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England v Slovakia
Mar. 28th, 2009 09:40 pmThe FA is being criticised for selling the rights to today's match to Setanta. I think it's a fucking disgrace the match wasn't broadcast on terrestrial TV.
The New England Football Home Kit
Mar. 28th, 2009 06:15 pm
I love it. The first time the official home strip is all-white, a throwback to the 1966 World Cup Quarterfinal when Bobby Moore and Co. played in all-white against the Argentinians. The Radio 5 Live commentators have criticised it but I think it's brilliant. No frills, simple and crisp. It's just too expensive.
THEY'VE DONE IT!!! FOR THE FIRST TIME!! PENALTIES ARE A CRUEL WAY TO LOSE, I KNOW - I'VE BEEN ON THE RECEIVING END OF THEM AS A SUPPORTER SINCE 1994 BUT SOMEONE HAS TO WIN AND JUSTICE HAS BEEN DELIVERED. RATHER FITTINGLY, THE WINNING GOAL SCORER WAS HASSAN RABAEE WHO WAS OMAN'S STAR PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT AND SCORED THE SCORCHER IN THE SEMI-FINAL TO PUT OMAN THROUGH TO THE FINAL, IN ADDITION TO HIS HAT-TRICK IN THE GROUP STAGE. IT'S GOING TO BE A RIOT IN OMAN TONIGHT AND WHY NOT. WHIPPING BOYS FOR MOST OF THE HISTORY OF THIS COMPETITION BUT NOW THEY'VE HIT GOLD. THREE FINALS AND A FOURTH-PLACE POSITION IN THE LAST FOUR CUPS. THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK ARE ON THEIR WAY UP. NEXT STOP, THE ASIAN CUP! MABROOK OMAN!!!! IT"S THE MOMENT WE'D ALL BEEN WAITING FOR. THIRD TIME LUCKY. ENJOY THE MOMENT!!!
You couldn't have asked for a better final: the hosts versus the best team in the region. Will it be third time lucky for Oman? Let's hope so! They don't deserve to lose again and this time they have home support to take them all the way. Yallah Oman!!! [WIKI LINK]
UPDATE: My sis and dad are in the stadium. They report a festive atmosphere and a sea of red. Yalla SalṭanatʾUmāniya!
HALF-TIME: Nil-nil. Oman has had more possession and the better chances but the Saudis have been presented with a few opportunities on the break. Oman needs to be careful about throwing too many players forward because one goal is going to settle this match. Oman had the most shots on target and the last effort before half-time was the closest of the lot as the diving goalkeeper only managed to palm the ball onto the top post and away to safety. The atmosphere has been electrifying and I wish I was there!!!
UPDATE 2: Spoke to my dad and sis. They're having a ball. Inshallah, Oman will win!!!
FULL-TIME: Still goalless. Oman has dominated this match and were unlucky to miss out on so many opportunities. Saudi are hanging in by a thread but if you don't score goals then you leave yourself at the mercy of an inscrutable act of providence. I really hope Oman don't lose it from here and I certainly hope it doesn't go to penalties, but that seems increasingly likely!
UPDATE 3: Penalties!!! The dreaded finale.
UPDATE 4: SUDDEN DEATH! Unbearable. Saudi nearly scored in the last minute of extra-time.
UPDATE 5: YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
His armband proved he was a red - Torres, Torres
You'll never walk alone it said - Torres, Torres
We bought the lad from sunny Spain
He gets the ball he scores again
Fer-nan-do Torres Liverpool's number 9.
(to the tune of 'The Animals go in Two by Two')
MATCH REPORT
Fernando Torres! I'm so glad I wore my Torres Liverpool jersey today. And after tonight's victory, there's a good chance I'm not going to take it off until after I get back from Spain next month. The Spaniards have finally won a major footballing trophy after a very long time. So much promise, so few returns. They asked Arsenal's Fabregas why previously talented teams had not succeeded while this team had succeeded. He didn't have an answer. He didn't really care. And why should he? It's a night to celebrate. I wish I was in Spain. Even the firefighters were dancing on their trucks. Truly magical. And to top it off, ze Jahmans were defeated. By 2010 it will be at least 14 years without a major trophy. At this rate they might even catch up with our lack of success... :P Viva España! Viva Torres! Viva La Bonita Juego!
