You are an idiot. If you can actually describe to me the origins of the club which does have Irish roots and talk about the historical, religious, and social background and justify it that way I might even agree. But if you think it's an Irish jersey because of the colors, and you think it's an Irish team, or worse yet, if you actually think that it's a Republic of Ireland jersey then you my friend (first swear in my blog coming up), are an asshole.
And you are my least favorite part of St. Patrick's Day.
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.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Champions League: Round of 16
Well I got 5 out of 8 right, and that was even after the first leg, but at least it was better than my first foray into picking the EPL. Here are some quick recaps of the games from this week.
Atletico was held to a scoreless draw at Porto which allowed the Portuguese to go through thanks to the away goals rule. All accounts state Porto's dominance and after their 2-2 win away from home a ticket to the next round seems well deserved to me.
Villareal came out 2-1 winners against Panathinaikos in a hostile Greek environment. The win put them through 3-2 on aggregate.
Chelsea left it late, Didier Drogba scoring in the 83rd minute against Juventus to tie the score at 2-2. The Ivorian's winner at home pushed Chelsea through 3-2 on aggregate. Hiddink looks to have his Blues firing on all cylinders.
Bayern, well...what can you say? The German giants humiliated Sporting Lisbon once again and go through with an astounding 12-1 aggregate.
Roma were the 1-0 victors at the Stadio Olimpico yet suffered heartbreak in the penalties as Arsenal's earlier victory by the same score put the tie into extra time. Tonetto's miss put the Gunners through. I was really rooting for Roma as I am a huge Totti fan and it would have been cool to have a team play a final in its home stadium.
A game Inter side was not enough to knock off the Manchester United juggernaut. Inter acquitted themselves well but goals early in each half from Nemanja Vidic and Christiano Ronaldo sent the 3rd Italian team of the week home. United remain on course for an unprecedented 5 trophies.
No one would count out a scrappy Lyon side after they drew at home with Barcelona but the Spanish proved too talented at Camp Nou. Goals by Messi, Eto'o, and Henry (2) within 18 minutes in the first half ultimately led to a comfortable 5-2 victory for the Spanish side and push them through 6-3 on aggregate.
But the most important match of course...
Liverpool ran riot on Real Madrid. 4-0. Unbelievable! I predicted they'd play it safe with a lead and an away goal in hand. They've adopted this strategy before and it's actually led to them losing some second-leg home matches while still managing to progress. But this time Rafa went for the jugular and it payed off big time. Liverpool piled on from the whistle and dominated play in the early stages with goals from Torres and a fortunate spot-kick from Gerrard seeing the Reds 2-0 up at the break. Stevie G added some insurance right after halftime with a sweet half volley. Iker Casillas who actually had an outstanding match for Madrid, was finally beaten for the 4th time on a classic Liverpool break out finished by onrushing defender Andrea Dossena.
Wins like this make it all the more frustrating that Liverpool gets snagged up by lesser sides in the EPL every year but besides that I can't begrudge a classic European victory like this. Knowing they won't have to run into my other favorite team, again, I'm riding high with Liverpool, hopefully to the CL final.
Atletico was held to a scoreless draw at Porto which allowed the Portuguese to go through thanks to the away goals rule. All accounts state Porto's dominance and after their 2-2 win away from home a ticket to the next round seems well deserved to me.
Villareal came out 2-1 winners against Panathinaikos in a hostile Greek environment. The win put them through 3-2 on aggregate.
Chelsea left it late, Didier Drogba scoring in the 83rd minute against Juventus to tie the score at 2-2. The Ivorian's winner at home pushed Chelsea through 3-2 on aggregate. Hiddink looks to have his Blues firing on all cylinders.
Bayern, well...what can you say? The German giants humiliated Sporting Lisbon once again and go through with an astounding 12-1 aggregate.
Roma were the 1-0 victors at the Stadio Olimpico yet suffered heartbreak in the penalties as Arsenal's earlier victory by the same score put the tie into extra time. Tonetto's miss put the Gunners through. I was really rooting for Roma as I am a huge Totti fan and it would have been cool to have a team play a final in its home stadium.
A game Inter side was not enough to knock off the Manchester United juggernaut. Inter acquitted themselves well but goals early in each half from Nemanja Vidic and Christiano Ronaldo sent the 3rd Italian team of the week home. United remain on course for an unprecedented 5 trophies.
No one would count out a scrappy Lyon side after they drew at home with Barcelona but the Spanish proved too talented at Camp Nou. Goals by Messi, Eto'o, and Henry (2) within 18 minutes in the first half ultimately led to a comfortable 5-2 victory for the Spanish side and push them through 6-3 on aggregate.
But the most important match of course...
Liverpool ran riot on Real Madrid. 4-0. Unbelievable! I predicted they'd play it safe with a lead and an away goal in hand. They've adopted this strategy before and it's actually led to them losing some second-leg home matches while still managing to progress. But this time Rafa went for the jugular and it payed off big time. Liverpool piled on from the whistle and dominated play in the early stages with goals from Torres and a fortunate spot-kick from Gerrard seeing the Reds 2-0 up at the break. Stevie G added some insurance right after halftime with a sweet half volley. Iker Casillas who actually had an outstanding match for Madrid, was finally beaten for the 4th time on a classic Liverpool break out finished by onrushing defender Andrea Dossena.
Wins like this make it all the more frustrating that Liverpool gets snagged up by lesser sides in the EPL every year but besides that I can't begrudge a classic European victory like this. Knowing they won't have to run into my other favorite team, again, I'm riding high with Liverpool, hopefully to the CL final.
Wednesday's CL Picks
I'll have my review of all the Champions League action up after the entire round wraps up. Here's my picks for Wednesday.
FC Porto v. Atletico Madrid: (2-2 first leg) 1-2
Atletico advance with a 3-2 aggregate.
Barcelona v. Lyon: (1-1) 3-1
Barcelona advance with a 4-2 aggregate.
AS Roma v. Arsenal: (0-1) 2-0
Roma advance with a 2-1 aggregate.
Manchester United v. Internazionale: (0-0) 2-0
Manchester United advance with a 2-0 aggregate.
FC Porto v. Atletico Madrid: (2-2 first leg) 1-2
Atletico advance with a 3-2 aggregate.
Barcelona v. Lyon: (1-1) 3-1
Barcelona advance with a 4-2 aggregate.
AS Roma v. Arsenal: (0-1) 2-0
Roma advance with a 2-1 aggregate.
Manchester United v. Internazionale: (0-0) 2-0
Manchester United advance with a 2-0 aggregate.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tuesday's CL Picks
Here are my picks for tomorrow's second leg matches:
Bayern Munich v. Sporting Lisbon: (5-0 first leg) 2-1
Bayern advance, 7-1 aggregate.
Panathinaikos v. Villareal: (1-1) 1-1
Panathinaikos through on penalties.
Juventus v. Chelsea: (0-1) 2-1
Chelsea advance on away goals rule.
Liverpool v. Real Madrid: (1-0) 0-0
Liverpool advance, 1-0 aggregate.
Bayern Munich v. Sporting Lisbon: (5-0 first leg) 2-1
Bayern advance, 7-1 aggregate.
Panathinaikos v. Villareal: (1-1) 1-1
Panathinaikos through on penalties.
Juventus v. Chelsea: (0-1) 2-1
Chelsea advance on away goals rule.
Liverpool v. Real Madrid: (1-0) 0-0
Liverpool advance, 1-0 aggregate.
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.
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