________________________________________________________________________

For every Liverpool, there’s a QPR.  While Liverpool have been spending, some would say madly, although not Daniel Doran, the Loftus Road outfit are minding their pennies as though there’s a serious recession ongoing.  What’s that?  Oh, piss off.

The club has agreed to dig deep and pay out £1.25 million for DJ Campbell but has told Warnock that there is a limit to their insanity; no more funds will be forthcoming.  Jay Bothroyd, being given his last, best chance in the Premiership after his surprise call-up for England in November, 2010 and former Ipswich Town and Newcastle veteran Kieron Dyer have joined the club on free transfers, which is how the gaffer is resigned to acquiring the balance of his squad.

Worse, there is also the chance that mid-field engine and captain Adel Taarabt will be sold to new money Paris-St. Germain.  The player, born in Morocco, would be closer to both his girlfriend and family, who have emigrated to France, and would also gain continental experience in the Europa League.  Should the sale go through, Warnock doesn’t anticipate F1 bosses and Hoops owners Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone to reinvest in the squad, leaving any possible silver lining in their pockets.  Aware, however, that he is one of only a half-dozen English managers in the top English division, he is not complaining.

“I thought I’d have a few millions, if I’m honest. I was disappointed but it’s not the end of the world. It would have been nice to have money to spend but it’s just another one of those things in my managerial career where I have to show what I can do.”

While Warnock is looking under every rock and stoop for unclaimed Premier League talent, and good luck with that Neil, the rest of us can see what’s on the global table, match wise, this weekend.

Enjoy!

[No, not you, Neil.  Them.]

Women’s World Cup – Final

Japan v USA (Sunday) —  The Women’s World Cup is very different from the men’s.  For one thing, the Brazilians have yet to win it (or the Olympics, either).  For another, the balance of power is spread across the globe, rather than focused on western Europe and eastern South America.  Despite their futility, Brazil is a power and Germany had won the past two competitions.  That aspect of the lady’s game echoes their male counterparts.  That Japan knocked off the holders in their own backyard in the quarterfinals does not.  Nor does the fact that the US are two-time winners and that China is also a world power.

After the US fought back from a controversially retaken penalty, a red card and an early extra time strike from Marta to level terms at the death, scoring the latest World Cup goal ever, no matter the gender, they went on to win on penalty kicks, clinically making all five and watching as keeper Hope Solo knocked away Brazil’s third effort.

Defeating Japan for their third title will not be an easy task for the Americans, however.  The Lady Samurai, as mentioned, put paid to the Fraulein dynasty and then dominated what had been a strong Swedish side in the semifinals.  One advantage the US has is the aerial prowess of Amy Wambach, whose header was the equaliser in the Brazil match.  The question is, will it be enough or will the women’s game crown its fourth new champion?

Kawasaki Frontale v Kashiwa Reysol (Saturday) – Kashiwa are on the road this week, facing the J-League’s fifth placed side.  After a horrible outing a fortnight ago, losing 5-0 to bottom half of the table Cerezo Osaka, the league leaders have bounced back to knock off two difficult sides.  The six points haven’t left them any breathing room at the top of the table, though.  Two of their principal pursuers, Yokohama F. Marinos, only a point behind, and Gamba Osaka, trailing by 5, both won their concurrent matches to keep pace.

Kawasaki was also in the thick of it until they dropped their last game, at Urawa Diamonds.  To rebound with a win against the leaders will do wonders for their confidence and likely throw the J-League race wide open.  Both Yokohama and Gamba Osaka will be facing lesser sides and should come away with another three points apiece.  Nagoya Grampus Eight, level with Kawasaki on points, are scheduled against relegation threatened Montedio Yamagata.

If Kashiwa cannot continue their successful run, the table may look very different on Monday morning.

Seattle Sounders v Colorado Rapids (Saturday) — The MLS Cup holders have been inconsistent to begin the 2011 campaign and, as such, probably find themselves wishing it had been them, rather than Houston Dynamo, who had been moved into the Eastern Conference to balance the league until the Montreal Impact begin play in 2012.  The Rapids’twenty-seven points would put them even with Columbus Crew and a point behind joint East leaders NY Red Bull and Philadelphia Union in the other half of the table.  Instead they sit fifth in the dominant West, twelve points off the pace set by David Beckham, Landon Donovan and the LA Galaxy.  Seattle are four points behind the Angelenos, holding off FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake.

The Sounders have benefitted from the fact that neither leading goal scorer Fredy Montero (5) nor his nearest competitor, Alvaro Fernandez (4) were selected to the Colombian and Uruguayan (respectively) Copa America squads.  Whereas top sides like the Red Bull lost several key players during the Gold Cup tournament, the Pacific Northwestern squad have remained together and kept the Galaxy in sight.  They fought to a scoreless draw with their coastal rivals two matches ago and have not been beaten since a May 25th loss to FCD.  During that stretch, they’ve collected eighteen of a possible twenty-four points.

