Neither the Russian linesman who helped England on the way to their only World Cup win, nor the Wichita one (who's still on the line) can compare to Rafa 'no me jodas' Guerrero, possibly the most celebrated of all 'assistants', as they are now more neutrally known.
And the beauty of it is that Rafael Guerrero, native of Leon in Spain, insists on sporting a dodgy perm-like haircut that harks back to Terry McDermott and which makes him look as though he'd set out that very morning to ensure that the cameras would display his nest in all its glory. Confused? Well, it all started back in 1996.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=391719&root=europe&cc=5901
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.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Roberto Gotta in Italy
One of the unwritten laws of football journalism states that a team that loses two matches in a row, or 90% of its matches over a short period of time, is in a 'crisis'.
As a general rule sportswriters love a club in 'crisis'. Why? Because, unfortunate and mawkish though it may be, the worse a situation gets the more interesting it becomes as one is presented with intrigue, scandal, controversy and the occasional chance to stick some metaphorical pins on a foe.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=391834&root=europe&cc=5901
As a general rule sportswriters love a club in 'crisis'. Why? Because, unfortunate and mawkish though it may be, the worse a situation gets the more interesting it becomes as one is presented with intrigue, scandal, controversy and the occasional chance to stick some metaphorical pins on a foe.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=391834&root=europe&cc=5901
Fear, fireworks and violence: hanging with Boca's la Doce
Hooliganism in Argentina is spiralling out of control, but there's still something magical about the passion of the terraces.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/14/fear_fireworks_and_violence_ha.html
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/14/fear_fireworks_and_violence_ha.html
Dowie fate sealed all too soon
Alan Curbishley's departure from Charlton was always going to leave a huge void in the club's organisation and structure. Spending 15 years under the stewardship of the same regime brings about familiarities which are difficult to cast aside.
Whoever stepped into Curbishley's shoes over the summer faced the daunting task of transforming a club from the old to the new. The transition was never likely to be short-term but in the modern game, where money dictates policy far more than professional intelligence, the longer term is often neglected.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=391767&root=england&cc=5901
Whoever stepped into Curbishley's shoes over the summer faced the daunting task of transforming a club from the old to the new. The transition was never likely to be short-term but in the modern game, where money dictates policy far more than professional intelligence, the longer term is often neglected.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=391767&root=england&cc=5901
Ernst Bouwes in Holland
Of a set of meaningless friendlies this week the Holland v England match might well be interesting now that Marco van Basten has added spice to the evening with his selection of Clarence Seedorf.
It is the first time he has selected the three-time Champions League winner of AC Milan after almost 27 months in charge.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=391747&root=euro2008&cc=5901
It is the first time he has selected the three-time Champions League winner of AC Milan after almost 27 months in charge.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=391747&root=euro2008&cc=5901
Richard Williams Column
Richards shows big is beautiful for new breed of full-back...
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/15/richards_shows_big_is_beautifu.html
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/15/richards_shows_big_is_beautifu.html
Euro 2008: Ireland vs. San Marino
England departed the old Wembley with a depressing defeat to Germany but it is unthinkable the Republic of Ireland will mark their final appearance at Lansdowne Road before the stadium's revamp with anything other than a win. This evening's visitors are San Marino, and they have conceded 20 goals in the course of their two most recent qualifiers.
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1947857,00.html
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1947857,00.html
The Fiver
Guardian Unlimited's tea-time take on the world of football...
http://football.guardian.co.uk/fiver/0,,415657,00.html
http://football.guardian.co.uk/fiver/0,,415657,00.html
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Cashly Cole's House Gets Tagged??
Sanford Soccer Net's Technical Advisor Juliet Gray passed this link along...
http://photo.wenn.com/index.php?ref=ashley%20cole%20graffiti%20131106&version=int&session_id=b9f8030f1f1bd3aeae0263ab4bd8e72b
http://photo.wenn.com/index.php?ref=ashley%20cole%20graffiti%20131106&version=int&session_id=b9f8030f1f1bd3aeae0263ab4bd8e72b
Uli Hesse-Lichtenberger in Germany
Uli updates us on Germany's anti-Abramovich...
