Fergie's formation revealed his respect for McLeish's men at St. Andrews. Nobody scores much on this ground either the home or the away side, with only Everton having won here.
United's 4-3-3 that plays like a 4-5-1 without possession had no real width much of the match, with Rooney on the left and Giggs on the right and both players tending to curl inside versus drawing players wide.
The very workman-like United performance received the goal it deserved from a deft flick by Berbatov and return pass from Gibson, with the Bulgarian's first touch leading to a laser-strike from just inside the box that beat Ben Foster's near post.
Sublime pass, run, touch and shot from United's Number Nine.
Everything continued as planned, with another Berba strike clipping the outside of the far post only minutes after his first goal. Momentum swung heavily United's way.
And then, you just had the faintest twinge of that sickening feeling. Up 1-0 on the road, I'm sure it crossed many a United supporter's minds – surely, nothing bad will happen...
Well, it did.
First and foremost, I'm furious with the referee and the linesman for missing the blatant founl and hand-ball-pass that led to Bowyer's smash-and-grab equalizer.
As Sir Alex said in his post-match commentary:
“It was handball, there was a foul on the centre half...he went right through the back of him. If the ref can't see that, what chance have you got?
That's where we expect them to get a referee who sees that. If you can't see that, what chance have you got? We deserved to win the game, we were the better team."
Yet, upon a closer look, sorry SAF, you could see something like this possibly happening from things within United's control.
Clue number one: Giggs holding up the ball at the corner flag during an 84th minute counter. Way too much time left in the match for this tactic in my book. I get that he became trapped in the corner, but where's that trademark Giggsy flick of the defender for a corner instead? There were at least five minutes left to play, plus injury time.
Clue number two: Birmingham had subbed on Hleb, Phillips, and Zigic, so United put everybody behind the ball without maintaining an edge going forward. The Red Devils allowed the Blues too much respect and played too compact for my liking with ten plus minutes left to play. You need to keep some presence available moving forward to retain possession, which United didn't do.
When's the last time United finished off an opponent away from home while they gambled going forward?!
Clue number three: Hleb sends Carr a beautiful through-ball who proceeds to hit a very poor cross. But guess who was sitting wide open on the far post? Mr. Poacher himself, Kevin Phillips. How did he find two yards of open space near injury time?!
Make no mistake. United dominated possession and a horrible refereeing mistake led to an unlucky seventh draw away from home. But, defending with ten men behind the ball with ten minutes left also played a role in this outcome.
And, I just knew, knew somehow I tempted fate with the football Gods with the last blog post, Fear Factor, describing how formidable United look entering the new year. It's like sports broadcasters referencing a streak, only to watch it fall moments later.
Well, most teams on top of the Premier League at Christmas don't win the league in the end.
So, we've got that goin' for us, which is nice.
---------------------
Back at you after the West Brom match.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Fear Factor
Would United look refreshed or would the Reds succumb to a banana-skin match?
It's an unlikely slip-up would be the initial thought, with the United defense looking water-tight and Sunderland missing Bramble, Cattermole, Turner, and Welbeck, to name a few.
But, some concerns are justified, given the long layoff for Fergie's men.
Early on, you could tell United were up for the match, as the Reds pressed forward.
In the fifth minute, Anderson sent Giggs through on a Route One counter, with the Welshman looking decades younger while charging forward. A subsequent pass to Rooney on the right, who hit a beautiful far-post cross for a Berbatov back door header: one-nil to the good.
Easy enough. Might be gifts aplenty this afternoon.
Not long after the goal, though, there were two shots off the woodwork – one post, one crossbar – and one-sided possession through much of the first half. The outcome already appeared certain, as United maintained complete control.
But, as half-time arrived, the scoreline remained one-nil, with Steve Bruce the happier of the two managers, relieved to have not conceded any more goals. Wasteful, and at times, unlucky finishing for the Reds.
And, as the second half began, Sunderland looked more organized and poised enough to move forward, causing some unease to begin to descend upon Old Trafford. All that was required was one slip-up for a smash-and-grab job for Sunderland.
Predictably, United regained whatever modicum of control lost over the match, but still no goals were found. Would it be “just one of those days” after all?!
Not today.
In the 57th minute, Berbatov's second came from the most innocuous of attempts stationed on the right-side, at the top of the box. Wayne Rooney's overlapping run around the outside brought Anton Ferdinand tighter to Berba's mark, Phil Bardsley, just as the Bulgarian tried bending the ball with the outside of his right boot toward the far-post, but instead the shot ricocheted off Ferdinand's hip past the wrong-footed Craig Gordon to the near post.
Finally, a break. It's game, set and match United.
The rest of the afternoon allowed both sides to rest key players ahead of midweek fixtures, with any atmosphere quickly escaping Old Trafford, as occasional songs from either the Stretford End or the away end punctuated silent spells where you could clearly hear players yelling instructions to each other on the pitch.
This allowed other questions to emerge in Red Devil minds, such as “Would Berba net another hat-trick?” or “Would Wazza break his duck from open play?” Such was the comfort level.
Neither would come today, as more references to Rooney's nine month goal scoring drought continues in the football media. Tedious commentary, as far as I'm concerned.
This goalless spell includes multiple injuries and two months off after the World Cup. Guess how many EPL games Rooney's played this campaign after today? Six of seventeen, I believe. That's hardly worth a cumulative time tally in my book.
Yes, Wazza is pressing at the moment, as he positions himself predictably, at times, to play the ball to his favored right foot, has an overly-anxious first touch, or shoots straight at the keeper. Today, Wayne was quite unlucky not to see his superb chip drift just away from the far post early in the first half. His time will come, inevitably.
You got the feeling that if the Number Ten broke his duck, the flood gates would surely open up, as it would be a huge relief to the team as well as the individual player.
But, who needs Wazza's goals, when Berba's scored 13 before the New Year?
Actually, the answer's right there in front of us, if we simply look back in time.
Rooney's goals come in bunches and suggest a long-term trend in form, thereby one seems to inspire better play from the rest of the lads.
On the other hand, Berbatov's goals can also arrive in bunches, but they can also disappear as quickly as they come. There's a fleeting quality here, one which doesn't seem as contagious to those around the Number Nine. At least up until now.
Now picture this: both Berbatov and Rooney in-form simultaneously, with one goal from either talisman inspiring not only confidence in each other but the rest of the team as well. A daunting proposition for opponents, especially at Old Trafford. You concede and you're done, goes the psychological pressure.
I know the rest of the league has improved markedly.
I know United still can show very uneven finishing form.
I know any run by the Red Devils relies heavily on the health of the Rio-Vidic-van der Sar partnership at the back.
But, when I see United on top of the league, with games in-hand, and Rooney's form and partnership with Berbatov improving markedly, opposition fear akin to a 90's edition of United isn't entirely beyond reach here, as we've never witnessed both Rooney and Berbatov red-hot simultaneously, which appears more likely by the match.
Seventeen unbeaten, without hitting top gear, without Rio and Wazza for large stretches, astonishes most football observers.
United's rested and well-poised for a trademark, second-half run at the title, one that re-ignites old fear in the opposition.
Let's raise our glass to that glorious fear factor. May our opponents feel their beaten the moment they go down one-nil. Cheers.
-------
Back at you after the Birmingham match.
It's an unlikely slip-up would be the initial thought, with the United defense looking water-tight and Sunderland missing Bramble, Cattermole, Turner, and Welbeck, to name a few.
But, some concerns are justified, given the long layoff for Fergie's men.
Early on, you could tell United were up for the match, as the Reds pressed forward.
In the fifth minute, Anderson sent Giggs through on a Route One counter, with the Welshman looking decades younger while charging forward. A subsequent pass to Rooney on the right, who hit a beautiful far-post cross for a Berbatov back door header: one-nil to the good.
Easy enough. Might be gifts aplenty this afternoon.
Not long after the goal, though, there were two shots off the woodwork – one post, one crossbar – and one-sided possession through much of the first half. The outcome already appeared certain, as United maintained complete control.
But, as half-time arrived, the scoreline remained one-nil, with Steve Bruce the happier of the two managers, relieved to have not conceded any more goals. Wasteful, and at times, unlucky finishing for the Reds.
And, as the second half began, Sunderland looked more organized and poised enough to move forward, causing some unease to begin to descend upon Old Trafford. All that was required was one slip-up for a smash-and-grab job for Sunderland.
Predictably, United regained whatever modicum of control lost over the match, but still no goals were found. Would it be “just one of those days” after all?!
Not today.
In the 57th minute, Berbatov's second came from the most innocuous of attempts stationed on the right-side, at the top of the box. Wayne Rooney's overlapping run around the outside brought Anton Ferdinand tighter to Berba's mark, Phil Bardsley, just as the Bulgarian tried bending the ball with the outside of his right boot toward the far-post, but instead the shot ricocheted off Ferdinand's hip past the wrong-footed Craig Gordon to the near post.
Finally, a break. It's game, set and match United.
The rest of the afternoon allowed both sides to rest key players ahead of midweek fixtures, with any atmosphere quickly escaping Old Trafford, as occasional songs from either the Stretford End or the away end punctuated silent spells where you could clearly hear players yelling instructions to each other on the pitch.
This allowed other questions to emerge in Red Devil minds, such as “Would Berba net another hat-trick?” or “Would Wazza break his duck from open play?” Such was the comfort level.
Neither would come today, as more references to Rooney's nine month goal scoring drought continues in the football media. Tedious commentary, as far as I'm concerned.
This goalless spell includes multiple injuries and two months off after the World Cup. Guess how many EPL games Rooney's played this campaign after today? Six of seventeen, I believe. That's hardly worth a cumulative time tally in my book.
Yes, Wazza is pressing at the moment, as he positions himself predictably, at times, to play the ball to his favored right foot, has an overly-anxious first touch, or shoots straight at the keeper. Today, Wayne was quite unlucky not to see his superb chip drift just away from the far post early in the first half. His time will come, inevitably.
You got the feeling that if the Number Ten broke his duck, the flood gates would surely open up, as it would be a huge relief to the team as well as the individual player.
But, who needs Wazza's goals, when Berba's scored 13 before the New Year?
Actually, the answer's right there in front of us, if we simply look back in time.
Rooney's goals come in bunches and suggest a long-term trend in form, thereby one seems to inspire better play from the rest of the lads.
