Sports and Stuff

Espanyol (3) - Barcelona (1) -> Match review with video

2007-01-15T20:54:00.000Z

Espanyol - Barcelona (3-1)

This is what soccer is all about! Breathtaking plays, mesmerizing dribbles and... fascinating goals!!

A local derby is always unpredictable... Although Barcelona was not prepared to deal with this Espanyol. Both teams played at their highest level and on 31 Luis Garcia opened the marker. Barcelona kept pressuring Espanyol and finally scored at 60 minutes with a well directed shot. Didn't take much more than 5 minutes to Espanyol win the leadership of the match, this time was Tamudo's head fault. Both sides continued looking after goal's opportunities and was Espanyol the lucky one: Rufete received a great pass from Garcia and killed the game.

But is not all bad news to Barcelona (they lost a chance to become leaders even being one game behind) since one of their key players is back on the field. Samuel Eto'o is ready to terrify some enemy's nets again!!!

Highlights of the Match:

Man of the Match:

Luis Garcia

Can Ivory turn Gold?

2007-01-14T12:30:00.000Z

To some people, who has an oncle has it all. Drogba can be in this category. We explain you why... With just 5 years, Drogba's oncle convinced the family that the kid had talent. Then, they left Côte d'Ivoire and went to France persuing a bright future on soccer. Although, Drogba did not convince. The family returned to their country and that could perfectly be the end of story.

But today, everyone knows who Drogba is... So, what happened? France saw this family again due to financial problems witch forced them to leave their birthplace. And Drogba was not the same player. Even the position changed... now (thanks to his oncle's advice) Drogba have become a clinical striker and not even France could miss that.

He changed shirt several times until he got to the top. And the top was called Olympique de Marseille. Player and club shared the same motto "Droit Au But" witch means "Straight to the Goal". Very appropriate... His strengh was a reborn to the club, that even resembled the long gonne Marseille that conquered the Champion's League back in 93.

Drogba's technique mesmorized the soccer world and got Mourinho's attention. In fact, having this player on the squad was one of his conditions to become Chelsea's coach. Lots of talking and 37,5million euros brought this player to the Premier League.

One question remains: Can Drogba be this year's Golden Boot?

This season goals:

Blackburn (0) - Arsenal (2) -> Match review with video

2007-01-13T22:04:00.000Z

Blackburn - Arsenal (0-2)

Arsenal is without doubt sharing with us (common mortals that love soccer) some transcendental magic. But, Blackburn has some moves too. Besides Savage, Pedersen and Emerton, they also have McCarthy at the highest level. May we just add that Blackburn happens to be a tricky one at Home.

First half, 13th minute: Savage has an unsporting (nasty would be a good choice of words too...) behaviour towards Gilberto that couldn't control himself and retaliated. Result: Gilberto was sent off and Savage scaped with only an yellow card. People expect any team to drop in a situation like this, specialy in the beggining of the match... But this Arsenal is not any team... They left to half-time leading the match due to a header of Toure after a precise free-kick of Henry (at 37 minutes).

Second half showed a Blackburn trying harder to create some danger and they could even equalise the marker... but it was not Nonda's head happy day... After that Henry closed the marker (and pretty much the game too...) with an outstanding finish.

Arsenal is moving heaven and earth to remedy past mistakes. And right now, with the other Major teams facing each other in a near future, they may have a small window of opportunity.

Match highlights:

blackburn - arsenal (13.01.2007)
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Man of the Match:

Milan (2) - Arezzo (0) (Coppa d'Italia) -> Match review with video

2007-01-12T14:37:00.000Z

Milan - Arezzo (2-0) (Coppa d'Italia)

This was not a very complicated game for Milan. The proof is that score changes happened.

In the first half Gilardino had two major chances to open the marker. The first one was succeded, but we can not say the same about the second one. After another A+ pass of Seedorf (he was the "Maestro" of the team), people expected more from this very expensive striker. But, it's not the first time he disappoints Milan's fans. Looking to the beggining of the season is clear that he is not showing his essence... That explains why he almost enter to Milan's transfer list.

The second half brought a new forward to the game. And what a performance! Just after 4 minutes he said "Hi" to the fans with a powerful finish that closed the marked. It's because of moments like those that Milan loves "Pippo" and can't afford to loose him... The 81th minute was marked by a dangerous play from Arezzo. So dangerous that the ball met Milan's net. Unfortunately, for Arezzo, the single good play of their side was annulled.

Milan really needs to focus so it can be at it's best on Champion's League. With the League not going so well, the Cups can clean their image and earn respect on the European Scene.

Highlights of the Match:

AC Milan Vs Azzero
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Man of the Match:

Liverpool (3) - Arsenal (6) (Carling Cup) -> Match review with video

2007-01-11T08:26:00.000Z

Liverpool - Arsenal (3-6) (Carling Cup)

The Carling Cup is not one of the most important events of the season. Nevertheless, a team has never a "too much cups" situation. And when things go bad, a Cup win is definitely better than nothing...After all, we are talking about professional soccer here, and no one wants to give up on a Cup. But, teams need to look at the whole picture. And the whole picture has major events as European Competions, Premier League, FA Cup...

But let's talk about what matters...

Looking at line-ups, this game was not a tipical one. Once again, Arsenal prooved that it's above Liverpool. There is not much to say about the game. There was a Wonderkid explaining why was he so expensive and a player (Baptista) coming back from injury time with goal's hungry. Arsenal scored six times with a goalkeeper looking a bit confused about his function. The opposite of "The Champion's League Hero"... The only time we had a glance of that was with a great penalty defense. Liverpool responded too late and the marker ended 3-6.

To Liverpool the match's aftertaste was really bitter, since Garcia is now out of fields for 6months. That can be the end of Liverpool's European plans... as loose 2 Cups in less than 10 days wasn't enough...

Arsenal's killing machine is rolling and ready to destroy whomever gets in their way.

Extended Highlights Of the Match:

Liverpool 3 - 6 Arsenal
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Man of the Match:

Manchester United (2) - Aston Villa (1) (FA Cup) -> Match review with video

2007-01-08T14:59:00.000Z

Manchester United - Aston Villa (2-1)

Manchester United vs Aston Villa was not an easy game to both teams. Honestly, it deserved a better end...

In the first half we must point out the efforts carried away by Larsson. Since the very beggining it became clear that this player would influence the final result. Rooney, otherwise, missed a lot of chances to put Manchester leading the match. By the way, have you noticed that although he has 8 goals on the season, Rooney scored only once since 18 November??

In the second half, Larsson scores. But Aston Villa reacted and Baros did not waste the opportunity. At 74 minutes the game was draw. Unfortunately a mistake from Kiraly on the injury time ended the Villa's chances of passing to the next round.

Curiously, the next league's fixture put this teams against each other again. "Deja vu", or "Revenge Time"?? It's impossible to predict... But one thing is for sure... We will keep you posted on that one!!

Extended Highlights of the Match:

Man U V Aston Villa
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Man of the Match:

UK's Wonderkids

2007-01-07T21:46:00.000Z

While regular 17 years old kids are finishing highschool and considering career options, Wonderkids know exactly what future is going to be. After all, they are Wonderkids for a reason. You see, they were born with a gift. Amazing dribbles, great shots, stunning free kicks... you name it, they got it. Besides, they want desperately to catch everyone's attention.

Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale are Wonderkids. With just 17 years old have already been to the National Team (English and Wale) in the past World Cup. Both played on Southampton but it was getting claustrophobic... Stars need bigger and better clubs to really show their essence... They belong to teams that write Soccer History and these clubs could not be part of that History unless they have players like them!

So, the only way to go is obviously to the top!

Theo Walcott is currently playing in Arsenal (started this season and was on the field 4 times).

Gareth Bale has 48 hours to accept a Manchester United's proposal. You may be wondering why would he need 2 days to make that decision... Well, Manchester is not the only club interested. Tottenham, Arsenal and Real Madrid are pretty good teams too, isn't that true??

But words are just words... and that is not why they are known... Let's see them in action!!

Wonderkids, if you can't beat them, then you must have them!!

Chelsea (6) - Macclesfield (1) -> Match review with video

2007-01-07T14:39:00.000Z

Chelsea - Macclesfield (6-1)

You know the expression "Sometimes a picture says more than a thounsand words". Rumour has there was an animation involved in this case!!! ;)

The past memories of Chelsea at FA Cup are not brilliant. They only got 3 wins, witch can not be compared with other major clubs (Man United has 11 wins and Arsenal 10). Not even Mourinho managed to change this.

This game was, without surprises, a comfortable win for Chelsea (the other team is currently trying hard to continue in League Two).

It's a shame that Kalou and Wright-Phillips don't get the chance to play more often (or even always). Mix them with Lampard and you get an explosive combination. The game was solved.

Although, we must emphasize that defensive problems did not end at Stamford Bridge. Against average players it is not acceptable to a team like Chelsea to suffer such goal. Situations like this may force Mourinho to look after someone with appropriate skills for the job.

Extended Highlights of the Match:

Chelsea vs Macclesfield Ext Highlights
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Man of the Match:

Liverpool (1) - Arsenal (3) -> Match Review with video

2007-01-07T11:29:00.000Z

Liverpool - Arsenal (1-3)

Picture this: a Premier League team plays at home for the third round of the Cup (witch it currently owns). Apparently, part of the journey is done... Well, it depends. It depends on the shape of the other team. Now, the other team is a "united, determined, disciplined" (by the words of Arsene Wenger) Arsenal. You have to agree... it depends a lot!

The match started to heat with a penalty simulation from Alonso. And that was almost everything from Liverpool. They were completely dominated by Arsenal. The two goals were not a surprise. Unexpected was the way Rosicky scored them. The first one started with an outsanding play between Hleb and Rosicky, who finished shooting over the keeper's head. Rosicky was playing so much that even the Liverpool's players stopped to see his technique. Not the best timing to learn some moves, the marker was now 0-2 and the first half was finished.

The second wistle waked up Liverpool that finally scores on 71 minutes with a flick on by Kuyt after a Crouch's header.
Arsenal, sorry, Henry, did not stay still. Put all the obstacles away (even a big one named Carragher) and closed the counter.

Liverpool is out of this race and Arsenal keeps putting anyone that crosses their way completely KO.

Extended Highlights of the Match:

Liverpool vs Arsenal Extended Highlights
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Man of the Match:

Figo knows it!

2007-01-06T18:55:00.000Z

Figo's tricks can put anyone dizzy, on and off the field.

Since the start of his career, moves always put people talking. In 1995 Sporting said goodbye and Barcelona "Holla!". There was not until 2000 that gossip about leaving started. Meanwhile, Luis Figo had become one of the most valuable players of the world, famous by the amaizing attack plays in partnership with Ronaldo and Rivaldo.

He shocked the world when gossip turned out to be true: Figo had signed with the Enemy!! And what a contract: the most expensive in football until then. Unfortunately, on the other side of the coin was an emotional scar saying "Pesetero".

Five more years passed, Real Madrid reuned several "Galacticos" and put Figo on the bench. He did not deserve it and things with Mister were becoming "calientes"...

He put an end on his "Siesta" and started playing with Inter's shirt.

And when you just thought his last Headline would be something like "Figo hangs his footwear", you see "Figo in Al-Ittihad for 1 million euros a month". Not bad for 34 years old player, huh?? But Inter stepped foot and spent some money. End of story?? Figo stays until July.
Then, it's time to the Saudi Arabian players to watch and maybe even learn with the Master...

Some performances will last forever

You might not know what Luis Figo has that you don't, but one thing is for sure... The kid ROCKS!!!

Soccer Tranfers Soap Opera

2007-01-04T14:20:00.000Z

To us, common mortal, January means Sales. In the football planet, though, this month means hope. Hope that the new transfers boost the team once and for all.

Some of them are under the spotlight...

Chapter #1: DECO

This player, currently playing in Barcelona, admits he would like to play in the Premier League. Well, Premier League fancies him as well.
Big names like Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have their eyes (and wallets) on him.
Chelsea has slightly better odds of winning this race due to several facts. Deco and Mourinho have already worked together (and with great profits); money is not problem in Stamford Bridge; and the bad results must end, and if that means giving up some players as well, thats ok.

This may look pretty straight, but let's not forget this only happens if Barcelona wants it. And is this team willing to do such thing? We'll find out soon...

Some great moments of Deco:

Chapter #2: GILARDINO <-> TREZEGUET

Milan has Gilardino and wants Trezeguet. Juventus who has Trezeguet wants Milan's Gilardino. Easy, huh? Not quite...
Milan really wants Trezeguet but do not want to swap it with Gilardino.
By the way, what Trezeguet wants is Real Madrid...
So, how is this going to end?? We do not know. Yet...

What we do know is that these are really good players:

Chapter #3: TAIWO

Does the expression "African's Roberto Carlos" sounds familiar to you?? If it doesn't, get used to it, because this player is one babystep away from become part of Portsmouth team. A great catch, since this Nigerian star is considered one of the most talented left full back's of the World.

One visual proof:

With these kind of things happening in real life, why do we need fiction??

Aston Villa (0) - Chelsea (0) -> Match review

2007-01-03T14:12:00.000Z

Aston Villa - Chelsea (0-0)

"Black Magic" strikes again!! Not even Drogba's foot and head escaped.
We really don't know what is happening at Chelsea. Although they were clearly the leading team, the ball just did not want to pass the goal line.

So, here is a suggestion of an animation, that might help Jose Mourinho explain to his players what is the purpose of the game.

Highlights of the Match:

Where is the Special One??

Arsenal (4) - Charlton (0) -> Match review

2007-01-03T13:49:00.000Z

Arsenal - Charlton (4-0)

Arsenal was expecting an easy win and they were right. Although we have to mention the extraordinary exhibition of Carson. We could almost say that this was an Arsenal vs Carson.

The marker opened at 30 minutes with a penalty scored by Thiery Henry, after the expulsion of Sankofa. The first part ended with another goal, this time protagonized by Hoyte.

At 76 minutes the second penalty of the match is scored by Van Persie. And just at the end of the match Van Persie showed his magic and closed the game.

Charlton crisis is indeed install. Arsenal, on the other way, is in a great shape, and can even surprise again in the Champions League.

In the meanwhile, just smile with their goal's celebrations ;)

Extended Highlights of the Match:

Arsenal vs Charlton Extended Highlights
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Man of the Match:

Scott Carson

Newcastle (2) - Manchester UTD (2) -> Match review

2007-01-02T13:53:00.000Z

Newcastle - Manchester UTD (2-2)

The 22th journey of the Premier League turned out a little bitter to Manchester United...

The match, at Newcastle home, ended up draw with 2 goals to each team.

It has to be said (and the images show you) that this was a fantastic football exibition.
The first goal was protagonized by Milner, a great goal at 33 minutes. Newcastle was leading the marker but we can not say the same about the game. Manchester was everything but willing to loose this game and just 7 minutes later Scholes scores.

The second half started and Scholes did not loose time. At 46 minutes he showed his best (again!).
But in the second half, it was not just the 10th goal of Scholes in 10 matches against Newcastle that put people talking about. At 73 minutes, a stranger (Edgar) scores for the home team.

And it was it (among many amazing plays)! Chealsea had its prayers listen... now it's time to show some Powerful "Black Magic"!!! lol

Extended highlights of this beautiful game

Newcastle vs Manchester United Highlight
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Man of the Match:

Best Goals 2006

2006-12-28T12:58:00.000Z

A delayed Christmas gift

Is true what they say about second chances... If you missed it on eurosport... here is your opportunity to see how it was!!

Charlton (2) - Fulham (2) -> Match review

2006-12-28T10:48:00.000Z

Charlton - Fulham (2-2)

The twentieth fixture of the premier league was concluded with a draw between Charlton and Fulham. The Charlton had lost four games on a row and playing at home was an opportunity to start a turn on the season, besides with a new coach (Alan Pardew) leading the team.

The game started with a stonger Fulham that just 13 minutes after the first whistle opened the marker with a goal by McBride (after a great defense by Carson).

The home team had a good reaction to the events and taking advantage of Fulham's defense errors takes the head on the marker.

First by a default defense of Niemi that Ambrose (at 19 minutes) didn't waste.

And at 45 minutes, the defenders Bocanegra and Rosenior did nothing to get the ball out of dangerous territory, witch Bent transformed into the second goal.

And it was just at the end that the result was established with a header of Queudrue after a free kick.

Match highlights

Charlton vs Fulham
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Match statistics:

Manchester UTD (3) - Wigan (1) -> Match review

2006-12-27T21:24:00.000Z

Manchester UTD - Wigan (3-1)

This match is clearly passed in two different periods: BC and AC (Before Cristiano and After Cristiano)!!

The first half ended without goals. It was easy to see that Man United lacked someone to take the plays to a good end. Even so, Rooney had some moments of great danger to the Wigan's goalkeeper.

But in the second half, our story get a shot of stamina with Cristiano entering the match. It didn't take long to perform his magic, in fact it just took the time to catch the ball. At 47 minutes, Cristiano scores with a header.

The winds had just turned to Man United side. And four minutes later, another goal (yes, you gess it... was Cristiano again). At 59 minutes it's time to a goal and this time, Solskjaer pulled the trigger.

Wigan didn't left Old Trafford without score, what happened at the end with a penalty by Baines.

Extended highlights of the match

Man Utd vs Wigan Extended Highlights
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Man of the Match:

Chelsea (2) - Reading (2) -> Match review

2006-12-27T18:07:00.000Z

Chelsea - Reading (2 - 2)

And this wasn't a great Santa's present for Chelsea... They had a chance to, at least for a couple of hours, become the leaders of the Premier League... It was not the case, though...

The first half finished 1-0 with a goal of Didier Drogba (eleventh goal on the league), finalizing a corner of Lampard with a header at 38minutes.

Reading did not give up on the match and entered to the second half of the game, focused on explore the Chealsea's defense weakness. It paid out, since at 65minutes, a great play from the right side ends with a header from Lita and conquered a draw.

Chealsea was not pleased and just 5minutes later, Drogba scores his second goal and put his team back on the lead.

Reading continued trying to get at least one point from the match. The goal was achieved 5 minutes to the end with an own goal by Ashley Cole.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MATCH

Chelsea vs Reading
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Man of the Match: