Sanford's Soccer Net

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

The Biting of the Penis

In Simon Hattenstone's article below ("Bravo Bernado, from duffer to dubber"), he mentions the celebration by Francisco Gallardo of Sevilla after Jose Antonio Reyes had scored back in 2001. I remembered seeing this on ESPN (I believe it made Plays of the Week) and am quite glad that YouTube has it available. Enjoy. Oh, and the goal itself ain't half bad...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLiK91U-UpM

Two Fantastic Freekicks

Nakamura:
This one grabbed victory for Celtic over Manchester United in the Champions League. The distance on this makes it so terrific...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx73f75EIyk

Henry:
This one helped Arsenal salvage a draw with Newcastle. His proximity to goal and ability to get it up and down so quickly is what makes it so terrific...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANX6nhcab5Y

Celtic, AC Milan advance in Champions League

Arsenal come from behind to beat Hamburg, ManU fall after Saha penalty failure...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=393307&cc=5901

Manchester United may fall short again

Loss to Celtic reveals same old European problems for ManU...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A17580468?s_fromedit=1

Coleman Admits Dempsey Interest

I think Clint would fit in well at Fulham. He'd have McBride to mentor him a bit and having a young coach like Coleman would be beneficial. He'd also have plenty of opportunities for playing time - Coleman wouldn't let him rot on the bench... -Sanford

http://www.soccer365.com/US_NEWS/Breaking_News/page_131_131402.shtml

Champions League: There for the taking

This season's Champions League is weaker than it has ever been. Can an English side take advantage?

Bravo Bernardo, from duffer to dubber

It is remarkable how much a goal celebration tells us about the scorer...

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/22/bravo_bernardo_from_duffer_to.html

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Totti's Goal vs. Milan

The goal in question begins after the introduction of Aquilani. Be sure to check out his "rabona" that gets the ball to Manchini for the delivery to Totti. Magnifico! -Sanford

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt5RmN9C8X0

Roma 7 - 0 Catania

Perotta's goal (the third) is ridiculous...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3skhRKfL0Pg

Champions League qualification

Already qualified for last 16:
Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Lyon, PSV Eindhoven, Real Madrid & Valencia

Can qualify on Tuesday:
AC Milan, Celtic, CSKA Moscow, Lille, Manchester United

Can qualify on Wednesday:
Chelsea, Inter Milan, Roma & Werder Bremen

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/6100418.stm

Phil Ball in Spain

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=393041&root=europe&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1&cc=5901

Wunderkind Diego back with a bang

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=393091&root=global&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos2&cc=5901

Deco: 'Our fate is in our own hands'

It says much about Barcelona's immaculate standards that the word 'crisis' has been muttered around the corridors of power at the Nou Camp in recent weeks.

Back-to-back defeats against Chelsea and Real Madrid, not to mention a 2-2 draw against Jose Mourinho's Blues last month, would not be considered a catastrophe for any other club in the world, but when you are established as the primary force in club soccer, such high-profile setbacks are hard to accept.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=392998&root=uefachampionsleague&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos2&cc=5901

Magnusson gets green light for Hammers takeover

The Icelandic businessman behind the takeover of West Ham has vowed to bring the good times back to the club - and to keep faith with manager Alan Pardew.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=393143&cc=5901

Champions League Matchday 5 Preview: Groups E-H

Arsenal welcome Hamburg, Celtic welcome ManU, Real Madrid and Lyon clash...

http://goal.com/en-US/articolo.aspx?contenutoid=172481

EPL Talking Points: Pompey In It For The Long Haul

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=173217

Serie A: Team Of The Week

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=172658

EPL: Best Eleven Of The Week

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=172887

Gallas Out Of Hamburg Clash, Doubtful For Porto, Chelsea Games

I really wanted to see him face Chelsea...

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=172739

Birmingham Want Arsenal Trio On Permanent Deals

Birmingham City, up to third in the Foootball League Championship, are keen to sign on permanent deals the three Arsenal loanees who have made such an impact at St Andrews this season.

The Blues will attempt to sign Sebastian Larsson, Nicklas Bendtner and Fabrice Muamba if they succeed in recapturing their Premiership status this season.

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=172401

Tony Cascarino: United Vulnerable in the Air

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,762-2462767,00,00.html

Nike sacks Premiership ball maker over labour fears

Lovely...

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1953284,00.html

Sid Lowe in Spain

They really should be title contenders. Instead, Valencia are a shambles - and the tragedy is that it is so painfully predictable.

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/20/the_same_old_story_for_valenci.html

James Richardson in Italy

Roma may have given Catania the mother of all hidings, but the Sicilian whipping boys insist such a drubbing just isn't cricket.

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/21/theres_more_than_one_way_to_sk.html

Monday, November 20, 2006

Sanford's EPL Predictions Results

Not as good a showing for me this week, but it could have been worse.

I got five correct, five incorrect, and got one perfect score. The perfect score was the nil-nil draw between Villa and Wigan. No big surprise there. I was flat-out wrong on the Newcastle/Arsenal match as Newcastle got that early goal and it became a question of whether the Gunners would tie or lose. Regardless, not the shellacking I predicted. I was close on the Chelsea/West Ham game. The Hammers could have nicked a point but Chelsea claimed the deserved win. And although it wasn’t a perfect score, I did get the City/Fulham result right. In the end it was an easy win for Pearce’s lads.

I was surprised and impressed by Everton’s result. I really thought they’d lose but instead Arteta inspired them to an important victory. His goal was lovely and if not for Tugay’s strike, would be goal of the week. And there was no surprise in Reading where the Addicks slumped to another defeat to begin the Reed Reign.

Next week? Manchester United and Chelsea clash on Sunday… Sanford

The Insider at Stamford Bridge

Tevez fails to shine as Chelsea take the spoils...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=392671&root=england&cc=5901

The Insider at Ewood Park

Tugay goes form hero to villian...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=392888&root=england&cc=5901

Serie A Wrap: Inter Go Top With Slight Win, Roma Hammer Catania

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=172009

English Premier League match reports

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

German Bundesliga match reports

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

Sherwood Forest revisited: Crossbow arrow sails onto field

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

Argentine match postponed after fans block buses

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

Friday, November 17, 2006

Sanford's Premiership Predictions

Manchester City vs. Fulham

A tough one here but I like City to do the business. Fulham have done far better this term on their travels than last, but it’s high time Psycho’s men got their act together. Barton has been hitting the woodwork and the luck has left his side but this result will give them some hope.

2-1

Portsmouth vs. Watford

I’m thinking a draw here. Watford have been unlucky in that their tenacity and discipline have not translated into the points they could have attained. Portsmouth are tough at home but Fulham scratched out a point on the south coast last weekend and I bank on Watford to do the same.

1-1

Arsenal vs. Newcastle

Newcastle’s house is not in order and things look to get worse for them in North London come Saturday. We all know they’ve got a dodgy defense but what about up front? Where will the goals come from? The Gunners seem to be sorting out their own finishing problem (oddly, by asking their defenders to see to it) and I see a Reading-like romp for them here.

4-0

Reading vs. Charlton

Whatever the reason Charlton gave Dowie the sack, the result won’t be pretty for them on Saturday. I don’t see how any manager can be expected to take over a club that’s been run the same way for over a decade and get his own campaign underway within a few months, but who knows? Maybe Ian is a ranting looney. Regardless, Reading will be relishing this visit.

3-1

Chelsea vs. West Ham

The brain (or what’s left of it) tells me that it’ll be the usual 2-0 stroll for the Blues at the Bridge. My heart says that the Hammers can get a result. My heart wins today.

1-1

Sheffield United vs. Manchester United

The euphoria that has settled in around the Blade side of Sheffield after a win and a draw is set to be ushered out unceremoniously. The Reds are on a real high at the moment and I don’t see them faltering against minnows of the Sheffield United variety. Some of ManU’s men might have their eyes on the clash with Chelsea next week but Sir Alex will make sure they stick to the task at hand.

0-2

Everton vs. Bolton

After last week’s debacle at Reading, I think Big Sam will scare his lads into a win at Goodison Park. Everton have to be shocked at the loss of Cahill and I think it’ll show. I'm still recovering from the video of Cahill's leg twisting -- I don't see how the Everton boys will perform.

1-2

Middlesboro vs. Liverpool

This is a tough one to call. Liverpool are so woeful on the road yet Boro remain the epitome of inconsistency. I’ll stick my neck out and proclaim that a draw will be the result.

2-2

Blackburn vs. Tottenham

Spurs continue to confound. My pal just reminded me that they have Danny Murphy. And Steed’s hanging about. And Edgar Davids. And suddenly forwards who can’t score. Except from the spot, that is. I feel Blackburn were a tad unlucky at Old Trafford last week and at Ewood Park I like their chances. I cannot go with Tottenham until they give me a reason.

