March 31, 2009
American soccer LINKS
Some American rich dude increased his stake at Arsenal.U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.!
Yeah, I'm done. Here are the links:
- A song to Evan Brown. [MLS Rumors]
- Sounders coverage: eh. [SSR]
- Beckham happy as a sub. [Soccer365]
- Holy goalkeeping. [The Original Winger]
- Mancini turned down United? [Goal.com]
- Rich Vegas dude wants an MLS team. [Las Vegas Sun]
- Hull City wants a Cesc apology to end spat. [Setanta]
- Chivas promotes assistant to coach. [SI]
- Rooney wins some award. [Guardian]
- C. Michigan pays $450K in lawsuit. [Yahoo!]
- van der Vaart denies Chelsea link. [TSN]
- Official: FOX gets Champions League rights. [AP]
- Lampard: Don't write off Michael Owen. [ESPN]
- Check out this podcast on corruption. [BBC]
Beckham is still king
King of the finances that is. Some report came out, and David Beckham is indeed the top earning soccer star in the world.Those endorsement deals from Adidas, Gillette and Pepsi certainly help.
Here's the list:
- 1. David Beckham (L.A. Galaxy/AC Milan): $42.7 million
2. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona): $37.7 million
3. Ronaldinho (AC Milan): $25.8 million
4. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United): $24.1 million
5. Thierry Henry (FC Barcelona): $22.4 million
6. Kaká (AC Milan): $19.9 million
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan): $19.9 million
8. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United): $17.8 million
9. Frank Lampard (Chelsea): $17.1 million
10. John Terry (Chelsea): $15.4 million
A wild MLS rivalry
Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew matches are becoming pay-per-view worthy these days.Their fans got into a bit o' a tissy fit, and it seems to be growing into a bit o' a rivalry (nothing Ali-Frazier-like, but what is?).
People are trying to downplay the drama, but a taser and tear gas were involved. Police involvement with rowdy fans is common in the sports world, but not as much in America.
Watch some videos and read some witness accounts over at MLS Rumors.
VIDEO: Shunsuke is magic
I know a Nakamura, not a huge soccer fan, but she respects the game.
I hear that guy on Heroes is a Nakamura too. I don't watch that show.
Wikipedia says Nakamura is the 8th most popular Japanese surname.
This post got way off topic, just enjoy the beautiful goal...
Samuel Eto'o to Liverpool?
Probably just another rumor with nothing to it, but this one was a little fun. I had to do the photoshop test so see what it'd look like.Certainly the thought of that attacking combo: Eto'o, Torres and Gerrard is a frightening one...
Stampede fallout
After such a tragedy, some began to get concerned. How worried should people be, considering the world is coming to the continent in a year?Naturally the World Cup organizer says it won't be a problem. Danny Jordaan is the dude's name. He blamed the fact that the ticket-less fans came late to the game and triggered the stampede -- something that won't happen in South Africa.
"Those things will not occur in the Confederations Cup or the World Cup. It is impossible.''Others offered a different source of the panic: tear gassing cops. That's not very reassuring.
Didier Drogba offered his thoughts on the tragedy. It was surprisingly insightful from an athlete that always appeared to be a little self-centered. Here's another story on the Ivory Coast football chief begging for calm surrounding the incident.
Finally here's a video from ESPN discussing the topic.
VIDEO: Dude refuses a PK
The Offside has the detailed details, but here's the idea.
-- Ref calls PK.
-- Forward doesn't think he deserves it.
-- Forward tells ref it wasn't a PK.
-- Ref swallows his pride and awards a drop ball.
-- Attacking team kicks ball out for a goal kick.
-- Game resumes and everyone's happy.
Wow. I'm still stunned.
In a sport riddle with violence, diving and cheaters wherever you look, to find a story like this is that much more uplifting. Well done guys.
There is hope.
Johnny Bornstein = savior?
