Saturday, May 24, 2008

The Wait for the Euros

I can see no one else has bothered to write up anything on the Champions League final. I will take this as evidence that no one was too impressed. I definitely wasn't.

I was really indifferent to both teams, but by the end of the game I did want Chelsea to win. Mostly for historical purposes. It's nice to have a new team lift the trophy and show that it is possible for new teams to enter the competition an win. Albeit, with billions and billions of dollars of investment. It would have also saved Avram Grant's career. Grant was fired earlier today having failed to win anything this year after taking over from Jose Murinho. This is harsh in my opinion as he did take the Premiership race right to the very end and made it to the champions league final for the first time in the club's history. And in all honestly, Chelsea were playing quality football.

I really dislike Cristiano Ronaldo; but I can't deny his ability. I am enjoying the public bid for C. Ronaldo by Real Madrid for a ridiculous 100 million pounds. United fans thought he was so loyal. Funny how things change when a vast sum of money is thrown at you. United fans shouldn't be upset, it should have been expected. They are a victim of their own success with regards to finding talent and helping them develop. In the end, Ferguson completed the 'double' and all is well in England. Except of course of having to miss out on Euro 2008.

The countdown is on for the kickoff in Austria-Switzerland. Looking at some of the favorites I still say Italy has a lot of potential to make a serious dent in the tournament. If of course they make it out of the 'Group of Death'. I am confident they will. I do not feel France will. The loss of Zidane is was huge for soccer as a whole. But for France, let's just say, it's crippling. I am expecting for Portugal to flop out due to not having England to beat up on this time around. Spain could win it all, or they could under-perform (as per usual). Germany looks solid again following suit for the World Cup.

As for underdogs, I won't say. I'm never good at those. I do hope there are some surprises this year. Maybe Romania will do some shocking. Either way, I will be watching a lot of soccer this coming June and that makes me smile.

Here's a video to remember to Euro 2004.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Inter Shame

It has been a thrill to watch Inter's disastrous fall from grace this season. The team I had originally touted as the strongest in Europe with Champions League title well within their grasps, they have spectacularly self-combusted after the January break.

Failure against Liverpool, Roberto Mancini's mind games with the club, fans, and players, injury after injury, and above all else, an obvious drop in form and determination from it's players. This was all highlighted last week when Inter were awarded a penalty within the late stages of the match. Cruz was the designated kick taker, but Marco Materazzi emerged from the back and hell followed with him. He wanted the spot kick. He wanted to score the goal that would hand Inter the title. (What is really important to note, is that Materazzi also scored a penalty in the same fixture last season to award Inter the title; he had ALREADY received the glory!) But that wasn't enough to 'The Matrix'. He wanted to do it...twice. This could be a testament to how little the players actually thought of winning the scudetto with a point docked Milan and a Juve-less Serie A. Moreover, how arrogant that gesture was and how perfectly it fit in with Inter's collapse.

Of course, Materazzi's penalty was saved. With teammates furious, the coach furious, and the owner furious, how many friends does Materazzi have left? If Inter lose the scudetto on the final day of the campaign I feel Materazzi will have to move on. He will probably have to leave the country to avoid the harsh ridicule and criticism which will likely follow him to his grave. That is only supposing Inter fail to clinch the championship. If they do win this Sunday, most Inter fans (like usual) will try and block out the bad moments of the season and relish the fact that they are champions.

Yet, I will always look back on the the second meeting between Roma and Inter when Roma were up by a goal, only to see Mexes controversially sent off and Inter to equalize through Captain Amazing, Javier Zanetti. With Inter only ahead by one point, those moments become season deciding moments.

My biggest dilemma is deciding which game to watch on Sunday...

Thursday, May 1, 2008

What soccer players should do after they take a hard tackle

Get the fuck up.

Why I don't watch the Premiership

The short answer: I’m Italian.

The long(er) answer: Here in Canada, basic cable subscribers like me get two Premiership games a week. The first is shown on Saturday morning on Rogers Sportsnet. The second game is shown Sunday morning on The Score.

Us basic cable types rarely get a chance to see any of the big teams. Last week, for example, neither network aired the Manchester United vs. Chelsea showdown. And I really am not interested in watching Fulham every week. Who gives a shit about Fulham? Fulham fans, probably, which only hammers my point home further. (Not that I have any idea what Fulham fans are all about, mind you. I already told you: I DON'T WATCH THE PREMIERSHIP.)

On the other hand, I get three quality Serie A matches a week from TLN, a shoestring Toronto-based network that, based on the commercials aired at half-time, shows nothing but soccer, The Sopranos and The Godfather Parts I, II & III. (Did you know the third one sucks? It really, really does. The part when Sophia Coppola dies is hilarious.) All three TLN games are shown Sunday. Only one of them is live (usually the 2:30 p.m. “prime time” match). The first match, typically aired at 9 a.m., is usually a replay of a Saturday game and the 11 a.m. match is usually a replay of something that was played at 9. Confused yet? If you are, you're stupid.

On TLN, I get to see the big clubs—Juve, Inter, Roma, Milan—week in and week out. (Some fans of lesser sides might complain that the Regginas and Livornos don’t get enough air time, but really, who the fuck likes Reggina or Livorno anyway? They're like the Fulhams of Italian soccer, but with more attractive female supporters.)

I wonder how long this whole TLN thing will last. It seems only a matter of time before some specialty channel buys all the rights to Serie A games and guys like me are left in the dark. I guess I’ll just have to shill out more cash if I want to keep following this game. And I suppose that if I do end up paying for the specialty channels, I may give English soccer a try. But, as a matter of principal, I won't enjoy it.

This year's Champions League semi-final five-point plan for success, UAE edition

This nearly worked to perfection.

1) Get out of work at decent time
2) Shovel chicken biryani down throat
3) Wrap scarf round neck. Move possessions from hotel to apartment in half an hour
4) Get taxi astonishingly easy
5) See Liverpool advance to the finals for a second time.

... Should be an entertaining, stress-free final at least.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Why I haven’t seen one Champions League semi-final game this year

I work 9-5. The games air in Canada live at 2:30 p.m. TSN, the Canadian network that shows the games, hasn’t replayed them at midnight, like they did for other rounds. (Last year, some of the games were replayed at 8 p.m. Not this year though. Not once.) Also, I can’t figure out how to program my VCR. Not for lack of trying. This is bullshit.

(Also, there are too many English teams.)

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Liverpool v Chelsea: Champions League dreams

Liverpool meet Chelsea tonight in the Reds' most important match of the year. It all feels so familiar to me. Last year, while visiting London, I made a stop in Liverpool for the second leg match against Chelsea and watched in a pub, as Liverpool won on kicks.

Here's what I wrote following that match. Tonight, I will watch at a pub in the United Arab Emirates and hope for similar results, though I doubt we'll be marching through the streets afterwards.


Ohhhhh, Campione, the one and only, we're Liverpool

They say our days are numbered we're not famous anymore
But Scousers rule the country like we've always done before

"That's a new one," Steve tells me as all around us in this First National pub, this converted bank in downtown Liverpool, the chants grow louder.
"Don't worry, by the end of the night, you'll know them all."

*****

I'd arrived in Liverpool just after noon with my knapsack and a desire to get that Liverpool gameday atmosphere.
I had a three-point plan to a successful stay:
1. Get a Liverpool FC jersey and scarf
2. Get on the Magical Mystery Tour.
3. Make some friends to watch the match with.

I stepped off the train and stopped the first guy in a red jersey I saw.
What was the fastest way to Anfield? There was a bus but a cab would cost me about five pounds.
I hopped in a cab and the friendly driver (everyone in Liverpool was extremely friendly), while he delivered me to Anfield, told me I had better find a room and fast.

"You better make that your next priority, mate," he said. "On a match day, people come from Norway to go to games."

Norway, right. I really should have booked a room, shouldn't I? Well, I'll get that jersey first.

I had a four-point plan to a successful stay.
1. Get a Liverpool FC jersey and scarf
2. Find a room. Any room.
3. Get on the Magical Mystery Tour.
4. Make some friends to watch the match with.

