All the major European leagues finally got going last weekend but World Cup qualifying this weekend and in midweek takes centre stage. The European qualifying competition is the last of the federations to get going but to honest there is little for a neutral fan to get excited about this this weekend.
The most interesting games are in CONMEBOL and CONCACAF.
Argentina vs. Paraguay
Paraguay currently leads South American qualifying with a third of the fixtures complete. They have 13 points, two more than second place Argentina. Paraguay’s one loss to date came away to Bolivia 4-2 in the last round of matches.
On the other hand Argentina racked up full points in their first three games before stumbling in the last three. Over that period Argentina have lost 2-1 to Colombia, drawn 1-1 against Ecuador and finished scoreless away to Brazil. In 2006 WCQ Paraguay drew this game 0-0 and beat Argentina 1-0 in the return.
A lot has been made of Argentina’s second straight Olympic gold including a number of articles on how it sets Argentina up for the 2010 World Cup. The fact is that there is no modern day correlation between Olympic and World Cup success – two very different beasts. You have to go back to the first two World Cups (19030 and 1934) to find Uruguay and then Italy hold both titles at the same time.
Chile vs. Brazil
If there is any remotely close to a pick-me-up for Brazil it is a match against Chile. In the countries last five meetings Brazil have won four and drawn one while scoring 19 goals and conceding a single. You have to go back to August 2000 to find the last time Chile beat Brazil – 3-0 that day. However, the countries meet this time with 4th placed Chile a point and a place above Brazil.
Despite two losses in their opening six games (away to Argentina 2-0, and a surprising 3-0 loss in Santiago to Paraguay) there is a feeling that Coach Marcelo Bielsa may have a squad that can push for a top four spot.
On the other side Brazil Coach Carlos Dunga is in a hole and he has not stopped digging. An emphatic loss to Argentina at the Olympics and only two wins in six WCQ matches and there is a strange 2002 WCQ déjà-vu feeling about this campaign.
Colombia vs. Uruguay
If you are looking for goals this game may be the one to watch out for. In the last five games between these two there have been 21 goals. Uruguay are unbeaten in the last four (3 wins and a draw) since losing 5-0 to Colombia in WCQ in June 2004.
So far in CONMEBOL qualifying Uruguay are top scorers with 15 goals in six games, although Colombia boasts the best defensive stats with only 2 goals against. This game is a six-pointer with Colombia currently sitting third with 10 points and Uruguay fourth with 8 points.
Cuba vs. USA
The long-standing political stand-off between these two countries will bring a bit more media attention to this game. The USA’s last trip to Havana came over 60 years ago when they lost 5-2. The US started off WCQ with a great result (winning 1-0 away to Guatemala) and by next week at this time they could have a iron grip on Group 1. They follow this game with a home match against Trinidad and Tobago on September 10. Cuba lost their opener to ####mp;T 3-1 and are badly in need of three points.
Canada vs. Honduras
After a disappointing result in their opener against Jamaica (1-1 home draw) Canada faces Honduras. With Mexico the hot favourite to progress from group 2 there is probably a mini group of Honduras, Canada and Jamaica being played out with any points taken from Mexico a bonus.
Another draw would not bring an end to Canada’s hopes for a trip to South Africa in two year’s time but it would certainly place them firmly behind the eight ball. In order to move on Canada would have to get points off of Mexico and in all likelihood have to win on the road in Honduras and Jamaica.
Canada has a decent record against Honduras in international play 6 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses in last 10 meetings. In WCQ since 1981 Canada has won 3, drawn 3 and lost only 1. Interestingly enough the three draws have all come from very late Honduras equalizers and two have been from the penalty spot.
After this weekend’s play Canada have a trip to Mexico to look forward to next Wednesday while Honduras will play their first home game with Jamaica providing the opposition.
Because of Hurricane Gustav this weekend’s match between Jamaica and Mexico has been moved to Mexico City. This means that Mexico will play their first three games at home while Jamaica will be in the opposite position.
Cdn vs. Hon: I have to agree a virtual must win for Canada
Cuba vs. USA: is only interesting in the return match only because of the defections certain to come up.
