I really do not know what to make of this. On a weekend when I don’t write a preview the blog gets two hundred plus postings!!! I don’t ever remember hitting a number as high as that even during the World Cup. Am I really needed? Thanks for all the contributions over the last three days – fantastic stuff.
The Gretna fairytale has turned into something much darker as reality set in.
Before step-overs in English football there were comb-overs and Ralph Coates had one of the most famous.
Spurs had some of their legendary players in attendance at the Carling Cup Final. But one legend was tragically struck down in his prime. As a youngster John White’s death was a “Kennedy moment” for me only months after the original “Kennedy moment.”
A piece on Sky’s Jeff Stelling who we see from time to time in North America.
Monday Topic This goes back to the sending off of Marco Materazzi on Tuesday for Inter against Liverpool after receiving two yellow cards. There seems to be a general consensus that by the rules the referee was probably correct but that the eventual punishment seemed harsh.
The “two soft yellow cards and you are off” predicament has been bothering me for a while. On one level tugging on a shirt or holding a player back is cheating and robbing the fans of excitement and entertainment. Same thing goes for time wasting. On another level does the punishment really fit the crime?
And then I found myself reading the latest copy of Champions. The final article is an interview with 1970 World Cup winner Tostao. One of the questions that he was asked was whether he saw the need for drastic rule changes in the game.
He suggested three areas. The first was am electronic chip in the ball to indicate whether or not the ball crossed the line. The second was that it should be forbidden to pass the ball back to the goalkeeper – not just with the feet.
The third suggestion I thought was the most interesting. He said, “I would limit the number of fouls by a player and by a team with a light punishment – perhaps forcing the offending player to be substituted.”
Perhaps that is an option in the case of “two soft yellow cards and you are off” predicament. Why not have the offending player substituted? He’s out of the game and the coach loses a possible substitution – but the team still has 11 men on the field.
If all the substitutions have been made then the team is forced to play with one less player. What do you think or do you have some other creative options?
Mark - Now that LA Galaxy have a big-name Manager, if you owned the NY Red Bulls, whom would you try to get as their Manager? And, is that different from whom you think they can realistically get?
Bobby – Perhaps the biggest problem that the Red Bulls ownership has is convincing someone that they will be given time to turn this team and move it in the right direction. After a while if managers keep on getting moved then the type of manager that you are going to attract is not likely to be the one you need.
No name jumps out at me at the moment but whoever it is has to have some media savvy. The Red Bulls ownership needs to see the manager as someone who fits into an overall plan. The plan will then dictate the type of manger that the club needs to go after.
ManUtd2006 - I agree with one of the above bloggers about having a preliminary round of qualifying in Europe because seeing Germany thrashing San Marino 13-0 is a nuisance. Say the bottom 16 ranked teams to compete for 4 to 5 spots in a small tournament in order to give them something to fight for if not the Finals. What do you think on that?
Doing so, bigger teams do not have to play up to 14 matches to qualify because it is grueling to the players, managers, and clubs concerned.
One more question, I did not watch the MLS Cup Final because there are better things to watch on TV. Did Houston play well enough or Revs had a bad day?
Bobby – It makes sense but it is not likely to happen. The extra games (even against minnows) brings in extra television and gate revenue for UEFA and the national associations and they are not about to give that.
There is another even simpler way of reducing the number of games and still allowing the small nations to compete – logistically playing a 16-team tournament to get down to four teams or so is not necessarily as easy as it might sound.
The alternative is to go back to the World Cup qualifying system from the 70s and before. Fourteen groups instead of seven and only the top team qualifies. It would drop the number of game needed to six or eight. The chances of it ever happening – nil.
I enjoyed the MLS Cup Final - a much, much better game than last season. The Revs owned the first half but the Dynamo turned it around in the second.
Henry14 - Alan Hansen -1989 I was part of a Liverpool side that would have won the championship had they limited Arsenal to a 1-0 win at Anfield. It proved a very awkward match to prepare for - Arsenal knew exactly what they had to do - and in the event we conceded a second goal and lost the title.
Bobby – That might be the case but Arsenal knew they had to win 2-0. Croatia knows that they have to turn up – no matter the score they have already qualified. The issue is really down to the finals next summer.
Here is a piece from the Daily Telegraph that maps out possible seeds.
“But victory over Croatia does have a huge significance in terms of the Uefa co-efficients used for the Euro 2008 finals draw in Lucerne on Dec 2. An England triumph would improve their co-efficient to 2.318, taking them ahead of Croatia's 2.273 and, most significantly, replacing Slaven Bilic's team among the four second seeds for next summer.
As No 2 seeds, England could be drawn in a group with first seeds Austria, Switzerland, holders Greece and either Holland or Germany (depending on results tonight). England would then avoid the talents of Italy, the Czech Republic and either Holland or Germany. A draw tonight would leave England with a worse co-efficient than Croatia and would condemn McClaren's side to a place among the No 3 seeds, seriously complicating their hopes of a safe passage to the knock-out stage”.
Getz76 - How did Alex Prus let Smith off with only a caution after an intentional head-butt? I think someone needs to send the man a copy of the laws. I understand not wanting to "ruin" a cup final, but there is no place for that.
Bobby – I thought he was very lucky to stay on the park after doing what he did. I think there is also another angle to the incident. If I was Craig Weibel then I knew from that point on that I had the beating of Khano Smith. Smith reaction was one of frustration coming right after the Houston equalizer and was a sure sign that he had lost the upper hand. From being a potential match-winner in the first half he became a frustrated figure on the left wing in the second as Brian Mullen played a bit deeper to help Weibel out.
Verbal97 - Speaking of Scotland's future, has anyone heard anything recently about this McCarthy kid that supposedly some teams were after this past summer?
Bobby – Well if it is James McCarthy of Hamilton Accies (I think I wrote a bit about them a few weeks ago) then it is a case of The Republic of Ireland’s future rather than Scotland. He qualifies for the Republic and has already played for the Republic at age group levels. From what I am told he continues to impress (a 17-year-old I believe) and Hamilton are currently sitting at the top of the Scottish First Division. Under manager Billy Reid Hamilton have a number of good young players who are making an impression.