2-1

Wigan vs. Aston Villa

Martin O’Neill will take The Villians to the JJB and get a point. That’s all there is to it.

0-0

Warnock blasts 'thick' Blades

Paddy Kenny gets his eyebrow bitten at an Indian restaurant...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=392279&cc=5901

Hungary legend Puskas dies

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=392277&cc=5901

Hugo Sanchez New Mexico Coach

http://goal.com/en-US/articolo.aspx?contenutoid=170175

Adu Hoping For Manchester United Deal

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=170481

Gerrard To Be Given Central Role

About time...

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=170469

Premiership Weekend: Curios & Trivia

Some random facts about this weekend's Premiership matches...

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=170124

Rants Cost Dowie His Charlton Job

If a report in the Daily Telegraph is to be believed, Iain Dowie lost his job at The Valley after 12 games not because of Charlton Athletic's plight at the foot of the Premier League table, but because his ranting and raving was causing such concern at the club...

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=169939

Latest Premier League news

SWP is frustrated and other shocking news...

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news;_ylt=AjmS8sfPeEWjjfIyh714isMmw7YF?slug=reu-england&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Serie A Preview: Milan bid to stop the rot at Empoli

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news;_ylt=AtAu5lxfuUYvOvzhciTJSl4mw7YF?slug=reu-italy_preview&prov=reuters&type=lgns

La Liga Weekend Preview: Subs for Barca

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news;_ylt=Ap1sV_qO0yrY5FoghLBWNXEmw7YF?slug=reu-spain_preview&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Best, Beckenbauer, Platini, Zidane: Puskas topped them all

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/17/best_beckenbauer_platini_zidan.html

Lawro's Premiership Predictions

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6139022.stm

Brad Friedel builds for the future

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/blackburn_rovers/6156202.stm

Perry Groves Interview

Fourteen years after leaving their club, Perry Groves remains a cult hero to Arsenal fans, who still offer up songs of praise to him at every home game. Small Talk decided to get to the (massive) bottom of things ...

http://sport.guardian.co.uk/smalltalk/story/0,,1943857,00.html

Friday's rumours

http://football.guardian.co.uk/rumourmill/index/0,,1950609,00.html

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Death threats for Reading duo after Chelsea furore

Check out the last sentence of this article. Who else does he think are making the threats? Just some guy on the street?

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=392127&cc=5901

Euro 2008 Review: Russia and Croatia win

The Cypriots (?) draw with Germany!!

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=392017&cc=5901

U.S. to face Denmark in January friendly

I think it's time we got a coach...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=392102&cc=5901

Friendly: Holland 1 - 1 England

http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,1948969,00.html

Euro 2008: Rep of Ireland 5 - 0 San Marino

The Republic of Ireland waved goodbye to the old Lansdowne Road in the only way imaginable last night by beating San Marino, but this undemanding victory will hardly be added to the stadium's great football moments shown on a big screen at half-time.

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1948987,00.html

Is Freddy Adu any good?

When Freddy Adu turns up to train with Manchester United next week, will we see the new Wayne Rooney, or just another overhyped young whelp?

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/16/is_freddy_adu_any_good.html

Are men really cut out for football management?

Marina Hyde weighs in...

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/16/men_would_make_good_managers_b.html

Thursday's rumours

http://football.guardian.co.uk/rumourmill/index/0,,1949480,00.html

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Phil Ball in Spain

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

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

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

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

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

Tony Cascarino on Lansdowne Road

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27-2453767,00.html

Euro 2008 qualifying and friendly news

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

Martin Samuel on England's National Team

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,8305-2453568,00.html

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

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

Wednesday's Rumours

http://football.guardian.co.uk/rumourmill/index/0,,1948324,00.html

The Fiver

Guardian Unlimited's tea-time take on the world of football...

http://football.guardian.co.uk/fiver/0,,415657,00.html

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

The Insider at Stamford Bridge

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=391619&root=england&cc=5901

Charlton Sack Dowie

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=391702&cc=5901

Newcastle: Where did it all go wrong?

How much time do you have?

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=391593&root=england&cc=5901

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

1860 Munich Giving Josh Wolff A Look

http://www.soccer365.com/EUROPEAN_NEWS/Spain_News/page_181_130984.shtml

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

Ferguson anger as Ronaldo defies manager to turn out for Portugal

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1947133,00.html

The maddening mystery of Benítez’s true personality is becoming an Anfield liability

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27-2452576,00.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

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

Sid Lowe in Spain

Attacking crisis threatens Barcelona's title defence...

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