Good news Sensible Soccer fans in and around New York City: a soccer film festival is headed our way! Culture meets the beautiful game at the Kicking and Screening Soccer Film Festival in NYC from July 20 - 23. Five films will features at the festival, which takes place at the historic Tribeca Cinemas. They are:
Wednesday, July 20, 7:30 pm Argentina Fútbol Club w/ Sivan & Opprykk
Thursday, July 21, 7:30 pm Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story
w/ Swarbrick animations & Blind Ambition
Friday, July 22, 7:30 pm Soka Afrika w/ The Final Fax
As the champions celebrate their triumph after nine months of football, we the fans weep inside and wonder what in the world we're going to do for the next three months on Saturdays and Sundays.
Sensible Soccer would like to offer you some options:
1) Monitor Transfers: As we reach the end of the season, a new one begins - one in which money is king. For the next three months, flamboyant rumors detailing big money moves of your favorite superstars will grip football media sources as the summer transfer window comes into full swing. Keep your eyes peeled on your favorite team's movements and fingers crossed for that new hero that could be signed. And if you are a Roma fan like I am, celebrate like a mad man because we now have money and possibly Carlo Ancelotti.
For the most comprehensive and honest look at the transfer window, follow the Daily Mirror'sFootball Spy either on footytube or YouTube.
2) Play Soccer: Why not lace up the boots, grab a few friends, and head to the park? Be healthy and exercise - it's good for you. And if you are rubbish at football, join a coed league where everyone sucks!
3) Watch International Matches: Summer is more often than not the time where country comes before club, for once. Check out a stellar set of competitions such as the Copa America, CONCACAF Gold Cup, or the often touted friendly (USA vs. Spain).
4) Watch Pre-season Friendlies: You know how I know soccer in America is starting to grow and get the attention of the world soccer community? When over a dozen teams from all around the globe will be playing pre-season friendlies in America this summer. So check out your local listings and tune in to the many pre-season friendlies happening here in the USA and across the world.
5) Watch the MLS: Why not support soccer in America? Watch your local teams, Americans, because the league is getting better, I promise! This comes from person who watches top-notch European football week in, week out, and claims to be "Sensible." Thus, I feel I can honestly attest to the acute increase in a) talent b) competition and c) excitement in the MLS. The progress of the league has been exceptional, even as of the last year, and the many rumors of top European talent coming to the MLS is exciting. I can literally sense John Harkes becoming too excited about US soccer as we blog.
6) Start a Blog: Why not start a blog about your favorite club, country, or league? Writing is intellectually stimulating and often liberating. Let it all hang out and tell the public how you feel! If that doesn't entice you to write, start a blog so you can promote my blog, like this guy at Forza Roma.
Oh and let us not forget the absolute feast of football we have to look forward to next Saturday at 2:45pm: the Champions League Final between Manchester United and Barcelona. Excitingly and sadly - this is football's final act of the season.
Who I want: Go United...because aren't you sick of Barcelona by now?
Ahead of the United States' friendly against superpower Argentina (which I am attending), the MLS emphatically commenced this week, giving major hope to the future of US Soccer:
Charlie Davies nets 2 in his MLS debut
CD9 entered the fray in the 52nd minute of DC United's encounter with the Columbus Crew and immediately made an impact. Aside from his penalty, it was great to see him score the sort of opportune goal that made him famous amongst US supporters prior to his accident.
18 year old Juan Agudelo scores his first MLS goal
Juan Agudelo piqued the interest of USMNT supporters after scoring in his senior-team debut last November. Last night, he fortified beliefs that he may be a force to reckon with in years to come by dispatching of the Seattle Sounders with a well taken goal - his first in the MLS. Did I mention he is under the tutelage of Thierry Henry?
Exciting things to come from the MLS and US Soccer! Stay tuned for a comprehensive review (with amazing pictures and possibly patriotic videos) of next weekend's USMNT friendly versus Lionel Messi and co.
The excitement is building as we edge closer to the Champions League knockout stages. The quest to reach the final at Wembley begins tomorrow. Poise, class, and a little bit of luck will be needed to see teams through to the next round. Sensible Soccer will preview each match day in a series of installments. And now, a preview of tomorrow's fixtures:
AC Milan vs. Tottenham
Leg 1 will be played in Milan at San Siro.
