I know it's a bit of old news that Ruud Van Nistelrooy has left Manchester United to go to Real Madrid. But it had been speculation for weeks, and only Man Utd couldn't agree on a fee. The fee turned out to be a paltry 10mill-pounds. Considering they spent 18-mil on Michael Carrick.
I wouldn't even pay 18 mil for Owen Hargreaves, and he is England's first choice defensive midfielder! No doubt Carrick has improved alot in the Tottenham ranks, but even they must be laughing now at the 18mil price tag. I don't know what's going on in Manchester United, but I sure hope Fergie knows what he is doing. Maybe a couple more big name signings would please the fans.
They need them up front to replace the ageing Soljkaer, the injured Smith and someone to partner Saha when Rooney is suspended. They also need a left winger since Giggs is getting way too old. And maybe another central midfielder to partner Carrick. I don't think John O'Shea or Alan Smith would do a good job. Don't get me wrong, I think O'shea is an awesome defender, but we should leave him as a defender.
Man United need a covering right-back as well since the senior Neville seems to be getting old, and he has no understudy. They have got 4 left-backs (or 4 who can play at left-back) in O'Shea, Silvestre, Heinze and Evra. It's a good thing they sold Fortune then. Admittedly, only Evra is strictly a left-back. The others can play at centre-back though I'm not sure about on the right.
If Man Utd doesn't get a few more signings in these key areas, it's hard to see them challenging for the title.
31.7.06
27.7.06
Bad Boys
There have been a tranfer of two of the top wingers in the EPL. One went to Newcastle in the Duffman, the other to Liverpool.
Jermaine Pennant finally completed his move to Liverpool, and if I must say, now everyone is declaring that they are life-long Liverpool fans! Maybe that is Rafa's plan, bring in people who love the club. It's evident in Robbie Fowler, Mark Gonzalez, Criag Bellamy and now Pennant. Before you know it, Dirk Kuyt says he was a life-long Liverpool fan!
Anyway, if Rafa can really do it, he would have changed some of England's bad boys into the best players. Admittedly, Pennant and Craig Bellamy don't have the best track record when it comes to discipline. Bellamy was famous for his Champions League red-card when he went off the field crying, and his bust-ups with Graeme Souness, but then again, every other player has a bust-up with the latter. Pennant was famous for being banned from driving, and than later caught drink-driving and than later caught turning up for training drunk. That really takes some doing.
But as Pennant is young, it looks as though those are the mistakes of a schoolboy and if he matures into a good sports professional, all that could be put behind him. And not only Liverpool fans would agree with me, but I think Rafa is the man to change them. The main incentive for these 2 new bad boys is they were brought from so-called 'lower clubs', so they must take their chance at a top club. Also, taking their chance in a club where they proclaimed they supported all their life.
I hope Rafa's plan works, I have confidence in him though.
Jermaine Pennant finally completed his move to Liverpool, and if I must say, now everyone is declaring that they are life-long Liverpool fans! Maybe that is Rafa's plan, bring in people who love the club. It's evident in Robbie Fowler, Mark Gonzalez, Criag Bellamy and now Pennant. Before you know it, Dirk Kuyt says he was a life-long Liverpool fan!
Anyway, if Rafa can really do it, he would have changed some of England's bad boys into the best players. Admittedly, Pennant and Craig Bellamy don't have the best track record when it comes to discipline. Bellamy was famous for his Champions League red-card when he went off the field crying, and his bust-ups with Graeme Souness, but then again, every other player has a bust-up with the latter. Pennant was famous for being banned from driving, and than later caught drink-driving and than later caught turning up for training drunk. That really takes some doing.
But as Pennant is young, it looks as though those are the mistakes of a schoolboy and if he matures into a good sports professional, all that could be put behind him. And not only Liverpool fans would agree with me, but I think Rafa is the man to change them. The main incentive for these 2 new bad boys is they were brought from so-called 'lower clubs', so they must take their chance at a top club. Also, taking their chance in a club where they proclaimed they supported all their life.
I hope Rafa's plan works, I have confidence in him though.
26.7.06
More Tranfer Speculations
Nothing much happening in the transfer market so far.
It's been alot of speculation and some of the rumours get the club fans really excited. As a Liverpool supporter, it would be good to see Pennant in a top side and see how he can perform on a troublesome right flank for Liverpool. Rafa also said there might be another player by the weekend. But that's all sepculation.
The only real big-name transfer is Damien Duff from Chelsea to Newcastle. Well done to the Toon for getting him on such a cheap price of 5-million pounds. Considering Chelsea paid 16million for him, and that he is still only 27, and that there was more than one top club chasing his services, Chelsea made a real mess of the tranfer - either that or Newcastle got a great bargain.
Surplus to requirements might be true, but it seems like 5-million for a player like duff is not good business. Take Ruud Van Nistelrooy for example. He might never play for Manchester United again even if he is not sold, even so, Man Utd are demanding an excess of 12million pounds for him. That's good business. I always thought that Van Nistelrooy was a feared name to defenses, I'm surprise how quickly that changed with half a season of injury, Saha showing good form and a reported rift with the manager. Now he is low on confidence and failed to impress in the world cup too.
I would love for Liverpool to take him in, although he do have Peter Crouch to be a target man and Folwer and Bellamy to be the cherry-picker role. But see, Van Nistelrooy is a combination of all of that. He is a strong target, he has presence upfront, and he has great positioning to always tap the ball him at the right time and place. I'm actually quite surprised that only two clubs went in for him, alas Liverpool wasn't one of them.
Back to Liverpool, with 2 strikers out, and only 1 in, it looks as though there is one more striker to be coming in this season. I would like to see someone like Miroslav Klose, but so far there has been no speculation about him, and he looks happy in Werden Breman.
The only other transfer speculation to note is Ashley Cole linked to Chelsea - but which player isn't linked to Chelsea?
It's been alot of speculation and some of the rumours get the club fans really excited. As a Liverpool supporter, it would be good to see Pennant in a top side and see how he can perform on a troublesome right flank for Liverpool. Rafa also said there might be another player by the weekend. But that's all sepculation.
The only real big-name transfer is Damien Duff from Chelsea to Newcastle. Well done to the Toon for getting him on such a cheap price of 5-million pounds. Considering Chelsea paid 16million for him, and that he is still only 27, and that there was more than one top club chasing his services, Chelsea made a real mess of the tranfer - either that or Newcastle got a great bargain.
Surplus to requirements might be true, but it seems like 5-million for a player like duff is not good business. Take Ruud Van Nistelrooy for example. He might never play for Manchester United again even if he is not sold, even so, Man Utd are demanding an excess of 12million pounds for him. That's good business. I always thought that Van Nistelrooy was a feared name to defenses, I'm surprise how quickly that changed with half a season of injury, Saha showing good form and a reported rift with the manager. Now he is low on confidence and failed to impress in the world cup too.
I would love for Liverpool to take him in, although he do have Peter Crouch to be a target man and Folwer and Bellamy to be the cherry-picker role. But see, Van Nistelrooy is a combination of all of that. He is a strong target, he has presence upfront, and he has great positioning to always tap the ball him at the right time and place. I'm actually quite surprised that only two clubs went in for him, alas Liverpool wasn't one of them.
Back to Liverpool, with 2 strikers out, and only 1 in, it looks as though there is one more striker to be coming in this season. I would like to see someone like Miroslav Klose, but so far there has been no speculation about him, and he looks happy in Werden Breman.
The only other transfer speculation to note is Ashley Cole linked to Chelsea - but which player isn't linked to Chelsea?
21.7.06
Barca's Turn
I speculated that Zambrotta would go to Barcelona. And looks like things are going just the way I expected.
Although Barca do have class full-backs on either side in Gio Van Bronkrost and Belletti, it is hard to see why they need a new full-back. A back-up of Zambrotta's standard would never be happy as a back-up.
Some might argue that Belletti is not first choice right-back. Well, perhaps Zambrotta is better than Oleguer in an attacking sense, but the reason why Oleguer is on sometimes instead of Belletti is because Rijkaard is looking for a more defensive formation. And, I must add that I think Barcelona are under-ultilizing Belletti - though really 21 starts last season isn't too bad.
Back to Zambrotta though. He can play 'winger' you say? Last time I checked Barca doesn't play with wingers. They usually play a 4-2-3-1 formation with 2 holding midfielders - usually Xavi if fit and Van Bommel/Motta and an attacking trio of Deco, Ronaldinho and Guily. With the all too famous assassin Eto'o upfront. The attacking midfield bench includes: Leo Messi, Andre Iniesta, Santiago Ezquerro and the new addition Eidur Gudjohsen. So where does Zambrotta fit in?
Never mind Zambrotta though, where would Lilian Thuram fit in? A player his age and stature should not be sitting on the bench, he should play out his career on a high. But to think that Barca might do away with either Carlos Puyol or Rafael Marquez or Edmilson in central of defense? Or Belleti/Oleguer/Zambrotta on the right full-back? Unthinkable.
You have your own opinions about the great Juve Sale... and the clubs that bought the players.
Although Barca do have class full-backs on either side in Gio Van Bronkrost and Belletti, it is hard to see why they need a new full-back. A back-up of Zambrotta's standard would never be happy as a back-up.
Some might argue that Belletti is not first choice right-back. Well, perhaps Zambrotta is better than Oleguer in an attacking sense, but the reason why Oleguer is on sometimes instead of Belletti is because Rijkaard is looking for a more defensive formation. And, I must add that I think Barcelona are under-ultilizing Belletti - though really 21 starts last season isn't too bad.