On the other hand, Berbatov's goals can also arrive in bunches, but they can also disappear as quickly as they come. There's a fleeting quality here, one which doesn't seem as contagious to those around the Number Nine. At least up until now.
Now picture this: both Berbatov and Rooney in-form simultaneously, with one goal from either talisman inspiring not only confidence in each other but the rest of the team as well. A daunting proposition for opponents, especially at Old Trafford. You concede and you're done, goes the psychological pressure.
I know the rest of the league has improved markedly.
I know United still can show very uneven finishing form.
I know any run by the Red Devils relies heavily on the health of the Rio-Vidic-van der Sar partnership at the back.
But, when I see United on top of the league, with games in-hand, and Rooney's form and partnership with Berbatov improving markedly, opposition fear akin to a 90's edition of United isn't entirely beyond reach here, as we've never witnessed both Rooney and Berbatov red-hot simultaneously, which appears more likely by the match.
Seventeen unbeaten, without hitting top gear, without Rio and Wazza for large stretches, astonishes most football observers.
United's rested and well-poised for a trademark, second-half run at the title, one that re-ignites old fear in the opposition.
Let's raise our glass to that glorious fear factor. May our opponents feel their beaten the moment they go down one-nil. Cheers.
-------
Back at you after the Birmingham match.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Tight as a Drum
Whenever Arsene Wenger visits Old Trafford, you feel as though you could put a piece of coal you-know-where and end up with a diamond by half time, such is the Frenchman's anxiety and angst.
Even Fergies pre-match comments about certain United supporters refraining from taunting The Professor with crude jibes did nothing to refrain the crowd or Wenger himself from his prickly reactions to losing yet again to United.
Let me see... today it was... it waaaass... the pitches fault... yeah, that's it.
It had absolutely nothing to do with Anderson buzzing around the midfield, looking like he owns everyone, including Fabregas.
It had absolutely nothing to do with an immaculately-positioned back-line, with Evra and Rafael bombing forward when the opportunity presented itself.
It had nothing to do with Park, Wazza, and Nani interchanging and linking play with runs from the midfield, with Nani terrorizing the Gunners yet again.
Give me a break, please.
As much as I personally dislike the pedophile references to Mr. Wenger, the Nutty Professor does nothing in-and-around Old Trafford but make a target of himself.
For all of Arsenal's technical wizardry and attempts to be Barcelona-of-the-North, they played more cautious football than West Brom did on this very same ground. That, my friend has nothing to do with the pitch.
Largely, the Gunners created very little today and were simply second best. The United back four owned this match, with vintage performances from Rio and Vidic – two shut-up-shop artisans at their very best.
And there you have it: Arsenal stretched tight, United sealed tight. One-nil to the good, when a more comfortable scoreline seemed justified for the Red Devils.
Now United move two-points clear at top of the table, with a game in-hand as well, before heading to Stamford Bridge to meet Chelsea on the weekend. Can't wait until Sunday.
-------
Back at you after the Chelsea match.
Even Fergies pre-match comments about certain United supporters refraining from taunting The Professor with crude jibes did nothing to refrain the crowd or Wenger himself from his prickly reactions to losing yet again to United.
Let me see... today it was... it waaaass... the pitches fault... yeah, that's it.
It had absolutely nothing to do with Anderson buzzing around the midfield, looking like he owns everyone, including Fabregas.
It had absolutely nothing to do with an immaculately-positioned back-line, with Evra and Rafael bombing forward when the opportunity presented itself.
It had nothing to do with Park, Wazza, and Nani interchanging and linking play with runs from the midfield, with Nani terrorizing the Gunners yet again.
Give me a break, please.
As much as I personally dislike the pedophile references to Mr. Wenger, the Nutty Professor does nothing in-and-around Old Trafford but make a target of himself.
For all of Arsenal's technical wizardry and attempts to be Barcelona-of-the-North, they played more cautious football than West Brom did on this very same ground. That, my friend has nothing to do with the pitch.
Largely, the Gunners created very little today and were simply second best. The United back four owned this match, with vintage performances from Rio and Vidic – two shut-up-shop artisans at their very best.
And there you have it: Arsenal stretched tight, United sealed tight. One-nil to the good, when a more comfortable scoreline seemed justified for the Red Devils.
Now United move two-points clear at top of the table, with a game in-hand as well, before heading to Stamford Bridge to meet Chelsea on the weekend. Can't wait until Sunday.
-------
Back at you after the Chelsea match.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Fair Play?
Without a Blackpool v United game today, I'm without the usual grist to write my weekly BeDeviled blog post. It's utterly unacceptable that Blackpool doesn't have under-soil heating, even if they're a “small” budget team. They should have used £300K of that £30M promotion money to work on the ground for christ’s sake. United could pay a price for this added fixture towards the end of the season, which is totally unfair. But, that's all there is to say here.
Well, now what?
With my free time, I wanted to add my thoughts to the discussion about the World Cup bids landing in Russia and Qatar in 2018 and 2022 respectively.
First, let me say I was gutted not to be attending the 2018 World Cup in England and 2022 in the US. And my immediate reaction to the selection was that the process was entirely corrupt – friggin' back-handed, corrupt and fois-gras-eating FIFA. I got texts from fellow American United supporters immediately expressing the same feelings: oil money won two World Cups.
However, once I calmed down, read some analysis from various sources, and watched people's reactions, my reason returned.
Now nobody knows exactly if there was total and rampant corruption. Could have been, but let's not assume that and look a bit closer at the reactions and possible views from the non-English-and-US camps.
Overall, the US delegation clearly expressed their disappointment and showed grace in congratulating the winners and expressing confidence in their ability to host the World Cup.
Conversely, you'll find nothing but pissing and moaning from the English, which infuriates me to no end, as someone that would love to attend a World Cup in England during my lifetime.
The English have done nothing BUT prove that they don't deserve the World Cup Finals anytime in the next quarter century. This comes from someone that people consider an Anglophile due to my penchant for British culture, largely developed by friendships with Brit Ex-pats, love of the EPL, and passion for United.
Plu-eeeze, dear Inger-landers, get a grip, for the love of God – I implore you. May the power of Christ compel you. May the power of Christ compel you.
First, you find everyone from Golden Balls to Andy Anson expressing that the English had “the best bid”, as Anson expressed to and was reported by the BBC:
"I still find it hard to understand what happened," he told a media conference in Zurich on Friday morning.
"When you have the best technical bid, fantastic inspection visits, the best economic report, and, from what people told us, the best presentation, it's quite hard to stomach that all that seemed to count for absolutely nothing.
"I'm not going to beat around the bush - individual members promised to vote for us and didn't clearly.
They are saying to us that our media killed us but I don't believe that for one minute, but that's what we are being told.”
"Russia did a lot of last-minute lobbying and votes appeared to switch at the last minute - we know some switched in the early hours of the morning."
First, how naïve can you be?!
This is politics, my friend. What people say and do are entirely different things. I absolutely know this and my job doesn't involve leading a country's bid for anything. These comments are bush league. And when Sepp Blatter praised the bid days before the announcement, you knew that was the kiss of death akin to a football team's board expressing every confidence in an under-fire manager.
Second, “best bid” by what criteria?
I've read the media accounts of leaked FIFA evaluations about the bids. I think England probably had the lowest-risk and greatest immediate-term financial gain. True enough. Safest, most reliably profitable bid. Well done.
But, that's not the ONLY criteria.
FIFA didn't buy the vision, which is sooo overlooked in most of the accounts I read from the UK. All I've read is anger, angst, and aggression.
As an American, I've been subject to countless conversations with English football fans for decades about being proud forebears of the beautiful game.
Fair enough. Something to be proud of without question. And, typically, the English, who don't know me, assume I know nothing of this fact because I'm an American. Wrong, you arrogant twit, I often think as I travel through Europe.
But it doesn't stop there. So, what's the English response to losing the bid?
Yep, we need FIFA reform.
You just can't make this up. You don't get your way, so let's revise the process. Grow up, England. You're acting like a pre-teen complaining to your parents that your younger siblings get preferential treatment. “It's not fair because...” hand-wringing isn't very becoming, m’boy.
Thus, as someone that desperately wants England to land a World Cup Finals, here are three entirely viable answers to the big question “Why not England?!”
First, the Olympics are coming to London in 2012. I know this isn't football, but in a grander sense of fairness, the English bid had this fact going against it.
Second, if you openly distain FIFA, don't be surprised if there's a backlash. Looking down your nose at the rest of the world's football cost you, mate. Or, in football-song-speak, “You're going down, you're going down, you're going down” cried football's governing body in unison.
And most important, the absolute arrogance and entitlement mentality was only accentuated by having Prince William and David Beckham lead the bid process under the auspices of “Bring HOME the World Cup 2018.”
Yes, you have the fans and facilities. Yes, it would make money. Yes, you're the “home” of the beautiful game.
But, would it grow the game's popularity?
How many Western European countries have already hosted the World Cup Finals?
The answers here are obvious, even to an English bid supporter.
Central to Russia's bid was clearly showing FIFA that history would be made by hosting the World Cup for the first time in an Eastern European country, one where the game’s popularity has room for growth – no matter how infuriating it is to see Roman Arkadyevich Abramovic celebrate winning the bid – grrrr, Chelski – you can at least gather the possibility that this bid could have been awarded without corruption. This is a contrasting vision to be fair.
Finally, as an American, I firmly believe we, arguably, have much more to complain about than the English.
Qatar?! Are you kidding me? When I first heard the news, I lost it.
Again, with some perspective, I can see the appeal of the Qatar bid's vision.
It's the first World Cup Finals in a Middle Eastern country. It'll be the most compact World Cup Finals in history, thereby allowing the world's cultures to mix at the finals as never before. It's eleven years away, thereby providing enough time to build the necessary infrastructure and stadiums. And, it promised charity – dismantling stadiums and rebuilding them in developing countries.
Based on these merits and the understanding they have the cash to deliver the goods, I can see the appeal. Yes, there's risk here, and the Qatar bid provided daring answers. Full credit to them. Again, FIFA wanted to roll the die and make history here.
Game, set, match: Qatar.
Thankfully, as an American, our bid team showed honest disappointment and enough class to congratulate the winner as well as express confidence in Qatar's ability to pull off their vision.
