tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15134677605308560012024-03-15T21:09:08.835-04:00Sensible Soccerromanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-44619040512850530092012-12-25T00:27:00.001-05:002012-12-25T00:29:15.370-05:00Happy Holidays!Happy holidays from Sensible Soccer and your friends around world football! Here are some players showing that holiday spirit:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_X1AJE-fzYIJRi_zXbxi-KvGoaaKR4LBq9Mp8-j6TTo48hRsoc0qFamYuy5C9nW5uAufl3XHsM0UmsUd5B78ZNoGgxLP9TpYJGoefb7moMGKhIZKAQQo5UrHygTki3ad24dI7hPRc1is/s1600/25449hp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_X1AJE-fzYIJRi_zXbxi-KvGoaaKR4LBq9Mp8-j6TTo48hRsoc0qFamYuy5C9nW5uAufl3XHsM0UmsUd5B78ZNoGgxLP9TpYJGoefb7moMGKhIZKAQQo5UrHygTki3ad24dI7hPRc1is/s400/25449hp2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gennaro Ivan Gattuso aka Santa Stud</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRreLZ5evubjJA2CT-QeaA7IAcTmUDoK3qwtJ7THMVFlaXjs0I5kaKWc2TggxsWrW23TQH5KF7MHOJboMUY9MSy9S7ToYsui9MuMXIUed1zkg24gA766wEdMbe6YSsdwlhRJHCgfv1EdR/s1600/bradley-chievo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRreLZ5evubjJA2CT-QeaA7IAcTmUDoK3qwtJ7THMVFlaXjs0I5kaKWc2TggxsWrW23TQH5KF7MHOJboMUY9MSy9S7ToYsui9MuMXIUed1zkg24gA766wEdMbe6YSsdwlhRJHCgfv1EdR/s400/bradley-chievo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Bradley aka Lex Luther</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcRV1ItBFd_8ze_x_jMZeOGXvVhNMKuVwE1XxtPtuLaa_rRDuVVSfuezfMte09ERTx5Cl3M367RU43tpBo7mEYKXXrpxL-yha-SGgjT_F5zdzdzMe4kayosUWhzt0O85lBdJjpOvAaWTK/s1600/cavani_babbo_natale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcRV1ItBFd_8ze_x_jMZeOGXvVhNMKuVwE1XxtPtuLaa_rRDuVVSfuezfMte09ERTx5Cl3M367RU43tpBo7mEYKXXrpxL-yha-SGgjT_F5zdzdzMe4kayosUWhzt0O85lBdJjpOvAaWTK/s400/cavani_babbo_natale.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edinson Cavani aka Scary Claus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xEUIMa0fqgjl3sr8lvHwjYOqAI_fptTw6lgRMAUqI8Zy49t31ho-OFbsCxCHboo3-qUsNe1ZPAqKi0A1RWn4IB04Ruszi_YZlECwlv3pa74dZvbbPTb_Kfe9TRRL96d9ula_vuf-kYa4/s1600/del_Piero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xEUIMa0fqgjl3sr8lvHwjYOqAI_fptTw6lgRMAUqI8Zy49t31ho-OFbsCxCHboo3-qUsNe1ZPAqKi0A1RWn4IB04Ruszi_YZlECwlv3pa74dZvbbPTb_Kfe9TRRL96d9ula_vuf-kYa4/s400/del_Piero.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alessandro Del Piero aka Babbo Natale</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupEttVTa2o9XRAuy7qeLjY041qeQ0OGCGt2UlBgjCFhdc84t93cZJsPWPc0qHXCCqPmt0G4H8aj6ZDXpbZ_xCne0KJ076koe2KL1Wi6sKztbElMNg32BhowK8z58334j47uBchN9MSP2C/s1600/sakhary2011-2451872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupEttVTa2o9XRAuy7qeLjY041qeQ0OGCGt2UlBgjCFhdc84t93cZJsPWPc0qHXCCqPmt0G4H8aj6ZDXpbZ_xCne0KJ076koe2KL1Wi6sKztbElMNg32BhowK8z58334j47uBchN9MSP2C/s400/sakhary2011-2451872.jpg" width="336" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lionel Messi aka Santa Child</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfo1UCyBDIhwGlaw_LvMTZc-SS9jq9jynPsalTtcXictKtsFUxBUX3TO0oi1cp5WvVd93keJjtbqw_BR940E7QUNXNGJa19KUd0T57QpfyvYJ0dhkWC6R1hsQ_1BNeHhnjk3xvHhZfETz/s1600/617133250a6472450449l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfo1UCyBDIhwGlaw_LvMTZc-SS9jq9jynPsalTtcXictKtsFUxBUX3TO0oi1cp5WvVd93keJjtbqw_BR940E7QUNXNGJa19KUd0T57QpfyvYJ0dhkWC6R1hsQ_1BNeHhnjk3xvHhZfETz/s400/617133250a6472450449l.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cristiano Ronaldo aka Santa Creeper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX2mNQXUZe6OGuM6oqs8EGeTq4rLbclwlDaiBfzUmzlJl0GUjR26cL-Gk8-6QXo0FxNXpbQts1waivwb3vtATlzhpnCgVwUWTUgZvGi54ymgRmf4H5Di21vPzFX-O09mE__x_nAbufFGB/s1600/tumblr_l99iw8crFV1qd7jego1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX2mNQXUZe6OGuM6oqs8EGeTq4rLbclwlDaiBfzUmzlJl0GUjR26cL-Gk8-6QXo0FxNXpbQts1waivwb3vtATlzhpnCgVwUWTUgZvGi54ymgRmf4H5Di21vPzFX-O09mE__x_nAbufFGB/s400/tumblr_l99iw8crFV1qd7jego1_400.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cesc Fabregas aka DUDE WTF</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieriFnIEJpbk8_QUMQPwGrQYMRINVURlAda6n46RgCX5i64VWdrq1RVsfllNXgf19N9roGgqVh1DU2lfknu50ZqmuHNnt-wU-8XfvksHCyiYaHEPYpNWoEi1ZXO8xcFj25J_UymnU_bu04/s1600/vodafone-totti-natale-home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieriFnIEJpbk8_QUMQPwGrQYMRINVURlAda6n46RgCX5i64VWdrq1RVsfllNXgf19N9roGgqVh1DU2lfknu50ZqmuHNnt-wU-8XfvksHCyiYaHEPYpNWoEi1ZXO8xcFj25J_UymnU_bu04/s400/vodafone-totti-natale-home.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francesco Totti aka the real Santa Claus upon retirement</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJMjDyTn2Xk3jcD5SPlC3kO5ebG_hr_tgWiey9GwXKolXb87M-w2NjXUqSWNOy_OMIQwtgUl5hCIQN0zC-sHvC2EgCF4taqqG75KbRhdV33yzV7HlFP8THwdyRYfuNZAsD8BG81y-OmPh/s1600/x2_a01ec4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJMjDyTn2Xk3jcD5SPlC3kO5ebG_hr_tgWiey9GwXKolXb87M-w2NjXUqSWNOy_OMIQwtgUl5hCIQN0zC-sHvC2EgCF4taqqG75KbRhdV33yzV7HlFP8THwdyRYfuNZAsD8BG81y-OmPh/s400/x2_a01ec4b.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rio Ferdinand aka Sir Santa Claus Britain IV</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGM3so28Nj-CJUTp_U5321aeezHVS4_K0Uyu6hLDleQwxvbhajdlWTwgDsNcuXsFZW0lGaoIA-Azc42ypLCJrH0vWNcW7k6SRU46dmgdb7RO6h5_wH8d9qWsZjOYOB3X0bHyLQL6LcgWI/s1600/zlatanwish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGM3so28Nj-CJUTp_U5321aeezHVS4_K0Uyu6hLDleQwxvbhajdlWTwgDsNcuXsFZW0lGaoIA-Azc42ypLCJrH0vWNcW7k6SRU46dmgdb7RO6h5_wH8d9qWsZjOYOB3X0bHyLQL6LcgWI/s400/zlatanwish.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zlatan Ibrahimovic aka as close to holiday cheer as he can</td></tr>
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<br />romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-5892501153610044892012-12-16T15:06:00.000-05:002012-12-16T15:12:34.295-05:00Top Five Transfer Thoughts: 2012 - 2013The time has come to take a hard look at the impact made by players purchased in the summer transfer window. Below, we will examine top five signings, flops and players to watch during the January transfer window.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Top Five Signings of the Summer</b></span> </div>
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(5) <b>Mario Mandzukic </b>Bayern Munich<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuwd23SJB6N21eVGVBxKhvYH5E9Z7uoPZXDT_gzoiSMb-8oLpytjmgspb8Tthb0ACIFCa-D52c88glu69IKksprJUKk9NIoxjSeflGL1osq6eBNKUpbcfM4_XEjs4QE1YbYJkIFvnmkfn/s1600/Mandukic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuwd23SJB6N21eVGVBxKhvYH5E9Z7uoPZXDT_gzoiSMb-8oLpytjmgspb8Tthb0ACIFCa-D52c88glu69IKksprJUKk9NIoxjSeflGL1osq6eBNKUpbcfM4_XEjs4QE1YbYJkIFvnmkfn/s400/Mandukic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Following an excellent showing at the European Championshops with Croatia,<b> </b>Mario Mandzukic<b> </b>landed a huge deal with Germany's most regaled team, Bayern Munich. Since joining the Bundesliga giants, Mandzukic has scored a team high <b>nine goals</b> in league play, propelling the Bavarian club to the top of the table -- double digits ahead of their second place challengers. Even more impressive, Mandzukic was charged with fulfilling a bulk of the goal-scoring duties over the first few months of the season, after Mario Gomez was sidelined due to injury. Of late, Gomez has returned to the starting lineup, bringing the Bayern dream of a <b>Mario Bros strike-force</b> to life.<br />
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(4) <b>Eden Hazard </b>Chelsea<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5hWEsy8ANwlIGFMpnUD9r2U88r6ee9QZDwbWRvqLzoBvTsrmfNa1SLDGtwPVWUlZCeJc3oYWaSKhi8D8bwII5PBwTeNgZot3t0Ta81p9bIeIjTiiG9W-Hare8JfbLI8UcCXyRV_8AEME/s1600/EdenHazardChelseaCelebrates2012_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5hWEsy8ANwlIGFMpnUD9r2U88r6ee9QZDwbWRvqLzoBvTsrmfNa1SLDGtwPVWUlZCeJc3oYWaSKhi8D8bwII5PBwTeNgZot3t0Ta81p9bIeIjTiiG9W-Hare8JfbLI8UcCXyRV_8AEME/s400/EdenHazardChelseaCelebrates2012_large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Before moving to Chelsea in June, many wondered if Eden Hazard could succeed in a top league with a world-class side. Following his blockbuster move to the House of Blues for a reported <b>£40m</b>, we can confirm the fleet-footed winger has lived up to every bit of hype that has surrounded him over the past few years. The Belgian midfielder immediately bursted into Chelsea's starting lineup, appearing in all of the Blues' Premier League matches. He's scored three goals and notched six assists, and has linked well with the likes of Juan Mata and Oscar to provide a string of entertaining moves. At just 21 years of age, it will be exciting to see how Hazard progresses as a player while continually competing at such a high level.<br />
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(3) <b>Michu </b>Swansea City<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5lLZoapKY2IrwpZbvvd9Vi22cP-XbmdiTXwGaz0Rbl2Au45MSWncUyvvQlA4OJjaQdSKsVTuf1eE1hZadsr4idR6jCTTlJy1ytvGGdDWavIZgDDTsAAD-70IGVPQ6GBFVMTcsGz1x6nt/s1600/Michu_2813592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5lLZoapKY2IrwpZbvvd9Vi22cP-XbmdiTXwGaz0Rbl2Au45MSWncUyvvQlA4OJjaQdSKsVTuf1eE1hZadsr4idR6jCTTlJy1ytvGGdDWavIZgDDTsAAD-70IGVPQ6GBFVMTcsGz1x6nt/s400/Michu_2813592.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The striker's
move from Rayo Vallecano to Swansea City for a mere £2M is considered
one of the coups of the summer window. Not only does Michu have one of
the best names in world football -- akin to a rare goal-scoring Pokemon
-- he has been clinical in front of goal since landing in England.