Back to Zambrotta though. He can play 'winger' you say? Last time I checked Barca doesn't play with wingers. They usually play a 4-2-3-1 formation with 2 holding midfielders - usually Xavi if fit and Van Bommel/Motta and an attacking trio of Deco, Ronaldinho and Guily. With the all too famous assassin Eto'o upfront. The attacking midfield bench includes: Leo Messi, Andre Iniesta, Santiago Ezquerro and the new addition Eidur Gudjohsen. So where does Zambrotta fit in?
Never mind Zambrotta though, where would Lilian Thuram fit in? A player his age and stature should not be sitting on the bench, he should play out his career on a high. But to think that Barca might do away with either Carlos Puyol or Rafael Marquez or Edmilson in central of defense? Or Belleti/Oleguer/Zambrotta on the right full-back? Unthinkable.
You have your own opinions about the great Juve Sale... and the clubs that bought the players.
20.7.06
Super Star Syndrome
Well done Real Madrid in landing Juventus stars Fabio Cannavaro and Emerson.
Obviously Cannavaro is the bigger of the two stars, but really, Real Madrid failed to plug the hole left by Makelele for the last 3 years, and so Emerson is a really important acquisition. The latter - Cannavaro - is undoubtedly a superstar defender, and he did not need the World Cup to highlight that. He is absolutely fantastic and Real Madrid did very well to get him.
Real Madrid are finally going to be back in business if the speculations in the press are to be believed. They have already got the star Juventus duo, and they might land Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Arjen Robben.
I don't think Fabregas and Kaka would go to Madrid in all honesty. Fabregas has pledged his future to Arsenal as they brought him up, and AC Milan supposedly rejecting a 50-million-pound bid from Chelsea for Kaka, it doesn't look like the talented Brazillian is going anywhere soon.
Imagine a starting XI with Casillas, Cannavaro, Sergio Ramos, Cicinho, Roberto Carlos, Emerson, Baptista, Beckham, Robben, Robinho and Van Nistelrooy. They would seriously be back in business. Oh wait, I forgot they have to get rid of clowns like Jonathan Woodgate, Thomas Gravesen, Antonio Cassano, Michel Salgardo and the lists goes on. Good thing ageing Zidane is stepping down. Don't get me wrong, I am a great admirer of his skills, but I think it is time for him to step aside for the younger guns, and it would be hard to drop him from the team, he has to do it himself.
More than one name in the starting XI might not be there when the season begins though. Roberto Carlos seems to be attracting the interest of Chelsea. And Beckham might have other plans as well.
And I would take the opportunity to apologise to Mr Jose Mourinho for stating earlier in my blog that he buys crap like Shevchenko and maybe Roberto Carlos. Apparently, it was Mr Roman Abravomich's idea to bring the duo in. In fact, Mourinho doesn't agree with them. Looks to me that Mourinho wants to bring in Ashley Cole, while Abramovich wants to bring in Roberto Carlos. That's way both are speculated to be playing for Chelsea next season.
Then Chelsea would end up like the Real Madrid of past 2 seasons. Having the has-beens stars who cannot perform together. Then they would undertake a total restructuring and splash loads of cash just like Real Madrid is doing now.
That is what I call the super-star syndrome.
Obviously Cannavaro is the bigger of the two stars, but really, Real Madrid failed to plug the hole left by Makelele for the last 3 years, and so Emerson is a really important acquisition. The latter - Cannavaro - is undoubtedly a superstar defender, and he did not need the World Cup to highlight that. He is absolutely fantastic and Real Madrid did very well to get him.
Real Madrid are finally going to be back in business if the speculations in the press are to be believed. They have already got the star Juventus duo, and they might land Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Arjen Robben.
I don't think Fabregas and Kaka would go to Madrid in all honesty. Fabregas has pledged his future to Arsenal as they brought him up, and AC Milan supposedly rejecting a 50-million-pound bid from Chelsea for Kaka, it doesn't look like the talented Brazillian is going anywhere soon.
Imagine a starting XI with Casillas, Cannavaro, Sergio Ramos, Cicinho, Roberto Carlos, Emerson, Baptista, Beckham, Robben, Robinho and Van Nistelrooy. They would seriously be back in business. Oh wait, I forgot they have to get rid of clowns like Jonathan Woodgate, Thomas Gravesen, Antonio Cassano, Michel Salgardo and the lists goes on. Good thing ageing Zidane is stepping down. Don't get me wrong, I am a great admirer of his skills, but I think it is time for him to step aside for the younger guns, and it would be hard to drop him from the team, he has to do it himself.
More than one name in the starting XI might not be there when the season begins though. Roberto Carlos seems to be attracting the interest of Chelsea. And Beckham might have other plans as well.
And I would take the opportunity to apologise to Mr Jose Mourinho for stating earlier in my blog that he buys crap like Shevchenko and maybe Roberto Carlos. Apparently, it was Mr Roman Abravomich's idea to bring the duo in. In fact, Mourinho doesn't agree with them. Looks to me that Mourinho wants to bring in Ashley Cole, while Abramovich wants to bring in Roberto Carlos. That's way both are speculated to be playing for Chelsea next season.