No calls for FIFA reform. No excessive angst. Who do you think will get a World Cup Finals next: US or England?!
England's childish behavior will be remembered for a long time by delegates. Football isn't coming home anytime soon, much to my chagrin.
---
Back at you possibly after the Arsenal clash. Cheers.
Well, now what?
With my free time, I wanted to add my thoughts to the discussion about the World Cup bids landing in Russia and Qatar in 2018 and 2022 respectively.
First, let me say I was gutted not to be attending the 2018 World Cup in England and 2022 in the US. And my immediate reaction to the selection was that the process was entirely corrupt – friggin' back-handed, corrupt and fois-gras-eating FIFA. I got texts from fellow American United supporters immediately expressing the same feelings: oil money won two World Cups.
However, once I calmed down, read some analysis from various sources, and watched people's reactions, my reason returned.
Now nobody knows exactly if there was total and rampant corruption. Could have been, but let's not assume that and look a bit closer at the reactions and possible views from the non-English-and-US camps.
Overall, the US delegation clearly expressed their disappointment and showed grace in congratulating the winners and expressing confidence in their ability to host the World Cup.
Conversely, you'll find nothing but pissing and moaning from the English, which infuriates me to no end, as someone that would love to attend a World Cup in England during my lifetime.
The English have done nothing BUT prove that they don't deserve the World Cup Finals anytime in the next quarter century. This comes from someone that people consider an Anglophile due to my penchant for British culture, largely developed by friendships with Brit Ex-pats, love of the EPL, and passion for United.
Plu-eeeze, dear Inger-landers, get a grip, for the love of God – I implore you. May the power of Christ compel you. May the power of Christ compel you.
First, you find everyone from Golden Balls to Andy Anson expressing that the English had “the best bid”, as Anson expressed to and was reported by the BBC:
"I still find it hard to understand what happened," he told a media conference in Zurich on Friday morning.
"When you have the best technical bid, fantastic inspection visits, the best economic report, and, from what people told us, the best presentation, it's quite hard to stomach that all that seemed to count for absolutely nothing.
"I'm not going to beat around the bush - individual members promised to vote for us and didn't clearly.
They are saying to us that our media killed us but I don't believe that for one minute, but that's what we are being told.”
"Russia did a lot of last-minute lobbying and votes appeared to switch at the last minute - we know some switched in the early hours of the morning."
First, how naïve can you be?!
This is politics, my friend. What people say and do are entirely different things. I absolutely know this and my job doesn't involve leading a country's bid for anything. These comments are bush league. And when Sepp Blatter praised the bid days before the announcement, you knew that was the kiss of death akin to a football team's board expressing every confidence in an under-fire manager.
Second, “best bid” by what criteria?
I've read the media accounts of leaked FIFA evaluations about the bids. I think England probably had the lowest-risk and greatest immediate-term financial gain. True enough. Safest, most reliably profitable bid. Well done.
But, that's not the ONLY criteria.
FIFA didn't buy the vision, which is sooo overlooked in most of the accounts I read from the UK. All I've read is anger, angst, and aggression.
As an American, I've been subject to countless conversations with English football fans for decades about being proud forebears of the beautiful game.
Fair enough. Something to be proud of without question. And, typically, the English, who don't know me, assume I know nothing of this fact because I'm an American. Wrong, you arrogant twit, I often think as I travel through Europe.
But it doesn't stop there. So, what's the English response to losing the bid?
Yep, we need FIFA reform.
You just can't make this up. You don't get your way, so let's revise the process. Grow up, England. You're acting like a pre-teen complaining to your parents that your younger siblings get preferential treatment. “It's not fair because...” hand-wringing isn't very becoming, m’boy.
Thus, as someone that desperately wants England to land a World Cup Finals, here are three entirely viable answers to the big question “Why not England?!”
First, the Olympics are coming to London in 2012. I know this isn't football, but in a grander sense of fairness, the English bid had this fact going against it.
Second, if you openly distain FIFA, don't be surprised if there's a backlash. Looking down your nose at the rest of the world's football cost you, mate. Or, in football-song-speak, “You're going down, you're going down, you're going down” cried football's governing body in unison.
And most important, the absolute arrogance and entitlement mentality was only accentuated by having Prince William and David Beckham lead the bid process under the auspices of “Bring HOME the World Cup 2018.”
Yes, you have the fans and facilities. Yes, it would make money. Yes, you're the “home” of the beautiful game.
But, would it grow the game's popularity?
How many Western European countries have already hosted the World Cup Finals?
The answers here are obvious, even to an English bid supporter.
Central to Russia's bid was clearly showing FIFA that history would be made by hosting the World Cup for the first time in an Eastern European country, one where the game’s popularity has room for growth – no matter how infuriating it is to see Roman Arkadyevich Abramovic celebrate winning the bid – grrrr, Chelski – you can at least gather the possibility that this bid could have been awarded without corruption. This is a contrasting vision to be fair.
Finally, as an American, I firmly believe we, arguably, have much more to complain about than the English.
Qatar?! Are you kidding me? When I first heard the news, I lost it.
Again, with some perspective, I can see the appeal of the Qatar bid's vision.
It's the first World Cup Finals in a Middle Eastern country. It'll be the most compact World Cup Finals in history, thereby allowing the world's cultures to mix at the finals as never before. It's eleven years away, thereby providing enough time to build the necessary infrastructure and stadiums. And, it promised charity – dismantling stadiums and rebuilding them in developing countries.
Based on these merits and the understanding they have the cash to deliver the goods, I can see the appeal. Yes, there's risk here, and the Qatar bid provided daring answers. Full credit to them. Again, FIFA wanted to roll the die and make history here.
Game, set, match: Qatar.
Thankfully, as an American, our bid team showed honest disappointment and enough class to congratulate the winner as well as express confidence in Qatar's ability to pull off their vision.
No calls for FIFA reform. No excessive angst. Who do you think will get a World Cup Finals next: US or England?!
England's childish behavior will be remembered for a long time by delegates. Football isn't coming home anytime soon, much to my chagrin.
---
Back at you possibly after the Arsenal clash. Cheers.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Hammered
Sorry, I just couldn't resist with the title. What a strange day.
Watching United games from the dead-center of North America, I'm accustomed to the cold and snow, but not watching it flying around Upton Park in November. Newcastle or Sunderland, maybe, but not London. Snow falling outside. Snow falling on TV.
Watching United games on the DVR, hours after the result's complete with a personal media blackout in effect, always adds to the strange alchemy here, especially if things turn sour.
Speaking of turning sour: enter from stage-left one Jonathan Spector. Fellow Yank. Former United player.
Now central midfielder and goal-scoring machine?!
After scoring one goal at Derby – a dubious one at that – thus far in his career, Mr. Spector was a close off-sides call away from a hat-trick by halftime. Which then naturally leads the Upton Park faithful fans to start chants of “going down, going down, going down” aimed at Fergie's men.
Are you kidding me?!
Oh East-ender, karma's a bitch, mate. The bubbles might flow tonight, but you've got the real dogfight on your hands.
Next up Chicharito and Fabio get clattered and clobbered, while some good chances fall to Bebe, whose touch lets him down due to his “rough edges” and we break for half down 2-0.
Adding to the overall surrealness of this viewing, I'm watching it off Fox Soccer PLUS, which has just one announcer for the match and absolutely no commentary or analysis at half. Grrrrrr.
Instead what do we get? Countless adverts for Ligue 1, Premier League, and the League-formerly-known-as-the-Coca-Cola Championship. Etcetera, etcetera.
After the commercial montage is complete, next up is a short, promo-like-documentary-highlight-reel-job about the Gerry Francis era at QPR. Nothing against Gerry Francis, but WTF?
Simply add in a predatory lending commercial promising to take care of all your debt needs without a background check. Now your evening is complete. (BTW, other typical commercials on this network could involve products like male enhancement pills, Hair Club for [bald] Men, and acne cream. Just the target demographic you always wanted to be, right?)
Such is life watching footy a continent away from the action in a culture that largely doesn't appreciate the beautiful game. AT LEAST I could get the game. That's still how I view it.
Or, at least that's how I saw it prior to watching the second half, which started brightly, with Macheda on for Bebe and some good early pressure coming off of Fabio's overlapping runs down the right flank. Maybe there's a comeback in the offering.
Think again.
Against the run of play, United switch off at the back and Carleton Cole heads the Hammers on top 3-0 – bad, bad Jonny Evans.
Astonishing.
Now comes the part I'm not too proud to admit: I fast-forward the DVR to watch to see if the scoreline changes... It does, but in the wrong direction.
Now it's 4-0. Game. Set. Match.
We all knew the streak would end sometime, with the Carling Cup being a fairly ideal place for a blip in the road. Thankfully, this match is already history.
As Minnesotans, we take perverse pleasure in thriving during our long, icy winters, which makes it hilarious to listen to the Brits complain about minimal snow fall – oh, THE cold. On some level, it also makes it even harder to watch United get hammered and taunted in the snow.
As a famous former Beatle once said, “Strange days indeed, strange days indeed.”
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Back at you after the Blackpool match. Cheers.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Hungry For More
I'll leave all the “Five Star” performance titles to others in the blogosphere and media. Today was all about appetite.
Midway through the second half, speculation began about if history were in the making with a 6-0 lead and 27 minutes remaining. Would United's 9-0 victory over Ipswich Town be beaten? How many would Berbatov score?
Ultimately, history held in a 7-1 victory, taking United's unbeaten run to ten over Blackburn, as Berbatov joins Cole, Defoe, and Shearer as the fourth player to score five goals in a Premier League match. Bestie's six goal tally against Northampton would remain safe as well today, but just barely, as Berba's screaming header was tipped over by Robinson with something like five minutes remaining.
The adjectives from today's performance run from clinical to sublime, ruthless to superb, as I can't think of a single United player who didn't play well, with the only blip being Jonny Evans getting pushed too easily aside by Samba to nod home Rovers' only goal.
Going a plus-six in one match certainly does wonders for United's goal-differential, as we're now tied with Chelsea at plus-nineteen ahead of their match against Newcastle tomorrow.
Upon reflection, three things really stood out for me from this match.