Champions League new-boys Tottenham will take on Serie A leaders AC Milan in what should be a thrilling, two-legged affair. The question is: which teams will we see? Given the pedigree of each side, both teams have been inconsistent with their results this year. Even though Milan are tops, their campaign has been riddled with draws to sub-par teams. The Rossoneri are a much different Serie A leader from Mourinho's dominating Inter side we saw last season. Nevertheless, they are a talented squad in control of a tough league.
Tottenham have also produced spotty results, often winning a big game then dropping the next. The Spurs lie in 4th place in the cagey Premier League. That said, both teams are coming off a set of thrilling wins over the weekend, so hopefully we will see a well contested match.
Missing Persons: The injury list for this fixture is quite hefty on both sides. It is looking like Tottenham will be without lynchpin midfielders Luka Modric or Rafael Van der Vaart - the latter being more likely to start because somehow he always shows up on the team-sheet come gameday. Even worse, it seems increasingly unlikely that powerful winger Gareth Bale will feature at San Siro, the sight of his scorching Group Stage hat-trick. The Spurs are fortunate to have an in-form replacement, Niko Kranjcar, ready to dress and impress.
Milan's injury problems run throughout the lineup - at the back, the squad will be without new signing Nicola Leggrotaglie or veteran Gianluca Zambrotta; Rodney Strasser and Ignazio Abate are listed as doubtful for the clash. Luckily, the Rossoneri have been boosted by the return of Alessandro Nesta and Luca Antonini, who will likely start alongside Daniele Bonera and Thiago Silva. In the midfield, Milan will be without role-players Andrea Pirlo and Massimo Ambrosini.
Some interesting things to note: a few new Milan signings are indeed cup-tied...that's right Milanisti, Cassano, Van Bommel, and Emanuelson will not be featuring in the tournament. Spurs fans will breathe a sigh of relief in knowing that their top winter signing, Steven Pienaar, is eligible.
Key Questions:
1. Who will control the midfield? With both teams likely to field second choice players, I am wondering who has the depth to grab control of the midfield. The team who comes out on top after 90 minutes will be the one with the best cohesion in the middle of the park.
2. How will Milan cope with Tottenham's style of play? Tottenham taught Inter a hard lesson that sent tremors throughout world football during group play. The English style had embarrassed the holders. It will be interesting to see how Milan handles the gruff play of the Spurs.
3. Can Tottenham hold Zlatan at bay? The key to beating Milan is to stifle their hitman, Zlatan Ibrahimovic (if you don't believe me, see the match report of Roma's win in Milan right before the holiday break). It looks like Younes Kaboul will miss the trip to San Siro, so that cancels out the big man out-muscling Ibra scenario. The onus will largely fall on veteran William Gallas. Spurs fans: pray for a good Gallas showing.
Prediction: Injuries aside, I still believe this will be one of the more exciting fixtures during the Round of 16, given the talent and dazzling play of both teams. I think we will see a draw at San Siro. For Tottenham to be satisfied, they will need to bag a crucial away goal.
Valencia vs. Schalke 04
Leg 1 will be played in Valencia at the Mestalla.
One year ago, Schalke were top contenders for the Bundesliga crown, giving Bayern Munich a run for their money. It got even better in the summer, when the club made top signings in the form of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Raul. Then, the new season started and everything went wrong. Shockingly, Schalke sits in 10th place in Bundesliga. A strange turnaround for a side with motivation and top players. Nonetheless, Schalke will take on La Liga side Valencia in one of the weaker clashes in the Round of 16.
The David-less Valencia are holding course in La Liga, maintaining their perennial 3rd place slot after leap-frogging Villareal at the weekend. The Spanish side has not lost in 2011 and are unbeaten in 9-games.
Missing Persons: The good news for Schalke is that the squad is fully fit. The same can not be said for Valencia. Top stars Juan Mata and David Albelda have been out of action for a few weeks and are doubtful for the game. Strangely, these omissions have not hurt Valencia's form, as they are coming off a huge win against Atletico Madrid this past weekend.
Key Questions:
1. Can Huntelaar and Raul do it again? The talented duo accounted for half the side's goals in group play and will need to continue their good Champions League form if they hope to see the quarters. Raul has lined up against Valencia many times in his career and will look to terrorize the back line in his first trip home since joining Schalke.
2. Will Neuer be able to hold off the flood? Manuel Neuer has made a whopping 4-5 saves per game in Bundesliga play, often times standing on his head to get a result for the struggling side. The highly rated shot-stopper will have to remain steadfast against a quick Valencia attack to give Schalke hope.