RINGO – 1. Is this the worst "transfer" of recent times? Steve Bruce to Wigan for 3m pounds! 2. Will McLeish still be in charge when WC qualifying comes round? Will he be able to resist when a premier league club comes calling? Birmingham perhaps?
Bobby – 1. If they stay up – no. But will they stay up? I find it difficult to fathom – mediocre manager who has received outstanding support from his board and has never produced anything except mediocre results. 2. I hope so but there is the temptation of big money in the Premiership. I would hope however, that Scotland would win out over Birmingham particularly given their current “take-over” situation.
oldcoach - Interesting interview with Don Garber. I have never been much for the hipster marketing that he subscribes to but it is hard to deny the business success that MLS has seen during his tenure. If you project out 10 to 15 years, where do you think MLS will be?
Bobby – Ten to fifteen years from now – a league of24 teams that is so solid that nobody questions it. Involvement is multiple club competitions both domestic and regionally. No articles that start “Soccer is really growing in America. In Europe and South America it has a following like baseball or NFL” or similar rubbish.
A steady stream of players coming through with the best players still heading to big teams in Europe (and hopefully to South America and Mexico). From a Canadian point of view four of the twenty four teams north of the border.
Craigy_f – 1. Would you want Usmanov as an owner of a club you supported? 2. What next for Scotland? A new manager or stick with the current set up for 2010 qualification. 3. How much would Dixie Dean be worth in today's money - say in the summer of 28 after he bagged the 60 goals. 4. Do you think Bruce is right to leave to try and resurrect a 'dead horse’? 5. Who do you think will try to finish second (in euro 08 qualifying) and how will they do it? Or have they already done it?
Bobby – 1. I think it would disappointing for any team to have someone like that own a club but it seems that as far as many fans are concerned as long as the new owner spends money and the team wins then an owner’s background does not come into it.
2. Stick with it, although the expectations need to be controlled. A good Euro campaign does not entitle a team to place in South Africa in three years. \
3. I think all that can be said is that his price would be a record one no matter the era.
4. I think Bruce’s move shows his lack of faith in his own ability. He’s leaving Birmingham a bit early because his contract is not being renewed and instead he has opted for a long term deal with a side that has a big relegation fight on its hands. A more confident manager would have ridden out the Birmingham situation confident that if his team performed well there would be no shortage of clubs lining up to sign him if Birmingham didn’t.
5. It looks so tight that a number of teams still have a chance to get what many expect to be the one remaining top seeded position. I’m not sure that the situation can be as easily managed as it sounds and even then you still run the risk of being seeded two and drawing a difficult group. I’m looking at the likely 16 qualifiers and even the teams likely to be seeded fourth are going to be very tough.
Wyofc - Do you think after next year the league will comment that the Designated Player is working so well that they will grant all teams yet another DP slot? Allowing David Beckham and Landon Donavan to play on the same team and be the most marketable team worldwide for MLS and becoming the face for MLS.
Bobby – If that decision is made then is going to have to be for the better of the league as a whole not one team – otherwise it will just backfire. The last time I checked they were playing on the same team this season.
With due respect to Landon Donovan, whether or not he plays for the Galaxy or not isn’t really a concern for football fans worldwide. The vast majority don’t care. I think you are vastly overestimating the world’s view of him. And there interest in MLS for that matter. MLS needs to continue to grow in North America – thinking worldwide is getting way ahead of themselves.
Getz76 - Nice broadcast last night as usual. Any truth to getting you on-air for Wednesday night? It will give me something to watch while the turkey is in the brine. What does everyone think of McClaren's decision to go with Robinson in goal? I still think there are at least three healthy England keepers in better form (James, Green, Carson). Why did he bother starting Carson in the friendly, then? I know it was not exactly a stiff test versus Austria, but it seems like the man can deal with a cross!
Bobby – Thank you but I will not be on the FSR tomorrow night. As for the goalkeeping situation it sounds as if Scott Carson will be starting.
Robert Philip talks to and about Denis Law before the Scotland and Italy game on Saturday. At the end of the article there is a reference to League Internationals that were mentioned on the blog a couple of months ago.
A more measured assessment of the European Union’s free movement of labour. The reason you are hearing British politicians spouting off on the subject is simple - there is no downside for them.
They can take a political popular - but wrongheaded – stance on foreign players that plays well with the punters. Simple reason for the complex problem of failure at the international level – foreign players.
No evidence, no need to hold the FA accountable or the players for that matter. (Remember this is largely the same team that last summer before Germany 2006 was being described as the golden generation – we found out it was more gilded than gold.)
But no matter at the end of the day the politicians know that they can’t do anything about the number of EU nationals playing in England unless the EU grants a total exemption for football and that will not happen.
MLS Cup Final
I have no idea if MLS intentionally scheduled the Cup Final for a weekend that coincided with European and World Cup qualifying but let us give them credit anyway. The Houston Dynamo versus New England Revolution can take centre stage on Sunday with little else in the soccer world battling for attention.
The Rev’s past failures have been well chronicled as has the Dynamo’s attempt to become the first team since DC United to win back-to-back titles. And of course it is a rematch of last season’s final. During regulation time that game was almost completely devoid of any memorable moments and it took two goals within seconds of each other during extra time to bring the match to life.
New England had the better of the Dynamo during the regular with a 1-0 win and a 3-3 draw although Houston did finish two points ahead of the Revolution. New England edged Houston in goals scored (51 to 43) but that was more than reversed when it came to conceding goals. The Rev’s defence let in close to double what the Dynamo did (43-23).
In setting a new regular season record for the fewest goals against Houston was the model of consistency while shutting out the opposition thirteen times. What’s more the Dynamo only let in more than two goals in a game twice and they lost neither one – the aforementioned six goal thriller with New England and a 4-3 win over Real Salt Lake in September.
For New England it was a case that when it rained on their defence it monsooned. They conceded three goals or more seven times and only came away with a couple of draws. Over half the goals that New England let in during the regular season came in these seven matches which means that over the other twenty three games they averaged less than a goal against per game.
Nine clean sheets also strengthen the argument that perhaps New England are not such a defensive liability as the goals against column might indicate. New England fans might also look to the Rev’s not yet conceding a post season goal while the Dynamo gave up two to FC Dallas.
