With the transfer window closed, one would have hoped that the biggest weekend news, other than the results, would have remained Fabio Capello permitting Steven Gerrard to jet into Liverpool to get in a cameo in Jamie Carragher’s Anfield testimonial versus a collection of Everton alumni. For all the clamour, since South Africa, that Capello is out of touch with his players, such a gesture would seem to say otherwise. You can be sure, though, that the Italian checked first, before giving the okay, to make sure that the likes of Eric Cantona, Nigel de Jong and Mauro Camoranesi had never worn Toffee blue.
Unfortunately that happy story was quickly shouldered aside and no surprise when the News of the World and Sunday Mirror continue to disgrace our presence. It really is none of our business what footballers or any other celebrities do in their spare time or with whom they do it. Like as not, the fish wraps had just as much proof (see nada) in making these allegations as they did in the Bridge/Perroncel/Terry case.
Kudos to Milner for standing behind his mate.
Wayne Rooney hasn’t made a statement on the matter yet but the rest of the media has jumped on board, speculating on such ridiculous things as his World Cup form suffering because he was afraid this story was about to break. If that’s the case, he must have confided in his teammates because their performances were every bit as abysmal as his. At this point it won’t really matter what, if anything, the United star has to say. The majority of the public is only too willing to give credibility to a young woman whose only prospects in life are her equally loose morals and tongue.
What we need is the Beeb, or some other reasonably ethical news source, to follow NOTW and Mirror employees around surreptitiously, dig up their pasts and expose all their peccadilloes. Unfortunately, even their own houses were exposed as being constructed of glass, they’d probably continue throwing stones. Anything for a few bob in the pocket.
Fortunately, my parakeets have just finished eating a pound or so of seed and I can shove these sorry excuses for newspapers where they belong, at the bottom of the cage, shit to catch shit, and get on to the weekend highlights.
Enjoy!
Geoff did say he was growing a beard ahead of this trip.
Geoff Edwards (Bueller?… Bueller?… Bueller?)
Geoff is still on holiday and he will be sorry to have missed:
Belgium 0 – 1 Germany
Once again, it was Klose but Germany pulled out a 1-0 victory over Georges Leekens’ Belgians. The home side was very frisky early on but could not find a way past Manuel Neuer. They would regret that, as the three headed World Cup monster of Lukas Podolski, Thomas Müller and Miroslav Klose began to attack the Rote Teufel goal. Six minutes into the restart, an inattentive Vincent Kompany was dispossessed on the edge of the box. The loose ball caromed directly to Müller, who quickly found Klose, alone with the space, time and precision to find the corner of goal.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eum_lEcEZKM
Germany continued their half century mastery over Belgium but Leekens can take heart in the overall play of his squad.
Tapesh Patel
Tapesh Patel
France 0-1 Belarus
A French pundit called this result “la douche froide” (a cold shower) and France certainly received a rude awakening from a very average Belarus side. There were many positives – Florent Malouda sparkled as captain, while Yann M’Vila again belied his tender years – but ultimately Belarus seized upon France’s profligacy in front of goal. Midfielder Sergey Kisliak horrified Les Bleus with an 86th minute winner, and France have now lost four in a row, their worst run since 1937.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxuMnOUJ8xA
Lithuania 0-0 Scotland
When previewing this match, I called it a tight six-pointer and that’s exactly how it panned out. Scotland undoubtedly had the better of the game, but did not have the tools to unlock their opponents, who frequently disrupted the Scottish rhythm with some tough tackling. This was a missed opportunity for Scotland, and only a win will now do against Liechtenstein on Tuesday.
Editor’s note: So, we were thinking… Why post some drab highlights from a nil-nil snorefest(?) when there was a more entertaining international taking place nearby that we thought you might like to see! The camera-man’s work isn’t the best and neither is his English but it’s good fun nonetheless.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBIZ_A8H7c8
Chris Mann
Chris Mann
Liechtenstein 0 – 4 Spain
Alas, double figures were not reached by Vicente Del Bosque’s world champions but the Spanish inevitably cantered to a comfortable victory, all the same. Fernando Torres opened the scoring with a delicate chip after just eighteen minutes, with David Villa doubling the lead only eight minutes later, to see his team go into half-time with a two goal lead. Shortly after the break Torres beat the Liechtenstein ‘keeper, at his near post, to complete his brace, before David Silva added a gloss to the scoreline, on the hour. A ruthlessly efficient start to the campaign from La Furia Roja.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3RXja7z67U
Estonia 1-2 Italy
After seven straight games without a win, just to have beaten Estonia will be a relief for the Azzurri, but Cesare Prandelli’s side were far from convincing in the face of some determined Baltic opposition, on a wet night in Tallinn. Indeed, the home side held the lead after half-an-hour, when Sergei Zenjov took advantage of some poor goalkeeping by Salvatore Sirigu to set up what could have been a famous victory for Tarmo Ruutli’s side. However, Prandelli’s men stirred themselves in the second half and – largely thanks to Antonio Cassano – managed to salvage a hard-fought victory. Cassano scored the first as he stooped to convert an Andrea Pirlo header before, just two minutes later, deftly flicking another corner on to Leonardo Bonnuci who stroked the ball beyond Sergei Pareiko. It wasn’t straightforward for the Italians, but at least they are back to winning ways.
httpv://youtube.com/watch?v=dyDuNqPwRKI
Avi Goldberg
Avi Goldberg
San Marino 0 – 5 The Netherlands
Bert Van Marwijk waited to release the names of the starting 11 until the game is about to start. Opting for a consistent formation, he hasn’t changed much, even though he could have played a more aggressive shape against a lightwieight side. Johny Heitinga, suspended for his red card v Spain, was replaced in the heart of defence by Hedwiges Maduro. First half difficulties made it obvious that the Oranje had used up a lot of emotional energy, being in a long and ultimately fruitless chase of the World Cup. A little time was needed to get back together on the pitch and start again.
Minutes after a goal was ruled offside, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was brought down in the box and Dirk Kuyt converted the penalty. On the 26th minute, however, there came a scary moment for keeper Maarten Stekelenburg. Andy Selva shot from afar and almost caught him off guard. That brought the focus back to the side, though, and a quickly taken free kick from Wesley Sneijder gave the opportunity for Kuyt to cross for Huntelaar to tap in 2-0.
Not a phenomenal first half but the second introduced more creativity in the field, when Rafael van der Vaart put Huntelaar to his second and third for the night. The moment of return then came, as Kuyt made way for Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Van ‘The Man’ couldn’t be happier, after scoring a nice volley in extra time, to make it a final 5-0.
Okay, it was against a much weaker team but the Oranje got their first 3 points and will look to continue with the same solid and successful formation against their next opponent, Finland.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEqb84OUG7M
Martin Palazzotto
Martin Palazzotto
Major League Soccer
The swing match in the weekend spate took place at Rio Tinto Stadium, in Salt Lake. The Red Bulls came to town without defender Rafa Marquez, who was captaining Mexico to a loss against Ecuador, and were completely disorganised in the first half. Fabio Espindola’s strike, for Real, should have been one of many but the home side didn’t take their chances. New York found their shape in the second 45 but not an equaliser.
With the LA Galaxy managing a draw in Chicago and the Columbus Crew taking care of business, with a 0-1 victory at cellar dwelling DC United, the Western Conference became much tighter, while the gap in the East widened.
Salt Lake, the MLS Cup holders, are now positioned to snatch the Supporter’s Shield, for best overall record. The Galaxy have been bleeding points since their upset loss to Puerto Rico Islanders, in the CONCACAF Champions League qualifiers. David Beckham’s rumoured return can’t come soon enough for manager Bruce Arena.
That Chicago managed only a draw against the fallen Angelinos doesn’t bode well for thir fading playoff hopes. They do still have 2 games in hand on the field but will have to take maximum points from them to be a factor at season’s end. meanwhile, watch out for FC Dallas coming out of the west. Despite sitting 5th in the table they have gotten results out of more games than any other side, thus far, having lost just twice.
Real Salt Lake v NY Red Bulls
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te29oncHmZs
..
Chicago Fire v LA Galaxy
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fZIViCiHB8
Mexican Apertura
Chivas de Guadalajara 3 – 0 UAG Tecos
The Goats are definitely baa-a-aa-ack! Before a packed Estadio OmniLife. in Guadalajara, Chivas put the horns to derby rivals Tecos. Having spent the early part of the Apertura season more concerned with chasing the Copa Libertadores in South America, Jose Luis Real’s squad knew they had work to do, if they are to figure in the first half of the split season. They quickly got down to business, showing the difference between themselves and last place Tecos.