MATCH INFO
Die Mannschaft haven't won the World Cup or European Championship for twelve years, but tonight they produced a less-than-perfect performance to eke out yet another victory in the last four and propel themselves into their thirteenth World Cup or European Championship title match. Turkey were probably the better team and the German defence was found wanting on several occasions, but there's no doubting their attacking prowess and finishing touch. I wanted the Turks to go through and was devastated when Philipp Lahm produced a last minute scorcher. It reminded me of the first goal he scored in the last World Cup against Costa Rica, but from much closer range. It's now upto either Spain or Russia to give 'em a run for their money, and after their underpar performance tonight, we could be in for a thriller in Vienna if they're able to raise their game a notch or two.
Earlier, midway during the second half, the video images were lost (not once, but twice) all over the world due to a thunderstorm in Vienna. I don't know about non-UK viewers but we're very lucky here. The Beeb automatically switched to Radio 5 Live's commentary with the irrepressible Alan Green before switching back. It was then that I remembered the choice of watching the action without listening to the boring John Motson (as much of a legend as he is) and the redundant Mark Lawrenson. The footie was so much more interesting as soon as I kept the Radio 5 commentary while watching BBC One's video coverage. Can't wait for tomorrow night's match. Can we expect a replay of tonight's Belter in Basel? My money's on Spain, but I hope the Russians win. Unless Torres scores of course!
Die Mannschaft haven't won the World Cup or European Championship for twelve years, but tonight they produced a less-than-perfect performance to eke out yet another victory in the last four and propel themselves into their thirteenth World Cup or European Championship title match. Turkey were probably the better team and the German defence was found wanting on several occasions, but there's no doubting their attacking prowess and finishing touch. I wanted the Turks to go through and was devastated when Philipp Lahm produced a last minute scorcher. It reminded me of the first goal he scored in the last World Cup against Costa Rica, but from much closer range. It's now upto either Spain or Russia to give 'em a run for their money, and after their underpar performance tonight, we could be in for a thriller in Vienna if they're able to raise their game a notch or two.
Earlier, midway during the second half, the video images were lost (not once, but twice) all over the world due to a thunderstorm in Vienna. I don't know about non-UK viewers but we're very lucky here. The Beeb automatically switched to Radio 5 Live's commentary with the irrepressible Alan Green before switching back. It was then that I remembered the choice of watching the action without listening to the boring John Motson (as much of a legend as he is) and the redundant Mark Lawrenson. The footie was so much more interesting as soon as I kept the Radio 5 commentary while watching BBC One's video coverage. Can't wait for tomorrow night's match. Can we expect a replay of tonight's Belter in Basel? My money's on Spain, but I hope the Russians win. Unless Torres scores of course!
Tags:
Euro 2008 Semifinal Lineup
Jun. 22nd, 2008 11:15 pmGermany v Turkey
Spain v Russia
Before tonight, Spain had lost three consecutive penalty shootouts on the same date in 1986, 1996 and 2002. Too bad Torres was taken off before he could take a penalty. Hopefully he'll score against the Russians. Before the tournament began I was marginally supporting Spain ahead of the other teams. Now I'm not so sure. I liked Spain more than the others simply due to Torres. Traditionally, I support the underdog when my team is not taking part. As such I would be thrilled to see Turkey and Russia both make the finals, and for the Turks to go on and proclaim themselves Europe's best. They might have trouble getting into the European Union, but when it comes to football, they're slowly but surely working their way into Europe's best. Ditto for the Russians (though they won the inaugural tournament as the USSR).
Spain v Russia
Before tonight, Spain had lost three consecutive penalty shootouts on the same date in 1986, 1996 and 2002. Too bad Torres was taken off before he could take a penalty. Hopefully he'll score against the Russians. Before the tournament began I was marginally supporting Spain ahead of the other teams. Now I'm not so sure. I liked Spain more than the others simply due to Torres. Traditionally, I support the underdog when my team is not taking part. As such I would be thrilled to see Turkey and Russia both make the finals, and for the Turks to go on and proclaim themselves Europe's best. They might have trouble getting into the European Union, but when it comes to football, they're slowly but surely working their way into Europe's best. Ditto for the Russians (though they won the inaugural tournament as the USSR).