New England’s standard 3-5-2 formation gives them the extra man in midfield over Houston’s 4-4-2. However, the game might come down to how well Michael Parkhurst, Jay Heaps and Avery John can handle Nate Jaqua - or Brian Ching if he is fit. Houston peppered the Kansas City defence with crosses last weekend and delivering quality balls from wide positions will be a key for the Dynamo. If New England are to win then they need to cut that supply route and they will also need Sharlie Joseph to dominate the midfield and feed Noonan, Twellman and Ralston.
The longer the game goes without a goal the more likely it is that we will get MLS 2006 part two. Here’s opening for an early goal and a better spectacle than twelve months ago.
Next to European Championship qualifying.
Group A – The group of draws with fifteen of the 46 games so far having finished tied but trips to Switzerland and Austria next summer are now for Poland and Portugal to lose. A home win for Poland would book a place and save them from a potentially awkward trip to Belgrade to play Serbia on Wednesday. Belgium are at a low point as far the national team is concerned – maybe it is due to the foreigners playing in the country – and Poland should get the three points that they need.
Portugal can only make sure of qualifying if they get a better result at home against Armenia than Finland does versus Azerbaijan and Serbia does against Kazakhstan. In all likelihood all three will win meaning that Portugal will still need to beat Finland in Lisbon next Wednesday to guarantee that they progress. There is still the possibility of a two or three way tie for the runners-up spot. Either possibility would be bad news for Portugal as they would lose out to Finland (two-way) and Serbia (three-way).
Group B – Italy failed to qualify for the finals of the European championships in 1984 after winning the World Cup two years before. They need a tie against Scotland on Saturday to make sure history does not repeat itself – with due respect to the Faroe Islands an Italian win at home on Wednesday is a certainty. In theory a draw could also put Scotland through if France would lose to the Ukraine in five days time – not going to happen.
So Scotland have to beat the reigning World Champions in their final game to qualify for their first major championship since 1998. A tall order but given the group that they were drawn into a one game decider is better than any Scots’ fan could have expected.
Scotland’s best chance to get the win that they need? The longer the game stays scoreless (well up to a point) the better it is for Scotland. Italy will become more and more cautious while Scotland should be able to throw more men forward in an attempt to get a precious winner. (Is there a new John Greig ready to do the business?)
Honestly if I was Roberto Donadoni I would be going for the jugular from the start and come out looking for an early goal that would take the Hampden crowd out of the game and set Scotland a target of at least two goals in order to qualify. Are you listening Roberto?
Group C – Greece have already qualified and will be defending the trophy they won in 2004. The other spot is between Norway and Turkey and the Norwegians are two points up withTurkey traveling to Oslo for Saturday’s match.
While Turkey started strongly (12 points from the first four games) and have faded badly the Norwegians have gone at it in reverse. Seven points from the first five matches has become 11 points in the second half. A win for Norway seals the runners-up spot while anything else will take the final outcome to the last round of play on Wednesday. Norway are away to Malta and Turkey are at home to Bosnia Herzegovina so a draw (in Turkey the sides shared four goals) would set the Norwegians up nicely.
Group D - Germany and the Czech Republic are both going to the Alps while four other countries are playing for places and we have no idea what San Marino are playing at.
Group E - There will be a collective holding of breathe in England on Saturday when Russia faces Israel. A Russian win and the English players can book tee times and Steve McClaren can start mailing his CV to former republics of the Soviet Union. Although England needs to rely on Israel for help the English media stands charged with capitulation. Surely they could wait until death is official.
Croatia only needs a draw in Macedonia although that might be more of a challenge than most realize. Croatia needed two second half goals to erase a 1-0 deficit to Macedonia the first time they played (da Silva with an 88th minute winner) and only Russia with 2-0 and 3-0 wins have handled Macedonia with relative ease.
Group F – Sweden and Spain have almost made it with Northern Ireland and Denmark’s hopes hanging by a gossamer thin thread. Two draws for Spain (home to Sweden then Northern Ireland) will do it while the Swedes need just a single point from their last two matches.
Group G – Romania, along with Croatia, go into the last two rounds as the only two undefeated countries. Romania’s campaign started with a “disappointing” 2-2 home draw with Bulgaria. Disappointing in as much as Romania led 2-0 with eight minutes left. On Saturday Romania travels to Sofia for what fourteen months ago looked like it would be a crucial match. However, two draws against Albania largely put paid to Bulgarian hopes and Holland needs only one point from games against Luxembourg (h) and Belarus (a) in order to join Romania.
COMNEBOL World Cup Qualifying Notes
Argentina v. Bolivia - Javier Zanetti will earn his 116th cap and become Argentina's most capped international if he plays in this match. Bolivia’s last away win in WC qualifying came 14 years ago when they beat Venezuela 7-1. In their last 27 away games Bolivia have picked up only three draws.
Colombia v. Venezuela – It’s almost as if Colombia’s campaign has yet to start. They are unbeaten but have yet to win a game. They have not been scored on but have not scored either.
Peru v. Brazil – Another poor start for Peru who made their last WC appearance in1982. Only one point from their opening two games and they have yet to score a goal (0-0 at home to Paraguay and lost 2-0 to Chile).
Uruguay v. Chile - Both countries consider themselves as legitimate contenders for a top four spot and head-to-head games will be important in the final outcome. In 2006 qualifying Chile won 5 matches but all were against countries that finished in 8th, 9th and the bottom spot.
Paraguay v. Ecuador – Ecuador qualifiers for the last two finals, have made a horrible start, losing 1-0 at home to Venezuela and 5-0 in Brazil. Two veterans have been dropped Ivan Hurtado (145 caps) and right back Ulises de la Cruz (98 caps).
Midweek games - Brazil v. Uruguay, Ecuador v. Peru, Venezuela v. Bolivia, Colombia v. Argentina and Chile v. Paraguay.
LosAngelesChelseaFan - Your thoughts on Denis Law?
Meanwhile, what's your take on our premiership champions pick? I can't begin to figure why JM played 3 holding midfielders against Villa and left Joe Cole on the bench. It was hardly the all out attack we saw at Reading. No-one looked sharp. Maybe it's not surprising when the manager looks so bored/resigned. I'd rather have "bad, angry Mourinho" back. I get the feeling that Abramovich actually didn't have money to spend right now and has asked Mourinho to make do with "adequate" for a while. Do you detect something missing at Chelsea in all of this?
