The fantastic five

After watching the Socceroos sink to Oman in their most recent world cup qualifier, like most football lovers, I was furious. In my fury, I went over the the people I would drop from the team, then it dawned on me, who would replace them?

Well lucky for Australia the night scape that is Australian football has a few stars in the distance. With players such as Iain Ramsay, Mustafa Amini, Terry Antonis, Nikita Rukavytsya and Dario Vidosic just to name a few. Within this core of players, hosts a pool of excitement and youth who are ready to express themselves on the world stage.



Iain Ramsay is a 23-year-old left midfielder applying his trade for Adelaide United in the Hyundai A-League. Iain Ramsay is much regarded in Adelaide as their biggest and brightest starlet, with him sparkling for the Reds more often than not. Ramsay relies on his quick feet and unbelievable ball control to skip past and humiliate defenders. Ramsay is very much a box to box midfielder, much in the mould of Brett Emerton, but it is apparent that Ramsay is the flashy version. As of yet, the green and gold has eluded Ramsay. But with the way he is playing at the moment, it seems inevitable that he will get the call up.



Nikita Rukavytsya is a 24 year-old winger who is playing abroad for Bundesliga new-boys Bertha BSC. Nikita, in my opinion, is one of, if not the most, exciting prospect in Australian football at the moment. With blistering pace, two feet and deadly finishing he is a true weapon. Rukavytsya was an integral part of Bertha BSC's promotion to the Bundesliga last year. Rukavytsya accumulated 13 goal assists, which was equal first in the competition, and chipped in 4 goal as well. Unbelivably, Rukavytsya's last international appearances were off the bench, in 2 of the Australia's 2010 World Cup matches.

The large haired centre attacking midfielder, Mustafa Amini, is quite a character and a tremendous footballer. Amini made a name for himself by being an essential part to the attack for the Central Coast Mariners. It was not long before others realised his amazing potential, with him swiftly picked up by reigning Bundesliga Champions, Borussia Dortmund. With this midfield maestro retaining the ability to cut a defence to peices with his precision passing, it is not a surprise he is hot properly. Much like the Ramsay, Amini is yet to taste the green and gold other than in the junior ranks. However, it is a well known fact the Holger Osieck is a fan of Amini's, so his inclusion may not be too far away.



Adelaide new-boy, Dario Vidosic, is also an exciting prospect, the 24 year-old attacking midfielder has experience abroad. Vidosic has played a major part of his career in Germany, but has returned home to possibly cement a Socceroos position. Amazingly, like Rukavytsya, he has only ever featured twice for the Socceroos. His pace and aerial presence are frightening for all defences, mix this with his acute football IQ, he could easily become destructive force for the Socceroos.

Terry Antonis.

Finally, the youngest of the pentagon named earlier, and possibly the most exciting prospect, Terry Antonis. Antonis is only 17 years-old, but plays beyond his years, he is a fiery competitor with a real appetite for getting forward and does not mind a bit of physical defense. It seems Antonis is the perfect build for the Socceroos game, with him being hard as nails and also very technically gifted. Antonis was signed by Everton on a 5-year contract at the age of 14, but his contract was terminated due to FIFA's rules on overseas transfers of players under the age of 18. A reunion with Everton is set to happen once he turns 18, that is of course if other circling clubs, Inter Milan and Marseille, don't lure him away.

It is clear there is a plethora of talent waiting for their shot, it's now in Football Federation Australia's hands to nurture and indeed give the opportunities to these young talents. It is imperative that this happens because the likes of Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer, Lucas Neill and Brett Emerton wont be around for much longer. If Australia is serious about them being a top quality world-class team, they must make the steps now to secure the future.

Derby Day Approaches!

It has finally arrived upon us, the Manchester Derby, Red Vs Blue, Big Brother Vs Little Brother. In recent years the derby hasn't meant much to United or in fact United fans. City were not a force and the result was rarely in doubt, and even if City did manage to win it was nothing according to the Red Side of Manchester. But times have changed, the little weak brother is no longer so, the noisy neighbors now pose a threat and if you ask the Blue side, this game will be the changing of the guard and the start of a new era.

All factors point to City being successful in the Premier League and in fact most competitions, however it's still painfully clear that United are every one's favorites for the Premiership and rightly so, they have the second  if not the best manager in the world in Sir Alex Ferguson. A good mix of the zeal of the young and wisdom of the old and world class striker who is in good form when he is not being shown red. But most of all they have trophies, lots of them, they have done it before where as City haven't.

As a City supporter I have been waiting for this day since the Community Shield where everyone knows the cruel fate City endured. I'm packed to the brim with pride and excitement, now is the time for us to prove our worth and fire back. However there is a small sector of fear within, knowing that if City do indeed fall short the banter will be endless. The repetitive news line "money can't this money can't that" will echo through the media for days. (For me that is the most frustrating line, of course they haven't done much yet they have only been building for 2 and a half to three years, you don't win trophies overnight.).