Over the same span, Colorado has compiled a mediocre 2-5-2 record, with two embarrassing losses to the Galaxy and the Crew.  On the morning of May 26th, the sides were level on points.  Now, the claret and blue clad Denver side are literally behind the eight ball.  Goals would seem to be the explanation, as in not scoring many.  In their early season run, a honeymoon after their championship victory, Caleb Folan, Jamie Smith, Jeff Larentowicz and Omar Cummings were all on target.  The only player who couldn’t connect was talisman Conor Casey.  The bullet headed striker has finally caught fire, with six goals in his last seven games, but the others have all cooled off.

Coach Gary Smith, late of Wycombe Wanderers, has to be wondering how to keep Casey hot while ending the cold streaks of the rest.

Los Angeles Galaxy v Real Madrid  (Sunday) — Okay, it’s a friendly.  The Galaxy, on their home turf and thrilled by the challenge of taking on Mourinho, Ronaldo et al (well not all, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel di Maria are a bit busy elsewhere) will surely be hoping to impress.  For David Beckham, who’s been there done that, there is the incentive of taking on one of his old clubs.  Adding to his embarrassment of riches, he’ll get to do that again in the upcoming MLS All Star game, a rematch against Man United for the Americans, who were schooled by Javier Hernandez, last summer.  Neither match really means anything but, on this side of the Atlantic, little teases like this are our lot until America gets serious about its football.  Stop laughing and pity us.

Copa America – Quarterfinals

Argentina v Uruguay (Saturday) —  In case you didn’t know, these two countries, on either side of the Rio de la Plata, both flying sky blue and white banners, don’t like each other all that much.  Having crossed the Rio de la Plata for this competition, nothing would suit the Uruguayans more than to kick the hosts out of their own tournament.  They have the horses to do it, as well.  Diego Forlan set the bar far too high for himself in 2010 and hasn’t been able to reach those heady altitudes since.  The brilliance is still there, however, if only in flashes.  Yet, as Forlan has waned, Edinson Cavani has blazed forth, leading Napoli as close to the Scudetto as they have been since a fellow named Diego Maradona dwelt among the Neapolitans.  Then there’s Luis Suarez.  We all know that he will lend a hand in every way possible to see his side to victory.

For Argentina, the 3-0 victory against Costa Rica could very much be a false dawn for a star-studded side, if they read too much into it.  Prior to that, Sergio Batista’s squad was mediocre at best and even afterwards, with a lineup featuring Lionel Messi, Sergio Kun Aguero, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Gonzalo Higuain, Diego Milito, Javier Pastore, Angel di Maria,  Esteban Cambiasso and, oh yeah, Carlos Tevez, only Aguero and di Maria have found the goal.  On top of that, Messi has played only one Messi-anic game.

Still, captain Diego Lugano and the Uruguayan back four will need to be razor-sharp to protect Fernando Muslera in goal.  La Celeste may not have the depth of talent of the Albiceleste but they are resolute, as their South African campaign taught the world.  Brazil may lie ahead for Argentina but this is their first true test of the tournament and anything less than their A game will lead to a failing grade.

Brazil v Paraguay (Sunday) – In the second round of the group stage these two sides went at it in spectacular fashion.  The Selecao jumped in front early but Nelson Valdes and Roque Santa Cruz turned the match upside down, putting Brazil’s back to the wall until Fred came on late to equalise.  Afterwards, the two sides opened the floodgates, with Brazil dispatching a game Ecuador 4-2 and Paraguay running out of gas in the final moments to capitulate a two-goal lead and draw Venezuela 3-3.

For Brazil, young stars Neymar and Ganso have continued their Libertadores form for country as well as club, joined by young Scudetto winner Pato.  Maicon pitched in for the old guard, setting up Neymar’s second against Ecuador but Robinho has been quiet and netminder Julio Cesar is looking increasingly vulnerable.

Paraguay, as usual will rely on the attacking prowess of Santa Cruz, Valdez and Borussia Dortmund star Lucas Barrios, not to mention the stalwart goaltending of Justo Villar.  Yet, if they lose this match they know that rather than a sweet and sartorially unencumbered Larissa Riquelme awaiting them, it will be a disappointed and fully clothed version.  Hell hath no fury like a Latin woman scorned.

See you next week!

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.

In Belo Horizonte, we have two major players.

Cruzeiro is going to play the Libertadores at the first semester, and they made some improvements to the squad that finished second in last year’s Campeonato, bringing in seven new players. Midfielder Leandro Guerreiro and Paraguayan forward Ortigoza are the key newcomers and should make the starting XI. The main player here is the aging Gilberto.  The former left back is now playing in the midfield and very well, I may say. However, his contract expires in mid-season and has not been renewed yet, leaving the team with a major hole to fill if they do not re-sign their elder statesman. Forward Thiago Ribeiro and goalie Fabio are the other notables. Cruzeiro are favorites to win the Minas Gerais State Championship and have a tough group at the Libertadores, with Estudiantes and possibly Corinthians.

