People are constantly stopping me on the street and saying, "Hey Sanford! What the hell is the Community Shield?" So in order to save time in my life and ease the difficulty that now exists when running simple errands, I'll give a brief explanation...
This match has been called the Community Shield since 2002. Prior to that (all the way back to 1908) it was called the Charity Shield. In recent times it has become the curtain raiser for the new season. It pits the winner of the top division (now called the English Premier League) against the winner of the F.A. Cup. F.A. stands for Football Association. Although it is a "friendly" that has no bearing on the season itself, it is a trophy nonetheless and often results in a great match. Since the teams playing are usually close in stature, there is a rivalry and intensity that exists, and tensions have been known to boil over. The match is not usually a mellow stroll in the park. Roy Keene's "tackle" on Gus Poyet in 2000 speaks to that.
One day the match might be played at the new Wembley. But until that fiasco is sorted it will remain in Cardiff, in the Millenium Stadium. And yes, it was called the Charity Shield because the money goes to charity. I think they changed the name to make it sound a little better. Anyway, the dough goes to all the 124 clubs that played in the first round of the F.A. Cup the previous year and they then give it to a local charity of their chosing.
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-englandshield_preview&prov=reuters&type=lgns
SSN is a digest of the day's soccer/football/futbol articles with a focus on the top European leagues and the United States National Team. Below, you’ll find links to articles and video, as well as additional features and commentary. We locate the top news of the day so you can stay updated with ease.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Cole's Chelsea move stalls over £25m price
So what now? If you're Arsene Wenger you're wondering how to get team morale back on a solid footing with a super-vocal want-away player in the mix. But here's the real question: What makes Chelsea think Cole isn't worth the money? The just dropped over 50 million on a 30-year-old striker while letting The Good Johnson bail to Barca. They won't pay half that amount for a young left-back who scores goals and defends better than almost anyone else in the world? They paid just as much for Shaun Wright-Phillips and he never plays! So now they're looking at Wayne Bridge (injury-prone and linked with moves away from The Bridge) and Willam Gallas (offended The Family). Other things about Chelsea are becoming interesting. I think the sale of Duff will come back to haunt them. Cole just got hurt and Robben is about as injury-free as Britney Spears is classy. If Chelsea stumble out of the blocks things'll get really interesting. -Sanford
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/index?cc=5901
My Friends at the MLS All-Star Game
Just look at these clowns. You'd think they were posing with the EPL Championship Trophy or something. At least Sara's dressed for the occasion. That's Bob's (shades) "smoking hot" wife. Nice gown! Too bad your boy toys are all slimy with no sense of style. Why don't you ditch the three geeks and hop in with me?And how about those seats? Almost as good as the seats I had in Germany. OK, better in fact. I just have a few questions: Were you able to get a touch of The Amazing Geremi? Does Robben really look like he's 57 years old in person? Who's a better diver - Drogba or Robben? Did you promise to watch Carlo Cudicini and SWP in all their League Cup matches this season?
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Juventus sell Ibrahimovic to Inter Milan
I know Ibra has got skills and perhaps his woeful form last season can be chalked up to problems with Capello but that doesn't explain his crap performances in Germany. Perhaps his injury was still bothering him? Regardless, I can't help but think that Inter got a dud. In my book he plays like Cruz but not as well. I would have passed on him... -Sanford
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=375465&cc=5901
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=375465&cc=5901
Walcott returns to Under-21s
Back where he belongs. Theo wins the award for most bizarre World Cup roster place of 2006, if not for the last 20 years. The question is, when will he play in the EPL? -Sanford
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1840885,00.html
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1840885,00.html
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Milan, Liverpool and Arsenal eye European glory
Here we go. I cannot believe it's already starting again. Seems like just yesterday Barca were hoisting the trophy in Paris. Now we've got Arsenal (Barcelona's opponent that day in May), Liverpool (2005 champion) and Milan all forced to hack their way through the qualifying rounds. And next week is the Community Shield. Where did the summer go??
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=375213&cc=5901
Mutiny at the Bridge?
Norman Hubbard on the recent grumblings at Chelsea...
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=375252&root=england&cc=5901
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=375252&root=england&cc=5901
Cole faces long spell on sidelines
Maybe we'll actually get to see Shaun Wright-Phillips play in a real EPL game!! -Sanford
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1838795,00.html
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1838795,00.html
Sol Campbell settles for Portsmouth
Wenger added: "I have no regrets about letting him go but it is a big surprise to me because he cancelled his contract to go abroad. Have you sold Portsmouth to a foreign country? No."
Ahhh, Arsene. Always quick with the wit...
http://football.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1839330,00.html
Ahhh, Arsene. Always quick with the wit...
http://football.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1839330,00.html
MLS All-Stars: Postgame celebrations were overkill
This is a little sad. I mean, I know it was a big game for a lot of these guys but they have to realize that it was just a runabout for Chelski. Be pleased that you won and played well but don't get all loopy about it... Sanford
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=375249&root=mls&cc=5901
Monday, August 07, 2006
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