European Transfer Questions
Posted on June 30, 2008 - Filed Under Barcelona, Chelsea, Europe, La Liga, Man Utd., Premier League, Real Madrid | Leave a Comment
On the eve of the transfer period, European clubs begin to maneuver for their primary and secondary targets. Here are several questions to consider:
1. Will Cristiano Ronaldo stay or will he go? All signs point to the Manchester United star moving to Real Madrid. Will the Spanish outfit be able to come up with enough cash to secure the services of the world’s greatest player?
2. Will A.C. Milan, Manchester City, or another club land Barcelona’s Ronaldinho? Argentine superstar and fellow teammate Lionel Messi wants the Brazilian to remain with the Catalan outfit, but it looks like Ronaldinho is moving on.
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Euro 2012: A Look Forward
Posted on June 30, 2008 - Filed Under Europe | Leave a Comment
Spain gets to enjoy four years as European champions, but in two years time, qualification across Europe will commence for Euro 2012. A look at three teams from Euro 2008 plus three outsiders follows.
1. Spain – The champs are an obvious choice. Torres, Villa, Fàbregas, and Silva will be major components of the attack. Ramos, Marchena, Navarro, Albiol, and perhaps even Puyol will remain in defense. Captain Iker Casillas will be in the prime of his goalkeeping career and having an elite backup in Liverpool’s Reina is a major plus.
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Euro 2008: Top Five Forwards
Posted on June 30, 2008 - Filed Under Europe | Leave a Comment
1. Andrei Arshavin (Russia) – No player improved their financial outlook more than the Russian playmaker. He sat out the first two games of the tournament due to suspension; upon his return, he regained his elite form and scored in the final group game. In the quarterfinal against the Netherlands, Arshavin solidified his world-class status. He wants to move to Barcelona. Will the Catalan club make a bid?
2. David Villa (Spain) – The forward announced Spain’s intentions with a hat-trick against eventual semi-finalist Russia and he secured a victory with his stoppage-time score against Sweden. The 26-year-old’s fourth and final goal was good enough to capture the Golden Boot honor. Only one question remains for the European champion: where will he be playing during the 2008-2009 club campaign?
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Euro 2008: Top Five Midfielders
Posted on June 30, 2008 - Filed Under Europe | Leave a Comment
1. Xavi (Spain) – The 28-year-old was named the Player of the Tournament at Euro 2008. His timely goals, precise passes, and possession on the ball from his midfield role propelled Spain onward. He is now in the prime of his career; his brilliance will continue to be cultivated for both club and country.
2. Michael Ballack (Germany) – Always the bridesmaid including in this list, Ballack poured everything he possibly had into this tournament. He ended Euro 2008 with two goals; both came at crucial times. He scored in the win versus Austria as well as the upset of Portugal in the first phase of the knockout round. He should compete at the 2010 World Cup.
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Euro 2008: Top Five Goals
Posted on June 29, 2008 - Filed Under Europe | Leave a Comment
1. Fernando Torres (1-0 vs. Germany) – The championship winner showcased Torres’ physical and technical abilities cementing his hero status in Spain. He outraced two defenders and went to Philipp Lahm’s right taking the defender completely by surprise. His world-class finish was all that Spain would need to capture the Euro 2008 title.
2. Zlatan Ibrahimović (2-0 vs. Greece) – The Greeks hoped to repeat 2004 by employing their defensive methods. The game looked like it would end 0-0 until the Inter forward blasted home his first goal in several months time to the relief of the Swedish faithful.
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Euro 2008: Top Five Defenders
Posted on June 29, 2008 - Filed Under Europe | Leave a Comment
1. Carles Puyol (Spain) – The strongest bit of evidence regarding Puyol’s case as the number one defender at Euro 2008 is the fact that Spain was not scored upon in the knockout rounds. The classy centre back organized what was perceived as the team’s weakest point throughout the entire tournament.
2. Yuri Zhirkov (Russia) – Playing as a left back for the national team, Zhirkov made several dazzling runs that facilitated the Russian attack. He also proved capable in defense with his marking and tackling ability. The 24-year-old will be attracting attention form the biggest clubs in Europe soon enough.
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Major League Soccer Weekend Review
Posted on June 29, 2008 - Filed Under Chicago Fire, Chivas, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, DC United, FC Dallas, Houston, Kansas City Wizards, LA Galaxy, MLS, NY Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake, Revolution, San Jose, Toronto FC | Leave a Comment
By winning against Toronto, the New England Revolutuon assured thta they will have the best record in the east at the half way point of the season and that Revolutuoiin coach Steve Nicol will coach the MLS All-Stars against West Ham United FC of the English Premier League on July 24
Dynamo, FC Dallas tie 1-1
Kenny Cooper scored in the 62nd minute to help FC Dallas tie the Houston Dynamo 1-1 on Thursday night. It was the third time this season FC Dallas and Houston have played to a tie. Brian Ching’s sixth goal in seven games gave Houston (4-4-7, 19 points) the lead before Cooper tied it up.
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Spain vs. Germany Preview
Posted on June 28, 2008 - Filed Under Europe | 3 Comments
It is the second biggest game on the soccer calendar behind the World Cup Final and tomorrow’s Euro 2008 final between Spain and Germany has the potential to be a great final. Some of the match-ups that we will be paying close attention to tomorrow are:
Goal Keeper: Advantage Spain
Spain’s Goalkeeper Iker Casillas has solidified his reputation as one of the worlds top goalkeepers (at least according to some blog) while Germany’s keeper Jens Lehmann, has looked shaky in almost every game.
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5 Biggest Flops of Euro 2008
Posted on June 28, 2008 - Filed Under Europe | 3 Comments
It is at these big international tournaments that stars are made, and also where some starts fail to shine under the harsh lights. This years Euro 2008 has been no exception with these stars failing to live up to their press clippings.
No 5: Karim Benzema
The France striker has been a long-term target of Manchester United and went into the tournament with a growing reputation as his country’s wonderkid. Fans were told he was the hottest property outside Italy, Spain and England. But Benzema failed to impress during his two dismal displays for the hopeless French.
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Cooper: Leaving Voicemails Again
Posted on June 27, 2008 - Filed Under MLS | Leave a Comment
After last evening’s point-saving goal, FC Dallas forward and US international Kenny Cooper walked out to his car and remembered his last order of business for the evening. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his phone and dialed the digits of the one man who Cooper seems unable to impress.
“Hi, you have reached the voicemail of Bob Bradley. Currently, I am out looking for attacking options. Please leave your name and number at the beep and I will kindly return your call.”
Cooper pauses and then speaks in a confident manner.
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