Maybe.Bob Bradley has called up the left back and old Chivas U.S.A. buddy -- presumably to start right away -- after a horrid performance by Heath Pearce in the last qualifier.
But other dudes need to step up too -- you listening Kljestan, Beasley, Donovan?
And while I'm playing coach, I'm giving some more playing time to Torres and Altidore.
And for god sakes get Timmy back in the net!
Hell, we are only a day away...
Henry Kissinger???
The former U.S. Secretary of State is 85 years old.But that hasn't stopped him from taking on a new project: getting his country the World Cup.
Henry Kissinger helped bring the event to the U.S.A. in '94 and had attended almost all of them since.
"I obviously want the World Cup to come here," the Nobel Peace Prize-winner and soccer fan told reporters at a briefing to announce his involvement with the U.S. soccer federation's bid for the 2018 or 2022 tournament.Thanks Henry. Nice to know you're in our corner.
"I don't think we have a huge chance in 2018, it will probably go to Europe, but you can't tell. We have a good chance for 2022," added Kissinger.
"I'll be 99 years old (in 2022), so it's sort of an obligation to stay around."
Kasey Keller is MLS player of the week
Kasey Keller is awesome. Interviewing him after a Sounders FC preseason game is one of the highlights of my journalistic career -- if not the highlight.That said, he's really good too.
The local boy made five saves to record his second straight clean sheet and was named MLS player of the week after a 2-0 blanking of Real Salt Lake.
Good times.
Kaka back to save Brazil
Word is the superstar is fit and healthy and ready to play in Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Peru.Certainly one would expect the Selecao to be fine without him, but certainly no one expected them to barely escape Ecuador with a point. And now that Maicon is hurt, Brazil is teetering a bit more than usual.
Dunga says the struggles may continue. Maybe Dunga should be fired...
March 30, 2009
Ode to Hejduk LINKS
Not really an ode, but a fine piece of journalism over at Goal!, the N.Y. Times soccer blog. Some good stuff from his national team buddies about this guy's freakish conditioning.“He’s a different kind of animal,” Freddy Adu, a 19-year-old U.S. international, said of Hejduk. “He’s probably the fittest guy on the team at age, what, 34, 35? That’s ‘Wow!’ That’s amazing.”
On to the other links:
- Sounders FC shopping Jeff Parke? [SBI]
- That WPS thing started the other day. [Goal.com]
- Craig Bellamy gets emotional after loss. [Daily Mail]
- Check out USMNT funny man. [The Offside Rules]
- Di Natale out for the season? [Reuters]
- Which old coach has still got it? [Futbolita]
- Ancelotti thinks Milan is close to perfection. [ESPN]
- Liverpool out of running for talented Spaniard. [Daily Post]
- Bayern Munich brace for Ribery battle. [AFP]
- Dude calls 6+5 rule xenophobic. [Guardian]
Are these our legends?
Man, Pele's got issues.Maradona's got issues.
They've got issues with each other.
What is going on with these guys? Can't you just be revered icons in the sport without making news -- mostly bad news -- headlines?
The latest offense: Maradona says Pele lost his virginity to a man.
Guess who owes a lot of tax money...
One, Diego Maradona.Surprised? Didn't think so. Me neither. This guy is like a magnet for this sort of stuff.
Apparently he owes 37 million euros in Italy for his playing days for Napoli over there.
A statement released on Contribuenti.it - the website for Italian taxpayers - has revealed Maradona, who spent seven years at the Serie A club between 1984 and 1991, has to date only contributed 42,000 euros and two luxury watches.To be fair. They were really nice watches.
About 23.5 million of that -- or 63.5 percent -- is interest. Yikes.
JT thinks Rooney will get 150 caps
High praise.Particularly since the two are club rivals. But you look at the numbers and John Terry is absolutely right.
Wayne Rooney is already at 49 caps and set for his 50th. Considering his age, 23, plus his productivity, two goals in last appearance, and don't forget English dry pool of forwards...
Hell he could get to 200! Just don't ask about that temper.
VIDEO: Best 10 seconds ever for 'keeper
Great find by The Spoiler. First the goalie saves the PK and then, well just watch...
Elton John to save Watford?
The super-rich performer is going to get the club some spending money by hosting a concert in which all the proceeds will be used in signing newer, better players.This is awesome. The perks of having rich and powerful fans.
Sadly, it probably won't be enough to get the sorry side back in the Premiership. Watford is currently 16th out of 24 teams in the Championship.
When tragedies strike
At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 injured in a stampede at a World Cup qualifying soccer match in the Ivory Coast over the weekend.People trying to push in to the stadium before kickoff started the panic. When the dust settled, the Drogba-led squad won 5-0.
There have been a number of stampedes at Africa’s crowded stadiums. Badly equipped security forces are far outnumbered and are often unable to control the voluminous crowds.More sad news in the soccer world takes us to Brazil, where three people were shot in another dispute between rival supporters.
The percentage of soccer related violence is ridiculous.
Argentina fields 10.5 players
Considering the country's 4-0 win over Venezuela, Sergio Aguero's kid probably could've played and Argentina still woulda won...
VIDEO: Holy smoke
This in a World Cup qualifier this past weekend between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Belgium.
Can you guess which fans threw the flares?
Ecuador rejoice! (W.C. qualifying)
The U.S. mens national team wasn't the only squad to suffer a disappointing result over the weekend.Brazil could only muster a 1-1 tie at Ecuador.
But for the most part the favorites rolled. Starting in the African region, Didier Drogba led the Ivory Coast to a 5-0 win over Malawi. Ghana beat Benin 1-0. And a hobbled Emmanuel Adebayor scored the only goal in a 1-0 Togo win over Cameroon.
In Europe, Portugal and Sweden were deadlocked 0-0. Israel and Greece also played to an important tie. But favorites Germany, Russia, Spain, France, Italy and Holland each rolled.
Elsewhere, Argentina romped and Mexico found some success under Sven.
Like the NCAA tournament so far, it was all pretty much expected.
All about Mourinho...
Isn't it always. Still the Special One was in the headlines a lot this weekend, and here's a rundown of his news.First off, Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho made a bit of a splash by saying he couldn't turn down the Manchester United job if offered to him. Everyone would do the same, but only he would say it while coaching another huge European club.
What else: he supported the controversial 6 + 5 rule and also said he doesn't think Sir Alex Ferguson is retiring any time soon.
Finally, and what better way to end it, than with a parting shot at David Beckham. Oh, and an interview.
MLS week two...
Here are the scores:Columbus Crew 1-1 Toronto FC (A: 14,686)
N.Y. Red Bulls 1-1 N.E. Revolution (A: 12,462)
D.C. United 1-1 Chicago Fire (A: 15,895)
Colorado Rapids 2-1 K.C. Wizards (A: 11,885)
San Jose 'Quakers 3-2 Houston Dynamo (A: 9,177)
Seattle Sounders FC 2-0 Real Salt Lake (A: 28,548)
FC Dallas 0-2 Chivas USA (A: 6,524)
Here are some standouts:
1. Kevin Hartman, all-time saves record in the league. Congrats.
2. Fredy Montero, the BMOC in the league w/ another great goal.
3. GBS, again scores Crew's only goal. What an authoritative PK.
4. Terry Cooke, the Wizard had my favorite goal of the week.
5. Brad Davis, a punishing thump by this Dynamo was close 2nd.
6. Abdoulie Mansally, a great last-gasp equalizer for N.E.
7. Four goals in seven minutes in the S.J./Houston game.
8. Chivas USA -- along with Seattle -- is perfect so far.
VIDEO: MLS goals of the week
I love the Terry Cooke strike off the set piece for K.C. And the Brad Davis blast for Houston.
If looks could kill...