A quick pic, a quick inquiry into buying a scalped ticket ("we hear they're going for 400 pounds") and a Liverpool bag and I was back in a cab being driven to the Marriott. The Marriott! Where they had just one room and that had just come available. You don't hesitate, even when it'll cost you $164 pounds. No, you pay for your room with twin beds and be thankful for the choice of left or right. You drop your bag, pull on a Liverpool jersey and start walking toward Albert Dock and the mystery tour because the last bus is leaving in 20 minutes and the Dock is supposed to be a 10-minute walk away.

20-minutes later, you start to lose hope. Guess you'll just visit the Beatle's Story Museum. But then there's the bus pulling up to a stop. Sprint man.

"Hi," I said. "I haven't paid but can I pay you now for this trip?"
"Sure mate, we've got room," said the tall blond guy.
"Great," I said. "It must be a good day. I just got in to watch the match and I just managed to get the last room at the Marriott."
"You got a room today? You're lucky," he said. "If it was a weekend there's no way you'd get a room."
"Well, you fell on your feet today mate," said the tour bus driver. I liked that phrase.

This was my four-point plan to a successful stay, carefully planned the night before.
1. Get a Liverpool FC jersey and scarf.
2. Find a room.
3. Get on the Magical Mystery Tour.
4. Make some friends to watch the match with.

Strawberry Field, Penny Lane and the Cavern Club and now we'd reached the crucial point. In the square downtown there were hordes of red-clad fans. To be honest they'd been there since I arrived but there were more now and you could hear the chants down the street. My tour guide, who says he played John Lennon's mate in an NBC movie, looked like he would cry with pride and I needed some food and a place to watch.

I walked into the square with my camera set to video and captured the moment. Shot video of men and women chanting and clapping. I sized people up. I lost my nerve. I walked back down the street to near the Cavern Club and ate at Subway.

My four-point plan to a successful stay, was really make some friends to watch the match with times four.

Back to the square, inside a pub. I'd buy a beer and chat with some people. What about these two guys. They look decent. They're queing up for a beer. I'll ask them what to order here.

"Scuse me guys, I'm visiting from Toronto and wonder what's a good beer to get at this pub?"
"If you want a good draft beer, get Sam Miguel," one said.
"From Toronto, did you say?" said the other.
"Ya, I'm a Liverpool fan from Toronto and thought I'd come here today for the atmosphere."
"Ha, Mark, now that's commitment, he came all the way from Toronto just for the atmosphere."
"Well, I'm staying with family in London."
"We took a 20-minute train ride to come here."
"How much is the beer?"
"Oh, don't worry, that's on me mate."

We chatted about the NFL and other things Toronto. They told me where they'd watch. I was welcome to join. We moved there, bought two beers each because the lineups were going to be murder later and you don't even want to see this place if it's an away game.

Then the chanting started. And the boos when they showed Jose Mourinho. And wild cheers when they showed Steven Gerrard.

"Don't worry, by the end of the night, you'll know them all," Steve tells me. They're school teachers who'll be teaching with sore throats tomorrow.

They're mates Mike and Matt arrive and the game is on and we're on beers five and six and you can line up for the bathroom, if you can get through the crowd but it'll take you at least 20 minutes and who wants to move when all around you they're chanting:

oh when the Reds, go marching in, oh when the Reds go marching in. I want to be in that number, when the Reds go marching in.
Then shouting:
Oh when the reds (oh when the reds) go marching in (go marching in).

Sometime in the first half Liverpool scores on the set piece and the place explodes. Beer is everywhere and I'm in a bear hug. Steve plants a kiss on my forehead. This might have been awkward in any other setting.

We're going to win now, I can feel it. I never doubted it though did I? They couldn't lose with me here. And with the other four points of my five-point plan to a successful stay working out beautifully, how could I be denied a Liverpool victory.

In the second half a Chelsea striker with an empty net in front of him and the ball at his feet knocks it clear over the cross bar.

Mark gives me a look. That was close.

"Come on lads!" Mike shouts.

In extra time Liverpool scores. We win. This time I leap up and grab my friends in a bear hug.
"Wait, they've disallowed it."
An offside call when clearly Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt is onside. I sag in my seat and put my head in my hands. This is more than I can bear. I don't think I can finish that sixth John Adams.

"Have you ever cared about anything so much in your life?" Mike asks me. The answer is no. They simply must win. But they'll have to do it in kicks.

My mind flits, no it stumbles, back to when we first entered the pub and I'd said, I hope it doesn't come down to kicks and Mark had said, if it does Liverpool will win for sure.

Now we're standing in a row, arms around each other and the place erupts on every goal, every save. It was over before the first man placed the ball on the spot. Liverpool's keeper, Reina, is simply unbelievable on spot kicks. And when I thought it couldn't get any louder, it reaches fever pitch in here. I take pictures. I get hugged by a lot of sweaty men. I hug a woman when it starts feeling weird. Mark takes off his shirt and text messages a friend.

We all sing:

And you'll never! walk! alone! You'll never, walk, alone.

We spill to the streets. I climb up the steps in the square. People take pictures of me chanting and clapping. We march down the street. I don't know where we are or where we're going but I realize I probably didn't need that hotel room because my new mates would gladly have put me up.

I take pictures of them carrying Mark's banner, with lyrics from a time when the club made a hip hop video. They tell me it's my turn to carry the banner. I wrap myself in it and know that if I don't do another thing on this trip, I'll go back to Canada a happy man.

Derby match: Al Wahda v Al Jazira

I'm supporting Al Wahda surrounded by a rowdy pack of Al Jazira fans.

It's Monday night and the Al Nahyan stadium (aka the stadium behind the mall), usually only half-filled, is tonight brimming with supporters as these two cross-town rivals, at opposite ends of the standings late in the season, play for bragging rights.

For a couple of months I've had this date circled on my calendar. You may remember, when last I told you about Al Wahda, I was undecided on whether to throw my support behind them or Al Jazira, with their nice gym facilities.

I've suffered greatly for this to'ing and fro'ing. I've been called everything from a glory hound to a traitor. But this was the first time I had to choose between two teams (in my hometown of Toronto, there's just one team for each major sport) and I couldn't pick on a whim.
Yes, there was a period of two or three weeks where I claimed I was supporting Jazira. I had even created a couple of songs for them. But it felt hollow and I realized I was backing them not so much because I was sold on them but to try and create a little bit of office rivalry with my friend, a hard core Al Wahda supporter.

Somewhere over those weeks I realized, as I'd suspected, that my heart was with Al Wahda. I'd seen them play four times to Jazira's one and realizing that my new apartment is in the area known as Al Wahda sealed the deal.

So why am I sitting here in the den of the enemy? A little bit of poor time management is to blame. Who would've known the police would block the entrance to the Al Wahda part of the stadium? It's not the way I imagined I'd be declaring my allegiance but the best I could do was refuse to clap when Jazira, still in with a shot at the league title, had the pressure on Al Wahda, who are near the drop zone.

What a brilliant match it was. Both teams passed the ball around quickly and defence seemed to be an afterthought at times. Jazira lead early, then Al Wahda equalized at the end of the half. A wide-open second half saw Jazira strike the cross bar and have a point blank rebound turned away. The Arabs draped with black scarfs around me groaned.

I occassionally groaned too, every time a player dove or refused to get up after suffering a tackle. I counted six yellow cards in the second half alone and eight golf cart visits.

Al Wahda touched wood from a set-piece as well. Both team's song leaders did their renditions of we will rock you. I sent encouraging text messages to my friend, who had arrived earlier and was sitting in the right section. The brother of a friend who was visiting from the states sat next to me, enjoying the match but really hoping for a goal.

He got his wish in the 91st minute. A beautifully weighted Al Wahda cross found a head. The header across the goal mouth was headed home and the stadium erupted with joy. Except for the men and boys around me, who began filing out the door.

The loss is a set back in Jazira's hopes for a league title this year while it should help keep Al Wahda up for next season, when the Etisalat First Division becomes officially a professional league.

But of course, like any derby match, it was about much more than the standings. For me, it was about declaring my allegiance to the team behind the shopping mall. You can't argue with being able to eat at Fuddrucker's after a match.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Chelsea edge Man Utd to make for a photo finish in the EPL

I know what you're going to say. Man Utd has the goal differential in their favor.
Still, Chelsea is in a good spot to sneak the Championship away from right under Man Utd's noses.
If both teams win their remaining games, Man Utd will have the advantage. But that still means they each must win their remaining games. With Man Utd lining up Barcelona in their sites and Chelsea preparing for what will likely be a grueling game with Liverpool, the job of winning these remaining games can be daunting. Will one of these teams slip?

