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Over the past ten days, the Reds from Merseyside have been mingling with the greens of the Premier League.  Green as in greenbacks.  New money, old money, oodles of money. Whilst they have enjoyed the benefit of a roughly £40 million net investment in their own playing squad over the last twelve months, their last three matches have been against teams bankrolled by billionaires; the type who are happy to spend around £30-40 million on single players whom are later let go for peanuts.  Andrei Shevchenko or Robinho, anyone?

Over that period, Liverpool have beaten Chelsea twice at Stamford Bridge, advancing to the Carling Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2005.  As well, they’ve come as close to beating Manchester City in the league than anyone else to date. After the doom and gloom following the draw with Swansea at Anfield, things have certainly changed for the better.

The sequence began with a league visit to Stamford Bridge. I had been calling for Maxi Rodriguez to start more often and he duly repaid my faith — and Kenny Dalglish’s — by opening the scoring in his first league start of the season.  Although Chelsea later drew level through substitute Daniel Sturridge, who had been brought on to replace the hapless Jon Obi Mikel, whose dithering had led to the first Liverpool goal, Glen Johnson popped up with the winning goal with three minutes to go.  Before I pull my arm out of its socket patting myself on the back, I should confess that I was also clamouring for  Martin Kelly to occupy the right back berth instead of Johnson.  Just a friendly reminder from the football gods, I suppose, that I should stick to blogging rather than trying to tell Dalglish what to do.

Still, I was delighted to be proven wrong when Glen scored the decisive goal, and the result heaped more pressure onto Chelsea’s beleaguered boss André Villas-Boas. Subsequent defeats in the Champions League and Carling Cup will have done him no favours either.

With no European football themselves, Liverpool were afforded a full week to prepare for the visit of Manchester City.  However, for only the seventh time in the thirty-one League games of Kenny’s second tenure, Liverpool conceded the first goal of the match, when Vincent Kompany got his — erm — shoulder to a corner.

Within two minutes Liverpool were level, though. Whilst the goal was lucky in as much as Charlie Adam’s off-target shot was deflected past Joe Hart by Joleon Lescott, it was probably the only piece of luck that Liverpool received all afternoon.  If you’re going to get a result against the elite Premier League teams, you certainly need to take advantage of those rare strokes of fortune when they arrive.  They don’t come often, nor do they linger.

England’s number one Hart was in inspired form, saving all six of the shots on target that the Reds mustered, denying them two points in the process. The stats for the match show just how well Liverpool did against City, when compared to the Citizens’ previous league opponents.

Hart has only had to make 3.8 saves per match on average, and Liverpool gave him over fifty percent more work to do. At the other end of the pitch, City had been averaging a frightening twenty shots per game until they went to Anfield; the Reds limited them to just seven. Liverpool can be proud of their performance against City, even if they only earned a single point for their efforts.

The final match of the blank cheque trilogy saw Liverpool return to Stamford Bridge, and this time my team selection was spot on.

Maxi continued his fabulous scoring form by slotting home a perfect cross from Craig Bellamy. The Argentine now has ten goals from his last nine starts for Liverpool, stretching back to last season, which is a fabulous return. The signing of Maxi on a free transfer was certainly one of Rafa Benitez’ shrewdest transfer moves.  Martin Kelly then got his head to another pinpoint Bellamy cross, from a free kick on this occasion, and the win was sealed.

Proud Welshman Bellamy deserves a huge amount of credit for registering two assists and earning the fans’ man of the match award so soon after the tragic death of his friend and mentor Gary Speed. A word, too, for the travelling Kop, who proved they know where the lines of rivalry are drawn, loudly chanting boyhood Evertonian Speed’s name at several points throughout the match, whilst the Chelsea fans booed Lucas Leiva when he was carried off on a stretcher. Such instances remind me why I chose Liverpool in my formative years.

The injury to Lucas, which has since been confirmed to have rendered him unavailable for the remainder of the season, was the only black mark on another fantastic night for Liverpool and Kenny Dalglish. I suspect that Jay Spearing, will finally be given another chance to shine in a deep Anfield squad. Jonjo Shelvey, who has scored six goals in ten games on loan at Blackpool, has also been recalled to add to the squad’s midfield options.

As for Dalglish, he has now managed the Reds to four of their last six wins at Stamford Bridge, and one of those was in 1989! He seems to have the measure of Chelsea, and long may it continue. Liverpool have now won four successive matches against the Blues for the first time since 1974, which shows how rare it such dominance can be. They actually won five in a row in that spell which began in 1972.  There’s a bit of motivational material — not that the King has seemed lacking for any.

With a cup semi-final in the bag, giving Dalglish a home domestic cup tie after five away trips in a row, and with a 1.77 points-per-game average in the league with six winnable (on paper, at least) matches to come, I am certainly looking forward to the next couple of months.

Statistics sourced from EPLIndex. Read more of Andrew Beasley @ basstunedtored.com

I was reading a blog the other day and the subject was more or less the title of this article.  The blogger was referring to South American footballers who seem to arrive at European teams younger and younger every year.

It made very interesting reading. The article touched upon several examples of players dubbed as future stars, who, if they didn’t fail completely, at least fell well short of their early hype.  The list included such names as Denilson, Robinho, Aimar and D’alessandro.

Both the piece itself and the comments left by readers were, on the whole, intelligent , even if there was a sense of tunnel vision.  There were the usual observations that “Robinho is rubbish”, “Ronaldinho has lost his ambition” and “Aimar never lived up to his next Maradona tag.”  Those comments are obviously subject to the individual reader’s concept of the skill set for the ideal footballer.  Such, of course, was not the point of the blog, in the first place.

On the other hand, there were some other, more germane stereotypes voiced:

• “South American leagues are weak, and the players get to Europe and find they are not as good as they thought they were.”
• “Players find it difficult to adapt to the jump in quality and the expectations big money moves create.”
• “Players don’t develop as quickly under the high standards of European training; they don’t like it.”

These are closer to the subject matter, even though I find them to be inaccurate and patronising.  Yet perhaps not as much as the suggestion that the standard of management is so much higher in Europe that there was no excuse for South American players not to succeed.

It is, I think, a human problem, rather than a sporting one.  Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs sums the situation up well.  Psychologist Abraham Maslow first introduced his concept of a hierarchy of needs in the 1943 paper “A Theory of Human Motivation” and again in his subsequent book, Motivation and Personality.

Maslow  theorised that people are motivated to fulfill basic needs before moving on to others.  Maslow visualised his hierarchy as a pyramid, with the lowest level composed of the most basic human needs; food, water, sleep and warmth.  Once a person obtains those, the concentrate on the next level; safety and security.

As people progress up the pyramid, needs become increasingly psychological and social. Soon, the need for love, friendship and intimacy become important. Further up the pyramid, the need for personal esteem and feelings of accomplishment take priority.

If you apply the pyramid to young South American footballers moving to a new continent, society and set of customs, you can see where they might encounter some difficulty.  Money is not an issue, as they normally are well paid, with the club making sure that, at least until they have settled in their new environment, they have adequate accommodations and nutrition.

Thus, the initial success many experience can be attributed to a level of comfort as much as it is to the normally presumed enthusiasm at arriving at a new club.  Clubs know that the first six or seven weeks can be crucial in a player’s development.  Normally the players who integrate into their new communities beyond the initial stage are the ones who continue to perform at the highest level and enjoy their football.

Despite popular opinion, footballers are concerned with more than kicking a ball around and having plenty of money to spend.  In a new environment, there can be a great deal of free time and no one to spend it with.  If the club leaves the player to his own devices too soon, he may become bored, alienated and depressed, with his performance suffering as a result.

We all know that Robinho, Ronaldinho and Aimar can play; that has never been questioned.  The same goes for Juan Roman Riquelme and the new poster boy of the debate, Carlos Tevez.  What has come under scrutiny is their dedication.  Yet rather than dedication, might it not be a question of being unhappy with their surroundings?

For those of you who believe the answer lies in differing standards of footballing or coaching, ask yourself what would happen if the financial shoe were on the other foot?  What if South America was where the money was?  Would emigrating European footballers succeed in the Brasilian or Argentine leagues?

The level of training and development in the region is amazing.  South American players are known for their technique, and no matter how many emigrate to all parts of the world, there are always more to take their place.  Brazil and Argentina have long been the world’s two greatest exporters of footballing talent.  There are so many good South American players, in fact, that one wonders if there would be room for Europeans in a lucrative Campeonato or Apertura & Clausura.

No, it is not a matter of technical merit.  The struggle for young South Americans is rooted in the human condition.  And while the inexperience of youth makes it difficult to adapt to new cultures, young players at teams like Arsenal and Ajax have managed to assimilate with the support of their club.  Therefore, if you ask me, European sides aren’t buying players too young; they just aren’t realising that their investment requires more than just money to come good. 

Is Michel Platini fighting a losing battle or is 2011-12 merely the final, frantic, spasming death throe of the way it’s always been done?  After a cautious 2010-11, when spending was tempered by the reality of a global recession and the perceived threat of Financial Fair Play, 2011-12 has erupted into the Year of Money, making one wonder just how seriously the big clubs are taking UEFA’s attack on excessive spending.

Look at the defending champions in Ligue 1, the Bundesliga, Serie A and even the Premier League.  Lille and Borussia Dortmund each won their competitions with young, mostly homegrown squads.  Both sides emerged from a condensed pack in the second half of the season, taking control of their leagues while the traditional powers, such as Bayern, Bremen, Leverkusen, Marseille and Lyon, struggled to come to grips with the fact that age and experience were no longer sufficient to overcome youth and speed.

It was the same elsewhere.  AC Milan traveled a more beaten path, acquiring thoroughbreds Robinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Antonio Cassano, albeit at cut-rate prices, as the Rossoneri also emerged from a jumbled pack in the winter months to claim their first Scudetto in seven years.  In England, Manchester United belied their status as the most valuable sporting club in the world, weathering Chelsea’s early dominance, Arsenal’s enthusiasm and City’s persistence and pacing themselves to their record nineteenth championship, without any noticeable spending.

Barcelona was the only champion who won by spending big, bringing in David Villa and Javier Mascherano in a bid to stay ahead of Real Madrid, now led by their Champions League nemesis, Jose Mourinho.

This season, the shoe is on the other foot.  The Achilles heel of Arsenal’s youth policy — that loyalty to club is trumped by big money offers — was cruel exposed this summer, with both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri jumping ship.  The same has occurred at Lille and Dortmund, with players such as Yohan Cabaye, Gervinho and André Schürrle lured away by clubs willing to pay more than the title holders can afford to keep their talent.   Milan, who made only small changes in the summer, are chasing a completely revamped Juventus.  United, who spent big but focused on youth, were blown out of the water by their ‘noisy neighbours’, who again lavished tens of millions on big name stars while casting away last year’s investments like outdated fashions.

A week after their 6-1 thrashing of United at Old Trafford, which put them five points and twelve goals clear at the top of the Premier League, City widened the gap by beating Wolves 3-1 while United held off Everton 1-0.   All that oil money is beginning to pay off.

In Paris, another Qatari contingent has invested millions in that city’s lone major club, signing Palermo’s Javier Pastore out from under the noses of Chelsea and complementing his talents with those of Kevin Gameiro, Jeremy Menez and a host of others.  After a short but bumpy bedding in, during which nearly everyone other than new Sporting Director Leonardo was ready to panic, PSG are now three points ahead of Montpellier in first place.

Bayern, whose reputation as big spenders may colour perceptions somewhat, largely stood pat in the off-season.  Their one major purchase was secured before the window opened, agreeing to terms with Schalke for the services of German number one Manuel Neuer, after a heated negotiation.  Still, the line-up which is now leaving the rest of the Bundesliga behind is comprised of highly sought after and dearly bought talent.  The key differences are that Franck Ribery is finally in the full bloom of health and form, and that new old coach Jupp Heynckes has placed complete trust in Mario Gomez, whereas had his predecessor Louis van Gaal had his druthers, the twelve goal man would have been offloaded two summers ago.

Ironically, the lone exception of money talking and bullshit walking this year in the major competitions is Barcelona.  Despite finally prying Cesc Fabregas from the Gunners and paying through the nose for the now injured Alexis Sánchez, the Catalans are chasing Real Madrid, who turned down opportunities to purchase Neymar and Emmanuel Adebayor.  To be fair, the Castilians did match Barça euro for euro during their summer shopper spree, but other than Fabio Coentrao, most of Madrid’s investment has been earmarked for the future, while Cesc and Sánchez were very much intended to be plug and play.  In that light, Real’s early lead seems an example of doing more with less.  Of course, as the former American wrestler Nature Boy Rick Flair was fond of saying, “To be the man, you have to beat the man.”  So, one can’t put too much weight on the Meringues’ early lead until they meet  the Blaugrana in the opening leg of this season’s Clasico in December.   When the season ends, it won’t be a shock if Barcelona’s €55 million outlay brings them yet another championship.

The lure of the big buck works both ways, however.  United Arab Emirates club Al Ain forced a loan from Premier League side Sunderland by turning the head of Ghanaian World Cup hero Asamoah Gyan with the promise of outlandish wages and let’s not even get into what Russian Premier League minnows Anzhi Makhachkala paid to sign Samuel Eto’o.  So, it’s not just the top sides who flash the cash.

In any event, it does not appear that clubs are taking UEFA’s proposals seriously.  All told, UEFA clubs paid out over half a billion euros for players in the summer.  That’s a mind-boggling figure, even if top sides weren’t facing the prospect of losing their license to play in the Champions or Europa Leagues should they fail to balance the books.  That they are makes their lack of restraint even more puzzling.

On the other hand, the top clubs’ continued dissatisfaction with international scheduling and compensation for injured players has led European Club Association chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge to suggest that the organisation’s contract with UEFA, which obligates major clubs to compete in the Champions and Europa Leagues and to allow their stars to compete when summoned by their national teams, should not be renewed when it expires in 2014.

If that occurs, ECA members could break away from their national federations and form an elite European league, possibly patterned after the American franchise system, which does not employ promotion and relegation.  While the concept may seem completely alien and even impossible to the average European fan, it has been so profitable that the Forbes list of the fifty most valuable sports teams is dominated by American franchises.  Most notably, all thirty-two NFL clubs are on the list, although they are joined by six baseball and two basketball squads.  F1 teams Ferrari and McLaren also make the cut, leaving just eight places (less than twenty percent) to be split between the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga and Bundesliga, UEFA’s so-called Big Four.  ECA big wigs can’t be happy with those numbers.

Further research into dealings across the pond reveals that baseball and basketball both support lower league programs which the universally profitable NFL has chosen to abandon.

An ECA break from UEFA, in order to follow gridiron’s ‘look out for number one’ example, would naturally have a drastic effect on the footballing landscape.  An elite competition without promotion and relegation would likely consign lower divisions and non league football to the rubbish heap.  Big clubs with the power to deny national federations access to their best players would also threaten the existence of the Euros, Copa Libertadores, African Cup of Nations and, of course, the World Cup.  Yet, with the amazing success of the NFL, can ECA chairmen be blamed for wanting to be rid of the ‘dead weight’ of the lower leagues in exchange for a much bigger slice of the pie?

Michel Platini doesn’t believe that the threats of the ECA are anything more than posturing. He points out that big clubs are just as much to blame for the crowded fixture list when they schedule extended summer tours to the far corners of the globe, regardless of the fact that these lucrative junkets help to promote UEFA as a whole.  But when he asks why the ECA doesn’t consider smaller clubs when lobbying for independent television rights, he loses his audience.  The big clubs know that they can make more money if they don’t have to prop up the lower tiers.  Threatening to “throw them out” before they leave of their own accord, as Platini did in July, may not be the best position to take.

Abandoning the century and a half old club system may seem inconceivable to UEFA, but both sides have been pushing hard to rake in every available penny and pound, filling the fixture list with competitions, friendlies and tours to the point of bursting, with neither group satisfied with their share of the spoils.  Platini needs to pay more heed to the clubs’ argument that it is they who invest the money in players, assuming the greater financial risk.

Should he not, the question bears asking again.  Is Financial Fair Play necessary and just legislation which will corral irresponsible spending and preserve the UEFA club system or a draconian measure that will drive the big clubs right off the reservation?

Three clubs put themselves in good positions in Round 34 of the 2010-11 Serie A season.

AC Milan all but stuffed the Scudetto in a sack and absconded, with a late victory over Baggio’s Boys at the Mario Rigamonti.  Robinho’s eighty-second minute goal gave the Rossoneri all three points and put down a Brescia uprising, after Milan had dominated most of the match without being able to finish.  With four matches yet to play, Massimiliano Allegri’s squad now need any combination of four points, either picked up by them or dropped by Inter and just three with Napoli to officially become champions.  Brescia, sadly, are five points away from safety and seem destined for a return ticket to Serie B.

At the Stadio Olimpico, the second episode of Un Lupo Americano A Roma had a much happier ending than the first, with AS Roma taking a 1-0 victory over Chievo de Verona.  Simone Perrotta notched his third of the season for the Lupi just four minutes from the opening.  The Giallorossi then held on for the rest of the match, although they wasted several chances, most notably through the suddenly snakebitten Mirko Vucinic, to put the match on ice.  With Juve only able to draw in the Saturday evening match, the Giallorossi consolidated their hold on the final Europa League place.

As the Football Gods seem to be alternating favourites on a week to week basis, Roma are also back in the picture for the Champions League, albeit with outside help needed, after suffering their first league defeat under the stewardship of Vincenzo Montella last week.  The defeat to Palermo also marred the debut of new Bostonian chairman Thomas Di Benedetto.  Now, however, they are just four points in arrears of Roman rivals Lazio.  A point per week is much to ask to close in on the Champions League but not impossible.

What is it with Brazilians and pregnancy? Kaka celebrated his brace at Valencia in similar fashion. I've heard of being in touch with your feminine side but...

The most positive performance of the week must be reserved for Parma, though.  The Crusaders have played the third through fifth place sides over their last three matches and, after losing to Lazio in the opener have upended both Inter and Udinese, with every match ending in an identical 2-0 score.

Before the two victories, Parma were looking like a club on the way down.  Goals were very hard to come by and leading scorer Hernan Crespo was sitting on the bench in favour of the Brazilian Amauri.  It’s a familiar theme in Crespo’s career; he’s ceded his place to the likes of Ronaldo, Didier Drogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the past.  With Amauri in splendid form, however, the Crusaders are on a mission, having lifted themselves three points clear of the drop.  Up next is an encounter with another side with a sudden spring in its step, Palermo.

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The Bad

After solid victories last week brought Lazio and Udinese to within reach of automatic Champions League places, their form deserted them this week.  As well, Juventus wasted its second opportunity in a row to pressure Roma for the final Europa League position.

Lazio went down the hardest, as they let a failing Inter up off the mat in a 2-1 defeat.  Spark plug Mauro Zarate gave the Aquiles the early lead with a penalty on twenty-four minutes but the visitors could not hold on, despite Inter keeper Julio Cesar having been redcarded.  Shortly before the half, Wesley Sneijder leveled the match for the ten remaining Nerazzurri, with a scintillating free kick which left Lazio keeper Fernando Muslera looking foolish.  Inter began to believe in themselves and Javier Zanetti found Samuel Eto’o on the counter early in the second frame to give the hosts their winner.

Lazio remain in the Champions League qualifying place but, now five points behind Lazio and just four ahead of Roma, must concern themselves more with keeping what they have rather than earning more.  Inter, meanwhile, are suddenly in second place again.  That’s not where you’d expect a team to be who can’t keep the ball out of their own goal and are already looking for a new coach for next season.  Whether Leonardo’s job is safe is still in doubt but, down to ten men and their second choice keeper, Luca Castelazzi, the Brazilian had his side doing a convincing impersonation of a solid defensive unit.

Sneijder and Eto'o are happy to have lifted Inter back into second but have no plans for children in the immediate future.

Udinese weren’t able to display similar resolve in their defeat to Parma.  Gokhan Inler was sent off twenty minutes in, when he bumped the referee after being called for a foul on Sebastian Giovinco.  German Denis was unable to form the same understanding with the returning Alexis Sánchez that still injured captain Antonio di Natale has enjoyed, leaving the Friuli rather impotent while a man down.  As already mentioned, Parma’s new talisman, Amauri had no such issues, claiming both of Parma’s goals.  The Bianconeri at least gave no ground to Lazio and are still within a point of the final Champions league slot.  With Roma and Juventus on their heels, though, a victory against Fiorentina at the Artemio Franchi next week has become essential to their European well-being.

After a scoreless draw against the Viola last week, Juve felt the urgency and opened up their attack on Saturday against Catania.  Unfortunately, they ended up in the same place, even if the ride was a little more exciting.  Alessandro del Piero’s first half brace seemed to indicate matters were going the Old lady’s way but ten minutes from time she nodded off and the Rossoblu struck back through Alejandro Gomez and, with the final kick of the match, Francesco Lodi. The two draws find the Bianconeri three points behind Roma, on the outside looking in, when a touch here or there might have found them a point ahead.  Such are the minor differences on which Luigi del Neri’s job is hung.

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The Ugly

It’s all going wrong for Napoli.  Two minutes into their match against Palermo, Edinson Cavani slotted home from the spot after a handball in the box, bringing himself level with Antonio di Natale in the chase for the Golden Boot.  Yet, just as with the Lazio/Inter match early goals have been bad omens in Serie A this season.  So many early leads have been squandered that Catenaccio seems in danger of extinction.  Suddenly, everything in Lega Calcio is wild and crazy instead of safe and sanitised.

Which brings us to Palermo, who have both a loudmouthed chairman and shocking pink kits that turn heads with regularity.  Before the half was over, Federico Balzetti had equalised and Cesare Bovo had won the match from the spot.  Believe it or not, Maurizio Zamparini, who sacked Delio Rossi after a 7-0 loss and rehired him less than two months later, in the wake of a 4-0 drubbing, has watched his team dip and rise like a rollercoaster, to the point where they are now six points out of Europe.  With just four games left, there probably isn’t enough time to finish the ride but with Parma, Bologna, Bari and Sampdoria on the slate, it’s not beyond Zamparini’s unlimited imagination to set sixth place as the team’s goal.

Napoli, in the interim, have slipped to third and lost any hope of the Scudetto.  Lazio and Udinese are luckily far enough behind that it shouldn’t be too difficult to hold onto their automatic berth in the Champions League.  All Walter Mazzarri has to do is teach them how to win again.

♦   ◊   ♦

What Would Clint Do?