First, United, including Rooney, looked remarkably famished immediately from the first whistle, which is wonderful to see, given the up-and-down performances through the season's first third. Everyone looked dangerous going forward, as the movement off the ball and first-touch passing were delightful to watch. United cut Rovers apart for a full 90 minutes. The front pair, Park, Nani, Anderson, Evra and Rafael deserve full praise for their almost telepathic understanding of each other at times – truly United at its most lethal attack all season. It should be noted that Rooney made nice strides from the midweek match against Rangers, as his movement, passing, and first-touch demonstrate he's enjoying and regaining control over his football again.
Second, while some may get caught up in United's performance, it absolutely must be acknowledged that Blackburn were atrocious, which played a huge part in today's proceedings. Giving up a goal 72 seconds into the match threw Big Sam's game plan right out the window. No nil-nil draw today. And not much later, Chimbonda's horrendous back-pass – or early Christmas present – for Berbatov's second clearly gutted Rovers. Down 3-0 inside 30 minutes against a free-flowing United side caused Rovers to labor the rest of the afternoon. Hard to play well against a committed opponent knowing the result is pre-determined no matter the effort.
Foremost and finally, all credit in the world to the Man of the Match, one Dimitar Berbatov, on his exquisite five goal tally. Certainly Fergie's pre-match comments about making too many changes in the side, which led to a dip in Berba's form, seemed incredibly apt after the match.
Berbatov and Rooney looked as though they've played together uninterrupted all season long, with both players unselfishly looking for the extra pass to each other much of the afternoon. The chemistry was down-right amazing for anyone who's seen enough of United to know the frustrations these two can have getting on the same page. Berba looked rejuvenated playing along side a fit and focused Rooney.
Given the deservedly harsh criticism of the past few weeks, the Bulgarian's finishing abilities shined with the attack coming from all angles. Today's match rewarded Berba's poaching instincts with abundance. Yet, there was a strange, ironic twist with the fifth goal coming only after Berba's initial cross to Rooney got blocked straight back to the Number 9 to slot-home a tight angle, side-foot effort into the open goal. Others couldn't buy Rooney a goal from open play, even today, which in some way seemed a kind of karmic justice for the Number 10 who so openly flirted with aspirations elsewhere.
While the crowd craved for Rooney to get a goal from open play, in retrospect, not getting one could pay dividends in the near future. You can only expect Wazza's remarkable improvement in form to continue from game to game, leaving the lad and United hungry for more.
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Back at you after the West Ham match. Cheers.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Just Enough
Rooo-ney! Rooo-ney! Rooo-ney!
Can you just feel the love?
Admittedly, Wazza was merely a side-story in the outcome of this match, as the value of Scholes and Chicharito to United were evident yet again today.
Interestingly the Stretford End chose to sing Scholes' praise when both players entered the game simultaneously, while Rooney's reception was positive, overall, with a few boos mixed in with the ubiquitious “Rooo-ney!” repeated around the ground.
The irony for Wigan, who historically get battered at Old Trafford, is they lost 2-0 while playing a large stretch of the match down to nine men and defended brilliantly. Previous scorelines of 4-0 typify such encounters. Not today though.
United did just enough, which provides some measure of satisfaction, given the numerous draws this year and that the Red Devils' three points came without firing on all cylinders, as the five-man midfield lacked guile and synchronization with the lone striker, Macheda, as well as with each other for the first 56 minutes of the match.
All too often this campaign we've seen United struggle to gain fluency and the sharp edge required by champions around goal. Fergie's men regain pole position, with Arsenal and Chelsea losing, without looking anywhere near the finished product. Amazing.
We all know there's far too much quality in this side to believe the dry patches around goal will continue or get worse, without a major injury crisis.
We've also witnessed flashes of brilliance from Berba, Chicharito, Nani, and Park, along with minutes for other young players. Vidic and Rio appear very soild again, while Scholes continues to prove his master class this campaign, as Sir Alex adroitly picks and chooses his minutes.
Yet, there are no obvious replacements for Scholes, who demonstrated in less that five minutes how his range of passing opens up play, especially by getting wide players involved with his long, raking passes after coming on as a substitute. United's attacking character changed immediately.
World-class midfield graft is incredibly difficult to develop, expensive to purchase and possibly troublesome to assimilate for anyone that remembers the on-again, off-again Veron.
This remains a huge concern for United.
And, while we've witnessed flashes of brilliance from Nani, it's troubling to watch a player who maybe doesn't have the physical strength of Ronaldo but possesses every bit of skill and trickery as the former number seven, hit crosses to nowhere repeatedly.
Despite everything though – the late draws, inconsistency, and poor finishing – United draw level with Chelsea for top spot after game number fourteen. Amazing.
Just enough won't win you a title, but it'll do just fine today, especially after a first third of the season marked by numerous injuries.
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Back at you after the Blackburn match. Cheers.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Not Good Enough
Well, what do you say after today?
I was fully prepared to acknowledge Villa's supremecy and bemoan United's tired and lethargic performance today. Tight possession. No Red Devil shots on target in the first half. Berba and Nani frustratingly off. No cutting edge with a derby hangover. Sad to say we need the White Pele.
Or, do we?
I'll return to Macheda's and Obertan's strong performance in a minute, but first, two critical questions beg asking.
How is United contained by a weakened Villa side with two kids in the center of midfield?
How do Villa display more width and dynamism than United for 79 minutes?
The commentators were right with their repetitive quips that John Carew probably would have Villa ahead due to the quality and quantity of crossing through the first half.
In the second, Aston Villa must have felt hard-done, especially after hitting the woodwork twice inside of two minutes. Then, it all went pear-shaped for Sir Alex's men, as they fell prey to Villa's pacey counter-attack, not once but several times.
First, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young combined nicely to carve apart the United defense, leaving Wes Brown to clattered Ashley Young into Rio for a sandwich-penalty in the 72nd minute. One-nil Villa in front of the Holte End – a much overdue lead.
Second, as the Red Devils pressed forward without Berbatov and Hernandez, getting used to Macheda and Obertan upfront, the two central midfielders get caught flat moving too far forward and it's another beautifully executed counter-attack. It's 2-0 in the 76th minute.
Would the cliché hold true, that two-nil is the most dangerous lead in football? How would Villa's kids respond to the inevitable pressure to come?
A few minutes after the second goal, United's attack gained an edge, with Macheda leading the line, Obertan in the hole, and midfielders alternating runs at goal from various angles.
A Macheda laser-job from the top of the box makes it 2-1 in the 81st minute. Game on, as United now have momentum against a young-and-exhausted side.
Pressure begets more pressure, eventually leading to a brilliant cross by Nani that finds a diving Captain Vidic on the far post and it's 2-2 right in front of the away supporters, who now feel obliged to taunt Villa supporters for the manner which they lost the lead.
Now it's only a question of will United win or will Villa hold?
Ultimately Villa deserved a point from this match. They played well no matter what Sir Alex thought of their tackling, as the United midfield never adjusted to the refereeing being offered on the day.
What's so troubling is the wild swing in United's ability to generate an attacking edge. Certain games during the season become difficult for one reason or another, whether it's an injury crisis or the opposition plays out of their minds.
Today was not one of them.
Sure, Villa played well, but United showed how easily the inexperienced side would crumble at the feet of a quality attack. Literally, you felt that one goal would douse the Villan's confidence and composure.
Too bad that chance came to Berbatov in the 16th minute, as Chicharito played the striker in alone on goal where, instead of a first-time shot with his right boot from ten yards, he dragged the ball to the left which allowed Friedel time to close the angle as he shot wide from five yards out. A sure sign of a striker lacking confidence.
This was THE moment to stick the knife in an immature side. This was THE moment United paid huge sums of money for clinical finishing. This was THE critical chance missed.
You simply must wonder what the other United players think of Nani's and Berba's road-to-nowhere dribbling and inconsistent form.
This frustrating habit kills the attacking verve of the side, as you never know what each will do with the ball. Once players start thinking too much during their attacking play, thoughts like “Why didn't you pass it to me?!” after making a well-timed run, or worse, hesitency creeps in with a “Should I or shouldn't I make that run?!” It all breaks down as we observed today.
Sure, United must be tired given the midweek derby, injuries and the flu-bug that's gone round. Sure, Villa played well.
But any team with real title aspirations would have killed off this undermanned Villa side inside of 30 minutes with a goal. One quality strike and the house of cards would have fallen. A splendid opportunity missed.
Through the first third of the season, the verdict is clear: United are not good enough to win the title, as evidenced by this smash-and-grab point for the seventh draw from first thriteen games. The lack of clinical, well-timed finishing to put away the opposition haunts United. Oh, what we'd give for Cantona's edge right now.
Thank God for Kiko's and Obertan's inspired play today, as without it, United were sunk. They've certainly earned more minutes at the expense of Park or Nani and Berbatov during our home match versus Wigan next weekend.
Hmmm... "Oooh-aaahh Maa-che-daaa (Maˈkɛːda)" has certain ring to it, don't ya think?!
Back at you next weekend. Cheers.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Welcome Back, Twelfth Man
How do you explain Spurs' record at Old Trafford?
Never have the North London lads beaten the Red Devils away in the Premier League, including a dubious non-goal thanks to a Roy Carroll butter-job. Or, as an Arsenal supporter next to me said, with both joy over Spurs' failings and bewilderment that Nani's goal stood, “must have been the twelfth man.”
Fair enough, as the bizarre goal will cause so much controversy in the media.
Too bad, though, as United played some excellent football within a pulsating match, one worthy of the longer-term tradition between the two clubs, with fewer goals scored but several well-worked chances nonetheless for both sides.
United closed down the opposition in the game's waning moments and never looked likely to concede an equalizer, despite Spurs' firepower and one Vidic deflection off a Pavlyuechenko long-range effort.
So, let's delight in the take-aways from this match for Sir Alex's men.
First, starting in the midfield with Carrick and Fletcher together central while resting Scholes until the 64th-minute paid handsome dividends. Carrick still looks off his form from two years ago, but managed to cover his ground and play disciplined footy against the five-man Spurs midfield. Fletch was typical Fletch; seemingly everywhere, winning balls, and pushing forward.
Both central midfielders reaped the rewards of playing with Three-Lung Park, as he tracked back superbly while maintaining the energy to push forward as well. Park's effort was reminiscent of his best days when he compensated for Ronaldo's constant runs up the pitch.
Subbing in Scholes' ability to maintain calm possession might become a blueprint for SAF moving forward. United looked remarkably unnerved by Spurs' threat and exceedingly composed with the ginger-haired assassin pulling the strings with fresh legs.
As I've mentioned repeatedly, sometimes Scholes looks off the pace in the final 10-15 minutes within a four-man midfield, resulting in spaces and some critical turnovers that contribute to United's inability to finish off games. Today's lineup alchemy worked perfectly.
Second, it's delightful see Vidic and Rio's partnership calm down the shaky back-line play of earlier this season, along with Captain Vidic's emphatic header to put United ahead one to the good. Barring any injury, a solid defensive run seems likely for Fergie's men.
And last, United's attack without Rooney and Valencia looks entirely capable, unlike conditions last year. Nani and Chicharito provide an electric charge moving forward, an ever-present mismatch for defenders especially on the counter-attack.
Chicharito is a flat-out poacher that can fly, while Nani looks capable of dribbling through anybody one-on-one and hitting Ronaldo-like rockets past the keeper. Combine Berbatov, Park and Fletcher moving into space, with a defender over-lapping, and it's pick-your-poison time.
Chicharito's earned his minutes, plus his team-first attitude provides a stark contrast to Wazza's me-first week of near-betrayal.
Football's a funny game.
One moment Spurs think there's a dead ball and gift possession to Nani for a hugely controversial goal, one that reminds us all to play until the whistle.
Then there's another moment, one where you realize someone's taking your job, one that reminds you that you could be the odd-man out.
You just never know where the twelfth man, odd-man will come from, even if he just signed a five-year deal. Here's to Wazza's apology, then watching him earn his place back in the team. Cheers.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Statement Delivered
Would Rooney's contract resolution cure the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) finishes?
Not exactly.
Entering the second half with a 1-0 lead through a remarkable Chicharito header, the match set up perfectly for another nervy finish, unfortunately, even through Stoke showed nothing moving forward, outside of the ever-dangerous Delap throw-ins and their usual prowess with set pieces.
Ultimately, elder statesmen from both squads would ensure more drama.
Watching Neville be wholly unable to cope with Etherington on the flank and, uncharacteristically, Scholes concede possession going backwards at least three times, I'm reminded of the Little Feat song, Old Folks Boogie, whose lyrics tell us:
“And you know that you're over the hill
When your mind makes a promise that your body can't fill.”
Clearly, Neville's pace illustrates this point, while Scholesy – you still gotta love him – makes more mistakes and covers less and less ground consistently in the final 15 minutes of matches. The shine fades and cries out for being substituted around the 70- to 75-minute mark.
Thankfully, United were not left to pay for Scholes' ridiculous turnover and subsequent clinical finish from the Turkish talisman, Tuncay, with Stoke's first goal EVER against United in the Premier League. A horrible sign, one duly noted by Premiere League competitors Chelsea watching the lunchtime kickoff at home.
And it all seemed sooo comfortable, with Evra being denied a stone-cold penalty and Chicharito's lunging volley whizzing just wide of the post. You felt United had another goal in them.
So comfortable the United lead that the away supporters dug into the older collection of songs to amuse themselves, including “Viva Ronaldo”, “Ohhh-aaah Cantona”, and “Who's that man from Argentina?!” (version 2.0).
A comfortable 1-0 victory away from home felt like the perfect tonic to exorcise and cleanse United from their recent history, until Stoke leveled in the 81st minute.
Then, up steps Chicharito.
Astute United observers recognized immediately this player's special gift, not only for tormenting defenses with his pace, touch, and finish, but his remarkable predatory instincts.
Honestly, the player will be hailed by everyone for two strikes, yet he missed at least two more excellent chances as well. Four goals were fully within his reach today.
Just how would Mr. Wayne Mark Rooney feel watching the match at home had Javier Hernandez converted a hat-trick? Would Roo be delighted or jealous while celebrating his 25th birthday?!
You suspect delight, but with some bittersweet tones as well. Consider Chicharito could run off an impressive goal scoring streak before Wazza even hits the training ground again to improve upon his horrific form. Certainly the thought has crossed his mind.
You never win titles before Boxing Day, but you can lose them by Christmas.
The victory keeps United within range of Chelsea and sets-up next week's match against City nicely, as the Blue Moon were thumped by Arsenal 3-0 today, providing United the opportunity to seriously dent the noisy neighbors title hopes in October.
This turnaround win is a massive statement of intent at the Britannia Stadium. Everyone felt the dropped points were in the bag, but it was not to be thanks to “the little pea.” (Sorry, couldn't resist the cheese.)
Today's post will close with some choice words from today's Man of the Match from ESPN's Soccernet.com:
“We were very happy with the result. We know about Stoke's style and are delighted. I'm working a lot because I want to stay here a long time and win a lot of tournaments.”
On the first goal: “I jumped and saw the ball behind me and tried to head it towards the goal. I don't remember doing it in training. It's a good goal but the most important thing is the result. Here there are no heroes, it is about the team.
My team-mates trust in me and all the staff too. It's an unbelievable opportunity for me to play with the biggest team in the world.”
Statement delivered.
Are you listening Wazza? Are you listening City?
Back at you after the Manchester derby. Cheers.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Wayne's World
Suppose, for a moment, you'd been on vacation to some remote cabin, with the whole point being getting back to nature and unplugging yourself from our 24/7 connected lifestyle. No iPhone, computer, TV or internet access – thank you very much. Time to fish, hike, cook, read, and chill out. Quality time in the outdoors with the spouse.
Now imagine returning home today, October 23rd, from the wilderness and turning on your iPhone. First, the text messages start from your mates going off on Rooney.
What?!
Next, in your bewilderment, you surf to The Guardian to learn exactly happened. He did sign, good, but what the hell happened this week? Why would he need to apologize? City?! He said what?! When?! WTF?!
How could you explain let alone comprehend it all in one fell-swoop moment. One week felt like one year to the hurting United faithful.
It's like the writers of East Enders took control for a moment and created “North Westerners” or “As the Ball Turns”, a soap-opera specializing in the world of modern footballers from the likes of United, City, Everton, Pool, Wigan, etc. Previous episodes included Gerarrd's about-face transfer saga with Chelsea, City getting rich like Jed Clampett, and Ronaldo rumors running non-stop for an entire summer. You get the picture.
Even so, the writers, even at the apex of their creativity, could never have come up with what's transpired this past week. Truth stranger than fiction.
How do you go from proclaiming you'll stay at United forever to claiming that the Red Devils no longer match your ambition in six months?
Consider Paul Stretford, Football Agent.
First, this is in no way, shape, or form an out for Wazza. Rooney is culpable, as he showed tremendous nerve in challenging United's ambitions, especially after playing shite football for six months.
But, you wonder, what happened in the Rooney camp that led to this?
Personally, I'm living my own flashbacks, as I've got an eerily-similar feeling, here, between Rooney's contract negotiations and Kevin Garnett's situation with the Minnesota Timberwolves back in the 90's.
In this tale, the 20- or 21-year old Garnett, at the time, turned down a $104M six-year contract extension, only to have the club capitulate during the final negotiating hour on a much-improved $126M deal. Here, too, real power lay with the player, not the club. The Timberwolves couldn't afford to lose him at any cost.
Sound familiar?
At the contract press conference, a young Garnett, who seemingly had been brainwashed by his agent, Eric Fleisher, proclaimed “it wasn't about the money”, hinting it was more about respect. Like an extra $22M had nothing to do with it. Give me a break. Mr. 15% just made himself an additional $3+M with that ploy alone. Damn the implications on the league, the team, and the player – the agent got his.
The agent probably told the young Garnett something like: “Kevin, you need to 'earn' your respect with management, so regardless, we'll turn down the first offer no matter what they put on the table. It's a principle. You can't let them think they can walk all over you. You must be a “man” in contract negotiations and not set a bad precedent for other players. It's not just about you. What you get impacts what others get. You feel me?”
Thus, we get the ridiculous sound-bite.
I make no claim to know what really happened between Mr. Garnett and Mr. Fleisher, nor Mr. Stretford and Mr. Rooney. Rumors abound. Exact details will likely remain a mystery to all except those involed.
What matters is the power is in the players’ camp, subject to the persuasions, or dare I say, manipulations of the agent's self-interest in getting the best financial deal possible regardless of how it's achieved.
What might you do to earn an extra £1M or $3M?!
Now, knowing that Rooney's incredibly ambitious, given his willingness to leave Everton – his boyhood heroes – for an arch rival, and also understanding that United's current soft-spot is it's current debt structure's implications on signing transfer targets, THE argument to make, should you want to manipulate the player, is that:
“Wayne, you're a world-class player, mate, but debt won't allow United to bring in world-class players anymore. Look at who's left. Look at last summer's purchases. Nice lads, but will they cut it? You've got to ask yourself these questions, Wayne, my boy. Look at what's happened to Liverpool with crazy, football-ignorant, American owners. They nearly went into administration and still face a possible relegation battle. You don't want to play in the Championship, now do you Wayne?! Of course not.”
Our fictitious conversation continues:
“It's my job, Wayne, to know the real truth and United faces the same fate. Have I ever steered you wrong?! I know you're loyal to United. I know you respect Sir Alex immensely – he's top drawer, real class that man – a one-off genius, credit to football. But, how long till the gaffer retires? Do you want to be front-and-center of a sinking ship?”
After Rooney nods tentatively, lets say, Mr. 15% continues:
“So, here's what we'll do: call their bluff. If things are so rosy with the Glazers, let's ask them to spend, say, the Ronaldo transfer fee on players this summer. If they agree, you can sign on and I'm mistaken. Full credit to United. But, if they balk and won't budge, then you've got your answer now, haven't you? Why does everyone hate the Glazers sooo much?! It's common sense, mate. Are you in? Do you want to find out the truth? It's in your best interest to know now than later, when it's too late.”
And there we have it.
A simple, straightforward strategy bound to reveal the “truth” to Wayne as well as anger and put off the United simultaneously. A manufactured and manipulated set-up ready to blow-up, one based on the real and large debts, which is as likely an explanation this past week as any.
Everyone knows THE issue is the power the player holds over the club and THE power agents hold over their young-and-cocooned players.
