Gracious Losers

Nothing makes me happier than seeing Barcelona lose! 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.

Lionel Messi tasting disappointment. It looks bitter!

Pep Guardiola 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." 

 Andres Iniesta performing the Messi mating stance.

 

Iniesta: I'm nothing without you...
Messi: Don't leave me...

Xavi trying to rub the tangy defeat out of his mouth. "What is this taste, Papa Pep?"

Poor whittle Cesc Fabregas couldn't even win La Liga or the UCL in his first year at Barca.

 Alexis Sanchez, wanting his mommy.

 Gerard Pique, crying for Shakira but remembering "Whenever, Wherever..."

 Guardiola reflecting on how horrible the last week has been. Who's hiring?

Messi: "F*CK YOU"

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!


Photo Credits:
AFP
Associated Press
National PostYahoo Sports

El Clasico-FIFA '12 Correlation

El Clasico is nothing more than a bad FIFA '12 dream for Real Madrid.

Ramos receiving his marching orders after jumping near Messi

Ever play a crunch match in FIFA where you know you are better than your opponent? With the buzz of your 360 in the background, you dominate the first half, cause constant pressure, and have a bundle of goal-scoring chances. You're play is so flawless that it's only a matter of time before you score.

But then, you don't. Shots rifle off the post and your striker for some reason doesn't convert a chance he would nine times out of ten. Doubt creeps in your mind. It's going to be "one of those games," where this jerk I'm playing, who is a cheese team like Barcelona, pulls one back against the run of play. And then before half-time that exactly happens. Bam, Messi does something and somehow the balls in the back of the net. Then to compound this misery, a ridiculous strike from nowhere is scored leaving you to say: I hate this game. It's 2-0, it's Barca, there's no way back.

Nothing is more unnerving. This is El Clasico for Real Madrid. Things simply do not go their way. They deserved to win yesterday, the other day, and usually. They pounded Barca in the first half and wound up two nil down. This logically means Barcelona are so good they're cheap. They are the left trigger + Y pass to a fast player move in FIFA: downright annoying.

I could care less about La Liga, Barcelona, or Real Madrid, but watching highlights of last nights game screamed to me FIFA '12 injustice! Disagree or not, the scenario that happened to Madrid last night has happened to you while playing FIFA online or with friends.

Perhaps I'm playing too much FIFA '12?



Photo Credit:
EA Sports

Messi's World...?

Messi has officially made my Monday. Upon browsing the Barcelona man's Facebook page this afternoon, I noticed a series of videos in his news feed that seemed interesting. Interesting immediately turned into hilarious upon viewing.

The fact that all the videos are 11 seconds long, contain similar five word professions of love spoken by Messi himself, and are branded with the above Transformer/Batman hybrid logo, made these videos a riot.

For your pleasure:

"I love every goal."



"I'll always play like that boy from Rosario."



"I love to help children dream."


"I love to team up for my country."


Though I respect Messi's strength as a player and humble character, these videos have left me puzzled. What do they say about you Messi? That you can only explain yourself in vague one-liners in 11 second video clips? Am I the only one who thinks these are hilarious (and weird)?!

Perhaps there are fuller versions of each to come.

Friday Must Sees

Hello mis amis,
This week I have viewed some things that you must see:

Incredible back-flip penalty


Lionel Messi's Facebook page: 
Nearly 7 million followers in a mere three days
http://www.facebook.com/LeoMessi

Barca fans wear creepy Mourinho masks to Shakhtar match
"It's like something out of an Aphex Twin video." Hilarious from Dirty Tackle

Brazilian prospect Neymar scores a great goal, gets sent off...
...for putting a mask of his own face on. Vanity?


Inter's Stankovic scores a stunning volley from 45 yards


Thierry Henry's Sky Special about life 
Aligned nicely by The Shin Guardian

Philippe Mexes confirms he will leave Roma after seven glorious years
And we mourn:
Mourning Rugantino
Mouring Rugantino Part II
Naturally, I bought a Mexes jersey at the beginning of the season.

The story of the floating village football team in Thailand

USA vs. Argentina: Are You Ready?

This Saturday, March 26th, the United States will host Argentina at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. In case you have been living in a cave for the month of March, the Argentina starting 11 will include Lionel Messi and a host of other stars in a much anticipated rematch with the US of A. Some content to digest:

The battle of '08

In June 2008, the United States squared off with the then number one ranked team in the world, Argentina. The South Americans, who were gearing up for a summer of qualifiers, threw their best at the USMNT. In front of thousands of fans mostly regaled in light blue (I was there - us Americans were outnumbered) Messi skipped around the old Meadowlands and did everything but score, as the US defense held strong. Surprisingly, the Americans almost emerged the victors, striking the bar late on in the game. The crowd was electric and so were the skys, as lightning and thunder tensed the atmosphere as the tie came to a 0-0 end. Playing out a draw against a world number one is a triumph for a side like the USA.

