Phenomenal Strike

It’s evident. It’s there, it’s more than obvious. Italian football is reaching it’s downfall, or so it seems. Many Italian teams are falling behind in the FIFA rankings as well as the national team. AC Milan is not the same team as they were in the past, winning 2 champions league titles in 2003 and 2007. The English dominance is now very evident, Arsenal beating AC Milan at the San Siro in the 2007-2008 Champions League campaign is a perfect example of the downfall of Italian football. The beauty of the game is now eroding in Italian football, and there are many more factors that cause it. One of them is financial problems. Although many various clubs in Europe are in debt, some of the Italian clubs including AC Milan and Juventus are probably in the worst positions. Ever since the Calciopoli that rocked Italian football in general, Italian football has never been quite the same. They are being rapidly taken over by England and Spain, and if they don’t do something fast, Kaka will be on his way to Real Madrid in a matter of hours.

I just took the time to reflect back on the mesmerizing performances Russia put it in their successful spell during Euro 2008 in Switzlerand and Austria. I was very impressed by a nation that was hardly recognized for their potential of playing effective and beautiful football. Many players deserve praise, and many are now being chased by some of the world’s top clubs. This just proves the world of football has much more to offer in the future. New players are always in the making, and Russia proved that by reaching the semi-finals until they were knocked out by eventual tournament winners Spain.

It’s almost here. After the qualifying rounds we can only wait to turn on our televisions and relax as we observe the mesmerizing football the top nations around the world have to offer. It’ll be an amazing tournament, as well as a pressuring one for the Italians. They will look to defend their world title and somehow go just as far as they did in 2006. I think about the 2006 world cup, and I can hardly believe that it was almost 3 years ago. It seemed like it was yesterday. So many great memories were created during the 2006 world cup, and hopefully there will be more to behold next year in South Africa 2010.

Last weekend saw the tragic ends to the careers of a few legendary players.

1) Luis Figo – Inter Milan

This portuguese veteran, once a magician with the ball at his feet has shown real character throughout his career to move from one club to another, and not just any club, big time clubs including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan. He is probably the last of his kind, the last Portuguese maestro who played the beautiful game. He had a beautiful touch, amazing vision, a god-like right foot and the ability to score goals from midfield. His beautiful presence on the pitch will be sorely missed.

2) Pavel Nedved – Juventus F.C.

Pavel Nedved, or the “Czech Fury,” was an absolute magician. His work ethic was without a question, one of the most extreme that I’ve ever encountered. He never stopped running, passing, and chasing the ball. He had an absolute rip-roarer of a shot and produced moments of magic no other player could have. You could always tell who he was by his bright blond hair, that swung around as he ran his heart out on the pitch. His hard work earned him the pretigious Ballon D’Or in 2003.

3) Juninho Pernambucano

Yes, sadly my favorite player’s career has come to an end in the beautiful city of Lyon. After faithfully serving ‘Les Gones,’ for 8 seasons, Juninho has finally decided to hang up his boots and move on. Probably most famous for his dead-ball expertise, Juninho was probably the only dead-ball specialist who could kick the ball like he could. When it came to magical feet, Juninho probably has the most magical. He would produce that would make your jaw drop in awe and gasp “…how?” That was the expression on my face when I first discovered the player he was. An old-fashioned midfielder who uses his grace and skill on the pitch rather than his small physique and strength, Juninho is the last of his kind along with the other retiring veterans. One will never forget the 45 freekicks he scored throughout his career at Lyon, many of which will be remembered forever.

4) Paolo Maldini – AC Milan

Probably the greatest defender to have ever stepped foot on the Italian peninsula. Paolo Maldini established himself as a superstar at the age of 18. He was able to mark the most revered strikers and wingers on his own, and gradually molded himself into one of the greatest defenders to have ever stepped foot on a football pitch. Paolo Maldini is the perfect example of being loyal to your club and your fans. Tragically, his 24 year spell at AC Milan has come to an end, and now we must begin to observe how his sons continue the legendary legacy of Paolo Maldini, one that will surely go down in the football history books. Encountering another Paolo Maldini does not only sound impossible, but won’t happen again.

Alright, so Barcelona won the Champions League in a very convincing manner as well. It was all blue and red in Rome on the date of the Champions League final, and you could just sense the European accolade coming back to Spain after Messi scored his rare header, looping it around Van Der Sar. Barcelona undoubtedly proved that they were the better side of the night; their passes flowed perfectly as always, and all of their players had some touches on the ball. Manchester United looked silly at times against the Barcelona side that lifted the European trophy.