Bobby – Denis Law was simply one of the most explosive and exciting players you could ever hope to see. He was brave and lightning quick and fantastic in the air. He also inspired a generation of young footballers to stretch the sleeves of their jerseys so they could grab on to them with their fingers! I still find myself doing it if I am out running or playing in long sleeves. Chelsea midfield was absolutely pedestrian and cried out for Joe Cole. The game has passed Makelele me thinks.
Leche010 - Is it just me, or is the Premiership just filled, from top to bottom, with more quality than it ever has before?I mean even the bottom club (and all but sure to remain there) Derby has Kenny Miller as a striker.
Bobby – Having Kenny Miller as your striker in the Premiership is more a sign of weakness than strength I am afraid. Miller has his strengths but putting the ball in the back of the net regularly is not one of them. However, I think a number of sides have made good acquisitions – Everton, Portsmouth, Manchester City, Liverpool as examples.
Henry14 - 1 Do you think Diarra's addition can help Arsenal with the bullies up north and maybe there is a chance for a real title challenge? 2 th14 is looking doggy for Barca for the past or so games l have seen him do you see him being a great player as he was or he will be another Sheva or Ballack? 3 Do you still think Arsenal will be under Hill Wood come start of next season?
Bobby –1. From what I have seen of Diarra he can’t be described as the second coming of Patrick Vieira – not so far anyway. He certainly is not going to be the difference between a league challenge and no league challenge. 2. Thierry Henry has looked fine to me. 3. I think the question is really will they be under the same regime at the start of next season? If so my answer is yes.
Foxcube - Re: Robson article. I feel it's unfair to match Pires/Ljunberg with Rosicky/Hleb head to head, toe to toe. This is because Arsenal has changed their way of playing since the 2005 and new players were bought for this new style. Bobby would you please give some analysis of their change?
Bobby – What new style? Bergkamp’s gone and can’t be replaced but the wide players are still being asked to do what they were two or three years ago as far as I can see.
Foxcube - Do you see the foreign investments will go on forever? Will the top teams break FA's restrictions and getting their TV deals individually?
Bobby – No tree grows to the sky. The question is how much upside is left in terms of increased revenues. That comes back to TV and internet deals and I’m guessing that there is a big upside left. Unfortunately most of the clubs have shown that can spend the money as quickly as it is given to them so the foreign investments will continue until someone realizes that soccer in Europe has never been a moneymaker. In fact the only people to have made money the last few years are the folks who have sold out to foreign buyers. What does that tell you? Remember apart from Abramovich most of the deals are being done with other people’s money not the names that hit the newspapers. Relatively little of their money is at risk.
The fallacy is that “new owners” bring new transfer money. Normally they increase the club’s debt load to pay for new transfers. Further to the TV deals I don’t believe that there are FA restrictions – it is a Premiership rule.
Foxcube - Re: players' sudden death. Nobody mentioned their insurance situation. Any insights?
Bobby – No different than any other worker dropping dead or being injured at work. If fault can be shown then the employer faces the possibility of legal and civil action. Otherwise you will probably find that depending on the professional players association in each country that the club and/or player carry some form of death benefit.
Craigyf - Your comments on the US MNT squad? Any USA v Brazil predictions? So far only two teams remain on maximum points in Serie A, does that surprise you. What has stood out in Serie A so far? Any thoughts on who might be favourites for the MLS Cup yet?
Bobby – A couple of minor surprise in Bradley’s selections but nothing stunning. Far too early to read anything into Serie A results – check in again around week 10. MLS Cup – I’ve been very impressed with DC United the last few weeks. However, MLS teams are very prone to streaks and there is still 2 plus months of the season left. You have to factor in New England given Steve Nicol’s record in the play offs. Houston still has time to find there feet again and Chivas as flown under the radar. Chivas’ record at home is outstanding.
Ringo - Now that we’re a month into the EPL season, would you like to take a mulligan on any of your picks?
Bobby – I’ll stick. It is a long season – lots of drama to come.
CIAO - What do you make of the final day transfers? Or lack there of in the case of Riquelme, Adriano and Ballack? Maybe Inter and Chelsea should just swap the 2 players. Inter has much better luck with German players than Brazilian strikers.
Bobby – As I said on the show - the transfer deadline had Super Bowl hype and Super Bowl excitement.
Bigdavedisaster - Why the need for the lack of a better word "lies" in the handling of Graversen and Miller transfers by Gordon? Is he simply covering incase the transfers don’t go through and then don’t the players already know that he was willing to let them go?
Whenever I read something on George Best I’m always reminded of my Uncle talking about what a shame it was that he never played in a World Cup for a United Ireland team (if they could have made it?) so that the world might see him on its biggest stage.
Bobby – The manager’s job is to do his up most to win games and that comes before being honest with the press. In the case of George Best my understanding is that he was asked to join the 1982 Northern Ireland squad for the World Cup in Spain but he said no. Can anyone else confirm that story?
A 2-1 away win for DC United means they leapfrog Toronto FC in the Eastern standings and the home side returns to the cellar.
With the visitors enjoying almost two weeks of rest since their last game and Toronto FC playing their third game in a week it was not surprising that DC United’s game plan emphasized retaining possession for long stretches of the match.
An unspectacular but very effective midfield gave DC control of much of the game although Toronto FC rallied late on and keeper Troy Perkins needed to turn away a stinging Ronnie O’Brien drive with only six minutes to play to preserve the three points.
In the first half Toronto FC struggled to bring the strike pairing of Danny Dichio and Alecko Eskandarian into the play. When the ball was played forward to Dichio a battle with DC United defender Facundo Erpen was a recurring feature. The less physically imposing Erpen was eventually booked in the 35th minute after chopping down the big striker just outside the penalty box although the resultant free kick came to nothing.
As half time approached DC United had reason to be happy with their performance. But then Toronto struck and Dichio was instrumental in creating the goal. A long throw from full back Marvell Wynne was headed down by Dichio and the ball found Carl Robinson on the edge of the box.
