"I don't wanna be your friend, I just wanna be your lover...
Denial...
Get swept under
Infrastructure will collapse
I'll do mine
Precious"
It is strange how someone can fall off immediately. Tomorrow I will post the three matches left. WISH ME LUCK!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Mexico v. Honduras 2-1 20/Aug/08
A dull and lucky Mexican side grasped their first win in what will be another rocky and troubled qualification stage to the World Cup in two-years time. Eriksson managed somehow to keep the expectations concerning the qualification but the way the National side played, is far from grace, especially with all the media talk. Although announced even in the food, this match attracted a lot of people but the thoughts of the Mexican psyche were with the gold medal winner Guillermo Perez early in the day. Something that has to be considered is the so-called "Best Generation" of Mexican footballers. The fact that a talented array of youg players in Europe arose from the common standard does not mean that the "Best" concept of football in Mexico is about to arouse.
And it was through the best promising young star, Andrés Guardado, that the first poisonous cross came at 1'. This tempestuous beginning was followed by several plays by the home side, overwhelming from one end to another the visiting side. Vela and Guardado were amongst the finest creating opportunites in both flanks. But it was the other youngster in English football who failed to surprise, again. The Spur dos Santos was invisible all the game, and nearly not mentioned in the comments. The Central-American side was overwhelmed by the possesion of the home side that only through a chance such as a free-kick could harm the National team. The set piece was perfectly executed leaving all the stadium quite for some seconds. After this incident,in 36', the charm that the Mexican side produced nearly dissapeared leaving the Mexicans with a different taste of what would be in another match.
In the second half, with Giovani already replaced and the stands waving for Cuauhtemoc, Eriksson made his second move in order to appeal an offensive style. A save by Oswaldo gave the home side hope. But the things changed when a tremedous rebound strike entered the box from Pardo at 73'. Right after it in the 75' another goal by the Stuttgart player, this one due to a deficit in marking, came from a free-kick. Mexico needed more luck to lead the game in just four minutes, but the visiting side came off at 83' with some respectable pressure concerning the previous games.
In the end Mexico lacked brilliancy and finish in the final third part of the field. The glimpses of talent provide the National side a transcendent win against a sturdy and overwhelmed Hondurean side.
And it was through the best promising young star, Andrés Guardado, that the first poisonous cross came at 1'. This tempestuous beginning was followed by several plays by the home side, overwhelming from one end to another the visiting side. Vela and Guardado were amongst the finest creating opportunites in both flanks. But it was the other youngster in English football who failed to surprise, again. The Spur dos Santos was invisible all the game, and nearly not mentioned in the comments. The Central-American side was overwhelmed by the possesion of the home side that only through a chance such as a free-kick could harm the National team. The set piece was perfectly executed leaving all the stadium quite for some seconds. After this incident,in 36', the charm that the Mexican side produced nearly dissapeared leaving the Mexicans with a different taste of what would be in another match.
In the second half, with Giovani already replaced and the stands waving for Cuauhtemoc, Eriksson made his second move in order to appeal an offensive style. A save by Oswaldo gave the home side hope. But the things changed when a tremedous rebound strike entered the box from Pardo at 73'. Right after it in the 75' another goal by the Stuttgart player, this one due to a deficit in marking, came from a free-kick. Mexico needed more luck to lead the game in just four minutes, but the visiting side came off at 83' with some respectable pressure concerning the previous games.
In the end Mexico lacked brilliancy and finish in the final third part of the field. The glimpses of talent provide the National side a transcendent win against a sturdy and overwhelmed Hondurean side.
Ajax v. Arsenal 2-3 8/Aug/08
The almost traditional match of the legendary Ajax against the North London side is the second match of the already traditional Amsterdam Cup. As Wenger quoted, this title is perfect for the upcoming season, regarding top flight teams that we are likely to face in the Champions league if McLaren's FC Twente is beaten next week. With five encounters in the last four years the prospect at Dutch soil is very interesting for both sides. For the Dutch the new manager Van Basten will have to prove again his ability showed in the last couple of tournaments with "The Oranje".