So let’s congradulate Barcelona on a job well done, and another round of applause to Pep Guardiola for pulling the treble in his first season in the hot seat. But, despite all of these celebrations, it makes me wonder if Barcelona being crowned European Champions, makes Spain the world’s best league. I came to a conclusion, that if Barcelona were to face a well-prepared Manchester United side (I’m a Chelsea fan), they would’ve probably lost. When Manchester United hit their stride and get their game going, there are only a few teams that can stop their momentum. But we have to remember that Premier League teams possess something that other teams in other European nations, do not. This is the physical aspect to the game. Chelsea easily outmuscled Barcelona in the semi-final (which Chelsea should’ve won in the first place). Xavi couldn’t string his through passes, Messi was completely out-marked and many other Barcelona players couldn’t do much. The number of shots Barcelona had compared to Chelsea also signifies the fact that Barcelona lacks something Chelsea and other top 4 premier league teams have. Barcelona are without a doubht, one of the most beautiful teams to ever play the game. You just resist to let your jaw drop as you see the one touch passes go from one side of the field to the other, but without a doubt the Premier League is still the number one league in Europe, and next season’s Champions league will see an English team steal the European crown.

There are many rising stars in the world of football today. Today we look at Spain’s bright new prospect who has already broken into the first team of the Spanish national squad. His name is Raúl Albiol. He stands at 189 cm, and possesses versatility that allows formations to work around him. He possesses quite a good shot for a defender but it is dribbling ability that seperates him from all the other rock hard centre-backs. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Spain’s new Carlos Puyol, simply bigger, stronger, and less intimidating (althuogh that’s not necessarily a bad thing).

Raúl Albiol is only 23. He has plenty of time to grow and establish himself as one of the best central defenders in the world. In addition, he can shift positions and comfortably place himself in the defensive midfielder position. He has plenty of pace, power, touch, and skill to do so. These types of players are often very rare in the world of football, but I can’t help make some connections to the legendary Franz Beckenbauer. Hopefully Raúl Albiol will leave Valencia and move to a bigger European club, the likes of Liverpool are already on his tales. Regardless of Valencia’s reluctance to sell their big star players, they are in major debt. Valencia will have to somehow cash in and pay off the money they owe. With the stars their first team possesses, including the likes of David Villa, Xavi Hernandez, and Fernando Torres, just to name a few. With such a crafty set of players to work with, it’ll be exciting to see how Raúl Albiol contributes to the solid back four of the proud national team of Spain.

Few will question the bravery of John Terry, England and Chelsea FC captain. He has quickly become one of my favorite players of all time. He is exactly the type of character any team needs. He doesn’t have massive physique, nor does he stand as necesarrily the most skilled defender, but he provides a sense of security at the back, and will make tackles nobody else will dare to make. He possesses the heart of a lion and the rage of a bull, but neither a lion or a bull possesses a gentleman’s personality. Ladies and gentlemen, pleaes give a round of applause to the one and only, John Terry.

Many envy the back four of Chelsea football club. It’s defenitely a solid combination of brute, speed and skill. Terry is probably the best english defender you will currently find. He is completely reliable at the back, and possesses a bullet header as well (He grabbed Chelsea’s fourth goal against Barcelona in the classic 4-2 second leg at Stamford Bridge in the 2004-2005 Champions League season). Who wouldn’t want a John Terry in their starting lineup?

There’s no way a Chelsea fan could remain calm after the events that occurred during the second leg of the Champions League semi-final between Chelsea and Barcelona at Stamford Bridge. It was completely outrageous. I’m simply writing this post to express my anguish and to make some vital points before anyone sticks their face in mine to tell me otherwise.

1. Barcelona did not outplay Chelsea

Yes, Barcelona did have the majority of the possession during the match. But it’s funny to think that Barcelona only had one shot on goal (that shot ending up in the back of the net). On the other hand, Chelsea had a couple of chances to score, one also ending up in the back of the net (yes, that amazing left footed volley). In other words, I’d like to point out that Barcelona just had pointless possession. They just kept passing from side to side, up and down the flanks, but not really getting anywhere and not producing anything very productive. Messi was completely silenced. Eto’o didn’t have much to say either. Xavi Hernandez was completely neutralized, as all he could do was make a few simple passes. In other words, Chelsea were doing what they were supposed to do. They were shutting Barcelona with their physical presence.

