Sunday, April 27, 2008
Apologies
I apologize to you, deared reader, due to my absence from this cherished space. I have been very busy at school and the truth not very eager on writing about our deared Arsenal. I promise I will get the posts done from the previous EPL and UCL matches as well as a special season review, a preview on EURO 2008 and some essays. It has been a very tough moment in my life, facing a knee surgery (my previously mentioned meniscus injury that has kept me sidelined through 9 months). School has taken all possible time to make reviews, but I have seen all the matches available and read my common sources. I will make an epic update giving you the things that make us feel alive; football and literature.
Friday, April 4, 2008
On Mexican Weekdays Football
I was completely thrilled and shocked by the result at the Copa Libertadores: América 4-3 River Plate. Wednesday night, after sharing some movie time with one of my best friends I returned to my house with the only prospect of finish Great Expectations. Although this seemed a tough task I was determined to get as far as I could although The Remains of the Day had kept me busy. Although my current week quota was covered I was completely reluctant of watching this game. But uh! Suddenly the TV turn on and I watched the game as a child looking through a tiny hole. When the match was 1-0 on Argentines I found myself between Abel Magwitch's escape from the marshes and the immediately American leveler. When the score reached 2-1 and a magnificent game was about to take place I resigned to Victorian Prose and began the journey through the long road of Mexican-Argentine rivalry. The match was completely overwhelmed with goals, amounts of opportunities and good players.
This are my favorite games, full of opportunities, lack of defending, goals and above all spectacle. The last one that caught my attention was Tottenham 4-3 West Ham and Liverpool 3-6 Arsenal.
Rodrigo Archubi's celebration of the 1-0 was a sacrilege. There are several ways to piss off an Americanista but this one was above the board. Although I always mock on the Coapa team I realized that making fun of one of the icons of the tema i snot worth it. The fault was a complete loss of sensibility and a several threath against the Copaa organization. Cuauhtemoc Blanco, the controversial Mexican player, is the icon of Mexican football. Controversial, but above all as all Mexican with a strong sense of double-moral, made a trademark his celebration as the 'Eagle'. Archubi's celebration at the place of birth of the Mexican player, the pitch that saw him grow, so many great things and sufferings, was a complete disrespect towards the people. I really do not care if he celebrates that way in his country, the trademark belongs to Blanco and point.
I found yesterday's declaration by Raúl Arias, San Luis coach and potential Mexico manager, very awkward and disgraced. He said that the only style that was resurging was the Catenaccio, or defensive style. He guaranteed that, if reaching the place of Mexico manager, he will use that tactic. His justification was that the previous two champions, Italy and Greece used that style. Almost thirty years of footballistical theory developed by Michels and Cruyff have gone to hell if this style of game gets widespread. Mexico's impressive amount of defending quality could certainly help to get this style done, but it is dangerous and in my opinion stupid.
Arsenal v. Liverpool 1-1 2/Apr/08
TRIPLE MERSEY FEATURE: PART ONE
In this special occasion I will deliver what I have called the TRIPLE FEATURE against the Northern club. Since three games are being played against the same club it will be kind of dull to repeat comments so I will comment on the three games as one saga; the Mersey saga.
Wednesday match saw the Gunners waste an impressive amount of opportunities to sink the Liverpudlians, thus leaving it all at the match at Anfield. Although this match was the most expected of the four, there was not that much build-up previously, and leaving me with not much choice of a direct review. The Mersey derby was won calmly by the Gerrard side and Arsenal impressively came back from a 2-0 score with ten men.
The Arsenal line-up was quite strange featuring Kolo Touré on the right back role as many games in his carer. The fact that Emmanuel Eboué was not in the starting XI made me think about what I wrote of Disappearing in the pitch. Is Eboué made to be a right midfielder or his position at right back is the best? For the time the right back position is occupied by the impressive Sagna, so if he wants to get to the first team regularly, or to receive hails from the crowd he would better work on his fitness and above all level, which has and a lot. Liverpool's line-up was fearful, with the releasing of Gerrard as main attractive. The most powerful weapon is the in-form Fernando "El Niño" Torres. His impressive performances have earned him the respect of the people and 21 league goals so far.
Liverpool went over the board and energetically launched a serious of attacks mainly on dynamic pressure.
The game was even, with both sides struggling to get the lead at 9'. There was of course the extra-especial attention on "Niño" by both Clichy and Flamini, who was completely overwhelmed with work throughout the match. The Arsenal had a tough and solid defending, the lack was on Cesc creativity. The game was really even in the first third of the first half, although some Arsenal plays outstandingly. Manu Eboué was very participative and Flamini rose above his usual high-quality performances. Robin van Persie wasted two clear chances round the 20', which were practically open. His hunger for fantasy plays is present and is very rewarded by critical spectators like me but there are ways and games. The lead came at 23' through a short corner play by Cesc and vna Persie, which Adebayor headed almost without marking. The cross was perfect. The quality of van Persie is undeniable but he better put the quality working in order to make stand outs. Then, immediately after Adebayor's header, the leveler came through rushing play by Skipper Gerrard. He rampaged through the box side among three defenders and intelligently crossed it to find mediocre Kuyt who just pushed it with the help of sliding Clichy. It was a crazy play and I doubted of Gerrard capacity in one on one, but it has cleared the doubts. About Kuyt mediocre and untalented style I will not discuss further; Marco van Basten said it all. The game became unclear for the home side, with Cesc still struggling to make a play at 30'. The game needed desperately a deep push by a player. In the final stages of the first half Cesc involved more and more although the final whistle was not a veru good sign for him.
Another question to be made is that Javier Mascherano really important? Is he unique? I particularly think he is a great player but currently many other players at his position can perform far better, cleaner and neater thatn him. His aggressive style resembles Gattuso but in some plays he seems disloyal. Hargreaves or Makelele, Flamini or Viera are physycall defensive midfielders but the extent of its job is not just aggressive, as Mascherano. I find his hailings quite unpleasant and distractive.
The second half saw young Theo Walcott replace Dutch striker, and a slow start. Almunia had a save at 48', and tension was already building in the home side. Liverpool locked in the back while Arsenal shots came more and more allusive on an extended lead. Walcott entered in the left side. He did a lot of harm through the cut on the middle, making a shot that passed just a couple of inches from woodwork. Theo has been greatly criticized on this blog. I have criticized him because I feel that a player with a lot of talent should not hide or diminish. But he is showing his talent and if he keeps it he could get to higher standards. The moment of scoring was evident but the home side could not grasp a good chance, although Arsenal overwhelmed the box. The revolutionized the speed of the match and became the axis of the game. The overpressured Liverpool on their own side was a perfect scenario to a counter leaded by Gerrard and finished by Torres. Cesc was improving by the minutes and inspired the whole team. It seems that he is the real captain; he has resolved in certain several games, showing authority and continuity all the season. He has been inspiring the crowd becoming a very popular player, rather than the grumpy Gallas. At 69' the Arsenal was touching in the box, evanescent. Kuyt committed a penalty that has raised thousands of complains and evn bribery scandals. It was a real challenge, and the ref was two meters away. That play could have been the turning point on the series. When Bendtner entered the pitch the Arsenal was completely forwarded, with Cec shot gone wide at 69'. Bendtner curious deflection, which was not offside, was hilarious and dreadful at the same time. Gerrard was dismal, and the figure of distance covered are amazing:
-10,345m by Flamini
-10,118m by Cesc
The final twenty minutes were a complete soliloquy by the London team. Torres struggled in the final minutes until the substitution. The North London team was dismal in the definition of the game and could pay the prize of not being that ambitious. The first part of the Mersey saga has finished, waiting for the second one tomorrow.
In this special occasion I will deliver what I have called the TRIPLE FEATURE against the Northern club. Since three games are being played against the same club it will be kind of dull to repeat comments so I will comment on the three games as one saga; the Mersey saga.
Wednesday match saw the Gunners waste an impressive amount of opportunities to sink the Liverpudlians, thus leaving it all at the match at Anfield. Although this match was the most expected of the four, there was not that much build-up previously, and leaving me with not much choice of a direct review. The Mersey derby was won calmly by the Gerrard side and Arsenal impressively came back from a 2-0 score with ten men.
The Arsenal line-up was quite strange featuring Kolo Touré on the right back role as many games in his carer. The fact that Emmanuel Eboué was not in the starting XI made me think about what I wrote of Disappearing in the pitch. Is Eboué made to be a right midfielder or his position at right back is the best? For the time the right back position is occupied by the impressive Sagna, so if he wants to get to the first team regularly, or to receive hails from the crowd he would better work on his fitness and above all level, which has and a lot. Liverpool's line-up was fearful, with the releasing of Gerrard as main attractive. The most powerful weapon is the in-form Fernando "El Niño" Torres. His impressive performances have earned him the respect of the people and 21 league goals so far.
Liverpool went over the board and energetically launched a serious of attacks mainly on dynamic pressure.
The game was even, with both sides struggling to get the lead at 9'. There was of course the extra-especial attention on "Niño" by both Clichy and Flamini, who was completely overwhelmed with work throughout the match. The Arsenal had a tough and solid defending, the lack was on Cesc creativity. The game was really even in the first third of the first half, although some Arsenal plays outstandingly. Manu Eboué was very participative and Flamini rose above his usual high-quality performances. Robin van Persie wasted two clear chances round the 20', which were practically open. His hunger for fantasy plays is present and is very rewarded by critical spectators like me but there are ways and games. The lead came at 23' through a short corner play by Cesc and vna Persie, which Adebayor headed almost without marking. The cross was perfect. The quality of van Persie is undeniable but he better put the quality working in order to make stand outs. Then, immediately after Adebayor's header, the leveler came through rushing play by Skipper Gerrard. He rampaged through the box side among three defenders and intelligently crossed it to find mediocre Kuyt who just pushed it with the help of sliding Clichy. It was a crazy play and I doubted of Gerrard capacity in one on one, but it has cleared the doubts. About Kuyt mediocre and untalented style I will not discuss further; Marco van Basten said it all. The game became unclear for the home side, with Cesc still struggling to make a play at 30'. The game needed desperately a deep push by a player. In the final stages of the first half Cesc involved more and more although the final whistle was not a veru good sign for him.
