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CommentaryNews

Cesc Will Go

July 17, 2010 — by Sean — 1

Eventually, Cescly Fabregasly will take his leave of Arsenal and head to Barca.  The La Liga side are in no rush, since they don’t really need him right now anyway. From Barcelona President Sandro Rosell:

“The Cesc issue is very complicated. The reality is that Arsenal were very hurt by the Barcelona institution and do not want to listen to offers,” Rosell told Spain’s TV3. “They say he is not for sale. There was a brief discussion three or four months ago and they were offended.

“Anyway…the new board is convinced that if the Spain international doesn’t join for this season he will join for the next.”

There’s no doubt that Pique and Puyol would like to see Cesc join them for club as well as country…

News

It Begins: Mourinho at Real

July 15, 2010 — by Sean — 2

This is where my tin foil hat goes.

The Special One presided over the first day of training at Real Madrid on Thursday, though  2/3 of the squad were on rest after international duty and didn’t have to show. He’s already made some changes to the day-to-day, and he’s sure to keep the press happy. Check out a bit more over at The Independent

Mention Mourinho’s name to Barça fans and first there is a twitch of the nose, as if a bad smell has wafted across the room, followed by a more respectful shrug of the shoulders. The Catalan purists do not like the way his sides play football, but they know he wastes no time in finding winning ways, whichever club he manages.

Uncategorized

The secret to Germany’s recent success

July 15, 2010 — by Sean

Germany played stylishly during this World Cup, up until they went into a shell against Spain that is. How very different from past teams that seemed so much more mechanical and forceful. Michael Ballack’s agent has some thoughts on the matter:

The agent of midfielder Michael Ballack has planted his fuß firmly in his mund by branding the current Germany squad ‘a bunch of gays’.

Becker is also reported to have suggested that there was a ‘former German national player who was ready to expose a ‘bunch of gays’ within the current squad’.

In summary, Osang added that homosexuality was ‘a synonym for anything that Becker did not understand’ which is sadly a concept that is all-too depressingly familiar.

Commentary

Red Bulls make shock acquisition

July 14, 2010 — by Sean — 8

More news from North Jersey today as the Red Bulls have announced a signing they hope will bring even more flair and class to the squad. One Ashok Ganguli has been acquired by the team, though details of his position and fitness have not yet been released.

While we’ve been unable to contact the player directly, we expect he’s so very excited that he’s made a total mess of his pants. More details as we hear!

News

Surprise: Henry to Red Bulls

July 14, 2010 — by Sean — 6

Not a surprise at all of course, but today being the first day MLS teams can act on the designated player rule, they’ve announced the acquisition of monsieur Henry this morning and stated that he’ll play in the friendly against Spurs on July 22nd. No need for too much rest since he didn’t see the field in the World Cup (I don’t remember him coming on, am I wrong here?) and he tended to ride the pine for Barca last season.

Still, Red Bulls are getting a quality striker with a few good years left in him, a fantastic touch and a mind for goal. I just like this guy, even though his ridiculously unsubtle handball during qualifying kept the much more worthy Irish out of the World Cup.

Easy with the promises there buddy, there are a lot of hungry young players who will be looking to make a name for themselves by beating the hell out of you:

“This marks an exciting new chapter in my career and life. It is an honor to play for the New York Red Bulls. I am fully aware of the team’s history and my sole goal during my time here is to help win the club its first championship. Knowing Red Bull’s significant commitment to soccer locally and internationally, I am confident that my teammates and I will succeed.”

General Knowledge

The next big thing: Ganso

July 13, 2010 — by Sean — 2

Unless you’ve been following Santos—maybe on the trail of Robinho—you may have so far missed the next great midfield prospect in global footbal: Paulo Henrique aka “Ganso”. He’s on many a team’s radar and there are bound to be offers from both Manchester sides, though Lyon is also in play.

Since Brazilians tend to have a hard time settling in England, and Lyon has such a youthful team alongside a fantastic record of bringing in players from overseas and developing them into superstars, it seems like France would be the place to go.

Wherever he lands, expect to hear more from him this season.

News

Golden Ball, Boot, Glove

July 12, 2010 — by Sean — 4

Anyone who watched Diego Forlan play throughout this tournament has to be happy that he’s taking home the Golden Ball for overall best player. He was a major reason why Uruguay went so deep in the Cup, and is really just a pleasure to watch.

You could count his poor plays on only one hand, and that’s every game combined. His team just needed to send a ball anywhere near him, and even though he was always marked, and would be very quickly double-teamed, he would hold the ball long enough for his side to move into attack. And he almost always made the right decision when running forward with the ball, whether to shoot or distribute to the most dangerous and well-placed runner. I’m watching more Atletico Madrid this season.

Open Thread

Today’s big game! WC2010 Final Open Thread – Netherlands v Spain

July 11, 2010 — by Sean — 53

Here it is, gentle hippies. The big day! Will Holland come out and attack? Will Spain bore me to sleep with their incessant passing? Will they still be serving breakfast at noon when I get to the bar? All will soon be revealed!

Not sure just how much anyone will be attending to this site during the match, and afterward we’re all heading to the OkayAfrica festival over at the Prospect Park bandshell, so you’re all on your  own. Play nicely!

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