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=391555&root=europe&cc=5901
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=391555&root=europe&cc=5901
Richard Williams: Gerrard is a jaded and shackled free spirit in need of a break
What Steven Gerrard needs most is a holiday, not another international friendly.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/14/gerrard_is_a_jaded_and_shackle.html
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/14/gerrard_is_a_jaded_and_shackle.html
How Stuttgart's wild boys zoomed into pole position
At the start of the season VfB Stuttgart seemed to be in crisis. Now their fresh young team are leading the way in the Bundesliga....
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/13/how_stuttgart_zoomed_into_pole.html
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/13/how_stuttgart_zoomed_into_pole.html
James Richardson in Italy
This Milan team is finished...
Silvio Berlusconi insists the Rossoneri can pull their season round, but after their third straight home defeat, no one in Italy believes him.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/14/this_milan_team_is_finished.html
Silvio Berlusconi insists the Rossoneri can pull their season round, but after their third straight home defeat, no one in Italy believes him.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/14/this_milan_team_is_finished.html
Sid Lowe in Spain
Attacking crisis threatens Barcelona's title defence...
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1947150,00.html
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1947150,00.html
Monday, November 13, 2006
Sanford's EPL Predictions Results
Not too bad this week. I got seven correct and three incorrect with one perfect score.
As predicted, Manchester City and Newcastle ended up in a scoreless draw while Sheffield United nicked the expected point off of Bolton. Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal all won, as did Wigan and Boro.
I was dead wrong on Spurs at Reading – I thought Tottenham would have a bit more steel than they showed. Meanwhile, perhaps Reading isn’t in the freefall I assumed. And Chris Coleman rallied his troops to pick up a point in Portsmouth – no easy task.
All in all, if there was a shock result of the weekend it was probably Spurs losing at Reading but I’d also have to toss in the ineptitude that Liverpool showed at the Emirates Stadium. Liverpool still has the Champions League to enjoy but on this form I don’t see that enjoyment leading to a replay of 2005. It could be a disastrous year for the Reds. -Sanford
As predicted, Manchester City and Newcastle ended up in a scoreless draw while Sheffield United nicked the expected point off of Bolton. Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal all won, as did Wigan and Boro.
I was dead wrong on Spurs at Reading – I thought Tottenham would have a bit more steel than they showed. Meanwhile, perhaps Reading isn’t in the freefall I assumed. And Chris Coleman rallied his troops to pick up a point in Portsmouth – no easy task.
All in all, if there was a shock result of the weekend it was probably Spurs losing at Reading but I’d also have to toss in the ineptitude that Liverpool showed at the Emirates Stadium. Liverpool still has the Champions League to enjoy but on this form I don’t see that enjoyment leading to a replay of 2005. It could be a disastrous year for the Reds. -Sanford
Richard Jolly at Ewood Park
Blackburn 0-1 Manchester United...
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=391527&root=england&cc=5901
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=391527&root=england&cc=5901
English Premier League match reports
Chelsea and ManU win, Arsenal trounce Liverpool to go third while Spurs falter at Reading...
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-englandreports&prov=reuters&type=lgns
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-englandreports&prov=reuters&type=lgns
Italian Serie A match reports
Roma tops Milan, last-minute goal from Cruz puts Inter on top of Parma while Lazio puts five past Udinese...
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-italyreports&prov=reuters&type=lgns
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-italyreports&prov=reuters&type=lgns
Happy, Texas
The Houston Dynamos' victory in Sunday night's MLS Cup final was also a victory for soccer in America...
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/13/happy_texas.html
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/13/happy_texas.html
Friday, November 10, 2006
Sanford's Premiership Predictions
Manchester City vs. Newcastle United
As poor as Citeh has been I can’t bring myself to pick Newcastle, especially away from St. James’ Park. This match has all the makings of a draw that both sides will soon look to forget. This season has the making of one both of these teams will soon look to forget.
0-0
Portsmouth vs. Fulham
Fulham have stayed up over the last few campaigns based on home form, and home form alone. Flip the coin and Fratton Park is the only reason Portsmouth still graces the top league in England. I see a few going in on the south coast.