Another question to be made is that Javier Mascherano really important? Is he unique? I particularly think he is a great player but currently many other players at his position can perform far better, cleaner and neater thatn him. His aggressive style resembles Gattuso but in some plays he seems disloyal. Hargreaves or Makelele, Flamini or Viera are physycall defensive midfielders but the extent of its job is not just aggressive, as Mascherano. I find his hailings quite unpleasant and distractive.
The second half saw young Theo Walcott replace Dutch striker, and a slow start. Almunia had a save at 48', and tension was already building in the home side. Liverpool locked in the back while Arsenal shots came more and more allusive on an extended lead. Walcott entered in the left side. He did a lot of harm through the cut on the middle, making a shot that passed just a couple of inches from woodwork. Theo has been greatly criticized on this blog. I have criticized him because I feel that a player with a lot of talent should not hide or diminish. But he is showing his talent and if he keeps it he could get to higher standards. The moment of scoring was evident but the home side could not grasp a good chance, although Arsenal overwhelmed the box. The revolutionized the speed of the match and became the axis of the game. The overpressured Liverpool on their own side was a perfect scenario to a counter leaded by Gerrard and finished by Torres. Cesc was improving by the minutes and inspired the whole team. It seems that he is the real captain; he has resolved in certain several games, showing authority and continuity all the season. He has been inspiring the crowd becoming a very popular player, rather than the grumpy Gallas. At 69' the Arsenal was touching in the box, evanescent. Kuyt committed a penalty that has raised thousands of complains and evn bribery scandals. It was a real challenge, and the ref was two meters away. That play could have been the turning point on the series. When Bendtner entered the pitch the Arsenal was completely forwarded, with Cec shot gone wide at 69'. Bendtner curious deflection, which was not offside, was hilarious and dreadful at the same time. Gerrard was dismal, and the figure of distance covered are amazing:
-10,345m by Flamini
-10,118m by Cesc
The final twenty minutes were a complete soliloquy by the London team. Torres struggled in the final minutes until the substitution. The North London team was dismal in the definition of the game and could pay the prize of not being that ambitious. The first part of the Mersey saga has finished, waiting for the second one tomorrow.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Bolton v. Arsenal 2-3(23/Mar/08
"April is the cruelest month/breeding lilacs out of the dead land"
"April is set to be the toughest month of the Gunners' season", yes, both David Young and T.S. Eliot are right. Although Eliot's modernist approach of the world as a fatigated country are not the best describing this, a childish ans some may say a stupid analogy, these both sentences are true.
Arsene Wenger said on post-match reactions that these had been the greatest comeback since his arrival. This of course is not true. There have been even greater comebacks since his reigns are ober the North London Club. I remember some comebacks when Dennis Bergkamp arose from the bench to captain the team towards incredible victories. But since the current form of th e team is obvious that this comeback has been seen as a metaphor from Mr. Wenger. This metaphor is not just the comeback against Bolton but against the two teams that are up right now and winning the title. Showing th e attitude they showed Saturday obviously could make the Gunners champions but just in the matter of courage and morale. But in the pitch it was pretty obvious that the Gunners need the level required to beat the three big names in the EPL. Now the Arsenal, as previously mentioned, will face one of the most decisive weeks on the history of the club. Three games against the Merseyside and a trip to the north against title-runners United is completely determining in the season. Form my point of view the season is already over, with Utd as champion and maybe Arsenal grasping a honorable second place. The stake is in Europe, although for Mr. Wenger and David Yung the hopes are still high and running on the EPL title. I have said this many times, the current form of the Manchester team will not slow and viewing the current form of Arsenal, the Londoners will not reach even by surprise the level that Utd had throughout the season.
There were a couple of surprises in the Line up against Bolton which were the position of RB on Touré and the inclusion of Robin van Persie instead of Adebayor, as well as the absence of Eboué. And with that lineup the game started quite positively, in the build up the imprecision was with the away side. There was although a good supporting crowd that made the travel and could be heard, with their overwhelming chants. This imprecision domined all the game and the most worried player was Mathieu Flamini. The home side managed to scare at 9'. Th left side dissapeared completely. Clichy did three run-ups through the left and one in the middle, while with Tomás Rocicky in pitch he could made ten or even fifteen run ups into the line. In the other side Touré was struggling with the same although his physical presence was imposing against Clichy's. Both strikers had chances but went wide the goal. At 14' came the goal by the home team. The defense was totally distracted with Touré as main accomplice, and Almunia who could have done it better. Some minutes after the Bolton's goal, nobody covered the advances of the home team, with Clichy and Flamini overwhelmed with work. From all the perspectives the Arsenal was unworking. At 26' the game was really unclear and the team seemed tired. Collectively the Arsenal could not achieve many advances but with a personal effort it could be done. This was viewed by Touré whose series of shots at 29' were really close. In a wet pitch the usage of the ling shot can be decisive. Diaby's sent off was completely justified. I am totally aware that a challenge like that one could have been like Eduardo's. So if the team ia asking for respect and challenges like this one should be banned, the Londoners should start from their own lines. Diaby should be suspended. The two strikers were unproductive, although creating unclear chances that did not finished in shots or plays. Unclear is the best word for describing Arsenal in the first half. The second goal arrived from a deflection, and the unwilling defense. The bad functioning of the center back was one of the headaches for Mr. Wenger this match and in the previous weeks.