3. Will Valencia's stars be missed on the grand stage? Sure, the absence of Mata and Albelda in the Valencia lineup against inferior La Liga sides has been manageable, but what about a knockout match versus a team hoping to grasp onto a motivating result? Valencia has a scorer in Roberto Soldado (5 goals in CL play) but might miss their play-maker Mata and holding midfielder Albelda, should they not start.
Prediction: I think Valencia will win the first leg of this tie. The Spanish side are in form and motivated, which you can not say about Schalke. For the Bundesliga side to make a dent in this game, Klaas needs to be in session. Huntelaar or Raul need to notch an away goal to have any hope of celebrating after the return leg in Germany.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's previews of Arsenal vs. Barcelona and AS Roma vs. Shakhtar Donetsk.
Last Friday, Giampaolo Pazzini transferred to Inter Milan. "You can't say no to Inter", Pazzini said, and he's right. How could he?
Since Leonardo has taken over for Rafa Benitez, Inter has showed the championship pedigree we saw last season. With the addition of Pazzini, another championship could be in the making. As a Roma fan, I shuddered when I saw Pazzini shaking hands with Massimo Moratti.
If that wasn't enough for you, see how Pazzo did for Inter on Sunday:
A dream debut. Not to mention a header any striker would be proud of.
One last piece of Pazzini magic for you:
Sampdoria vs. Werder Bremen
A very smart signing by Inter. A very frightening sight for Scudetto contenders.
This transfer window has been exceptional thus far, as many big names have completed transfers to top teams. However, it has also been unnerving. Teams have stalled deals by disagreeing on transfer fees and players have held up moves by asking for higher wages. The inability to make deals has caused a myriad of transfer window headlines, which detail every flinch made during deadlocked talks, on a daily basis. Being there are only a few days left in this window, I thought it would be prudent to present a few deadlocked transfer sagas:
David Luiz Benfica to Chelsea
Chelsea's need for a quality centre back is clear, given the departure of Ricardo Carvalho in the Summer, the chronic injuries to Alex and John Terry's increasing age. Accordingly, the Blues have taken a run at Benfica's top defender, David Luiz. The champions showed their urgency for the player by making first contact early in the transfer window. The Portugese side have responded by continually upping the price tag and dragging out the move. Could you blame them, given Chelsea's piggy bank? Benfica are looking for £25 million. Reports today state Chelsea are willing to pay £21.5 million, plus one of the club's young players. Will this move finally go through? I'd like to see it happen. See the Soccernet and Goal.com reports for more information.
Luis Suarez Ajax to Liverpool
There isn't a team out there who could use the services of the Uruguayan hitman, Luis Suarez, more than Liverpool. The struggling club have taken a big shot at the Ajax striker, in what would be a spectacular move. Initially, the Reds wanted to offer money and Ryan Babel in exchange for Suarez, but the deal was squashed earlier in the week (with Babel ultimately completing a move to Bundesliga side Hoffenheim). Suarez seems to want this move, and the Amsterdam club seems intent on selling him, yet negotiations have been unsuccessful thus far. Earlier this week, Ajax decided to give Liverpool until Saturday to make a final bid. Liverpool's initial bid was £15 million. Ajax values the player at a very inflated £35 million, and have stated they would accept no less than £25 million for the player. I, along with my friends at Football Spy, believe Liverpool needs to hold strong and wait Ajax out on this price. A probable bid could be somewhere around £20 million, plus one of the club's younger players. I would love to see Liverpool get this player, but it may be yet another failure for the hard-luck Reds.
Charlie Adam Blackpool to Liverpool
Another tense, ongoing negotiation involving Liverpool is for Blackpool's midfielder Charlie Adam. The two teams are at a stand-off, as Blackpool are asking for a ridiculous £12 million for the player, who I would value at £5 million, tops. Liverpool need to keep their offer on the table and let it stand as a 'take it or leave it', since they really have nothing to lose in this transfer.
Robbie Keane Tottenham to West Ham
Out of favor, aging striker Robbie Keane has been the subject of many rumors throughout this window. Tottenham reportedly struck a deal with Birmingham for the striker, but Keane's wage negotiation with the side failed epically, as he refused to take a pay cut. So, here we are Robbie. Keane had a deal, fumbled it, and is now being forced to either perish in reserves or join West Ham on loan. I think we'll see Keano at Upton Park next week.
Sean Wright-Phillips Manchester City to Fulham, Bolton, Newcastle
That little bundle of energy, Sean Wright-Phillips, is again on the move as another club have frozen him out of a star-studded lineup. Manchester City are said to be asking £4 million for the player, but interested parties would rather have him on loan. Football Spy reports that Man City is even willing to let Wright-Phillips go on a free transfer, in an effort to lure Fulham, Bolton or Newcastle into picking up his £65K/week price tag. Wherever the talented England international ends up, he will make an immediate impact.