Aside from the exciting match, two important points stood out. Firstly, who is this Nani guy, and why does he get so much playing time? And the second, how professional can a team really be when two of their stars begin arguing like teenagers on who will take a free kick.

First, Nani. Highly overrated. Fancy skill, but no real creativity and really only creates space for himself. With a bench that is as stacked as Man Utd it's hard to understand why he gets so much playing time. Many will argue that Sir Alex Ferguson is trying to mold Nani in the same way as he did Ronaldo. It was two seasons ago that I used the same criticism for C. Ronaldo. Yet, C. Ronaldo has developed into a potent player, arguably the best in Europe to many people. Does Ferguson think he can turn both these young Portugese stars into World Class players? I admire his tenacity but he should continue to work with Owen Hargreaves who has been showing much more potential and consistency than Nani.

Now to the spat between Drogba and Ballack. Who was supposed to take that free kick? Has Avram Grant not sat down with his players and went over important things like set pieces? I know when there are multiple dead ball experts, especially those that have different techniques or are opposite footed, the position of the dead ball will help determine who will step up. But if there is any doubt, there has to be someone who holds the trump card. And this should be taken care of on the training ground. Furthermore, where was John Terry, this great leader the English keep advocating? From what I saw, it was Ricardo Carvalho trying to talk some sense into the two and Micheal Essien just put his shirt over his head so he didn't have to watch the embarrassing display of unprofessionalism. The scene did dampen the game for me personally. In the end, Drogba took the free kick and got on target. Which he needed to do, or else things between Ballack and himself could have heated up even more. In the end, it was Ballack who converted the dubious handball penalty kick.I don't really blame the players on this. And I do believe Avram Grant has done a good job this season, but dead ball responsibilities is definitely something that needs to be established on the training ground. The damage in the relationship between Ballack and Drogba may be minimal. As how mad can you really be when you have won a game of such high importance. I think this will be an important learning experience for Avram Grant. He better make sure things are in order and running smoothly if he hopes satisfy his ambitious owner.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Is Steven Gerrard still Steven Gerrard without Liverpool?



Avram Grant's praise of Steven Gerrard last week has some people wondering if Chelsea are again interested in the Liverpool captain, and if Gerrard - nearly 28 and no closer to a Premier League title than he was three years ago when he rejected a 32 million pound move to Stamford Bridge – would this time accept an offer.

Here's what Grant said, in case you missed it:

"For me, Gerrard is a great player and a great person For me he is the player of the year in England and maybe in Europe because of the influence he has on the team. He's very good, I like him very much as a player and I know him, he is a nice guy, a positive guy and his an example for many people. Unfortunately he plays against me, not with me but he is still my favourite player."

Hmmm…

Of course the interview, given on Friday, can be taken as part of the mind games before the big Champions League showdown tomorrow. Liverpool is perhaps engaging in their own tactics, with Rafa Benitez saying that a neck injury for Gerrard, suffered during training, could keep him out of the first leg.

However, Grant's words certainly renewed past fears for this Liverpool fan, and made me wonder if Gerrard ever wishes he'd taken the deal in 2005.

Hopeless idealist that I am, I badly want to believe that there are some professional athletes that care about things other than money, like representing your hometown club or being the symbol for a city's football. By rejecting the deal to Liverpool's rivals, Steven Gerrard renewed my faith. He must have realised then that winning a title with Chelsea would feel hollow.

However, three years later, with his club once more finishing fourth in the league and boardroom antics threatening to overshadow on-field play, you have to figure even another Champions League title may not be enough to persuade him to stay this time.

He must be asking himself what more can he do? He's led the club to the Champions League semi-finals three times in four years and gave this fan one of the most memorable nights of my life, when I watched in the First National Bank, surrounded by Liverpudians, as he helped the Reds come from behind to defeat Chelsea (perhaps that's a story for another time) in the second-leg of last year's semi-final. I couldn't begrudge him if he left, even if I came of (late) footballing age during the Gerrard generation. But I don't think I could stomach him playing for Chelsea.

Other Liverpool fans I've spoken with here in the UAE feel confident Liverpool will beat Chelsea again this year. In 2005, that went a long way toward Gerrard's decision to stay. When Liverpool beat them again in 2007, it helped salvage another mediocre season and hinted that next year there would be serious efforts at the league title. This year the promise will be the same as last. How long will that be good enough for Gerrard?

Gerrard video: Top 10 Goals

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Is the EPL really as good as we are led to believe?

It must be said that the Premiership has become referred to as the greatest soccer league in the world. With three English sides in the final stages of the Champions League, one could say that the “proof is in the pudding”. I for one will never say that. In fact, I would go as far as to say the winning team of the Champions League does not say a great deal about the league in which it came from. With that rationale, every time a German, Italian, or Spanish club wins the Champions League we would be saying that the respective league is the top league in the world. And that is nowhere near the truth.

Foreign investment has injected an enormous amount of funds into the English Premier League (EPL). It is a reality that greater investment does lead to a greater product in the soccer world. More money results in better stadiums, better coaching and training staff, and of course it draws in the high class players from all over the world.

In Simon Cuper’s article, “English Football takes over the World”, he gives reasons behind the progressive success of the EPL. From cost-effective stadium building that inadvertently created an ideal atmosphere for football, to imperfect football players whose “frequent mistakes produce exciting moments in front of goal”. I agree with the stadiums being a large factor of the excitement of watching an EPL game but are we really going as far as to appreciate errors? Would that not be backwards thinking? Maybe not.

If you view football as art and not as a product, it makes more sense. Throughout history we can identify with music groups that may not be perfect but still draw massive appeal. Artworks that may be confusing and disgusting to look at, yet you can’t look away. So football is art; very few people would disagree. So now comes the question of whether we want art to be owned by multi-billion dollar corporations. Foreign owners with less appreciation to the roots and history of a club who will squeeze as much profit out as possible until it is all used up.

I’m reminded of when FOX tried to increase the fan base for ice hockey in America by adding a lot of fancy extras to the broadcasting. One of the extras was highlighting the puck with a big black blurry dot. It was done to make the puck easier to follow. Is that really a good thing? Attracting new fans is one thing, but will they go as far as FOX did for ice hockey? (Just for the record, the FOX techno-puck was an absolute disaster) Will the EPL become guilty of employing cheap tricks to increase viewership? I'd like to take this time out and point out C. Ronaldo's ridiculous over use of step overs.

Will teams in the EPL begin to favor the flashy offensive players and error-ridden defensemen to produce a league with high scoring affairs? If so, I will not be alone in questioning the quality of the EPL. I will not be fooled as easily.

David Beckham has become the greatest export in English soccer. Yet I can think of a handful of other English players with more talent. Was his fan base created by his soccer ability, or by his lifestyle? Is the image of David Beckham worth more than the player itself? What is more important to a David Beckham fan, his free kick ability, or the fact that he married a Spice Girl? Is the EPL becoming a fad, like boy bands in popular music? Like the iPods of the digital media world? If it is, there will be a hefty mess to be cleaned once this bubble pops.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Is Gennaro Gattuso the best player in the world?

Soccer fans love flash. Discussions about “the greatest player in the world” invariably end up being about the flashiest player in the world: Is it the graceful and nimble Kaká, dynamic and devastating Cristiano Ronaldo, or speedy and stylish Lionel Messi who is the “greatest”?

It’s not just the fans. In 2007, the Ballon D’Or judges went with Kaká, whose flashiest performances last season took place on the biggest stage (the Champions League). And since 1956, when the award was first given, just four defenders and one keeper have won it.

So fans, experts, pundits, maybe even the managers and coaches are all impressed (blinded?) by beauty.

In a New Yorker book review published last May called The Wages of Wins, Malcolm Gladwell argues that sports fans, analysts and commentators too often use their eyes to measure a player’s worth. “All we learn is to appreciate twisting and turning and writhing,” he writes. “We become dance critics.” In a game like soccer, the dancers are the players who are most involved in putting the ball in the net, and the finest dancers are the ones who do it with flare. So when we talk about the greatest players, we tend to elevate the strikers and trequartistas, and ignore the defensive full-backs and rugged midfielders.