CONMEBOL: Won’t be interesting for another year or so.
Sorry to change topic Bobby but with respect to the preseason pridictions which Manager Keegan or Curbishley was let go first? Or does resignations count!
The English press is making a pathetic effort to try to ruin Croatia's atmosphere before the match Croatia vs England. They are all saying that Bilic is the no 1 candidate for the West Ham job but Bilic clearly stated numerous times that he'll stay with Croatia until the end of the world cup. Buy the way, Croatia win 2:1.
“Do you know what my ideal group would be? Juve, Real, Barcelona and Manchester United. That would be tasty! After all, that’s what the Champions League was made for.”
Bianconeri fans are thankful Buffon wasn’t in charge of the draw
“Senderos underwent tests at the MilanLab and was found to be in poor physical shape.”
The Rossoneri medical staff will soon discover that’s just what he’s like
INTERSESTING
On a dramatic final day of the transfer window news leaked that Manchester City had made a £45 million bid for Liverpool's Fernando Torres, a suggestion the Liverpool manager insisted he had no knowledge of.
First off Curb's should never be in the running for an manager position again. He is terrible and the record speaks for itself. To many of these lousy managers keep popping up for jobs. Not sure what the owners or boards are looking at. A list of a few other muppets: Big Sam, Peter Reid, Macca, and on. For Brazil to get better Dunga needs to go. His style is not very conducive to that of a majority of Brazilian players. Now granted he has gotten them to play better at the bak but they have no creativity going forward anymore.
Inler had a very good game. He played the full 90 and scored a goal in the second half. He looks to be very good young player. Arsenal could have really used him.
I didn't see the Milan game either. I just saw the score line. The Undinese game was the only Seria A match that I saw over the weekend.
Last edited by AstonVilla_USA_Fan on September 5th at 7:05 AM.
Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has been banned for six matches by the Football Association for his attack on Ousmane Dabo, with a futher six games suspended.
so 12 games? whats the difference between a ban and suspension?
Getz, suspended means Barton will only do the other 6 if he is found guilty of another assault. It is the 'big hammer' waiting to fall on his playing if he does not behave. One day he will get it all back. What goes around comes around or, if it is clearer, one reaps what one sows. So Ringo, do not worry, what you hoped for will happen, just mind what you yourself sow.
Wealth may change the face of a club, but unless the players bought become a balanced team they are just 11 players against 11 others. The wealthy clubs all have found their stars wanting at some time. Liverpool beat a whole host of better squads in their recent CL campaigns and Rafa says that he looks back at the team that won in 2005 and wonders how they did it. The 2005 team were just that, a team. It would probably beat the Liverpool of today even with Torres. There was a stealiness, a grit about that side which is lacking today. Good teams will challenge for the CL spots this year and not necessarily those with the biggest squads. Totally agree with Bobby's comments previously. One day the clubs will be back in local hands when the bubble bursts.
World Cup? Oh yeah......England Croatia and Andorra.......been there before somewhere, must be de ja vu or just a bad dream.
Dunga is VERY capable of losing this game to Chile. I'm torn -- we need the win desperately but another loss would force the CBF's hand to fire this stubborn ####.
The 6-game ban to Barton is outrageous. Can't imagine a foreign player getting such a ridiculous slap on the wrist. Vieira got a 7-match ban for spitting, ffs! Oh but he's black and French.
Croatia to start with Olic and Klasnic up front against Kazakhstan. This was expected as Petric has been in a relatively bad form for quite some time.
There was a rumor that Mike Ditka might be coaching England against Croatia. If that is the case, I am scared. I'd pick Ditka to win even if his squad consisted of cheerleaders.
Last edited by Sleeper000 on September 5th at 9:39 AM.
BERNE, Switzerland, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Serbia and Chelsea defender Slobodan Rajkovic has been given a one-year ban from all competitions after spitting at a referee during last month's Olympic Games.
'This suspension applies to all national and international matches including club competitions.
1 year?!?!
