Roy Hodgson biting back the words.

Happily, there’s just one more day of withdrawal to get through before we can get our weekly 48 hour fix of footy.  As we roll up our sleeves in preparation for that, however, let’s all pause for a moment of silence in respect to those who didn’t make it back.

Liverpool will be missing a key element in their attack for anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months, after Dirk Kuyt’s poor attempt at a scissor kick during a Dutch practice went horribly wrong.  Kuyt’s club manager was very careful to temper his reaction to the miscue:

It would have been bad enough to happen playing for the national team in a competitive match, but for it to happen in training was even more of a blow. –Roy Hodgson, on Dirk Kuyt’s practice field horseplay gone awry.

Translation: What the @%$# did he $#&% think he was doing?  Doesn’t he know that #%$@ Torres gets hurt every time some $^%&# just looks at him the wrong @$#&* way.  I &*#$@ needed this like I need a ^$%* hole in my  *%@^# head.

Harry Redknapp's less subtle method of stress management.

As you can see, Roy is well versed in the application of understatement and very capable of keeping his emotions in check.

Over at White Hart Lane, the manager is known more for speaking his mind and, upon occasion, exhibiting a white hot temper.

On this particular ‘occasion,’Harry Redknapp was attempting to cope with the news that his striker, Jermaine Defoe, will also be out for an extended period of time, having injured his ankle in Tuesday’s 3-1 England victory over the Swiss.  That other, more serious injuries often occur when an athlete is trying to compensate for an existing malady was likely foremost in Redknapp’s mind, with Defoe having famously put off groin surgery to play for his country.  Harry also (allegedly) gave a statement regarding his player:

#%&% hell!  I mean what the *^&$?  I don’t know what the #%$$@ is going on in his @&$% head!  He could have just had the @%$#^ surgery and @%^&$ well been back in two &^@# weeks!  @$% it all to hell!!  –Spurs manager Harry Redknapp on Jermaine Defoe’s choice to forego surgery

Translation: It’s bad enough it had to happen playing for the national team in a competitive match but had it had happened in training, it would have been even more of a blow.

England, of course,  is not the only country where managers are known to resort to colourful language.  In Portugal, Carlos Queiroz was recently suspended, first for a month by the Portuguese FA, for cursing out a drug test official and then for 6 by the Anti-Doping Agency for cursing at him so vehemently that it interfered with the official’s ability to carry out his duties (translation:  he scared the piss out of him).  On Thursday, after Portugal struggled to a 4-4 draw with Cyprus and lost to Norway, Queiroz, who paid out of his own pocket to watch both matches from luxury boxes, was let go by the FPF.

This is the same man who coached their side to a goalless draw against Brazil, at the World Cup,  as well as a narrow 1-0 defeat to eventual champions Spain.  His punishment has, outside of Portugal, been seen as overly excessive, especially when it’s taken into account that the test was unscheduled and he was merely protecting his players.  Unfortunately, rather than fight for the coach who had the team playing so well and seemed desperately missed, the FPF chose to cut him loose.  According to Andy Brassell of Soccernet, the decision had a lot to do with money:

It is assumed by many in Portugal that the authorities are keen between them to make the most of the situation in order to arrive at a point where Queiroz can be fired for misconduct – and therefore without any entitlement to compensation. –Andy Brassell, Soccernet

No Cristiano Ronaldo, due to injury and now no Carlos Queiroz, with Portugal sitting 5 points behind group leaders Norway and 2 behind Denmark, who have a game in hand.  It should be interesting to see what, if anything, the new manager will be able to do to get the Iberians back in the hunt.

That’s for another day, however.  Right now, it’s time to fill you in on the juiciest matches on tap this weekend to feed the massive jones which we’ve all been enduring.  To help us with that, we’ve recruited the ringmaster of the GIB Football Show, Andrew Gibney.  He’s a Scot and will fill us in on the Celtic/Hearts matchup but he also enjoys some of the continental leagues.

His cameo also highlights one of the great things about football.  The game often means different things to different people, as evidenced by Andrew’s, and our own Tapesh Patel’s, completely opposing viewpoints on this week’s Ligue 1 fixture list.  It’s WFC’s own, more family friendly version of Harry and Roy, if you will.

Whoever you agree with, though, enjoy the matches!

Geoff always likes to be on the crest of the next wave.

