HRH The Special One Has Arrived...

The self-anointed Special One Jose Mourinho will be officially unveiled today at the Santiago Beezelbub.  He made a point to say that he didn't want a huge deal made out of him like RM did last year with their big signings.  Ironic coming from a man who makes a huge deal of himself in everything else he does.
I was wondering aloud if everyone in Madrid were happy about this signing.  I know that Cristiano has said, "I welcome him...he's a winner."  But what is he supposed to say..."he called me 'uneducated' when he was the manager of C-Club, and my mother told me not to speak to him...ever!"?  Cristiano never warmed to Pellegrini and so it may be the lesser of two evils, although Mr. Aveiro may find out the hard way that his new manager likes to control his players and berate them publicly when they don't perform up to his standards.
Of course the RM mouthpieces, marca.com and AS.com had the headlines of "Mourinho is now at the Bernabeu."  The Special One arrived with his agent, Jorge Mendes (also CR's agent...been a good year has it, Jorge?).  The circus begins.
RM will say, as they did last year, that "this is the year" and Jo Jo Mourinho will "bring us the 10th" (CL title).  They said the same thing last year with the arrival of Ronny, Kaka, and Benzema.
But what about those who aren't paid by RM to say "J-MO es fantastico!"?
I found one such person, in the Opinion pages of marca.com. *GASP!*  One Oscar Garcia who begged the question:

"And what if Mourinho wins nothing?"

Mr. Garcia dared to ask the question that is on the lips of everyone in footyland.  My translation:

"Florentino Perez has made a radical shift in his strategy for the first time since becoming president of Real Madrid...he has hired a coach. Until now, to Florentino a coach was just a necessary evil, a worthless piece. Everything in their projects revolved around the players, galactic if possible, people born to play for Madrid. Now he has put his future in the hands of Jose Mourinho. But what if Mourinho has not won anything?

Nobody guarantees titles, not even Mourinho, who comes to Madrid after having won everything with Inter. Porto became the best team in Europe, but he spent more than 300 million in signings at Chelsea and didn't win the Champions League. It is not easy to win the Champions League and Mourinho knows that football is not all about money.
The day he announced the dismissal of Manuel Pellegrini and the arrival of Mourinho, Florentino said the "titles are stable." For him there is no more project than that. If Mourinho does not win anything next season do we understand that he will follow the same path he just took with Pellegrini, for Mourinho has also signed a multi-year contract? [Pellegrini signed a two-year deal and had to be compensated for the last year].  Florentino has made a risky bet to be placed in the hands of the Portuguese coach, who will need to win titles for next season. If Perez can not win a title. it is time to close this project and open the door to a new stage."
[end opinion]

*GASPS FOR AIR*  Wow, someone had the temerity to challenge Perez' presidency at RM!!!  For those new to footy, this is Tito Perez' second round as head of RM.  He was ousted the first time due to his Galacticos being UnGalactic.  No titles.  No job.
So, is Mr. Garcia right?
I believe so.  It is very difficult to win Champions League titles.  The two playing for the title this year were not the best teams in Europe.  A few refereeing disasters and untimely injuries prevented the real contenders from meeting in Madrid for the title.  Even last year's winning manager, Pep Guardiola of Barcelona, said at the beginning of this year, "we are not the favorites to retain...it is almost impossible to win two-in-a-row."  That coming from a man who has arguably one of the best teams in the world.
I might remind everyone that this time two years ago, and last year as well, Mr. Mourinho was "on his way out at Inter" because he had failed to win the Champions League.  He was fired from his job at C-Club for the very same reason.  Now that he has won one with Inter, he has taken on an iconoclastic aura (thanks in part to his own self-aggrandizement and RM's three-ring circus PR).  If he fails in Madrid it will be a very expensive proposition for RM.  Rumors are that he has signed a multi-year deal.
He has already started to stir the pot, revealing his wish-list of signees.  It's no secret that RM have a pathetic defense that could be penetrated by a few eight-year-olds with modest skills.  Pepe and Ramos seem to be the only two defenders that Jo-Jo likes, and he's intimated that Ramos is the "world's best center-back."  Of course J-Mo said at Inter that "Ibrahimovic was better than Cristiano"......wait for it........hahahahahahaha.  He then swapped the lazy Ibra for Eto'o, which was a master-stroke and brought him a CL championship.
It's no doubt that he will clean house defensively, and I think Pepe is a solid defender.  He has marshaled a Portugese NT defense that has given up two goals in 18 months.  Of course there was the nasty incident two seasons ago when Pepe decided to stomp on a player's head because he had stolen the ball from him.  He was banned for ten games and RM suffered a deserved black eye.  I'm sure MoMo would say, "ahhhh he is Portuguese...he has passion for the game."
The shocker for me was hearing that J-Mo is a big fan of Benzema and wants to "make him the main striker and the world's best player."  *brakes screeching*  Huh?
What about Cristiano (26 goals)?
And what about Higuain?  RM's best scorer this year (27 goals), who was only beaten to the la Liga Pichichi by HRH the Troll of Barcelona.
It seems that Higuain will be taking a "secondary" role, as will Raul.  Tutanbaul will be "asked if he can take this secondary role, if not..."  he will be taking the same route as Guti...adios.
Higuain has been courted (United) by others (United) this year...maybe it would be a good time to ply his trade in a more suitable atmosphere. *dials Sir Alex*  He was far better than any other player at RM this year and if J-Mo can't see that, then he's a fool.  
Benzema is an over-rated gangsta wannabe.  And don't think for a minute that his former club, Lyon, didn't relish beating his current club in the CL round of 16...in Madrid.  Their vociferous celebrations on the pitch screamed, "WE DON'T NEED YOU!!!!...AND THANKS TO RM FOR THE OVER-INFLATED PRICE WE GOT FOR YOU!!! WORD!"
Maybe JoJo doesn't read the papers. His predecessor was interviewed just yesterday and said, "managers don't stay long at Real Madrid." We all knew this so it's not news, but Pellegrini's comment the day he was let go that "I didn't want to sell Robben and Sneijder" should be a big red flag for Mourinho.  The "manager" at RM doesn't "manage" anything.  After being sold to finance the "Summer of Galacticos," Sneijder revealed that "RM is run by two mafiosi."  The two mafiosi had to sit in the stands and watch their two former charges, Robben and Sneijder, play for the Champions League title in the Bernabeu.  Ouch.
With no titles last year, the RM board will be circling Dumb and Dumber (Perez and Valdano), wanting results for the outlay they are leveraged to the gills for.
But that's to be worried about tomorrow.  Today?
Cue the clowns.  Cue the trapeze.  Cue "Thunder and Blazes."  The circus is in town.

Everyone Can Make a Difference...

My name is Dan Gaspar and I want to share a story about Cristiano Ronaldo. It’s a story that I’m sure you are not aware of, but one that needs to be told. I believe in destiny - this is an example. Behind the superstar celebrity is a genuine and caring human being.

I was fortunate to be invited by Carlos Queiroz, Portugal National Team Coach to join their staff for qualification for the 2010 World Cup I have worked with Carlos before, and I felt honoured to be a part Portugal’s preparation.
Not long after, I received a phone call from a good friend, John Moreira. John has worked at Star Goalkeeper Academy, a camp which I own. He and his family are good friends of mine and have been for many years. His son Brandon, who was a quality soccer player, was experiencing knee problems.The doctors initially thought that he was suffering from a soccer injury. It turned out that Brandon had Osteosarcoma (bone cancer).
The Moreiras had a difficult decision to make; amputate the leg or receive chemotherapy in the hopes that they could catch all of the cancer. Brandon’s passion was football. The thought of having one of his legs amputated was devastating to the teenager. He couldn’t imagine a life with one of his legs missing.The family opted for chemotherapy
Throughout this trying period, John had kept in touch with me and regularly updated me on Brandon’s status. So it was devastating to hear that not only did the chemo fail to shrink the size of the tumor, but the cancer had metastasized to other parts of the body. John and I shared a special bond, and I felt compelled to be there for my friend and his family. I jumped onto a plane and flew to Toronto.
Brandon was a very special young man. Instead of me offering Brandon support and courage, Brandon gave me much more than I could give him. He was calm, brave and his warrior-spirit imbued his house with a sense of peace. He was an inspiration. Despite having lost considerable weight and entangled in oxygen tubes, in his soft-spoken voice he always managed to say just the right thing. He pleaded with everyone not be angry and that God is good. Sixteen years old! That was his gift to all of us.
His dad John said that Brandon had created a bucket of wishes. One of his wishes was to go to Old Trafford and watch Ronaldo train. Given the circumstances, that wish was not going to come true. Like so many kids around the globe, Ronaldo was Brandon’s idol. He thought Ronaldo was the best footballer on the planet. Pictures of the Portuguese winger in full gallop gliding with ease past bewildered defenders covered Brandon’s bedroom wall.
John asked me if I would contact Ronaldo and ask him to call his dying son. I informed John that I did only one game with Portugal’s U-23 team with Ronaldo.The likelihood of Ronaldo remembering me was remote but I would do my best. I wanted so badly to fulfill Brandon’s wish. He was a remarkable human being, and it was the least that I could do for my friend and his son.
I called the Head Coach of Portugal National Team, Carlos Queiroz and explained Brandon’s situation. Carlos and I have worked together on many projects and we have known each other for years. We are brothers. I said to Carlos, “I have not asked you for much, but this is a special request and it would mean a lot to me if you could help me as well as my friend".
Carlos said he would do his best, but he could not make any promises. But I knew that if anyone had the influence to be able to help me to help Brandon and his family, it was Carlos Queiroz. To contact Ronaldo you have to go through several layers of people – agents, managers, lawyers, etc… and you never know how long that may take.
Carlos called me back the same day and said, “The mission is in motion”. I knew that Carlos would come through.
In the meantime, I knew Brandon was a Manchester United, Benfica and FC Porto fan. I called my contacts and asked if they could call Brandon, to give him strength and urge him to continue to fight his battle. José Moreira from Benfica, Carlos Queiroz from Manchester United and Vitor Baia from FC Porto all called to wish him well and to have the courage to continue to fight. They were all special, but they were not Ronaldo - he had still not called.
I needed to get back to the University of Hartford. The Hartford Hawks had a game on Saturday evening and I flew back on the Friday before.
Saturday was a great evening. The University of Hartford beat The University of New Hampshire and I also received a call from John that Ronaldo did call. It was a tremendous relief for me, and I knew what it meant to Brandon. In fact, he promised Brandon he would call the following day.
Brandon’s house was full of his friends, anxiously waiting for his phone to ring. Ronaldo did not disappoint. He called and Brandon and a house full of friends and family were overjoyed. Manchester United was playing away to Chelsea that weekend in September. Ronaldo promised to send his match jersey and boots to Brandon. Brandon was ecstatic, but it was the conversation that he cherished most. He said "I can't believe I just spoke with my idol, Cristiano Ronaldo -- I am the happiest kid alive.” A couple of days later Ronaldo went on to text Brandon to see how he was feeling.
Brandon, only 17, died on October 3, 2008. Ronaldo sent his autographed boots, framed jersey and a telegram with his condolences. But in his telegram it was this message that moved Brandon’s family the most. It said,

“true champions are those who fight till their last breath, and that is the image I have of Brandon."

I returned to Toronto to attend Brandon’s wake and funeral. All of Ronaldo’s items were wrapped around the casket. It was amazing.
In February I returned to Toronto to do a goalkeeper seminar. John asked me to go for a ride. We went to Brandon’s mausoleum. I was stunned by what I saw - Cristiano Ronaldo’s bronzed jersey and boots. Beneath them were engraved the words from Ronaldo's text message.
Carlos Queiroz invited me to join the Portugal’s National Team as it prepared for its World Cup qualification match against Albania on June 6, 2009 and a friendly match against Estonia on June 10. It’s fascinating how life works; of course I accepted the invitation to join Portugal’s staff with honour. The team included the FIFA selection for the 2008 World Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo. His transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid was a world record of $133 million.
When John’s family knew I was going to join the National Team they had a request. They had several items they wanted Ronaldo to sign and they wrote a thank-you card for him.
I flew to Toronto to meet with John’s family and to pick up the items they wanted signed by Ronaldo. Then it was off to Lisbon for a national team training camp. When I arrived at training camp I let a few days pass before I approached Ronaldo. As you can imagine, everyone wants a piece of him. During lunch one afternoon, Ronaldo and I were near the buffet table. I told Ronaldo that I had a special story to share with him, and could we spend a few minutes together? He agreed and met me in my room.
It was an emotional meeting as I shared with Cristiano all the details of the impact he had on Brandon, his family and friends. Ronaldo listened carefully.
I wanted to emphasize the responsibility an athlete like Cristiano has to young and impressionable people like Brandon. As we talked, it was touching to see a vulnerable and compassionate side to a guy who is a warrior on the field.
The last thing I mentioned to Ronaldo was that Brandon had kept a daily diary. On the last page it read, "I spoke to Ronaldo, I can now go to heaven."

That is the truth behind Cristiano Ronaldo.

Dan Gaspar
University of Hartford Men's Soccer Coach

Charlotte Eagles: Game Eight

I'm a little miffed at the Eagles right now so I won't be blogging about Game Eight.

A Voodoo Ball for WC?

JOHANNESBURG (AP)—Several players are going all out in criticizing the new World Cup ball, with more than one comparing it to those bought at a supermarket.

And it's not just the keepers who are out of sorts.  Strikers and midfielders are complaing as well.
The ball is called Jabulani, which means “to celebrate” in isiZulu, but not many are celebrating it so far. It’s hard to find a player who is happy with it, and those who don’t like it are not hesitating to voice their displeasure.
“It’s very weird,” Brazil striker Luis Fabiano said Sunday. “All of a sudden it changes trajectory on you. It’s like it doesn’t want to be kicked. It’s incredible, it’s like someone is guiding it. You are going to kick it and it moves out of the way. I think it’s supernatural, it’s very bad. I hope to adapt to it as soon as possible, but it’s going to be hard.”
Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar on Saturday called the ball “terrible” and was the first to compare it to those plastic ones bought at a supermarket. Italy striker Giampaolo Pazzini said the same thing, calling it a “disaster.”
“It moves so much and makes it difficult to control. You jump up to head a cross and suddenly the ball will move and you miss it,” Pazzini said. “It is especially bad for the goalkeepers if it means they concede a goal because they can’t judge the trajectory.”

