Fernando Torres will be staying at Liverpool after speaking to new Reds boss Roy Hodgson. This has to be positive news for the financially challenged Premier League giant despite media criticism of the spanish striker during the World Cup 2010. Torres is a proven goalscorer at Premiership level so it is surprising that football journalists to forget his phenomenal goal scoring rate at Liverpool. The obvious challenge to Hodgson is achieving some balance within his front line to allow Torres to get properly fit - something we haven't seen for 2 years. Has this affected the player's chances of moving on? Perhaps, but Hodgson will recognise true class in Torres and will want him to show his devastating physicality and presence once more to get him back to aiming for in excess of 25 goals per season.
Good work Roy of the Reds!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Uruguay v Holland
Holland haven't reached the World Cup Final in 1978. That year, Holland lost in extra time 3-1 to host nation Argentina. In 2010, most bookies got it wrong when they progressed past the quarter final pushing aside Dunga's Brazil.
Tonight, the Dutch are the favourites. I think Snejder will turn it on again for them - what a player - you'd love to see him in the Premier League. Gooner Robin Van Persie is fit too, not too mention ex Chelsea left footer Robben.
For Uruguay, this is a return to their old World Cup from years back. You have to go back to 1970 for the last time that they made the semi-finals where they finished fourth. It could be said this year they've over achieved to be the only South American team in the last four, especially when they were the lasr team to qualify for South Africa 2010.
Uruguay star man Diego Forlan will relish this evening's challenge - he has had a superb World Cup and this is one player you could imagine coming back to England after a mixed spell with Manchester United.
This semi-final should be a great game - very tight. Good luck to Uruguay!
Tonight, the Dutch are the favourites. I think Snejder will turn it on again for them - what a player - you'd love to see him in the Premier League. Gooner Robin Van Persie is fit too, not too mention ex Chelsea left footer Robben.
For Uruguay, this is a return to their old World Cup from years back. You have to go back to 1970 for the last time that they made the semi-finals where they finished fourth. It could be said this year they've over achieved to be the only South American team in the last four, especially when they were the lasr team to qualify for South Africa 2010.
Uruguay star man Diego Forlan will relish this evening's challenge - he has had a superb World Cup and this is one player you could imagine coming back to England after a mixed spell with Manchester United.
This semi-final should be a great game - very tight. Good luck to Uruguay!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Slovenia 0 England 1 World Cup 2010 RESULT
England were runner's up in Group C with USA topping the group. Were England great in this 0-1 victory against Slovenia? Yes! Especially mid second half, England were electric. Attacking, passing waves of football.
Rooney, Lampard and Gerard were all great - our key players that can make us winning the World Cup. James Milner stroked the ball about in a way that makes you think that he could be key and the other new recruit Jermain Defoe did what he does best - putting the ball into the net to put us into the last 16.
Great form from the Chelsea defenders Cole and Terry. Ashley Cole looks like the best left back in the world and John Terry comes across as an unofficial captain as he rallyed round the players at full time. Nothing like a win to galvanise the boys.
Fabio Capello said "I re-found the team that got qualification." A sharp upturn in form - we will need to keep upping our game but isn't it great to stay in the World Cup??
ENG - GER - LAND !
Rooney, Lampard and Gerard were all great - our key players that can make us winning the World Cup. James Milner stroked the ball about in a way that makes you think that he could be key and the other new recruit Jermain Defoe did what he does best - putting the ball into the net to put us into the last 16.
Great form from the Chelsea defenders Cole and Terry. Ashley Cole looks like the best left back in the world and John Terry comes across as an unofficial captain as he rallyed round the players at full time. Nothing like a win to galvanise the boys.
Fabio Capello said "I re-found the team that got qualification." A sharp upturn in form - we will need to keep upping our game but isn't it great to stay in the World Cup??
ENG - GER - LAND !
Slovenia 0 England 1. Defoe and Milner have a great first half.