In appreciation of Francesco Lodi’s absolute last gasp leveler for Catania, which left Juve stuck behind Roma for yet another week, WWCD is taking a classic rock interlude.  The first verse of this CCR 1969 B-side hit sums up the Old Lady’s season in a nutshell.  Cue Credence Clearwater Revival’s John Fogerty…

Under Roberto Donadoni, Cagliari have shown improvement and promise but have been maddeningly inconsistent.  For the most part, they have fought hard and have given themselves the opportunity to take maximum points in most games but every now and then they have found themselves completely out of a contest before they’re aware of it.  Donadoni must have warned them that it would be perilous to lose focus against Udinese but that is exactly what happened on Sunday at the Sant’Elia.

After an open half in which both sides were unable to finish a number of chances, the Bianconeri found their stride just before the whistle.  Mehdi Benatia finally broke the stalemate, finding goal from a corner piece.  Then, Alexis Sánchez raced the length of the pitch, weaving past the final defender and Rossoblu keeper Michael Agazzi to double the lead before the intermission.  After the break, the Chilean became provider twice over for Antonio di Natale, bringing his league leading goal tally to two dozen.   Well before the hour mark, Cagliari were down four and there would be no way back.

In my Serie A Preview, the Udines were a team which I believed could impress, if Francesco Guidolin could coax any semblance of defence from his squad.  Unfortunately they began the season in a nosedive which soon had them bottom of the table.  Play in their own half didn’t seem to be the issue, however; they were not conceding very many goals, other than the one match against the then in-form Juventus.  The problem was that they were utterly lost in attack.  It was inexplicable, given Sánchez’ performance in the World Cup and di Natale’s 29 goal haul in 2009-10.  Still, in their first five matches, they had managed only two strikes and a scoreless draw against Sampdoria, in the fifth outing, was their first point of the campaign.

But Samp had been an early in-form side themselves, this being well before the bitter parting of Riccardo Garrone and Antonio Cassano.  Thus, the hard-fought draw was a watershed moment in Udinese’s season.  From there, they ripped off four victories and a draw before finally succumbing to defeat again.  After that defeat, 1-0 to Catania, however, the Little Zebras suddenly went on a stampede.  The results weren’t always the best but the goals just kept coming:  4-0 over Lecce, 3-1 over Napoli, a 3-2 reversal at the Olimpico to Lazio and then the epic run that began with a 4-4 slugfest with Milan at the San Siro and was followed by 4-2, 3-1 and 2-1 defeats of Genoa, Inter and Juve respectively.

For many clubs, such a run would define their season and they’d be forgiven for quietly fading out of contention afterwards.  I’m talking to you, Palermo, and you Napoli and Lazio.  Yet, in 2011, Udinese are not satisfied with what they’ve already accomplished.  They want more.  Much more.

They are on a mission and have just kept rolling.  A 1-goal draw against visiting Bologna wasn’t their best effort but it was followed by clean sheets and five goals in total against Sampdoria and Cesena.  Then came the reminder that the Serie A wasn’t just going to lay down and let di Natale, Sánchez and crew simply run them down.  Somehow, lowly Brescia escaped the Friuli with a scoreless draw.  Enraged by their own shortcomings, the Bianconeri went down to Sicily and unloaded 7 on Palermo.  Bari managed to only lose by a goal last week, fueling another deluge in Sardinia.  It would almost seem that you’d rather take your chances in the Udine then welcome Guidolin’s boys to your ground.

Udinese's charge to the top may see this prolific strike partnership terrorising the Champions League next season.

Notice, though, that the Bianconeri have now gone 6 matches without conceding a goal while racking up 17 of their own.  They now trail only Milan in goal difference and Inter in goals scored, while sitting a healthy fifth in goals conceded.  Statistics like those are not the province of a pretender.

There are nine matches remaining in the season and Udinese’s mission is far from accomplished but they now are positioned perfectly to make it extremely difficult for the board to entertain any offers for the hotly sought after Sánchez.  The Little Zebras are grazing in the Champions League qualifying place and are within striking distance of Napoli for the third automatic berth.  If they can overtake the southern club, it may be the Neapolitans who decide to put their attack triumvirate on the block in the summer transfer period.  Not only that but Inter, all their attention on reeling in Milan at the top, will suddenly feel hot breath on their necks.

♦   ◊   ♦

The Bad

The one flaw in the make-up of AC Milan’s championship calibre squad was exposed on Sunday and it took bottom-feeders Bari to draw it out.  At home against the cellar dwellers, Milan held the run of play for virtually the entire match.  The problem was that they could not find a way beyond Bari’s excellent keeper, Jean-Francois Gillet and, especially when Bari found a goal just before the half, through Gergely Rudolf, the frustration became evident on the faces and in the actions of the proud Rossoneri.

Once ahead, the Galletti sat on their lead and it became even more difficult for Milan to loosen the congestion in the box.  Passes were deflected, shots went right at Gillet or wide of goal and when they found their way through twice, they were stopped by the shrill blast of Christian Brighi’s whistle.  Once, Robinho blasted Ibra’s flicked on header into the twine, only to see the linesman’s flag raised as he peeled away in jubilation.  Then, Ibra’s cannon past Gillet was refused as Brighi had seen the ball played off the Swede’s arm.  A petulant Ibra found the accompanying caution very difficult to swallow and, after festering for a time, lashed out at Bari’s Marco Rossi, earning a straight red, which puts him in danger of missing the Milan Derby in three weeks.  Down to ten men, Milan refused to relent and finally drew level through Antonio Cassano in the final ten minutes.

While the draw was better than a loss, it was still a disappointment.  Inter had drawn at Brescia on Friday evening and three points at the San Siro would have extended the Rossoneri’s lead over the Nerazzurri to seven, removing much of the pressure from their upcoming clash.  As it stands, Massimiliano Allegri must now await the verdict of Lega Calcio’s disciplinary board and hope that urgent words about remaining calm and professional on bad days at the office do not fall on deaf ears this time, when he has another quiet word with Ibra in the wake of the match.

♦   ◊   ♦

The Ugly

Totti's brace carries Roma.

In the end, the Derby Della Capitale became even uglier than the Milan/Bari encounter, with Lazio’s Stefan Radu and Cristian Ledesma being sent off in the dying moments for separate offences.  The Aquile’s dilemma on the day wasn’t overheated tempers; it was the inability to take their chances when they came.  Sergio Floccari was especially culpable, blasting a left-footed shot wide in the first half and missing with two headers in the second.

Roma missed their fair share early but their strong league form under Vincenzo Montella continued when Francesco Totti struck in the 70th minute from 30m.  The shot was straight into the centre of the goal but Fernando Muslera was somehow not up to the task.

Thus, it can only be said that Lazio’s season, when pitted against foes from outside the Eternal City, was exceptional.  However a pair of 2-0 defeats at the Olimpico to Roma have condemned them as Serie A afterthoughts despite staying in the mix for the Scudetto for six months.  Lazio are hardly Real Madrid and Roma are anything but Barcelona but the six points conceded by Edy Reja’s side to their hated rivals this year has had the same effect on their season as El Clasico has had on Los Meringues for the past three seasons.

As mentioned, there are nine matches unplayed and Lazio could theoretically still mount a charge but it seems highly unlikely.  They have fallen out of the Champions League places, the four clubs above them are all laden with far more talent and Mauro Zarate, Hernanes, et al must still travel to play Napoli, Inter and Udinese, with Juventus also on the cards.

Theirs was a splendid run but all the signs indicate that it has come to an end.

♦   ◊   ♦

What Would Clint Do?

In this week’s episode of WWCD, Roma once again demonstrates to Lazio that they are merely second-class citizens and that Francesco Totti holds the key to the city.  As they did earlier in the season, the Lupi make it clear that the turf in the Stadio Olimpico belongs to them and the Aquile are unwelcome trespassers, by invoking the last and perhaps greatest of Clint’s many catch-phrases.

After a seven match slump which saw Juventus draw half as many as they lost and win only half as many as they drew (don’t you just love a good brainteaser?) but, more importantly, lose striker Fabio Quagliarella for the remainder of the campaign, Luigi Del Neri’s squad have stopped scratching their heads, wondering how fate could be so cruel, and gotten on with it.  With Luca Toni, signed from Genoa to replace Quagliarella and back from a knock suffered in his first outing for the Old Lady, the club enjoyed a convincing win against what had been a Cagliari side on a roll, and followed up with a clean sheet against Leonardo’s goal-happy Inter.

Embarrassing losses to Napoli and Parma (!), virtually impotent draws against Chievo and a stumbling Sampdoria and tough defeats to Udinese and Palermo have been purged from memory, as the Bianconeri have plugged in their version of Keannu Reeve’s iconic hero, Neo.  Judging from his three goals in the two victories, Alessandro Matri’s game is not missing the ‘x’ factor at the moment.  The aging but experienced Luca Toni, who can’t carry a club on his own anymore, has been happy to slip into the role of Orpheus, providing support to his more powerful partner.

Better yet for the rest of the league, Matri’s header, which proved enough to close down the Nerrazzuri on Sunday, opened up the race for the final pair of Champions League places.  Inter’s rampant charge up the table had made it seem that Lazio, Udinese, Palermo and Juve would be left to scrap over the final qualifying berth.  The loss at the Olimpico drops the reigning treble winners to fourth and gives hope to the rest, especially Palermo, who could not hold two leads and dropped a 4-2 decision to Fiorentina at the Renzo Barbera.

Before the match, Giorgio Chiellini and Luca Toni were both out sounding the drums, playing up the importance of the Derby d’Italia both to Juve fans and the club’s chances of overcoming the machines of Milan and Napoli.  With Quagliarella gone, Luigi Del Neri will be glad to see his squad heeded the battle cry of the two veterans.

♦   ◊   ♦

The Bad

When God was passing out confidence, Robinho was right there trying his best to shoulder Nicklas Bendtner out of the way.

At the moment there are two runaway trains in the Serie A, one painted red and black and the other in two tones of blue.  Milan enjoy a seven point lead on the pack and Napoli are just three points off the Rossoneri’s pace.  The rest of the league has its eyes on a fixture a fortnight away, with the league leaders set for a head-on crash.  Nothing would suit those still in the race for both sides to perish in the wreckage.  A draw will offer a chance to close ground on the two simultaneously.  Should either side prove triumphant, the rest of the league may not be able to reel them in.

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic carrying AC through the holidays, other stars are beginning to take their bows.  Antonio Cassano has spread the defence and finally opened his Rossoneri account this week, in the Parma thrashing.  Robinho has finally focused on the target, as well, his brace making it three for the Brazilian since Ibra last struck for the side.  Pato has gotten in the act, too, as has Clarence Seedorf, the latter necessary with Andrea Pirlo on the shelf.

Napoli has been a trifecta all season but Edinson Cavani is beginning to make Ezequiel Lavezzi and the ghoulish Marek Hamsik look average.  His twenty goals are four off the pace mutually set by Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo but, in terms of the value of a goal in Serie A compared to La Liga, it’s like comparing pounds sterling to dollars.

There have been some exciting encounters between powerful clubs this season, of which Inter’s 5-3 win over Roma and Milan’s 4-4 draw with Udinese were just two.  Any clubs still entertaining hopes of catching the two iron horses in the race for the Scudetto would love to see a return to good old-fashioned catenaccio when the pair meet.

Whereas Bendtner and Robinho have had need of faith this season, Cavani has found very few obstacles during his ascendance

One would think that it would be better for the leaders to fall but Milan have a much tougher schedule than the Partenopei in the next six weeks.  After the clash with the Neapolitans, they’re off to Turin to face Juve.  Two weeks after that it’s off to the Renzo Barbera for a match against Palermo, which will be followed up by the Milan Derby at the beginning of April.  All three are hurdles which could trip up Massimiliano Allegri’s troops, so a victory against Napoli wouldn’t cause as much concern as the reverse to their pursuers.

Were Napoli to somehow find victory at the Giuseppe Meazza, they would have much smoother sailing until the season’s end, when they finish against Inter and Juve, although they do host Lazio and Udinese and make their own journey to Sicily in April.

In any case,  the consensus of the rest of Serie A is that one point for both will be as good as they can hope for but three to one or the other could be very, very bad indeed.

♦   ◊   ♦

The Ugly

Claudio Ranieri, who had so many answers when he took over the reins of a struggling Roma last year, is running out of ideas.  In December and January, the embattled manager looked to have his side on the way back, taking five wins and a draw from seven matches.  Negotiating February, though, has not been such a smooth road.  The month began with a disappointing one goal draw against relegation fodder Brescia, incredibly, at the Olimpico in Rome.  That was followed by a 5-3 defeat to Inter at the San Siro.  Theirs was a spirited fightback in the second half, yet nonetheless the score flattered to deceive.  This weekend, matters went from serious to critical, with a 2-0 loss, again at home, to high-flying Napoli.

In Saturday’s match, Ranieri decided to employ an immovable defence against Napoli’s irresistible attack.  The Partenopei proved equally willing to get down and dirty, however, and the match quickly escaped the grasp of a timid referee.  Spikes, elbows, insults and spit were all thrown about in this match, yet the one thing which wasn’t was a red card.  The official did see fit to award a spot kick, however, which only served to raise tensions further.

Roma's potential sale hangs like a pall over the club and chairwoman Rosella Sensi has to be concerned that the poor play of her aging squad is driving down the value of the club.

Cavani’s shot ricocheted off one post, then the other and finally returned for the Uruguayan to blast home.  Since the taker is prohibited from taking a second touch before another player, Roma’s protests were understandable.  Unfortunately, the referee ruled (correctly) that the ball had spun completely over the line and back while travelling across the goal mouth.  Those are the breaks you get when your form is stuck on immortal.

Ultimately, Napoli proved they could outmuscle Ranieri’s toughs and captain Cannavaro, Paolo the younger, stormed up the pitch and delivered a textbook cross for Cavani to seal the match.

As fantastically as their opponents are playing, these are the matches which the Giallorossi responded to last year.  In this campaign, however, they can’t even make it through the gate much less reach the threshold of greatness.  They now sit eighth, with little hope of a Champions league place and work to do if they are to qualify for the Europa League.  The first leg of this year’s CL round of 16 against Shakhtar will offer a distraction from domestic issues and will be followed by a lighter fixture list featuring Genoa, Parma and Lecce.  Those three matches represent 9 points of which the loss of any will likely cost the club its season and possibly Ranieri his job.

♦   ◊   ♦

What Would Clint Do?

This week, Raul Julia pops in on WWCD to provide an otherworldly perspective on the potential impact of the upcoming meeting between AC Milan and Napoli.

See you next week!

The Good

What a difference a year makes.

Last season, AC Milan, with Leonardo at the helm, was chasing Mourinho’s Inter and Ranieri’s Roma, the combined flair of Ronaldhino, Pato, Clarence Seedorf, Klass-Jan Huntelaar, Andrea Pirlo, Pippo Inzaghi and David Beckham of insufficient substance to contend for the Scudetto.  Now, after an autumn in the television studio, Leonardo is back in Milan, leading Inter, Ronaldhino is in Brazil, soon to take his bow with Flamengo, Inzaghi is in rehab, Beckham is in LA and the aging duo of Seedorf and Pirlo are injured but finding it more difficult to hold down a place, when healthy, in the increasingly crowded Rossoneri midfield.

To replace the old guard, Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani went shopping, picking up Harrod’s quality merchandise at Tesco prices.  Powerful striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic came from Barcelona on loan, with an option to buy at season’s end.  Given that the big Swede is sending Serie A defenders crying for their mother’s skirts, Barça can pencil in the €24 million option to their 2011-12 budget; the cheque, as they say, is in the mail.

Robinho came over from Manchester City and immediately provided good service, if his own marksmanship was not up to snuff.  Since the new year, however, he has begun to find the target, combining with Ibra, this weekend, against Catania for a goal each in a 2-0 win.

Kevin Prince-Boateng jumped Portsmouth’s sinking ship and signed with Genoa, only for the entrepreneurial Rossoblu to sell a half-interest in the Ghanaian international to Milan.  In the fall, he provided Milan with excellent cover for Seedorf and Pirlo.  Along with that duo, Boateng is nursing a knock but should he too find himself without a role to play upon his return, he at least has a fallback position with the Rossoblu.

With Huntelaar sold off to Schalke, Galliani’s summer spending netted out at €8 million for 2010-11, €32million if (when) they close the Ibra deal.  His Christmas shopping has been equally shrewd.

Cassano negotiates a tight space against Catania but there was no room for negotiations at Sampdoria

The unwanted Antonio Cassano came from Sampdoria, allegedly for half of an outstanding €5 million buyout clause in the winger’s Real Madrid contract.  Bayern Munich captain Mark van Bommel has arrived on a free transfer (!) and Ajax left back Urby Emmanuelson was bought for a paltry €1.4 million.  Over all, that’s €36 million for 6 players who are first choice for their international sides.  It could be argued, based upon current valuations in the Fernando Torres negotiations, that Ibra himself is worth the whole amount.  Buy one, get 5 free.  If you’re a shopkeeper in Milan and you see Adriano Galliani peeking in your window, lock the door and put up the closed sign if you want to stay in business!

When the transfer window closes on Monday, Milan’s dealings will see them transformed from an aging squad to a more youthful one.  The attack is, if anything, more dangerous and there is suddenly a solid defense behind it.  The back four are so strong, in fact, that Thiago Silva is seeing time at holding mid, with all the injuries and now Van Bommel’s suspension, after two receiving cautions  against Catania (apparently the Dutchman’s reputation has preceded him).  As well, US centre back Oguchi Onweyu, recovered from a serious WC qualifying knee injury that prompted him to play for free for the Rossoneri in 2011, has been lent out to Dutch side FC Twente, where he should finally see some first team action.

Masimiliano Allegri now has a tough, unforgiving and relentless side, perfectly built to protect their 4 point lead over an increasingly impressive Napoli and regain the Scudetto in May.  This season, it is his side that is grinding out victories, while Leonardo again pursues, 9 points off the pace, with an impressive attack but porous back line.

What a difference a year makes.

♦   ◊   ♦

The Bad

Goals?  We don’t need no stinking goals!

At first glance, that would seem to be the new policy at Sampdoria.  During the holidays, Antonio Cassano, after a dust-up with Chairman Riccardo Garrone over his refusal to attend an awards ceremony, was shipped to AC Milan for, as noted above, far less than his worth.  That they received anything for him was down to the fact that a Lega Calcio appeals board refused Garrone’s request to terminate the tempestuous player’s contract.  Had the request been agreed, Cassano would have been a free agent.  Now, last year’s 21-goal man, Giampaolo Pazzini has been sold to Inter for €12 million and Jonathan Biabiany.

While that is a more reasonable deal, supporters are up in arms that the club’s two best players, far and away, have been sent to the Milan giants in quick succession.  Garrone has held up his hands and said there was nothing he could do to persuade Pazzini to stay and therefore took what he could get for him.

For some time there had been too many siren calls around Pazzini and he fell for them. He was also influenced by the desire to step up on the career ladder. We were not the ones to get rid of him. I hoped the siren call would not return, but that is what happened. I am not Luciano Moggi, I will not change football, but we continue like this. If the fans want to take over the club by buying up shares, then the door is open.

While it is true enough that agents and provocateurs can influence a player, securing him a better deal and raking in a ‘finder’s fee’ on the transfer, Garrone might have found it easier to hold onto Pazzini had he been more forgiving of Cassano and kept the Azzurri winger.  Not only might the new Inter man have felt more secure with the Genovese club, Cassano himself might have been influential in a decision to stay.  Instead, his exit has had the opposite effect.

Pazzini has brought his bag full of goals to Inter, scoring two against Palermo on the weekend and leaving Sampdoria running on empty.

In the 13 matches since Cassano’s banishment, Samp has failed to score in 8.  In the other 5, they have scored 10 goals but 6 were registered against relegation fodder Lecce and Bari.   Less than a goal per game doesn’t bode well, however, and Pazzini’s exit only worsens their prospects.  Sampdoria, who were early contenders for the Scudetto last campaign and were in contention for Europe again this time around, may have just sold themselves down the relegation river.

The new strike partnership has some potential but is by no means imposing.  On loan from Manchester United, 19-year-old Kiko Macheda has come close but is yet to break the duck in 4 games.  Massimo Maccarone, acquired from Palermo, had some success with Siena before they were relegated last year.  With the Sicilians, though, he had struck only twice in 18 appearances.  English fans may remember Maccarone as a seldom used but prolific striker at Middlesbrough, who was ahead of the curve in publicly labeling soon-to-be England manager Steve McLaren as “inept.”

If the new M&M duo can develop an understanding, Garrone may be heralded a genius at season’s end.  If, as is more likely, they continue to struggle, as in this weekend’s 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Napoli, the chairman may see a horde of angry supporters bursting through that open door.

♦   ◊   ♦

The Ugly

One thing that can be said about Riccardo Garrone is that whether or not his decisions come in the heat of the moment, once they are made, he does not look back.  Brescia boss, Luigi Corioni, however, is not so steadfast.  In December, the Brescia boss sacked Giuseppe Iachini, when the tiny club had begun to lose traction, after starting their return to Serie A in style.  His replacement, Mario Baretta, fared no better and so, after this weekend’s 3-0 butt-kicking from Chievo’s Flying Donkeys, Corioni reversed his course, giving Baretta the boot and replacing him with Iachini.

Manager Number One had begun the year with 3 wins in the first four matches.  He wasn’t able to win another, however and was given the hook after 15 games.  In manager Number Two’s 7 contests,  Baggio’s Boys managed 2 victories, which would suggest that Number Two was doing at least as well as Number One.  In fact, he had claimed half as many points in just under half the amount of games.  It would seem, then, that neither choice of manager had much effect on the team’s course.

So, what precipitated the change?  Well, Brescia had slipped deep into the relegation zone during Baretta’s tenure.  Still, that is largely where they were expected to be, having not made a great deal of investment to gain a foothold in the top flight.  Interestingly though, both bosses were axed immediately after 3-0 defeats, the only instances in which the club has lost by that particular tally.  Raymond Domenech was famously influenced by the Zodiac.  Could Luigi Corioni be a disciple of  Numerology?

In any case the arithmetic is on the wall.  Brescia are going down.

♦   ◊   ♦

What Would Clint Do?

Mr. Eastwood will be putting in an appearance on of these weeks.  I promise.

In the interim, the managerial situation at Brescia reminds me of the situation with the New York Yankees in the late 70s and 80s.  George Steinbrenner, the Yankees’ cantankerous owner, was willing to spend any amount of money to get the best players but couldn’t resist the urge to get involved if the team hit a rough spot.  During this time, the equally hot-tempered Billy Martin managed the club no less than five times, and, as he was very effective but didn’t countenance outside interference, he and the Boss (as Steinbrenner was known) feuded endlessly.  The on-again-off-again relationship even inspired a famous beer advert.  Even here, on WFC, you can’t get away from the commercials!

