Birthday Post to Delight the Most!!

Since today is the day that I was introduced to the world, I figure that today is just a good a day as any to give my 1st annual "STATE OF WORLD FOOTY" Address. I will do this by region.

England: Once again, the FA have proved to be morons. Steve McClaren has proved that he isn't worthy of being England manager. Maybe he will be fired soon, or maybe he will prove me wrong, but I strongly doubt it.
All is strong on the Premiership front however, as this will go down as one of the most memorable seasons in its illustrious history. We could see a treble from United, or maybe a quadruple for Chelski (I shutter to think). By far, the best league in the world. Overall Grade: B

UEFA (minus England): In shambles. Michel Platini, the new President of UEFA, is trying to change the Champions League format to include more crappy teams and take away better teams. His main problem is with 4 English teams getting in, but... 3 OF THE LAST 4 IN THIS YEAR'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ARE ENGLISH!!!!! I think that proves my point right there. Italy is just recovering from the match fixing scandal, and the Spanish League is on the up. Overall UEFA Grade: C+

CONCACAF: Footy in this part of the world has never had more potential to break out. The MLS is on the rise, and when Beckham comes over, things can only get better. As for the US MNT, only time will tell. Bob Bradley has the team going in the right direction, so now let's see how far he can take us in the Gold Cup and the Copa America. Looking away from the US, can any other team besides Mexico win anything in this region? Until the answer to that question is yes, then this league will still be crap. Overall Grade: B-

CONMEBOL: The South American International teams are doing great, Brazil and Argentina that is. I have no idea if the other teams are going to be good or bad. Ecuador is always either Great or Terrible, same with the other teams. Don't even get me started on the leagues. So , overall grade: C-

Africa: This is by far the most potentially great conference. They have the most talent ridden pool of players in the world. The African teams caused the biggest splash in this past year's world cup. If they can stay un-corrupted, these teams have great potential. On the club side, I have no idea if they even have clubs. So, overall grade: B+

Asia: Don't know and don't care. South Korea... yada yada yada, Japan... yada yada yada... However, Australia just joined this group, so they should be the new dominant team. Overall grade: Who gives a %#$@

So, in conclusion, the prospectus of Footy in this world we live in is great in some spots, and not so great in others. One of the big problems is the corrupt and greedy officials that run football, mainly Sepp Blatter. Until he either dies or something, football will always be in trouble. It's time for a revolution, Che Guevara style.

Champions League Quarterfinal Recap and Semifinal Preview

I had to pull this picture from the old blog (weknowfooty.blogspot.com) because, well quite frankly it's gonna happen again. Now, time for me to wax poetic again [see my post called "The Day that Man U won the Title (NO, NOT THIS WAY) for my first delving into poetry] on what I saw on Tuesday:

I thought I was in a dream.
Who is this glorious team?
They sent Roma back to the Eternal City,
with their egos worn down to the nitty gritty.
7 to 1 was the end result,
shots reigned in like from a catapult.
Rooney, Ronnie, and Smudge all scored,
but it was Carrick who enlightened the Old Trafford horde.
His play was reminiscent of another OT Legend,
was it the ghost of Beckham that did descend?
All I know is Devils be wary,
because next comes the Rosioneri.

The quarterfinals have come and gone, and the only teams left are Chelski, Liverpool, United, and AC Milan. That seems to be a very heavy English bias, and that's because it is. The Prem is by far the most dominant league in the world, and boasts the best team in the world. If anyone doubted Manchester United before Wednesday, there minds should have been changed by the most dominating performance in Manchester United Champions League history. I was a little shocked to see Bayern Munich lie down and get dominated by AC Milan, but then I realized that I am an idiot for picking against Milan in the Champions League with their backs against the wall. Milan are always around in the Champions League, and they will prove a tough test to anyone.
As for my predictions, I went 2-2 for the second legs. That brings my overall total of predictions for the Champions League (from the beginning) to 68-52 and my accuracy rate stays at 57%. Hopefully, I can nail the last bits of the Champions League and get it up to 60%.
Now for previews of the Semi-finals:

Chelsea v. Liverpool: oooooooh, sentilating, This tie is by far, THE MOST ATTRACTIVE MATCH-UP OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. All the marbles are on the line here. Win, go to the final. Lose, go home with your tail between your legs. Mourinho and Benitez hate each other, which makes this even better. This tie is almost impossible to call, as these teams always play each other as if it were the last footy match ever. Who wins? Come back to find out.

