Merry Christmas from Ronaldo and Kaka

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc227qGtTA0

What will Santa bring our La Liga stars?

Well Christmas is upon us and so this is how La Liga sits at the close of 2011 trading, heading into the winter break.

Suprise packets Villarreal still lead the Liga BBVA by 3 points from Valencia. Followed closely by Barcelona and Real Madrid to round out the top four. Many doubt whether the 'Yellow Submarine' can continue their rich run of form and hang on to top spot for much longer, with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid growing in dominance with every performance.

Its been a difficult season thus far for our title favourites. First we had the calamity beginning to Liga BBVA and a forced restart after 12 rounds. Say no more there.

Then after the restart - our big guns have been very hot and cold. Plenty of goals, a couple of unexpected losses and a few too many draws - summarises the season so far for both Barca and Real.

With both through to the round of 16 in the UCL (Barca doing it comfortably compared to Real), and the clasico out of the way for now, they can both now get on with the business of taking a strangle hold of the domestic league.

So we shall see what the new year brings.

Ronaldo brings presents to the children of Madrid - the true spirit of Christmas

El Clasico: Barcelona 1 - Real Madrid 0

The occasion was grand. Some would say there is no bigger. All the hype surrounding the first clasico of the season was all about the good football being played by Madrid in the run up to the game, and the apparent below-par performances of the Catalans.

However SB's boys last night showed JM and his men that Los Blancos still have a way to go to catch their bitter rivals. A way to go, but just how far? Not miles, going on last night's showing, and form over the season as a whole so far.

Barca fans get the bragging rights, again, but they know the gap's closing, and they know that titles aren't decided in December.

It was a 5th minute goal from who else but Leo Messi that put the boys in the famous red and blue stripes up and thats the way it stayed. Despite wave after wave of attack from Madrid, Barca appeared happy to sit back, defend and play on the break for a majority of the 85 minutes that followed the goal.

Other than a poor option mid way through the 2nd half by Karim Benzema to shoot rather than give Di Maria what appeared a simple tap in, there appeared no other clear cut chances for either side.

Madrid unusually dominated possession but had little to show for it. Ronaldo once again will be criticsed for his poor showing against Barcelona. And Messi, as always, comes through as the saviour for SB.

Barca have won the battle, Madrid can still win the war. The season continues.

 

Messi slots home the winner in El Clasico

'Real' Escape in Champions League

For a brief moment as Emmanuel Adebayor headed home for Tottenham to take a 2 - 1 advantage, it seemed the Champions League dream was over for JM and his Real Madrid players.

Fast forward 90 seconds and it was Gonzalo Higuain slotting a shot past Hotspurs keeper Brad Friedel to level it up and keep all hopes alive.

"I think we all knew at that moment that destiny would not let us exit now." JM spoke yesterday before a packed media conference.

Then with Tottenham doing Madrid a huge favour and beating Villarreal in the following and final game of the group stage, Madrid only needed 2 goals at home to Zenith to secure progression to the round of 16. Easier said than done some might say.

However on the night, nothing was going to deny the Merengues as they pulled off one of the most amazing magic acts in Champions League history! A wonderful strike from Mesut Ozil and a penalty cooly converted by Cristiano Ronaldo was enough to take Real through.

A victory for the ages. A 'Real' great night indeed!

Madrid celebrate Ronaldo's crucial penalty

New Scandal Hits FIFA 12

Reports coming from the inside of FIFA 12 Headquarters have revealed that another bungled administration error has caused the restart of the Spanish La Liga season.

Publicly, the men in charge at FIFA 12 HQ have stated that a 'File Mainframe Error' is to blame for the fault and it now appears no official investigation will take place.

Privately however, many on the inside are fuming and fingers are being pointed at certain ruthless people high up in the organisiation who perhaps have something to gain from restarting a so far successful season which was 12 games in.

                                                                      

FIFA Head Quarters in Zurich

As a result, this also means the latest season of the UEFA Champions League has also been restarted to ensure both seasons run simultaneously and as fair as possible. Considering only 2 games had been played this is not as major a concern for fans or administrators.

While no names are being mentioned in this article, and by no means are we implicating any one individual or team for that matter as having anything to do with this latest scandal to rock FIFA 12, but we must certainly look at some cold hard facts on the matter.

It must be said certain teams - like Barcelona for example, will have no issue whatsoever from restarting a season which by their own admission was one which could not have started worse. At the time of the 'File Mainframe Error' Barcelona was in the process of fighting their way back up the Liga BBVA ladder.

They currently sit top of La Liga after 4 games since the competition restarted. Interesting.

By contrast, teams like Real Madrid and Villarreal were sitting top of the table before the scandal. In the rebooted league they have both struggled for wins.

You be the judge. Simple system error - or evil master scheme plotted by someone with plenty to gain.

For the record we will no longer speak of this development as FIFA have declared no official investigation is needed and we prefer to focus on the business of real news.



Ibrahimovic: I'm better than Messi

AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic insists that he doesn't need an accolade like the FIFA Ballon d'Or to prove to himself that he is the best in the world.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic thinks he's the best in the business

Ibrahimovic, known for his high level of self-confidence, was not on the 23-man shortlist for the award but when asked which of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi was the better player and favourite to take home the prize, he simply said:
"In my head I am the strongest of all. I certainly don't need the Ballon d'Or to prove that I am number one."

However, Messi is tipped to take the award for the third year running, and former Barcelona team-mate Ibrahimovic can see why he is viewed so highly.

"Messi is very strong and I hope he continues in that way", Ibrahimovic told Telefoot. "He has won almost everything and is still very young."

The 2011 Ballon d'Or winner will be announced at the start of January.

Messi, Ronaldo and Xavi shortlisted

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi have been shortlisted for the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2011, FIFA and France Football magazine have announced.

Messi, Ronaldo and Xavi are the world's best players

Messi won the inaugural award last year after FIFA's World Player of the Year crown and France Football's Ballon d'Or gong merged.

The Barcelona forward is the favourite once more after another stunning year at the Nou Camp. The Argentinian was Barca's top scorer as SB's men won the 'Treble' earlier this year - lifting the trophies of La Liga, Copa Del Rey and the Champions League.
He has now single handedly turned the Barca season around after a more than difficult start to their most recent La Liga campaign.

Xavi was the architect of many of Messi's goals, the Barca veteran maintaining his position as arguably the premier midfielder in world football.

Cristiano Ronaldo has no doubt closed the gap on Messi with stunning perfomormances since his signing with the Madrid side in 2009.

"These personal honours are great, but what matters to me is the team success this season." Ronaldo said at the news of his nomination.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Zurich on January 9, 2012.

Real Great in League - Having Trouble in Europe

After a steady start to La Liga, Real have dominated the domestic season for the most part - with only league leaders Villarreal surprisingly sitting above them at this stage.
It is in Europe however that Madrid have struggled to find the back of the net.

"It has been a difficult start for us." JM Spoke before a waiting media last week.

"We had more than enough chances to beat Basel and then they have one chance and score in the last minute. But this is football and if we can beat Milan mid week we will again be right where we need to be to progress."

Champions League action continues on Wednesday as Real Madrid take on AC Milan in what promises to be one of the clashes of the season thus far.

After Slow Start, Barca Bounce Back

After their worst start to a La Liga campaign in history, Barcelona have slowly but surely begun their long climb back up the ladder.

With plenty of tinkering of his famous squad of players, Barce Boss SB has tried many formations and line ups to find one which could find a string of victories so far this season.

With teams playing 11 players behind the ball and hitting Barca on the counter, they've clearly struggled to cope with the slowness of play at times this season, and have paid for not putting away chances which in the past they would have done so with ease.

"We just like to keep things interesting." SB was quoted as saying.
"But its also been a difficult season but we know we are targeted because we are the best - everyone is fully defensive and sit and waste time in the corners - how boring." SB commenting on the strategies of some teams against Barca so far this season.

The Messi myth: Talk of Messi's genius is flawed

By Alexander Netherton

Ever since Barcelona and Pep Guardiola invented football in 2009, the praise has come full and fast, a blue and purple tsunami of love for unparalleled genius.

And it's fair enough. Xavi is the best midfielder of his day, Andres Iniesta the most elegant, able to pass, trick and score with effortless beauty. The most extensive gush is reserved for Lionel Messi. A genius, apparently, but is he actually any good?

People constantly praise the ability he has in that special left foot. Yeah, that special left foot, but not both his feet. The man is half a genius. He plays with his left foot wherever possible because he is a coward. If he were a true genius he would be able to pass as well, shoot as well, or feint as well with his right foot as he could his left. His cowardice prevents him from using his right and embracing his weaknesses. Look at a true great: Michael Owen. Say what you want about him, but he's never been afraid to shank a weak shot ten yards wide with his left foot.

Latterday received wisdom is that Messi's only real competitor for the title of the greatest player ever is his Argentine counterpart, Diego Maradona. Tish and fipsy, Maradona is streets ahead, both on and off the pitch, the combination sealing his superiority by a clear distance. Maradona dragged an average Napoli side to a legendary title win, their first, second and only Scudetti. Napoli were not a bad side by any stretch of the imagination, but they were no Barcelona. Without Messi, Barcelona have Pedro, Villa, Busquets, Mascherano, Xavi, Iniesta and Pique to get by on. They'd in all likelihood still win the league or run Real Madrid close. It wouldn't be far fetched to say that without Messi, Barcelona would still have the strongest squad in the world.

Not Maradona, though. Take Maradona out of the Napoli side and there would be no chance for that team to win the league. That's why Maradona shows up Lionel Messi as a footballing charlatan.

But that's not the end of it. Maradona is reported to have spent much of his time at Napoli abusing cocaine. Now, if Maradona could play so exceptionally, defining a decade, all while suffering the side effects of drug abuse, then surely without the handicap he would have been even better.

The trouble didn't end there. He allegedly cultivated a close relationship with the Neapolitan mafia, he missed so much training he was fined $70,000 - in those days, that's not far off the scale of fine handed to Carlos Tevez. He even fathered an illegitimate son. Did that stop him? No. Napoli's championships bookended two runners up placings, a UEFA Cup and a season as top scorer. He even found time to vaccinate Milan with a twenty-five yard header. He was always able to treat his personal affairs as nothing but background music. Clean-living Messi, on the other hand, is at his peak, totally focused on football.

Maradona's most telling showing up of the Messi praise is his performance in international games. In 1986, Maradona scored five goals, made five assists while captaining his side to a World Cup.
How did Lionel Messi get on in 1986? He didn't even play. But when he did play, in 2010, Argentina were a shambles. Granted, their preparations had included calling up 36-year-old Martin Palermo. They were managed by a loose cannon on an extended comedown (Maradona again), but they still had Tevez, Aguero, Demichelis and the mighty Jonas Gutierrez at right-back, and got nowhere. The blame must lie solely with Lionel Messi. He's just not good enough to inspire.

Messi is dwarfed by the presence of Maradona

Lionel Messi: is he that good? Just look at his scoring records. Last season he scored 53 goals in 55 appearances. Undeniably impressive but understandable given the hard yards he makes everyone run for him at Barcelona. This year, he's scored 26 goals in just 22 games. I know what you're thinking, it's an improvement. But wait a moment, isn't this instructive of his massive selfishness? The traits of egotism reflected in the fact that only he believes he is worthy of scoring?

In the past, Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho have been cast out for their problems with authority, but Lionel Messi has risen above that. He has decided that he is Barcelona's authority. Surely the team can't stay together at this rate, and it will be Messi to blame.

Egotistical, one-footed and definitely not as talented as Maradona. Those self-important bloggers have got this one wrong. Lastly, how many good corners can you remember Messi taking? Exactly.
Also, he's no use in a wall.

Alexander Netherton is editor of surrealfootball.com

Are there issues at Barcelona?

After their worst start to a La Liga season in memory, pressure is now firmly on Barcelona Boss SB to bring stability to the team most would agree are the best in the world.

After 4 games, and no victories, the fans and world's media are asking questions of this current Barcelona team.

"They appear slower and less hungry." Janus Mihalik spoke on ESPN Soccernet Presspass.
"Passes are not so clinical this season so far." If the classico were tomorrow - I would say Real Madrid would be favourites."

Janus Mihalik and Robbie Mustoe on ESPN Soccernet Presspass - discuss the fortnunes of

Barcelona among other topics

Pressure on you Sir - The Barca boss must be feeling rather nervous by now

Season 4 : 2011 - New Liga Season Kicks Off!

After months of negotiation the decision to scrap the controversial UEFA Super League competition mid season and resume all usual Domestic and European competitions was finally made last Friday.

This saw the long awaited kick off to the La Liga in Spain where arch rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid will once again fight it out for honours. Although many believe it will not be a two horse race this year. Time will tell.

Spanish Season & Champions League can now begin..

Now with the abolishment of tight FIFA climate and kick off time regualtions, Europe is preparing for the start of the new football season.

La Liga have announced scheduling for a new domestic season as well as The Kings Cup (Copa Del Rey) competition. Season 4 : 2011 can officially begin.

In Europe, the Champions League will be returning for the first time in FIFA 12.
This is despite the future of the so far disappointing UEFA Super League comepetition being very much up in the air. A decision on whether it will be simply scrapped or played until completion will be decided in the coming days.

"We are delighted with the announcment of the upcoming season." Real Madrid boss JM said today.
"We feel we are more than ready to compete for the treble this season. It is something I promised my fans we would acheive when I arrived here and I feel this is the year we achieve it all."

The only team to ever successfully lift all three trophies in one calender season was Barcelona in FIFA 11. Many however, including former Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello have questioned the desire of Barcelona's players this season.

The current England boss feels Barca aren't playing with the same "hunger" as past seasons.
"They remain a great team with great players, with its stylish play ... but they seem to have less hunger.
"In past years they pressed again and again, quickly recovering the ball ... now they seem to be less inclined. I see the difference." (Interview taken from  www.tribalfootball.com)

Barceloan Boss SB was unavailable for comment.

 Real Madrid Boss happy to talk about the upcoming season today 

Fabio Capello critical of the current Barce team

Doe sthe current crop of Barce players have the hunger? Thats the question..

EA and FIFA finally agree to updates

After a huge public outcry it appears EA Sports and FIFA have agreed to update the tournament rules for FIFA 12 which allows for selected climate control for all games as well as availability for night and afternoon kick offs.

Up until now, FIFA 12 has proven to be a disappointment in terms of kick off times and variations to weather conditions, something controllers of the major teams have been very vocal about.

The new updates, effective immediately could soon spell a premature end to the *USL* (UEFA Super League) if EA doesn't allow these updates to take effect in this tournament.

"If EA don't allow this upate then we won't be participating any longer...its been a farce so far." Real Madrid Boss JM said today upon fnding out the news."

"This heat is killing my boys...its not normal...too many day games."

SB to take legal action

SB has been urged by his lawyers to pursue his defamation claims against the FPA today.
SB is officially quoted as saying;
"I'm all for the FPA but there has to be a balance. I have been targeted since the FPA began - the slander, harassment and false statements have to stop! Why I'm being targeted?....you tell me, maybe it is because I'm rich, good looking and coach and play great football".

A spokesperson for the FPA has denied the claims of there ever being an agenda against the Barca boss.
"We at the FPA have never looked to target any one individual. Our reporting is always fair, unbiased and as accurate as possible."

No word yet if the FPA will launch legal action of their own against the comments of SB - however
in regards to his claims of being targeted due to his being rich, good looking and can coach and play great football - The FPA spokesperson did have this to add.
"Quite the contrary."

 Strike a pose - an angry SB talks to the media wearing

his favourite homosexual skivvy

Preparations for El Super Classico begin!

Anticipation can be felt the world over as Barcelona and Real Madrid prepare to square off for the first time in the UEFA Super League competition.

"It was a sold out event even before the competition started." A FIFA Players Association official stated today.

With the rivalry as strong and cold blooded as ever, both sides will be looking to strike first and gain the advantage in what will be a long home and away season.

I for one can't wait for kick off for this one!

Madrid climbs the ladder after slow start...while Barca look to improve

After a less than impressive start to the inaugural UEFA Super League (*USL*) campaign, Real Madrid have kicked into gear with confidence building victories against highly rated competition, including 1st placed Bayern Munich most recently.

"Yes, it has been a tough start. I would say too many draws early on - and then that disaster against Hotspurs - but we now seem on track." A restrained JM spoke to a packed media room today.

On the flip side, Barcelona who started slightly better then their spanish primera rivals seem to have lost their edge slighly with struggles against recent opposition.

"Its a funny comp - one minute your up against the top sides and the next minute your can't beat the weak teams - I just don't know." A dumbfounded SB spoke after his sides most recent loss.

Its a bottleneck at the top of the *USL* ladder now, with Bayern only slightly ahead of the Manchester teams, Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Mind Games Begin

The online season has officially kicked off with Real Madrid claiming first blood in their on-going rivalry with fellow spanish giants Barcelona - and the mind games have already begun between the rival controllers.

"We definitely look like we have adapted better to the new style of FIFA 12 play." A jubilant JM said after a 1-nil victory last night.

"We hope this is the case once the big competition starts - but I feel we are very prepared."

Alonso has looked impressive so far this season

                                                                 
Barcelona have clearly struggled to continue where they left off in FIFA 11 with some very unconvincing results thus far. This was capped off with a dismal showing against PM's Manchester United in a recent friendly.

Messi celebrates scoring against Man Utd

New Season Announcement

After months of speculation and anticipation, the FIFA Players Association has finally announced the new league competition for the 2011/2012 season.

The UEFA Super League (USL) will consist of the top 16 teams through Europe playing each other twice - in a home and away style league season - 32 rounds in total.

The winner will be declared Champion of Europe.

This style of competition was trialled previously in last years FIFA 11, however received criticsm over the quality of some teams in the league and the fact that there was no home and away system.

Kick off will commence as soon as scheduling allows.

Who is the King of FIFA 11

We'll open this one up to the bloggers out there. As we prepare to move on to a new era with FIFA 12 - just who can claim to be the most dominate player for the past 12 months. Who is the King of FIFA 11?

Lets look at the facts.

SB - FIFA 11 in review:

The Domestic Season;
Season 1, 2010 -
La Liga (2nd)
Copa Del Rey (Runner Up)
Champions League (QF)
Season 1, 2011  - 
The Treble:
La Liga (Champions)
Copa Del Rey (Champions)
Champions League (Champions)
Season 2, 2011 - 
La Liga (3rd)
Copa Del Rey (QF)
Champions League (SF)
Season 3, 2011 - 
La Liga (2nd)
Copa Del Rey (Season Abandoned)
Champions League (Season Abandoned)

International season: 

Confederations Cup I: Champions (Argentina)

Confederations Cup II: Exit in Group Stages (Argentina)

Confederations Cup III: Exit in Group Stages (England)

 

JM - FIFA 11 in review:

The Domestic Season;
Season 1, 2010 -
La Liga (7th)
Copa Del Rey (Champions)
Champions League (4th Round)
Season 1, 2011  - 
La Liga (3rd)
Copa Del Rey (QF)
Champions League (SF)
Season 2, 2011 - 
La Liga (6th)
Copa Del Rey (Final)
Champions League (QF)
Season 3, 2011 -  
La Liga (Champions)
Copa Del Rey (Season Abandoned)
Champions League (Season Abandoned)

International season: 

Confederations Cup I: 2nd Round Exit (Brazil)

Confederations Cup II: Champions (Brazil)

Confederations Cup III: 2nd Round Exit (Brazil)

Congratulations to both players on a successful year. 

Welcome to new look blog!

In anticipation of FIFA 12 - The Fifa Players Association have marked the occasion by creating a new look blog site.

Welcome to the year 2012!

Audi Cup next on the agenda

The busy pre-season build up continues for 4 of the world's best clubs as they prepare to line up against one another in the Audi Cup to be staged in Germany.

Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and hosts Bayern Munich will play off in the short event with the draw yet to be decided.

The Audi Cup is a two-day football tournament that features four teams, and is staged at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. The competition's first edition in 2009 was organised and promoted by car manufacturer Audi to celebrate their 100th year of trading and was won by hosts Bayern Munich. This will be the second edition of the Cup.

It may be the first time rivals Bracelona and Real Madrid will face off in the new season if they meet at some stage during the tournament.




P.S Get cracking on the transfers SB - squads need updating!

Un-Eventful Confed Cup ends the International Season!

The most uneventful and uninspired Confederations Cup campaign in history has signalled the end of the International season with players and coaches alike heading back to their respective clubs to plan for their upcoming domestic seasons.

With SB taking the reins of England for the 1st and only time in his career, he failed to inspire the likes of Rooney, Gerrard and Lampard to the great heights he was able to accomplish with his previous nation Argentina.

England bitterly disappointed with their final showing of the year

Knocked out in the group stages has been an all too familiar feeling for SB over the past few weeks. Since taking out the inaugural Confed Cup 1 some time ago - he hasn't really done all too well - this of course led to his controversial sacking by the Argentinean Football Federation.
So back to Barcelona he goes - hoping to make the most of his new summer signings.

Sanchez is all but confirmed as a Barcelona summer signing

As for JM - also with only the one Confed Cup win but showing plenty of promise with a young Brazilian team - he has promised he will return in the future and achieve a World Cup victory with the nation in their home country.

Brazil down and out in the final Confed Cup for this season

Until then, the prospect of taking back the reins of Real Madrid has everyone excited.

"I'm looking forward to getting back to my club." JM stated at Rio Airport yesterday morning.

"We are now on our way to the US for pre-season training - we cannot wait."

The Real Madrid boys in town to face Beckham's LA Galaxy

This really has nothing to do with anything I just thought it was hilarious!!

Where to now for SB....

The rumour mill is still in overdrive as speculation continues as to where current Argentina controller SB will be by the time we kick off a new and all important 4th Confederations Cup.

Recent reports have suggested he had all but accepted the Spanish national team job - although team officials in Spain have been quick to deny a deal had been done.

SB himself has recently been spotted in Australia which has led to speculation he was negotiating a deal with the Socceroos - however his rep's were quick to hose down the rumours instead saying he was in town awaiting the birth of his first legitimate child.

The press in Argentina can be a fickle bunch and have been relentless on the former managerial god who once upon a time took the Argies to Confed glory - however that must seem like light years ago now.

* A recent photo leaked to the media of SB lighting with appears to be an illegal substance.

Seems he takes his down time very seriously.

* photo may not be of actual person

Confed Cup 3 - a farce from start to finish

The third instalment of the Confederations Cup has been a farce from start to finish, or atleast that's what the big boys from South America are saying as hot favourites Brazil and Argentina both fell victim to lowly opponents and for the first time neither took home the trophy.

With administration and system issues causing chaos only moments before kickoff on match day 1, drama brokeout amongst competing teams and a redraw was later conducted once issues were resolved.

Argentina, were without doubt the duds of the Cup this time round, failing to win a game and for the first time failing to reach the final 8 of the Cup since its inception. A draw in their opening game against Russia was their best result of the Cup as two losses were to follow and as was an early plan trip home.

Brazil, on the other hand flew through their group games as they scored at will against quality opponents in Holland, Portugal and to a lesser extent Australia. They were expected to breeze through their quater final opponents Russia with ease, instead despite a positive start looked uncharacteristicly flat and playing without flare or confidence. They were punished by the Russians and sent packing 3 - 1.

Where to now for current natinal team coaches SB and JM - coaches of Argentina and Brazil respectively.
Rumours are SB has fielded offers from Spain, Russia, and Australia in recent days as it appears Argentina have lost faith in the former god.

As for JM, despite only just recently lifting the Confederations Cup for the first time, it is thought he will be given more time with this squad to see if he can add another trophy to the cabinet.

Brazil win Confederations Cup!

They promised they would do it and they didn't disappoint - Brazil are the new Champions of the Confederations Cup after defeating a determined Spain in the Final in front of a packed Wembley Stadium.

In the process, they eliminated the likes of rivals Argentina (in the Quarter Final) and France (in the semi-final ) to take their place in the Final.

"This is a special day for us, our fans and our Country." Captain Lucio said after the famous win.

Coach of the heroic Brazilian team JM, said before the start of the tournament that he would promised a trophy for the people of Brazil and now that he has delivered, many are wondering whether he will continue on in this current role or move on to another nation before the start of the next Cup.

It is however thought the pursuit of a second tournament victory which is yet to be achieved by anyone is a major factor in JM's decision - which most are predicted will be to stay on in Brazil for the time being.

Jubilant scenes as Brazil celebrate

Thanking the fans

It's almost that time...to lift the famous trophy 

whoop..there it is!! CHAMPIONS!!!

Arg Boss loves his new look!

It appears Argentina's man in charge, SB - has really taken to his new South American drug lord look.

When interviewed recently for Latino gay magazine Latino Mohitohs Encharitos (Latin Love Gods) he was asked to comment on what he thought about his transformation.
"I love my new look....it puts fear in my opposition!!!!

Its rumoured a nude pictorial tribute will alo feature in the magazine due on newstands next week.

A word from our South American Correspondents..

A todos los gallos brasileña suave por ahí .... miedo, mucho miedo, el tren de carga azul y blanco es todo vapor y se dirigió a Wembley ... nuestra primera parada en Brasil ... vamos a liberar el freno de mano y el vapor se folla rollo canario ... A partir de Wembley ... Viva la Argentina !!!!!

Argentina get cocky!

On the eve of a massive QF match between two of the footballing worlds biggest nations - Argentiva versus Brazil, its the Argentinians who have come out cocky and firing from the mouth - in particular the man in charge, Mr SB.

"It's great to be Argentinian right now....We are on top of the world in football...."

The reclusive coach stated in a rare communication to the media.

"Can't say much about our soft cock counterparts the brasilians.....it appears they are shitting bricks

to even enter into a new tournament alongside Argentina knowing for a fact they don't stand a chance

against the Argies...or even a minnow side like Australia....Brasil need to harden the fuck up!!!!!"

Fighting words from a coach who perhaps underestmates the rivalry between the two powerhouse nations.

In retaliation, Barzil's boss JM had little to say when approached yesterday -

"No comment on this stupidity...we will leave our talking on the field."

Further on the Argentinian controller, SB was asked of his plans for the future with the national team.

 "why would I want to leave Argentina....They love me here...I am like Maradona to the Argentinians....

I will see my contract out and then we will talk..until then I will keep winning trophies!"

SB and his assistant speak to the media - the reclusive manager has taken to the Argentinian

lifestyle juding by his current appearence

Big guns fail to impress!

With so many star teams, packed full of talented individuals, the failure of so many to shine has been a real talking point amongst fans and media since the final of Confed I recently.

With Confederations Cup II fast approaching, we start to wonder can anyone stop the attacking likes of Messi, Tevez, Higuain, Di Maria and Aguerro of Argentina - or should we just hand them the trophy now!

Or will successful manager SB decide his job is done with Argentina and try and succeed elsewhere as he has done in the past with his natinal team positions.

Brazil, so disapppointing in Confed I - have vowed under current Boss JM to take the trophy home to Brazil this time round.

"No excuses this time." JM spoke to Brazil's brutal media.

"I expect all our players to treat this Cup in the same way we would a World Cup."

JM who somehow kept his job after a disatrous campaign has promised changes to the squad which will now be focused around young starlet Neymar.

Back on to SB, who will he choose to controll - Germany, Spain, Holland, England or maybe take a challenge like Australia or Korea this time.

Or perhaps he won't be breaking the hearts of Argentinians world wide as predicted and he will choose to stay on as Argentina's coach to defend their title. Now that would be truly glorious.

ARGIES TAKE OUT FIRST CONFED CUP!

Argentina were the team many had predicted would fall short - the professional pundits didn't give them much hope. They had all the attacking flair a footballing fan could ever dream of - but many feared their defence would inevitably let them down.

