WATCHSOCCER monitoring association football

Will Derby County be relegated from the Championship?

2008-12-16T01:01:00.000-08:00

It's not looking good for the Rams. Paul Jewell is refusing to take the rap for a year of terrible performances. The 2 - 2 draw away to lowly Charlton would seem ok on paper, but with Jewell calling Derby "woeful" he must start taking the blame. In Clough's day, he would say, "If the team is not playing well, blame the management." That sort of philosophy has gone out of the window - now it's like Ford, all about blaming the workers for the poor vehicles.

QUARTER-FINAL PREDICTIONS EURO 2008

2008-06-19T15:58:00.001-07:00

Here are my predictions for the Uefa Euro 2008 quarter-final matches:

GERMANY 2 - 1 PORTUGAL
Yes, Ronaldo's great. Yes, Deco can find the killer pass. But Schweinsteiger has been more influential than either of them, and I think the Germans will just squeak past the Portuguese.

CROATIA 1 - 2 TURKEY
The TV pundits think this is a shoe-in for the Croats, given Turkish goalkeeper Demirel's suspension. but I'm impressed with the Turkish mobility in midfield and am taking a contrarian position.

NETHERLANDS 2 - 0 RUSSIA
Every fan of attacking football should be looking forward to this game, and scores of 10-9 have been predicted. Can Guus Hiddink continue the Russian fairy tale? Methinks not. There is too much experience - and much more mobility - in the Dutch squad to be taken apart as easily as the labouring Swedes. If the Dutch midfield can close down Arshavin, it's goodnight Russia. Remember the Russians also have to get past Holland goalkeeper Van der Sar.

ITALY 1 - 0 SPAIN
Toni to tower over the soft Spanish defence, perhaps in extra time. David Villa and Fernando Torres of course are a double threat to the Italian goal. Could this be a battle between goalkeepers Casillas and Buffon? Spain were the bookmakers' second favourite to win the tournament (after Germany), but I fancy the Italian defence to overcome the Spanish attack.

Germany 3 - 2 Portugal. Euro 2008

2008-06-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

This match could go either way, but can't they all? The experience and organisation of Germany winning the big matches will be just enough, er .. I think, to win this the first quarter-final. But don't bet the house on it.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Germany 2 - 1 Portugal.

The Germans are not afraid to shoot from long range early on, perhaps in an attempt to make the defenders close down quickly and pull the Portuguese defence out of shape. Do Germans think like this? Perhaps they're just trying to score! Portugal's short passing is a little wayward so Deco takes charge and puts Simao through, but he delays the shot and the save's easy.
Schweinsteiger has been Germany's best player in this tournament up to this point, and he's putting left-back Ferreira under pressure. This is unsurprising given that Ferreira is right-footed and out of his usual position.
18' Friedrich's great tackle in the box denies Ronaldo.
20' Best chance of the game so far is wasted as João Moutinho knees the ball instead of hitting it cleanly.
21' GOAL. GERMANY 1 - 0 PORTUGAL. Podolski on the left wing, plays two wall passes to perfection, crosses early and Schweinsteiger, whose diagonal run from the right wing to the left post has lost Ferreira, finishes first time inside the post. Great goal.
26' GOAL. GERMANY 2 - 0 PORTUGAL. Germany's height advantage counts as Schweinsteiger's floating in-swinger free kick finds the shoulder of Klose.
28' Portugal win a corner and every German player is in his own penalty area to defend.
32' Germany's 3-6-1 formation is causing problems for the Portuguese midfielders. German manager Loew seems to have out-thought Portugal (and future Chelsea) boss Scolari.
40' GOAL. GERMANY 2 - 1 PORTUGAL. Portugal and Manchester United player Cristiano Ronaldo's first touch takes him past the nearest German defender. His shot is well saved by Lehmann though, but the ball falls to Nuno Gomes who keeps cool to fire home.
45' Ballack shoots near post.
45' Ronaldo shoots just wide.
50' Pepe heads over the German bar by ducking away from the ball instead of jumping at it - a great chance wasted.
61' GOAL. GERMANY 3 - 1 PORTUGAL. A second free kick is floated over the Portuguese back line and Ballack fouls Ferreira by pushing him out of the way before heading past Ricardo. UEFA! WHY NOT ALLOW REFEREES TO REVIEW THE VIDEO SCREEN IN THE STADIUM BEFORE MAKING A DECISION? THIS GOAL SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO STAND. WHY MUST REFEREES BE THE ONLY PEOPLE WATCHING THE GAME WHO MUST BE HANDICAPPED BY NOT VIEWING THE VIDEO EVIDENCE? IT'S CLEARLY RIDICULOUS.
Ronaldo takes a free kick but his shot does not dip as it has all season probably because Uefa in its infinite wisdom has yet again milked the commercial cow by introducing a new ball just before the tournament instead of sticking with a ball the players are used to. It's time to eliminate this "mad cow disease" IMHO.
78' Podolski's rocket-shot, hit with the inside of the left foot, yet bending with reverse swing from right to left, whistles past the Portuguese woodwork. This is probably the most powerful shot of the tournament so far. Future opponents beware!
86' GOAL. GERMANY 3 - 2 PORTUGAL. Substitute Postiga heads the ball past Lehmann off a perfect diagonal inswinging cross by substitute Nani. We are just wondering why they had not been introduced to the game earlier when they, with others, play delightful short, onetouch passes on the edge of teh German box. While the Germans appear to be hanging on, a counterattack sees Podolski shoot straight at Ricardo.