And it was through Adebayor that the team came from behind and scoring two goals and setting up another to beat the home side. The struggle was tough and sometimes unnecesary but the will of some key players had the win inexorably. The starting XI was more approached to the current EPL line-up. The home side beagn touching the ball in the manner of the Arsenal or should we say otherwise? The Dutch side moved the ball around the pitch encountering its forwards very soon and unmarked, here Gallas did what he is supposed to do; loose his mark. The Arsenal looked confused and desorganized against a well organized Ajax. Few Walcott glimpses and some Stekelenburg saves were the main attraction before the lead came, at 34', through Suarez. A tremendous shot impossible to Almunia, entered the net after a mistake in the marking zone by guess who? William Gallas. The second goal came two minutes after with another mistake by the Frenchman who left Touré against two strikers. Huntelaar relentlessly finished to sank the Gunners with the help of our captain. The match turned harsh after some tough challenges, especially by Diaby. The Dutch talent outranged the English defense.
The second half started with a dismal display of talent by the Arsenal. Still the Gunners looked overwhelmed and distinct. And it was the zonal marking that provided the Dutch side such control of the ball. Kolo Touré did what Gallas was supposed to, and a true defensive midfielder was what Arsenal lacked. Van Persie discussion with Walcott was one of the several things that turned this 'friendly' match to a rispid mid-season like game. Through Adebayor the first goal arrived, at 67', with a fine header from an Eboué cross. Bendtner came off the bench to equalize minutes after, with a thunderous strike after a fine play by Manu. The visiting side deserved the equalizer due to a strong second half dominion. Ade came with the third goal of hte night, after a fine play with Denilson. Youngsters Ramset and Wilshere walked out of the bench having a nice display in short advice. The final minutes showed the inclussion of Senderos as a defensive midfielder. Certainly an interesting variant worth to observe, due to the absence of a defensive midfielder.
And it was through Adebayor that the team came from behind and scoring two goals and setting up another to beat the home side. The struggle was tough and sometimes unnecesary but the will of some key players had the win inexorably. The starting XI was more approached to the current EPL line-up. The home side beagn touching the ball in the manner of the Arsenal or should we say otherwise? The Dutch side moved the ball around the pitch encountering its forwards very soon and unmarked, here Gallas did what he is supposed to do; loose his mark. The Arsenal looked confused and desorganized against a well organized Ajax. Few Walcott glimpses and some Stekelenburg saves were the main attraction before the lead came, at 34', through Suarez. A tremendous shot impossible to Almunia, entered the net after a mistake in the marking zone by guess who? William Gallas. The second goal came two minutes after with another mistake by the Frenchman who left Touré against two strikers. Huntelaar relentlessly finished to sank the Gunners with the help of our captain. The match turned harsh after some tough challenges, especially by Diaby. The Dutch talent outranged the English defense.
The second half started with a dismal display of talent by the Arsenal. Still the Gunners looked overwhelmed and distinct. And it was the zonal marking that provided the Dutch side such control of the ball. Kolo Touré did what Gallas was supposed to, and a true defensive midfielder was what Arsenal lacked. Van Persie discussion with Walcott was one of the several things that turned this 'friendly' match to a rispid mid-season like game. Through Adebayor the first goal arrived, at 67', with a fine header from an Eboué cross. Bendtner came off the bench to equalize minutes after, with a thunderous strike after a fine play by Manu. The visiting side deserved the equalizer due to a strong second half dominion. Ade came with the third goal of hte night, after a fine play with Denilson. Youngsters Ramset and Wilshere walked out of the bench having a nice display in short advice. The final minutes showed the inclussion of Senderos as a defensive midfielder. Certainly an interesting variant worth to observe, due to the absence of a defensive midfielder.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Malone Dies
I have been quite impressed with many of my summer readings (The White Goddess, Selected Letters of Wilfred Owen, Atonement, The Romantic Iconography of the Sea), and now that my vacations are over I would like to comment on the best.
Samuel Beckett has a very attractive method for depicting the strange, the horrid and in some cases the primaeval. Like in "Waiting for Godot" everything seem to be rotten in Malone dies everything appears to be dead. The narrative voice transforms from what would appear to be a third person account to a pure and Joycean Stream of Consciousness.
"I see the pot, the one that is not full, it is lost
to me too. I shall doubtless be obliged to forget myself in the bed, as when I
was a baby. At least I shall not be skelped. But enough about me. You would
think I was relieved to be without my stick. I think I know how I might retrieve
it. But something occurs to me. Are they depriving me of soup on purpose to help
me die? One judges people too hastily. But in that case why feed me during my
sleep? But there is no proof they have. But if they wished to help me would it
not be more intelligent to give me poisoned soup, large quantities of poisoned
soup? Perhaps they fear an autopsy. It is obvious they see a long way ahead."