The shot from the Welsh international rebounded off Eskandarian but the former DC United man got a second bite at the cherry as the ball ran loose in the penalty box. Eskandarian was not about to miss such a chance and rifled a shot into the roof of the net as Troy Perkins claimed unsuccessfully for offside.
Despite finding themselves a goal down against the run of play United never waivered from their game plan. A golden chance to equalize came with only five minutes of the second half played. Emilio was sent clean through after a route one clearance by Perkins but failed to hit the target.
However, a goal for DC United came shortly after when Christian Gomez sent in a dipping and pacey free kick into the TFC penalty area. Full back Kevin Goldthwaite stretched to clear the ball but only succeeded in heading the ball into his only net. An unfortunate first own goal for Toronto FC.
Only three minutes later United Coach Tom Soehn made a game changing decision. He opted to withdraw Erpen and replace him with forward Guy-Roland Kpene. In his on-going battle with Dichio, Erpen was sailing very close to the wind with referee Baldomero Toledo. If Soehn had not substituted him, Erpen would surely have been first to shower.
Bryan Namoff dropped back to play on the right side of the defense while Bobby Boswell took on the man-to-man marking responsibilities on Danny Dichio. The more robust Boswell proved to be a more effective marker and after twenty minutes Dichio too was substituted.
As three games in eight days began to take their toll on Toronto another goal for DC United seemed inevitable. When the goal came it was from the penalty spot after Wynne was judged to have fouled Emilio. At first glance it looked to be a harsh decision but replays clearly show that the referee’s decision was spot-on.
Jaime Moreno stepped up to score his third goal of the season and in the process he tied Jason Kreis’ MLS scoring record of 108 goals.
Next weekend DC United plays Houston Dynamo in Washington while Toronto FC visits the Columbus Crew.
Were you at the game or did you watch it on television? Here's a chance to share your thoughts and opinions.
We will start off with the FA Cup Final. Manchester United look to complete a fourth domestic double and to hoist the FA Cup for a record extending 12th time. For Chelsea it is a chance to be the first team since Liverpool in 2001 to do the domestic cup double. In addition the FA Cup represents the only trophy that Jose Mourinho has not won during his time at Porto and Chelsea.
This is only the third time that the top two teams have competed in the final. Ninety-four years ago Aston Villa beat Sunderland and in 1986 Liverpool beat Everton. It’s interesting that with the continual talk of the top teams not taking the FA Cup seriously that for the 12th straight season the Cup will be won by one of the big four. You have to go back to 1991 to find the last time that Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool or Arsenal did not make it to the deciding game. The last team outside of London, Merseyside or Manchester to actually win the trophy was Coventry in 1987 when they beat Spurs 3-2 after extra time.
Mourinho and SAF have locked horns nine times and Jose has the superior record with four wins, one loss and three draws. However, you can make a good case that the one loss was the turning point in United’s battle with Chelsea. It was back in November 2005 when a Darren Fletcher goal won the game for United. From that point on United has had a better Premiership record than Chelsea.
It could be a very special day for the evergreen Ryan Giggs. He could become the first player to win five FA Cup winners' medals in 116 years - that is to say it was last done 116 years ago not that Giggs has been playing for 116 years! He could also match Phil Neal’s record of winning seventeen major honours.
After last weekend’s slip-up by Schalke, Stuttgart is in the driving seat. A win against Energie Cottbus will assure them of their third Bundesliga title. A draw would leave the door ajar for Schalke but it would require a win by at least four goals for the Ruhr club to overtake the present leaders. They play Arminia Bielefeld who are one of the Bundesliga's form teams at the moment. Schalke’s return of 15 points out a possible 30 has not been good enough. Stuttgart is on a 7 game winning streak and their last loss was to Schalke 1-0 on March 17.
Stuttgart Coach Armin Veh replaced Trapattoni last February but it was an inau####ious start with only nine points in the final ten games of last season. Veh signed a bunch of foreign players over the summer such as Ricardo Osario and Pavel Pardo (both Mexicans), Brazilian Antonio Da Silva, Swede Alex Farnerud and Swiss striker Marco Streller. Even then the season started poorly with two losses and a draw in their first three home games. Since then Stuttgart has gone unbeaten at home with 11 wins and 2 draws. Next week Stuttgart plays Nurnberg in the German Cup Final.
Real Madrid is sitting top of La Liga for the first time since October 2005 and plays away to Recreativo de Huelva. Recreativo has performed remarkably well this season with Florent Sinama-Pongolle scoring 11 goals and securing a permanent move from Liverpool to the southern Spanish club.
Recreativo has only one loss at home since Christmas (4-0 to Barcelona) while Real Madrid have 7 wins, 2 draws and only 1 loss in their last 10 matches. During that time Ruud Van Nistelrooy has scored at a goal-a-game pace and is currently the leagues leading scorer with 21 goals.
Four words Barcelona don’t want to hear as their season threatens to implode – Atletico Madrid, Fernando Torres. Atletico have won three and drawn two of the last five games against Barca and Torres has scored six goals. This game is a test of character for Barcelona. If they lose this one and Real Madrid win there would be a sense of the inevitable about Madrid first La Liga title since 2003. Barcelona have only won twice in their last 11 away games and have only shut out the opposition four times on the road this season.
Atletico have lost three times at home but are unbeaten since December 10. There have not been a lot of goals to enjoy at the Vicente Calderon with Atletico scoring 18 and conceding 11. In 13 of the 17 home matches Atletico have scored one goal or less while Espanyol are the only visiting team to score more than one.
Fresh from retaining the UEFA Cup Sevilla travels to La Coruna where the home defense has proven to be a tough nut to crack. Deportivo La Coruna have the best defensive home record in La Liga with only 9 goals conceded in 17 games and 11 shut outs. However, it comes at cost of goals scored with only 16 goals potted at the Riazor.
Sevilla are unbeaten in their last three La Liga trips to La Coruna with two draws and one win but they not won away from home since Jan 28 against Levante. That means six games without an away win.
In MLS there is a rematch of the 2006 Championship game. Houston Dynamo won that one in a penalty shoot-out but they have made a stuttering start to the new season. Houston have won two, drawn one and lost three so far. The latest defeat came against Toronto FC on Wednesday night at a cold, wet – and we found out today – “collapsing” BMO Field.