Geoff ‘Vagabond’Edwards

Mainz v Kaiserslautern, Bundesliga — Sunday

Yes, Geoff is still off globetrotting. For those of us stuck at home, though, he recommends we keep our eye on the Rheinland-Pfalz derby.  Don’t worry about pronouncing it, just watch it.  Both clubs are on 100% and each came up with a shock win before the Euro break.  Kaiserslautern had Bayern, at home, and somehow hypnotised the defending champions, sending them back to Munich on the wrong end of a 2-0 score.  Mainz traveled to Wolfsburg and got up off the canvas after being down 3-0 in the first half hour, to deliver an improbable knockout, scoring 4 of their own unanswered.  Win, lose or draw, this promises to be a knock down drag out affair.

Andrew Gibney

Andrew Gibney

Celtic v Hearts, SPL – Saturday

As always, the bookies will have Celtic as clear favourites for the three points, however Jim Jeffries’ Hearts side will travel down the M8, carrying the knowledge that it was only last October when they caused an upset, coming away from Celtic Park with a 1-0 victory. Hearts striker Calum Elliot has started the season well, with 3 goals to his name, and, if fit, he will team up with Kevin Kyle.  Together they will look to cause problems for the new-look Celtic defence. Still, Neil Lennon knows the home support will accept nothing less than a win.

RC Lens v Lille OSC, Ligue 1 — Saturday

Ligue 1 starts back with a bang as the late game on Saturday sees Rudi Garcia’s Lille travel to the Stade Felix Bollaert to take on arch rivals Lens, in the Derby du Nord. Lille are without a win this season and haven’t even taken a lead in the first four games.  Lens were torn apart by Dmitri Payet and St. Etienne in the last match-day and will be looking to cheer up the home fans with a vital win. Victory for either side could kick start their season. This rivalry is usually decided by one goal, with Lille having had the slight edge in recent times. Lens have not beaten them in the league since 2006. Looks like there will be fireworks in Northern France.

FC Groningen v FC Utrecht, Eredivisie  – Sunday

Very interesting match in the Dutch top flight this weekend. Utrecht travel to the Euroborg to face a Groningen side who sit a high flying 4th in the Division and unbeaten in league play. Utrecht, however, were brought down to earth last week.  After a 4-0 victory over Celtic, Twente gave FCU a taste of their own medicine, putting four past Michel Vorm. Two teams with an attacking philosophy and the ability to play great football. I predict goals!

Chris Mann

Chris Mann

Arsenal v Bolton Wanderers, EPL — Saturday

Bolton have enjoyed a positive start to the season as Owen Coyle continues to make steady improvements at the Reebok Stadium, although the extent of the team’s progress will be tested when they travel to Arsenal this weekend. The Gunners have looked strong during the opening rounds of the campaign but, with several players returning from international duty and the news that Robin Van Persie will be out until the end of October, Saturday represents a good time for Bolton to be taking on Arsene Wenger’s side. Arsenal will certainly be favourites with the bookies but don’t rule out the possibility of The Trotters getting something from the game.

Barcelona v Hercules, La Liga – Saturday

This is, on paper, a complete mismatch but a fascinating prospect all the same. In the shape of David Trezeguet and Royston Drenthe, newly-promoted Hercules made some high profile signings during the transfer window and will be looking to do more than merely survive this season. Pep Guardiola’s team will almost certainly win the tie, but seeing how the new-look Hercules shape up and deal with the multi-faceted threat of the Blaugrana should be intriguing

Fabricio Presilli

Fab Presilli

Argentinian Apertura
Estudiantes v Racing – Saturday
Estudiantes is already a structured team, whereas Racing are struggling to find themselves.  Manager Miguel Russo may be sacked with a loss in Quilmes.

San Lorenzo v Velez Sarsfield — Saturday
Third place San Lorenzo can top the table with a win over rivals Velez. Second place Arsenal will also host fourth placed River in a fixture that can shake things up in Argentina.

Campeonato Brasileiro – 21st round

Ceará v Santos — Sunday
Ceará started the tournament very well but now are in a downward spiral. With a good defense and a passionate crowd (almost 23.000 average), they aim to stop the red hot Santos’boys and their main player, Neymar.

Palmeiras v Vasco — Sunday
Palmeiras are paying big bucks for their coach (Big Phil Scolari) and some players (Valdivia and Kleber), but the salaries are late and the team shows little reaction. Vasco is having a better campaign than most people expected.  If they get a draw in São Paulo, it will be good enough.

