Wow, another smashing of a quality opponent. Stevie G with the hat-trick, add in Riera's blast and Kuyt's typical johnny-on-the-spot heroics and you have a 5-0 thrashing of Villa at Anfield. Villa put on some pressure early and I have to give credit where credit is due. Pepe Reina is not my favorite keeper by any means but he made some quality stops when the game was still in doubt and his assist on Riera's goal was something to behold. He's actually a very effective distributor of the ball which I feel is an underrated quality in a goalie. Great game all around but especially by the man between the posts.
Milan, well, that was a different story. Very frustrating game against Napoli who were very spirited at home. The Rossoneri were actually lucky to escape with a point.
In more good news though my picks continue to improve. I was 5 out of 10 for the EPL and 4 out of 5 for Serie A. I got a couple exactly and even my upset pick of Tottenham over Chelsea was spot on. Maybe someday soon I'll match myself up against a real journalist and see who does better.
International games coming up very soon, can't wait!
Showing posts with label AC Milan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AC Milan. Show all posts
Monday, March 23, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
My Favorite Time of the Week
Weekends mean that soccer will be on. Real soccer, not like the kind displayed by the Energy Drinks on Thursday. Good win for the Sounders, bad defense and goalkeeping for NY. Also a rough day Friday for my BC Eagles whose men's basketball and hockey teams both had their seasons ended today.
Let's hope my soccer teams fare better.
Here are my picks:
English Premier League
Playing on Sunday, game I hope I get to see, are Liverpool and Aston Villa. 2 top five clubs so you think it should be a close match but Liverpool are healthy and red hot while Martin O'neill's men are free-falling. Aston Villa will be the more desperate but Liverpool more confident. I'll call it 3-1 for the Reds at home at Anfield.
Portsmouth v. Everton: I know that Pompey will be desperate for points at home but I can't overlook Everton's advantage on paper, even though they were soundly beaten in the corresponding fixture. 2-1 Everton.
Blackburn Rovers v. West Ham: 1-1
Fulham v. Manchester United: 1-2
Stoke City v. Middlesbrough: 1-0
Tottenham v. Chelsea: My upset special of the week. 2-1 Spurs.
West Bromwich Albion v. Bolton Wanderers: 2-3
Newcastle v. Arsenal: I really hope Newcastle avoids the drop and they have drawn so many times this seson that I think their desperate need for points earns them another. 1-1.
Wigan Athletic v. Hull City: 2-0
Sunderland v. Manchester City: 2-1
Italian Serie A
Milan play away to Napoli this weekend. I don't know a ton about Napoli and can't recall seeing them this year. They are mid-table but they just changed coaches, hiring former Rossoneri midfielder Roberto Donadoni, and drew lowly Reggina last week. I just like the form Milan are in and will take them 0-2 over Napoli.
AS Roma v. Juventus: A big game for Roma but they will not be able to overcome the amount of injuries and suspensions they face. 1-3 Juve.
Internazionale v. Reggina: No contest 3-0.
I'll pick Genoa and Fiorentina to both pick up wins also as they continue to fight for the 4th spot.
I might be able to finally watch some games now that my cable is fixed!
Let's hope my soccer teams fare better.
Here are my picks:
English Premier League
Playing on Sunday, game I hope I get to see, are Liverpool and Aston Villa. 2 top five clubs so you think it should be a close match but Liverpool are healthy and red hot while Martin O'neill's men are free-falling. Aston Villa will be the more desperate but Liverpool more confident. I'll call it 3-1 for the Reds at home at Anfield.
Portsmouth v. Everton: I know that Pompey will be desperate for points at home but I can't overlook Everton's advantage on paper, even though they were soundly beaten in the corresponding fixture. 2-1 Everton.
Blackburn Rovers v. West Ham: 1-1
Fulham v. Manchester United: 1-2
Stoke City v. Middlesbrough: 1-0
Tottenham v. Chelsea: My upset special of the week. 2-1 Spurs.
West Bromwich Albion v. Bolton Wanderers: 2-3
Newcastle v. Arsenal: I really hope Newcastle avoids the drop and they have drawn so many times this seson that I think their desperate need for points earns them another. 1-1.
Wigan Athletic v. Hull City: 2-0
Sunderland v. Manchester City: 2-1
Italian Serie A
Milan play away to Napoli this weekend. I don't know a ton about Napoli and can't recall seeing them this year. They are mid-table but they just changed coaches, hiring former Rossoneri midfielder Roberto Donadoni, and drew lowly Reggina last week. I just like the form Milan are in and will take them 0-2 over Napoli.
AS Roma v. Juventus: A big game for Roma but they will not be able to overcome the amount of injuries and suspensions they face. 1-3 Juve.
Internazionale v. Reggina: No contest 3-0.
I'll pick Genoa and Fiorentina to both pick up wins also as they continue to fight for the 4th spot.
I might be able to finally watch some games now that my cable is fixed!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Weekend Wrap-up
Well I did a little bit better with my picks this week. I even got my first exact call with Inter's 2-0 win over Fiorentina. Called another scorer right too, not that I'm bragging. Anyways a quick recap:
I can't really gloat because it's still unlikely either of my teams, Liverpool and Milan, will win their respective leagues. But that only makes the routs over the weekend a little bit less awesome. Great performances all around by the Reds and the Rossoneri with special work put in by Gerrard, Torres, Inzaghi, Pato, Pirlo, Beckham, and give Pepe Reina some credit. Not my favorite keeper even though he's on my team but he made some good stops and at least one great one.
Other Notes:
Poor Aston Villa. Falling to a bottom-half Tottenham side saw them continue their slide and Arsenal have now taken fourth place back over. I'm pretty sure they won't meet again so Aston Villa really need to collect all the points they can get. But, the road gets rougher as they draw Liverpool and Manchester United in successive weeks. I was kind of hoping this was the year the "Big Four" got shaken up a bit but we might be back to business as usual.
Finally, I have already professed my admiration for him, but some more dap is in order for Pippo Inzaghi whose brace against Siena saw him reach the incredible milestone of 300 goals. Hats off to Pippo. Love him or hate him no one can dare deny that he is indeed one of the most prolific goalscorers in modern soccer.
MLS starts soon. Anyone care?
I'll try to.
I can't really gloat because it's still unlikely either of my teams, Liverpool and Milan, will win their respective leagues. But that only makes the routs over the weekend a little bit less awesome. Great performances all around by the Reds and the Rossoneri with special work put in by Gerrard, Torres, Inzaghi, Pato, Pirlo, Beckham, and give Pepe Reina some credit. Not my favorite keeper even though he's on my team but he made some good stops and at least one great one.
Other Notes:
Poor Aston Villa. Falling to a bottom-half Tottenham side saw them continue their slide and Arsenal have now taken fourth place back over. I'm pretty sure they won't meet again so Aston Villa really need to collect all the points they can get. But, the road gets rougher as they draw Liverpool and Manchester United in successive weeks. I was kind of hoping this was the year the "Big Four" got shaken up a bit but we might be back to business as usual.
Finally, I have already professed my admiration for him, but some more dap is in order for Pippo Inzaghi whose brace against Siena saw him reach the incredible milestone of 300 goals. Hats off to Pippo. Love him or hate him no one can dare deny that he is indeed one of the most prolific goalscorers in modern soccer.
MLS starts soon. Anyone care?
I'll try to.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Weekend Picks
Going down to visit my lady friend in NYC this weekend so I'll throw my picks up here now and we'll see how I did and have a recap on Monday.
English Premier League
Arsenal v. Blackburn Rovers: Despite a nice win over Fulham during the week I don't see how Rovers can contend with a resurgent and increasingly healthy Arsenal side. 3-1 to the Gunners.
Bolton Wanderers v. Fulham: A tough one to pick. I like what Fulham has done this season but every time I doubt Bolton they surprise me and I like them at the Reebok. 2-1 Bolton with Kevin Davies on target.
Everton v. Stoke City: Everton sit in sixth while their opponents here are in a relegation scrap. The Potters haven't won away all season and while they do seem to have more to play for I don't see that changing. A valiant effort might see them snatch a point and I'll back them to do so, 2-2 at Goodison Park.
Hull City v. Newcastle: Picking against Hull never seems to be wise this season but they've cooled considerably and the returns of Owen, Butt, and Duff will tip the scales in Newcastle's favor on this occasion. A 1-2 scoreline snatches 3 vital away points for the visitors.
Middlesbrough v. Portsmouth: Portsmouth have an atrocious away record and Middlesbrough have proven tough at home after defeating Liverpool at the Riverside Stadium a few matches ago but my gut says that Portsmouth is simply the stronger side. Both clubs need the points desperately but I think Middlesbrough lack of scoring hurts them in this one. 0-2 to Pompey.
Sunderland v. Wigan Athletic: Sunderland want to distance themselves from the drop zone but Wigan have their eyes on a still attainable spot in Europe. A hard fought match ends all square, 1-1 at the Stadium of Light.
Manchester United v. Liverpool: With both teams coming off European victories and the usual war of words swelling beforehand I expect nothing less than title match atmosphere at Old Trafford on Saturday. Liverpool were more convincing than United and have an extra days rest. I could go on and on, but of course I'm going to pick my boys. 2-1 Liverpool. C'mon you Scousers!
Chelsea v. Manchester City: Both of these squads are also coming off of solid European performances but I have to take Chelsea at home. 3-2 to the home side in a fast and furious affair at Stamford Bridge.
Aston Villa v. Tottenham Hotspur: Tottenham look resurgent with a revamped strike force led by the returning Robbie Keane. One of the biggest questions in the EPL these days is whether or not Villa can deal with a pressure they've never faced and hold onto the final Champions League spot. I'm not sure of the answer, but I don't think this is the game in which they falter. Villa wins 3-1.
West Ham v. West Bromwich Albion: West Brom only have pride left to play for but I don't think that will be enough. Zola's men win Monday's match 2-0.
Italian Serie A
I'll be picking a select few games this week for Serie A, and that will probably be the norm.
Siena v. AC Milan: Milan have been, much to my dismay, very inconsistent this season. I think the club has settled down a but though after a rough week or so with a UEFA Cup exit and all the Beckham hub-bub. There are still some injury concerns but I think they'll take this one comfortably. 0-2 to the Rossoneri.
Juventus v. Bologna: Juventus could field a fine squad with just their injury list and Bologna have Serie A's top goalscorer in Marco Di Vaio. A surprise 1-1 draw in Turin.
Sampdoria v. AS Roma: Roma's injury woes continue and a little hangover from their valiant but ultimately unsuccessful effort against Arsenal during the midweek will see them fall to an enigmatic Sampdoria side, 1-0.
Inter Milan v. Fiorentina: Mourinho knows that the Scudetto is the biggest honor his club can now win after crashing out to Manchester United in the CL. This might be the best match in Italy this weekend. I expect Inter to win but I think it will be tight. 2-0 to the Nerazzurri.
Lots of action this weekend and I'll miss it all for the Ms. Good thing Comcast threw in that DVR.
English Premier League
Arsenal v. Blackburn Rovers: Despite a nice win over Fulham during the week I don't see how Rovers can contend with a resurgent and increasingly healthy Arsenal side. 3-1 to the Gunners.
Bolton Wanderers v. Fulham: A tough one to pick. I like what Fulham has done this season but every time I doubt Bolton they surprise me and I like them at the Reebok. 2-1 Bolton with Kevin Davies on target.
Everton v. Stoke City: Everton sit in sixth while their opponents here are in a relegation scrap. The Potters haven't won away all season and while they do seem to have more to play for I don't see that changing. A valiant effort might see them snatch a point and I'll back them to do so, 2-2 at Goodison Park.
Hull City v. Newcastle: Picking against Hull never seems to be wise this season but they've cooled considerably and the returns of Owen, Butt, and Duff will tip the scales in Newcastle's favor on this occasion. A 1-2 scoreline snatches 3 vital away points for the visitors.
Middlesbrough v. Portsmouth: Portsmouth have an atrocious away record and Middlesbrough have proven tough at home after defeating Liverpool at the Riverside Stadium a few matches ago but my gut says that Portsmouth is simply the stronger side. Both clubs need the points desperately but I think Middlesbrough lack of scoring hurts them in this one. 0-2 to Pompey.
Sunderland v. Wigan Athletic: Sunderland want to distance themselves from the drop zone but Wigan have their eyes on a still attainable spot in Europe. A hard fought match ends all square, 1-1 at the Stadium of Light.
Manchester United v. Liverpool: With both teams coming off European victories and the usual war of words swelling beforehand I expect nothing less than title match atmosphere at Old Trafford on Saturday. Liverpool were more convincing than United and have an extra days rest. I could go on and on, but of course I'm going to pick my boys. 2-1 Liverpool. C'mon you Scousers!
Chelsea v. Manchester City: Both of these squads are also coming off of solid European performances but I have to take Chelsea at home. 3-2 to the home side in a fast and furious affair at Stamford Bridge.
Aston Villa v. Tottenham Hotspur: Tottenham look resurgent with a revamped strike force led by the returning Robbie Keane. One of the biggest questions in the EPL these days is whether or not Villa can deal with a pressure they've never faced and hold onto the final Champions League spot. I'm not sure of the answer, but I don't think this is the game in which they falter. Villa wins 3-1.
West Ham v. West Bromwich Albion: West Brom only have pride left to play for but I don't think that will be enough. Zola's men win Monday's match 2-0.
Italian Serie A
I'll be picking a select few games this week for Serie A, and that will probably be the norm.
Siena v. AC Milan: Milan have been, much to my dismay, very inconsistent this season. I think the club has settled down a but though after a rough week or so with a UEFA Cup exit and all the Beckham hub-bub. There are still some injury concerns but I think they'll take this one comfortably. 0-2 to the Rossoneri.
Juventus v. Bologna: Juventus could field a fine squad with just their injury list and Bologna have Serie A's top goalscorer in Marco Di Vaio. A surprise 1-1 draw in Turin.
Sampdoria v. AS Roma: Roma's injury woes continue and a little hangover from their valiant but ultimately unsuccessful effort against Arsenal during the midweek will see them fall to an enigmatic Sampdoria side, 1-0.
Inter Milan v. Fiorentina: Mourinho knows that the Scudetto is the biggest honor his club can now win after crashing out to Manchester United in the CL. This might be the best match in Italy this weekend. I expect Inter to win but I think it will be tight. 2-0 to the Nerazzurri.
Lots of action this weekend and I'll miss it all for the Ms. Good thing Comcast threw in that DVR.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Super Pippo
Hey I called something correctly! As usual, the player to pop up with a spectacular effort when Milan needed it the most was none other than Filippo Inzaghi. A hat-trick featuring his usual poaching style sunk Atalanta and with Fiorentina going down to Palermo, Milan has tightened its grip on 3rd place in Serie A. A good performance by David Beckham as well.
Let me just take a minute to declare my admiration for Pippo Inzaghi. If you were to see the man on the street and someone asked you to guess his profession, you would never guess a professional athlete of any kind. He's under 6 ft. tall and stringy as hell and looks much older than he actually is (35). But I love the passion that he plays with. Inzaghi celebrates every goal as if it were his first. The best part is that they are often what you might call "garbage goals". The ultimate poacher has poked balls in after they hit both posts, claimed wild deflections, and even nudge one in with his nose like a seal and celebrated them all as if he'd gone upper-90 from 30 yards away. You might forget about him all game as he gets caught offside time and again. But in the biggest games and at the biggest moments he always seems to pop up.
Sir Alex Ferguson has been quoted as saying that Pippo "was born in an offside position," and I've read at least one other editorial saying his face looks "like a smacked arse." Most people I know can't stand him. But I bet even they would admit that they would rather have him on their side.
Let me just take a minute to declare my admiration for Pippo Inzaghi. If you were to see the man on the street and someone asked you to guess his profession, you would never guess a professional athlete of any kind. He's under 6 ft. tall and stringy as hell and looks much older than he actually is (35). But I love the passion that he plays with. Inzaghi celebrates every goal as if it were his first. The best part is that they are often what you might call "garbage goals". The ultimate poacher has poked balls in after they hit both posts, claimed wild deflections, and even nudge one in with his nose like a seal and celebrated them all as if he'd gone upper-90 from 30 yards away. You might forget about him all game as he gets caught offside time and again. But in the biggest games and at the biggest moments he always seems to pop up.
Sir Alex Ferguson has been quoted as saying that Pippo "was born in an offside position," and I've read at least one other editorial saying his face looks "like a smacked arse." Most people I know can't stand him. But I bet even they would admit that they would rather have him on their side.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Milan and Ancelotti
Milan play Atalanta tomorrow. Atalanta is still clawing for a UEFA Cup spot and I have seen them play a few games this year. Milan need to be on their toes. They should be able to win comfortably even with their lingering injury woes but they need to play all 90 minutes. Fiorentina are breathing down their necks to get into 3rd place and while they have a tricky match against Palermo I think they will putt it out. Milan needs all 3 points and head coach Carlo Ancelotti will still be under pressure.
It is basically confirmed that if Milan do slip out of 3rd Ancelotti's time at Milan is over. He is the longest tenured coach in Serie A and has led Milan to Champions League glory 2 times and 1 Scudetto. But like Benitez the league really has been his weakness and I think that even if Milan stay in third it might be time for a change. I personally like him and often agree with his tactics. I love the 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree formation and many of the players he has brought in have been immense for the Rossoneri. However it has been a long time and many of the players too are getting fairly old. I think, like Rafa Benitez, that he should be given (if he wants it) one more year to bring home some more serious hardware but I at the same time I would be a lot more worried if Liverpool lost Benitez.
So we'll see how the rest of the year pans out. As for tomorrow I predict Milan wins it 2-0 at the San Siro with at least one goal from my man Pippo Inzaghi.
It is basically confirmed that if Milan do slip out of 3rd Ancelotti's time at Milan is over. He is the longest tenured coach in Serie A and has led Milan to Champions League glory 2 times and 1 Scudetto. But like Benitez the league really has been his weakness and I think that even if Milan stay in third it might be time for a change. I personally like him and often agree with his tactics. I love the 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree formation and many of the players he has brought in have been immense for the Rossoneri. However it has been a long time and many of the players too are getting fairly old. I think, like Rafa Benitez, that he should be given (if he wants it) one more year to bring home some more serious hardware but I at the same time I would be a lot more worried if Liverpool lost Benitez.
So we'll see how the rest of the year pans out. As for tomorrow I predict Milan wins it 2-0 at the San Siro with at least one goal from my man Pippo Inzaghi.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Rafa Benitez
There has been a lot of uncertainty lately regarding the future of Liverpool's manager, Rafael "Rafa" Benitez and I thought I take a few minutes to think out loud about the coach and the situation.
I'll say right off of the bat that I do like the guy. He's ok with the media, doesn't usually get too into it with other managers, and seems an honest enough guy. He's brought a lot of talent to Liverpool, much of it Spanish. During his tenure Liverpool have won some major trophies like the Champions League in 2005, in that unbelievable final versus Milan, and the FA Cup in 2006, with Steven Gerrard the likely hero once again. Both matches ended in penalties. So they have shown great skill and mental toughness through the course of 2 somewhat grueling tournaments. Why then, can't they win the coveted league title?
This is basically why the pressure is on Benitez now. The club has enjoyed wonderful success while he's been in charge. His rotating wheel of players and lineups I will admit I could do without. It just doesn't seem to let some players get into a rhythm as I think was the case with Keane. Sure you could say that's just the system the striker needs to fit but I think in this case it drove away a player they could really be using now and its made for some dicey matches. His recent lineup away to Portsmouth was quite baffling with the likes of Torres and Xabi Alonso on the bench. His blushes were spared. But beyond that his overall record and collection of other trophies wouldn't suggest he should be considered unfit for the job. But why can't he win it? No one knows for sure. Injuries have certainly been a nuisance and not just this season. Rafa might argue that he has not been given the control over transfers that he would like. But there's another fairly simple answer that it is pretty hard for a Liverpool fan to admit.
Look who they have to play! As good of a form as Liverpool have maintained for the last couple of years, United's has been just a bit better. Since 2004 when Benitez took over at Liverpool, United have won two Premier League Titles, two League Cups, and have Champions League and FA Cup trophies of their own. They look to be heading towards another. You might argue that another manager might be up to their challenge but so far few other managers have been.
So in conclusion I think Rafa should stay. They should give him one more year and a little bit more control over the transfers. That way when we get to arguing about this next year he will have no excuses and neither will I. But as long as he's the manager he's got my support, whatever that's worth. (Hint: nothing)
I'll say right off of the bat that I do like the guy. He's ok with the media, doesn't usually get too into it with other managers, and seems an honest enough guy. He's brought a lot of talent to Liverpool, much of it Spanish. During his tenure Liverpool have won some major trophies like the Champions League in 2005, in that unbelievable final versus Milan, and the FA Cup in 2006, with Steven Gerrard the likely hero once again. Both matches ended in penalties. So they have shown great skill and mental toughness through the course of 2 somewhat grueling tournaments. Why then, can't they win the coveted league title?
This is basically why the pressure is on Benitez now. The club has enjoyed wonderful success while he's been in charge. His rotating wheel of players and lineups I will admit I could do without. It just doesn't seem to let some players get into a rhythm as I think was the case with Keane. Sure you could say that's just the system the striker needs to fit but I think in this case it drove away a player they could really be using now and its made for some dicey matches. His recent lineup away to Portsmouth was quite baffling with the likes of Torres and Xabi Alonso on the bench. His blushes were spared. But beyond that his overall record and collection of other trophies wouldn't suggest he should be considered unfit for the job. But why can't he win it? No one knows for sure. Injuries have certainly been a nuisance and not just this season. Rafa might argue that he has not been given the control over transfers that he would like. But there's another fairly simple answer that it is pretty hard for a Liverpool fan to admit.
Look who they have to play! As good of a form as Liverpool have maintained for the last couple of years, United's has been just a bit better. Since 2004 when Benitez took over at Liverpool, United have won two Premier League Titles, two League Cups, and have Champions League and FA Cup trophies of their own. They look to be heading towards another. You might argue that another manager might be up to their challenge but so far few other managers have been.
So in conclusion I think Rafa should stay. They should give him one more year and a little bit more control over the transfers. That way when we get to arguing about this next year he will have no excuses and neither will I. But as long as he's the manager he's got my support, whatever that's worth. (Hint: nothing)
Monday, March 2, 2009
Tough Times
The start of this blog finds my two favorite clubs each hitting a bit of a rough spot. Liverpool had their best ever start to a Premier League season but now look to have squandered the chance at another title race. Milan, after a derby setback to Inter, have simply continued to slide.
Liverpool has frustrated me the most since they topped the table for a large part of the season but Manchester United has simply overcome them. That game in hand they seemed to have forever loomed and loomed and once Sir Alex's squad took over they haven't looked back. Liverpool has wasted key points including their shock 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough this weekend. It was a typical Liverpool late season performance as they dominated long stretches but simply didn't take the most of their chances. I fear it looks like that will also be a microcosm of their campaign. They need to get their act together to stay in at least 3rd place in the EPL for a crucial automatic Champions League place. Aston Villa is nipping at their heels and it took a scrappy 2-2 effort from Stoke City this weekend to keep them 3 points below Liverpool.
Milan enjoyed a brief spell a bit surprisingly (at least to me) coinciding with the addition of David Beckham and (not surprisingly) the return of Kaka, but since their derby loss against Inter, which put them 11 points back, hopes are slim. Losing at a game but still, 14th in the table, Sampdoria squad this weekend certainly didn't help. They were also knocked out of the UEFA Cup, a competition they really could have, and in my mind should have won, losing on the away goals rule in the first knockout stage to Werder Bremen.
So things look dire for my favorite teams. Liverpool still has the Champions League where they hold the advantage after a good win at Real Madrid. They have had a great deal of success in this competition under Rafa Benitez (whom I will express my opinion on tomorrow) so there's still some hardware to play for. Neither team is mathematically eliminated from either of their domestic leagues but it'll take quite a bit of good fortune.
Fingers crossed.
Liverpool has frustrated me the most since they topped the table for a large part of the season but Manchester United has simply overcome them. That game in hand they seemed to have forever loomed and loomed and once Sir Alex's squad took over they haven't looked back. Liverpool has wasted key points including their shock 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough this weekend. It was a typical Liverpool late season performance as they dominated long stretches but simply didn't take the most of their chances. I fear it looks like that will also be a microcosm of their campaign. They need to get their act together to stay in at least 3rd place in the EPL for a crucial automatic Champions League place. Aston Villa is nipping at their heels and it took a scrappy 2-2 effort from Stoke City this weekend to keep them 3 points below Liverpool.
Milan enjoyed a brief spell a bit surprisingly (at least to me) coinciding with the addition of David Beckham and (not surprisingly) the return of Kaka, but since their derby loss against Inter, which put them 11 points back, hopes are slim. Losing at a game but still, 14th in the table, Sampdoria squad this weekend certainly didn't help. They were also knocked out of the UEFA Cup, a competition they really could have, and in my mind should have won, losing on the away goals rule in the first knockout stage to Werder Bremen.
So things look dire for my favorite teams. Liverpool still has the Champions League where they hold the advantage after a good win at Real Madrid. They have had a great deal of success in this competition under Rafa Benitez (whom I will express my opinion on tomorrow) so there's still some hardware to play for. Neither team is mathematically eliminated from either of their domestic leagues but it'll take quite a bit of good fortune.
Fingers crossed.
My Personal Approach to Soccer Fandom
My girlfriend asked me a few weeks ago which of the sports teams I follow I like the most. It was a very good question and a hard one to answer and when I did, I initially left out my favorite soccer teams. The teams I named first were the New York Giants, New York Mets, and New York Rangers and the BC Eagles. I'm trying to get into the Knicks but I can't make any promises. Anyways when she asked why I didn't name my soccer teams I had a good long thought about it. I do root as hard for them as I do for my other sports teams. My mood might change depending on a win or loss for them just the same. But I guess what it really comes down to is the connection I have to the teams in particular. For my other sports teams the connection come from things like geography (I am originally from the great state of NY), the fact that I went to school at BC, and from other important things like my parents being fans and most of the people I grew up with also being NY fans. With soccer the natural connections are a bit fewer but the reasons I chose the teams I choose to support help explain a little bit of my approach to soccer fandom.
With no real connection to non-American soccer leagues, geographic or otherwise, and a scarcity of soccer on American TV anyways, I believe the reason I chose to fall in love with my first soccer team really was simply that it was one of the few teams I ever got to see. The Italian Channel that we got on cable, I don't remember its name, always showed AC Milan matches. I couldn't understand anything but I just remember from a young ages watching matches at the San Siro, the passion, the colors, the pace. I loved it all and since I could follow their progress somewhat consistently they became my first club team. My national team came first.