The state’s other big club, Atlético Mineiro, is rebuilding and has signed a lot of players over the past few years without much success. This season’s most promising new player is Richarlyson (the spelling of some names in Brazil….). After many years in São Paulo, the do-it-all midfielder will try to win the hearth of the fans in Belo Horizonte. Other major players there are midfielder Ricardinho and power forward Diego Tardelli. Coach Dorival Júnior will have to work hard to improve the squad sufficiently to compete against rivals Cruzeiro. Still, Atlético has enough to reach the latter stages of the Brazilian Cup and possibly the top 8 of the Campeonato.

Going down south we reach Porto Alegre, a city divided by red and blue.

Gremio couldn't get their heads straight and native son Ronaldhino went to Flamengo.

The blue side belongs to Grêmio. The most improving team in the last semester of 2010, Gremio managed to escape from relegation to climb all the way up to the top 4 at the end. I don’t believe they will repeat such success because of a lack of new players, having concentrated their efforts and lost the Ronaldinho Gaucho sweepstakes to Flamengo, and my complete lack of faith in the coaching abilities of Renato Portaluppi, aka Renato Gaúcho. The boss’best eleven features goalkeeper Victor and midfielder Douglas. Left back Lúcio and forward Borges, if they choose to stay, are also worth mentioning. A good draw in the Libertadores could help Gremio’s chances but I don’t consider them favorites for any trophy this year.

The red of Porto Alegre is the home of Internacional.  After the shocking Club World Cup loss to African side Mazembe, in Abu Dhabi, some changes were made to the staff and the starting lineup of Inter. The team doesn’t need many new players but Bordeaux’s Fernando Cavenaghi is being shopped there and may turn this side into an even better one. Midfielders Andres d’Alessandro and Giuliano lead the way with Guiñazu, Alecsssandro and Rafael Sóbis a superb supporting cast. Inter will contend heavily for a new Libertadores title and are favorites for the State and National Championships.

São Paulo is the biggest city in the nation, but the 4 big teams that are based here didn’t made only small changes.

The  club which shares the city’s name, São Paulo, is in a bit of a hangover.  After so many titles over the past years, 2010 was a dry year and the first time in almost a decade that the team couldn’t qualify for the Libertadores. The lack of turnover in the team, albeit with the best defenders of the country, Alex Silva and Miranda, is a headline here. São Paulo will try to win the Brazilian Cup or the Sul-Americana to get back to the Libertadores in 2012. Keeper Rogério Ceni is close in his quest to reach 100 goals (scored, yes, you read that correctly) and may very well do so in the next months.

News maker Corinthians also didn’t made many changes to the lineup. Club and World Cup icon Ronaldo’s last year begins with a new quest to win the Libertadores, an obsession for the team. The side lost Elias to Atlético Madrid but still has one of the best squads in the country, with former Galactico Roberto Carlos an ageless force in the back. Ronaldo has the company of Dentinho at the front and midfielder Bruno César is the playmaker. Corinthians are favorites to the São Paulo State and Libertadores titles, and if they can keep their players, the National one also.

Conversely, Palmeiras has only one name attached, coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. The additions of last year, midfielder Valdivia and forward Kleber, might be crowds favorites but never made a big impact on the pitch. Cash poor and having lost bids they could afford due to a lack of perspective, this team seem lost, although a place in the 2012 Libertadores would be a reachable goal. The club will need to improve its recruiting with goalkeeper Marcos, having dealt with injuries for the last couple of years, deciding to abandon the game after 2011. His will be a tough loss because he is one of the best guys out there.

Santos' biggest challenge may come from within. Will they be able to keep teenaged talisman Neymar from heading off to Europe?

The main favorites here are Santos. With a stellar cast led by Neymar, the guys from Vila Belmiro can win it all, Libertadores, State Championship and National title. Midfielder Elano is back after many years of being underused in Europe and Paulo Henrique Ganso is coming back from a surgery. Santos also found, in goalie Rafael, another good addition from their youth squad. When Adilson Batista sends out his best eleven, the spectacle is a must see for all football lovers.

Finally, it was Rio de Janeiro where the biggest impact of the offseason was made.

Fluminense has to be dealt with because the National Champions haven’t changed much from 2010. A healthy Fred and the nice touches of Conca make the difference here. Coach Muricy Ramalho will have to overcome his Libertadores drought in the latter stages.

The most improving team of all has to be Flamengo. Not only Ronaldinho Gaúcho but Thiago Neves, as well, was hired to improve the midfield. Coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo has to fix a defense with a lot of holes. New goalkeeper Felipe will be hard pressed until he does. Anything less than a State and National title will be considered a failure, so Luxemburgo had better start winning good and fast. The addition of Ronaldinho may improve also the attendance at the  Engenhão in Rio, a stadium that is not easy to reach for most of the people who live there.  The club’s usual stomping ground, the Maracanã, is closed for renovations ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

Botafogo and Vasco de Gama are the underdogs here. Botafogo hired Uruguayan Arevalo Rios and Vasco’s top name still is Carlos Alberto. Both teams might make good runs in the Brazilian Cup but , unfortunately, not much more can be expected of them.