The same line of unclearness was in the first minute of the second half. The corners were a great dangers for the away team, although Cesc managed to deliver an impressive shot just wide, at 52'. Then, began the siege of Bolton that lasted five minutes. This period of time saw the worst of Arsenal's season; the inability to defend we¿l and solid, the inaccurate passing of the ball, the midfield imprecisions. Everything summed up to the worst scenario in the season. This five-minute torture could have extended the lead of the home side. The turning point of the match was when the substitutions ocurred. Mr. Wenger put everything at stake, knowing that the loss of three points could end the aspirations of silverware in May, Walcott for Senderos and Adebayor for Bendtner. The line up became a swaying 3-3-3 through 3-4-2. At 63' the light of hope shone when Gallas found himself in the box alone, with a tremendous mistake of Bolton's defense. A fatalistic approach could be that the only way the Arsenal could scored were on mistakes, which actually happened. The penalty kick awarded was clear and Robin van Persie's quality shone leveling the score and leaving the Arsenal with twenty minutes to search the lead. I have to say that I was destroyed by the 45' and at 70' all I wanted was the lead, and hope filled my heart. The subs were really the inflexion point, revitalized the team and injected fresh game. At 73' Bolton's defense was struggling against the willing Arsenal. Theo showed his quality and made excellent runs that could have ended in goal. The desperation began to take control of the Gunners when the long balls from Gallas were intercepted bu Bolton's keeper, a work in depth passes was the required thing. In the final minutes of the match the overwhelming away side kept the eleven man Bolton on its side of the pitch, bombarding the box with an amount unseen in previous visiting matches. It was a shocking ending with the away side struggling to take the lead and the defensing home side desperately clearing all chances. At 90' as in all previous matches since the move to the Grove, the late equalizer came, through Cesc with a clear deflection on a Bolton defender. Clichy made the run and Cesc pushed the ball almost fearfully. It is true that the luck is with the Arsenal team, and David Young would be enjoying the hope that still endure among some fans.
The other day I was watching Villareal against Atlético. I saw with particular detail the game of Robert Pires. It is still a pleasure to watch him play. His physical form is nearly the same as in Arsenal, although his style has slowened due to two things, his cruciate ligament injury and the Spanish game style, which is nearly the half the speed of English. It is overwhelming the fact that even after such a grave injury his confidence has not sank. At his age he is still the talented EURO winner that was so popular among Arsenal fans. The board did not wanted to renovate his contract and although his age was above the average in Arsenal, it is certain that at his level he could play two or three years more. He is one of the best players that have worn the shirt of the North Londoners. With his experience at this point of the championship, he could have been the balance and guidance the Gunners need right now.
A Gothic Literature symposium is being held in my faculty, and after a breve English class tomorrow we are allowed to go, but everybody has its priorities, and mine are with the North London club, so at 12:30 Mexican time I will be watching, as many of you, the immortal clash against the fierce Liverpool. It is a match to endure so you better be watching.
"April is set to be the toughest month of the Gunners' season", yes, both David Young and T.S. Eliot are right. Although Eliot's modernist approach of the world as a fatigated country are not the best describing this, a childish ans some may say a stupid analogy, these both sentences are true.
Arsene Wenger said on post-match reactions that these had been the greatest comeback since his arrival. This of course is not true. There have been even greater comebacks since his reigns are ober the North London Club. I remember some comebacks when Dennis Bergkamp arose from the bench to captain the team towards incredible victories. But since the current form of th e team is obvious that this comeback has been seen as a metaphor from Mr. Wenger. This metaphor is not just the comeback against Bolton but against the two teams that are up right now and winning the title. Showing th e attitude they showed Saturday obviously could make the Gunners champions but just in the matter of courage and morale. But in the pitch it was pretty obvious that the Gunners need the level required to beat the three big names in the EPL. Now the Arsenal, as previously mentioned, will face one of the most decisive weeks on the history of the club. Three games against the Merseyside and a trip to the north against title-runners United is completely determining in the season. Form my point of view the season is already over, with Utd as champion and maybe Arsenal grasping a honorable second place. The stake is in Europe, although for Mr. Wenger and David Yung the hopes are still high and running on the EPL title. I have said this many times, the current form of the Manchester team will not slow and viewing the current form of Arsenal, the Londoners will not reach even by surprise the level that Utd had throughout the season.