The lanky forward is currently joint-top in the Premier League scoring charts
with <b>12 goals</b>. Incredibly, this relatively unknown
player from Spain is keeping pace with top forwards like Robin Van Persie, Kun Aguero,
Luis Suarez and more in scoring! Furthermore, Michu's exploits have driven
Swansea to the top half of the table for the first time since God knows
when. Many clubs around the Premier League <a href="http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/183138.html" target="_blank">are ruing the day</a> they passed on signing this gem.<br />
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(2) <b>Robin van Persie</b> Manchester United<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqPfD4fP3tGKdNvCBsrehPE3s7g0fELJMOt3-4x32gQKGWr9jJ9NtvadLbrYqVkXELA8Dhb-SzXwJZsHv0tYIwyiF8YkqjIiThgNKvcZf4c4tmM90hk6mTaNKWyyt9kPPVPdHh3NHYceM/s1600/vanpersie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqPfD4fP3tGKdNvCBsrehPE3s7g0fELJMOt3-4x32gQKGWr9jJ9NtvadLbrYqVkXELA8Dhb-SzXwJZsHv0tYIwyiF8YkqjIiThgNKvcZf4c4tmM90hk6mTaNKWyyt9kPPVPdHh3NHYceM/s400/vanpersie1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The purchase of Robin van Persie feels eerily familiar to Manchester United fans, doesn't it? Does <a href="http://sportige.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Ruud-van-Nistelrooy.jpg" target="_blank">this guy</a> ring a bell? The Red Devils captured the striker this summer, gaining yet again, a top Dutch player at the peak of his game. Since moving over from Arsenal, Van the Man has been in scintillating form, scoring <b>12 goals </b>in EPL play, including <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xvrsyy_epl-manchester-city-vs-manchester-united-2-3_sport&start=277" target="_blank">a dipping free-kick</a> deep into injury-time to purge rivals Manchester City in his first derby. RvP's goals have won United crucial games and driven them to the top of the Premier League table -- once again in line to be champions.<br />
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(1) <b>Zlatan Ibrahimovic</b> Paris Saint-Germain<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82m4sXJwzBGbvNcaRTCZZUAePq2HmnXe8Gp_Dr8oewKvFLiucgSaNu-UcFTB0zw68st4w3HQCHIbmtiwM9XqlrVs9v6k0_l5iZvgUd_BAaJdhqHsyOBLDrJuS5h2PKuj7FZmzMI49ZkE3/s1600/Zlatan%252BIbrahimovic%252BParis%252BSaint%252BGermain%252BSign%252Bdl_xZKDBCVTl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82m4sXJwzBGbvNcaRTCZZUAePq2HmnXe8Gp_Dr8oewKvFLiucgSaNu-UcFTB0zw68st4w3HQCHIbmtiwM9XqlrVs9v6k0_l5iZvgUd_BAaJdhqHsyOBLDrJuS5h2PKuj7FZmzMI49ZkE3/s400/Zlatan%252BIbrahimovic%252BParis%252BSaint%252BGermain%252BSign%252Bdl_xZKDBCVTl.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is by and large this year's top summer transfer. If there has been one constant throughout Ibra's career, it is <b>wherever he goes, he scores</b>. At PSG, the tall Swede has <b>17 goals</b> to his name, an astounding achievement at this point in the season. Even as he ages, his prowess and daring in front of goal seem to be second to none. PSG currently reside in second place in Ligue One, but are poised to pull ahead given the continued efforts of players like Zlatan. On a related note, we all remember his great goal against England, <a href="http://sensiblesoccergo.blogspot.com/2012/11/best-goal-ever-scored-period.html" target="_blank">the best ever scored</a>. <br />
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<u><b>Honorable Mention</b></u><br />
<b>Kwadwo Asamoah</b>, Juventus; <b>Santi Cazorla</b>, Arsenal; <b>Jordi Alba</b>, Barcelona; <b>Marco Reus</b>, Borussia Dortmund; <b>Borja Valero</b>, Fiorentina.<b> </b><br />
<b> </b> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Top Five Flops</b></span></div>
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(5) <b>Giampaolo Pazzini </b>AC Milan<br />
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Will the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Cd4DdBazqM" target="_blank">real</a>
Giampaolo Pazzini please come back? Since the instinctual striker's
switch to city rivals Milan from Inter this summer, Pazzo has been less
than satisfactory. Over the past few years, his name was on the
score-sheet on a weekly basis. This year, starts have been few and far
between for the Italian hitman, and he's tallied a mere <b>6 goals</b> for the
Rossoneri -- clearly not up to his standards. We are admirers of Pazzini's work in the final
third, but unfortunately he has been truly flop-worthy thus far.<br />
<br />
(4) <b>Fabio Borini </b>Liverpool<br />
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The young Italian has found life tough at Liverpool since straying from his homeland this past summer. After a dynamite year with Roma which saw him gain a spot with the Azzurri at the Euros, Fabio Borini found himself on the fringes of the squad early in the season, then on the sidelines injured. Not an ideal start to life at Anfield. This also confirms that Liverpool is the dying ground for <a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2010/3/7/1267984526215/Alberto-Aquilani--001.jpg" target="_blank">Italian careers</a>.<br />
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(3) <b>Marko Marin </b>Chelsea<br />
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Last year, I found Marko Marin's wing-play to be top class in Europe. His trickery and quickness seemed to induce a "deer in headlights" kind of reaction amongst opposing defenders, allowing the tiny winger to work his magic. This year at Chelsea, the only magic Marko has worked is making himself invisible for team selection. The proclaimed "German Messi" made his Premier League debut about three weeks ago, better known as three months into the season. It seems like a mistake that he joined Chelsea, seeing as Eden Hazard and Juan Mata will always get selected before him. <br />
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(2)<b> Nicklas Bendtner</b> Juventus<br />
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Clearly, Juventus were desperate for strikers when they scooped up large-framed Dane Nicklas Bendtner on loan from Arsenal on deadline day. Things did not start well in Turin for Bendtner, as he was called chubby by team directors and promptly put on a diet. You know you've let yourself go when a bunch of pasta, mozzarella and prosciutto eating Italians call you fat. Plumpness cost Bendtner the first five games of the season and he has hardly played in many games following, barring a few substitute appearance full of shanked shots and whistles from the crowd. Suffice to say, it is going to be another season of wondering if Bendtner can be relied upon in the lineup.<br />
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(1) <b>Hulk/Axel Witsel </b>Zenit St. Petersburg<br />
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Hulk and Witsel, aside from having a name tandem you would find in an 80s cop show, are the top flops of the summer window. The dynamic duo has "ruined Zenit," according to numerous headlines I have seen (I am not joking). Over the summer, the Russian Champions splashed a record<b> £64m</b> on the duo (£32m/player) in hopes of bringing their squad to the next level: Champions League contenders. Instead, Hulk and Witsel have been dismal, and pressure on both to perform continues to grow. Fans often protest their prescene and other players, such as Russian captain Igor Denisov, have fought with team officials for pay raises -- seeing as the great Hulk and Witsel earn <b>three times as much </b>as the next highest earner at Zenit. <br />
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<u><b>Honorable Mention</b></u><br />
<b>Marco Veratti</b>, PSG; <b>Antonio Cassano</b>, Inter Milan; <b>Marco Borriello</b>, Genoa.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Top Five Players to Watch in January</b></span></div>
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(5) <b>Daniele De Rossi </b>AS Roma<br />
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<b></b>Marauding Midfielder Daniele De Rossi makes this list because at any single moment, if you listen closely to the wind blow, you will hear a rumor about Manchester City wanting to buy him. De Rossi is yet again linked to a move away from the Giallorossi after a rough run of form and a media fueled falling out with coach Zdenek Zeman. I reluctantly admit there is teeny-tiny possibility of a move this January, but it is not likely to happen. <b>Please stay Daniele!!!!!!!!!</b><br />
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(4) <b>Gareth Bale </b>Tottenham<br />
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Over the past few years, Tottenham winger Gareth Bale has made quite the name for himself, ignited by his transition from wing-back to attacking winger. Bale is rated by much of the football community as the best option down the left flank in the world. This hype has garnned the attention of top clubs, first in line being Real Madrid. Recent reports suggest Los Blancos are saving <b>£56m</b> in their transfer kitty to make a move for Bale in one of the next two transfer windows. Will it be this January? That is unclear, but one thing is for certain, Spurs fans are holding their breath.<br />
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(3) <b>Klaas-Jan Huntelaar</b> Schalke<br />
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Much talk has surrounded a mid-season switch for Dutch journeyman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, as his contract is set to expire this summer. The striker has had a tumultous tenure with the Bundesliga side, thus there seems no ideal contract renewal in the cards this summer. The player seems keen on the Premier League, and luckily Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool are in the hunt for a striker. <br />
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(2) <b>Wesley Sneijder </b>Inter Milan<br />
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A messy contract situation has flamed up between Wesley Sneijder and Inter Milan. The trouble started
after Sneijder refused to sign a new contract, stating displeasure for
the terms, which offerend no raise in wages. Inter, in turn, has frozen Sneijder out of the squad. This terrible situation for both parties can be alleviated by selling the Dutch midfielder this January, and it seems like a distinct possibility. Premier League clubs looking for a quality midfielder have been put on alert. <br />
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(1) <b>Fernando Llorente</b> Athletic Bilbao<br />
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Over the past 18 months, there has been much speculation over where striker Fernando Llorente will end up post Athletic Bilbao. Recently, Llorente admitted his desire to leave the club after his contract expires this summer, immediately alerting top clubs around the world about the prospect of signing him January, before he leaves on a Bosman in the summer. A host of Premier League clubs are said to be preparing bids to test Bilbao's resolve to keep the player until summer, but it is not clear if a mid-season move will happen. This story should be particularly interesting due to the wide scope of reports surrounding Llorente.<br />
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<u><b>Honorable Mention</b></u><br />
<b>Theo Walcott</b>, Arsenal; <b>Robert Lewandowski</b>, Borussia Dortmund; <b>Didier Drogba</b>, Shanghai Shenua; <b>Hulk</b>, Zenit St. Petersburg; <b>Kaka</b>, Real Madrid.<br />
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If I missed anyone, please offer your thoughts!romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-52569765274018204542012-12-12T00:09:00.002-05:002012-12-12T07:20:24.479-05:00Another Reason to Love Lionel Messi The Sensible Soccer Community has yet another reason to tip its cap to Lionel Messi. On Sunday, the Barcelona superstar broke the 40-year old record for goals in a calendar year when he <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uVEt-zMdG8" target="_blank">scored his 86th</a> against Real Betis. It was a classic Messi goal. Quick movement, close control, decisive passing, a little help from Iniesta, and a clinical finish.<br />