Chelsea were the stronger, more dominant side during this match. Most people who love to watch football argue that holding possession for most of the game decides the better team. In most cases, this is true. Barcelona are a great side, probably second to none when it comes to playing attractive football. When facing vulnerable teams that have a shaky defence, they will exploit these weaknesses and punish them (Barcelona crushed Bayern Munich in the quarter-final 4-0 in the first leg). But this Chelsea team proved to be a different test. The back four consisting of Ashley Cole, John Terry, Alex, and Boswinga proved to be keyin this semi final. Chelsea’s defence was right on top of their game.

Chelsea won almost all of the aerial battles and the fact Barcelona had 14 shots, but only 1 on goal also says something. On the other side of the pitch, Chelsea made some glorious chances, which they unfortunately didn’t take, or ended up being choked off by the idiotic referee.

2. No hard feelings against Barcelona

Despite the bitter loss against Barcelona, Chelsea fans shouldn’t have anything against them. Most Chelsea fans will simply not admit they lost to Barcelona. Why? Horrible officiating, and more horrible officiating. From where I saw it, there were at least 3 clear penalties (I don’t believe the Eto’o handball should’ve been given anyways). Barcelona are a great side with great players and a great footballing philosophy. Their style is superb and seeing them play almost makes you want to cry. I appreciate seeing Barcelona players play their mesmerizing football. But we just gotta acknowledge the fact that Barcelona never really did outplay Chelsea at any point of the game. Sure, their massive possession helped soak up Chelsea’s attempts to attack, but Chelsea still did get many more shots on goal than Barcelona.

3. Physical football is what it’s all about

As an admirer of ’sexy’ football, it’s a real pity that footballing dominance is mostly based upon physical attributes, which is why the Premier League is currently the best league in the world. Chelsea were the much tougher team during this tie. The likes of John Terry and Alex compared to Gerard Pique and Toure Yaya were far more solid. Lampard’s physique in comparison to Xavi Hernandez also helped him mark his dominance in the middle of the park. Lampard stringed a few great passes over the Barcelona back four. Perhaps two of these awe-inspiring passes connected to the feet of Didier Drogba who unfortunately either didn’t get his penalty, or simply made another mistake. Chelsea were the dominant force. Only thing Barcelona could do was soak up the pressure as they kept passing the ball around between their defenders.

4. Perhaps the worst officiating I have seen in my life

It’s no secret that the referee was in truth, absolutely horrible, or as Didier Drogba would say, “a ****ing disgrace.” Yes, the way he reacted after the match was childish, but I believe it’s only natural. With so much adrenaline flowing through your mind, in all honesty I would’ve also reacted the same way. I’ve also noticed that Barcelona fans, or anti-Chelsea fans, or people who want to be neutral talk about the penalty the refree didn’t give to Thierry Henry during the first leg at the Camp Nou, when he was tripped. Yeah, maybe he should’ve given the penalty, but the fact is, that was one slight foul on him, and probably the only bad call that referee made that game. Seeing people use that as a counter arguement to the harsh treatment of Mr. Ovrebo makes me laugh. Alright then, let’s see. Ovrebo missed three clear penalty calls. Daniel Alves seemed like he was almost drowning Malouda inside his penalty box, Abidal not only pulled on Drogba’s shirt after he connected with Lampards great lob, but also tripped him in his own box. Oh, and let’s not forget how Gerard Pique basically felt the texture of the ball on his palm. If I stopped time when Pique touched the ball with his hand, it would’ve looked like he was handling the ball like a basketball. Not only did Ovrebo not award 3 clear penalties, but also made a poor decision by giving Eric Abidal that red card for tugging on Nicolas Anelka’s shirt. As I have said before, I have nothing against Barcelona, other than Mr. Daniel Alves for being a complete ass. Abidal’s tug on Anelka’s shirt was at most, a yellow card. A red just seems a bit too much.

5. Maybe Chelsea are in fact, cursed by the Champions League, but please, stop blaming Abromavich.

All of you haters, who say cash can’t buy success, please shut your pathetic mouths. The whole point of cashing in millions of pounds into a football club is to create a team to enjoy success. English fans simply don’t understand. Yes there’s that aspect of “being loyal to your club.” But you still have to realize, almost all of the Chelsea players crave for success. Their annual income is the least of their concerns.

6. Chelsea have already changed history in the world of football

Yeah, this was also caused by the great big injection of cash into the club. The “Game of the Century,” otherwise known as the 4-4 tie between Chelsea and Liverpool would’ve never become true without the greens provided by Abromavich. Chelsea have reached 4 semi-finals and 1 final in the Champions League. This is most defenitely a respectable record, or at least a record many European clubs do envy.

7. Chelsea have a reason to keep their heads high, so why not let them try again?

The nightmares of that unfortunate John Terry slip in Moscow still haunt me in my dreams. At times I even wish that I didn’t see that match live. But Chelsea have a squad full of players that are true to the game of football. Their heart and loyalty to the club is respectable. I feel proud to be a ‘Blue.’ I will always carry the shirt of John Terry wherever I go, because this club is probably the most important thing to me after my family, friends and Jesus Christ. I love this club almost more than anything, and I know that one day their hard work and effort will finally pay off. Their curse will be broken, and I’ll see John Terry lift the Champions League. The day I see this spectacle will live in my memory forever and in the records of the Champions League. Keep your heads high Chelsea, being one of the best teams in Europe, if not the best, you’ll achieve success eventually. It’s inevitable.

BLUE IS THE COLOR

FOOTBALL IS THE GAME

There are many promising youngsters out there in the world of football. But not so many are as explosive and can make an impact on important games as Branislav Ivanovic. Many of the football prodigies are recognized mainly due to their attacking abilities and their sheer eye for goal. But most of the world do not realize the potential in young defenders, and how important it is to keep these qualities intact.

Branislav Ivanovic was the unexpected hero at Anfield in Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League quarter final tie with Liverpool. He scored a brace of brilliant close range headers to send Chelsea basically through to the semi finals. Being strong in the air, strong in defense, and actually quite particularly fast, Ivanovic is now proving himself and making sure that Chelsea didn’t just spend 12 million pounds for nothing.

Guud Hiddink is that man. New Chelsea FC manager and respected figure in world football, Guus Hiddink carries a very positive and famous reputation for being probably one of the most successful coaches in the world. Recently, I stayed up all night to watch the UEFA Champions League quarter final between Chelsea FC (My favorite team) and Liverpool FC. The two teams have locked horns in the Champions League the past five seasons, and unfortunately many turned out to be in the knockout stages, with Liverpool having the upper hand.

I sat down to watch the game solely because I had this belief in Hiddink, a belief that told me things could change. Anfield isn’t a stadium where winning is easy. Even scoring there is almost unrealistic. Despite all these doubts I had, none of them could convince me to stop watching the game. Liverpool struck first through a clean Fernando Torres finish after Arbeloa did well to swing in a low cross, bambloozing three Chelsea defenders. All hope seemed to be lost, despite the fact that the game was only 6 minutes in. But I held on to my belief something would change, and Chelsea would score at Anfield. Almost 1 minute after Liverpool’s first and only goal, I saw a glimpse of hope that my prediction might actually be true. Didier Drogba positioned himself well after Kalou dispossessed Fabio Aurelio and sent in a sublime pass, despite Drogba’s good first touch, he simply booted the ball into Pepe Reina and saw it fly off towards the sidelines. This was a good sign as it showed Chelsea’s real intention, although Drogba should’ve scored.

It wasn’t until the 39th minute that my dream came true. Branislav Ivanovic, a young Serbian defender was the least expected player to level the score, despite his high praise from his previous club in Russia. He did so in fantastic style as well. After going crazy after his leveller, I quickly observed the instant reply and saw him sublimely dodge the Liverpool defenders and find his head to the ball, almost like a maze. He repeated this feat again right after half time, as his aerial prowess proved to be a key factor once again. He smashed another header home, crushing Liverpool’s European ambitions. Drogba capped off a fine Chelsea performance by smashing the ball home after a sublime Malouda cross, who was set up brilliantly by Michael Ballack’s through pass.

I couldn’t believe the scoreline. Chelsea thrashed Liverpool 3-1 at Anfield, and history was made. I felt very fortunate to see this day come, especially the game live. I hope to see Chelsea continue to grow and reach the pinnacle of European football once again, just as how they came so close the year before in the cold winters of Russia.