This time around
It's been over two years and a lot has changed. The USA has grown as a soccer nation, with many bigger names in the team now located in Europe; the Argentines have grown brighter, younger talent and Lionel Messi is two Ballon d'Ors older.

On Saturday, both squads will be loaded with players of quality, as European leagues have taken the weekend off to allow for Euro 2012 Qualifiers. We will see:

Lionel Messi

Two-time World Player of the Year, La Liga winner, Champions League winner, European Golden Boot winner and the list goes on and on and on and on. The fact that this player is stepping foot in New Jersey (AGAIN) is incredible. We must soak him in.

Landon Donovan
The World Cup hero and top American goal-scorer is back with his mates in the red, white, and blue and eager to impress the large crowd this game will draw. Hopefully we'll see Lando sliding towards the corner flag after a heroic injury-time winner in this match.

Real American

Javier Pastore
One of the hottest properties in world soccer at the moment, the youngster from Serie A side Palermo will likely feature and dazzle the crowd with his fleet-footedness and flair for goal. Truly a player to watch.

Clint Dempsey
With an astonishing 10 goals in Premier League play to-date, Deuce can certainly be considered one of the country's most accomplished player.

Angel Di Maria
The wizardly Madrid man has been turning heads at the Bernabeu this season and will look to do the same on Saturday.

Michael Bradley
USA needs Bradley to bring his tenacity and gleaming bald head in hopes of canceling out Esteban Cambiasso's shined up skull in the middle of the park.

Javier Zanetti
The ageless treble winner will run the flanks with the zest and zeal of a young Steve Cherundolo.

What to expect
Speaking as a fan of the USMNT, I am not expecting the mammoth performance we saw in 2008. Sanity dismisses the notion of shutting Lionel Messi down twice in a row. I can only hope we make our presence known and fight hard.

Speaking as a fan Roma, I am pumped to see the Wild Man Nicolas Burdisso once again.

One last thing:

Support the USMNT - be a real American.

This Week's Pointless Yet Exciting Friendlies

International friendlies are at times warranted. These fixtures are often critical for national team setups in preparing for qualifiers and tournaments. But now? In February? Between league, domestic cup, and European cup play? The timing of today and tomorrow's friendlies is terrible. Club coaches have every right to be furious at national teams for trying to yank star players midweek, with crucial club fixtures coming up. Why are these games being played? They seem pointless.

However, there are some awesome friendlies on the docket:

Romania vs. Ukraine

This regional battle begins today at 1:30 pm EST.

Croatia vs. Czech Republic
Another regional fixture starting tomorrow at 11:45 am EST.

Turkey vs. South Korea

A rematch of the 2002 World Cup 3rd place match, South Korea will want revenge after being undone by Hakan Sukur after just 11 seconds. This match begins tomorrow at 1 pm EST.

Denmark vs. England
The Danes have a cagey past with England, drubbing the powerhouse in a similar friendly 4-1 in 2005. The fireworks start tomorrow at 2:15 pm EST.

Germany vs. Italy



In a rematch of possibly the most exciting semifinal in World Cup history, the Germans square off against regional foes Italy. The Italian squad will be highly provisional, as some newcomers will get their shot at a first cap. I expect the same from the Germans. It should be a cracker of a match. 2:45 pm EST tomorrow.

France vs. Brazil

These massive international rivals will do battle tomorrow at 2:45 pm EST. They have faced one another in the biggest games at the World Cup, so there is obvious bad blood.

Argentina vs. Portugal

Messi vs. Ronaldo...Another chance for journalists to pit the two players against each other and sort out the eternal question, who's better? I find this comparison extremely persistent and annoying. Nonetheless, it should be an exciting game. 2:45 pm EST tomorrow.

NOTE: USA vs. Egypt is cancelled due to the ongoing protests in Egypt.

Enjoy these pointless friendlies, mis amis!

Upcoming USA Friendlies

Sensible Soccer is PUMPED about the upcoming USMNT friendlies! USA will be playing Chile, Egypt, Argentina, and Paraguay in the near future. The games are:

USA vs. Chile

The Home Depot Center; Carson, California
Jan. 22, 2011 @ 7 p.m. PT

USA vs. Egypt

Cairo International Stadium; Cairo, Egypt

Feb. 9. 2011 @ TBD

USA vs. Argentina

New Meadowlands Stadium; East Rutherford, New Jersey

March 26, 2011 @ 7 p.m. ET

USA vs. Paraguay

LP Field; Nashville, Tennessee

March 29, 2011 @ 7 p.m. CT

This is a wonderful set of friendlies, if I do say so myself. The Chile match will be a good chance for younger players to prove themselves in the national team setup. Egypt will be a delightful rematch after the USA shellacked them 3-0 at the Gold Cup in 2009. The Argentina match is of much interest and one that I will be attending. Given the prestige of the Argentineans and last match between the two at the Meadowlands (which I was lucky enough to attend), this game should be a cracker. Last but not least, Paraguay should be a good test for the USA, given their liveliness at the last World Cup and increasing pool of talent.