Gladwell argues that statistical analysis can take us closer to the truth about which players are truly “the best.” He writes about a book called The Wages of Wins by economists David J. Berri, Martin B. Schmidt and Stacey L. Brook, which uses stats to calculate the merit of professional basketball players. “Weighing the relative value of fouls, rebounds, shots taken, turnovers, and the like, they’ve created an algorithm that, they argue, comes closer than any previous statistical measure to capturing the true value of a basketball player. The algorithm yields what they call a Win Score, because it expresses a player’s worth as the number of wins that his contributions bring to his team.”

Eduardo Galleano would probably disagree, but isn’t winning what it’s all about in the end? When the tables are counted at the end of the season, after all, the 1-0 grind-outs count for as many points as the 5-0 smashings.

“Berri, Schmidt, and Brook argue that the arbitrary algorithms of basketball experts elevate the number of points a player scores above all other considerations,” Gladwell goes on to note. Soccer experts take it a step further: they elevate the quality and the beauty of goals scored above all other considerations. Messi, Ronaldo, Kaka—it’s not just the fact that these guys score goals and make plays, it’s the fact that the goals they score and the plays they make are pleasing to the eye. We don’t call it “the beautiful game” for nothing.

Are Gladwell, Berri, Schmidt and Brook way off or is there some truth to what they are saying? Are we dance critics?

Biased English Commentators

Watching the Liverpool v. Arsenal game was incredibly frustrating, nearly unbearable with English commentary. I'm not 100% sure who was commentating on the game, possibly Derek Rae. If you do know who was commentating, please post their names.

I was completely disgusted at how Liverpool literally put 10 men behind the ball for the entire second half and commentators were hailing it as a brilliant tactical move; one that is an important trait for European competition. Wow. Really? Ironically, if it was Juventus playing, they would have been chewed apart relentlessly. Most other Italian teams also get the same treatment, even if they are not very defensive. They become stereotyped. I remember when Undinese made the Champions League maybe four or five years ago for the first time in who knows how long. They were drawn in the same group as Barcelona. They were destroyed of course. Prior to the matches, Barcelona players were quoted as saying things along the lines of, 'we don't really know much about them, but all Italian teams are tough defensively and it will take a lot from us to breakdown'. That was totally not the case with Udinese at all. But it has become a pre-recorded response to direct towards Italian teams.

The second half of Liverpool and Arsenal was ridiculously boring. Yet, the commentators were absolutely loving it. Three seasons ago when Juventus played Liverpool I can still recall the sneering comments made about the Juventus defense. Comments such as, 'that's no nonsense defending from Cannavaro, booting the ball way down field'. In my memory I have a contrast of another commentator saying the exact same thing about John Terry; however his voice was filled with pride and awe. How does this work? Please explain how Liverpool can completely close up in their own half and be praised for it? Liverpool's defensive mentality that game was so over the top I feel it dwarfs the defensive performances of Italian teams over the last ten years.

Can anyone recall Liverpool v. Chelsea from three seasons ago? How boring was that?

I know everyone will make a point to bring up a point against the A.C. Milan v. Juventus final of 2003. How it was boring and how it was a shame it had to be decided on penalties. I am not a big fan of deciding important matches on penalties, however, where are the fans that hailed a near flawless performances by both teams. A match were neither side were completely taken off guard or fell victim to error or misjudgments?

There is a long history of world class Italian defenders. Does this mean that Italian teams are completely built of central defenders? Of course not. Italy has produced brilliant offensive players in the form of Andrea Pirlo, Francesco Totti, and Alessandro DelPiero to name a few recent and still active players. Italian encounters may produce fewer goals, but there is less error. Personally, I'd rather see a high quality offensive move result in a goal rather than defensive blunders or goal keeping errors.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C0RtpjDceU

The two goal lead...

After the passed week of Champions League clashes, the Roma v. Manchester United match was heartbreaking to watch as an AS Roma supporter. Roma were at home at the Olimpico where they had beaten Manchester United 2-1 the previous year. Francesco Totti was the most notable absentee, alongside Simone Perrota for the Roman side, while Manchester United fielded the usual suspects. The most notable absentee for United, was Ryan Giggs who had his spot replaced by Park Ji-Sung. Not exactly a damaging change to a side that is the most in-form team in Europe at the moment. Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney led the attack while Mirko Vucinic was charged with the same duties on the other end.

While I do not what to analyze the strength of the two teams by going through player by player; it was evident that neither side were prepared to lose. However, Manchester United did win by 2 two goals to nil. Most pro-English soccer supporters will say it could have been 3 or even possibly 4 nothing for United. But those same people usually turn a blind eye to Christiano Pannucci's open net sinner when the score was one nothing. Again, I don't want to complain and by labeled a sore loser, so the only chances that count are the ones that have to be picked out from the back of the net.

So it was 2-0. It was entertaining. The stronger team walked away up 2 away goals and having conceeded none going into the second leg. It doesn't look good for Roma to say the least. Considering the goals against between the two clubs over the past three years, most people would say it is over. Which brings me to my point; the second Manchester United goal. It was a sloppy and careless goal conceeded by Roma. One that you cannot concede when in the Champions League against a team like Manchester United. That goal gave full control to Manchester United who were under pressure from wave after wave of slick passing by Roma. But of course, slick passes are only the first phase of scoring. Max Tonetto came close and Mancini forced a terrffic save from Edwin Van der sar. The offence had recovered from the early Ronaldo header and looked at the cusp of scoring the equalizer, or being caught on the counter attack. The latter happened. And the second goal completely deflated Roma and the game was no longer worth watching. It was evident that Roma would not score. You could see it in their faces. You could even see it in Luciano Spalletti's eyes (Roma's coach); even though he is a statue.


The difference in quality between United and Roma was in the chances. You cannot beat a top-side like United when you miss open nets. And you definitely won't go anywhere if your defenders and goalkeeper are making a meal out of simple crossed ball. I was more convinced by this 2-0 win by United than I was by the 7-1 win that took place almost a year ago.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Shut Up Already

In the wake of ‘Grand Slam Sunday’ in the EPL, the one thing that weighed above all else in my mind was what was Mascherano’s problem?

Was his initial yellow card unfair? In my opinion, yes. I did not see the malicious intent. It was early in the game and he had not produced any fouls prior to that. And replays showed that once he realized he was not going to retrieve the ball, he pulled out of the tackle. Was it a foul? Absolutely. There was no contact with the ball. But the man in charge deemed it worthy of a yellow card.

So why was it a yellow card? Beats me. Possible reasons are: referee, Steve Bennett didn’t have the instant replays and it looked worse than it was from his point of view. Maybe he felt that tackle was one that would have started a trend and he wanted to stamp it out before things got out of hand. Or, maybe he just doesn’t like Mascherano’s face. Whatever the reason; it’s clear that calls are not up for debate.

After the first yellow, Mascherano’s reaction was sufficient enough for a red card right there and then. Verbally abusing the referee, getting right in his face, and being overly aggressive. It was a big game, so he let it slide fearing the backlash. I wouldn’t be surprised if he began to question the original yellow card. The game continues. Mascherano, seemingly unfazed by his yellow card as he continually made reckless challenges and question referee Steve Bennett calls. Of course, a few tackles latter and more attitude from Mascherano left Liverpool with 10 men. What a complete waste. The end result was completely disastrous as Manchester United went on to thump the Reds 3 – 0. Effectively stamping out the league championship and further jeopardizing the fourth and final Champions League spot.

So what is Benitez to do? He literally had to grab a hold of Mascherano and talk some sense into him before he left the pitch. A club fine would be ok. Further match game suspensions handed down by the league is better. But what else can be done? This came not even a week after Ashley Cole’s fall out with a referee during the match at White Hart Lane. Cole went in studs first on Alan Hutton of Tottenham and proceeded to turn his back on referee Mike Riley when being shown the yellow card. Cole turned his back on the referee and that was enough to spark intense media debate over respect for officials in the EPL. It was talked about all week. Apologies were made. Vows renewed by clubs to enforce good behaviour from their players. Not even a week passed by and cameras were zoomed in on Mascherano’s mouth as he repeatedly told the referee to ‘Fuck off’ after the first yellow card. Mascherano then seemed to lose his mind after being shown the red card.

The recent quoted response from Mascherano was: “I do not know why I was sent off”; followed by, “All I did was ask him what was happening, nothing else”. I must admit, I do admire his attempt to plead ignorance. But it’s hard to do when you’re playing an important game with cameras watching your every move. We know why you got a red card and we can tell you exactly what you did wrong: You didn’t keep your mouth shut.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Juventus at Inter Milan, Saturday, March 22, 2008

The first half had a good highlight reel, despite the lack of goals. By my count, the Serie A TV commentators used the phrase “being played at a high tempo” 256 times. At one point, Pavel Nedved yelled at Giorgio Chiellini. At another, Pavel Nedved had a bleeding nose. Lots of killer saves, too, but we’ll get to those in a bit.

The second half was set to start. Inter were on the field. So was Gianluigi Buffon, jumping, stretching, sporting that outstanding black wool thing he keeps around his head to keep warm. His teammates were still in the dressing room. I only caught one shot of the Inter players on TV. Marco Materazzi was talking to a teammate. I don’t remember who. (One of of Inter’s biggest problems right now: the players are faceless). He looked nervous, scared even. Yes, I am judging him with hindsight: Materazzi went on to play what was probably the worst second half of his professional soccer career.

Eventually, Juve arrived. They looked pumped. Did Juve gain a psychological edge by delaying the game? I’ll leave that for the pundits. All I know is this: Juventus destroyed Inter in the second half.

First goal, less than five minutes in: Juve takes a quick free kick from the halfway line, out right to Camoranesi on the wing. His stupid and amazing ponytail flies in the air as he sprints toward the goal. The Inter defenders stand like their feet have been nailed to the cross. Then Julio Cesar makes a really stupid mistake: As he comes out to play Camoranesi, he raises his hand. He even turns his head to the left to see if the hand had any effect. The linesman keeps his flag down. No offside, according to him. Camoranesi slots the ball between Cesar’s falling legs. Goal.

Note to Julio Cesar: You’re a great keeper. You single-handedly kept the score respectable today. I even like when you grow that perverted mustache. But here’s the thing: YOU’RE NOT THE FUCKING LINESMAN. Play the ball, not the call. (And yes, I know Camoranesi was offside. Doesn’t matter.)

See Buffon would never have done that. In the first half, Chivu took a great free kick, but Buffon stretched left and knocked it out for a corner, one of those Buffon stops that no one else makes. He also made some excellent saves after the whistle had gone. On several occasions, he did that amazing thing where he’s holding the ball between his bicep and his armpit and presses down on the air, the universal sign for “calm the fuck down.” I love Gigi Buffon.



Del Piero spun around Materazzi, like what, four, five times? One of the Serie A TV commentators suggested this was the best game Del Piero had played in years. (When the game was over, the commentator called it “another great advert for the Serie A.” He says that pretty much every week. If there’s any truth what he’s saying, then when I’m watching Serie A TV, I’m watching advertising for 90 minutes straight.)

Del Piero created a lot of excitement, for sure. But his free kicks were awful (which, to be fair, the commentators did point out). And he missed two easy ones. I mean, all credit to him for getting into those positions. But if you don’t score, it counts for nothing. Nothing. Got that?

Del Piero’s assist on Trezeguet’s second goal, that counted for something. Edge of the Inter box, he plays a lovely backheel past Burdisso’s useless head. A charging Trezeguet bombs it past Cesar with his left. Then he jogs the long way around the Inter net toward the Bianconeri supporters with a giant, golden smile on his face. Del Piero leaps onto the Frenchman’s back with the joy of an eight-year-old and eventually the whole team is doing the Huddle-and-Pat.

Inter got a late one from Maniche, who also rung one off the post. Don’t be fooled, though: Maniche still sucks very much.

So what’s wrong with Inter? Poor managing (why play Burdisso in central defense and Chivu in midfield)? A little bit of of bad luck. Morale. And of, course, injuries.

Which injuries are hurting them most? Easy: Samuel and Cordoba. When Cordoba went down, Inter began to unravel. The World Cup fire has gone out in Materazzi. Burdisso is NOT a central defender. Maxwell and Maicon play well on the flanks in attack, but they need strong, solid men in the middle to back them up.

See, Ibra, Cruz and Suazo are not injured. Sure, Cambiasso was out today and yes, Inter missed him dearly. But Cambiasso played against Liverpool. He played against Genoa. He played against Roma. Samuel and Cordoba did not. No Viera, no Figo, no Crespo; no matter. Inter’s problem is in the middle of the back.

Your thoughts?

Match highlights (Italian commentary):

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Mancini's Feint

After Inter was knocked out of the Champions League in the first knock-out round—again—coach Roberto Mancini announced this would be his final season with the Milan club. The club and players were confused, especially since, earlier this season, Mancini signed a four year contract extension.

Within 24 hours of Mancini's declaration, he reneged. He claimed his earlier comments were the result of being too upset and emotional from being dumped out of the prestigious competition yet again. He would not be leaving. But this raises the question: is it his decision anymore?

Inter and its fans have been anxiously awaiting European victory since 1965. President Massimo Morratti has been trying to assemble a world class team to repeat the feat of 1965.

In the wake of Calpocioli scandal, Inter have become Serie A's giants. They were awarded the 2005/06 Scudetto when Juventus were found guilty of match-fixing shenanigans. They captured the 06/07 Scudetto in a Juventus-less Serie A and with an A.C. Milan suffering from a points penalty. This season, they are in first place, a slim six points ahead of A.S. Roma. But despite their success in Italy, they do not seem to have the right frame of mind for UEFA's top club tournament. Strong on paper, this team has consistently failed to come through in big games

With regards to the latest tie with Liverpool, I felt the two red cards, in each leg respectively, were unfair. I would have perferred an 11 v 11 battle in both legs. But I have no say on the matter (unfortunately). I do feel for Inter. but I can't help but view their accomplishments over the last three years as circumstantial. Their repeated exit from the Champions League may prove that they are not as strong many of us had believed.

Mancini's recent actions have no doubt affected the Inter locker room, where mutiny has already been brewing. Lucky for Mancini, captain Javier Zannetti backs his coach unconditionally. He has presumably kept the locker room in check. But even a great guy like Zannetti was no doubt shaken up by the fact his coach was ready to jump ship so quickly.

Now let's assess the Jose Mourinho factor. He is arguably the most important Portuguese figure in soccer today. He's also out of work and big team coaches are certainly feeling his breath down their necks. Mourinho has stated he will only sign with a big team with a president who will give him full support in his vision. Italy or Spain are his primary objective, he has said. Media reports of Inter President Morratti and Mourinho exchanging terms of affection to each other undoubtedly made Mancini sweat even more. After the Champions League failure, perhaps he thought it better to quit and keep his dignity. Unfortunately, that only works if you actually quit. Now it looks like he pulled the 'I Quit' stunt simply to hear some reassuring words from the president, team, fans, and media and to squash the Mourinho rumors. I feel that will not be the case. Mancini has effectively shot himself in the foot.

If he didn't want to quit Inter, he might have inadvertently gotten himself fired.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

As one

Sport is the foundation of my relationship with my dad, so it’s only natural that he has tainted my view of soccer.

Dad grew up in Guyana on the coast of South America – they consider themselves part of the West Indies, are far from a superpower, but they enjoy the game. I learnt at a young age that I should be cheering for the South Americans over Europeans in World Cups. By the same turn, I came to relish an Italy loss as much as a Brazil win, simply because Dad didn't want the Italians to win. I like to think his dislike had something to do with their great, but boring (I might call it negative) defensive style.

The first World Cup final I remember vividly took place in 1994, and Dad and I celebrated wildly when after a boring 120 minutes, Roberto Baggio drove his spot kick over the goal.

I didn't realize it at the time, but I was forming a way of watching the World's game that can only be described as negative. Soon other great nations like Germany, Spain and (yes, even) England were added to my list of nations to root against.

It was natural, I think.

For one, I'm a grab-bag mix of four nationalities, none of which are particularly great footballing nations – save for Portugal, but we've had a falling out – so I don't have any strong blood ties to a country. The closest thing I have now to a national team is Liverpool, after a drunk and happy group of fans adopted me there when I showed up to watch, in the First National pub, the Reds defeat Chelsea in the 2007 Champions League semi-final. It's a great feeling having a connection, but now Liverpool matches are the only ones I don't enjoy watching, unless the Reds are winning 4-0, of course.

For two, growing up near Toronto, a hockey-mad city, in a time just before sports channels started picking up weekend Premier League fixtures and weekday Champions League (my favourite club competition, by far), all I learnt about football as a kid was taught to me during those month-long international tournaments when passions were high and Italian/Romanian/Argentinean/Nigerian-Canadians hung flags in their windows and danced in the streets after wins.

With nothing invested in these soccer matches carrying on around the world, save for a desire to see many goals and nail-biting finishes, watching soccer has always been about being entertained and soaking up the passions floating through the stadia.

I will never forget the sound of red-clad South Korean fans beating the drums during that host nations improbable and controversial run to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup. How can any of us who witnessed it, whether live or on television, ever forget? Watching Korea v Italy (ah, them again) play in the sticky heat, it seemed as though all 22 men on the pitch were united in a passion play, that the fans in the stand were also connected, to this thing that was happening, this moment, and that I, yes even I, watching from miles away when I should be in class, was part of it. I felt it again, and finally had to admit to my dad that the Italians deserved to win, when in 2006 they beat Germany.

That idea, that through a game, people all over the world in all different time zones, can be united, is… utopian, I know, but I believe on those rare occassions it does happen.
So if at times I seem more interested in what the fans reaction was to an incident on the pitch, or what my own feelings were when watching a match, you'll know why. If I whine about a match that had no rhythm to it, you'll know why.

I moved to the United Arab Emirates recently, where I feel spoiled by the amount of soccer they show on TV. We also have two local soccer clubs based about a 20 minutes walk from each other, a first for me. I plan to take advantage of it, so if I write a lot about local fans and the club behind the shopping mall versus the talented guys down the road, you'll know why.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Peter Pan will never grow up

Further to my earlier post on Antonio Cassano, Chris at The Offside has this hilarious and spot-on review of Peter Pan's genius/idiotic performance on the weekend.
Talentino started the meltdown off in splendid fashion by scoring his 3,147th goal in the last month (or so it seems). Then he kicked out at the corner flag, as he’s been known to do, and the corner flag hit back, cutting him in the lip - proving that the corner flags of Serie A aren’t going to take his shit anymore.
If I may paraphrase a famous fictional soup chef: No Euro for you!

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Cesare Prandelli: The Purple Prince of Fiorentina

Depending on your fashion tastes, Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli is either the best or worst dressed man currently bossing a bench in Serie A. The Viola’s “Mister” seems to prefer purple tracksuits to the business suits his peers opt for, though he’s seemingly not opposed to donning a leather jacket over top to classy up the look.


Recently, he attempted to inspire his young players by wearing what appears to be a purple gortex jacket. Check it out:


Whatever you may think of the garb, you cannot deny the managerial skills. In 2006, the sexcellently-dressed Prandelli won the Golden Bench award for taking a team which had struggled to avoid relegation the previous season to a fourth-place Champions League spot. Calciopoli stripped the side of the opportunity to play in Europe and strapped it with a 15-point deduction at home for the 2006/2007 season. The Purple Prince, however, guided his boys to a fifth-place finish despite the deficit. They’re currently alive and well in the UEFA Cup this season and posing a serious threat to win the whole thing.

Prandelli has a knack for the timely substitution, an intuitive coaching ability that’s part genius and part dumb luck. His sideline manner is calm for the most part, and he seems to have a strong command of his troops.

Fiorentina are once again challenging hard for Champions League spot this season, and today’s win over Juventus took them a step closer. The fact that the team won without star striker Adrian Mutu makes the victory all the more impressive. While the side is undeniably inexperienced, it is also full of raw talent and enthusiasm. Is Prandelli the man who will lead these youngsters and the Fiorentina fans back to the glories of the early 1960s? If his loud outfits are anything to go by, the answer is a resounding, purple yes.

Fiorentina break 30 year winless draught

That's right. Fiorentina has just sunk Juventus away in Turin for the first time in 30 years. The three points are a massive boost for Fiorentina's hopes to secure the fourth and final Champions League spot ahead of A.C. Milan.

With the injury of Adrian Mutu that will sideline him for the next four months, Fiorentina's hopes for maintaining the fourth-place spot in Serie A slipped significantly. Much of Fiorentina's success has been directly attributed to the in-form Mutu, who's scored 14 impressive goals, third overall in Serie. Aside from hisscoring proficiency, Fiorentina 's team play has greatly been influenced by the Romanian. Mutu's injury could end their Champions League hopes.

Cesare Prandelli, Fiorentina's head coach, will now have to depend on his young and inexperienced players. But before we get to them, there are high calibre players and stars within the roster. Riccardo Montolivo, for one, has been regaining steam after a lacklustre start to 2008. The playmaker is again displaying the form that has gained him national team call-ups under Italy's Roberto Donadoni. Sebastien Frey, Fiorentina's French goalkeeper, has gained recognition as the second best goalkeeper in Serie A, second to Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon. Furthermore, Cristian Vieri is also on the payroll, providing a wealth of experience, though his overall form has been consistently criticized by the fans and media. Also not to be forgotten, Tomas Ujfalusi, Martin Jorgenson, Fabio Liverani, and Franco Semioli.

Although the team has its strengths, Adrian Mutu has been an irreplaceable figure for the team. His injury will now force the youngsters within the ranks to prove their worth to the team and fans. The three primary youth players for Fiorentina that all eyes will be fixed on are Papa Waigo, Pablo Osvaldo, and Giampaolo Pazzini. Of the three mentioned, Pazzini has been the only player to get national recognition. Pazzini has displayed his abilities on numerous occasions and has worked nicely in Prandelli's three attacker formation. Prandelli showed his faith in the youngster giving him the start against Juventus. Pazzini played well and worked hard for his side. Yet the equalizer was scored by the substitute Waigo, while the game winner was netted in injury time by the also substituted Osvaldo.

Prandelli's substitutes proved to be crucial in deciding the outcome of the match and boosted the confidence of the team and supporters, proving there still can be success without Mutu as long as the team can rely upon themselves to rise the occasion. It will be important for Prandelli to find consistent goal scorers from within his ranks to finish off the season with fourth place secured ahead of A.C. Milan. It will not be easy as A.C. Milan will be working in overdrive to challenge for that spot. With both A.C. Milan and Fiorentina in important secondary competitions, the Champions League and UEFA Cup respectively. Will Fiorentina prove that they have the drive and depth to hold A.C. Milan at bay? Or will they succumb to fatigue near the final stretch?

We will have to wait and see. In the meantime, we can still be entertained by a surprisingly resilient Fiorentina.

Monday, February 25, 2008

David Suazo – La Pantera

The 28 year old Honduran striker was one of Inter’s many purchases before the end of the August transfer period for 2007. And by all accounts, he has proved to be one of the better investments by Inter president Massimo Morratti.

The genuine motive behind Inter’s surprise move for a fifth high ranking striker is a bit blurred. No one is doubting Suazo’s impact in Serie A, yet the controversy surrounding his signing plays well into the mindgames and politics between the Inter and Milan clubs. There was a tug-of-war going on for Suazo between the two Milan clubs. Inter being the first to claim his services, then Milan, and eventually Suazo was unveiled in the Inter jersey after heavy media coverage. With the departure of Andriy Shevchenko to Chelsea and Alberto Gilardino not being able to deliver on a consistent basis, Milan’s only established goal scorer was in the form of Pippo Inzaghi. But at 34 years of age, Inzaghi cannot be charged with a full campaign consisting of Serie A, Champions League, Coppa Italia, and the Club World Cup. Using Kaka as an out and out striker did have some success, but few people will disagree that Kaka is best utilized running at defenders from a deeper position. Milan needed David Suazo much more than Inter did. And with a minimal 10 million Euro price tag, Suazo’s transfer can easily be seen as the most important internal transfer in Serie A.

In Cagliari, Suazo had two seasons in Serie B due to relegation but continued to produce the goals. Promotion back to Serie A also saw the arrival of Gianfranco Zola. Truly a great player with a world class reputation. Make no mistake about it; having a great player such as Zola within your team ranks can greatly improve player development. Zola himself was privileged enough to play alongside Diego Maradonna at Napoli when he first began his career in Serie A and to this very day admits he learned everything from the Argentine. The learning circle continues as Suazo scored 43 goals in Cagliari within Serie A, with a large chunk of goals coming from the creative genius of Zola. Suazo is not only a certified finisher of exceptional quality but he has also been educated in Italian soccer with a prestigious teacher in Zola.