Houston enjoyed the majority of the possession on Wednesday but they had a look of a team that did not know what to do once they got within 30 yards of the Toronto goal. On the other hand New England Revolution have flown out of the gate with four wins, two draws and a single loss. Taylor Twellman is red hot with six goals and Andy Dorman (a player who is a joy to watch at times) has three. There have only been two goals scored (one for and the other against) in three games at Robertson Stadium this season so far but I think we will see some more on Saturday.
While the fans left BMO Field last Saturday talking of Toronto’s first win, first goal and even the first sending off, it was a disciplined and rugged defense that accounted for this win over MLS Champions Houston Dynamo.
With wind, rain and a game time temperature of 8 degrees (46 F) silky soccer was never on the agenda. Nonetheless, Houston started the game with some zip in their play and pinned Toronto back early on. But despite their lively play it didn’t translate into many clear cut scoring opportunities for the defending champions.
The best Houston effort came from a corner kick when Eddie Robinson took advantage of a hesitant Greg Sutton only to see his downward header cleared off the line by Ronnie O’Brien.
And it was O’Brien who set up the Toronto FC goal from a wickedly delivered free kick at the mid way point of the first half. Taken right footed from a little over 30 yards out on the left hand side the free kick was delivered with tremendous pace and swerve. It was the sort of free kick that defenders have to have the courage to attack. None did, and Welsh scored a “dandruff goal” – it came off a bit of his head and a bit of his shoulder.
As half time approached Houston continued to enjoy the majority of possession but the Toronto defenders were able to funnel the Dynamo attacks into the centre of the field where Carl Robinson dealt with any danger.
Dynamo’s best chance can just after half time when newly signed Joseph Ngweyna took advantage of an uncharacteristic slip by centre back Jim Brennan and found himself clean through with only the keeper to beat. Ngweyna put the ball wide and although Dynamo huffed and puffed they created little in the way of clear cut chances.
With ten minutes to play Edson Buddle took advantage of the Houston pushing forward in search of an equalizer and with only keeper Pat Onstad to beat he hit the ball straight at the keeper.
So Toronto FC adds another first to their growing list – this time their first shut out. Six games into the MLS season and the defense is unrecognizable from the Chinese fire drill that took the field in their first three games and conceded nine goals.
The signings of full backs Marvell Wynne and Kevin Goldthwaite has added a bit of speed and balance while Jim Brennan has been excellent playing in an unaccustomed role at centre back. Coach Mo Johnston has the other centre back Andrew Boyens on a short leash with only the basics being requested. However, given that Boyens looked about as comfortable as a man with piles perched on a cactus during his first two appearances against Chivas and New England, it is a wise move.
And one that is paying dividends as Boyens has been a far more effective player in the last two games as he has kept it simple. Carl Robinson has given Toronto FC a much more solid look playing the holding role in the last two games while the midfield in general is doing their part by harrowing the opposition when needed and maintaining possession when able.
Toronto FC is now off the bottom in the East and on Saturday DC United, who trail TFC by two points, arrives at BMO Field looking for their second win of the season.
Were you at the game or did you watch it on TV? Let’s hear your take on the match.
Saturday started at 4:30 a.m. and finished around midnight. In between there was a trip to Toronto to work the Chicago game for Fox Soccer Channel and what a great day it turned out to be. The new stadium is a terrific venue but it is the enthusiasm of the fans that stands out. The close to 20,000 fans (including a healthy number of supporters who made the trek from Chicago) in attendance were given a match to remember with Toronto FC notching their first goal and eventually their first win.
There was also the first red card in Toronto FC’s history with the scorer of the first goal Danny Dichio sent off along with Chicago Fire’s Diego Gutierrez on the stroke of half time. Todd Grisham, who was anchoring the FSC presentation, asked just as we were about to start the second half who might now have the advantage.
My opinion was that it would be easier for Chicago to cover the loss of Gutierrez in midfield than it would be for Toronto to compensate for the loss of their big striker. How wrong I was and it was down to how Toronto coach Mo Johnston reacted to the enforced change.
Johnston moved Edson Buddle further forward from his support role to take the lone striker position. Maurice Edu was also asked to work harder than he had even done in the first half when he helped set up the Toronto goal and to get forward and support Buddle. But the most crucial move was keeping Ronnie O’Brien and Andy Welsh wide on the right and left touchlines respectively.
It was a move that could have backfired and provided the Fire with an opportunity to overrun the midfield. As it turned out O’Brien (making his first MLS appearance for Toronto) and Welsh (playing his best game so far since arriving from England) stretched the Chicago back three and midfield and never allowed the Fire to dictate play in the second half.
The Toronto midfield constantly changed the point of attack from wing to wing and it paid off with two second half goals. Like the first goal, the second and third goals came from crosses from the right wing and both involved diagonal runs across the Chicago defense. First Buddle and then Welsh created space for Kevin Goldthwaite and Maurice Edu at the back post and both goals were put away with some panache and composure.
This first win for Toronto sets up an intriguing encounter this Wednesday at BMO Field with reigning MLS Champions, the Houston Dynamo. Houston’s ranks include Canadian internationals Pat Onstad and the mercurial Dwayne de Rosario.
Quip of the day: Fans attending the game on Saturday were provided with cushions upon their entry to the stadium. The cushions also doubled as Frisbees and were launched on mass onto the park when Toronto scored their first ever goal. Well known Canadian broadcaster and analyst #### Howard was working the sideline with FSR anchor Jeremy St. Louis. As an army of volunteers cleared the field of cushions #### turned to Jeremy and said, “Could be problems on Wednesday night with the battery give-away”.
Thank you to all the fans who stopped by to say hello at the FSC desk on Saturday. A special thanks to the gentleman who was kind enough to provide me with a pint of Tetley’s.
Were you at the game or did you watch it on TV? Let’s hear your take on the match.
A lively blog again this week as far as comments and opinions are concerened.