But when push came to shove and they found themselves in the business end of the tournament - they never really looked threatened. That is until the final.

England, had impressed just about everybody with their fine play throughout the tournament, played classy football and really should never have lost the final.

In the end put it down to poor tactics from the manager which probably lost it - with the likes of Messi and Tevez taking full advantage of Englands inability to hold posession with only seconds remaining.

Argentina played a gutsy game - and deserve their come from behind win.
For the record, 4- 3 in Extra Time.

Congrats to the Confederation Cup I winners - ARGENTINA

The Confederations Cup I Champions

Confederations Cup kicks off

With our league season completed all attention now turns to the Internationals as nations world-wide compete for the inaugural PS3 Confederations Cup.

Respective Barcelona and Real Madrid controllers SB and JM have taken helm at two of the worlds biggest football nations - Agentina and Brazil.

"To win a the La Liga crown was special." JM spoke before a media conference last night.
"But winning something for the nation of Brazil would be magic moment in my career."

Argentina Boss SB looked nervous as his struggled in recent friendlies to find a combination that works with his attacking gifted team.
"We have tremendous talent up front" SB said at a press conference before the tournamnet kick off.
"But defensively we're shit."

Bragging rights are up for grabs and despite this being a more relaxed tournament - things will no doubt step up in the finals.

 Messi lines up for his nation

Brazilian prodigy Neymar is expected to be the Star of the campaign

Season 3: The Results

Real Madrid Seal Historic Liga Victory

After without doubt the most disrupted and tumultuous season in PS3 history - Real Madrid have claimed the only prize on offer after winning their 1st and most long awaited title under current manager JM.

The newly crowned La Liga champions had their fate firmly in their own hands, needing only a victory over Real Sociedad to seal the title and break the hearts of rival Barcelona fans world wide.

And seal the title they did - with a comprehensive 3 nil victory with goals from stars Ozil and Ronaldo - Ronaldo scoring a first half penalty and then completing the rout minutes from the end with a trademark free kick.

La Liga Champions celebrate

Celebrations go well into the night in Madrid

We are down, but not defeated!

In what has been a horrific 24 hours for his team, Real Madrid boss JM has asked his team to use this anger and take it out on their opposition in the remaining games of the La Liga season.

A bad run of form leading into the Champions League debacle saw arch rivals Barcelona run down a significant league to now lead the La Liga race with under 10 games remaining. And things got even worse for Madrid once they discovered their Champions League dreams had been removed from them.

"Yes we are down in spirit at this moment, but we will fight to the end because we are Real Madrid and we owe it to our fans - to our history." JM spoke before a waiting media huddle today

"My players are angry, yes! But we must use this anger and play to win every last game this season. We cannot let it all go because of someone stupid ruining our season."
"Champions League will come again and we will be ready."

 JM speaks to his players today at training

Cope Del Rey Scrapped

In the wake of the Black Friday scandal, the Final of the King's Cup of Spain has been canceled for this season.

These were immediate steps taken by FIFA and UEFA officials to deny anyone else the opportunity for a 'Double' this season.

In a press release to the the world's media - FIFA President Sepp Blatter stated - "This would not be fair to give anyone else the chance to celebrate a cup victory since we have already destroyed the hopes and dreams of all those teams competing in the UEFA Champions League".

Friday The 13th - The Curse Of The Black Friday!

Many are calling it a curse. Others are saying it was divine intervention. The rest of us just think it was freakish stupidity.

It was just like your classic horror movie. On what should be a glorious occasion for all those teams competing in Season 3/2011 Champions League, things took a turn for the worst - to the very worst.
Lets call it a glitch - or 'Human Error' - caused all return leg games and the entire tournament to be erased from our system, our minds, and our hearts.

For Real Madrid it was to be a joyous day. A return leg, at home, although down 1-2 from the opening leg - there is little doubt their home support would have seen them through to the semi-finals stage of the competition. But I guess now we will never know.

The investigations will continue into how this happened. Was it a ridiculous error caused by a fool wearing clown shoes? Or was it something more sinister? Lets look at the facts here people.

Real Madrid took their place in the Quarter Finals of this competition only after eliminating the almighty powerful Barcelona - something perhaps the controllers of this competition and sponsors of Barcelona (UNICEF) didn't like to see. How was this allowed to happen? Was it actually sabotage at the hands of those who run the game to prevent a very first PS3 Real Madrid Champions League victory? Was it a corporate masterstroke? Was it the act of of a very jealous individual who could not handle that his time in the sun had actually passed?!

One thing is certain - we may never truly know what happened that fateful Friday the 13th - Black Friday - but the show will go on and justice will be served. The cream will rise to the top once more - and champions will never die.

FIFA boss Sepp Blatter has promised to investigate the scandal

Barce Boss remains upbeat despite disappointment

Despite an early exit from the big tournament of the season - The Champions League - at the hands of their arch rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona Boss Pep (SB) has assured fans that all is not lost this season.

Already in the final of the Copa Del Rey and currently sitting 2nd in the La Liga race to the title, Pep (SB) today spoke about finishing the season on a high and taking out 2 of the 3 targeted trophies this year.

"If we can finish on top of the Liga and also win the Kings Cup, then yes I would say this is not a bad season." Pep said at a Sunday Press conference.

"Yes we are bitterly disappointed about our exit from the Champions League - but what can I say - these things happen."

Privately it known that the big boys who run the club are not excited about missing out on the big trophy of the season - and they feel anything less than a Copa Del Rey and La Liga victory at this point would be a disaster and perhaps this would spell the end of the current reign of this coaching staff.

The Barce boss yesterday

Time to celebrate...but job only half done!

This was truly an opportunity for players, staff and most importantly the fans of Real Madrid to celebrate. They had achieved what many had said they couldn't do - they had just eliminated their arch rivals and the team most would call 'the best in the world' - Barcelona, from the Champions League in the Round of 16.

"I feel we can really enjoy tonight - the feeling here at home at our Stadium is amazing." JM said after the famous victory.

"We came here with a job to do, I wanted not to concede anything today knowing this result this would send us through - and although we did concede one, I am pleased we were able to score three."

"But this is not a time to lift the trophy yet, we must push on and now look to Juventus before anything else."
"I can say our priority as always is winning the Liga, which we have a comfortable lead right now, and lifting the Champions League trophy this season."
"This was my promise to the fans of Madrid at the start of this season and we are well and truly on course for this."

 A formal handshake between the two coaches...

 Pique looks slightly disappointed as the Real Madrid staff and players celebrate

 Real disappointment for Barcelona. (Sorry about the pun)

 Right before JM is thrown into the air by his joyous players

King Ronaldo celebrates a victory he will never forget

Undefeated Galácticos!

How long can they stay undefeated? Is their first loss just around the corner..or can they go all season long without losing a game?

"We are happy to just stay on top of the ladder." Manager JM spoke today after a Real Madrid training session.
"I am not worried if we can be undefeated all season, but of course this would be a magnificant achievement - I do not expect it."
When asked about Barcelona's poor start to the new campaign, JM stated he was still more than cautious of his team's biggest rivals.
"They will be right there behind us very soon, this I am sure."
"But that is where they will end up also - behind us."

With Real Madrid now out of the Copa Del Rey, all focus and attention has officially returned to La Liga and Champions League, where they face an uphill battle in the group stages with no wins, 2 draws and a loss from 3 group games.
Barcelona on the other hand look more than comfortable in their group at this stage with 2 wins and 1 draw from 3 games.

A cocky but reserved JM at the press conference today.

Barcelona stuttering start to the season...

Barcelona's early season struggles has many pundits wondering does this team still have what it takes to once again rise to achieve the success that is expected of them?

Is this just a rough start to a new campaign - or a sign of things to come.
2 wins, 3 draws and a loss from 6 games in the league. Not to mention a draw in their opening Champions League encounter against good but not great opposition in Roma.

A worried and tired looking Barcelona manager fronted the media yesterday.
"I think we have jumped a few hurdles and now back on track." he ranted.
"They should have beaten us when they had the chance - not just taken one point. Now we will make them all pay." He went on.

No doubt Barcelona will find their feet and start winning games, or will they?

An angry, worried and very tired looking man fronts the press yesterday

Onward and Upward in Liga for Madrid...but out the door from King's Cup!

In what JM has described as a positive start to the Real Madrid La Liga campaign, 6 games without defeat and a draw against arch rivals Barcelona, has been soured by an early and very unexpected exit from the Copa Del Rey.

Despite drawing at both home and away legs, it was the fact that Madrid conceded 2 goals at home to lowly opposition that should have JM concerned.

"We obviously fielded a weak team at home and this is something I take responsibility for - however at the same time I feel this team should have done the job". "Unfortunatley our minds were maybe already playing Barcelona in the Classico - focus was lacking, as was execution." JM stated in a press conference today.

The positives Real Madrid will take from away an early exit from the Copa Del Rey is that now they can turn their full attention to winning the league and finally producing European glory in the Champions League.

"Our fans will be disappointed with our early exit - yes, but if you ask our fans would they like success in winning the league or Champions League or would they like us to win the King's Cup - I think I know what they would say isn't it."

Real Madrid Right Back Sergio Ramos visibly upset at the early exit from the Copa Del Rey

Season 2: 2011 - How it finished!

To the best of my memory....here's what I can remember