Spain, Spain, Spain Champions !!!!!!

Holland were Thugs and it would have been a tragedy & shame for the game had they won. They should only have had 8 on the field at the end.

Well, my favourites Argentina could not get by the Lucky Germans – Yes, Lucky I say. If you are honest, you will admit that the Germans benefitted enormously from that dissallowed goal against England and the off side goal (#2) against Argentina. England were not as poor as the final score reflects. And, Argentina dominated the Germans for most of the game.

But, all that recent history is done and the final is now done and we have NEW and worthy winners.

What I was most encouraged by, is the way Spain prevailed over a bunch of thugs. Holland were a disgrace. Cruyff could not have been more honest when he said that Holland played ‘anti football’.

Spain really have had some very good teams in the past, but this current team exhibits a far superior maturity than those teams of the past. In days gone by, a Spanish team would have, and did, react far too emotionally and got lost in petty retributions and implosive actions resulting in inconsistent performances.

For Spain to rise above the modern Dutch thuggery & butchery on this occasion, was a sign of World Class. The Dutch, who where once correctly ‘praised & lauded’ for their pride & committment to skilled football, the Dutch team have now stooped so very low, and brought shame to the game. The one exception of course, was Arjen Robben. The referee should have sent off two Dutch players in the first half.

What happened to the beautiful culture of skilled football. This was the perfect stage to show what Holland itself claims to represent.

Will the beautiful football of Spain translate into a new culture of skill in the game in general, or will this evolution in Spanish football be exclusive to that country.

Should the networks be promoting La Liga and shouldnt we really be watching La Liga for entertainment & inspiration, or will the premiership continue to be Europes biggest league. Whatever happens, it is clear that Spain and Spanish players  believe that the audience deserves better, and the way they play today, even when being kicked off the field by thugs, is lovely to watch. They are World Class Entertainers. Thank You Spain & Congratulations.

Well, England are out. A SHOCK. Not really.

Surely Wayne Rooney did not make those remarks to the England supporters live on tele. Oh yes he did, and, who cares. He was obviously extremely frustrated. He is teh kind of player who does not want to walk off any field ever, after having given a performance that was so far removed from his normal world class exhibition that we know he is capable of……then for him to completely disappear in the Germany game……….’something’ was wrong with this team because there was not even a ‘fizzle out’. For that to happen, there had to be a fire, and there was none. So, England supporters, get over yourselves…….I’m English, I can say that. England were NEVER going to win this World Cup. I hope we can at least agree with this reality. WHY. Well, England doesnt have the ability to win a world cup right now. Yes, great players are ‘required’ to make this a reality and Rooney is one of the very best,  but England had no greatness as a team. Clearly there was something wrong with preparation, something worng with the execution of a plan, or with the plan itself.

Let’s take a quick look at the England team, which, on paper (and this is not my player valuation formula, but rather what the insane world of transfer fees has created) is formidable and worth hundreds of millions of pounds. Some of the world’s most recognizable names and faces in football are on the England team.

Yes, I admit, I thought like everyone else, how could this team be so mediocre? And why was their apparent failure so troublesome for so many? What was the invisible force that appeared to be holding back the Three Lions? Was it tactical, was it technical, was it psychological, was it all that pressure, was it fatigue??? All of the above ? So many questions and nobody with any answers. Not even Capello, nor the BBC pundits. Except, I found Roy Keane doing his best to offer some insight as honestly as only he does…and you can watch it here http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8773716.stm Having watched that, you have to admit he is right, Keano does make it brutally clear that the England players were, at best, only mediocre, and that it was not a surprise that this team did not achieve fame for eternity, except perhaps for being the most hyped team at the WC 2010. But I dont agree at all with his description as ‘brilliant’ or his absolution of Fabio Capello. I would include Mr Capello as perhaps the mastermind of the mediocrity and apparent confusion. You see, I did not recognize England. My observations had England ‘attempting’ to play Italian football. I believe that the approach to the game was tactically full of errors. The English were trying to play a ‘foreign’ game. WHY. What would you do that for when you are in South Africa, the show has started and you bugger round with a line up and tactic that is alien to the players that you have in your squad. Even the Yanks played to their collective strengths, albeit limited in repertoire……talk about a team who never say die…….the US gave England, and many others a lesson in pure heart and still got as far as England. But, back to the subject, as Keano says, and I agree with his evaluation, ALL the England lads, with the exception of  Wayne Rooney, had a very average domestic season. Keane spoke the truth about the England players and called into question their current form. However Rooney was not even a shadow of his world class self. WHY. Also, where, for example where was Peter Crouch in all this soul searching. ‘Tactically’, he would have allowed the England team to seek out his dominating height and his somewhat disturbingly unnatural ability to trouble the hell out of central defenses and good heavens no, actually score goals. His flick ons and knock downs could have given Rooney, Lamps & Gerrard a whole lot more shooting opportunities. His obvious towering frame was a certainty to create havoc on corners and free kicks. But, he played all of 17 ‘consolation’ minutes, 11 of them in the first game and another 6 minutes in the next game.

The England back line was rubbish. Not so much individually, but collectively. The way the central defense was organized, it was already too slow to play against the lightning fast counter attacking football that the Germans possess. So if you are going to play such a slow central defense, why line up flat, with no coverage and with keepers who are soooooo nervous about anything that comes remotely close to goal box. England showed clearly uncomfortable signs very early on, as it had great difficulty with the US speed and frankly naivety is the only reason the yanks did not win that game.

Anyway, after all that Mr Capello, you employed your line ups with the talent available to you at the time and as best you know how. But I say that you had England trying to play a game that is foreign to them. I say you did not employ the talent in the most productive manner, and that as a coach/manager, you can only try to play to your available strengths. You did not do this. England are not respected for their sublime skill, they are respected for the determination, and graft, and simple effective football, most of which is exhibited by the same players you selected from the Premiership. Play to your strengths mate ! What do I know.

How about the FUTURE……..So what are the pundit’s saying about all this. Well, Mark Palios (former Pro player & the former head of the FA in England) has stated he believes that more investment in youth development is necessary. He says Better youth coaches. More technical training. Gee, there’s a new idea….NOT. I’ve been saying this for years. But give him credit, it’s true, and  at least he has the guts to say it………check it out here………http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8769716.stm

So, that’s it for now. My prediction of Argentina winning it all is slowly working it’s way to reality. But, the German’s who are next look tough. A great test for Maradona’s boys, though I reckon Messi is about to give some team a lesson. I hope it’s this one. We will see soon enough. Ciao for now.

We are well into the WC 2010 now. The stadiums are great, the fields are beautiful, the spectacle is grand. The competition so far is really very, very average. Serbia who looked quite exciting & enterprising, lost out to a crappy Ghana goal. Spain were humbled, thankfully, as it may actually inspire them to come out of the ‘tactical cage’ that they are in. England are super ordinary, again. The US are playing on adrenaline and are best described as robots on speed. Brazil ‘held’ back quite well by a North Korea. WHAT ? They are a team who only have I think, only 3 players playing outside their own small, insulated, third world country…….one in Russia and two in Japan……how can they hold Brazil like that ???
Next time we inspect their nuclear facilities, we should send some people in to take a look at their football training & development facilities & system. With such extreme isolationism, and it’s social & political third world status, how can the South Koreans do it? Everybody is quick to jump on a system of play, or development bandwagon, be it Spainish, Dutch or Brazilian training techniques, but South Korea actually looked like they participate regularly at the top of international football.
So I asked myself, Self, can all this media hype be just that ? Is it posible that all the money in the world of FIFA & Football advertising and promotion is merely a smokescreen ?
Then the question popped into my head again, Self, where does all the money in the Football world go to ? I know it’s not the sexy question people are really interested in, not when we are in the middle of the beautiful games showpiece, but seriously, who is getting these extremely large amounts of cash ? FIFA generates billions of dollars. BILLIONS. And, its operating budget sees a surplus – even in these tough times. In contrast, if you are poor in South Africa, you are very poor and cant afford a game ticket. But it is a very very rich country if you are one of the very lucky one’s. So I took a quick look to see if there was any dirt on the web about any of the FIFA executives, and/or links to the organizing executive.  Well, what do you know. There is.
Now, how much of it is true? I dont know. But, there are plenty of genuine, credible references to the criminal element inside FIFA and peripheral to FIFA.
So if you do wonder where all the money goes, take a look at this site. The journalist is apparently a very well respected investigative journalist who has been tracking the FIFA party boys for years. His name is Andrew Jennings. His site is ‘TransparencyinSport.com and a recent FIFA story can be seen here http://www.transparencyinsport.org/World-Cup-Winners/PDF-documents/The-2010-World-Cup-Winners.pdf
He has a couple of books out as well and if the football on the field is a bit boring, you can try a read of this off the field stuff, which is very much like reading a spy novel.

And, if thats not enough to fill the vacuum created by much boring footy, try this article……http://bleacherreport.com/articles/406843-money-makes-the-world-cup-go-round It gives you some more ‘perspective’. By the way, when you read anything FIFA quotes as a contribution to ‘development’ in underpriviliged countries, please understand that there are some very fat bank accounts whose owners have done well from so called ‘cultural football development’.

Is that the most asked question on the planet right now. I would say it is without a doubt. If you got a ‘dollar’ (the new amount for this old expression) for every time it has been asked in conversations between fanatical fans and even people who couldnt even explain a corner kick, from San Francisco to Singapore and Vladivostok to Invercargill, you probably would be a ‘billionaire’ (the new amount for this old expression).
Anyway, WHO WILL IT BE ??
Up front and my future credibility on the line, I reckon Argentina.
WHY? For one, you have Maradona…….the guy was a genius on the field himself, and yes, he’s a bit of a nutter off it. But, he knows football, and he knows this competition very well. He is a winner. He exudes the famous macho charisma that stirred the passions and emotions not only of himself, but all those who played with him and frankly, all who watched him. He loves the starlight, and he can handle the sideline, the media, the dressing room and most of all, his players believe in him.
Also, and that is a HUGE also, it goes without saying that Lionel Messi can win a game on his own (can he shoulder the pressure – YES). We all know that, and if you dont believe it, STOP, get off the bus, and go home, because you obviously dont know football. But if you stay on the bus with me, then you can add Milito (timely emergence as a true game winner at the highest level), Higuain (proven lethal, say no more) and Teves (out of the blue, supremely capable of destroying a back line)….Wow. Not a bad crop! That group would scare the daylights out of any defence.
Speaking of which, when you throw in one hell of a tight defence of their own with the experience of Samuel, Demichelis, Burdisso and Heinze forming a ‘barrier’ capable of withstanding even the ’smartest & toughest’ strikers. Now add a fluid, industrious and creative midefield in Mascherano, Rodriguez, Veron, all with considerable intelligence and a variety of strengths, and you have, without key injury issues, a formidable team indeed – on paper.
Nobody knows who will win what is an elimination from the second round on, but once the group stage ‘dust’ has settled, some signs may already be in place.
But you know, ultimately, may the best footballing team win. I want to watch attractive and entertaining football like everyone else. If you are an Italy fan and celebrated their 2006 win, then you were only being patriotic, because surely they were one hell of a boring ‘champion’……who won because Zidane was not on the field. I know, I know, but the truth hurts sometimes and you have to face it now.
My World Cup football history memory has its benchmark anchored to the wonderfull team that Brazil gave us in 1982. Bugger, the bloody Italians popped up again in 1982 to spoil the party. I hope that’s not an omen.
Brazil did not win the Final, but they remain the sweethearts of World Cup history.
Sure, the tournament is different now, I understand all the reasons for this, but whatever team you want to win, you should hope they win with style & class.
For the sake of football.

My Hat is off to Mr Mourihno.
The Champions League Final will be played soon between two teams that not may people, even those ‘Brain’s of the Game Professional Pundits’ could have guessed. I know that I did not and would not have thought of an Inter – Bayern Final.
But, just try this one for size.
IF, and a BIG IF, the esteemed Barca faithful season ticket holders and board room members had decided to employ Jose Mourihno as their Numero Uno, do you doubt that he would have guided Barca past the same Inter squad that is now in the Final? At your peril. NO way. Barca would be in the Final this time.
What’ the point on reflecting on this………well, nothing really, except that (no disrespect) maybe Pep Guardiola really isnt quite as astute a manager as Mr Mourihno?
I mean, Mourihno has been in how many ECL finals now? He has been at the top of the Portugese, English & Italian Leagues for years now. He has won countless titles, and is still derided by more people and press than he is heralded.
I think it’s time to recognize (if you don’t already) that Mr Mourihno deserves the respect that someone like Messi receives, for example. Barca fans & media taunt him with ‘the translator’ nickname with mocking contempt, but he has proven, AGAIN, that he really does know what he is doing…….
Certainly, to function as he does in the enormous pressure cooker environment, every day under a media microscope, he has not failed to produce attractive and effective WINNING teams.
Sure, he has said his share of wierd stuff and some egocentric babble, but when everyone else is hoping you will fail, who can blame the guy for sticking up for himself. He is classy, passionate & confident and I do believe that sums up the way his teams perform on the field as well.
If there is a list of Great Managers out there, Mourihno has to be the top of the List.
By the way MUFC fans, I do believe that you are looking for a replacement and I can think of nobody better. Seriously.
Anyway, Well done Jose. Again.

Well, the astonishing has come to fruition. FC Barcelona, a club I was privileged to be able to play & train & watch games at the Nou Camp when only 16 years old, (then with superstars named Schuster & Simonsen) appeared to have taken hold of the mantle, unquestionably so, and established themselves as the ’super team of the last two seasons’.  That is, untill, Mr Mourihno pops up and says wait a minute guys…….you forgot about me way too soon. Then Barca were promptly dethroned in title, though it should be noted, they still are the best to watch.

By their deserved win over Real in Madrid in the race for the Spanish title, and the rolling over of Arsenal (another glorious side to watch, WHEN they show up) in the ECL,  Barca seemed to silence any remaining doubters/opposition to their Euro conquest, even before any game is played. Granted, if they had not had to travel overland to Milan for the first leg, things may (I think would have) been different today.

So what is it about this team and why not ‘others’? Let’s not forget that the history of football is long and storied, and has had a great number of such dominant & classy teams. Without having to, nor wanting to delve into any of the ‘modern scientific deliberations’ about what Barca do that makes them the fabulous team they now are, I reckon, you need not waste your time.

Lionel Messi is THE answer.You dont need to look at formations, you just need to play the game through Messi. If he is on fire, and he is now, then you have a pretty bloody huge chance of winning. He is the catalyst for success. He would do the same for any team, anywhere, employing any system. Inter Milan & Mourihno were abundantly aware and prepared……..curiously, Barca opponents up till this point had not shut down Messi’s impact on the game.

Stay with me here because I now want to ask, How does that impact youth footballers today? Well, these days, employing ’systems of play’ is all the rage. And, to the detrement of individual youth player development, it’s all backwards.  Especially when teaching youth, we need to focus less on systems of play, and more on improving the player. If a player has the requisite skills, then you can play a line up to suit your respective qualities. But to impose a system before the players can actually use a ball, is backwards.

