International
ALONSO FUTURE LEAVES BARRY MOVE IN DOUBT
Liverpool’s public pursuit of Gareth Barry appears to be shrouded in doubt with the apparent failure of Juventus to seal the transfer of Xabi Alonso. The Italians have moved to sign Christian Poulson from Sevilla, leaving their only target now another goalkeeper.
Manager Claudio Ranieri said,
We’re 99 per cent complete, at least in terms of people coming in. We only need another keeper and then we’ll be all set, ready to face the new season
With Javier Mascherano signed permanently earlier this year, the departure of Alonso was seen as crucial to bringing Barry to Anfield. Now that has fallen apart, for the moment at least, Rafa Benitez needs to find another solution to fit the England international into his squad.
Reports of Arsenal’s interest in the player seem to be overplaying the situation; Martin O’Neill’s comments suggest that the enquiry by Pat Rice as to the current state of negotiations with Liverpool was more of a casual enquiry than a serious attempt at signing the player.
Whether Liverpool will be able to keep their interest alive remains to be seen. The desperation of the Merseysiders to sign Barry has been apparent and belittling to a club of their stature.
LAMPARD STAYING FOR NOW
Chelsea have confirmed that they will not be allowing Frank Lampard to join Internazionale for the moment, issuing a statement on their website,
Chelsea have informed Inter that we will not enter into any discussions regarding the transfer
The protracted contract wrangles involving Lampard has led to increased speculation about his future. It has been reported that he is demanding a five-year, £150k per week deal although neither party has confirmed this. Chelsea admitted recently that the talks were at an impasse although how much of this was to draw out Inter’s interest through official channels remains to be seen.
Lampard has not diffused the situation, merely commenting that he had no plans to meet any representatives of the Italian club whilst in their country on a family holiday. Jose Mourinho believes Lampard will let his contract rundown and join the Italians next season.
It is a crucial moment for the player. At thirty years of age, his career at the top level has probably a maximum of five years left and this represents his last chance for a big-money deal. Having spent his whole playing career at London clubs, he may feel that a change of scenery is opportune although he has been heavily linked with Barcelona in the past - probably on the basis that his partner is Catalan - but that interest has cooled.
WEST BROM TO OFFER ROBINSON ESCAPE FROM SPURS HELL
West Bromwich Albion have marked the Premier League’s cards that they do not intend to be patsy’s and suffer relegation on their return to the top-flight. The Midlanders have made an inquiry for former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson whose future at White Hart Lane has been doomed since the appointment of Juande Ramos, exacerbated by the signing of Huerleho Gomes from PSV Eindhoven last month.
Robinson had been expected to join Aston Villa as Martin O’Neill sought to replace the Liverpool ‘keeper Scott Carson after his loan spell at the club finished. The two clubs have locked horns over Gareth Barry and Carson may yet be involved as a makeweight in the deal although Villa are demanding that their valuation of £18m for the England midfielder be met in cash. Carson’s future at Anfield is under pressure already with rumours of Liverpool scouring the globe for back-up for Spanish Number Two, Pepe Reina, with Brazilian Diego Cavalieri expected to join next week for £3m.
Gordon Banks in this morning’s Sun newspaper laments the current state of English goalkeeping, noting that
If foreign managers keep buying foreign keepers, we’ll never have a top-quality England No. 1
Robinson was supposed to be such a player. At Leeds, he was constantly linked with the top sides yet when his availability became known, none moved for him and he ended up at Tottenham. His confidence consistently fell, reaching its nadir in Croatia when an own-goal contributed to England’s failure to qualify for Euro2008. Carson was given his chance in the return match at Wembley but suffered when a mistake gifted the Croats an early lead that they ultimately held onto.
It is however harsh to write-off the future of English goalkeeping at this moment in time. Robinson may recover at a new club whilst Carson, Ben Foster of Manchester United and Joe Hart of Manchester City head a promising generation. As with most other positions in the England team, there is a paucity of world class talent currently but enough coming through to suggest that its demise may yet be prematurely called.
FERGIE’S PORTUGUESE PROBLEMS MOUNT
The Portuguese Football Federation has identified Carlos Queiroz as the most likely successor to Luis Felipe Scolari following his decision to join Chelsea. The Manchester United Assistant Manager had been believed to be Sir Alex Ferguson’s chosen successor when he eventually retires.