♦   ◊   ♦

Fab Presilli is WFC’s Brazilian correspondent.  His day job is as a television script writer but his passion is football.  he’ll keep you updated on the best matches from Brasil, all season long, in the Weekend Catch and will also pop up every now and again with a feature on big stories coming out of the land of Carnival.

As we speak, Matty Dalton’s brain is shaking its head at his gut and disconsolately telling it, “I told you so.”  The new regime at Anfield took its first bows (and blows) at Goodison Park, Sunday, with no visible affect to the on-the-pitch product.  Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta scored on either side of the break, as Everton dominated the match.  To be fair, the Reds did show a fighting spirit throughout but were unable to gain control for any significant period.  WFC has no word, as yet ,whether the Scouser Report will keep its bags packed and head out on the road, once more, rather than face the inevitable water cooler hazing awaiting its author in the coming work week.  Perhaps a bout of the Red flu is in order?

Elsewhere, FIFA was on the defensive, this weekend as a Sunday Times investigation has allegedly caught two World Cup committee members soliciting bribes for their votes on the upcoming elections for the venues to hold the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.  This comes in the face of published intent by FIFA to crack down on any influence peddling in this regard, ahead of the 2nd December vote, which may now be postponed until matters are clarified.

Amos Amadu's alleged fields of dreams were mentioned to the undercover journos: "If you build them, I will vote."

Jonathan Fadugba’s alternative take on the FIFA suspension of Nigeria for governmental interference, posted on Four Four Two, takes on a new light with this news.  In his column, he suggested that FIFA was permitting an environment of corruption to continue by intervening against the actions of the Nigerian government to root it out, rather than the other way around, as has been generally perceived.  With the Times’accusations levied against the president of the Oceania Federation, Reynald Temarii, of Tahiti and Nigerian delegate Amos Amadu, who apparently demanded US $ 800,000 for a quartet of training facilities to be built in Nigeria, one has to ask how Sepp Blatter can control corruption at a local level when it may be rife, even at the highest levels, in his own organisation.

This latest episode may shed some light on why Blatter and his protege, at UEFA, Michele Platini are nervous at the idea of cameras becoming a part of the game.  When you have your hand in the till who wants any witnesses?

Of course, those cameras might have been of use to Premier League referee Mike Dean, in determining just whether William Gallas was interfering with play from an offside position as Tom Huddlestone’s game winning goal was controversially allowed with the Frenchman right on Mark Schwarzer’s doorstep.

As for the rest of the action from far and near, the WFC gang is has it for you, right here.  (Okay, so we’re more like Dr. Seuss than Dr. Dre. Litigate)

The Gib

Andrew Gibney @ The Gib Football Show

Rangers 4 – 1 Motherwell

This game threatened to turn into the exciting prospect the 2nd v 3rd preview suggested.  After Rangers bright start, with Vladimir Weiss looking dangerous and lively, it was Motherwell that took the surprise lead at Ibrox.  With only minutes remaining in the first half, Jamie Murphy escaped down the left, firing in a teasing cross.  Englishman Nick Blackman ghosted in unmarked, to power the header past a stranded Neil Alexander.  It was the striker on loan from Blackburn’s fourth goal this season.

Walter Smith must have had some stern words for his team during the break, as they came out all guns blazing.  Kyle Lafferty slipped a delicate pass through to the onrushing Steven Naismith and he bundled the ball into the net, to draw things level. Stepping on the gas at the hour mark, it only took 7 minutes for Rangers to be out of sight.  First, it was Steven Davis, whose run and 25 yard screamer made it 2-1.  Three minutes later, a Naismith cross was finished by Kenny Miller and Vladmir Weiss was left to cap off a great second half, combining with Kyle Lafferty; the Irishman with the pass to the Slovakian, who then rounded Darren Randolph, to make it 4-1 and game over.

(apologies for the lack of sound but it was this or nothing)

Rangers remained unbeaten and, at least overnight, atop the league awaiting Celtic’s result on Sunday.

Dundee United 1 – 2 Celtic

Knowing Rangers had taken the three points would have put that little extra bit of pressure on Neil Lennon’s side, before the game at Tannadice.  To lose their 100% record the week before the Old Firm derby would be a nightmare and it looked to be plain sailing for Celtic, when fullback Mark Wilson played in a superb cross and predator Gary Hooper was there to tuck it away.  Celtic seemed to falter after the goal and United came back into the match, drawing level 5 minutes before half time.  When a questionable foul on Joe Ledley wasn’t called, David Goodwillie didn’t hang around.  Quickly attacking the defence, his shot was wickedly deflected and bounced past Fraser Forster, into the net. It wasn’t until a quarter of an hour into the second half before Celtic rediscovered their gear and laid siege to the opposite goal. Attack after attack desended onto the United defence.  Ledley struck the bar, Shaun Maloney went close and then Celtic were awarded a penalty, only for it to be overturned.