There were a couple of surprises in the Line up against Bolton which were the position of RB on Touré and the inclusion of Robin van Persie instead of Adebayor, as well as the absence of Eboué. And with that lineup the game started quite positively, in the build up the imprecision was with the away side. There was although a good supporting crowd that made the travel and could be heard, with their overwhelming chants. This imprecision domined all the game and the most worried player was Mathieu Flamini. The home side managed to scare at 9'. Th left side dissapeared completely. Clichy did three run-ups through the left and one in the middle, while with Tomás Rocicky in pitch he could made ten or even fifteen run ups into the line. In the other side Touré was struggling with the same although his physical presence was imposing against Clichy's. Both strikers had chances but went wide the goal. At 14' came the goal by the home team. The defense was totally distracted with Touré as main accomplice, and Almunia who could have done it better. Some minutes after the Bolton's goal, nobody covered the advances of the home team, with Clichy and Flamini overwhelmed with work. From all the perspectives the Arsenal was unworking. At 26' the game was really unclear and the team seemed tired. Collectively the Arsenal could not achieve many advances but with a personal effort it could be done. This was viewed by Touré whose series of shots at 29' were really close. In a wet pitch the usage of the ling shot can be decisive. Diaby's sent off was completely justified. I am totally aware that a challenge like that one could have been like Eduardo's. So if the team ia asking for respect and challenges like this one should be banned, the Londoners should start from their own lines. Diaby should be suspended. The two strikers were unproductive, although creating unclear chances that did not finished in shots or plays. Unclear is the best word for describing Arsenal in the first half. The second goal arrived from a deflection, and the unwilling defense. The bad functioning of the center back was one of the headaches for Mr. Wenger this match and in the previous weeks.
The same line of unclearness was in the first minute of the second half. The corners were a great dangers for the away team, although Cesc managed to deliver an impressive shot just wide, at 52'. Then, began the siege of Bolton that lasted five minutes. This period of time saw the worst of Arsenal's season; the inability to defend we¿l and solid, the inaccurate passing of the ball, the midfield imprecisions. Everything summed up to the worst scenario in the season. This five-minute torture could have extended the lead of the home side. The turning point of the match was when the substitutions ocurred. Mr. Wenger put everything at stake, knowing that the loss of three points could end the aspirations of silverware in May, Walcott for Senderos and Adebayor for Bendtner. The line up became a swaying 3-3-3 through 3-4-2. At 63' the light of hope shone when Gallas found himself in the box alone, with a tremendous mistake of Bolton's defense. A fatalistic approach could be that the only way the Arsenal could scored were on mistakes, which actually happened. The penalty kick awarded was clear and Robin van Persie's quality shone leveling the score and leaving the Arsenal with twenty minutes to search the lead. I have to say that I was destroyed by the 45' and at 70' all I wanted was the lead, and hope filled my heart. The subs were really the inflexion point, revitalized the team and injected fresh game. At 73' Bolton's defense was struggling against the willing Arsenal. Theo showed his quality and made excellent runs that could have ended in goal. The desperation began to take control of the Gunners when the long balls from Gallas were intercepted bu Bolton's keeper, a work in depth passes was the required thing. In the final minutes of the match the overwhelming away side kept the eleven man Bolton on its side of the pitch, bombarding the box with an amount unseen in previous visiting matches. It was a shocking ending with the away side struggling to take the lead and the defensing home side desperately clearing all chances. At 90' as in all previous matches since the move to the Grove, the late equalizer came, through Cesc with a clear deflection on a Bolton defender. Clichy made the run and Cesc pushed the ball almost fearfully. It is true that the luck is with the Arsenal team, and David Young would be enjoying the hope that still endure among some fans.
The other day I was watching Villareal against Atlético. I saw with particular detail the game of Robert Pires. It is still a pleasure to watch him play. His physical form is nearly the same as in Arsenal, although his style has slowened due to two things, his cruciate ligament injury and the Spanish game style, which is nearly the half the speed of English. It is overwhelming the fact that even after such a grave injury his confidence has not sank. At his age he is still the talented EURO winner that was so popular among Arsenal fans. The board did not wanted to renovate his contract and although his age was above the average in Arsenal, it is certain that at his level he could play two or three years more. He is one of the best players that have worn the shirt of the North Londoners. With his experience at this point of the championship, he could have been the balance and guidance the Gunners need right now.
A Gothic Literature symposium is being held in my faculty, and after a breve English class tomorrow we are allowed to go, but everybody has its priorities, and mine are with the North London club, so at 12:30 Mexican time I will be watching, as many of you, the immortal clash against the fierce Liverpool. It is a match to endure so you better be watching.
Mexico v. Ghana 2-1 (26/Mar/08
Wednesday game was strange. Mexican media, in the past two days, had been hailing the way the national side played. But from my point of view it was the third most boring game so far this season (Mexico v. Finland U-23 and Birmingham v. Aston Villa). I would like to make a parenthesis here; someone asked me the other day how many matches have I seen in the current year, I could not answer. But I made a count and here is:
-3 in weekdays
-6 to 8 in weekends
-Aproximately 10 to 13 a week so that makes 40-45 a month
-And has been three months so 75-80(how clever am I adding is not it?)