This stare pretty much summed up how I felt about the USMNT performance at El Salvador.The result is forgivable, but the level of effort for 90 minutes clearly wasn't. The Americans looked apathetic. They thought they could put it in cruise control and get the win.
They expected three points to be handed to them. That was the discouraging bit.
Heath Pearce and Sasha Kljestan looked lost. Danny Califf and Brad Guzan did nothing to make anyone believe they deserve future playing time.
At times, I completely forgot Landon Donovan was in the game.
Thankfully the bench brought energy, particularly young Torres. Dempsey, Ching, Bradley and Hejduk also stepped up late.
Hopefully this was a wake-up call.
March 28, 2009
2-0
2-0 against Real Salt Lake.2-0 on the season.
The Sounders FC are perfect so far for the 2009 campaign. What class the side has shown in its first couple matches, it continues to amaze me.
Here are some thoughts:
Fredy Montero -- clearly a marked man from the start -- was sparkling and spectacular again in the encore from last Thursday. What a strike from distance to seal the win.- Despite a lackluster second half, the Sounders FC bent... a lot... but the backline didn't break. And Kasey Keller stepped up huge to earn the clean sheet.
- Guys that continue to impress: Osvaldo Alonso, crisp tackling, set up the early goal; Sebastien Le Toux, workaholic, dangerous runs; Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, physical defender with a great feel for the game and strong instincts.
- Steve Zakuani was lethal on the flank. Great assist to get Seattle on the board early.
- How deep is this team? Freddie Ljungberg, an established European star was a near afterthought in his debut.
But so far, so good. Now can the Sounders FC do it on the road...?
March 27, 2009
Damien Duff sighting LINKS
When I saw this guy's name in the headlines, I just knew I had to post it. It's been too long Damien, I remember when Stamford Bridge was your playground.Now you're hurt. A killer to Ireland.
Man City wants some French
Word is the newest, richest, most impulsive club might be shopping for Thierry Henry and Franck Ribery, each of which have been linked and rumored to other clubs.Not sure I can see either one happening. Same goes with the Roman Pavlyuchenko to Chelsea transfer, but never underestimate that Russian connection, I guess...
Hiddink gets confused
It can't be easy to manage two teams at once.Guus Hiddink got a little mixed up when talking about one of his stars/opponents: Andrei Arshavin.
“Andrei is strong physically and psychologically. He likes it in England. And he’s already become one of Chelsea’s leaders.”Chelsea eh? Thought he played for the Gunners. Tipping a possible transfer maybe?
Doubtful.
“What a slip of the tongue. Of course he’s a leader in Arsenal — but he would be doing the same at Chelsea!”Silly old man...
John Terry's moms steals
Well his mom (pictured) and mom-in-law.Apparently the ladies were caught with more than $1000 worth of stuff they hadn't paid for.
Sue Terry, 50, and Sue Poole, 54, were nicked and officially cautioned by cops for shoplifting clothes and food from Marks & Spencer and Tesco.Cautioned?
I wish I could take a buncha gear from a store knowing I'd only be cautioned if caught...
Alex Ovechkin loves footie
Hockey's finest loves the beautiful game. He had a heckuva goal celebration the other day. Burning stick...?Classic.
Your daily Beckham update
First off, the Englishman defended crazy Rooney the other day. He compared the strong-jawed forward to an animal.But I don’t think anyone will try to take [the passion] away from Wayne. He would become a different player, a different animal.’Heckuva endorsement dude.
Also he added a little shot to Major League Soccer and the Galaxy by saying he feels most fit in Milan.
Nice.
Finally, he admits that he's got an eye on the English mark for international appearances. The record is 125 and he's in line for 109 this weekend.
Your (yearly?) WPS update
Gotta love the pose with that Project Runway dude...Not sure how the league is trying to project itself. In-game twitters and fashion shows? Concerned at all about the product?
At least Abby Wambach is getting healthy.
Just don't expect any tweets from her throughout the season.