Currently, the 2007/2008 season has seen Inter score 48 goals. Unfortunately for Suazo, the combination of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Julio Cruz have accounted for 24 of the 48 (Ibrahimovic claiming 14 and Cruz with 10) and has limited his playing time. Suazo has still made the most of his opportunities in both Serie A and the Champions league, netting goals in both competitions. On Saturday, Suazo scored a brace to beat Livorno 2-0 as Crespo and himself partnered up to rest Ibrahimovic and Cruz ahead of the Champions League tie against Liverpool. Inter’s ability to field two proven and effective pairs of strikers are the reason they are in first place in Serie A with 59 points (9 ahead of second place Roma, and 21 points ahead of fourth place Milan) and why they are favoured to take this year’s Champions League title. The arsenal of offence available for Coach Roberto Mancini is allowing him to keep his strikers rested, healthy, and hungry. With a world class midfield, strong and fearless defenders, and the goaltender that is Julio Cesar, Inter are finally becoming the team they’ve always wanted to be.


Streaming Live Soccer Matches: The How To

For those living in countries that have yet to accept soccer as the world’s game or those living in parts of the world that make watching live matches next to impossible due to time differences, this guide is for you.

The first thing you should know is that the process is quite simple. Yes you will have to download a package of programs and you will also have co-ordinate your viewing with the help of channel guides, but in the end, you will get what you are looking for.

The second most important thing to keep in mind is that this is free. Because of that, imperfections may arise. They are not the end of the world. And if you follow this guide as closely as you can, you will avoid many of the hang-ups that have turned people off the idea of steaming live content.

System Requirements

In order to stream live video content you will need high speed internet and any computer with at least 1.0 Ghz processor and 256 Mb of RAM. These requirements are quite low and any computer purchased within the last 4 years will get the job done.

Next is software. There is an abundant amount of software available to do this job. However, we want to focus on the ones that have comprehensive football/soccer coverage. These programs include: TV Ants, Sopcast, TVU, and PPMate. These programs allow for satellite television to be streamed via the internet on your computer. They also allow for users to stream their own video content from their PC and share it to the rest of the world. The feeds you will be using to watch high profile soccer games will likely come from a satellite television channel, but for some of the more low key matches, it is not unexpected to have some noble person supplying the video feed from his or her home.

Live Matches

I would like to introduce the following sites: www.myp2p.eu and www.allp2ptv.org. The MyP2P website is updated hourly on match days and will provide a list of channels that will be streaming the match of your choice. Obviously, the more popular games will have more channels available, but even the low key matches will have three to four channels available. MyP2P will list and link to the channels and identify which program will be required. It also contains links to all the programs you will need. So in the event that the channel you are seeking requires a program you currently do not have installed, it will be easily accessible from the website. If the program is already installed, clicking the link will automatically launch the program and load the channel for you from within the website. Quite convenient. However, I have noticed a bit of a problem when doing this with the newer versions of Sopcast. Sometimes the program will open but the channel will not automatically load. If this happens, do not panic. Simply right click your mouse over the channel link and select ‘Properties’. A screen will open that will have the channel address written out for you in the form of sop://broker1.sopcast.com:3912/42854, with the numbers of course varying. Simply highlight the text, copy it, and paste it in the Sopcast application under the channel address bar and the problem is solved.

TV Ants will load fine but you must be patient as the channel loads. Sometimes, channels will load and be a little choppy for the first minute or two. If the problem continues, look for another channel. TVU has two soccer channels, GolTV and Fox Soccer Channel (FSC). GolTV is Spanish only and FSC has English commentary, but it isn’t of much quality. The video quality for both channels are always high and reliable.

Viewing Replays

Now, catching live streams may be a problem for some people depending on what part of the world you are living in. There are always replays of high profile matches. But MyP2P will not cut it for this job. This is where www.allp2ptv.org comes into play. All P2P will list all of the matches that are available on any given day. Unlike MyP2P, All P2P is not restricted to live games. It will also list any and all replays of any football/soccer that may be taking place. The problem is that it does not offer the convenient links to the channels and the software like MyP2P does. All P2P only provides the time and channel that the game will be airing on, you have to do the rest. For this job, it is essential to download PPChooser (http://www.ppchooser.com/download.htm).

PPChooser will allow you to choose the channel you wish to view and will launch the appropriate player with the proper channel. Remember, the program needs to be installed ahead of time before using PPChooser. By browsing All P2P, you will find a game that you wish to view. By clicking on the game, it will load a webpage where it will list the channels the game will be viewable from. Run PPChooser. It will list six different channels on the screen for you. Each channel will have anywhere from one to ten different feeds from programs such as TV Ants, Sopcast, TVU, etc. You have the option of choosing which program you would like to view the channel with in most cases. For example, if all All P2P says there is a game you want to see on ESPN China for example, load PPChooser, find ESPN China, click on the program you wish to view the channel with, and you are off and running.

As I mentioned earlier, when you open PPChooser, you will view a list of six channels. These are not the only channels available. At the top of the screen, there is a button called “Custom Channel List”. Click this button, and you will be brought to a screen listing additional channels available. On the left hand side you will have a list of channels in collapsible file tree view, similar to Windows Explorer. On the right hand side, you will have the channel names listed. You will notice that the first six channels that are listed are the same six channels that are listed on the main window of PPChooser. Rearranging the order of these channels by using the up or down function on the top right of the window, you can select which six channels you would like to appear. So, if you are looking for CCTV5 and it is not visible from the main window of PPChooser. Click on the “Custom Channel List”. Find the channel in the right hand side. If it is not listed there, find the channel in the left hand side and simply drag the channel from the left to the right hand side. This will bring the channel over to the right side of the screen. Then, using the ‘Up’ button, bring the channel within the first six channel options. Close the window and return to the main window of PPChooser. The channel should now be listed there. Choose the program with which you would like to view the channel with, and once again, you off and running.

Do not be discouraged. It is easier than you think. And in scenarios where you cannot afford outrageous cable or satellite TV costs, this is a viable option that also provides more freedom in terms of scheduling.

Terzo Tempo

I love soccer. I feel it perfectly balances simplicity and complexity. What I mean by that is all you need is a ball and some open space. This makes it simple. But at the highest levles and on the greatest stages, soccer is a complex combination of physical endurance and ability, psychological mindgames, and of course intelligence. The complexity of soccer is best demonstrated during 11 v. 11, full field soccer. People may argue that other forms of soccer, such as futsal, beach soccer, or others with the same general principles are also as complex as the 11 v. 11 version. Yet, competition in these forms have not been as thoroughly developed and therefore still have a long ways to go before ever being evenly compared. Proper soccer, in my view, is 11 v. 11 and must be played for a minimum of 90 minutes.

I do not enjoy watching any one type of soccer. Different styles of play are interesting to watch, especially in direct contrast. Though I disagree with the idea that short passes or long passes should be one dominant style of play for a full 90 minutes. There are many different techniques, styles, and approaches for soccer and I feel a mixture of them all is what makes the really great games. In some instances, short passes may be the way to go, in other cases, playing it long will do the trick. But what about medium passes? Slicing through balls that can disassemble defences? Chipped passes that turn defenders into pylons? They should be used as the scenario dictates.

I feel the same way about the players. I liked to see a variety of skills on display by any given player. At the highest level of soccer, players should be well practiced in every aspect of the game. Every player should be two footed. Every player should have an accurate and potent shot. Not every player will be equal in all attributes, but they needed to be versatile in their approach. Much like musicians that play many instruments or a mathematician who employs countless formulas; that is how I expect the greatest players and teams in the world to perform.

My nickname is ‘Terzo Tempo’. I have taken it from Serie A’s new formality that requires players to line up at the end of a match to exchange mutual respect between opponents. Until recently, this formality was only required at the start of play. But many of us that watch soccer regularly know that many things can change over the course of 90 minutes. Wealth of emotions are bursting from every player with a central desire to win expressed by all participants. I feel this new addition is an intelligent step to help keep the beautiful game, beautiful. No more carrying grudges from bad tackles, or refereeing calls that did not go one particular way. After the match, regardless of the outcome, respect is exchanged between opponents who can take a minute from their adrenaline and self-pride and realize that the game is bigger than them. Win or lose; forgetful performances or memorable ones; the game entertained people around the world and was an important exercise in the power of sport. It displayed polished skill, high-class competition, and team unity. No one watches soccer to see grown men arguing with themselves or with the one man charged with keeping it all honest.