Adidas traditionally launches new balls for each World Cup and they usually cause controversy because of the changes prompted by the new technology being introduced. Most of the time the ball becomes speedier and goalkeepers are the ones most affected by it. But this time the livelier ball is causing problems for field players, too.
Here are some of the quotes from other players:

“There is no way to hide it, it’s bad for the goalkeepers and it’s bad for us. It’s really bad. The players try to cross it and it goes to the opposite direction they intended it to go.”  Brazilian midfielder Julio Baptista

“It’s sad that such an important competition like the World Cup has such an important element like this ball of appalling condition." Spanish keeper Iker Casillas

Adidas said the technology on the Jabulani is “radically new,” and when launching the ball in December said that small dots on the ball’s surface would help it have “an exceptionally stable flight and perfect grip under all conditions.”
FIFA and Adidas did not immediately return messages seeking comment Sunday.
Adidas has released some promotional materials in which some of its sponsored players praise the ball, including Kaka, Michael Ballack, Petr Cech and Frank Lampard. Ballack called the ball “fantastic.”

Maybe Lampard will rethink the wonderfulness of the ball after his missed penalty today. 
*voodoo chanting*

Ronny Feels the Pressure

from soccernet

Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo says that he is ''used to the pressure'' of playing at the highest level, but admits that it is more intense when he plays for his country.

Ronaldo is set to lead a struggling Portugal side to South Africa, with the team coming under fire of late for some poor performances including a 0-0 draw with minnows Cape Verde Islands.
The Real Madrid midfielder knows that he has a chance to impress on the biggest stage of all, but admits he is starting to feel the pressure.
"Wearing the captain's armband is an honour and makes me proud,'' he told the News of the World. ''I don't mind if there are demands on me, but sometimes there is exaggeration, and it always falls back on me.
"I'm used to the pressure. But I admit that I feel more pressured with the national team than with Real Madrid, but I always try to do my best and take the name of Portugal as far as possible.
"But nobody wins anything alone and a team can't be just one player. A team can't arrive with only three or four players in form, but must have at least six or seven."
Ronaldo also claimed that he won't be bullied by fans or players who want to see him play differently.
"I'm an entertainer, that's my job. Anyone who likes football likes me,'' he insisted. ''I don't know why they [the fans] boo me. Maybe it's because they see me as a dangerous opponent. I've got experience and know what I can't do.
"I can't react badly, although it's sometimes difficult to control myself. I don't mind if they boo me. It gives me more strength. Whatever they do, I have to help my team. I won't change the way I am and the way I play."
The focus on his private life is something Ronaldo has learned to live with and the midfielder claims it won't detract from his focus on the pitch.

"Everything about Cristiano Ronaldo is a bit of speculation. Everything I do generates a certain interest from the media and from society,'' he said. ''I'm used to being in the news but most of it isn't true. I don't think people know the real Ronaldo. I know who I am and I don't care what some people think about me."

On what will be his new coach at the club merengue Cristiano said he hopes to celebrate with him "a lot of victories" and stressed that "Mourinho is a winner." The player also recognized this year at Real Madrid was "frustrated and very sad" for not having a title, but predicted that next season will be different. :/
 [end story]

First off, the source for this article was the News of the World...translation...idiotic English tabloid.  Many of these quotes are old, and it's not news that Ronny is booed by the opposition fans and many times by his own RM "fans." 
Secondly...midfielder?  Since when has he played midfielder for Portugal after Figo and Pauleta's retirements?  He is a striker.
The only thing I agree with is that he is feeling the pressure.  He knows he can't win it himself, but that attitude is also a problem.  When he feels others aren't pulling their weight he tries to do too much and then that doesn't work either.  Portugal will have a tough time getting out of their group.

Was The Queen Watching? *shuts eyes*

How ironic that the Three Lions needed three goals scored by the other team to win their friendly with Group E longshots Japan.  Flying high through their qualification, the Queen's boys looked destined to vie for the golden trophy, but their performance against Mexico and today's PATHETIC display leave big doubts in my mind that they can go the distance.
Soccernet's headline said it all, "Limp England Ride Their Luck."  When countries are involved in a world sporting event psychological tactics are every bit as important as the physical ones.  You want to arrive strong showing your opponents that you are in form and ready to roll.  England is limping in to South Africa and you KNOW that the other favorites are taking notice.
Fabio Capello hasn't yet picked his 23-man team, and if I had to make a guess I would say that when he walked into the tunnel after the match he still didn't have a clue who he would pick. 
Yes, there are certainties for this team.  Rooney is going.  Ashley Cole is going.  Rio Ferdinand is going, etc.  But for some positions today, neither starter nor sub looked like a lock for the squad.


Marcus Tulio Tanaka (sounds kind of Roman) started it off for the Japanese in the 7th minute with a strike that should have been cleared by the English defense. 
Poor little Tanaka also had the dubious distinction of scoring in the 72nd minute for the wrong side.  Joe Cole ripped in a rocketed cross and Tanaka put it in the goal.
After Fabio had exhausted all of his subs, I can't say that England played any better...or worse.  They looked lazy and uninterested at times.
Frank Lampard had a chance to score for the Three Lions when a Japanese player obviously handled the ball during a freekick.  Lampard missed.  He also missed in the FA Cup final.  Note to Fabio:  Don't let Frankie take the pens in South Africa!
It is fortunate for them that Japan was scoring...for the wrong team.  Again in the 84th minute, Nakazawa  slid in to clear a primo low cross by Ashley Cole.  The Japanese defender instead knocked it straight into the goal.  Sad as it was for Japan, it was even sadder for England, as the two Japanese defenders were the only ones even close to the ball.  WHERE WERE THE ENGLISH?  Shouldn't someone have been mirroring Ashley?
I think that's what has me perplexed the most.  They're acting as if they don't know how to PLAY footy.  These are basic things, not something that has to be learned at this point.  They haven't switched positions, the pitch isn't different, they're not playing blindfolded...SO PLAY ALREADY!
Some will say, "Susana Susana Susana, it's only a friendly and they don't want to get injured."  And to that I would say, "Bollocks!"  I was a dancer for years and if I learned one thing it was that "you dance how you train."  If you laze around and don't do the real dance in training, that's exactly how you will look when you perform it.
If they're not careful, the group stage could be England's last dance.

I'm not sure what they were celebrating...they didn't deserve to win

US Devour Turkey in Philly; French and Portuguese Training

Sounds like a sandwich, doesn't it? Turkey in Philly. :)


The US Mens National Team in their final "send-off" match before heading to South Africa to vie for the World Cup, looked like a Turkey sandwich in the first half. With poor passing and an up-tempo Turkish side, the Red, White, and Blue could only manage one shot on goal. In the 32nd minute they found themselves down 0-1 thanks to poor defending.  The Turks smartly packed the midfield, inhibiting the Americans from breaking play.
Bob Bradley's side looked out-of-place, literally. "Where do I play, coach?" That seemed to be the cry on the pitch for most of the first half. Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey couldn't sync well up front, but managed to thrill the crowd with an "almost" goal near the end of the half. Altidore shimmied around several defenders and nutmegged the last to find himself alone in the box...he slid a beautiful pass through the on-rushing Turks, committing the keeper...but it trickled past the open goal and Dempsey's outstretched leg by a mere foot.
The sigh from the crowd could be heard in New York.
After the half, Bradley immediately substituted four players. The tempo quickened and the US took off like a shot. The Americans were unlucky not to score on several attempts, and Robbie Findley of current MLS Champs Real Salt Lake found more space outside to feed the middle. His pacing befuddled the Turks and he won several corners, but also drew the ire of Landon Donovan for not laying off when he should.  His grittiness (reminds me of Patrice Evra) paid off in the 58th minute when he popped a ball over a defender and on to the foot of Landon Donovan, who fed a waiting Jozy Altidore. The Hull City striker easily made it 1-1.
More chances came quickly and the addition of Jose Torres sparked the Americans even more.  His smart play opened up many spaces and he nearly scored from a curling freekick that just hit the bottom of the inside post.
In the 77th minute Landon Donovan handled a short throw-in, finding Dempsey, who drew the keeper and fired home.
MOTM:  I am torn between Torres and Findley.  Still torn.  Okay...Findley.
The 2-1 was a nice send-off for the Yanks.  Their next friendly will be against Australia one week from today.  The Socceroos (sounds like a kids' team) who have only appeared in two World Cups ('74 and 2006) haven't made it past the second-round.  The Americans will have their hands full with the 'Roos' two main scorers, Tim Cahill (Donovan's Everton team-mate this year) and Brett Emerton.

