Looking ahead to the first Old Firm clash of the season next weekend.
As henry14 pointed out in a posting Arsenal will have the services of Adebayor as Togo have missed out on a spot in the finals of the African Cup of Nations. The article runs down how some clubs might be impacted.
The source of the “Klinsmann to Tottenham” seems to have come from this Matt Dickinson article in the Times on October 8. Everyone else has been playing catch up.
Repeated for anyone who might have missed it on his older blog
Hey Bobby, what no coverage of the World Cup qualification between Fiji and New Zealand? I feel it i is not only your duty it is your responsiblity to cover that!!! In fact I want a detailed report of all 162 countries in the world, and the condition of their national teams by weeks end. You should probably include a bio of each players on each national teams squad along with 10 other player likely to make the team. I think you owe us that much!!!
The Wenger article:-
Plenty of stats out there already, note that the article suggests Wenger uses stats to back up his instincts.
Maybe it kind of fits into to Klinsmann’s view that professional football needs to be more professional?
Berezovsky and Abramovich should, of course, be checking their tea or coffee with Geiger Counters.
One crook sues another crook over a crooked business deal.
One thing you can say about the Premier League, it doesn’t really care where the money comes from.
Two radio sports talk show hosts would both be unhappy if even one NFL franchise became owned by foreigners.
UEFA & youth coaching badges:-
Wonderful, great idea, beneficial for all in UEFA and not just England.
Check out the sports pages, the latest whizzkid, teenage prodigy or boy wonder is usually NOT English.
Jonathan Wilson on Guus Hiddink:–
On the one hand talking him up and on the other talking about ‘long term plans’.
Russia is a better team under Hiddink and it’s nice to know that the hooligans are going to put on a united front for the English traveling fans.
The Moscow Underground is very surreal, all that elegance for mass transit.
Russia showed enough good stuff to suggest they could trouble England on Wednesday, they also showed enough dross to suggest an away win. The weather and the pitch will play a part.
African Cup of Nations:-in the Time, Ian Hawkey
For the Times it’s pretty lightweight article – where is the list of African players and their clubs, the list of the matches they’ll miss
and the African players not going to the ACN, you’d have thought the Times could jolly well do better.
Ringo and I have discussed this already, some while ago, looking at games played and players missing during the Cup.
I think it’s less of a deal than it’s made out to be.
Imagine the scene in front of TV’s all over England; Club managers-Scottish, English, French, Spanish, Irish etc willing one African team on over another; half of the coaches groan when Nigeria reach the semi finals and the other half cheer. Not because they in any way support and African National team.
If any English or other European manager bought an African player without looking at his International status and the likelihood of his country playing in the ACN then he deserves some serious grief.
Nick Townsend talking about Klinsmann to Spurs:-
Klinsmann’s wife might have a say in this matter (commuting across the pond is feasible as a national coach but the almost year long grind of the club manager wouldn’t really allow that) and if Yallop can’t take LA to the play offs then a job opening closer to home might be available. Then of course there is the weather in Southern California as opposed to North London.
Klinsmann, during most of (if not all) his footballing career never used an agent, he negotiated deals himself.
The article doesn’t really suggest that Klinsmann will go to Spurs, just that he won’t go to Chelsea.
Simon Kuper’s article: - working for the FT you’d think he could understand the difference between racism and religious intolerance, being a Muslim isn’t an
indication of your race.
We have come a long way from Barnsey getting bananas thrown at him and being hooted at all game. But we still have a way to go, some national fans are more enlightened than others; Holland
- Ajax and another team see themselves as supporters of Arabs or Jews, such is the racist vitriol from crowd the that the clubs have agreed to ban fans from games if certain words are heard from the terraces during a game; the stupid fans wait till the final whistle then chant racist slogans at each other for a while, fudging idiots, the article was in fourfourtwo magazine a while back -
Italy and Czech Republic being the three worst sets I’ve experienced.
I’ll quite happily chant about the parentage of the referee and how awful the opposition striker is but I don’t join in racist or religious chants.