Mutu has to pay millions for failing a drug test?
and Barton gets 6 games for being a real criminal!
this is a headache for ancelotti. one i think he hopes Kaka were not injured. They need to find alternative lineups and/or positions while still including Pirlo.
You see if they invested a bit more in CD, Pirlo would not have to play in a deep DM position. Maldini is not as quick as he once was but can read the game positions himself accordingly. The problem with him is that aggainst top talent he could be burned. Kaladze is not as good, he is squad player. I'd say that Sanderos and Kaladze are about equal. Nesta is injured.
The thing about the lineup is tricky, I would have opted to bench Ronaldinho and ease him in off the bench. I would have played with Pato.
Your thoughts on the following letter issued by Sons of Shankly to RBS:
Full transcript:
Open letter to the Chief Executive & shareholders of the RBS
We write as the concerned voice o####reat many supporters of Liverpool Football Club. Many of our number are also customers of the Royal Bank of Scotland.
It has become apparent to a wide range of experts that the business model, set in place by the current owners of Liverpool Football Club, George Gillett and Tom Hicks, for taking forward this historic institution, and community pillar, is not a viable one.
The American consortium, substantially backed by the RBS, has continually issued false promises to the club’s supporters - it’s key constituency and ‘customer base’. We no longer have faith in their competence or ability to meet the commitments of their business plan, and we believe, that from a financial perspective, they are fundamentally harming the value of the club.
The value of the club going forward is inextricably linked to the success of its team on the pitch, and the revenues its accomplishments can yield. Key to these revenues is constant participation in the world’s premier football club tournament, the Champions League. These revenues, in normal circumstances, should never be taken for granted, as the vagaries of ‘the game’ dictate that relying on income from this tournament is an extremely risky strategy to pursue (witness the debacle at Leeds United over the last few years).
The Hicks and Gillett model has clearly been grounded in the club ultimately generating significant new
In extracts from his upcoming autobio, Carra talks about growing up Blue, including celebrating an Everton win while playing for the LFC reserves-- on the LFC team coach!-- and a sober remembrance of the mood leading up to the 1989 FA Cup final.
The Hicks and Gillett model has clearly been grounded in the club ultimately generating significant new revenues from the extra capacity provided by a new stadium for the club. At present they have no way to fund the development of such a stadium, despite having committed to doing so as far back as April 2007. By their own confession, only a week ago, the project of building a new stadium for LFC is now indefinitely on hold.
Therefore, what can the value of the club be going forward ? Reliance on ongoing Champions League qualification is a ludicrously risky anchor to any football club business plan, and has been further exposed as such, by this week’s developments at Manchester City, whereby a new ‘force’ has emerged in the world game, that, as things stand, will inevitably be to the detriment of Liverpool FC, and push it further down football’s revenue seeking ‘pecking order’.
That Hicks and Gillett are still in situ is largely down to the financial support they are receiving from the RBS, albeit tempered by widely reported 6 monthly re-evaluation stipulations that reflect that it is nervous as to the viability of their plan for LFC.
This ‘wait and see’ stance from the bank would be understandable if the world financial markets were sound, and prospects good. Yet prevailing conditions are the worst in many a financial expert’s living memory. Moreover, and crucially, the bank and the owners are aware that, there exists, in the market, a ready and willing buyer for Liverpool FC. A buyer, it must be stressed, who is prepared to p
it must be stressed, who is prepared to pay above the market rate, and deliver to the existing shareholders a sizeable profit on an investment that is barely 18 months old, on a business that is increasingly proving itself to be barely solvent.
In procrastinating, the RBS is taking an unacceptable reputational and financial risk, not only to the Anfield constituency and Liverpool FC, but even, surely, to it’s own shareholders. Should the Dubai based offer disappear, then meltdown for the club, and in turn it’s value, is a very real prospect.
Ready alternative buyers are not in the market. If the owners remain at the helm, it is highly likely, as they have no prospect of generating the required investment, that the club will not build it’s new stadium, nor continue to qualify for it’s revenue ‘lifeline’, the Champioms league tournament. Its status in the world game will decline swiftly, and it’s turnover plummet. As a knock on consequence the Anfield area of Liverpool, will see it’s prospects of regeneration delayed, if not shelved, indefinitely.