Manchester United will enter this encounter favorites, which, bias a side I find an unfair statement. After both sides have played 8 games Manchester City find themselves ahead by 2 points only drawing one game against Fulham where they surrendered a 2 goal lead at Craven Cottage. Now one point in favour of  Manchester United is they have played Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal (which I don't think counts) but they haven't been impressive in their last 3 outings. They have drawn with stoke, they beat Nowrich 2-0 despite Nowrich dominating and having the best two chances of the game and they escaped with a draw against Liverpool scoring in the 80's. Where as City have won their last three by 9 goals accumulated. Another factor which plays into the hands of United is that the game is indeed at Old Trafford but so was the Community Shield which saw City again squander a 2 goal lead with United pinching the win in the 91st through a freak accident which will not happen again. City were also without Aguero and Nasri for that fixture, so I I'm not sure United deserve their favorites tag for this game.

Another reason I feel united are 'favorites' is because of the stigma City have received. City has come across some wealth in the last few years and has bought big in the transfer market and as a result has seen some success. As you would imagine this is to the discomfort of other clubs who are not as financially blessed and so supporters of other clubs who are indeed jealous have started ridiculing them for spending the money. These other supporters are acting as if they would not spend the money if it was available is absurd and childish. However all of this probably plays into City's hands as all they have known is the underdog tag, no one expects them to win and it's safe to say only the blue side wants them to win. So I say this the pressure is on YOU Manchester United players and fans, YOUR the great mighty club put us in OUR place. As you may have guessed I'm backing City in this one to win 2-1 and silence the critics and naysayers. Well at least I hope. CTID.

Fair play, that's Sepp's game

It would be safe to say football is loved around the globe, some may call it the 'beautiful game' and on the outside it is. However the inside has a putrid stench, the stench of decay and the disease at the center is Sepp Blatter, the president of international football's governing body FIFA. Unless you have been living under a rock for the past 13 years of his reign, you would be well aware of the foul play that he dabbles in on a regular basis, if not, then you're about to find out. With a rap sheet any crime boss would be proud of, somehow the footballing world has let him get away with crimes against the game, most of which I will dissect for you.


From the very start of Blatter's endeavours to become the top dog of world football, it was blatantly apparent that this man was not one of integrity, with two members of FIFA claiming bribery attempts from the slippery Swiss. Both Farra Ado, vice-president of the Confederation of African Football and the president of the Somali Football Federation have claimed to have been offered up to $100,000 to vote for Blatter in 1998 in addition to the 2002 accusations of 'financial irregularities and backroom dealings'.


After catching wind of the allegations, FIFA's secretary-general, Blatter's deputy and once 'apprentice' Michel Zen-Ruffinen, composed a 30 page dossier summarizing the corruption within FIFA. The dossier claimed that the collapse of FIFA's marketing partner ISL, had headed losses of up to $100 million, strangely enough no one knows where this outrageous amount of money had got to, some say he donated it to charity, some say it was an innocent mistake but most would presume it funded his yacht. As a result of the allegations being backed by numerous other members, the dossier was handed on to the Swiss police. However Sepp, being the innocent soul he is, was cleared of any wrong doing and FIFA had to pay all the costs. After this Mr Blatter also halted an internal inquiry of FIFA because members of it 'broke confidentiality' agreements. Needless to say Michel Zen-Ruffinen was removed from office, immediately. 


Let me lay the scene for you, it's December 2nd 2010, Sepp Blatter is about to announce the successful candidates to host the 2018 and 2022 world cups to a packed crowd in Zurich. After last ditch attempts to win votes from Prince William, David Beckham, Morgan Freman and Bill Clinton, Sepp's squad of 24 (which was cut down to 22 by the way for trying to sell their vote's to undercover journalists) had indeed come to their decisions.  Drum roll please... and your winners are Russia and Qatar! Release the streamers, balloons and go-go dancers.


 As the verdict came out the arena fell silent and then a small groan of 'Umm what?' echoed through Zurich. The  camera panned across the crowd, there was a sea of confused faces, scratching their heads and a small contingent of celebrating Russians and some dancing Qatari oil merchants. Days prior to the vote, there were rumours floating around that it was going to be fixed with reports two members demanded hundreds of thousands of dollars for their votes. They claimed to build a Youth Academy in Auckland, New Zealand and four artificial fields in Nigeria but they requested the money be given to them, personally. It was the world's biggest underdog story, little Qatar, which 84 percent of the population hadn't heard of before, has beaten the United States, England and Australia, despite their far superior fan bases, better facilities and superior playing conditions (the heat in Qatar had already been cited by FIFA and deemed to be too hot. Thus it would not be safe for players, officials and spectators). 


Not only had little old Qatar beaten the big three, they had obliterated them, with Australia and the United States earning one vote each and England who had the best poised bid recieving two. It has been publicly noted that Qatar had bought the World Cup and the speculation bubbled over when an overly happy Blatter commented after the decision, 'I'm a very happy President!'. This year there was another FIFA president election, with the incumbent Blatter set to run for his fourth consecutive term in charge. Conveniently the only other candidate was the Qatari Mohammed Bin Hammam who for 'personal reasons' dropped out of the race, oh and did I mention he is from Qatar and backed Blatter in 1998 and 2002, but that's normal... isn't it?


So if you knew about Sepp before this, I have just hardened your stance on his dictatorship, if you didn't, I hope to have opened your eyes. I have told you what is wrong with FIFA but I cannot provide the fix, that's because there isn't one that I can see. Blatter is far too rich and has planted his poisonous roots way down into FIFA's core. The only thing we can do is sit back and watch what was lost among all of this rubbish, the football.

The Ugly Side Of The Beautiful Game.

As time has gone, generations passed and knowledge extended, racism be it still ever present it has slowed in the general community. We would all agree that racism has no place in the community or on any front be it in the street, shops, the work place or at sporting events. Still yet players and in fact people must put up with and turn a blind eye to the populous who persist in being vulgar and hurtful.


But this being a football column we will focus on events in football. Racism isn't just targeted at the players, it is against managers, officials, supporters and even as far as family members of the listed. Below some of these events are listed: 

• • Zola Matumona left FC Brussels after accusations that club Chairman Johan Vermeersch was quoted to say "Think about other things than trees and bananas."
  • In 1994 now mega star shot stopper Julio Cesar was denied entry to a German Nightclub during his stay at Borussia Dortmund for the complexion of his skin.
  • In March 2006 in a match between FC Sachen Leipzig and Hallescher FC Liepzig's Nigerian player Adebowale Ogunbure was spat at and called a 'Nigger' and an 'ape' by opposition supporters. In retaliation he put two fingers to his lips and saluted the crowd, a well known Adolf Hitler gesture. Ogunbure was arrested after the game as Nazi gestures are illegal in Germany.
  • February 2011 Roberto Carlos received a pass from his goalkeeper and just as he was about to pass it off a Banana was thrown on the pitch and landed by him, he picked it up and tossed it over the sideline and walked off the pitch before the final whistle raising two fingers indicating this is the second time it has happened.
  • Felix Dja Ettien played for Levante and claimed racial abuse through out his stay at the Spanish club. He was ignored by his coach because of his inability to speak Spanish and whenever he was sick was accused of having ' AIDS' or ' Malaria'
  • In 2005 while star striker Samuel Eto'o was playing for Barcelona he was a subject to racial abuse in an away game against Real Zaragoza. The Real fans would make monkey noises every time Eto'o gained possession of the ball and threw peanuts onto the pitch. Eto'o went to leave the ground mid game but was calmed down by fellow players and match officials. After the Game the referee said there was nothing to report during the game and the treatment was normal. The following year he was greeted by the same jeering and Eto'o protested and walked to the sideline and has been seen quoting ' No Mas ' (No More) Eto'o now refuses to take his children to games due to the abuse.
  • In 2004 Ron Atkinson a famous Football pundit was caught red-faced and handed live on air making a remark when he thought the microphone was off about the African orientated player Marcel Desailly. Atkinson was caught saying ' he [Desailly] is what is known in some schools as a lazy thick nigger '
  • Following Israeli Manger Avram Grant appointment to West ham in 2007 Grant has been the subject of anti-Semitic taunts from some Chelsea supporters. Grant's father was a Polish survivor of the German Nazi Holocaust. It's well noted that Grant has also received death threats and anti-Semitic post.
  • Mario Balotelli was also racially abused by Juventus and ironically Intermilan supporters during his stint at Intermilan. A well documented incident is after Intermilan racially abused Balotelli he scored the match winning goal and put his fingers to his lips indicating for the crowd to hush. As he left the pitch he took off his Intermilan jersey and left it on the pitch in protest.
  • In 2011 a section of Arsenal support mocked the killing of three members of the Togo camp during the African Cup of Nations last January, which Adebayor survived in Arsenals 2-1 defeat to rivals Tottenham. 

Rangers Players Promoting Awareness

But it's not all bad, there are things in practice to make football a more hospitable place with the  ' Show Racism The Red Card ' charity which was established in England in 1996. The charity produces educational resources such as DVDs, education packs, magazines, and posters. There are also notable members such as - Sol Campbell, Robbie Earle, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Shay Given, Thierry Henry and Shaka Hislop.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are numerous incidents and problems still going on today in society and football and clearly it is unwanted. But there are practices in play to make the football experience and society in regards to racism a better place. Hopefully one day we can appreciate the beautiful game with out so much background noise.

The New Prince.

Neymar Celebrates A Well Taken Goal.

Be it his flamboyant hair styles, his audacious tricks or his future, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about Neymar. The 5'9" nineteen year old hailing from São Paulo has exploded onto the world stage and has caught the eye of football lovers all around the globe.


Neymar joined Brazilian side Santos at the tender age of eleven in 2003 and was nurtured for six years until he made his first team debut in 2009. In his debut season in 2009 Neymar amassed an impressive record notching up 49 appearances, scoring 14 goals and crafting 7 on his own in all competitions. In that year he also received The ‘Best Young Player’ of the Campeonato Paulista award.


In 2010 the form continued proving that this was no fluke. Neymar went on to have a stellar year playing 69 games, scoring 43 goals and setting up 21 of his own in all competitions including a six goal haul against Guarani in the round of 16 of the Brazilian Cup in a 8-1 demolition job. He also received his first International call up playing two games for Brazil where he scored a single goal against USA. To go with his impressive year he also received a haul of accolades individually including - The Best Forward of Campeonato Paulista, The Best player of Campeonato Paulista, Golden Boot: 2010 – Most goals in all competition in Brazil, Copa do Brazil Top scorer : 2010. On a team basis he was instrumental in Santos winning the Copa do Brazil and the Campeonato Paulista in 2010.


