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Preview

El Clásico x4 (part the first)

April 15, 2011 — by Sean

Ozil — Is this the man to unlock Barça's defense?

There are a number of matches worth watching this weekend: the Manchesters facing off Saturday in the FA Cup semifinal is certainly worth your time, as are Udinese at Napoli and Arsenal hosting Liverpool on Sunday. But these games pale in comparison to the first of four el clásicos taking place over the next three weeks.

Saturday’s match at the Bernabéu won’t have quite the impact on the league table that Madridistas would’ve hoped for at the beginning of the season (specifically after that 5-0 spanking at the Camp Nou), but even with the league gone and the teams meeting in the Copa del Rey final next wednesday you can expect a full-blooded affair. Mourinho went full psychological battle this afternoon when he sat silently next to his assistant during a press conference, refusing to answer any questions himself. A classic tactic by the Portuguese, who prefers to draw attention to himself around big matches rather than leave his players open to excessive scrutiny.

As for fitness, Barcelona sorely miss Puyol and Abidal in defense and have looked vulnerable when teams have pushed past their high pressing midfield. Madrid have a few absentees in Lassana Diarra and Pedro Leon, but they do have Higuain and Benzema fit again, and Adebayor didn’t look half-bad against Spurs mid-week.

So which team is in better form? Through most of the season it was clearly Barcelona, but they’ve seemed a tad shaky of late while Madrid are looking pretty comfortable on the pitch. Madrid have also had an entire season to learn Mourinho’s defensive principles…then again Barça tend to have their way with what seem at the outset to be the most prepared of teams.

The key to a Madrid victory will be to limit Messi’s time with the ball. When his teammates have looked less than otherworldly this season, the little Argentine has stepped up his game to amazing levels. Very often it’s some combination of Iniesta and Xavi that pop open the defenses, with Messi finishing the movement, but Khedira and Alonso will collapse on them very quickly and it’ll be up to Lionel in isolation (and also finding Villa moving off the shoulder of his defender).

For Barcelona to walk away with the win they’ll have to retreat quickly when they lose possession (Madrid have a very quick counter attack) and not give Özil any time on the ball. The young German is a key link between back and front, and with him contained Barça can maintain their high pressing and look to turn the ball over quickly, as they do.

Though this isn’t necessarily the most popular prediction, both in the CultFootball offices and around the world in general, I think we’ll be looking at a 3-1 Madrid win. Truly this game could go either way. Both coaches are great tacticians, and both teams are really a joy to watch, but I’m a little tired of Barcelona’s dominance.

News Preview

Man U v Chelsea: Champions League Action!

April 12, 2011 — by Sean — 1

Chelsea travel to Manchester today to play in the only quarterfinal match that remains winnable by either side. The Londoners head into Old Trafford a goal down and perhaps lacking the confidence to steal it back. It doesn’t help matters that their floppy-haired central defender David Luiz is cup-tied and cannot play, nor that the £50M man up front can’t seem to find the back of the net.

United are, well, United. They persevere. Even without key components of their team for long periods this season (Valencia, misfiring Rooney, Ferdinand) they’ve managed to reach the FA Cup semifinal, the quarters of the Champions League, and are sitting 8 points clear at the top of the Prem. Chelsea, who are usually bigger and faster than the teams they come up against, weren’t able to convert their extra inches into goals, and looked a little slow in attack during the first leg.

Speed to goal isn’t something United lack. They have one of the swiftest counter attacks in all of football, with the little pumpkin churning away up front, and Nani and Valencia flying up the wings. More importantly, they have absolute belief in themselves, and it shows in the way they move the ball and force the attack. Chelsea were often hesitant in the first leg, pulling the ball sideways when a more direct attack may have been available, and giving the United defense enough time to readjust. Yes there was the Ramirez challenge that should’ve been a penalty, but you can’t rest all your hopes of winning on a spot kick.

The key to Chelsea victory will be exploiting O’Shea in right back. He’s just coming back from a hamstring injury, and it will be up to Malouda and Cole to make his day difficult (if they can also manage Valencia). We’ll come back at’cha with post-game analysis, but for now here are a few tidbits that will probably have no impact on proceedings:

Only twice in the UEFA Champions League era – Inter Milan’s triumph at Bayern Munich in this season’s last-16 (0-1 home, 3-2 away) and the 1995/96 semi-finals, when Ajax recovered from losing 1-0 at home to Panathinaikos with a 3-0 away triumph – has a team turned round a tie after a home first-leg defeat.

United have progressed in all 13 UEFA competition ties where they won the first game away from home, most recently against AC Milan in last season’s round of 16 (3-2 away, 4-0 home). That includes only one 1-0 away win, at Lille in the 2006/07 round of 16, which preceded another 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.

Chelsea’s quarter-final record in the competition is five wins and one defeat. United have won 11 and lost five at this stage, and went down on away goals to Bayern Munich 12 months ago.

Commentary News

Shakhtar Fall in a Highly Entertaining Match

April 7, 2011 — by Sean

This first leg of Champions League quarter finals has produced some wonderful football. We saw crafted, powerful and improbable goals, comebacks and wins away from home, and a very entertaining match in Barcelona whose score doesn’t give enough credit to the visiting Ukrainian club Shaktar Donestk.

I was particularly excited for this match-up. I really thought the Brazilian carnival would produce a shock result in Barcelona, or at least stick a few into the net in a high scoring affair that would give them a chance in the return leg. But fortune wasn’t on the side of “wily old cat” Mircea Lucescu’s boys, and while they did produce some lovely attacking movement and held the ball nicely, they couldn’t finish as calmly or often as the home team.

A couple months back we took a look at some of the players in attack for the Miners and after the way they dismantled Roma over two legs I certainly didn’t expect them to be slapped with la mano from Barça. They were the first to attack, but were quickly countered and a lucky deflection fell to the feet of Iniesta, who found himself with his pick of open corners some 6 yards out.

Going down so early in the match didn’t seem to effect Shakhtar’s mentality. They had come prepared to press high and push the attack, and they did pretty well in winning the ball around midfield and keeping Barça out of dangerous areas. But Messi and company only need the slightest chance to put you down a goal (Messi being particularly focused on a night when the rest of his team seemed a little unsettled at times), and some sloppy play in and around the back gave the blaugrana opportunity enough. A prime example was Dani Alves’ goal, made posisble by the weak effort of Shakhtar’s keeper, Andriy Pyatov, on the lobbed inbound pass. Pyatov is a full 7 inches taller and must be at least 50 lbs meatier, yet instead of breaking Alves in half on what was clearly a 50/50 ball, he let the tiny right back sneak in and slot home.

Still, the final score should very well have included a few more ticks on the Ukrainian side. Willian was finding space behind the defense and Jadson had some excellent moments in the attack, but the finishing touch was not there on more than one occasion. Adriano was preferred to Eduardo with the Croatian national making a muted appearance at the end, and Jadson made way for Fernandinho with half an hour to go. Nothing came of the changes.

The return leg at the Donbass Arena is sure to have plenty more goals, and this time a few more for the opposite side, but it’s very unlikely we’ll see the team from an old Soviet mining town facing Real Madrid in the semi-final.

Commentary

Cryuff on Shakhtar Donetsk: “Un señor equipo”

April 6, 2011 — by Suman

We’ve been keeping an eye on “Las claves de Johan Cryuff“–the weekly column Cryuff writes for the Barcelona newspaper El Periodico. This week’s column is primarily about how the dynamic for the rest of the season has changed for Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, following Madrid’s loss to Sporting Gijon last Saturday. But with the headline (“¿El Shakhtar? Un señor equipo” / “Shaktar? A real team”) and in the concluding paragraphs, Cryuff warns the Barcelona faithful not to look past their Ukrainian foes in today’s Champions League quarterfinal matchup:

Los ucranianos son singulares. Yo diría que únicos. Son dos equipos en uno: portero, defensas y mediocentros del país más algún europeo de calidad (el más destacado, el croata Srna, buen carrilero); centrocampistas ofensivos y delanteros brasileños. Muchos y con talento. Dos conjuntos en uno que su técnico ha sabido convertir en un señor equipo, sólido atrás y peligroso delante.

El peor rival

Veterano y experto, Mircea Lucescu ha dado con lo más difícil: equilibrio. Y este Shakhtar, hoy, es mejor por obra y gracia de su técnico -y de su presupuesto- que hace un año o dos. A favor del Barça, más allá de su estilo marcado y los futbolistas que lo hacen posible, el hecho de que ya se ha enfrentado a este equipo. Y no pocas veces. Incluso en una final. Y siempre le ha costado. Siempre ha tenido que exprimirse a fondo. Así que ya está avisado. Si los jugadores de Guardiola pasan a semifinales, tendrán que trabajárselo y mucho. Seguramente más que nadie de los otros cuartofinalistas.

The Ukrainians are unique. I would say they are “uniques.” Two teams in one: a goalkeeper, defenders and midfielders in the country plus some European quality (the most notable, the Croatian Srna, is a great winger); Brazilian attacking midfielders and forwards. Many of them, and talented. Two groups that their coach has converted into a real team, solid in the back and dangerous up front.

The worst rival

A veteran and an expert, Shaktar’s coach Mircea Lucescu has found the most difficult thing: balance. And this Shakhtar team, today, is better thanks to its coach–and its budget–than it was a year or two ago. Barça’s advantage, more than its pressing style and the players who make it possible, is that it has already faced this team. And not infrequently. . Has always had to dig deep to squeeze thru. So you are warned. If Guardiola’s team is to get through to the semifinals, they will have to work a lot. Probably more than any other quarter-finalist.