While we'll never really know what happened, and surely, Sir Alex's power of persuasion played an immense role here, one thing's clear from watching Rooney's post-signing interview on MUTV:
“Yea, it's been difficult for me and I'm sure for the club as well. But, … for me... I felt I had to get my point across and we finally come to an agreement, which I think is the best for the two of us, me and the club. I've spoken to the manager, David Gill, and the Glazers – all of them have confirmed for me that this is the right club to be at and the club's going to be successful and continue winning things.”
Hmmm...“getting my point across” followed by a sweetened offer for an extra £30K per week over 5 years, an extra £7.8M by my calculation, then a signature.
Really, it wasn't about the money. Indeed.
Notice that there's only a mere acknowledgement of how difficult it's been, primarily from his perspective. All the while, Rooney must know how central he's to United's post-Fergie plan and how many supporters place United as a central priority of their life. For the club, fans and die-hard supporters alike, no apology required, evidently.
Looking back, maybe there's something Wayne Mark Rooney can learn from Garnett, nearly a decade his senior and from a similar situation.
Not terribly long into his mega-contract, Garnett fired his agent, Fleisher, as he watched the implications of his contract on everything he loved: the NBA owners locked-out the players, a talented teammate demanded a trade, as he could never make as much as Garnett in the post-lockout world, and the public turned it's admiration, for an equally-hard working player, into disdain. Many viewed Garnett as a naïve at best, or more likely, as a greedy and spoilt athlete – a poster-child for what's wrong with sports and society.
Yet, Garnett didn't let the contract impact his play, as he emerged into the best all-around player in the NBA, bar none. Eventually, his ever-improving skills, intensity, and love for the game won over much of the public. He displayed open affection for his fans, his city, his club, and his game.
Much later, to his credit, he only reluctantly accepted a trade, when it made total sense for all involved, with many Timberwolves supporters keeping loyalty to the player and openly rejoicing when he finally won his first championship with the Celtics. Truly, Garnett is a Hall of Famer and one of the 50 all-time NBA greats.
Please, Wayne, learn from Mr. Garnett. Open up just once and make a heartfelt apology to your teammates and United supporters everywhere. Accept responsibility for the mess you've created.
Yes, you've made your point, but at what cost?
Ponder that, would you please, as I'm sure the Men In Black ringing at your door provided a chillingly clear glimpse into one version of the extreme hurt you caused.
And, after all apologies, do what's natural for you, put everything you've got into your game and the rest will become history, young Skywalker. The football force is strong with you. Simply use it as your guide.
Oh, and if you fired your agent, we, the United bretheren, wouldn't hold that against you. Not for a nanosecond.
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Back at you with reflections after the Stoke match. Cheers.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
A Deeper Malaise
The National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov) defines “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder,” PTSD, as “an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened.”
Hmmm. Losing three two-goal leads in the first eight matches would qualfiy. Check.
It goes on to define symptoms as people having “frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal and feel emotionally numb, especially with people they were once close to. They may experience sleep problems, feel detached or numb, or be easily startled.”
Frightened, detached, numb and easily startled. Check again.
Well, the ardent, glass-half-full optimist would completely disagree here, arguing United still haven't lost this campaign. Does that make you honestly feel better?
Hardly – it's the way United draw matches that stings sharply, especially when today started so brightly.
No Rooney in the starting line-up quickly became a non-issue, with Chicharito's 5th-minute goal and United's good overall atttacking form. A 2-0 half-time lead could have been 3-0 or 4-0, as the Premier Leagues “Player of the Month” (Berba) curled one just wide and missed a shocking, side-foot sitter.
Today's stroll in the park instead tried to prove the cliché that 2-0 is “the most dangerous lead in football”, with one unlucky deflection and one world-class howler drawing Albion level.
Lucky once, lucky twice instilled a formidable belief in West Brom, especailly after beating Arsenal away. The neutral observer must have felt Albion were the more likley side to bag the three points on the counter-attack.
The Red Devils expected to finnish with a flourish, as the introduction of Scholes and Rooney would surely lead to a massive push forward. A crazy, pressure packed final quarter-hour awaited.
But, did you notice that Mike Phelan had to scream and dance on the sideline to get United forward? What the hell has happened to this squad? A coach needs to cajole the side forward?!
Today the United players did not respect the tradition and honor of the badge, nor the giant home crowd or their massive wages, with their tentativeness and inconsistent play. There's been ZERO killer instinct yet this year. In fact, much worse, United look the part of the usual victim of their own late-game heroics, as they face their own flashbacks from matches past.
What angers me most is that Sir Alex is baffled by such displays. Albeit an honest answer, but if he doesn't get it, what are the chances of an immediate turnaround?
Ah, but the optimist agrues that United were strong defensively, yet lost a lead under the most improbable of circumstances. You could argue that clubs rarely recover from horrific howlers, as England versus USA match can attest. It's soooo deflating to lose a lead in this manner. Blah-blah-blah.
Sure, it's deflating, but why were United in a position to loose the lead in the first place? It should have been 4-0 before Albion even scored.
The reason for the missing killer instinct is simple, really. You've just got to ask yourself “Who is 'in form' at the moment for United?”
Only Berbatov, Scholes (for 70-minutes per match), Fletcher, Vidic, and now Ferdinand, come to mind, while Anderson, Rooney, Evra, Carrick, Gibson, Giggs, Hargraeves, Nani, Park, Valencia, and now van der Sar, are all either injured or widly inconsistent.
There's your answer: too much variation in the system to be effective.
United need to get in form quickly, otherwise, we face the prospect of losing this title campaign before Boxing Day.
Or, as the strangly-optimistic Carl-the-Groundskeeper from Caddy Shack would remind us...
“Well, at least we're not in court facing the prospect of administration. I guess we got that going for us, which is nice.”
Back at you after my own personal PTSD therapy session. Cheers.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Sleepy in Sunderland
The DVR malfunctioned this morning, and failed to record the Sunderland v United match. Thus, I picked up the game live at half time. Guess I didn't miss much.
Blame it on a Champions League hangover, a flooded dressing room (you can't make that up, btw), or a lack of minutes for many of the starting eleven, but United played sleepy and uninspired football. It pains me to admit this, but the scouser, Steve McManaman, said it best, “United looked like they'd rather be at home with their wives.”
How quickly we've gone from conceding late goals to picking up clean sheets without creating much. Two weeks ago all we wanted was concentration and composure along the backline. Now all we want is that cutting-edge to return in attack.
Regardless, the road result remained the same.
We may just be becoming aware of how much United will miss Valencia's play on the wing, given the Nani's unpredictable nature and Park's recent run of form. Width is suddenly lacking.
Valencia's consistency allows United more freedom to tolerate Nani's inconsistencies within matches. Just watch the other player's reactions to Nani's goals if you want to understand how his diving and unpredictable decision-making frustrate others, as the reactions are subdued to say the least with the lone exception of Rio jumping on goal-scorer's shoulders akin to Beckam's need for media attention. Ah, but, I digress.
Couple Valencia's loss with Giggs' injury and width becomes a real problem for United, as you've just lost critical pace and craft. What's left behind with Nani, Park and a grab-bag pick – whether Fletcher, a forward, or newbee like Bebe – is a serious drop in class and consistency.
Football can be an unpredictable temptress, as goals can come and go like the wind. If, and that's a big “if” anyone scored today, you knew it'd be game, set and match. But unlike midweek, no world-class finishes from Chicarito can hide the poor performance.
Our concerns move from a now strong backline to the end product derived from attacking vigor from the wings. Godspeeed to you, Giggsy and Valencia - from the suddenly-sleepless in Sunderland.
Back at you after the international break. Cheers.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Fabulous Result
A tasty tie on paper became largely tasteless in product, an unfortunate consequence of Champions League group play between the two heavy favorites. United's recent history of goalless draws in Spain looked set to repeat itself tonight.
Both sides played cagey, conservative, and often sloppy football for most of the match, as there wasn’t a shot on goal during the first half and only two prior to Chicharito's 85th-minute winner.
Surprising that Valencia didn't send more players forward until late, and in the end, they got what they deserved for their lack of ambition.
Initially, United supporters worried about the form and flow from the starting eleven, given the insertion of Carrick, Anderson, and Rio fresh off injury, the limited minutes of Park and Rafael thus far, and the lack of Rooney, Scholes, and Giggs for creativity.
Many changes. Many questions.
The midfield looked very rusty with the first touch but largely disciplined defending. The backline once again appeared largely solid with the addition of Rio Ferdinand. But the creativity, oh the creativity – where for art thou creativity?
Fergie made two fortuitous substitutions in Javier Hernandez for Anderson and Kiko for Berba, as possession went tic-tac-toe from Nani to Kiko to Chicharito for the game winning goal for the precious three points.
When we look back on tonight, after some distance, we'll eventually forget the poor quality of the match and only remember Chicharito's coming out party. A huge goal from the Mexican.
His incisive run, quality first touch, and deft finish placed an emphatic stamp on his intent at United, if you couldn't tell from the badge kissing that followed his joyful, Christ-like pose after the goal. He simply “has it” – THAT striker electricity, a deadly combination of quick thinking, timing, pace, touch, and finishing. United certainly need this dimension, with Rooney expected to be out for three weeks.
Thus far, we've learned that the Red Devils do have strength in depth and quality across the front line. And after today's much calmer and impressive back line performance, let's all pray for Rio Ferdinand's good health continues.
We knew one goal would settle the night for whomever netted it first. Thank God Fergie possessed the faith and magic touch to include Kiko and Chicharito during today's festivities. What a fabulous result, one that puts United back into the driver's seat in Group C.
Back at you after the Sunderland match. And the Reds go marching on, on, on.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Point Gained, Opportunity Missed
The open, entertaining match for the neutral observer followed United's away-form script perfectly: missed chances, shocking defensive miscues, and a somewhat unfulfilling draw.
Credit to Bolton's play, but clearly, the Wanderers have nowhere near the technical ability nor fluidity of the Red Devils. United must put away this type of team in this type of game to regain the title.
Once again, basic mistakes led to United's downfall.
First, on a corner, there's Jonny Evans letting Zat Knight back flick a ball past the nowhere-near-the-far-post Evra, who must have had momentary illusions of playing keeper such was his positioning. The alliteration-brothers – Evans and Evra – make news for the wrong reasons.
Later, Petrov – yes, the aged Bulgarian – turned the too-hard-working-in-this-case Park inside-out on the counter, hitting a right-footed shot from 10 yards out off Fletcher and into the United goal.
