Did Capello Make a Mistake?

Unable to produce more then a single goal, England was brought to a tied game after Ghana's Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan was able to equalize the game only a minute into stoppage time during the final half.

Though England did play well, it may seem to a few that they could easily won if Fabio had not made the eleven changes made to the team after the game against Wales.

''I will make 11 changes,'' Capello said. ''We have to wait a little bit to see what the team will be but I want to respect the clubs and I need to look at different players."

The Italian relinquished John Terry, Ashley Cole, and Frank Lampart back to Chelsea, as well Tottenham defender Michael Dawson and sadly United striker Wayne Rooney. I had not heard of this before the game, and as a Manchester United fan I eagerly awaited for the game to start seeing Rooney out there ready to score one or two or even three goals.

Gareth Barry of Manchester City had replaced Terry as the England captain, which did not seem to change much for the Ghana game.

Is it possible that these changes had a direct effect on the game today? Thankfully it was only a friendly, though after so long the competition between them almost seemed like they were chasing after points. Well no matter the result, I must say the game was very entertaining. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! Both teams played impressively!

Friendlies A Waste?

Sir Alex Ferguson was in the U.S. yesterday preparing for the United Summer Tour 2011. He took the time to inform the listeners of Sirius XM of his opinion about the concept of International Friendly games.

"I am all in favor of the competitions. The players should play in the major competitions; the European Championship, the World Cup, but friendlies are a waste of time as far as I am concerned. We always say that."

"It is understandable for the coach. They have the players for a period when they can influence them and can build and shape their team. I can understand that completely. But every time there are friendlies you get six or seven call offs."

"It is sometimes worthless for the manager to build on that because of the lack of players."

I can see how this could easily upset and manager who reign within a particular countries league, having the stress of reworking the team for specific games, as well, the fear of a specifically needed player getting injured during the match.

England will be facing off against Ghana later today, a match I'm excited to see. It was an instant sell-out, obviously a plus for the FA and other governing Football bodies. I personally think friendlies are great for the game, giving players who normally are against each other time to set aside their differences and improve their over-all performance and chemistry.

If we are to not have friendlies, International teams could easily fall under pressures that could be avoided if the team were to have more experience together. Remember, A great team isn't just about having a bunch of outstanding players, but it also depends on their ability to work together and know when another is open and able to keep possession.

I look forward to the game! To those also watching it, I do hope we all enjoy this one. As a fan of the Barclay's Premier League, one could only guess who I'm rotting for! It would for sure be amazing to see Wayne Rooney get a goal or two!

Bad Influence? Rubbish!

So according to England's Football Association, our beloved United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson is a bad influence to all fans and players of the football world.

Now we all know of the petty ban that was given to him by the FA not to long ago due to his comments made about referee Martin Atkinson after the United lose at Chelsea. A bit out of line yes, but worth any sort of repugnant say towards him? No!

The FA have gone way to far, calling out Fergie as a "Bad Influence!" What does this mean? Do the FA beleive now that since Ferguson had the gull to stand up against the referees about their mistakes mean that all will follow? Well why not? If I were to be managing a game and witness the performance made by not just my team but by the ref after such a lose, yeah I would be real furious! After the ref not able to make a call resulting in Rooney almost getting injured, if I was Ferguson I'd have said a lot more then just that!

This whole Respect Campaign is fine and all, I for the most part believe that the Ref is there representing FIFA as an official and has the governing power to say what goes and doesn't go on the pitch within the laws of the game, but when it starts to seem obvious that a referee is bias or ignorant of a manager in particular and starts making it miserable for the players of that team, then maybe it's FIFA who should be working on who they hire.

Here is what Craig Moore, who chaired the commission for the incident , had to say.

"Whatever view one may take about the performance of Mr. Atkinson, or any other (referee), respect for their integrity is essential for the integrity of the game. (The comments) clearly called into question the integrity of Mr. Atkinson and brought the game into disrepute by suggesting that a particular referee lacked impartiality."

According to Moore the fact that Ferguson not apologizing to the ref made it rather clear how to punish him, quoted as a "seriously aggravating" factor. He also added that Ferguson "undermined the (campaign) ... to encourage higher standards of behavior within the game, including respect for officials."

I'm sorry FA but just because the bloke had a previous suspension hanging over him on top of the desire to stand up for his team against what he, as well others, believed to be an unfair referee favored advantage towards Chelsea. To be honest I'm proud of the mate for standing up to the FA, allowing us to see just how snotty they are and how uptight they plan to continue being. Yes, this is an organized and very popular league, but you don't start banning people from games for challenging the ref's ability to perform at the require exceptional level.

