Spain Champions of Euro' 08: The Armada Sails Again

The perennial underachievers Spain have done justice to the long acknowledged talent. Defeating Germany in an entertaining final 1-0 at Euro '08 at Vienna. Fernando Torres scored the only goal of the game in the first half. Spain deserved the cup as they had played good football through out the tournament.They were also undefeated through the tournament.

Going in to the final the Spanish were the team with the most important change David Villa was out with a muscle problem. The 69 year old Luis Arogones decided to go with a five man midfield with the lone striker formation. A brave man some would say considering it was D.Guiza the top scorer in La Liga who was being overlooked.

In the first few minutes Spain seemed to be suffering from a case of stage fright as they just seem to freeze and were playing with no intensity. The midfield having Iniesta, Xavi, Silva and Fabregas appeared to be a zombie unit. But just as the Germans were beginning to control the game, Spain snapped out of their slumber and awoke to life. Slowly and steadily their movement, passing and intensity was getting better and better.

As Spain began to get sharper the chances began to come. Forcing some spectacular saves from Lehman. Torres even hit the upright with a header, one just felt the goal for Spain was only a matter of time. And it was, Torres latched on to a ball from Iniesta, to sweetly dink it over a fast approaching Lehman to open the scoring. Torres who has had a quiet tournament by his high standards showed that form is temporary and class is permanent with that goal.

The second half went pretty much the way the first ended, Spain dictating the pace. The Germans brought on Jansen, Kurayni in search of the equaliser but to no avail. It just seemed the Spanish midfield had just run the Germans out of the game, something that does not happen very often. Marcos Senna had a chance put the game beyond doubt but missed the ball with the goal at his mercy. But Spain reached home comfortably to take there second European trophy.

Personally I felt that the scoreline flatters the Germans and the match was not as close as the score line suggests. The Germans Uncharacteristically lacked belief, imagination and intensity.
After a long time a team playing the beautiful game has won the tournament. Spain completely deserve to be crowned champs and it has been a long time coming.

Viva Espana!!!

Euro'08: The Russians are Coming!!!

If you were one of those who thought the performance of Russia against Sweden was a flash in the pan, their game against Holland is one highlight film you must watch. The Russians who were comprehensively outclassed, outplayed and routed by Spain in their opening game seem to bear no scars of that defeat.

In the game against the Dutch, the Russians were a team which bore no resemblance to the one that played Spain and Greece. They outran, out hustled and outplayed the Dutch in every department. They never let Dutch play their brand of flowing football and gave them a taste of their own medicine by changing defense to attack with incisive passes and swift movement. The score line of 3-1 in the favour of Russia was deserved. In my opinion it should have been so by the end of normal time.

The cause of the Russian transformation has been the return of their general Andrei Arshavin. This versatile play maker who missed the first few games through suspension has transformed the Russian side to potent attacking force with vision, speed and control. But to call the Russian side a one man show in my opinion would be unfair to the team.

If Arshavin is the general then his most able soldiers are Kolodin, Yuri Zhirkov and Roman Pavlyuchenko. Kolodin and Zhirkov are the the back bone of the defense and they also push forward with intent. Zhirkov deserves please mention for his quality delivery from set pieces
and Kolodin for his long range shooting skills which posses both accuracy and power.

But the player who complements and combines amazingly well with Arshavin is the Russian forward Roman Pavlyuchenko. A center forward of the old mould, big, strong and with a good first touch. His movement and his aerial presence is also of the highest quality. The chemistry between the two was very evident in the game against Dutch.

This Russian team is very young with average age of 26 and plays mostly within Russia. Based on their performance against the Dutch, you would not bet against them going all the way. One more thing that is certain is that most of these players are going to be for big European clubs come next season. Also one must give credit to the 'Miracle Man' Guus Hiddink, who seems to have the ability to bring success to any team on the International Stage.

It is no more a case of the Russians are coming, They are already here.

Euro'84 - Platini
Euro'88 - Gullit
Euro'08 - Arshavin???

May be a little to early put him that column but what the hell ! !
I am fan of his game

Euro '08: The Beautiful Game Alive and Well

The matches of Euro 2008 has reflected what has always been said about European national teams. Their leagues may have the flair and panache but national sides always seem to play with the intent of not losing rather than playing for win. The faith in this view was reaffirmed by the performance of teams at Euro 2008.

But as always there exceptions to any theory and the performances Holland, Portugal & Spain have been a testiment to that. The perennial under achievers Spain and Holland have made an explosive start to their campaign this time. The Dutch have been the team of the tournament during the group stage. Their crisp passing, lighting counter attack and resolute defending has seen them dispatch teams such as Italy and France with great ease.


The stand out feature of the dutch game has been their counterattack with crisp one touch passing. Players such as Van Bronckhorst , Sniejder and Kuyt have been the center pieces of their attack. One has to just watch the Italy game for a master class on how to play counter attacking football.

Spain have also been a revelation, we have always known of their potential but they have always flattered to deceive. This time around they seem to have a lot more focus and intensity about themselves. The team seems to have come of age with players such as Torres, Villa, Iniesta, Fabregas working well as a unit. With Puyol and Casillas marshaling the defense Spain will prove to be a tough nut to crack.

Their performance against Sweden was a good example of their new found spirit.One thing for sure is David Villa is going to be on radar of many a big club.


Portugal in my opinion has been the best of the rest. The lack of pure world class center forward is very apparent in their play. Their game is backed by an assured defense and based on highly creative and skilled mid field. With likes of Ronaldo & Simao running the wings and Deco pulling the strings in the center, their play has been pleasing to the eye.

What these 3 teams have shown is that the beautiful game can be played European teams too. They can also entertain us just as much the south American teams if not more. Call it Total football or whatever you want, these teams are the one's I would gladly pay money to watch.

P.S I would watch Italy too ( Froza Azzuri )

HOW THE MIGHTY HAVE FALLEN

The end of this season saw many a big name flatter to deceive. The likes of Liverpool, AC Milan & Barcelona all have ended with disappointing seasons. Many would argue that Arsenal should be on the list but I would disagree.


Arsenal are young team, that are slowly finding their feet. I guess it is a case of you need ton learn to walk before you run and fall a little in the process. Fabregas has been a revelation this season and has shown that he is their crisis man.


Adebayor and Walcottt seem to be settling into the system well. The loss Hleb and Flamini will hurt Arsenal but trust Wenger to find able young replacements for them. I would say watch out for them next season.



Liverpool have as usual turned in a Jekyll and Hyde performance, going great guns in Europe but lack luster in the league. The squabble among the owners has not helped also. I still feel that if Benitez would not chop and change so much, they would not be so inconsistent.

In Europe Liverpool seem to be in their element. Here is food for thought where would Liverpool be without the goals from Fernanado Torres. It is time the domestic championship in England becomes more than 3 horse race.

Barcelona they have been a Greek tragedy this season. The signs were there for all to season last season itself when they gifted the league to their rivals Real Madrid.

Everything that could have gone wrong has wrong at the Camp Nou this season. An overweight and out form Ronaldinho, a Messi who was injured for most of the season, A Henry who seems to be a poor shadow of himself in comparison to his Arsenal days. The list just goes on and on.

So it was only eventual that a massive shake up was to take place at the end of the season. Deco , Ronnie, Etoo, Zambrotta and many more will be leaving the Camp Nou.


AC Milan the European Champions have also had a similar season. Finishing fifth in their league has meant that they have also had a quite miserable season. An aging defense and strikers who are bereft are goals have been at the center of their woes.

A major influx of players is expected for the next season at the San Siro . Having been knocked out of the champions league in the pre-quaterfinal stage by Arsenal did not help either.

EUROPEAN TRANSFERS : FC BARCELONA

With the curtain going down on the 2007-08 season, its time for the transfer speculation to begin. The summer European transfer season has in the past thrown up many a surprise. This Transfer window has many a big name on the move. The likes Drogba, Ronaldinho, Deco & Etoo will mostly be wearing new team colors.



Lets us start with the Catalan club FC BARCELONA, after two seasons of no silverware and mercurial form. The time has come to break the team up and rebuild the entire team. It has been made clear that the club will part ways with star Ronaldinho so as to make fresh beginning.

Coach Frank Rijkaard has also decided to leave, the club let him exit gracefully by letting finish the season. Despite poor performances during the season. Edmilson has also parted ways with club moving to Villareal. Other people rumored to be on their way out are the likes of Etoo, Deco, Zambrotta and my personal opinion is Henry will also leave.

Manchester United's Gerard Pique is mostly on his way to the Nou Camp. The youngster who was taken from the Barcelona academy is relishing the possibility of a return to his home.
Sevilla's Danny Alves is also suspected to be on his to joining the Catalans. The Brazilian has made no secret of the fact he wants to move to greener pastures, it increasingly appears he will be moving to Barcelona.