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The previous record holder, German legend Gerd Muller, <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/lionel-messi/9734839/Lionel-Messi-hailed-as-incredible-and-gigantic-by-Gerd-Muller-after-Barcelona-star-breaks-record-for-most-goals.html" target="_blank">had nothing but praise</a> for Messi, hailing the diminutive Argentinean "incredible" and "gigantic." And how could you say anything else, really? At just 25, Messi has already proven himself to be one the all-time greats. But as this excellent <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/12/sports/soccer/messis-brilliance-transcends-his-numbers.html" target="_blank">NY Times article</a> discusses, the stats don't even come close to encompassing his brilliance. He epitomizes everything that's beautiful about the beautiful game, and he does it with a humbleness that sets him apart from most of his peers.<br />
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As his former manager Pep Guardiola astutely stated, "Don’t try to write about him. Don’t try to describe him. Watch him." With that in mind, check out this awesome video that might help you understand just why Messi is the greatest.<br />
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<b>Lionel Messi Never Dives</b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/I0gS5CshUDE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16566160813052938905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-74336415769517084872012-12-01T12:51:00.000-05:002012-12-01T15:13:35.400-05:00A Farewell Salute to David BeckhamLast night, we <a href="http://sensiblesoccergo.blogspot.com/2012/11/examining-beckham-experiment.html">examined the Beckham Experiment</a> and gauged the impact David Beckham had on American Soccer through his six seasons here. The report: positive. Whether you like him or not, Becks has risen the profile of the game in the USA.<br />
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What more did the famed English legend do for America you ask? He dazzled our hearts and minds with a display of truly Beckhamesque hair styles. <b>I'm here to examine his journey in America through hair. </b>Without further ado, David Beckham's six seasons of hair:<br />
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<b>2007</b><br />
When David Beckham entered the American scene, a change occurred in his lifestyle. He realized the rigor of a European season was behind him and a more interesting sports landscape -- one of advertising deals and talk show appearances -- was before him. What best to do with his famed hair to represent this change? A fresh start, fresh cut and fresh highlights: Cali style, baby.<br />
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<b>2008</b><br />
Beckham's 2008 season represented a return to normalcy in his play. After a rough inaugural season <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKt8KORO7SI_UNlXDk_o_0qXtVeyAGEQ5A9whXB_gFvGk3jU_AxuKH__iUFbDuG8F8xWDbHlE58q87I0SdZd1w5Cw8CmIFQuy5a72P_fr7zYUR3gr82IqzetcoF6hyphenhyphenY0x_nN-NOYNJkvsU/s1600/2008+Teen+Choice+Awards+Show+ZGh_YjJCDp1l.jpg">marred by surfing injuries</a>, Davey turned to hair he could rely on: short-cropped and a bit of spike. The mercurial midfielder got back to basics in the bathroom mirror, which lead to a return to his on-field norms: team highs in assists and an All-Star game appearance, his first in the MLS. <br />
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<b>2009</b><br />
A trying season indeed, the trend in Beckham's 2009 hair reveals struggle. Following a loan spell with Italian giants AC Milan -- which saw Becks miss the first few months of the MLS season -- his loyalty to the MLS and LA Galaxy was put into question. Furthermore, his hair was shaggy and beard robust early on in the season and later, he appeared more troubled, donning a hair-style straight out of the movie <i>SLC Punk</i>. Though his hair had a rough run of it, the Galaxy managed to reach the MLS Cup Final, only to fall short in penalties to Real Salt Lake -- Note: Beckham was undone by fellow <i>SLC Punk </i>hair-bro <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3c/Kyle_Beckerman_RSL_2010.jpg">Kyle Beckerman</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C2ElHIM4S5uSZEkjKT2tgncvCaiqDCnUreBGMk41wZpdvsCWBq_8Uq7HvoiurycR-aBEWNKc5_xwvRHhAtU-DLUCVLwmLK4zAo33l8cZWCD3l5VH6ph-RsZSAo068mGP_S9YpO01Xa1e/s1600/104810_a-beardy-david-beckham-arrives-for-a-training-session-in-london-oct-13-2009-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C2ElHIM4S5uSZEkjKT2tgncvCaiqDCnUreBGMk41wZpdvsCWBq_8Uq7HvoiurycR-aBEWNKc5_xwvRHhAtU-DLUCVLwmLK4zAo33l8cZWCD3l5VH6ph-RsZSAo068mGP_S9YpO01Xa1e/s320/104810_a-beardy-david-beckham-arrives-for-a-training-session-in-london-oct-13-2009-1.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<b>2010</b><br />
Four words: horror hair, horror season. After yet another unfaithful loan spell with Milan, Becks hobbled back to the Galaxy with an Achilles tear, one that kept him out for most of the season. What did this mean? More underwear ads? Not exactly. But mullets were in order.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9j-JLdCpZvgW_HnB1c0Y6BiCDDGQHwS6TPRXsydeQGQbIl65GcBnpwW6WaqITDw-HwTzist1Jg1JL9-BP_0V5aDQtjrMwUsHbuCqbXvYTYQvYFimk555NdrFLzmxiL6KK3JOGv5ElDAN/s1600/david-beckham-james-corden-dinner-06-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9j-JLdCpZvgW_HnB1c0Y6BiCDDGQHwS6TPRXsydeQGQbIl65GcBnpwW6WaqITDw-HwTzist1Jg1JL9-BP_0V5aDQtjrMwUsHbuCqbXvYTYQvYFimk555NdrFLzmxiL6KK3JOGv5ElDAN/s400/david-beckham-james-corden-dinner-06-1.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
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<b>2011</b><br />
HE'S HEATING UP!!!! After a turbulent few season, Davey and his hair realized their legacy was on the line; thus the time for a season MLS critics would talk about for years. And that's exactly what we saw out of Beckham in 2011. He tallied 20 assist and barnstormed the Galaxy to an MLS Championship. How he did it: back to the hair of his youth. The golden boy flick, followed by a serious hair-tie throwback from the early 2000s, Manchester United style.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4Iu0-cLhbCK-eIEnRPjNcGSCytDZrn2IZ9vlUdUloQOctB-Wt527OPQ9Qu5JYSWLcVRVjH8taccfZQQDXTxi0ZWJq7zwVpiHDh4gl-wu8d6Pt8AVpduNOiyVXOt1RUtpzy6fr0gt-s44/s1600/David-Beckham-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4Iu0-cLhbCK-eIEnRPjNcGSCytDZrn2IZ9vlUdUloQOctB-Wt527OPQ9Qu5JYSWLcVRVjH8taccfZQQDXTxi0ZWJq7zwVpiHDh4gl-wu8d6Pt8AVpduNOiyVXOt1RUtpzy6fr0gt-s44/s400/David-Beckham-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTGU8CDW8Jpq1sNy6cqMC9MgDc3-5gO199Kb5avRkCwv4CtyGa5G4lHRyBSakWwsqv-G_kjJcbIw4nFNmFK8qHCbRzUQlaRTkENQMbMAUydW_8pgG4iBDi0gSvMPc5wn6jaTW0AK_kF6R/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTGU8CDW8Jpq1sNy6cqMC9MgDc3-5gO199Kb5avRkCwv4CtyGa5G4lHRyBSakWwsqv-G_kjJcbIw4nFNmFK8qHCbRzUQlaRTkENQMbMAUydW_8pgG4iBDi0gSvMPc5wn6jaTW0AK_kF6R/s320/images.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<b> 2012</b><br />
This year, the wily veteran wraps up his MLS adventure. With some sadness, Becks calls it quits with LA at the time his hair looks the coolest. His conquistador image in 2012 has given the England man the moxie of a <a href="http://www.sportsuptodate.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Daniele-De-Rossi.jpg">Marauding Midfielder</a>, one who plundered opposition teams on a weekly basis. With a career MLS high 7 goals (check back on our earlier post to see a few crackers in Portland) and 9 assists, Becks has his team poised to repeat as MLS Champions and bow out of the American scene in style.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3Qpr9J9jN2kbXKWSHUjjaScscGgC2OgzuPzEc6dIUdo1-JhJI85CIOCns1mEEC0_lz4S5HsZom_7lD4W-puz3108bt2sWy8gH3EtLzMp2p3RzwNRD-_7NAY5NsP-ayYd8qeU8TnsTJWO/s1600/David-Beckham-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3Qpr9J9jN2kbXKWSHUjjaScscGgC2OgzuPzEc6dIUdo1-JhJI85CIOCns1mEEC0_lz4S5HsZom_7lD4W-puz3108bt2sWy8gH3EtLzMp2p3RzwNRD-_7NAY5NsP-ayYd8qeU8TnsTJWO/s400/David-Beckham-008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Although I am underwhelmed at times with the MLS, tonight's game is a special one. Not only is it a cup final -- a coveted event in world football -- but it is David Beckham's final game in the MLS. Basically, it's a must see. If for nothing else, to honor a heralded player. Tune in this afternoon at 4:30pm to bid farewell to a true talent.<br />
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romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-48363940386724044262012-12-01T09:26:00.000-05:002012-12-01T09:26:38.012-05:00MLS Might Have The Worst Ad Ever For a Final<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXTsgNDkJY0EmmHrPiBQYxTrs6f1pvtPXKZa0rsu6MwS1aDwxQV4zQfQM-IJcbCmZTUEmKjh1Gc5EiuQIuZIdb74797O0RYa1VMEE5HXoXQMFxHktFHadRAPiQb2x9Bu5plJzw21i1iI0/s1600/MLS+Cup+Tune+In2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXTsgNDkJY0EmmHrPiBQYxTrs6f1pvtPXKZa0rsu6MwS1aDwxQV4zQfQM-IJcbCmZTUEmKjh1Gc5EiuQIuZIdb74797O0RYa1VMEE5HXoXQMFxHktFHadRAPiQb2x9Bu5plJzw21i1iI0/s400/MLS+Cup+Tune+In2.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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<b>NO GLAM, NO GLITZY HALF-TIME SHOW</b></div>
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<i>Watch our final, not for the soccer, but for the fact that we do not have a flamboyant half-time show. </i></div>
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This interesting ad arrived in my inbox this morning, promoting the manliest of all man's finals, the MLS Cup Final. Woven into the cup itself is a subliminal message, telling us this final is not for pansies, but for real men. </div>
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On another level of analysis, this ad is indirectly calling the Superbowl a final for p*ssies! Well played MLS. Well played!</div>
romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-28108178625165311992012-11-30T19:49:00.000-05:002012-12-01T15:05:57.286-05:00Examining the Beckham Experiment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kWIWWNfZfPz-EACP2rRuH-CX77sQLS1_Vhd158ovhUudFMf7qdXSuJopChg-u0M6QSPA4FsAfGUqj3dGzj_75mWyxRKZ_wJifetMqr2O6q5l3QmBHq53iKieg40rS2hioO3AiWOqr0cL/s1600/Beckham+signs+with+Galaxy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kWIWWNfZfPz-EACP2rRuH-CX77sQLS1_Vhd158ovhUudFMf7qdXSuJopChg-u0M6QSPA4FsAfGUqj3dGzj_75mWyxRKZ_wJifetMqr2O6q5l3QmBHq53iKieg40rS2hioO3AiWOqr0cL/s320/Beckham+signs+with+Galaxy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>On the eve of David Beckham's final game for the LA Galaxy and in the MLS, Sensible Soccer proudly brings to you it's <b>very first</b> <b>guest post! </b>And it's a must read... Enjoy people.</i><br />
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I have fond memories of the LA Galaxy - NY Red Bull match at Giants Stadium on a balmy summer evening in August 2007. The game was a thriller -- the sellout crowd was treated to a 5-4 win for the home team that featured Jozy Altidore, Juan Pablo Angel and Clint Mathis (remember him?). But most of the 65,000+ people packed in to Giants Stadium were not there as Red Bull supporters, nor were they there to watch the sloppy play, shoddy defending or frenetic pace that characterized this particular match. No, we were there to see David Beckham's first match in New Jersey as an MLS player. More accurately, we were there to take 50 or 60 pictures of him swinging in one of his trademark free kicks. <br />
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And now, 6 seasons later, the Beckham MLS affair is coming to an end. On Saturday, David Beckham will don the LA Galaxy kit for the final time in a competitive match when his Galaxy take on the Houston Dynamo in the MLS Cup final. This marks the end of an era that began in 2007 with all the glitz and glamor you'd expect from the Hollywood premiere of an international icon. Even as he's battled injury and the onset of age, there's no question he's made an impact as a player. The technique and vision we all witnessed in his fabled East Rutherford debut -- two assists, dangerous set pieces, and defense splitting passes -- were prevalent throughout his MLS career when he was healthy enough to take the field. Add in a bit of arrogance and few doses of petulance and an indomitable work ethic largely unnoticed by casual fans and you've got David Beckham, American Player. <br />
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But I'm not really interested in debating his legacy as a player. When healthy, Beckham was in a class above the vast majority of his league peers. Though his career was slow out of the gate due to injury, he put in an All-Star performance in 2011, tallying 20 assists. He followed up with a strong 2012, especially during the Galaxy's turn around in the second half of the season and their progress through the playoffs -- only he and Mike Magee have started every Galaxy playoff game. And during his tenure, the Galaxy have gotten the results, too; three MLS Cup final appearances and one (perhaps two) titles. <br />
