Barcelona lost 1-3 to Real Betis, which was a moral win as Barcelona qualified anyhow to the Semi Final as they won 5-0 in the first game. Messi scored a hatrtrick in the first game, and scored for his team a goal that is very difficult, but again, Miessi makes it look very easy
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Neymar Superhattrick for Brazil vs. Paraguay
This superhattrick came just in the right time, few days after changing the name of my blog.
Brazil beat Paraguay 4-2 in South American Champion Chip under-20. The top 4 will play in Youth WC U20 that will be held in Columbia. The top 2 will also play in the summer Olympic Games.
Brazil beat Paraguay 4-2 in South American Champion Chip under-20. The top 4 will play in Youth WC U20 that will be held in Columbia. The top 2 will also play in the summer Olympic Games.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Asian Cup memories - part 3
As this Asian Cup is getting nicer and nicer with very interesting goals and we are still in the group stages, I will continue these posts. Kuwait left very early with three defeats, scoring a goal and receiving seven. To understand how bad this is, I will take you long journey to the 1980 Asian Cup which was held in Kuwait.
Drawing Football wonderful project
This is a wonderful piece of art, an animated pictures, done by a Japanese guy in his mid-20s. According to his Japanese site, he used 500 sheets to create this video. It took one month of planning, and other five months for the actual drawings.
The video takes you into a journey behind the time wih Pele, Maradona, Cruyff, Zidane and Roberto Baggio and a lot of imagination:
The video takes you into a journey behind the time wih Pele, Maradona, Cruyff, Zidane and Roberto Baggio and a lot of imagination:
Monday, January 17, 2011
The collapse of the Saudi team
Saudi Arabia lost today 5-0 to Japan in the last game of the Asian Cup. This is the worst defeat for the Saudi team from another Asian team since 1981 when it lost 5-0 to New Zealand. In general, this is the lowest point ever reached by the Saudi football after the 2002 0-8 defeat from Germany.
Saudi team was beaten from within before the start of the game. After Peseiro was replaced, head of Saudi Federation was himself replaced. There were rumors that Saudi players left the camp. Another rumors (from the Japanese press) that some players seen drunk at late hour at night.
However, I am not that shocked by this defeat, I don't see it that bad .................
First of all, when the team internally has problems, fights and serious issues, you can expect the worse. It happened to a wonderful Cameroon team in 1994 WC. After a great start, they faced Russia in the last game. Russia surprisingly beat Cameroon 6-1. The reason was that the team had internal problems, rumors of players trying to stay-over at the US, and financial issues.
So, collapsing in such situations was not surprising. I expected Japan to win at least 2-0.
When Saudi lost the 0-8 in 2002 vs. Germany many people were aiming for a big change in Saudi Football Federation, but nothing happened. Now, the big change is happening and people are aiming for a restructure of the football federation.
One man, the team manager, Fahd Al-Musaibih was very well known by his mismanagement and was a big factor in killing players morals for many years. Rumors that he resigned today.
Still too early to judge, but if real restructure happened, we can see Saudi team 1994 again.
A lot of pressure from the media that cannot take it anymore, as Adil Essam Eddin famous comments after Jordan defeat (this link in Arabic)
Saudi team was beaten from within before the start of the game. After Peseiro was replaced, head of Saudi Federation was himself replaced. There were rumors that Saudi players left the camp. Another rumors (from the Japanese press) that some players seen drunk at late hour at night.
However, I am not that shocked by this defeat, I don't see it that bad .................
First of all, when the team internally has problems, fights and serious issues, you can expect the worse. It happened to a wonderful Cameroon team in 1994 WC. After a great start, they faced Russia in the last game. Russia surprisingly beat Cameroon 6-1. The reason was that the team had internal problems, rumors of players trying to stay-over at the US, and financial issues.
So, collapsing in such situations was not surprising. I expected Japan to win at least 2-0.
When Saudi lost the 0-8 in 2002 vs. Germany many people were aiming for a big change in Saudi Football Federation, but nothing happened. Now, the big change is happening and people are aiming for a restructure of the football federation.
One man, the team manager, Fahd Al-Musaibih was very well known by his mismanagement and was a big factor in killing players morals for many years. Rumors that he resigned today.
Still too early to judge, but if real restructure happened, we can see Saudi team 1994 again.
A lot of pressure from the media that cannot take it anymore, as Adil Essam Eddin famous comments after Jordan defeat (this link in Arabic)
Ibra and R.Carlos join goals of the week
This week is very rich with wonderful goals. Even in Asian Cup, we seen four great goals so far. After Villa Real great goal couple of days ago, Ibra scored a super goal vs. Lecce
I am amazed not only by the magical finish, but also his fight for the ball. Usually, these type of balls are lost to defenders.
The other goal is again a crazy one from Roberto Carlos for Corinthians against Portuguesa (2-0). It was a very smart one from Roberto. Difficult angle and he saw that the keeper is not paying attention to this angle. Also, the Brazilian player who let the ball pass through his legs did it very smartly
I am amazed not only by the magical finish, but also his fight for the ball. Usually, these type of balls are lost to defenders.
The other goal is again a crazy one from Roberto Carlos for Corinthians against Portuguesa (2-0). It was a very smart one from Roberto. Difficult angle and he saw that the keeper is not paying attention to this angle. Also, the Brazilian player who let the ball pass through his legs did it very smartly
Barcelona and new Messi role
It kinda became boring and a routine in the Spanish League to watch Barca and Real winning every game against other teams. Barcelona crashed Malaga 4-1, with a wonderful opening from Iniesta. What's interesting in recent Barcelona game is Messi new role. More and more he is positioning behind the strikers and provide sharp penetrating passes. Remember his two passes in the 5-0 vs. Real? He did two again yesterday,
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Great free kicks day in Asian Cup
Today, two memorable goals were scored in the Asian Cup 2011. Qatar beat Kuwait with three nice goals. The third goal was a very special free kick
but the best goal came from China vs. Uzbekistan in a 2-2 draw. Uzbek scored a wonderful second goal but the Chinese free kick to make it 2-2 was a great wonderful goal
but the best goal came from China vs. Uzbekistan in a 2-2 draw. Uzbek scored a wonderful second goal but the Chinese free kick to make it 2-2 was a great wonderful goal
Tribute to Syria
In the past, I used to dislike seeing an unusual country advance in football. In 1994 I said, I cannot stand seeing the Americans win in football. In 1998, I was shocked when I saw a new team raise the World Cup, France.
Today, I am totally the opposite, I cheer and love when I see a new country develop their football. I start cheering for countries like Japan, Korea and USA in the World Cup. And in the Asian level, I cheer so much for Syria and Jordan that managed to embarrass biggest teams in Asia.
Most likely Syria won't make it to the second round tomorrow after group games. Yet, I tribute these great Syrian goals for their achievement. These are recent goals when Syrian football did big leaps,
a great goal vs. Iraq in 2008
and some goals vs. Kuwait by the star Firas Al-Khateeb
Just as a reminder, Syria was not always a bad team. In 1984 Asian Cup, they beat South Korea 1-0 and lost hardly to Saudi team 0-1. They were about to reach 1986 World Cup. They had to play two legs with Iraq. Tied the first 0-0 but lost 3-1.
They never came into big achievement before, but never as well had big humiliations. They always lost to big teams by a goal difference, and sometimes managed to get a tie.
Finally, this great goal in a friendly vs. South Korea
Today, I am totally the opposite, I cheer and love when I see a new country develop their football. I start cheering for countries like Japan, Korea and USA in the World Cup. And in the Asian level, I cheer so much for Syria and Jordan that managed to embarrass biggest teams in Asia.
Most likely Syria won't make it to the second round tomorrow after group games. Yet, I tribute these great Syrian goals for their achievement. These are recent goals when Syrian football did big leaps,
a great goal vs. Iraq in 2008
and some goals vs. Kuwait by the star Firas Al-Khateeb
Just as a reminder, Syria was not always a bad team. In 1984 Asian Cup, they beat South Korea 1-0 and lost hardly to Saudi team 0-1. They were about to reach 1986 World Cup. They had to play two legs with Iraq. Tied the first 0-0 but lost 3-1.
They never came into big achievement before, but never as well had big humiliations. They always lost to big teams by a goal difference, and sometimes managed to get a tie.
Finally, this great goal in a friendly vs. South Korea
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Big changes in Saudi football
As predicted in yesterday's post, Prince Sultan Bin Fahd, Head of Saudi Football Federation, announced his resignation today. This is the biggest event in the history of Saudi football. Now, everybody is awaiting to know the new members and structure of the Saudi Football Federation.
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| Crying Saudi fan, a common scene in recent years |
There is big hopes that the Saudi team will start to recover from a 17 years of decline, and will start having a big U-Turn. All of this will be clear when we know the structure of the Federation.
Goal of the week
I think it is difficult to pick a goal better than this one for this week
Cani scores a great goal for Villa Real vs. Osasuna
Cani scores a great goal for Villa Real vs. Osasuna
Friday, January 14, 2011
Thierry Henry cool goals with Monaco
Two freaking own goals
Will the Saudi football take a U-Turn or continue sinking?
I could not find a better picture to represent the conditions of the Saudi football today better than this one
Let me go back to the Owairan goal in 1994, and the very good mondial for the Saudi team, it didn't come by a chance or just as an individual effort. It was a result of a lot of progress since 1984 when Saudi won their first Asian Cup.
Saudi Arabia officially was the first team to exit Asian Cup 2011 after two defeats from Syria 1-2 and Jordan 0-1. It is not a big issue to lose a game or two, but, the way Saudi lost and the whole set-up of the team and the journey this team has taken since 1994 World Cup till today, is the real issue.
(the links in this post are full of interesting videos)
Little Bit of History:Let me go back to the Owairan goal in 1994, and the very good mondial for the Saudi team, it didn't come by a chance or just as an individual effort. It was a result of a lot of progress since 1984 when Saudi won their first Asian Cup.
By 1992, it was apparent that the Saudi team is heading towards something big, especially when you watch such wonderful goals vs. USA and Argentina in the first Confederation Cup.
After the 1994 WC, Saudi football started to decline slowly. 1994 WC coach Jorge Solari quit the Saudi team. The Saudi federation kicked out the coach that won 1996 Asian Cup (Vengada) and next year the coach that reached 1998 WC (Pfister), only to hire Carlos Alberto Perreira, who himself was kicked out as a Saudi coach after failing to reach 1990 WC. Ironically, Perreira was kicked out during 1998 WC after losing to France 0-4. Saudi Arabia had to play last group games vs. South Africa with the joke local coach Mohammad Al-Kharashi.
All of this worked well, Saudi still had good talents from the past who managed to make the ship kept going, up and down.
Then, comes the worst event of the Saudi football history, the 0-8 defeat vs. Germany in 2002. After that Mondial, the Saudi Football Federation started to talk about big plans to have big change of the Saudi football. A lot of committees, consultants and real plans.
However, things only went worse. 9 coaches were changed, many players were kicked out of the national team, sidelines then returns. The story was almost the same. Yet, Saudi team fans had two things to remember:
- Qualifying to the 2006 WC.
- Playing the Asian Cup final in 2007.
Yet, the coach of both teams were kicked out. I was so sad about Calderon from Argentina, who lead the team to 2006 WC. It was the last time that the Saudi team played a decent good football.
Little Bit of Today:
Saudi football clubs and league started to decline slowly. Talents today are not rich like yesterday. And even the new promising talents, they peak only for 2 to 3 years. They earn millions of dollars which prevent them from being a good target for the small European Clubs that played big role in developing football in African countries.
So, Saudi football lost almost everything possible in recent years:
- AFC Champion League: Last time a Saudi team won was 2005. Before that, it was always a common factor in this league.
- Gulf Cups: Saudi team lost four last cups. Last time won was in 2003.
- Asian Cup 2011: Saudi team entered with already a have campaign against the Coach. Everyone was awaiting what will happen?
- After losing the first game vs. Syria, Saudi Football Federation changed the coach and appointed Nasser Al-Johar. (he is the same one who lead the 0-8 defeat). Changing the coach during the competition is something common, and was done for the fifth time.
- Now Saudi lost the second game on a row, vs. Jordan. Both teams used to be considered among the "piece of kick" in the past.
- Today there was big announcement that six Saudi players quit international games. Something that was never happened before in Saudi football.
The talk about the Saudi Football Federation is the biggest topic (directly or indirectly) in all football channels in the region, the media, the forums, the cafes and everywhere.
The big question that everyone is awaiting:
- Will the Saudi Football Federation be changed totally? Which will mean the Saudi football might make a big U-Turn and repeat something of the 1994 WC memory?
- Or it will continue, and this means, Saudi Football and Titanic will have similar fates?
Then, comes the worst event of the Saudi football history, the 0-8 defeat vs. Germany in 2002. After that Mondial, the Saudi Football Federation started to talk about big plans to have big change of the Saudi football. A lot of committees, consultants and real plans.
However, things only went worse. 9 coaches were changed, many players were kicked out of the national team, sidelines then returns. The story was almost the same. Yet, Saudi team fans had two things to remember:
- Qualifying to the 2006 WC.
- Playing the Asian Cup final in 2007.
Yet, the coach of both teams were kicked out. I was so sad about Calderon from Argentina, who lead the team to 2006 WC. It was the last time that the Saudi team played a decent good football.
Little Bit of Today:
Saudi football clubs and league started to decline slowly. Talents today are not rich like yesterday. And even the new promising talents, they peak only for 2 to 3 years. They earn millions of dollars which prevent them from being a good target for the small European Clubs that played big role in developing football in African countries.
So, Saudi football lost almost everything possible in recent years:
- AFC Champion League: Last time a Saudi team won was 2005. Before that, it was always a common factor in this league.
- Gulf Cups: Saudi team lost four last cups. Last time won was in 2003.
- Asian Cup 2011: Saudi team entered with already a have campaign against the Coach. Everyone was awaiting what will happen?
- After losing the first game vs. Syria, Saudi Football Federation changed the coach and appointed Nasser Al-Johar. (he is the same one who lead the 0-8 defeat). Changing the coach during the competition is something common, and was done for the fifth time.
- Now Saudi lost the second game on a row, vs. Jordan. Both teams used to be considered among the "piece of kick" in the past.
- Today there was big announcement that six Saudi players quit international games. Something that was never happened before in Saudi football.
The talk about the Saudi Football Federation is the biggest topic (directly or indirectly) in all football channels in the region, the media, the forums, the cafes and everywhere.
The big question that everyone is awaiting:
- Will the Saudi Football Federation be changed totally? Which will mean the Saudi football might make a big U-Turn and repeat something of the 1994 WC memory?
- Or it will continue, and this means, Saudi Football and Titanic will have similar fates?
Tottenham Hotspur great game vs. Charlton Athletic
Spur had a great game in a great year beating Charlton 3-0 with 3 nice goals, and a special performance from Defoe
Tottenham Hotspur v Charlton Athletic
Uploaded by trigzmetric. - Basketball, baseball, pro wrestling and more sports videos.
Tottenham Hotspur v Charlton Athletic
Uploaded by trigzmetric. - Basketball, baseball, pro wrestling and more sports videos.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Qatar beat China in a sensational way
Qatar had a great game vs. China and the 22 years old player Yousef Ahmad scored both goals, the first goal was a stunning great one. Game ended 2-0 but it could have been much more.
This summarizes the difference between the Saudi and Qatari team. The first changed the coach as they lost 1-2 vs. Syria. Qatar, with intense pressure, of having the whole world looking at them after the World Cup bid, and Qatar being the host ..... and with that, they kept on their French coach Bruno Metsu.
This summarizes the difference between the Saudi and Qatari team. The first changed the coach as they lost 1-2 vs. Syria. Qatar, with intense pressure, of having the whole world looking at them after the World Cup bid, and Qatar being the host ..... and with that, they kept on their French coach Bruno Metsu.
Messi celebrates the award with a special hattrick
Messi celebrates the player of the year award by scoring his third hattrick for the new season against Real Betis in the Spanish Cup.
The hattrick was scored in a very "Messi" way, however, in my opinion, the play of the game came with the fifth goal assist from Iniesta, with a very special cross to Seyodu Keita
The hattrick was scored in a very "Messi" way, however, in my opinion, the play of the game came with the fifth goal assist from Iniesta, with a very special cross to Seyodu Keita
Monday, January 10, 2011
Lionel Messi Deservedly 2010 Player of the Year
"To be honest, I didn't expect to win today, but it was already great to be here next to my two mates. To win it makes it even more special. I want to share with all of my friends, my family, all the Barcelonistas and the Argentinians."
I think I got this one right. I told my friends if I were to vote, I would vote for Messi, but I think he will find strong competition first from Iniesta, then Xavi. Unfortunately, my vote does not count : )
The award is based on coaches, captains and global journalists.
Messi became the first player to be named player of the year in a World Cup year without winning the cup.
Messi scored 60 goals in 2010 for Barcelona in an amazing run. 10s of them were jaw dropping performance. I won't talk about his superhattrick vs. Arsenal, amazing dribbles, one-two goals, rather, I will post a goal from 2009 Champion League against Lyon. It is my favorite goal for Messi,
In the other award, Murinho won the coach of the year. I think it is a very deserved title, especially when you watch Inter Milan with exact same players, but without Murinho. Also, the way Inter managed to beat Barca in the semi-final second leg of the CL was a great performance, and it takes a lot of guts to do it.
Also, Hamit Altintop goal vs. Kazakhstan deserved its title. It is an amazing goal, in its technical quality, it is the first time I see a volley better than the Marco Van Basten 1988 goal. Of course, Basten goal had its own historical importance.
Here is the full list for the FIFA awards for 2010:
FIFA Men's World Player of the Year: Lionel Messi
FIFA Women's World Player of the Year: Marta
FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men's Football: Jose Mourinho
FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women's Football: Silvia Neid
FIFA FIFPro World XI of 2010: Iker Casillas; Maicon, Gerard Pique, Lucio, Carles Puyol; Xavi Hernandez, Wesley Sneijder, Andres Iniesta; Cristiano Ronaldo, David Villa, Lionel Messi
FIFA Puskas Award: Hamit Altintop
FIFA Fair Play Award: Haiti Under-17 women's team
FIFA Presidential Award: Archbishop Desmond Tutu
I think I got this one right. I told my friends if I were to vote, I would vote for Messi, but I think he will find strong competition first from Iniesta, then Xavi. Unfortunately, my vote does not count : )
The award is based on coaches, captains and global journalists.
Messi became the first player to be named player of the year in a World Cup year without winning the cup.
In the other award, Murinho won the coach of the year. I think it is a very deserved title, especially when you watch Inter Milan with exact same players, but without Murinho. Also, the way Inter managed to beat Barca in the semi-final second leg of the CL was a great performance, and it takes a lot of guts to do it.
Also, Hamit Altintop goal vs. Kazakhstan deserved its title. It is an amazing goal, in its technical quality, it is the first time I see a volley better than the Marco Van Basten 1988 goal. Of course, Basten goal had its own historical importance.
Here is the full list for the FIFA awards for 2010:
FIFA Men's World Player of the Year: Lionel Messi
FIFA Women's World Player of the Year: Marta
FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men's Football: Jose Mourinho
FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women's Football: Silvia Neid
FIFA FIFPro World XI of 2010: Iker Casillas; Maicon, Gerard Pique, Lucio, Carles Puyol; Xavi Hernandez, Wesley Sneijder, Andres Iniesta; Cristiano Ronaldo, David Villa, Lionel Messi
FIFA Puskas Award: Hamit Altintop
FIFA Fair Play Award: Haiti Under-17 women's team
FIFA Presidential Award: Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Saudi Arabia changed 24 coaches since 1994 WC
"It is not acceptable for Saudi Arabia. The coach has had enough time, more than a year and a half, to do a perfect job." as said by Sultan bin Fahd, the President of the Saudi Arabian Football Association.
It was one of the most stable and long times that the coach stayed at the "Green Falcons" as used to be called. That period was one and a half year!!!!!
Jose Peseiro was fired after Saudi defeat by Syria 1-2 in the first game of the Asian Cup. He was replaced by Nasser Al-Johar, a local coahc. If I am not mistaken, this would be the first ever victory for Syria against Saudi Arabia, at least in the first team level. (source: my memory)
Here is some irony:
- As per Dubai Sport Channel analysis, Nasser Al-Johar (the new coach) was sitting in the game and taking notes in his note book. So, the decision to change the coach was mostly decided. The Saudi Football Association was only waiting for the right time.
- Nasser is not a new coach. This is the fifth time that he been appointed as the coach of the Saudi team (always called as the substitute coach, or the spare part).
- He was the coach that lead the team to worst defeat in its history: 0-8 vs. Germany in 2002 World Cup.
- Saudi national team changed 24 coaches since Candinho was fired in 1993 WCQ (which is practically when the team qualified to the WC for the first time in their history).
Mohammed Al-Kharashy 1993
Leo Beenhakker 1993
Mohammed Al-Kharashy 1994
Ivo Wortmann 1994
Jorge Solari 1994
Mohammed Al-Kharashy 1995
Ze Mario 1995
Vingada 1996
Otto Pfister 1998
Carlos Alberto Parreira 1998
Mohammed Al-Kharashy 1998
Otto Pfister 1999
Milan Máčala 1999
Nasser Al Johar 2000
Slobodan Santrac 2001
Nasser Al Johar 2001
Gerard van der Lem 2002
Martin Koopman 2002
Nasser Al Johar 2004
Gabriel Calderon 2004
Marcos Paqueta 2006
Helio dos Anjos 2007
Nasser Al Johar 2008
José Peseiro 2009
Nasser Al Johar 2011
- Let's do some benchmarking, Germany changed 5 coaches during the same period. Italy changed 7 coaches.
- Saudi team itself changed 21 coaches in 36 years. (1957-1993) as 1957 was the first coach appointed.
Now, it changed 24 coaches in 18 years (1993-2011), that is almost double the speed.
These are all small indications of the professionalism of football in Saudi Arabia and the reasons why the team that qualified to the second round in 1994, cannot now qualify to the second round of the Asian Cup.
It was one of the most stable and long times that the coach stayed at the "Green Falcons" as used to be called. That period was one and a half year!!!!!
Jose Peseiro was fired after Saudi defeat by Syria 1-2 in the first game of the Asian Cup. He was replaced by Nasser Al-Johar, a local coahc. If I am not mistaken, this would be the first ever victory for Syria against Saudi Arabia, at least in the first team level. (source: my memory)
Here is some irony:
- As per Dubai Sport Channel analysis, Nasser Al-Johar (the new coach) was sitting in the game and taking notes in his note book. So, the decision to change the coach was mostly decided. The Saudi Football Association was only waiting for the right time.
- Nasser is not a new coach. This is the fifth time that he been appointed as the coach of the Saudi team (always called as the substitute coach, or the spare part).
- He was the coach that lead the team to worst defeat in its history: 0-8 vs. Germany in 2002 World Cup.
- Saudi national team changed 24 coaches since Candinho was fired in 1993 WCQ (which is practically when the team qualified to the WC for the first time in their history).
Mohammed Al-Kharashy 1993
Leo Beenhakker 1993
Mohammed Al-Kharashy 1994
Ivo Wortmann 1994
Jorge Solari 1994
Mohammed Al-Kharashy 1995
Ze Mario 1995
Vingada 1996
Otto Pfister 1998
Carlos Alberto Parreira 1998
Mohammed Al-Kharashy 1998
Otto Pfister 1999
Milan Máčala 1999
Nasser Al Johar 2000
Slobodan Santrac 2001
Nasser Al Johar 2001
Gerard van der Lem 2002
Martin Koopman 2002
Nasser Al Johar 2004
Gabriel Calderon 2004
Marcos Paqueta 2006
Helio dos Anjos 2007
Nasser Al Johar 2008
José Peseiro 2009
Nasser Al Johar 2011
- Let's do some benchmarking, Germany changed 5 coaches during the same period. Italy changed 7 coaches.
- Saudi team itself changed 21 coaches in 36 years. (1957-1993) as 1957 was the first coach appointed.
Now, it changed 24 coaches in 18 years (1993-2011), that is almost double the speed.
These are all small indications of the professionalism of football in Saudi Arabia and the reasons why the team that qualified to the second round in 1994, cannot now qualify to the second round of the Asian Cup.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Video pick of the week
I think this wonderful goal for Freddy Guarín for Porto against Maritimo 4-1 victory deserves to be the goal of the week.
The game that ended 4-1 seems to be a wonderful one, and all the goals and missed chances worth watching (in this video)
The game that ended 4-1 seems to be a wonderful one, and all the goals and missed chances worth watching (in this video)
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Messi free-kick magic is back
Barcelona smashed La Coruna 4-0. Messi scored from an amazing free-kick. Since many months we are missing Messi great free kicks and I was wondering, did he lose that part of his skills?
First two games summarize Asian Football
Qatar lost to Uzbekistan 0-2 and Kuwait to China with the same result. The two games summarize what's going on in Asian football today.
- The decline of football in Western Asia: in 1978, Iran was the team from Western Asian to qualify to the world cup. Western Asia added 9 more teams till the 2006 World Cup: Kuwait, Iraq, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iran. 2010 was the first time that Western Asia missed the World Cup. The level is on decline and there is no sign of healthy recovery.
- Two great goals, two lousy goals: watching the four goals were interesting. Two wonderful goals to watch represents the skills in some of the Asian players. Two lousy goals of poor defending represent the lack of team organization in some Asian teams.
- The rise of Central and Eastern Asia Countries: this is too early to judge, as we need to watch Japan and Korea who are expected to emerge much stronger. But, teams in Central Asia like Uzbekistan started to pose more trouble to other Asian teams.
Watch here the two goals of China vs. Kuwait
- The decline of football in Western Asia: in 1978, Iran was the team from Western Asian to qualify to the world cup. Western Asia added 9 more teams till the 2006 World Cup: Kuwait, Iraq, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iran. 2010 was the first time that Western Asia missed the World Cup. The level is on decline and there is no sign of healthy recovery.
- Two great goals, two lousy goals: watching the four goals were interesting. Two wonderful goals to watch represents the skills in some of the Asian players. Two lousy goals of poor defending represent the lack of team organization in some Asian teams.
- The rise of Central and Eastern Asia Countries: this is too early to judge, as we need to watch Japan and Korea who are expected to emerge much stronger. But, teams in Central Asia like Uzbekistan started to pose more trouble to other Asian teams.
Watch here the two goals of China vs. Kuwait
Dear Dunga: Felipe Melo did it again!
Felipe Melo received a very deserved straight red card when he kicked the face of Massimo Paci when Juventus lost to Parma 1-4. Melo got three games bans for his act, and Juvy punishing him with Euro 150,000. (source)
Now, I truely wonder what would be going in Dunga head when he read and see this news? Melo got a yellow card and was in a "BULL" mood during the game vs. Portugal when he had many encounters with Pepe.
Two games later, Melo did it again with Netherlands, he did everything in that game. He did the great pass to Robinho to score a goal. He scored the first goal in his own net. He lost focus and unmarked Scnijder before getting the red card after stamping Robben, and getting Brazil out.
Many analysts blamed Dunga for his selection of Melo, who is known to lose control when he gets angry.
Now, I truely wonder what would be going in Dunga head when he read and see this news? Melo got a yellow card and was in a "BULL" mood during the game vs. Portugal when he had many encounters with Pepe.
Two games later, Melo did it again with Netherlands, he did everything in that game. He did the great pass to Robinho to score a goal. He scored the first goal in his own net. He lost focus and unmarked Scnijder before getting the red card after stamping Robben, and getting Brazil out.
Many analysts blamed Dunga for his selection of Melo, who is known to lose control when he gets angry.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Why do I support January World Cup 2022!
Qatar winning the World Cup 2022 bid sparked so much controversy in the world media and blogs. Now, Blatter recent comments that he expects WC 2022 to be held in January will even spark more controversy. I predict people will say, why FIFA is changing the World Cup rule if the conditions of a country is not suitable to host a World Cup in the first place?
I am a big supporter for the idea of having a World Cup in January, for many reasons, even before Qatar ever thought to host a world cup:
First, let's talk about Qatar conditions:
- I am from Saudi Arabia, which has very similar weather conditions and I know how it feels in the summer. Yes, Qatar promised air-conditioned stadiums to reduce the temperature from 40s to 20s Celsius centigrades. So, having the sever weather conditions won't be that much of an issue for players and people in the stadium.
Second: let's talk about the quality of the World Cup itself:
- I remember reading an interview with Beckenbauer about 10 years ago, he was saying that the Champion League will compete with the World Cup. Later I have realized what Beckenbauer meant. If you look today into the World Cup, you find many of the big stars reach the month of June very exhausted with very little to introduce.
- The following great stars had great local or European season, and a very terrible World Cup or Euro tournament: Marco Van Basten 1990 and 1992, Zidane 2002, Ronaldinho 2006, Messi 2010, C. Ronaldo 2010.
- in 2002, Ronaldo (Brazilian version) was out most of the season and came back only few weeks prior to the World Cup. This why he had a great World Cup, as he was very fresh.
- In my opinion, mid season (i.e. January) is the best time to held a World Cup tournament, so the players are already warmed up, in peak of their fitness and can produce finest game during their season.
Yes, European calenders can be disturbed, but I think it worth disturbing the calenders in order to see players like Messi, Zizou and Ronaldinho in their best form during the World Cup.
I am a big supporter for the idea of having a World Cup in January, for many reasons, even before Qatar ever thought to host a world cup:
First, let's talk about Qatar conditions:
- I am from Saudi Arabia, which has very similar weather conditions and I know how it feels in the summer. Yes, Qatar promised air-conditioned stadiums to reduce the temperature from 40s to 20s Celsius centigrades. So, having the sever weather conditions won't be that much of an issue for players and people in the stadium.
- Well, in reality, weather conditions won't be that bad for players. Most of the soccer games in this region are played during night most of the year, when it gets really hot. Weather is very acceptable in June. It gets to late 20s, and to late 30s sometimes. If you remember, in 1994 World Cup, players managed to play in 40C degrees.
The ones who will suffer are the fans. They won't have that much of an entertainment most of the day in outdoors activities.
- I remember reading an interview with Beckenbauer about 10 years ago, he was saying that the Champion League will compete with the World Cup. Later I have realized what Beckenbauer meant. If you look today into the World Cup, you find many of the big stars reach the month of June very exhausted with very little to introduce.
- The following great stars had great local or European season, and a very terrible World Cup or Euro tournament: Marco Van Basten 1990 and 1992, Zidane 2002, Ronaldinho 2006, Messi 2010, C. Ronaldo 2010.
- in 2002, Ronaldo (Brazilian version) was out most of the season and came back only few weeks prior to the World Cup. This why he had a great World Cup, as he was very fresh.
- In my opinion, mid season (i.e. January) is the best time to held a World Cup tournament, so the players are already warmed up, in peak of their fitness and can produce finest game during their season.
Yes, European calenders can be disturbed, but I think it worth disturbing the calenders in order to see players like Messi, Zizou and Ronaldinho in their best form during the World Cup.
Ariel Ortega career with River Plate is over
Ariel Ortega, the 36 years old midfield maestro and a key player for River Plate in the last two decades, was told by the coach Jose Lopez that he is not needed anymore in the team. Ortega missed the first day training session for the upcoming Clausura tournament, without a clear reason. When he came to training next day, he was told by Lopez on his decision.
Ortega joined River Plate in 1991 and stayed as a key player since them. He had his own transfer and movements around clubs in Europe and Argentina. River remained his main club.
Ortega had an alcohol and disciplinary problems in his career, but not in the last stage in recent years. So, the decision to end his career in a very cold way, won't be appreciated by sports fans and media.
Anyhow, Ariel is one of the players who didn't give all of what he had. His real peak started in 1994 when he played instead of Maradona in that World Cup after the drug test scandal. Despite the defeat vs. Romania 2-3, Ariel had a wonderful game that showed a very promising player. With his shirt number 20, Ariel penetrated the Romanian defence as he wished, created critical smart passes. It was sort of watching Iniesta today.
I remember World Soccer gave a big report on two key players after the 1994 WC: Ariel Ortega from Argentina and Ronaldo from Brazil. One made it very big in career, and one stayed at a normal level.
He was famous by his accurate penetrating passes (as I said sort of Iniesta today) and his chip goals.
Another wonderful compilation for Ortega to watch
Ortega joined River Plate in 1991 and stayed as a key player since them. He had his own transfer and movements around clubs in Europe and Argentina. River remained his main club.
Ortega had an alcohol and disciplinary problems in his career, but not in the last stage in recent years. So, the decision to end his career in a very cold way, won't be appreciated by sports fans and media.
Anyhow, Ariel is one of the players who didn't give all of what he had. His real peak started in 1994 when he played instead of Maradona in that World Cup after the drug test scandal. Despite the defeat vs. Romania 2-3, Ariel had a wonderful game that showed a very promising player. With his shirt number 20, Ariel penetrated the Romanian defence as he wished, created critical smart passes. It was sort of watching Iniesta today.
I remember World Soccer gave a big report on two key players after the 1994 WC: Ariel Ortega from Argentina and Ronaldo from Brazil. One made it very big in career, and one stayed at a normal level.
He was famous by his accurate penetrating passes (as I said sort of Iniesta today) and his chip goals.
Another wonderful compilation for Ortega to watch
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Which is better? The cross or the goal?
While browsing for some goals, I came across this interesting goal from Iran, I cannot leave it without sharing
Asian Cup memories of great goals-2
I continue posting some of historical goals in previous Asian Cups. I decided that I will write about the games after I see few games. Usually, Asian Cups are difficult to predict. Not all teams take it with same seriousness. In general, I think it should go to the FarEast or Australia.
Anyhow, from the memory of great goals, I start with the last goal scored in 1984 Asian Cup, by the Saudi legendary player, Majed Abdullah. The goal was against China and it secured the final with a 2-0 lead
Next goal was from the same tournament 1984 by a great Kuwaiti midfielder, Faisal Al-Dakhil.
It was in the group stages when Kuwait beat Syria 3-1
The last for today is from the Saudi Nawaf Al-Timyat. He did a great game vs. Kuwait in the quarter final of Asian Cup 2000. He already scored a goal and did another assist. The score was 2-2 and it was the extra time. Then, he scored this wonderful "Golden Goal" or "Sudden Death"
Anyhow, from the memory of great goals, I start with the last goal scored in 1984 Asian Cup, by the Saudi legendary player, Majed Abdullah. The goal was against China and it secured the final with a 2-0 lead
Next goal was from the same tournament 1984 by a great Kuwaiti midfielder, Faisal Al-Dakhil.
It was in the group stages when Kuwait beat Syria 3-1
The last for today is from the Saudi Nawaf Al-Timyat. He did a great game vs. Kuwait in the quarter final of Asian Cup 2000. He already scored a goal and did another assist. The score was 2-2 and it was the extra time. Then, he scored this wonderful "Golden Goal" or "Sudden Death"
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Weather forecasts at Manchester City
Manchester City is doing one of the best seasons for them this year, they are having the second place after Manchester United, with only goal difference. However, there are a lot of bad signs in terms of what is going on inside the team. I remember reading an interesting article in Champions magazine, and it was talking about the signs of a collapse of a team. Some of them was fights between players, stress between coach and player, rumors from inside the team. All of them are already happening in Manchester City.
 |
| Boating fight with Bolatelli last December. |
Yesterday, Kolo Toure and Adebayor had a fight during the training session.
4th Jan: Kolo Toure fight with Adebayor during training
4th Dec: Tevez angry at Mancini for replacing him.
3rd Dec: (The picture) Boating fight with Bolatelli
30th Oct: Adebayor vs. Vincent Kompany fight
24th Oct: James Milner and Yaya Toure fight in the tunnel
3rd Oct: Mancini and Tevez verbal fight at dressing room
Asian Cup memories of great goals-1
Since Asian Cup is just around the corner, I will take this opportunity to post some of the best goals in previous Asian Cups. This goal is from one of best Iranian players, Karim Bagheri in Asian Cup at 2000 vs. South Korea. It was considered by many as the goal of the tournament. The goal was in the Quarter Final in a game that Iran beat S. Korea 2-1
This goal reminds me sooooooooooo much of one of the most famous goals in World Cup history. It was from Arie Haan in 1978 Quarter Final, when Netherlands beat Italy 2-1. Same angle, distance, strength, style of kicking and difficulty.
Watch Arie Haan Goal
This goal reminds me sooooooooooo much of one of the most famous goals in World Cup history. It was from Arie Haan in 1978 Quarter Final, when Netherlands beat Italy 2-1. Same angle, distance, strength, style of kicking and difficulty.
Watch Arie Haan Goal
Monday, January 3, 2011
Two old NASL amazing goals
NASL stands for North American Soccer League, which was at the mid-70s to the mid-80s the final destination for so many soccer super-stars, like Pele, Beckenbauer, George Best, and much more.
The first goal was in 1983. I am not a big fan of what is called "the Scorpion Kick" or the back heel goals, as many of them depends on a lot of luck, more than a great piece of skill. But, this one got my attention big time.
Goal was scored by Roberto Cabanas from Paraguay, who also was the most valuable player in NASL for that year.
Cabanas was famous of his acrobatic skills and he scored in a famous 2-2 game of Paraguay vs. Belgium in 1986 World Cup. These two goals took Paraguay to the second round. Watch the goals.
And here is the second goal in the mid-70s. It was another acrobatic wonderful goal.
The first goal was in 1983. I am not a big fan of what is called "the Scorpion Kick" or the back heel goals, as many of them depends on a lot of luck, more than a great piece of skill. But, this one got my attention big time.
Goal was scored by Roberto Cabanas from Paraguay, who also was the most valuable player in NASL for that year.
Cabanas was famous of his acrobatic skills and he scored in a famous 2-2 game of Paraguay vs. Belgium in 1986 World Cup. These two goals took Paraguay to the second round. Watch the goals.
And here is the second goal in the mid-70s. It was another acrobatic wonderful goal.
Another wonderful goal by Gareth Bale
The first day in the 2011 Totenham Hotspur beat Fulham 1-0, thanks to a goal by the new star who must be living his best days right now, Gareth Bale. The goal was from a great header from Bale on a very strong freekick. It is difficult to determine how much Gareth did it in intention.
Here is the goal as recorded by a camera fan
and here is as it was recorded by a TV cameraman
Click here to watch the goal
Here is the goal as recorded by a camera fan
and here is as it was recorded by a TV cameraman
Click here to watch the goal
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Video picks of the week
4: Pedro Rodriguez - a beautiful usual Barcelona move ended up with a wonderful strong finish by Pedro. He is becoming a great scorer, he reminds me a lot of Filippo Inzagi, but I think he is a better version of him lol.
2: Christian Ricardo for Levante today vs. Barcelona (1-2). A beautiful volley
1: Goal of the week goes for Watford player vs. Portsmouth. He scored his first ever goal at senior league at age 24. A wonderful way to start counting memories.
New Argentinian star: Erik Manuel Lamela
Erik Manuel Lamela could be one of the best young stars in Argentina. He is only 18 years old and playing with River Plate. When he was 12 years old only, Barcelona tried to sign him up, but they reached no agreement. That was in 2004.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Egyptian football thunder storms
Egyptian football was the best of the Arab and Middle Eastern world in the last decade. They managed to produce a lot of impressive talents, skills and teams (Al-Ahli on club level and the National Team). However, one very big problem this country has is the attitude of most of the best players.
Shikabala:
A recent incident happened few days ago after the big derby Al-Ahli vs. Zamalek, when Shikabala, who I consider him the most talented footballer in the whole Arab world today, faced with racist comments and chanting from the fans, so, he did raise his shoe in the face of the opponent, Al-Ahli fans, after the game.
The incident is shocking, but if you were not shocked enough, here is more into it:
This incident was the talk of sports channels in last few days, and in all interviews I heard, the club officials were very supporting of the player, and gave him the excuses to get out of his nerves.
What happened next, that Shikabala mentioned that he quit international games for good. Hassan Shahata, the Egyptian coach, said that Shika is already out of his consideration. The coach always kept Shika out of his serious squad anyhow.
Few months ago, the same player, threatened a famous Zamalek figure to kill him. The issue went without a ban, with only few thousand dollars fine.
Mido:
Of course, he got the most famous incident of irresponsible attitude in history of Egyptian football.
It was the 2006 African Cup when he refused to be replaced in the semi-final.
I think the reason why Egypt was so successful in winning last 3 African Cups was not just the way that Hassan managed his team psychologically before technically and how he refused sharply for the return of Mido for the next four years.
Mido didn't like it at all, with such comments.
(this interview in Arabic, but he question coach decision to keep him away, and that everyone knows how great he is, except the coach. I do my own international fate, not the coach)
Mido played previously in Ajax Amsterdam, at the same time with Ibrahimovic and Martin Litmanen, but he wasted his chances big time. He questioned coaches like Ronald Koeman who said about him "even if I had to play with ten men, I would not have him back". Leo Beenhakker added "every coach comes up against one unmanageable player in their career, for me, it was Mido".
Mido at his famous 2006 incident Semi-Final, was replaced at the extra-time with Amro Zaki, who scored a goal just few seconds after the replacement.
Amro Zaki:
He had his own good share of the naughty attitudes. He played for one year with Wigan. He had a super start of the season scoring 10 goals and leading the top scorer in the first several games. Later he started his own dispute and lousy attitude with Wigan. The coach Steve Bruce described him as "the most unprofessional player I have ever worked with".
Essam El-Hadary:
The legendary keeper, who was one of the most important factors in winning all previous three African Cups, had his own share as well. He used to play for the biggest team Al-Ahli, but left to Sion without any notice to his club. Two years later (few months ago), FIFA decided on this dispute and banned him from playing for four months and 800 thousands dollars.
I think Hassan Shahata is doing great job in dealing with such personalities and great skills.
Shikabala:
A recent incident happened few days ago after the big derby Al-Ahli vs. Zamalek, when Shikabala, who I consider him the most talented footballer in the whole Arab world today, faced with racist comments and chanting from the fans, so, he did raise his shoe in the face of the opponent, Al-Ahli fans, after the game.
The incident is shocking, but if you were not shocked enough, here is more into it:
This incident was the talk of sports channels in last few days, and in all interviews I heard, the club officials were very supporting of the player, and gave him the excuses to get out of his nerves.
What happened next, that Shikabala mentioned that he quit international games for good. Hassan Shahata, the Egyptian coach, said that Shika is already out of his consideration. The coach always kept Shika out of his serious squad anyhow.
Few months ago, the same player, threatened a famous Zamalek figure to kill him. The issue went without a ban, with only few thousand dollars fine.
Mido:
Of course, he got the most famous incident of irresponsible attitude in history of Egyptian football.
It was the 2006 African Cup when he refused to be replaced in the semi-final.
I think the reason why Egypt was so successful in winning last 3 African Cups was not just the way that Hassan managed his team psychologically before technically and how he refused sharply for the return of Mido for the next four years.
Mido didn't like it at all, with such comments.
(this interview in Arabic, but he question coach decision to keep him away, and that everyone knows how great he is, except the coach. I do my own international fate, not the coach)
Mido played previously in Ajax Amsterdam, at the same time with Ibrahimovic and Martin Litmanen, but he wasted his chances big time. He questioned coaches like Ronald Koeman who said about him "even if I had to play with ten men, I would not have him back". Leo Beenhakker added "every coach comes up against one unmanageable player in their career, for me, it was Mido".
Mido at his famous 2006 incident Semi-Final, was replaced at the extra-time with Amro Zaki, who scored a goal just few seconds after the replacement.
Amro Zaki:
He had his own good share of the naughty attitudes. He played for one year with Wigan. He had a super start of the season scoring 10 goals and leading the top scorer in the first several games. Later he started his own dispute and lousy attitude with Wigan. The coach Steve Bruce described him as "the most unprofessional player I have ever worked with".
Essam El-Hadary:
The legendary keeper, who was one of the most important factors in winning all previous three African Cups, had his own share as well. He used to play for the biggest team Al-Ahli, but left to Sion without any notice to his club. Two years later (few months ago), FIFA decided on this dispute and banned him from playing for four months and 800 thousands dollars.
I think Hassan Shahata is doing great job in dealing with such personalities and great skills.
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