Tapesh Patel

Tapesh Patel

Stade Rennes v Sochaux, Ligue 1 – Saturday

To be bluntly honest, Ligue 1 doesn’t look particularly exciting this weekend but I do recommend watching this match for one reason.  His name is Yann M’Vila. The highly-rated Rennes’midfielder has drawn comparisons with Claude Makalélé, although I personally think he combines Makalélé’s simplistic but efficient style with a Patrick Vieira-like tendency to pop up in the box. In short, M’Vila is the most promising of the wealth of young French defensive midfielders.

If that doesn’t sell you on the match, consider that both sides have made surprisingly impressive starts to the season. Rennes are currently second in the table and Sochaux fourth; both sides will be looking to continue their promising form.

Queens Park Rangers v Middlesborough, The Championship – Saturday

These two pre-season promotion favourites have had somewhat different starts. While QPR are flying high in the Championship, McBoro have sunk to mid-table, after losing to Barnsley last time out. However, QPR’s momentum was also slowed last weekend with a draw against Derby. Both sides, then, will be looking to kick it into high gear.

Martin Palazzotto

Martin Palazzotto

Los Angeles Galaxy v Columbus Crew, MLS – Sunday

With the NFL and college grid iron shifting into high gear this weekend, Major League Soccer is hoping this match up between the two conference leaders isn’t overlooked.  Of course, by Sunday, the Galaxy may not be atop the West any longer; their lead is that precarious.  The Crew, on the other hand are 3 results ahead of the New York Red Bulls.  They do have the motivation of pipping the Galaxy and Real Salt Lake for 1st overall.  The prize for that accomplishment is the Supporter’s Shield, which, although it is awarded at the regular season’s end, has approximately the same meaning in America as the Community Shield does in England.  LA has far more desperate need of 3 points and must take full advantage of their home pitch advantage.

Juventus v Sampdoria, Serie A – Sunday

The Old Lady welcomes Antonio Cassano and Sampdoria to Il Stadio Olimpico in Turin, with murder in her heart.  Her nice, sunny opening weekend, on the Adriatic, was blotted out by the dark cloud of a 1-0 loss to host club Bari.  Her ill mood was further blackened with the news that Sampdoria, a club that Juve will be fighting for a European spot this year, coasted to a 2-0 home win against Lazio.  It’s early days, but Luigi del Neri won’t be feeling much job security if Juventus falls 6 points off the pace, out of  the gate.

Matt Dalton & Roman

The Scouser Report w/ Matt Dalton

With September’s international games firmly behind us, it’s now time to concentrate once more on domestic competition. You may remember, last time out, that I turned up my nose at the games which we were to be ‘treated to.’This time around, the fixtures are distinctly more rosy.

In the early kick off on Saturday afternoon, Everton will entertain Manchester United in what is sure to be a feisty match. There is no love lost between the two sides and, although United usually win, Everton never take it lying down. I would not be surprised to see a red card or two in that game, such is the competitive streak of the Toffees when they come up against the Devils.

Another potentially tasty encounter can be seen at Ashburton Grove, where Arsenal will try to educate Bolton in the beautiful game. Traditionally, Arsenal have never liked playing Bolton, even after Sam Allardyce’s departure. I would expect this game to follow the usual format – Bolton to “get up ‘em”, whilst the Gunners try to play their opposition off the park. There is sure to be some controversy, whoever wins, and I look forward to seeing Arsene Wenger moaning!

On Sunday, Liverpool travel to Birmingham and will have to be careful not to slip up on a potential banana skin. The Blues proved last season that they are not an easy touch and they fully deserved everything they got. I don’t expect second season syndrome for the Midlands outfit, though.  Instead, I expect them to push on. Liverpool, with a little luck, will be hungrier than last season though and a resurgent Torres should be enough to seal the deal.

The other games around the country include Fulham entertaining Wolves in a game that has draw written all over it, Blackburn making a short trip down the road to Manchester City, where you would fully expect City to take all the points.  Blackpool will be away at Newcastle, Wigan will entertain Sunderland and West Ham will be at home to Chelsea.

The other Saturday fixture, West Brom against Spurs, will be an interesting one, mainly down to the injury that Jermaine Defoe picked up in midweek for England. He has been on fire of late and I am sure that ‘Arry would have been basing a lot around him. With an altered game plan, I can’t help but wonder if West Brom might be able to sneak something.