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What's entirely more interesting and difficult to analyze is Beckham's overall impact on soccer in the US and what that will mean for the future of the sport. Love him or hate him, David Beckham has probably changed the game in the US more than any other individual ever. There's no arguing that he's been instrumental in the rise of soccer's popularity in the US and the acceptance (albeit a reluctant, lukewarm acceptance) of the MLS as an actual, professional sports league. The mere potential of his interest in moving here literally caused the MLS to change its rules when it launched the Designated Player rule to accommodate his arrival. He opened the door for other international stars like Juan Pablo Angel, Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane, Tim Cahill, and the immortal John Rooney (Wayne's kid brother) to play the beautiful game on our home soil. And while he undoubtedly did well for himself financially, he also helped bring home the bacon for the league. The Beckham experiment led to a league expansion from 12 to 19 teams, big TV contracts, a boost in attendance, and increased exposure at home and abroad. <br />
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While not the only factor in the rise of soccer here, David Beckham was the driving force, the icebreaker that paved the way. Beckham wasn't the first international star to play soccer here, and he certainly won't be the last, but his arrival was different. It came at the most opportune time, and like two shrewd businessmen, both the league and team Beckham capitalized. But the real question is: what happens next? Is the Beckham Experiment the template the league needs to follow to thrive? Does aging star power + sponsorship deals + average domestic talent = soccer success in America? <br />
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Stay tuned to find out..<br />
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In the meantime, I'll leave you with these 3 classic Beckham goals against my beloved Timbers that I was fortunate enough to witness. 2 were in the face of the Timbers Army. All 3 were things of beauty.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVRtZzh_KfM" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=cVRtZzh_KfM</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7gsq-xUObQ" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=d7gsq-xUObQ</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QrjrfjNvlQ" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=-QrjrfjNvlQ</a><br />
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-- John LaRose - Sensible Soccer MLS/USMNT Correspondent </div>
romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-19556334572187986082012-11-21T19:04:00.000-05:002012-11-21T19:04:09.112-05:00Mexellent! Another Spectacular OverheadPhilippe Mexes reaffirmed why he is one of my favorite players ever by doing this in Milan's UCL match with Anderlecht today:
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="&fbit.height=346&fbit.link=false&fbit.pluginmode=FLASH&fbit.visible=true&fbit.width=623&fbit.x=0&fbit.y=0&file=http%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FdeW0DuhDLEw&gapro.accountid=UA-17041736-1&gapro.height=346&gapro.pluginmode=FLASH&gapro.trackpercentage=true&gapro.trackstarts=true&gapro.tracktime=true&gapro.visible=true&gapro.width=623&gapro.x=0&gapro.y=0&image=http%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FdeW0DuhDLEw%2F0.jpg&logo=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.101greatgoals.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Ftutorial%2Fimages%2Fhomepagewatermark.png&mediaid=261448&plugins=fbit-1h%2Cgapro-1h%2Cviral-2h%2Ctweetit-1h&tweetit.height=346&tweetit.link=false&tweetit.pluginmode=FLASH&tweetit.visible=true&tweetit.width=623&tweetit.x=0&tweetit.y=0&viral.allowmenu=true&viral.bgcolor=0x333333&viral.fgcolor=0xffffff&viral.functions=embed&viral.matchplayercolors=true&viral.oncomplete=false&viral.onpause=false&viral.pluginmode=FLASH&logo.link=http://www.101greatgoals.com&logo.file=http://www.101greatgoals.com/wp-content/themes/tutorial/images/homepagewatermark.png" height="370" src="http://www.101greatgoals.com/wp-content/uploads/jw-player-plugin-for-wordpress/player/player.swf" width="500"></embed>romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-49207301124131869752012-11-21T09:59:00.000-05:002012-11-21T10:02:30.341-05:00MLS Update: LA vs. Houston Finally, the MLS Cup is upon us: LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo play for the coveted trophy on Dec. 1st at 4:30pm ET, a game that will slowly and painfully end the MLS season.<br />
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<b>I have a huge beef with the MLS.</b> A few years ago, I was excited for the MLS. Top players were flowing into the league, gameplay seemed to be less like little kid soccer and more like professional soccer, and the buzz about the league seemed to be growing. But today, I haven't thought of or heard about the MLS season until I stopped caring about my precious Red Bulls in August. Is that my problem? I'm not sure. But there is an argument to be made that a lackluster league did not hold my interest.<br />
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To me, the MLS season comes to the American population in four waves:<br />
1. Genuine excitement at the very beginning of the season.<br />
2. Bitter disappointment from after the fifth game until the point you realize your team is not making the playoffs.<br />
3. Mild jubilation that there is actually a "cup final" in the USA.<br />
4. Hatred and anger that the LA Galaxy are in the final.<br />
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The fault of this disinterest (mine at least) is based largely on the league's affinity to make this sport "American friendly." We still have a playoff structure, where winning the league <b>tragically means nothing.</b> I want to see a top of the table clash, last gasp goals meaning the league goes to LA or NY and relegation battles pitting all the crappy Canadian teams against each other. Why not have the European league setup <i>then</i> stroke America's ego with a cup competition? <b>Because conforming to European fat cats is not the way of the Founding Fathers. </b>But I'll have to say, as a huge fan of the sport, the way this league is structured pushes me away. Take that how you will.<br />
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Things to note about the Budweiser Cheetos Sony Allstate Fritos 2012 MLS Cup:<br />
1. <b>Houston is the Eastern Conference team</b>, FYI. For some reason, this bothers me. I hear Houston, Texas, and think West. Stop bothering me with this, MLS. And stop making the final and complicating things, Houston.<br />
2. The LA Galaxy just need to stop. They played so bad all year and now they're in a final (my above case in point). They are always in the final and never deserve it. Bias alert: New Yorker here; but still. <b>LA Galaxy: just stop.</b><br />
3. David Beckham announced it is his last game for the LA Galaxy... Okay. So what? No one cares, Beckham. You are <b>three years and 3,000 promises to make this sport better</b> past the point of caring. Good luck acting, because I'm sure that's where you're going.<br />
<br />
I leave you with what we all hope to see on Dec. 1st:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQtzdB2q1dRJQO6Qm6Hh0HwzmYjF42q-cpDavEcaEDk7XjPVw12irgZBpiTav7DA8_-fiy5L9JX1M-aPuh7joUt42hkWKANBqpdoecK1kb7kupvY0s2R5FDTCK19QSM1S1GGRNmDVdcdY/s1600/beckham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQtzdB2q1dRJQO6Qm6Hh0HwzmYjF42q-cpDavEcaEDk7XjPVw12irgZBpiTav7DA8_-fiy5L9JX1M-aPuh7joUt42hkWKANBqpdoecK1kb7kupvY0s2R5FDTCK19QSM1S1GGRNmDVdcdY/s400/beckham.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beckham dejection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Stayed tuned for more Beckham centric posts as he departs the MLS scene.romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-47634846123495262792012-11-16T13:14:00.001-05:002012-11-16T13:14:35.952-05:00Commentators React To Ibra's Wonder Goal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnGbYFjabc8xt5ZJEP7o9VKX_TH0ApK-CT6abj-wGbtMru6WUvd_Kb1iRAWQHuWo3Nkv5D4Mxksg3qVjjbTvfzwoKCE2Kd82EEOV4z2Haz1lxV9o6ilSUrr5oFypdlCG4Y9esGCH6j_F1/s1600/282782_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnGbYFjabc8xt5ZJEP7o9VKX_TH0ApK-CT6abj-wGbtMru6WUvd_Kb1iRAWQHuWo3Nkv5D4Mxksg3qVjjbTvfzwoKCE2Kd82EEOV4z2Haz1lxV9o6ilSUrr5oFypdlCG4Y9esGCH6j_F1/s400/282782_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Nice little compilation of a few excitable commentators reacting to <b>Zlatan Ibrahimovic's </b>wonder goal (aka <a href="http://sensiblesoccergo.blogspot.com/2012/11/best-goal-ever-scored-period.html">the best goal ever scored</a>).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://soundcloud.com/off-the-ball/commentators-from-around-the?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=mshare&utm_medium=blogger&utm_content=http://soundcloud.com/off-the-ball/commentators-from-around-the">Link to the sound bite via SoundCloud user Off The Ball</a><br />
<br />
Top quote: "Oh my days, Zlatan Ibrahimovic... I wanna go and give you a man-hug!!!!"romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-54825464438895087062012-11-14T21:13:00.000-05:002012-11-16T13:07:25.052-05:00Best Goal Ever Scored: PeriodI almost just had to quit blogging...<br />
<br />
Earlier today, I set up a hate post on PSG and Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. I felt his recent pompousness deserved to be exposed.<br />
<br />
But, thank goodness it went unfinished and unpublished, because Ibra decided to light everyone's life up during Sweden's friendly with England by scoring four goals, including an extra-time stunner: hands down the best goal ever scored. Did I mention it was his 100th cap? <br />
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Bravo Ibra, bravo. This is the best goal ever scored. If you deny it, you're saying a bike from 35 yards out is anything but the best. That just sounds foolish.
romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-81206812188162333822012-11-06T17:31:00.000-05:002012-11-06T17:31:05.926-05:00VOTE: For Your Favorite MidfielderIn light of the spirited election going on in the USA right now, I urge you, football fans, to vote for your favorite midfielder in the world: that candidate you'd like to see in the middle of the park donning your team's colors, representing change in the lineup and signaling hope for a title. Who is that midfielder <i>for you</i>?<br />
<br />
Here are your candidates:<br />
<br />
<b>Daniele De Rossi</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9G_wlSNzg8QgibzEtUnf8scP2CLhd2uagrDfvrSgqCrKrm67EKEKOH7i9RgXBa4HGfCyrF0SK0QxLRrUu_2V673ON7KHiZ5l67-FlV_TLMlR4L9O9wBDwzNyUsr-Axx8okL2wOsZh9_FF/s1600/tumblr_lqj122XA181qkyh50o1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9G_wlSNzg8QgibzEtUnf8scP2CLhd2uagrDfvrSgqCrKrm67EKEKOH7i9RgXBa4HGfCyrF0SK0QxLRrUu_2V673ON7KHiZ5l67-FlV_TLMlR4L9O9wBDwzNyUsr-Axx8okL2wOsZh9_FF/s400/tumblr_lqj122XA181qkyh50o1_1280.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why say no when it feels so good to say yes?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The marauding midfielder Daniele De Rossi promises to patrol your midfield with the tenacity and fight of <b>150 lions</b>. That's 50 times the potency of England. If your midfield is lacking a middle-class hard-worker who also brings elegance to the position, vote Daniele. <b>A vote for Daniele is a vote for the Beard of Pride.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Cristiano Ronaldo</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIw-qbkUdQEhgiOexDLxQ82guQKyG5dgltNH6sVFz4hfs0na1XmdtAe4kEEvVJdZSzsgZOOCzMf2PKw3pBIalnW9UV4TH9Z4QXEm6EjkNHuoeH6EPvaqUBXroOMC-Wy9CG1qKH7hJKqCV/s1600/groomed4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIw-qbkUdQEhgiOexDLxQ82guQKyG5dgltNH6sVFz4hfs0na1XmdtAe4kEEvVJdZSzsgZOOCzMf2PKw3pBIalnW9UV4TH9Z4QXEm6EjkNHuoeH6EPvaqUBXroOMC-Wy9CG1qKH7hJKqCV/s1600/groomed4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I'd vote for me<b>."</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>The above message has been spoken and approved by Cristiano Ronaldo</b>.
