Backwards Pass

What is it with Manchester City fans?

2011-05-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

Are they the most delusional of the all soccer fans? The most risk-taking of all sports fans? Or just the most confident?

Because if they win the FA Cup, then of course he'll come out looking like the most most alpha of alpha-bro's, and as one who intelligently predicted the appropriate outcome. But, judging by the fact that he is a City fan, I'm not holding my breath.

Besides, we all remember this guy right?

Now what's going to be easier, changing the 'Manchester City' to 'Manchester United' or getting the entire thing surgically removed. Because both options will be easier than waiting long enough to change the numbers in the year.

Great Art + Beautiful Art = ?

2011-05-12T01:10:00.000-07:00

And the fantastic artist has also done El Clasico here.

Introducing, Pool Ball

2011-05-10T03:11:00.000-07:00

Now you can play soccer and drink your Buds under the table. Heh... c wat I did thar?

But really, I'm expecting all of these in every single sports bar in my city ASAP.

Yes, this happened in China

2011-05-09T12:23:00.001-07:00

Say what?

Why Asian Football Is So Delicate

2011-05-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

This fantastic article was on the front of ESPN Soccernet today. The title, "Liverpool hoping for Asian tonic", is supremely underwhelming, as it attempts to tie in Liverpool's current form, Manchester United and the Big Four, Asian academies, sponsorship, Barcelona's visit, and selling shirts.

To be honest, the opportunities and current situation of Asian football do encompass all those things, and many more. The other day, I was talking to a Kiva volunteer, a Brit who spent time in Thailand. One of the things he told me was that the presence of English soccer was mindblowing, and it was Liverpool (and the rest of the Big Four) who are wildly popular.

At first I would think this has to do with ancient colonialism, and that perhaps in countries like Korea, Thailand, China, and Vietnam, the Premier League is the biggest because there are British nationals watching in British style pubs in Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, etc. Of all the international influence, it's the old Union Jack that trumps the American style sports icons of glitz and glamour. In China particularly, you see blown up wall murals of Lebron James in the Nike stores, but walk over to the next section of the store, and it's all Nike soccer. I imagine in Korea and Japan, with other sports like baseball and basketball rapidly growing, it's very similar and soccer still maintains the highest level of popularity and marketability.

Of course, it could be simply that the EPL is always on TV. Whether it's some sort of television rights deal that always has EPL broadcast in Asia, or that La Liga is too stingy and charges too high a price to broadcast games internationally, it is true that you can always catch some sort of game, whether it's Manchester United and Stoke, or Liverpool and Blackpool, there's constant exposure for Asian fans. Which is huge, because even though every country has it's own domestic league (J-League, K-League, Thailand Premier League), all of them in various stages of development, the reality is that most people would rather support and watch the EPL teams that are winning it all in Europe.

The question is why? All obvious indications point to the fact that the EPL is hands down one of the top leagues in the world, and the level of competition between the lowest team in the EPL and the best domestic clubs in Asia is still a huge disparity. Considering that in the past several World Cups, Japan and Korea have been performing better than England's national team, the level of play in Asia is as rapidly growing as is the hunger from fans who desire soccer at that level. The number of names of young 20-something Asian prodigies is at an all time high, and more and more professional teams are taking this into account with successful recruiting specifically from Japan and Korea.

A very curious comparison is with soccer in America. The development of Japan and Korea's domestic leagues started a little bit after MLS was first incarnated, and it is interesting to compare the development and changes of each at different times. While Asian leagues have been putting more investment into infrastructure and improving the state of the game (China's massive corruption), America has been seeking to first bring the public status and perception of the league on par with the NFL and NBA by bringing in massive stars, specifically from England. By most judgements, both Asia and America are about on par in terms of current playing ability, and interestingly, future potential. But the cool part is to examine how different leagues took different approaches. Sure, at a certain point, every league needs several big name signings, such as with Robbie Fowler's move to Australia's A-League, in order to continue the pace of growth and reach a higher level of competition. But the question with MLS, and thus many developing leagues like the A, K, J, and C leagues, is a fundamental one. Will MLS's growth and success be measured when they are finally able to compete with teams like AC Milan, Real Madrid, and Manchester United and prove themselves on the world stage by winning the World Cup? Or will it be successful when soccer is finally accepted as a true American sport. Depending on who you ask, you'll get different answers on which outcome is impossible to achieve.

The question is similar for developing soccer in Asia. When will Asian soccer be considered truly great? When Asian stars fill the rosters for the world's greatest clubs? Or when the domestic leagues have developed into something that their own neighbors and citizens would be willing to root for? This is one of the most important things that people (read: FIFA) need to realize, that the benchmark that we set for these countries has to come from somewhere, whether it's objective success (winning the Cup), or an objective number of tabloid covers on Park Ji-Sung's latest internal scandal/underage prostitute controversy/shooting a teammate in the face. Because while one or another of these scenarios may be impossible in some Asian countries, the fact is that they all have the potential, but not until they realize it. Not until the average Asian (or even American) fan, stuck in some Anglo-cized 'pub' of English tradition, realizes that he is taking money away from his own domestic league by giving Sky Sports or ITV 90 minutes of his attention, that this potential exists only on paper. I am not saying that Liverpool, Barcelona, and Manchester United are sucking the blood and money dry out of each Asian fan they trick into buying shirts and coming out in droves for 'tours' and 'friendlies', but it's something close to that.

A weird analogy that most people will understand is that it's like the elementary school playground when you were younger. Depending on if you were a boy or girl (we'll do boy), there was always that one cool kid who everyone looked up to. And just like everyone else, you followed his every move on the playground with admiration and curiosity. Only little did you realize, that all the time you wasted idolizing the kid, who more often than not was little more than an empty-headed idiot, you could have spent realizing the confidence you had stored somewhere deep inside. Similarly (if you want to do this the other way too), there were the girls who developed 'early', and therefore got all the attention. But at some point, the field evens out, and the good ones, well they most likely were not the ones who were fawned over and spoiled throughout their lives. I'm talking about inner beauty here.

It seems weird to suddenly compare China as a little kid with all this potential inside, and the EPL, Serie A, and La Liga as spoiled kids who have all the money, and likewise, bad behavior, but it makes sense. Because it's the countries like China, Turkey, Indonesia, and the USA, that benefit by having the established teams and leagues show them how it is done, but I think at some point, a game-changer comes along every now and then, and we might just get back to the original meeting of the beautiful game in all it's simple and intended glory.

Kronum

2011-05-03T13:18:00.000-07:00

If you liked my last post, then you'll probably like this. Soccer, rugby, basketball, quidditch, and every other sport known to man combined into one. It looks fun.

We All Come From One

2011-04-26T01:52:00.000-07:00

Peteca, Tlatchi, Cuju, Shrovetide, the human history is filled with games that involve a chasing a ball. Whether at one point we all started off kicking it or throwing it, or if it was oval shaped or round, it seems to be unknown to history. Or perhaps instead of branching off from one main descendant, the game spontaneously evolved at multiple points in the world.

What got me thinking about this was when I stumbled upon something called the Anzac Day Game of Aussie Rules Football. Now, I know two versions of football fairly well, and the insane, fast-paced melee that I was watching through my computer stream was neither.

As I was watching, I was simultaneously on a message board of ozzies who were chiming in with commentary of the match. One of them posted this video clip of a previous year's climactic ending. It took me a minute to try to piece together what I was watching, but I became curiously intrigued.

I've only a typical American understanding of rubgy - i.e. I have no clue the rules and regulations. But after reading a few quick beginner's guides to Aussie Rules, I was able to keep track with the pace of the game. A few things like foul calls and defensive strategy still elude me, as well as why sometimes players catch the ball in the oval and get a free kick, but in all I could feel the same elements of soccer and football and every other playground sport that involves moving an object towards a goal. It was fast-paced, exciting, but most of all, it looked fun.

While I don't think I'll be learning to punch a football after watching my first Aussie Rules game, it did lead me to go on a 2-hour internet search through Wiki pages and YouTubes to try and discover the divergent history of these games. I mean, the whole theory that one game evolved association football (soccer), American football, rugby union, rugby league, Gaelic football, Australian football, all kinds of variations of badminton and futsal, street soccer, etc. It seems wild that there is no one concrete source for how this happened.

To be honest, I've never actually done the proper academic thing and spent time in a library doing research, but I did a bit of internet googling previously searching for the origins of soccer. Which was how I stumbled upon the game of Tlatchtli, the supposed ancient Aztec game of putting a ball through a basketball like hoop, but by using feet and head. From historical accounts, it was a raucous and primitive game of mob strategy, not too unfamiliar when you think about the early forms of rugby (and thus American football) and soccer. Stick massive amounts of people onto a field and give them a ball to chase.

In fact, that is the exact premise of one of the earliest forms of football as we know it. Shrovetide football can hardly be called a game, but it is the in the traditional sense in that it is played annually on religious holidays, such as Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. Different towns in the UK play different versions, but it is essentially the same. In fact, just watch this insane video below.

So maybe there is some sort of primordial soup of human energy and the joy of games, that no matter where you are in the world, there is a sport that involves a goal, a team, and a ball. And maybe just as we could have all evolved from the same ancient Adam and Eve, we all carry some inherent and innate fabric in our brains that tell us to kick, punch, and chase a ball. But still, I think it doesn't matter where it is played, or whether the ball is an oval or a sphere, or even if the goal is a hoop, net, or a pair of sticks, it's the fact that we all are born knowing how to do this that surprises me the most. Just as we all are born knowing how to smile, laugh, and cry.

French Beauty

2011-01-24T18:21:00.000-08:00

And I don't just mean the new kits, because they are beautiful, or the French girls, because they are too.

No, this is beauty, elegance, and freedom of the mind.

France Germany World Cup

2010-12-15T14:16:00.001-08:00

Recreated!

Refait from Pied La Biche on Vimeo.

Chris Hughton to Save West Ham United

2010-12-13T15:16:00.000-08:00

The rumors are everywhere that West Ham are looking at Chris Hughton IF Avram Grant fails.

I don't get it. Who's waiting, and why? Might as well break out the posters saying "Welcome Chris!"

The 52 year-old manager who brought Newcastle from Zero to Somewhat Stable If Not For Insane Owner, would be the absolute perfect fit for a club like West Ham, who happen to be floundering in relegation and underachievement. It'd almost be like he never left Tyneside!

Interestingly enough, Hughton once wore the Claret and Blue as a player. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like I've a knack for these things. I guess we shall see.

Russell Brand and Soccer?

2010-12-11T00:27:00.000-08:00

Oh god, bracing for epic.

Ronaldinho Going to Los Angeles Galaxy

2010-12-10T01:12:00.000-08:00

OK, not really. It's nowhere near official, but trust me (or your own brain) on this one. Rumors are flying everywhere, and all signs are pointing towards it.

We all know Fat Ronaldinho loves to party. And we all know that Hollywood does nothing but party. LA seems like such a good fit for an aging former-World Footballer of the Year. Plus, it would be another chance to reconnect with David Beckham.

The only thing is, does LA even want Ronnie? For the money and power that he somehow still commands (you'd be surprised how many Wizards jerseys MJ sold), I'd like to think that MLS doesn't even need Ronaldinho. After a stellar last year building off of true American talent like Edson Buddle, Omar Gonzalez, and Landon Donovan, do they really need a foreigner, making three times the amount the rest of the team does, sitting out half the season, just as Beckham did?

Remember, remember, the 5th of November

2010-11-08T17:57:00.001-08:00

Lulsy, I wish we could do this everyday. Imagine pranking your friends with a 20 foot exploding effigy.

UEFA Matchday!

2010-11-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

I love every other week! Because we get insane matchups like Gareth Bale vs. Sammy Etoo.

A refresher of the highlights from last week, a la some quality Showboat.

Jeez

2010-10-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

One post in the entire month of September plus zero posts for October? Man I've really fallen off.

Going to get back on this thing...

In the meantime, you'd have thought the 2018 race would be closer to being decided, with USA pulling out and all, but seriously, what is it that they do at FIFA. I'm starting to think they just sit in a circle, play duck duck goose and jenga, and whoever loses has to choose who hosts the next Cup.

The Great Divide: EA's FIFA versus Pro Evolution Soccer

2010-09-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

I've still very much jetlagged as it's the wee hours of the morning and I couldn't sleep. So it's about that time of year that I usually dig up the new videos and trailers of this season's renditions of soccer simulation. Oh the considerations.

First, I give you EA's FIFA 11.

See more Game Videos at EA.com.

And now, Konami's PES11

Now I'm not here to hash out the war between FIFA and PES as that's a dead beaten horse that many have already been on about for quite some time.

But I would like to say that for the past decade+ I've been mindlessly shelling out money every year for EA's new FIFA version, usually about this time of year. It's almost scary how zombified I've become, to the point where I'm starting not to realize just how bland the new FIFA games have become.

I've been playing the FIFA games way back since it was just a wee little FIFA 96. Back then you had to play it on the computer to get virtual graphics, but back then there was also the legendary indoor mode. But anyways, in those days technology advanced so much that every year seemed to be a huge leap in improvement over the last, whether it was graphics, gameplay, or stadium and shirt packs.

These days, it feels like each new version of EA's FIFA is a more watered-down version of the last. This year's biggest improvement in FIFA? Something called "personality".

It seems like EA is trying to continue building on the same gameplay engine they've had for the past 200 years by adding smaller and smaller tweaks, in an attempt to perfect it. Maybe this will be the one tweak that finally makes the game playable. Probably not.

My only thing is that in my dabbling with demo's of PES in the past, it's just that PES is so much more playable. I know it's the same old FIFA-simulation, PES-arcade yadda yadda, but even with the way that FIFA is developed, a lot of times it just doesn't even properly simulate basic things like, well, playability. And Konami's downfall every year has been that it just has never been able to match up to FIFA's visual beauty.

The first thing I noticed straight away in the PES trailer was the detail of the players' boots. PES has finally matured into a good looking game.

It's like Konami gave birth to a daughter who was a late bloomer, one who was smart, quick, funny and agile, but just wasn't much of a looker. While FIFA on the other hand is a lot like the vacant and empty pretty face who always looks better and better every year, but just has something awkward about her internal gears that makes her look funny when she runs.

Either way, that's a horrible analogy. But I can't help but feel like I've been married to the wrong woman my whole life. And now that PES looks just as good and it plays, this might be the year that my (oh so hard earned) money courts a different maker. Even if I don't end up buying PES, at least this year I thought it about even more.

In the end, it's all just for one year anyways before we spend another $60 on next year's game. In the meantime, I'll be looking forward to the promising new Football Manager 2011

Come full circle

2010-08-25T05:04:00.000-07:00

Random nonsense, but I believe at this moment I've come full circle. This is one year to when I created this blog to being documenting my thoughts of the world of football. I've since grown and learned a lot, my energy has been tempered by life's activities around me, but my passion for football hasn't changed a bit.

Tomorrow morning I leave on a 16 hour flight to Taiwan. I spent $9.50 on this month's FourFourTwo with the special on the Special One.

I can't wait.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011

2010-08-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

Is it too realistic when the coders can get Robert Green's trademark moves characterized in video game eternity? Yeah... Back to the drawing board guys.

Captain... Forlan?

2010-07-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

Nabbed via another bloggerfootyblog, but I remember when I was a kid spending my summers in Asia, the equivalent to mid-day cartoons would be Slam Dunk and Captain Tsubasa. I ended up watching way more Slam Dunk because it was on more often, but Captain Tsubasa was definitely the more exciting series.

I love how big anime has gotten in South America, with classics like Macross being entirely translated and dubbed in Spanish. Of course, it makes complete sense that Captain Tsubasa would be one of the more popular series.

Anyways, it seems that in Uruguay, someone made a fitting cartoon tribute to Diego Forlan. Awesome.

The Referee

2010-07-28T03:16:00.000-07:00

I don't know how you could paint this any better. Check this out.

How to Mute Vuvuzela Pt.2

2010-07-19T00:45:00.000-07:00

A different approach than the method I posted before, but nonetheless effective.

"Quiet dust!"

Roy Hodgson to Bring Back Liverpool Glory Days

2010-07-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

Roy Hodgson's mission at Fulham went unfinished. His appointment as manager was Fulham onwer Mohammad Al-Fayed's step towards putting Fulham in the top four of modern English football lore, and Fulham nearly achieved it. Each season under Hodgson got better and better at Craven Cottage, with many players coming into his system and leaving more hardened to the English game. Hodgson is a rare breed of English manager, cut in the light of classic English geniuses who've been classically trained abroad only to return to mother England to gain their share of fame.

Hodgson played non-league in England, but started off managing Swedish teams. In his wild career, he's managed no fewer than 15 teams, including the likes of Malmo, Internazionale, and Switzerland. Some of his experiments resulted in failure. Others, like Inter, were successful in not only turning clubs into sharp institutions with an attitude for winning, but also in winning over the admiration and hearts of supporters. In this way, he emulates the greats, men like Bobby Robson, Terry Venables, and Jimmy Hogan. Other than Harry Redknapp and Steve McClaren, calm and prepared men like Hodgson are a dying breed.

I've long followed Clint Dempsey's acquisition and rise to EPL success. He started off as a young, unpolished kid who was streaky and talented, and Hodgson has transformed him into a magnificent mix of hard-nosed English physicality with pure American athletic ability and determination. There's no question why teams like Milan are wanting Dempsey's number. And Dempsey is not the only gem that Hogdson has worked hard to shine. This past season has been a revelation for Bobby Zamora, who had many clamoring for his spot in South Africa. Other's like substitute weapon Erik Nevland have always seemed to be effective when asked by Roy. Whatever it is he does, Roy gets the best out the individual.

Roy's philosophy is hard nosed and simple. It's English at it's most basic. But leave no doubt about the tactical workings behind his owl-y face. He's got the pedigree to go with his tinkerings of all European systems. So, at the very least we can expect Hodgson to change the way Liverpool play. I'm not a big Liverpool supporter by any means, but the way they've played in the past decade has been very Spanish: lone striker, counter-attacking, and bursts of flair. Fulham under Hodgson were exactly opposite this, and when Fulham and Liverpool met, it was a clash of styles but a beautiful sight for sore eyes. So if Hodgson manages to keep players like Gerrard and Kuyt, he immediately has a backbone that he can rely on, much like the Bullard, Davies and Gera that he's called on most recently.

Liverpool have been spiraling out of control recently, and I think the only one with a less enviable job might just be Laurent Blanc. Finances, image, transfers, and form. It's going to take the classic definition of the complete manager, one who handles everything to spec, to bring Liverpool out of the mess they are in. But, even as many are saying that the "big 4" in England are gone and dead, I'm confident that within a couple of years, Hodgson will have Liverpool back near the top. Maybe then he'll help Liverpool to break their wretched domestic ghost.

Backwards Pass: FIFA, stands for Fucking Idiots Flailing Aimlessly

2010-07-02T23:22:00.000-07:00

FIFA pulled out all the stops and went full on rage mode with the recent announcement of their official stance in handling Nigeria.

Traditionally, FIFA has worked harder to keep politics and soccer separate from eachother than the Southern American states do to keep religion away from the civic sphere. So when Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathon officially disbanded the Nigerian national team from all international competitions after their dismal performance in the finals in South Africa, FIFA responded, albeit slightly delayed, with obvious logic: FIFA has threatened to punish the Nigerian government and football association by... banning the team from all international play.

Recursive cows from Brazil to Montana just face-hooved. Way to go Sepp, you've shocked and awed once again.

Playground Tactics

2010-07-01T23:05:00.000-07:00

I figure that if you've clicked your way here, you must've already seen this clip. Juan Manuel "Matador" Mata lays down the best bit of skill in the entire World Cup. Unfortunately (or not?) it was in training. Against his own teammate Raul Albiol. This is playground bullying at it's finest.

I spent a good 10 minutes trying this move out. Brace yourselves as this trick becomes the next elastico.

I cried.

2010-06-28T00:45:00.000-07:00

I cried like a god damn little baby. Like a lost child without it's mother. Yes, I was shit faced hammered on the curb outside a bar, but I let it flow. Every single tear of anguished, unabashed agony. I fuzzily remember people in cars wondering what was going on, why some kid with an American flag draped over his shoulders, was sitting alone on a curb. I think I then got carried off by my girlfriend.

The USA are done. Out. World Cup dreams finished and gone. Four years of my life are now a part of history, and can now stay that way for good. In a way, it's somewhat of a relief, but it's nevertheless disappointing. Of all teams we had to bow out to, I did not want it to be Ghana. I wanted the heroics. The epic USA - Brazil semifinal battle, the USA - England rematch, the Uruguay - USA dogfight. But no, we went tamely to Ghana. To a team that made us feel cheap, used, and dumb. They basically said "hey, you guys are idiots. instead of wasting everyone's hearts for 120 minutes, all you guys needed to do was just finish one shot. lolz". Dreamland has shattered, and now I'm forced to come back to reality.

But what hurt so much for me was that this World Cup brought back the feeling of being a fan. Of being a 100% pure and innocent, all or nothing, show up or go home fan. It helped that I was blogging for the first time over at the USA blog, that it sort of gave me an extra incentive to want every push, to dream of tactical substitutions for sleepless nights, and to hope for the best. But it was pure. And I knew what to expect. Which is why it hurts.

And in the dying minutes of the game, no matter how many times I had ordered that one extra beer, no matter the fact that I had bruised myself pounding my sides into the table, I had recognized what was happening.With minutes still to play, I saw it, in the defeated shapes of shoulders and slow movement on the screens. We were done. And I was watching the slow torturous death of it. And just as when someone you know moves on or the certain time has come, you take some time to remember their values, the best of times you had, the shared closeness. Memories of qualification, of Charlie Davies, of fans more emotional than me, of my own personal drama that intertwined with the team's path to the tournament. It all came rushing at once, and hit me like Heskey to my chest. It hurt.

What's the rule? Denial, anger, bargaining, and depression? And last comes acceptance? Saturday mid-day, I had moved swiftly through each stage and on to the next. I don't know if it's just my type, or my family history, but I seemed to linger at depression. Because accepting that there was nothing that the team could have done, that starting Findley and Clark would've yielded the same results as starting Gaetjens and Bahr, was not something I could do easily. Blaming Bob Bradley wasn't going to give us three points. It wouldn't remove the sting of the matter of the fact. Trust me. I wanted dearly to be at acceptance, and to be done with the whole mess and to never have to think about it again. But I was caught, somewhere between the ecstasy of seeing a ghost and the alcohol driven sickness of defeat.

Everyone, even non-soccer fans and non-Americans, knew what was on the line. Something much bigger than one person's passion for soccer was visible for an entire world to see. To watch other public luminaries join forces and support the cause was like having physical proof that what you want in the world matters. That the progression of simple game of kickball can be so mindbogglingly epic. For me, it meant a niche part of my life was finally so close the precipice of vindication. I could see the shining sun on the other side, where literally the path was brighter and happier. Instead of being turned around, as would've been the case had this World Cup been an utter disaster, we are all of us caught, in limbo, in a perfect act of balance on the peak, with one way back from where we came from, and the other way towards a brighter future for American sport. Seriously, how much worse can it be. For all of us to know, that we neither failed nor succeeded outright, but instead we have to wait further to decide our path. Honestly, I have neither the heart nor the patience to know the answer. Because so much is on the line, and I proudly see that it's not just in personal terms for me.

The joke for Americans is that in poor countries around the world, children wake up with no food or shelter, little clothing or little schooling, and wander around aimlessly until they find a television in a hut somehow broadcasting a soccer match. However, the child won't be alone, as a small group of hopeless men and women huddle around the TV to warm their bones and souls. Where a win can give a child an incentive to smile, or a draw with political neighbors can create a ceasefire. Where the hopes of a poor nation literally ride the shoulders of 11 men. Yesterday, I was that small child who was searching for hope. In a world where wars exist and oil is spilled uncontrollably, I have yet to learn that life goes on and time does not stop. So living for 90 minutes for something else is the only logical respite I can find. It's unfair that when those 90 minutes are over, I'm forced to suddenly grow twice my age.

I realize I'm probably doing this all wrong. That acceptance doesn't involve writing off the entire tournament. You're supposed to grow. To be able to look back at the history and improve yourself. But this is hollow. And so underwhelming. I wanted something finite, something I could grasp, something that the world could understand. But the sort of questions I'm left with are ones I can't answer. So with helplessness, I say oh well. It's just a game.

The Jay Demerit Story

2010-06-25T15:53:00.001-07:00

I love everything about this man's story. So unique, but so refreshing.

I love you!

2010-06-22T18:26:00.000-07:00

Wow. So I randomly decided to come back and check in on this blog, just to see if anything new had happened. And low and behold, I was pleasantly surprised to see that people are actually making visits here. Which leaves me feeling horrible, since I've moved onto other outlets with actual audiences (lol, jibe jibe). And even though the idea of managing to some extent three separate soccer blogs is utterly insane, I like the freedom I have on this blog to basically cock about and write whatever I feel like.

So, it definitely won't be near 20 posts a month, but I'll try and make this a regular back scratching post where I can air some dirty... uh, thoughts. Relating to footie. Yeah.

How to Mute Vuvuzelas

2010-06-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

The only solution known to man that doesn't involve Sepp Blatter or moving the World Cup to a different continent.

fookin class

2010-05-17T04:42:00.001-07:00

John Terry catches a beer thrown from the crowd!

Backwards Pass; Fener Fans

2010-05-17T03:23:00.001-07:00

something similar happened a while back... Schalke fans might feel for Fener fans here.

Looking for an author

2010-05-12T23:48:00.001-07:00

Well, for the small number of you that stumble in here, I am looking for an author/trained monkey to post links to funny videos. If you are interested, would like to get into footy blogging, or are just cocking about, email me or leave a comment.

Gots and Needs

2010-05-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

Got Got Got Need's author and artist does funny stuff like this.

Apologies, but most posts these days on here have now devolved into random nonsense.

Neverending

2010-05-04T11:02:00.001-07:00

There is a reason why Arsene brought him a second time around, cause despite his age, he keeps on going.

Waka waka

2010-04-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

I don't know who or how or why this is not EXALIFTIN, but Shakira's song has been selected as the official song for the World Cup this summer.

waka waka, personally I like exaliftin better.