For some reason, the word ‘hired’ has been dubbed over the original ‘fired.’  I have no idea why but I smell the putrid odour of political correctness.  That’s America for you.  Apologies, but an unedited version is not available online.  At any rate, the ad remains an interesting piece of pop culture and demonstrates that, while the game may be different (and the country, too), the characters are very much the same.

So, it was the antiquated Alfredo Schürig which saw yet another small piece of Brazilian football history on Sunday, 16 January, after the ageless Roberto Carlos, overlapping from his traditional left back position, charged down the left flank and sent a low, screaming cross into the box, upon which the Portuguesa de Desportos keeper and a Corinthians attacker converged and managed to deflect just outside the near post.  The referee credited the effort to the keeper, who naturally felt otherwise and left his line to protest.

Ball. Left foot. Roberto Carlos. Wherever he's been that is not a good combination for the other side to see.

However, the official was not in a talkative mood and waved play on.  Roberto Carlos, the Selecao legend who has struck stunning free kicks wherever he has been, with Brazil in the World Cup, Real Madrid in the Champions League and at stops on either side of those tenures, had just placed the ball in the corner radius and, looking up, realised his opportunity.  A quick shuffle to the left put him in position and he hurriedly drilled a curling waist-high missile towards the goal.  One of his forwards was in the line of fire but had the presence of mind to leap, legs akimbo, and permit the ball to continue on its narrow arc, finding twine just inside the far post.  The keeper, caught out, took two steps before pulling up, knowing that he would never make it in time to intervene.

It was an incredible strike from a grand master of the long distance set piece.  When you do the math, which is why I mentioned the Schürig’s dimensions, Roberto Carlos had only a second or two, while his opponents remained preoccupied, to launch a strike which needed to hook to the left to enter an 8 yard target, the near end of which was 37 yards distant.  Moreover, the ball had to be struck hard and with limited English, in order to travel the most direct, swiftest path, so that any alert defender would have little or no chance to prevent it from reaching its destination.  To hatch the plan, convert thought to action and execute, all in an instant, called upon twenty years of top flight experience, vision and confidence, for which Roberto Carlos was more than qualified.

Goals scored from corner kicks are rare indeed, but like every other kind, when the chance comes, it must be taken.  Even at 38 years of age, Roberto Carlos is the man you want in place in those moments.  That he is in place at Corinthians, rather than a big European club, not only shows the limited vision of some clubs, who ruled the Brazilian out because he was too old and slow, but also the foresight of Corinthians and the CBF.

While he may not possess the physical tools to hold down a place on the national team anymore, his presence in the Campeonato Brasileiro doesn’t just provide a measuring stick for greatness to young Corinthians players but to those on opposing sides, too.  He is not the only bright star who left the Samba constellation to shine even brighter in Europe and then returned home to make an impact on the domestic league.

Roberto Carlos is joined at Corinthians by Brazil’s greatest goal scorer, Ronaldo, who while battling gimpy knees and a sore back, manages to make a difference for the club, striking with regularity when he is in the line-up.  While Roberto Carlos quickly lost any illusions about making the 2010 World Cup squad, Ronaldo clung to hope until the death.

At Corinthians, it's time for the old men to have some fun with the youngsters.

Ronaldo, in his last year at Corinthians before he retires, had his issues in his younger years, famously getting into a fracas with a pair of transvestites on one partying binge.  Still, he has turned himself around markedly in his final years, displaying a love and respect for the game that has made him a popular figure once again, even more-so through his ability to laugh at himself when critics refer to him and his oft burgeoning midsection as ‘Fat’ Ronaldo.

As well as this pair of legends, there have been several other players who have come home in recent times, not only to vie for a ticket to South Africa but to resurrect flagging careers, find first team action or simply give back to the game which afforded them so much.

Of those other players, Robinho is probably the most notable name, not just for his talent but because his reasons for making what was only a temporary return covered three of the four factors listed.  It’s unfortunate that the one reason for visiting that he wasn’t able to check upon re-entering Brazil was to give something back but that is Robinho, at least at this young stage of his career.

Ironically, when he first wished to cross the Atlantic in an easterly direction to seek his fortune, his domestic club, Santos, was unwilling to release him and he was forced to play out his contract.  Upon securing his escape, he landed in Madrid where his play at first made more of an impression than his brash attitude.  However, during the Fabio Capello era, he quickly found himself in the doghouse for a lack of commitment to team defence and sat much of the 2006-7 season on the bench next to David Beckham.  The pair would eventually return to the starting XI and make significant contributions to Los Meringue’s last Championship run.

The second 'R' generation, following Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and one other, hasn't found glory, not yet learning that no matter your skills, it doesn't just come to you.

Beckham, however, saw the writing on the wall and had already secured a mega-transfer to Los Angeles Galaxy.  Robinho took no heed and, despite supporting the attacking combination of Raul and Ruud van Nistlerooy in exemplary fashion, rivaling Guti for assists, found himself used as trade bait in a failed attempt to recruit Cristiano Ronaldo.  With his outspokenness and high wage demands, even Chelsea backed away when he sought an exit from the Spanish capital.  The only club willing to take him on was newly minted Manchester City.

To say that Robinho was unhappy at City is to say that Roy Hodgson had some trouble at Liverpool.  The Brazilian was not an ideal first recruit in Sheikh Mansour’s plans to build a Champions League side, even if it was the Abu Dhabi Royal’s first day in charge.  Intended to be a bright light to attract other major talents, he became more of a warning beacon which kept the very best away.

Having alienated two coaches at City, the second of whom, Roberto Mancini, was even more rooted in the catenaccio philosophy than Fabio Capello, Robinho found himself out of the first team, disinterested when called upon as a substitute and threatened by the likely loss of his place in the Brazil squad if matters held their course.  With no European club willing to reimburse City’s £32 million investment, the Brazilian suddenly developed a severe case of homesickness and secured a loan to his old club Santos.

At Santos, Robinho not only played well enough to keep his place in the national team, he was hailed as a positive influence on another precocious Santos teenager, Neymar.  While Robinho would find some success in the World Cup, his most memorable moment was the ridiculous, finger-wagging scolding he handed out to a dive-happy Arjen Robben in l’Oranje’s stunning fight back, which bounced the Selecao from the tournament.

Neymar. Has he been trying to fill the wrong shoes?

As for his teaching of Neymar, the talented youngster learned too well, mimicking his elder’s arrogance, which would lead to the dismissal of manager Dorival Junior, who had the temerity to attempt to discipline his star.  Neymar also echoed his mentor’s greed, welcoming the advances of Chelsea and, again like Robinho, trying to force his way out of the Santos clubhouse.  He was only kept in place (for the moment) when the club called on Robinho and Pele to talk ‘sense’ to the adolescent phenomenon.  Possessing an ego rivaling his hero’s, Neymar is certain to test the European market soon enough and, unless his attitude changes, is just as likely to return when he finds that the level of dedication that European clubs demand seriously cuts into his fun time.

The hero, meanwhile, has returned to Europe, a part of AC Milan’s resurgence.  Unfortunately, his form has not been the best, as he has struggled mightily to find the target.  Given past history and the recent exit of one of his connections to home, Ronaldhino, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Robinho return to Brazil again, ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

Ronaldhino, himself is now back in Brazil, of course, with Flamengo.  If anyone showed less commitment to the squad and more interest in his leisure time than Robinho, it was the club-hopping Dhino, who has of late begun to fancy himself more an artist with his hands, playing the congas, than with his feet.  Now in his thirties and having been unwilling to forego Silvio Berlusconi’s wages to return home in order to secure a place in the 2010 national side, he will have to truly change his ways under the watchful gaze of Mano Manezes, if he is to make it to the Nirvana of playing in the World Cup in the Maracana.  Plenty of bookies will take a serious hit if he can turn the trick.

Another player with ties to Flamengo and Serie A, Adriano, has been back to Brazil on more than one occasion but the imposing forward has not displayed the willpower to match his physical attributes.  No matter where he is, it seems he cannot stay away from the night life and falls back down almost as quickly as he picks himself up.  Unlike Ronaldhino and Robinho, however, his pathologies are sadly more a result of chemical dependency rather than just a lack of professionalism.

While Ronaldhino and Robinho haven’t achieved the glory of Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo, there was a third ‘R’ in the elder group, who often goes forgotten.  Rivaldo, the driving force in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup triumph in Japan and scorer of  34 goals in 74 appearances for the Selecao, seemed to have fallen off the planet after failing to impress at Milan after that tournament.

Rivaldo and Ronaldo celbrate winning Brazil's last World Cup, in 2002. Now both are home to prepare the next generation for 2014.

He played well in Greece for Olympiakos but struggled for AEK.  Then he inexplicably headed off to Uzbekistan, where he was far and away the best player in the league while featuring for Bunyodkor.  After fulfilling his two-year, €10 million contract, he decided to return home in search of a more challenging opportunity.  Having taken the Uzbeki’s money, he ran all the way home to his first club, Mogi Mirim, not just playing but taking over as club chairman.

In five matches in the lower league side, he notched 10 goals and, needing stronger competition but being a man who honours his contracts, forged a creative deal with top flight club Sao Paolo, who were lacking the marquee name that rivals Corinthians and Santos each enjoyed.  Effectively, Mogi Mirim’s president loaned the club’s best player, himself, to Sao Paolo in exchange for financial considerations, the loaning of the senior side’s fringe players to the small club and further marketing and promotional support.

In an era where lower league side’s everywhere are finding it ever more difficult to survive, it’s good to see a player come home and direct his energies to insuring the continued existence of the club that launched his career.  If Rivaldo can have an impact similar to Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo have at Corinthians, his season long loan to Sao Paolo may be extended for a further year, which can only help Mogi Mirim all the more.

Still, less than a decade ago, there would have been no place for these stars in the domestic league.  Like the rest of the country, Brazilian football was a shambles.  Clubs were in debt, corrupt chairman were the norm and stadiums were in disrepair.  Rare was the club like Santos, which attempted to hold onto a young talent when Europe came calling.  There was just too much money to be had by selling them on.

If a funny little guy with a beard can fix four digit inflation, put Brazilian football back on track and get away with having a pretty woman, who is not his wife, hanging on his arm in public, why are the rest of us busy electing telegenic mouthpieces?

Two things have changed that.  First, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s election as president in 2002, and second, FIFA’s awarding of the 2014 World Cup to Brazil.

Lula’s effectiveness and popularity is evident in the fact, that like a talented footballer, he is known by an affectionate familiar.  The former trade unionist has righted one of the world’s most ailing economies, while some of it’s most powerful have been gripped by a serious recession.

At the same time, the clubs have come together in an effort to clean up their act and meet the challenge of hosting the world’s biggest party, as only Brazil can.  Some of the worst chairman have been ousted and even prosecuted and major stadiums in every state, including the Maracana, are undergoing extensive renovations.

The boom in Brazil has paralleled a significant downturn in Argentina. As a result, the Argentines have assumed the Brazilians’ place as the planet’s number one exporter of footballers.  With a healthier economy, a public suddenly possessed of disposable income and a World Cup for which to prepare, there is suddenly more urgency to keep talented young players on the home front and a need for veterans with literally a world of experience to guide them . Not only are the hosts intent on putting on the grandest festival in the tournament’s history,  they will settle for nothing less than winning the competition, something they failed to do in 1950.  What better way to do so than to have the best and brightest easily to hand?

With that in mind, Santos have brought home another star, more professional in his outlook than Robinho, and hopefully a better influence on Neymar.  With former Shakhtar Donetsk, Man City and Galatasaray winger, Elano, to feed him in the box and whisper in his ear on the training ground, the club is hoping they can hold on to their young wunderkind until after the World Cup, when he will still only be 22.  Hopefully, in their eyes, a mature 22.

Will the least materialistic of the wayward Brazilians join the exodus home?

In the three and a half years before the tournament, Robinho is not the only, nor the biggest name likely to return home.  Kaka, long in recovering from his World Cup injury, has returned to Real Madrid, only to find that there may not be a place for him, with Mesut Özil shining in the middle and Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Maria more than capably manning the flanks.  For the moment, due to a crisis at forward, he is seeing some action as a second striker, but it’s possible that he may be moved in the summer.  Given his devotions, both on and off the pitch, it wouldn’t be a great shock to see him return to his boyhood club, Sao Paolo.

Then there is Luis Fabiano at Sevilla, Lucio and Julio Cesar at Inter and Juan at AS Roma, all of them in their early thirties and likely intent on trodding the turf at the refurbished Maracana four summers hence.  If the trend of the last few years continue, look for an ever-increasing exodus of prodigal sons returning home to the land of Carnival, as the country prepares to reclaim its time-honoured place at the head of the football’s elite, under the lights of a refurbished Maracana.

Here’s a look at how the Scudetto is shaping up as Serie A descends into 2011.

It’s A Red Letter Year In Milan

At times this season, it seems as if Ibra actually can control the ball with his mind.

After a five-year run, it is almost certain that Inter’s run as champion is over and who but the other tenant in the Giuseppe Meazza would you expect to step in to assume the mantle of power?  AC Milan are once again on top, thanks to the imagination of their chairman, Silvio Berlusconi.  His creative economics brought in Robinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Kevin-Prince Boateng, while moving Klass-Jan Huntelaar on to Schalke to balance the books.  That’s impressive wheeling and dealing, even if the Italian Prime Minister will have to pony up to keep Ibra beyond this season.

Certainly, the towering Swede has carried the load for the Rossoneri in the autumn half of the season, with nine strikes.  Robinho and fellow Brazilian Alexandre Pato have each added a half-dozen but the latter has been injured for much of the season and the former took his time settling in after arriving from Man City.

The other Brazilian on the Milan front line, Ronaldhino, has once again worn out his welcome, preferring to develop his musical skills in the city’s nightclubs, rather than follow the required training regimen.  Masimiliano Allegro has used him solely as a late sub in the past few weeks, perhaps preparing the club for life without the mercurial talent.

That is how it will be, with a deal almost sealed to return him to boyhood club Gremio in Porto Alegre.  The only sticking point is Milan’s €8 million price tag, Berlusconi’s down payment on a permanent deal for Ibrahimovic.  Should Gremio find that beyond their budget, there is also interest from Flamengo and Palmeiras, although the hydra-like management team at Venky’s has apparently decided they don’t want to spend £130,000 per week for a player of any talent.  Or maybe they just balked at his request for an all night limo service to Manchester and back, seven days per week.

With one baggage laden player on his way out, another is on his way in to replace him.  Former Sampdoria striker and restored Italian International, Antonio Cassano has signed with Milan.  To make the temperament for temper symmetry complete, Cassano spent his extended holiday in Genoa snacking between meals, and like ‘Dinho, is now battling the bulge.

The Rossoneri aren’t quite done with the moving and shaking, however, as they have indicated serious interested in two Benfica stars, David Luiz and Fabio Coentrao.  With an unhappy 0-1 loss to Roma to stew over during the break, Berlusconi is intent that his club has everything it needs to maintain its advantage in the table.  After all, there is not just Ronaldhino to replace.  Don’t forget how effective Pippo Inzaghi was before he suffered his season-ending knee injury.

Blasts From The Past

Hot on the heels of Milan are two clubs who haven’t had a sniff of a Scudetto in quite some time.

Napoli hasn’t reached those giddy heights since the days of Maradona.  In 2006, they claimed a trophy but as the Southern Champions Serie C.  The climb since that point has been steady, under chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis.  The players are there for them to take the last step.  The attack triumvirate of Argentine Ezequiel Lavezzi, a torrential blend of energy and technique, Uruguayan Edinson Cavani, speed and power, and Marek Hamsik, cool precision, have combined for 21 goals already and Fabio Cannavaro’s little brother, Paolo, has added a pair while doing yeoman work on the back line.

For their part, Lazio has tasted victory far more recently, in 2000, when Sven-Goran Ericksson guided the Alessandro Nesta/Pavel Nedved led Eagles to the title.  Since then, the usual affliction of poor management in the boardroom has afflicted the club.  However, the Rome side is back, captained by Tomasso Rocchi, a half-dozen goals from his stated target of a century and powered by Brazilian Hernanes, Argentine Mauro Zarate and Italian Sergio Floccari, Lazio were top of the table for a good part of the early campaign.  After falling off somewhat, they are clinging stubbornly to Milan’s coattails.  With just one strike himself, the captain seems content to exchange his personal glory for that of the club.

Laying in the Grass

Lurking just off the pace are three storied clubs, all with very capable managers who believe they should be at the top.

Juventus are within one victory of third place, thanks largely to the summer acquisition of Milos Krasic.  The Serbian winger has more than matched his advanced billing since arriving in Turin, not only providing stellar service for Fabio Quagliarella to knock in 9 goals and Vincenzo Iaquinta 5, but he has added 4 of his own.  The defense is very capable, with Giorgio Chiellini anchoring the line and Felipe Melo, recovered from his horrendous World Cup, supporting from mid-field.  Alberto Aquilani has found things more comfortable in Italy than in Liverpool and, rediscovering his touch, has become adept at pulling the attacking strings.  Luigi Del Neri has restored the confidence of several of his underperforming stars and has also rekindled the hopes of the supporters.  Should Lazio prove unable to maintain the pace, Juve have left the effects of scandal induced relegation behind and are ready to step into their rightful place as one of the top three sides in Serie A.

The problem for the Bianconeri, however, is that there is a much more experienced club from the Eternal City nipping at their heels.  AS Roma‘s season hasn’t gone as smoothly as  2009-10, when they hounded Jose Mourinho’s Inter right until the end, for both the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia, but, if they can get their act together, a solid run will put them back in the hunt.  Claudio Ranieri has battled the media, the supporters and, so it has seemed at times, his irascible captain Francesco Totti.  Every time the Giallorossi seemed to be gaining momentum after their staggering start out of the gate, Totti would fly off the handle and get his side in trouble or himself suspended.

Both men are Romans but Totti has spent his entire career in the capital.  Ranieri has had to be very diplomatic in handing more minutes to young, eager players and cajoling his captain into accepting a more limited role.  New arrivals Marco Borrielo (7) and Fabio Simplico (3) have taken on the goalscoring burden, Daniele De Rossi is a captain in waiting and Mirko Vucinic has been simply electric.  Perhaps most missed has been the injured Rodrigo Taddei, whose absence has significantly narrowed the Roma attack.  As his return is yet to be announced all the club can do, is simply get on with it.  As they look for another weapon in attack, it is rumoured that they are among those seeking the services of Man United striker, Roman-born Federico Macheda.†

Palermo‘s captain, Fabrizio Miccoli, missed a good portion of the season’s first half and returned to find himself limited to part-time duty.  It was nothing personal, as it can so often be under impulsive Chairman Maurizio Zamparini.  It’s just that the younger players Delio Rossi drafted in to replace the stocky striker have done too good a job.  Javier Pastore has become the go-to man in attack, notching seven strikes, finding an able partner in midfielder Josep Ilicic, also on 7 goals and famously signed after his native Slovenian club NK Maribor defeated the Sicilians in the home leg of their Europa League qualification round.  Miccoli has had to settle for sharing a place with Chilean Mauricio Pinilla.  The pair have combined for 8 tallies; their able support presenting opponents with too many attacking threats to defend against.

The Rosanero get back to work in 2011 against Sampdoria and Chievo, two very capable sides that will test their commitment to remaining in the European mix.

Packed Like Sardines

Fully half of the Serie A clubs are jammed into a group 4 points away from Europe, 4 points from the drop and with just four points separating all of them.  To say that the mid-table is crowded would be like  saying that Silvio Berlusconi likes women, pure understatement.

At the head of the group and most likely to separate from it the quickest are Internazionale.  Not only do they have two matches in hand on most of the field and the talent to be much higher in the table, Massimo Moratti has proved to be far more decisive in dealing with Rafa Benitez than Hicks and Gillett were at Liverpool.  The Spaniard is out and  last year’s Milan boss, Leonardo, is in.  The latter is much to the consternation of Milanese supporters both red and blue but the Inter Chairman is not interested in sentiment; winning is all that concerns him.  If the Brazilian can restore Inter’s dominance he will remain.  If not…

Level on points with the Nerrazzurri are Sampdoria† and Udinese.  The Blucerchiati struggled for a while after their Chairman, Riccardo Garrone, entered divorce proceedings with star winger Antonio Cassano.  Just before the break, however, the club seemed to come to terms with the inevitability of Cassano’s exit and produced some positive results.  They too, have a game in hand on the field and an opportunity, with their next match against Palermo, to begin the new year right.  Udinese started out the 2010-11 campaign buried at the bottom of the table.  They just couldn’t seem to comprehend what new manager Francesco Guidolin wanted from them.  Then, in November they suddenly settled into their new system, got it in gear and have not looked back.  The Little Zebras have quickly stampeded through half the league to sit tied for 7th at the break.  With Antonio Di Natale once again sure of his ability, Udinese will be a team to be reckoned with.

Two points below the aforementioned trio are another trifecta of clubs, who personify their place in the middle of this group.  At best, that is where they are likely to remain.  Chievo di Verona have been defensively stubborn all season and veterans Sergio Pellissier and Davide Moscardelli have combined for 10 goals.  The Flying Donkeys do have some kick but anything beyond their present altitude will require more depth than they can afford.  Genoa and Catania have even less to work with.  Led respectively by Luca Toni and Maxi Lopez, each with 3 goals, these two sides just don’t have enough punch to move up the table.

At the back of the pack are a group of four, two on 20 points and the other pair on 19.  Of the quartet, Cagliari stand the best chance of improving their position.  They have a triple threat in attack with Alessandro Matri (8), Neni (4) and Daniele Conti all able to find the target.  With former Azzurri boss replacing Pierpaolo Bisoli their record has been a she loves me, she loves me not string of results:  W-L-W-L-W-L.  If Donadoni can turn some of the Ls into Ds, the Rossoblu’s season may truly flower. Fiorentina has even more potential than Cagliari, except for the fact that they have stuck with their manager, Sinisa Mihajlovic.  The Serbian has a very capable line-up with the attack led by Alberto Gilardino, Per Kroldrup on defense and a duet of exceptional goalkeepers in Sebastien Frey and Artur Boruc.  Yet, last year’s Champions League Cinderellas are this year’s Serie A pumpkin, in 15th.  Could it be that Mihajlovic is waving his magic wand far too often trying to find the perfect starting XI?  Bologna and Parma are both one-man clubs.  Marco Di Vaio has 9 goals for the former and Hernan Crespo 6 for the latter but both sides have little else in attack and concede far too often at the other end.  Their stars may keep them out of the relegation fight but there is not much else to hope for in either camp.