You want a fast midfielder? You got it. You want a goal scorer? You got
it. You want a good looking motherf*cker? You got it. <b>Vote for Cristiano and he'll treat you right, baby.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Andres Iniesta</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5674W0lUV12061ZU3VImMI99aZB8aiUvM2CnEyigYTWWetYIK1kRn4ebK2ErhMZPZZhv76Ig_lMvB0uRo0qSo18fXTEY7tPAtwPMEWYNweArs9ZvlZLfO5IMKthWJtxmVSRN3tuKDaMB/s1600/d32ca864f21dea815b330b11beff_grande.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5674W0lUV12061ZU3VImMI99aZB8aiUvM2CnEyigYTWWetYIK1kRn4ebK2ErhMZPZZhv76Ig_lMvB0uRo0qSo18fXTEY7tPAtwPMEWYNweArs9ZvlZLfO5IMKthWJtxmVSRN3tuKDaMB/s400/d32ca864f21dea815b330b11beff_grande.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hope for tiny balding men</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unlike the previous specimen on the ballot, looks don't matter to Andres Iniesta. He urges you to consider his vote, because even though he's small, balding and holding a strange award, he's just as good as the chump above. <b>Iniesta: better than the other guy at soccer. </b><br />
<b> </b><b> </b><br />
<b>Xavi</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBvUjxlb_AZMnA621vPwCZYJ8vOT9a5wnmlOcTOmGi1UCLAdBNvouf5EoZWjg36sdIDGuITUHb9MGu97T1oc56i5_QoAkPfc1VZ4jZXxmiC4E3CjFUDopIqTqUdBbj-50wVJJ6qT2GWMU/s1600/121102_hp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBvUjxlb_AZMnA621vPwCZYJ8vOT9a5wnmlOcTOmGi1UCLAdBNvouf5EoZWjg36sdIDGuITUHb9MGu97T1oc56i5_QoAkPfc1VZ4jZXxmiC4E3CjFUDopIqTqUdBbj-50wVJJ6qT2GWMU/s320/121102_hp.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vote for me, the best Xavi.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The diminutive little big man aims to make your midfield the best in the world. He hopes to do so as the best Xavi in the world, better than those other Xavi(s). <b>Think big, vote small: vote Xavi.</b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> Xabi Alonso</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJiTrGJ1Fig01l7dMSZBNUo9aE9MFYQ6zKCIH5vvZ26fdXzl1EksjYu8jAqZ8DC12cMywPBKGijsElaWK0h3QVGkl4zIyU8-TwxCnYeKPY9JMjpOZMQh612AJGT9wRlmzMUg9GCDNNjOJ/s1600/Xavi-Alonso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJiTrGJ1Fig01l7dMSZBNUo9aE9MFYQ6zKCIH5vvZ26fdXzl1EksjYu8jAqZ8DC12cMywPBKGijsElaWK0h3QVGkl4zIyU8-TwxCnYeKPY9JMjpOZMQh612AJGT9wRlmzMUg9GCDNNjOJ/s400/Xavi-Alonso.jpg" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't vote for that Xavi, vote for this Xabi!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He's played in the best league in the world and also won the Champions League, European Championships and World cup! He's just as good as that hack who uses a "v" instead of a "b" in his name. <b>Priceless experience. Better looking guy. Better Xabi. </b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Bastian Schweinsteiger</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDheuqJe9I3Gd-ycqa9CaJqMdxdWoNrQXNp4SU5_DLZG2NVNSJRcp0Nc4_HBPsgUTegNu4917B9OsmbWald85WwiYXckXD80nBSrMMC2WukxZfVan2pq5AdXwj121qLyOeIb7E2XCh847W/s1600/tumblr_lg1q48nKuq1qgxbbno1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDheuqJe9I3Gd-ycqa9CaJqMdxdWoNrQXNp4SU5_DLZG2NVNSJRcp0Nc4_HBPsgUTegNu4917B9OsmbWald85WwiYXckXD80nBSrMMC2WukxZfVan2pq5AdXwj121qLyOeIb7E2XCh847W/s400/tumblr_lg1q48nKuq1qgxbbno1_400.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I am Bastian."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
"I am Bastian." The robotic Munich midfield extraordinaire urges confidence and perpetual consistency in your midfield. His monotone campaign slogan is meant to mesmerize you into voting for him: <b>"I am Bastian. I am Bastian. I am Bastian..." </b>Germans.<br />
<br />
<b>Javier Zanetti</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0eq-rfa0bu8z-r8nzEqizv7SryKbRnOlxTO3FccfbAm8LXCvTzsKPGWHYuhYjho2rG-2AzYBt2g_4Xc-AgNxPqWXMY8G4Dr548xXYZyLWr-qb2CcX9POWeQaWKLYZmL9bYva6XjGKi22/s1600/46476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0eq-rfa0bu8z-r8nzEqizv7SryKbRnOlxTO3FccfbAm8LXCvTzsKPGWHYuhYjho2rG-2AzYBt2g_4Xc-AgNxPqWXMY8G4Dr548xXYZyLWr-qb2CcX9POWeQaWKLYZmL9bYva6XjGKi22/s400/46476.jpg" width="327" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running on education...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As a young boy, Javier Zanetti always dreamed of running a midfield. Now, as a man, he's done it. Winning the treble with Inter gave him the experience needed to make the difference <i>in your midfield</i>. He also believes in teaching fellow footballers how to read and will do so on your team! <b>1 goal education for all: vote Javier.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Steven Gerrard</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1Kmioq5aWerJssf7U8S3yyA6oliUDGS3H8XR7jkmS0JKmFteUtwvBLDdX_5yWwZFS2Pm0QLwjgj1nyD4Zpq5xf4iW8LU3tjTAU1P0whqTU4EqwZ-3jQUSHzPfNTlVNVHwHkindzb8afW/s1600/gerrard_1378316c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1Kmioq5aWerJssf7U8S3yyA6oliUDGS3H8XR7jkmS0JKmFteUtwvBLDdX_5yWwZFS2Pm0QLwjgj1nyD4Zpq5xf4iW8LU3tjTAU1P0whqTU4EqwZ-3jQUSHzPfNTlVNVHwHkindzb8afW/s400/gerrard_1378316c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Javier help with words</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So you can't understand what he says? Just vote for him anyway! The Scouse speaking, hard tackling, 30yd goal-thumping midfielder asks for your vote for a more aggressive and secure midfield. <b>"Vhrrhte fer meh" -Steeven. </b><br />
<br />
<b>Yaya Toure</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOVY87YRAzfxwilhK9Ua0lfwIzhN1iHv7j0aiNoaZjT1E2Nl5psdvMge9QPf5VUeMTS0wxxWnCRS8yw-RskfcJKI762KHv2pYAv6qx1YIWPldRmMGzy_pj6EMRsx-syRVTy4bqix7IQEh/s1600/yaya_toure_caf_awards_2011_ns_355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOVY87YRAzfxwilhK9Ua0lfwIzhN1iHv7j0aiNoaZjT1E2Nl5psdvMge9QPf5VUeMTS0wxxWnCRS8yw-RskfcJKI762KHv2pYAv6qx1YIWPldRmMGzy_pj6EMRsx-syRVTy4bqix7IQEh/s320/yaya_toure_caf_awards_2011_ns_355.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah Yeah</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Vote twice! A yeah yeah for Yaya on election day 2012 could get your team a midfielder so acclaimed, he can wear huge beads around his neck without looking like a hippy! Not to mention his tenacity and skill will definitely make your team better. <b>Vote for Yaya... Just say yeah yeah.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Paul Scholes</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQk2G4HnDrC6XvehMCw_EmLk1HqSsJ02zAKpo1AQfngiMV84FZyz9BpRcNjP76X-YXIbJ3Mks3zx3uw-W7ozaNbisAdkERphhC6L0D64OXFBDMUs8HHHCBSZ9D5BO87p9IK881-kEhYsm5/s1600/paul-scholes-retires-from-football.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQk2G4HnDrC6XvehMCw_EmLk1HqSsJ02zAKpo1AQfngiMV84FZyz9BpRcNjP76X-YXIbJ3Mks3zx3uw-W7ozaNbisAdkERphhC6L0D64OXFBDMUs8HHHCBSZ9D5BO87p9IK881-kEhYsm5/s400/paul-scholes-retires-from-football.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vote for a wily veteran</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With your vote, Sat-nav, as he's called, will furiously drag your team up from it's boot straps by using the guile and expertise gathered over a heralded career. Also he'll use the fury of his red hair. <b>Vote for the red-headed dandy before he becomes too flustered to see.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Zinedine Zidane</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJVRsTQY2PdKRNg1u9QUJCpetrxevjjUOuf-Htsnjzv4bIjEYjmnEsQRXBhI4yBYcRS8OHZMOwlCP30iwBpcAu0in8Lu9AWWw5Z25K__pVzkqPLg7ZBayQo2C4VbQkwyjBZvamn3qyAnT/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJVRsTQY2PdKRNg1u9QUJCpetrxevjjUOuf-Htsnjzv4bIjEYjmnEsQRXBhI4yBYcRS8OHZMOwlCP30iwBpcAu0in8Lu9AWWw5Z25K__pVzkqPLg7ZBayQo2C4VbQkwyjBZvamn3qyAnT/s320/images.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vote bald-head slick. Back from the dead.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Zizou is back</b>. Only if you vote for him... The tactician is that candidate who is way too old to choose, but threw his hat in the ring at the disgust of the above list. <b>Vote Zizou, because midfield's just aren't the same without him.</b><br />
<br />
My vote: you guessed it, the marauding midfielder <b>Daniele De Rossi</b>. I elect that he stays on my team for another term. Who are you voting for?<br />
<br />
Note: all midfielders were not listed on this ballot because <b>I have a day job, people</b>. So instead of being a moron and giving me a hard time about it, just suggest your candidate in the comments. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credits:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">No photos are mine. All from the internet! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b> </b></span>romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-24547501206679061112012-10-31T10:10:00.000-04:002012-10-31T10:10:47.607-04:00Happy Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCZfbes9nPKEiXXGkW3tGU3uMY0tKudFpKuNoFJVeEzjbSWMYbGhytlAePR2QIqAx3BMi98udufG2WaO25aiqqgjQZCcTA0vx40ZSDWyoMuOwgOJTjNmjd25N9qeY5f2edHYzfUcDJJ3I/s1600/254286_10151078894226227_1135791652_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCZfbes9nPKEiXXGkW3tGU3uMY0tKudFpKuNoFJVeEzjbSWMYbGhytlAePR2QIqAx3BMi98udufG2WaO25aiqqgjQZCcTA0vx40ZSDWyoMuOwgOJTjNmjd25N9qeY5f2edHYzfUcDJJ3I/s400/254286_10151078894226227_1135791652_n.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy Halloween -- from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AlessandroDelPiero?fref=ts">Alessandro Del Piero</a>! What are they feeding him in Australia?<br />
<br />
If you can, enjoy some top fixtures on this spooky day:<br />
<br />
<b>Chelsea vs. Manchester United </b><br />
3:45pm EST, Capital One Cup<br />
<br />
<b>Norwich City vs. Tottenham</b> <br />
3:45pm EST, Capital One Cup<br />
<br />
<b>Liverpool vs. Swansea City</b> <br />
3:45pm EST, Capital One Cup<br />
<br />
<b>Parma vs. AS Roma</b><br />
3:45pm EST, Serie A<br />
<br />
<b>Inter Milan vs. Sampdoria</b><br />
3:45pm EST, Serie A<br />
<br />
<b>Wolfsburg vs. Frankfurt</b><br />
3:30pm EST, German DFB Pokal Cup<b> </b><b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>PSG vs. Marseille</b><br />
3:55pm<b> </b>EST, French Coupe de la Ligue<br />
<br />
Remember to have your parents check your candy before you eat it! Health and happiness to all.<br />
romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-85475746999231783702012-10-26T10:44:00.001-04:002012-10-26T10:44:57.422-04:00Dutch Dandies of the Premier League The other day I began reminiscing about the Premier League of my youth. As I counted my favorite stars from that era, it became evident that many of them were <b>Dutch Dandies</b>. Here are some of my faves:<br />
<br />
<b>Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink</b><br />
The thunder-thighed Dutch forward remains etched in the minds of many English fans after a career filled with stunning strikes. People also remember him for his rock-star name.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKus57-SLku9g-deSrbcGrv2MBD0o8dfFfBOph0mDb4e9zzIEA0D7bt1vMjHuAKDVOzuTZzoQI7LPvmug27GiDFSZoot8HFpmSz1tqtcbvIBnih3Vv_yNYpeRv6YPKj64Zs9lAyNvgjKW/s1600/4144691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKus57-SLku9g-deSrbcGrv2MBD0o8dfFfBOph0mDb4e9zzIEA0D7bt1vMjHuAKDVOzuTZzoQI7LPvmug27GiDFSZoot8HFpmSz1tqtcbvIBnih3Vv_yNYpeRv6YPKj64Zs9lAyNvgjKW/s400/4144691.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Fun Fact:</b> Jimmy Floyd's first name is actually Jerrel. While playing in Portugal, for some reason no one could say the word Jerrel, so everyone called him Jimmy Floyd instead. <br />
<br />
<b>Dennis Bergkamp</b><br />
The silky-smooth striker seemed to slow the game down with the ball at his feet, allowing him time to outfox defenders and keepers alike. Have a look at this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWrC2Ms5uP8">video</a> showing all of his <b>120 goals at Arsenal</b>: dizzying.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMekr3Wrt-tNwQESlG6rM3k9IhzaxvgqgdB850t0fye3BYT-hBHb2PzAuN7yJAlD3CybxMa7B5p65yQ15v50XcMB1B2o9l95gIx1kwXB3b-5Z14qAN5h185Ior9csjjpfMC0ZNE3sh0vG/s1600/Dennis2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMekr3Wrt-tNwQESlG6rM3k9IhzaxvgqgdB850t0fye3BYT-hBHb2PzAuN7yJAlD3CybxMa7B5p65yQ15v50XcMB1B2o9l95gIx1kwXB3b-5Z14qAN5h185Ior9csjjpfMC0ZNE3sh0vG/s400/Dennis2.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Fun fact: </b>It is noted that the wily striker was not only brilliant on the field, but in the classroom, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bath <b>while at Arsenal</b>.<br />
<br />
<b>Marc Overmars</b><br />
The Arsenal faithful were over the moon
for Overmars. The midfielder was regaled for his pace down the left
flank, not to mention his service into the box. I fondly recall a poster
of the young gun with a look of guile in his eye hanging on the wall of
a friends room growing up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34gbPqErdSHcE_TBSOHMh5bbkOUQsbkLx_V_lyVtgbPOuEX-N2YoQ4CB4MWbSPutJxsLwPuKdpsfW46mt3fCXib-L0CSagqwX367BSy9sQHIBYQk61t6_X41Ttsv7XswVaeNkgbqxW0jp/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34gbPqErdSHcE_TBSOHMh5bbkOUQsbkLx_V_lyVtgbPOuEX-N2YoQ4CB4MWbSPutJxsLwPuKdpsfW46mt3fCXib-L0CSagqwX367BSy9sQHIBYQk61t6_X41Ttsv7XswVaeNkgbqxW0jp/s400/5.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Fun Fact: </b>Overmars is BBFF (Bergkamp's Best Friend Forever). Also his nickname was "the Roadrunner."<br />
<br />
<b>Edgar Davids</b><br />
The pit-bull of a player, famed for his dreads and protective sunglasses, was a solid midfielder. In his day, Davids' marking abilities were second to none, making him an instant hit at White Hart Lane with the Spurs. In addition, his sunglasses always made me believe he was a member of the Xmen.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBazqdUBwPcXZdAyBoSxfLtSFo-K8zPb699PmGff0XPLEFsHHJoyvHSkkBURe3yRFGfaERaqBYy_S_gwKO_NHUUtA68Vx4mKnliD_crNtmYuDcsu4egXkrNUqdytXneVJidwGdCw-Q_ij/s1600/edgar-davids415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBazqdUBwPcXZdAyBoSxfLtSFo-K8zPb699PmGff0XPLEFsHHJoyvHSkkBURe3yRFGfaERaqBYy_S_gwKO_NHUUtA68Vx4mKnliD_crNtmYuDcsu4egXkrNUqdytXneVJidwGdCw-Q_ij/s400/edgar-davids415.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Fun Fact: </b>To my surprise, I read the bullish midfielder currently <b>captains and coaches</b> Football League Two side Barnet. Interesting. <br />
<br />
<b>Ruud van Nistelrooy</b><br />
I'm not ashamed to say that growing up I had a poster featuring Ruud, <a href="http://www.sportsposterwarehouse.com/catImages/ruud03gb-1.jpg">"the man with the golden boot"</a> at Old Trafford. Van Nistelrooy's uncanny ability to be present and poised in front of goal have few rivals. During his time with the Red Devils he was dominate, scoring <b>150 goals in 220 games</b>. The most shocking thing about his time in England, to me, is that he was actually sold!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaICeQeaI7MUQGvKI8l8ljwLMkzuHMhoqDg2fMR7Z7psqiPiGiHYWpkWSRbMYk2NyM224qNbqQIzwExhBl-PdECUOs84PTmw6sPOx7Aw_nbBDJ9GFYkOSmbkq28Jgebs7Tso2tOnaxtI2/s1600/vannistelrooy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaICeQeaI7MUQGvKI8l8ljwLMkzuHMhoqDg2fMR7Z7psqiPiGiHYWpkWSRbMYk2NyM224qNbqQIzwExhBl-PdECUOs84PTmw6sPOx7Aw_nbBDJ9GFYkOSmbkq28Jgebs7Tso2tOnaxtI2/s400/vannistelrooy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Fun Fact: </b>Let this video say it all: Ruud Celebration<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4H9pTgQY_mo" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<b>Edwin van der Sar</b><br />
The gangly Dutchman made his name
through consistent, reliable goalkeeping. Quick to react and always in
the right place, van der Sar is one of the most successful keepers in
history. He provided dedicated service to the Fulham faithful before
moving over to Manchester United, ultimately winning the Champions
League and countless titles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTTpymg7dmlhxxqVGeTxfvFGEHKRxSbEvF_7nPwCze9SGjSy7Lg25gNaScDLwcwhpPMSKXV4wP9vobw3Jvgi1Gz7ihE-NduE9uX4lqbDCUurWxj2Ik19L96xQOLs5gPCJbI4lOBHsBWwN/s1600/edwin-van-der-sar_1291886c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTTpymg7dmlhxxqVGeTxfvFGEHKRxSbEvF_7nPwCze9SGjSy7Lg25gNaScDLwcwhpPMSKXV4wP9vobw3Jvgi1Gz7ihE-NduE9uX4lqbDCUurWxj2Ik19L96xQOLs5gPCJbI4lOBHsBWwN/s400/edwin-van-der-sar_1291886c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Fun Fact: </b>Van der
Sar has three sons, named Huey, Luey and Duey. Actually, that's fiction,
I couldn't really find anything fun about the stoic shot stopper.<br />
<br />
<b>Jaap Stam</b><br />
Another
United boy, the cue-ball headed Stam served the Old Trafford faithful with a display of stalwart defending. In his three years with the
Red Devils, he won three EPL titles, an FA Cup and the Champions League.
Not too bad for man <b>that</b> <b>bald</b>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bMvVlSPKOxDUUWcOHQIhyphenhyphenI3YExj0EIdnFLvzVURM-lB_Gb8mKdLK5ATfBu2uSumNw46Ix_etJ22MghAAQ8f8A1R7R6EiGvkr-uWrlXEJ_1pYqjcJlH-MXPpr84bFTt-M3ovkKhLjleBa/s1600/jaap-stam_1118954i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bMvVlSPKOxDUUWcOHQIhyphenhyphenI3YExj0EIdnFLvzVURM-lB_Gb8mKdLK5ATfBu2uSumNw46Ix_etJ22MghAAQ8f8A1R7R6EiGvkr-uWrlXEJ_1pYqjcJlH-MXPpr84bFTt-M3ovkKhLjleBa/s400/jaap-stam_1118954i.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Fun Fact: </b>Once
upon a time when Jaap Stam was a little boy, he was wandering in the
woods of Holland and came across a log cabin. He reckoned that this log
cabin was the very same one that became Hansel and Gretel's downfall,
which immediately caused the young Stam to be so scared that he lost his hair then and
forever. That is also fiction. Probably just male pattern baldness.<br />
<br />
<b>Arjen Robben</b><br />
Much
to my surprise, when Arjen Robben hit the scene in the
Premier League with Chelsea I realized he was only in his early 20s. Another Dutch
baldy! That aside, Robben's zeal down the wing for the Blues in the
mid-2000s<b> </b>helped them capture a coveted Premier League title.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFs4_SeFEFGaM4dTt5atpavftNYcmG4gewVeX-QRZ2AHQiy1e60U9BQ9-8Yj2P9vUJEbZcFkrWmB17aM1_lAiXgMJl6vh7xX7sZ0mcp88avQJNt5FjFQ7y_CBsOfEMUfrRqqwxGNs5TFv/s1600/Robben_celebrate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFs4_SeFEFGaM4dTt5atpavftNYcmG4gewVeX-QRZ2AHQiy1e60U9BQ9-8Yj2P9vUJEbZcFkrWmB17aM1_lAiXgMJl6vh7xX7sZ0mcp88avQJNt5FjFQ7y_CBsOfEMUfrRqqwxGNs5TFv/s320/Robben_celebrate.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arjen during better days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Fun Fact: </b>Arjen Robben supposedly <b>had</b> hair. Note above reference.<br />
<br />
Those are some of my favorite Dutch players from the bygone era. Anyone I missed? Comment below.romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-73524088531253503872012-10-24T15:43:00.000-04:002012-10-24T15:43:00.669-04:00Welcome Back to the Stage of History...Hello my friends. Let me explain:<br />
<br />
A long hiatus enjoying summer eventually rolled into an autumn full of FIFA '13, which has kept my finger tips and imagination away from my baby, <b>Sensible Soccer</b>, for far too long. But all that's about to end, friends. I'm back. And I've got ideas.<br />
<br />
Take it away. Gigi:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdhnRL3-mRh2VQXdOq8Ae8jQZMAW4ou9Vsr5YTuSN1g4ZoJ2N8A9SdVOMO96dMCiAFJuUzOv6eWVaDagu9i9uCkEW3zdnYNZK7D2YJRRubMHZmdAIOCNUnAnUEr-17VnWhzyF-I7lNLDQ/s1600/b8215300-448e-4aa4-a5bb-7a1aefea2601_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdhnRL3-mRh2VQXdOq8Ae8jQZMAW4ou9Vsr5YTuSN1g4ZoJ2N8A9SdVOMO96dMCiAFJuUzOv6eWVaDagu9i9uCkEW3zdnYNZK7D2YJRRubMHZmdAIOCNUnAnUEr-17VnWhzyF-I7lNLDQ/s1600/b8215300-448e-4aa4-a5bb-7a1aefea2601_500.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Stay tuned.romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-56340304636193621282012-06-27T09:49:00.000-04:002012-06-27T09:49:04.160-04:00Hi + Image of the TournamentHi all,<br />
<br />
I am back from my two month siesta sipping cocktails with whirred ice and fruit on a beach. Actually it's more like I have been extremely lazy. Sorry!<br />
<br />
We have witnessed a fantastic Euro 2012 so far, don't you think? Netherlands didn't make it through to the knockouts. England disappointed again. France became school-children. Italy slowly trudged to a semifinal. What could be better?! (Spain losing)<br />
<br />
I wanted to chime in with one of my favorite images of the tournament thus far: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoekTYxkioUASDno8drpDABagdNdd4zkN2ZS-5I1OnCrQjtcucZHeZ-z7HFWWvSKJuV0g8sgZ0Ra2BwIATlrjAnsHdiZRKbptt9fEi2q3dclqwTUIVNSGiXPcCf7aqbMzapJ8D0qNRN9D/s1600/2012_6$img25_Jun_2012_AP6_25_2012_000006A-g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoekTYxkioUASDno8drpDABagdNdd4zkN2ZS-5I1OnCrQjtcucZHeZ-z7HFWWvSKJuV0g8sgZ0Ra2BwIATlrjAnsHdiZRKbptt9fEi2q3dclqwTUIVNSGiXPcCf7aqbMzapJ8D0qNRN9D/s400/2012_6$img25_Jun_2012_AP6_25_2012_000006A-g.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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<br />
That's right, people. The marauding midfielder <b>Daniele De Rossi</b>, who is having a huge tournament, teaching <b>Wayne Rooney</b> that<b> </b>hard-men come out of Italy. Bravo Daniele!<br />
<br />
Speaking of De Rossi, his desire to jump into a tackle is so strong he had this tattooed on his leg:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtW13prwciV7ip6-0-MCm6m2KIffe-Pmcy9hSaFnRQNwiqnmZdIrpui2HyS79tfwoRBU1j3uMTtAc8WdJJvznM2NLRh04KgX99wCyV3DvmcUMLxas4vJQWRlZ0M9kn1K4njTwIK-rhw7fz/s1600/PA-13756012-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtW13prwciV7ip6-0-MCm6m2KIffe-Pmcy9hSaFnRQNwiqnmZdIrpui2HyS79tfwoRBU1j3uMTtAc8WdJJvznM2NLRh04KgX99wCyV3DvmcUMLxas4vJQWRlZ0M9kn1K4njTwIK-rhw7fz/s320/PA-13756012-2.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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I am not sure if this tattoo is ridiculous or awesome, you be the judge, but it certainly raises eyebrows.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credits:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Assoc. Press</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Anorak</span>romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-8533749451577197352012-05-14T13:22:00.000-04:002012-05-14T13:29:10.902-04:00NYRB: How Good Is Kenny Cooper?The <b>New York Red Bulls</b> have Thierry Henry and we all know he's a dangerous attacking player with predatory instincts in front of goal, but how good has former Portland Timbers striker <b>Kenny Cooper </b>been this season? Answer: very good. He has <b>nine goals to date</b>, including his latest, a cool-as-you-like-it 78th minute winner against Philadelphia yesterday:<br />
<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="349" id="cf16da1oi" name="cf16da1on" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://p.mlssoccer.com/SAu5a/video/980899/mls_2012-05-13-142339.640hq.mp4">
</object><br />
<br />