Following my brilliant adding (lol)the media, as I was saying, hailed the way the 'Europeans' played. I mean it was not a brilliant display of talent, but it was not either the footballistical failure. It was a boring game.
Apart from my reluctance to accept the lack of ideas of Pavel Pardo, the setting of the game was a very peculiar one. The strange London setting is a measure Sepp Blatter has been taking to internationalize different football styles across the world. That is why we see commonly playing Brazil at Emirates and Argentina in Egypt, etc. But the Mexican federatives were quite dumb considering his lack of knowledge in fixtures, France was playing against England in Parc de Princes. Certainly all English eyes were put in this spectacular scenario of an ancestral rivalry. The other side of the coin was watching Brazil versus Sweden at the Emirates. A match that seemed on paper absolutely attractive due to the absence of Kaká and company. An opportunity of watching excellent players unknown to us. And the other game was Spain versus Italy. With first class matches I really can not figure how a Londoner could not watch either his/her home side or the Brazil game. It would be very interesting putting Mexico at Stamford Bridge when England is playing against second string countries, with all due respect. Craven Cottage was empty, I thought the match would gather at least some 20,000 but post match figures resulted in 6,500; a joke for such a beautiful pitch.
The other awkward point was the Coach. The manager, the now hated Mr. Sanchez, was enjoying his last match, with the obvious results from .I think there is no much point to talk about because Carlso Albert has said practically everything, and I referred to the match and the national coach in the Mexico v. Haití U-23.
Talking about the line up, it was not really excellent but the 'best' Mexican football players that can be given now. Andrés Guardado was included in the starting eleven and although he was recovered from his biceps injury he was not supposed to play the hwole match. A very imprudent decision in my view, any player should not be risked after such a difficult injury.
I wanted to make this ambitious attempt of viewing two games at the same time, and commenting them, so you will see even three or four comments on three or four different matches. Ambitious, but the Mexican side helped me making an awful game narrowing, in times, to a two and even one comment.
The early chance came at 17'' when Denigris touched a deflected cross by Manchester City Uruguayan player Nery Castillo. Ghana's game began touching several times. This touching at first seemed childish but when it became an advanced build-up, thus creating a varied array of opportunities in the first stages of the match. The game was at first prety even but when the African side became more and more sophisticated in depth pass, the balance swayed to one-way traffic. Ghana was very balanced. I noticed one thing that I had not noticed since the Cruyff Netherlands back in 74 WC. Ghana advanced five meters their defending line, naturally forcing not just the offside trap but making something very rare and particular. The forwards swayed to the sides and the midfielders operated closer to the opposite box, reaching the true rotation, famous of the Rinuus Michel's teams. There was no Mexican midfield, this because of two defensive midfielders. The creative were deep on the sides, instead of the center a mistake Mr. Sanchez has always made, and does not want to correct, either on arrogance or ignorance. The game, at 18', reached a level of boredom unexpected. The invisible Guardado and the ineffective Pinto did not made any allusions of being in the pitch. Mexican side were completely passive, while Michael Essien distributing work was a standout. Pavel Pardo's so hailed talent was missing. Andrés Guardado made a couple of attempts, founding no one to cross or to support. He truly makes the difference in a team, even if it is Deportivo La Coruña. The game was so mediocre that at 41' I was more interested in the close shot of Guardado's silver shining cleats (Adidas Predator Power Swerve). The empty pitch, the advertisements were more entertaining to the eye rather than the game. At that time I began to watch Brazil v. Sweden, oddly forwarded. The half time interview with David Beckham, reaching his 100th cap, was really flattering. He talked about his period at Arsenal in the Colney training grounds last months. It is always exciting that a different league player hails your team. Talking about Brazil, Luis Fabiano current form is worth of a Legend and I think that Sevilla is too small for his talent.
In the second half of France v. England Capello made three changes, and Mexico one. I swapped channels, to the game that was taken place at the Emirates. It was particularly curious that Anderson was booed all the game, I think it is because of his current club, the arch-rivals, but since I did not watch the game from beginning I had no elements to reinforce this idea. Brazil, always entertaining in contrast to Mexico, was playing a particularly enjoyable game. Diego's talent boosted by Robinho's dribble and later, Rafinha and Luis Fabiano make anyone turn the watch immediately. It is always a pleasure to watch Robinho; I am always impressed by the way he performs perfect his bicycles. I have not achieved more than four in a row at a high speed and perfect precision. He is totally incredible, and haves everything to explode when he wants.
Second Half of Mexico game improved a little although there were still some boring attitudes. Pato made a good impression in his first international cap for the Major Brazilian side. The stadium was full. Many Arsenal players were on the pitch, although it was not an Arsenal game:
-Sebb Larsson and Freddie Ljundberg
-Gilberto and Julio Baptista
Now at 71' Pato scored a tremendous goal. I was completely impressed and overwhelmed by the finishing. He has the luck of a striker and the talent of a crack.he seems to have luck on debuts although his tremendous talent permitted him score such a difficult goal: Vestibular-proprioceptive system is something that to strikers is of a matter of true-importance. This system is run by the hypothalamus and is basically a spacial reconstruction of the body towards an environment. Pato felt the rebound and immediately ubicated to a shooting position which derived, into the goal. This position was managed by this system in which the goal is tattooed on the mind's eye of the striker. Few people can react to that level.