Henry14-1. Who do you think will win the title given that both teams are in Europe and FA Cup & also looking at the runs left for them? 2. l personally fancy Sheffield to stay up because of their matches at home left who do you think will drop? 3. How do you assess Klose this season? 4. It pains me to say this but l really see that Spurs have made big strides in the last two years do you know when they can ever win the title? 5. Lastly l disagree with what you said on the show that Benitez's rotation is paying dividends, l think it is because they were knocked out of domestic cups, so they were no replays because Arsenal played 7 domestic cup games after Liverpool, Man Utd. had 5 and Chelsea had 6 so l think that’s the main reason up to now. 6 Do you think Fergie regret letting Larsson go?
Bobby–1. I picked Chelsea at the start of the season and I am not jumping ship even though United have the lead and an easier stretch-run. 2. With Rob Hulse out Sheffield United will struggle to score goals and that is their biggest challenge going into the last 6 games. 3. I haven’t seen enough of Klose this season to really comment. He seems to be off his usual goal scoring pace although he is still Bremen’s top scorer. 4. They will some day but I can’t see it in the near future. 5. Fair point but if Liverpool had won the cup games Benitez would have still rotated his squad. 6. Not after today’s display!
LosAngelesChelseaFan - Chelsea are certainly capable of dumping Valencia on Tuesday, since I suspect that stamina rather than skill will dominate the outcome of all competitions. We shall see. What’s your considered opinion of all this? What do think is more important for all these teams right now, (a) heart and will to win? (b) stamina? (c) quality and skill? (d) most recent result? ... and which one has it?
Bobby – All of the above plus momentum and some well-timed slices of luck ?
Flashman - Toronto FC looked competitive in their MLS debut at Chivas. Obviously, any MLS squad has flaws, but TFC didn't look like an expansion team to me. Greg Sutton looks solid in net and they generated some excellent scoring opportunities early on. Still some work to do in defense. Do you see this team rewarding the Hogtown Massive - sold out at 20,000 for every game this year - by diving in and snagging a big name player? If so, at what position? Also, as the streets of London's toney Islington district yet again run brown with fear, do you think Arsenal can hang on to a UEFA Cup qualifying position as they free fall this spring down the Prem standings? Who do you see them losing due to their inability to compete financially with bigger clubs in Yorkshi - er, umm, Europe?
Bobby – I would be surprised if Toronto go the “big name” player route this year. I think Mo Johnston has already said that he is not interested and with a sell out almost guaranteed there isn’t a financial incentive to make a move like that. I think they would be better off spreading the wealth around a bit in an attempt to improve the overall quality of the team. I think Sutton is a keeper – in more ways than the positional sense – but I didn’t see anything else that gave me much encouragement. But, there again it is early days, so maybe a fairer assessment can be made after 10 games. The games against Bolton and Spurs will be important over the next two weeks but I think Arsenal will hold on to 4th place.
jeffers77 - Any thoughts on Tottenham and Sevilla? I think Tottenham has a good chance on Thursday, that penalty against Robinson was ridiculous; a 1-1 score would have been a fair result. Do you feel they have a chance at WHL and if they do go on, what do you think their chances are of winning the whole thing?
Bobby – The penalty was an atrocious decision. If Spurs are to go through then I think scoring first is almost mandatory. Perhaps the bigger question is can the Spurs back four keep Sevilla from scoring.
Henry14 - l wanted to know the requirements of entering the Intertoto cup and if the Gunners qualify.
Bobby – Here is a link to who is eligible. This link gives the reason for the competition – I think it might surprise you.
Ringo - Can someone explain how Portsmouth can beat Man U and then lose to Watford? Unless the Asian betting syndicates were involved!
Bobby – The only logical conclusion is that if Watford were in Serie A then they would be a serious challenge to Inter this season!
Henry14 - Who is a better winger Quaresma or Ribery or rather player because l thought Quaresma had the edge.
Bobby – I woud take Ribery. He seems a bit more robust to me.
Realmadridcffan - 1. Out of all the soccer magazines that are published, which is your favourite and your least favourite? 2. How would you rate the performances of DC United and the Houston Dynamo in the recent CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final? What do you think it will take for an MLS side to actually win the CONCACAF Champions Cup? 3. Besides the Houston Dynamo and DC United, who do you see as a dark horse(s) for the MLS Championship this year?
Bobby – 1. Favourite(s) – When Saturday Comes, Champions (the UEFA mag) and World Soccer. The least favourite – there are a number of them. The magazines that I have the most trouble with are the ones that just lift pieces and drop them into the magazine – Soccer Italia a prime example – and they are often contradictory stories. Page 3 states Fabio Star Defender wants a transfer to Real Madrid; Page 7 Fabio Star Defender says “I will never leave.” 2. I thought both teams did very well. When Brian Ching scored with only minutes left I thought Houston were going to do it. As far as what is needed - experience obviously helps and I don't think a MLS side winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup again in the next three or four seasons is out of the question. 3. Dark horse - well with a 13 team league it pretty difficult to be a dark horse. However, i can see Chicago Fire challenging DC United in the east and I liked the look of Colorado Rapids on Saturday so they might be the team to watch in the west.
djnima19 – 1. Do you think losing Vidic will cost United the title? 2. Is Foster or Kuzscak a better keeper than Edwin for next season? 3. Who would you like to see coming from La Liga to the EPL next season?
Bobby – 1. Not necessarily although he does leave a large hole in the defense – a lot can happen in the next half a dozen games. 2. I don’t think you can consider Foster or Kuzscak better than van der Sar. Kuzscak, for the rather obvious reason that he is currently the back-up. In Foster’s case he has been playing with very little pressure on him so it is a very unfair comparison at the moment. It is not unusual for keepers to look better playing in a poorer team because they get more chances to shine. With better sides I think that keepers need to concentrate more because of the lack of action. Foster is still very young for a keeper and he certainly looks like he has the potential to be a very good goalie. 3. There is always a big gulf between who we would like to see and who is available. Even with Premiership riches you can’t have all the great players. Goalscorers are high on everyone’s list so the likes of David Villa, Fernando Torres and Diego Milito will probably be targets.