I practice what I preach. I play soccer with the upmost respect to my opposition. I do not cheat, bicker, or verbally attack officials. I play with a team; I’m not a solo act. And above all else, I play to best of my abilities because that is what the game requires.

Soccer as study

As a kid, sports were my life. I played organized soccer and hockey — a goalie in both — knew most NHL team rosters by heart, collected hockey cards, cried when Italy was eliminated from the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, asked for Azzurri, Juventus and/or Toronto Maples Leafs jerseys every birthday and Christmas, and spent hours imagining myself as a professional athlete competing in some glorious (and often tragic) championship game.

When I got to high school, my mind and time became preoccupied with other things — music, for the most part, but also writing, working out, drinking, drugs, and friends. By the time I reached university, sports were barely on my radar. I’d follow the Tour de France every July and watch the Leafs blow a playoff run each spring, but not much else. As for soccer, I was a fan of the most casual variety, tuning in every two years to watch the Italians compete in the big international tournaments.

I’m not sure how my obsession with the beautiful game blossomed. I know it loosely overlaps with the time I first read Nick Hornby’s Fever Pitch, but I don’t remember ever thinking, “Hey, I need to become more like this guy.” My friends all seemed to start talking a lot more about the game at the time, but perhaps that was because I started talking more about it.

If I don’t know exactly why calcio caught my attention, I do know when: 2005. The Champions League round-of-16 had just begun. I watched as AC Milan, led by a young a Brazilian with the hilarious and gross name of Kaká and a good-looking Ukranian named Andriy Shevchenko, took out Manchester United. I watched as the next round ended in fiasco, with Inter fans littering the pitch with flares, ending the match prematurely and allowing their city rivals to advance. For the semis, I saw the thrilling second leg encounter between Milan-PSV Eindhoven at small bar in Rome with tourists from Holland who were heartbroken that their side had not advanced despite a 3-1 win (ah, the away goals rule). I remember being surprised by how many Italians in the bar cheered against Milan. How little I knew.

And, of course, I remember the classic final in Istanbul, as Liverpool overcame a 3-0 Milan first half lead to shock the Rossoneri in a penalty shootout. I watched the game alone in the family room of my parents house, making espresso for myself at half time, a ritual I was now practicing regularly. Though rooting for the Italian club, I felt euphoric after the match. I’d just witnessed one of the greatest soccer encounters of all time.



My approach to soccer is almost academic—soccer as study. Because I live in Toronto, I am separated from the passion and romanticism that pervades fan culture in Europe. Besides the Italian national side (and Toronto FC, by default), I support no team in particular. So instead of investing emotion into the success and failings of a particular side, I focus on learning something new about the game each time I watch it. I’m elated when I can say things like, “That’s a classic Inter goal,” when I am able to anticipate who will be substituted, or when I suddenly can see how a role player fits into a squad’s formation and judge how effective he is.

I am also intensely interested in the culture of soccer off the pitch. Fan culture, yes, but also the role of television and journalists in shaping the way we see the game, in the language we use to describe the game, in scandals, and violence, and politics, in the way a society is reflected in its soccer and vice versa. I have purchased several books on the game in recent months and plan on sharing my thoughts about them on this blog.

I’m not an expert. I probably never will be. But I’d like to get as close as possible. Watching soccer to me is like literature, like film, like music, like art. Some people can view it simply as entertainment, a way of passing the time on weekends, and be perfectly content. I have never been able to do that with literature, film, music and art. The same applies to soccer. If I’m not able to study something, to investigate it deeply, then I am bored by it. Luckily, with the beautiful game, there’s more than enough there to keep me fascinated for a long time.

Monday, February 18, 2008

United Arab Emirates Football League - Al Wahda

With Liverpool knocked out of the FA Cup Saturday and their Champions League tie not until Tuesday, I wished to fill my Sunday afternoon with some local football. I imagined that a match between mid-table Al Wahda FC (located not far from my apartment, they are practically my home team), and basement-dwelling Emirates, in a United Arab Emirates League match would lift my spirits.

So I caught a cab to the stadium behind Al Wahda Mall and met up with a friend. Having seen one match previously, he was already a loyal fan.

It was my first taste of UAE football and I was eager — perhaps over eager — to fall in love with Al Wahda as he had. Afterall, it would be the first time I had a club to support whose matches I could watch live. While I’ve seen Toronto FC play, it was business-related viewing and the closest I’ve gotten to seeing Liverpool live was from the First National pub.

So I bought a scarf and ambled into the free match, expecting an easy win and the beginning of a fruitful relationship.

Things started promisingly for Al Wahda — who last lifted the league trophy in 2005 — when they opened the scoring in the 12th minute. The bleachers were far from full but the crowd around me — all men, most wearing disdasha’s — was in good spirits. In the bleachers opposite me, a large group dressed (and presumably paid for their efforts) sang constantly. Near the end of the half, when they broke out the Arabic version of “We Will Rock You,” including the verses, I had fallen in love.

It took 45 minutes for the honeymoon to end.

After a half-hour half-time break, Al Wahda came out looking sleepy and within minutes had conceded the equalizer. Later, the impossible happened when a through-ball into the area was knocked into the back of Al Wahda’s net. My friend and I shook our heads ruefully as the crowd around us actually applauded the goal, each clap dripping with sarcasm. They weren’t happy at all and neither was I.

“This is disgusting,” I said.
“That sums it up perfectly,” my friend replied.

Minutes later, Emirates added a third on a 50-yard free kick that bounded past everyone into the back of the net. I looked to my friend and asked, “Are there any other teams in Abu Dhabi?” Turns out Al-Jazira Sports Club play just as close to where I live and are currently in third place in the league.

“I think I might go watch them play,” I said. “Before I get stuck supporting these guys for the rest of my time here.”
“You’re already hooked mate,” he said.

The home fans kept applauding Emirates, who were actually showboating with the ball now. When the final whistle mercifully blew, they crowded the guard rail and clapped and cheered Al Wahda's effort wildly as the dejected players strolled into the change rooms. Policemen wearing track suits kept a watchful eye.
Al Wahda’s next home game isn’t until April and Al Jazira have three home games in the interim. There is time for me to save myself yet.

But like Nick Hornby with Arsenal, I fear I am already a goner. Al Wahda may not play very attractive football, but “We Will Rock You” never sounded so good.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Antonio 'Peter Pan' Cassano

I have heard a lot about Antonio Cassano’s brilliant play for Sampdoria this season. I’ve read a lot about it, too. I have seen the choppy, blurry YouTube highlights of his many goals, his many near goals, and his many set-ups. But due to my reliance on TLN for Italian soccer coverage, I had not seen Cassano play an entire game until this morning, when I watched Samp take on their derby rivals Genoa.

The jewel of Old Bari was by far the best player on the pitch in the Blucerchiati’s 1-0 win, delivering several magnificent through balls, including one that followed a wicked spin deke in midfield. He set up the game-winning goal by dribbling around two defenders and curling a perfect back-post cross to goalscorer Christian Maggio. When the ref blew the final whistle to end the match, Cassano, who was substituted in the final minutes, dumped a bottle of water onto the head of Samp manager and Dustin Hoffman lookalike Walter Mazzarri to celebrate.

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Cassano is occasionally known by the nickname Peter Pan, due to his seeming inability to grow up. (A nickname less commonly used in the media but probably more commonly used among fans is “Whiny Bitch.”) Though his immaculate skills shone in today’s Derby della Lanterna, the immaturity and petulance that makes him one of the most despised players in the game today was also on full display. He yapped at the official incessantly, drawing a yellow card for arguing in the 26th minute. On several occasions, he went to ground without provocation, clutching his face like he’d taken a punch from Joe Frazier.

Despite all this, Cassano seems to have found a home with his new club (although it should be remembered he’s still on load from Real Madrid). The club, including Mazzarri, seems willing to put up with Peter Pan’s antics so long as he leads them to victory, and hopefully, a UEFA Cup spot. Cassano, for his part, is at his best when he doesn’t have to share the spotlight. Unfortunately, like a child, sometimes he doesn’t seem to care whether the attention he gets is good or bad.

Match Highlights: