Zakumi

Th cliché that the WC has started is far from being thruth. But the step made yesterday was a hge one.

Zakumi, according to some sources, is the conjunction of South Africa (SA or ZA) and 'kumi' which represents the number 10. This phenomenological approach give us the formal institution of the football; the 11 players. According to Jerome Valcke, FIFA's General Secretary, Zakumi is truly African and was born in the emblematic year of 1994, the independence of South Africa.


The mascot in the football industry is a doble entity. In Saussurean terms it would be a linguistic sign. It has the responsability of including both the local supporters and the club's identity into 'one being.' To fancy this has a great deal of para-textual aids, such as the common usage of language, the environment and even club's history. The 'Goonersaurus' is a very special charactr which I will not mention in order to not deviate ourselves from the theme.

Take 'Goleo' for example. The Germany's 2006 WC mascot was a complete disaster. Mainly unpopular with kids and the fact that had as companion a ball that speak was annoying to many fans. Another thing to consider with the unpopularity of Goleo was the fact that he was "naked" from waist downwards.



With Zakumi we have the return of the mascot after the wreckage of the last two world cups, and two EURO.

Finally somebody who THINKS has brought us a good mascot. A truly defined mascot with identity.

Football Language

Yesterday Beniamin Chalupinski, MA and pursuing his Doctor degree at the University of Birmingham, went to my faculty to make a lecture regarding the Sport language in Italy. The title, "La lengua actual del deporte en Italia" [Current Sport language in Italy] was a temptation, and when football is mentioned your humble server went to check the thing.

The lecture was based on a Power point presentation and for administrative purposes the lecturer had to improvise. He made several statements regarding the nature of the foreign "invasion" of words to common usage, in this case sport. Words such as 'corner,' 'offside,' 'playmaker' and 'pole position' to name a few, invade the "specialized" journalist langugae. This is due, according to Chalupinski to several reasons; the lack of the mother tongue to produce several terms and the overwhelming presence of the English language in sports, specially football. He made clear statements based on linguistic studies based on Syntactical Structures by Chomski regarding the basis of this problem.

His lecture made me think abouth the way we approach certain things, most commonly in literature and football. In literature the equivalent would be Dante. But in Sport langugage this inclussions seem completely different. He mentioned the case of 'politically induced words' such as diporte that had a different connotation in the Second World War. He concluded his presentation with the current state of inclussion in other languages and the media-induced rejections such as France's and Germany's case.

I did understand sixty percent of the lecture due to the affinity of Italian to Spanish but even so, I could not figur out many things. This was because of the nervousness of the presentator and the quickness and my ignorance of the Italian language.

I uploaded the lecture. I recorded it, but between 1' to 10' it is the usual delay in process of reading. So if any knows Italian (Rodrigo) and would be gently of making a transcription t would be nice to share it here to the community. A translation would be very helpful also(too much to ask I know). The recording is in WAV and it lasts about 1' 14''.

Here the full lecture

Blackburn v. Arsenal 0-4 13/Sep/08

After the thirteen-day international break the Gunners returned with a torment visit to Paul Ince's side. Arsenal smashed their opposition when needed and even had the luxury of debuting the youngest of the young guns; Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere. Although the peculiar hat-trick by Adebayor stole the day, there were several arrivals by the home side that through the first half deserved the equalizer. Jolly, as always, delivers a quality account of the match, mostly fixed on Theo's deliveries.


First half began with a tremendous rhythm by both sides. Van Persie's wide free kick and Roque Santa Cruz's headers were amongst the many arrivals both teams had. But the early lead arrived when Theo, in a very Brazilian play, got rid of three players and put a thorough pass on van Persie who neatly finished on Robinson's goal. Walcott was a pacy demon in the left side creating opportunities, and it may seem that Arsene's words in the beginning of pre-season encourage him to make the final step. As minutes passed the Rovers pushed, with the help of our clumsy captain ofcourse, against a permissive midfield. This type of pressure is the one that Arsenal is most likely to face throughout the season. Nasri's absence was noted particularly in the right side, although Eboue's performance have rose above level.
Van Persie's arrival only went to the side-netting while at 30' a very troubled Arsenal managed to cope with the overwhelming crosses in search of "Ich Roque." Another opportunity came to the Dutchman at 41' when the match was almost at the equalizer. Then when the Londoners could not find any solutions, Fabregas understood what was happening. Then leaded by them a 26-touch play ended in the head of the Togolese earning his first goal of the season.





The following 45 minutes saw a rather dismal Rover side, and the troubles that the put in the first half were fancies of another age. Until the 70' Blackburn did not pose any threat although the match still moved fast. In one of his attack rampages Eboue was knocked by the mediocre Warnock. At first sight it did not seem like a penalty but he arrived too late for the ball. Adebayor finished it perfectly and the Gunners had a comfortable lead. The Ivorian left the pitch and Ramsey came in.
Then it happened. Jack Wilshere substituted Theo Walcott. The 16 year-old kid made his debut, being the youngest Gunner in the history. He proposed several crosses and made some runs, but he can not expect more than that. HE IS SIXTEEN FOR CHRIST SAKE! Cesc seemed an old captain against this youngies and the match ended with the hat-trick of Manu Adebayor.
One thing that I have noted is the current way of corner-taking by the Gunners. Surely this order is given from the bench but one characteristic of the two-touch corner is the slow bend and high pull it takes.

Croatia v. England 1-4 10/Sep/08

Young Gunner Theo Walcott made an impressive performance with a hat-trick, after his second international cap, against what appeared to be the revenge of the EURO elimination. The Croatians looked far beyond the level showed in the previous tournament when a nervous England side arrived the hostile Zagreb located stadium. Here is a review of the "overtalented England" by Brewin. The English side suffered to get the score-sheet to four, nonetheless the suffering against Andorra and the Catenaccio reminiscence in any Capello's team means that although it was an impressive display, Capello has to work really hard to get his team play with such regularity. Brewin might have a little to emotional about this aspect but the fact that the English side gained fairly is undoubtful.





The First half began with an unprecedent aggressive Croatian side. As stated before the English side was entirely nervous with the home side dominating the first twenty minutes. Naturally the push was slowed, and calm came back to English possession through Lampard's effort. After the 25' Corluka's runs began to slow and in the opposite side, Walcott began his show. In that same minute he found himself on-side to finish crossed-post after a complete disaster in the Croatian center back. Still the English side earned possession throughout the entire half, leading to several chances. Fernando Palomo, quoted several times in this blog, put the final word on Graham Poll's World Cup controversy. The Agentinian assured that due to the Australian accent of Simunic he mistook it with the Australian number 3 rather than Croatian. If you remember well Mr. Poll booked three times, yes three times, Simunic before showing him the red card. Funny facts about footy.

Regarding Wayne Rooney Frank Lampard quoted:"Wayne is not a scorer, is a creator." If we take this quote literally the sentence would not go far from a compliment but applied to the game this was entierly true in another sense. Wayne has become an accurate passer, the player that assists the scorer, the talented man than can turn the game with a single flip. His new position was re-acquired in Utd's last season. Ronaldo and Tevez appeared regularly in the score-sheet while Rooney sacrificed himself for the team throughout the season. This is one of the reasons behind Ronaldo 40 goal toll. In this sense he could become the "European link" something that here in America call "Enganche." We will have to wait until the development of the season if he could assure this tag, although he has made the two steps acquiring his new position; thinking in this new role, and having the number '10'.





Second half began with with the threat of Lampard free kick and also some nice overlappings by Rakitic. At 59' Theo scored a copycat goal after an elegant Rooney pass. England kept the pace and possession with Heskey support until Wayne scored with a rather common finish at 63'. If the Croatian side showed any signs of living there was one goal. At 81' the dream became true to the young gun when after a pass , who else but Rooney, and finished neatly with his left foot after a Pletikosa excellent exit.


In other news Tomas Rosicky' injury has extended. The current spell will keep him sidelined until early October. According to Cazech's coach he might not be available for some qualification rounds but I even doubt he could play until November. In any case is more likely that Eduardo reaches full match fitness rather than Rosicky. At least he would be out according to my prediction, ten months out, longer than an ACL/PCL injury. This situation must have take its toll at the Board, but as many Gooners this situation is turning from annoying and distressing to exasperating and abusive. I will forget to name him,in any case, in the 'if' list that tend to occur with Gunners each season.

Regarding Conmebol qualification neither Argentina nor Brazil can pull through according to what is expected in the early stages. Dunga's head may roll before he thinks due to the lack of performance by his side since the las Copa America. Mexico did not had a difficult time beating Canadians and the highlight of the match was the retirement of National side of Cuauhtemoc Blanco. The fact that Mr. Eriksson did not pull him earlier is a national debate around this place. That is for another post in which this blog will render tribute to Mexic0's most brilliant player since Manuel Negrete.

In other results an explosive performance from the Finnish gave Germany a 3 goal draw with an impressive hat-trick by Klose. Wales could have done better against a poorly attacking Russian side and Scotland grasped another late victory to wrap up major events on the International brake.

On Casual Football

Chivas and Pachuca delivered yesterday one of the most incredible matches in the current Mexican league. An outstanding match that gave us seven goals, makes me think about the actual state of the Mexican football. It is irregular like the population itself, as anything in Mexico really. Even Octavio Paz was an irregular "poet." But sometimes there is a light of hope that just, and just, makes us think about a good bright future ahead.





Real Madrid and Numancia gave us today a hell of a match. Also in seven goals, the match was on favor of the capitalines, while the Numancians did everything they had to not give the lead. I do not know what is up with Numancia. Last week they displayed a match full of intensity against FCB (that scum-bags lost hehe) and this week they gave more than one scare in Bernabeu. The difference between a Greece style and the New Numancian style is that the Spaniards can cope with tremendous amounts of pressure and still construct game to equalize or lead. I hope it is not a week thing and that they can keep up with that pace.





Día Siete article today about football and monopoly was something attractive but frustrating. This article was focused in the monopoly industry of FIFA and the discrimination of other sports subdued to our footy, specially in Mexico. José Pérez-Espino made a beautiful and promising introduction questioning the role of the media, local authorities and popularity in general. Then he fell in the dull message of corruption and complacency that many Mexican journalist do. His most idiotic line, clearly knowing that everything can happen in football, was :"Pero ningún deporte es de milagros, [refiriéndose al hecho de que la selección mexicana nunca va a ganar un Mundial]" [No sports is from miracles, [referring to the fact that the Mexican side will never win a WC]]. He then referred to the business of the WC (as if no one knew it) and made a horrific final statement about Mexico's fatal ending WC. Everybody knows hat we are never going to win it, but that does not have to do at any moment with the industry of monopoly. He did not made the clear distinction. So Mr. Pérez-Espino, if you make bright introduction but bad essays just advise us in the same introduction!!!!!

Beautiful Prose

I am happy today. And for me to be happy is found something interesting to be for. In some cases it can "Family Guy," a good footy match, a good poem or a good book, a glass of beer or any news from my uncle.
And today I found this article in La Jornada Semanal. It is not THE LITERARY SUPLEMENT but it floats. Sometimes they write shitty stuff but sometimes, like today, they put up very good things. This article talks about an aspect in particular, it enlightens Barico's prose but something peculiar about it is this definition of prose by the author. The author is Jorge Alberto Gudiño, and in this breve essay he formally delivers with parts of the prose, and the structure of the essay is completely ordered, not a common thing in Mexican literature reviewers.

"Siendo simplista, tendría que decir que su narrativa es “bonita”; pocos adjetivos se acercan más a esa prosa suave, rítmica y llena de emociones. Una prosa que es evocadora y exacta, suficiente a la hora de llevar al lector a los intersticios de la trama. Una prosa que permea las emociones y atrapa de inmediato… una prosa “bonita”.

Y es ese epíteto facilista el que sirve de impulso para liberar al lector de cualquier complejidad, al permitirle que se identifique con los personajes, con sus avatares, que se abandone."

[Being simplistic I would have to say that his narrative is "pretty"; few adjective could approach a softer, rhythmic and emotional prose. A prose that is evocative and precise, enough to take the readers in the details of the plot. A prose that deepens emotions and catches them immediately... a "pretty prose."
And in this simplistic epithet that serves as impulse to liberate the reader from any complexity, to allow him/her identify with the characters, with their avatars, to abandon. ]


He later proposes, although unnoticed, comparative literature methods for Barico's novels. I have also wanted to read "Mutaciones" which includes essays on football, but I have not got the time to do it, but when I read it I will comment on it.
A good day after all.

Arsenal v. Newcastle 3-0 30/Aug/08

The Magpies suffered a massive defeat today at the Grove when the Arsenal FC smashed their aspirations of earning an away win. The Gunners showed a far more better display after the horrid Fulham defeat. This response was hailed by the media but if we take a more deeper consideration this can cause a tricky series of expectations. Even though an overwhelming superiority was proven in the pitch, the visiting team was able to scare more than one in the home stands. There were three breve times when the Magpies had the chance to score but the solid defense by the Arsenal proved that the Newcastle will not be able to produce an effective performance in the following games. The problem was not that the Gunners could recover themselves, the problem was how often can the team produce performances of that quality in a more regular basis or even as often as weekly, as the last season.




The good news for the home side were the reappearance of Cesc and the tie in the Carling Cup against Sheffield United. The first half began with an uncontrollable pace by the home side. The touching and the intention became clear as early as the 2' when van Persie was clearly fouled in the box by Coloccini. Gallas incredibly missed a clear chance (ie. Rosicky against Hamburg last season) in the open box, sending the ball to the last row of the stadium. The Gunners attacked with six players, inflicting damage through the left side and having the overwhelming statistic of 65% of possession. The home side could have been easily one nil up on the score sheet due to the strength of the attacks.
The goal came after a cross from the right that derived in the hand of a Toon defender. Styles awarded the home side a Penalty kick which was converted nicely by Robin van Persie. By the 30' the Tyneside regained control of the ball in the midfield which was actually diminished in each stance. The home side could have widened the difference due to the absence of play by the Northern team. Michael Owen was invisible throughout the whole match and Rob Styles' doubtful decisions put the game in contrast. Robin van Persie's contribution to the match was outstanding, producing two goals and a wide varied array of chances. His role as supportive striker or the "European link" style according to Cruyff, was the finishing touch to a memorable performance. But as usual and following his tradition as the leader of the "Crystal Dutch Club" he left injured in the late second half. The second goal came after a fine play by Denilson and Eboué which was finished by the Dutchman. This definition proved again what the Gunners are capable regarding touch. The first half ended with the picture of a defeated Tyneside against a renewed London one.





The second half was merely a bureaucratic tramit. The Arsenal defense was enough tough to make all types of rebounds and clears towards an undecided and childish away effort. Diego Latorre, as always, clearly depicted the lack of possession of the home side before the third goal arrived: "[El Arsenal] No sabe defender sin la pelota"[The Arsenal does not know how to defend without the ball]. Although this point is apparently easy to grasp, the fact that a team philosophy is completely based in the possession issue clearly reveals the lack of defensive training and basic defending concepts. In the Cruyffean sense everybody should fight for the ball, thus regaining possesion but the Arsenal did not pressure the away side when needed.
Denilson scored the third goal to sum a good overall performance at the Grove. This goal proved Nasri's ability to be when needed, and Adebayor's support. This talks, at least good of him as any other Gooner would not believe after the transfer saga. Then at 62' the Mexican media dream finally capitalized when fellow countryman Carlos Vela made his first appearance with the Red and White shirt. Also Song entered and since the game was finished the youngsters were given an opportunity. Vela proved to be a good supportive striker and connected with Theo Walcott the promising run is put. The final minutes of the match obliged Newcastle to attack but nothing happened. The game finalized with Joey Barton rambles which are so futile and dull that I will not trouble to comment.