In this passage the examples are vivid. Malone or Macmann is in his death bed clearly realizing the fact that he is going to die. It is stated in the first line of the novel but the waiting of the death is what interest the reader, as in "Waiting for Godot." The wait is metaphorically taken, due to the absence of time or of things happening. Malone has lost gradually his cane, his pot, his life eventually but it is of supreme importance how the void between the mind and the physical world is reached. The mind is not in contact with the world in the stream of consciousness managed by Beckett, but it is represented in the objects that surround it.
Beckett manages this with an issue that concerns many Post-modern writers; interiorness. It appears that Malone is in a hospital with only a window, that is high above his range of vision, that restricts his perception. This perception is distorted as in "Endgame". A bunker, with only a final reach of vision that could become metaphorically the Stream of Consciousness, a devices for the "New Generation."
Samuel Beckett has a very attractive method for depicting the strange, the horrid and in some cases the primaeval. Like in "Waiting for Godot" everything seem to be rotten in Malone dies everything appears to be dead. The narrative voice transforms from what would appear to be a third person account to a pure and Joycean Stream of Consciousness.
"I see the pot, the one that is not full, it is lost
to me too. I shall doubtless be obliged to forget myself in the bed, as when I
was a baby. At least I shall not be skelped. But enough about me. You would
think I was relieved to be without my stick. I think I know how I might retrieve
it. But something occurs to me. Are they depriving me of soup on purpose to help
me die? One judges people too hastily. But in that case why feed me during my
sleep? But there is no proof they have. But if they wished to help me would it
not be more intelligent to give me poisoned soup, large quantities of poisoned
soup? Perhaps they fear an autopsy. It is obvious they see a long way ahead."
In this passage the examples are vivid. Malone or Macmann is in his death bed clearly realizing the fact that he is going to die. It is stated in the first line of the novel but the waiting of the death is what interest the reader, as in "Waiting for Godot." The wait is metaphorically taken, due to the absence of time or of things happening. Malone has lost gradually his cane, his pot, his life eventually but it is of supreme importance how the void between the mind and the physical world is reached. The mind is not in contact with the world in the stream of consciousness managed by Beckett, but it is represented in the objects that surround it.
Beckett manages this with an issue that concerns many Post-modern writers; interiorness. It appears that Malone is in a hospital with only a window, that is high above his range of vision, that restricts his perception. This perception is distorted as in "Endgame". A bunker, with only a final reach of vision that could become metaphorically the Stream of Consciousness, a devices for the "New Generation."
Arsenal v. Real Madrid 1-0 3/Aug/08
Today's match was sufficient enough to see the Gunners beat a diminished Madrid side 1-0. Hamburg went with the "highly rated and desired" Emirates Cup. But the true concern, besides the good show the home side imposed, was Wesley Sneijder injury extent. I had the hope to see the two best midfielders in Europe, according to the awards but one was resting while the other exit the pitch on a stretcher. Many Madrid players like Arjen Robben suffered immediately. This reminded me the face of Cesc after seeing Eduardo's leg. Many blogs have take this injury without concern but in this space we care extremely about talented players who had suffered injuries, especially in the knee, which I understand.
Regarding the match itself the naming of Jack Wilshere in the bench was one of the most outstanding news. The quality this little lad has proven is irrefutable, and that is why the Youth Development Programs at the Grove are amongst world's finest. The initial starting XI was conformed by the usual preseason youngsters but Theo's naming and the new centerback couple were among the news.
The game started with the good disposition of the London side, with good dynamism and above all a wide perception of the pitch, especially by the two central midfielders. The Madrid side was reluctant in some chances to fight for the ball although in the few chances players like Diaby fought the ball several time too harsh. "Too harsh" is because this encounter was friendly and no one was supposed to get injured. Clichy proved the goal several times going wide and the talent displayed by Samir in several plays was a reminder of my previous hails. By the 30' the pace was obviously slowed with Madrid midfielder Guti having all the work. This may be one of the last matches for Robinho due to the current bid undergoing in London as we speak. Nasri plays are what Rosicky's are not. He has brought the expected balance that Fires did in previous years and when he "disappeared" from the pitch so the game for Arsenal. A couple of headers and shots were the remaining Gunner effort in the first half.