Help Wanted

Bari had an amazing return to the Serie A last season, finishing 10th, but if you think they or any of the other three in the relegation fight, Cesena, Brescia and Lecce, should be further up the table, you have only to look at their goal differentials.  The table just doesn’t lie.

Bari have an excellent keeper in Belgian Jean-Francois Gillet and a promising finisher in Paolo Vito Barreto.  Erjon Bogdani bulges the twine for Cesena and Ghanaian captain Stephen Appiah ably patrols the midfield.  Andrea Caracciolo is the threat for Brescia and Alessandro Diamante helps out.  Lecce have David Di Michele.  Unfortunately, the fan culture, combined with a struggling economy have meant empty seats at every stadium. It’s not a major concern in Rome, Milan and Turin, where major television deals compensate but small market clubs like these cannot afford anything beyond a token star or two in their line-ups.  Without no support beyond young players, either inexperienced or in over their head, on loan in the January window, don’t look for any of this group to do anything in the spring but continue the fight against relegation.

† Late note:  Leave it to the  timing of the football gods to release the information regarding Sampdoria’s swoop for Federico Macheda after I’ve posted!  This should give the Genoa side the added punch missing after Cassano’s departure, even if the youngster is more suited to play in the box than to the flanks.  If he and Giampaolo Pazzini can foster a partnership, both are sufficiently dangerous to attract defenders and create space for the other.  Macheda’s agent was talking up an option to buy being attached to any loan but with Samp, Sir Alex Ferguson may be able to set a prohibitive price and bring the young Roman back to Old Trafford for a spell.  Time will tell.

written by WFC Editor Martin Palazzotto and the Scouser Report’s Matty Dalton.

The dust has long since cleared on the Wayne Rooney saga and the United talisman and England number ten, having made his family financially secure until the sun goes supernova in about 5 billion years, went off to Nike headquarters in Oregon to rehabilitate the ankle injury he never had.  He’s back now and beginning to look a little more the Rooney that everyone expects.  The revelation, however, that the whole episode was simply a calculated and successful bluff to gain a pay raise hasn’t sat well with a lot of people.

Contract length no longer matters. The player decides when it's time to renegotiate.

Ian Holloway, for one, has had to wipe the egg off his face after almost crossing the line into complete delusion with his extended rant on the situation, wherein he condemned Rooney, lauded the far more blindingly wealthy club owners and suggested that abolishing the Bosman Rule would make the world wonderful again.   While the eccentric Blackpool manager does make a point in stating that players now have too much control over their destinies and are not bound in any way to the contracts which they have signed, returning that power in its entirety to the clubs would create an equally unworkable imbalance.

The other popular solution to the problem and one that has been raised on many occasions would be to place a wage cap on player’s salaries.  To this point the idea has been fiercely resisted in Europe, even though it is used successfully and extensively in American sports.  It’s quite ironic, when you think about it, that a purely capitalistic society like the US has embraced a strictly socialist model in professional athletics while in Europe, the bastion of socialist thought, free enterprise rules the pitch.

Is it time for clubs in Europe to change and adopt a salary cap system?  I think it is but Matty Dalton, of the Scouser Report, believes it would not be good for the game.  Being relatively peaceful sorts, we agreed to stop throwing office supplies at each other and head over to the pub, where we could have a draught and see if we could come to a gentleman’s agreement on the matter.

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Martin: It actually surprises me that you’re opposed to a ceiling on wages, given that you’re a Liverpool supporter.  You should know better than anyone what debt can do to a club.  Owners on both sides of the Atlantic have demonstrated time and again that they have no self-control when it comes to chasing after star players and, if salaries are permitted to continue rising, then situations like those which occurred at Leeds, Southampton and Pompey will become far more commonplace.

Matt: I can see where you are coming from, but the debt on the club was not as a result of a wage bill at all; it was as a result of a leveraged buy-out. The big issue I have with the wage cap is that of freedom. If I am good at my job, which I am, then I have the right to negotiate a higher salary. The only limit in place there is in terms of how much the company wants me, much in the same way as it is in football. At the end of the day, football, whether we like it or not, is a business with employees who are trying to earn as much as they can in their careers. Players are only worth what we, as fans, are prepared to spend on tickets, shirts and memorabilia after all.

Martin: Certainly, leveraged buyouts can saddle a club with a great deal of debt, if the principle is not paid off quickly.  However, in the cases of Leeds and Pompey especially, a rash of high-priced signings had much to do with their downfall.  Did Portsmouth not famously have to pay a fee to Tottenham for a certain goalkeeper who ended up at the Brittania instead of White Hart Lane.  That episode was just the tip of their iceberg.  We all remember the debate over the excessive debt from wages that Peter Storrie was continually trying to rationalize before Fratton Park finally fell into arbitration.

If clubs can't stop themselves from going broke, maybe UEFA needs to stop them.

With regards to the private sector and your own situation, you are obviously in a non-union job.  The players cannot say that as they are represented by the PFA.  Most unions negotiate wages for their members based upon skill and experience but still accept a wage structure.  Why not football?  Certainly, it works in many forms in American sport and the best players still make astronomical salaries, while the fringe players are also seen to.  The significance is that those wages are tied to the league profits, making the players and clubs partners in the betterment of the business.

For any system to work, there must be a balance.   Unlike Ian Holloway, I am not for going back to the days when the owners controlled wages and transfer policy, leaving the player without a say in his own future.  Nor am I for the current circumstances where the player is under virtually no obligation to honour his contract.  Not only do these fits of petulance, be it Wayne Rooney, Robinho or Charlie Adam, artificially raise the wage ceiling, they adversely affect the transfer market.  It’s time that the two sides negotiate a more structured system which benefits both and keeps costs down.

Matt: The Leeds and Portsmouth situations really had very little to do with wage demands. They were more to do with the chairmen gambling potential future profits on the here and now. It was idiocy in its most basic form and, in my view, they got exactly what they deserved for such behaviour. It is just a shame that so many hardcore fans had to suffer along the way.

I understand your point about tying in wages in relation to the profits being made, but that is like asking how long a piece of string is. Immediately after Wayne Rooney was given his wage rise, United decided to put an extra fiver on the ticket prices for the League Cup tie. Of course, the extra money was going to pay his wages. My point here is, the players will only be given the contracts as long as the fans are stupid enough to pay the prices. If we want to see wage caps, I suggest we start boycotting games.

I have already decided that I am not prepared to pay more than £10 to watch a live match. Sadly, this means that I will now not get to see many live football matches at all, bar the odd special offer at places like Wigan or Blackburn, or maybe lower down the leagues. The way I see it, if I can go and watch Inter Milan against Fiorentina for the equivalent price, why the hell should I pay more to watch Liverpool against Tottenham, for example?

The only form of regulation that can ever work is one that is controlled by the fans.

Martin: You’re correct that market is driven by demand but your assessment of Leeds and Pompey’s crises neglects to consider that wage demands are tied directly to transfer fees, which is what those clubs were rolling the dice on in the ‘here and now.’

For instance, when Chris Smalling comes to United on an £8 million transfer, his wage demands will be proportionately lower in comparison to Dimitar Berbatov who was purchased for 4x that amount.  Even when someone like Joe Cole moves on a free transfer his wages are negotiated based upon his potential market value.

This is another reason to implement a wage ceiling, which would have to be done throughout UEFA, with the likely support of the cost conscious Michel Platini.  If the ridiculously overvalued transfer fees being paid by a handful of clubs were curbed by the salary cap, it would level the playing field for smaller clubs.  That, in turn, would help to keep the price of match tickets down.

Matt: The plans of  Platini and his ilk actually worry me. Although I may be totally misguided, it seems to me that his schemes only benefit the larger clubs. Rather than encouraging competition, they restrict it.  A foreign investor could not pump millions into clubs like Wigan, Blackpool or Blackburn  to put them on a par with the top four, whilst also pledging to invest in stadiums. The only way for these clubs to achieve that level of success would be to pull more fans in. The only way to attract supporters is to be successful.

Then again, whatever happens, the rich always seem to get richer.

A wage cap would have no tangible benefit, that I can see at least, for the smaller clubs. The only difference it would make, in all likelihood, would be to the profit margins that clubs are experiencing. As romantic as the idea of lower wages meaning lower ticket prices seems, I am pretty sure that chairmen across the land would have no problem sleeping at night whilst not reducing prices. Of course, there would be no more Leeds United or Portsmouth scenarios taking place, but football as a sport would have the final nail in the coffin lid, to be forever replaced by business and franchises.

Martin: Of course, existing ticket prices will never be lowered but if the spiraling costs of player movement aren’t reined in, they will continue to rise until the Premier League stadia resemble those of Serie A.

As well, a wage cap, provided it was implemented throughout UEFA, would be a tremendous benefit to smaller clubs.  Big squads, such as Chelsea and Manchester City would not be able to stockpile players of international quality, as their spending would be limited.  Therefore, the top talent would be spread out more evenly.

With money no longer the determining factor in where talent goes, it would be down to management to spend their budget wisely.  If a football director or manager makes ill-advised signings, their club will suffer.  If solid signings are made and effective tactics are employed, the club will succeed, whether it is from London or Luton.

It will be talent and teamwork, on the pitch, in the clubhouse and in the boardroom, rather than economics, which will decide champions under a proper wage cap.  Unless your name is Roman Abramovich or Sheikh Mansour, how can you not want that?

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The two of us could go on forever and probably will but we’ve already covered the major points.  What do you think?  Is a UEFA player wage cap a good idea?  Vote in our reader poll and be heard!

It’s been a while but AC Milan are back atop the Serie A table.  They’ve had a good week, as far as results go, jumping out to a big lead at the San Nicola before holding off a desperate Bari, 3-2, on the weekend and continuing to find the goal against Delio Rossi’s Palermo, at the San Siro on Wednesday, winning with conviction, 3-1.

Sadly, their good fortune was limited to the results, as they lost the 37 year old Pippo Inzaghi to a serious knee injury.  Pippo had put some fear into Real Madrid in the Champions League, a week ago,.  Initial reports are that the goalscoring scarecrow will be out for as much as 6 months.

If everything goes well, that could mean he might be on the bench for the last few matches of the season.  If not, he may elect to call time on a glorious career.  Coming back from an extended layoff at such an advanced age is a very big ask and having surpassed Raul and Gerd Müller for the Champions League goal scoring crown, in his last match of that competition, Inzaghi may believe he’s achieved everything he can.  If that’s the case, it will be too bad, as Pippo’s long been one of my favourite players to watch.

On a brighter note, Silvio Berlusconi and Massimiliano Allegri must be extremely happy with the gambles they took in the summer, bringing in a struggling Zlatan Ibrahimovic, on loan from Barcelona, and purchasing the highly priced and overpacked baggage cart also known as Robinho.  Ibra has been taking out his frustrations with the Catalan coach Pep Guardiola on unfortunate Italian netminders since Match Day 1 and Robinho has finally begun to round into form, with the presence of Robinho and Pato seemingly the tonic required to keep him from acting out.

Kevin Prince Boateng, another astute signing, is making it tough on Allegre to continue sitting him as he is making significant contributions with every opportunity given..  Then there’s the maestro, Andrea Pirlo, who is no longer being asked to make room for David Beckham.  The diminutive midfielder has shown he can bend a ball around a wall as well as any Englishman and has even exhibited some fortitude at the back, famously clearing a ball off the line on the weekend.

Possessing youth and experience, finesse and power and creativity and responsibity throughout the squad, a balance which had been absent in recent campaigns, the Rossoneri are making a case for ending Inter’s stranglehold on the Scudetto but nevertheless insuring that the trophy remains within Milan city limits.

For the first time in years, it’s the Rossoneri who enter the Milan Derby on top and in form and Inter who are riddled with doubt.

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The Bad

Is Ricardo Garrone really so egotistical and hypersensitive as to rid himself of arguably his best player  because Antonio Cassano ditched him at the last minute on a boy’s night out?

That’s the question I asked in this space last week and the answer is apparently an emphatic yes.  Not content to have the forward’s culpability decided by a Serie A disciplinary board, the Sampdoria chairman has moved to have Cassano’s contract voided for insubordination.  Keep in mind that the troublesome but productive attacker made a public apology to both his teammates and the Chairman last week, and, other than this episode (which was apparently brought on by a family issue), had been nothing but a positive influence in the clubhouse.

Without his club leading 4 goals in the lineup, the Blucerchiati have struggled, enduring a scoreless draw with Catania, at the Luigi Ferraris on Sunday, and going down 1-0 today, at Parma, gifting the struggling Crusaders a lifeline out of the relegation zone.  It doesn’t seem as though last season’s lead striker, Giampaolo Pazzini is ready to come out of his early season funk and with Cassano, who had just returned to the good graces of Cesare Prandelli’s Azzurri, now in the club’s doghouse, Samp are lucky to still be just outside the European places.

Juve might like another speedy winger to complement Krasic, Bayern could use someone with Olic, Ribery and Robben all on the trainer's table and then there's West Ham's Gold & Sullivan, who are always on the lookout for a bargain.

It’s difficult to give Garrone the benefit of the doubt here, even given the player’s reputation.  When you consider the situation, it’s almost a reverse Rooney.  Rather than the player wanting to leave and the club desperate to keep him, with the whole affair turning out to be about the benjamins, it is the chairman looking to rid himself of a gifted and in form star who wishes to stay with all his heart, while money doesn’t seem to be in the frame, at all.

And it’s the economics which lead me to blame Garrone.  Were the Chairman thinking with a clear head, you would not expect him to void the contract of a very valuable asset, who has become a leader in the clubhouse, as well as on the pitch.  Even if you felt the squad would recover from the blow quickly, voiding his contract makes Cassano a free agent.  He can go to any club who will have him and there will be many interested in kicking his tires.  If you wish to be rid of him, fine.  Sell him on in the upcoming window.

Instead, Garrone is acting out of anger and, if he does not recover himself in time, the club will suffer greatly, both competitively and on the balance sheet, for his pique of temper.

♦   ◊   ♦

The Ugly

Five times, on the trot, Serie A Champions.  Copa d’Italia holders.  UEFA Champions League holders.  Treble winners.  Jose Mourinho’s Inter.

Ten points in 7 matches, since 25 September.  Only 5 goals scored over that span.  Fourth place in the Serie A table, needing to qualify for the CL group stages were the season to end today.  Rafa Benitez’ Inter.

Benitez in the all too familiar Whiskey Tango Foxtrot pose.

Okay, I admit it’s early doors but the only people truly happy with this situation are Samuel Eto’o, the Red and Black half of Milan and a certain Portuguese manager currently plying his trade in the Spanish capital.  Even Benitez has expressed concern.

No, I did not expect as many problems on the part of a team which had just come off a season where it won everything.

While it’s nice to hear the Spaniard admit that he took the job because he thought it was a no-lose proposition, especially compared to his previous situation, you can’t help but laugh.  After all, his only significant loss on the pitch was Mario Balotelli, a very squeaky spare part which required far too much maintenance for its performance value.  Now, with the injury to Walter Samuel as an excuse, Benitez is hoping to go shopping in the January window.

Does he not see that it is his tinkering has been the problem?  Upon arriving at Inter, Benitez found a perfectly tuned Rolls Royce.  Rather than getting behind the wheel and enjoying the ride, he popped open the bonnet and made adjustments.  If he wanted a Fiat that badly, there are any number of dealerships in the area.

Don’t get me wrong.  Rafa Benitez is an effective manager (or he wouldn’t have won the Champions League) but he has two major flaws.

The first is his overdeveloped ego.  He spends far too much time defending himself from perceived slights and ‘advising’ Roy Hodgson to pay more attention to his own problems.  Of course, Roy took the high road and ‘apologised’ when all he really needed to say were three words:

Benitez had the same problem in England with both Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson.  Whatever provocation came from his two nemeses, those two champions have always known that the last word is spoken on the pitch.

On the pitch is where Rafa’s other Achilles heel can be found.  He is far too reliant on a single striker.  At Anfield, that was Fernando Torres.  With Inter, it is Eto’o.  Diego Milito, who carried the scoring load last year, is understandably displeased at being treated like Peter Crouch or Robbie Keane.  At Tottenham, Harry Redknapp has proclaimed on several occasions that he’s blessed to have the dilemma of finding playing time for 4 quality attackers.  Benitez refuses to make room for more than one.

As I said, it’s early doors but Benitez has already dug his grave at Inter.  While it may have seemed like a can’t lose proposition on the face of it, stepping in for Jose Mourinho was exactly the opposite.  Anything less than a sixth Scudetto this season will be a failure and any success which does come will have been his predecessor’s legacy.  Had he had the humility to admit that when he came on board and simply left well enough alone, he would have made his mark in time.

Instead, anything but a victory in Sunday’s Milan Derby might mean it’s all over but the shouting.

Once upon a time, back at the end of May, I wrote an article entitled “How Ashton Kutcher Explains Football.”  It was a lead up to the then approaching World Cup in South Africa.  In it, I compared the plot-line of what was probably Kutcher’s most noteworthy film, “The Butterfly Effect” (in which going back in time to change just a single detail in one’s history alters the future in significant and unintended fashion) to the transformations of the Brazilian and Argentinian national football teams.  At the time, I noted how, under Dunga, the Selecao were becoming a more defensively responsible club, worried less about artistic expression than tangible results, while, with Diego Maradona at the con, it was all damn the torpedoes for the Albiceleste.

Yeah... well, no. Actually I can't explain it.

Of course, I didn’t lay responsibility for the squads’ topsy turvy personality adjustments at the feet of a male model-cum-actor-cum-producer-cum Demi Moore’s main squeeze.  No, that’s what Hollywood types refer to as a convenient plot device.  The philosophical changes, I thought, seemed to coincide with the rise in Brazil’s economic fortunes and the simultaneous recession in Argentina.  In that discussion, I made reference to a chapter from the  book, “How Soccer Explains The World” by Franklin Foerr, which outlines the history of the Cartolas, in English, the Top Hats:  a scurrilous bunch of corrupt entrepreneurs, who once completely controlled the fortunes of Brazilian football clubs.

The World Cup is over, now, and neither Dunga nor Maradona remain in charge of their respective sides.  The fortunes of both countries have continued along the same paths, one enjoying a prosperous upward trend and the other becoming more and more concerned as the downward spiral continues unabated,  the bottom seemingly nowhere in sight.

When things break down, of course, it’s very difficult to discern both the extent of the damage and the eventual ramifications.  As I’m neither an economist nor a political scientist, I’ll leave the critique and resolution of Argentina’s dilemma to my betters.  This article, although it naturally follows from the original Aston Kutcher narrative, is intended to focus more on the continuing signs of transition within Brazilian football.

On the other hand, Mano has taken the stance that he doesn't have to explain it.

As I mentioned, Dunga and his more disciplined philosophy of the game have been rejected by the fans and the CBF.  Mano Manezes is now the man in charge and, while he has, in the early doors, paid heed to the demand for more attractive football, there are indications that his methods are not that far removed from his predecessor’s.  The most telling clue has been his decision to leave the brash young starlet, Neymar, out of his current roster, in preparation for the October round of international friendlies.  While his remarks, covered in Fab Presilli’s WFC report, Neymar v Dorival Junior, seemed to support the deposed Santos coach, even though he didn’t come out and say so in no uncertain terms, they definitely let his players know that, under Manezes, they’d have to continue to toe the line.

Rash behaviour aside, Neymar’s situation, at Santos, may be another mile marker along the new road that Brazilian clubs are traveling.  During the reign of the Cartolas, whose rampant corruption coincided with and was aided by ineffective government and the resultant poor economy, Brazil was the leading exporter of professional footballers to the rest of the world.  The slick club presidents were happy to turn a fast profit on a young player and the athletes themselves were overjoyed to go to a league, anywhere, where they wouldn’t have to worry about their wages being mysteriously misdirected into the offshore accounts of their employer.

Brazil, mostly down to its sizable population, maintained that number one  ranking of players’ abroad until this year, despite improving economic conditions.  The new champ, according to the BBC, is their suddenly impoverished southern neighbour, Argentina.  The Beeb’s source only covers transfers to European and Arab leagues but, having had a peak at a good cross-section of North and Central American club rosters, during the writing of the WFC CCL Preview, I can promise you that Argentine inroads into that region are far more pervasive than their Brazilian counterparts.  It would seem that the difficult economy has made debt ridden clubs (and you’d be hard pressed to find a solvent Argentine side) more willing to sell their young talent.  In addition, the national recession has motivated increasing numbers of youthful Albiceleste to seek their fortune abroad.

Having set a bad example by acting like a spoiled child (which, to be fair, he is), has Neymar set a better one by keeping the home fires burning?

Nor do the Selecao look to be in any hurry to reclaim the top spot, if Neymar is, at least in the context of the future transfer policies of Brazilian clubs, a good example.  Offered £23M, by Chelsea, for a spectacularly talented but as yet unproven 18 year old, Santos took the opposite tack to what they and every other Brazilian club had done for decades.  They mounted a campaign to convince the young prospect to remain with them.  Two famous Santos alumni, Pele and Robinho, were brought in to manage the seduction and their influence paid off.  The teen signed a multi-year deal with the club and Santos president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro happily got on the telephone to Bruce Buck, at Stamford Bridge, to say, “Obrigado, mas não Obrigado!”

In the last few seasons, various Brazilian clubs, such as Corinthians, with Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo (the one and only!), Santos, with loanee Robinho, and Flamengo, with Adriano, have made concerted efforts to lure big name players back home.  Flamengo also made a serious attempt to bring Argentine playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme, a notorious homebody, to Rio.  Players of that ilk, even in their decline, command salaries which were once too prohibitive for such recruitments to be a viable option.  Now, however, those higher wages are looked at as an investment which will put more fans in the seats, sell more merchandise and lure more lucrative sponsorship.

The Brazilian economy has become healthy and robust under the stewardship of Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva, the outgoing president.  The simpatico Lula was not only charming but effective.  Faced with many of the same conditions, in 2002, which currently challenge the Obama administration, the Brazilian legislated sweeping policy changes which eliminated much of his country’s deficit, created jobs and vastly improved the standard of living.  His successor, to be decided in tomorrow’s national election, will be inheriting a well oiled machine from the former trade unionist.  During his tenure, the middle class has increased by almost 30 million people, in a country of just under 200 million.  There is money to burn and the clubs of the greatest footballing nation are ready to take advantage.

Lula's term as national leader is up but might he be looking for a new game?

With the precedent set by Santos, in retaining Neymar, it shouldn’t be surprising to see other sides not only welcome back former stars from Europe but also be more aggressive in retaining their best young players, throughout their prime years.  In 2014, Brazil hosts the World Cup and, in 2016, Rio de Janeiro will stage the Olympic Games.  Surely, CBF president (& former Cartola) Ricardo Texeira and Mano Manezes would like to see as many of their most gifted players, veteran and youth alike, remain close to home, where a watchful eye can be kept upon them.  As well, the infrastructure that is being renovated or newly built for those competitions, will only further aid the recovery and growth of the Brazilian leagues.

Of course, with the amount of players Brazil produces, there will still be plenty of talent looking for opportunities abroad.  It’s just that the cream of the crop will not be as readily available and, when they are on the market, will be far more expensive, in terms of both the purchase price to the parent club and wage packet to the player.  So, the impact of the repatriation of Brazilian football will effect the major European Leagues but not too greatly.   It might make the Club World Cup a much more intriguing proposition, however.

The important thing is that the winds of change, whether or not they began with the flexing of a butterfly’s wings, have swept away the debris from the Brazilian economy and its foundations have been reinforced.  Consequently, the clubs are now falling in line with the new order and the potential for theirs to become the strongest of leagues isn’t so remote a possibility.  If all trends continue, in 2014, a restored Maracana Stadium may well see the ushering in of a new Golden Age of Selecao.

On Tuesday, the most brilliant performances came from a pair of Eastern European sides but the two English clubs also shone.  Others of the big boys found the going a bit tougher, however.

For Luiz Adriano and Shakhtar, there may be a rock but they've yet to be stuck in a hard place.

Groups G & H find Chelsea, 2-0 winners over Olympique de Marseille, and Arsenal, 3-1 victors at Partizan Belgrade, atop their respective tables but neither is alone in their perfection.  Shakhtar Donetsk traveled cross-continent, with their 3-0 manhandling of Braga making the trip worthwhile.  Luiz Adriano doubled for the Ukrainians.  Meanwhile, Spartak Moscow defended Luzhniki Stadium against the invasion of MSK Zilina, again by a 3-0 count.  It was Ari who had the brace in this one.  Who says Brazilians can’t play in the cold weather?

Spartak’s 6 point lead over OM may not be as healthy as it looks, however.  The Russians face back to back encounters with Chelsea, while the French champions will look to take out their early frustrations on the lowly Slovakians.  Spartak will find it much more difficult to steal a result at Stamford Bridge than they did at the Velodrome.

The good side and the bad, for Bayern. (You can tell who's who by the shoes)

In Group E, Bayern remained perfect, with a 2-1 victory over FC Basel.  The Bavarians did have to come from behind, on the back of Bastian Schweinsteiger’s brace, after Alexander Frei had put the Swiss champs in front, early in the match.  Roma, fresh from their win over Inter, handled CFR-Cluj by the same 2-1 score.  They left it late, though, peppering the Cluj goal but unable to break through until Phillipe Mexes finally beat a stalwart Nuno Claro, on 69 minutes.  Super-sub Marco Borrielo, then struck, just 2 minutes after Mexes, but Ionut Rada pegged one back, with a 12 minutes still on the clock, to make it a nervous finish for the Italians.

The Group of Legends, aka G, is promising to be one of intrigue.  Real Madrid have staked an early claim to the top place but still struggled to find the goal, on this particular night against AJ Auxerre.  Cristiano Ronaldo was denied twice and Gonzalo Higuain saw a defender  turn back his close range effort, which had a beleaguered Olivier Sorin beaten.  Finally, with less than 10 minutes remaining, Angel di Maria struck a left footed volley which, mercifully for the Spaniards, found the far corner, beyond Sorin’s reach.  Until Los Meringues begin to finish with regularity, however, questions will continue to be asked of them.

Perspective is a funny thing. Ibra didn't look such a giant with Barca.

The other match in the group was played out at the Amsterdam Arena.  Luis Suarez gave the AC Milan defence fits all evening but his wonderful play, splitting Alessandro Nesta’s wickets and then laying off for Mounir al Hamdaoui to finish, gave Ajax the early lead.  Robinho had two chances to put the Rossonerri on the board but failed to finish both times.  It was Zlatan Ibrahimovic, proving with every match that last year’s struggles at Barca weren’t down to him, who brought Milan even.  His finish was pure and graceful power, as he chested a wild Clarence Seedorf delivery and, when the ball refused to settle, leapt into the air, to thunder it home.

In the late going, Robinho would again misfire, denying his club what would have been an important victory.  Unlike Ibra, it’s beginning to look like the Brazilians problems at previous clubs are solely of his own making.

On Wednesday the fireworks went off in Group A, while in Group D, Barca fizzled.

The other half of that famous deal has stepped up, as well.

Earlier in the week, Rafa Benitez found himself assuring the panicky Italian media that there was no crisis at Inter, after the club lost to Roma.  For once, Rafa didn’t cite facts.  Had he done so, he’d have simply pointed out that last year he was plying his trade in Liverpool, so if you want to talk crisis, well, there’s a way to go yet at the Giuseppe Meazza. (Just give him time.) After Samuel Eto’o had bagged himself a hat trick and set up Wesley Sneijder, with a perfect through ball, for another in a 4-0 pasting of visiting Werder Bremen, the managerial deathwatch in the Serie A was forced to look elsewhere for a potential victim.

Tottenham had an equally prolific evening, although the wealth was spread around a bit more judiciously.  Harry Redknapp played it wide open from the start and after some early threats, FC Twente proved unable to take advantage of a loose Spurs defence.  Rafael van der Vaart had a rather schizophrenic evening, missing an early penalty, one of three on the night gifted to the home club, then making amends with a splendid left footed volley to put his side ahead, before taking a second yellow, after arriving late to a mid-air collision with Rosales Roberto.  Even a man down, however, Spurs were not to be denied, with Roman Pavlyuchenko making good on his pair of PKs, on either side of a Nacer Chadii strike for the visitors.  Gareth Bale would wrap things up, charging in from the left, on 85 minutes to blaze one past Nikolay Mihaylov.

Enyeama does a lot of this for both club and country. Oh, and did I mention he takes PK's as well as stopping them?

In Group B, Schalke took their time in breaking down Benfica, at the Veltins-Arena.  Raul was running rampant all evening but couldn’t find the finishing touch.  Finally, Jefferson Farfan did.  To the right of goal, in the 73rd minute, he buried his chance to put the Germans on top.  Unrelenting, Raul would lead one more charge, sending Klass-Jan Huntelaar in alone to insure the victory.  In Israel, Vincent Enyeami, the Nigerian keeper put in another yeoman effort but was unable to stem the tide for an overmatched Hapoel Tel-Aviv.   The 3-1 defeat to Lyon belied his efforts, especially considering one of his own defenders clattered into him as he came out to smother a loose ball, leading to the final French tally.  Whatever his contract status, if he continues this display throughout the group stage, after a splendid World Cup, he may find himself the subject of much courting in the January window.  Rumours have it Arsenal are looking for an alternative to Manuel Almunia.

Just in case 6 officials aren't sufficient, Little Pea indicates where he has placed the ball.

As the Spanish night wore on, it looked as though neither Valencia nor Manchester United would capitalise on any of a handful of chances and United would continue on their run of scoreless draws.  Then, in the late going substitutes Federico Macheda and Javier Hernandez combined.  Macheda driving from the right sent a pass skittering across the top of the box, which Chicharito ran onto and lashed back against the grain, to give United all three points and a share of the group lead.  Rangers struck much earlier at the Ibrox, with James Naismith running in to flick in a stunning half volley on 18 minutes.  Although, they never looked to be in much danger, the Glaswegians wasted too many chances to put the game beyond doubt.  Still, they share top billing in the group with United ahead of a home and home with the Spaniards.

In the biggest surprise of the competition, it’s FC Copenhagen who find themselves atop Group D, with a perfect record.  After sneaking by Rubin Kazan, in Denmark, the Danes came to Athens, unintimidated by the big names their opponents could boast.

Tzorvas' tirade against his line translates into "pot, kettle, black."

Dame N’Doye, not to be confused with Dames Helen Mirren or Judi Doench, chased down a long ball, just before the half hour, arriving well before an adventurous but misguided Alexandros Tzorvas, the Panathanaikos net-minder, who, for some reason, thought he could get there first.  A well struck chip, from N’Doye, curled over the sliding keeper and bounced happily into goal.  Not ten minutes had passed when Martin Vingaard scorched the turf with his free kick.  Somehow, it found its way under the wall and past a surprised Tzorvas.  His angry remonstrations brought him some cold looks from his defenders; no wonder, given his own gaffe, earlier.

Noboa and Rubin Kazan have the Catalans' number

Barcelona, meanwhile, will have work to do against the Danish champs, having once again failed to deal with Russian holders, Rubin Kazan.  Each side converted a penalty, like clockwork, Christian Noboa on the half hour and David Villa on the hour but no one stepped up at the death to decide this one.  Every Goliath has a David and for Barca it would seem to be Rubin Kazan.

Once again, time and space demand that we give the Europa League results the Siskel & Ebert treatment.  So without further ado…

Thumbs up to Lech Poznan (2-0 Red Bull Salzburg), topping Group A with 6 points, Juventus (1-1 at Man City), Sporting Lisbon (5-0 Levski Sofia), BATE Borisov (4-1 AZ Alkmaar), Zenit St. Petersburg (4-2 AEK Athens) and CSKA Moscow (3-0 Sparta Praha).

Thumbs down to Atletico Madrid (1-1 Bayer Leverkusen), a tough match to be sure but the holders needed to take all 3 points at home to get out of the cellar.  Also, were Liverpool (0-0 at FC Utrecht), Napoli (3-3 at Steaua Bucuresti), Getafe (0-2 at Young Boys) and Dynamo Kiev (0-2 at Sheriff Tirsapol).

And with that, on to the weekend fare:

Andrew Gibney

Andrew Gibney

Scottish Premier League

Hearts v Rangers

After a great European result midweek Rangers will look to continue their run when they visit Tynecastle for this weekend’s early kick-off. A win for Hearts could give their inconsistent season the kick start it needs. It’s been wo years since Hearts last routed an Edinburgh invasion by the Glasgow giants.  To do so, on Saturday, stopping Kenny Miller from adding to his ten league goals must be their priority.

St. Johnstone v Hibernian

John Hughes’ Hibs side travel to Perth, in what is a must win game for the underachieving Edinburgh side.  Anything but a win could see Hughes out of a job and his team languishing dangerously near the foot of the table. A decent performance against Celtic last week will give the Hibees hope.  St. Johnstone sit 11th in the league and in need of some hope of their own.  Three points would give them a healthy dose.  Last week’s defeat, to Dundee United, had followed a good run of two wins, both at McDiarmid Park, so the home crowd will be in full throat, to restore their side’s momentum.  English forward Sam Parkin will be looking to add to his two league goals and pile the pressure on John Hughes and the Hibernian board.

Chris Mann

Chris Mann

League One

Southampton v Bournemouth…Saturday

An underrated rivalry, passions will be running high when Southampton and Bournemouth meet at St Mary’s Stadium this weekend. Although Nigel Adkins’ side will start the game as favourites, The Saints have had an indifferent start to the campaign and, should Eddie Howe’s high-flying Bournemouth continue in the excellent fashion in which they’ve been playing, there’s no reason why they can’t take all three points. It will be a highly-charged game on the South Coast.

La Liga

Real Madrid v Deportivo La Coruna…Sunday

The pressure on Jose Mourinho has been ramped up in the last few days with a lacklustre 0-0 draw with Levante last weekend, a shaky 1-0 win over Auxerre in mid-week and an ugly spat with midfielder Pedro Leon, so the onus is on Madrid to produce a good performance against Deportivo on Sunday night. Depor, however, are in an even stickier situation than their illustrious opponents, languishing in 19th place and yet to register a win in the league despite a smattering of quality throughout the squad. Madrid should win this game, particularly at the Bernabeu, but should they somehow contrive to miss out on victory the pressure on their coach will reach torturous levels.

Fabricio Presilli

Fab Presilli

Campeonato Brasileiro 27th round

In Brazil most of the games will be played Saturday because we will have presidential elections Sunday.

Cruzeiro v Atlético Paranaense

Two smoking hot teams. Cruzeiro are trying to keep pace with leaders Fluminense and Corinthians, while Atlético needs a win to get closer to a top three spot.

Botafogo v Flamengo

A derby in Rio. Champion Flamengo is dangeroulsy close to the relegation zone, not a good season for them.  All year, they’ve struggled to find forwards. Botafogo is favoured but history shows they don’t usually deliver against rivals.

Argentina Apertura 9th Round

San Lorenzo v Estudiantes…Sunday

Estudiantes took the lead, in the table, with a win this week.  San Lorenzo are sitting third. If Juan Sebastian Veron’s club get the win they’ll be a confortable distance ahead of chasers Velez and River. At stake are places in the next Copa Libertadores.

Geoff Edwards

Geoff Edwards

Bundesliga

Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich…Sunday

At times, during their midweek Champions League victory at Basel, Bayern were unplayable, a shining example of high class, possession football. But the problem remains, Bayern are struggling to create enough chances to see off more limited opponents, and, when you have defenders prone to mishaps, that can prove very costly. It will be interesting to see how Louis van Gaal approaches the game. Will he stick with his trusted 4-2-3-1, or go with the 4-4-2 that brought about victory in Switzerland?

There are no such problems for van Gaal’s opposite number Juergen Klopp. Dortmund are settled in their system and personnel and are in top form. They will not be downhearted by their unlucky midweek defeat to Sevilla and, roared on as always by the ‘Yellow Wall,’ will prove a stern test for Bayern.

Martin Palazzotto

Martin Palazzotto

The MLS Weekend

As the US top flight enters the final month of the regular season, the top spots, in both the Eastern and Western Conferences are up for grabs.

In the east, on Sunday, the Red Bulls host the Kansas City Wizards.  KC, even if they can pull off the improbable, will need some help from Columbus, who welcome the San Jose Earthquakes to Crew Stadium.  The ‘Quakes sit in the last playoff spot, 6 points ahead of the Wizards but, more importantly, the home side are just 1 point ahead of the Red Bulls for the top seed in the east and can’t afford to slip up.  These two matches have the potential for being defining moments in the season for each of the clubs involved.

Champions Real Salt Lake journey to the Atlantic coast, on Sunday, to take on New England.  The down and out Revs’ pride might motivate them to put a dent in RSL’s plans for overtaking the Galaxy.  FC Dallas, still very much in the frame for top honours, host the slumping Chicago Fire.  The big money moves (by MLS standards) for Freddie Ljungberg and Nery Castillo haven’t paid immediate dividends and the Fire’s playoff aspirations have been smothered.  The Hoops aren’t the type to take wounded prey too lightly, however.

On Monday, it’s the Super Clasico.  The front running LA Galaxy are technically visitors, in their own stadium, as they take on Home Depot Center tenants, Chivas USA.  The Goats, in the ersatz relegation zone, will definitely be up to playing the spoiler role.

Mexican Apertura

Group 2 remains the main battleground in the Primera Division.  With one playoff berth available to three teams, there are no off weeks for the sides involved.

Santos Laguna v Toluca…Sunday

Los Diablos Rojos top the group but face a tough test against Santos, who have fallen into the wildcard spot, one point behind Monterrey.

Cruz Azul v Club America…Sunday

A capital city derby.  America will have an even larger challenge than Toluca, as Cruz Azul are running away with Group 3.  already a point behind their rivals, the Blue and Gold absolutely must get a result.

San Luis v Tigres…Sunday

The Gladiadores are hanging around, just two points behind Toluca, and have the easiest of the three matches this weekend.  As well, they’re the only ones at home.  Tigres may be out of the race in Group 1 but they aren’t pushovers, having 12 points to San Luis’ 13.

Serie A

Internazionale v Juventus…Sunday

Could there be any other match to highlight the Italian top flight this weekend?  Not only is this a fierce rivalry, furthered by the continuing investigation into the influencing of match officials, now focused on the Nerrazzurri.  Both sides are coming off big results in Europe, Juve drawing at Man City and Samuel Eto’o, enjoying the purest of form, personally dismantling Werder Bremen.  As well, Inter will be intent on returning to winning ways on the domestic front, after their Roman holiday, last week, turned sour.

Tapesh Patel

Tapesh Patel

The Premiership

Chelsea v Arsenal…Sunday

This one’s the pick of the bunch this weekend. Both sides have made solid starts to the season, and although the Chelsea bandwagon had more momentum a week ago, the brakes have been applied after defeats to Manchester City and Newcastle were followed by a stuttering win over a struggling Marseille outfit. The Gunners have also suffered in the league of late, having failed to complete a seemingly impossible comeback against West Brom.

Although it’s still early days, both sides know the importance of this one and, as such, this will be a tightly contested affair.  These two have scored 37 league goals between them this season, however, and with so much talent on show, it’s a match that shouldn’t be missed.

West Bromwich Albion v Bolton…Saturday

Strange things are happening at West Brom. Those in the know are mentioning the Midlands club in the same breath as ‘survival hopefuls.’ Manager Roberto di Matteo seems to have brought out the best in his squad at the moment, and striker Peter Odemwingie currently looks to be the Premiership goal-scorer that the Baggies have lacked in recent years.

Up at Bolton, Owen Coyle has changed the mentality of his side, and boasts a surprise striker himself, with Johan Elmander starting to justify his hefty transfer fee. The Trotters like to please the fans,  too, which should make this a good spectacle.

The Championship

Preston v Reading…Saturday

Preston have struggled mightily this season, but followed up a win against Coventry City, last weekend, with a remarkable 6-4 fight back against Leeds, on Tuesday, having been 4-1 down. North End will hope to maintain their goal-scoring threat against an in-form Reading side possessing a miserly defence; the Royals have kept four clean sheets in their last five games.

Ligue 1

St. Etienne v Marseille…Saturday

Marseille, having won the Ligue 1 title last season, are looking to repeat this time around. After a poor start to the season, they’ve managed to recover and are now unbeaten in five matches. Didier Deschamps takes the plaudits for this but, now, must attempt to reverse Tuesday’s poor display against Chelsea.

OM are up against a Saint-Etienne side sitting proudly atop the league, fresh off defeating local rivals Lyon, last weekend. They will certainly be a tough nut to crack if that match was anything to go by.  Dmitri Payet, whose stock is quickly rising in French football with seven goals in the first seven games, leads the way for Les Verts.

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It’s certainly going to be a busy weekend, so catch what you can and join us back here on Tuesday to review whatever you missed.  In the meantime, here’s another quick lesson for the kids.  Soccer is played with a big round ball.  Keep your eye on it.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjvYj56JLow

And there’s a lesson for Alex Tzorvas.  Your teammates are your friends.  Sometimes an apology and a high five are more effective than screaming at them.

See you on Tuesday!

In England, several major clubs discovered trip wires on the pitch, when they ventured into Carling Cup action on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Manchester City took an early lead through Jo, at the Hawthorns, but fell 2-1 to West Brom and Everton went down at Brentford on penalty kicks.  Meanwhile, having received no telephone calls from Chelsea, Real Madrid or Inter Milan, Sam Allardyce led his Blackburn Rovers into Villa Park.  Considering that these two clubs met in the semi-finals of the competition, last season,  Big Sam had to be  both dismayed and wary at meeting Villa this early.  Those fears would be realised when the  sure (?) foot of Emile Heskey brought Gerard Houllier level in his first match as manager, after Gael Givet had gifted Rovers the lead.  Ashley Young would wrap the match up with a brace, although there was no joyful embrace like the one he offered the departing Kevin MacDonald in the Villans last outing.

Roy has found himself apologising so often, he must be glad he isn't Japanese.

The big bangs occurred at Anfield and Stamford Bridge.

Milan Jovanovic opened his Liverpool account against Northampton, on 9 minutes, but the Reds didn’t do much else.  Shortly after the restart, Billy McKay brought the Cobblers even and in the 98th minute Michael Jacobs made the upset look like a shoe-in.  David Ngog gave the Kop hope at the death, however, only for Nathan Ecclestone to miss from the spot, gifting Northampton the victory on penalties.

At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s breakneck momentum was brought to an abrupt halt by visiting Newcastle.  Patrick van Aanholt’s first Chelsea goal lost some of its glow when Nile Ranger and Ryan Taylor struck, 5 minutes apart, to put Toon in front going into the break.  Afterwards, Shola Amoebi’s brace cancelled out Nicolas Anelka’s but it was injury which did in the Blues. Having used two substitutes at the restart, Salomon Kalou’s hamstring pull, followed by Yossi Benayoun turning his ankle,  forced Chelsea into playing much of the half shorthanded and it ultimately cost them the match.

In Italy, Roma continued its dismal start losing 2-1 at Brescia and Napoli did likewise, crashing 1-3 at home to red hot Chievo.  Having read the press the riot act, last week, for pushing the panic button on Roma’s season, Claudio Ranieri may find himself perusing the want ads next, if he can’t get the Wolves back on the scent.

Bari went to the Guiseppe Meazza, on Wednesday, feeling pretty good about their own start.  Any delusions of grandeur quickly went up in smoke, however, as Inter blazed 4 goals past Jean Francois Gillet.  Samuel Eto’o remained in form, striking for two and his tallies were bookended by Diego Milito, setting straight the critics of his early season profligacy.

On Thursday, there was another upset, of sorts, as Palermo trounced Juve 3-1 for their first win of the season.  The Old Lady has only 4 points in as many matches and has conceded 10 goals already.  The only thing keeping Luigi Del Neri employed is a 4-0 pasting of bottom feeding Udinese.

The hair should have been the first clue.

In Brazil, the explosions came off the pitch.  Santos gave coach Dorival Junior the sack this week for refusing to back down on his suspension of teenaged star Neymar.  The youngster, who famously turned his back on a £23m bid from Chelsea, was piqued that Junior refused to allow him to take a penalty after being hauled down in the box.  He then turned his back on the successful effort of his teammate and proceeded to lace into his coach in front of the crowd, the press and television cameras.  The club’s board wanted their young star back on the pitch, with some important matches in the offing, and when the manager let it be known he felt his authority was being undermined, he duly found out that he was, in fact, correct.  If it’s any consolation to the departed, Junior’s opinion was echoed by national coach Mano Manezes, who left Neymar out of his squad for Brazil’s upcoming friendlies and was forthright about his reasons.

We’ve lived troubled moments in the past, and we want to keep problems out of the national team at this point. We believe it’s important to send this message out for everybody to have in mind the way we work. We want to leave clear the line we have chosen to manage this group. – Mano Manezes on Neymar’s disciplinary issues

Translation — We already have enough Ronaldinhos, Robinhos and Adrianos.  What we’re looking for is a few more Kakas and Lucios, kid.  So don’t call us, we’ll call you.

Since they seem to be of like mind on how young players should be brought along, one wonders if there’s room on Manezes’ staff for Dorival.  One also wonders what awaits down the road for Santos, now that their precocious youngster has had a taste of power.  Who will he turn his back on next?

The immediate question, though, is will there be more fireworks and nasty plot twists on the weekend?  The stage is set for some and our intrepid crew of WFC writers is here to tell you about them.

Chris Mann

Chris Mann

Athletic Bilbao v Barcelona, La Liga…Saturday

Barca’s unforeseen defeat to Hercules aside, both teams have enjoyed relatively painless starts to the season, sitting in sixth and third place respectively. Although Pep Guardiola’s side overcame Sporting Gijon on Wednesday, without the recently injured Lionel Messi, the Argentine’s absence could have more of a pronounced impact at San Mames on Saturday. With Athletic the top scorers during the season’s nascent stages and Fernando Llorente enjoying an excellent run of form, Barcelona will have to be at their best to overcome the strength of their hosts and the vibrant atmosphere that the Basque supporters always generate.

Fabricio Presilli

Fab Presilli

Campeonato Brasileiro – 25th round

Santos vs Cruzeiro…Saturday

After a tumultuous week, with the firing of coach Dorival Junior, for refusing to back off his disciplining of wonder kid Neymar, Santos’ boys faced a tough opponent.  With their club rising up the championship table, Cruzeiro’s Argetinian duo, Ernesto Farias and Walter Montillo, are making goals and headlines.

Internacional vs Corinthians…Sunday

The Libertadores Champions are still trying to get to the top of the table nationally, and Corinthians place is up for grabs with a shaky record on the road. Ronaldo is healthy and expected to play and fellow senior citizen Roberto Carlos has been one of Timão’s best players.

Geoff Edwards

Geoff Edwards

Bayern Munich v FSV Mainz 05, Bundesliga…Saturday

Who would have predicted FSV Mainz to be top of the table with 5 wins out of 5?  I certainly didn’t, but that’s where they are. Mainz coach Thomas Tuchel, not so long ago tending bar to fund his studies, now being hailed as the ‘German Mourinho,’ has given Mainz’s young team and its fans the chance to dream of bigger things.

What better place for those young dreams to be cruelly crushed than the Bayern’s Allianz Arena. The Bavarians have had a stuttering start to the season, struggling to break down opposing defenders. But, ominously, they are coming off the back of a trademark last-gasp win at Hoffenheim and will be confident of victory despite Franck Ribery’s month-long injury lay-off. It won’t be a cakewalk however. In Andre Schuerrle, Lewis Holtby and Marcel Risse, Mainz have a trio of in-form young forwards capable of inflicting real damage on Bayern’s sometimes dodgy defence.

Werder Bremen v Hamburger SV, Bundesliga…Saturday

The ‘Nordderby’ is one of the most eagerly awaited rivalries on the German football calendar. Bremen are in the middle of a small crisis, coming off the back of 2 abject defeats to Mainz and Hannover 96. With their defence reaching new levels of incompetence and the lack of rhytm in attack, following the loss of Mesut Ozil, Bremen will have to improve drastically to beat their great rivals who, despite their midweek loss at home to Wolfsburg, have had a decent start to the season.

Tapesh Patel

Tapesh Patel

Lyon vs. Saint-Etienne, Ligue 1…Saturday

You really couldn’t write this. Saint-Etienne finished in 17th place last season  and Olympique Lyonnais second. Yet now the minnows are topping the league with six games gone. The last time St. Etienne won the league was in 1981, when some fellow named Michel Platini led the side.  They may not win the league, but the foundations are set for a great season. Take Dmitri Payet for example, who has now scored six in six, continuing a fine run which may lead him into the national side.

Les Verts success has taken a lot of the customary attention away from local rivals Lyon. Les Gones will be desperately hoping for a win, as the ironic 16-place gap between the two sides almost looks larger than the 60km that separates them geographically. Manager Claude Puel may be fearing for his job if reports are to be believed. The best remedy for all of the negative press? A victory in the Rhône Derby. This one is perfectly poised.

Leeds United vs. Sheffield United, The Championship…Saturday

Another derby, this one in the colder climate of Yorkshire. A bumper crowd of 35,000 is expected to watch what should be a fiery encounter at Elland Road. Gary Speed returns to his former club as manager after the sacking of Kevin Blackwell last month.   The Blades will be optimistic for a win, in the absence of Leeds goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Martin Palazzotto

Martin Palazzotto

Los Angeles Galaxy v New York Red Bull, MLS…Friday

Some gossip rag has run a story that David Beckham cheated on his wife all the way back in 2007.  It’s America, so naturally Becks is suing for libel.  He has a much better chance of winning here than he would at home.  That said, he also has a much better chance of winning on the pitch than he does in court.

It’s a battle between the two biggest clubs in the league, with the Galaxy sitting atop the table and New York, currently 5th.   The Red Bulls will be without Thierry Henry, who although legitimately injured, will probably be decorating his new $9M Manhattan penthouse, complete with its own bamboo forest.  Wow, isn’t American soccer beginning to sound more like the English game?

America v Santos Laguna, Mexican Apertura…Sunday

In Group 3, of the three group alignment in the Primera Division, Cruz Azul are in fact cruising, 10 points in front.  In Group 1, Monterrey and Santos share the lead at 18 points and are 5 points ahead of any second place club.  As long as they maintain their pace, one of them will take the wildcard spot in the playoffs.  Which means that the battle for Group 2 between Toluca (13), San Luis (13) and Club America (12) is the only current point of contention in the league.  Having given up the top spot to Toluca last week, America welcome Santos to the capital.  This is not the club you want to see coming out of the visitor’s clubhouse when you absolutely need a result.

AS Roma v Internazionale, Serie A…Saturday

Last season, these two clubs fought it out tooth and nail for both the Scudetto and Coppa d’Italia.  Inter took all the honours but the departure of Jose Mourinho left the Nerrazzurri in a state of flux and, as some (including yours truly) thought, vulnerability.  Rafa Benitez seems to have settled the side to his liking, however, with a 4-0 deconstruction of Bari, which saw Diego Milito finally find his scoring touch.  On the other hand, Roma is in chaos at the moment.  Claudio Ranieri is sniping at the press, his side can’t manufacture a result and there are rumors of a ghost in a toga, crowned with a laurel branch, wandering the bowels of Stadio Olimpico, playing a dirge on a violin.  This match may well define Roma’s season and a loss may end the Reign of Ranieri.

Matt and Roman

The Scouser Report with Matt Dalton & Roman

It’s been a pretty embarrassing week to be a Scouser, what with Everton and Liverpool both being royally embarrassed at the hands of Brentford and Northampton respectively. This weekend sees Everton travel to Craven Cottage to take on Mark Hughes’ Fulham, whilst Liverpool will be entertaining, and I use the term very lightly, Sunderland.

Both sides of Stanley Park will be desperate for not only points but convincing performances.  Normally, these would be clubs that they would fancy their chances against. No offence to Sunderland or Fulham, but they are not of the same quality as the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United and should provide a good opportunity to get some confidence back in times of trouble.  That is not to say that either will be an easy game.  Last season, a beachball proved how tricky it can be to face Sunderland and Fulham haven’t let anyone kick sand in their face for a while now.

After the complete disaster of midweek, I am going to put my neck on the line.  Things have to get better some time for both the Reds and the Blues of Merseyside and this is the weekend it will happen. Liverpool to win 2-0, Everton to scrape an injury time winner to take a 2-1 result back home.

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Well, that about wraps it up.  If any of you are wondering where Eliot Rothwell is, after his big Premier league debut last week, he hasn’t ditched us just yet.  Instead of weighing in on Catch Them If You Can, Eliot will be treating us to an insider’s look at Premiership weekends, in his new series, Diary Of A Wannabe Journalist.  As well as a birds-eye view of a different match each week and the free food which comes with it, Eliot will be rubbing elbows, literally, if the seating in the press box at Goodison Park is consistent with the rest of the league, with the likes of Phil McNulty, Tony Barrett and whether he likes it or not, Henry Winter.  So keep a weather eye for Eliot’s entries each week!

See you after the weekend!

No, the Champions League is definitely the cock of the roost and, this year, it invades the territory of another cagey bantam, the FA Cup.  Wembley Stadium, home of the world’s greatest domestic cup competition, is set to do double duty this year, deciding Europe’s best, as well as England’s. While Real Madrid’s dream of playing for the title at the Santiago Bernabeu in ’09-10 was crushed by Lyon, for Premier League holders Chelsea and their closest rivals, Arsenal and Manchester United, it’d be twice as sweet to feature in a pair of  May finals in London.

For that to happen, though, one (or two!) of them must fight their way through a Premier League winter and also overcome 31 other clubs, all dreaming of European glory.  The final group qualifications were completed at the end of August, quickly followed by the seeding and drawing for group assignment.   Now, the transfer window has closed and squads are set until January.  So what are we waiting for?  It’s time to get this party started.

Here, then, is a breakdown, group by group, of the proving ground for those who would move on to Wembley.  Read on to see how your side rates in the 2010-11 UEFA Champions League.

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Group A

Appropriately, we start with the defending champions.  With only two significant changes at Inter Milan this year, Mario Balotelli’s exit would usually be considered the most important.  Not so much, though, when Jose Mourinho is the other mega-star bidding farewell and his is, obviously, the more difficult act to follow.  Not surprisingly, given their history at Chelsea and Liverpool, new man Rafa Benitez has been rising to the Portuguese’s steady stream of bait, trying to convince anyone with a microphone in hand that Mourinho’s departure really isn’t that big a deal.

As confident as the Spaniard is, with Jose’s treble winning side still largely intact, it’s shaping up to be a tough season for Rafa on all fronts.  During the Serie A summer, Roma, Sampdoria and Napoli all improved and AC Milan came out of nowhere, at the last minute, to snatch up Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho.  A sixth Scudetto on the trot will be difficult, to say the least.  Making matters worse, they’ve been drawn into one of the tougher groups in the Champions League.  In Milan, this year, there will be no rest for the weary.

Tottenham Hotspurs‘ fortunes, ironically, owe much to the squad selection of former Inter and current Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho.  Not only did Spurs reach a literally last second deal with the Castilian giants, to claim the unwanted Rafael van der Vaart (notice the Special One’s tendency to dislike anyone named Rafa), but Mourinho’s recruitment of German attacking mid Mesut Ozil has put a crimp in Bremen’s ability to challenge for the second group spot.

Harry Redknapp, as he prefers, has no end of attacking options and so the injury to Jermaine Defoe is more of an inconvenience. Peter Crouch, Roman Pavlyuchencko, Robbie Keane, Gareth Bale, van der Vaart, Nico Kranjcar and Luca Modric should make the England striker’s absence bearable.  It’s the back end that’s lagging for the London lads.  Ledley King’s knees will never be 100%, Jonathan Woodgate is doing a better Owen Hargreaves impression than the man himself, Michael Dawson is out for 8 weeks and while new signing William Gallas may shore things up in the early doors, it’s only a matter of time before he starts grating on nerves.  He’s done that wherever he’s played, on either side of the Chunnel.

Werder Bremen instantly missed departed Mesut Ozil, being thrashed by Hoffenheim to open their Bundesliga campaign.  They did rebound with a 4-2 home victory over Lukas Podolski’s FC Köln, though.   Tim Wiese, Per Mertesacke and Torsten Frings can do better in the back but, up front, Claudio Pizzaro, Hugo Almeida and young Marko Arnautovic will be lost without someone to provide service.  If Marko Marin can make the transition to the inside, playing at the tip of the 4-4-2 diamond, the mourning period for Ozil may be short.

Last season, Steve McLaren rediscovered his managerial mojo, after a disastrous spell as England boss (is there any other kind?).  Leading cash strapped FC Twente to a domestic double, their first, Steve-o held off Martin Jol’s attempt to re-establish Ajax,PSV& Feyenoord’s rule over the Eredivisie, after AZ Alkmaar had cast them down in 09.  Trouble is, he’s off to Wolfsburg to take the next step in his recovery.  Michel Preud’homme leads the Tukkers now and they’ve started out well domestically.  This group is a tall task, however, especially with limited personnel.

Analysis: Benitez may have a lot ahead of him but I can’t see him tripping out of the blocks.  Inter should win this group and even if they do slip, it should only mean a more difficult opponent in the round of 16.   Bremen and Spurs will fight for the second spot but I’m tipping Spurs.  The Germans have more experience and are stronger in the back but Redknapp’s crew are too fast, too many and too hungry.

Group B

Two seasons ago, Felix Magath drove Wolfsburg from obscurity to the summit of the Bundesliga, before moving to Schalke 04.  Magath, is a direct, no-nonsense manager, who looks to surround himself with reliable people.  That may be why Kevin Kuranyi is now plying his trade in Moscow, rather than Gelsenkirchen.  Raul is now the talisman, to be supported by late transfer Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.  Christophe Metzelder anchors the back line and German #1, Manuel Neuer is the man between the posts.  It may take a little time for the new squad to gel but if they can, they will be difficult.

Claude Puel has become used to the revolving door at Olympique Lyonnais.  The top players, like Karim Benzema and Florent Malouda aren’t usually around for long, so the former Lille manager has gone back to what he knows, building a solid, cohesive squad that can compete with anyone.  Last year that philosophy paid off with a terrific run to the Champions League semi-finals.  This year, with the addition of Yoann Gourcuff’s midfield creativity to Jeremy Toulalan’s solid holding capabilities, Lyon should be a more balanced squad.

This is the type of group that Benfica can exploit.  The Portuguese giants, twice winners of the Champions League, as always, have a solid team, though not spectacular by continental standards.  With Fabio Coentrao, Luisao and Maxi Perreira at the back, defence can become attack very quickly.  Up front Oscar Cardozo and Javier Saviola provide a danger to any goal.  Pablo Aimar is the tip of a diamond shaped midfield which, while not as polished as some, does play well as a unit.   Manager Jorge Jesus will want to make a quick start in the group, with his two main opponents still working out the kinks.

The other three clubs in the group may be wary of each other but if they let up against Hapoel Tel Aviv, they’ll be in for a shock.  The one time Asian champions are starting to make their mark in Europe.  Last season, they won their Europa League group before bowing out to Russian sensations Rubin Kazan.  This year, they’ve qualified for their first Champions League group stage.  Somewhat hampered by a very strict Homegrown Rule (no more than 5 foreigners on any squad), the Israeli’s are nonetheless very game.

Analysis: There are so many ifs in this group that it’s very difficult to nominate a winner, or even a loser, out of the top three.  With eyes closed and fingers crossed, I’ll go with Schalke and Benfica to advance, mostly on the basis of their managers’ stronger and more recent championship pedigrees.  I also think Lyon might feel some effect from the current French national malaise, making them more susceptible to lapses.

Group C

The Premier League looks to be even more competitive and Chelsea have roared out of the gate.  So, even the contrary Sir Alex Ferguson has to be happy with Manchester United‘s draw.  Not only should it be favourable from a competitive standpoint but the travel destinations are also advantageous, with two Mediterranean sunspots and a quick hop up to Glasgow on the itinerary.

United’s attack looks more diverse, after Wayne Rooney carried the whole load last year.  Young Javier Hernandez has fit right in and Dimitar Berbatov has rediscovered some form.  Rooney, despondent after a poor World Cup is beginning to look like himself again.  In midfield, Paul Scholes is experiencing some deja vu, pulling the strings like a far younger version of himself and Ryan Giggs continues to play as though he has a painting, a la Dorian Gray, safely hidden somewhere about Old Trafford.  If either should falter, young Darron Gibson is more than ready to step in.  With Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans also coming along, Rio Ferdinand’s chronic back and knee problems are only a minor concern.  Rather than a challenge, the group stages are more of a welcome respite for Fergie’s charges.

Unai Emery’s Valencia are not what they were with the David’s, Villa and Silva.  They are younger.  Beyond that, if their 3-1 La Liga debut at Malaga is any indication, nothing much has changed. Aritz Aduriz has been brought in to help Joaquin Sanchez provide leadership but Ever Banega and Juan Manuel Mata will have to be bled on the march.  There is bound to be some adversity along the road and the measure of the young guns will be taken in how they respond.  Still, los Che have to fancy their chances of sliding in beside United, for the second qualifying spot out of the group.

The Old Firm showed some hints of agoraphobia in the last campaign, as both Celtic and Rangers crashed out of Europe spectacularly.  Unlike Tony Mowbray, Walter Smith was able to exert some damage control on the domestic front, and the blue shirts won the Scottish league going away.  With some key members of the squad, Maurice Edu (USA), Madjid Bougherra (Algeria) and Vladimir Weiss (Slovakia), having been tempered in the crucible of the World Cup finals, and 40 year old captain David Weir receiving his first call up for national duty in some time, Smith is hopeful his side show more competitive fire during this year’s travels.

Having claimed their first Turkish Super Lig title, relatively unknown Bursaspor are the wide-eyed tourists of Group C.  The Green Crocodiles’ heads will surely be turned when visiting such storied venues as Old Trafford, Mestalla and the Ibrox, especially with their squad largely homegrown.  It will be in the hands of well travelled Argentine Federico Insua, who has played in the top flight at home, as well as Mexico, Spain and Germany, to keep his teammates minds on the task at hand, else tears will be shed.  Like as not, however, the most enjoyable parts of their travels are going to be before the referee blows the whistle.

Analysis: I don’t want to shock anyone but United will win the group.  The Glaswegians will challenge Valencia for the right to move on but I think they’re the more likely of the pair to drop points to the Turks.  With just a quick jaunt across the Med to face the minnows, the Spaniards will be much less out of their element.  Sadly, Bursaspor’s first appearance in the Champions League will not be a Turkish delight.

Group D

If anything, Barcelona have it easier than United.  None of the three clubs in this group pose a real threat to the Catalans, even though they were surprised last year by Rubin Kazan.  You can best believe, however, that Pep Guardiola will have his players chewing on that bone as they make a return journey north.

Barca have a slightly different look this year.  Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s power game never meshed in the Nou Camp and he’s back in Milan, albeit with AC, rather than Inter.  Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez, no longer up to the pace, have taken up teaching positions in the Big Apple. David Villa is a much better fit with Lionel Messi and Liverpool escapee Javier Mascherano adds some steel to that sublime midfield corps.  And Pep is still stalking Cesc Fabregas!

Athens giants, Panathinaikos, have developed a cosmopolitan flavour.  There is the French strike pairing of Djibril Cisse and Sidney Govou,  Spaniard Luis Garcia and Brazil’s Gilberto da Silva in the midfield.  Malian Cedric Kante and another Frenchman, Jean-Alain Boumsong are in defense.  Yet, their best player might be homeboy Sotiris Ninis.  Young, quick and clever, the Greek now has some World Cup experience, to boot.  Even with all the veterans around him, he reminds doubters that theTryfilli have an eye for the future.

Jesper Gronkjaer, still swift at 33, leads FC Copenhagen.  The Lions are Danish champions two years on the trot and seven times for the decade.  Unfortunately, that dominance hasn’t translated to the European stage.  Plain and unassuming, the Danes must play perfect football to have a hope of progressing in this group but they are a well balanced unit, capable of taking a result.  If they put in enough hard working shifts, they just might be see a nice payoff at the end.

With former Newcastle standout, Obafemi Martins still looking to open his account, five games into his Rubin Kazan career, the two time Russian Premier League holders are sitting four points behind Luciano Spaletti’s Zenit St. Petersburg.  Zenit are a traditional power, while the Kazan club has a journeyman history in the lower levels of Russian and Soviet leagues.  It’s a classic case of speed v power, puncher v boxer, Rocky Balboa v Apollo Creed and, at the moment, Gurban Burdiyev’s Rubies are taking it on the chin.  Where’s Burgess Meredith when you really need him?

Analysis: Another unimaginative pick for you, as Barcelona waltz through the group.  I’d like to think that Panathanaikos’ experience will see them through, as well.  It’ll be tough, though, especially if Rubin Kazan can find a goal scoring touch.  Copenhagen won’t necessarily bring up the rear, as 2nd through 4th will be a toss up, but they don’t look to have enough to progress.

Group E

Bayern Munich began last season struggling to recover after sinking to the depths of 2nd place in the ’09 Bundesliga campaign.  Such are the expectations of the league’s flagship club that anything less than leading the fleet is abject failure.  Dutch master Louis van Gaal was tasked with restoring the Bavarians to their accustomed place.  Once he removed the mutinous Luca Toni, the club charted a course to overtake Bayer Leverkuesen atop the table.

There were three unexpected sources for their success.  Ivica Olic’s emergence glossed over the tepid seasons of both Miro Klose and Mario Gomez.  Holger Badstuber’s steady play an versatility, on the left and in centre of defence, was key in covering for injuries.  Finally, Thomas Müller’s rapid ascendance, which extended to the world stage in the summer, compensated for the chronic injury issues besetting wingers Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.  With all those players returning and the addition of Toni Kroos in midfield, there is no reason that Bayern shouldn’t realistically target Wembley as their final port of call in 2011.

AS Roma brought in their own managerial miracle worker, Claudio Ranieri, in ’09-10, and he put wind in their sails, as well as on their shirts.  Eclipsing an aging AC Milan and reeling in the heady Sampdorians, Roma put a scare into Jose Mourinho’s plans for total European dominance. Last season, the stumbling block was up front, with Francesco Totti slowing considerably and Ranieri’s gamble, in rescuing Luca Toni, proving a bad one.

This season, Claudio is again attempting to salvage a career.  The troublesome Adriano is back in the Serie A, where he has never seemed able to maintain a focus on his day job, much preferring the Italian nightlife.  If it all comes together, Roma will be contending for more than one trophy in spring.  If not, well, Ranieri best not think about that.

Swiss international captain, Alexander Frei, at 31, is back to wrap up his club career where it began, at FC Basel.  The cantankerous Frei, famous for spitting at Steven Gerrard  in the ’04 Euros, spent time at Rennes and Borussia Dortmund while simultaneously providing most of the Swiss offence under Ottmar Hitzfeld.   The other notable player in the Bebbi lineup is Ghanian right back Samuel Inkoom.  Basel, like Copenhagen, dominate domestically and feature a home flavoured squad.  Unfortunately, in Europe that stands them in as much stead as it does the Danes, which is to say not a lot.

Over the past four years, CFR Cluj have enjoyed great success in Romania and, with a motley collection of Euro travelers, haven’t done too badly in Europe.  Having won their second domestic crown and held onto the Romanian Cup, Cluj get another CL crack at Roma after having stunned them in 2008, 1-2, in the Eternal City.  It will certainly be tougher, this time around, as the Italians will be looking for a measure of revenge.   Stamford Bridge fans will well remember that the Romanians followed that victory up with a scoreless away draw, against the Blues.