Enjoy the games, friends!

For more information on the USMNT please visit US Soccer's website.

Messi vs. Ronaldo: The Repetitive Comparison

It seems to me that over the last year there have been a myriad of articles from respected soccer media sources highlighting the now age old question of who's better, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. My answer: who cares.

Both players are incredibly talented and will go down as two of the best in history, yet this comparison is beat to death in the media. A fellow enthusiast and like-minded thinker pointed out, after my Ballon d'Or post of disgust, that these names are household names now. He's absolutely right. If any person with a remote interest in soccer is asked to name a few players, I am positive the names Messi, Ronaldo, or Beckham will be uttered. These men are what's hot in world football and being leeched on by the media as a result. And to the media's delight, fuel was added to the fire when Ronaldo joined Real Madrid, the top competitor to Messi's Barcelona in La Liga. This rivalry is so hyped that you can type in "Messi v" in Google's search and you will find the term automatically filled in with "s Ronaldo" (and vice versa).

One particular news source that upsets me is Goal.com. Usually, I am delighted by their diligent and comprehensive soccer reporting, but their weekly insistence on pitting Messi and Ronaldo's stats against each other is ridiculous (see this week's comparison here). It's shocking that a source of such esteem chooses to focus weekly on this topic. At this point, it's almost like 'selling out'.

There are other topics of importance to discuss. Not everyone cares about La Liga. Not everyone cares about Real Madrid or Barcelona. And not everyone cares about Lionel Messi or Cristano Ronaldo. Stop wasting our time by comparing these two over and over again.

Ballon d'Or (Part 2): Disappointment Brewed Bitterly

In part one of my Ballon d'Or post, Disappointment is Brewing, I expressed extreme outrage over the process regarding this year's award. Just when I thought my disgust for FIFA's player selections was at it's peak, Lionel Messi was chosen as the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or winner. This decision has enraged me.

Lionel Messi: 2010 Ballon d'Or Winner

I have nothing against Messi - he is one of the best footballers in the world and had a wonderful 2010 (49 goals in 58 games). Regardlessly, I would argue that there were three players who were better than him in 2010: Wesley Sneijder, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi. All three deserved to win this award over Messi. Moreover, I feel that Sneijder, given his excellent club and country form last year, should have been lifting this trophy, yet failed to feature in the three-man shortlist. Sneijder did more with less, in a more competitive league (La Liga is being hailed as a 'two-horse' race, as we speak) and was unbelievably left out in the cold. So, from the get-go today, my distaste for this award was elevated.

Given Sneijder's omission, I would have accepted Iniesta or Xavi winning this award. Both had a championship winning year at Barcelona and were the heartbeat of Spain's triumph at the World Cup this summer. The Spanish duo ooze excellence and are worthy candidates for this award. To top it off, their prowess in the midfield for Barcelona surely can be linked to Messi's incredible 2010 goal tally. How in the world did Iniesta or Xavi not win this award? They were as good as Messi during the season and pipped his efforts at the World Cup. I want answers, people! And by answers, I do not mean comments to the effect of "Messi had so many goals in 2010" or "Messi is the best player ever". Those are not sound arguments, they are simple assertions attempting to explain the improbable.

Iniesta and Xavi during their triumph in South Africa

To sum it up, there were four things I found unbelievable about the 2010 Ballon d'Or process:

1) Diego Alberto Milito not being named on the 23-man shortlist.

2) Wesley Sneijder not winning the award or being named on the three-man shortlist.

3) Given the above circumstance, Andres Iniesta or Xavi not winning the award.

4) Lionel Messi winning the award, even to his amazement. 

Some journalists and pundits are simply shrugging off this decision, admitting they could care less who wins the footballer of the year award. This makes me question their role in the voting of such an award. The way I see it, the misappropriation of this award justifies beliefs that FIFA is flying blindly. Be it bad leadership or bad politics, FIFA has made several aggravating decisions over the past few months (i.e. Qatar 2022............) that has put it's fairness in question. FIFA's mystifying actions make the soccer governing body seem like a secret society of sorts, as hardly anyone in the public domain can understand their decision-making process. Obviously, the slew of votes for the Ballon d'Or comes from captains, coaches, and the media (see this year's voting stats here), but I still hold FIFA at fault for not giving the best footballer of the year his recognition. The award is the FIFA Ballon d'Or, after all. They have the power to do what's right, and unfortunately I believe that Messi winning this award was wrong! I have nothing against the magical Argentine who will continue to write history, but 2009 was his year, not 2010. Sneijder, Iniesta, and Xavi have been unjustly done by this decision.

Please share your thoughts with me and stay tuned for my next post, which slide tackles the issue of "Ronaldo vs. Messi" and how the media's comparison of them is getting very old. I swear, I don't hate Messi!