We, the supporters of Britain’s most successful football club, and one of the top 3 best supported clubs in the world, would ask those in the positions of the highest authority at the RBS :
‘How can you justify artifically propping up such a clearly unsound business plan, and jeopardise the future, not only of such an historic football club and it’s worldwide legion of supporters, but also set back, possibly for decades, the prospects of the people of Anfield, Liverpool 4, for whom the criminally long-overdue regeneratio
The Spirit of Shankly (SOS, not the Sons of Shankly) were very wary of H&G's investment. Like all Liverpool supporters we were willing to give H&G a chance. However H&G have basically gone back on every single promise they made, starting with the proposed capital structure of the club. When H&G formed the acquisition vehicle known as Kop Holding they injected close to 10% of their own equity, via this vehicle and borrowed the remaning 90% of the Enterprise Value of LFC. H&G promised not to place all of the acquisition debt on the books of the club and thereby, have the future cash flows of the cub pay off their acqusition. The general thought was that any debt related to working capital or players transfers would be placed on the books of the club with the balance being serviced by H&G. That was the first contractual agreement they reneged on. Secondly, H&G promised to have the stadium work started (two weeks ago), as you very well know they publicly announced that they will not be building a stadium in the forseeable future and finally H&G went behind Rafa's back to speak to Klinsmann about a managerial role.
The Americans have broken every single promise they made. Before you point out that they provided the funds for Torres and Babel, well I am afraid that is not true either. The Americans basically drew down on their bank facility to buy Torres and Babel.
They currently own LFC with less than 10% equity invested.
Though it may only be a friendly coming up, I'm curious as to your views on Holland's National team with the new coach. They had some absolutely brilliant play in the Euros before they fell asleep and were over-run but the Russians. However, with Van-der-Sar and Van Nistelrooy leaving and Marwijk taking the helm, do you think they can bring back the class we saw against Italy and France?
Last year SAF said of Maldini - He can play an entire match, never make a tackle and never get beaten by an opponent.
Milan looked very flat at the back last weekend on both goals, even though those were the only 2 chances Bologna created. Senderos will be part of the rotation at the back and I'm sure will be useful.
Ronaldinho looked good, did a lot of running and created a lot on Sunday - I think he and Kaka' both in form could cause any team nightmares - however they desperately need a striker and I don't think Sheva is the answer.
"I hear it is similar to the Chinese prison healthcare."
Really?
Funny that, according to the notorious lefty source, The Economist, Cuba has both a higher life expectancy and a lower infant mortality rate, than does the United States.
Some relation to health care, perhaps?
But then, why let facts stand in the way of ideology ... ;)
Last edited by Ursusarctos on September 5th at 1:31 PM.
vvv, Ronaldinho also looked much fitter than he has been in a while. I watched none of the Olympics; was he the same in Bejing?
Ursusarctos, my sarcasm was not conveyed. My Cuban friends in Miami described the "universal" nature of the system... apparently not all citizens are equal. Nice idea, though, and if it could work I am all for it. I work with pricing actuaries every day at the office, and signs point to infant mortality rates have much more to do with the age of the parents than the care that is provided, which is unfortunate. At least that's why the numbers tell us. Shoot me a message if you want to discuss off the blog.
I will get back on topic and talk about Andorra... Andorra's citizens have the highest life expectancy in the world, something near 83 years old I believe. ;)
The "Spirit Of Shankly" (SoS) group that sent the letter to RBS may be recent-- formed out of the turmoil of last winter (unless I'm getting my supporters groups mixed up ...)?
So they would not have had any institutional position on the Duo's takeover (per Bobby's question), not being around then.
I have some comments on the points raised in the letter itself, but to avoid terminal boredom in readers I'll keep them to myself unless someone is actually interested!
There's a lot more that could be said on all sides, but moving back to footy ...
Yer right-- Andorra is tops in life expectancy! Go figure-- must be the excitement of constantly looking forward to meeting England that keeps 'em going ...
Hi folks. I was watching the U21 game earlier. Is my memory failing me but doesn't the new Wembley have a sliding roof so that players don't have to play in torrential rain? Anyone?
Next. Wouldn't be bizarre after all this, if Frazer Campbell scored more goals for Spurs than Berbatov for United? In the short while he was on the pitch, he looked very un British... (this is good).
I hear that Curbishley put masses of money on himself to win the sack race and pannicked when he though Keegan was going to be fired ahead of him, so he quit. Can't remember where I read that.
Last edited by LosAngelesChelseaFan on September 5th at 3:48 PM.
liverpoolfc73 - It is difficult to keep this brief given the numerous angles that can be taken. My sense is that the vast majority of Liverpool fans were happy when Hicks and Gillett took over and they envisaged a mini-Abramovich type scenario even though it was clear that these guys were not in the same league and were proposing another version of the Glazer takeover. The SofS group is completely naive in that they are asking a bank not to lend money which is essentially the business they are in. "That Hicks and Gillett are still in situ is largely down to the financial support they are receiving from the RBS" - I would have to disagree. They are in this situation because the Liverpool board decided to sell out to two people who were looking to make a great deal of money on the backs of the supporters. And the supporters were willing participants at the time.
If the SofS are serious then the solution is simple - stop going to the games and stop buying merchandise. That will get the attention of RBS. Instead the SofS group wants to be able to go to Anfield and have the bank do their dirty work.
What I find surprising is that so many Liverpool fans are shocked at what has happened.
Last edited by BobbyMcMahon on September 5th at 3:29 PM.
getz: I thought Ronaldinho played well at the Olympics - I was far less impressed with Pato. I expect Ronaldinho to be in good shape - after all he is about the same age as say Gerrard, Kuyt and Berbatov, and a year younger than Lampard.
I have a question.
I always hear about Milan being old, but I never hear anything about teams like Chelsea having aging squads. I read how Ronaldinho and Pirlo being 'old' in their late 20's, yet Chelsea have Ballack, Lampard, Deco, Drogba, Carvalho (Anelka almost) all over 30, but why is their overall age is never made an issue?
CIAO AVUSAFAN VVV
Dida, abiatti and Kalac are all substandard for a club with Milans; aspirations.
concur about maldini, nowadays that lack of speed will hurt you against the best teams
Seedorf is the unsuing star of the rosneri, not that he is brilliant, just that he runs and runs and runs and is aable to rally the team.
Almost a water carrier for the front line
SuperPiPPO and shev need to be subs not starters what is up with Borriello, he did well in Genoa lasgt season and should start
I thinks that it will be hard to play alll three brazilian forwards ron, pat and ka at the same time...
I disagree with playing Prilo more forward, from deep he has a better view of the field and has more options with both lonbg and short balls, his diagnoal ball from deep is often sublime and whence Sheva gets his head back right will be a killer.
VVV
Criticism , from the media, about the SKYFOUR..?
;
Is there seriously a debate aboot who a band, deed since 1971, cheers for?
Bobby: Thought provoking idea aboot transfer limits. I guess then players would lose their share? Interestingly enough the three draws have all come from very late Honduras equalizers and two have been from the penalty spot.
Some would call it a 'convenient coincidence'....
travel_coach: LFC will take Michael Johnson if he's nae good enow fer ye now. (c;
verbal: Not that I'm exactly injecting facts here, but Balague says Riera, on his day, is the best left winger in Europe. His problem is consistency. Rafa can cure that. Riera apparently also needs regular playing time & hugs. Not exactly Rafa's forte. So mebbe he's another Luis-type? There are certainly potholes w/Riera, but Joe Cole or John Barnes "aren't walking through that door" any time soon....
ReggaeGunner: Some would say the mistake was *hiring* Sam in the first place....
Ursus: What's with you and always trying to throw facts around?? Have you not read this blog before? Take a hint, buddy. (c; BTB, being so fiscally... aware as you are, WTF are you living in PQ with all those taxes...? Pc:
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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