This win puts the Red Bulls in first place in the Eastern Conference. I am definitely looking forward to seeing how far the Red Bulls can go this year with players like Cooper taking some weight off of Henry's shoulders.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-05-13-phi-v-ny/highlights?videoID=185620">LINK TO GOAL</a> (in the event video does not show up in FireFox)romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-30535175815993065182012-05-08T13:16:00.000-04:002012-05-08T13:19:34.942-04:00USA Summer '12: Friendlies Will Be Forced Down Your ThroatSince the season is basically over - especially for fans like me backing sub-par teams (Roma, your 2011-12 campaign is dead to me) - here's a running list of hot summer friendlies around the USA I've noticed over the past couple of weeks:<br />
<br />
<b>Philadelphia Union vs. Schalke 04</b><br />
May 9 @ 7:30pm (ET)<br />
PPL Park, Chester, PA<br />
<br />
<b>Portland Timbers vs. Valencia</b><br />
May 23 @ 7pm (PT)<br />
JELD-WEN Field, Portland, OR<br />
<br />
<b>Houstan Dynamo vs. Valencia</b><br />
May 31, 7:30pm (local time?)<br />
BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, TX<br />
<br />
<b>Philadelphia Union vs. Aston Villa</b><br />
July 18 @ 7:30pm (ET)<br />
PPL Park, Chester, PA<br />
<br />
<b>Seattle Sounders vs. Chelsea</b><br />
July 18 @ 9:30pm (ET)<br />
Qwest Field, Seattle, WA<br />
<br />
<b>Toronto FC vs. Liverpool</b><br />
July 21 @ 4pm (ET)<br />
Rogers Centre, Toronto, ONT<br />
<br />
<b>Chicago Fire vs. Aston Villa</b><br />
July 21 @ 7:30pm (CT)<br />
Toyota Park, Chicago, IL<b> </b><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Chelsea vs. PSG</b><br />
July 22 @ 7pm (ET)<br />
Yankee Stadium, New York<b> </b>City<br />
<br />
<b>AS Roma vs. TBD</b><br />
July 22 @ TBD<br />
Chicago, IL<br />
<br />
<b>Portland Timbers vs. Aston Villa</b><br />
July 24 @ 7:30pm (PT)<br />
JELD-WEN Field, Portland, OR<br />
<br />
<b>LA Galaxy vs. Tottenham</b><br />
July 24 @ TBD <br />
The Home Depot Center, Carson, CA<b> </b><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>AS Roma vs. Liverpool </b>- The Underachiever's Shield 2012<br />
July 25 @ 6:30pm (ET)<br />
Fenway Park, Boston, MA<br />
<br />
<b>Chelsea vs. MLS All</b>-<b>Stars</b><br />
July 25 @ 8:30pm (ET)<br />
PPL Park, Chester, PA<br />
<br />
<b>AS Roma vs. TBD</b><br />
July 28 @ TBD<br />
New York City<br />
<br />
<b>Trophee Des Champions </b>- France's Community Shield<br />
<b>League winner vs. Lyon (cup winner)</b><br />
July 28 @ 3pm (ET)<br />
Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ<br />
<br />
<b>Liverpool vs. Tottenham</b><br />
July 28 @ 1pm (ET)<br />
M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD<br />
<br />
<b>Chelsea vs. AC Milan</b><br />
July 28 @ 6pm (ET)<br />
Sun Life Stadium, Miami, FL<br />
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<b>DC United vs. Juventus</b><br />
July 28 @ TBD<br />
RFK Stadium, Washington, DC<br />
*yet to be finalized<b> </b><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>New York Red Bulls vs. Tottenham</b><br />
July 31 @ TBD<br />
Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ<b> </b><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>LA Galaxy vs. Real Madrid</b><br />
August 2 @ 10:30pm (ET)<br />
The Home Depot Center, Carson, CA<b> </b><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Juventus vs. Real Madrid</b><br />
August 5 @ 8pm (local time?)<br />
Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada<br />
*possible rematch on August 8 @ Yankee Stadium, New York City <br />
<br />
That's all I have for now. I will update this list when I hear further dates have been announced. Please comment below on other games I failed to mention!romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-3465169053022997632012-05-04T10:38:00.000-04:002012-05-04T10:40:37.597-04:00The Song You'll Hear All Summer<b>"Endless Summer" by</b> <b>Oceana</b> is the official UEFA Euro 2012 song. I've already learned to love the beat to this song via FIFA's Euro 2012 expansion for Xbox 360. It's pretty catchy and will most likely burst to life in our heads while thinking of the cracking goals scored in this summer's championship. And now, without further ado:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5EVhiBGvVFc" width="500"></iframe>
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<br />
Video Credits:<br />
YouTube & Oceanaromanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-22068502013403289302012-05-03T16:58:00.000-04:002012-05-03T17:02:12.092-04:00Delio Rossi Situation: The Wrong & Right<b>Fighting is wrong and inexcusable</b>, especially in situations of sport. I'm all for defending oneself when absolutely required to, but what happened on the sidelines of the Artemio Franchi in Florence last night was preposterous. In case you have not already seen this video, here is Fiorentina Coach <b>Delio Rossi</b> attacking a petulant <b>Adem Ljajic</b> following the players substitution after only 32 minutes of play against Novara: <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FIDvXXl5Bh4" width="500"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
Rossi's attack was clearly wrong in this situation, but is there a worse evil at play in the mentalities of footballers evident in this interaction? Follow my logic:<br />
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<b>Wrong</b> Rossi for fighting<br />
The pressure got to the usually cool-headed tactician when the young Serb turned the screws by sarcastically applauding and jeering the Coach like an immature baby. La Viola are amidst a dismal season to boot, and Rossi snapped. <b>His violence was clearly an inexcusable solution </b>to combat a player undermining his decisions.<br />
<br />
<b>Wrong</b> Ljajic for showing dissent<br />
Ljajic was clearly the catalyst of this interaction. I was not watching the match, but after watching Fiorentina many times this year, I can only assume Ljajic was playing selfishly and was deemed ineffective on the field by Rossi - hence his substitution. The young players reaction was dreadful to see. When I was a young lad, I was taught to respect the coaches decisions even when they were not in my favor. <b>Complain later and work harder in practice</b>. Do not make an a** out of yourself by acting immature. This is exactly what the Serb did. This is also probably a main reason why he has been left out of the lineup so many times this year. <br />
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<b>Right</b> Fiorentina Directors for firing Rossi & suspending Ljajic<br />
Paola De Canio has allegedly attacked his players before. Sir Alex even chucked a boot at Beckham's face (main asset, people). Both were not sacked for one main reason - these things were done behind closed doors. In Rossi's case, he snapped in front of the <b>whole world</b>. Club directors had no choice but to sack the sorry sap. I also commend the team for suspending the petulant catalyst of this situation, Ljajic. At a time when the club is going through hard times, <b>to act in such a way hurts fellow players, staff and fans even more. </b><br />
<br />
<b>Thoughts</b> Violence is wrong in sport; period. There is no room in our wonderful game for the actions Rossi took, and other violent actions that occur in world football from time to time. But, I think another issue at play here is a <b>distinct disrespect in football.</b> It seems that certain players have become detached from the structure of the team. When players become bigger than their teams, they clearly lack respect for the game - <b>it's a team game, after all.</b> I'd imagine it's easy to get caught up in the hype of being the best at a sport you love and neglect certain hierarchies you learned when initially flirting with the game. But still, when I see instances like Ljajic's disrespectful actions against his coach, the person in charge of the whole team, it makes me sick. No one person should be bigger than their team for the simple fact that no one person can win it for their team alone.<br />
<br />
Anyone else notice this to be a recurring problem? What happened to humility? <br />
<br />romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-87628561848026628252012-05-01T11:16:00.000-04:002012-05-01T11:33:20.096-04:00Away Goal Rule + 2nd Leg + ET = Unfair?I've been thinking about the tie-breaker rule since last week's blockbuster UCL & Europa League knockout matches. It seems to me that <b>the away goal rule becomes unfair in the second leg of a two-legged knockout round if the tie goes into extra-time.</b> The reasoning: the team away in the second match gets an extra 30 minutes to score an away goal. At the point of this opportunity, if the away team should score a goal, the ramifications would be huge for the home team. They will most likely bow out of any tournament. It is controversial to allow such a distinct disadvantage to any team in time allotted <b>after</b> two matches have been played.<br />
<br />
The counter argument: <b>the home team in the second leg has 30 extra minutes of play in front of their home crowd</b>, should the tie go into extra-time. I don't agree with this argument. I feel at the
knockout level of a competition, the teams involved are most likely
professional enough not be fazed by a home crowd after 90 exhausting
minutes of play. Players are making sure fatigue does not force a mistake and focusing on grabbing a crucial goal. The crowd, I'm sure, was the last thing on Bayern
Munich's mind last week while forging on into extra-time with Real
Madrid. <br />
<br />
To me, it's simple: on paper and in reality, a team away in the second game has a distinct advantage going into extra-time. The home team in the second game did not have another 30 minutes to score a crucial away goal in the first game - just 90. Given the gravity of this rule and seriousness of a second leg tie going into extra-time, I think there should be a better way to break a tie in critical matches.<br />
<br />
Perhaps extra-time should not be judged by the away goal rule in the second leg? What do you think?<br />
<br />romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-2538381321049132432012-04-26T10:42:00.000-04:002012-04-26T10:49:44.500-04:00Juventus Shocked & Awed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A time line in pictures of the unthinkable: <b>a Marco Borriello goal.</b> <br />
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<br />
Juventus players, staff, fans and mascots (old ladies?) were shocked and awed yesterday, when Marco Borriello, the man who once scored goals, <b>finally scored another goal. </b>Bravo, Marco. Bravo. <br />
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Photo Credits: <br />
Associated Press <br />
Goal.com<br />
Yahoo! Sportsromanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-70344226181261726982012-04-25T09:36:00.003-04:002012-04-25T09:36:49.482-04:00Gracious LosersNothing makes me happier than <b>seeing Barcelona lose</b>! Due to their crashing out of the Champions League at the hands of Chelsea, my euphoric attitude has lead me to show you some of my favorite pictures from yesterday's huge embarrassing failure; with commentary.<br />
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<b>Lionel Messi</b> tasting disappointment. It looks bitter! </div>
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<b>Pep Guardiola</b> flashing the "deer-in-headlights - we lost?" look. Also could be interpreted as the "sh*t I don't really know how to coach look."<b> </b><br />
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<b> Andres Iniesta </b>performing the Messi mating stance. </div>
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<b>Iniesta</b>: I'm nothing without you...<br /><b>Messi</b>: Don't leave me...</div>
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<b>Xavi</b> trying to rub the tangy defeat out of his mouth. "What is this taste, Papa Pep?"</div>
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Poor whittle <b>Cesc Fabregas</b> couldn't even win La Liga or the UCL in his <b>first year at Barca</b>.</div>