Result: GERMANY 3 - 2 PORTUGAL.

WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Bastian Schweinsteiger (GER).

Croatia 1 - 0 Poland. Euro 2008

2008-06-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

The Croats look like an all-round stronger team than Poland.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Croatia 1 - 0 Poland.

Wörthersee Stadion, Klagenfurt, Austria.

Goalkeepers Runje and Boruc both had good games, and hough Poland had chances to tie the score late in the match, it was Klasnic's goal in the 53rd minute that gave a Croatian "Second XI" the victory.

Result: CROATIA 1 - 0 POLAND.

WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Boruc (POL).

Austria 0 - 1 Germany. Euro 2008

2008-06-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

WATCHSOCCER prediction: Austria 0 - 2 Germany.

The most notable happening in the first half is the sending to the stands of the coaches of both Oesterreich and Deutschland by the referee for what the TV commentators tell us is "constant bickering". Gomez fails to score from point-blank range and also fails to follow up to head home.
48' GOAL. AUSTRIA 0 - 1 GERMANY. Ballack's 30 metre rocket-shot free kick into the Austrian top left-hand corner.
84' Hoffer shoots wide.
91' Frings shoots wide.
93' Oliver Neuville shoots wide.

Result: Austria 0 - 1 Germany.

WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Ballack (GER).

France 0 - 2 Italy. Euro 2008

2008-06-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

Henry doesn't seem top be firing on all cylinders - and Italy usually come good in crunch matches, so the
WATCHSOCCER prediction is France 0 - 1 Italia.

Letzigrund Stadium, Zuerich.
23' GOAL. FRANCE 0 - 1 ITALY. Abidal fouls Toni twice to make sure he is sent off while giving Italy a penalty. Pirlo steps up and powerfully curls the ball high into the left of Coupet's goal. This game could be over.
ESPN commentator Adrian Healey: "The French remain in the trench .."
25' Toni heads wide.
29' Toni just misses.
30' Toni just misses.
33' Henry just misses.
38' Benzema completely wastes a free kick by firing the ball at the knees(!) of the Italian wall. He looks to be out of his depth at this level.
43' Grosso fires in a free kick and Coupet makes a great save to touch the ball onto his right-hand post.
61' GOAL. FRANCE 0 - 2 ITALY. De Rossi's free kick is deflected by Henry into the French goal.
73' Good shot by Benzema, giving the lie to my previous statement about his being not good enough at this level, saved by Buffon. Che calcio!
92' Toni's shot on the turn is brilliantly saved by Coupet.

Result. FRANCE 0 - 2 ITALY.

WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Toni (ITA).

Greece 1 - 2 Spain. Euro 2008

2008-06-18T13:39:00.000-07:00

Greece have already been eliminated and Spain will win their group whatever the score, so this is a meaningless match.
WATCHSOCCER prediction Greece 0 - 2 Spain.

Result. Greece 1 - 2 Spain.

Russia 2 - 0 Sweden, Euro 2008

2008-06-18T11:48:00.000-07:00

Arshavin is back for Russia after suspension; for those who don't know, he's one of the best players in Europe. But Sweden are resilient .. and have Ibrahimovic.
WATCHSOCCER prediction Russia 1 - 1 Sweden.

12' Arshavin should've done better on a header 12 metres out from goal.
14' Neat football by Russia - quick and tidy passing.
16' Arshavin finds himself between the Swedish back four and the two holding midfielders, but shoots wide.
20' Arshavin almost scores on a cross-shot; Zhirkov volleys the resulting corner just wide.
Where are the Swedes? They know they only require a draw to progress in the tournament.
23' GOAL. Russia 1 Sweden 0. Great football! The Swedes didn't touch the ball in a multi-player move, Pavlyuvchenko side-footing the ball into the net past Isaksson's right hand.
26' Larsson heads against the bar, as Sweden fight back. Sweden are going home unless they get hold of the ball. The Swedish midfield is getting swamped by the quick-moving, fast-passing Russians. The Russians have not taken a couple of other chances, though. And once more Pavlyuvchencko hits the joint of the post and bar instead of scoring.
As half-time approaches, Ljungberg shoots straight at Akinfeev.
45' Nilsson breaks to goal, but Akinfeev is there again.

Half-time. RUSSIA 1 - 0 SWEDEN.

50' GOAL. RUSSIA 2 - 0 SWEDEN.
A great counterattack by Russia means three passes and the ball in the Swedish net via the boot of Andrei Arshavin from a reverse pass by Zhirkov.
55' Kallstrom on, Andersson off.
When the Russians are in possession of the ball, the Swedish midfield is standing in a line in front of the back four, thus allowing the ball carrier the luxury of picking his pass. This low-pressure defending just isn't working for the Swedes.
72' Ibrahimovic heads downwards for Akinfeev to save easily.
78' Allback on, Nilsson off.
79' Russia hit the post again from a deflected shot at the end of a penetrative run by Zyryanov.
81' Pavlyuchenko heads straight at Isaksson.
82' Pavlyuchenko should've scored, but his hot is wide of the post.
85' The Swedish attack is laboured and uninventive, the ball simply launched to the edge of the Swedish box.
88' Isaksson makes a good reaction save as Arshavin bears down on goal.

Result. RUSSIA 2 - 0 SWEDEN.

WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Andrei Arshavin (RUS).

Czech Republic 2 - 3 Turkey. Euro 2008

2008-06-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

Geneva. Rain.
Though skillful Turkey is the only team to win a game at Euro 2008 after being a goal down (versus Switzerland), I feel the Czech team will be too powerful for them. The Czechs have to get past Turkish keeper Zolkan Demirel, however.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Czech Republic 2 - 1 Turkey.

Sionko is looking dangerous on the Czech right wing.
16' Tuncay's shot just wide of Cech's left-hand post.
33' Goal. CZE 1 - 0 TUR. A Koller standing-jump header from a cross by Grygera.

Tuncay's header is straight at Cech. The first eight minutes of the second half has been played entirely in the Czech Republic's half as the Turks have remembered they have ball skills and mobility. Arda is flying on the left wing getting one cross in after another. Sabri is showing great skill on the right, too. The Turkish forwards are too short to take advantage of the crosses, though.
Afteran hour of play, the Turks are still pushing forwards.

60' Counterattack by the Czechs sees Koller one-on-one against Demirel, but the striker shoots wide with his weaker left foot.
61' Goal. CZE 2 - 0 TUR. Plasil scores arriving late on the far post as Turkey have only ten on the field.
63' Kazim Kazim's deflected shot saved by Petr Cech.
67' Tuncay heads striaght at Cech.

End-to-end football now as the Turks push forwards and the Czechs go for the jugular.

70' Polak hits the post. Almost three-nil as Demirel was well beaten.

74' Goal. CZE 2 - 1 TUR. Arda scores right in the corner from the edge of the box after a brilliant cross-box cut back by Altintop.
The Turks are putting relentless pressure on the Czech goal, with Arda terrorising the right back.
81' Servet's header is glanced instead of knocked in with only Cech to beat. A good chance.
87' Cech spills a cross, and Nihat slots the ball home. 2 - 2.
89' 2 - 3. Goooaaaal! