Thot Was Poo-er Defendin'

Soccer is huge all over the world - except in North America where it's the sport that people play as kids, but grow out of it when manly sports like football and hockey become available. It's boring. It's played by anyone with an accent; and mostly in those poorer countries. It's a sport where diving and flailing around trying to draw a penalty is rewarded and manly play isn't. But hey, that's another blog...and I actually like playing soccer.

One thing you can't say that's boring though, is the British announcers. How can you not like the following phrases:


He struck that with real venom.
They've unleashed a brace of strikes.
They must be feeling well and truly flenned (circumcised).
The ball fizzed at him.
He goes to ground.

The striker is dispossessed of the ball.
He takes it down with some duress.
He's on his mettle tonight.
The ball is lashed out of play.
He's a real buccaneering fullback.

The goalie scuttled across the crease.
The ball is wicked out of play. ('wikt', not 'wikkid')
He had all the time in the world to steady the ship.
That was a total fresh-air shot.
That ball was clinically struck.

They're really in the ascendancy.
There's some real cut and thrust there.
The ball scuffs wide.
He balloons it out of bounds.
They're 2 goals to the good.

He comes out at a canter; now at a gallop.
What a blinding goal!
That move was strangled at birth.
He bursts into the area - he's foiled.
He traps the ball...straight out of the manual.

That was a lusty challenge.
He made a real meal out of that.
What a cracking shot on net!


And I like it how the announcer on the CBC just tacks the name of the team or player on at the end: They're really up against it now, Argentina. It's just enough distraction to sometimes make it watchable - especially when one of the cheating/diving teams gets knocked out like when Germany trashed Argentina (and Diego Maradonna) 4-0* today.


I didn't really have a horse in this race, seeing as I hate the way England has played in recent years, but now I do: Per Mertesacker of Germany. You know the German team, the catchy Die deutsche Fußballnationalmannschaft. Anyway, here's why I'm willing my good buddy Per on to victory:

• We play the same position, defense.
• We're the same height.
• "Per" in Old English means 'man who lives by a pear tree' - and I have a pair of trees out front on my boulevard.
• We have the same first initial.
• Our last names are close to being associated with death...mUerte means 'death' in Spanish; totmanN means 'dead man' in German.
• "...his game is unusually clean for a defender, evident by his relatively few bookings." Hey, me too.


So there you go - now you know who to cheer for. I like the way the Dutch play too - I might have to check out their last names and stuff.


P
* You have to say "Four - nil" in soccer.

Euro 2008 & bridal fashion preview

Remember the countdown I mentioned earlier?

7 days.

That's all we gotta wait for Euro 2008 to kick-start. So, we still have football to catch even after the leagues in England, Spain, Italy and others have rounded up their footballing season.

16 teams will be competing in Austria-Switzerland to wrestle and dethrone Greece, the winner in 2004. Check out the updates and final lineup of 23 in both these websites -- Soccernet.com or European Championship's official website at http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/.

Note: We will only get to watch Euro 2008 in action on the 8 June 2008, because of different time zone. Check your Astro listing for the matches. Opening match will be between co-host Switzerland and Czech Republic

united triumph: relive the moment in moscow

Manchester United was crowned as the best in Europe after they ousted Chelsea in Luzhniki Stadium early this morning (Malaysian time). The scoreline after 130 minutes 1 - 1, and the penalty shootout result 5 - 4 to Man Utd.

Let's relive the moment in Moscow, and see how the Red Devils made through 130 minutes of football, plus the penalty shoot-out.

All English affair in city of Moscow.

Before kick-off, the lucrative honour and silverware all managers and players crave for. It will be the Cup to fight for between Chelsea and Manchester United.

Cristiano Ronaldo rose high to the top to meet Wes Brown's cross, guiding in his header to the back of the net. Chelsea defenders looked helpless, and Cech was stunned in his position, he didn't even move.

Paul Scholes were left bloodied after clashing with Claudia Makelele. He suffered concussion, and had momentary blurred vision. He stayed on to play through the match until 87 minutes, that's when Ryan Giggs was introduced into the game. Giggs also made history by breaking Sir Bobby Charlton's club record appearance in Europe.

Manchester United dominated the first half, while Chelsea took charge most of the second. They ended 90 minutes with a 1 - 1 stalemate. Not even a Didier Drogba's red card in the 116th minute could change the scoreline.

The hero, almost a villain the same night, had his spot kick saved by Petr Cech. It was Manchester United's third kick.

A slip of a lifetime. John Terry missed the kick, which could have sent the trophy to London instead, after he slipped while taking his kick. He was left soaked in rain of agony.

A hero's redemption. Edwin van der Saar made it count the most after his save on Nicolas Anelka's penalty kick, the first attempt after the shoot out went into Sudden Death. van der Saar failed to save any in the previous 5 shots, JT sent his shot completely wide.

New crop of heroes. The miss, the save, the luck. Manchester United - the Champion in 2008.

Hope you enjoy the photos. All photos are from Soccernet.com.

champions league final update

We've gone through 90 minutes of normal time, which ended with a 1 - 1 stalemate. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 42nd goal of the season in the 26th minute, while Chelsea equalized through Frank Lampard's lucky tap-in in first half's dying second.

There were no breakthrough after 90 minutes, and it stayed almost the same until a dramatic sequence occurred. Didier Drogba was sent off with a red card after he slapped Manchester United's centre half Nemanja Vidic, just right in front of the referee.

The match now goes into a penalty shoot-out, the scenario which I hope for the least.


Update:

Manchester United are the Champions of Europe!!!! Glory to Manchester United!

90 minutes weren't enough to decide the better of the English top two, Extra times weren't sufficient, not even a last minute send-off of Didier Drogba could help it. It has to come down to the wire, just like how the English Premier League title race.

Penalty shoot-out, it was.

Rain was soaking in Moscow, players from both teams try hard to calm their nerve. They know they'll need steel nerve to take those penalties.

Every penalty taker was spot on, that is until Manchester United's third taker - Cristiano Ronaldo. The wonder kid who has 42 goals under his belt this season had his penalty saved by Chelsea's Cech. Advantage to Chelsea.

And captain John Terry was the last of first five to take the penalty, and he could bring the triumph to Chelsea, and their fans. All he had to do was to slot the ball into the net, but somehow, he completely missed everything. Instead of the trophy to Chelsea, he handed a lifeline to Manchester United.

Edwin Van Der Saar left the best for the last, as he stepped up with his heroic moment, saving Nicolas Anelka's spot kick, the sixth and the last one. Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium were filled with contrast, agony and joy. Chelsea's faithful was left with faces of despair and agony, especially John Terry, who seemingly blaming himself for the miss. On the other hand, the Red Devils fan broke into joy as they celebrated with their team.

Sir Alex Ferguson was truly in cloud nine. Why not? He has done it again, 9 years after his treble triumph. He has a double this season.

Congratulations to Manchester United, and thank you for a wonderful season.

Football season has come to the end this year. It was a joy to follow Manchester United's progress. Their style of play is a joy to watch.

Here's the summary of the penalty shoot-out.
Manchester United Chelsea
Carlos Tevez (O) - Michael ballack (O)
Michael Carrick (O) - Juliano Belleti (O)
Cristiano Ronaldo (X) - Frank Lampard (O)
Owen Hargreaves (O) - Ashley Cole (O)
Anderson (O) - John Terry (X)
Ryan Giggs (O) - Nicolas Anelka (X)

O=Made; X=Missed



On second thought, the seaon might not really be over as we have European Championship to follow in Austria & Switzerland.

Long live football/soccer!

champions league final: manchester united vs chelsea

Photo's from soccernet.com

Football fans. It's the moment of truth. Will Manchester United repeat their heroic in 1999? Will they cap their wonderful season on a high note? Those will be decided after 90 minutes of duel in Moscow.

The clash of two English titans will happen in Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow. Who will prevail?

Catch all the action live at ESPN (Channel 812 on Astro), coverage starts on 2:00 a.m., 22 May 2008. (Note: The time mentioned above is of Malaysian time, check your local TV time at espnstar.com)

I'm off to sleep now. I'm waking up later for the match! See you in Moscow!

barclay's english premier league season round up

Barclay's English Premier League has come to its end for the season.

Although it was the last match day for the season, there was no shortage of excitement as we were drawn attention to both ends of the table. At the top, Manchester United and Chelsea were in the spotlight for the title showdown. Chelsea were still in the title race, having drawn level on the points in the standings, only inferior by goal difference. Any slip up at JJB Stadium by Manchester United would mean Chelsea's celebration, if they can pull away all three points from their match against Bolton.

The brave cottagers - Jimmy Bullard, and the goal scorer, Danny Murphy.

