Sanford's Soccer Net: 2007-01-28

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Phil Holland on Why the Fans Will Support the US Investors Who Now Own Liverpool

And then there were three. Having spurned suitors from Thailand and Dubai, Liverpool have finally agreed a takeover and, after Manchester United and Aston Villa, become the third Premier League club to be acquired by American investors. Under the terms of the deal, which values the club at almost £220million, US sporting tycoons George Gillett Jr and Tom Hicks are to replace David Moores as the majority owner of Liverpool and assume control of one of the most successful and famed clubs in world football.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=407235&root=europe&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1&cc=5901

Owen Hargreaves Column

The Bayern Munich midfielder and Manchester United target talks about his comeback from a broken leg and why he won't be lining up this evening against Spain...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/6329999.stm

Troubles in Lyon?

After dominating French football for a while, Lyon have suddenly gone on a bit of a losing streak. What's going on?
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=406956&root=europe&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos3&cc=5901

Reclining Ronaldo rules with diving right of kings

Liverpool should spend their megabucks on a world-class diver if they want to compete with Chelsea and Manchester United...

Correction and clarification: yesterday we misreported the Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz saying of Cristiano Ronaldo: "The kid has a divine talent. I have never seen a player with this level of ability." The quote should have read: "The kid has a diving talent. I have never seen a player with this level of ability."
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/07/reclining_ronaldo_rules_with_d.html

Aragonés has Fine Overturned

My reaction exactly, Luis. This is a step forward for Spanish football. -Sanford
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2007717,00.html

Wednesday's Rumours

Henry to Inter and Ronaldinho to Milan...yawn - Sanford
http://football.guardian.co.uk/rumourmill/index/0,,2007619,00.html

Glorious Ghana Trounce Super Eagles

London got a taste of the beauty, fun and mayhem of one of the world's great derbies last night as Ghana took on Nigeria.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/07/glorious_ghana_trounce_super_e.html

Lawro and Hansen on the Liverpool Takeover

The two BBC "experts" give their take on the US invasion...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6275567.stm

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

International Friendlies and other stuff

There are some internationals today and tomorrow. Here's the list:

Tuesday, 06 February 2007
Australia v Denmark, Brazil v Portugal, Bulgaria v Latvia, Cyprus v Hungary, Ghana v Nigeria,
Greece v South Korea, Mali v Lithuania, Northern Ireland v Wales

Wednesday, 07 February 2007
San Marino v Rep of Ireland, Albania v FYR Macedonia, Algeria v Libya, Andorra v Armenia, Belgium v Czech Republic, China PR v Kazakhstan, Colombia v Uruguay, Croatia v Norway,
Egypt v Sweden, England v Spain, France v Argentina, Georgia v Turkey, Germany v Switzerland, Holland v Russia, Iran v Belarus, Israel v Ukraine, Malta v Austria, Moldova v Romania, Morocco v Tunisia, Slovakia v Poland, Slovenia v Estonia, Venezuela v Chile, Scotland B v Finland B, USA vs. Mexico

I'm not going to include any previews, with the exception of the USA/Mexico match. Look for that tomorrow. I always look forward to that encounter, for obvious reasons. Basically, it's never friendly. Otherwise, the friendlies are when I just pray my favorite players don't get hurt. I couldn't really care less about the results.

Moving on, I must toot my own horn over the Carew move by O'Neill at Villa. I said earlier that I thought it was the best deal of the window and so far Carew has lived up to expecations. He exudes a class that is rare in the EPL and he's already establishing a relationship with Ashley Young that could propel Villa into the upper parts of the table. All that and Milan Baros is gone. Brilliant.

At least one good thing has come out of Ronaldo's flop on Sunday. The new Diving Twat (Inzaghi has been usurped -- sorry Pippo) has the FA is considering punishing divers after the fact. I'm all for it. Bring it on. This should have been done long ago. At least in the EPL, it is always the same players that use this tactic and simple video review would deal with the problem.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to Israel to party with long-legged blonds and a bunch of Russians...-Sanford

Phil Ball in Spain

I recall reading the music magazine 'Mojo' a couple of years back, in which a new album by Neil Young was reviewed. The author gave the album maximum marks of 5 stars, and was rather over-fulsome in his praise. The next month, a reader wrote a short piece in the letters section asking the question: 'If Neil Young pissed in a bucket, would you give it 5 stars?' to which the editor, replying in italics at the bottom of the letter replied, 'We'd have to hear it first'.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=407051&root=europe&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab3pos1&cc=5901

US takeover of Liverpool set to be finalised

The £470million takeover of Liverpool by American tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks could go through today after further progress was made on their Monday offer.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=407030&cc=5901

Calcio could be back by the weekend

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=407063&cc=5901

Hammers' hope looks to be fading fast

Eggert Magnusson has the sort of expressive face that renders him incapable of looking impassive. It is a reason why the camera pans to West Ham's Icelandic owner so frequently. Their worsening plight and inadequate results, coupled with his £19 million investment in the transfer window, are others. And when the picture is focused on Magnusson, his thoughts are betrayed by both his expression and his body language. They are rarely happy.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=406909&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos2&cc=5901

Arsenal Close To Signing French Prodigy

The Next Henry???

http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=227543

Premiership Rewind: Big Wins & Small Teams

Another week in the EPL, and what did we learn?
http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=227308

Ronaldo Dived, Says Lee

Yeah, well, duh... -Sanford
http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=227224

Spain: Primera Liga Team Of The Week

http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=226993

Five facts on Liverpool's new owners

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-englandliverpoolowners_factbox&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Richard Williams Column

Tragedy must bring change to Italian football -- municipal stadiums, ticket prices and a slapdash approach to policing must all be tackled in Italian football's facelift.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/06/tragedy_must_bring_change_to_t.html

Russia's lavish parties make headlines in Israel

Russian champions CSKA Moscow beat Spartak Moscow to scoop $1 million in prize money at a tournament in Israel last week, but the real competition seemed to be which billionaire could throw the most lavish party.
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-israelabramovich_sports_feature&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Back from England, Dempsey looking to spark U.S. against Mexico

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=ap-mexico-us&prov=ap&type=lgns

Madridistas show white rag to another load of bull

When hankies wave, presidents get nervous and heads tend to roll. Which is why the end could be nigh for Fabio Capello in Madrid.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/05/madridistas_show_white_rag_to.html

Wanted: strong leaders to fortify Jol's flimsy Tottenham

Martin Jol needs a talismanic figure to lead his Spurs pushovers back into European contention.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/06/wanted_strong_leaders_to_forti.html

Tuesday's rumours

http://football.guardian.co.uk/rumourmill/0,,565628,00.html

Monday, February 05, 2007

Riots in Catania Halt Matches Across Italy

The prime minister described the riots in the Sicilian city of Catania as a 'guerrilla war'. Hooded youths wielding metal poles and large firecrackers lashed out at police, as streams of fans fled down city streets to safety.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=406840&cc=5901

And here's some video of the mayhem:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=9RvKCYCP2GI

Roberto Gotta in Italy

More than words needed to halt hooligans...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=406846&root=europe&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1&cc=5901

The Insider at The Valley

Charlton 0 - 1 Chelsea

Leaving your mucky finger prints all over the demise of two Premiership clubs in the same season is unlikely to do much for your reputation, yet Alan Pardew somehow seems to be fireproof.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=406627&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1&cc=5901

Richard Jolly at the Riverside Stadium

Middlesboro 1 - 1 Arsenal

Change is afoot at Arsenal. The public face of it may be the youngsters who have qualified for the Carling Cup final, such as the precocious pair of Denilson and Armand Traore, or Cesc Fabregas, the personification of Arsene Wenger's ideals. But there may be a much more pragmatic revolution underway, borne of necessity.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=406636&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos2&cc=5901

Bradley opts for experience against Mexico

When training camp for the U.S. men's national team opened one month ago, it was as if interim head coach Bob Bradley had posted a sign that read "No experience necessary," such was the dearth of international appearances among the invitees. As the Americans head into Wednesday's "friendly" against Mexico, Bradley will probably choose a more tested crew, but there will still be opportunities for some young players to shine.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=406719&root=us&cc=5901

England: Premier League Match Reports

Liverpool and Everton draw nil-nil, yet another goal for McBride as Fulham take the Gooch and Newcastle, and ManU and Chelsea win.

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-englandreports&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Spain: Barcelona miss out as Sevilla and Real suffer

Sociedad hold Barcelona to a draw while Real Madrid lose again as Becks watches from the VIP seats...

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=afp-fblesp&prov=afp&type=lgns

Schalke move three points clear with win at Werder

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-germany_picture&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Ronaldo's Dive? You Be the Judge

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9chcPmSYFw

The Bayern empire is crumbling

Defeats on and off the pitch suggest that Bayern Munich's domination of German football is coming to an end.

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/05/the_bayern_empire_is_crumbling.html

Monday's rumour

Yes, Monday's rumour:

http://football.guardian.co.uk/rumourmill/index/0,,2006289,00.html

Diving suspicions resurface as Ronaldo spikes Spurs

The United winger kept his head if not his feet to win the penalty that broke the resistance of the home side.

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2006104,00.html

Friday, February 02, 2007

Lawro's Premiership Predictions

I'm sorry but I've no time to do mine this week. If I did, I would blow Lawro out of the water with my infinate wisdom. But go ahead and check out this hack's predictions...-Sanford

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6305205.stm

Premiership weekend preview

The Liverpool Derby and Manchester United at Tottenham highlight this weekend's program...

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=445660&CPID=8&clid=7&lid=2&title=Premiership+weekend+preview&channel=football_home&

An early Spanish inquisition

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=A1YourView&xml=/sport/2007/01/30/sfnwin30.xml

Eto'o back in full training

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=445666&CPID=23&clid=178&lid=2&title=Eto'o+back+in+full+training

Barton wins England call-up

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=445799&CPID=219&clid=114&lid=4161&title=Barton+wins+England+call-up

Adebayor pleads for young stars to be given final bow

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27-2580829,00.html

England fans' racism protest

http://football.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,,2004338,00.html

Larsson has no regrets about life in goldfish bowl

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2004240,00.html

Gillett reinforced in Reds takeover

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2004344,00.html

King suffers more injury woe

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2004754,00.html

No Roaming For Reluctant Riquelme

Juan Román Riquelme was one of the players slated to make a move during the recently closed winter transfer window, but the out-of-favour Villarreal playmaker is staying at the Castellón de la Plana club, although against the wishes of the Coach, President and a growing number of his team-mates...
http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=224645

MLS stigma still exists in some quarters

Ms. Canales could probably change her headline to read most instead of some. -Sanford

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=400437&root=mls&cc=5901

Volz pleased not to live up to anyone's stereotype

Wo kann ich mir meine VokuHila Frisur blondieren lassen?
Where can I get my mullet highlighted?

Kannst du meine Ärmel abschneiden?
Please can you cut the sleeves off my denim jacket?

Ist der Linienrichter russe?
Is the linesman Russian?

Wo kann ich die neue David Hasselhoff CD kaufen?
Where can I buy David Hasselhoff’s new album?

Kann ich meine Sandalen ohne Tennis Socken tragen?
Can I wear my sandals without socks?

Wo ist der Pool? Ich will meine Handtöcher hinlegen
Which way to the pool? I would like to put my towel down.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,30270-2580122,00.html

Richard Jolly Wraps Each EPL Team's Transfers

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=406055&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos2&cc=5901

Bolton Hit By Davies Setback

Odds are even that he chipped that bone in his foot by kicking another player's foot. He's welcome to hang out with Cashley Cole and Lucas Neill whilst recovering...-Sanford

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=223959

No Surgery Needed On Cole's Knee

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=224330

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Gunners extra firepower has final reward

Yeah, so Theo didn't get his first goal. Oh well. It was Denilson who stole the show as far as I'm concerned. Diaby had some excellent moments but my Man of the Match goes to the Brazilian. He had some key midfield interceptions and a few stinging shots. Very impressive. And Arsene says he'll stick with the young guns in the final versus Chelsea. Fantastic. That'll be a doozy.

The only downside to this match was the bitching and moaning of one Robbie Keene. What a wanker.

http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,2003272,00.html

In defence of Jol

And so, once again, Spurs’ lofty ambitions are undone by their fierce rivals. Having not beaten Arsenal for 17 matches previously, and near the 20th anniversary of the Gunners’ famous win over Spurs in the League Cup semi-final in 1987, what else did Tottenham fans expect?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A19424018

Wednesday's Premiership Reports + Table

Manchester Utd 4 Watford 0
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,277-2578205,00.html

Chelsea 3 Blackburn 0
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,277-2578185,00.html

Newcastle 3 Aston Villa 1
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,277-2578212,00.html

Bolton 1 Charlton 1
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,277-2578215,00.html

English Premiership Table
January 31, 2007

GP PTS
Man Utd 25 60
Chelsea 25 54
Liverpool 25 49
Arsenal 24 45
Bolton 25 41
Portsmouth 25 38
Reading 25 37
Everton 24 35
Newcastle 25 33
Tottenham 24 33
Middlesbrough 25 31
Blackburn 25 31
Man City 24 30
Aston Villa 25 29
Fulham 25 29
Sheff Utd 25 27
Wigan 24 22
West Ham 25 20
Charlton 25 20
Watford 24 15

He will always be remembered as the man who needed five chances to score, but Andy Cole has a better goalscoring record than Alan Shearer.

(Remember when he played at Newcastle? - Sanford)

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/01/on_second_thoughts_andy_cole.html