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<b>Alexis Sanchez</b>, wanting his mommy.</div>
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<b>Gerard Pique</b>, crying for Shakira but remembering "Whenever, Wherever..." </div>
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<b>Guardiola </b>reflecting on how horrible the last week has been. Who's hiring?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBu-w7ClLn7DgHqoCv7n2lP4WHLGwhUDd9PZl23ebqbZ_RsDIyUG3m63ldtXazmGek51mvyLVMtiHIDC7XBluL2ozeasblm3G_Nj0CrhKa_h4hOjbO1jP2_b5zwKEmHXE_44nnHRt6kAmg/s1600/ap-201204241742637221371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBu-w7ClLn7DgHqoCv7n2lP4WHLGwhUDd9PZl23ebqbZ_RsDIyUG3m63ldtXazmGek51mvyLVMtiHIDC7XBluL2ozeasblm3G_Nj0CrhKa_h4hOjbO1jP2_b5zwKEmHXE_44nnHRt6kAmg/s400/ap-201204241742637221371.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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<b>Messi</b>: "F*CK YOU"</div>
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These are my favorite shots! If anyone can find any more (tears preferred), please link me so I can add them in. I want to savor this defeat forever via my blog! <br />
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Photo Credits: <br />
AFP <br />
Associated Press<br />
National PostYahoo Sportsromanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-2482554546922700402012-04-22T21:16:00.000-04:002012-04-22T21:16:50.112-04:00Soccer Gods Dislike Me TodayAfter some thought, I have come to the conclusion that the Soccer Gods chose me to dislike, effectively ruining my Sunday. Here's what happened:<br />
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<b>Juventus 4 - 0 Roma</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbS4C5qgZvKz6xHJJF3RodjOz5PcI8MD2PYmv0-R8gwLqTraVwU-1TaQt3yZpAK9VTZQ-qiqItqeSbQ5pctKUjDZvNOr-PtXUuBn4LCD5sout3hC0p6W3LnSv4hiPCA1JHl7FKe1QP8m7/s1600/TRPar7028379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbS4C5qgZvKz6xHJJF3RodjOz5PcI8MD2PYmv0-R8gwLqTraVwU-1TaQt3yZpAK9VTZQ-qiqItqeSbQ5pctKUjDZvNOr-PtXUuBn4LCD5sout3hC0p6W3LnSv4hiPCA1JHl7FKe1QP8m7/s1600/TRPar7028379.jpg" /></a></div>
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My enthusiasm was high this afternoon, as the first important football match of my weekend approached - Roma, my team, versus rivals Juventus. A crucial match for both sides - Juve vying for the Scudetto, Roma for Europe - what could be better?<br />
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Nothing, until reality struck: <b>the Old Lady tamed the Lupi</b>, taught them how to give paw and scalded them for licking their own butts. A 4-nil drubbing in a match that should have meant just as much to Roma as it did Juve. Hats off to the Bianconeri for being absolutely brilliant <b>all match long</b>, but they were aided in their efforts by a dysfunctional Roma performance.<b> </b><br />
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<b>Here's what went wrong:</b> Roma Coach Luis Enrique had the tactics and line-up wrong from the get-go. I'll admit, Daniele De Rossi has been effective at center back over the past few games, but with Gabriel Heinze available and the issue of Juve's playmaking midfield at hand, DDR should have started in the midfield in an effort to stunt Juve's midfield movement before their attacks heated up. As a result of De Rossi's missing presence in front of the back four, the Juve midfield titter-tattered their way through the likes of Fernando Gago, Marquinho and Simone Perrotta to arrive with some serious space in front of the defense. Furthermore, Enrique decided to leave out Francesco Totti, who was coming off a huge performance against Udinese and was ready to give his all in a rivalry match that always means something to him.<br />
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I understand the manager's thoughts of needing to rest certain players, given a midweek game on the horizon, but at this point of the season and the position Roma is in, all games and all points are critical. The best team needs to be fielded, no matter what - no excuses. This is one of several occasions I think Luis Enrique has actually lost Roma the game. <br />
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<b>DC United 4 - 1 New York Red Bulls</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CCOXt_PItEv5o8r7n_Tgf_e5WzaGgVVJpOQx69w41kEarq1eBYuCdrZUjK8IYytJYnXaaxIeOgkENHiPWhVOQSZEXPo4Ie6wYhyphenhyphen5CDeHJk4Ngz4gBNGqjLiBnlHKEanacfllNvOauFHK/s1600/f58c35eb6619e7bad3349345b0e86bda-getty-143273721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CCOXt_PItEv5o8r7n_Tgf_e5WzaGgVVJpOQx69w41kEarq1eBYuCdrZUjK8IYytJYnXaaxIeOgkENHiPWhVOQSZEXPo4Ie6wYhyphenhyphen5CDeHJk4Ngz4gBNGqjLiBnlHKEanacfllNvOauFHK/s400/f58c35eb6619e7bad3349345b0e86bda-getty-143273721.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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Ironically, game number two of my day brought a similar result and effort from my hometown team, NYRB.<b> </b>In what should have been a cagey grudge match (NY and DC have somewhat of a rivalry) the Red Bulls failed to understand the concept of defending, just like Roma! These two dismal performances from teams I love were so coincidental, that I think the Red Bulls must have watched Roma earlier in the day and took notes on how to roll over. Imagine my disgust at the 60 minute mark seeing the scoreline 4-0 and thinking "hmmm, this reminds me of the Roma game since it is the exact same horrible scoreline." <br />
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<b>What went wrong</b>: Pretty much everything. The defending was horrible: players who were introduced into the starting 11 - Lade & Palsson - didn't really click with the rest of the group. In turn, the defense was pretty scattered and individual, rather than what you would expect from a group of professionals. Simple clearances were botched and nearly every set piece was neglected. Moreover, offense was hard to come by and when the Bulls did get something going, DC transitioned quickly to surprise their shaky defense. Overall, it was a terrible effort in a game the Red Bulls could have won.<br />
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Mother always said there'd be days like these. <br />
<br />romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-87890881892545917562012-03-27T17:07:00.000-04:002012-03-27T17:11:09.645-04:00Claudio Ranieri: Anyone Else Feel Bad For This GuyAfter reading a headline we all knew was coming - <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1041065/claudio-ranieri-finally-sacked-by-inter-milan?cc=5901">Ranieri sacked by Inter Milan</a> - a range of thoughts registered in my mind.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgS0YDpqit65cOlM0Oq8rWKieyHZCZMRy1CT6CelmBxxcNaW98H05EwbOW7q_IptDfnPZwflwR6PNMPg9fZ_M50iauSIbgzgt83v3ICtokEvpg4urZZuf2JfilWbzT7WNlKqOSXnMRGDl/s1600/2012-634684415172583292-258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgS0YDpqit65cOlM0Oq8rWKieyHZCZMRy1CT6CelmBxxcNaW98H05EwbOW7q_IptDfnPZwflwR6PNMPg9fZ_M50iauSIbgzgt83v3ICtokEvpg4urZZuf2JfilWbzT7WNlKqOSXnMRGDl/s400/2012-634684415172583292-258.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother always said there'd be days like these...</td></tr>
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<b>Oh Ranieri, sacked again </b>was my first thought. This scenario has happened time and again to the unlucky Italian. I know all coaches at top clubs get put under the ol' Bunsen burner, but it seems like Ranieri is constantly roasted at any club he arrives at and ultimately sacked or forced to resign.<br />
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<b>He totally deserved it</b> was my second thought. Based on his history of being the "nearly man," I figured this was bound to happen to Ranieri at Inter. He nearly led (X) to the pinnacle (X = Valencia, Chelsea, Juventus, Roma etc...) year after year after year. Will this man ever finish first? It was only a question of when for poor Claudio. It came sooner than I thought, but Ranieri fully deserved to be fired... Right?<br />
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<b>Wrong. Ranieri was set up for failiure</b> is my final thought. Even though he often falls victim to the axe and in the past had deserved it for being the guy that almost won it for the team, at Inter Milan, a post-golden age Nerazzurri, Ranieri and any other coach (see Rafa Benitez and Gian Piero Gasperini) did not stand a chance. People will claim Jose Mourinho's massive shadow of success has led to the club's meltdown, but as far as I'm concerned,<b> President Massimo Moratti failed Inter, not Mourinho's mirage and most definitely not Claudio Ranieri.</b> <b></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEBVrUdQmCQGGMPu0jbrLmEOklPKnDJFPezQcRyvw_ePEKrnZmfmSI9q2bYLwd4XDdVDiScJ7iv8UIMOSK2rhOUn2aFfQ32VcrfZUtmGvcg4yOh1DIs35wl8Cq7ZU92_1x7G6FfaZn5Ru/s1600/Massimo-Moratti--007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEBVrUdQmCQGGMPu0jbrLmEOklPKnDJFPezQcRyvw_ePEKrnZmfmSI9q2bYLwd4XDdVDiScJ7iv8UIMOSK2rhOUn2aFfQ32VcrfZUtmGvcg4yOh1DIs35wl8Cq7ZU92_1x7G6FfaZn5Ru/s400/Massimo-Moratti--007.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inter President Massimo Moratti</td></tr>
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Consistent missteps by the flamboyant club president have resulted in Inter's troubles. He has made a myriad trivial moves over the past two seasons, which have led to the downfall. He sold Samuel Eto'o to Russia, albeit for big money, when Eto'o was the club's main force upfront. Older players like Dejan Stankovic, Esteban Cambiasso, Christian Chivu, Lucio, etc... have not been sold, yet still relied upon as an integral part of the team. Younger players like Andrea Ranocchia and Coutinho have been heavily relied upon, only to perform below-par. Wesley Sneijder has been run-ragged trying to keep this team together, which has ultimately crushed his world class form of a few years back. <a href="http://worldsport.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/27/ranieri-never-stood-a-chance-at-struggling-inter/">And the list goes on</a>. <br />
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Ironically, Moratti blames the coaches - ones that he chose to hire - for poor
performances. Hey Massi: when this keeps happening, it might not be the
coaches. <br />
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Does anyone else feel bad for Ranieri? This time, it wasn't the Tinkerman's fault. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credits:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ahram Online</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">guardian.co.uk </span>romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1513467760530856001.post-82486960730351094942012-03-26T12:42:00.000-04:002012-03-26T12:42:39.587-04:00Thierry Henry: Still ClinicalAt age 34, New York Red Bull captain <b>Thierry Henry </b>is still as clinical of a finisher as he was ten years prior. We saw a rejuvenated Henry score <a href="http://youtu.be/_bNBN9XlTK0?t=1m30s">a few big goals</a> for Arsenal during a loan spell this winter, but I for one was not sure which Henry would turn up at the beginning of the MLS season: the <a href="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.453431%21/img/httpImage/image.jpg">hands in the air frustrated Henry</a> or the barn-storming goal-scoring French man-machine. Here's what we got in NY's home opener:<br />
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Bald head slick is back and ready to rock in New York!romanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215380156938980546noreply@blogger.com0