Commentary

Capitulation in Madrid

April 5, 2011 — by John Lally

Why do I do it to myself? Why do I convince myself that maybe this time it will be different? What, in a lifetime of supporting Spurs, lead me to a point where I could write this and think it was rational to predict we might win?

I spent a lot of hours, not that long ago, comparing Tottenham to The Wire, and yet, somehow, I failed to learn my own lesson. I could probably re-watch that whole series and think that this time Frank Sobotka will be alright, that Michael and Dukie have a bright future coming and that Wallace is will enjoy a life in the country. But that’s not way it happened. And Spurs were never going to go to Madrid and win – how did I convince myself they might?

From the moment Adebayor (of course it had to be an ex-Arsenal play to inflict the most misery) but the home team 1-0 up, I should have known. What did I say at that point? “We actually play better when we’re behind, we’ve got more points from losing positions than any other Premiership team” (I actually said these words, you can check with the bartender at Old Castle in Midtown should you doubt me…) Then Crouch suffered a rush of blood to the head, something that is particularly disorientating when you are 6’7″, and was sent off for two rash, unnecessary challenges. Within 15 minutes. I racked my brains thinking about how we had played well with 10 men a couple of times this season. At half-time, 1-0 seemed okay, maybe we could hold off and maybe come away with a slim deficit to overcome at the Lane.

Then Adebayor again.

And a screamer from DiMaria.

And a soft volley that Gomes should’ve stopped from Ronaldo.

4-0.

The one good thing? There is no way I will be able to talk myself into us coming back from this. Even I accept it is over. Real Madrid is to Tottenham as Kenard is to Omar. We’re done for. As for me, I will try never to get so caught up and take my heart over my head again. I will not be so quick to buy into a pipe dream – if you wanted to try and sell me some magic beans or have me invest in a toy factory at the North Pole, well you have missed your chance. Sixth place and the loss of our best players is what lays ahead in the next few months, you can’t convince me of anything else.

Bollocks.

Commentary

Spurs vs Real Madrid Preview–and Champions League Predictions

April 4, 2011 — by John Lally — 1

On Tuesday, Tottenham head to the Bernabeu to take on Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Wow, I did not think a couple of years ago I would be able to type that – from away defeat to Grimsby in 2005, to taking on the most successful team in the history of the most prestigious European club competition. Anything from this point on really should be a bonus for Spurs fans – but it’s hard to look at the game and not see a marvelous opportunity to progress even further.

Rafael-Van-Der-Vaart-scored-2-for-Tottenham-Hotspur — Van der Vaart returns to play against the club who sold him just 7 months ago

First of all, there is some debate as to who will actually be lining up for Real in the first leg: Ronaldo was “definitely out” but looks likely to start; Benzema is perhaps going to miss out; but most importantly, Marcelo, the wing-back, is doubtful. With Tottenham’s main threat coming from the pace and skill of Bale on the left flank, Madrid not having their first choice defender in this area of the pitch could be a big issue for them. Of course, as Maicon can attest, even the highest rated players can be made to look ridiculous by Bale this season (and nobody likes to look ridiculous)

Real Madrid are coming into this game following an embarrassing home defeat to Sporting Gijon; a loss that not only ends any slim chance they had of capturing the title away from Barcelona, but also brought to an end an incredible 9 year, 150 game span in which Jose Mourinho had not lost a home league game as manager of Madrid, Internazionale, Chelsea and Porto. Spurs, meanwhile, have been in mediocre form, with consecutive 0-0 draws against relegation threatened West Ham and Wigan in their most recent games. However, it is hard to read too much into Saturday’s result at the DW Stadium, as the line-up was considerably different to how I expect us to start in Spain. A lack of width will be replaced with the twin threats of the aforementioned Bale on the left, and the speedy Lennon on the right. Some fans have been frustrated by the fact that Redknapp clearly is focusing on the Champions League and resting players for Premiership games – I actually agree with him on this though. There is no point just trying to qualify each year for the competition, football is all about winning trophies not just making more money for the club. While I understand that being in the Champions League allows you to attract a better standard of player, I believe this year we have done so well that we should look to go as far as we can, at least to give it our very best shot.