If the reports are correct, it puts Ferguson in an invidious position. On the one hand, he wants Queiroz to remain at Old Trafford, not least because of the almost paternal relationship he enjoys with Cristiano Ronaldo, who needs to be managed carefully due to his choreographed desire to move to Real Madrid. Countering that is the recognition that for Queiroz, such an opportunity would almost certainly be the peak of his career. It is likely that Ferguson would try to dissuade his assistant taking the appointment but he can give no assurances that the United Board would appoint Queiroz as manager when the time comes.
Ferguson needs a strong number two by his side. He has tried to combine both roles previously which was an unmitigated failure. His most successful seasons have been with a knowledgeable coach by his side and with the role of the manager becoming ever more voluminous in its duties, to do both roles may hasten his retirement.
Were Queiroz to be appointed, it would help to wipe the memories of his last venture away from Old Trafford, a trophyless spell at the Bernabeu.
Villa To Stay At Valencia For Now
David Villa has dashed the dreams of supporters of Europe’s biggest clubs by stating his desire to remain at the Mestalla for the coming season. Having finished Euro2008 as top scorer, Villa has been heavily linked with a move away with the Premier League, Barcelona or Real Madrid favoured destinations in those reports.
However, in response to chants from supporters yesterday, Villa spoke at Valencia City Hall where the Spanish squad were celebrating their triumph, the striker said,
I am very grateful and I am very happy here. I hope to stay here. The president should be thanked for wanting to keep the best players and to make a great team
Had Villa left, it would have created a huge problem for Los Ches, still reeling from an indifferent 2007-08 campaign that saw them only pull clear of the relegation spots in the final weeks of the season. Villa maintained his excellent scoring record, a key reason for their survival.
Despite his proclamations, there is still no certainty that he will line-up at Valencia next season. The money that the club could raise from his sale would enable the squad to be strenghtened. That according to President, Agustin Morera, is not the key matter, keeping Villa is,
We had offers last year, we have had more this year and we continue to receive them. Our plan is to keep him and we will try and do this
For how much longer though remains to be seen. Having had his appetite for glory whetted with the national team, his desire for success at club level may yet overrride any sense of loyalty.
DOUBTS CAST OVER WORLD CUP 2010 AND EURO2012 HOSTS
It emerged over the weekend that for differing reasons, there are grave concerns over the suitability of the hosts for the next World Cup and European Championships. Sepp Blatter announced that a decision as to whether or not South Africa would be allowed to host the 2010 jamboree will be taken after the 2009 Confederations Cup. Security Reasons are put forward as the cause for concern, not likely to resolve themselves in the short term but a longer view is that the authorities in the country may well be able to control the situation. The politics is out of Blatter’s control and requires him to take more advice on board from political authorities worldwide before making the decision.
Meanwhile Poland and Ukraine are in danger of being dumped as hosts for Euro2012 by UEFA. Having recently taken the decision to increase the number of competing nations in the Finals to twenty-four from the current sixteen, Michel Platini is said to be concerned that the stadia will not be ready in time. Having just completed a successful and smoothly operated final, it would be a damaging blow to Platini’s policy of rewarding the ’smaller’ European nations, perhaps fatally so. Security fears were heightened with an outbreak of Polish hooliganism at Euro2008 but this should on it’s own not preclude those countries from hosting Finals. However, it might be the excuse UEFA are looking for.
Speculation surrounds the potential replacements for both competitions. For the World Cup, it would seem likely that a European country is most prepared for the event. The United States of America are the preferred option should Brazil fail to deliver and would most likely not be used as substitute hosts for the tournament. In Europe, there are several candidates for Finals in terms of stadia. The Germans had 2006, France 1998, whilst England is as capable as Spain as hosts.
The UEFA scenario muddies the waters further. Certainly last two are candidates for Euro2012 as well as Scotland and Wales who are seriously considering a joint bid for 2016. The central theme with all of this is that it is business as usual. Before every major tournament there are annual crises about the stadia. The South African scenario is different and potentially more difficult to resolve. Poland and the Ukraine have had the warning shots across their bows and will in all likelihood be ready ahead of schedule. For the World Cup, it is a case of adopting ‘wait and see’ as tactics. It would be hugely unfair on the African continent as a whole to lose the World Cup in two years time so there seems little doubt that for six weeks at least, the problems which beset them now will be swept under the footballing carpet.