In terms of Messi and his singular effect on a game, OK, yes of course you have to have a ’supporting’ cast. You always do, always have had to. But can one player be so influential on a game? Er, Yes. How about Zidane, remember him. He was just a little bit on the brilliant side. If you didnt like him, besides being something wrong with your personal perspective on football, you can select one of these, kind of brilliant players; Maradona, Platini, Pukas, Eusebio, Kempes, Laudrup, Batistuta, Pele, Zico, Ronaldo (brazil), Van Basten, Eder, Butragueno, Gullitt, Baresi, Romario, Larsson, Francescoli, Cruyff, Beckenbauer, Di Stefano, Cantona, Cubillas, Kempes, Best, Baggio, Junior, Socrates, Falcao, Rummenigge – just a wonderful selection of many. Any and all of these guys impacted any game they played in.

Modern football has been consumed by what I call ’scientists’. All of them looking for the answers to winning, and the bottom line tactic is, ‘whatever it takes’. Consequently, we have forgotten all too easily, due mostly to the current media barrage forcing us to celebrate a great deal mediocrity in the modern game, that football history really is replete with outstanding game winning/changing phenoms (see above partial list for example)

If ever asked, I always state that Tele Santana’s 1982 Brazil ‘team’ was the greatest of all. They tried to win, but they did not win. However, they will be remembered forever for their beautiful football. You can, and if you have not seen anything of this team, you must enter ‘Brazil 1982′ and watch some tributes on YouTube.

Perhaps Pep Guardiola’s Barca team was our beautiful team? They will not win this years ECL, but, they won the hearts of football fans for the grace with which they tried to play. And Messi, well, he will shine on as ‘the great one’ for the next few years, and ultimately, he will make that list 20 years from now as one of the greats. Whether he stays at FCB, or moves on, he will always be the player who defies ‘the system of play’. Young players out there, Excellence brings Success.

Buy, Buy, Buy more players. No, Sell, Sell, Sell Benitez.

Who cares? I do. From a lifetime fan perspective, I want to see the club return to health. I want to be excited to watch some of that infamous attacking football that used to scare the crikey out of everyone who played the Reds. Right now though, I’m pretty much indifferent about the team, and have enjoyed watching Arsenal & Barca as my default exciting football fix.
What has to happen…..New Players, New Owners, New Stadium, More money……? Chelsea have loads of the stuff and though it helps, it obviously does not buy the silverware. Inter Milan tried it back in the 90’s, Real Madrid have tried it – twice.
The fact remains, without Stevie G and Torres fit & on the field every game, you have a Wigan. Wait a minute, to be fair, Wigan did beat the Reds. Benitez and his rotation is a waste of time. Why, because he does not have the squad to rotate. Liverpool are a second tier club when it comes to attracting players. What happened to the feed of Academy players like Owen, Gerrard, Macca, Fowler, Carra, Murphy that were given their chance at Anfield?
The scene is eerily reminiscent of Gerard Houllier’s last days, if you are a fan, you would remember that period when Houllier tried to buy, sell, buy, sell his way out of trouble………Benitez can’t do that now, there is no money, so his formula for success is without the essential ingredient – he could sell, sell, sell his players but that lessens still his already meagre rotation options…..whoops, there go the masterplan.
I know, how about a simple remedy, a new manager to start with. The turbulent times these days at Anfield, can be directly attributed to the Commander in Chief himself. Even players are now openly stating what most already accept.
How convenient is this – Juventus are reportedly “making inquiries” about Benitez…….Sell, sell, sell him and buy back Alonso from Madrid.
For the time being, I will ‘hopefully’ enjoy the upcoming Arsenal – Barca game (Wed March 31). Unless of course, the scourge of modern football, that is, the stakes being so big these days with the huge amounts of money that goes with victory threatens the potential of what is Europe’s most exciting match up this season and we end up with a predictable and cagey contest of handbags at 10 paces. (Man Utd did it in the CL Final last year)
In any case, All fat Spanish waiters should watch this game.
Till next time.