And as you may have guessed the form continued to rocket skyward in 2011. So far this year Neymar has played 39 Games, scored 15 and set up 9. Not to mention his 11 Brazilian appearances with 6 goals and 1 assist. So far in 2011 he has added more accolades to his belt by retaining his two awards from 2010 The Best Forward of Campeonato Paulista and The Best player of Campeonato Paulista, and adding The South American Youth Championship Top scorer to his mantle piece. In 2011 Santos also went onto achieve back to back Campeonato Paulista titles and won the Copa Libertadores.


Without saying Neymar's achievements in such little time have been matched by few and have earned him comparisons to the great Pele. He has also been head hunted by numerous world class teams such as Manchester United, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Juventus and Internazionale, all of which Santos have been quick to squash. It is said that Neymar's market value now is a staggering $30 Million dollars and it's sure to rise in the future. There has been plenty of speculation of a move to Real Madrid but nothing has come about yet as Santos re-signed the young prodigy until December 2014 which I'm sure is on the calendars of many big clubs to be ready with cheque book in hand. But amongst all this Neymar has seemed loyal to Santos claiming he wants to stay at the club though contrary to his agent's comments saying that Neymar does not want to stay in his home country Brazil for much longer.


But as with any young footballer there has been his fair share of negative attention with a grapevine of incidents that include. 

• • Apparently Neymar should keep away from penalties as in February in 2010 where he used the " Paradinha " which FIFA didn't take to kindly and outlawed the Penalty trick shot which can be seen to the right.
  • In September last year he hit the headlines for an explosive attack on Santos boss Dorival Junior after he told another player to take a penalty rather than Neymar who had missed his last three penalty attempts. For the rest of the game it seemed Neymar second thought about passing his team mates the ball.
  • Last August Santos were awarded a penalty against them in a match against Vitoria, where after the game Neymar went on to tweet " This ref will leave in a police van ". But Neymar claimed his account was hacked and it was accepted by the Brazilian FA.
  • He was also sent off for an excessive celebration against Colo-Colo. After having already been booked he scored an amazing solo goal and celebrated by picking up a mask of his own face that was on the ground by the sideline. The referee didn't appreciate this and gave him his marching orders with a second yellow.
  • There has also been rumours around that Neymar is a repeated simulation offender after A match in the Copa Libertadores against Club America earlier this year where he was stretchered off in tears after it appeared his hand was trod on by an opponent. But seemed to recover by the time he got to the sideline and went back on and played the rest of the match unhampered. It is also well documented he dove numerous times in an International against the Netherlands.
  • He was also the subject of a thrown Banana in a friendly against Scotland after he scored, Neymar claimed it was racial abuse.
  • And most recently and finally, during an ugly melee between Santos and Penarol in the Copa Libertadores he was seen to be seemingly stomping on an opponent who was lying on the ground. 

Love or hate Neymar it seems that he will be a big part of footballs future, let's hope he can keep his head and excite us on the pitch rather than disappointing us in the tabloids.

Munich March On

Gomez Celebrates His Second Goal Against Manchester City

One can be forgiven for jumping on the Bayern Munich band wagon after recent performances in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. With them on top of the Bundesliga with an impressive record of six wins one draw and one loss. And of course their Champions League start which has seen them defeat Villareal away from home and then Manchester City at home leaving them on top of the hardest group in the tournament.

So what does this mean and what has been the key? I still don’t believe Bayern Munich or any other team for that matter are the quality of Barcelona, but they will certainly be around that ‘ final 4 ‘ mark assuming they don’t run into the Barcelona steam train early. The key to their recent success has not been their big names. Yes they have scored goals but Bayern’s defensive record is something to be noticed. They’ve had one goal against them this year in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League, which came in the first game and only loss for them in the opening round of the Bundesliga.


With the quiet achievers like Daniel Van Buyten, Jerome Boateng, Rafinha & Hulger Badstuber playing out their skin plus the brilliant Philip Lahm it seems that Jupp Heynckes has found the perfect formula. Add in Manuel Neur as your shot stopper it’s easy to see how the success has come about. But it’s not all the back line. A few key Bayern players have been in good form such as Mario Gomez with 8 Bundesliga goals and a brace against Champions League new boys Manchester City has seen him start in the perfect fashion. His natural sense for goal is something to behold. If he gets a sniff you can be quite safe to presume it will be in the back of the net. And lets not forget the usual suspects Franck Ribery (4) Thomas Muller (3) and Bastian Schweinsteiger (2) crafting nine goals between them and Thomas Muller scoring two himself. Another very impressive attribute with Bayern Munich is the team’s ability to methodically break down and destroy other teams. Their patience is key in their style of play which involves technically breaking down the opposition and frustrating them into submission. It is brutal, calculated and effective. In light of these recent events things are looking ominous for the chasing Bundesliga teams and indeed the rest of Group A in the Champions League.

Can The Magpies Fly In The Premier League.

Can the Magpies fly in the Premier League again or have their wings been clipped with key losses? In recent times the Toon has lost some key players that helped them achieve their success in the Premier League last season. Such names include  - Jose Enrique, Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton and the most notable Andy Carroll.

A Concerned Alan Pardew Watches On.

With such a mass exodus and nothing incoming I am left to wonder what is Alan Pardews plan? Or even if he has one. But there is definitely funds available from the previous transfers, so why not spend it? Newcastle is far from an established side in the Premier League and can not get complacent. But with the transfer window closing and the next one not until January, it could indeed be a long and damaging four months.