At the other end of the table, three teams were in fight for the sole survival spot from next season's elite status. Birmingham, Fulham and Reading were all involved in last-day relegation battle, as only one of them will stay up. Fulham will need to win the last game to secure their own survival. On paper, Fulham may have the toughest assignment, as they took on Portsmouth, whom themselves have had a remarkable season. The Pompey are in FA Cup final, which is to be played on 17 May, against lower division team - Cardiff. A win in FA Cup will seal a European football next season in UEFA Cup.

Reading has the easiest among the three as they play against the already relegated Derby. Birmingham's task wasn't any easier, as they face Mark Hughes' Blackburn, who were in contention for European football earlier this season.

At the end of 90 minutes last night, there were a bit of twist, which came from the bottom of the table.

Fulham, under Roy Hodgson's management, has survived the relegation threat with their 1 - 0 win against Portsmouth, thanks to Danny Murphy's goal. That result have consigned Birmingham and Reading to relegation, despite their big wins on the final day. Birmingham surprised Blackburn with a 4 - 1 victory at St. Andrew's, while Reading thumped Derby 4 goals away.

Jimmy Bullard was influential in their recent run, which eventually stirred the team to their survival. Since his return to lineup, he has proved his presence in the team worthy. Too often he was involved in important plays in a game, and he could easily be best player on the pitch in those games. Reading's drubbing of Derby consigned the latter to the worst team ever in the top flight history, it's like adding salt to the wound to Derby.

Back to the top of the table, there were two scenarios before the match:
A) Manchester United beat Wigan, Manchester United will be champion regardless the outcome at Stamford Bridge.
B) Manchester United slip up against Wigan, a defeat or a draw, plus a Chelsea victory at Stamford Bridge will bring trophy to Chelsea's dressing room instead.

Old warhorse for Manchester United - Ryan Giggs, holding the 10th title in 16 seasons.

Scenario B was never going to happen, as Cristiano Ronaldo fired a penalty past Chris Kirkland in the 33rd minute, after Boyce clipped Wayne Rooney in the penalty box. Chelsea was momentarily given some hope, after Andriy Shevchenko scored in the 62nd minute. But all hopes were put beyond doubt when Ryan Giggs were put through, clearly on side, by Wayne Rooney. The Red Devil's loyal old horse made no mistake in putting the ball through to the goal, it was the 80th minute, 2 - 0 was the scoreline.

The kid in sizzling form, Cristiano Ronaldo, with the penalty that put Manchester United a hand on the trophy.

Sir Alex, a very happy man at the end of the match.

Signs of joy was more visible on Sir Alex's face at this point, he knows this better than anyone, and he wanted this so much before his eventual retirement.

Glory, glory! One down, one more to go, in Moscow!

And all was done and dusted for Manchester United when Matthew Taylor scored an equalizer for Bolton on the dying minutes of the match. 1 - 1. All the blues faithful could only stare at their team with agony, and applauding what the team has achieved so far, all done after the departure of their "Special One" -- Jose Mourinho. Avram Grant had since guided to a second place finish in the league, and finalist in UEFA Champions League, where they will play against the English Champion - Manchester United.

Brave Bolton fought till the end.

Captain JT down injured just after 13 minutes.

John Terry was stretchered off from the match, just after 13 minutes, after having a partial dislocation in his elbow. He is doubtful for the season finale against Manchester United in Moscow, at 21 May 2008. Didier Drogba is also believed to have played his last match at Stamford Bridge, as he is linked up with a transfer to Italian giant AC Milan next season.

Humilated Sven condemned to exit from Manchester City?

On other matches, former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson may be doomed for the exit door in Manchester City, after his team was demolished on the final day with a 8 - 1 loss against Gareth Southgate's Boro. His captain, Richard Dunne was sent off after just 15 minutes, and there onwards, the floodgate just opened. Stuart Downing scored a brace, and Brazilian hitman Afonso Alves continued his fine form with a hat-trick, Rochemback, Aliadiere and Adam Johnson completed the rout for the Riverside team. Elano pulled a mere consolation for City in the 87th minute.

So, after the final match day, here are how the English Premier League has concluded:
Champions: Manchester United
UEFA Champions League (Automatic Qualifying): Manchester United, Chelsea
UEFA Champions League (3rd Qualifying Round): Arsenal, Liverpool
UEFA Cup: Everton, FA Cup Winner, Tottenham (via Carling Cup)
Relegated: Reading, Birmingham, Derby

Note: Manchester City may be offered a lifeline in European football next season, as they were finished fifth in England's fair play standing. The top four teams have already qualified for European next season, so Manchester City will be next in line for consideration.

Aston Villa and Blackburn may try to squeeze to Europe via Intertoto Cup, this is still not confirmed at time of writing.

Gareth Barry, one of the most consistent players for both club and country this season. Where will he be playing next season? Will he stay with Aston Villa or else where?

It's been a terrific season to watch in Barclay's Premier League, next season starts in August 2008.


Pictures credit: All photos posted here are referred from ESPN's Soccernet.com.

barclay's english premier league final matchday

It's final match day for Barclay's English Premier League today. Tonight's spotlight will be on these particular two matches, Manchester United visits Wigan, while Chelsea take on Bolton.

Update on Chelsea's match, Chelsea captain John Terry has been stretchered off the pitch with injury.

It's now 19 mins into the match. With 70 minutes remaining, let's see if Manchester United can retain their title.

Update (11:55p.m.) - Man Utd 2 - 0 Wigan, Man U look set to secure their second successive title. Chelsea is leading by a goal against Bolton, but that will not alter the standing on the top of the table. Minute 89 now. Other note, Middlesborough hammered 7 goals past sorry Manchester City. Sven Goran Erikson may be doomed for the exit.

sports review - soccer

It's been a while since I wrote any sports related update. So, I guess it's about time to write one too. At the same time, I can take a break from blogging about the normal things.

Football/Soccer fans out there would know that the football/soccer seasons are nearing the end in Europe. There are leagues where the champions are already decided, e.g. Real Madrid successfully defended their crown in La Liga, the Spanish league. Bayern Munich is expected to close in on their Bundesliga crown, and Inter Milan have points clear on top of the league.

In England however, it is still quite a close call. Chelsea have an outside chance to pip Manchester United for the title. Chelsea are level on points with Manchester United, and the two teams are separated by goal difference. The Red Devils have far more superior goal difference to their advantage, much thanks to in-form Cristiano Ronaldo, who tallied 30 goals in the league. Carlos Tevez chipped in 14 this season too. Rooney has 12.

Ronaldo celebrating with Ferdinand in their 4 - 1 rout of West Ham.

Cristiano Ronaldo, fresh from being awarded as PFA Player of the Year, and FWA Footballer of the year, has 40 goals in total this season. This kid has been in sizzling form since the start of the season. He has certainly matured from the day he arrived from Sporting Lisbon. From a kid with flair, he has shown maturity in his game. He plays football wiser now.

In contrast, his fellow countryman Luis Nani showed the exact opposite characteristic in Manchester United's latest thumping of West Ham United.

Nani, marred the victory with his immaturity. Still a lot to learn, boy.

The young Portugese winger foolishly committed himself in a unnecessary fracas. With United leading comfortably 3 - 1, Luis Nani showed his immaturity, and it wasn't the first time Nani showed such attitude in game, by head-butting West Ham defenders Lucas Neill. If you had seen the replays, Nani is just unforgivable.

Probably he watched to much of Shaolin Soccer, and picked up the head-butting skill from thereon.

Despite down with 10 men, Man Utd was strong enough to add one more goal to make the scoreline 4 - 1. Carrick added his name to the score sheet on 59th minute, and sealed it for the Red Devils.

Another ex-Hammers to score against former club, Carrick joined Tevez in the score sheet for the match.

With that win, Manchester United edged a step closer to retaining their title as champions. Despite that, Chelsea's Avram Grant was still 'optimistic' with his side to win the league. It's good to be optimistic, but they way he put it, he sounded like a Mourinho-wannabe. He tried to sound unique, like The Special One. But really, he's just Mourinho's clone, with a grumpier face.

Avram "The Grump" Grant.

The talk about Chelsea looking for Grant's replacement has been going on since Day 1 he took charge from Mourinho. In my opinion, I think Grant will still get the axe despite his considerably successful tenure in Chelsea's helm. As for Nani, if he doesn't show improvement on his attitude next season, I wouldn't be surprised to see him being shipped away from the club.

Manchester United will play at Wigan in the final match day, while Chelsea face Bolton. Both Wigan and Bolton are safe from relegation threat, there isn't much to fight for for the latter teams. Sir Alex will surely give it all go to secure the win, knowing that his side has vast superiority in goal difference to their advantage. If Chelsea have any wish to muscle Manchester United off from the top, they would need to beat Bolton with at least 18 goals, in other words a 18 - 0 scoreline, to stand a chance.

Chelsea and Manchester United will meet again in Moscow for UEFA Champions League showdown on 21 May. Mark your calendar and set your alarm. You won't want to miss the All-English Champions League final.

Glory! Glory!

Hmm.. Must train my body to be like that..