A Little Footy Whatnot

This has been an interesting week around the footy world and the biggest news was the "big freeze' in England, which forced EPL matches to be cancelled.  Record snowfall (somewhat laughable here in Kansas) and poor snow removal led the powers-that-be to wobble on match day.  The pitches are all playable, as they are heated, but the FA feared for the fans and their inability to drive in the slick stuff.  Can you imagine people in Green Bay reading this and saying, "cancel a Packers game because of a little snow?"  But the Brits are used to a more even climate (rain, rain, rain, and a little snow) so this deluge of flakes took their knickers by surprise.

Manchester drivers braving the big 3-inch snow...If they would drive on the correct side of the road this wouldn't be so difficult for them!!!

What's the big deal...reschedule, right?  Well it's not that easy.  Teams in the EPL do not just play league matches.  They are also involved in other cup games that are sprinkled throughout the season.  If you are in the top four finishers from the previous year, then you play in the Champions League (best of Europe).  All English teams play for the FA Cup and Carling Cup (sponsored by Carling Beer).  If you are fortunate enough to win the Champions League, like United did in 2008, then you also play for the World Club Championship.  United played for all of these cups in 2008, plus the Community Shield (which they won).  38 league matches plus 22 matches for the FA, Carling, Champions League, and World Club Championship...and United's grand total of matches that year was 60.  There are only 52 weeks in a year, but the EPL season lasts from August to May...so you do the math.  Rescheduling is a nightmare.

United didn't let the snow get them down.  They flew to Qatar and trained in the sunshine to shake off the wintry blues.  Let's hope this inspires a January run so we can top the table once again.  Darren Fletcher, who was erroneously sent off in their last match, said that those who have slagged off United all year will only inspire a run that will bury the competition...let's hope he's right!

United at the Aspire Training Camp in Qatar...no snow

The other big news for the week was the unveiling of a new Armani man.  Giorgio decided to dump Beckham and feature the sleek body of one Cristiano Ronaldo...suppose you've heard of him, right?  Before I present you with the scantily-clad CR7, I must say that the reaction has been somewhat hostile.  Calls of "he's so gay," and "those biceps are computer-generated," have filtered into the Spanish press.  As I've said many times on this blog, los Espanholes haven't warmed to him as RM wanted.  With that being said, CR looks far better than Beckham ever did (I don't like the overly-tattooed look...one or two is fine, but don't get crazy!) and Beckham's poses made him look more 'mo than CR's.  I know...shut up and get to the goods, you say...but hold on.  Before that here is a funny from last year's transfer saga that highlights the British press' view of CR's "style."

And now...voila!  Computer-generated arms or not (I'm not sure if they are...CR does have some nice arms), this is one fine foto for the female footy fans...*long sigh*

hammy-licious

I've completely lost my train of thought...ummm...Oh Yeah...Chamakh!
Marouane picked up the French "Oscar" for Sport last week.  He was named the Best Player in France, and picked up his trophy along with his coach, Laurent Blanc, who was named the Best Coach.  Felicitations!  Well-deserved for both!

And the Oscar goes to...

Marouane announced last week that he is staying in Bordeaux until the end of the season, but has now said that he will decide by the end of January which team he has chosen to play for next year.  He made it sound as if Bordeaux is still in the running.  "I don't want people to think this decision is easy for me, it is not something to take lightly."  His family is near Bordeaux and he has always played for them...I'm sure he would miss his partner-in-crime, Gourcuff, as well.  Which EPL team would he choose? Well...United is not in the running, despite rumors to the contrary.  I really don't want to see my Marouane heading a ball by Edwin Van der Sar, but that may be the case next year.  Arsenal, Tottenham, and apparently Liverpool (not sure how they could afford him with their financial situ) are very interested in him.  My guess is either Arsenal or Bordeaux.  Stay tuned.

Should I stay or should I go?

And finally...a pic of one of my favorite people in the World!!!!!!!

Friends are BEST!