Not holding your post. Keeping your opponent in front of you. Simple, simple stuff. And, the Reds played well enough to win all three of these away encounters.
What happens if-and-when United hit a major injury crisis or United aren't firing on all cylinders moving forward? Shudder at the thought now.
On one hand, you simply can't rely on scoring two or three goals every away match. Dreary days mid-season insist that you grind out results – something lacking at the moment.
You feel that the team's chemistry needs time to mature, with Rooney out-of-form, Rio and several central midfielders coming back from injury, Scholes and Giggs logging too many minutes too early in the season, and a lack of playing time for bench players, until this past week's Carling Cup action.
On the other hand, it's great to see Nani running at defenders for the first goal and Michael Owen score his 200th Premier League goal with his first touch today – the two delightful moments of this match.
Full credit to Sir Alex for throwing caution to the wind and playing with three strikers, losing shape, and tempting Bolton to open up play. You sensed that someone would score a third, but it never came - despite both sides missing excellent chances. Ultimately, United took the point gained on their rivals and move on.
Looking ahead to midweek, we know that SAF will field a largely different line-up than today, as Giggs has already been ruled out of the traveling side. You suspect United will employ a Christmas tree-like formation that plays 4-3-3 or 4-3-2-1 in attack, yet defends somewhere closer to a 4-5-1 without possession.
The dilemma now is who will lead the attack?
Berba lacks the pace to stretch defenses and Rooney's out of form. Will Fergie throw more caution to the wind and play Hernandez alone up front? Kiko alone? You suspect SAF may employ Berba alone with Park and Nani pushing forward, or possibly, Rooney replacing Park on the left-hand side.
Hmm... decisions, decisions. Can't wait to find out.
Back at you after the Valencia match. Cheers.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Berba-Wonderland
Berbatov once, then twice. Brutal Liverpool. More defensive miscues. Another two-goal lead blown. Hat-trick! United 3, Liverpool 2!!
Any questions?
While there will be much rejoicing amongst the Reds and a temptation to remember the Cliff Notes version of today, it can't take away from another nervy performance by United's defense. The fan in me doesn't want to analyze the longer term trend here, as how in the world United didn't just simply maul this pathetic Liverpool side is beyond me.
Granted, it's a derby game. Granted, a single goal can change everything in football.
And yet, I completely agree with consensus that Liverpool have no width, no creativity, and no serious prospects for a title challenge this term. When you start Maxi Rodriguez and Joe Cole in wide positions against United, you're in serious trouble in my book, especially with David Ngog and Ryan Babel available. Btw, what exactly does Maxi do for Liverpool?! It's beyond me.
When I look objectively at the performance, the Red Devils were once again on thin ice against a vastly inferior team. Yes, you heard me: vastly inferior team. All you have to do is ask the Pool players themselves, as they mutter in the press about how difficult it will be for them to land in the top three.
United were within a referee's yellow-versus-red-card decision from pulling up lame and dropping points at home in the most cherished derby game of the year. The lapses in concentration which gave the penalty and free kick for the second goal are utterly shocking. And, once something goes bad, you can clearly see the players’ posture on the pitch transform.
Borrowing from last week's glass half full or half empty premise, there are three very clear outcomes from this match:
First, United cannot win the title without Rio Ferdinand. When Rio and Vidic combine in the center, it seems to have a calming influence on everyone around them both wide and directly in front of them. Calmer heads need to prevail across the backline, as Jonny Evans needs more time to mature.
Second, United clearly need more energy and cover from the midfield in latter stages in these matches, especially after watching Everton and Liverpool gain a firmer grip on possession and tempo late-on. This clearly isn't lost on Fergie nor United, but what other prospects are available? Most options are out of form or injured at the momentum, while Darren Gibson isn't the type of engine needed, as he plays a specific role moving forward, not covering for anyone.
Last and most important, of course, we should let go of our worries and savor the afterglow of an extraordinary victory. Today the bottle of bubbly goes to Player of the Match, Ditimar Berbatov, to whom Fergie noted earlier "you must have faith and we are being rewarded this season for our confidence in a player who has a touch of genius about him".
Thus, United brethren:
We're walking along, singing our song – walking in a Berba-Wonderland.
There's only onnnnnne Ditimar Berbatov!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Half Full or Half Empty?
It's always a matter of perspective.
Living in Minneapolis, there's a sportswriter named Sid Hartman, who's still writing pieces for the main, local paper at the age of 90. The man's a legend both for his ego-centric personality, name-dropping, AND for his general unwillingness to criticize sports athletes.
Essentially, he's developed fantastic relations with, and gained access to, even the hardest-to-reach athletes, as they know he'll likely write something positive about them or allow the athletes to answer their critics through quotes in his column. Readers either love him or hate his work.
So, how do we view United's first four matches?
The glass is half full when you consider:
- The performance of, say, Berbatov, Scholes, Giggs, Vidic, Fletcher, and van der Sar.
- United have largely played well, overall, especially looking dangerous in attack.
- You knew United's World Cup contingent would need time to find form this campaign.
- United employ Sir Alex Ferguson, arguably the best man-manager in the modern game.
The glass is half empty when you consider:
- Select performances of Evans and Evra or the absence of Anderson, Hargreaves and Ferdinand.
- United's sudden lapses of concentration amongst the backline during away matches.
- Four valuable points given – and I mean given – away in four matches.
- United's manager can not lead this club forever, as the drop-off is almost inevitable.
Thus far, the central questions with this club aren’t whether they'll score goals or about the depth in midfield. Rather, it’s “How many will United concede late-on the road this term?”
Upon reflection, after reading a number of articles, blogs, and posts amongst United supporters, I'm coming to my own conclusion: United supporters are spoiled when critiquing individual defenders.
I make no excuse for the mental collapses at Fulham or Everton; both are utterly shocking and inexcusable. Not up to standard. No way; no how.
But are they a momentary aberration or a trend? Are the issues fixable?
It's all your perspective.
United rightfully maintain exceptionally-high standards under Sir Alex Ferguson. Principally, the defense has become a cornerstone to United's success, especially the last four years. The Red Devils have been treated to arguably THE single best defense in the EPL over this four year stretch. Our perspective is born from watching United shut-up-shop repeatedly against the competition.
Thus, when I see people coming down full-throttle on Jonny Evans and some speculating that he's not up to United's standards, that's when I have a problem.
Yes, Jonny has been inconsistent at times and has looked out-classed during high-level Champions League matches. No argument here.
But go back to just prior to SAF purchasing Rio Ferdinand for a minute. Remember that defense?
Within that club, a player such as Jonny Evans at the tender age of 22, would have been better appreciated amongst supporters for his effort at learning his craft under fire. From that perspective, United supporters would have been overjoyed to have a good center-half with tremendous upside playing arguably the toughest position in football.
But not today. On the individual level, if your point of comparison is the Ferdinand-Vidic partnership, then your perspective toward player evaluation will be inevitably skewed.
On the collective level, however, in terms of team defense, the two late collapses are much more disturbing, especially the two injury time goals conceded yesterday.
Collectively, you don't want your club to focus on avoiding the negative from happening in matches. In the team psyche, you don't want any attention paid to your past performances. That's what's at issue here: the possibility of building up some late-game nerves and giving opponents more hope during the latter stages of matches during this campaign.
On a day where Sir Alex pulled a masterstroke of man-management by simultaneously protecting Rooney and reminding him of what he could throw away in one fell swoop, all while allowing the club to get on with the difficult match at hand, the conceding two late goals feel like an ominous sign, much like the early season loss to Burnley. Possible regrets duly noted.
Obviously, much remains to be seen, as you can line-up all the old cliches about this being “early days” and the like.
Yet, on a day where I feel the Sid Hartmanesque need to sing Fergie’s praises for the umpteenth time, here, with a seriously-disappointing outcome, it feels strangely off.
Unlike that same sports writer, this glass seems half empty. Let's hope we don't look back with another regret duly noted.
---
Back at you next weekend after the Rangers and Pool matches. Cheers.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are
That's the pivotal point, really, when United play mid-table-or-lower opposition at home: are the opposition willing to play?
You expect the 4-5-1 formation and the majority of possession, but would this be “one of those days” where scoring becomes difficult, the game becomes nervy?
At kickoff, West Ham did employ the predictable formation, but sought every opportunity to push Kieron Dyer up the left flank with Carleton Cole. Credit to West Ham for attacking when the opportunity presented itself.
Also at kickoff, much too much had been made of Wayne Rooney's goalless streak in the British media, which was going on something like 12 or 13 games.
Last Spring, astute United supporters worried the physical and mental strain of carrying United would come back to haunt Rooney at some point, as the cumulative knocks and minutes proved Wazza's human after all.
Fast-forward to the present; it's with joy and delight that we watched a trademark Scholes pass switch the point of attack, travel just inches over Spector's shoulder and land comfortably at Giggs' feet. Quickly and decisively Giggs tears apart Spector. Penalty.
Up steps Wazza. It's one-nil to the good. Streak broken.
But, much more than Rooney's own personal duck were broken during this comfortable match:
- United proved yet again their focus only sharpens after disappointment.
- The back-line were solid, with another vintage performance from Captain Vidic.
- Nani and Berbatov were constant threats, as their confidence continues to grow.
- Scholes and Giggs were immaculate in attack.
- Rooney showed signs of getting his legs, touch, and feel for the game.
- Owen, Carrick, and Smalling got a run out as substitutes, while Park and Valencia rested.
As the commentator said after Nani's exquisitely-taken goal, “Just another picture-book goal at Old Trafford.”
And that's the point: expectation.
Sir Alex and the senior players instill an aura of belief in this club that cannot be underestimated, as we've seen it repeatedly at Old Trafford: almost-ho-hum brilliant football.
Each year, I always enjoy the over-reaction of the media in England to the early part of the campaign, as you know Tottenham will be obliterated for losing at home today to a suddenly-plucky Wigan.
But this result shouldn't surprise us entirely, as Wigan are a bit schizophrenic and Spurs fell prey to the inevitable hangover match after a massive result earlier in the week. It's a straight, one-off bad result for Harry's Spurs, plain and simple.
Each year, people love to question United.
Yet United's propensity to play compelling football so routinely after dropped points demonstrates that belief, that confidence that prove Fergie's men haven't lost anything at all. These games also provide a wonderful opportunity for player development without pressure for those like Chris Smalling that need first-team football.