Then Chelsea would end up like the Real Madrid of past 2 seasons. Having the has-beens stars who cannot perform together. Then they would undertake a total restructuring and splash loads of cash just like Real Madrid is doing now.
That is what I call the super-star syndrome.
16.7.06
Summer Transfers to Date and More Speculation
There has been a flurry of tranfers when the world cup was going on. Some deals were concluded even before the world cup, and there are no signs of things slowing down especially with the teams from Italy dropping to a less prestigious league.
Key players from Juve include Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Buffon, Vieira, Thuram, Camoranesi, Trezeguet, Ibrahamovich are all set to leave. They are so well-known you don't have to put a first name to identify who they are. Any knows if Pavel Nedved would still be playing professional soccer? Del Piero would have trouble finding suitors though if he is not prepared to go to a 'lower club'... as though nothing gets lower than Juventus in Serie B with a 30 point deficit.
Florentina might have trouble keeping hold of Luca Toni, promising forward Valeri Bojinov and star defender Ujfalusi. While Lazio.. well, they don't have much to lose.
While Italy is set to lost all their key players to other big clubs, and possibly Inter becoming the most powerful team ever, if all big names who don't want to leave Italy go there, England has been busy with their tranfers.
I'll round off the top clubs.
Liverpool is making the biggest changes in the EPL so far. Craig Bellamy, Gabriel Paleta, Fabio Aurelio and Mark Gonzalez coming in. With they let go of Morientes, Cheyrou, Cisse, Kirkland, Hamann and some others who are not in the first team. They still might bring in even more faces namely a right-winger, while more exits are expected.
Arsenal looks to be making steady progress with the the signing of Tomas Rosicky and letting go of old-timers Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires and Sol Campbell. They look certain to bring in a a few fresh faces.
Chelsea made some big-profile signings in Micheal Ballack, Andriy Shevchenko and Salomon Kalou and a lesser known Hilario and Jon Obi Mikel. They look like a packed team already, it just seems more people are expected to leave.
Manchester United looks to be in turmoil. Ruud Van Nistelrooy looks set to leave, and seems to be followed by Cris Ron. Departures include Tim Howard, out on loan at Everton, and Quinton Fortune, being released. Other departures involve non-first-teamers.
I'll update the rest of the details in a while... stay tuned as I update all the transfer news!
Key players from Juve include Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Buffon, Vieira, Thuram, Camoranesi, Trezeguet, Ibrahamovich are all set to leave. They are so well-known you don't have to put a first name to identify who they are. Any knows if Pavel Nedved would still be playing professional soccer? Del Piero would have trouble finding suitors though if he is not prepared to go to a 'lower club'... as though nothing gets lower than Juventus in Serie B with a 30 point deficit.
Florentina might have trouble keeping hold of Luca Toni, promising forward Valeri Bojinov and star defender Ujfalusi. While Lazio.. well, they don't have much to lose.
While Italy is set to lost all their key players to other big clubs, and possibly Inter becoming the most powerful team ever, if all big names who don't want to leave Italy go there, England has been busy with their tranfers.
I'll round off the top clubs.
Liverpool is making the biggest changes in the EPL so far. Craig Bellamy, Gabriel Paleta, Fabio Aurelio and Mark Gonzalez coming in. With they let go of Morientes, Cheyrou, Cisse, Kirkland, Hamann and some others who are not in the first team. They still might bring in even more faces namely a right-winger, while more exits are expected.
Arsenal looks to be making steady progress with the the signing of Tomas Rosicky and letting go of old-timers Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires and Sol Campbell. They look certain to bring in a a few fresh faces.
Chelsea made some big-profile signings in Micheal Ballack, Andriy Shevchenko and Salomon Kalou and a lesser known Hilario and Jon Obi Mikel. They look like a packed team already, it just seems more people are expected to leave.
Manchester United looks to be in turmoil. Ruud Van Nistelrooy looks set to leave, and seems to be followed by Cris Ron. Departures include Tim Howard, out on loan at Everton, and Quinton Fortune, being released. Other departures involve non-first-teamers.
I'll update the rest of the details in a while... stay tuned as I update all the transfer news!
15.7.06
World Cup Conclusion
I didn't get to update about the World Cup because my best buddy had been in the country to visit me for the last week.
By now the World should know that Italy beat France to the World Cup. I'm not at all excited by it. Germany finished 3rd which was a good result for the team I supported. I was hoping Klismann stays on, but looks like he isn't going to.
This World Cup was a poor one wasn't it? I'll just conclude the entire World Cup series with Chau's talking soccer World Cup XI. This is based on their performances in the world cup, so I dont think you would see the best player in the world Ronaldinho in here.
Keeper: Gigi Buffon
I don't know if he really was the best keeper or if his defence was just awesome, either way, he was only beaten by an own goal and a Zidane penalty.
Left Back: Philip Lahm
Opening the world cup with a goal proved to be icing on the cake for this left-back's excellent performances. He would really be one to watch for the future.