Liverpoogle

2010-04-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

Well boys

2010-04-19T18:51:00.000-07:00

Let's do this mofos.

It's not farewell, as I may have a new face on here, and this will continue to be my back post for things too raunchy to post over there, but away we go!

Meet you over on the other side.

Showboating

2010-04-19T00:29:00.001-07:00

Aiden Mcgeady gets DIRTY

Gotw: Maicon

2010-04-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

You really don't need that extra touch when you're just going to blast it into the corner anyways.

Title Chances Gone for Arsenal?

2010-04-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

Let's let some math do the talking.

(sportsclubstats.com)

So this morning, along with every other article out there came the headline "Arsenal's Title Chances Gone" or "Door slammed shut, title dreams killed". Well, I wanted to find out just how 'killed' they were. Let's do some math.

These are the calculated and plotted probabilities of teams winning the Premier League. As you can probably guess, the top brownish color is Chelsea at 66.1%, with Manchester United trailing in red at 33.9%. After today's inspirational defeat to Wigan, Arsenal's chances are 0.1%.

Yeah, but I didn't need statistics to tell you it's a two horse race now.

BTeeDubs, the graph came from SportsClubStats.com. I absolutely love the website because it uses so many odd statistical methods for so many leagues, well, it's just too comprehensive. I do encourage you to check it out, as it's always fun to use some rational methodology to your drunken wagers against friends.

Never too old

2010-04-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

Honestly, some players age better than wine. Enjoy that taste Gary.

The race is wide open. Three weeks.

Gripping

2010-04-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

Not nearly as exciting as the close of the European transfer windows, but tomorrow is the close of the MLS transfer window. Hold onto your seats, especially if your name is Robert Pires.

Two bucks says nothing comes of it... But here's to hoping there might be something special.

*Edit

And here we go! Red Bull pull off a deadline move for... this guy?

Heart of a steam engine, legs of a baby

2010-04-14T16:02:00.000-07:00

Behind the silent face is the heart of a lion. I wonder if he gets it from Bob... Anyways, great bit on the rapidly maturing, but still for christsakes only 22 years old, Michael Bradley.

"I know him. He runs the whole game" - Edgar Davids

Top 10 Players for MLS to DP, I mean, sign as DP's

2010-04-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

I always thought Jen Chang was a weird guy. No doubt, he's been in the field for a long time, I remember always seeing his articles up on Soccernet. However, now I am convinced this veteran knows what he's talking about. I mean, he put Fernando Morientes on his list for top MLS Designated Player players.

I really like that. Because I really like Fernando Morientes. It's about time my lust for long-time childhood hero came out of the blogocloset and was revealed (no homo).

Check out the article here!

Not even kidding though, this guy ~~gives~~ has the best head in the world, as evidenced in this saucy video. I get turned on every single time I see this goal. Not to mention the ravaging he gave Chelsea. (no homo). OK, for real though, I think he is the most technical player in the air, even today well past his prime. Not to mention the legendary status he has with Real Madrid and the Spanish national team.

Enuff gushing, check it out.

*edit: I think I'll get my own version of this list up in a bit...

Footballers are artistically retarded

2010-04-09T12:59:00.000-07:00

In a new compilation, 40 Premier League players and managers have showcased their artistic chops in a collection to be auctioned off for charity. Players were asked to sign and draw a self-portrait. So well produced and artistically executed, well, it's comparable to the coloring book of a class of 5 year-olds. Allow me to deliver an artistic analysis of some of my favorites.

Example 1:

Really?! Deco, I know you're paid millions for the art your feet produce, but really? I can't tell if those are hockey sticks for legs, or if he only has elbows.

Didier Drogba was professional enough to title his piece, but is slightly unrealistic. Luka Modric on the other hand has a bit more of a naturalist's perspective.

Modric was certainly able to capture the proper proportions of his own body. Why yes Luka, when you jump in the air, that's quite what you look like.

If you wish to see the rest, jump over to the Guardian, where they have the rest of the ~~hideous~~ ~~err, hilarious~~, I mean, artistic collection.

Officially more exciting than the Champions League

2010-04-08T14:27:00.000-07:00

That's right. The UEFA Cup/Europa League/whatever the hell it is, is officially more exciting than that competition named something that Barcelona are going to win again.

Fulham pulled off a shocker by downing Wolfsburg, and they move on to face more of those "typical germans". Meanwhile, Valencia and Atletico was just boring, as David Villa and Aguero just sat there talking about how they should have moved to London.

Hamburg finished the last of Liege. They're currently experience something of a reverse-Liverpool right now, but they are still dangerous. Evidence -> see Petric.

And of course, the team that guaranteed Europe. Well, they're kind of on track. But not before KUYT.

So there's your match-ups for the final four. I'm picking a Fulham - Liverpool final, where Clint Dempsey styles on everybody and in the post-final celebrations freestyle raps using his ill-chosen MC name Deuce.

Backwards Pass: Hilarious Chris Kamara misses the red card

2010-04-07T11:29:00.001-07:00

It gets funnier the more times you watch Chris Kamara's face. This is awesome.

Backwards Pass: Give the man a drink

2010-04-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

This is truly hard to watch. Cheers to getting better by tomorrow mate.

Gotw: "Title game Joe?", "Nah, I am Joe Cole, and I am a cheeky bastard"

2010-04-04T23:39:00.000-07:00

This did not get nearly enough attention that it deserved. In a game that could have potentially written the books for the title race, Joe Cole knows not the meanings of the words 'pressure', 'appropriate', and 'respect'. Yeah, Rooney was out, but you don't rub it in like this. At least open the scoring by at least pretending like it was hard.

This is the kind of move you put on your mates, and then piss on their graves.

Failblog

2010-04-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

Jump on the train over at Fake Sigi, and witness the fail of epic proportions going on within the 2x4 closet that is the MLS marketing department. Great article, with a very thorough look at how many ways you can screw up the interwebz.

If you'd like, you can always rinse out your eyes with gasoline after checking out MajorLeagueSoccerSoccer.com. Yes Don Garber, that is what you look like. The entire world is punching you in the face for so epically missing the point.

GotW: Lucky Strike

2010-03-29T01:23:00.001-07:00

Backwards Pass: I call bullshit

2010-03-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

Excuse me for not falling for this silliness, but these rumors of rappers about to dive into football, well, it's nothing but struttin' and flexin' nuts.

Am I the only one that thinks this is retarded? I mean, these reports are e v e r y where. It's in both soccer and non-soccer pages (wow, an article in the music industry about soccer without a wag or Beckham in it). Maybe that's a good thing?

Nah. I just want to know, why is everyone falling over the idea of Jay-Z, P.Diddy, LMFAO, Lady Gaga (slippery slope, but highly unlikely) owning their club. Do you really think it'll make your club that much cooler? It's not like Palace would even ever get the chance to pop bottles of Kristal celebrating the FA Cup.

If either of these guys decide to dip their chocolate and champagne covered balls into football, it won't be the same as the typical takeovers we've seen this year a-la-Citeh. I say, pull your pants up and move along. I'd rather have a dirty Russian or Arab take over with actual money than a hyped-up celebrity with the appearance of money. Overpaid players don't need more incentive to party. Or you get this.

That's one way to get back

2010-03-24T15:01:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching Chelsea pummel poor Portsmouth. Malouda is just too dangerous. He doesn't even seem like he is on form, but give him two touches and he'll show you why. Truly scary.

The loss does nothing for the impending firesale at Fratton Park (so everyone has been spouting today and yesterday).

Hmm, but an interesting bit from the New York Times says any cleanout garage sale wouldn't be immediate.

Balotelli caught 'red'-handed

2010-03-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

I'm sure everybody has read it in the soccer tabloids of late, that Super Mario Balotelli was seen wearing a Milan shirt - the rossoneri kind. Well, here is the incriminating evidence.

Backwards Pass: MINEMINEMINE

2010-03-24T10:48:00.001-07:00

Greatest own goal evar?

Summer silly season? September? December?

2010-03-22T20:19:00.000-07:00

Throw your preseason preconceptions out the window. While you're at it, stuff it along with December's pre-holiday form and January's fixture list. This time of year, form means nothing as teams begin to crumble. After watching Chelsea's agonizing and tortuous dump out of the League of Campeones, I just can't sleep easy until Wednesday's face-off against suddenly resurgent Portsmouth, coached by one and only Chelsea ghost Avram Grant.

Speaking of Chelsea ghosts. God, I can only hate this as much as I love this. We love you Iceman, we do.

Possible Leaked 2010 Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool Kits

2010-03-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

So I remember a couple years ago when AIG replaced Vodaphone, that it was declared the most lucrative shit sponsorship in football history. I remember thinking that it all must have been a part of the soon-to-blow bubble, and that there would be nothing else to come close to that, but wait. New shirt sponsor Aon to take over for 20 million a season. Wait. What? Aon is also an American Insurance company? Can they please get a policy against this?