2008 European Championship Qualifiers
Sep. 12th, 2007 10:45 pmENGLAND 3 - 0 Israel (Saturday's game)
ENGLAND 3 - 0 Russia (Tonight's game)
Last week England were in 4th position, 3 points behind Israel (with a game in hand) and 2 points behind Russia. As of now, England are in 2nd position, 2 points ahead of Russia and 3 points ahead of Israel. They've all played 9 games and we're just 3 points off Croatia. Just 3 more games to go, two at home against Croatia and Estonia, and then possibly the most important game away against Russia in five weeks time. Michael Owen has silenced all his critics with three goals in two games. Never mind the fact that he has played more games for the national team than the club he joined (Newcastle) a few years ago. We're on our way to Switzerland and Austria! And to think we did it amidst a spate of injuries. Perhaps that's just the blessing in disguise we needed for McLaren to forge a team that plays well together, and wasn't just made up of megastars. Or maybe I'm just cocky about the fact that Steven Gerrard has cemented the central midfielder spot that Fat Lampard feels he deserves. Either way, who cares? England's winning and that's all that matters.
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France 0 - 1 SCOTLAND
CZECH REPUBLIC 1 - 0 Republic of Ireland
ICELAND 2 - 1 Northern Ireland
Slovakia 2 - 5 WALES
One could easily argue that Scotland are playing in a much more difficult group than England, but not only are they keeping pace with World Cup finalists Italy and France and Quarterfinalists Ukraine, but after today's victory in Paris they now top the group, yes, top the group! Italy's victory in Kiev means they overtake France and put pressure on Les Bleues to step up the pace going into the final leg of the qualifiers. I'm so happy for Scotland. It's a pity the two Irelands lost today, particularly the southern one - they needed to defeat the Czech Republic to stay in the race but now their chances of qualification are all but over. Northern Ireland on the other hand are still in 2nd position, despite their 2-1 loss to second-from-bottom Iceland. They are also in a tough group with Spain, Sweden and Denmark but they are doing amazingly well, thanks to star striker David Healy. It would be brilliant if three of the four Home Nations qualified for the Euros next year. And even though Wales thrashed Slovakia 5-2 in Bratislava tonight, they won't qualify.
ENGLAND 3 - 0 Russia (Tonight's game)
Last week England were in 4th position, 3 points behind Israel (with a game in hand) and 2 points behind Russia. As of now, England are in 2nd position, 2 points ahead of Russia and 3 points ahead of Israel. They've all played 9 games and we're just 3 points off Croatia. Just 3 more games to go, two at home against Croatia and Estonia, and then possibly the most important game away against Russia in five weeks time. Michael Owen has silenced all his critics with three goals in two games. Never mind the fact that he has played more games for the national team than the club he joined (Newcastle) a few years ago. We're on our way to Switzerland and Austria! And to think we did it amidst a spate of injuries. Perhaps that's just the blessing in disguise we needed for McLaren to forge a team that plays well together, and wasn't just made up of megastars. Or maybe I'm just cocky about the fact that Steven Gerrard has cemented the central midfielder spot that Fat Lampard feels he deserves. Either way, who cares? England's winning and that's all that matters.
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France 0 - 1 SCOTLAND
CZECH REPUBLIC 1 - 0 Republic of Ireland
ICELAND 2 - 1 Northern Ireland
Slovakia 2 - 5 WALES
One could easily argue that Scotland are playing in a much more difficult group than England, but not only are they keeping pace with World Cup finalists Italy and France and Quarterfinalists Ukraine, but after today's victory in Paris they now top the group, yes, top the group! Italy's victory in Kiev means they overtake France and put pressure on Les Bleues to step up the pace going into the final leg of the qualifiers. I'm so happy for Scotland. It's a pity the two Irelands lost today, particularly the southern one - they needed to defeat the Czech Republic to stay in the race but now their chances of qualification are all but over. Northern Ireland on the other hand are still in 2nd position, despite their 2-1 loss to second-from-bottom Iceland. They are also in a tough group with Spain, Sweden and Denmark but they are doing amazingly well, thanks to star striker David Healy. It would be brilliant if three of the four Home Nations qualified for the Euros next year. And even though Wales thrashed Slovakia 5-2 in Bratislava tonight, they won't qualify.
When Scotland take on Lithuania on Saturday they could be forgiven for treating it as a match against one of their own clubs, Hearts of Midlothian. Eight of the 28 players in the Hearts squad are Lithuanian, all but one has played for the national team, and at least four of them are expected to play on Saturday. A couple others in the current Lithuanian squad have played for Hearts in the last few years. It would come as no surprise that the club is owned by Lithuanians and even their previous manager was a Lithuanian.
Meanwhile, England's injury troubles have gotten worse as Owen Hargreaves has pulled out of both qualifying games against Israel and Russia. He follows in the footsteps of Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Fat Lampard, Kieron Dyer, Aaron Lennon, Gary Neville, Sol Campbell, Ledley King and Wayne Bridge. To make matters worse up-front, Michael Owen has just recovered from yet another injury and Robo Crouch is suspended. But it's not all bad news. Steven Gerrard is expected to play even though he has a fractured toe. We need to win both games to remain in serious contention for qualification. We are currently in 4th position (out of 7). Only the top two teams in the table qualify for the European Championships, to be held in Austria and Switzerland next year. (Link)
And finally, while listening to the radio a couple days ago, there was a phone-in discussion about opening up referee positions in the English league to foreigners. After all, one could argue that the English league is already the world's most international with respect to owners, managers and players, so why not just complete the set? What do you think?
[Poll #1051178]
Meanwhile, England's injury troubles have gotten worse as Owen Hargreaves has pulled out of both qualifying games against Israel and Russia. He follows in the footsteps of Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Fat Lampard, Kieron Dyer, Aaron Lennon, Gary Neville, Sol Campbell, Ledley King and Wayne Bridge. To make matters worse up-front, Michael Owen has just recovered from yet another injury and Robo Crouch is suspended. But it's not all bad news. Steven Gerrard is expected to play even though he has a fractured toe. We need to win both games to remain in serious contention for qualification. We are currently in 4th position (out of 7). Only the top two teams in the table qualify for the European Championships, to be held in Austria and Switzerland next year. (Link)
And finally, while listening to the radio a couple days ago, there was a phone-in discussion about opening up referee positions in the English league to foreigners. After all, one could argue that the English league is already the world's most international with respect to owners, managers and players, so why not just complete the set? What do you think?
[Poll #1051178]
Sweet Scent of Victory
Jan. 20th, 2007 08:00 pmLIVERPOOL 2 - 0 Chelsea
OMAN 2 - 1 Kuwait
What better birthday gift could I have received than watching The Reds DEFEAT Chelski FC 2-0 @ Anfield. Then switching to the Gulf Cup, I witnessed the goal of the tournament as Oman overcame nine-times champion, Kuwait in Abu Dhabi.
On Wednesday, Oman defeated hosts UAE 2-1 and so with two victories in three games, they qualify for the semi-finals. In the last edition held in Qatar, Oman were unlucky to lose to the hosts in the final on penalties. That was the first time they made the final, can they go one step further this time?
18th Football Gulf Cup Scores
18th Football Gulf Cup (Wikipedia)
Gulf Cup Summary (Wikipedia)
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PS How do you say "Congratulations" in Arabic? Shukran Jazeeran
OMAN 2 - 1 Kuwait
What better birthday gift could I have received than watching The Reds DEFEAT Chelski FC 2-0 @ Anfield. Then switching to the Gulf Cup, I witnessed the goal of the tournament as Oman overcame nine-times champion, Kuwait in Abu Dhabi.