On 37 minutes, midfielder Marco Fabian connected with a perfect long distance backdoor cross to Omar Bravo, who headed the Goats into the lead. In the second half, the skies opened up and so did Chivas. After seeing several chances denied by Tecos keeper, Mario Rodriguez, Ricardo Vasquez Gallien finally found a way past him to double the lead. The skies would clear but Chivas continued to rain shots on Rodriguez. At the death, Marco Fabian would cap off the scoring, after a mad scramble around the Tecos box.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMN5NsIuaA0
Argentine Apertura
Velez Sarsfield 2 – 1 River Plate
Faced with a herculean task, needing to defeat city rivals River Plate, to both leapfrog them and keep pace with cheeky Arsenal de Sarandi, Velez Sarsfield made full use of their home pitch advantage to earn a hard fought victory. Juan Manuel Martinez opened the scoring for Velez, just after the half hour but Diego Buonanotte pegged the home side back just before time. It was a rough match all around, with both sides earning 4 cautions. Santiago Silva’s penalty conversion, in the 58th minute put El Fortin on top once more but they had to circle the wagons when Leandro Somoza was sent off with almost 20 minutes remaining.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3OL4do6e6E
Eliot Rothwell
Eliot Rothwell
Montenegro 1 – 0 Wales
It’s fair to say Wales will be disappointed with this result. Montenegro ran out winners from a Mirko Vucinic goal that was celebrated emphatically by his countrymen. John Toshack’s side never really looked threatening going forward and lacked a creative outlet in midfield, to assist the attacking players.
Wales will need to improve to have any hope of qualifying.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ltf-MgJqny4
Editor’s note: According to reports, John Toshack has decided to throw in the towel. In two years, he’s been unable to make any progress with the squad and apparently alienated the most talented of his players. As his decision caught the FAW by surprise, there is no successor in the frame and Toshack has agreed to stay on until one is found.
England 4 – 0 Bulgaria
A great win and a good performance. Not spectacular but good. This doesn’t makes England world beaters but certainly shows that the players were capable of achieving more at the World Cup. Hopefully,as a result, certain facets of the press may now take a step back from their mindless Capello baiting.
Jermaine Defoe looked lively upfront and England reaped the rewards of some tidy finishing. There are still question marks to be solved for England, the largest of those being the bumbling Glen Johnson who, apart from having superb physical attributes, has an astounding lack of technique, tactical awareness and positioning. Onwards we go.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSwm_NginjA
Slovenia 0 – 1 Northern Ireland
A 1-0, backs against the wall, away win. It can only be Northern Ireland. Nigel Worthington’s men overcame the lacklustre Slovenian’s through a combination of smart tactics and fighting spirit. The younger of the Evans brothers, Corey, netted the winning goal in a game that saw Northern Ireland illustrate that they may be a force to be reckoned with.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCz7ZtTwuFw
Kris Dwyer
The Oz Files with Kris Dwyer
Socceroos 0 – 0 Switzerland
Well that was dour wasn’t it? A nil-all draw, but good signs, as Australia moved away from the dredge of a 1 man strike force, something we’ve been succumbing to for years, under Dutch management.
Scott Macdonald has a lot to answer for, having missed many gilt-edged chances. However, Helger Osieck has defended the striker, claiming he admired his work rate.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFmCFU50deg
Perth Glory 2 – 1 Wellington Phoenix
This game was always gonna be big, and the crowd of the round showed up in force in Western Australia with 10,844 fans filing into nib Stadium. The game got off with a masterpiece of brilliance, Robbie Fowler turning and placing a lobbed through-pass onto the boot of Todd Howarth, from the centre of the park. Howarth then crossed it straight to Mile Sterjovski, for a tap-in in front of the adoring ‘shed,’ after just six minutes The Glory were then denied a second by the referee who incorrectly called Sterjovski offside, and both sides went into the break, with the Glory 1-0 up.