3-0
Chelsea vs. Watford
It’s tough to ever go against Chelsea, especially at home. Watford have given a good account of themselves so far but will be no match for the galacticos at Stamford Bridge.
2-0
Sheffield United vs. Bolton
United grabbed their first win of the campaign last weekend and while I don’t see them repeating that feat, I do fancy them to get a point. Bolton have been exceeding expectations for a long time and I think they might be tiring a bit.
1-1
Everton vs. Aston Villa
I can’t imagine anything but a draw here. Playing at Goodison will only help the Toffees but both of these squads are draw specialists. Almost all of the action in this contest will take place in the midfield and whichever team can assert some superiority might be able to win but I don’t fancy it.
0-0
Wigan vs. Charlton Athletic
Even though Ian Dowie appears to have righted the Charlton ship after a tumultuous beginning, Wigan will win here. Paul Jewell has done a remarkable job shuffling his new recruits into a competent side that can play with anyone. Darren Bent gets a goal but Wigan gets two.
2-1
Middlesboro vs. West Ham
I’m envisioning a letdown for the Hammers here. Southgate’s charges are under fire after some ridiculously lackluster performances and I think they’ll do the business at the Riverside. West Ham have been in some emotional matches of late and it’ll tough for the lads to get up for this trip to the northeast.
2-0
Blackburn vs. Manchester United
Fergie's former underlings (Robson, McClaren, Bruce, etc.) usually do well against their old mentor, and I’d love to see Sparky pull one over on his old gaffer, but I don’t see it this time around. Blackburn is smarting from key injuries and Sir Alex has the Red Devils on a roll. Under different circumstances I could see Rovers grabbing a point but not this weekend.
1-2
Reading vs. Tottenham
I don’t have much confidence in Reading right now. The squad doesn’t have enough spine to compete against the big boys and Spurs are acting like big boys at the moment. I could see Reading being in deep trouble come February. They're just not getting the goals at the moment and the defense has been suspect.
1-3
Arsenal vs. Liverpool
The Gunners always get up for the matches against top opponents and after their slow start, Liverpool is again back to playing at their accustomed high level. But Wenger has a great record against Rafa, especially at home. This is a tough one to call but I’ll give The Arsenal the edge at home. A loss for the Gunners and the battle for the title becomes a two-horse race.
1-0
As poor as Citeh has been I can’t bring myself to pick Newcastle, especially away from St. James’ Park. This match has all the makings of a draw that both sides will soon look to forget. This season has the making of one both of these teams will soon look to forget.
0-0
Portsmouth vs. Fulham
Fulham have stayed up over the last few campaigns based on home form, and home form alone. Flip the coin and Fratton Park is the only reason Portsmouth still graces the top league in England. I see a few going in on the south coast.
3-0
Chelsea vs. Watford
It’s tough to ever go against Chelsea, especially at home. Watford have given a good account of themselves so far but will be no match for the galacticos at Stamford Bridge.
2-0
Sheffield United vs. Bolton
United grabbed their first win of the campaign last weekend and while I don’t see them repeating that feat, I do fancy them to get a point. Bolton have been exceeding expectations for a long time and I think they might be tiring a bit.
1-1
Everton vs. Aston Villa
I can’t imagine anything but a draw here. Playing at Goodison will only help the Toffees but both of these squads are draw specialists. Almost all of the action in this contest will take place in the midfield and whichever team can assert some superiority might be able to win but I don’t fancy it.
0-0
Wigan vs. Charlton Athletic
Even though Ian Dowie appears to have righted the Charlton ship after a tumultuous beginning, Wigan will win here. Paul Jewell has done a remarkable job shuffling his new recruits into a competent side that can play with anyone. Darren Bent gets a goal but Wigan gets two.
2-1
Middlesboro vs. West Ham
I’m envisioning a letdown for the Hammers here. Southgate’s charges are under fire after some ridiculously lackluster performances and I think they’ll do the business at the Riverside. West Ham have been in some emotional matches of late and it’ll tough for the lads to get up for this trip to the northeast.
