Congrats to Mexico on the huge upset over Brazil. It was very much appreciated. There's really not much to be said about a quality played game in which the more consistent side got the victory.
However, I'm still unsure about one aspect of the Olympic game; why is it that only 3 players per team are allowed to be above 23 years of age? Maybe I'm oblivious to some rule but this doesn't make any sense since this doesn't really allow every country to properly represent their side (as was seen in the other upset of GBR when they lost to South Korea).
Nonetheless, the final match was by far the most exciting and enthralling to watch. Congrats to our southern neighbors!
8/12/2012
7/09/2012
Euro 2012 Recap
Talk about an outcome that few, if any at all, saw coming. First with Holland not even being able to make it out of the group stages and then with Portugal putting up an amazing fight against the Spanish forcing them to penalty kicks and then Italy upsetting Germany. Other than presuming Spain would be in the final, I had my money on Germany but clearly Balotelli and co. had other plans.
However, while Pirlo, Balotelli, and the rest of the Italian squad found themselves a spot in the final against Spain it was evident that they had slim chances to win. While they were fortunate to have tied them in the round robin stages of the tournament, when put on the big stage it's clear that Italy choked. they certainly didn't have the veteran experience that Spain had and furthermore the Italians didn't have a strong team chemistry seeing as a handful of them were playing with each other for the very first time.
That being said, even those two "reasons" aren't enough to explain the humiliating 4-0 loss in the final. You would think that the two best teams in Europe would have to battle it out until the final moments or at least one side would have the pride and heart to put up a fight. But no. The Euro 2012 was a joke. Spain walked over Italy making them look like a bunch of foolish 5 year-olds just chasing the ball around.
However, while Pirlo, Balotelli, and the rest of the Italian squad found themselves a spot in the final against Spain it was evident that they had slim chances to win. While they were fortunate to have tied them in the round robin stages of the tournament, when put on the big stage it's clear that Italy choked. they certainly didn't have the veteran experience that Spain had and furthermore the Italians didn't have a strong team chemistry seeing as a handful of them were playing with each other for the very first time.
That being said, even those two "reasons" aren't enough to explain the humiliating 4-0 loss in the final. You would think that the two best teams in Europe would have to battle it out until the final moments or at least one side would have the pride and heart to put up a fight. But no. The Euro 2012 was a joke. Spain walked over Italy making them look like a bunch of foolish 5 year-olds just chasing the ball around.
6/30/2012
Euro 2012 Preview
Spain vs Italy. The top two finishers in Group C will meet again in the final tomorrow afternoon. In their first meeting Di Natale opened the scoring for Italy in the 61st minute. However, Spain's Fàbregas responded three mintues later with a strike of his own.
Will it be Buffon and co. who get the win this time or will it be Casillas and co. who take home the trophy two Euro's in a row?
I am going to give it to Spain; their team chemistry and quality of play ever so slightly outweigh that of Italy's. That being said this game is not going to be a walk in the park. Don't be surprised if it the game is won in overtime or even penalty kicks (both of which will be an exciting end to the match). I am looking forward to this opportune matchup and you should be as well!
Will it be Buffon and co. who get the win this time or will it be Casillas and co. who take home the trophy two Euro's in a row?
I am going to give it to Spain; their team chemistry and quality of play ever so slightly outweigh that of Italy's. That being said this game is not going to be a walk in the park. Don't be surprised if it the game is won in overtime or even penalty kicks (both of which will be an exciting end to the match). I am looking forward to this opportune matchup and you should be as well!
6/24/2012
Italy v England
Game of the week. Italy absolutely deserved the win albeit their handful of chances they missed during regulation.
Not much to say about this game other than a quality match that was really enjoyable to watch. And the best part? The pk's. I have to say, Pirlo you are absolutely unbelievable! You are one hell of a cheeky player (and if you don't know what I'm talking about you shouldn't even be reading this). That is what I'm talking about; JOGA BONITO! I can't wait for the rest of the games in the tournament - all of them are going to be amazing and worth watching.
Also, Ashley Young, you are extremely over-rated. I honestly don't see what you bring to the table other than being inconsistent (and same goes for Carroll). The English side is full of far too many inconsistent players who really don't get the job done. Anyhow, congrats to the Italians and good luck against Germany (you are going to need it).
Not much to say about this game other than a quality match that was really enjoyable to watch. And the best part? The pk's. I have to say, Pirlo you are absolutely unbelievable! You are one hell of a cheeky player (and if you don't know what I'm talking about you shouldn't even be reading this). That is what I'm talking about; JOGA BONITO! I can't wait for the rest of the games in the tournament - all of them are going to be amazing and worth watching.
Also, Ashley Young, you are extremely over-rated. I honestly don't see what you bring to the table other than being inconsistent (and same goes for Carroll). The English side is full of far too many inconsistent players who really don't get the job done. Anyhow, congrats to the Italians and good luck against Germany (you are going to need it).
6/19/2012
Euro 2012 - Post Group Stage Reaction
Was I surprised? Other than Greece somehow pulling out a win over Russia earlier this week and Holland playing absolutely atrociously overall, nope not really.
Group A: With Cech holding up the core of the defensive end for the Czech Republic (even though they got dominated by Russia, 4-1), I had faith that this squad would go through. However, I also had high hopes for Russia, especially with Arshavin captaining the side I honestly thought that they could definitely make it into the quarterfinals if not the semifinals. Nonetheless, that didn't happen and 2004 Euro champions Greece got the job done with a 1-0 win over them.
