Monday, December 19, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
Friday, December 9, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
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.
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."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic thinks he's the best in the business
"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."
"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.
Monday, December 5, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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