I also believe come next season Drogba will be wearing a Barcelona jersey. After the Moscow fiasco in is very clear that he will not be a Chelsea man come next season. If the deal does materialize, you heard it here first.

MACHESTER UNITED vs CHELSEA : AN ALL ENGLISH CLASH IN MOSCOW

It will be an all English clash, come this may in Moscow. The Champions league finalists were the decide this past week, when Manchester united beat Barcelona 1-0 ( 1-0 Aggregate ) at Old trafford & Chelsea beat Liverpool 3-2 (4-3 Aggregate) at Stamford Bridge.

At old trafford the second leg of the clash between the two giants Manchester United and FC Barcelona unfolded. The tie played out as expected with home team piling on the early pressure. The pressure payed off with a fabulous strike from Paul Scholes.

Barcelona had chances off their own but as from the first leg the killer pass in the final third just seemed lacking. Messi played his socks off. Coming close a few times only to be denied by Van de Sar.

The second half was very similar to the one from the 1st leg. Barcelona pushed forward but just could not find a way through to the goal. They brought on Henry and then the teenage sensation Borjan to no avail.

Henry had a free header but put it straight at Van de Sar. Barcelona as expected had possession but what seems have become a recurring problem failed to capitalize on the advantage . Eventually the matched finished 1-0 and the reds were through to the final.

Chelsea on the other had played their favorite opponent on European nights Liverpool at Stamford bridge. Chelsea were confident as they had scored the crucial away goal and Liverpool knew that they needed one. As expected Chelsea went ahead with a goal from Drogba.

But Liverpool, the comeback kings of of European football equalized through El Nino (Torres). It is scary to think where Liverpool would be with out him.
Regulation ended 1-1 and extra time was needed. 8 min in to the extra time, who other than Mr Chelsea Frank Lampard scored through a penalty. Drogba sealed the deal with a strike in the 15 min. Babel got a late consolation for Liverpool but it was not enough to inspire them to another victory.

Thus Chelsea at long last were through to their 1st final. So now the blue's and red's will not only fight for the English crown but also the European one.

CHELSEA VS MANCHESTER UNITED : BALLACK'S DOUBLE KEEPS BLUE'S IN THE HUNT

At start of the evening Chelsea were 3 Points Behind Manchester United, with two games left in the season it was all to play for. Both Manchester united and Chelsea have have mid week Champions league games at home. But with the domestic title undecided, it was all to play for at Stamford Bridge. Sir Alex as usual took the focus of his plays earlier by slamming the officials for the poor schedule. He surprised every one with his line up also by leaving Ronaldo, Tevez & Hargreaves on the bench. The actions of Sir Alex may be with one eye on the Champions League return leg at Old Trafford.

Chelsea 2 Manchester United 1
Ballack 45' Rooney 57'
Ballack 86'
(pen)

Chelsea started the first half brighter of the two. It seemed as if United were they still playing Barcelona at the Camp Nou, as swarm after swarm of Chelsea attack struck the red defensive wall of united. But all to no avail, the Manchester attack did not seem to be doing much better as they were struggling to hold the ball. Joe Cole came close to breaking the deadlock but struck the post. United had to make an unexpected substitution, when Vidic took an ugly knock from Drogba. Chelsea huffed and puffed at Vad da Sar's goal but were unable to find a way past him. Then in 45th minute Drogba launches a pin point cross to find the head of Ballack who makes no mistake puts Chelsea in front just before the break.

The second half starts in much the same fashion as the first with Chelsea Pushing forward. Then suddenly against the run of play, a horrendous back pass from Carvalho to his keeper which under hit finds a rooney who gleefully accepts and scores. The title suddenly seems its on its way back to Manchester. Chelsea then rang in the changes with Anelka and Schevchenko coming on to find the crucial goal to keep Chelsea's title hopes alive. Chelsea lay siege on the united goal but are unable to convert their opportunities. Chance after chance is wasted by the blues till suddenly a penalty is awarded to them. Carrick is penalized for handling the ball, a questionable call but Ballack makes the most of it by scoring from the spot. After Manchester united poured forward in desperation, Ronaldo who had come on for Rooney was denied by Cole who cleared off the line. Even during added on time the reds had an effort by Ferdinand cleared of the line.

The game ended with a victory for Chelsea, the title race is far from over with two games left and both teams tied on 81 points.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI FINAL MANCHESTER UNITED VS BARCELONA

Manchester United -0 FC Barcelona-0

The clash between Manchester United and Barcelona in the Champions league semi-final was billed as the battle between two teams who play the beautiful game. It was projected as Lionel Messi vs Christiano Ronaldo. The man who is widely considered the best player in the world at this moment with 38 goals this season and his only threat Messi who along with teenage sensation Borjan Kirkic have been the only shinning light of Barcelona's rather lack luster season. Manchester united went in to the game as clear favorites, as Barcelona have been suffering from poor recent form.

The game started and before even one could blink Manchester united earned a penalty. Milito had made contact with the ball with his hands raised inside the first five minutes of the game. As expected the man of the moment Ronaldo stepped up to take the kick. A pensive Nou Camp watched as he took the penalty, the tension changed to Ecstasy as he put the ball wide. Ronaldo had missed it comprehensively. This seemed to be the only moment of any real significance in a very drab first half. Barcelona had most of the possession but failed to convert all the dominance to a meaningful chance. They just seemed not be able to find any sort of rhythm or flow to their game. Manchester United also had no joy as for much of the half the strike force of united seemed quiet and non existent. Being shepherded well by a veteran Barcelona defence.

The second half started in much the same way the first ended, Barcelona having the ball for long spells and Manchester United holding and clearing their lines. Barcelona seemed to have greater impetus, with Etoo leading the charge. But Barcelona just seemed lacking in the final third, with good build up play but not finishing the moves. There were few anxious moments for Manchester United when Ferdinand clipped Etoo in the box. The Cameroon striker did not go ground and stayed on his feet unlike certain other players on the oppsite side. Manchester United should thank their lucky stars as the referee did not give a penalty for a Evra clipping Iniesta's feet in the box. Barcelona had a few nervy Moments of their own. Yaya Toure made a clumsy tackle on Ronaldo in the box, luckily he had got a piece of the ball but I have seen penalties given for less. Thus match ended with a score that few would have expected. The were no flashes of brilliance from Rooney or Ronaldo, the Barcelona defense had done their job but the sadly their attack had not.

Going in to the return leg Manchester United will be very confident but cautious as they have no away goals and one would have to be a brave man to bet against Barcelona scoring. The Catalans will be disappointed with result but will surely believe that they can score at Old Trafford. One thing is for sure, the tie is very delicately poised with Manchester having the Advantage. All this only ensures that the 2nd leg of the clash between Manchester United and Barcelona in the Champions league semi-final will be an intriguing one.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI FINAL LIVERPOOL VS CHELSEA

Liverpool 1 Chelsea 1

kuyt 43' Riise 94'(OG)

Last night was another magical night of European football. For the third time in recent years Liverpool met Chelsea in the champions league. For Chelsea it has been a case of so near yet so far for many a year in the champions league, running into likes of Barcelona and Liverpool. They have been on the wrong side every single time. Nothing much seems to have changed between the two teams since the last time they met. Anfield is still a fortress, Steven Gerrard is still Liverpool's inspiration and Chelsea still keep finding a way to win with likes of Lampard and Terry at the center. As expected clear cut chances were at premium, both teams possess stingy defense records and this was very evident during the game. It was a cagey affair with midfield being the focus of the battle. As it generally happens goal came when chelsea failed to clear their lines, Dirk Kuyt the ever opportunistic striker scored when a deflected shot from Alonso fell to him. By putting ball through the legs of Peter Cech. The goal came at 43rd minute just before the end of the first half. Liverpool went in to the break on top. The pressure was now on Chelsea again.

The second was not very dissimilar from the first one. Liverpool's Ryan babel almost added to Liverpool's advantage by unleashing a rasping shot in the second half which just missed the goal. Chelsea had their share of near misses too with the attempts from Lampard and malouda. Then in the dying minutes, Steven Gerrard hit the crossbar and torres forced a big save from Peter Cech. Then when you just thought it was all over and Liverpool had put in an another tidy performance. Avram Grant brought on Anelka and Kalou to help Chelsea find the elusive and valuable away goal. A hit and hope cross from Kalou in to the box with less than a minute left of injury time left forced a quite inexplicable defensive ground header from John Arne Riise went past Reina. And in a blink of an eye Chelsea had become favorites for going through to the final.

Now Chelsea sit firmly in the drivers seat with a crucial away goal. But to say that the tie is done and dusted is definitely premature. Liverpool as we have come to see over the recent past just refuse to go away when it comes to European football. It will come down who scores first at the bridge, only thing one can be sure of is that they will be an English team at Moscow in may.