The Best…..

Slovenia’s amazing performance in reaching their second World Cup Finals was unfortunately overshadowed by angst and ringing of hands.  When you consider that Slovenia finished a very poor fourth in Group 5 of World Cup 2006 qualifying and sixth (only Luxemburg finished lower) in Group G of Euro 2008 qualifying it only reinforces a magnificent achievement.

Algeria bounced back from a heart breaking late goal from Egypt on Saturday to qualify in the play off. Antar Yahia the Bochum striker scored the only goal and it was a cracker.

Sunderland gave a clinic on how to shut down Arsenal. Resolute in the tackle, diligent in their marking and closing down Sunderland implemented Steve Bruce’s game plan to a t.

Spurs’ performance in putting nine goals

The Best…..

Arjen Robben repaid some of that large transfer fee with a two goal debut for Bayern Munich against last season’s Champions Wolfsburg. That should take a little pressure off manager Louis van Gaal if only for a short time. 

There has never been a question about Robben’s ability but there have been justifiable concerns about his capacity to stay fit or to play when not exactly 100%.

After an impressive opening day showing against Siena Milan were destroyed on Saturday by a rampant Inter side. Inter tore into their city rivals and had too much power, strength, movement and pace – Milan could not live with Inter.

Many of Jose Mourinho’s new signings were prominent with Thiago Motta scoring a peach of a goal, Milito thundering home a penalty

The Best…..

Forty-two minutes of the Wigan – Manchester United game with Dimitar Berbatov breaking into the penalty box…and an absolutely brilliant tackle by Titus Bramble. It was worthy of Bobby Moore or Franco Baresi.

(The second half, however, did not turn out so well for Bramble and his Wigan mates as United tore through Wigan apart and scored five with no reply.)

Ronaldinho sets them up and Pato scores them.  That was the case on Saturday as Milan beat Siena 2-1. The second set up was particularly noteworthy. Ronaldinho sliced a perfectly weighted and angled pass inside the Siena full back for Flamini to run onto. The former Arsenal man then played the ball across the penalty box and all Pato had to do was to redirect it into an empty net. 

Lyon went