I Want Football: FA Cup - The First Ever Final of Association Football's First Ever Competition

The FA Cup is the world's oldest Association Football competition. First played for in 1872, it was the brainchild of one Charles Alcock. Initially only twelve teams had entered the competition and even this number was reduced to nine before the first round was due to be played. However a further six teams, including Queen's Park from Scotland, were persuaded to enter.

So on 11th November 1871 a total of 4 fixtures were played - Barnes defeated Civil Service 2-0; Hitchen and Crystal Palace (not the current club of the same name) both advanced to the next round despite a nil nil draw; Maidenhead beat Marlow 1-0 and Clapham Rovers won 3-0 against Upton Park. The scorer of Clapham's first goal, one Jarvis Kenrick, is credited with having scored the first ever FA Cup goal! Three games were not played - Queen's Park and Donington School could not agree where to play their game, so both advanced whilst Royal Engineers and Wanderers both received walk overs against Reigate Priory and Harrow Chequers respectively. Hampstead Heathens received a bye due to there being an odd number of entrants.

In the second round of matches, the remaining ten teams managed to play 4 of the scheduled 5 games. The only one that didn't take place being the tie between Queen's Park and Donington School, who still couldn't agree where to play after being drawn against each other again. Consequently, Queen's Park advanced to the third round. In the games that were played, Barnes and Hampstead Heathens drew 1-1 with Barnes progressing after a reply; Crystal Palace beat Maindenhead 3-0; Hitchin were royally stuffed 5-0 by the Royal Engineers and Wanderers enjoyed a 3-1 victory over Clapham Rovers.

The third round was played on 20th and 27th January 1872 when Royal Engineers defeated Hampstead Heathens 3-0 and Wanderers and Crystal Palace played out a goalless draw - due to the fact that Queen's Park had already advanced to the semi finals with a bye, these two were not required to replay. So, on 17 February at Kennington Oval, Crystal Palace and Royal Engineers played out a goalless draw before Queen's Park and Wanderers did similar on 5th March at the same venue. On 9th March 1872, Royal Engineers won through to the final with a 3-0 replay win. Bu who would they face? Well, as it happens, it would be Wanderers, Queen's Park having withdrawn because of the prohibitive cost of their travelling back to London for a replay.

On Saturday 16th March 1872, Royal Engineers and Wanderers met at Kennington OVal to play the first ever FA Cup Final. Obviously enough, the game was played according to the rules of the day which did not allow for cross bars or goals nets. The pitch had no centre circle or halfway line and there were no free-kicks or penalties. Also, in an oversight which would take almost 100 years to rectify there were no substitutions allowed either. This helped Wanderers more than Royal Engineers as after just ten minutes they lost Lieutenant Creswell with a broken collar bone. The only goal of the game was scored on just 15 minutes by one Morton Peto Betts playing under the pyseudonym of A.H. Chequer. At the end of the game it was perhaps fitting that Wanderers' Captain, one C.W. Alcock should be the first man to lift the FA Cup.

This article is just one in a series about the FA Cup. Visit I Want Football - you won't be disappointed. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_J_Lewis

Premier League Match Time: Tottenham Vs Manchester United

It's Premier League match time at White Hart Lane, as Tottenham get set to host Manchester United in a second leg encounter, in match week 23, on January 16.

In the first leg, hosted by United at Old Trafford on October 30, 2010, the hosts won 2-0. The game ended on a controversial note when Nani added a second goal on 84 minutes to double the lead that Vidic's 31st minute header gave Sir Alex's squad. Nani's goal transpired from a comical error by the Tottenham 'keeper, who, in anticipation of a free-kick, played to the whistle and put down the ball. Nani, just behind Gomes, appeared to be waiting for referee Clattenburg' decision and deciding that none was forthcoming, turned and put the ball into Spurs' net. Controversy apart, the second goal had nothing to do with Tottenham's comprehensive defeat.

Rio Ferdinand returned to partner Vidic in the United defence; Vidic set pre-match speculation to rest by handling Bale with consummate ease, even as Carrick negated Van der Vaart's pace. For Spurs, Modric and Van der Vaart created space in midfield but were let down by Keane who appeared out of his league as Tottenham's striker.

Head to head, between the sides, Manchester United have enjoyed an overwhelming 15-1 advantage in 20 league games over the last decade. Spurs' sole win came in May 2001 at White Hart Lane when they won 3-1.

Tottenham have won 6 of their last 10 league games, while losing just the one and drawing the rest. United have won 7 of their last 10, while drawing 3, and remain the only unbeaten team this season.

Currently placed 4th in the points table, Spurs have won 6 out of 11 times, at home, this season, while drawing 4 and losing just the solitary game. United, at the top of the table, have won just 2 of 9 games on the road, while drawing the remaining 7.

Notwithstanding their loss away to Everton in match week 22, Tottenham's current form is excellent, but they will be up against a United squad that have all their key players match-fit and running. Spurs' ricketty defence will be sorely tested, and Redknapp's charges should consider themselves lucky to be able to snatch any points from the game.

Tottenham had the following men in their starting eleven against Everton in match week 22: Gomes, Hutton, Dawson, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Modric, Jenas, Bale, Van der Vaart and Crouch. Keane and Kranjcar featured as substitutes.

The players who constituted Manchester United's starting eleven against Stoke are Kuszczak, Da Silva, Vidic, Smalling, Evra, Nani, Gibson, Fletcher, Giggs, Berbatov and Hernandez. Carrick and Owen were used as substitutes.

For the latest sports gossip, including the Premier League, click http://www.sportingattitude.com. Suresh Iyer is an avid sports fan and blogger. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suresh_Iyer

Figure Out How To Submit Your Child For This Week's Soccer All-Star

With each new soccer season, there will be a group of players who do exceptionally well. These players may rotate in who stands out for different games. Some parents will post their information and pictures in a section that recognizes hard working players. Knowing just how to submit your child for this weeks soccer All-Star section may help to improve their confidence and reward them for their efforts.

Soccer is often a game that seems to go by too quickly. Just as the season begins it seems that it quickly moves along into playoffs. At the start of a season, the players often work hard trying to manage their new team and coach. Both the team captain and the team players have to learn about each other and work with what skills the team has. It could take some patience to learn how to handle various skills and weaknesses to make a group stronger.

Each person will learn what the other players can do during a game. The coach will have tests set up to see what everyone can do. They will learn about the strengths and weaknesses in each person. Roles may be set up and assigned based on the skills observed by the coach.

After a few games, the head coach will be able to see what each player can do and how the team is meshing together. They will make notes about the wins and loses and figure out if any changes in the assigned roles need to change. Players who need further help, can ask the coach for extra help.

A coach will have plenty of ideas for their players when it comes to skill refinement. They can take any skill and break it down into manageable tasks. As a person improves their game by professional coaching, they will become a stronger person. A child who knows that they need help with a particular aspect in playing soccer, can simply ask for some further direction.

The practice that takes place with soccer teams may range from a few days a week to just once. The practice times and lengths will depend on the coach and the needs of the team. Some games may follow a practice, where other teams will have them on separate days.

Every week there will be new kids who play the game in an amazing way. Fast running up and down the field will help to keep a ball moving in the direction that it needs to go. A player who knows how to move through a crowd with control kicks and targeted passes, will help the team win the game. Playing hard and doing a great job may need to be rewarded.

Finding out how to submit your child for this weeks soccer All-Star may be a great way to improve a game. Players who get the recognition that they need, will feel confident about their moves and skills on the field. Parents who make the effort to keep their player in a positive light, will encourage them to play hard and well the next time.

Submit Your All Star here. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_J_Plantz

World Cup 2010: The Final: Spain 1-0 Netherlands AET

In the end it was kinda fitting that Spain won 1-0 with a goal from Andres Iniesta. For me he was their best player in the tournament and so deserved his moment of glory. The Dutch will whinge long and hard about the manner of the goal - the move started with a possible foul on winger Elia, and even more plausibly, the award of a goal kick instead of a corner when Sneijder's free kick took a deflection off Cesc Fabregas. But at the end of the day, their strong arm tactics, especially in the first half should have lead to them playing with a maximum of nine players, maybe even eight or seven. And of course they had their own chances to have won the game, such as Robben's when Casillas made a save with the merest of touches with the toe end of his boot.

There are all manner of new records now after the Spanish win. I'd just mention two if I may - Spain are now the lowest scoring winners of the World Cup - just eight from their seven games; and they are also the first team to go on and win the tournament after losing their first game. We also have our first new winners of the World Cup since France in 1998. All in all, I think that the final was symptomatic of the way that football has gone in recent years (or maybe as it has always been?) in that the less gifted team was able to achieve a certain parity by the use of some strong arm tactics. We saw several dreadful tackles, notably Nigel De Jong's which doubled as an impromptu audition for the next Karate Kid movie and quite how Van Bommel managed to stay on the pitch is beyond me - as is so often the case, the only red card that was delivered was so after a soft second booking - no matter what can be said about "well he did raise his hands", contact was minimal between John Heitinga and the eventual Spanish hero Iniesta. But who cares? Football won out in the end...

Spain 1-0 Netherlands

Iniesta, 116

This article is just one in a series about World Cup 2010. I do hope that you are able to visit us at I Want Football, where I promise that you will not be disappointed. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_J_Lewis

Ipswich Town - 2010 Was A Time Of Turmoil

2010 was one of the least memorable period for the fans of the club. Roy Keane was appointed during the summer of 2009 and with the financial resources of owner Marcus Evans, expectations were huge among the supporters. Keane had been a high profile arrival at the club despite arriving with comparatively modest managerial experience. Nevertheless, his arrival created lots of interest and he was soon spending money on various multi-million pound footballers to improve the squad.

Following a terrible start to the season, the team began to win a few matches and by the beginning of 2010, supporters started to believe the squad were finally beginning to turn the corner. However, results took a turn for the worst again and expensive players weren't making the influence their price tags demanded.

Hungarian frontman Tamas Priskin had cost £1.7m yet was sent out on loan to Queens Park Rangers and another big money signing, Lee Martin scarcely played. Carlos Edwards demonstrated little of the talents Keane had seen while he played for him at Sunderland and the 2009 / 10 season faded away to nothing.

Summer time saw long established footballers Pablo Counago and Owen Garvan depart to join former manager George Burley at cash strapped Crystal Palace. Million pound failure Lee Martin ended up being sent out to League One Charlton although there were major hopes for young striker Connor Wickham.

The new season started off superbly with a 3-1 win away at Middlesborough. New Zealand defender Tommy Smith scored his very first goal for the Ipswich following experiencing a fantastic World Cup Tournament. Results carried on flowing and things were looking good until a midweek visit by leaders QPR saw Ipswich endure a 3-0 defeat. From there, things got worse with a string of very poor results including the worst run of defeats for many years.

Will 2011 be any better for Ipswich Town? Supporters would like to believe that it couldn't get any worse but with the team merely 3 points above the drop zone, they have a lot of tough games ahead to make sure Ipswich don't leave the Championship from the wrong end.

Rob Atherton http://www.robatherton.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Atherton

Football Results By Country

There are 53 countries in the Union of European Football Associations. The top tier of teams is comprised of recognizable powerhouses. England is ranked Number One, just ahead of Spain, despite the fact that the latter won last year's World Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa. Germany ranks third, and Italy comes in fourth. The bottom rungs of the UEFA ladder are manned by countries that are either smaller or less economically stable than the classic powers of Europe: Malta, the Faroe Islands, Andorra, Luxembourg.

Fueled by Profits and Pride

The more prominent teams belong to nations whose culture and history is steeped in futbol. That, in and of itself, would never be enough to achieve the heights of any major sport - those countries have also forged lucrative partnerships with corporate sponsors, with the rights to television broadcasts becoming bigger than ever. The players are able to cash in on their celebrity in the form of endorsements.

Futbol has it All

Colorful players, Napoleonic coaches, bombastic managers and fans like no other sport has ever seen puts football in Europe (and everywhere else in the world) on par with American sports. European football passion, some will tell you, surpasses the fickle nature of sports fans in the U.S. When it comes to European football, there is no bandwagon off which to jump. For the fans, the coaches, the players and UEFA, it's a matter of being "all in".

National pride will continue to push UEFA teams to excel. Soon enough, the top ranks will be infiltrated by teams that have the resources and the desire to overtake the traditional powers - Russia, the Netherlands, Greece, and Scotland. However the rankings fall out, the game will continue as it has for over a century, as exciting today as ever.

Mark is an avid sports fan and online writer. He loves European football and recommends football games for live streaming online. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_S._Reid

What Is the Cost of Soccer Goals?

Whether you run a school athletic department, or maybe you want to run a soccer field in your yard, you're going to find that you may want to get professional soccer goals, or maybe even soccer balls. If you're looking to purchase some soccer goals, you're probably wondering what it's going to cost you.

To help you determine what you're going to pay, here are some factors that you're going to have to look into that are listed below. You're going to find that each goal is going to vary.

The size of the goal

The smaller the goal, the less you're going to pay. For example, if you want a smaller net, it's not going to be a legitimate official goal, but it will only cost you around $100 or so. While these are great for practicing and more, it isn't something you want to buy for an official field. You will find that your professional goals that you see on pro fields can cost you upwards of $3,000.

The brand of the goal

There are many brands that you can choose from, when you either shop online, or a local shop. Your big name brands such as Evolucion is going to cost you the most, but if you go with a smaller, no name brand, you may find that you're going to be able to save 50% off. You will find that sometimes you may save money, but you're going to get what you pay for in the long run.

The quality and what it's made of

The better the quality, the more you're going to have to pay. For a steel framed goal, you're going to have to pay a lot more than one that is made of your PVC pipe. While some people want to save money right off the bat, you will find that the steel based one is going to last a lot more longer than the one made of PVC.

While other things such as extra nets and more are going to cost you extra, these things are optional, but what you're going to find out is that these factors listed above are going to hopefully give you a good estimate. I would ballpark that you're going to pay anywhere from $100 to as much as $3,000+ for a goal. If you want to play for fun, go cheap, but if you're going to run a professional league, go with the higher end one.

Want to know the true cost of soccer goals? See what you should be paying, as well as what other people paid. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hannah_Munson

How To Bet On Football - Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning

If you are a football enthusiast, and you want to venture into sports betting, you may find football betting a fun way to enjoy your favorite sports. Indeed, aside from enjoying the game, the outcome of the game can be made more exciting with betting.

If you are interested in football betting, here are tips that can help you on how to bet on football that can increase your chances of winning, minimize your losses and enjoying the game at the same time.

Of course, it won't be enjoyable to lose big sums of money in betting, thus take time to learn a few tips and strategies to help you with it. Here are a few that you might find useful.

- Do your homework. One good thing with sports betting is that, you will know the teams that would be playing. If you are an avid fan of football, you will of course know the past performances of the teams, their strengths and their weaknesses and injured team members. Although these may not be the only determinant on what team will win the game, these factors can guide you on what team will dominate the field during game, but this will only give you some hints. Research on their past performances and even if the team is not your favorite, but they have the more potential to win the game, this can be your hint in where to put your money.

- Choose the profitable type of bet. If you want to win in football betting, then you have to choose the profitable types of bet. To learn how to bet on football, you have to learn the different types of bets and compare their risks and winnings. In gambling games, the higher the risks and the more difficult it is to win, the higher the winnings you can get, thus make sure you choose to put your money in the profitable types of bets.

- Learn to manage you money. If you want to have fun in sports betting, you also have to know your limits from the start. Of course, losing a big chunk of money into betting can be depressing and this might not be your idea of fun anymore. If you want to learn how to bet on football, you have to learn to set limits right from the start. Only bet an amount that you can afford to lose. This way, you can make football betting a fun way to enjoy your favorite sports and not a means to drain your bank account.

- Take control of your emotions. To avoid impulse betting, learn to accept losses and take control of your emotions. The more you will be carried away with your emotions, the more you can lose more trying to chase your losses. This is why it is important to set limits right at the start to avoid putting yourself into a big financial mess later.

Carolyn Anderson makes money online in many ways. If you are an enthusiast in football and you want to explore football betting, check out this betting system for football. Also check out Traders Secret Library to get the best insider tips on how to make money in forex trading. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Anderson

Blatter Is Happy With His Decision, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 World Cup

No doubt, there is much opposition after the decision was made by Sepp Blatter, which really played the key function in the conclusion of the next two Soccer Championship venues. Blatter's function and his accurate judgment by the end of the method will be crucial in the evaluation of the achievement and significance the future championships will provide.

More or less, FIFA just lately decimated its likeness not just in front of football followers but the entire world when every lone progeny who ever dreamed of evolving well liked on area started to inquiry if even football federation was corrupted and if so "Are the previous famous players and renowned numbers part of this newest scandal?"

The Executive Committee Constituents of FIFA chose Russia to owner the 2018 World Cup. Russia shocked every individual with the $4 billion last tender while on the other hand the least significant homeland to ever owner the World Cup as yet the rich Qatar got the privilege of obtaining hosting privileges in 2022. Let's see how much Qatar 2022 works.

It is so straightforward to suppose that part of that has currently been disclosed and while football federation's ruling body is still hard working in portraying on those previous lambasting by newspapers and critics.
Sepp Blatter has had rather distinct functions to articulate his cutting edge on the preceding drama. Similarly, after the tendering method, he has arrive out and asserted that he is pleased for the respective nations in being adept to come by the World Cup hosting privileges.

Concerning the hosting of the large-scale football tournament in the world Blatter was discovered asserting, we will journey to two absolutely new countries. There has not ever been a World Cup in Russia or in another location in Eastern Europe.

In football news, Blatter supplemented, "Additionally, countries from the Middle East and the Arabic world have long been waiting to get the possibility to owner the World Cup. the excited and ambitious, 8th President of FIFA is very much hopeful for the success of Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 also conveyed his approval by asserting, This being said, I'm apparently a persuaded man at the moment. Football is going in the right main heading and these conclusions make me a joyous FIFA president. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beck_Andrews

Champions League and Chances of Arsenal

Arsenal Football Club is one of the big football clubs of the world. It has achieved numerous glories in past and the current young side is a real threat to many teams.

Five years without a trophy is an oft quoted term when talking about Arsenal. This season Arsenal wants to deliver. This desire is expressed by the manager. There are many trophies on the line and currently Arsenal is in the position of winning all of them. They are not out of any competition nor are they chasing anyone in the league.

Champions League, the toughest tournament according to many, is the only trophy not won by Arsenal. They started their Champions League campaign in grand style. In the first two games they score 09 goal. It was raining goal. They were very comfortably placed. Then came two defeats and the situation in the group changed. On the last day of group stage Arsenal had to win in order to qualify for the round of 16. They got the win they were looking for but they finished second in the group. It means that they have to play their round of 16 matches against the like of Barcelona, Real Madrid and other tough sides. What are the chances of Arsenal to make it to the Quarter Final?

If Arsenal are really unlucky and get Barcelona then the chances of winning Champions League are none to be honest, slim to be optimistic and not impossible to be Arsenal's manager. The way in which Barcelona has treated Real Madrid and the way in which they had already played at the Emirates it is not difficult to say that if on 17 December Arsenal and Barcelona are matched up then Arsenal fans will quietly accept their defeat even before the game.

In case of Real Madrid or other teams Arsenal has some chances to advance to the next round. It will be great test of Arsenal side, who thus far have shown that they are weak at the back and unable to finish the game. Apart from Barcelona, any other side and Arsenal will be ready to take on. It will be tough for Arsenal to advance to the Quarter Final stage but at least they will have some fighting chance.

According to the experts this season Arsenal should forget about Champions League. In fact they are suggesting it to all the teams as they see only Barcelona to win.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Muhammad_Hashmi

Barcelona - More Than a Club?

If Barcelona is considered more than a club, then El Clasico is certainly more than a game, such is the importance of this fixture that it is often depicted as a re enactment of the Spanish civil war, Real Madrid representing the oppression and fascist dictatorship of the Franco era, a time when to be a Barcelona fan was to stand for freedom, to rebel against adversity, this is how Barcelona became more than a club. So historically Real Madrid would always be cast as the stereotypical villain in the soap opera that is "El Clasico".

History put to one side, modern day interpretations of the two teams would dictate who shall be cast as the villain in this struggle. Real Madrid with their free spending nature, flexing their financial muscles every summer to assemble a new team of superstars known as "Galacticos", unashamedly paying above the odds for players, inflating the transfer market almost single handedly. The man they have had the helm, the self titled, "special one", the man who some have accused of inventing "anti football". Mourinho is totally obsessed with the result, and he achieves results more often than not, at the expense of attractive football. His teams are an example of tactical/organisational skills over flair, the ultimate example being last years Champions league semi final, two legged victory over, none other than Barcelona.

Barcelona, in stark contrast would be considered the peoples champions. The team for the purists, an indigenous bunch of players raised with the ideals of the club instilled into them from an early age. These ideals of total football, and a philosophy of attractive football, brought to the club by the Dutch legend Johan Cruyff. Cruyff employed these ideals to become the most successful manager in the clubs history. Who better to ensure the continuity of these very ideals only current manager Josep Guardiola (captain of Cruyff's dream team).

So with the contest poised as such, good Vs bad, freedom Vs oppression, purist Vs pragmatist, the shock 5-0 victory for Barcelona at the Camp Nou, should be celebrated by all football lovers and should be considered a victory for football right? WRONG. Barcelona have shown us that they deserve to be considered our champions, I am running out of superlatives to describe the way in which they play the beautiful game. So as our champions they should represent the game with honesty and integrity right? At the risk of alienating mass amounts of sports fans, I am going to attempt to highlight how Barcelona have been anything but good champions for the beautiful game. They are almost untouchable in the media on account of the brand of football they playing being so alluring, any wrong doing is either ignored or worse, severely misconstrued in the papers and by football analysts.

Victory for football
Allow me to take you back to the champions league semi final 2009, Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea hearts were broke by a late Andreas Iniesta goal in the dying embers of the game. Despite the fact that this equalizer was Barcelona's solitary shot on target that night. Despite the fact that Chelsea had several, legitimate penalty claims turned down, despite the fact that Josep Guardiola and his staff showed little to no decorum in flooding the technical area, harassing the fourth official and, with an over zealous goal celebration nearly incited an already hostile home crowd. Despite the fact that Guss Hiddink architected an almost flawless defensive display, this night was hailed as a "victory for football". A victory for football because it was Barcelona and it catered for the Hollywood final between Manchester Utd and the Catalans.

The Fabregas issue
In a transfer market where there is constant scandal in relation to the tapping up of players. Barcelona demonstrate supreme arrogance in their pursuit of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, inciting an intense media campaign including several stage managed pronouncements from some of their own stars. It is as though Barcelona consider themselves the rightful owner of the player (who left their "La Masia" youth academy for London when he was less than 15 years old) due to the fact that they were so involved in the moulding of the player, I wonder if they would be as understanding should Newell's Old Boys claim responsibility for the moulding of Lionel Messi. Once more the Catalan giants are depicted as the good guys, with Arsene Wenger playing out the role of big bad wolf as he holds the player captive at the club he is contractually obliged to play for. What Barcelona have done is clever manipulation of one of the most powerful weapons in a clubs arsenal (for want of a better word), the media. By ensuring the player states he does not want to play for anyone else other than Barcelona it means they know there is no competition for his signature, thus reducing his market value drastically. The most probable eventuality is that Cesc Fabregas will see out his "sentence" at Arsenal diligently like the professional that he is, at which time he will return to Catalonia as a free agent. Barcelona will get their "entitlement" and Arsenal will get nothing.

Tactical frailties ignored / Sore Losers
Allow me to once more take you back to a champions league semi final 2nd leg, this time it is 2010 and Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan to everyones surprise lead Barcelona 3-1 going into the Camp Nou, thanks to an extremely efficient and impressive display at the San Siro. The game took a drastic turn when Thiago Motta was sent off on account of a cynical act of cowardice from Sergio Busquettes, as he lay writhing in agony on the ground, the Spaniard can be seen to peer out between the hands he weeps into, checking to see if his actions had the desired effect. They had, Inter were down to ten men. The special ones hand was forced, this was the biggest task he had yet to face. Could Jose's ten men keep the creative force that is Barcelona at bay? Boy did he deliver.

Mourinho wielded the tactical noose around the game and exposed frailties in the Barcelona tactics. Inter allowed the ball to Barcelona but limited their options with it by only making a challenge within 25 yards of their own goal, Inter were not controlling the ball, but they were still controlling the space. Xavi and Busquets still dominated the ball, of course, but they were forced to shift it wide to Alves (who had a poor game) or Gabriel Milito, who was not comfortable on the ball. Barca always had ten players to get past, and their tendency to shoot from long-range demonstrated the fact that they were simply finding it impossible to play through Inter. Barcelona were found to have no plan B and continued to play Messi through the middle in an attempt to gnaw away and erode Inters water tight defensive wall. Barcelona completed 555 passes compared to Inter's 67, and produced the most dominant display of possession in European competition this year, 86%. And yet, for all that - how many times did they actually get the ball into serious goalscoring positions?

Barcelona so rarely having to adapt due to the sheer brilliance were undone by the same tactics that when employed by Guss Hiddinks Chelsea so very nearly yielded success the year before. I do not expect Barcelona to be infallible, but you must play, win and lose like a champion. Barcelona having been outwitted fair and square by Mourinho's 10 men, behaved like a spoiled brat who would take the ball in with him. As Mourinho relished the success of his pragmatic approach, he was leapt upon by Victor Valdes and no sooner had the Inter players began to celebrate when the sprinklers were turned on in the Camp Nou, literally raining on Inters parade in a sickening example of sore losing. Is this the example we want our champions to set?

In the aftermath of that game, the footballing world cast their flags at half mast. Not because of Barcelona's childish act of petulance, not because of Sergio Busquettes' gross misconduct and demonstration of the moral decay that so obviously exists in today's game. No none of these reasons, the footballing world mourned simply because, the wizard Mourinho, with his pragmatic approach had reminded everyone that tactics win football games. "Anti football" had won out on this occasion.

Tainted Victory
So on a night when Barcelona were the embodiment of all their ideals and showcased all the skills we know and love that they possess in abundance. They were every bit the champions in the way they played, they lacked character in what could have been one of they're greatest nights in an illustrious history. The man who is meant to embody all the ideals of this magnificent club, more than a club, the dynasty that is Barcelona, coach Pep Guardiola behaved like a child. At 2-0 and the game not out of Real Madrid's sight, Guardiola shows the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo before throwing the ball away in an act of total disrespect for one of the greatest players to ever play the game. If you can't act with grace when you are winning 2-0 and playing the best football ever seen, its difficult to ascertain when indeed one can show grace, just cause you are a character does not mean you have character. Victor Valdes ran a greater distance than most wingers as he frequented the centre circle with 60 yard bursts upfield to "firefight" any dispute. Now I am not claiming Real Madrid or Jose Mourinho to be model citizens by any means but the point is that they by no means claim to be. Barcelona, more than just a club, a lot more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Costello

Soccer Coaching - Practice Players Vs Game Players

Ever notice that there are some players whose performance in practice is fantastic, but they are not contributors at game time? There are also players who do not seem motivated at practice, but are extremely effective during the game. Why is this?

I think it has to do with psychology. Some players are very comfortable with the practice environment, because they know the players around them. There is an element of security and familiarity that is not present on game day. Some players also suffer from performance anxiety, so they think too much about the outcome and not enough about the task at hand.

It is also common for players to have mental blocks, so they associate failure with certain scenarios. These players typically stress after a mistake and it takes them very long to recover. Some never do and their performance deteriorates as the game progresses.

Then we have the player that coasts through practice and is your best player on Saturday. This is also a psychological issue. This player loves a challenge and rises to the occasion on game day. He/she is confident and wants to prove to himself/herself as well as to the opponents that they can play. This player is not motivated at training because they have the incorrect interpretation of its purpose. To them it is just practice and they do not see the need to go all out against their teammates.

There are pitfall with both players. The player that works at practice, but can't translate this to game time has to overcome their personal fears. This takes time and experience. Some coaches do not have the patience and these players are left out. Especially at the higher levels. I know you are thinking how does a player with the ability, not translate it to the game? Well here is a possible reason. This player may have played for a coach when he was very young that stressed results...a screamer. This coach probably took players off every time they made a mistake and never offered a solution.

The game player is really no better off in the long run because they never get to full fitness. The training habits begin to catch up with them as their talent alone will not see them through at the next level. Training habits and discipline are key to success, so unless this player gains an appreciation for the intangibles, then they too will be left out eventually.

How is this type of player created? Here is another possibility. He/she was always physically gifted and the team relied heavily upon them for success when they were younger. He/she never had to push themselves at training because they were way ahead of the rest, so it was acceptable to the coach. This player played the entire game and was the focus of the team. They got the ball to him/her at all times regardless of outcome.

Obviously this player gained tremendous confidence, because of the treatment received from the coaching staff. The sad thing is that when these players become part of team where everyone is treated the same and is expected to work at all times, they sometimes fail. They now have to perform a function clarified at practice (an environment they have never taken seriously) and the game no longer revolves around them.

You can get my free 70 page soccer coaching guide "The Ultimate Soccer Coaching Clinic" at my website http://www.ultimatesoccercoaching.com. To learn more about becoming a better soccer coach, visit my soccer coaching blog. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bert_A_Ingley

How to Play the Offsides Trap

There are many different offensive and defensive strategies involved in the game of soccer. One defensive strategy that is used very often is the Offsides Trap. This strategy can be very effective and can frustrate almost any attacking player when done correctly. Following is a brief description of what the offsides trap is and how to do it correctly.

The offsides trap is accomplished by having your back three defenders stay pushed up as far as possible when the attacking team is making their move. At the very last second before the ball is played, all three defenders push even further up leaving the last attacker in an offside position. This is a great tactic to use if it is done right, otherwise you're leaving your opponents open to go one on one with your goal keeper which rarely leaves a good result in your favor.

In order to ensure you do not leave the last attacking player onside you must have complete communication between your back three defenders. The outside defenders will always push a little further up then the sweeper, or center back, allowing him to make the move when the time is right.

"Pulling" the trap occurs right before the ball is played forward to the last attacker. When the center back sees that the ball is about to be played, he immediately sprints up three field three to four yards to ensure he leaves lots of space between him and the last attacker. This will hopefully leave enough room for the linesman to see that the attacker is clearly offsides and award a free kick to your side.

If the center back mistimes this move, it will most certainly end in a one on one with your opposing striker and your goal keeper and likely a goal for the other team. So it is important that all three back defenders know their role and play it perfectly in order for this strategy to work.

Just like anything else in this sport, and life in general, practice makes perfect. Don't lose faith if your team cannot pull this off well in the beginning, they will begin to get the hang of it with time. Once they do, it will be hard for any opposing offense to get through your defenses and have a clear shot on goal. Remember the less the other team scores, the more likely you are to win the match!

Eric Street is a soccer fan, player, and coach from Florida. He has been playing this sport for over 15 years and loves to share his knowledge of the game with others. Visit Eric's websites on Soccer Strategy for more helpful tips and advice! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_A_Street

Francesco Totti

Francesco Totti is a great name in football. Everyone knows about him. He was born in Rome, Italy on 27 September 1976. His height is 5ft and 11 inches. He is the team member of world cup wining team of Italy. He likes to play as striker or an attacking midfielder and he is famous as second striker. He is currently the captain of the famous series A football club named Roma. Totti has played through out his career for Roma. He is known as the top goal scorer in the history of Roma club. He is the finest player in present time and top footballer of his club. Totti is the winner of many individual awards. He has made record of winning five times the Italian footballer of the year award and two times the Series A footballer of the year award. He was chosen as the one of the top 125 footballers and he is on sixth position in league history by scoring 192 goals.

Now talk about his early career, as all knows he born in Rome and grown up there. He started to play football from very little age. He used to play with older boys. He got offer from AC Milan but due to his mother he refused to join because they want him to stay in their hometown. Afterword in 1989 he become the part of Roma youth squad. Totti gave his best performance at Roma youth squad and after three years at the age of 16 he played for Roma senior side. It was the chance given by the coach Vujadin Boskov in the game against Brescia in the year 1993. After that game he was given many chances to play serious games and at last he scored his first goal in the game 1-1 draw against the team Foggia. After being successful in that season Totti played many games and made his position in starting eleven. In next 3 seasons he became the prominent player after scoring 16 goals. He was chosen as team captain in 1997. Totti played for 2 years under Zeman's managerial stint and scored 30 goals. Zeman used to play with offensive formation of 4-3-3 in which position of Totti was left winger. Unfortunately Totti did not play in 1998 FIFA world cup but he was awarded the title of Series A young footballer of the season 1998-1999. He was also awarded the title of Italian footballer of the year 2000 and 2001. In next season Totti played as second striker in 3-5-2 formation and scored his career best 20 goals in season 2003-04 in Scudetto race. In year 2005-06 club Roma got new coach Luciano Spalleti. He used to play with 4-3-2-1 formation. In this formation Totti played as attacking midfielder and scored 15 goals in 24 games. After difficult time on Roma club in year 2009 Spalleti resigned and his position was taken by Claudio Ranieri. Totti continued to play in his managerial stint.

Totti stepped in his international career, when he was playing UEFA youth tournament under 21 and won it in 1996. On 10 October 1998, he earned his first cap during Euro 2000 qualifying games, when he defeated Switzerland and made Italy to qualify for Euro 2000. In Euro 2000 he played very well and scored 2 goals, one against Belgium and second against Romania. World cup 2002 was not proved to be successful for Totti and it brought disappointment to him. Euro 2004 was also not good tournament for Totti because he was banned until semi-finals and later on Italy was eliminated in first round. In 2006 world cup Totti contributed a lot in the victory of Italy and at last Italy won the world cup. After that great victory Totti officially announced his retirement on 20 July 2007. Francesco Totti is surely the great player in the history of Football.

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Football (Soccer) Basics - Football Rules

The game of football also known as soccer is believed to be originated in England in the 19th century. Now it is the worlds most popular sport. The game of football is internationally being governed by FIFA which organises the world cup every four years. According to the survey conducted by FIFA in 2001 the game of footballs is being played by about 240 million people in about 200 countries.

This game is played using a spherical ball known as footballs in a rectangular field, The length of the touch line should be more than the goal line, The dimension of the field are as fallows.

Length of the field Minimum 90m ( 100 yds )

Maximum 120m ( 130 yds )

Width of the field - Minimum 45 (45 yds )

Maximum 90 m (100 yds )

The game of footballs is played between two teams of eleven players on each side. They compete to get the ball in to the other teams goal and the team who have scored maximum goals is the winner.

The players other than goalkeeper are not supposed to handle the ball with their hands or arms during the play.

In a typical game play, players tend to avail goal scoring opportunities by controlling the ball through dribbling or passing the ball to the player of their own team. The player of the other team can take the control of the ball by intercepting a pass or tackling the opponent who is in possession of the ball..

The duration of the standard football match consistes of two halves of 45 minutes each. Usually there is a break of 15 minutes in between the two halves. The end of the match is known as full time.

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Why Are Those the Five Best European Championships?

There is no doubt that football is one of the greatest games on the planet. When people want to know why some championships are occupying the first five positions in the European rating, the best manner is to receive the needed and enough data why exactly they are the winners. In my opinion, the Italian, Spanish, English, German and French leagues deserve their prestige because of their class, traditions and current shape. That statement of mine, is followed by arguments that can be found in the below few sections.

The main reason for my propensity for the above opinion is that the proof that one championship is worthy to stay amongst the best is its class. Independently, which one is this country (Italy, German, England, France or Spain), this parameter is defining and it is with big meaning, because this word shows the arsenal of players, coaches, qualities and skills that are possessed of the clubs. For example, one team has splendid class if it contents summary of skilled and talented football players, renowned coaches and stable management. Football evidences between the players for those affirmations are names like Christiano Ronaldho, Ronaldinio, Cannavaro, Bojinoff, Dimityr Berbbatov, Lucatoni, Benzema, Sabri, Adebaior, Tevez, Juninio, Martin Petrov, Trnaquillo Barneta, Uiliam Galas, Lionel Mesi, Shavi Ernandez, Innesta, Poyol, Fabregaz etc. There can be noticed big coaches like Tropatoni, Sir Alex Furgiusan, Hose Guardiola, Rafael Benitez, and many other famous people.

Another thing that can be seen from every human being is the tradition. As we already know one championship can be formed and considered like a class one if it consists a sufficient number of incredible people that uplift their team to many and different distinctions. Another moment that can complement this picture are those traditions of each one club and those of the nationality. Hence, clubs like Real Madrid, Milan, Liverpool, Inter, Barcelona, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Juventus that have ninety one percent of the Champion league's titles are demonstratively enough example for the predominating leadership of the top five countries. Moreover, those are teams that are proved from long time ago, and they still prove their abilities.

Furthermore, important factor that has to be scrutinized is the current condition of those championships. As a matter of fact, especially now, they prevail the European scene with full power and don't give even a little chance to anyone, because they are really good at this.

To sum up, when we want to know why some certain football leagues are leaders on some ranking, all we need is to look separately at every single one of them. Once after you start doing this, you will quickly catch the connotation and will confirm my assertion.

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How to Play Goalie in Indoor Soccer

Playing goalie in indoor soccer is very, very hard. It requires lots of abilities and is in general a lot more difficult than outdoor soccer. This article will outline what you need to know and practice so you can be a better keeper!

The first thing that you definitely need is excellent reflexes. In indoor, the ball tends to come flying at you very fast from a short distance, so you need to be able to react and hit the ball away in a split second. The ball also spends a lot of time rebounding around the box, so you need to keep track of it and be able to quickly jump on it when you have a chance. Practicing your reaction speed and reflexes will definitely help you in indoor soccer!

The next attribute you need is field vision. Since the field is so cramped, you need to be constantly yelling at your players as a goalie. You have the best view of the field, so you are in the best position to provide feedback to your players. Tell them who to mark, when to push up, and when they're screening you. All this will help to improve your team as a whole and make them appreciate you as a keeper.

The final important attribute for goalies is the ability to make quick decisions. Once you pick up the ball, you need to quickly make a decision and execute it. Since the game moves so quickly, you can't let the other team reset and get back into their positions. One way to do this is quickly throw or kick the ball out to one of your defenders immediately and let them deal with it. Also, if you have a forward or midfielder open, it's never a bad idea to hit the ball to them either.

I'm just going to reiterate that last point, because it's very important. The most important thing you can do as a goalie in indoor soccer is decide and execute very quickly. You need to keep the game moving and allow your offense the chance for a counterattack. The only time you shouldn't do this is when you're winning by a lot and want to waste time.

To practice for indoor soccer, I would have a friend throw me balls very quickly, one after another. They should be standing close to you and throw them hard to one of your sides, mixing up the height. This mimics what it is like to play goalie in indoor soccer. If you want to add twist, have another friend moving around behind your first friend, and when you make a save, throw the ball to him very quickly.

One last hint for playing goalie in indoor soccer: more often than not, you don't actually grab on to the ball. Most of the time you should just be hitting it or punching it away from the goal, and that's just fine! It's much too hard to catch a ball when it's shot hard from nearby.

Now that you know what to do in goal in indoor soccer, go out and practice! Only practice will make you better, so go out and get it!

John Weinstein is in indoor soccer expert who is always trying to help people learn how to play or improve their skills for indoor soccer. The first thing he recommends any player gets is a good pair of indoor cleats. After that, you should check out the articles he's published on this site or look at this fantastic indoor soccer resource. Good luck! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Weinstein

How You Can Help Your Child Become a Professional Soccer Player In 3 Easy Steps

Almost all people have certain dreams, ambitions and goals. Most of us have a checklist of things they want to accomplish or to have. A number of people want to help your child become a professional soccer player. Maybe you too, would really like the very same. Just like any other thing, that isn't very difficult when you are aware of how to. When you pass over the initial hurdles, divide it into easy phases, could very well be surprised at how easy it really is to help your child become a professional soccer player. If that happens to become a goal you would wish to achieve, please read on to learn a simple way you'll be able to help your child become a professional soccer player within just three steps...

First of all, you will want to allow him to practice. You'll really need to do that because he needs to feel that what he tries to achieve is accepted in the house. While you perform this first step, you need to avoid criticizing his passion, even if it may look ridiculous to you.

It's going to be important to achieve this first step completely and correctly. Failing that, you should then expect that his motivation may drop down, reducing his chances for success.

The second step is to support (both financially and mentally) his time in the sports club. Things that you really need to meticulously avoid right here are failing to finance the membership as well as criticizing the club.

The third and last step is to listen to him when he talks about his passion. This is often crucial because by listening you show that you care (even if you do not understand what he says). In this final step the point that is critical for you to avoid is ignoring his passion.

Simply adhere to the steps set forth above carefully. When you do, you will be able to help your child become a professional soccer player easily and without problems. This exact same plan has worked for countless others before you; going to most likely do precisely the same for you and provide you with great results as well! Simply do the things you should do, while avoiding the potential difficulties described. Then have fun with the rewards and benefits of help your child become a professional soccer player which your success is going to have won.

Uncover how you can become a better sportsman yourself by visiting our Basketball Game website atwww.basketballgamepreviews.org. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Saraah_James

How to Make the Most of Football Tips for the Weekend

With every round of football matches there are countless numbers of pundits and betting professionals all making expert tips and suggestions on the weekends forthcoming fixtures. But there are some simple rules and tips to make the most out of any football tips for the weekend.

Perhaps the first, simplest and often most overlooked method is to consult various tipping sources instead of relying on one tipster. Whilst there are inevitably better soccer tipping websites than others the best form of practice is to garner expert reviews, tips and opinions from various tipsters. As well as increasing your overall knowledge on the weekends matches, including any vital statistics; using this method could potentially highlight a suggestion that has been independently tipped up more than once, which adds substantial weight to the likelihood of that certain outcome.

Another method that should be considered is the avoidance of accumulator bets. Although successes are often banded round in betting shops, newspapers and betting folklore amongst friends, the likelihood of this 'coming in' and providing a return is quite unlikely. Anyone betting should always have confidence in their selections, so singles and doubles and nothing more than trebles should really be employed by anyone serious about making a likely return on their stakes.

Most people who use any football tips for the weekend often focus on the one or two leagues and competitions they are familiar with. Whilst this is generally a good strategy to have with extensive knowledge and understanding of one league or competition, the danger is if you place all or the majority of your bets on one league or competition, then one or two erroneous results and outcomes usually crop up. A much better practice is to spread your knowledge over about five or six leagues, where information, reviews and tips are quite readily available and the league itself is more predictable in nature. For example in the 2010-2011 season many professional football tipsters have stayed clear from leagues such as the English Football Championship and the French Lique 1 because of the unpredictability and the fact that the teams residing in these are all relatively close in terms of ability and can win against each other on any given day.

Lastly try to consider betting markets that are more than just win, draw and loss outcomes. There are now more betting markets than ever before, but some of the more popular recent markets are 'draw no bet', the goals market (over 2.5 goals or under 2.5 goals), both teams to score, anytime goalscorer, to win to nil market and to win at half time etc. There is now a plethora of information and a lot of which, perhaps the majority of which will not help you decide the outcome of a match. For example certain players have a 'knack' of scoring against certain clubs, so the anytime goalscorer market on that certain player would be a good tip to go for here. There are teams who although draw more than they should, rarely lose, so the draw no bet option here might prove fruitful. Certain sides are very open and attacking and you are likely to see goals in their matches so the over goals market or both teams to score option would be a decent strategy.

Whilst there is no guarantee with any football tips for the weekend, there are a lot of well researched and carefully thought predictions, which employed correctly can yield returns.

JD is a football betting expert in the UK, who writes football tips for the weekend on leagues and competitions around Europe on Sportingly Better. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harry_Pearce

How Arsenal Can Defeat Barcelona

DEFENDING DEEP

Arsenal are one of the best teams in the world when it comes to holding on to the ball and passing opponents to death but we all know the kings of the passing game.

We were giving a baptism of fire in the first 30 minutes during the first leg of the Champions League quarter finals last year at the emirates and I still remember how I was beleaguered by the Barcelona fans around me that night.

To play Barcelona, you have to dump the reliance on offside traps and high line defending. If you do that, you will get ANNIHILATED as every member of that Barcelona team can pick out a very decent pass starting with Gerard Pique.

Chelsea always defend deep, they never allow John Mikel Obi to cross the line and the discipline and mobility of Essien and Lampard have over the years helped them to become a tough nut to crack for Barcelona. I am sure you will remember the games under Mourinho and the tough game Guus Hiddink gave them two seasons ago.

For us to effectively lie deep, we need a very fast defensive midfielder in the mould of Mascherano, Lassana Diarra, Blaise Matuidi, Mathew Flamini or Darren Fletcher to partner Alex Song. With this, Wenger also has to instruct Song to sit and stop trying to be the new Fabregas by roaming forward.

Most teams that have given Barcelona problems in the past have had to do it with two standard defensive midfielders first before even thinking about defending in group. Inter had Esteban Cambiasso and Thiago Motta, Chelsea had Mikel Obi, Michael Ballack and Michael Essien, and if you remember how Spain had problems in creating too many opportunities against Holland- the Dutch had Nigel De Jong and Mark Van Bommel.

NO SLOW CENTRE FORWARDS

As far as I am concerned, Chamakh is a slow center forward; the way he reacted to the opportunity presented to him via the parried shot from Samir Nasri by Van der sar in the United game says a lot about his striker's instincts.

Van Persie is highly technical but still, he is not quick and we all know how fast Barcelona are at covering up when they lose the ball. They work harder off the ball than when they actually have it.

And as for Nicklas Bandtner, I believe you know what's on my mind.

That brings us to the last recognizable forward in the team- Theo Walcott. I am not a big fan of his but boy, this kid has got fearsome and raw pace. Ask Fabio Capello and you will get a more robust answer.

We can all say he's got no football brain (which looks true at times) but when he is let through on goal, you will need a Bugatti Veyron to catch him.

I will play five hard working midfielders with Cesc dropping deep and will deploy Theo Walcott as a decoy striker. Do not be deceived, Barcelona do not have a striker, David Villa plays as the sixth midfielder in their 4-3-3 (4-6-0) formation.

That fella drops deep and intelligently picks up lapses in defenses to make runs. And why won't you run when you have the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Pedro and Busquests trying to pick you up.

HARD WORK AND DISCIPLINE

No team has ever beating Barcelona by just strolling around or even giving 100%. You've got to give 120%.
Arsene Wenger should forget all about the Arsenal way against Barcelona, it will never work. He needs to change his strategy and turn every player into hardworking machines.

Mourinho turned Samuel Eto'o and Wesley Sneijder into defensive personnel last year against Barcelona and it paid off. If a talented player like Arshavin won't be able to work hard for the team off the ball, he should be dropped.

Talking about Andre Arshavin, his laziness has brutally exposed the lapses of Gael Clichy in our 4-3-3 formation. He plays a very risky game with his tricks and when they don't go his way, we lose possession and he does not track back.

If you do that against Barcelona, you will be comprehensively punished.

If Wenger uses the pace of Walcott well, the hard work of the team can pay off because if you ever manage to dispossess Barcelona off the ball (which is very hard), you must have at least a very quick attacker running behind the defense. Walcott is a suitable candidate for that role as he showed the last time we met.

MORE SUPPORT FOR GEAL CLICHY

With the form Gael Clichy is in, the current best player in the world will surely be licking his lips. I used to like Clichy but since that costly mistake at St. Andrews, he does seem to consistently experience brain freezes that make him commit basic errors.

Bacary Sagna is a decent defender so teams do not really like to attack us through the left flank. If Arsene can look for that very fast defensive midfielder to partner song, he can help Clichy soothe his pain.

DO NOT THINK OF MAN MARKING MESSI

Very few teams understand this. Never try to man mark Messi or single him out as the danger man. If you do, you will have three to four of your men on him every time and this will leave you with six players against nine Barcelona players. When he is heavily marked, he simply picks out a clever pass to an unmarked player.

Every Barcelona player has a way of popping into the box without you knowing. Remember Xavi's goal against Real Madrid and the beautiful goal Gerard Pique scored against Inter Milan.

Effective deep Zonal marking will be appropriate in dealing with the fluidity of the Barcelona team.

JANUARY RECRUITMENTS

Okay Arsene, we all know what you will likely say when the January transfer window opens but please, we need a very good defensive midfielder and a reliable center back to parner Thomas Vermaelen. Laurent Kocielny and Sebastian Squilacci look like boys brought in to understudy a William Gallas.

If I had my way, I will request for a very quick striker but I know Wenger, he will probably run down the list of strikers we have already adding Bendtner, Vela and Jay Emmanuel Thomas.

If these plans can be carefully executed, we stand a chance of giving Barcelona a good game. I have given Barcelona a lot of respect in this write up and that is simply because they deserve it. Don't we just hate it when they tear teams apart?

The midfield combination of Andreas Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez is the best I have seen since I started watching football.

February 2011 seems to me like February 2015 now.

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