Right Back: Miguel
I was impress with this right backs strong attacking-minded play. He was unfortunate to get injured and had to end his exciting world cup prematurely. The fact that he replaces the first-choice Chelsea right back goes to show his class.
Centre Back: Fabio Cannavaro
Solid in all the games he played, and comes in with the saving tackle in so many occassions. He is undoubtedly the best centre-back in the competition.
Centre Back: Carlos Puyol
I know it may seem a bit biased picking all the big names, but these are the big names that performed this world cup. Puyol was solid as ever and even had a hand in creating goals.
Defensive Mid-field: Torsten Fringes
He proved to be one of the best in his position. A cracker to add gloss to his tournament was well-deserved.
Left Midfield: Juan Pablo Sorin
Although sort of a left-wing-back, Sorin has played well above the strictly left midfielders in the competition I feel. His playmaking skills were great and I really applaud his effort.
Righ Midfield: Arjen Robben
Robben did have a good world cup although Holland were knocked out early. I considered him to be playing on the right though he switches continuously with Robin Van Persie on either wing.
Central Midfield: Stephen Appiah
It might seem the strangest choice of all the XI, but I felt he was the centre of everything Ghanian. He held his own very well when his partner in crime Essien was suspended. Well done to Appiah!
Central Attacking Midfield: Zinedin Zidane
What headbutt?
Striker: Miroslav Klose
I don't know if anyone would disagree with me, but not only was he top scorer, he also showed good work-rate and creativity. Undoubtedly my man to put up front!
Well, the World cup has been concluded.. stay tuned, we talk summer transfers next!
By now the World should know that Italy beat France to the World Cup. I'm not at all excited by it. Germany finished 3rd which was a good result for the team I supported. I was hoping Klismann stays on, but looks like he isn't going to.
This World Cup was a poor one wasn't it? I'll just conclude the entire World Cup series with Chau's talking soccer World Cup XI. This is based on their performances in the world cup, so I dont think you would see the best player in the world Ronaldinho in here.
Keeper: Gigi Buffon
I don't know if he really was the best keeper or if his defence was just awesome, either way, he was only beaten by an own goal and a Zidane penalty.
Left Back: Philip Lahm
Opening the world cup with a goal proved to be icing on the cake for this left-back's excellent performances. He would really be one to watch for the future.
Right Back: Miguel
I was impress with this right backs strong attacking-minded play. He was unfortunate to get injured and had to end his exciting world cup prematurely. The fact that he replaces the first-choice Chelsea right back goes to show his class.
Centre Back: Fabio Cannavaro
Solid in all the games he played, and comes in with the saving tackle in so many occassions. He is undoubtedly the best centre-back in the competition.
Centre Back: Carlos Puyol
I know it may seem a bit biased picking all the big names, but these are the big names that performed this world cup. Puyol was solid as ever and even had a hand in creating goals.
Defensive Mid-field: Torsten Fringes
He proved to be one of the best in his position. A cracker to add gloss to his tournament was well-deserved.
Left Midfield: Juan Pablo Sorin
Although sort of a left-wing-back, Sorin has played well above the strictly left midfielders in the competition I feel. His playmaking skills were great and I really applaud his effort.
Righ Midfield: Arjen Robben
Robben did have a good world cup although Holland were knocked out early. I considered him to be playing on the right though he switches continuously with Robin Van Persie on either wing.
Central Midfield: Stephen Appiah
It might seem the strangest choice of all the XI, but I felt he was the centre of everything Ghanian. He held his own very well when his partner in crime Essien was suspended. Well done to Appiah!
Central Attacking Midfield: Zinedin Zidane
What headbutt?
Striker: Miroslav Klose
I don't know if anyone would disagree with me, but not only was he top scorer, he also showed good work-rate and creativity. Undoubtedly my man to put up front!
Well, the World cup has been concluded.. stay tuned, we talk summer transfers next!
6.7.06
The Finals
The finals have been decided. It is Italy vs France.
I'll rather France win, but I'm not really supporting any of them. I wouldn't be able to stand the sight of the diver's of Italy winning the trophy; wait, didn't Henry dive to get France into the final too? They should knock all diver's out of the game. Italy deserve to go home after Mr Grosso dived to win against Australia, and Henry dived to win against Portugal. But then again, Portugal ain't exactly innocent about diving too.
I think I'll put my money on the underdog, whoever it is, probably France.
I'll be gunning for Germany in the 3rd-4th playoff though. And hope they send those diver's home once and for all. I'll update again once the odds are out!
I'll rather France win, but I'm not really supporting any of them. I wouldn't be able to stand the sight of the diver's of Italy winning the trophy; wait, didn't Henry dive to get France into the final too? They should knock all diver's out of the game. Italy deserve to go home after Mr Grosso dived to win against Australia, and Henry dived to win against Portugal. But then again, Portugal ain't exactly innocent about diving too.
I think I'll put my money on the underdog, whoever it is, probably France.