Gary Hooper linked with Giorgios Samaras, who was tugged back by Garry Kenneth. Dusan Pernis rushed out from goal and dove toward the ball, seemingly getting a touch on Hooper, who went down, with the referee pointing to the spot.  Dougie McDonald then spoke to his assistant linesman and whatever he heard changed his mind. The penalty was waved away.

Celtic’s attacks continued and eventually the winner came.  After a Patrick McCourt cross was cleared, Tony Stokes saw his shot blocked but another cross came in from the right.  Samaras’ header was blocked but fell to an opportunistically positioned Hooper, to poke it into the net.

A grandstand finish to a very exciting game. Three points from Lennon’s men was the minimum expected before next week’s derby.

Geoff Edwards

Geoff Edwards on the Bundesliga

Scalke 2 – 2 Stuttgart

Martin Palazzotto

Martin Palazzotto’s Weekend of World Domination, Part I

Manchester United 2 -2 West Bromwich Albion, Premier League

It wasn’t for 3 points, on this occasion, but lightning has struck again for the Baggies on the road against one of the Big 4. Roberto di Matteo’s squad weren’t in this match completely, as they were at the Emirates for their famous 3-2 victory.  Yet, they were able to find their way level thanks to a double helping of good fortune and another episode of second half ennui from United.   The door cracked open on 50 minutes, when a Chris Brunt set piece caromed, first off Anderson and then Patrice Evra, for an own goal.  Then the portal yawned wide, 5 minutes later, as the normally surehanded Edwin van der Sar bobbled an easy catch, allowing Somen Tchoyi to nudge the ball home.

Wayne Rooney started on the bench, as detailed elsewhere, but did come on for the final 20 minutes, creating but not finishing one the best chance for the home side to salvage the day.  It’s a very ironic situation that everyone is up in arms at ManU’s struggles when, with Fulham’s controversial loss to Spurs, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side is now the only Premier League side to have taken points from every match.

Real Salt Lake 2 – 0 FC Dallas, MLS

Defending champions Real Salt Lake took it upon themselves to put the MLS playoff picture into focus, with a 2-0 home win over FC Dallas.  It was only the 3rd defeat for the hoops, on the year, but it came at an inopportune moment.  With a single game remaining in the schedule, Dallas fell 5 points behind RSL and 6 in arrears of Los Angeles in the Western Conference standings.  Their season ending match, next sunday at the Home Depot Center versus the Galaxy, is now a more urgent concern, as the Seattle Sounders have crept to within 2 points of the Hoops for the fifth seed in the playoffs.

Mexican Primera Division

In Jornado (week) 12, of 19, statements of intent have been made in Mexico’s Apertura session.  There are now two teams who stand head and shoulders above the rest.  Cruz Azul, on 28 points are running away with Group 3 and Monterrey, on 26, have distanced themselves from second placed Santos Laguna in Group A.  Santos, despite their drubbing at the hands of Los Cementeros, Saturday, still have a stranglehold on the wild card spot and Group 2 is very much up for grabs.  Toluca’s grip on the top spot, there, was precarious enough, after Monterrey explained the way of things to them, also on Saturday.  Three clubs, America, San Luis and Pachuca, all sit one point behind Los Diablos Rojos, with the first two still to play, on Sunday.

>

Chris Mann

Chris Mann @ The Equaliser

Barcelona 2 – 1 Valencia, La Liga

Barcelona and Valencia produced a stunning game of football on Saturday in a breathtaking battle at the summit of La Liga, eventually won in dramatic fashion by the reigning champions.

The first half belonged to the visitors, Unai Emery’s side silencing the Camp Nou with both defensive nous and wonderfully flowing attacking play. Jordi Alba and Jeremy Mathieu were particularly impressive down the left side, shackling Lionel Messi to good effect, whilst also finding time to get in behind Daniel Alves and cause the Barca back four some serious problems. Pablo was also brilliant in the relatively free role he was given by Emery, drifting in off the right flank and in behind Roberto Soldado to catch Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol off guard with alarming regularity.

Indeed, it was Pablo who gave Los Che the lead, ghosting in from the wing unmarked to get on the end of Mathieu’s pass just five minutes shy of half-time. At that point, with Valencia undoubtedly in the ascendancy and largely negating the Blaugrana’s attacking threats, it was difficult to see how Pep Guardiola’s team were going to get anything from the game. The gauntlet had been thrown down and Barcelona responded in the only way they know how: with some truly incredible football.

The hosts looked a different side after the break, their build-up play more fluid, their play infused with a far greater energy and determination. Such was Valencia’s preoccupation with keeping Messi quiet, they appeared to not pay as much attention to Andres Iniesta and Xavi as they perhaps should have done. As it happened, just 90 seconds into the second half, Xavi and Iniesta exchanged passes twenty-five yards from goal and Spain’s World Cup final hero put the home side back on level terms. Barcelona’s blood was up and, on the hour, Xavi fired a pinpoint cross into the box and Puyol rose to fire a fierce header beyond Cesar Sanchez in the Valencia goal. The comeback was complete, and Guardiola’s team played out the remaining half an hour with relative ease.

It may have been a win for Barcelona and a result that gets their domestic season back on track, but Valencia will take a lot of heart from their own performance – this was a game that showed that their title challenge might not be as fleeting as some had imagined.

Eliot Rothwell

Eliot Rothwell’s East Wind

Metallurg 0 – 2 Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine

A comfortable win for Mircea Lucescu’s rampant Miners, as Shakhtar easily brushed aside their Donetsk rivals Metallurg. Goals from Barcelona reject Dmytro Chygrynskiy and then Alex Teixera condemned the poor Metallurg side to defeat , gifting Miners’fans the bragging rights until their next encounter.

Shakhtar, meanwhile, continue to assert themselves on the Ukranian Premier League, looking smoothly efficient when faced with tricky domestic games. Bring on Arsenal in the Champions League.

>

Tapesh Patel

Chunneling with Tapesh Patel

QPR 0-0 Norwich

This one ended a stalemate between two potent, but evenly matched sides. Wes Hoolohan contrived to miss a penalty, in the 28th minute, but it was indicative of the frustrating draw, which neither side could make their own. The disappointment for both sides was mainly due to the subdued attacking threat of their key players – the aforementioned Hoolahan, and QPR’s Adel Taarabt. Both sides will be happy to go away with a valuable point, however, and the R’s and the Canaries  remain candidates for automatic and play-off promotion respectively.

Erding & Guillaume Hoarau celebrate PSG's second goal.

Toulouse 0-2 PSG

PSG continued a fine run of form since August, and have now not conceded a goal in five league games. Promising centre-half Mamadou Sakho got the early opener, applying a striker’s finish from a free-kick, and Mevlut Erding doubled the lead after a fine team move which comprised a Nene back-heel and a Ludovic Giuly flick-on, before the Turkish striker stroked it past Toulouse stopper Mathieu Valverde.

Giuly, the star of Barcelona and Roma fame, shone all match, and was unlucky not to score himself in a glittering display. A 50-yard cross-field ball from Nene was met with a sweet right boot just outside the area, but the shot was straight at the Toulouse keeper. This didn’t stop the progress of Les Parisiens, however, and they now move up to third in the table.

Martin Palazzotto

Martin Palazzotto’s Weekend of World Domination, Part II

Serie A

AC Milan 3 – 1 Chievo Verona

A weekend of reckoning for the up-and-comers in the Serie A didn’t start off well.  Chievo worked hard and took the game to Milan early but quality was telling in the end.  Against the run of play, Clarence Seedorf began a counter attack that quickly sprang forward through Luca Antonini and on to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who found Alexandre Pato, for the first of his two strikes.

Ibra, who was in the lineup despite a stomach virus, was definitely feeling ill when he conceded an own goal on 70 minutes, to revive the hopes of the Veronans.  In stoppage time, however, Robinho finally opened his own account for Milan, while closing out Chievo’s.

Brescia 0 – 1 Udinese

Brescia, fresh from promotion, had stunned the top flight regulars in the opening rounds, while Udinese, loaded with offensive weapons, were misfiring and uncomfortably rooted to the bottom of the table.   The pressure was on the Little Zebras and they finally answered the call for Francesco Guidolin with a hard fought and late earned victory, courtesy of 60th minute sub Bernardo Corradi.

Having suffered their first home defeat, the Sons of Baggio are no longer in a Champions League spot and, like the Veronans, have taken on the label of pretenders.

Bari 0 – 2 Lazio

It was left to Lazio, on the road to Bari, to carry the standard of the new bloods.  With Inter having dealt with Cagliari earlier on Sunday, after a Samuel Eto’o strike that was likely motivated by the racist chants from the home crowd, nothing less than victory would enable the Romans to reclaim the top spot which had been theirs coming into the weekend.  While procrastination was the name of the game, on the Adriatic coast Sunday evening, victory was what the Romans ultimately achieved.  New signing and designated Brazilian, Hernanes, put Lazio in front in the 52nd minute, after both sides had gone through the motions in the opening frame.  Sergio Floccari widened the lead less than 10 minutes later but the result was not yet secured.

It wasn’t as glorious a victory as the Lazio highlights imply, as a desperate uprising from the home side, very late, could have provided them with a stunning fight back win but four or five clear chances were wasted.  For another week, at the least, Lazio maintain their grip on the Scudetto but Bari are definitely in the thralls of a dangerous sophomore slump.

Campeonato Brasileiro

Fluminense 0 – 0 Botafogo

I pegged this one as a heavyweight battle and I was nearer the mark than I would have preferred.  Like a pair of heavywieght fighters these two fought out a sluggish and uneventful nil-nil draw.  Each side took any number of shots but just couldn’t find the mark.  In the end, they settled on taking shots at one another, with 7 cautions, in all being handed out.  The split decision will sit better with hosts Fluminense, who maintained their grip on second place, one point behind leaders Cruzeiro.  For Botafogo, the single point was not enough to stop them from falling from 6th in the table to 8th.