Thus, the cycle continues: points earned, confidence gained, and expectations continue from one generation to the next. That's the United way.
So, after all's said and done, West Ham did come out to play and the result was a comprehensive 3-0 United victory. You just gotta wonder what type of tabloid-headline-play-on-Hammers awaits Grant's men as they return to London at the bottom of the league. Have fun looking it up, United brethren.
---
Next report will be after the Everton match. Cheers.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Evergreen, Sublime, and Cliché
After United's comprehensive 3-0 victory over Newcastle, you can only sit back in deep admiration of the skill, craft and guile so elegantly displayed by the ginger-haired assasin.
And, no Scholes’ master-class performance would be remotely complete without a poorly placed tackle or two, ultimately leading a yellow card to open the EPL season: the cherry on top of the sundae.
I know, I know.
As a United supporter, you must ask yourself “Am I living in a dream world, some form of Groundhog Day or Life on Mars episode that takes you back in time to relive yet again another elegant display by the man who scores goals?"
If so, I don't ever want to leave this place.
No way, no how could anyone have expected this fine form from the two long-standing servants to the club. Yet, Messrs Scholes and Giggs continue to amaze, delight, and re-define our expectations of thirty-something footballers.
But really, how much longer must we put up with the same, repetitive descriptions of our beloved midfielders?!
How many times have we witnessed “evergreen” Giggs and “sublime” Scholes to describe their vintage performances?!
The fact that one game into the 2010/11 campaign, I'm having flashbacks to three years’ worth of superlative match reports praising on one, the other, or both players is astonishing.
The other fact - that reporters have become altogether repetitive with their own language after such fine performances - demonstrates their own awe and virtual speechlessness, with the descriptions becoming almost cliché.
Thirty-five is the new twenty-five, with the evergreen and sublime, the men avoiding father time.
Cheers to another year of relentless, redundant adjectives and hyperbole from the men you must see.
I don't ever want to leave this place indeed.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Are You Ready for Some Football?!
So much anticipation, so little time.
The beginning of the English Premier League campaign can be a strange one, timing-wise, for an American sports lover, as the pennant races are in full swing, NFL preseason games have begun, and the PGA continues, with basketball and hockey waiting in the wings.
As the years have progressed, my love for true football – soccer – has grown, as evidenced by this blog, but I've never lost my allegiances and passion for my hometown Gophers, Twins, Vikings, Wild, and even Timber-Chihuahuas (Timberwolves).
Yet, while I watched brief stretches of the Twins and Vikings games this weekend, I watched the entire Spurs v City and Pool v Arsenal matches, along with the first half of Villa v West Ham.
There's something strange about watching 3-4 hours of football during our all-too-brief Minnesota summer, especially when it doesn't involve United. And, next weekend, we'll order a month's worth of the football package on the in-laws DirecTV just to watch Fulham v United during a potentially-glorious Sunday morning at the lake cabin.
Please do not read into this commentary that I'm complaining or whining. Far from it. I'm ecstatic with the start of the EPL Season. But, on such occasions, both my outdoor nature and other sports allegiances feel somewhat conflicted, somewhat restrained by football passions.
Which brings me to United v Newcastle.
I freakin' hate waiting until Monday for this match, as my work schedule won't allow me to watch it live, regrettably, but thankfully the game's timing does allow United's players an extra-and-needed day or two of rest.
Tomorrow, I'll head home from work hoping my own personal media blackout will hold and not ruin the result for me and another United supporter or two that will manage to avoid all things football related until the DVR-provided 5:30pm CDT kickoff.
One benefit of being in America is the ability to successfully maintain a media blackout for EPL matches. True enough.
Another benefit of being Stateside is watching entire football matches on weekend mornings, thereby giving you the afternoon and evening for important, non-footballing pursuits, such as attending a good friend's wedding without any conflict, for example. Another bonus.
The HUGE drawback of being in the US is the time difference for any midweek games that kickoff midday, such the need to take vacation to watch important Champions League matches. That bites.
So, as Hank Williams Jr. warms up his NFL intro, yes indeed, I'm more than ready for some real football.
Cheers. Back at you on Tuesday with thoughts about the opening match.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Season Preview
Oh, the sweet anticipation.
Tomorrow's Community Shield officially starts United's campaign against the primary title-challenger, Chelsea. The World Cup, as marvelous as it is, will never substitute for United. No way, no how.
It's been almost 3 months since the season ended, with several intriguing story lines that lead us into the 2010-2011 campaign, including:
- Rooney and Rio's forgettable World Cups
- A successful North American Tour
- Javier Hernandez' and Tom Cleverly's emergence
- Chris Smalling needing more seasoning
- Diouf and Wellbeck headed out on loan
- A substantial injury list (Rio, Anderson, Hargreaves, Carrick, Obertan & Da Silvas)
- Growing Green and Gold discontent
The lack of high-priced talent acquisitions adds to an already volatile mix of angst among the Red Devil supporters. There's been growing discontent with United's lack of spending on transfer targets. I wonder if Javier Hernandez cost £30M, would people trust that Fergie does have a transfer kitty? Ah, but I digress.
United return every key player from last year's campaign, with the addition of Chicharito and Smalling as well as Cleverly pushing himself into consideration to stay with the first team this term. You can easily argue that this squad is stronger than last year's edition. True, the club needs to pick and choose Neville's, Giggs' and Scholes' moments, but there appears to be plenty of cover across the team.
Only Sir Alex knows if the youth and veterans within the club merit only two off-season pick-ups. United barely missed the title on the last day of the season, largely without Rio and Vidic playing together, which is an accomplishment. Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, as my old shop teacher used to say.
What I feel, personally, that people miss is that Nani's, Park's, and Valencia's performances improved markedly during the course of the season, enough to merit the gaffer's confidence this year. If this threesome were individual stocks, they're solid “hold” recommendations for your portfolio. None, with the exception of Park's industry perhaps, have demonstrated a consistent, world-class form, but you can see the development, the progress. Add the Da Silvas’ development into the mix, along with Evra's stellar play, and width shouldn't be a problem this term. Hardly.
Where United have the largest question marks are in the center of the park, with the health of the backline, van der Sar's age, and creative, linking play from someone not named Giggs and Scholes, as possible issues. Otherwise, I like the goal-scoring options in Berba, Chicharito, Owen, and Kiko to accompany Rooney. If Wazza goes down for any length of time, all bets are off, obviously, as he remains the one irreplaceable member of this squad.
Last year at this time, everyone doubted United in the post-Ronaldo era: “Where would the goals come from?!” And United proceeded to score more goals that the previous two years with Ronnie, as Rooney flourished in the spotlight.
This year, why should anyone doubt Sir Alex Ferguson's squad?! Personally, I don't get it. I see the potential pitfalls – center of the park, the debt – yet place 110%-trust in SAF's judgement.
As Daniel Taylor put it, Fergie's “job is to make 2010-11 more memorable for what happens in red and white rather than green and gold.” (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/aug/07/alex-ferguson-manchester-united)
Here's to the red and white's nineteenth title.
Here's to Sir Alex's ultimate “mission accomplished.”
Oh, the sweet anticipation.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Living in America
Today's dual 1-0 victories for the US and England that advance both squads to the knock-out phase of the World Cup should bring extreme joy to my dual-footballing allegiances, being someone that passionately supports USA! USA! USA! and Inger-land.
So, why just the twinge of melancholoy?
Because I suspect supporting both squads will never again be as easy and uncomplicated as 1990-2010.
On one hand, supporting the US afforded the privilege of living in an underdog's world, one where you simply enjoy the football (soccer) unattached to expectations and greeting each new, positive development with joy.
Case in point: the 2002 loss to Germany in the quarter-finals. Yes, there was huge disappointment, sure, but also satisfaction in a great tournament and no lingering heartache over what could have been. The experience was whole and complete unto itself, especially since the American sporting media's attention quickly turns elsewhere and there were relatively few fans still discussing “what if” scenarios. No repeated discussions about THAT phantom foul. It's done. It's gone. Amen.
On the other hand, following England took effort. Effort to find matches on cable, and later, satellite TV. Effort to follow England on the internet. Effort to find a pub that showed big or impossible-to-find England qualifying matches.
It's also effort that allowed the luxury of detachment, as you could avoid the media maelstrom following big England losses to the likes of Germany, Argentina, Brazil, or Portugual by simply not surfing to your typical football websites.
Now, all that has changed.
We've gone from a world where Brit's pub in Minneapolis took major cajoling to put the 1996 European Championships on a TV in the back room for 25 football fans to world where an estimated 2,000 people packed the place for USA v England 2 hours before kickoff. Yes, at capacity 2 hours before kickoff. Stunning.
We've gone from a world where football (soccer) gets exceptionally poor TV ratings to one where ESPN/ABC shows every freakin' World Cup game and the reported ratings are very good. When you combine youth soccer participation rates with exposure on this scale, and the drama that is this edition of Team USA, you've just got to believe there's a whole generation of children and possibly some adults that stand the chance to fall for the beautiful game. By contrast, I was born in 1966 and we couldn't watch any World Cup group play until Mexico '86. And that was on Univision. My football fanaticism took root only after some serious exposure while living in Denmark in 1988, where I simply went bonkers for the high-quality action of the English First Division, Bundesliga, Serie A, and La Liga. And oh, the Dutch team of the Euros were a joy to watch too.
We've gone from a world where non-football fans never mention boo about the World Cup to me to one where I've been asked constantly about the rules, Rooney, Ronaldo, vuvuzelas, Team USA's chances, and even the French squad's antics by non-footballing folks. It's incredible. I can't tell you how many non-soccer-types have told me they're going to watch “some” soccer this go round.
I've always wanted the US to understand and show some interest in the beautiful game, as I find the overall ignorance bothersome and even embarrassing on some level.
Now that this new day may be dawning, what I didn't count on were the costs.
Gone are the days of carefree US and England collisions. Gone are the days of supporting the US without expectations. Gone is the luxury of on-call detachment from the football world.
We now live in an era where fans were found still celebrating an hour after the match, dancing to James Brown's “Living in America” at a soccer-themed bar in Milwaukee. As in Wisconsin. On a Wednesday. At noon.
Such is life in the new era. Embrace it. I'm sure there's more drama and fans yet to come.
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