I'll be gunning for Germany in the 3rd-4th playoff though. And hope they send those diver's home once and for all. I'll update again once the odds are out!
5.7.06
90 Seconds
Shit... 90 seconds, that's all I have to say for now.
Italy left it late just like against Australia. I'll write up a full conclusion of the match later. I'm off to bed.
And dream what might have become of my Aus$160 bet..
Italy left it late just like against Australia. I'll write up a full conclusion of the match later. I'm off to bed.
And dream what might have become of my Aus$160 bet..
4.7.06
The Odds
The odds for the World Cup semi-final are out and analysized here at Talking Soccer.
* current odds
* <opening odds>
The first semi-final match between Germany and Italy has the Germans to be the overwhelming favourites. Odds for a Italian victory has dropped since the opening odds, but it is still a cool 3.15 for an Italian victory (dropped from 3.68). It could be because many are backing Italy or it could also be due to the loss of Torsten Fringes for Germany. But that shouldn't be much of a problem since Germany do have cover in midfield with the likes of Tim Borowski and Sebastian Kehl.
I hope for my money's sake Germany makes it all the way to lifting the cup. So I would be on them on this match as well. The odds for them going up only help. Maybe you can try a German 2-1 victory (7.50)or 3 goals scored (3.90)
The France start as overwhelming favourite to win this game. I think they would make it to the finals too, but I'm not sure if they can do it in 90minutes. 3.05 for a draw is looking to be a good bet. You can also bet on 0 goals (5.00).
That's all for my tips, I hope you are making your WC fortunes!
#odds by Singapore Pools at ~6pm (AEST; GMT +10.00)
| Germany | 2.25 | <1.95> |
| Draw | 2.80 | <3.10> |
| Italy | 3.15 | <3.68> |
* current odds
* <opening odds>
The first semi-final match between Germany and Italy has the Germans to be the overwhelming favourites. Odds for a Italian victory has dropped since the opening odds, but it is still a cool 3.15 for an Italian victory (dropped from 3.68). It could be because many are backing Italy or it could also be due to the loss of Torsten Fringes for Germany. But that shouldn't be much of a problem since Germany do have cover in midfield with the likes of Tim Borowski and Sebastian Kehl.
I hope for my money's sake Germany makes it all the way to lifting the cup. So I would be on them on this match as well. The odds for them going up only help. Maybe you can try a German 2-1 victory (7.50)or 3 goals scored (3.90)
| Portugal | 3.60 | <4.30> |
| Draw | 3.05 | <3.15> |
| France | 1.95 | <1.77> |
The France start as overwhelming favourite to win this game. I think they would make it to the finals too, but I'm not sure if they can do it in 90minutes. 3.05 for a draw is looking to be a good bet. You can also bet on 0 goals (5.00).
That's all for my tips, I hope you are making your WC fortunes!
#odds by Singapore Pools at ~6pm (AEST; GMT +10.00)
2.7.06
First Shock
There has finally been a shocker in the World Cup. World Champions Brazil are out of the tournament! Well, it's not as big a shock had say Ukraine beaten Brazil, but France had been out of sorts in this tournament till this game.
In truth, they were never in the match against France. They looked strangely out of sorts, and perhaps overconfident. But take nothing away from the French. They defended resiliently, and tucked away the chance that counted. Zizou had answered his critics with a storming performance today. He totally commanded the mid-field in which Brazil looked second best.
I swear if someone who didn't know any of the Brazillian or French players but knew the reputation of the countries in terms of footballing terms, he would have thought the France team was the Brazillian team. That is a testimony to how good the Frence were playing. The only downside is that I still think Frank Ribery is over-rated. Besides not being the best looking bloke around, I think he does not have enough craft to be a good player. People who don't know soccer think that a player who can dribble is a good player. It's true that he might be eye-catching and exciting, but in this player, he doesn't posses the craft to create much or skill to put in the final pass or decisions to pass at the right time. Often he dribbles into good positions and wastes the possession there. He also can't finish when Henry put him one-on-one with the 'keeper. I think he is over-rated, exciting as he might be.
Anyway, back to the good points about the French performance. I'm happy that Brazil got knocked out only because I have my money on Germany. But I don't know if I should be happier or feeling more worried - that Germany now don't have to face Brazil, or that Germany might need to face a resurgent French side. If France continue to play the way they did, Portugal shouldn't be a problem for them. I think they would make it to the final, and I hope they meet Germany there.
There might be a conspiracy theory about having only European teams in the last 4, but they have always been the biggest footballing continent in recent times haven't they? Well done to Europe, especially France and Germany!
In truth, they were never in the match against France. They looked strangely out of sorts, and perhaps overconfident. But take nothing away from the French. They defended resiliently, and tucked away the chance that counted. Zizou had answered his critics with a storming performance today. He totally commanded the mid-field in which Brazil looked second best.