On Wednesday, Oman defeated hosts UAE 2-1 and so with two victories in three games, they qualify for the semi-finals. In the last edition held in Qatar, Oman were unlucky to lose to the hosts in the final on penalties. That was the first time they made the final, can they go one step further this time?
18th Football Gulf Cup Scores
18th Football Gulf Cup (Wikipedia)
Gulf Cup Summary (Wikipedia)
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PS How do you say "Congratulations" in Arabic? Shukran Jazeeran
Global Footie Update
Aug. 19th, 2006 08:30 pmAFC ASIAN CUP 2007 QUALIFIERS:
Pakistan 1 - 4 Oman
India 0 - 3 Saudi Arabia
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES
England 4 - 0 Greece
Italy 0 - 2 Croatia
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Sheffield United 1 - 1 Liverpool FC
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I'm glad Oman gave a good account of themselves in the thrashing of Pakistan, and any defeat of the world's most dangerous country is always very welcome. That being said, India didn't fare much better against Saudi Arabia, English coach et al.
Good victory for England against the ageing European Champions, Greece in Old Trafford. Interestingly, nearly half the stadium was empty and that fuckface, Lampard scored. Italy meanwhile, fielded a 3rd string team against Croatia under new coach, Donadoni, and paid the price for it.
Most disappointingly of all however, was the result at Bramall Lane. After going behind to Sheff Utd, Liverpool were awarded a controversial late penalty, with Gerrard supposedly diving.
Either way, a most annoying way to start the new season. Several pundits have predicted us to win the title this year! I hope the injuries suffered by Riise & Carra are not serious.
Pakistan 1 - 4 Oman
India 0 - 3 Saudi Arabia
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES
England 4 - 0 Greece
Italy 0 - 2 Croatia
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Sheffield United 1 - 1 Liverpool FC
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I'm glad Oman gave a good account of themselves in the thrashing of Pakistan, and any defeat of the world's most dangerous country is always very welcome. That being said, India didn't fare much better against Saudi Arabia, English coach et al.
Good victory for England against the ageing European Champions, Greece in Old Trafford. Interestingly, nearly half the stadium was empty and that fuckface, Lampard scored. Italy meanwhile, fielded a 3rd string team against Croatia under new coach, Donadoni, and paid the price for it.
Most disappointingly of all however, was the result at Bramall Lane. After going behind to Sheff Utd, Liverpool were awarded a controversial late penalty, with Gerrard supposedly diving.
Either way, a most annoying way to start the new season. Several pundits have predicted us to win the title this year! I hope the injuries suffered by Riise & Carra are not serious.
The Media on Gerrard vs Terry
Aug. 10th, 2006 12:10 amOn Friday, Steve McLaren, the new England football manager, will name the new captain of the national team. The five players supposedly in the fray are Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Gary Neville, John Terry & Steven Gerrard.
The top two contenders are John Terry, captain of Chelsea FC and Steven Gerrard, the inspirational captain of Liverpool FC.
Here's what the English media has to say about who should/will be chosen as successor to Becks:
1) Gerrard or Terry: Who should be captain? - by Tim Rich (The Telegraph)
2) Gerrard skips ahead on spheres of influence - by Peter Beardsley (The Guardian)
3) Gerrard takes lead in England captaincy race - by Sam Wallace (The Independent)
4) Terry remains outstanding candidate for England captain - by Martin Samuel (The Times)
My choice? To be honest, I'm undecided ... there's a compelling argument for both men. Thank goodness I don't have to make the final decision!
The top two contenders are John Terry, captain of Chelsea FC and Steven Gerrard, the inspirational captain of Liverpool FC.
Here's what the English media has to say about who should/will be chosen as successor to Becks:
1) Gerrard or Terry: Who should be captain? - by Tim Rich (The Telegraph)
2) Gerrard skips ahead on spheres of influence - by Peter Beardsley (The Guardian)
3) Gerrard takes lead in England captaincy race - by Sam Wallace (The Independent)
4) Terry remains outstanding candidate for England captain - by Martin Samuel (The Times)
My choice? To be honest, I'm undecided ... there's a compelling argument for both men. Thank goodness I don't have to make the final decision!
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard vs Chelski's John Terry