VIDEO: Horrible PK blunder
That defender sniffed that out gloriously. Here's a suggestion dude, shoot the ball...
Fergie to retire?
An inside source -- his son -- has the info on this one.Darren Ferguson says he thinks his dad will retire as coach of Manchester United at the end of next season, in a little over a year.
"I can see him doing this year and next and then that might be it for him," said Ferguson Jr, one of the few people in a position to take an educated stab at when the man who took over at Old Trafford 22½ years ago will finally call it a day.But, of course, Ferguson-retirement rumors are about as common as I dunno...
A) Michael Owen injuries...
B) C-Ron making new bedmates...
C) Crazy ending to Lost episodes...
Maradona money
Oh great, something else to stroke the giant ego.The Central Bank in Argentina are launching a new project which could see famous faces such as Diego Maradona appear on Argentinian bills.Don't do it!
Doesn't that break some sort of rule? Isn't the person supposed to be dead before they get honored like this? Or is that stamps?
The bank folk argue he's a international icon, thus more important than, say, local political heroes.
Sigh...
The cost of cheap rent
I'm a little late on this one, but check out the Italian soccer player who lives in the front window of a fashion boutique.He plays six leagues below Serie A and there's a catch to the free rent: when the store is open, customers are free to walk around...
Jeff Parke leaves the Sounders FC
My boy Jose at the Times had the breaking story on his blog. Here's a snippet:Parke's status is this, in an email from the team: "The player informed team management of his decision Wednesday night. Parke's MLS rights remain with Sounders FC."Interesting.
The defender only joined the team about a week ago, and it's pretty clear the two sides haven't seen eye to eye from the start.
We'll see how things shake out.
March 26, 2009
LINKS with a smirk
Yes, Ronaldo scored two more goals the other day for Corinthians. I'm not sure anyone thought he'd be this productive out of the shoot.The other stuff:
- Sven under fire again. [ESPN]
- Umbro in denial over English kits. [Off the Post]
- Battle of acronyms. [The Offside]
- Nery Castillo lashes out. [Goal.com]
- The NFL copying the EPL? [Goal!]
- All about Fredy Montero. [The Seattle Times]
- UEFA to charge some anonymous team with match fixing, but no one knows who. [BBC]
VIDEO: Free kick and a beauty
I've always wondered what it would be like to strike a perfect free kick...
The Ben Foster saga
Foster: Australian for dilemma...Not really. But the Manchester United goalkeeper does have an interesting little conundrum. And it's the ol' country v. club thing again.
Ben Foster is currently the Red Devils' back-up to Edwin van der Sar (read: stud). So while Foster likes his professional gig, he's certainly not gonna see a lot of time.
That puts him in a precarious position in terms of playing for the national team. While his talent makes him worth consideration, he doesn't play enough.
If he went to a smaller club to play full-time, he could be a national team star.
Hmmmmmm.... What would you choose?
Larsson calls Ronaldo a diver
Anything else mind blowing to add Henrik...?The former Manchester United teammates will meet this weekend in a World Cup qualifier between Portugal and Sweden.
"I intend to speak with the referee before the match to warn him about Ronaldo diving," The Daily Mail quotes Larsson as saying.You do that.
"We must be careful, as a team, not to get caught out by that, but so must the referee. I will be having a word with him and telling him to keep an eye out for it."
VIDEO: Ribery slap
101GG thinks the Frenchman benefited from some favorable Bayern treatment.
Eh, it's just a love tap. No harm, no foul.
Put me in coach!
Wait a second... he is the coach...Oh and speaking of Argentina, their U17 team is way better than ours.
Capello doesn't like crazies
The English national team coach thinks Wayne Rooney is crazy. Particularly after a recent blow-up against Fulham.In a team meeting Capello called the striker out, in semi-joking fashion:
"What were you doing punching the corner flag? You're a crazy man, a crazy man."It's much funnier when you picture the Italian accent.