Monday night’s action will see Aston Villa travel to the Potteries to face Stoke, with the newly appointed Gerard Houllier in place. His appointment has divided opinion across the country but you can’t ignore the treble he won in 2001 with Liverpool. Stoke will be a very tough debut for him and I fully expect it to end in a stalemate.

If that isn’t enough football to hold you until midweek, you need professional help.  In between matches, keep an eye on WFC.  Tomorrow, Tapesh Patel will be posting a feature on Chelsea’s red hot Florent Malouda and on Sunday, our massive Champions League and Europa league previews debut.  Of course, we’ll be back on Tuesday to review the weekend action and scrape together some highlights.

Until then, here’s a little flashback, featuring the silver tongue of Harry Redknapp.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRZTna7tRHk

See you next week!

No, Elmo, I never bagged six.

Hi boys and girls, today’s report is brought to you by Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle and the number six.

Six does seem to be the hot number in the Premier League, to begin the season.  The Gunners reached that total against Blackpool on Saturday, as did the Blues for the second week running, this time at Wigan (Ladbrokes has posted 6-1 odds that the Latics will officially change their nickname to the Lambs, as in sacrificial).

Sunday saw the most stunning six of them all, though, with Toon absolutely throttling Villa, at St. James Park.  It was a happy result for everyone around the league, too, as it means Joey Barton will be shaving that creepy mustache off his upper lip.

So, if you play the lottery, make sure six is on your ticket for the immediate future.  Meanwhile, all the lads from WFC are back to talk about the goings on from the weekend.

Enjoy.

Matt Dalton

Matt Dalton

Arsenal 6, Blackpool 0

Indeed, it’s not very often that we are treated to 6 goal games but, like London buses, they all seemed to come at once this weekend!  The Arsenal – Blackpool match, as predicted, was one of those to feature a sackful of goals.  Blackpool might well be counting themselves a bit unfortunate, having been reduced to ten men fairly early on.

Elsewhere, Chelsea thumped Wigan, one of my tips for the drop, by the same scoreline.  Then Newcastle decided to join the party yesterday, by giving Stephen Ireland a stinker of a birthday present, on his debut for the Villans!  Topping it off this evening, my beloved Liverpool received a pretty conclusive footballing lesson from the Premier League’s latest rich boys, Manchester City. You have to take your hat off to City, they didn’t do much wrong and fully deserved not only the three points but all three goals.

I hope every Premier League weekend is as entertaining as this one, although with a little luck, Liverpool will not be on the end of a roasting like that, too often!

Geoff Edwards

Geoff Edwards

Bayern Munich 2, Wolfsburg 1

Can anyone stop Thomas Müller? After his World Cup heroics, it was perhaps fitting that he scored the Bundesliga’s 1st goal.  What a goal it was, too, beautifully worked by the ‘New Bomber’and fellow starlet Toni Kroos.

After being comprehensively outplayed in the 1st half, Steve McClaren deserves credit for lifting his side, at the break, and sending them back out onto the Allianz Arena turf with fire in their bellies. Substitute Zvjezdan Misimovic was instrumental, as Wolfsburg looked the better side in the 2nd half.   They equalised deservedly through Edin Dzeko, then wasted a number of chances to put themselves ahead, before being hit with a last minute sucker punch from another German World Cup hero, Bastian Schweinsteiger.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2NQjpOouZc

A disappointing start for McClaren, but plenty of positives to take from the 2nd half performance.

Tapesh Patel

Tapesh Patel

Paris Saint-Germain 1, Bordeaux 2

This match took a while to get going but really caught fire in an end-to-end second half. If anything, Bordeaux had the better of possession, although PSG occasionally threatened on the counter.  Les Girondins were also superb on set pieces and so it proved, when Alou Diarra headed home from a 68th minute corner. The Parisians equalised 8 minutes later, with veteran Ludovic Giuly squaring for Guillaume Hoarau to tap home.

It was the lads from the wine country who had the last laugh, however, and on 95 minutes, centre-back Mickael Ciani scored the winner, sparking crazed celebrations from the away crowd. The eleventh hour dramatics made this a brilliant match for the neutral, yet Bordeaux fans will undoubtedly be happy that their team has kick-started its season, after stalling out of the gate.

Chris Mann

Chris Mann

Wigan Athletic 0, Chelsea 6

I thought the Londoners might hand out a thrashing to Roberto Martinez’s charges and so it proved. After a bright start Wigan subsided alarmingly quickly, seemingly forgetting the art of defending and capitulating, in the face of some delightful play from Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba. Even at 6-0, it could have been worse for The Latics.