Manchester United v. AC Milan: This match-up is also very tempting. As you may or may not know by now, I am somewhat of a Manchester United supporter. Trying to be as impartial as I can be, I still see Man U as the favorites, but anyone who picks against AC Milan in the Champions League is an idiot. Who wins? Again, come back here to for complete coverage of...
THE CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!! (opera voice)

Champions League Quarterfinal Preview 2nd Legs Day 2

Alan Smith, and the rest of the Devils, achieved one of the greatest victories in the club's illustrious history yesterday: a 7-1 thrashing of Roma. Welcome back Smudge, you deserve all the glory you are basking in today. Also, full praise goes to C-Ron and Rooney (who I said would come up big in this game in my last post). They both played extremely well, but the player of the match was Michael Carrick. Out of no where, the pass-master became the Predator. Also, if you look back to my post from April 4th, you will see that I said that Totti has a tendency to not show up in big games. Yesterday, the Greater Manchester Police received a missing person's claim for a man named Francesco Totti, but I'll get into all of this more in my reaction of the Quarterfinals tomorrow. Now for my predictions of the day:

Bayern v. AC Milan: Now, I know from personal experience that German fans are crazy. I was one of maybe 2,000 Ecuadorians in the Olympiastadion in Berlin to watch the demolition job that Germany put on Ecuador. Now, what does that have to do with this game? Well, Bayern have the away goal advantage, and when those LOUD fans start to get under the skin of the Rosioneri; there will be no turning back. BAYERN advance to play Manchester United in the semis, setting up a rematch of the thrilling '99 final; where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer won the game for the Manchurians in stoppage time.

Liverpool v. PSV: They don't even need to play this game. Liverpool already have 3 away goals. Liverpool advance to play Chelsea, setting up a rematch of the 05 semi final, where Liverpool one the first leg at home, and forced a draw at the Bridge.

Come back tomorrow for all the reaction from the quarterfinals and a preview of the semifinals.

Champions League Quarterfinal Preview 2nd Legs Day 1

"Ooh, maybe after getting doomped out of zee Champions League by Valencia, I'll feenish 2nd to Manchester United in zee Premiership. Zen, I'll eizer queet or be fired from Chelsea, and I will go coach Real Madrid, Barcelona, or maybe even zee United States national team. Who know's, but I am zee special one." Jose Mourinho

All joking aside, it's time to get down to business in the Champions League. We've got two matches tomorrow, and two more on Wednesday. Here is how I see Tuesday's fixtures playing out:

Chelsea v. Valencia: I see Valencia moving on to the semi-finals. They are playing at home, and they have an away goal advantage after a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. So we say, Good Night, Chelski.

Manchester United v. Roma: I see the Devils moving on to the semifinals here. They are down a goal, but if they get a 1-0 result, then they go through on away goals. Look for either Wayne Rooney or Cristiano Ronaldo to come up big and awaken the ghosts of the past who lurk in the rafters at the Theater of Dreams.

These games will both be interesting, and I will definitely be watching my Red Devils take on the Giallorossi. I just hope that Sir has the boys ready, because this is by far, their most important fixture to date. C'MON YOU REDS!!!!

How Do You Keep Your Sheets So Clean Robert Green?

West Ham stunned Arsenal, Wenger's frown and current losing streak growing, for their first home defeat! In a stadium filled with 60,098 only the travelling 4,000 Hammer's fans loved the April 7th fixture after ref Graham Poll blew his wistle thrice. Wenger's boys had a lion's share of the possesion but couldn't crack the back four of West Ham and the former Norwich man between the sticks.

Alan Curbishley had this to say, ""We've given ourselves a chance...we've got an arguably bigger game next week against Sheffield United and it makes everything a little more intriguing. Ourselves and Charlton are forcing the issue now. I'd like to think this is the start of a run. I think Sheffield United and Wigan will be feeling a bit nervous because they're being dragged into it."