Analysis: Both Bayern and Roma should feel relatively comfortable about making it out of this group.  They have more than enough quality to get the job done.  Should they take their superiority for granted, however, they’ll quickly learn that their two group companions can do more than make up weight.

Group F

Carlos Ancelotti brought Chelsea back to the top of the Premier League, where they hadn’t been since Jose Mourinho’s tenure.  The Italian even went the Portuguese one better by securing a domestic double.  That he did it with what was essentially Jose’s old squad didn’t seem to dampen his spirits.  However, Mourinho himself tempered Ancelotti’s ecstacy, winning both sides of their two legged CL tie.

This year Chelsea have launched their Premier League campaign with the power of a moon bound rocket and some of Jose’s recruits are not along for the ride.  Joe Cole, Michael Ballack and Ricardo Carvalho are all elsewhere.  Stepping into the gap are Florent Malouda, Branislav Ivanovic and Yossi Benayoun, as well as a healthy Michael Essien.  Also likely to be trusted with more responsibilities will be Salomon Kalou, Daniel Sturridge and possibly Gael Kakuta.  The foundations at the Bridge are still sound and crossing over into European glory may finally be the Blues’ destination.

Didier Deschamps did not take the France job, preferring to remain at Olympique de Marseilles.  If les Bleus’performance at the Stade de France, a fortnight past, is any indication, Didier is quite happy not to be in former teammate, Laurent Blanc’s shoes, even with his own club’s mid-table start to the Ligue 1 season. OM didn’t make much noise in the transfer window, although Hatem Ben Arfa was very vocal in his eagerness to move to England.  He’s now at Newcastle but Andre-Pierre Gignac and young Loic Remy  are capable of picking up the slack.  The midfield is steeped in quality, with Lucho Gonzalez and Brandao leading the way.  Steve Mandanda captains from goal and el Gringo, Gaby Heinze is around to lend some sharp steel to the back line.  Don’t expect the French champs to remain merely average for long.

Glasgow born and Republic of Ireland international Aiden McGeady has arrived in Russia to change the forunes of the struggling Spartak Moscow club.  Sitting 3 points and 2 places out of European contention, Spartak need all the help they can get.  Brazilians Welliton (13) and  Ari (5) provide all of the punch but the anemic offence may be less of a worry than the the loss of defender Martin Jiranek to Birmingham City.  At the moment, domestic issues would seem to demand more of manager Valery Karpin’s attention than European concerns.

Another domestic giant who loses its way when traveling the continent is MSK Zilina, perennial Slovakian champions.  The Susoni, managed by Czech Pavel Hapal, are strictly a regional club.  Having played in all save one season of the young Slovak super-league, Zilina have either been champions (5x) or runners-up (3x) in half of them.   Almost the entire squad is made up of Slovaks or Czechs, barring just four players, one of whom is Bosnian.  It just goes to show you, that in a very small pond, even a minnow can be a big fish.

Analysis: If Chelsea don’t have virtually everything their own way in this group, I will eat my socks (I need my hat).  Marseilles should pick up the scraps with Spartak distracted and Zilina not a factor.

Group G

If this isn’t the group of death in the 2010-11 CL, it’s definitely the ‘Group of Champions.’  Real Madrid, although they haven’t won in 8 years, are, of course, the ultimate European champions, with 9 pieces of silver in the roomy Santiago Bernabeu trophy cabinet.  Jose Mourinho has come to town to lift that number into double figures and, to date, he has delivered wherever he has been.  His new signings indicate that he intends to leave Madrid as he has every other club, with a squad that can challenge for trophies long after he’s departed.  Mesut Ozil, at 21, replaces the creativity of 33 year old Guti and the injured Kaka.  Sami Khedira, 23, offers more pace than the 28 year old Xabi Alonso and a better attacking dynamic than Mahamadou Diarra, 29.  Finally, Angel di Maria, 22, will make defences think twice about shifting over to cover Cristiano Ronaldo.  Jose will blend the youngsters in slowly but the club has enough depth to compete on several fronts and to give domestic concerns to an aging Barcelona side.

With 7 European Cups on display at the San Siro, Silvio Berlusconi doesn’t like to be an afterthought.  So, before the transfer window closed, he orchestrated a series of deals that put AC Milan right back in the Serie A spotlight.  Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whose pace and power should fit in well, is on a one year loan from Barca.  Robinho, lonely and homesick in England, now has no excuses with Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato to lighten the dreary work day and, in Ronaldinho’s case at least, introduce him to the best nightclubs.  To make room and keep the books balanced, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is now with Schalke.  Kevin-Prince Boateng adds strength to the midfield and Thiago Silva and Alessandro Nesta anchor the line.  With Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Mathieu Flamini and Onweyu Oguchi, there is depth and experience enough to let both Inter and Real know that this will not be an easy year.

As 4 time European club champions, Ajax round out the 20 championships crammed into Group G.  Without the depth or financing of Real or Milan, the Amsterdam side have to be rated as outsiders, yet if someone lets them get their foot in the door, they have the strength to force it open.  Maarten Stekelenberg back stopped the Oranje to the World Cup final with support from Andre Oojier, Gregory van der Wiel and Demy de Zeeuw.  With Martin Jol settled as manager, they’ll now look for club glory, as well.  Uruguayan Luis Suarez has pledged Ajax his future and wears the captain’s arm band.  He’ll mentor countryman Nicolas Lodeiro and the young Dane sensation, Christian Eriksen, from the unfortunately named hamlet of Middlefart.  Chemistry issues do arise with the presence of 7 time loanee Mido, providing attacking support.

French side AJ Auxerre are a fish out of water in their present company.  Fish maybe but not minnows.  Auxerre have risen to the upper reaches of  Ligue 1 in the past two seasons, finishing 3rd last year.  This is a workmanlike club, disciplined but lacking in starpower. Outside of France, its most familiar players would be forward Valter Birsa, of Slovenia, and the gritty Swiss defender, Stephane Grichting.  While not well known, their more famous opponents had best be prepared because, as any Ligue 1 side will gladly inform them, Auxerre aren’t shy about introducing themselves.

Analysis: The abundance of hardware in this group may stir up some nostalgia and pride, which could very well turn it into a group of death. Real, under Jose’s firm guidance will lay claim to the top spot. Luis Suarez has a way of showing up in big moments and making a difference as 49 club goals and one World Cup save will attest.  You can’t count Ajax out and AC Milan’s one weakness may be the continental naivete of its new manager Massimiliano Allegri.  Auxerre will make the others work but they are just too far out of their depths.

Group H

There’s a term in American slang for Arsenal.  Snakebit.  Just as they get rolling and have Chelsea and Man United looking over their shoulders, a key player is stricken with a critical injury.  Usually, as it is right now, that player is Robin van Persie but it’s also happened with Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Tomas Rosicky and the departed Eduardo da Silva.  Last year, United supporters were fretting over what would happen should Wayne Rooney blow a tire and be sidelined for a significant period.  That happens repeatedly to Arsenal in every campaign and it’s a major reason they haven’t collected any silverware in six years.  Still, a gimpy Gunner squad is more than capable of making their way to the elimination rounds from this group.

The Premier Leaguers will find a familiar face across the pitch when they meet up with Shakhtar Donetsk.  Former Gunner Eduardo, he of the broken leg while at the Emirates, is now the key man in the Miners set-up.  Brazilians Luiz Adriano and Jadson, the goalscorers in Shakhtar’s surprising 2009 UEFA Cup championship triumph over Werder Bremen are still around and still young (23 & 26 respectively).  Overall, the Ukrainian club likes to play an attractive passing game.  They’re not in Arsenal’s class when it comes to finesse but they do have a bit more grit.

Most of Braga‘s players share something in common with the club.  Short names.  In all, 17 of them have followed in the honourific tradition of Pele, Junior, Ronaldo and Kaka.  If you think you’ve deduced a large population of Brazilians in the squad, you’re correct, although one or two of them do have a second name, most notably George Lucas.  Meanwhile, manager Domingo Pacienca has to be hoping that no one tells the big boys in the group that his club are sometimes known as the Arsenalists.  He’ll have enough problems trying to get a result out of those two matches without any bulletin board material introduced into the mix.  May the force be with them.

One half of Eastern Europe’s greatest football derby, Partizan Belgrade, is back in the Champions League for the first time since 2003.  It was a tough battle for them to get here, too.  The final qualifying tie with RSC Anderlecht consisted of a pair of 2-2 draws, extra time and a penalty shootout, which Partizan finally won 3-2.  After that, the home and home against Red Star this season will seem like a romantic stroll in the park.  When they were last in the group stages, seven years ago, they were last in the group.  Not much is likely to change.

Analysis: Arsenal have been drawn into a group which, largely, likes to play the same open style that Arsene Wenger worships.  Since none of his opponents are Barcelona, he’s unlikely to be beaten at his own game.  That leaves one pass into the later stages for the other three sides to scrap over.  Despite the fact that Braga’s Brazilians outnumber Shakhtar’s almost 3-1, I’m going with the Ukraine.  They know how to get down and dirty when needed and that will make the difference.

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The action gets underway in midweek and by Christmas, we’ll know who’ll be continuing their continental travels and who’ll have to be satisfied by redoubling their domestic efforts.  Enjoy the action and I’ll see you after the holidays, with the elimination round preview!

There were four outstanding deals made in the dying moments of summer and they are as follows:

Robinho (and Zlatan Ibrahimovic) to AC Milan

For the past year, since the departure of Kaka to Madrid, Silvio Berlusconi has been crying pauper, loudly proclaiming he can no longer afford to go out and spend willy nilly to land the most sought after targets in the market.  A season spent watching Roma and, for a while, Sampdoria challenge Inter for the Scudetto did not sit well with the Italian president, however.

When he can tear himself away from more important matters, Berlusconi knows how to make a deal ... Then again, maybe it's a transferable skill.

Then, Jose Mourinho left town and opportunity beckoned.  The wily Berlusconi bided his time, though, waiting for the deadline to approach and hardened bargaining positions to soften.  Then he struck with surprising speed and financial cunning.  Agreeing a one year loan deal with Barcelona for the unwanted Ibra, with an option to purchase the player outright in 12 months time, caught the rest of football by surprise.

Then, at the last, he secured the services of Robinho, discontented with Man City ever since his compatriots Jo and Elano were shipped out, perceivably as punishment for his lack of focus.  Now, at the San Siro, the Brazilian will enjoy the company of fellow samba-leros Ronaldhino and Alexander Pato.  The deal was made for approximately a third of Man City’s original £32M purchase price of the moody winger, not two years gone.  In order to cover the cost, Berlusconi simply moved fringe player Klaas-Jan Huntelaar on to Schalke 04 for a reported €13M.

Ibra and Robinho are both possessed of  combustible personalities but are also capable of  setting fire to opposing defences.  If it’s not too late, it might be a good idea for Rafa Benitez to confirm the Giuseppe Meazza is well equipped with extinguishers.

Alex Hleb, Jean Beausejour and Martin Jiranek to Birmingham

Am I good, or am I good?

Alex McLeish, like a true Scot, understands the value of a pound.  As well, in Carson Yeung, he’s been blessed with a chairman who does, as well.  In the current climate of the Premier League, no one player is going to transform Birmingham into world beaters.  As like as not, with Sheikh Mansour in the neighbourhood, you’d probably have to overpay for your man, to boot.  On the other hand, an eye for talent can take a decent budget and divide it among several solid players.  If that eye is also accompanied by a strong hand, the resultant value of the squad might prove to be greater than the combined purchase price of its various members.

McLeish guided the Blues out of the Championship, two years ago, and then had them threatening a European place for much of  their first season back in the top flight.  With Hleb’s ability to play in the hole or on the wing, Beausejour’s speed and power down the left side and Jiranek’s towering presence in central defence, combined with James McFadden, Matt Derbyshire and Ben Foster,  Birmingham continue to have the look of upward mobility.

Asamoah Gyan to Sunderland

He scores in stripes for Ghana, maybe it'll work for the Mackems, too.

For every step forward Steve Bruce has managed at Sunderland, another obstacle has risen up to bar his way.  Most of those impediments have taken the form of injured players.  It was Lee Cattermole last year, over the holidays, who went down hard just as the Black Cats were flexing their claws.  This season it’s Frasier Campbell who’s come up lame at a very inopportune time, with the unhappy Kenwyne Jones having been sold to Stoke and Martyn Waghorn to Leicester.  That has left Darren Bent and ManU loanee Danny Welbeck without any cover.

So with just 15 minutes remaining in the silly season, Bruce snatched up the Ghanian for a hefty  £13.5M.  At Rennes, Gyan was not prolific, scoring just 14 times in 47 matches but with his international captain, John Mensah, to welcome him to the Stadium of Light, Bruce hopes he will settle quickly and translate his World Cup form into club success.

Rafael van der Vaart to Tottenham

With Crouchie and Abigail Clancy on the outs, Harry earns bonus points for maintaining the depth of the Tottenham WAG squad, in the bargain.

There was some controversy over this deal, because it looked to have been submitted late.  After deciding that no one would believe that Steve Bruce was intentionally chatting with the clerk and holding up the line after completing his deal, Harry Redknapp went with the old standby and blamed it on faulty wiring in the communications equipment.  And it’s not really surprising that it worked.  After all, if the powers that be are willing to take the word of Kim Jong Il on faith, regarding the fate of the North Korean World Cup squad, why wouldn’t they believe Harry?

Still, it’s a very happy van der Vaart coming to White Hart Lane, where his experience and creativity should put him right into the starting eleven, despite not being able to crack a Madrid lineup missing Kaka.  Whether Luca Modric appears more often in a wide role or he has to share some playing time with David Bentley and Nico Kranjcar matters not.  It’s the type of problem Redknapp loves to have, as evidenced by the continuing logjam up front, with Jermaine DeFoe, Peter Crouch, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Robbie Keane all worthy of first team status.

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Of the four, which do you think was the boldest of the last minute deals?  Vote in our poll below!

[poll id="14"]

This week, that means the first spate of qualifiers for Euro 2012, as well as plenty of fixtures in Australia, Argentina, Brazil, and the US.  If you didn’t catch our big Euro preview midweek, it’s right here.  The upcoming matches aren’t all that has fans of the European game abuzz this week, though.  The transfer market has closed, although not without a flurry of last minute business.

Now that Alex has this transfer thingy down, maybe he can find a decent barber.

If you see a smiling Harry Redknapp walking about London, during the break, don’t ask him for an autograph.  His hands are still swollen from a last desperate grab, just as the transfer window slammed shut.  His grin is genuine,  though, because coming away with Real Madrid’s surplus midfield magician, Rafael van der Vaart, for Tottenham, was certainly worth the pain.

In Birmingham, Alex McLeish has no need of painkillers.  His timing was much better than Redknapp’s, as he landed Barca benchwarmer, Alex Hleb, Chilean World Cup winger Jean Beausejour and the towering Spartak Moscow centre back, Martin Jiranek, all earlier on deadline day,.  With the trio joining the likes of Matt Derbyshire and Ben Foster as newcomers to City, the Blues are looking good to improve on their ninth place finish, last term.  Now chairman, Peter Pannu is on the hook to sign the Scot to a new deal, after having made some unflattering remarks regarding his ability.

Most players only do this after scoring a goal; For Robinho, this is his reaction to everything.

While McLeish and Redknapp were adding to David Cameron’s headaches over immigration, Man City provided some relief for the Tory PM, shipping the red tagged Brazilian, Robinho, to AC Milan, at well over a 50% discount on his £32M purchase price of two years ago.  Although Silvio Berlusconi will need to find some spare change hidden under his mistress, sorry, mattress to exercise the option to purchase Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Barcelona, for €24M in one year’s time, the suddenly economically minded Italian president at least broke even on the Robinho deal, by sending Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to Schalke 04 for €13M.  With the aging squad he has, if the lecherous Berlusconi can keep getting these kinds of players through the door without cracking open his wallet, maybe he does deserve to continue running the entire country for a while longer.

Back in England, all twenty Premier League clubs submitted their 2010 rosters on Wednesday.  Despite all the kerfluffle, no one seemed to have much trouble complying with the Homegrown Rule.  Many clubs simply named less than the maximum 25 non-homegrown players to their squad and supplemented those they did with a bevy of youngsters.  In fact, Arsene Wenger, who is known the world over as a despiser of the rule, got in one last dig, by naming just a 20 man roster, accompanied by a whopping 56 under-21′s.

Oh, and we almost forgot.  Mikel Arteta won’t be playing for England.  The FIFA archivists, working long into the night in their Zurich vaults, uncovered an obscure rule which prevents the Everton midfielder from featuring for the Three Lions.  Apparently, since he played for Spain as a wet-behind-the-ears teenager, without holding a UK passport at the time, it won’t matter if he obtains one now.  That’ll teach us to write a feature article on the subject.

Not a person to be reasoned with.

The  international matches, all scheduled on Friday, make for an early weekend in Europe,  but Monday is the Labour Day holiday in North America.  For MLS fans, that’s not a reason to celebrate.  To them, the holiday is like some horribly mutated version of Groundhogs Day.  The difference, in this case, is that instead of a cute little bucktoothed rodent popping out of a hole, hoping to avoid its own shadow, a pair of terrifyingly large and hideous monsters, known as the NFL and NCAA football emerge from their lairs and stomp on anyone not wearing a football jersey decorated with large numbers on both sides.

Outsized and outnumbered, MLS will soldier on with a full slate of fixtures this weekend.  Mexico, however, features just a single match on its calendar.  Experts believe this has direct relation to the fact that most US Border Patrol agents are massive grid-iron fans, who would never miss opening day.

In the southern half of the Americas, Corinthians legend Roberto Carlos can rest easier tonight.  After years of study, French physicists have confirmed that the incredible bend that the former galactico put on his infamous 1997 free kick against their home side, was indeed no fluke and that the Brazilian deserves every accolade for greatness he receives.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crSkWaJqx-Y

It’s one thing for a planet full of pubcrawlers to argue that you’re the most amazing left back of all time but it’s another when science is on your side.  Forget string theory and quantum mechanics, this is research grant money well spent.

Now to what’s on tap this weekend.  The WFC gang is back to serve it up but you’ll have to supply your own pretzels.

That mad Baggins is off again...

From the desk of the vacationing Geoff Edwards

Belgium v Germany, Euro ’12 Group A

Given that many of the day’s headline matches are of the killer whale versus minnow variety, this tilt stands out at first glance.  Unfortunately, Geoff notes that Die Mannschaft haven’t lost to the Belgians since 1954, which, and I don’t get to say this often enough anymore, is before I was born.  In that match, the Rote Teufel (think ManU or AC Milan) caught the Germans with a major hangover, it being the champions’ first game after winning their initial World Cup.  Thomas Vermaelen wears the armband for the hosts, while Philip Lahm, now officially caretaking for Michael Ballack, leads out the visitors.  As well, Manuel Neuer’s stellar turn in South Africa has earned him the Nr. Ein for Germany.

Chris Mann

Chris Mann

Liechtenstein v Spain Euro ’12 Group I

Undoubtedly the biggest mismatch of the week, newly-crowned world champions Spain will travel to Liechtenstein (population 34,761) on Friday, where they will face a country ranked an incredible 140 places below them in the FIFA rankings. Vicente Del Bosque has named a full-strength team despite the lowly nature of Spain’s opposition and it would hardly be surprising if David Villa, Fernando Torres and friends racked up a double-figure margin of victory at the Rheinpark Stadion.

Estonia v Italy Euro ’12 Group C

The Cesare Prandelli era begins in earnest tomorrow evening, as the Azzurri take on Estonia at the Lillekula Stadium in Tallinn. If a new-look Italian side can gel from the off, led out by redemption minded Daniel De Rossi and Giorgio Chiellini, then Prandelli’s men shouldn’t have a problem with their Baltic opponents, but Estonia – ranked 94th in the world – should not be underestimated. Players such as Tarmo Kink and Andres Oper are more than capable of punishing the Italians should they lose concentration. It should be an straightforward victory for the Azzurri but, as we saw so clearly in South Africa, Italy can be prone to self-destruction.

Eliot Rothwell

Eliot Rothwell

Slovenia v Northern Ireland Euro ’12 Group C

The Slovenians, under Matjez Kek, have made real progress, of late. A play-off victory over Russia cemented their rise to the top table of global football and rocketed them up 60 (yes, 60!) places in the FIFA rankings, all the way to 19th.  The rangy figure of striker Mile Novakovic may cause the likes of Jonny Evans problems, as the slippery Köln striker looks to evade the clutches of his markers.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland have a problem. They never seem able to get out of a group situation. Even in their last World Cup qualifying group, they were pipped by Slovakia and (you’ve guessed it) Slovenia. Manager Nigel Worthington will no doubt be scratching his silver mane trying to fathom how his side can conquer the likes of England and Spain, yet fail dismally against weaker teams. The Northern Irish cause should be aided by long-time saviour David Healy who, reminiscent of Lukas Podolski, remains out-of-form with his club side, while invariably turning up in spades for his country.

When not whipping Wales into shape, Toshack sings lead on PS Guitar Hero.

Montenegro v Wales Euro ’12 Group G

Recently established on the international stage themselves, Montenegro, host John Toshack’s Wales, in what could be a contender for match of the week.  The Welsh posses an in-form Gareth Bale, lightning quick and blessed with a traction engine in his left boot.  Montenegro, meanwhile are blessed with two goofy-footed technicians of their own. AS Roma’s Mirko Vucinic and Stevan Jovetic, of Anfield goalscoring fame, are more than a match for the weary defence of James Collins and Danny Gabbidon.

With both sides blessed with attacking menace and cursed with frail defences, the highlight reel should be lengthy.

England v Bulgaria Euro ’12 Group G

With the retirement of talisman Dimitar Berbatov, Bulgaria have adopted a 4-2-3-1 in recent matches, with the clear aim of controlling the ball for as long as possible. Martin and Stilian Petrov, in the midfield, should provide the Bulgarians with some creative spark against the too often lacklustre English.

With the English press heavily criticising Fabio Capello of late, the knives will be out should England not win this game and comfortably. Unfortunately for Capello, his side are suffering from any number of injury problems, most notably missing first choice centre-backs John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, as well as rangy impact sub Peter Crouch. This leaves the Italian the tough choice of relying on his out of favour World Cup squad or blooding unproven youngsters in a game that actually matters.

England have often struggled against possession minded sides and whilst they may run out eventual winners, I predict it to be a frustrating one, with the Bulgarians combining technique and tactics to stifle Englands attackers.