Sao Paolo 4 – 3 Santos

On the other hand, this inter-provincial rivalry was a true clash.  It had everything going for it.  Before 20 minutes had passed it was 3-2 for the home side, the edge down to a Para own goal.  The offence cooled after the early eruption but tempers flared throughout.   The referee at the Morumbi was even busier than his Stadio Jao Haavelange counterpart, handing out nine cautions and sending off Sao Paolo’s Richarlyson just before the hour.  The home side dug in, however, maintaining their lead until Neymar stepped up in the 87th minute to convert a penalty.  For once, Santos looked to get something from their trip to the big city but Jean was having none of that, as his goal at the death gave 10 man Sao Paolo all the points.

>

Ξ   Ξ   Ξ

Lastly, we leave you with a pair of unrelated stories, which we think should actually cross paths.

First, it appears there’s no Turkish delight in Stoke, as Tuncay Sunil stormed out of the dressing room after being informed by Tony Pulis that his services wouldn’t be required this weekend.  Reportedly, he hailed a taxi and went directly home to pout off the rejection.  After the striker was sufficiently bored from pacing around his digs, muttering to himself, we hope he went online and saw this next bit from Brazil…

Earlier in the week, Ronaldo (the original and the only) called a press conference to announce he would be featuring in this weekend’s match v Guarani.  When asked about his fitness, the Weight Watchers candidate announced that he had been supplied with some smoke bombs by a comedian, which he would set off, to escape the stadium if his form should prove to be an embarrassment.  He then attempted to demonstrate, video here,  but required three grenades before he was able to find one which was not a dud.

His performance turned out to be at least satisfactory, though, as he played the entire 90 minutes of a nil-nil draw.  With rumours that Tuncay is looking to escape the Brittannia and head home to play in the Turkish Super Lig, it might become more of an event if he could lay his hands on some pyrotechnics of his own for when he takes his bow, in January.  Of course, Tony Pulis would likely be happier if he could rely upon the mercurial talent for fireworks of the more traditional variety.

Thanks to Dirty Tackle and Who Ate All The Pies for the links.

We’ll have next week’s Catch for you on Friday,

See You Then!

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.

..

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!

That’s all I remember from his first season; cameo displays in the last twenty minutes where he would make and be given a plethora of chances – he’d take a few of them as well. It was the ease in which he’d beat a player that was so breathtaking – at just 17 people were already starting to talk.

Five years later and Leo Messi is a regular in the Barcelona team and in contention for the Ballon D’Or again. Highlights have included three La Liga titles, two Champions League wins and a Copa del Rey, which completed the treble last season. These titles have come with some unreal performances along the way – especially one night at the Bernabeu.

I wrote about how Del Piero received one of the highest accolades in football – a standing ovation at the Bernabeu for his displays last season, but for a player from Barcelona to receive it is something else – only Ronaldinho had achieved such feat in recent years. The Bernabeu know their football and can accept when they’re in the presence of greatness.

I think Leo Messi is the most gifted footballer currently playing the game. His touch, low centre of gravity and zero back-lift combined with his excellent footballing brain and his confidence in placing his shots instead of hammering them make him one of the most deadly and prolific players in today’s game.

I’m a Manchester United fan and a massive fan of Cristiano Ronaldo – but there is something that Messi offers that draws me in even more so. I’ve always wondered which is better; a player that is unpredictable and therefore unstoppable, or a player like Messi who is slightly more predictable, but nevertheless, unstoppable.

The ‘Maradona’tag has been lambasted around too often. Pablo Aimar, Javier Savola and many others have accrued to this name but after much analysis it’s clear to see Messi comes closer than all of them. He’s even replicated Maradona’s two (in)famous goals. Beating the same amount of players and running roughly the same distance for his wonder goal and for the other, using his hand. Let’s be fair though, Messi is a great player in his own right.

If Maradona is the acid test at International level then Ronaldinho holds that mantle for his time at club level. Comparisons of his impact can be made to Ronaldinho having achieved the same at club level.

Nicknamed the “Messiah” he saved Barcelona a few times last season. The Champions League game against Shaktar the most memorable – 1-0 down with 15 minutes to play – enter Messi.

It has quickly become Messi’s team following the departure of Ronaldinho – and his levels of performance for his club team are not in question here – the ultra critical eye will look towards his tenure with the national team.

Last month in his hometown of Rosario, Messi was frustrated as Argentina lost to Brazil. He showed clear signs of disappointment due to the lack of quality from his team mates. It’s fair to say Argentina aren’t the best side in the world at the moment but would Maradona have acted in the same manner? Something which Messi has to learn when playing for his country is that he has to take on more responsibility.