Italy is my favorite international soccer team. I am in fact from an Italian American family on my lovely mother's side but I don't think this played to much of a role in my adopting Italy as my team. It would make more sense to support the US geographically here but as I alluded to in my first post the first time I really payed close attention to soccer was during the '94 World Cup. I would have been seven then and I doubt I had any kind of self-identity about my ancestry playing a part in choosing what I did and did not like. But I liked Italy, particularly Mr. Roberto Baggio. Italy's number 10 enthralled me all tournament. His miss in the final, when he participated despite being injured, was heartbreaking but I have been un tifoso of the Azzurri ever since.
My association with Liverpool and why I support the Reds is the best example of how I generally view soccer. I started watching Liverpool because I liked one particular player: Michael Owen. I thought it was awesome how young Owen was and how skilled he was. Never the biggest, he was always hustling, and scored some spectacular goals. I started following his Liverpool squad and the rest is history. When Owen left Liverpool I remained a casual fan of his but remain a die hard fan of the boys from Anfield. So basically now that I have some set teams to root for I'm basically back to the way I was with Owen. I tend to root more for players than for actual teams. There are of course different levels of my like and dislike for certain teams but usually besides my favorites I am pretty neutral. As long as they play good soccer and have some good players they're fine by me. Even teams that would fall closer to the dislike side of the spectrum have players that I admire and respect such as Chelsea's Joe Cole, Terry, Lampard and Kalou, and Inter Milan's Hernan Crespo and goalkeeper Julio Cesar.
So throughout the course of this blog you'll see me shift my feelings for certain clubs and countries as well as players based on actions and performance. But I'll be a Red, Rossonero, and Azzurro all the way through.
With no real connection to non-American soccer leagues, geographic or otherwise, and a scarcity of soccer on American TV anyways, I believe the reason I chose to fall in love with my first soccer team really was simply that it was one of the few teams I ever got to see. The Italian Channel that we got on cable, I don't remember its name, always showed AC Milan matches. I couldn't understand anything but I just remember from a young ages watching matches at the San Siro, the passion, the colors, the pace. I loved it all and since I could follow their progress somewhat consistently they became my first club team. My national team came first.
Italy is my favorite international soccer team. I am in fact from an Italian American family on my lovely mother's side but I don't think this played to much of a role in my adopting Italy as my team. It would make more sense to support the US geographically here but as I alluded to in my first post the first time I really payed close attention to soccer was during the '94 World Cup. I would have been seven then and I doubt I had any kind of self-identity about my ancestry playing a part in choosing what I did and did not like. But I liked Italy, particularly Mr. Roberto Baggio. Italy's number 10 enthralled me all tournament. His miss in the final, when he participated despite being injured, was heartbreaking but I have been un tifoso of the Azzurri ever since.
My association with Liverpool and why I support the Reds is the best example of how I generally view soccer. I started watching Liverpool because I liked one particular player: Michael Owen. I thought it was awesome how young Owen was and how skilled he was. Never the biggest, he was always hustling, and scored some spectacular goals. I started following his Liverpool squad and the rest is history. When Owen left Liverpool I remained a casual fan of his but remain a die hard fan of the boys from Anfield. So basically now that I have some set teams to root for I'm basically back to the way I was with Owen. I tend to root more for players than for actual teams. There are of course different levels of my like and dislike for certain teams but usually besides my favorites I am pretty neutral. As long as they play good soccer and have some good players they're fine by me. Even teams that would fall closer to the dislike side of the spectrum have players that I admire and respect such as Chelsea's Joe Cole, Terry, Lampard and Kalou, and Inter Milan's Hernan Crespo and goalkeeper Julio Cesar.
So throughout the course of this blog you'll see me shift my feelings for certain clubs and countries as well as players based on actions and performance. But I'll be a Red, Rossonero, and Azzurro all the way through.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