But I May be wrong and maybe Alan Pardew has a method to his madness with Newcastle starting this season undefeated with wins against Sunderland and Fulham and a draw with Arsenal only conceding one goal. But with three tricky games coming up against QPR, Aston Villa and Blackburn the start could go south or indeed they could double what they have already achieved.


Either way Alan Pardew will be hero or villain at the St James Park and with clubs showing a low tolerance to managerial failures in recent times who knows what might happen.

Michel ' The Spot Kick Stopper ' Vorm

I have a lot of views on football but one of them certainly is that goalkeepers don't get the credit they deserve. I don't think people understand or appreciate the difficulty behind goalkeeping or respect goalkeepers enough.  Especially those who have not reach dizzying heights and global fame like Iker Casillas, Peter Cech & Oliver Kahn.

One goalkeeper who has not made dizzying heights just yet is Michel 'The Spot Kick Stopper' Vorm, who did not earn that nickname easily. Michel Vorm is a 27-year-old Dutch goalkeeper pulling off his heroics for Premier League new-boys Swansea. He earned this nickname during his time at Utrecht where it was a common occurrence that Vorm would save the penalty, and the penalty taker would doubt him. If a penalty were given against Vorm the crowd would rise to their feat and chant "You won't beat the Super Vorm ", and it was rare that anyone did.

Michel Vorm has been handed the problem of being in the wrong era, being stuck behind the likes of Edwin Van Der Sar and Maarten Steklenburg. Though Vorm has still played seven matches for his country with great distinction conceding just two goals. If he was not behind such greats as mentioned above, there is no doubt he would have played many more games for his country and Michel Vorm would be a household name..

A Diving Vorm Watches It All The Way

Michel is now giving his services to Swansea in the English Premier League and hasalready made a direct impact. Though they lost the match 4-0, Vorm kept a rampant Manchester City at bay until the second stanza. Manchester city had an astounding 26 shots on target with Vorm saving 19 of them. In the next two games against Wigan and Sunderland he kept two clean sheets, giving Swansea two nil all draws. He also saved a penalty in the game against Wigan.

After Vorm caught my eye against City I was a fan instantly. I did my research and have watched countless amounts of his saving and shot stopping antics. If Swansea is to survive in the Premier League, Michel Vorm will be a massive influence and a key factor. Even if they don't, he will salvage a lot of respectability for Swansea.Though if they do get relegated I don't see Michel Vorm going to the Championship

Perwho?

Until I really started to get to know one of the players in my football team, I knew nothing about Peru. Or in fact football in Peru, As I got to know him his love for Peru and Peruvian football slowly started to emerge and my knowledge about Peru and Peruvian football expanded.

For example, I never knew players including Juan Manuel Vargas, Jefferson Farfan, Claudio Pizzaro and of course Nolberto Solano came from Peru. I also had no idea about the passion for football in Peru or the success they have achieved in the past such as winning the Copa America twice.

After looking into Peruvian Football, I have come to the conclusion, they don't get the credit they deserve. They are a part of a South American contingent that includes heavyweights such as Brazil & Argentina and other teams such as Paraguay, Chille, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia & Venezuela. So it's understandable for someone to miss a team like Peru in such names.

Paolo Guerrero Celebrates A Goal In The Copa America

However, things look to be changing with them achieving an impressive third without stars Jefferson Farfan and Claudio Pizzaro in the 2011 Copa America finishing ahead of teams such as Brazil, Argentina & Chile. Peru's last World Cup appearance was way back in 1982 and with some good football and a bit of luck Peru is looking forward to breaking the drought and return to the biggest stage of them all.

However, inside the World Cup Peru doesn't have the greatest record. With their best finish 10th and that being in 1930, they have a record of 15 games, six wins. Three draws and eight losses scoring 19 goals and conceding 31. But, let's not take away from Peru, who is currently ranked 26th in the world and looking forward to qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

However, better times seem to be on the horizon with a rich vein of recent form under new boss Sergio Markarián  add in their excellent young goal keeper Raul Fernandez, Paolo Guerrero in good goal scoring form  and their stars returning from injury they look to be in good shape to tackle the World Cup Qualifiers and have a say in the matter.

Early Days For De Gea.

David De Gea has started in odd fashion for Premier League big boys Manchester United feeling various extremes from week to week be it high or low. However, what does this mean for Manchester United and David De Gea?


It means nothing, not one thing David De Gea is only 20 years old and has been brought to one of the best clubs in the world by in my opinion, the best manager in the world Sir Alex Ferguson and more often than not Sir Alex knows what he is doing. However, regardless De Gea's start to the season is something quite enjoyable to talk about.


Let's talk about the blunders first as I like to finish on a good note.


Blunder Number 1. 


Game - Community Shield match which saw Manchester United defeat Manchester City 3-2.

Poor Defensive Set Up From Manchester United

The Incident - As shown in the picture to the right it comes off a free kick. It is whipped in curling away from De Gea arriving at about the spot. As it's whipped in De Gea comes half heartedly as the Manchester United defence and the City offence rush back towards De Gea. Joleon Lescott gets a nod to it, and it goes over De Gea, who has half committed and is in no mans land.


The Problem - Two things went wrong one of which we can blame on De Gea the other is a mixture of De Gea and the defence. The problem which involves De Gea and the defence is the high line they set, as a goal keeper it is hard to commit to a ball when you have 20 odd men charging at as you come out. This can be put on De Gea as lack of preparation and the defence for the same.