My Euro2008 Team
With the doors to Euro2008 now closed and Spain rightfully crowned champions, below is my team of the tournament. This is not linked to the UEFA technical committee who opted out and provided a twenty-three man squad rather than eleven whose performances in positions merited special recognition.
Goalkeeper: Casillas [Spain]
There was little consistency shown between the posts by the custodians but amid the average performances, Casillas stood out. Unflappable when dealing with crosses, he protected Spanish single goal leads when required, with a minimum of fuss and maximum efficiency
Right Back: Ramos [Spain]
Solid in defence, supportive in attack, unlucky not to score in the Final which would have been reward for his performances
Centre Back: Pepe [Portugal]
Commanding in the centre, holding together a defence that was unconvincing in their time in the competition. Provided some justification of the fee paid by Real Madrid for his services.
Centre Back: Marchena [Spain]
Sensible, no-nonsense defending. Read the game well and snuffed out a lot of the danger in the final third. Lead by example when Puyol left the field in the Sweden match.
Left Back: Zhirkov [Russia]
The most dynamic left back in the tournament, defended well but absolutely lethal when going forward. Symbolised everything good about Guus Hiddink’s tactics and the squad’s play.
Right Midfield: Modric [Croatia]
Inventive, creative and the fulcrum of the criminally underachieving Croats. Quick of thought and fleet of foot, Tottenham may have paid excessively for him but the Premier League will be enhanced by his presence next season
Centre Midfield: Senna [Spain]
Calm and authoratitive, allowing the creative players around him to shine
Centre Midfield: Xavi [Spain]
Player of the tournament. Quality passing and scored as well.
Left Midfield: Podolski [Germany]
Creative second highest scorer in the tournament behind Villa, provided as well and worked diligently on the flanks.
Attacking Midfield: Sneijder [Holland]
Eye catching range of passing that and able to get forward to score. Covered a considerable amount of ground in support of defence and attack.
Centre Forward: Villa [Spain]
Top scorer and total menace for the defences. Benefitted from having Torres work like a Trojan alongside him but was a class above most of the rest of the forwards in the tournament in front of goal.
Spain Sail To A Bright New Future With Torres Winner
GERMANY 0 - 1 SPAIN
FINAL, EURO2008
Fernando Torres’ 33rd minute goal is the difference that the history books will record in showing Spain emerged victorious in the Ernst Happel Stadion to win Euro2008. The reality was that a one-goal defeat flattered Germany. Ultimately, does that matter as the engravers etch Spain’s name on the Henri Delany Trophy for the second time, forty-four years after the first.
There was no answer from the Germans to Spain’s passing and movement, a performance that epitomised their tournament. Outthinking, outmuscling and outpassing their opponents. The absence of David Villa proved not to be an issue as Spain created chances throughout the game, causing the German defence continual problems with swift passes to feet.
Gerrmany enjoyed much of the pressure in the opening quarter of the game although it was the Spanish who twice came closest to breaking the deadlock, Fernando Torres outjumping the German defence but seeing his header strike the base of the post whilst Jens Lehmann rolled back the years when a shot from Xavi took a wicked deflection that the German ‘keeper did well to palm to safety.
Torres though provided the breakthrough with half-time on the horizon, Xavi sliding a ball between the defence and the Liverpool forward outpaced Lahm to lift the ball over the onrushing Lehmann. There was to be no German comeback nor was there to be one for Lahm as he was replaced by Jansen at the interval.
The second half continued the way the first had ended, Spain on the front foot, probing and creating. The best chances fell to Ramos who missed with a free header, Iniesta forced a good reaction save from Lehmann and Senna almost capped a fine passing move which he started, narrowly failing to connect with Guiza’s header across the face of goal.
Deserved winners, Spain are emerging from the football wilderness and should be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
EURO2008 FINAL PREVIEW - TIME FOR SPAIN TO EMERGE FROM THE SHADOWS
Spain and Germany meet tomorrow night in the Final of a tournament that has been notable for the inconsistency shown by the competing nations as much as the stunning counter-attacking football on display. Perennial underachievers Spain have bucked the trend shown by other fancied nations to have won all of their matches. If they emerge victorious in the Ernst Happel Stadion, they will be the first team since France in 1984 to do so, the last time that Spain reached the final. Germany however know the finals well although this is their first European Championship appearance at this stage since 1996 when they beat the Czech Republic with an Oliver Beirhoff ‘Golden Goal’.
In reaching the Final, both teams paths could not have been more markedly different. The Germans were many people’s pre-tournament favourites but they have stumbled to get this far, failing to be convincing in any performance other than their Quarter-Final victory over Portugal and it is this inconsistency that Spain must be wary of. In defence, no-one has been commanding and the weakness at full-back has exposed a powder-puff central defensive pairing in Mertesacker and Metzelder. As much as their marking has been slack, the centre-backs’ distribution has been equally loose. Surrendering possession to Spain can mean waving goodbye to the ball for considerable lengths of time.
Getting this far has not been far of a three man show for them; Podolski, Ballack and Schweinsteiger have been involved in pretty much all of the German goals to now. It is this resilience that is their greatest strength, the ability to dig themselves out of a hole as their semi-final victory over Turkey proved; 0-1 down reversed to 2-1 lead and a late equaliser topped by an even later. It epitomised their tournament. Outplayed for huge chunks of a game but emerging victorious.
Spain meanwhile have made light work of most of their opposition. They cruised through the Group phase, their second string beating Greece in the final match of that stage summed it up. A convincing win over Italy was denied by Gianluigi Buffon but the Russians were brushed aside in the semi-final. The key worry for them will be the absence of David Villa, the leading scorer in Euro2008. He was replaced by Cesc Fabregas against the Russians as Spain adapted their 4-4-2 to 4-1-4-1 and it is this latter formation which may take the field in the Final.
They go into this match unbeaten in twenty-one matches so confidence will not be a problem. Defensively, they have not been entirely convincing but have yet to concede more than one goal in any game. Does it really matter though when Iker Casillas is behind them, determined to prove those who believe him to best in his position, totally right? The fullbacks have been impressive coming forward, Ramos is garnering praise for his raids on the right but Capdevilla has been supportive of Silva on the left.
It is the midfield passing which has been most impressive about their run to the final. Iniesta and Xavi have passed opponents to death with Fabregas coming on to join in the fun and add more bite to their forward movement, particularly in the knock-out stages. Valencia’s David Silva has been equally at home on either flank, rendering man-marking irrelevant.
The biggest test though is up front. Torres and Villa have worked in tandem all tournament; the latter has now succumbed to a thigh injury and is missing. Torres had plenty of chances in his hour on the pitch against the Russians but has not found scoring as ’simple’ as it was for Liverpool last season. He will need to buck that trend if Spain are to win their first tournament in forty-four years.
CESC STARS AS SPANISH SINK RUSSIANS
RUSSIA 0 - 3 SPAIN
EURO2008 SEMI-FINAL 2
Spain controlled and then crushed Guus Hiddink’s Russian Revolution to progress to the Final of Euro2008. The Russians were rarely allowed to get their flowing football moving as sweetly as in previous matches as the Spanish midfield and defence sought to cut off the supply lines to Pavlyuchenko and Arshavin. The victory came at a cost for David Villa as he was ruled out of Sunday’s meeting with Germany through what Luis Aragones described as a ‘leg muscle injury’.
The Spaniards opened the match more purposefully and Akinfeev was the busier of two goalkeepers, saving well from Torres with his feet in the early stages. Mobility was the key with Torres and Villa dragging the Russian defence out of position regularly, leaving spaces for Silva, Iniesta, Ramos and Capdevilla to exploit on the flanks.
Villa withdrew ten minutes before the interval with Cesc Fabregas coming on to change the complexion of the match. An additional body in midfield to stifle their opponents creativity, interchanging with Xavi, Silca and Iniesta to support Torres in attack.
Five minutes into the second half, the Spaniards made their deserved breakthrough. Iniesta made space on the left side of the area to drill the ball into the centre of the box where Xavi met its path with a crisp volley into the net. From there on, Russia were rarely able to get forward with any purpose as the Spanish snuffed out their breaks in midfield.
It was a matter of time before the second goal arrived and having prompted Torres, Fabregas did the same for Guiza. The Mallorquian forward made no mistake as Fabregas’ delightful flicked path was controlled and lobbed past the on-rushing Akinfeev to double Spain’s advantage. The icing on the cake came when Fabregas crossed from the left for Silva to deservedly apply the finishing touch with full-time and the Final of Euro2008 beckoning.
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