We got some good feedback after posting to Facebook Pirlo’s cracker v Parma from this past weekend. Here is the video clip of goal–plus three others that are early contenders for goal of the season:
Also from last weekend, Brazilian Alex’s unbelievable free kick, which put Chelsea up 2-0 over Arsenal:
Here is Nani’s spectacular individual effort vs –#2 in the following, to Tevez’s similar strike against Chelsea, but I think Nani’s is clearly the better goal: <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/video?vid=eaf06da7-6363-4b5d-a7ed-66caa82afdf7" target="_new" title="">PL: Goals of the Week</a>
And finally, Berbatov’s spectacular individual effort against Liverpool on Sept 18 (assisted by Nani, btw)–the 2nd goal of Berbatov’s hat trick in Man U’s 3-2 victory that day, #1 in the following: <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/video?vid=086649be-68c7-4f94-8142-41a31e0bad0b" target="_new" title="">PL: Goals of the Week</a>
Thanks to our very own Blues supporter Sumit Sasidharan for this surprisingly fair & balanced evaluation of Chelsea’s latest victory, over London rivals Arsenal (with video highlights of the match embedded below Sumit’s comments):
No bogarting, it's puff puff pass, Jon.
That was the best match all week. Tempo, width, muscle and touch on display–exciting.
Drogba’s touch seems better than ever. I was more surprised by Gunner lack of possession by their big men; Diaby and Song failed to exert the kind of muscle that could’ve been the edge.
After reading the beebs’ and guardian reports on the game and listening to Wenger, must’ve been a different game than I was watching. It really felt pretty even. Both sides had chances and possession seemed pretty even. A. Cole’s goal should’ve made the margin 3 and Anelka’s 4.
Instead of the past two beatings, Arsenal seemed to have clawed their way to an even showing but the reality is goals decide the difference. Wenger’s been the best coach in the EPL for a long while but he’s got to stop putting kids out there. I love his approach to the game and the way his team plays but that place looks like an ER.
Blues in front by 4 points seven games in.
What does everyone think of Obi Jon Mikelobi for the newest line of Michelob?
"Estoy loco como el infierno y yo no voy a soportarlo más!"
I must admit, I am falling for the yet-nascent psychodrama that is Mourinho in Madrid (“MiM” from now on). So I eagerly clicked thru when online footy mag fourfourtwo.com‘s La Liga Loca blog led with the headline “Mourinho Finally Gets Mad“, and kicked off the post with some purple prose:
For months now, the Spanish press have been performing their solemn duty of trying to make José Mourinho go completely postal, but sadly with little success.
However, on Monday evening, it was joy to the world and ding dong merrily on high as, after a trying period of four press conferences a week for the Bernabeu boss, hours and hours of provoking, probing and pressing finally brought some decent results – not only did Mourinho completely lose his rag, he also found it again and then set it on fire…
"Javier Hernández puts United two up – but there is a hint of fortune about the goal, the ball skewing off Hernández's boot before striking him in the face and flying into the net" (via The Guardian)
Yesterday was the traditional pre-opener to the English season–the FA Community Shield. We watched bits and pieces off the DVR later in the day. Personally, I was impressed by Antonio Valencia, Man U’s newly acquired Ecuadorian winger, as well as (like last season) Nani.
Some additional commentary by our man (and Chelsea supporter) Sumit:
Saw it on replay. Chelsea looked the better team in terms of ball control and movement for very long periods of time. The attack is just not there; Malouda looks his old lazy French self and Salomon still hasn’t got a f’in Kalou while the defensive communication is poor. Terry’s not fast so they need to work cover schemes with the midfielders or the wingbacks right quick before they get torn to shreds in a game that actually matters. Chelsea need some organization quickly. Glad to see the Bison back and playing, big boost there. Chelsea desperately need a quick flank player, o/w the 4-3-3 scheme is going to look a little ponderous and get caught out in a midfield tussle.
ManU didn’t impress me enough to be scared of them (famous last words). Aside from Rooney’s work rate and, oddly enough, Berbatov’s movement and touches there wasn’t much in the way of an attacking threat and the midfield was poor. I stopped really watching at the 75 minute mark.
In case you missed it, here are video highlights of Sunday’s match, via footytube:
"Soccer in Sun & Shadow" by Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano
“Other countries have their history. And Uruguay has its football.” -Ondino Viera, Uruguayan national coach during the 1966 World Cup
On the surface, it appears that among the 4 remaining teams, Uruguay is the minnow, the surprise. No one really expected them to be playing today–some even doubted whether they would advance from their group, given that they were placed with two purported soccer powers in Mexico and France, as well as the host South African side.
But from another perspective, this is a return to the sun for Uruguayan football, after decades spent in the shadows.
Consider that of the remaining semifinalists, Holland and Spain have never won the World Cup (perhaps the two greatest footballing nations never to have won), and while Germany has won 3 times (as West Germany, actually: twice as hosts, in 1954 and 1974, and again in 1990), Uruguay is right behind them, having won twice, in 1930 and 1950.