LosAngelesChelseaFan - I have a few questions: 1. Can you recommend a theBLEEP who specializes in Depressive Goonophrenia? 2. Do you think asking over and over again if Thierry Henry will leave Arsenal at the end of the season is a symptom of the above condition? 3. Do you think if Arsene Wenger wears the grey suit with the grey tie at next week’s game against Bolton, it will bring him more of the bad luck that caused them to lose the double against Whamo Utd for the first time since 1965? 4. Do you think hell is a place: a) populated by Arsenal players who pass the ball for endlessly, but who never shoot at the goal or b) a place where there’s a soccer game in which the referee is being chased by a complaining Wane Rooney for all eternity?
Bobby – 1. Dr. George Graham. 2. No it is a condition caused by the Vieiraitis virus that was limited to Highbury for a period of five years although it was thought to have been eradicated. 3. Only if he wears it with the standard Sam Allardyce earpiece. 4. Hell is what North America was to soccer fans 20 years ago.
Verbal97 – 1. Does Dumfermline stand a chance to a) stay up in the SPL and b) to make it to the Scottish Cup Final? If they make the finals and play Celtic, would they get a UEFA Cup spot like in the FA Cup? 1 c. Also, how do you rate Adam Hammill, if you've seen him? 2. Also, do you think Abramovich will fire Mourinho this week WHEN Chelsea lose to Valencia or will he wait for the end of the season?
Bobby – 1a. Stephen Kenny seems to have whipped the Pars into much better shape and they now have at least a fighting chance of survival – four points behind St. Mirren with five to play. 1b. They beat Hibs last weekend in the SPL and they face each other again this Sunday in the Scottish Cup semi final. If they do make it and finish up facing Celtic (who play St. Johnstone on Saturday) then a UEFA spot is guaranteed. 1 c. I haven’t seen him and to be honest no one that I correspond with in Scotland has mentioned him. 2. I guess that now changes to “WHEN Chelsea lose to Liverpool.”
Neophyte – 1. What do you think about Riquelme coming to the Prem? or another La Liga team? What ever happened between Villarreal and Riquelme? You can clearly see that without him they're just middle to bottom of the Liga. 2. What do you see SAF doing about the obvious aging midfield at Old Trafford? Does Scholes get the same treatment as Becks and Keane? Is Giggs' time up as well?
Bobby – 1. I never thought there was much of a chance of Riquelme moving to the Premiership at the end of last season and so I think that there is almost no chance now. Most likely destination – where he is now, at Boca Juniors. Next – a return to Villarreal. Then – who can guess? It seems that Miguel Pellegrino and Riquelme just fell out – it can’t have been anything that important or we would have already heard all the lurid details. 2. Manchester United have clearly benefited from the incredible seasons that Scholes and Giggs have had. Unless they “misbehave” – and there is no reason to believe that will be the case – Ferguson will be dumping either of them out. Well deserved testimonials for these two – someday.
In a number of provinces in Canada we can bet legally on sports courtesy of the government. The down side is the Russian Mob would probably give better odds than we can get on what is known as Pro Line. Included on Pro Line is the Premiership. Over the couple of years I have got into the habit of dropping by the local store on the way home from doing the Friday Fox Soccer Report.
My weekly wager is very small but it does add something extra to the weekend's soccer action. I try to avoid the early Saturday game because if you get that one wrong then your are screwed. Luckily this weekend was one of the few occasions when the govermment gets to return some of that money to me. I picked six games and all came good. The picks (all to win) were Bolton, Charlton, Manchester City, Chelsea, West Ham and Tottenham.
Here are some articles that caught my eye over the weekend.
Stewart Fisher with a piece on Paul Dalglish of The Houston Dynamo. Apparently Paul’s father was quite a good player. Unfortunately Mr. Fisher can’t get the name of the Dynamo’s coach correct!
Gabriele Marcotti takes a look at how Roma have changed under the very underrated Luciano Spalletti. Totti has never been rated by the English media. I wonder if that will still be the case in a few weeks time.
Patrick Barclay takes a look at a player born just miles from Old Trafford who is out to stop Manchester United.
Steve Tongue points out that seven of the eight remaining Champions league teams are skippered by home-town players.
A little piece on Northern Ireland hero David Healey.
Finally a piece from Hugh McIlvanney on the behaviour of some England fans in Barcelona last Wednesday. It includes this stiletto - “All their efforts to masquerade as passionate patriots driven to condemnatory fury by the inadequacies of McClaren and his men could not begin to conceal the revolting truth that most of the snarling, bellowing viciousness came from look-at-me exhibitionists so absorbed in masturbation of their emotions that their favourite insult had an autobiographical ring.”
A big week coming up with the Champions League and UEFA Cup taking centre stage.
"The Sea of Orange that flooded Pizza Hut Park is heading back to Houston a very happy bunch. Thousands of Dynamo supporters arriving at the Park hours before Sunday's MLS Cup Final sporting orange t-shirts, face paint, scarves, you name it - if it was orange they had it and man could they sing. A city without a team a year ago has really found a home, and the PK win over New England only puts the icing on the cake for a whirlwind year for the fomer Earthquakes. Congratulations to a rabid fan-base...that is a very special group of staff and players.
New England fans weren't as numerous as Houston fans, but those making the trip where every bit as colorful and full of voice. How tough it's got to be to see their side take an extra-time lead, watch it disappear in an instant, and then witness the season end on a PK save by Pat Onstad? Five straight Eastern Conference Championship appearances, and three Conference titles is something to be proud of, and though that 'un-finished' business theme will linger for another year there were 10 other teams at home and watching Sunday.
Although there were moments of activity inside the 90, the nil-nil score through two halves had to be a disappointment for the teams, the league, and the supporters because both sides showed alot of offensive ability all season. Other than Taylor Twellman getting robbed mid first-half by Pat Onstad, and a boost in energy when Clint Dempsey came on just past the hour, the match was far from the high-scoring contest guys like Twellman and Ching were anticipating Saturday. That said, I understand no one wants to be the one to throw away one-shot at a title...I only wonder what we would have seen if someone had cashed in early.
Hard to believe Monday is a trade-period day. Tuesday protected lists get turned in, and Friday Toronto FC selects 10 players...just like that the off-season is here, and the Houston Dynamo head into 2007 as defending champs with now 12 teams looking to knock them off.
Might one of those teams be fielding a David Beckham or a Luis Figo...can't wait to find out!"