I love this. I have a feeling a half green and yellow away kit for next season would go well all around.

Liverpool caught wind of this, and decided to try and one-up the Mancs on absolutely hideous design.

The authenticity of these is questionable, as the away kit has a Champions League patch. Why would they need that? Here is a better possibility, but with no shirt sponsor yet.

While we're speculating kits, here's an interesting throwback idea.

Y Hallo Thar... Nevermind

2010-03-12T17:24:00.001-08:00

This is horrible. And only worse to watch. Beckham out of the World Cup.

Thoughts before I sleep... David Moyes is a Genius of our Time

2010-03-09T04:11:00.000-08:00

I was just thinking today, as I was watching Everton's unabashed thrashing of Hull City, that David Moyes is a man's manager: he is the one of a kind, genuine, player-fan-supporter of the game. He understands it. He's the kind of leader in a man who you wouldn't know it to guide you in the right direction, but if you were stuck on a captainless boat he would be the one that after several hours people unknowingly turn to rely on. It never struck me as so until today.

For the People's Club, he is the unheralded People's Leader. You really wouldn't give him the credit though, despite his vast and extensive experience. Growing up in Scotland, making his debut for some small club named Celtic, the only version of the game he's ever known is the hard-nosed, physical, in-your-face test of strength and endurance. His game has never been overtly flashy, nor pretty, but his tactics and knowledge belie his thick appearance. Still, through his playing days with clubs from Celtic, to the CU's, Bristol City, Dunfermline, and Preston North End (which for some reason I can only envision a young, but wizened-faced defender roughing it in snow and mud, like the good ol' days), he was never the standout. He was consistent. And steadfast. Attributes of the quiet leader that replaced Gary Peters when Preston North End were facing relegation.

History aside, this season has not lived to the potential that Everton showed in recent seasons past. Last year in particular, Everton showed glimpses of brilliance that reminded us of the People's football. However, ever since the 'black death' swept through Goodison Park, it wasn't just that pundunts wrote off Moyes' side as a bye, they felt comfortable and content to forget about Everton. Hell, I know even I did.

But the thing about Moyes that I realized listening to his press interviews is that he carries a surprising air of patience and, for lack of a better word, faith around him. I mean, in January when faced with the worst injury crisis in recent Premiership history, he remained calm and collected. When everyone else was yammering about the lack of transfer funds and the shitty world economic state, David Moyes made only one move. But it was so key, so crucial, and so genius, the way he made only one signing (a loan at that too, and look at the dividends his American investment has paid). And how he managed to remain patient when so many Rafa's and Mourinho's would have panicked and played the get out of jail free card, is bewildering in today's age of management.

In fact, it even warms my heart. Because the thing that opened my eyes to all of this, was that I remembered in my playing days when I was much younger, I had a coach. But he wasn't just a coach for our team, who ran drills and warmups. He was our rock, our father figure, the man who no matter the situation had all the answers. And when he didn't have the answer, that wasn't the important thing to focus on. He'd remind us of the attitude, to pull our heads out of asses, hard when we needed it, and softly when we couldn't hear. He reminded us that the play never came from the game, tactics, weather, form, or luck. It was the player, and the team. He just knew how to get your internal fire going without having to push it or force it on you. Kind of like this.

The thing is at the end of the day, you listen to Moyes talk about how he was still disappointed at how despite the injury crisis earlier this season, which if had not happened would probably have placed Everton in UEFA contention, happily say "that is just how football goes". And you know, just like Brian Clough, a great among greats in history, Moyes probably walked out of the interview into his post-match talk whistling to remind his players of practice the next day.

Moyes is not the kind of manager you compare with the Mourinho's or Ferguson's of the game. He never will be. Those kinds of managers instill camaraderie, or fear. Machine-like efficiency, or narrow-minded superfluity. They focus too much on aspects that only highlight one part of the game, and by doing so they miss out on the point of it all. No, Moyes is the man who anytime he speaks commands respect, and only because you know that deep down he knows that football is a part of life, and life is just a part of football. No matter the weather, the luck of the fifty-fifty challenge, the injuries, he can only continue to do what he only knows how. If only club owners could act with such maturity and experience, then we wouldn't need to be reminded of the class that David Moyes is.

Classic goals

2010-03-08T22:12:00.000-08:00

I am distracting myself, so I might as well drag you into it. Enjoy some classic, yet brilliant goals.

GotW: Friendly fire

2010-03-04T23:25:00.000-08:00

This is why I like international breaks. They are always bound to produce a bit of class. Niko serves up a bit of swerve this week.

Excuse me, Karim?

2010-03-03T21:39:00.000-08:00

MukMuk!

2010-02-23T21:41:00.000-08:00

Well I spent the past weekend at the biggest party in the world. I've never been to a place that comes close to the madness that is Vancouver, Canada right now. I know snow is usually a bad thing on a grass pitch, but I took some time to enjoy watching some hockey. If anyone is within reason to visit the Winter Olympics, I highly recommend it.

Anyways, I've been thinking for the past couple weeks that this place needs an overhaul. I might get some good design up here. We shall see.

Happy Chinese New Year, You Still Suck

2010-02-15T23:02:00.000-08:00

Actually, it was the lunar new year last night all around the world, but for the first time in a lunar century, China have something to celebrate on the pitch. They won the mini-tourney East Asian Cup, ahead of Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong (who really are just a formality). I don't quite understand the purpose of this cup other than World Cup warmup for Japan and Korea, but the level of rivalry and hatred between all three Asian giants always results in at least a handful of red cards. The final 3-1 match between Korea and Japan was no different, with a sending off to each side.

The sad fact is that this win is meaningless, other than another sorry reminder of the potential that China holds. For having so many people in one time zone, the fact that the best Chinese export outside of cheap textiles was former Evertonian Li Tie stands in the face of the PRC's sorry record. Despite the meaningless trophy, China's domestic league is still being threatened by a late start because of the insanely deep corruption within the league. Then again, it is difficult considering the level of boneheaded stupidity within China's government controlled bureaucracy, which seems to act against obvious logic.

I've always thought that with enough time obvious talent and potential will emerge, no matter what may stand in the way. Maybe for the most populous country in the world who didn't even come close to qualifying this summer, maybe this will give a taste of how to go about letting that talent through.

All that I touch will turn to gold

2010-02-11T18:33:00.000-08:00

Goodbye Sven, where to next?

Sepp Blatter has Charm... with Words

2010-02-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

You wonder by now, surely, who hasn't taken a swing at the Terry scandal so far? We've got journos, players, coaches, and old American television farts. But let's step up the classiness and sophistication here.

"FIFA President Sepp Blatter is surprised that John Terry has been sacked as England captain and has said that the centre-back would have been applauded in some countries for having an alleged affair... Blatter joked that in "Latin" countries, Terry's conduct may not have been considered a problem."

Oh, do you hear that? Yes, exactly. That is the sound of dumb silence that follows Sepp Blatter's bald head. In this case, if you are "Latin", don't be mad. Even though he's already labeled 1.5 continents as emotionally promiscuous, you wouldn't want him calling you "anti-Africa" as well.

FIFA shows true colors, re-hires nincompoop ref

2010-02-09T00:51:00.000-08:00

This is the man who broke the hearts of millions, and not just for drunken Irishmen. You may already know it, but I am a little resentful towards him, and towards bad refereeing in general, but I am not here to touch on the whole camera/traditional refereeing debate.

Nope, just pissed off and frustrated at another perennial annoyance. This.

FIFA has released the list of 30 referees that will be officiating the matches this summer. Somewhere in that crowd of blue, Martin Hansson's bald head is standing there open-mouthed breathing. This was the only response I could come up with in my head.

"Outstanding."

Bravo FIFA.

Add this to list of erie coincidences

2010-02-07T15:07:00.000-08:00

It's odd how looking forward to this summer's clash of country and colony, of friends and foes, that there are so many little bits and pieces leading up to great clash. But this is just weird.

If you haven't already read the tiny bits here and there, well the current dramafest going on over the Terry-Bridge affair scandal is not too unfamiliar. In fact, the guy pictured above hugging the bearded homeless man, who for some reason actually gets a nickel for his opinions, was the Terry of the 90's. For the United States.

He captained the Red, White, and Blue through qualifiers and a thrilling Copa America run that defeated Argentina and Mexico, on the way to a France 98 appearance. Only, months before the World Cup, Harkes was dropped from the team for "personal and leadership issues". It was never openly stated why he was dropped, but losing your captain in a sketchy, "Why is he not here and why is Wynalda so pissed?" kind of way is not a good morale booster right before you board the plane.

The odd thing is that everyone was not-so-subtly reminded of this historic event when Eric Wynalda (the Wayne Bridge here) masochistically reopened the wound on live television on his Fox Football Fone-in show.

"There's a lot of similarities between what happened to us in '98 and what's happening now to England," Wynalda told the AP. "It's an unfortunate time for England, because I know how that can affect a team firsthand. Obviously, we all know how we did in the World Cup in '98." - Eric the Idiot

Now, maybe it's OK because it's something to talk about. I mean, the football media love talking about anything but football. Speeding tickets, car accidents, Posh's latest fashion charity, and personal lives. Nothing is untouchable. But what if there is the risk of ruining your own chances at the world's biggest stage? Nah, screw it! We are heartless tabloids! We want to make money! The World Cup can fuck itself!

But the thing that irks me more is how Wynalda decided to blurt out the little history he had with this "situation" that he feels he can relate to so well. I mean, I'm not going to call it attention-whoring, or even sympathy diving. But, how do you think it makes Harkes feel, when now coach Sampson comes out and says, "well, you know, it's true." I don't think just because you were the victim and goat-bearer of the reason behind the 98 utter failure, you are allowed to get sympathy points. In fact, for the amount that I hated John Harkes before this whole mess, I think I hate Eric Wynalda a little bit more.

Terry axed

2010-02-05T23:57:00.000-08:00

Terry is out as captain. Not completely sure, but it seems after meeting with Fabio, it was the gaffer's decision. However, JT seems set to take it on the chin and deliver nonetheless. The bigger question is not Terry's commitment to country, but if the back four will be formed and functional enough to play together. And of course, can Rio step in to fill in some much needed boots? Should it even be Rio?

Deadline

2010-02-01T02:02:00.000-08:00

Let's see what unfolds, updates to come as transfers happen. Biggest stories today could end up being the rusky Pavylchenko. Let's see how this fairly quiet transfer window unwinds. I'll get a summary up later.

GotW: Pick that out

2010-01-29T22:51:00.001-08:00

Cheeky defense gets stung with a cheekier effort from beyond half.

Wilshere, Weiss, Holden at Bolton

2010-01-29T22:42:00.000-08:00

Jack Wilshere is the latest mercenary loaned out to revival-hopefuls Bolton. Wilshere joins City prospect Vlad Weiss and effectively a loan out yank Stuart Holden as another young gun hoping to make an impact. I can't wait for the first match where Owen Coyle deploys all three barking young dogs. Might Bolton be relevant again by the end of the month?

Backwards Pass: Yanks Out, Mancs Not

2010-01-23T14:40:00.001-08:00

Well this is embarrassing. Here's a wonderful red crowd butchering a classic John Denver song.

Really, who is the guy on the microphone? Who gave it to him in the first place?

More Adidas

2010-01-21T13:15:00.001-08:00

This is too awesome in too many ways. Daft Punk and David Beckham in the same video? What?!

Another great collab to look forward to. Get your inner geek on.

Blatter Part 2: God damnit

2010-01-15T20:47:00.000-08:00

This is why I hate FIFA, bureaucrats, and politics in sports.

No, change that. I hate this man.

Jerome Champagne, a rival of Blatter within FIFA's ranks, was forced out after it was revealed he challenged Blatter over his role as director of international relations. Again, Champagne was described as one of Blatter's closest friends and most trusted advisor. This seems to officially kill any and all opposition to Blatter's throne next year.

So in another political move of removing any voice of opposition, this is what the latest victim had to say to Blatter after the announcement of his demotion.

Champagne said he wished "to thank Joseph S. Blatter for the real privilege of having been able to serve the world of football over the years, all in the noble cause of helping to build a better world.''

Fuck. That.

GotW: Snap, cracker, pop!

2010-01-15T00:29:00.001-08:00

Connor Clifford blasts this one so hard, he sprouted hair on his chest. Cheers to being only 19, with the world at his feet.

Backwards Pass: Bin Hammam, better than Blatter?

2010-01-15T00:26:00.000-08:00

AFC head honcho has come out to suddenly backtrack on his disagreement with Sepp Blatter. Rumors were flying that FIFA president hopeful came out against Blatter in a row over allocation of funds for grassroots football in Africa. However, though the two have been described as good friends, bin Hammam seems quick to smooth over any rough edges.

It's understandable to do this for political reasons, if bin Hammam is really trying to move for the presidency, in maybe the next decade (or sooner if Blatter will finally roll over and die, good riddance). But it does nothing else other than to solidify Blatter's monopoly on control and power within FIFA. Holy hell, even Platini doesn't have the balls to tell Blatter he is wrong to his face. In other words, Mohammad bin Hammam has the balls to stand up and do what he thinks is right. But is his meager 8 years of experience enough to guide him wisely?

He most likely won't be FIFA president for a long while, if at all, but damnit, we need more people like him coming out against Blatter.Sepp Bladderhead needs more reminders that he is not God Almighty.

NYC, they sure can hipsterize anything

2010-01-14T22:42:00.000-08:00

But I absolutely love this and everything about it.

Chinatown Soccer Club is the epitome of every Thursday-night-11pm-ending pickup gathering, where you get to meet and know people by thrashing them to the ground and dirty step-overs do the talking for you. In New York though, they added neat graphics and design to make it look pretty.

Adidas x Chinatown Soccer Club features this sick Sala collaboration. And you know what, I'd pay good money to a Brooklyn scalper to wear these. Not only do they look incredible, but you can bet they perform better than your friend's overpriced, overseas Lotto fakes.

And if you think it's all image, check out their blog here, recently added to my own blogroll. You'll see that they can definitely back it up with some grimey play.

Speaking of what Adidas is doing, I've been keeping this a secret from my friends, because I don't want anyone else I know getting a pair while I am waiting on mine, but I'll share with you guys. Adidas Skateboard has come out with this.

It's soccer related because the Busenitz Pro model shoe is based off of the classic Copa Mundials, but is hardy enough for skating. I think these shoes look incredible. Get a pair, look casual, be cool.

Landycakes, still pissing off Mexicans

2010-01-14T11:22:00.000-08:00

As you probably know, in Mexico there are few men more hated and despised than Landon Donovan. He's done a good job in the past of aggravating the FEMEXFUT. So when this silly commercial aired, featuring Landon dressed as a Mexican trying to win the lottery, there was quite the uproar.

The idea is that it's easier to win in Mexico than in America. So says Landon. At least with him as far away as Merseyside, we can still count on him to continually deliver frustration to Mexican fans.

What a way to start off a tournament

2010-01-11T02:54:00.001-08:00

Fantastic thriller, there's no doubt that the CAN is important to football. But three killed at the head of the games is not a good way to start. This match reminds us that football is a great sport.

Snowed in

2010-01-07T22:29:00.000-08:00

Some odd links.

Kickette picked up that CR7's old WAG Nereida is engaged? How does he feel about this, I wonder...

I always somewhat dismissed the EPL bashing of the money/attitude situation, but this is somewhat unsettling for the inevitable crash that is coming. Then again, it's United.

He looks happy. Hope he plays that way. Watch out gooners.

Speaking of gooners.

And lastly, this makes me lol.

Gotw: 'Ave it!

2010-01-05T15:55:00.001-08:00

Leeds 1 - Manchester 0

2010-01-03T11:57:00.001-08:00

Backwards Pass: Get Money, New Years Edition

2010-01-01T20:13:00.000-08:00

Though money rules the world, not everything in life is all business. Sport, for example, is an industry built by media moguls and millionaires looking to use the machine to turn profits, but is founded in the free idea of fair play. A game between Chelsea and Barcelona has the same basic rules as a Sunday pickup game, the only difference is that one can provide the joy and exhilaration of football for free. However, in recent years, football has been infected by the same quick-buck mentality that fueled the recent worldwide financial meltdown. Short-sighted and selfish, it's owners like these who expect the purity of football to follow the simplicity of an economic equation. Money does not equal success. It never will. Just as in life, success comes with many other things.

Most people don't throw the word "love" around too easily, especially amongst the male Sunday pub demographic. But ask any club or country fan, and they can go on infinitely about love of the game, and love of football. From a physical perspective, money is the furthest thing from love, but would you not want to spend every penny you had for a show of appreciation for someone you love? There is a reason why wedding rings are typically diamond and gold. So shouldn't Roman Abramovich's recent decision to personally re-finance the £340m ($546m) debt be seen as a show of love? Obviously any Pooltard, Manc, or hatedMillwallLion will scrunch their noses and scowl, for without Sugar Daddy's bottomless purse, Chelsea would still be failing to achieve last year's new years resolution of breaking even. Of course it was an ambitious goal, for a club as large as Chelsea to be fully sustainable, but it is an admirable goal.

Regardless, it should be obviously known of Abramovich's love of Chelsea. Billions of his own money in the club. Unlike Sheikhwhoever, Abramovich has actually been spotted at matches. Youth and reserve team matches, mind you. He set up cameras at Cobham training ground to watch his team practice while he travels, and has been known to walk in random pubs to watch his team play.

It's odd then that average fans still don't understand. The media will understandably dislike Abramovich, especially after this court statement.

STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF OWNER
Posted on: Sun 18 Jan 2009
Defamation proceedings will be commenced tomorrow (Monday) in London by Roman Abramovich against the publishers of The Sunday Times.
This follows the publication by them of false claims that he wants to sell his interest in Chelsea FC. Mr Abramovich has already made quite clear, through the directors of Chelsea, that he has no intention of doing so and that neither he nor anyone upon his behalf has been pursuing any such course of action.

I remember reading the one or two dumb articles saying how Chelsea would be up for sale, but as a Chels fan myself I knew them to be bogus and a waste of e-ink. It was typical drumming up of unfounded hatred. So it's unsurprising now that the media does not know how to handle Abramovich coming out to support UEFA's new Fair Play rules. Not many blogs have got this out yet, but this one handles it pretty well. The WSJ also explains the new rules set to be used by 2012, which would require that in order to participate in the Champions League, all clubs must be financially stable and sustainable. This is designed to prevent clubs from racking up large debts in search of success. Though Chelsea managed to reduce their losses this year by £22 million, £12.5m of which was the payoff for Phil Scolari, it stands in contrast to the increase in total debt of the winning champions in 10 European leagues by some £50m, with a total combined debt of all clubs of over £3.8 billion.

Let me repeat that. Europe's overall debt increased this year, while Chelsea lowered their standing debt. Further, most of Chelsea's debt went into equity investment, with construction of the training ground completed this year. So their debt shouldn't even really count as debt. Meanwhile, Chelsea are five points clear in the league, with no plans to buy or sell this January window, with a manager looking to finally utilize the talent and youth of the academy (Kakuta, Sturridge, and Borini, here's your chance to shine). My sweet lord, it is a good time to be wearing blue.

But not if your Pompey. With a precedent already of a team being kicked from the Belgian Juliper League, Portsmouth merely have one month (Feb 23) to show that they won't fall under. It doesn't help then that other managers and chairmen are calling for Pompey heads. RC Lens chief Gervais Martel has already called for Portsmouth to be kicked for the league, saying that he feels cheated after they failed to receive money for the Belhadj and Dindane transfers. It's starting to look like Avram Grant will be forced to sell players in order to pay them the three-months owed wages, but it quickly will become a deadly slippery slope to League One a-la Leeds United.

So when did money become such an important part of sport? The better question to ask is why, but there may not be a clear reason if Barca knock Chelsea out of the Champions League again. After 5 years and billions of personal money, Abramovich may yet destroy everything he's dreamed of. Ironically, for Chelsea to win the Champions League would be a dream come true for millions of Chelsea fans, myself included. To see John Terry lift the cup over his head would be the greatest moment in club history, hand down. But if Chelsea do ever win that cursed and pedestaled trophy, it would spawn more Sheikh Mansours and Sulaiman al-Fahims. It would sadly reaffirm that equations can be created, that football is just another industry to be modeled, and that dreams can be bought. I wonder then if the sport could ever retain the purity it has now, or had long ago.

Anyways, my New Years resolution is to continue to play Football Manager 2010 and to try and take Blue Square South minnows Eastleigh FC all the way to the top and win the Champions League. Only this time without cheating and editing the pre-game data for a little extra cash...

Merry Christmas, links

2009-12-25T22:57:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays to you all, my gifts to you are a few links. Enjoy.

100 Great Photos of the Decade
Martin Lipton's look back at a turbulent decade at SW6
Top 10 Quotes for 2009
Top 20 Football Boots of the Decade
Top 10 Worst Kits of the Decade

Oh, and this little clip is my choice for goal of the decade. This one for me was and still is one of the most stunning goals in history. Exquisite, graceful, it is the reason from the beginning I fell in love with the beautiful game.

My excuse is...

2009-12-24T16:26:00.001-08:00

Well really, don't got one. To be blatantly honest, with the past two weeks I've had finals, family coming from all over, and now I am in Canada. And you know, I swear I sat in front of my screen getting ready to post something new, and fell asleep. That is my dedication to the freepressmachine that I am running here.

But don't you think for a second that I could leave. Oh pashaw, on the contrary. The last couple days I guess I've been slowly recuperating, but so much has been happening in the world of footy. I've not only got to recharge my brain, but also wrap it around crap like Landycakes heading for failure, Mancini in, everybody and their mother's 10-best lists, blah blah. And I've had some time to think about the recent going-on's, so I'll be back with two words about Hughes leaving.

In any case, while I SAY I'll be back, here's a class interview with everyone's favorite cock.

On the move

2009-12-10T03:48:00.000-08:00

A move for Lando is on the cards, as today Everton confirmed their loan bid for the USA striker and captain.

I like this potential move, as it will give him some international league experience to compliment his trial experiment at Bayern. However, the obvious question is, will he fit in any better with injury strapped Everton? They could definitely use the extra firepower and sturdiness that Landon would provide.

Edit: Rumors are that he's signed already. Now, to what terms did MLS sell it's soul?

Shenanigans...

2009-12-08T19:31:00.000-08:00

Acts of sillyness like this, they go by another name. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the beautiful face of Jimmy Bullard... covered in underwear.

You know, this may or may not become a reoccuring theme here... but I think I've got enough clips to last us through his knee injury. Until then, to health!

Backwards Pass: Ra-ooooooooooo-l

2009-12-07T13:33:00.000-08:00

I stole this from DT, but this is too fantastic not to share.

If you understand Spanish, enjoy. If you understand body language, watch as Raul melts into non-existence as during Madrid's win against Almeria, Pelligrini goes back and forth of calling up Raul. First he tells him to warm up, but then Ronaldo's penalty is scored. Then Pelligrini looks as if he is calling on Raul, but is instead calling on Diarra. Finally, Pelligrini subs in Drenthe, at which point Raul knows there are no more substitutions, and "no mas que hablar".

Poor guy.

Do you believe in conspiracy? Grab some hot cocoa, get ready.

2009-12-07T13:19:00.000-08:00

Argh, so much to write and say, about everything. I feel like football goes through phases when nothing exciting happens and then out of nowhere South Africa becomes relevant.

First, let me start by saying again, great draw, amirite? I said before that I would come back and hash out this interesting little Group C. And I am going to be straight for the first time, and just come and out say it. I am an American, and as we get closer to June 13th, this may or may not become more apparent. In any case, I won't be sympathizing with an English perspective of the E(ngland) A(lgeria) S(lovenia) Y(anks) group.

The Sun has never really been an accurate predictor of even the weather (if they've ever been ballsy enough to do that), but I'm fairly certain most of England, and maybe the rest of the world, will feel similarly. But let me just point out, that despite the obvious "Oh well, it'll be England - Germany in the next round" statements, there are a number of eerie coincidences that might make a 9/11 conspiracy theorist wary.

A couple months back, the new kits for World Cup teams were starting to get leaked. The following somehow surfaced on the interwebs, as supposed USMNT kits for South Africa.

It's a pretty good looking shirt, but even better is that it was designed as a tribute to the 1950 US team that went to the World Cup Finals in Brazil.

When I first saw this, I didn't even think to question what was so special about these guys. I vaguely remembered a movie made about it, or something odd like that, but like most sports history it was too far away for me to care.

Recently, I decided to dig a little deeper. Turns out that in the 1950 World Cup finals, the third World Cup appearance by a hugely underfavored yanks and the first ever appearance by an English team, the USMNT and England were drawn in group play. In Belo Horizante, the US beat England 1-0 in what is considered one of the greatest sports upsets in history. That entire team was inducted into the USSF Soccer Hall of Fame. The manager of that team, Bill Jeffrey, was a legend himself, coaching his entire life and dying of a heart attack on the field in the middle of team training.

So, before the draw had even happened, the kits had been decided (or at least leaked). But now, after the draw, it's been made so much better. A little less than 60 years later, England will again be playing the United States, again with hugely differing expectations and odds. To say the US will be underdogs is only a confirmation of your mental sanity. It's just odd how history has a way of repeating itself. Karma? Or vindication?

If that doesn't get your juices flowing, how about this...

There is a possibility of Landon facing off against lover-turned-hater-turned-lover Becks this summer. You have to admit, these boys have gone through a lot together now. Drama, fighting, gossip, and a loss in the finals. Injury woes, travel, bad haircuts and balding heads. What doesn't break it only makes it stronger, and you can bet that these brothers cannot wait to face each other. Wait, Beckham won't be playing? But they look so happy together on FC Hollywood...

Not that I am a sick freak who enjoys watching personal meltdowns, but come ON, this could be ~~better~~ worse than Rooney and Ronaldo. I don't doubt for a second that the World Cup brings out the best and worst in teammates. It's only the fact that Landon is sitting on top of the finest game of his life, and Beckham is getting ready to choose between the paths of 'has-been' and 'legend'. Both have a lot on the line this summer.

So, a personal rivalry spanning the Atlantic, and another history lesson to be taught in remedial summer school.

You still aren't excited by this tie? OK, what about the fact that there's this World Cup, but then there's 2018?

After watching that you have to stop to think. Wait. What? England, the footballing nation, has to put together a three minute instructional video telling you why they want to host the finals? You know, the UK never really understood technology and the changing times...

Which is why when you see this, you have to be impressed. The US committee may not have Becks, but we have Drew Carey and Harry Kissinger. I think Drew Carey alone got the quarter of a million votes on the petition.

It may or may not be a stretch, or even related in the least bit, but you know it just as well as I do. If the US beats England on June 13th, and even gets past the group, the US 2018 bid becomes that much more legitimate. The same goes for if England win, the English media will ride that horse until it's dead, reaffirming English football superiority. The fact is that even if the match itself has nothing to do with hosting the finals, this summer's performance will be sitting in the back of Sepp Blatter's head.

It's great though that for something as big as the World Cup, there are still people who think the BCS championship game is fairer than the World Cup draw. Not saying it's rigged... but how can one match and one game mean this much?

Of course, it can only be this special if you want it to. Like a paranoid schizophrenic who finds hidden meaning in everything, this match won't just be a score line. I can't help but see all the small details building up to such a fantastic fixture. This draw is on it's way to being historical.

Two losses on the trot

2009-12-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

What can be said about Chelsea now, after the quiet, yet loud, losses from Blackburn and now Citeh. Today's loss (or should I say missed penalty by Lampard) comes after an extremely noisy week of positive press out of Stamford Bridge. First Ray Wilkins saying Ancelotti breeds invincibility, Terry saying this is the year Chelsea win EVERAYTHANG, and most surprising of all (and much to the chagrin of a former Portugeezer) Ricky saying Ancelotti's record breakers are even stronger than they've ever been before. And then they just go and lose and prove that more money beats less money.

In any case, this loss will most likely be only a small hiccup come spring. I don't expect things to change too drastically. In fact, the win will probably buy Hughes another day of air, and maybe two or three more strikers.

OH MY GOD

2009-12-04T11:41:00.000-08:00

I am salivating, jittery, shaking, and about ready to poop my pants.

Can you believe this draw? I don't even know what to say, thank you oh magical World Cup.

I cannot wait until next summer. Your thoughts on the draw? Give me some time to recollect my brain and my chin from the floor, I'll be back with a better reflection of what this draw truly means.

How can you not love this guy?

2009-12-02T20:49:00.001-08:00

Oh Jimmy Bullard, shenanigans, always shenanigans.

Now this guy, I don't know what you can tell him, but I guess he took it well enough to allow nearly 3 million views already. At least he followed it up with quite a cheeky dipper.

Pots are set

2009-12-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

Friday friday friday, the draw for the World Cup Finals will be going down. The seedings and draw pots have been set and decided.

The seedings were based off of the October rankings, and not the playoff matches. There is a bit of room for potential "Oh shit" groups, with France and Portugal missing out on seedings. I'll get back later this week with a look at what the final groups will be.

In the mean time, do you ever feel that the Irish are too often misunderstood? Studs up!
And American-abroad Danny Califf is coming home to Philly. Good signing for this startup team.

Backwards Pass: Not to play the tired hand, but....

2009-11-25T12:20:00.000-08:00

Oh shut up.

Anyways, if you haven't seen it or heard about "Thierrygate", then you must've been born yesterday or you are French, and like Wenger, you "din't see eet". Well, Frenchies, can you translate "hand of god" for me?

I really didn't feel the need or urge to say anything about the whole France - Ireland fiasco, simply because it was everywhere and obvious. Ireland feels bad, Thierry feels bad, excuse for a manager Domenech feels nothing in his empty chest and head, all of Europe feels bad, Swedish football fans apologized to Ireland, even God admits this is one big mess (by this: France).

Don't get me wrong. Unlike almost ALL of the bloody sports media, I am not going to pull a "my father's father was Irish." I don't feel like griping about it, and I'm not an Irish sympathizer/French hater by any means.

But this. THIS. Is unacceptable.

The Swedish referee who missed Thierry Henry's now famous handball insists he was not at fault, but the incredible fallout after the World Cup play-off incident still almost caused him to quit football.

First of all, did I read that correctly?

"I realise that it was not my fault," he told Swedish newspaper Sydostran. "It was an unfortunate event that had big consequences for Ireland, but it wasn't the fault of the refereeing team."

Oh snap.

You know, it takes an entirely separate level of boneheaded idiocy to first, ignore what your eyeballs see, ignore the fan reaction, ignore the player reaction, and still give a goal. But to try and distance yourself from any sort of blame does not protect you. If this man has a working human conscience, then he must surely understand causation. He let the goal stand, and millions around the world feel cheated. Hmm, is there a connection?

I know referees have gotten a lot of stick over recent years, to the extent of death threats and forced retirings (Ovrebo, I'll never forgive you). But moments like those seem to come out of sheer frustration, anger, and humiliation. Eire's situation is beyond that. Nothing can be done, no replay would be fair enough. Automatic qualification would not bring the same satisfaction. At this point, the only justice to the footballing world would be for Martin Hansson and his team to recognize that they fucked up, apologize, and stay out of the World Cup Finals. Trying to remove yourself from blame is to say that you played no part in the result, that you may as well have been home smelling paint and wanking anyways. That is the last thing football referees need to be doing right now to earn back credibility and respect in a crucial time when technology and cameras are threatening to turn referees into a yellow shirted tradition.

Martin Hansson, this isn't about you. It never was, and never will be. It's about football. Ireland as a whole is man enough to take it on the chin (which is no mean feat for the Irish), so kindly put yourself above it all and do some right in this twisted football world.

The Big Dance

2009-11-20T15:17:00.001-08:00

The number and statistics obsessed guys at The Best Eleven put together this great visual. Here are your final 32 contenders, gents.

Biggest Match Fixing Probe in European History

2009-11-20T12:48:00.000-08:00

So far, 15 suspects have been arrested, 50 raids carried out producing €1m in cash, with over €10m ($15m) in illegal betting proceeds, and a total of 200 matches around Europe suspected of fixing including 3 Champions League fixtures.

The Financial Times has this,

"This is without a doubt the biggest fraud scandal to ever hit European football,” said Peter Limacher of the Union of European Football Associations. “We are deeply shocked."

All of these numbers have just been released, but police from four different countries are already involved with more suspects and illegal money still expected. This is turning into the kind of criminal gang ring you see in movies.

The game is dirty folks, that's just how it is. But if UEFA and FIFA can handle this the right way, it would be a huge statement for other organizing bodies that match-fixing can be taken care of.

Placenta Cream, Now Available for Your Local Physio

2009-11-20T10:22:00.000-08:00

This stuff works?

This isn't just a passing fad in football, apparently this stuff actually helps players through injury. Liverpoogle bossman Benitez vouches for it.

"Glen Johnson, Fabio Aurelio, Yossi Benayoun, and Albert Riera have all visited the Belgrade clinic run by physiotherapist Mariana Kovacevic, having previous been ruled out for up to a month with calf and hamstring injuries.

Following a massage with the placenta cream, all four have returned to full training and are in line for Saturday's vital home Premier League clash with Manchester City, with a Champions League trip to Hungary to face Debrecen on Tuesday and the Merseyside derby at Everton next Sunday."

I guess when you are as desperate as Benitez, any miracle cure looks good.

But my question is why has this been a secret until now then? I mean, if it really does work for the prissy, overpaid celebrity star, when will we see a market movement for placenta creams at our local pharmacys? Perhaps if somehow after this treatment Liverpool win the league and Robin van Persie takes the Golden Boot...

Backwards Pass: Van Persie

2009-11-16T16:32:00.000-08:00

Ehh WHAT

"Van Persie will fly to Serbia to have the treatment, performed by a female doctor, following a recommendation from PSV Eindhoven striker Danko Lazovic.

Van Persie was stretchered off in the 10th minute of Holland's goalless friendly encounter with Italy after a challenge from Giorgio Chiellini.

"She is vague about her methods but I know she massages you using fluid from a placenta.

"I'm going to try. It cannot hurt and if it helps, it helps."

No, RVP, you're only kind of right actually. If it doesn't hurt, it's still fucking creepy as hell.

*Edit

Another great van Persie bit. Bet you didn't think him an artist? A portrait of sorts of a different striker.

Irish Hospitality - Diplomatic Beef

2009-11-12T23:07:00.000-08:00

The following images have reportedly been leaked from the Irish government office, and contain correspondence between French and Irish officials ahead of the upcoming World Cup playoff.

Not so secretly, I am praying that this is real. And simply because of this, I cannot wait until Ireland take on France at Croke Park.

Follow the jump and enjoy.

Another motor accident

2009-11-12T12:51:00.000-08:00

Tottenham keep Carlo Cudicini was reported to have been in a motorcycle crash, fracturing both his wrists and pelvis.

For the sake of goalies everywhere, can they not try to be safer? Keepers are already not the most readily available players.