2-0
Blackburn vs. Manchester United
Fergie's former underlings (Robson, McClaren, Bruce, etc.) usually do well against their old mentor, and I’d love to see Sparky pull one over on his old gaffer, but I don’t see it this time around. Blackburn is smarting from key injuries and Sir Alex has the Red Devils on a roll. Under different circumstances I could see Rovers grabbing a point but not this weekend.
1-2
Reading vs. Tottenham
I don’t have much confidence in Reading right now. The squad doesn’t have enough spine to compete against the big boys and Spurs are acting like big boys at the moment. I could see Reading being in deep trouble come February. They're just not getting the goals at the moment and the defense has been suspect.
1-3
Arsenal vs. Liverpool
The Gunners always get up for the matches against top opponents and after their slow start, Liverpool is again back to playing at their accustomed high level. But Wenger has a great record against Rafa, especially at home. This is a tough one to call but I’ll give The Arsenal the edge at home. A loss for the Gunners and the battle for the title becomes a two-horse race.
1-0
Spain: Primera Liga Weekend Preview
Real Madrid visit Pampalona for a big battle with Osasuna, Valencia struggle with internal problems ahead of their clash with Athletic Bilbao, while it's second versus third at the Nou Camp as Barcelona host Zaragoza...
http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=165339
http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=165339
England: Premier League Preview
In the 12th round of Premiership action, Manchester United face a tricky trip to Blackburn, while Chelsea have a simple looking task at home to Watford. The highlight of the weekend is Arsenal’s home match against Liverpool on Sunday...
http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=165286
http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=165286
Italy: Serie A Weekend Preview
Roma face title test against struggling Milan...
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-italy_preview&prov=reuters&type=lgns
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-italy_preview&prov=reuters&type=lgns
Cardiff sniffing around Smith
Alan Smith to Cardiff on loan?! That's gotta suck...
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1944699,00.html
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1944699,00.html
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Wenger flies high over the Premiership cuckoos' nest
Marina Hyde asks, "Who, out of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsène Wenger and Jose Mourinho, is the maddest?"
Kevin Nolan column
The Bolton captain wants to tell us what the players do before and after matches on Saturdays...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/6125528.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/6125528.stm
Heroes of old would find the Premiership a sobering test
The pace of the game has increased so rapidly that golden oldies such as Stanley Matthews wouldn't have been able to keep up...
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/09/heroes_of_old_would_find_the_p.html
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/09/heroes_of_old_would_find_the_p.html
United's B-list fail to realise potential
Kieran Richardson is one of a handful of Man United fringe players whose careers are stagnating...
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/09/richardson_stuck_in_neutral_as.html
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/09/richardson_stuck_in_neutral_as.html
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Ferguson tries to keep shock defeat in perspective
Sure, it's embarrassing. But come on. It's one less thing ManU have to worry about going forward. They don't need the Carling Cup. I suppose Sir Alex will have less opportunities to look at his fringe players but I don't think he can be too upset. With the amount of fixtures these days, it's only an advantage to him in the Premier League and Champions League to be done with this low-grade competition... Sanford
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=390457&cc=5901
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=390457&cc=5901
MLS add up the benefit of Beckham swoop
Prepare for Posh and Becks to all over US Weekly next year. There will be loads of them in Hot Pics! and Stars - They're Just Like US! I can just see it now: Soccer mega-star David Beckham sneezes while lunching at Ivy!
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=390478&cc=5901
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=390478&cc=5901
Is this the greatest problem football faces?
The situation at West Ham should raise concerns about the future of the game. For when a club doesn't own its players, corruption can be rife...