In other news I am thrilled to the fact that earlier today the Spurs signed Roman Pavlyuchenko from Spartak Moskva. The talented Russian striker was scouted by Mr. Wenger and it is a shame that the talented European will dress the awful white. The international WC qualifier break should rest some players until the 13th. Some of these encounters will be reviewed according to TV schedules.

Rodrigo has returned to give us a full insight of Italian football. It was indeed a good wait regarding the update that took more than three months. That is something that we are used to here at "Deviations." Good luck to him again.

Finally, courtesy of Carlos Vela news, a picture of the Mexican EPL debutant in action at the grove.

Arsenal v. FC Twente 4-0 27/Aug/08

The important thing about the match yesterday clearly was not either the result or the individual performance but the Friday draw, which actually brought us to a "difficult" group, a tradition in the Arsenal UCL history. Neither FC Porto nor Dynamo Kiev will result easy. We know that from previous experiences. What actually enrages me is that FC Barcelona got the most easiest of groups in the history of the tournament! This is not a coincidence but I will not enter a discussion against the myriad of "fanatics" that the Barca attracts.

Most importantly Cesc's return brought calm and thought to the troubled team. Again the switch from 4-2 to 3-3 was relied on the back of Cesc who beared the weight of the Grove, thankfully, once again. The Dutch side could not got even far from the midfield due to the lack of creative football. Bendtner support and Cesc notice were evident in the first minutes, as well as the lack of fitness by the Dutchman van Persie. The touching became much more practical when the home side arrived to the box.
The lead came on 28' after a fine Nasri play in the box. One of Nasri's many talents is cutting through the middle to either widen the pitch to open space or shot. Denilson tried the goal as well as van Persie, when failed to score in a very good position at 37'. Cesc failed his second pass of the season, with another in pre-season.




The second goal came after a rampage from Gallas deflected by a Bendtner' previous shot. Bendtner had an outstanding performance, accepting his role as supportive striker. Meanwhile the Dutch side earned their only opposition through a Jansen free-kick. At 66' something strange happened. Theo Walcott scored a beautiful goal from the left side with a world class finishing. Thierry Henry scored a beautiful goal from the left side with a world class finishing. No! But what did I just wrote? Yes indeed was the Englishman but the awkward remembrance of such a finishing brought to my mind many goals from that exact position, with that exact foot, with that exact resilience, even with that same pair of boots (same brand, new model).




Time passed as the Gunners assured a fine win against no opposition. As the game reached the end I was wondering on the strange technique of Bendtner. He seems to have a uncomfort with the left side. This is pictured mainly on his way of receiving the ball. He does not make that movement naturally as Cesc or Zidane but he does it forced. And this way was that the definition of the fourth goal ended when the "Robosaur" finished with the help of the defender against a bad exit from the keeper.

The tie against a Portuguese side always brings troubles to English teams and in this way this will not be an exception. Groups ended like this:

Fulham v. Arsenal 1-0 23/Aug/08

Today misery surrounded Craven Cottage for Arsenal supporters. Certainly the train trip will not be as cheering as it should be from the last couple decades due to the miserable loss. Surely pundits will be applauding themselves after such early overcome in Arsenal's season, showing in the past two games the worst of their worst. Despite this unpromising start many believe that the Gunners should rise to earn their "common" fourth place in the title contention, but the truth is that by the way the side has been playing a fourth place would be rather welcome. Player's ratings are available here, which I agree in some.

One of the questions was how can Wenger's side cope without the presence of EURO champion Cesc? This question was solved within the first minutes of the match; Ebou'e still had his ominous deeds of complaining as well has his Disappearance in the pitch. Manu Adebayor shot wide at 11' on a set by van Persie. The visiting side indeed came out of the tunnel very confused but in the first fifteen minutes the team could not grasp a loose ball neither progress in possession. The absence of midfield work was utterly balanced by the full-backs, who delivered a decorous role in the remaining part of the game. An interesting opportunity arrived at 20' with a tandem by Sagna and Walcott, finishing in a van Persie shot just wide.



The misery began when the Arsenal conceded a corner which was well taken by the home side. Hageland managed pretty easily to get rid off Gallas' marking, thus earning the lead at 21'. Gallas showed no future and if it were for him the score could have broaden to the Whites. The lack of a midfield in the Arsenal prevailed through the first half and resided only in the hands of the overwhelmed Brazilian Denilson. The mistakes in the clearances nearly had the Fulham going two up, but still the home side did not managed to grasp any play. The first half ended with the horrific picture of a fractured team that retained the possession for two seconds without any idea of playing.

The issue concerning the summer market bring us to a good discussion issue. Names such as Torsten Frings or Loric Cana were mentioned in the storm of the transfer window. But the inclusion of Mikael Silvestre in the London side was more of a surprise rather than relief. I really did not consider him a good buy, since that place is "covered". Traore has been recently put on loan so Wenger may not foresee what is coming.



The second half was an array of pull, disposition and desperation for the visiting side. With open plays in wide spaces, Clichy and Nasri managed to keep some idea of how it should be played a match in such difficult conditions. Bobby Zamora'a shot went over the bar when a Gallas (weird isn't it?) bad marking gave him plenty of time to finish. By the 60' the Gunners created three chances; all from wide shots. The attempts to equalize by the Arsenal became futile and a substitution would be a relief in terms of offering another possibility. But through Bendtner this possibility did not arrived. A good point was the runs of Eboué on the right flank. He looked as in his old days and managed to make at least three of the four free-kicks in the match. These free-kicks, all taken by the Dutchman, were well over the bar keeping home fans more entertained.

The final minutes saw a desperate and idle Arsenal seek the equalizer in the most horrible ways possible. The loss against a side that the previous season was struggling to keep the category is a shock, not for title contendency, but for the things to come, that at first hand look more than horrible.

Arsenal v. West Bromwich Albion 1-0 16/Aug/08

The new season began and new signing Samir Nasri won the game for the Gunners, as in his official EPL debut scored an early winner to bring calm and ease to the troubled London side. For moments West Brom could have brought problems to the home side but the Londoners slowed the pace and held tight in the back. Certainly the absence of EURO King Skipper Cesc had some weight but the lads could cope with such terrible absence. The Insider, through soccer net does well in revise the failures of our team.





The match had not even started, figuratively, when the newcomer was fed by Denilson in the box after a play that the Frenchman had started. A typical Arsenal play gave the one-nil lead at 4'. Nasri tried the goal in two occasions, both ineffectively. Gallas shot went just wide at 10'. Things passed quite calmly as West Brom had wished no more goals. Apart from that, some chances were given in the first thirty minutes, but they did not took much relevance due to the intention by the home side. The Arsenal threatened the away side several times between 25' to 37' but rested in clouds as a comfortable win was been achieved. The pace was controlled by Nasri, either from the left or right with a swaying attitude, always ubicuous. The center back handled the game comfortably and Manu Eboué did a fine performance against the shred picture of last season. Denilson found himself quite confused due to the scenario but in the worst of cases he could have done it better. The first half ended as it started; an initiative but mediocre home side against a visiting side that apparently did not even knew how the first goal entered the net.





The beginning of the second half, at 50', saw two clear chances to the away team which luckily did not enter Almunias goal. Afterwards Gallas moans and reproaches were ridiculous, this due to his bad marking and not team mates. Adebayor could have extended the lead in the 52' after a brilliant ball by Nasri. In the 61' Arsenal's left side seemed the only solution towards a functional approach to the goal. By the 70' things calmed so much that first-team choices who were not match fit jumped off the bench: Robin van Persie and Kolo Touré. An interesting thing to note was the substitution of Theo and Kolo, they switched positions, instead of arranging another player as Wenger usually does. This might be an interesting issue concerning rotation and Ebaums position. Remaining minutes were a usual training day, with the Albion decided and a resting Arsenal facing Twenty on Wednesday.

The "New-new" Zidane

The "New-new" category is something that has to do with archetypes and archetype-rebuilding. Thus Phil Ball, in this article, refers to Kun Agüero I will take that equivalence to make a chain, with this talented French child. But in this case if we follow Ball's path we are witnesssing the New-new Zidane. I ussually do no write in Spanish but this time:
NO MAMEN!!!