Messi’s tendency to stay out wide could be considered a limitation. Cristiano Ronaldo for example often swaps flanks, goes down the middle and appears in the box. Messi does sometimes drift but he spends the majority of the game out on the right wing. This limitation may occur due to the nature of his Barcelona team, regardless it does restrict his impact on a game from time to time. It’s not a problem when Xavi and Iniesta are pulling the strings but the boy who moved to Spain at 11 to treat his growth hormone deficiency must adapt all over again because great players pull through no matter the circumstance.

Messi recently said he admired Rooney’s passion for the game.

“When he loses, it hurts and those are the sort of players you want to be playing with.

“I can understand the pressure on him, but to be honest, from what I have seen, Rooney is the sort of player who would thrive playing under pressure.”

That’s built in to Wayne Rooney it’s not something you learn, but something you have and the same could be said about Maradona. The question is, when it goes down to the wire can Messi put in that performance or score that goal that makes the difference on the International scene? Only then will he be considered truly one of the best – but time is on his side.

But you’d have to doubt Messi at your peril as he takes in a good goal scoring record to Argentina on Saturday where lowly Peru will undoubtedly struggle with a player that’s in a different league.

Falling from grace and coming back, just like the Phoenix; One could certainly say these words describe the trajectory of a player that has again reborn to football, now in his native land: Ronaldo.

Ronaldo’s history is well known worldwide: the great football player that Cruzeiro introduced to the world as well as the man with many injuries and controversial headlines.

After almost 15 years playing in Dutch, Spanish and Italian leagues – and three severe knee injuries, he came back to Brazil in 2008 to treat his knee, be with his family and, maybe, put an end to his career, that made him a global superstar and and an idol in Brazil, where he is a role model for those young football players. At first, he was training at Flamengo’s facilities (his favourite club) and they thought of siginig him, but never made an offer.

That’s when a club came up with a plan to have a strong performance in 2009, and prepare for its centennial celebration, in 2010. Corinthians signed Ronaldo with a salary that no other club in Brazil could match. Revenues also come from the sponsors advertising on the team’s shirt: 80% of such revenues go to Ronaldo. All added up, he makes as much money as he would in a top European club, and made Corinthians’ shirt look like a billboard.

Presented with a hype that the Brazilian football doesn’t see very often, soon enough all things related to Ronaldo were in the news, and yet, Brazilians seem not to get enough of him. Everything became a headline: his home, his new-born daughter, the women that keep him company, and – most of all – his weight. Ronaldo clearly has been having weight issues for a long time now. Whenever he’s not playing constantly, he puts on more weight. He reached a reportedly maximum of 105kg in the beginning of this year, and lost a portion of that in training with Corinthians.

Completing his recovery from a banged up knee and getting a place on the squad would be the next logical moves. However, Ronaldo’s weight proved again to be a serious problem, affecting his mobility on the pitch. Corinthians’ coach Mano Menezes had to even pull togheter a physical department that the club had never had, and a plan to make Ronaldo play an incresingly number of minutes at each match, so that he could be in his prime at the end of the regional “Paulistão” (São Paulo State Championship) and the “Copa do Brasil” (Brazilian Cup).

The plan worked well and Ronaldo scored his first goal with Corinthians in the last minutes of a derby against Palmeiras, equalising that game in its very final minutes. Bear in mind that Palmeiras versus Corinthians is one of the most fierce rivalries in Brazilian football and for the fans of Corinthians, having a goal scored by Ronaldo to avoid losing to its rival was like an honorable act performed by a martyr. That goal was the single most showed one of all time on Brazilian TV to the date.

Following some routine muscular stress-related injuries, Ronaldo proved his importance with an astonishing rate of shoots and goals, scoring in almost every match and being key on the winnings of both championships: Brazilian Cup and São Paulo State.

Coach Menezes’ efforts to make Ronaldo play also include different tactics scheme; different from all other clubs in Brazil. Corinthians plays with two midfielders marking, one loose to make the plays and one forward open on each side, with Ronaldo in the middle, always the last touch in front of the goal, so that he doesn´t need to move that much. Besides, he is the only one on the team that does not have a defensive role. It’s safe to say that Ronaldo’s role in the team has been so key that without him, the team is kind of lost all over the pitch, mainly because Corinthians does not have a forward that can replace Ronaldo with his level of quality: hold the ball and kick it to the goal.

What’s going on with him at the moment? Just a little while ago, in another match against Palmeiras, Ronaldo fell over his own hand, breaking some hand bones. After getting a prognosis for recovery, he chose to put pins in his hand so that the healing process could be faster. Since he was already going to undergo a procedure, he also got a cosmectical liposuction surgery, to get rid of some extra weigth he could not lose with hard work.

After some weeks celebrating the titles, and with the team having to sell some important players to pay its debts, Corinthians is curently midtable in the Brazilian Championship. Current games will probably be used to form a squad for “Copa Libertadores” next year, with Ronaldo, Corinthians’ biggest dream, as they are the only big club in São Paulo that has never won this Continental trophy.

His playing style had to be changed because of his figure, but he is still a great player. No matter where he is, he gets to keep crowds entertained: either with his talent in the fields or his own life.