Leeds United 3, Millwall 0

Despite Millwall having had the better start to the season, it was Leeds who triumphed, on home turf, overcoming the Lions in what was an enthralling game, at Elland Road. With the momentum continually switching between the teams, Millwall took the lead before Lloyd Sam’s single strike and a brace from Davide Somma sealed the points for Simon Grayson’s side. An entertaining advertisement for The Championship.

Fab Presilli

Fabricio Presilli

River Plate 3, Independiente 1

River got their third win of the season with a stunning first half display.  Striker Rogelio Funes Mori scored two goals and got a big lift from his attacking midfielders, Manuel Lanzini and Diego Buonanotte.  Although outplayed in the second half by Independiente, el Millionarios managed to secure the win and keep pace with Velez Sarsfield, at the top of the Apertura table.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ytclt_8XIw8

Santos 2, Atletico MG 0

Neymar delivered, after deciding to stay with Santos, scoring a penalty kick and assisting the second goal.  With the 18 year old secured, the club can now can focus on the national championship, and realistically target the domestic triple crown.

Vasco de Gama 2, Fluminese 2

The Rio derby was even all the way. Vasco remain undefeated since the World Cup but Fluminense are still atop the table. Vasco’s Carlos Alberto (no, not that one) was the star of the night with two assists. Deco made his debut in Rio, but he couldn’t shake off his jet lag, losing a good opportunity at the end.

httpv://youtube.com/watch?v=u5V74nhYAxw

The Brasilian story of the weekend, however, turned out to be Corinthians’destruction of Sao Paolo.  Corinthians scored three goals at their rival and São Paulo seems hopelessly lost, needing a quick shift in order to get back on track.

Martin Palazzotto

Martin Palazzotto

Toronto FC 1, New York Red Bull 4

I think I put the kaibosh on TFC over the weekend, somehow telepathically overinflating their egos with my pre-match hype.  They did play amazingly well against Cruz Azul, in mid-week, but came out completely flat against Thierry Henry, et al, on Saturday.

Rafa Marquez opened his MLS account with an absolute scorcher on 35 minutes.  From about 25m in front of goal, the Mexican captain ran onto a little side pass,  sending a goal seeking missile, bending and twisting, through 3 defenders and beyond the reach of a helpless Stefan Frei.   The lead doubled moments later on a classic own goal.  After pegging one back through Dwayne Derosario, the Reds fell apart, surrendering a penalty on a handball that resembled the opening tip off for an NBA game and then gifting the Red Bulls a 4th goal, when Frei mishandled a fairly routine cross, into the box.

Here are the highlights, with apologies, in advance, for the sorry excuse for commentators.  They really are dolts.  It is a laugh, though, to hear of the incredible patience of Tee-Airy Hawn-ree, in signing autographs for over five minutes.  Wow, what a great guy, giving up so much of his time for the fans.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bPjkr0Iy-A

The gap between the two clubs, in the Eastern standings, widened to eight points and Toronto faces a long flight to Corona, Panama, for a mid week CCL clash with Arabe Unido, and then back home again, to face the defending MLS champs, Real Salt Lake.

Until next weekend, here’s a little fun from the Dutch Jupiler League (2nd div.), where Sparta Rotterdam showed no mercy to Allmere City, romping to a 12-1 victory after going a man up in the early going.   Sparta’s Johan Voskamp was the most bloodthirsty of the Kasteelheren, with not 6 but 8 goals. It took Andy Carroll, Theo Walcott and Nicolas Anelka combined, to match that!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbrNFun87AA&feature=related

How is a footy fan supposed to keep up with all that?  Well, the caring and nurturing staff at WFC is here to help, bringing you a new feature, in which several of our writers list the matches they think are can’t miss, from the weekend fixtures.  Pick and choose or Tivo them all, for enjoyment throughout the week.  Just do whatever it takes to catch them, if you can!

Geoff Edwards

Geoff Edwards

Bayern Munich v Wolfsburg, Bundesliga Friday evening .

Steve McClaren will make history as the 1st English coach to take charge of a team in the Bundesliga, when his Wolfsburg outfit come up against last season’s champions.

Simon Kjaer and Arne Friedrich could debut for Wolfsburg, and it will be interesting to see how Bayern’s stars have recovered from their World Cup exertions.