I laughed at Essien's goal. Not by the perfect execution of the Ghanese but from the reluctant marking and covering on Mexican's defense.
Going back to Brazil, the generational change is even more emphasized than other teams. There is a very fine generation of young Brazilians coming along and they seem to dethrone Kakás and Ronaldinhos.
Guardado acted even more good than his invisible first half providing excellent crosses. Salcido has showed why he plays at PSV and his level has soared up since his arrival at Dutch football.
Mexican changes Zinha and Jimmy Lozano were clumsy.Guille Franco had a chance by a perfect cross by Guardado but could not get it and went wide. The Ghana strikers did a very fine job, even creating what could have been a tremendously well made goal.
Mexico's final goals established a bad victory, viewing that both were the product of extreme luck, above all Salcido, whose will is not questioned.
There were two comments that showed the ignorance of Mexican TV Azteca commentators on English football. First, the pitch size, which from my point of view was perfect. Obviously they did not watched any 'ballet football' at Highbury. According to 'Joppie' the technical skills are learned at narrow spaces, such as the parking lot, the street and the house, just as I did. Thus playing in narrow and short spaces should not be a problem, would be and advantage. Second, pitch state in the stormy London was according to Jorge Campos 'slimy' and 'unplayable'. He obviously did not see Barsa playing at Stamford Bridge in season 05/06.
I promise to deliver the posts of Mexico v. USA and Mexico U-23 v. Haiti. I really had not got the time to make them and I really want to make my point due to the fact that many ideas are in the air.
Regarding the other international friendlies, there were some very interesting results such as the Orange comeback. There is obviously a thrilling Cup arriving this summer and I will try to bring to the blog every match with a review as usual.
Finally Mr. Wenger said that the international friendlies were going to end in an utopic future, due to the absence of competitive in them. I do not necessarily agree but the French has been very punctual in many of his 'future football epiphanies' so I will not discuss it in great detail. But (hehe there is always a 'but' as Aurora Piñeiro would say) the joy of watching a national side in the 'uncompetitive role' is what people like. The tension of a natch in a cup is very strong and everybody need some catharsis from time to time.
-3 in weekdays
-6 to 8 in weekends
-Aproximately 10 to 13 a week so that makes 40-45 a month
-And has been three months so 75-80(how clever am I adding is not it?)
Following my brilliant adding (lol)the media, as I was saying, hailed the way the 'Europeans' played. I mean it was not a brilliant display of talent, but it was not either the footballistical failure. It was a boring game.
Apart from my reluctance to accept the lack of ideas of Pavel Pardo, the setting of the game was a very peculiar one. The strange London setting is a measure Sepp Blatter has been taking to internationalize different football styles across the world. That is why we see commonly playing Brazil at Emirates and Argentina in Egypt, etc. But the Mexican federatives were quite dumb considering his lack of knowledge in fixtures, France was playing against England in Parc de Princes. Certainly all English eyes were put in this spectacular scenario of an ancestral rivalry. The other side of the coin was watching Brazil versus Sweden at the Emirates. A match that seemed on paper absolutely attractive due to the absence of Kaká and company. An opportunity of watching excellent players unknown to us. And the other game was Spain versus Italy. With first class matches I really can not figure how a Londoner could not watch either his/her home side or the Brazil game. It would be very interesting putting Mexico at Stamford Bridge when England is playing against second string countries, with all due respect. Craven Cottage was empty, I thought the match would gather at least some 20,000 but post match figures resulted in 6,500; a joke for such a beautiful pitch.
The other awkward point was the Coach. The manager, the now hated Mr. Sanchez, was enjoying his last match, with the obvious results from .I think there is no much point to talk about because Carlso Albert has said practically everything, and I referred to the match and the national coach in the Mexico v. Haití U-23.
Talking about the line up, it was not really excellent but the 'best' Mexican football players that can be given now. Andrés Guardado was included in the starting eleven and although he was recovered from his biceps injury he was not supposed to play the hwole match. A very imprudent decision in my view, any player should not be risked after such a difficult injury.
I wanted to make this ambitious attempt of viewing two games at the same time, and commenting them, so you will see even three or four comments on three or four different matches. Ambitious, but the Mexican side helped me making an awful game narrowing, in times, to a two and even one comment.