Fulham striker Clint Dempsey sealed the win for the Americans

In other WC news:
!Ay Caramba!  Espan~a, the cup favorites after running away with the Euro 2008 title, found their friendly a tad unfriendly.  Down a goal to minnows Saudi Arabia, los Rojos eventually leveled, and needed a 91st minute strike from Llorente to seal the win.  The Spaniards boast some top talent, but names won't win matches.  After losing to the USA in the Confed Cup semi-final, Spain should've learned not to take the opposition lightly.  EVERYONE in South Africa will be out to win it.

Substitute Fernando Llorente saved the Spaniards in the 91st

WORLD CUP "TRAINING"
Some teams have tried unusual methods to hone their skills for South Africa.  I would imagine most going to a desert to get used to the dry climate.  But...they don't listen to me.

PORTUGAL:
Wargames and Water Ballet
The Portuguese spent a day with the Air Force in military drills on the pitch.  Dressed in camouflaged fatigues and facepaint, the Seleccao looked more like a combative police force practicing for the Cup:

Is this their plan to win?  Shooting the opposition? :)

Miguel Veloso and CR7 practice their best pas de deux moves in the water

CR7 and Nani take a breather at the Front

CR7 may be hiding behind facepaint if his side doesn't improve...Forca Portugal!!!

FRANCE
I can understand the French tactics of training at high altitude except that it's freezing!  I don't remember seeing snow in Johannesburg.  They'll be fit...and hot...

Yohann Gourcuff sending me a photo from Tignes...how sweet.

Yohann riding along as I maneuver a cone...we're such a team!

Yohann with his bodyguards, Patrice (so fierce!) and Planus (so oblivious!)

13 days and counting...

United Legend Denis Irwin in Kansas

United legend Denis Irwin has praised MLS facilities ahead of the Reds' pre-season tour in July.


The former Reds full-back visited Kansas, Philadelphia and Toronto to meet local supporters, check out training facilities and spread the Manchester United gospel.
Sir Alex's men will meet MLS sides Kansas City Wizards and Philadelphia Union as part of United's four-game North American tour, with the Reds playing Celtic in Toronto and an MLS All-Star XI in Houston.
Speaking in Philadelphia, Irwin said: "When United go on pre-season tour, we look for different things. One is the facilities – obviously they're second to none here. The second is the quality of the opposition. The MLS will be halfway through the season so Philadelphia Union will be very fit at the time."
And although the North American tour won't feature World Cup stars like Patrice Evra, Nani or Wayne Rooney, Denis assured local fans that there would still be plenty of talent on show.
"You've got the three wise men – Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes," he said. "Edwin van der Sar as well. Besides that, you’ve got a good mix of youngsters. Antonio Valencia's coming across, Jonny Evans, John O'Shea, Darren Fletcher. Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck are two young lads, so you have a great mixture."

Irwin meets KC Wizards coach Peter Vermes

The former United full-back then met the team

"spreading the United gospel" on KC sports-radio

Cape of No Hope

Tom Adams of soccernet has an interesting take on Portugal's chances in South Africa, moustaches or not.
Nike's sublime new advert culminates with Cristiano Ronaldo's destiny being mapped out - a guest spot on The Simpsons, Ronaldo: The Movie starring Gael Garcia Bernal and, appropriately for such a committed narcissist, a huge statue being unveiled in his honour - but after a dismal result on Monday night, being asked to 'Write The Future' is proving particularly difficult for a talented, but flawed Portugal side.
On a night when England defeated Mexico 3-1 and Argentina hammered Canada 5-0, undoubtedly the standout result came in the town of Covilha as Portugal somehow contrived to draw 0-0 with Cape Verde Islands, a team ranked 117th in the world, just behind Botswana. Portugal's former colony have given Carlos Queiroz's side a bloody nose, and another reason to feel concerned with the finals in South Africa fast approaching, and Brazil and Ivory Coast to come in Group G.
Queiroz attempted to paint the result in a positive light, saying: "for those who do not understand what a preparation match is all about it's easy to criticise. But the team did what I wanted and it was principally a disciplined and organised game."
They may have been semi-finalists in 2006 under Luiz Felipe Scolari, but that achievement was pulled from the dying embers of a much-feted Golden Generation that failed to translate huge potential into tangible success. The worry for the new generation is that a similar sense of entitlement, or palpable potential, is worryingly absent at present. Qualification itself was something of a trauma. Having won only one of their first five matches, Portugal finally snuck ahead of Sweden to take a play-off place, going on to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 on aggregate.
Despite recently blooding new talents such as left-back Fabio Coentrao, defensive concerns are not paramount as Portugal have not conceded in seven games. Instead a team that boasts Deco, Nani, Liedson and, of course, Ronaldo is being held back by a lack of creativity and invention. That was never more evident than on Monday night when all four players started, and failed to find a way past the superbly named Fredson Fock.
Ronaldo remains unconcerned though. "Of course we wanted to win," said Homer Simpson's cartoon tormentor, "but there's a lot to take into consideration because it was only a preparation game and I'm sure we'll get to the World Cup much better, both physically or psychologically, and will demonstrate that we are a great team."
But as Portuguese publication Maisfutebol put it, 'Não cheira a Mundial' (It doesn't smell like the World Cup). In fact, Portugal are in danger of stinking the place out. [end story]

I am in agreement with Tom.  The public relations onslaught is not enough to secure wins against the world's top teams.  The Nike advert is one of the best, if not the best, that I've ever seen.  But it's just that...an advert.  I remember the photos of the statue of Ronny when they were filming this back in February.  I found it ironic that Nike chose the glitz,glamor, cartoonish angle with Ronny, as opposed to the grit, grime, passion of football angle given Rooney.  Their worlds, which used to be intertwined, are now on opposite poles.
Rooney, who still bashes it out in the most competitive league in the world, has continued to increase his value with SAF's tutelage.  His commitment earned him many personal awards, which were well-deserved.
Ronny, on the other hand, chose the flash of RM.  Gritty football is not on order in La Liga and the skills he learned in Manchester have plateaued, ending with dire disappointment this season...no trophies or personal accolades.
Which one has the better chance of tasting glory in South Africa?  Rooney.
Portugal is in the Group of Death, and their language equivalents, Brazil, have proved to be an unbreakable juggernaut for the Portuguese historically.  I can't see that changing this year.  Ivory Coast, who are lead by C-Club striker and EPL Golden boot Didier Drogba, looked solid in qualification and won't be an easy mark for Ronny and company.  North Korea is the only weak link, but after Portugal's pathetic display against Cape Verde, I wouldn't rule out a draw with them.

Just like the La Liga season, it could be a long, unfruitful summer for Ronny. :(

Bigode Power!

Portugal urged to embrace moustache power

by Dominic Raynor, soccernet


With Portugal really struggling to hit any kind of form ahead of the World Cup, supporters of the Seleccao have called upon all the players to grow moustaches as a sign of solidarity - in much the same way that Romania's squad all bleached their hair for France 98.
The campaign, entitled Queremos a Seleccao com bigode na Africa do Sul ("We want the Selection with a moustache in South Africa"), began on Facebook but spread onto the terraces with fans unfurling banners urging their heroes to do something about their frankly miserable performances.
The Portuguese only just squeaked through to qualify for the Finals under the, ahem, 'guidance' of Carlos Queiroz and something really needs to be done. But spoil-sport defender Paulo Ferreira insists he won't be growing a bigode: "I don't think so, I could never see myself with a moustache. It would only make us figures of fun."
What does Ferreira think this week's diabolical 0-0 draw with the Cape Verde Islands makes them?

Not For Sale At Any Price!; David Gill Annoyed by Knights

Statement from the Manchester United Board:

"The Board notes recent press speculation regarding a possible bid for Manchester United.  The owners remain fully committed to their long-term ownership of the club. Manchester United is not for sale and the owners will not entertain any offers."

David Gill speaks out on the Red Knights movement and proves why he is one of my readers!
(from soccernet)

The fans' group against the Glazer family's ownership of the club gained momentum last season with an increasing number of supporters wearing the green and gold scarves at United matches, representing the club's early incarnation as Newton Heath.
Gill believes, however, that many of the supporters who wear the scarves do not fully understand the meaning of the protest.
The 52-year-old also denied assertions that the debts the Glazers have saddled on United - reported to be around £500 million - are inhibiting the club's progress, and claimed quarterly figures due to be released today will show the club has the money to fulfil boss Sir Alex Ferguson's summer spending.
"The green and gold campaign and the momentum behind that can get a bit tiring,'' Gill told The Independent. "We understand people's desire to protest and I think it is a minority. It's a visible minority in the stadium.
"Would we prefer not to have them [green and gold scarves]? Yes. They have a right to protest. A lot of the fans clearly care about the club and that is a strength.
"But a lot of the other fans want to know that the team is playing attractive football, exciting Manchester United-style football, winning football. Who owns it is a bit irrelevant to them.

"I think that [the green and gold] minority will go away. A lot of people understand what it means but a lot of them don't.''

Regarding the financial plight of the club, Gill added: "I firmly believe that the financing we have in place and the growth we have seen in our commercial operations, even with the [annual] interest of £45 million, we can sustain that and still be a top, top club.
"We can invest in the players, invest in the training ground - we have plans for that - invest in the stadium and do those things.
"The money is definitely there. The results for the quarter ending March 31 will show the figures are about £95million cash. We are not in a situation where Alex is restricted in what he wants to do with the club.''
Gill also moved to discredit the Red Knights group that are aiming to takeover the club, saying their ambitions are doomed to failure.
"It [the Red Knights plan] is not an easy model when you get all those people to sign up,'' he said. "There are different levels of investment. To then say, 'we are going to involve the fans'? It is not easy.
"I have experienced running a football club and I do firmly believe that short, sharp decision-making is what is needed. Whether you are buying a player or whatever, you need to get on and do it.

"Also the people involved [with the Red Knights] clearly have an ego about them and when people have that sort of money they want to be involved in decision-making.
"They are not going to do it just for seats in the boardroom and they are going to want to protect their investment. That's quite an interesting challenge.''

I said that very thing months ago!  Thanks for reading my blog, David!! :)

I agree with David that this whole affair is tiring and takes away from the true goal of the club...to win trophies.  I'm glad to know that the Glazers are not afraid of these blowhards and will continue to invest in the club for the future.

Newcastle United Asks for Ban in Triesman Sting

I wrote at length about Lord Triesman and his untimely gaffe that has the England 2018 WC bid teetering on the edge of a cliff.
Newcastle United, who have been promoted to the Premier League after playing in the Championship last season, have called for all Premier League teams to ban the two newspapers responsible for the sting on Lord Triesman.  The Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday, which are sister papers, were already in hot water with Newcastle over a previous incident and were petitioning the club to overturn that ban when they published the Lord Triesman articles.

"That story was not in the best interest of English football and has had enormous adverse repercussions already with regard to the 2018 World Cup bid. Newcastle United Football Club supports the stance taken by Gary Lineker who has ceased to provide a column for the newspaper and has been outspoken in his criticism."

"The Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday, will be unwelcome at Newcastle United for the foreseeable future. The club has also written to the Premier League and all other Premier League chairmen, asking for their support in Newcastle's stance against these publications." [end story]

I support this ban because the motives of the girl involved and the newspaper were never revealed to the public.  She was supposedly a former flame/friend of his...so why taperecord his conversation when she had no idea what he was going to discuss...

Bien Dicho, Manuel!

As if we didn't see this coming...Manuel Pellegrini was fired from his post at RM yesterday.  It didn't take him long to wax vitriolic about his former employers.

I could never figure out why he was hired in the first place.  With HRH Florentino Perez at the helm, using leveraged money to bring the world the new Galacticos, a lesser-known but successful coach seemed out of sorts.  Were they just place-holding for a bigger coach to come this year?  Was the deal for Mourinho secured last year under the table?  With the highly-dubious deals this "team" is used to making, it wouldn't surprise me one bit.  Just ask the City of Madrid about the deal they were hoodwinked into making with the sale of the old Bernabeu grounds. 

Here are a few choice quotes from Manuel's interview with Spanish radio station, Cadena Ser:

"I came here with high hopes and great pride to manage this team. Unfortunately I wasn't able to do what I wanted to do and I had differences from the beginning of the season."

He admitted that one of his biggest frustrations was "not having felt more involved with the project" and claimed the project of Florentino Perez was not running smoothly.

"There were a lot of disagreements in the club. I asked for them to keep (Wesley) Sneijder and (Arjen) Robben, who were two very important players for me. I missed having a debate on sporting issues, with the coach included,'' he said. "As (former Real coach and current Spain boss) Vicente Del Bosque said, even the club show no respect for the position of the coach, and they don't give them the authority internally or externally. Florentino's project is extraordinary but I think he's got it wrong."

"I did not speak with the president since last August,'' added Pellegrini, who nevertheless sidestepped the opportunity to criticise his former employer. "I cannot say anything good or bad about Florentino, because I do not know him personally. I respect his stance of the president. He has a sporting project in which I don't fit."

Pellegrini also felt his former employers breached the bounds of decency when finding his replacement.
"It hurt,'' he said. ''Above all because they had already tied up a new coach which isn't ethical.
As for Mourinho he also had words of praise tinged with vinegar...
"I wouldn't have spoken about a team that already had a coach in place. It isn't very ethical, but he is a coach that has proven he is a winner in every team he has been with."

As I said above, when it came down to it, Pellegrini just wasn't sexy enough for the slick RM image.  Of course that image hasn't won anything in recent years and is still living off their la liga dominance in the very distant past, when the league was fixed by former Spanish dictator Francicso Franco.  El "Caudillo" has long been dead and can no longer help Real "succeed."  But it's okay...Perez thinks he's Madrid's new Caudillo.

Francisco Franco, Perez' predecessor

Quote of the Day from new RM "boss" Jo Jo Mourinho:
"I do not like my clubs to pay crazy prices for players."

I suppose he's grandfathered in Cristiano, Kaka, and Benzema...the latter two who were worthless this season. *rolls eyes*
I like J-Mo but he's now gone to the Dark Side, so it is my hope that the Force is with every other team in Europe and the Death Star remains trophyless next year.  My fear is that Zizou will stay too long and be poisoned by the unethical virus permeating the Bernabeu offices.  He needs to be rescued so he can manage a worthy team elsewhere.  Where are Solo, Chewy, Skywalker, and Calrissian when you need them?

Javier Hernandez is Officially Red!

from soccernet:

United announced they had secured a deal for Hernandez, 21, in April, with reports putting the likely transfer fee for the Chivas Guadalajara striker somewhere in the region of £8 million.
But though he scored in a 2-1 defeat to Netherlands on Wednesday and appeared in the second half against England at Wembley, Hernandez has not played in 75% of Mexico's games over the past two years.
That forced United to make the case that he is an 'exceptional talent' and one that could not be recruited from inside the European Union for a similar transfer fee.

An FA panel, responsible for administering the process on behalf of the Home Office, has agreed with the club and given Hernandez the green light to start his career at Old Trafford.

Chicharito scored against the Netherlands yesterday

Tag These As..."Told You So!" and "Ewwwwww!"

Told You So!!

I blogged about this a LONG TIME AGO.  That Manuel Pellegrini would be sacked at the end of the year (no matter what the result).  And so it has happened.  Big surprise.  Next.

Ewwwwwwwww!

This is one of the many reasons I do not support Argentina.  I believe I'm on record in the rest of my blogs about the other reasons.  I didn't even want to post the title on here because it turns my stomach.  Click my link if you dare.

USA 23-Man Team for SA; Way To Go, Chicharito!!!!

US National Men's Team manager, Bob Bradley named his 23-man squad for South Africa today.
The Roster:

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa, England), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton, England), Tim Howard (Everton, England).


Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes, France), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover, Germany), Jay DeMerit (Watford, England), Clarence Goodson (IK Start, Norway), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan, Italy), Jonathan Spector (West Ham, England).

Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, England), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus, Denmark), Stuart Holden (Bolton, England), Jose Torres (Pachuca, Mexico).

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Hull, England), Edson Buddle (Los Angeles), Robbie Findley (Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Puebla, Mexico).

Our Boys!!!!

 

Yeah for Chicharito!!!  Manchester United's new Mexican signing Javier Hernandez scored in his country's friendly with the Netherlands.  It wasn't enough to overcome the Oranje, as Robin van Persie of Arsenal scored a brace.
Manchester United's plea to the FA to secure a work permit for Javier will be heard soon.  *crosses fingers*

Rampin' Up to the Cup

Today a few teams held friendlies to sharpen themselves before the final push to South Africa.
In particular, the Three Lions faced a scrappy Mexico side, who dominated the match but ended up on the losing side of a 3-1 score at Wembley Stadium in London.  Ledley King, Peter Crouch, and Glen Johnson were responsible for the England goals, and Guillermo Franco hit a consolation shot for Mexico.
England looked decidedly unimpressive, but there is still time to gel.
The Wembley pitch has taken on a life of its own in the last year.  Not a single player or manager has complimented it, and it's baffling as to why they can't get it right.   I think they're on their twelfth new pitch in six months.

Peter Crouch makes it 2-0

The shocker of the day, or as soccernet headlined it, "Portugal Embarrassed,"  Cristiano Ronaldo's team limped to a 0-0 draw with...no not Brazil, not Spain, not France...but the Cape Verde Islands.

*dramatic pause*

Yes, the lowly Cape Verde Islands.
Cristiano and company were not in good form, and the former missed two stirling chances.  It's not as if manager Carlos Queiroz were playing a few slugs, his lineup included Ronaldo, Ricardo Carvalho, Miguel Veloso, Nani, Deco, and Liedson.  Nani has been in great form for United, but his last match was two weeks ago.  Carvalho has somewhat of a pass because he's been injured most of the year and only returned recently to the Chelsea ranks.  But Ronny missing two gimmes is unforgivable.
Giving Portugal some slack, they've only been training as a full team since last Friday, but we're talking about Cape Verde, not Brazil.
If they have any hope of surviving the "Group of Death" they will need to dig deeper.

His frustration started in Madrid and is continuing in Covilha

Manchester United's Ji-Sung Park scored for his South Korean side in an away match at Japan.  Park's side won 0-2.

Ji-Sung (14) scored and is sporting a new short do

I Know, I Know...This is a Footy Blog!

I know this is a footy blog, but as a big fan of the Indy 500, I just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS to Helio Castroneves for securing the Pole today.  It couldn't happen to a better driver and nicer guy!  And also to Roger Penske...the Maestro of Indy!

Can "Spiderman" make this year his fourth?

On another note...not that I want to put its name on this site, but to those (Danica) who think they are all that (Danica) and feel the world revolves around them (Danica)...I am no Fanica.
It is poor form, sweetie, to get out of your car that has been sweated over, toiled, over, and bled over and blast the very people who KEEP YOUR ARSE OFF THE WALL!  I have never been a fan of this girl and I never will be.  Whiny, overrated, arrogant, lucky...just a few names that spring to mind when thinking of it.
Well karma has a way of making things right and that happened today to Miss Thang.  It found out that although only one driver in 33 wins The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, the crowd appreciates the efforts of all who give it a try and that includes the hard-toiling pit crews.  The crowds know the crews don't get the glory and are rarely recognized unless wearing their crew attire.  A good driver will get out of a car in Victory Lane, wave to the crowd, drink some milk and say..."I couldn't have done this without the hard work of my crew!"
Getting on the PA after you barely make the field on Pole Day and blaming your crew for having "the worst car I've ever driven," is what former Indy winner Eddie Cheever called, "another step in the building of her career.  You have good days and bad days and it's important to deal with the bad days alot better than she did today!"
Despite being booed by the fans in the Paddock area and the stands, Her Royal Highness was unrepentant:

"I say one confident thing out there, that it's not me, and everybody boos me," she said. "I don't know, maybe they were booing me before, but some of them were probably cheering for me before. I'm not a different driver than I was five years ago."

Right.

So what about her crew?

"You take one on the chin, but maybe you had it coming this time," Tom Anderson, Andretti Autosport's senior vice president for racing operations, said. "All you can do is turn the other cheek and just get back to work."

Right.

A very wise old race driver (BU) told me, "When you're strapped into the car it's good to remember that you're only one turn from humility."
Exactly.

Being a champion isn't just about winning races, it's how you deal with the losses. 

So I will add my voice to those in the paddock and stands:
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Charlotte Eagles: Games Six and Seven

It was a long road trip for the Eagles this weekend.  With two back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday, there was no time for rest.
Their first match on Friday in Richmond, the same team they beat in an away match earlier in the season, was bound to be tough with the Kickers looking to avenge their loss to the Eagles. 
It was a night of firsts for Richmond, who saw striker Jonny Villanueva score his first professional goal on a freekick in the 2nd minute.  The shot just found the bottom left corner, beating Eagles keeper Erik Lefebvre.
The Eagles were struggling to find shots (only four for the entire match) and Richmond's Matthew Delicate (the league's leading scorer) found the net from a cross by Sascha Gorres in the 21st minute, putting the Kickers up 2-0.  That was the score at halftime.
Having the majority of possession, Richmond hit the bag again in the 51st minute when Villanueva was fouled by Brady Bryant.  The yellow-card offense resulted in a freekick goal by Mike Burke, once again in the left corner.
The Eagles' Jorge Herrera gave his team some hope just three minutes later when he struck a beauty from 25-yards out.  But the two-goal advantage was too much to overcome and the score ended 3-1.
The other first in the match?  It was the Kickers' first home win of the season, which is unbelievable since they are the reigning USL-2 champions. 