..

Tapesh Patel

Tapesh Patel

Paris Saint-Germain v Bordeaux, Ligue 1 Sunday

A clash of fallen giants.

PSG will look to build upon a solid start to the season, having beaten Saint-Etienne on the opening day, and impressively managing an away draw against title hopefuls Lille.  Bordeaux, meanwhile, are looking to make the tough climb back up the slope, from a descent that began last spring.   Losing Laurent Blanc and Marouane Chamakh over the summer, will make their ascent much more of a challenge.

Blanc’s replacement, Jean Tigana, has voiced concern about the fragile mentality displayed by his players, thus far. Expected to step up to the challenge will be Fernando Cavenaghi, needed to replace Chamakh’s goal threat.   If he can reproduce his form of the 2007-8 and 2008-9 seasons (when he scored 15 and 13 league goals respectively), Tigana will be well pleased. The former title-chasers have lost both of their matches, this season, and will be setting out to put things right, after their chairman expressed his disappointment at the latest loss.

Both defences could be shaky and so this should be a good game for the neutral. Don’t miss out!

..

Matt Dalton

Matt Dalton

Arsenal v Blackpool, EPL Saturday

When you think of Blackpool, you could be forgiven for thinking of sand, stag parties and strip bars. Having celebrated 100 years in league football, Blackpool is firmly back on the map for its football for the first time in 39 years.  Building upon their unexpectedly magical ending to last season, under the guidance of a very cast-against-type  fairy godmother, in Ian Holloway, they have started off well.  A resounding 4-0 victory against Wigan, whom they will likely be scrapping with, come the end of the season, has them in a very positive frame of mind.

If Arsenal find their groove it could end up quite one sided, yet they were sluggish at Anfield, surviving only after being granted a wish of their own, when Pepe Reina gifted them a late equaliser.  Being at home, at the Emirates Stadium, may be a comforting thought for the Gunners, until they remember that Blackpool did their damage, last weekend, on the road.

With Arsenal’s very open way of playing and Blackpool’s confidence and enthusiasm, we may well be treated to an early season humdinger.  Whatever happens, there are sure to be goals. I, for one, will be watching!

Chris Mann

Chris Mann

Leeds United v Millwall, The Championship Saturday

The over-zealous (to put it diplomatically) nature of both clubs’supporters gives this clash an unfortunate extra edge, but these are both teams that played some excellent football during their successful League One campaigns last season and the game should be an attractive spectacle on the field, if not off it.
Wigan Athletic v Chelsea, Premier League Also Saturday

What’s not to love about the league’s worst defence being pitted against its best attack? It could be carnage at the DW Stadium. Wigan fans look away now.

Martin Palazzotto

Martin Palazzotto

Toronto FC v New York Red Bull, MLS Saturday

The Canadian side are coming off a stunning home upset of Mexican power, Cruz Azul, in the CONCACAF Champions League.  Mista, the Spanish mid season signing, under the DPR rule, paid early dividends with his first goal for the club, in a 2-1 victory.

That match was the first hurdle in a do or die stretch, on two fronts, late in their season.  On the outside, looking in at the Eastern Conference playoff picture, the Reds now face a beefed up Red Bull side featuring the three headed monster of Thierry Henry, Juan Pablo Angel and Rafa Marquez.  Then mid-week it’s a long jaunt, from the shores of Lake Ontario to the mouth of the Panama Canal, to face Arabe Unido in their second CCL match.  After that encounter, they must jump back on the plane and return home to face defending MLS champs, Real Salt Lake.

TFC’s coach, Preki, has obviously taken the league commissioner’s directive to take the continental championship seriously, and will have his best players fighting on two fronts.  With the fantastic support from the home crowd, at windy BMO Field, boosting the adrenaline already flowing through their veins, from their victory over los Cementeros, Toronto will be ready and waiting for the Red Bulls.

..

Fabricio Presilli

Fabricio Presilli

Santos v Atlético Mineiro, Brasileirao Sunday

This game marks the return of Vanderlei Luxemburgo to his former team ground. He left some enemies in Vila Belmiro, so expect the Santos’boys to work extra hard in order to keep Atlético in the relegation zone.  The hotly sought after Neymar is likely to hear it from the home crowd, in a much more loving fashion, after turning down a truckload of cash to move to Chelsea.

Vasco v Fluminense, Brasilierao Sunday

The Rio derby will be further fueled by Fluminenses’lead of the tournament. Maybe Deco can debut for the tricolor, giving them another option in an already good midfield.

River v Independiente, Argentine Apertura Sunday

Can River keep up the good form of their previous two games and get a third win? They are desperately battling relegation this year, from their low point average, accumulated in their previous tournaments.

..

As a final note, we bring you some footage of that Copa Libertadores final between Chivas and Internacional, and the aftermath.

Carrying on in the grand tradition of this year’s World Cup, the two sides were less concerned with attractive football than guerilla warfare.  This was the last year that Mexican sides will be invited to the South American competition, as CONCACAF has expressed concern about a very congested international schedule.  The Goats, after going down 2-1 in the home leg, made a match of it, equalising early in Porto Alegre, but eventually were defeated 5-3, on aggregate.  As like as not, the Central Americans won’t be missed after their farewell performance degenerated into general thuggery.  Take special note of the series of rabbit punches delivered to one Inter player, about a minute into the highlight package.

..

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcAoGC8P3ns&feature=player

..

After the match, the fans joined in on the fun.  Internacional supporters are famous for pitch invasion but the traveling Goats contingent got in on the act, as well.  Apparently, it all started before the opening whistle, when the home crowd jeered the Mexican National anthem and events gradually descended into chaos from there, until an impromptu summit of nations was held on the field after the match finally ground to a halt.

..

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q5-D-mGYOM&feature=player

..

Editor’s note:  A previous version of this report referred to newly signed Toronto FC player, Mista, as being Brazilian, due to an inaccurate source.  He is, in fact, Spanish.  Apologies for the error.

A couple of reasons “helped” the competition along the way. São Paulo’s change in management and slow start gave the chance that rivals were waiting for over the last three years to finally end their winning streak.

Almost all teams changed coaches during the competition, giving some clubs the opportunity to regroup halfway through the tournament. Some clubs, like Palmeiras, Internacional and Grêmio learned São Paulos’s lesson and maintained the majority of their players from last year, with some important arrivals such as Vágner Love and D´Alessandro.

Palmeiras is at the top of the table. They hired Muricy after his dismissal from São Paulo, they have the best midfielders in Brazil (Cleiton Xavier and Diego Souza), a fierce defense and a couple of good strikers, not to mention their captain and most important player of all time protecting the goal: Marcos. Palmeiras is managing to get points even through the most difficult games, like some weeks ago when they got a victory in Santos and at Mineirão, over Cruzeiro.

Internacional had great expectations for this year. The Colorado side is having a season to forget though. And yet, they managed to hold a top 5 place at the table all year long.
This season surprises are Goiás and Atlético Mineiro (from the state of Minas Gerais), both teams were considered candidates for relegation and are fighting for a top 4 spot, a place that could give the club the classification to Libertadores next year.

Last decade’s downside has got to be the clubs from Rio de Janeiro. Fluminense and Botafogo are in the relegation zone, or real close to it, with Vasco already in the second division, comfortable to come back next year, and Flamengo always struggling politically. Maybe we will never see again rooters like the ones they had in the 80s, competing head to head with the greatest clubs in the country.

Nonetheless, this year’s championship remains one of the all-time greatest. Some intense rivalries, rallies for all important places and a fair amount of good players in the league.
Here are some games to keep an eye on, should you be able to catch them on TV or over the internet be aware that those dates can change:
17/10 – São Paulo x Atlético Mineiro
18/10 – Palmeiras x Flamengo
25/10 – Santos x São Paulo
25/10 – Internacional x Grêmio
25/10 – Botafogo x Flamengo
28/10 – São Paulo x Internacional
29/10 – Palmeiras x Goiás
31/10 – Flamengo x Santos
01/11 – Palmeiras x Corinthians
01/11 – Náutico x Sport
04/11 – Grêmio x São Paulo
08/11 – Atlético Mineiro x Flamengo
08/11 – Fluminense x Palmeiras
14/11 – Cruzeiro x Grêmio
14/11 – São Paulo x Vitória
22/11 – Grêmio x Palmeiras
22/11 – Flamengo x Goiás
22/11 – Botafogo x São Paulo
22/11 – Flamengo x Goiás
29/11 – Corinthians x Flamengo
29/11 – Palmeiras x Atlético Mineiro
29/11 – Goiás x São Paulo
06/12 – Flamengo x Grêmio

Picture by Rubens Chiri