I swear if someone who didn't know any of the Brazillian or French players but knew the reputation of the countries in terms of footballing terms, he would have thought the France team was the Brazillian team. That is a testimony to how good the Frence were playing. The only downside is that I still think Frank Ribery is over-rated. Besides not being the best looking bloke around, I think he does not have enough craft to be a good player. People who don't know soccer think that a player who can dribble is a good player. It's true that he might be eye-catching and exciting, but in this player, he doesn't posses the craft to create much or skill to put in the final pass or decisions to pass at the right time. Often he dribbles into good positions and wastes the possession there. He also can't finish when Henry put him one-on-one with the 'keeper. I think he is over-rated, exciting as he might be.
Anyway, back to the good points about the French performance. I'm happy that Brazil got knocked out only because I have my money on Germany. But I don't know if I should be happier or feeling more worried - that Germany now don't have to face Brazil, or that Germany might need to face a resurgent French side. If France continue to play the way they did, Portugal shouldn't be a problem for them. I think they would make it to the final, and I hope they meet Germany there.
There might be a conspiracy theory about having only European teams in the last 4, but they have always been the biggest footballing continent in recent times haven't they? Well done to Europe, especially France and Germany!
England Strike Three, You're Out!
I swear if England won the match, I would start thinking of the World Cup as being rigged. They did not deserve to win. And thankfully they did not. But having said that, Portugal played poorly too, and did not deserve to win as well.
Why I say it could have been rigged? Well, someone please explain to me why Big Phil took off his only striker when England were reduced to 10 men? And Cristiano Ronaldo, being his best player on the pitch, going into an ineffective role as centre-forward where he hardly touched the ball. And why, after England had a man down, did Portugal not go for the initiative for the entire half hour of regulation time, and the entire extra-time. I don't remember a decent shot on target by the Portugese! Robinson turned away a Figo cross-shot, but the latter obviously meant it as a pass. The other shots were by Maniche from way outside the area. And Maniche was crap, it's a good thing for Chelsea he didn't sign permenantly, he was a shadow of what I saw of him 3 years ago in the European championships.
Actually to start off, I don't know why Wayne Rooney got sent off. Was it the accidental stamp on Carvalho? Or was it the little nudge on club team-mate Cris Ron? But looked less than a yellow card, but he got a straight red. It really left me bemused. Well, he wasn't playing that well anyway, if you ask me, England might have scored had Rooney not lost the ball in the good areas and even nicking his own team-mate Aaron Lennon when the latter was on for the shot. Rooney scuffed his shot in the end.
Eriksson made a mistake too, when he took Joe Cole off for Peter Crouch after Rooney got sent off. Crouch did play much better than Rooney, at least he saw much more of the ball. But Joe Cole was playing much better than Frank Lampard. And having an ineffective Lamps in the centre, and virtually rendering Gerrard useless in an unfamiliar left winger role, he was never going to win the game. For all of Crouch's and Lennon's toil up front, England were undone by Eriksson's poor decisions.
I also couldn't understand the British media for criticising Owen Hargreaves before the World Cup. Though on paper Michael Carrick looks a better option, given that Mourinho recommends him and so many top clubs are chasing him, but Hargreave was the best England player on the field today I felt. He even outplayed Gerrard - especially when the latter was made to play on the left wing. He was far better than Lampard with his forceful runs and work rate. He sank a few important tackles as well, and in my opinion was unlucky to be called for a few 'fouls'. Thumbs up to Hargreaves - especially after all the stick he has been getting.
Now, bad decisions from Eriksson lost the game for England, but take nothing away from Ricardo the Portugese goalkeeper. He is an excellent shot-stopper and when it came to penalties, he was always favourite to triumph. This time with his gloves on! He famously removed his gloves to stop penalties 2 years ago, and even scored the winning penalty himself. This time though he didn't need to score one himself, because he made three brilliant stops. Robinson looked a far cry from his Portugese counterpart, only with Petit and Hugo Viana missing the target altogether.
Two penalties missing the target? Now you would know, if had England won, why I would have said the match was rigged. Good thing they didn't. And it's about time Eriksson steps down so his mistakes can no longer harm the nation. And to think he said the better side lost.
Heh.
Why I say it could have been rigged? Well, someone please explain to me why Big Phil took off his only striker when England were reduced to 10 men? And Cristiano Ronaldo, being his best player on the pitch, going into an ineffective role as centre-forward where he hardly touched the ball. And why, after England had a man down, did Portugal not go for the initiative for the entire half hour of regulation time, and the entire extra-time. I don't remember a decent shot on target by the Portugese! Robinson turned away a Figo cross-shot, but the latter obviously meant it as a pass. The other shots were by Maniche from way outside the area. And Maniche was crap, it's a good thing for Chelsea he didn't sign permenantly, he was a shadow of what I saw of him 3 years ago in the European championships.
Actually to start off, I don't know why Wayne Rooney got sent off. Was it the accidental stamp on Carvalho? Or was it the little nudge on club team-mate Cris Ron? But looked less than a yellow card, but he got a straight red. It really left me bemused. Well, he wasn't playing that well anyway, if you ask me, England might have scored had Rooney not lost the ball in the good areas and even nicking his own team-mate Aaron Lennon when the latter was on for the shot. Rooney scuffed his shot in the end.
Eriksson made a mistake too, when he took Joe Cole off for Peter Crouch after Rooney got sent off. Crouch did play much better than Rooney, at least he saw much more of the ball. But Joe Cole was playing much better than Frank Lampard. And having an ineffective Lamps in the centre, and virtually rendering Gerrard useless in an unfamiliar left winger role, he was never going to win the game. For all of Crouch's and Lennon's toil up front, England were undone by Eriksson's poor decisions.
I also couldn't understand the British media for criticising Owen Hargreaves before the World Cup. Though on paper Michael Carrick looks a better option, given that Mourinho recommends him and so many top clubs are chasing him, but Hargreave was the best England player on the field today I felt. He even outplayed Gerrard - especially when the latter was made to play on the left wing. He was far better than Lampard with his forceful runs and work rate. He sank a few important tackles as well, and in my opinion was unlucky to be called for a few 'fouls'. Thumbs up to Hargreaves - especially after all the stick he has been getting.
Now, bad decisions from Eriksson lost the game for England, but take nothing away from Ricardo the Portugese goalkeeper. He is an excellent shot-stopper and when it came to penalties, he was always favourite to triumph. This time with his gloves on! He famously removed his gloves to stop penalties 2 years ago, and even scored the winning penalty himself. This time though he didn't need to score one himself, because he made three brilliant stops. Robinson looked a far cry from his Portugese counterpart, only with Petit and Hugo Viana missing the target altogether.
Two penalties missing the target? Now you would know, if had England won, why I would have said the match was rigged. Good thing they didn't. And it's about time Eriksson steps down so his mistakes can no longer harm the nation. And to think he said the better side lost.
Heh.
1.7.06
Germany!
We all knew the hosts' will get through wouldnt we? Even when they were trailing in the game till the 79th minute; even when Argentina bombarded their goal after the hosts had equalized. We all knew that didn't we? Now, I'm one step closer in winning my jackpot of Germany winning the cup.
The next task wouldn't be easy though. Italy just demolished Ukraine - a result I'm happy about. If you had been following the comments on this blog, I found Ukraine an ultra boring side, and though I don't like Italian style of football, I was hoping they would win big to get boring teams out of the tournament. It's the beautiful game! If you want to play defensive, go and be the defence team in American football!
On the other hand, Germany and Argentina played out a good draw. I don't know why some reports said it was dull, I found it quite entertaining. Maybe it was because there wasn't much goal-mouth action. But the middle of the park, there was an intensity to behold - evident from the players clashing after the game. It was fast-paced like an English Premier League game I'm used to watching, the passing was crisp and quick around the triangles for both teams, only maybe the dribbling and final pass let them down. But personally I found it thoroughly entertaining.
I though Germany would win it in extra time, having the reputation of being the fittest team in the competition and after Argentina played extra-time against Mexico compared to Germany cruising against Sweden after the first 20minutes. Well, at least I predicted the 1-1 final score correctly, and Germany to qualify.
Next up is England vs Portugal. I'm not an England fan at all, but I'm supporting England on this one. I don't think Portugal have lived up to their billing so far. I mean true they are winning games, but not convincingly by my standards. Besides, a England vs Brazil rematch would be nice to watch, assuming Brazil can beat a resilient France team.
My picks are:
England to win in 90minutes.. possibly 2-1
and Brazil to win in extra-time... something like 1-1 then 3-1.
The next task wouldn't be easy though. Italy just demolished Ukraine - a result I'm happy about. If you had been following the comments on this blog, I found Ukraine an ultra boring side, and though I don't like Italian style of football, I was hoping they would win big to get boring teams out of the tournament. It's the beautiful game! If you want to play defensive, go and be the defence team in American football!
On the other hand, Germany and Argentina played out a good draw. I don't know why some reports said it was dull, I found it quite entertaining. Maybe it was because there wasn't much goal-mouth action. But the middle of the park, there was an intensity to behold - evident from the players clashing after the game. It was fast-paced like an English Premier League game I'm used to watching, the passing was crisp and quick around the triangles for both teams, only maybe the dribbling and final pass let them down. But personally I found it thoroughly entertaining.
I though Germany would win it in extra time, having the reputation of being the fittest team in the competition and after Argentina played extra-time against Mexico compared to Germany cruising against Sweden after the first 20minutes. Well, at least I predicted the 1-1 final score correctly, and Germany to qualify.
Next up is England vs Portugal. I'm not an England fan at all, but I'm supporting England on this one. I don't think Portugal have lived up to their billing so far. I mean true they are winning games, but not convincingly by my standards. Besides, a England vs Brazil rematch would be nice to watch, assuming Brazil can beat a resilient France team.
My picks are:
England to win in 90minutes.. possibly 2-1
and Brazil to win in extra-time... something like 1-1 then 3-1.
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