Tapesh Patel

Tapesh Patel

France v Belarus Euro ’12 Group D

While this match ushers in a new era for the French, Laurent Blanc probably still doesn’t know his best eleven.  We can therefore expect wholesale changes from the World Cup team.  Philippe Mexes will likely team up with Adil Rami in defence and Loic Rémy with Guillaume Hoarau in attack. The formation Blanc will play is also a complete mystery; the 4-4-2 diamond deployed against Norway will probably change to a straight 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3, due to the lack of an attacking playmaker (with Samir Nasri, Franck Ribery and Yoann Gourcuff all ruled out). The diamond in the rough is undoubtedly Florent Malouda, who has arguably been the best player in the Premiership so far this season.

Belarus will look to spring a shock on France if the hosts start slowly, but it may prove a difficult task, as key winger Aliaksandr Hleb has hardly played since April.  To be honest, though, I wouldn’t like to predict how this will pan out.

Lithuania v Scotland Euro ’12 Group I

Lithuania are still seen as minnows but Scotland will undoubtedly know the threat of their opposition, with many of the home side being current or former practitioners in the Scottish Premier League. Aberdeen’s Andruis Velicka leads the line for the hosts, while former Hearts man Saulius Mykoliunas is sure to get a hot reception, after being banned for play-acting the last time both sides met.  Eight changes have been made by Craig Levein for the match. The most notable are the omission of James McFadden and the inclusion of 40-year-old David Weir, who will become the oldest player ever to have donned the Tartan Blue.

This match will undoubtedly be a tight one, with both sides seeing the match as a proverbial six-pointer.

Avi Goldberg

Avi Goldberg

San Marino v The Netherlands

For their first qualification game, Netherlands coach Bert Van Marwijk must like the thought of San Marino.  The Oranje can afford to play more attacking football but the question is will coach Van Marwijk change the formation and test the new boys, midfielders Hedwiges Maduro, Theo Janssen and the ‘old’ come back of Ruud Van Nistelrooy? The coach has not given any hints whatsoever on the details of the line up but one thing is sure, the fans are expecting a lot of goals.  Playing with a 3 man defence will definitely increase their chances for a nice goal fest.

Martin Palazzotto

Martin Palazzotto

Major League Soccer

As the season hits the stretch run, with most clubs having played 22 of their 34 matches, the top clubs in both conferences are feeling some pressure.  In the east, Columbus are clinging to a four point lead over the hard charging NY Red Bulls.  The Crew are in the capital, hoping to take 3 points from lowly DC United, while Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez face a strong challenge out west, in Rio Tinto Stadium, versus holders Real Salt Lake.

Real are trying to reel in the west leading Galaxy, who have cooled of late, and would like to take more than a draw from a home match, no matter the opponent.  At the same time, they must look over their shoulders, as FC Dallas have risen out of the midden heap and are breathing down their necks.

LA are in Chicago to face a Fire side that, with the addition of Freddie Ljungberg, has rediscovered its spark.  Fully 13 points behind the 2nd place Red Bulls, with two clubs to climb over before they can even consider the New Yorkers, the Fire have a great deal of work to do.  The good news is that, through some scheduling quirks, they have 3 matches in hand on the rest of the field.  They need to make every one of those count, however.

The Mexican Apertura

If you absolutely, positively can’t do without some Mexican football this weekend, you’ll have to settle for the Guadalajara derby; it’s the only show in town. Chivas and Tecos are propping up the Group 1 table, so if it weren’t for the local rivalry, you might not think much of the prospects for entertainment.  On the other hand, Chivas haven’t really been taking the Apertura seriously, chasing, as they were, after the Copa Libertadores.  Having come up just short in that pursuit, the Goats can fully focus on butting heads with their neighbours and serving notice to the rest of the league that they are baa-a-a-ck.

Argentine Primera Division

On Sunday, Velez Sarsfield, battling it out for second place, with who else but Arsenal (de Sarandi), are confronted with a golden opportunity.  They go into Estadio Jose Amalfitani to face top of the table River Plate.  It’s a heavy-weight battle and the winner will rule the Primera Division roost.  On the other hand, if the aforementioned Argentine Gunners take an inviting 3 points at home against minnows Argentina Juniors, a draw in Buenos Aires could see both of the big boys looking up at a surprise leader.

Kris Dwyer

The Oz Files with Kris Dwyer

After last weekend, when the A-League took a ‘dive’ it’s only fitting that theres some tasty matches coming up.  First though, it’s the Socceroos.

Australia v Switzerland in Qatar

It’s a big game for Holger Osieck, the new $2million man at the head of the Socceroos.  However the ‘Roos have been dealt a blow with injuries to Michael Beauchamp (ankle), Josh Kennedy (back) and Harry Kewell (groin) limiting the squad for the upcoming international friendly match against Switzerland.  After consultation with the  three players and their clubs, Osieck has decided that they would not be required in camp.  Instead, the German has added Jon McKain and Tommy Oar into the squad.

On to the A-League, then…

Apparently, Perth have this nice chap named Fowler in their squad. Supposed to be famous or something.

Grudge Match – Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix @ nib Stadium

Last season, the two play-off debutants faced each other in the first round, with the Phoenix taking out the match in a heart breaking penalty shootout.  The Kiwis ended up going all the way to the Preliminary Final only to be knocked out by eventual champions Sydney FC, whilst the Purple Army from the west seethed and dreamt of what might have been.

With the home side branding this as their chance for revenge, you can only expect fireworks, especially with former Glory players Jade North, Leo Bertos and new signing Nicky Ward, all making the trip west.  The Glory are at near full strength, with only Michael Baird (suspension) and Victor Sikora (long term hip injury) unavailable.

One to Watch – Melbourne Heart v North Queensland Fury @ AAMI Stadium

Melbourne Heart are desperate to get their first win ever in the Hyundai A-League and North Queensland Fury are a team desperate to get back to winning ways.  Both sides play fluid Euro-esque attacking football, and, without a doubt, have two of the most passionate, flamboyant managers in the league, making this match a real cracker for the neutral.

..

Well, that about wraps it up.  We’ll be back on Monday with more news, reaction to the matches and, if we can twist the right arms, even a few highlights.  Enjoy the footy and we’ll see you then!

]]> http://worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/09/02/catch-them-if-you-can-3-5-sept-2010/feed/ 0 wfctagteam McLeish, Alex - finger snack Robinho raider fan the friendly skies chris mann eliot Toshack, John - Wales Tapesh Avigdor Goldberg MyPicture Kris Dwyer Fowler, Robbie - Perth Glory http://worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/08/31/did-you-catch-it-%e2%80%94-28-29-aug-2010/ http://worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/08/31/did-you-catch-it-%e2%80%94-28-29-aug-2010/#comments Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:16:07 +0000 The WFC Staff http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/?p=5405 Continue reading »]]> Another hectic weekend of footy is in the books but club managers will get a fortnight off now, to review and regroup, while many of their troops nip out for international duty.  With the transfer window closing in midweek, it will also give those gaffers with pressing needs extra time to sort out an eleventh hour deal.  So don’t put pen to paper fro West Ham quite yet, Mr. Parker.

No, Avram, I'm serious. The board said they were behind me all the way.

In Southampton, Alan Pardew was fully focused on making a last minute deal but his time with the Saints ran out much sooner than he anticipated.  One win in three matches, albeit a 4-0 thrashing of Bristol Rovers was not enough for the League One club’s board, who admitted, in their statement to the press, that giving their man the hook so early may look like panicking but, well, so what if we are?  Expect to find reports across the web, this week, that Alan Curbishley is the favourite to take over for his departed namesake and, yes, Sven may be interested in the job if the terms are right.

At the Emirates, Arsene Wenger lost a target for his annual frustration, as Robin van Persie took his yearly injury break a bit early and the KNVB, still smarting from last year’s tongue lashing from the Gunner boss, announced that they would not be calling the hobbled van Persie up for this week’s internationals.  On the bright side, it’s good news for the old horseman, Ruud van Nistlerooy, who once again finds his country in need of him.

In North America, it seems that CONCACAF may be switching its World Cup qualification format, eliminating the current Hexagon model, wherein the top six countries meet in a round robin group with three or four advancing, to two final groups of four.  Dependent upon whether the groups are drawn or seeded, the region’s two ‘super’powers, Mexico and the US, may never have to play each other, under the new system, to reach the World Cup.  Read this interesting article from MatchFit USA, to learn the reasoning behind the change.

As Bradley contemplates and decides against a move to Aston Villa...

...Juergen realises he needs to remove the 'For Sale' sign from the lawn of his Malibu villa

Also stateside, the USSF president Sunil Gulati recently met with Juergen Klinsmann, the former Germany and Bayern manager, in the wake of current manager Bob Bradley’s stated interest in the Aston Villa job.  Klinsmann was a candidate for the job, in 2006, upon leaving the Germany set-up but terms could not be reached and the decision was made to stick with Bradley.  The news had many fans of the USMNT excited, including our own Martin Palazzotto, who called for Bradley’s ouster right here on WFC .

Unfortunately, on Monday evening, it was announced that Bradley had signed a 4 year extension to remain the US coach.  All disappointments aside, this brings up some interesting questions.  Were Bradley’s interest in Villa and Gulati’s in Klinsmann both red herrings designed to push the other side closer to a deal?  Was Villa at all interested in Bradley?  Is Kevin MacDonald, with the victory over Everton, about to have the ‘caretaker’ removed from his job description?   And most importantly, is Juergen Klinsmann, right now, feeling about as used as Tony Blair backing up George W. Bush?

Elsewhere, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was a little pouty on his return trip to Milan from Barcelona.  It seems he really wanted to stay with the Catalans but, nonetheless, he should definitely have seen the writing on the wall when David Villa was signed.  AC seems to be a repository for unwanted Barca stars, these days, with Ibra arriving and Ronaldinho also hanging at the San Siro while longing for the good old days.  Still, the addition of the Swede and the rumoured pursuit of Robinho, if it comes to fruition, could find Berlusconi’s boys pushing Inter for Milano and Serie A supremacy once again.

It would seem, then, there are a few players who have jetted off to play for their country but may find themselves needing to change their travel itinerary while they’re away.  As we await those developments, the WFC gang is here to catch you up on the matches you may have missed over your weekend.  Enjoy.

Geoff Edwards

Geoff Edwards

St. Pauli 0, Hoffenheim 1 –Bundesliga

Not the exciting affair we may have been hoping for, but an absorbing game nonetheless.

In a game of 2 halves, the hosts will count themselves unlucky to have lost as, for the most part, they went toe to toe with their more expensively-assembled counterparts and created the majority of the chances, most notably a Fabian Boll header which crashed against the bar. But (and here’s one for the cliche lovers), if you don’t take your chances in top-flight football, more often than not you get punished for it.  That was the case at the Millerntor, as Isaac Vorsah poked home a Sejad Salihovic corner with just 3 minutes remaining.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWwxMIPmGu8

Hoffenheim took home the spoils and now sit proudly on top of the league, alongside Kaiserslautern in the 100% club. Disappointment for St Pauli, but they can take heart from their performance.

Tapesh Patel

Tapesh Patel

Leicester  1, Reading 2 –The Championship

To Leicester’s surprise, it was Reading who stole victory, at the Walker’s Stadium. Gylfi Sigurdsson, as always, provided a touch of class for Reading, showing great technique to dink the ball over the Foxes’ keeper, Conrad Logan.

Lloyd Dyer similarly sparkled, capping an impressive display with a 25-yard barnstormer at the start of the second half, to draw the home side level. However, it was Reading defender Matthew Mills who stole the show, first scoring from a corner, and then clearing a certain Leicester goal off the line to secure the win.

Leicester still languish in the relegation zone after this one, then, while Reading’s season has sprung to life, the Royals having now gone five matches unbeaten.

Bordeaux 1, Marseille 1 –Ligue 1

After Lucho Gonzalez gave OM an early lead, this became a tense affair, with the early sending-off of Marseille midfielder Edouard Cissé. Despite this, Marseille almost managed to hold their own, until les Girondins snatched a draw, thanks to a late goal from striker Anthony Modeste.

Unfortunately, this was not taken lightly by 400 of the Bordeaux supporters, who targeted the Marseille team bus after the match, with police intervention required to calm the situation. Their frustration will be shared (albeit to a lesser extent) by both teams, who, while they did find transportation home, remain marooned in mid-table and facing a fight to catch up with early pace-setters Toulouse.

Fabricio Presilli

Fab Presilli

Internacional 1,  Botafogo 0 –Brazilian Championship

A crucial win for Internacional, which keeps them in the race for the national title. Botafogo threw everything but the kitchen sink at the much better Internacional team but in the end it was not an unexpected result.

Boca Juniors 2, Velez Sarsfield 1 Argentinian Apertura – 4th round

A much needed win for Boca after a rocky week. Velez now stands second at the table, and have a key match next weekend against leaders River Plate.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dQUQCzQdE0

Fluminense 2, São Paulo 2 Brazilian Championship

The MVP of the round in Brazil, without a doubt, has to be São Paulo’s keeper Rogerio Ceni. A goal from a freekick and a penalty saved helped his team get a point away against the board leaders.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E71IvSnE1g4

It’s been a very competitive season.After 17 rounds of play, Fluminese and Corinthians are the only two clubs with better than 30 points.

Chris Mann

Chris Mann

Huddersfield Town 3, Charlton Athletic 1 –League One

I thought this might be an open game – and it was – but the encounter at the Galpharm Stadium turned out to be far more one-sided than many had imagined. Lee Clark has got Huddersfield playing an attractive brand of football and the young manager was rewarded with a confident performance from his team, against a Charlton side much-fancied for promotion. That said, the London club were the architects of their own downfall, all three of The Terriers’ goals coming courtesy of some catastrophic Addicks defending.

Matt Fry netted a consolation in injury time but it was not enough to mask the considerable failings of Phil Parkinson’s team.

Real Mallorca 0 v Real Madrid 0 –La Liga

Well, this was all rather disappointing wasn’t it? I’d been hoping to see either an emphatic start to the Mourinho era or an epic shock sprung by Mallorca but we ended up getting neither. The home side deserved a great deal of credit for the way in which they contained the galacticos, but as a spectacle the game was very little to write home about.

As expected, the Portuguese set his team out in a 4-2-3-1 with Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Canales and Angel Di Maria the attacking bank of three behind Gonzalo Higuain. We got a glimpse of Mesut Ozil with half an hour to go but the German struggled to impose himself on the game to any great degree.  Madrid’s misery was compounded after the final whistle with two pieces of news, first, from their medical staff, that Ronaldo will miss the next three weeks with an ankle injury and second, from Cantabria:

Racing Santander 0, FC Barcelona 3

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19deaj2dIPA

All in all, a mediocre start to the season from “the world’s biggest club” (TM).

Martin Palazzotto

Martin Palazzotto

Toronto FC 0, Real Salt Lake 0 MLS

Toronto was under the gun to get a result against the defending MLS champions on Sunday, with the Crew and Red Bull’s taillights fading in the distance of the Eastern Conference table and only 3 home games, including this one, remaining in the season.  Road weary from a midweek round trip to Panama, which ended in defeat and hampered by several players being unavailable through injury or suspension, Reds’ coach Preki was forced to go with midfielders Mista and Dwayne DeRosario as his strike pair.  The results were largely anemic and at the other end Stefan Frei was forced to come up big more than once, with Fabio Espindola smelling blood in the water.

With the carnival atmosphere of the Canadian National Exhibition (the fair of all fairs) ongoing in the background, TFC battled and earned a much needed point.

Cruz Azul 3, UANL Tigres 2 Mexican Apertura

If goals are your thing, then you should have headed south of the border, rather than north.  There wasn’t a lot of defence on display in Mexico City, by either side, but los Cementeros managed to hang on for their 5th victory in 6 matches.

Emmanuel Villa had the hosts on top very early, capitalising on a poor cross, but joy can be fleeting and Itamar Batista equalised for Tigres only a minute later.  The visitors seized the momentum from that point but not the lead and, as Geoff mentioned earlier, the inevitable occurred.  Against the run of play, Javier Orozco put Cruz Azul back in front just before the half, demonstrating why he has earned his first Tri Color international call up.   In the second stanza, Alejandro Vela added to Tigres’ misery, with a scintillating left footed effort that bent its way past the keeper and into the twine.  Itamar would give his side hope, pegging one back but Jorge Torres Nilo was sent off at the death, allowing Azul to close out the match in comfort.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EQ4_K8ezt8

The loss, in combination with Puebla’s 3-1 home victory over Pachuca, dropped Tigres out of the last at large playoff spot.  The train ride home was likely a somber one but, if all that noise in the background of the highlight reel is any indication, they were probably on their way quickly.

Eliot Rothwell

Eliot Rothwell

Lokomotiv Moscow 0, Zenit St. Petersburg 3 –Russian Premier League

It is safe to say that Lokomotiv were truly awful in this match, as Luciano Spalletti’s title contenders cruised to a 3-0 victory. Portuguese international Danny opened the scoring for Zenit with a goal steeped in controversy. Danny was presented with a tap in as the referee allowed Zenit to take a quick free-kick both confusing and infuriating the Lokomotiv players in equal measure.

Lokomotiv’s afternoon went from bad to worse as talisman and key attacking threat Dmitri Torbinskiy was sent off close to the hour mark. Zenit took advantage of the fact that Lokomotiv were a man light as Aleksandr Bukharov strode through the defence, rounded the ‘keeper and then had an age to carefully slot the ball home. The rout was completed with a delicious curling effort from Roman Shirokov, in the midst of more chaos and panic in the Lokomotiv defence.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QSP1LWdqOY

Both teams were knocked out of their respective European competitions in the week but it is the men from St. Petersburg that proved that the poor performance in midweek was just a blip. Lokomotiv will have to regain their form fast if they are going to have any chance of claiming a Europa League spot again.

Matt Dalton

Matt Dalton with The Scouser Report

This weekend’s action, although hardly inspirational, did have a few interesting points to mull over.

Liverpool, in desperate need of both points and a performance, after a pretty timid start, grabbed all the points, albeit by the narrow margin of 1-0, against West Brom. The Reds didn’t exactly boss the game; in fact, they were only saved further embarrassment,  courtesy of a brilliant right footed volley from Fernando Torres, on the counter attack.  The Baggies, largely considered to be cannon fodder, actually had more shots on goal than their more illustrious opposition.

In the other Merseyside game, Everton were entertained by Aston Villa at Villa Park. Actually, now I come to think about it, entertained may be the wrong word! Despite dominating large portions of the game, Everton, led early on by new signing Jermaine Beckford and later by Louis Saha, were unable to break the deadlock and went down to a 1-0 loss.   Luke Young, following on from some excellent play from his namesake, Ashley, was the Toffees nemesis on the day.  How Everton lost the game, not many people (other than Geoff, of course) will fathom.

In the other games in the Premier League, Bolton valiantly fought back from two down against Birmingham to draw 2-2, especially significant given the first half sending off of keeper Jusski Jaaskelainen, following on from a rather tame slap on Roger Johnson. Refereeing really has gone barmy these days – you only have to look at someone to get sent off! What would Tommy Smith think of this mayhem?

...This is not.

Premier League Etiquette 101: This is acceptable facial contact...

Elsewhere, Sunderland ground out a 1-0 victory at home to Man City, courtesy of a second half injury time penalty from Darren Bent, whilst Chelsea and Man United each ran out routine wins, 2-0 and 3-0 against Stoke and West Ham respectively.

In the surprise of the weekend, Tottenham went down at home to Wigan 1-0, but it was fully deserved. From start to finish, Wigan worked tirelessly to ensure that Spurs suffered from the well known “Champions League hangover”. It will be interesting to see how Spurs deal with this phenomenon. Personally, I think they may struggle.

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Just because it’s an international week, don’t take your eyes off WFC!  On Wednesday, we’ll be publishing our Euro group qualification preview, a new Over A Pint is on the way, starring Mikel Arteta and his England suitors, and an international version of Catch Them If You Can will be out on Friday.  As well, look for the debuts of two new WFC writers, Oranje fiend Avi Goldberg and from Down Under, Kris Dwyer!

Until then, we’ll leave you with a tip for the young players out there.  Football is a demanding game.  It takes nerve, skill and, above all patience, to break down opposing defences.  Unfortunately the young Brazilian starlet, Neymar, forgot that advice in his weekend match against Goias:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNYuTTQzHPY

Kids, now you know what your parents mean when they tell you to keep your pants on!

See you on Friday!

His motives may be easy to understand, the surge of Ronaldinho Gaúcho in Milan threatens his spot in the Brazilian National team that is going to South Africa. Reportedly, coach Dunga told him that he needs to play somewhere to justify his presence in the squad. However, he is not even performing enough to prove he can be in the Brazilian bench. Mancini compared Robinho to Adriano: when he was back in Internazionale, the forward came back to Brazil to play for half a season for São Paulo, and then came for good to play for Flamengo and clearly improved his football. Adriano is now considered a no brainer for a spot in South Africa. Now all four forwards that were in the Seleção in 2006 are playing in Brazil, with Ronaldo in Corinthians and Fred in good shape in Fluminense.

One thing Robinho will surely have in Brazil is weaker opponents. Santos first half of the season brings two challenges: the Campeonato Paulista, a local tournament that runs until May, mostly with teams that are not even in the national championship, and some big clubs, like São Paulo and Corinthians, with their eye on another crown, the Copa Libertadores. Santos will also play the Brazilian Cup with teams that do not get a spot in the Libertadores, the Cup is always a good place to show off and win a title after just 12 games.

So now, at an age where he should be peaking in performance, Robinho chooses to surrender for a spot in a Premier League contender to come back to Brazil, a good measure to understand how his career got off track is a really common coparison that brazilian media makes everytime that Robinho is not playing well, watch Tevez! They were born just two weeks apart 26 years ago, in poor neighborhoods near big cities. In 2003, they first met when Tevez helped Boca win the Libertadores final against Robinho and Santos in São Paulo. Then in 2005 Tevez accepted the shady MSI offer to come to Corinthians and they won that year’s Brazilian Championship. Robinho went to Real Madrid and Tevez managed to save West Ham from relegation prior to two good seasons with United, they met again in the City of Manchester Stadium, and it is easy to assume why the supporters like the Argentinian so much.

Dunga probably will call Robinho up to the team for South Africa, but this will be make or bust for him, a really good player that has an enourmous ego and was labeled as a flop in the UK.

During his first game back in Brazil today, Robinho came off the bench and capped a cross magically, giving Santos the win over São Paulo. In a much anticipated game by the brazilian media, Robinho was exactly… Robinho.