Tag Archive for 'soccer'

Off The Field Drama

Contrary to the expectation, sports these days seems to be more interesting off the field. The on field action has become quite predictable and boring. Off-the-field however, stories evolve as ego clash.

F1 has literally shifted from on-track racing to board room meetings and negotiations. Ferrari is already out of the championship. So they seem to have devoted all their time to countering Max Mosely. Being the head of FOTA, they are pretty much in the drivers seat making all the crucial decisions. Thus we see Ferraris’ decision being backed by FOTA. And when Williams decided to leave the ranks and sign up for next years championship, they were suspended from FOTA.

Ferrari and FIA are aiming blows after blows at each other, refusing to buckle down below the other’s ego. And Bernie finds himself amidst this confusion, knowing pretty well that despite what Mosely says Ferrari’s role in F1 cannot be undermined. If Ferrari decides to pull out, Bernie could lose a lot, unless he manages to recover the loss by filing law suitz against Ferrari.

McLaren have decided to keep mum. Their position is understandable. Just recently they were pardoned for their lie to the stewards and are compelled to remain quite. However, even their participation next year is subject to conditions.

Its so sad for Brawn and Red Bull that all the drama had to unfold this year. Being the two leading teams, any other year they would have been the main target for the journalists and would have made it to the top of the magazine covers every issue. This year though, their achievement has been overshadowed by all the altercations and threats to sue.

But F1 is not the only sport attracting interest. Elsewhere in the world of soccer, Real Madrid has gone back to its big budget spending ways, tempting Kaka and Ronaldo to joing and resurrect a dying team. Playing second fiddle to Barcelona the whole of last year, Real have splashed lots of money to ensure that big names play for it once again. Kaka and Ronaldo should definitely strengthen the mid field. They are also looking to land in David Villa, but the deal has not been confirmed yet.

Chelsea should be the most worried at this time. With Deco declaring his interst to move away from Stamford Bridge and Caravalho also wanting to rejoin with Murinho, theirs is a depleted side. Their bid for Villa was rejected and Chelsea obviously will not be able to meet Manchester United in the pursuit of Frank Ribery. Pato wants to talk to his former manager before confirming his contract at AC Milan, but Milan spokesperson has ensured that Pato stays at Milan. Ageing squad of Chelsea needs more than one fresh pair of legs to challenge ManU or Liverpool.

Sir Alex also has a daunting task on his hands. He now needs to find a winger as good as Ronaldo, which is almost next to impossible. The void left by Ronaldo shall not be easy to fill. Despite what the ManU fans feel, Ronaldo was instrumental in setting up many victories single handedly.

Cricket has become more boring than ever. I shall not even waste another line to talk about it.

The next few weeks shall be quite interesting. F1 sees teams and administration go into a war. And the transfer market couldn’t have been more interesting than it already has become. La Liga shall not be a one sided affair the coming season. I hope more big names transfer this year. And for god’s sake, somebody come to Chelsea.

Liverpool Humbles Manchester United

Ferguson vs. Benitez

A win was needed to save the hopes of a title chase for the Reds, and a win they got after 90 minutes of entertaining play. Torres and Gerrard ensured that Liverpool not only beat Manu, but do so convincingly. A 4-0 win against Real Madrid backed up with another 4-1 victory at Old Trafford speaks a lot about the renewed Liverpool.

The match began just like any other one, with Manu pressing forward and looking aggressive. They were the ones to win the first corner of the game. Quater of an hour later, a Ronaldo penalty kick saw them take the lead at the Theater of Dreams. And if the records were to be consulted, you would learn that Manu has never lost at Old Trafford when Ronaldo has scored.

However, a crucial judgemental error by Vidic saw a composed Torres equalise the score. It was a calm and composed striker making sure the ball finds the net. A few minutes left to the half time and Evra fouled Gerrard inside the penalty area. A clean strike and Liverpool were up, a repeat of their performance when they staged Manu at Anfield and won the match 2-1 conceding first.

Gerrard Penalty Shot

Gerrard Penalty Shot

The match was far from over. Manu showed urgency coming into the second half, pushing Liverpool onto defensive. Ferguson altered the 4-4-2 formation into a 4-3-3 by making three substitutions. Drama took place just moments later when Vidic fouled Gerrard and was shown red card by the referee. A perfect free kick and Liverpool were in the driving seat. With the scoreline 3-1 in Liverpool’s favour, Benitez substituted the-not-100-percent-fit Torres. Defending anxiously each wave of Manu’s attack, Liverpool managed to break free once again and score a fourth goal.

Well, Liverpool got what it needed, a victory against Manu at this crucial time. They have now been the better team at both the occasions, winning 2-1 at home and 4-1 away. With newly discovered form and spirit, they do pose a considerable threat to whoever they are drawn against in the Champions League.




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