I have something you can go do, Mr. Moore. Why don't you stand before your majesty and inform her that one of the men she had "Knighted" was a bad influence, see how far that gets you with your country. Bugger off!

Cheers,
Craig JR

Source: http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/premierleague/story/England-FA-Ferguson-undermines-campaign-against-ref-abuse

Merger!

All material on this blog so far that states game facts has been moved to my partner and I's joint blog, World Football news,

From now on this will be considered my personal blog stating my evaluations on select games that I witness, including Barclay's Premier League, FA Cup, EUFA CL, Seria A, and other games FOX SOCCER CHANNEL allows me to see.

Do not forget that I have my own personal MLS blog at
So far I have only seen one MLS game and that was when Colorado took on the Portland Timbers, my what a great game it was.

Well that is it for now, see yeah on game day!

Edit: Apparently blogspots links are not working at the moment.

http://wrldfootnews.blogspot.com

http://reaver-mls2011.blogspot.com

Cheers!

Sunday Summary: Premier League

Manchester City was shown a big upset today as Chelsea were able to defeat them after a goalless first half. Manchester City were only able to produce five total shots, only one of them on target. Chelsea dominated the game with a 63% total ball possession, making twenty three attempts, five of them accurate.

If there is one thing I noticed that Man City did wrong, it's waiting till so late in the second half to bring out Johnson and Balotelli, who could have played a better role if they were brought out before Chelsea began scoring goals. David Luiz was able to bring the first goal at 78' thanks to an assist from Drogba. Towards the end of the game, the second goal was scored beautifully by Ramires, who took the ball with his back towards the goal. A quick spin past the defense provided the midfielder the perfect chance to give Chelsea a double point advantage over City.

City must have been having a hard time playing against Chelsea. Five yellow cards were shown to the light blue defenders James Milner, Nigel De Jong, Edin Dzeko, Gareth Barry, and Aleksandar Kolarov. Ironicly, the only two to get a booking from the opposition were the two able to make goals. Ramires getting booked ten minutes before Luiz goal, yet Luiz gets booked around the time Ramires makes his last minute goal. I must say there have been more bookings this weekend then I have seen all season.

An almost predicted Liverpool victory over Sunderland was made, another 2 - 0 game that began with the first half. Dirk Kyut was able to make a penalty kick past the goalkeeper. Mensah was shown the red card after bringing down midfielder Jay Spearing just outside of the penalty box, the ref awarding the Penalty Kick. 77 minutes into the game Suarez was able to deliverer the second goal after a quick pass from Dirk from the far right side of the pitch. Both teams had about equal time with the ball, but Liverpool were the better team with more shots on target and of course, two more goals versus Sunderlands goalless game.

Stokes Victory, and Other Games

The world of football saw many interesting games today, one of them happened to be a 4 - 0 victory of Stoke City against Newcastle United.

Stoke City were able to jump ahead of Newcastle on the Premiere League standings, now a point ahead of them after delivering an amazing one sided game. The first half Stoke only saw one goal made by Johnathan Walters, who was able to complete the cross made by Jermaine Pennant after 28 minutes of game time.

The second half proved that Stoke were not done, producing three other goals. The first two were made in succession of each other, Pennant making a goal four minutes before Higginbotham made his goal just before fifty minutes into the game. Two minutes after Stoke brought out substitute striker Ricardo Fuller, the forward made an extra goal for Stoke at the 90th minute.

Newcastle tried with all their might to make a goal, firing off many shots off target, only five of them accurate.

Aston Villa seemed to be unable to gain a win against Mick McCarthy's Wolverhampton, who won 1 - 0. The Wolves are in danger of being stuck within the bottom three, with a close race of 30, 31, and 32 with the Wolves a chance to move up if the produce two more wins. The only goal was scored just before the end of the first half, made by Matthew Jarvis at the 38th. Though the won, the Wolves were shown three yellow cards this game, Richard Stearman at the 30th, George Elokobi at the 81st, and Kevin Foley on the final minute of the game.

Wigan impressively were able to defeat Birmingham City, who are now a single point ahead of Wigan as the bottom two teams in the League. Birmingham took the lead at six minutes with a goal made by Liam Ridgewell. Wigan were able to tie after twenty five thanks to Tom Cleverley. It wasn't until the final minute when defender Maynor Figueroa, assisted by second of the game goal scorer Cleverly. Wigan for the most part had control of the game, ball possession about even between the clubs however Wigan proved to be more offensive. Yet another team today gets shown three yellow cards, Wigan players Victor Moses, Antolín Alcaraz, and Maynor Figueroa, all within the second half.

Finally for today the Blackburn Rovers host Blackpool, both teams only able to produce two goals each, leaving the pitch at a draw. Charlie Adam was able to prove himself still strong, scoring both goals for Blackpool. His first goal was a Penalty Kick, given to Blackpool from a challenge made by defender Martin Olsson. Four minutes later he drove another goal into the right side of the net from outside the penalty area.

After the first half, Blackburn decided they weren't going to lay back and let Blackpool dominate them, goals being scored by Christopher Samba at 49, then David Hoilett ensured the single point by making the tying goal in the final 90th minute. Both teams only had one each gain a yellow card, Brett Emerton of Blackburn at the 22ed and Gareth Taylor-Fletcher of Blackpool on the 90th. This game was for sure even between the two clubs, very obviously shown by the result.

Outside of the Premier League, the Italian League Serie A had two games of the same result. Lazio were able to win with 1 - 0 against Cesena, the only goal being scored two minutes in by Mauro Zarate.

Palermo were able to take on league leaders AC Milan, with another 1 - 0 victory today. AC Milan were unable to tie the game after a goal made by Dorin Goian only ten minutes into the game. After that, the league top took many well places shots towards the target, however unable to make it into the net. AC Milan were not able to keep in the UEFA CL, drawing with Tottenham but unable to continue losing at 1 - 0 Aggregate.

That's all for today! What a day it's been in the world of Football. Only makes you wonder how tomorrows big games will be. Can Chelsea take on the some-what crippled Manchester City? Will Sunderland be able to move up past Everton and defeat Liverpool? We shall see.

For more info on these games, please visit the Fox Soccer Channel website, and check out the Match Trax, which show you in depth information on the entire game! Cheers!

Everton 2, Fulham 1! Tottenham and West Ham Tie?

Everton took on Fulham today after the United victory against Bolton. Both teams played up to standards, however Everton came out with a one point lead.

The first half only had one highlight to it and that was a text book example of a perfect header made by Seamus Coleman, assisted by Leon Osman.

The next half both teams were able to put on a show for their fans, Evertson getting the second to give them the victory, Fulham retaliating with a single goal in the 62ed minute by Clint Dempsy.

Saha was able to make a perfect free kick that went right into the back of the neck, giving Everton a winning lead at home. Everton is now two points ahead of Sunderland who look forward to playing Liverpool tomorrow.If Sunderland can win they can retake their 8th position from Everton by a single point, however if Liverpool wins they will only climb up to a 45, still four points from 7th placed Tottenham.

West Ham were able to keep Tottenham from rising to to many points today with a no goal tied game. The Spurs were able to play a clean game against West Ham who were on fire with committing fouls. Four Yellow Cards given to West Ham players Scott Parker, Mark Noble, Carlton Cole, and Mathew Upson. I'm sure fans from both clubs are upset with their teams performance today, mainly with West Ham having a terrible time controlling their challenges.

Arsenal Denied 3 Points

Today Arsenal was unable to gain a three point addition due to the most unexpected West Bromwich 2 - 2 tie.

West Brom had the advantage as they were able to produce their second goal minutes after half time. However Arsenal were able to pick it up after the 70th minute, making their first goal courtesy of midfielder Andrei Arshaven. Eight minutes later Van Persie was able to give Arsenal the one point.

Three minutes into the game, Steven Reid was able to get West Brom their first goal, followed by Odemwingie's goal in 58th minute after half time. One would have though that West Brom would be able to keep up with a victory, but Arsene Wenger seemed to had changed the strategy in order to give him a tie for today's exciting game. However, if Arsenal plans for Premiere League victory, ties are not what he needs. With United five points ahead, Arsenal has a lot of work to do if they plan on achieving victory of any sort this year.

Arsenal played very ferociously today, gaining three yellow cards versus the one card West Brom got. However according to stats, Arsenal played a much better game and had five more accurate shots on target then Bromwich, who only had three.

Manchester United! Victory at Home!

Berbatov was able to get his 20th Barclay's Premiere League goal today at home when goalkeeper Jussi Jaakalienen was unable to catch a strike from Evra. The game played on until finally in the 88th minute a goal was produced to ensure United's spot on the top.

Bolton played very well, able to keep up until so late into the game. They were able to play with a one man advantage after Johnny Evans was taken off the pitch resulting a red card from a wretched sliding tackle into Stewart Holden.

It looks that my prediction was correct that Ferguson was going to put Berbetov onto the pitch which ended up proving the be a wise decision. Late into the game his goal not only sealed their victory, but gave himself the Match Ball.

Owen Coyle's boy were able to play a good game, seemingly that they were very much prepared for this game knowing Coyle was sure that United will be crowned champions.

The second half was for sure much more exciting, both teams producing more shots intended for the target. Bolton was only able to get one other accurate shot but United drilled hard with an added six more shots on target. The twelve corner kicks also gave them the sense of a stronger attack, each cross made very well but none able to make it into the net.

For most of the game one would have thought that a draw would have resulted after today's game, but Berbetov was able to capitalize on an extremely foolish mistake made by the Bolton goalkeeper, unable to catch the strike made by Evra.

Bolton face off against Birmingham City Saturday, April 2ed. If they wish to add points to their Premiere League total, they must prepare well in order to keep up with Liverpool who face Sunderland tomorrow.

It's very crucial for United to win against West Ham, their next game. Arsenal will be putting all attention now into the Premiere League and have games ahead of them that they are expected to win. The race is still on, United on the top with a five point lead at sixty three.

Premier League Clash: United vs Bolton Half Time

Both teams defensively have been playing very well today, United almost able to make it in before the half. Hernandez made two good attempts and even almost won the ball from the goalkeeper. Rooney brought his leg up for a hard hitting kick that was in perfect position, but the Bolton goalkeeper was able to prevent it from hitting the back of the net.

Hernandez second attempt was held from what looked to be a hand ball, but the referee denied the penalty.

Sir Alex Ferguson sits in the stands, a phone located under his seat that allows him to communicate with assistant manager Mike Phelan. Ferguson would have to leave the game early if he wished to make good timing to get to the locker room.

Rooney made another great attempts before the half time, Nani feeding him a wonderful pass but again, no goal was able to be produced.

Manchester United were able to keep a majority of the ball for the first half, both teams only able to make 1 shot on target, with 5 each making shots that were unable to get any accuracy. Possession was 54% for United, with no yellow or red cards shown. United had 7 fouls committed while Bolton only had 5.

Will Berbetov make his way onto the pitch or does Sir Alex believe that Hernandez and Rooney can lead the game to victory? With the sun no longer in the eyes of Van der Sar, now in the eyes of goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskalainen. Will this play a difference in the second half? Will Fergie be able to get his team morally ready for a victory? Another 45 minutes of time to be played is on its way!

Back to Premier League: United vs. Bolton

This morning we will be returning some attention to the Barclay's Premiere League. United host seventh in the Premiere League, Bolton Wanderers, who are are at a modest 40 points. If Bolton are able to achieve a winning game, they will bounce up into sixth place ahead of Liverpool. However the chances are a bit higher for a United victory with the amount of power they are showing in both the FA Cup and EUFA Champions League.

It would seem very crucial for Manchester to gain as many victories as possible in the BPL in order to keep ahead of Arsenal. Both teams have many games ahead of them against clubs they are expected to beat. Arsene Wenger seems very intent to keep United from obtaining the treble this year, having only the Premiere League to work on.

Due to his lack of game time, it would be interesting to see United start the game off with Berbatov and Rooney to allow Dimitar the chance to gain more goals as he races with Carlos Tevez of City and Derren Bent of Villa for the Golden Boot.

According to Fox Soccer Channel's website, manager Owen Coyle believes that United will win the Premiere League. AS well, Coyle stated that Wayne Ronney is not to be underestimated this season, due to his ability to play well anywhere on the pitch. It would appear Bolton is very well prepared for the challenge ahead of them.

Sources
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/premierleague/story/Coyle-lauds-intelligent-Rooney-13797362
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/premierleague/story/Coyle-backs-United-in-title-race-61251321

Sir Alex Ferguson, 5 Game Ban!

My first comments I would like to make, being a United fan on the other side of the Atlantic, is how amazing I am to see Sir Alex Ferguson being used as an example to show that the FA mean business.


The respect campaign has been going on for two years now, and just now it seems that one man would be the perfect candidate to show how the FA truly want "respect" given to the gaming officials. On talkSPORT radio, Hawksbee and Jacob had a mate on who made a great point I thought. He stated how free speech is being taken away by the FA, Ferguson only using words to defend his team. However, his public statement against Martin Atkinson was a bit out of line claiming that he knew before the game that they had no fair chance thanks to the chosen referee.

This may be true in his eyes as well to most United fans, but he was a bit out of line.  So for sure Sir Alex deserves somewhat of his so called "touch line ban." To me, I am thankful that he will be able to still be present at the game, as well, able to give moral support in the locker room. I am angered by the FA, but I do not fear for United knowing that their assistant manager will be able to take recommendations from Fergie and bring them to the pitch. Looks like for five games Sir Alex will be a lobbyist for his team more then an actual manager.

Thank you for viewing my first blog post. This was more so a test with very limited time. I will be working with my partner Kevin Irwin to develop a better blogging skill as we prepare to bring the best journalistic views of the European Football world to the United States and beyond!

Cheers, and Happy Saint Patrick's day!