Goalscorer Jorge Herrera

The Eagles' second away match of the weekend was up the road against Real Maryland.  The Eagles met the Monarchs in last season's playoffs, which Charlotte won.  Wanting to secure some points for the weekend after blanking the night before, the Eagles had a hard task ahead of them, with tired bodies on the field.  In the words of Eagles midfielder Chris Lemons, it was "a dull game."  The score ended 0-0, and the Eagles took 1 point from a possible 6 for their two-game road haul.

Now the team needs to rejuvenate, replenish, and refocus their attention on the next matches at home.  I have faith in my team that the goals will come, and so will the wins.  GO EAGLES!


Player of the Week:

Marcello Alves  (7/28/1983)

Hometown: Curitiba, Brazil


Height: 5’ 11"

College: Marcello went Pro!

2009 Club: F. Beltrao Futebol Clube

Previous Clubs: Esporte Clube Avenida (01-02), Pato Branco Espote Clube (02-03), Tiradentes Esporte Clube (03-04), F. Beltrao Futebol Clube (04-05), Appearance in U-15, U-17 and U-20 with: Atletico Paranaense, Coritiba Football Club, Parana Clube, Joinville Espote Clube, Coronel Vivida Esporte Clube and Malutron

Interesting Fact: Marcello’s father is the chaplain of the Brazilian National Team

Favorite Bible Verse: Revelation 21:4    "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Hobbies: Reading, Surfing the Web, Watching Soccer, Hanging out at the Beach, Listening to Music

The Man Speaks; Chicharito Listens

Sir Alex Ferguson has said that striker Dimitar Berbatov will not be leaving Manchester United this summer.

from soccernet


Berbatov scored just 12 Premier League goals during the campaign and came under-fire for a series of below-par performances. Reports had suggested that United were willing to cut their losses on the £30.75 million Bulgarian, but Ferguson has now insisted that Berbatov remains a key part of his first-team plans.
"No, he will not - definitely not (be sold). There's a problem with Manchester United in terms of expectation and media attention," Ferguson told The Mirror. "There's speculation every year and we've got to live with that hype. We know Dimitar is a good player and he will be with us next year."
Ferguson has already said that he is not anticipating a major overhaul of the playing staff during the summer months as United attempt to re-take the trophy from Chelsea.

"We don't have a great deal to improve on. The one area of concern last season was that we had 16 players missing through injury,'' he added. "That impacts on the stability of the team as the season develops. But we always felt that when our back four was in place there was a sense of purpose and strength."

Ferguson also praised the Glazer family, who own the club, for the constant support despite much criticism.
''They've been great owners,'' he told Toronto radio station FAN 590. ''They have supported me every way I've asked them.
''There's no other reason to think they haven't supported me. If you look at any time I've wanted a player they've provided the money; if you look at what we've done this season - and people don't recognise this - we've spent over £20 million on young players.
''We've bought Chris Smalling, Mame Diouf and Javier Hernandez. People don't realise how we're structured and how we see our future of the club. We've always based it on a nucleus and foundation of young players developing in the club.''

Chicharito is Living a Dream:

Javier Hernandez signed for United in January and will join the club after the World Cup having scored 29 goals in 73 appearances for Mexican side Chivas Guadalajara.

The striker will come face-to-face with new team-mates Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand when he plays them in Mexico's friendly with England at Wembley on Monday, but says he is in awe of them.
"Suddenly I'm going to be playing with the players I know from PlayStation and television,'' he told the Daily Mirror. "I'm living a dream and I thank God I'm living it. I got goose-bumps when I realised I would be joining Manchester United .
"These are the things that you dream about. I longed for a move to Europe when I was a kid watching lots of football on television. I'm just full of gratitude to those who helped me accomplish this."
Hernandez was also full of praise for United boss Ferguson, saying,

"I know why he's been able to be so successful because he's just a really straightforward person.
"He's an extraordinary man. He makes such an impact on you and it's not just because of his accomplishments but because of the kind of person he is."

Javier at a Mexico NT presser

The Most Awesome Nike Ad EVER!!!!!!!!!

No need for words, just watch and enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idLG6jh23yE

S'Mores with Evra and Gourcuff!

WORLD CUP 2010: Cool French hit the heights in the snow as they hope to recreate past glories

Daily Mail

While England were knocking themselves out in their World Cup preparations - literally in Matthew Upson’s case - the French sloped off for a walk on, er, a slope.

Coach Raymond Domenech took his squad camping up a glacier in the Alpine resort of Tignes, where they prepared for triumphs at France 98 and Euro 2000.

But they are not the force they used to be and are going to need all the alp they can get.

With its lunar landscape and ghost-town feel, most hotels and restaurants being shut at this time of year, Tignes, a stone's throw from Val d'Isere where the world Alpine skiing championships were held last year, offers a surreal atmosphere.

To the France players, however, the village, with its grey, 1970s concrete, multi-storey buildings, is a special place.

'We know we will find here the ideal conditions to prepare the players and make sure all start the World Cup in the best shape,' France coach Raymond Domenech told reporters.

'It's mostly individual programmes, adapted to what each players needs to do,' he added.
[end story]

Count me in!  Je parle francais tres bien!  As a big fan of Patrice and Yoann, I would volunteer to be Official S'Mores Maker 'round the campfire!  We could talk about United, Bordeaux, Chamcuff, missing Zizou, and how we don't want to be in the same tent as Franck Ribery!

Patrice Evra, Mathieu Valbuena, Igor Ribery, and Yoann Gourcuff

Ribery isn't even sharing his footrest with Yoann...selfish prat!

They're going to have to climb pretty high to erase the scandals that have plagued the team.

Oh yeah! It has to be a little charred!  I'm sure Gourcuff would like this gooey concoction

Does Money Win Championships?

"the USA should be ashamed having such a high population and can hardly compete with the other top teams at the world cup, amazing!!
No insult intended..."

That is a post that I found on soccernet this evening which got me thinking...

Do large countries really have an advantage over smaller countries when sport is involved?

I suppose you could make the argument that historically the United States has done very well where sport is concerned, but is that because we are one of the largest and wealthiest countries?  Or is there another reason?

As long as I can remember, I've been a fan of the Olympics.  The pageantry, national pride, cultural exchange, etc.  The coming together of so many differences in search of one goal.  It's awe-inspiring and gut-wrenching all wrapped into one. 
The disparate nature of the Games is no more evident than in the Opening Ceremonies, when the countries walk in dressed in their native garb (which is preppie Ralph Lauren for the Americans), carrying their flags proudly; happy to be there.  Depending on the Winter or Summer Olympics, each country supplies a different number of athletes.  The United States had somewhere in the range of 600 athletes for the Summer Games in Beijing.  While some countries had 5.  But some of the sports have an individual component.  So Joe from the United States is head-to-head with Mustafa from Morocco.  Which one has the advantage?

If you listen to the person on soccernet, he would say the United States.  More money, more support, better training facilities, etc.  But if that were the case, then why didn't Real Madrid win their league this season?  And why haven't the New York Yankees or Dallas Cowboys won all of their respective games?

"Some succeed because they are destined to...most succeed because they are determined to."

Having the best of everything doesn't assure wins, but the will to win is a powerful tool.  How many times have we seen last-lap passes at the Indy 500, or Hail Mary passes in football?  The ones who win it are sometimes the ones who want it most.

"You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself." - Galileo Galilei. 

