actually have the capacity to laugh.
"Hopefully I laugh when I sleep and I have no need to do so after," Mourinho joked.
On his playing ability he said, "I wasn't a phenomenon but I haven't done bad as a trainer."
One kid called Jordan plays in goal and asked Mourinho if he had any advice.
Mourinho replied: "The goalkeeper is alone on the pitch. He has a different jersey. He occupies a different position and has to be good, not only technically, but also psychologically strong and determined."
Final quote..
"Yes, I say swear words with my players and with my assistants when I am angry.I don't see myself training a women's team, because it's already difficult training men and it would be even more so with women,"
So that's what Mourinho looks like when he is out of the spotlight..

Plenty if this picture is anything to go by.That's definitely a wall they are forming.Judging by the number of chaps in the wall it's the meerkat equivalent of Cristiano Ronaldo who is going to take the free kick.

And don't miss the little guy in the corner looking back to remind the goalie to keep his eye on the ball..!
And if that's not enough similarities here are ten reasons why Arshavin is called meerkat.

When the analytical nerds get going, it's best to smile and step out of the way.

According to them, the best soccer team in the world has only a 28 percent chance of winning the World Cup even if it makes it through to the knockout stages.

So how do they explain the fact that Brazil has won five World Cups? Or four for Italy? Luck?

Divers at the World Cup in SA may find themselves in Warner's sin bin.

Alan Wiley, the official accused by Sir Alex Ferguson of not being fit enough to referee, ran farther than all but four Manchester United players during the 94 minutes of the game against Sunderland.

ProZone shows that only four United players and three from Sunderland ran farther than Wiley, 49. His average distance from the ball was 17.7 metres. Elite referees in England are allowed an average of up to 20 metres.
There's a clamour of protest from the referees union.
The national secretary of professionals' union Prospect, who represent referees, Ian Leighton said: "I don't know what Sir Alex earns but a small fine or a touchline suspension would be like water off a duck's back to him, so there has to be some recognition that this is a serious allegation that needs to be properly dealt with and punished severely.There are issues around suspension from the job that would be new territory, but the FA has to grab the nettle on this one. There has to be some sort of punishment that's going to stop people from doing this or otherwise we're going to see more and more of it.
We have to be talking about punishments that are going to really lead to a change in behaviour."

Apart from asking him to say "sorry" and not allowing him any chewing gum for one week the suggested punishment is to ban Ferguson from any contact with his players on match days as well as preventing him from entering the dressing room before and after the game - a Uefa-coaching ban.

Scientists from a Spanish University have cloned some pigs and have named one of them after Kaka if this report is to be believed.They have even posted a picture and the resemblance is quite remarkable - right down to the Real Madrid uniform.However just in case the thing turns out to be an elaborate hoax you can check out the University of Murcia website here for confirmation.The information however,will most likely be in Spanish,and it doesn't help if like me the only spanish word you know is "ole"

Brilliant but not enough to prevent Sevilla from giving Real Madrid their first defeat of the season.

England's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine on saturday is going to make history.For the first time since the invention of television and live broadcasting an important international game between two footballing nations is not going to be telecast on TV.
People at home who want to watch the game have to see in on the net at a cost of £11.99.
This is because no television network has £2 million to spare.That's the ransom demanded by Kentaro,the sports marketing company that owns the rights, to screen the match live.
Hence the fury...

Boca Juniors striker Martin Palermo did with his head what Rory Delap does with his hands - namely propelling a football to distances outside the range of normal human endeavour.His headed goal covered a distance of about 40 yards.That is definitely a world record attempt.

And they got 6 shots on target.Blackburn managed 2 in return.Allardyce is blaming the ref.

EPL 7 Round Arsenal Vs Blackburn - The top video clips of the week are here

Ronaldinho. Here he is saving AC Milan from defeat with 6 minutes to go and the weight of the world's expectations not lived upto on his poor shoulders.

Pedro received a pass with his back to goal, moved slightly past the defender and sent the ball swerwing past the Almeria goalkeeper Diego Alves before he actually realised that the ball was coming his way.That was the sum total of the goals in the game.Barcelona looked a bit weary of life and for most of the rest of the game the ball was kicked back and forth in a desultory fashion.But the goal was enough to take Barca to the top of the league table.

A moment of brilliance from Berbatov against Sunderland at Old Trafford yesterday.

The video of the goal.

Man U scraped a draw thanks to another equaliser that came in stoppage time against a Sunderland down to 10 men.There was another set of complaints from the Sunderland coach about the sending off being unfair.Another game at Old Trafford ,another controversy.A pattern seems to be settling in and Man U,far from looking invincible,are looking distinctly vincible these days...

Adidas and EA Sports unleash Schweinsteiger "The illusionist" for the release of FIFA 10

Ribery did a Messi -esque flicker between two Juventus defenders and then almost pulled off what Buffon called "the goal of the century." Complete Buffon quote below....

"He had a great move to get between the defenders, something that was worth the ticket price alone. He was one-on-one with me and instead of hitting it low, he tried to score the goal of the century, but I'm tall and so he had to chip it higher and went over the bar."

Part of an Adidas ad campaign.

Follow Zidane on the quest to assemble the ultimate team There is a graphic novel version which can be viewed here.There are 3 graphic novels and they are like well X Men comics or something in that vein. Ad agency 180 in Amsterdam and its offspring agencies Riot and Detail are in charge of the project.The artwork is by Jae Lee, Ryan Benjamin and J.G. Jones.
Zidane has gathered 3 players so far and they have normal names and X Men names as well - Steven Gerrard ( The Powerhouse), Kaka (The Maestro) and Emmanuel Adebayor (The Lightning Strika).The quest continues.Meanwhile the video.....

He's usually not cowed down by the opposition and is pretty bullish when he plays but it looks like Ronaldo has finally met his bovine match ..........!

Raul made it into the Real Madrid record book again with his 709th appearance for the club while they were hammering Marseille 3 - 0.
Also trying to grab the headlines is one C Ronaldo with two goals in the game.

Hannu Tihinen for FC Zurich against A C Milan.It's a bit of football and a bit of ballet.

Eleven league titles, two Champions Leagues, four FA Cups and now 150 goals for Manchester United.Some legends still walk tall.His 150th goal helped to keep the Wolf(sburg) at bay when they scored first at Old Trafford.Michael Carrick scored the eventual winner.

Watch Manchester United v VfL Wolfsburg in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com