The early chance came at 17'' when Denigris touched a deflected cross by Manchester City Uruguayan player Nery Castillo. Ghana's game began touching several times. This touching at first seemed childish but when it became an advanced build-up, thus creating a varied array of opportunities in the first stages of the match. The game was at first prety even but when the African side became more and more sophisticated in depth pass, the balance swayed to one-way traffic. Ghana was very balanced. I noticed one thing that I had not noticed since the Cruyff Netherlands back in 74 WC. Ghana advanced five meters their defending line, naturally forcing not just the offside trap but making something very rare and particular. The forwards swayed to the sides and the midfielders operated closer to the opposite box, reaching the true rotation, famous of the Rinuus Michel's teams. There was no Mexican midfield, this because of two defensive midfielders. The creative were deep on the sides, instead of the center a mistake Mr. Sanchez has always made, and does not want to correct, either on arrogance or ignorance. The game, at 18', reached a level of boredom unexpected. The invisible Guardado and the ineffective Pinto did not made any allusions of being in the pitch. Mexican side were completely passive, while Michael Essien distributing work was a standout. Pavel Pardo's so hailed talent was missing. Andrés Guardado made a couple of attempts, founding no one to cross or to support. He truly makes the difference in a team, even if it is Deportivo La Coruña. The game was so mediocre that at 41' I was more interested in the close shot of Guardado's silver shining cleats (Adidas Predator Power Swerve). The empty pitch, the advertisements were more entertaining to the eye rather than the game. At that time I began to watch Brazil v. Sweden, oddly forwarded. The half time interview with David Beckham, reaching his 100th cap, was really flattering. He talked about his period at Arsenal in the Colney training grounds last months. It is always exciting that a different league player hails your team. Talking about Brazil, Luis Fabiano current form is worth of a Legend and I think that Sevilla is too small for his talent.
In the second half of France v. England Capello made three changes, and Mexico one. I swapped channels, to the game that was taken place at the Emirates. It was particularly curious that Anderson was booed all the game, I think it is because of his current club, the arch-rivals, but since I did not watch the game from beginning I had no elements to reinforce this idea. Brazil, always entertaining in contrast to Mexico, was playing a particularly enjoyable game. Diego's talent boosted by Robinho's dribble and later, Rafinha and Luis Fabiano make anyone turn the watch immediately. It is always a pleasure to watch Robinho; I am always impressed by the way he performs perfect his bicycles. I have not achieved more than four in a row at a high speed and perfect precision. He is totally incredible, and haves everything to explode when he wants.
Second Half of Mexico game improved a little although there were still some boring attitudes. Pato made a good impression in his first international cap for the Major Brazilian side. The stadium was full. Many Arsenal players were on the pitch, although it was not an Arsenal game:
-Sebb Larsson and Freddie Ljundberg
-Gilberto and Julio Baptista
Now at 71' Pato scored a tremendous goal. I was completely impressed and overwhelmed by the finishing. He has the luck of a striker and the talent of a crack.he seems to have luck on debuts although his tremendous talent permitted him score such a difficult goal: Vestibular-proprioceptive system is something that to strikers is of a matter of true-importance. This system is run by the hypothalamus and is basically a spacial reconstruction of the body towards an environment. Pato felt the rebound and immediately ubicated to a shooting position which derived, into the goal. This position was managed by this system in which the goal is tattooed on the mind's eye of the striker. Few people can react to that level.
I laughed at Essien's goal. Not by the perfect execution of the Ghanese but from the reluctant marking and covering on Mexican's defense.
Going back to Brazil, the generational change is even more emphasized than other teams. There is a very fine generation of young Brazilians coming along and they seem to dethrone Kakás and Ronaldinhos.
Guardado acted even more good than his invisible first half providing excellent crosses. Salcido has showed why he plays at PSV and his level has soared up since his arrival at Dutch football.
Mexican changes Zinha and Jimmy Lozano were clumsy.Guille Franco had a chance by a perfect cross by Guardado but could not get it and went wide. The Ghana strikers did a very fine job, even creating what could have been a tremendously well made goal.
Mexico's final goals established a bad victory, viewing that both were the product of extreme luck, above all Salcido, whose will is not questioned.
There were two comments that showed the ignorance of Mexican TV Azteca commentators on English football. First, the pitch size, which from my point of view was perfect. Obviously they did not watched any 'ballet football' at Highbury. According to 'Joppie' the technical skills are learned at narrow spaces, such as the parking lot, the street and the house, just as I did. Thus playing in narrow and short spaces should not be a problem, would be and advantage. Second, pitch state in the stormy London was according to Jorge Campos 'slimy' and 'unplayable'. He obviously did not see Barsa playing at Stamford Bridge in season 05/06.
I promise to deliver the posts of Mexico v. USA and Mexico U-23 v. Haiti. I really had not got the time to make them and I really want to make my point due to the fact that many ideas are in the air.
Regarding the other international friendlies, there were some very interesting results such as the Orange comeback. There is obviously a thrilling Cup arriving this summer and I will try to bring to the blog every match with a review as usual.
Finally Mr. Wenger said that the international friendlies were going to end in an utopic future, due to the absence of competitive in them. I do not necessarily agree but the French has been very punctual in many of his 'future football epiphanies' so I will not discuss it in great detail. But (hehe there is always a 'but' as Aurora Piñeiro would say) the joy of watching a national side in the 'uncompetitive role' is what people like. The tension of a natch in a cup is very strong and everybody need some catharsis from time to time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