Immediately after the second period started Michel Salgado bumped Robin van Persie in the box. Eventually Emmanuel Adebayor took the lead with a fine definition. Following the spot take, the match itself did not had the previous emotions. The North London team performed particularly calmed using wide open spaces making a still game rather than a moving one. Then at 59' the previously strong Diaby tackles made the horror day. The French international struggled the ball against Wesley and the clash between legs produced a strange entanglement. This horrid scene saw Wesley Sneijder leave the pitch in the worst way a player can. Oh Baby, What have you done??
The concern the remaining minutes was any injury news on the cultured Dutch midfielder. The subs apparition changed the face of the team especially with the youngster Wilshere. His pace and crossing were excellent, and in cases even more helpful than Eboué's. After the injury both sides took care and reaching the ninety-minute mark Denilson still fought for every loose ball, a reminiscence of Gilberto's talent (obviously the former Arsenal captain tutored him).
Regarding the match itself the naming of Jack Wilshere in the bench was one of the most outstanding news. The quality this little lad has proven is irrefutable, and that is why the Youth Development Programs at the Grove are amongst world's finest. The initial starting XI was conformed by the usual preseason youngsters but Theo's naming and the new centerback couple were among the news.
The game started with the good disposition of the London side, with good dynamism and above all a wide perception of the pitch, especially by the two central midfielders. The Madrid side was reluctant in some chances to fight for the ball although in the few chances players like Diaby fought the ball several time too harsh. "Too harsh" is because this encounter was friendly and no one was supposed to get injured. Clichy proved the goal several times going wide and the talent displayed by Samir in several plays was a reminder of my previous hails. By the 30' the pace was obviously slowed with Madrid midfielder Guti having all the work. This may be one of the last matches for Robinho due to the current bid undergoing in London as we speak. Nasri plays are what Rosicky's are not. He has brought the expected balance that Fires did in previous years and when he "disappeared" from the pitch so the game for Arsenal. A couple of headers and shots were the remaining Gunner effort in the first half.
Immediately after the second period started Michel Salgado bumped Robin van Persie in the box. Eventually Emmanuel Adebayor took the lead with a fine definition. Following the spot take, the match itself did not had the previous emotions. The North London team performed particularly calmed using wide open spaces making a still game rather than a moving one. Then at 59' the previously strong Diaby tackles made the horror day. The French international struggled the ball against Wesley and the clash between legs produced a strange entanglement. This horrid scene saw Wesley Sneijder leave the pitch in the worst way a player can. Oh Baby, What have you done??
The concern the remaining minutes was any injury news on the cultured Dutch midfielder. The subs apparition changed the face of the team especially with the youngster Wilshere. His pace and crossing were excellent, and in cases even more helpful than Eboué's. After the injury both sides took care and reaching the ninety-minute mark Denilson still fought for every loose ball, a reminiscence of Gilberto's talent (obviously the former Arsenal captain tutored him).
Monday, August 4, 2008
Arsenal v. Juventus 0-1 2/Aug/08
Finally the 2008/2009 season has begun for this blog with the first broadcast in Mexican TV of an Arsenal match. So far the pre-season balance has gone in favour of the Gunners beating several teams from the affiliate Barnet to the former Bundesliga Champions Stuttgart. Certainly the young side has plenty of expectations this tournament and it will be a terrific thing that the silverware income would be a more shiny trophy than the Emirates Cup now reviewed.
Some of my expectations are among the very young core of the team; the reserves and U-18's. Nacer Baracite and Fran Merida are supposed to take the leap Cesc did when a team plagued with injuries forced the manager to show him off. Of course the development of key players and incoming players are the main reason for every fan but the young side has to be determinate if the silverware next May can show. I hope the team can improve even more despite several "distractions" which any Arsenal fan can identify with no further help.
Two hours earlier Real Madrid imposed 2-1 on a relatively weak Hamburg. The match showed us the magical definition of Zidan. Yes, Zidan. The following game had the particularity of being one of the youngest Arsenal side I have ever seen. The prospects for this match were sixteen-year old Jack Wilshere, Vela, Ramsey and Hoyte; with the hope of self-reediming in this blog.
The match started with a highly mobile Arsenal side, with Ramsey as main midfielder and Denilson controlingthe pace of the game. I was really impressed on the overall performance of the Brazilian player who seems more and more focused every time. The home side made all their initial approaches from this two players. Several attempts were made on the side with Eboué setting up Bendtner in three occassions. The first chance was a long driven cross from Hoyte that ended in a slow volley by Wilshere. The strong opposition denied many attempts, especially shots that went wide by both Eboué and "Robosaur" Bendtner. The match, at 30', began to even in possesion and the game became more calmed just with glimpses by Arsenal's talent. Ramsey showed his ability with an inbox play that was very impressive.
Juventus took the lead at 37'. Vincenzo Iaquinta took a set piece with a fast low shot that was later deviated by Trezeguet. In the first glance it appeared to be an offside but the repetition made it definite: the offside was clear. Nevertheless the team step up the challenge and the remaining minutes of the first half showed the good tactical training the youngsters have had from Neil Banfield in previous years.
The second half saw several inclusions in the first squad with subs like Gallas, Diaby and Adebayor. Chances came from the overlapping sides above all from the left with Gibbs, and Wilshere displaying overwhelming quality. Miguel Simón brought the issue of another essay I am currently writing; the number "10" of William Gallas as a rupture in the tradition. Some substitutions were made after the game turned passive at 60'. Long time have I waited to see the French playmaker wear the red shirt and finally I did. The game for Nasri added even more uncertainty about the quality of his style. In several Arsenal blogs and sites he was pronounced as "unknown" but anybody who extends their sight beyond the isle will see that several top-flight teams have made a bid for his services with Italian giants Inter closing in. The mobility he provided was a key factor to the following steps of the match. He cut through the middle reaching Adebayor's back in three occasions and shooting when required. The final attempt in the match was a fine Adebayor shot that swerved through the post of Gigi Buffon.
Some of my expectations are among the very young core of the team; the reserves and U-18's. Nacer Baracite and Fran Merida are supposed to take the leap Cesc did when a team plagued with injuries forced the manager to show him off. Of course the development of key players and incoming players are the main reason for every fan but the young side has to be determinate if the silverware next May can show. I hope the team can improve even more despite several "distractions" which any Arsenal fan can identify with no further help.
Two hours earlier Real Madrid imposed 2-1 on a relatively weak Hamburg. The match showed us the magical definition of Zidan. Yes, Zidan. The following game had the particularity of being one of the youngest Arsenal side I have ever seen. The prospects for this match were sixteen-year old Jack Wilshere, Vela, Ramsey and Hoyte; with the hope of self-reediming in this blog.
The match started with a highly mobile Arsenal side, with Ramsey as main midfielder and Denilson controlingthe pace of the game. I was really impressed on the overall performance of the Brazilian player who seems more and more focused every time. The home side made all their initial approaches from this two players. Several attempts were made on the side with Eboué setting up Bendtner in three occassions. The first chance was a long driven cross from Hoyte that ended in a slow volley by Wilshere. The strong opposition denied many attempts, especially shots that went wide by both Eboué and "Robosaur" Bendtner. The match, at 30', began to even in possesion and the game became more calmed just with glimpses by Arsenal's talent. Ramsey showed his ability with an inbox play that was very impressive.
Juventus took the lead at 37'. Vincenzo Iaquinta took a set piece with a fast low shot that was later deviated by Trezeguet. In the first glance it appeared to be an offside but the repetition made it definite: the offside was clear. Nevertheless the team step up the challenge and the remaining minutes of the first half showed the good tactical training the youngsters have had from Neil Banfield in previous years.
The second half saw several inclusions in the first squad with subs like Gallas, Diaby and Adebayor. Chances came from the overlapping sides above all from the left with Gibbs, and Wilshere displaying overwhelming quality. Miguel Simón brought the issue of another essay I am currently writing; the number "10" of William Gallas as a rupture in the tradition. Some substitutions were made after the game turned passive at 60'. Long time have I waited to see the French playmaker wear the red shirt and finally I did. The game for Nasri added even more uncertainty about the quality of his style. In several Arsenal blogs and sites he was pronounced as "unknown" but anybody who extends their sight beyond the isle will see that several top-flight teams have made a bid for his services with Italian giants Inter closing in. The mobility he provided was a key factor to the following steps of the match. He cut through the middle reaching Adebayor's back in three occasions and shooting when required. The final attempt in the match was a fine Adebayor shot that swerved through the post of Gigi Buffon.
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