Group B: No doubt, the most exciting group to watch. Germany took care of business and looked excellent doing so. They are going to win it this year, for sure. Portugal also had a good showing with Cristiano Ronaldo actually seeming to show up and playing some quality soccer for his International side, for once. Nani also was consistent and I'm glad to see he is becoming a more respected and reliable player for Portugal and Manchester United. I was honestly happy to also watch the Danish produce some decent soccer. I know there had been a lot of hype with them being the biggest underdog in the group, however, their one win over the Netherlands was respectable and I also thought they put up some great fights against Germany and Portugal. Lastly, the Netherlands. I'm not going to waste my time. They suck. They are over-rated.
Group C: Another interesting group although predictable. Spain was no doubt going through but I definitely thought they would go 3-0-0 versus giving up a tie to Italy. I guess David Villa's presence is going to be slightly missed. Hopefully it doesn't hinder them in their quarterfinal match-up against the French. Italy actually showed some promise and some areas where some serious improvements are needed. I like Balotelli up top and Pirlo being his usual self. However, their defense is their area of attack for the other teams. And tieing Croatia isn't what I would have expected, but oh well.
Group D: Honestly, I found this to be the most boring group. The only teams I really had interest in and wanted to advance were England and Sweden (I knew France would advance but I really hoped Ibra would have a shot to take on the Spanish. That would have been one hell of an interesting match up). Not much to say about England other than they are going to unfortunately lose to Germany in the semifinal (that's my prediction). Anyhow, Ukraine actually surprised me with their 2-0 win over France. I think France still shows some signs of immaturity as well as showing us that perhaps they haven't fully learned their lesson from 2010; every game counts and you must play 110%, not 95% like they did. Good luck to them except I really want Spain to kill them.
Jersey of the Post: adidas Germany Home Jersey 11/13
Group A: With Cech holding up the core of the defensive end for the Czech Republic (even though they got dominated by Russia, 4-1), I had faith that this squad would go through. However, I also had high hopes for Russia, especially with Arshavin captaining the side I honestly thought that they could definitely make it into the quarterfinals if not the semifinals. Nonetheless, that didn't happen and 2004 Euro champions Greece got the job done with a 1-0 win over them.
Group B: No doubt, the most exciting group to watch. Germany took care of business and looked excellent doing so. They are going to win it this year, for sure. Portugal also had a good showing with Cristiano Ronaldo actually seeming to show up and playing some quality soccer for his International side, for once. Nani also was consistent and I'm glad to see he is becoming a more respected and reliable player for Portugal and Manchester United. I was honestly happy to also watch the Danish produce some decent soccer. I know there had been a lot of hype with them being the biggest underdog in the group, however, their one win over the Netherlands was respectable and I also thought they put up some great fights against Germany and Portugal. Lastly, the Netherlands. I'm not going to waste my time. They suck. They are over-rated.
Group C: Another interesting group although predictable. Spain was no doubt going through but I definitely thought they would go 3-0-0 versus giving up a tie to Italy. I guess David Villa's presence is going to be slightly missed. Hopefully it doesn't hinder them in their quarterfinal match-up against the French. Italy actually showed some promise and some areas where some serious improvements are needed. I like Balotelli up top and Pirlo being his usual self. However, their defense is their area of attack for the other teams. And tieing Croatia isn't what I would have expected, but oh well.
Group D: Honestly, I found this to be the most boring group. The only teams I really had interest in and wanted to advance were England and Sweden (I knew France would advance but I really hoped Ibra would have a shot to take on the Spanish. That would have been one hell of an interesting match up). Not much to say about England other than they are going to unfortunately lose to Germany in the semifinal (that's my prediction). Anyhow, Ukraine actually surprised me with their 2-0 win over France. I think France still shows some signs of immaturity as well as showing us that perhaps they haven't fully learned their lesson from 2010; every game counts and you must play 110%, not 95% like they did. Good luck to them except I really want Spain to kill them.
Jersey of the Post: adidas Germany Home Jersey 11/13
6/26/2011
For the first time ever, River Plate have been relegated!
This is like saying Chelsea has just been relegated from the EPL. The Argentinian club, River Plate, has been one of the biggest clubs ever since their founding 110 years ago. Thanks to espnsoccernet, they have done a great write up of the abismal result. Nonetheless, there is no doubt that the fans were certainly not happy with the relegation.
Jersey of the Post: adidas River Plate Home Jersey 10/11
Jersey of the Post: adidas River Plate Home Jersey 10/11
6/13/2011
Kevin Alston
Yesterday I had the great fortune of meeting and spending the afternoon with MLS All-Star and New England Revolution Defender Kevin Alston. Alston grew up in the Maryland area where he later on went to play for the DC United Academy team as well as for the U17 residency program at IMG Academies in Florida.
As many of you readers know I've been trying to come up with reasons for why European and American soccer differs so greatly. I asked Kevin this yesterday afternoon and here is what he had to say (paraphrased of course):
As many of you readers know I've been trying to come up with reasons for why European and American soccer differs so greatly. I asked Kevin this yesterday afternoon and here is what he had to say (paraphrased of course):
The difference between America and Europe is that those players in Europe grow up solely playing soccer whereas in America, youngsters are exposed to a variety of sports including baseball, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, etc. Furthermore, Alston went on to make a very valid and interesting point - America may not have the best soccer players but they certainly have the greatest athletes.
photo credit: ArtBrom
Jersey of the post: Kevin Alston adidas 2010/11 Home Replica Jersey
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