England are winning their group match 1-0 against Slovenia. They came close several times to a second and it should come. Good tactical decisions were displayed by Fabio Capello. Amongst the sounds of vuvuzelas in South Africa, England displayed more composure and improved passing skills. Jermaine Defoe scored from a James Milner cross early in the first half of this make or break World Cup group match. Great cross after great cross from James Milner, who will be making it hard for Aaron Lennon to get that right sided midfield slot back again. Gerard was relatively discipline in the first half for England - the formation is better but I think there is more that could be done to make us look like World Cup champions.
James Milner starts for England in Midfield. Come on England
Good luck to Jame Milner of Horsforth today - always great to see a Leeds lad in the first team of England in the World Cup!
James Milner will take the right side of midfield from Aaron Lennon (of Chapeltown, Leeds!) after a below par appearance.
James Milner will take the right side of midfield from Aaron Lennon (of Chapeltown, Leeds!) after a below par appearance.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
10 reasons why England can win the World Cup
Beckenbauer - the kaiser of comedy. I think this will galvanise our boys - I want Robert Green to start and play out of his skin. If we show the form we did in the World Cup qualification process, then we will make the semi-final stage at least.
Here are my ten reasons why the mighty England can win the 2010 World Cup:
1. Wayne Rooney. The best in the world.
2. Steven Gerrard. If Kaka had scored that goal against USA the media would still be bleating on about it.
3. Frank Lampard. Stepping up to partner Gerard proving all critics wrong.
4. Aaron Lennon. Looking sharp and every bit a first team choice.
5. Glenn Johnson. Our best defender against the americans.
6. Ashley Cole. Best left back in the world.
7. John Terry. Calm on the ball and tough when off it.
8. Fabio Capello. Flawless tactician and organiser.
9. Emile Heskey. Not there for goals - there for the team.
10. Team spirit. Three lions boys!
Here are my ten reasons why the mighty England can win the 2010 World Cup:
1. Wayne Rooney. The best in the world.
2. Steven Gerrard. If Kaka had scored that goal against USA the media would still be bleating on about it.
3. Frank Lampard. Stepping up to partner Gerard proving all critics wrong.
4. Aaron Lennon. Looking sharp and every bit a first team choice.
5. Glenn Johnson. Our best defender against the americans.
6. Ashley Cole. Best left back in the world.
7. John Terry. Calm on the ball and tough when off it.
8. Fabio Capello. Flawless tactician and organiser.
9. Emile Heskey. Not there for goals - there for the team.
10. Team spirit. Three lions boys!
Friday, June 11, 2010
World Cup 2010 Preview Blog
World Cup 2010 South Africa Preview
How exciting is the World Cup? I vividly remember '86, '90, briefly '94 (I like Graham Taylor but he was never the man for England), '98, 2002 and 2006...all fond memories.
So the South Africa vs Mexico game opens the World Cup today. Brave South Africa have put more work into the training ground and friendlies than any other team...we all hope for a respectable home team performance. It would be great to see the South Africans get through the group stage.
The big guns will have a great scrap at last 16/quarter/semi stages. I fancy Argentina to get to the final - I quite fancy England to get to the semis...and at that point - who knows I guess.
Enjoy the international football feast fellow bloggers!
How exciting is the World Cup? I vividly remember '86, '90, briefly '94 (I like Graham Taylor but he was never the man for England), '98, 2002 and 2006...all fond memories.
So the South Africa vs Mexico game opens the World Cup today. Brave South Africa have put more work into the training ground and friendlies than any other team...we all hope for a respectable home team performance. It would be great to see the South Africans get through the group stage.
The big guns will have a great scrap at last 16/quarter/semi stages. I fancy Argentina to get to the final - I quite fancy England to get to the semis...and at that point - who knows I guess.
Enjoy the international football feast fellow bloggers!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
England's First World Cup Round
England's First World Cup Round
England have qualified for the World Cup in South Africa 2010, and having been matched with the USA, Slovenia, and Algeria – the nation begin their games, against the former, on 12th June 2010 in Rustenburg, in the heart of the Savannah Bushveld. Despite a few exceptions, little is known of the USA squad, however, they did beat European Champions Spain recently, and have a few famous Premiership faces in their lineup.
Tim Howard, the ex Manchester United and now Everton goalkeeper will almost certainly start in goal, with Watford defender Jay DeMerit providing a solid basis for the USA defence. However, England should forget about winning the trophy if they fail to beat a side such as the Americans. DeMarcus Beasley, who is currently playing for Rangers, will probably lineup on the left hand side of midfield, and could cause problems with his base and agility – however, he isn’t particularly proven on the world stage, despite a stint at PSV Eindhoven, and Glen Johnston should keep him relatively quiet. The teenage sensation Freddy Adu, currently plying his trade in Portugal, was tipped to be a footballing sensation. He was due for a trial period at Manchester United, and was eagerly scouted by Europe’s top managers – whether he will start against England is another matter, but if he does, he may well be dangerous. England’s defensive midfield, perhaps Gareth Barry if he starts, will be looking to keep tabs on the USA’s most prolific player, the Fulham playmaker, Clint Dempsey. Dempsey is proven at the highest level, and scores regularly in the Premier League – in the game against England, he’ll be looking to slip into the space behind the strikers and feed balls through. One man who’ll be looking to get on the end of those passes, is Landon Donovan, the USA’s most popular player, and David Beckham’s teammate at Los Angeles Galaxy. Donovan has played on loan at Everton this season and has shown just why he’s considered one of the finest players around.
So, England may not have as an easy as group as first thought, however bookies are certain to see a lot of online betting in favour of England this summer!
England have qualified for the World Cup in South Africa 2010, and having been matched with the USA, Slovenia, and Algeria – the nation begin their games, against the former, on 12th June 2010 in Rustenburg, in the heart of the Savannah Bushveld. Despite a few exceptions, little is known of the USA squad, however, they did beat European Champions Spain recently, and have a few famous Premiership faces in their lineup.
Tim Howard, the ex Manchester United and now Everton goalkeeper will almost certainly start in goal, with Watford defender Jay DeMerit providing a solid basis for the USA defence. However, England should forget about winning the trophy if they fail to beat a side such as the Americans. DeMarcus Beasley, who is currently playing for Rangers, will probably lineup on the left hand side of midfield, and could cause problems with his base and agility – however, he isn’t particularly proven on the world stage, despite a stint at PSV Eindhoven, and Glen Johnston should keep him relatively quiet. The teenage sensation Freddy Adu, currently plying his trade in Portugal, was tipped to be a footballing sensation. He was due for a trial period at Manchester United, and was eagerly scouted by Europe’s top managers – whether he will start against England is another matter, but if he does, he may well be dangerous. England’s defensive midfield, perhaps Gareth Barry if he starts, will be looking to keep tabs on the USA’s most prolific player, the Fulham playmaker, Clint Dempsey. Dempsey is proven at the highest level, and scores regularly in the Premier League – in the game against England, he’ll be looking to slip into the space behind the strikers and feed balls through. One man who’ll be looking to get on the end of those passes, is Landon Donovan, the USA’s most popular player, and David Beckham’s teammate at Los Angeles Galaxy. Donovan has played on loan at Everton this season and has shown just why he’s considered one of the finest players around.
So, England may not have as an easy as group as first thought, however bookies are certain to see a lot of online betting in favour of England this summer!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Well done Gareth Bale - Spurs 2 - Arsenal 1
For scoring tonight against the Gunners when Harry really needed you.
For keeping your head down when the media vultures pulled you apart, highlighting the unfortunate coincidence between your appearances and Premier League failure.
Having the best left foot at Tottenham Hotspur football club.
Not going on loan to a crap team.
....what a superb evening for the lily whites - unlucky Wenger's boys - great derby tonight.
For keeping your head down when the media vultures pulled you apart, highlighting the unfortunate coincidence between your appearances and Premier League failure.
Having the best left foot at Tottenham Hotspur football club.
Not going on loan to a crap team.
....what a superb evening for the lily whites - unlucky Wenger's boys - great derby tonight.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Manchester United result 3-2 - 4-4 agg - Out of the Champions League
A missed opportunity for Manchester United tonight to make the semis of the Champions League. They looked pretty good prior to half time, leading 3-0 but Bayern managed to scrape one back just before the break. Ironically, it was ex Chelsea wing man Arjen Robben who made it 3-2, who was then briskly substituted in the 75th minute having secured the second vital away goal dumping Man Utd out of the Champions League 2010.
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