These seem to be the largest deadlocks in the window at the moment. Check out today's Football Spy for a more comprehensive look:
It should be interesting to see who moves where in the next few days. It is almost assured we will see a dramatic last hour transfer, given the activity in the market over the past month.
Enjoy the rest of the window and stay tuned for Sensible Soccer's review of this January's moves.
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.
Ahh my leg...Ahhh my stomach...Ahhhh my life! The utterance of a football baby.
What's worse than seeing a player sulking up and down the pitch, wailing their arms at a no-call, tantrum style, or flopping to the ground at the slightest contact? These embarrassing gestures have forced Sensible Soccer to take action and identify 10 Big Babies in World Football. I present to you:
Didier Drogba Chelsea
No man at 6'2, 190lbs should look as though they've been shot out of a cannon upon any sort of contact (see above photograph). Unfortunately, Drogba ignites the gunpowder of his embellishment cannon quite often. Shame on such an excellent player who can have an impact without such antics.
Rivaldo Mogi Mirim EC
Rivaldo has provided us with two incredible sights in our lifetime: 1) an extraordinary bicycle kick that sailed into the back of the net with precision and pace; 2) a full-fledged flop at the World Cup in 2002 (see above aftermath photograph). In said incident, a Turkish player fired the ball at Rivaldo's legs while the Brazilian was awaiting a corner, to which Rivaldo responded by grabbing his face and hitting the deck. This despicable act got the Turkish player sent off in a precious group match. For this sole incident, Rivaldo deserves to be labeled a baby.
Robinho AC Milan
He cried his way out of Madrid. He cried his way out of Manchester. I'm sure he's already cried once or twice when he hasn't gotten his way in Milan. Robinho is such a baby and wants his snack! Watching the twinkle-toed Brazilian can be awe-inspiring at one moment and extremely frustrating the next. His constant complaining, sulking, and flailing make him a huge cry baby of the sport.
Samuel Eto'o Inter Milan
I was very surprised to learn that Eto'o is a big baby. I had not witnessed his unbelievable tantrums until he transferred to Inter. Given what I know now, I can hardly watch him playing without wanting to jump in the TV and make baby crying noises at him. This character who threatened quit Cameron days before the World Cup after receiving (*gasp) criticism, can be seen on a weekly basis disagreeing with everything a Serie A ref has to say by flailing, stamping, and complaining.
Luca Toni Juventus
"Ma noooooooo" is Luca Toni's term of choice that must be burned in the minds of every Serie A referee and center back, since he says it every single time he is touched by a human being and doesn't get a call. He is not the worst candidate on this list, but the Italian hitman is always playing the honest school boy who feels he should be getting his way.
El Hadji Diouf Blackburn
Not only is Diouf a ridiculous baby who wants his milk, he's also a huge jerk! He reportedly lashed out at QPR's Jamie Mackie, telling him "f**k you and f**k your leg" after the striker had just broken his leg. Nice guy. He also called Jamie Carragher "a brand of ketchup" and is known for spitting at fans and players. What is wrong with this man? When things fail to go Diouf's way, his motive is to wile out in a tantrum and antagonize others.
Fernando Torres Liverpool
Someone needs to give this lad a hug. Torres always looks unbelievably miserable when things are not going his way. He's like the pouty little girl I pointed out in a previous post. It seems that the permanaent look of disappointment will remain etched on Torres' face for the rest of the year, given Liverpool's dreadful form. Hang in there little buddy!
Cuauhtemoc Blanco Mexico
The plus sized Mexican always seems to be scowling and howling his way around the pitch. At times, I can't tell if he's chewing on a tough piece of meat or just hungirly arguing with the referee and/or opposition. Blanco storms around the field and tends to slam his big frame to the ground upon the smallest gale of wind. Strange, for such a big man. I dislike this enemy of the USA very much.
Nicolas Anelka Chelsea
Even after scoring a goal and doing his ridiculous 'peacock hands' celebration, Nicolas Anelka has a sour look on his face. The Frenchman, infamously nicknamed Le Sulk, is the sulkiest player in world football.It seems impossible to make this man happy. I can only imagine what his personal life is like. His friends must be all sad middle-aged men, sad mimes, and sad clowns. Cheer up Anelka, you're netting millions this year.