On the restart, the Glory again came out fired up. This time, Mile Sterjovski proved to be provider for marquee man Robbie Fowler, who headed it graciously into the net for his second Perth Glory goal and first in front of a home crowd. There was a late rush home by Wellington Phoenix, however. In the 76th minute, Ben Sigmund rose above the Glory defence, to nod home past Velaphi, but the Glory ran out winners in an end to the game that left fans on the edge of their seat.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_MV0f81sxc
Interviewed during the break, former Glory player and fan favourite Eugene Dadi provided a moment of hilarity. ”Well I’m waiting for a contract and it’s Fathers Day. Dadi is here!” quipped the 37 year old Ivorian. Comical Brilliance.
Melbourne Heart 1 – 0 North Queensland Fury
Not much to say about this one, other than the stock of Nick Kalmar continues to rise. His meteoric ascent from the second tier VPL has been one of the stories of the year, with the young player already off the mark, with two goals. Kalmar’s well timed header, in the first half, was enough for the Heart to secure their first win of the season and they jump up into sixth place with 5 points.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnMXBh7HVqM
Once again, we’ve been happy to put the World in World Football Columns. Just in case you haven’t had enough video, we’ll leave you with a clip from the Glory Shed in Perth, where the home supporters welcome their Kiwi visitors with a short verse.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnYkfCftNwc
It’s not very cultured but, last I checked, the Opera House was in Sydney, not Perth.
See you on Friday!
I must say, I cannot legislate for the fact that Wales are referred to as "the club" in the editor's note!
Posted by Eliot Rothwell | 6 September, 2010, 22:17Perhaps, the Editor is human.
Thanks for using the comment section to inform me of the error.
Posted by martin | 7 September, 2010, 01:05The editor is a little harsh on the girl who Wayne Rooney enjoyed his indiscretion with – I'm guessing you don't know much about her personal circumstances and what her potential career prospects were or are? How many people do you know who wouldn't take the kind of money being offered for a story like that? She hasn't actually done anything wrong in my eyes, any public figure (and/or husband) should know better than to get involved in something that could end his or her marriage or damage their public persona.
On that score, if the footballers want the money and celebrity that comes with being successful – then they have to accept their status and ultimately the fact that they are everyone's property in many ways. Everything they do is scrutinised, that is only magnified to the levels obtained by the likes of Rooney and Ashley Cole by seeking to embrace the lifestyle – photo shoots in Hello and such like. They have sold out in a way. Oddly though, I have read this sympathetic reaction in many guises over the last few days – yet the same cannot be said for Ashley Cole nor John Terry when their extra-marital affairs broke – why is that? Effectively they have behaved in the same way, yet the London based pair are roundly despised by fans across the country. On selling out can you imagine ever reading this story about the likes of Paul Scholes or Andres Iniesta? Football needs more humility.
On the England game, I thought Adam Johnson looked quality after coming on in both games. For his goal against Switzerland he made intelligent run after intelligent run, something you seldom see from the likes of Lennon and Wright-Phillips. Indeed the outside to inside run he made that resulted in his goal was genius and made Gerrard's task of playing him in simple.
Posted by Steve Atkinson | 7 September, 2010, 23:27You're right. I don't know much about her life. What I do know, that she is willing to sell her body for money, tells me that her word isn't good enough to be taken on its own merit. No proof has been provided beyond that, yet you, like so many others are willing to believe what she says. Rooney has already been convicted of something he may have never done.
As for John Terry, I have written something about that, on this site, entitled Caught In The Lies. As well, I recommend the Guardian article linked in this post.
Nor do I buy into the opinion that celebrities are public property. They are human beings, like everyone else, entitled and expected to make mistakes. I have no respect for those who find entertainment, or profit, in other people's tragedies. And these allegations are a tragedy for Colleen Rooney and her in-laws, as the ones surrounding Veronica Perroncel were for her, Wayne Bridge and John Terry.
To answer your question of why this reaction is forthcoming for the Rooneys when it didn't for Perroncel or Ashley Cole, I can only speak for myself. Having been bitten by the reporting on the Perroncel story, I am now very shy about what I read and demand more proof than the word of a prostitute who is being paid for her story. As for Ashley Cole, I never really paid much attention to the accounts of his alleged escapades. I prefer to judge footballers on football related matters and, similar to Nicolas Anelka's behaviour at and in the wake of the WC, Cole's tweeted opinion of international duty tells me what I need to know about him.
Happily, though, we agree on Adam Johnson's performances.
Posted by martin | 8 September, 2010, 16:16