Blunder Number 2


Game - Opening season fixture where Manchester United defeat West Brom 2-1




 The Incident - West Brom's Shane Long has the ball just inside the 18 on a tight angle on his left after a step over and half-beating his man, he hits a soft shot across De Gea, De Gea is slow to react and the ball slides under him as he dives late this makes it 1-1 but United go on to win due to a late winner by new recruit Ashley Young.


The Problem - Lack of focus in not expecting. Long to either beat his man or get a shot on target away, his positing was fine as when he dived, he dove over the ball which almost hit the post and went in. De Gea has top class reactions, so there is no doubt, he would save that nine times out of ten but not expecting the shot and not being ready cost him, I would say.


Blunder Number 3


Game - Manchester United third round demolition of Arsenal.

De Gea Left Wondering

The Incident - Theo Walcott beats Johnny evens and enters the 18 and side foots it at the near post to De Gea, who has his leg partially open the ball skips through his legs into the net.


 The Problem - Other than the obvious I maintain De Gea's problem is his lack of attention at times. I feel he got complacent with the lead United had at the time or may again not have expected the shot but there are no excuses for the goal.


Now let's talk about the good David De Gea has shown us. He in many ways played a crucial role in Manchester obliteration of Arsenal with crucial saves none more important than his penalty save off Gunners skipper Robin Van Persie.

De Gea Saving Robin Van Persie's Penalty.

With the score 1-0 in Manchester United's favour Arsenal are awarded a penalty after Johnny Evans fouls Theo Walcott in the box giving the Gunners a chance to come level. Van Persie chooses wrong, De Gea guesses right and the score remains 1-0. If this goal goes in it could very well have been a different game.


Another crucial moment in the game was De Geas double save denying Van Persie again and then the struggling Russian Andrey Arshavin to keep the gunners at bay and eventually Manchester United would run over Arsenal.


In my opinion, his start means nothing. He is young, and I have faith in the judgement of Sir Alex Ferguson, so I'm not writing him off just yet but only time will tell.

The Real Pirates Of The Caribbean.

Football is rather large already is a fair statement. However, there is one region which is notably getting better and has some very good players who still seem to be ignored. Not only just the Caribbean region but Jamaica in general.


Jamaica being the highest ranked team in the Caribbean ranked at 43 are an exciting prospect for all of football. Much like African teams Jamaica plays a free-flowing football with flair and a smile on their face but always means business. The most-recent team to make the World Cup Finals is Trinidad & Tobago in the 2006 World Cup. However, they have seemingly gone missing sliding down the rankings to 91st.

Dane Richards Scores For NY Red Bulls.

Some great players have come from the Caribbean in past times such as Dwight Yorke, Shaka Hislop, Robbie Earle, Luton Shelton, Ricardo Gardner, Ricardo Fuller, Dane Richards and Donovan Ricketts. With most Jamaican players, these days applying their trade in the MLS it's clear to see the talent pool in the Caribbean is there much like in Africa, and I feel once a club goes gold-mining in the Caribbean, they could emerge a very happy club.


Another problem is the quality and the number of games Jamaica play. Yes, they feature in the Gold Cup, and they play in the Caribbean Championship. In the Gold Cup, they were more than competitive reaching the Quarter Finals only to be knocked out 2-0 by USA. In the Caribbean Championship, it's not fair they just run riot not losing a game all tournament. In the last year without being disrespectful the only real quality of opposition they have played beside the Gold Cup is Peru and Venezuela and are scheduled to play Ecuador and Colombia in early September. If the Caribbean is to thrive, they need exposure to quality teams, yes they may lose some games on the way but the standard will rise, and these quality players and other diamonds in the rough will emerge.


An exciting prospect for Jamaica is the 2014 World Cup  with already being placed in a pot with USA and two other yet to be qualified sides that range from Haiti, Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Curacao, Grenada, Guatemala, Belize & St. Vincent and Grenadines. After seeing this, they have a great chance of qualifying with 2 of either themselves USA and any of those two to qualify and bar a minor miracle USA and Jamaica should cruise through to the next stage.


The winners and runners up of those groups go into a group of 8, which should include teams such as Mexico, Costa Rica and Cuba. The top three of the 8 go directly to the World Cup Finals, and the fourth placed team will have a Play off against the first placed team of the OFC in two legs, which will probably be New Zealand, who enjoyed a successful 2010 World Cup not losing throughout the group stage, including a 1-1 draw with Italy which many believe New Zealand should have won.


Whatever happens, I hope Jamaica, in fact, the Caribbean gets the recognition they deserve and maybe just maybe we will see the flair and big smiles of the Jamaican players on the world stage. 

Viva La Bundesliga!

In the world of Barcelona's, Real Madrid's, Intermilan's, Ac Milan's, Manchester United's, Manchester Cities, Chelsea's and now PSG's it's easy to forget about the Bundesliga, though I don't understand why as it seems to be the most competitive notable league.


The Bundesliga is a very well rounded competition each year a plethora of clubs have a chance to reach that one goal that all footballer's and football fans seek, trophies. Unlike Liga BBVA, Serie A and The Barclays Premier League which have all become 2-4 horse races. The competition in Germany is hot, and the action is really starting to heat up.


Let's talk about the teams with a real shot at the Bundesliga, we have Bayern Munich, Bayern Leverkusen, Schalke 04, Werder Bremen. Hannover 96 seems to be a new prospect and let's not forget last years winners and new boys Borussia Dortmund. With each of these teams having a loss already in the early rounds of the competition other than Hannover 96 who have experienced two draws and two wins finding themselves one point off the leaders.


Not only is it amazing the competition is so close the quality of players in the Bundesliga is high as well.
These players include the likes of Mario Gomez, Arjen Robben, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Phillip Lahm, Mario Gotze, Marko Marin, Thomas Muller, Klass-Jan Huntelaar, Raul and Franck Ribery. The talent pool is enormous and this all adds into very exciting football.

Mario Götze Celebrating The Match Winning Goal

There is a particular hype about Mario Götze the 19-year-old attacking midfielder playing for Borussia Dortmund. He set the Bundesliga alight last year with 15 assists and eight goals in 41 appearances, and he has started this years campaign in a similar way scoring one goal and setting up two in the first three fixtures. He has also played seven games for his country Germany and scored one goal, that goal earning him an equal record of the youngest goal scorer for Germany at the tender age of 19 and 68 days old.


The thing I will find fascinating is if Borussia Dortmund can indeed re-capture the form they showed last year to come from nowhere and win the Bundesliga. With a very young outfit they have a certain spark about them, however when these young players come up against the likes of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, they will be tested. But, one thing is for sure I will definitely be keeping a close eye on the Bundesliga. And with everybody beating everybody it seems like a big puzzle, and when the pieces start coming together I'm sure it will be a mouth-watering prospect. 

Three Years You Say?

What is a signature, in fact, what is a contract? The definition of a contract is as follows " A contract is a legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties " If this is the case. How is it players are allowed to leave their clubs mid-contract?


In my eyes, it's simple if you were to sign for my club for three years you would in fact be at my club for three years, and if you don't like it, there is plenty of room on the reserve's bench. As i'm under the illusion once someone signs a contract to a club, they have basically told the club, the league and the fans you will be there doing your best for the specified time at the club. Wanting to leave is fine even being vocal about it is fine, but when you decide to let it hamper your playing time and the quality you offer to the club it crosses the line. While you're at a club, you should give your 100 percent focus and effort into the club from the starting day until the day you pick up your bags and leave the club.


So why is it players like Carlos Tevez, Cesc Fabregas & Luka Modric  demand trades and then not play or perform for the club they are currently serving? Why is it that they let the off-field issues interrupt the onfield business? Why is it, they believe they have a choke hold over the Manager and the club?






The answer to that question is because a contract and signature are worth as much as Zimbabwean currency with players breaking a contract all the time it has become a regular occurance. Clubs and FIFA, in fact, are letting players run the show rather than the clubs so where did we go wrong?

Money, money has taken over club pride and passion this may not be the case for all clubs but for some players, it is certainly  the case. Did somebody mention Carlos Tevez?  Carlos Tevez earns 80,000 pounds a week, was captaining the club and was in a Manchester City squad that seems to be on the brink of a new dynasty so why would you want to leave? He claims family at the end of the day no one knows but Carlos. However, I have a good idea it's money.  Carlos makes more than enough to bring his family to Manchester or in fact, anywhere in England and provide them with a more than good life, a life other can only dream about and yet he acts like a spoiled brat.


As mentioned earlier if a player wants to leave that's fine, but as soon as it starts interfering with their on-field antics that's when you drop that player not give him what he wants sit him on the bench until he decides he will be loyal to his contract, his club and himself as a person and once they do if they do of course they may take their place in the squad.

Want-Away City Player Carlos Tevez Sits On The Bench

One manager which has done this well is Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini in regard to Carlos Tevez. Carlos did not feature in any of the pre-season and has played an accumulated 55 minutes in the first three fixtures. The majority which has come in the last two fixtures after he has realized he is stuck at City for a while and has decided to add himself to the team once more.


In a way I'm glad Tevez wants to stay but in another, he deserves what he's getting, he turned his back on the supporters Of Manchester City, and now he wants back in. But with the likes of Edin Dzeko and the new addition Kun Aguero, flourishing in the striker position and to be perfectly fair they don't look like moving. So get comfortable Carlos maybe grab a nice book for your time and enjoy the Manchester weather from the best seats in the house.

Is It The End My Friend?

Gerrard Slams One Home Against Rivals Everton.

As a young boy when I woke up, I wouldn't turn on the cartoons, I would flick to SBS to watch the Champions League games when Liverpool was a force and Steven Gerrard would be a frequent character and star in the plot.

I miss seeing those old school ' Gerrard Bombs ' hit from 25 yards plus. Another memory, I have was watching Sports Tonight way way past my bedtime and more often than not the Premier League would be on at the end,  and again. I would see Gerrard do breathtaking things with the ball be it dead or in play, I miss seeing the goal keeper cautiously set his wall up inch perfect and then be left flailing to the other side of the goal just for the Liverpool skipper to run to the corner and slide on his knees, arms out to the roaring Anfield crowd.

But sadly in recent years Gerrard seems to have gone missing and when he has emerged, it's been for all the wrong reasons be it pub brawls or a new injury it certainly has been far from needed, and with him only playing 21 games last year and being far from a standout its left me and indeed others wondering have we seen the best of Gerrard and am I to expect a lower standard or any standard at all?

With the Liverpool side thriving under the reign of the new boss Kenny Dalglish with new signings, a strong end to the 2010-11 Campaign and a strong start to the new 2011-12 campaign it looks as though the team may be settled with some young players performing such as Jordan Henderson & Stewart Downing it might be a challenge for Gerrard to get back into the midfield he once owned.

Personally, I hope to see Gerrard  back at his best scoring goals and exciting fans all over the world, but even if he doesn't, what a career he has had and One thing is for sure, at Anfield and on the red side of Merseyside is that Gerrard will never walk alone and will always have a home.

I Love The Potters

Tony Pullis Laying Down The Law

Stoke City, a feel good story of the English Premier League. Whereas most teams these days are using money and power to make themselves competitive, stoke have employed good-old hard work and a unique but rather primitive style of play to propel themselves into the top flight of not only English Football but also of European Football.

From the manager Tony Pullis, down to the players, supporters and even the ground they call home, you can feel that Stoke is all about true-grit and hard work. Mr Pullis isn't one for fancy suits, scarves or hand gestures; he manages with passion and fire and is very intelligent. I feel this intelligence goes unseen as he is tactically one of The English Premier League’s more gifted managers

While I admit Stoke’s unique playing style of balls in the 18 yard box is basic, it is oh so effective. The strategy is get the ball in the 18 yard area to their big players in Kenwyne Jones, Robert Huth, Rory Delap & now Peter Crouch. Be it by crosses, throw in's or set pieces, with the usual feeder being the pacey Jermaine Pennant, this style and technique is unused by most clubs is the sole reason why it is so effective for Stoke. This coupled with the acquisition of Jonathan Woodgate and seemingly a great new keeper in Amir Begovic, Stoke City look set to stay in the top flight for quite some time to come.

When granted entry into the top flight after being promoted on the last day of their 2007-08 campaign, Stoke have not looked back after finishing 12th in their first campaign in the top flight in 2008-09, 11th in the 2009-10 & 13th in the 2010-11 Campaign. It was during the latter where they made the FA Cup final, only to fall short 1-0. Regardless of this result, Stoke had still managed to successfully gain entry into the European Competition.

After achieving 5 points from their first 3 fixtures in the 2011/12 English Premier League campaign and winning their first two European matches 4-0 and 1-0 respectively, Stoke City seem to be kicking on nicely which, in my opinion, couldn't deserve it more.

McKay & Flores Out, Kewell & Emerton In.

Matt McKay Celebrating The 2010-11 Final Win

The A-League lose two quality young players in former Brisbane Roar captain and now regular Socceroo Matt McKay & one A-Leagues most exciting players in Marcos Flores. Who do the A-League pick up you say? The injury-prone Harry Kewell and the reliable Blackburn Midfielder Brett Emerton.

Marcos Flores

Both aged 32, one, the most injury prone player I think I have ever seen and the other a Blackburn Rovers and Socceroos hard-worker. I do not have any major complaints about either; I have more with Kewell than Emerton. My problem is that they have been dubbed the messiahs to raise the A-league from the pits to a world-class league.

I'll start with the departures mentioned earlier. Matt McKay, a 25-year-old Brisbane Roar founding father playing 131 games over his 6 year stint at the club. He led them to their first ever A-league title in the 2010-11 season. He has also played 11 games for Australia in the last 2 seasons which includes 8 games so far this year and is tomorrow set to star in his 9^th in Australia’s world cup qualifier against Thailand. Sadly however, this great player, grown and manufactured in Australia has left, Gone abroad, to star for Scottish league giants Glasgow Rangers and is now at long-odds to return to the A-League which brought him to stardom. McKay has always maintained that he wanted to stay at Brisbane, and so it is my assumption that money is the issue. In my opinion, Matt McKay would be a much better investment and servant to the A-League than that of Harry Kewell.

Secondly, Marcos Flores, the Argentinian international that had Adelaide and rival supporters alike on the edge of their seats in anticipation who more often than not delivered with stunning goals such as Goal 1 & Goal 2. Flores is yet another player that maintained their desire to remain in the A-League, yet has left chasing what they're worth. Once again I feel he would be better for the A-league than Harry Kewell.

Now for the Imports, I feel Brett Emerton will do a good job and be a success. My only issues are his age and also where the A-leagues priorities lie. Is it revenue or is it the future of the competition? Emerton will help but he is not going to put the A-League on his back and run them through the fire and flames to the Promised Land. He will be consistently good for Sydney, he will earn them a few more ticket sales and a few more jerseys and probably give a few tips to some of the younger players but that's about it. No miracles here I'm sorry to say.

Harry Kewell, where do I start?  Don't get me wrong, I feel Harry is a great player and has contributed a lot to putting Australian football and footballers on the map. However, where has he been since he left Liverpool? Let me tell you… predominantly on the sideline. Since he left Liverpool in 2008, mainly because of injuries and lack of playing time due to his prolific injury record, Kewell has played only 61 club fixtures, those being for Turkish club Galatasaray. Without sounding harsh or blunt, he is a waste of time and money for Melbourne Victory, which should have been spent much more wisely. How many games will he be fit for? And what do you expect of him?

In closing, I hope for the sakes of Harry, Brett and the A-League that I am proved to be wrong with egg on my face as the A-League needs something, anything to lift the standard and bridge the gap between Australia and the many successful leagues abroad.