Capello also had some choice words for defender Ashley Cole, who was recently arrested outside a nightclub for being drunk and disorderly.
Quite the disciplinarian, eh? Too bad English fans won't care about how crazy the guys are if they win 3-0...
Beckham pulls soldier's arm off
Sometime the picture is worth 1,000 words.But there's a good story behind this one. The soldier with the prosthetic limb played a bit of a joke on David Beckham.
I'm sure you're one step ahead of me. During a friendly handshake Beckham was shocked to say the least to see the guy's arm fall off in his hand...
Freddie Ljungberg debut this weekend?
The question is: will he ruin chemistry?Wait there's more.
Who sits? Evans? Alonso? Jaqua? Who moves?
What's the formation going to look like? Is he going to be at full health?
And with a U.S. mens national team qualifier and the NCAA tournament going on, will there be time to watch?
Answers anyone?
Pele in denial mode
Robinho asked for an apology after some disparaging remarks from Pele.Instead he got a denial.
The legend said his comments about how Robinho and Ronaldo are drug users were misinterpreted. The conference was closed to the media, but a radio station got it on tape.
An unidentified spokesman for Pele told the Jornal do Brasil newspaper on Wednesday that Pele was questioned about general problems soccer players had faced. While his quote seemed to connect Robinho and Ronaldo—along with Diego Maradona—to past drug use, the spokesman said that was not Pele’s intention.The spokesman said the comments were meant to compare incidents with the law (e.g. Robinho's sexual assault case).
I think we're nearing a resolution. Thankfully this probably won't end up in court.
Blanco to leave Chicago
The Mexican hero has said he wants to leave Chicago after this season. He's open to playing for another MLS team, but could leave the league entirely."My contract will be done, and I will leave happy because I have great teammates. It's a decision I made. I'm going to look for other options,'' the 36-year-old Blanco told the Chicago Tribune on Wednesday.It would be a shame if he left. He's such a talent -- as evidenced by his perfect free-kick goal last weekend.
I certainly hope he stays. Even if it means I have to spell Cuauhtemoc more often...
VIDEO: Zidane's kid rules
Somehow the USSF needs to trick him and cap him somehow. Maybe Saturday against El Salvador...
March 25, 2009
VIDEO: Breakdancing goal celebration
I give it a 6.5 out of 10. Originality was good, but the execution was a little lacking.
Kaka doubtful for World Cup qualifier
Imagine the numbers and success this guy could had if healthy... This time it's a foot problem that will probably sideline him for a qualifier against Ecuador.(Maybe he's praying too hard to the wrong god... I kid, I kid...)
Kaka is certainly one of those guys I wish I could see more. Him and the Xavi/Messi combo...
Italian women bet to bed Beckham
David Beckham doesn't know it -- well he does now probably -- but an exclusive club of Italian women have a wager on who will sleep with the AC Milan star first.A source apparently told the magazine: ‘There is a group of about 20 girls who hang around the Milan nightclubs and bars where the Italian players go to relax.Too bad the bet got out in the public, they might've had a chance.
‘They have decided that the top prize is now David Beckham. Most of the girls have slept with several AC Milan players but no longer see them as a big deal.”
He's gonna be on a short leash now...
Evra blasts French fans
Yes, he's French also.Patrice Evra says they don't support the national team enough. And they don't have enough soccer culture. And they suck way more than Manchester United fans.
"I was disappointed to see the fans shouting 'ola' when the Argentinians were doing their tricks," he told France sports daily L'Equipe.Then he quotes his club teammate Carlos Tevez, who says the French crowd in a recent friendly versus Argentina made it feel like Buenos Aires.
And that they had pro-Argentina signs and flags, but none for their hometown French side.
Evra went on to say it's having a negative effect on the team.
"The supporters need to be behind us. If they want us to get to the World Cup they will need to do something different."Psh, the excuses of the underachievers.
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