Nice to see Stubbsy getting a shot across the bows in preparation for the Derby. Check out; http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/sto ry/7331134
England v South Africa – great Rugby World Cup Final in prospect. Just shows what a bit of quality coaching can do. This England team and the England team that lifted the last Rugby World Cup weren’t pretty and didn’t ever really play the sort of crowd pleasing expansive rugby that everyone else seemed to play. The manager did what a manager should do, get the best out of what is available and do it in a way to maximize the strengths and minimize the weaknesses of the players. Maybe the FA should take some notice of Rugby Union.
Bobby – feeling a tad more confident after beating the Ukraine?
What’s yo
What’s your take on Lampard being booed? Are there any other instances like that which you can recall?
Do you pay attention to stats in football?
Do you read any print media on football?
Wow - this week's Speakers Corner got over 800 words from me this week - ta!
The comment by Arsene Wenger on the use of statistics is interesting. I coach both youth football(soccer) and baseball and, of course, statisics are a major part of baseball life. I understand that the use of statistics in a systematic way had a very strong impact on how player selection is managed in baseball (aka Moneyball), and I suspect that is will in football as well. It only takes one good statistician at a ranking club, and everyone will have to have one (Perhaps they do already; do you know?)
The Castrol Euro 2008 site is well worth the visit.
But the tidbit that interested me the most from the site was the page on the perfect strike, with the comment that David Beckham had a shot recorded at 98 miles per hour in a ManU game against Chelsea in 1997. That's faster than most major league pitchers can throw a baseball. Amazing!
Yeah we talked about the worlds fastest shot on this blog sometime this summer. I can't remember, but I don't even think Beckham was the closest to having the fastest shot, but I can't really remember.
Peter Lorimer was born and brought up in Broughty Ferry - same as yours truly. He was a bit older and left for Leeds when he was 15. Everyone in the Ferry followed his Leeds career very closely and there were a lot of folks who either played against him or watched him play as a kid. He was held up as an example to us a we grew up. He had a testimonial match against Dundee at Dens Park in the late 70s. I would agree I don't think I have seen anyone hit a ball harder than Peter Lorimer.
Interesting article on Spain team at Soccernet.com if anyone cares.
here is the link not sure whether it will work though: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/column s/story?id=472599&root=euro2008&cc= 5901&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1####a>3
After mentioning Peter Lorimer I googled him and found out he was from Dundee ,thought you might say something then Bobby ,and you didn`t dissapoint!
Notice he also played for Toronto and Vancouver Whitecaps in the NASL.
Craigy - When I used to follow England there was always a large crowd from Chelsea ,sometimes most of the support at away games ,and we always took great delight in booing and abusing Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle.
Right or wrong ,it happens ,it`s just Frank`s turn right now.
Remember Ilhan Mansiz? He was the one of the stars of the Turkish side at the 2002 WC. I came accross the below linked article about him. He is now said to be pursuing a career designing lingerie...
Due to the evolution of athletics in terms of technology in balls, shoes, training, nutrition etc, I would argue that the modern day players, playing right now hit the ball hardest. I would put Riise, Kolo, Roberto Carlos, and RVP on that list. There are many more, like every German midfielder or so it seems.
I apologize in advance for this but it has been irritating me.
Saying "sarcasm alert" after or before you say something sarcastic defeats its purpose. It also detracts, greatly, from the wittiness of the remark. The fun in saying something sarcastic is observing its effect on people, seeing who gets it and doesn't.
It is sometimes necessary after saying something sarcastic to explain it b/c one has been offended, even then you should always try to insert another sarcastic comment in the explanation in order to remain loyal to your artifice.
Russia's hope behind Hiddink is all on the table against England. If they fail to win, consider it over. However, if they win I think that they would do everything to win the Israel and Andora games which would mean that England fail to qualify.
Group B is also very exciting. There quite a few of banana peel games to be played. Italy vs Scotland, Georgia vs Scotland, and Ukraine vs France. Italy beat the Scots in Italy, so it will be interesting how they are away. Gatusso, Cannavaro and Materazzi are key for this game. France beat the Ukraine 2 nil in France, will they be able to do the same in the Ukraine? I suspect it will be a lot colder conditions by the game date. And then there is the Georgia vs Scotland game... Even though, on paper, it is a no brainer... it is generally on easier targets that teams ussually fail. The first game Scotland one 2-1 -scoring the winning goal in the 89th minute. I'm always a fan of teams that rise to the occasion... But I think Bobby is right -it will be France and Italy heading to the EUROs.
Turkey has also found themselves stuck in a corner. To qualify they have to now beat Greece and Norway. They beat Greece 4-1 last time and this time they play in Turkey... Then travel to Denmark which they tied 2 all in Turkey. Their third game is their easist against Bosnia-Herzegovina, which should put some perspective on the achievement they have to accomplish...
Greece, after Turkey, will play two easy games against Hungary and Malta. Norway has games against Malta and Bosnia-Herzegovina. So there is still everything to play for in this all open group!
I agree Mas, but last time I was sarcastic people took me too literally so I thought I would add that little bit in the end, but it seems you can't pleast them all. So from now on my sarcasm people will have to figure out for yourself
atleti, Brazil were cr-ap! Cr-ap...cr-ap...cr-ap!!! Total criminal cr-apfest!!! They played against a young, inexperienced Colombian team who played with verve, skill and intelligence. Brazil's best player was the keeper, who was one of 11 players playing behind the ball throughout. Colobmia deserved to win. And then Dunga blames the weather, the long travel hours, the altitude. No, Dunga, blame the fact that you were cr-ap!!! Sorry, just had to get that out.
craigyf, Jews are not a race but anti-semitism is bigotry nonetheless, equivalent to any form of racism. Bigotry is bigotry, end of.
Rico I was being sarcastic, say whatever you want.
Being Jewish is both a race and religion, you can be either or both. Although converts face difficulties in being totally accepted. But it is most definitely a race, and one they have protected with inter-racial marriage taboos for thousands of years.
Anybody catch Mexico/Nigeria? what an entertaining match, not very friendly though. I think Martins is awesome and Allardyce should give him plenty of playing time. Owen doesn't have to start every game and play all 90 mins,. Sometimes it seems that these people don't relaize he is fragile. On the other hand Obi Mikel is not very good.
Another good soccernet article, Derek Rae agrees with me 100 percent on Dida's suspension. He also feels South American needs to revamp their WC qualification process.
While I do think that Fifa's rankings are fairly BS, I think that the WC and Euro Cup qualifiers need to be revamped using the Fifa rankings. For example all the minnows of Europe or South America I think should have to play a pre qualifier. With countries like the Faroe Islands, San Marino, and so forth having to play in a qualifier to determine who get to go to the next level. Similar to what they do in the champs leagues with teams from places like Wales. This would put less strain on countries like France, or italy, who have players playing way too many games as it is. What do you guys think?
I'm waiting for the day that San Marino and/or Malta upset one of the bigger football nations in Europe. And until that day comes we get to enjoy high scoring matches. The bigger nations could use these games to try out new players while resting key players...
anyone else feel like this plastic pitch Russia debate is mind numbing. Does it really matter that much? Ive played on the type of surface as its the same used at Frank Claire stadium in Ottawa which is the same that was used for this years u-20 at all the pitches but one I think. Its different but its not like I stepped on the field forgot how to kick a ball or run. If anything shouldn't the English be happy as they know exactly what they are facing going in? If Russia really wanted to pull a fast one on them they could play on a horribly prepared natural field and the English wouldn't of known until the week of unlike this where they have known for 2-3 months? Watch it rain and England lose on a Robinson blunder as the ball skids past him and we hear about this for the next century.
Jay how old is the surface? I personally have had a hard time adjusting to an artifical pitch outside. I can't put my finger on it, but I just don't feel as sure footed as on grass, but when I play indoor I don't notice which makes no sense to me. And I have played on both surfaces the old version from the 80's and the new versian with the rubber that is supposed to simulate dirt.
It is as if I am playing with extra weight on my feet
Last edited by therealrico on October 15th at 1:58 PM.
the one the simulates dirt with the bits of ground up tire that kick up in the air. One of the most recent articles was of a Scottish? player who had played on the surface in the Russian league warning about the flying rubber pellets of doom! I'm not sure how many different fake surfaces are FIFA acceptable but I was under the impression it was only the fake plastic grass with pellet dirt which might actually be a Canadian invention if I'm not wrong. To be honest I've only played on the surface indoor so your example of the difference when outdoor and indoor might have serious merit. But the fact still remains they played the u20's on this stuff all summer and Aguero didn't look like any less of a player to me.
I have no idea what that scottish player is talking about as far as flying rubber pellets, they never bugged me, and it just sounds stupid. I would be more concerned with slide tackling, and getting rug burns. . . those sucks big time!! They aren't as bad on the newer surfaces, but on the older surfaces like in indoor, and the stuff used pre 1990's, that stuff stings like a mofo.
Actually thinking about it a little more, the difference that is the cushion, which slows you down and makes it feel awkward. That is why you feel like you have lead weights on your feet. And if you are out of shape as I was two weeks ago in my mens league game it seriously hinders your game!
Last edited by therealrico on October 15th at 2:33 PM.
In terms of football's hardest hitters, add Roberto Carlos to that list. Also, I understand one of Obafemi Martins' goals against Spurs last year was tracked at 97 mph.
Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit - and long may it continue!
for the affect (or is it effect) that non-grass playing surfaces have on football just look at the MLS, teams going to Rice-Eccles face an awkward bounce & Giants stadium does the same, it has a feel that is unlike any grass pitch.
Beckham has mentioned that the field turf means his mormal technique for taking a free kick doesn't quite feel correct.
Football is just better on grass. Although by some reports I've seen a few Premier League pitches are so 'engineered' that they are more like a cricket square then a typical playing field.
But both teams won't be particularly used to the surface
Doing a quick check seems to reveal that few if any players from Spartak or Torpedo started were subs when England beat Russia. It won't be a particular advantage to either team (although Russia have a decent home record) someone like Kerzhakov (Sevilla) isn't exactly familiar with the fieldturf pitch - he's more at home in the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
I think I have to disagree with Rico - UEFA is a representative of it's nation states for football, just because a country is small or not too good at football doesn't mean they should have to pre qualify - by being a member they have already passed any sort of qualification necessary.
So called 'big' nations have to play the 'minnows' - and so they should.
Check out this:-
www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo tball/european_football/article2610 074.ece
what do you think?
In response to an article here on Fox soccer about the Veteran Scottish team...haha......."and the rest of the lineup is a mixture of veterans and players who sit on the bench in the English Premier League"....Veterans and benchwarmers????....Scott
Brown(22)is an up and coming star who plays for Celtic. Alan Hutton(23) is proving to be the same for Rangers. Darren Fletcher(23) was starting for Man Utd. fairly regularly the past 2 seasons and James McFadden(24) absolutely can not be sitting on the bench anymore for Everton. He's like a folk hero down south too - They love him at Everton! Shaun Maloney, whose in his first season with Aston Villa and starred for Celtic last year is(24) Gary Caldwell of Celtic who scored against France in Glasgow is(25). Other than one old timer at the back in David Weir (whose going through a real rennaissance with both Rangers and Scotland our only "so called" veteran would be the Captain Barry Ferguson of Glasgow Rangers whose an ancient (29)!! Scotland are a team of mostly youngsters with the potential to become a really good team. p.s. Alex Ferguson believes Darren Fletcher is going to be a great player - Did I mention he's only 23!!
That is a great article on Racism against Muslims. It's a shame that all Muslims have been labeled as terrorist because of a few damn ones. We need to open our minds up and learn to accept people for who they are and what they are. And Fifa's rule about the hijabs been dangerous is total B.S and they should be emabarrased.
Wenger loves statistics because he is an Economist. In Econ statistics are key to everything you do.
On African cup: totally not happy that Togo lost coz I have alot of Togolese friends and I was helping them route for Togo. But Mali is a better team than Togo and they'll surely make the A.C more entertaining so it's for the better. Kolo will be Arsenal's biggest lost, the question will be how the team will cope without him.
You have to love Mad Jens. He came out and said He will be picked against weekend, NOT "I'm hoping I'll be picked." It's "I'm sure I will be picked even though the manager hasn't talked to me about it." I love this guys confidence. I think him and Gallas should be brought back.
It will be a tragedy for Africa to host it's 1st World Cup without Brazil, so those Samba boys better make. But I know they will. Africa 2010 can't wait. I'll write a piece on the significance of this from an African point of view soon since the qualifiers are were the road starts keep an eye on it.
1. Do you think management is the problem at Spurs? I think Jol should go. However Spurs seem to have a problem more with defending rather than managment. They rely too much on King and he is always injured.
2. Pls post a new pic on the website without your glasses.
3. Have you seen Fifa 08? Are you into video games?
4. Where do you see Mourinho popping up this season? AC? Inter?
What a jaw dropper today in south american qualifying. LET'S GO ABERDEEN!!
"What's it like? Rubbish."
Former Russia captain Alexei Smertin is not a big fan of the plastic pitch, where England's Euro 2008 fate will be decided on Wednesday.
Sunderland played tremendously well for 90 minutes, but they didn't play very well for the first 15 minutes."
Lee Dixon on MOTD2. (Kurtis Lyth, England).
"Aston Villa are playing the best out there, West Ham the second best."
Dean Saunders on 5live. (Rob Hincks, UK).
"Youre ****, and you know you are."
Swindon fans to Gillingham fans when they were winning 5-0.
"We're ****, and we know we are!"
Gillingham's reply! (Alex, Swindon).
"We hate Tuesday!"
Bristol City fans after Sheffield United fans had chanted "We hate Wednesday"! (Bob Charles, UK).
In Washington State, most of our soccer fields are being converted to the synthetic grass field turf. As we get a lot of rain it is easier to maintain. We are a lot cleaner after the games too. Regardless, the dirt and grass fields don't hold up as well, so they get little uneven surfaces that are prone to causing injuries. The artificial fields are great for around here. I personally feel much better playing on them now.
I say bring back pitches like the old Baseball Ground ,Derby.
Two months into the season and not a blade of grass left and ankle deep mud.
Now THAT was football!
Bobby - I`m planning on watching tomorrow`s Georgia/Scotland game ,but I`m not sure which team to root for ,could you help me out?
That is a good article on racism. I lived in Turkey at a young age, therefore, I can speak the language without an accent. After 9/11 a teammate and I that speak Turkish during games so no one else understands what we are saying began noticing that referees in this particular rec league began treating us differently. I am a fair player and in 25 years of playing the sport have only received one yellow and one red card. Both came within that span of a couple weeks by the same referee. Bare in mind, I'm not muslim, Turkish or even Middle-Estern. However, as I have a darker complection I could be mistaken as from either of those regions. My team complained to the league and got that referee suspended -I never saw the guy again.
I think the quote that stands out from this article is that of the editor of one Newcastle fanzine: "They were just a way of winding the opposition up but they didn’t work as Mido scored.” --Ignorant!!
Whether the comments or actions are based on ones race, religion or apperance it all stems from fear based ignorance. With our politician, media (news and entertainment) and public figures not pushing the issues with conviction issues will keep lingering on... Saying it is his or her turn from fan basis just keeps the wheel turning.
Bobby - what do you think of John Terry's sudden knee injury ahead of the Russia match? I'm sure it will give more fuel to the whole "plastic pitch" fire, no? I can't believe some people are comparing FieldTurf - which is relatively new to the astroturf fields of the 80's and 70's. That's pretty bad journalism, isn't it?
I am the soccer analyst for the Fox Soccer Report and appear twice a week - every Monday and Friday at 10:00 EST. I have also been a regular contributor to the Fox Soccer Channel website since the summer of 2004. Over the last twenty years I have contributed to various radio and television programs throughout North America as well writing about the game for newspapers, magazines and websites.
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