The answer to the soccernet poster is a tad more simple.  Soccer is not our nation's sport.  It is for Brazil (although they do play some good basketball), Spain, England, Greece, France, etc.  They live and breathe the sport, so of course THEY should do better in the World Cup.  But when they compete against us in any other sport...well...you've seen our record.
The times are a changin', though.
Millions of kids in the United States play soccer.  More of them are choosing to continue with the sport into college.  Once we begin to see more parity with scholarships and tv deals, the sport will only get bigger.

Our nation is one of the 32 congregating in South Africa for the World Cup.  If they do well, or even win it, it won't be because they had the most money, best training sites, or even the most followers (although the US leads the numbers in ticket sales)...money doesn't win championships...

...desire and belief do.

First Fabio, Now The FA Reads My Blog!

In my blog a couple of days ago I made reference to the WC scandal caused by Lord Looselips Triesman, who is now the former chairman of the England 2018 bid committee.  I stated that it might be good to find a representative not possessing a title.  Well, obviously the FA took my advice and here you have it.  Geoffrey Thompson (former FA chief) was appointed to plug the dam before England's chances of hosting the world of footy have all but drained.

As expected, Spain denied the allegations Lord T whispered to his former lover (who just happened to have a taperecorder with her), stating,

"The idea Spain is trying to bribe World Cup referees is, of course, ridiculous. "We like to compete and participate fairly and try always to do the best we can."

"As far as 2018 goes, we're trying to progress our bid to host the competition with Portugal. If we win that would be wonderful and if another country is chosen, we'd be happy as well because all the candidates are good ones."

In my blog I wondered aloud about the ramifications of Spain acting unilaterally on it's host partner.  But Portuguese FA president Gilberto Madail assured that they are in unison with their Iberian neighbors (and if they weren't it would be very embarrassing),

 "This kind of story is indicative of an uneasiness on the part of England. These stories are absurd and unfounded. They have no effect whatsoever on our joint bid. We are in absolute harmony with Spain until the end."

The chief of Russia's bid, Aleksey Sorokin, has called for FIFA to "take appropriate measures."

This is where it gets interesting:
England's 2018 team are hoping Thompson, who is vice president of UEFA and FIFA and is also a member of the 24-man executive committee that will decide who hosts the World Cup, can get their bid back on track.

?  Is that ethical?  That a member of the voting committee would also head the bid committee for his country?  It seems they would have an advantage if other members expressed their views on certain aspects and then Mr. Thompson supplied that information to the bid committee to change.
I checked on FIFA's website and the only other member of the Executive Committee to head up their country's bid committee is Sheikh Mohammed bin Hammam of Qatar, who are bidding for the 2022 Cup only.
So...if England do by way of divine miracles receive the WC in 2018 and Qatar secures their chance in 2022, I will be very suspect. *scratches head*
I am not suggesting that Mr. Thompson isn't above board, but his appointment is rather odd considering his position within FIFA.

Now for something important...a Zizou sighting!

ZZ was filming a commercial with Figo, Kevin Spacey, Cate Blanchett and others. 

Looking very dapper, Monsieur!

Lord Coe, J-Mo, and Valdano

Lord Coe:

The former distance runner, Lord Sebastian Coe...or Seb Coe as he's called by the Brits, looks to be the favorite to replace Lord Triesman for the Chair of the 2018 World Cup Bid for England. 
Lord Coe has quite the sports credential in the Isles and has become a popular figure since helping London to secure the 2012 Olympics.
Hmmmmmmm.  I wonder if putting another person with the title of "Lord" would be a wise decision.  Although they're not bluebloods, the title seems to "entitle" those with high aspirations and no sense.  I'm not saying Lord Coe wouldn't be a good decision, I just think it might be wise to look outside the peerage when assigning jobs.  Surely Reginald the Kitman or Giles the Pitchmaster might know more about putting on a footy tourney...and cost a few quid less! *tongue in cheek*

J-Mo and Valdano:
I never thought these two would cross paths.  The former, Jose Mourinho, a ferocious manager who must have "High Voltage Stay Back" tattooed on his chest, stirred the transfer pot today after his club, Inter Milan, won their fifth-straight Scudetto (the Italian equivalent of the Prem League trophy).  The self-anointed Special One has insisted in recent weeks that he won't talk about his future (although he's being doing nothing BUT that for the past season).  First he waxed about missing the Premier League and their sexy footy, and how the Italians don't appreciate him (especially the press, whom he berates every week), and last week he dropped the bombshell that he will "eventually manage Real Madrid."  *gasps*  The same Real Madrid whose managers resemble the turnstile at the 57th Street subway station.  Today he tempered that statement with,

"At this point, I am not thinking of myself, my only thoughts are Inter and my players. After the final in Madrid, there will be time for me to be a little bit selfish for one, two or three days and I will think what makes me happier from a professional standpoint.

"But right now, I can say with 100% certainty that it's not true that I have one foot and a half at Real or that I am already the Real coach. In fact, I am very far away from being Real coach.  "Several times this season, I have thought that this was not my natural habitat," he said. "That this was not the country to work in and be happy.  It has been the most difficult scudetto," Mourinho said. "I was missing this, to win the league title in the last game in the last minute. In the past, I have won at home, in a hotel, watching TV, with four or five games to go until the end, but this experience is new and I do not want to repeat it."

Well I don't know about you, but that clears it up for me! I must say that I'm a fan of Jo Jo Mourinho.  He is a successful manager, and despite his self-serving rants, you can't argue with the fact that he loves football.  Could he make a go of things at Real Madrid?  That is the 8 million euro question (reportedly the fee that Real would have to pay to Milan to release MoMo from his job).  Many successful managers have gone through the turnstile at RM and regretted every moment.  They were successful to boot...current England boss, Fabio Capello, won La Liga with RM...and then was fired at the end of the season.  Does Jose really want to leave a successful club like Inter and move to a place where he might have a SOLD sign on his house and then a FOR SALE sign up the same year?

Jose Mourinho

Jorge Valdano of RM, who doubles as the Devil's Advocate, has a similar penchant for the limelight.  He is seen after every match giving his run-down on RM's play.  I can't remember David Gill of United ever being interviewed after a match in Manchester or anywhere else.  So why does Valdano, who holds the same title as Gill, feel the need to "fill us in?"  I'll tell you why.  Because the manager of RM is not really the manager of anything.  He is a puppet controlled by the front office and shareholders of RM Circus Enterprises.  Tweedledee Perez and Tweedledum Valdano stick their noses into every corner of the club.  And you can bet that poor Manuel Pellegrini, who holds the "title" of manager never had any control of his charges, and probably rues the day he ever left Villarreal.
Valdano was in rare form today as he left (head downtrodden) Malaga's stadium after RM saw their season end TROPHYLESS:

"We need to congratulate Barcelona, a worthy champion. With regards to the coach, now we will discuss this inside the club and we'll see what decision we take. Today is not the day to take decisions."

"The end of the season has arrived, now we have a lot of time ahead and we'll see what course we take next season. We aren't going to talk outside the club about something we haven't yet talked about inside."
"The team did themselves proud and I refuse to talk of failure, although it's true that we cannot finish the season without titles," Valdano said. The team has fought until the end and next season we will continue with this effort."

My bet?  Pellegrini's future has long been decided when RM were dumped out of the CL by Ligue 1's Lyon.  The sole reason they went on their vulgar spending spree last summer (250 million euros) was to win their 10th Champions League crown in front of their home fans at the Bernabeu.  Project FAIL.  Someone has to pay for it, and it won't be Tweedledee or Tweedledum.

Is Ronny even listening to Pellegrini?