Bobby Zamora, though suffering from a sore knee, capitalized on goods before halftime causing tiers of frustrated Gunners fans to boo their squad at the halftime break. Robert Green earned adoration from not only his manager but also his team as Curbs revealed, "When you play anyone in the top four you need your goalkeeper to get 10 out of 10, perhaps 12 out of 10 - and that is what Greeny has done today. All the players clapped him when he came in the dressing room. I'm learning more and more about the players as I've gone along." West Ham faithful, along with native East Ender Alan Curbishly, are learning more and more about the limits and rewards of pure faith.

Reaction to Champs League Quarterfinal 1st Legs

Yo Scholes, you have been known for your notoriously late and ugly tackles ever since the beginning of your career, but this was ridiculous. By now you should know how to keep your cool, and you obviously don't. You put your team in an abhorrent position, but luckily for you, a teammate put your team in a relatively good postion for the return leg.

The 1st legs of the quarterfinals of the Champions league were very interesting. I went 3-1 on predictions to bring my overall total to 66-50 and my accuracy rate up 1% from 56% to 57%. Now for some reaction for each team:

Bayern: You showed that famous German resolve. Van Buyten was at the right place at the right time for both of Bayern's goals. Bayern are favorites to advance out of this tie.

AC Milan: You got a penalty kick goal inside the last 10 minutes that you didn't deserve, and you still managed not to win the game. Dida looked like the Dida of old, nervous and indecisive, and without Ronaldo due to Champions League restrictions, AC Milan better be ready for the tie in Munich.

Liverpool: Welcome to the semifinals. This team is on fire, so watch out world, Liverpool could be on their way to Athens.

PSV: Done for , enough said. NEXT!!

Chelsea: Not in a favorable position to advance due to the away goal by Valencia. They better come to play at the Mestalla.

Valencia: Can put away Chelsea with a nil-nil draw at home, (The Mestalla is one of the best home field advantages in the world.) therefore, they are Favorites to advance

Roma: They played United just right, but they let Rooney grab the crucial away goal. I think that will be the crucial element in this series.

Man Utd: Because of Rooney's away goal, I think that they are still favorite to advance. They are going to have to play a perfect game at home, but I think they can do it.

Come back here before the next legs for complete pre and post game coverage.

Champions League Preview Quarterfinals Day 1B

Yea Totti, you're gonna have that look on your face a lot today when Cristiano Ronaldo is blazing past you.

Today marks some very, VERY interesting fixtures in the Champions League. The team I love and the team I love to hate (Feck Chelski) are playing today, one in Rome and the other in the heart of Jolly old England. Here are the predictions:

Chelsea v. Valencia- this is probably one of the hardest games to call in the Champions League. Essien and Robben are injured, and if it wasn't for the latter, we would be discussing Porto v. Valencia, not Chelski. Chelsea do however have an advantage due to this game being at "The Bridge". To quote "esteemed" sports broadcaster Larry Munson, "This game is gonna come down to who scores the most points." Thanks Larry. I think that neither team will score more, and this game will be a draw.

Man Utd v. Roma- I think that Francesco Totti has opened the barn door because of the comments he made about Sir Alex before this game. Mr. Totti also has the tendency to not show up in big games. I like this game to go over the 2 goal mark, with Manchester United getting the win, and an away goal advantage going back to The Theatre of Dreams.

Oh by the way, did anyone notice that I predicted both games right yesterday? That Bayern/AC Milan game was a real classic, but I will get to that in my quarterfinal first leg recap tomorrow.

Champions League Preview Quarterfinals Day 1A

I know Lucas, it's crunchtime. Time for THE CHAAAAMPIONS (read that as if it were the champions league theme song) to step up. We have some interesting fixtures today, and hopefully we will have some exciting ones.

Bayern v. AC Milan: This game comes to you from the San Siro, and I like AC Milan when they play at home BUT, Bayern have been very strong in the champions league this season. So I call this one a tie.

PSV. v Liverpool: Now this is a tough one. It takes place live at the Philips Stadion in Eidenhoven. PSV already knocked out Arsenal in the last round, but Liverpool beat Arsenal 4-1 in the Prem on Saturday so... Liverpool win.