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/08/is_this_the_greatest_problem_f.html
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/08/is_this_the_greatest_problem_f.html
Seedorf Wants Oranje Return
I can't believe this guy is still only 30. It seems like he's been around forever and lost his starting spot at Milan 8 years ago because he was too old...
http://www.soccer365.com/EUROPEAN_NEWS/Rest_of_Europe/page_109_130597.shtml
http://www.soccer365.com/EUROPEAN_NEWS/Rest_of_Europe/page_109_130597.shtml
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Vinny and Gazza
I was talking with a buddy of mine the other day and he said he'd never seen the Vinny Jones/Paul Gascoigne ball grabbing photo. So here you go... -Sanford
EPL Table
Barclays Premiership Table
| P | GD | Pts | ||
| 1 | Man Utd | 11 | 21 | 28 |
| 2 | Chelsea | 11 | 11 | 25 |
| 3 | Bolton | 11 | 1 | 20 |
| 4 | Portsmouth | 11 | 7 | 19 |
| 5 | Arsenal | 10 | 10 | 18 |
| 6 | Aston Villa | 11 | 5 | 18 |
| 7 | Everton | 11 | 6 | 17 |
| 8 | Liverpool | 11 | 2 | 17 |
| 9 | Fulham | 11 | -3 | 16 |
| 10 | Tottenham | 11 | -3 | 15 |
| 11 | Wigan | 10 | 2 | 14 |
| 12 | Reading | 11 | -7 | 13 |
| 13 | Blackburn | 11 | -5 | 12 |
| 14 | Man City | 11 | -7 | 12 |
| 15 | West Ham | 11 | -5 | 11 |
| 16 | Middlesbrough | 11 | -7 | 11 |
| 17 | Watford | 11 | -4 | 9 |
| 18 | Sheff Utd | 11 | -9 | 9 |
| 19 | Newcastle | 11 | -7 | 8 |
| 20 | Charlton | 11 | -8 | 8 |
Serie A Table
| Club, Played, Goal Difference, Points | ||||
| 1 | Inter Milan | 10 | 10 | 24 |
| 2 | Palermo | 10 | 8 | 24 |
| 3 | Roma | 10 | 10 | 20 |
| 4 | Siena | 10 | 3 | 17 |
| 5 | Atalanta | 10 | 3 | 16 |
| 6 | Livorno | 10 | 0 | 16 |
| 7 | Udinese | 10 | 3 | 13 |
| 8 | Messina | 10 | 0 | 13 |
| 9 | Catania | 10 | -2 | 13 |
| 10 | Empoli | 10 | 1 | 12 |
| 11 | Cagliari | 10 | -1 | 10 |
| 12 | Sampdoria | 10 | -2 | 10 |
| 13 | Lazio | 10 | 0 | 9 |
| 14 | Torino | 10 | -7 | 8 |
| 15 | Parma | 10 | -9 | 8 |
| 16 | AC Milan | 10 | 0 | 7 |
| 17 | Ascoli | 10 | -9 | 4 |
| 18 | Chievo | 10 | -7 | 3 |
| 19 | Fiorentina | 10 | 3 | 0 |
| 20 | Reggina | 10 | -4 | -3 |
Sid Lowe in Spain
Betis coach Jabo Irureta isn't so much on the ropes as tumbling through them on to the judges' table below...
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/06/irureta_era_going_south_as_the.html
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/06/irureta_era_going_south_as_the.html
James Richardson in Italy
Milan's complaints about controversial refereeing decisions merely serve to deflect attention from far more serious troubles...
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/07/wrath_of_the_rossoneri_masks_a.html
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/07/wrath_of_the_rossoneri_masks_a.html
Scouting Report: Giles Barnes, Derby County
Can Barnes lead Derby back to the big time? If only...
http://football.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1941037,00.html
http://football.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1941037,00.html
Richard Williams Column
Williams says, "Enough of managers having mid-life crises on the touchline"...
Monday, November 06, 2006
Prediction Results
I suppose I did OK. I got three right, three wrong and no perfect scores. I actually thought Newcastle would lose but wimped out and gave them the benefit of the doubt, which was obviously a mistake. Everton continued their miserable record at Craven Cottage and will have to wait until next year to break their 40-year run without a win at that cozy ground. And I underestimated ManU’s defense – I was sure Portsmouth would nick a goal or two. We’ll have another go this Friday… Sanford
The Insider at White Hart Lane
Tottenham takes down Chelsea...
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=390045&root=england&cc=5901
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=390045&root=england&cc=5901
Ryan Giggs
The Welsh legend takes a look back...
http://football.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1939758,00.html
http://football.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1939758,00.html
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