The worst thing about this fixture is, I really think Tottenham have a great chance to progress. With Crouch leading the line and Van der Vaart, returning to his former club with a point to prove, playing off him, Spurs will cause all sorts of problems for the Madrid defence, the type of which they have not been used to facing in a weakened La Liga. Modric and Ozil are similar players and whoever is more effective between the two of them could swing the balance of the tie. Obviously Ronaldo will be the most talented player on the pitch should he play (which I think he will), but if he is not fully fit or gets frustrated early on, it may be possible for Assou-Ekotto to stifle him (did I really just say that I thought Assou-Ekotto could stop Ronaldo? I’m setting myself up for a big fall, and I really should know better)

Look, I just cannot pick against Tottenham here, my brain is saying that Real Madrid have more quality and individual skill than us and this will likely be where it ends, but my heart is making me believe we can do it. We will do it. The Spurs fans in Spain will sing us to a fantastic 2-1 away win and then at the Lane next week, we will finish the job with a 3-1 victory. And who cares if I sound like John Locke here but – Don’t tell me what we can’t do!

Other Predictions

I don’t mean to blow my own trumpet, but in the last 16 I went 7/8 in predicting the winners (see for yourself here) missing out only on the Valencia vs Schalke tie – so, to prove I have not yet learnt you should never write off the Germans, let’s start with them:

Inter vs Schalke – Inter Milan are rubbish, seriously, they should not be getting through to the Champions League semi-finals this year. But somehow they got through against an out-of-sorts Bayern and are now facing a team that is 11th in the Bundesliga. Somehow, the reigning Champions will be in the last four.

Chelsea vs Man United – I have a horrible feeling that Chelsea will get revenge for that defeat in Moscow back in…wait, what’s that Wayne? Umm okay, I guess Man United will get through then, because of their…”passion” I guess we’ll call it.

Barcelona vs Shaktar Donetsk – this is controversial, I know, but it’s not just because Tottenham (or Madrid) will play the winners in the semi-finals. I genuinely think Shaktar will knock out the favourites. Why? I think Barca have not been firing on all cylinders recently and the Ukrainians are exactly the sort of team who can take advantage of that, especially with the second leg being played in Donetsk. Call me crazy, but I’m going for Shaktar to go through.

Commentary

UEFA Schedule This Week – Champions League and Europa League

April 4, 2011 — by Suman

It’s an action-packed week in Europe, with quarterfinal fixtures in both UEFA club competitions–Champions League and Europa League. The Champions League gets all the attention of course, with the eight remaining teams playing the first leg of the quarterfinals on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday, Spurs make the trip to Spain to play Real Madrid, and defending champions Inter Milan host surprising Schalke. On Wednesday, it’s a battle of English rivals at Stamford Bridge–Chelsea versus Manchester United; while another surprise quarterfinalist, Shakhtar Donetsk, make the long trip from eastern Ukraine to play ball-hogging Barcelona. They’ll all turn around and play the return legs next week (April 12-13).

But after gorging on those four matches Tuesday and Wednesday, don’t neglect the Europa League quarterfinals–all eight (1st leg) fixtures will be played Thursday, with a bunch of interesting clubs on display: three from Portugal (Porto, Benfica, Braga); two from the Netherlands (Twente and PSV); and one each from Spain, Ukraine and Russia (Villareal, Spartak Moscow, and Dynamo Kiev).

See below for all the fixture details–and check back here during the week for match previews and reports.

Champions League Quarterfinals – 1st Leg (all matches kickoff at 20:45CET = 2:45pmET)

Tuesday – 5 April 2011

Real Madrid	vs	Tottenham
Referee: Felix Brych (GER) – Stadium: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid (ESP)

Internazionale	vs	Schalke
Referee: Martin Atkinson (ENG) – Stadium: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan (ITA)

Wednesday – 6 April 2011


Chelsea	vs	Man. United
Referee: TBD – Stadium: Stamford Bridge, London (ENG)

Barcelona	vs	Shakhtar Donetsk
Referee: TBD – Stadium: Camp Nou, Barcelona (ESP)

Europa League Quarterfinals – 1st Leg

Thursday – 7 April 2011


Porto	vs	Spartak Moskva
Referee: TBD – Stadium: Estádio do Dragão, Porto (POR)

Benfica	vs	PSV
Referee: TBD – Stadium: Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, Lisbon (POR)
Villarreal	vs	Twente
Referee: TBD – Stadium: Estadio El Madrigal, Villarreal (ESP)

Dynamo Kyiv	vs	Braga
Referee: TBD – Stadium: Valeriy Lobanovskiy Stadium, Kyiv (UKR)

Video

USA 1990 World Cup Qualification Celebratory Rap Video

March 31, 2011 — by Sean

Back in 1990 the US hadn’t qualified for the World Cup in some 40 years, and people were frickin geeked about our boys traveling overseas in search of the gold and malachite trophy—not that anyone knew what the hell soccer was. Confused enthusiasm is the only explanation for the shirtless beach frolicking behind this lyrical misadventure (warning: includes cameo by OJ Simpson), enjoy!

Not to ruin the chorus, but a quick glimpse: Togetherness, and unity, means victory, in Italy

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