Let's see if I can go perfect from the quarterfinals on.

Upton Park Hosts Soutgate's Strongest XI

Thats right lads and lasses, life is about flesh!
Under fire manager Gareth Southgate has recieved more than frowns from his contemporaries in the leauge for playing a weak squad against floundering Man City. His squad was then dumped out of the FA Cup as karma collected its retribution. With eight games to play eight points from safety, West Ham prepaired well for a home game against captain G. Boateng n' company.
Tevez may not be running himself a ground in the Championship next season as the Hammers win an emphatic victory in front of the East Enders. Zamora's starting role over that of Harewood was vindicated in the matches second minute as Bobby, first to score in the Prem this season, scored his ninth. Tevez not only supplied the cross, but then netted on the stroke of half-time; three goals in three games. Alright U.K. professors, start work on equating Tevez's work rate and we just might have found another alterate energy source.

P.S. Manchester United weigh good news with the bad, winning a physical match 4-1 over Rovers while adding Vidic to injury list. (thanks GettyImages)

Welcome to European Football

As someone who actually spent time in Greece during my honeymoon (and, subsequently, during the heart of World Cup 2006) I can say with confidence that I might actually know the guys who did this. Greek football fans are a rare breed, and with the 'Champions of Europe' crown still on their heads from Portugal 2004 they think they have a right to get pissed when they get run over by the Turks. Note to Greecian footy fans: your team=not good at all. This story is a must read by the way:


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/soccer/03/27/bc.soc.greece.earbitten.ap/index.html

MAN'S EAR BITTEN OFF IN GREEK SOCCER BRAWL

ATHENS, Greece (AP) -- Four men have been arrested on the island of Crete after part of a man's ear was bitten off during a brawl after Greece's 4-1 loss to Turkey in a European Championship qualifier.

The incident occurred Saturday near the town of Ierapetra during a fight between Bulgarian workers and local Greek men who had been watching the match on television, police said Tuesday.

Local businessman Dimitris Tsimbibakis was hospitalized after a man bit his ear. He told authorities he had intervened to try and break up the fight but was beaten by four Bulgarian men.

The fight apparently started after the Bulgarian men cheered Turkey's goals.

Greece travels to Malta on Thursday, while Turkey hosts Norway in Group C

King Landon and his Court take on the Jesters

Damn, those new jersey's are too pretty.

Yesterday, my two home countries battled it out on the pitch, and the country in which I reside kicked the snot out of my second home, Ecuador. Now, I watched this game with impartiality and think that I can analyze this game with all fairness.

This game was over before it started, but when it started, Landon Donovan scored a scorcher with his weaker foot due to a terrible clearance from an Ecuadorian defender. But there was hope for the Ecuadorians. Gonzalo Salcedo scored a nice goal off of the counter attack, but after this, the game was over. Both teams played out the rest of the first half in somewhat boring style. The second half started, and Landon Donovan decided to step his game up. He used his world class speed (I think he might be faster than Beasley) to beat the entire Ecuadorian back line after a beautiful through ball from Brian Ching and slipped the ball past helpless Ecuadorian keeper. Then, about a minute later, Damarcus Beasley charged up the left flank and cut a ball back to Donovan who was charging through the middle of the final third. He hit the ball first time just outside of the box and it went screaming into the net. Hat trick completed, and the game ended 3-1.

VERDICTS
USA- Awesome result. Ecuador is a tough team to play against due to their physicality, but the USA played them exactly right. Donovan was terrorizing the Ecuadorian back 4 all day. They just weren't fast or fit enough to keep up with him. Now, I offer a plea to Sunil Gulati... LET BRADLEY KEEP HIS JOB!!! I know that I was one of Jeurgen Klinsmann's biggest supporters for this job, but since you f&$%d that up, don't make another mistake. This team is responding to Bradley, and his player picking for these matches so far has been impeccable. Give the guy the Gold Cup and the Copa America. Let him show what he can do. As for the friendly on Wednesday against Guatemala, give me a break. I like this game to go over the 3 goal mark, with all of the goals coming from the US team. Prediction: USA wins easily 4-0.

Ecuador-Heading down a slippery slope. With Agustin Delgado (the greatest player in Ecuadorian history) now retired, they are having trouble in the attack. Also, the back 4 is aging. The average age of LB Reasco, CB Espinoza, CB Hurtado, and RB De La Cruz is 31.25 (now that's some research for you folks). Ecuador has had the same back line since the 2002 world cup. In terms of solutions for these problems, I have no idea. See, Ecuador is a third world country, and they just don't have the resources to be a consistent national power in futbol. Hopefully, coach Suarez will be able to solve some of these problems. Look for Ecuador to play better against Mexico on Wednesday. Prediction: Ecuador over Mexico 2-1

St. Patrick's Day Post to the Delight of Most

If you’ve been keeping an eye on this blog you’ll know that West Ham is a topic that I touch upon. Coming into this game the Hammers were the only top-flight team to be without an away win.
Under Pardew’s reign West Ham snapped an eight game losing streak at Ewood Park with a goal from Steady Teddy and Hayden Mullins, breaking droughts of seven and eight months, respectively.
As of EPL round 30, 3/17/2007, Blackburn Rovers scored on their first corner two minutes into the second half. The fragility of West Hams back line stood in stark contrast to Blackburn’s miserly defense, being tested inside the first three minutes. Slack pressure allowed the likes of Gamst Pederson and David Bentley roam free, causing havoc.
Lucas Neil, back from three months of injury, didn’t appear bothered by the constant jeers of his former clubs fan’s. Neil, like Boa Morte, had yet to taste victory in a West Ham shirt.
Credit the Argentine international for his drive and effort ( winning the first corner ); a brain wave the team eventually joined him on. Boa Morte subbed on for Tevez who had run himself into the ground.
The east London club leveled with a penalty from Tevez on a foul from Emerton. When the Hammers scored their second goal my television lost broadcast for two full minutes.
As four minutes of stoppage time were tacked on many were wondering if the lessons of a loss against Tottenham were learned. Curbs kept his back to the pitch, pacing during injury time.
Howard Web the referee had a quite first half, to say nothing of the rife controversy of the second. This game will press, like others before it, goal line technology and the debate for integration of instant replay.
Eleven games without a win drowned by the disgust of fans in Ewood Park, music to my ears.

Champions League Quarterfinal Preview

Apparently, this finger is directed towards the former Castillian empire, aka Spain, because C-Ron is currently in contract talks with United to probably make him the highest paid player in the world. Hopefully he can help shoulder the load from the loss of Larsson.

Now for my preview of the quarters. The draw was a little bit more disappointing then I thought it would be, but it is still a good draw:
Bayern vs. AC Milan: Clearly, this is the best tie of the group. These are two European powerhouses, and I look for this to be a great series.
Chelsea v. Valencia: Ehhh, this one is okay. I think that Chelsea should dump Valencia easily, but I keep picking against Valencia and they keep winning. So we'll see.
Liverpool v. PSV: This is an intriguing tie. I would like to see PSV continue the Cinderella run, but Liverpool are a better squad than Arsenal were, so good luck PSV
Man United v. Roma: If I were Sir Alex, I think that this would have been the team that I would have avoided. They are on a hot streak, and you have to play them in Rome for the first leg; where the fans are absolutely nuts. It'll be tough, but the Reds should have enough.

The winners of Bayern/Milan and Man United/Roma will play each other one semi, and the winners of Chelsea/Valencia and Liverpool/PSV will play in the other semi. These ties are going to be fantastic. Another Champions League semifinal between Chelsea and Liverpool would be awesome, and who could forget the history that Man United and Bayern have against each other in Europe's elite club competition. Come back here for all your predictions, and they will come on the eve of the next fixtures.

Reaction to Champs League Round of 16 (both legs)

Wouldn't it be nice to see this again, but that's another sport for another day...

Now that the Round of 16 is over, let's see how I did with my predictions. As with the first legs, in the second legs I went 5-3 to bring my overall total for the Champions League to 63-49 and my accuracy rate stays at 56%. Hopefully by the end of the competition, I can get that up to over 65%. Now for my Impressive and Disappointing teams.

Impressive: Roma- First of all, I have to say this team. They embarrassed Lyon at the Stade Gerland. Totti and crew should be considered a dark horse for the rest of the tourney.

Liverpool: knocked out the defending champs Barca... nuff said.

Valencia- held their own against a very stacked Inter Milan, good for them.

Bayern- put Los Galacticos in their places. Capello isn't safe anymore. I wonder if Beckham would have helped Madrid in the second leg?

Celtic- even though they got knocked out, they held AC Milan scoreless for 180 minutes. That's pretty impressive.

PSV- knocked out Arsenal. Mendez had a peach of a goal in the first leg. Another dark horse due to a tenacious defense.

Disappointments: Inter- you got dumped by a so-so Valencia. Shame on you. Now go win the Italian double.

Real Madrid- Bayern flat out outplayed you. You gave up two goals at home, and that is why you lost. Capello might get the ax for this one.

Manchester United- Yes you moved on, but it wasn't easy. What are you going to do without Larsson. What about the month that Solkjaer is out for. What about Saha's injury. A lot of questions to be answered. Step your game up in the next round.

AC Milan- Celtic held you scoreless for 180 minutes, and if it wasn't for a Kaka wunderstrike, you might not be in the quarters.

Lyon- wow, you SEVERELY underestimated Roma and severely overestimated the talent of Milan Baros. There was a reason that he was playing for Aston Villa.

Now, the quarterfinals are coming upon us. My next post will be after the draw for the quarters and semis, which takes place tomorrow.

Champions League Preview Round of 16 Day 2B (2nd Legs)

This is a picture from the Fanfest in Munich during the 2006 World Cup taken by me, and yes, that is on the side of a hill. Some people tried to play a game on it, but the ball kept going in the water and this one crazy deutchebond kept jumping in the lake to get it.

Now for the predictions for today:


AC Milan v. Celtic: Sorry Celts, Milan just has way too much Champs League history over you. Celtic is going home.

Bayern v. Real: No Beckham for Real, and he has been a key asset for them for a while, but I still see them doing enough to progress. REAL moves on, Bayern stays home.

Arsenal v. PSV: I kind of see this one like the Bayern/Real matchup. I see PSV doing just enough to move on. Therefore, PSV moves on, Arsenal stays put at the Emirates.

Man Utd v. Lille: Henrik Larsson's last ever Champions League game (unless Helsinborgs makes a run to the Champs League...). I see Man Utd winning this one pretty easily, sending Lille home.

Real dissapointing day yesterday, but I'll get to that later.

Champions League Preview Round of 16 Day 2A (2nd Legs)

But Zidane, there is some good news. I just saved a bunch on money on my car insurance by switching to Geico.
Now I don't have a lot of time today so I am going to get right into the predictions. It's crunch time, and after today and tomorrow, we will be in the quarterfinals. Today, four teams go home and those four teams will be...


Lyon v. Roma- Roma's going home. Lyon are just too strong at the Stade de Gerland

Chelsea v. Porto- As much as I want to pick Porto, I can't; they're going home

Inter v. Valencia- Inter are firing on all cylinders right now (except for the last time they played Valencia), and this game is at the Mestalla. Inter are going to have to have a huge game, but I have been high on them since the beginning, so VALENCIA is staying home, INTER move on

Liverpool v. Barcelona- tough one, Barcelona need a 2-0 result to win on aggregate, what they'll get is a staunch Liverpool defense. Who goes on? I think Liverpool can hold this one out, and unfortunately BARCA goes home.

I didn't actually predict the winners and losers of the games, and let me explain. See, at this point, the individual game results don't matter as much because these are the 2nd legs. The total aggregate score is what's important now. That's why I am picking who advances/goes home.

Reaction to Champs League Round of 16 (1st Legs) and Miscellaneous

Craig Bellamy hit a hole in one against Barcelona, and may have saved his Liverpool career. This game was fantastic. Barcelona started the game firing on all cylinders with a beautiful Deco header. It was not, however, to be their day. Liverpool attacked, and then they attacked some more. Bellamy fired a header in on goal that was sloppily handled by Victor Valdez and it rolled over the goal line for a 1-1 equalizer. Then, in the second half, John Arne Risse gave Liverpool the lead for good with a great goal on the run of play. 2-1 Final, and another wrong prediction for me.


As for my predictions in the first legs, I went 5-3 to bring my overall Champs League total to 58-46 and an increase from 55% accuracy to 56% accuracy. Not much, but still an improvement. Now for my Impressive and Disappointing teams.

Impressive: Liverpool: This is a no brainer. They carved up the supposed best team in the world. They are a very deep squad, and maybe Rafa Benitez's squad rotation system will finally pay off.
Valencia: Rafa Benitez's old club was impressive. They came back with a late
equalizer and are in prime position to dump Inter from Europe.

Dissapointing: Every other team that played on the 2nd day of the first leg matchups.
- Barcelona: Once again, Barcelona seemed to have had a brain fart in the
defense. This seems to happen to them from time to time. It
will take the game of this team's lives at Anfield to advance to
the quarterfinals.
- Chelsea/Porto: BORING!!!!! Shevchenko is on the rise again, though
- Internazionale- uh-oh. Looks like Chelski syndrome to me. They got
all of the big stars, and the team chemistry just isn't
there. They need a big performance away at
La Mestalla.
Now for the Miscellaneous.

John Terry got knocked out cold, but Chelski still managed to win the Carling Cup, and I am going to say the same thing I said when Man U won it last year, woo-hoo. Although there was an all out brawl at the end that made it all worth while.

Cristiano Ronaldo is turning into the Michael Jordan of football. He scored the gamewinner against Fulham on a 50+ yard run from his own half. Manchester United seem to be firing on all cylinders, but they have a tough match tomorrow (2-27) against Reading in a FA Cup replay at the Madjeski stadium. I predict Manchester United wins in a walk 3-0. I just hope that when Henrik Larsson returns to Helsinborgs on March 12th, he doesn't take Manchester United's Treble hopes with him.

Champions League Rreview Round of 16 Day 1/Preview Day 2

For those of you who followed the old weknowfooty blog, you all know that I have been saying that Edison Mendez would come good. Well, he did just that yesterday against Arsenal. The Ecuadorian midfielder scored a WUNDER 30 yard strike and Jens Lehmann could do nothing. It was sweet to see an Ecuadorian get a little revenge on a German, but I digress. Now for a little bit of reaction from the first day of the round of 16.

Impressive: PSV- Duh. This by far was one of the best performances of the Champions League. They showed a lot of resolve in winning this game.
Ryan Giggs/Wayne Rooney- The Man U team as a whole played terribly, but the goal scored by Man U was incredible. Its nice to see that Giggs is still sharp enough to realize that he could take that kick quickly. Wayne sold it well too.
Bayern/Real- Both of these teams were impressive. Real scored three goals. That should be enough of a cushion to get through the next game right? Wrong, because Bayern scored 2 away goals. The return leg should be interesting.

Dissapointment: Arsenal- This is disappointing to some (not me, I Hate Arsenal), but they played like garbage. Henry fails to do anything once again.

Now for predictions for day 2.

Porto v. Chelsea- Gimme a Draw in Mourinho's return to the only team he has won/will win a Champs League with.

Inter v. Valencia- Inter in a walk. Inter are firing on all cylinders and are now the favourites in this competition due to Lyon's dicey form.

Lyon v. Roma- Push... Just kidding. I like a draw here as well.

Barca v. Liverpool- This is the marquee matchup. With all of the in-fighting going on at both teams, someone needs to step up. I want to say that Stevie G steps up and captains his team to victory, but it aint gonna happen. Barca have the homefield in this game, and I like them to win this game rather easily, just don't run it in Dinho, or else Craig Bellamy will go Tiger Woods on those golden legs of yours.

Champions League Preview Round of 16, 1st legs, Day 1

Watch the Champions league today, or end up like this poor chap here, passed out and becoming a dog's intimate.

Now for those of you who have kept up with the old blog (weknowfooty.blogspot.com), you know that I have been predicting Champions League matches from Match day 1. In the group stage, I went 53-43 for a 55% accuracy mark. This is okay, but not great. I hope to improve as the knockout stage is upon us. Now, enough with the chit-chat, here is what you came for:
Celtic v. AC Milan: Draw. This is a tricky one. If the game were at the San Siro, you would be inclined to pick Milan, but at Celtic Park, it is a little different.
Man United v. Lille: Man United. This game is in France, so it will not be easy, but Larsson helps United to the win.
PSV v. Arsenal: Arsenal. I want PSV to win as I hate Arsenal, but the dutchmen have been on real patchy form lately. Hopefully I am wrong on this one.
Bayern v. Real: I gotta go with REAL on this one. Bayern are losing left and right in the Bundesliga, and Beckham is having a resurgence and will score a free kick.

Now to touch on something different:
Larsson won't extend his Man United contract past March 12. As a Man United fan, this saddens me, but as a family man, this is the right move. Manchester United will still be the favorites for the Prem and one of the favorites for the Champs League, but it will be harder without a LEGEND.

Brazil/Portugal Recap and USA/Mexico preview

I'm Baaaaaack!
For those of you who are switch-overs from the old "Weknowfooty" blog, there's no need to fear, Sambo is here. I know that I haven't posted anything in a while, but there is no need to worry; I wasn't going to subject you to too much Stephen (scary thought). Now that I have the intro out of the way, ON TO THE FOOTY!
Yesterday marked the Colonial Power vs the Colony, and the Colonial power once again BITCH-slapped the colony. Brazil got it handed to them and played like crap. I don't know where Dunga's head is, but that was clearly one of the worst Brazilian sides that I have seen play in a long time (since the world cup...) They performed okay in the 1st half, but once Simao came onto the pitch for Cristiano Ronaldo (so-so performance himself) the game was over. He put a beautiful finish past Helton, the Brazilian keeper, and Brazil had their heart ripped out. Aside from a Ricardo Carvalho Wunderstrike, Portugal had put the game away. I like the direction that Portugal is going in for the Euro 2008 tournament. However, I don't like the path that Brazil is taking towards the 07 Copa America and when that tournament roles around, they will probably suffer one or two embarrassing results (including a loss to either ECUADOR OR THE UNITED STATES, YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST). Speaking of the United states:
The rivalry continues tonight, (no not UNC v. Duke or UGA v. UF for all you NCAA basketball nuts out there like myself) but USA takes on Mexico at the new University of Phoenix stadium in Glendale Arizona. The fan turnout is projected to be very pro-Mexican and that bothers me. I know this game is close to the border, but come on guys, it's still on our soil. We need to support our boys, but regardless of fan support (or lack thereof), I like the boys in red, white, and blue to win this game 3 goals to 1 with goals from Dempsey, Johnson, and Ricardo Clark for the Americans and a goal from Cuautemoc Blanco who makes his long awaited Mexican return after being exiled by former Coach Ricardo Lavolpe. Lavolpe, an Argentinian, had no idea how much Blanco meant to the Mexican team and Mexican people. It is great to see him back in the lineup, as he can change a game on the drop of a hat. But enough of this mexican love fest, back to the issue at hand. Despite the fact that the USA will pick up the win tonight, I am a little concerned that Bob Bradley left out what I think are three key ingredients to the progression of US soccer for years to come in Beasley, Onyewu, and Adu. I know some people think Freddy isn't ready (nice rhyme), but we need to put him in big game environments like this so he can get experience. The Beasley and Onyewu omissions are what blow my mind. How can you leave out one of the best, young center-halves in the world, especially after he just signed with Newcastle. And Beasley is just now cracking his way into the starting lineup at the City of Manchester Stadium for Stuart Pierce's Man City. Beasley has always played his best against Mexico, and who can forget the Onyewu/Jared Borgetti staredown of the last time these two teams met (when USA won to win CONCACAF and qualied for the World cup before mexico). It's nice to see some new blood in the lineup, but come on Bob Bradley. You left out 2 of our best players and 1 that COULD become one of the best ever to suit up for the red, white, and blue. Again, I look forward to a great match, and the USA wins 3-1.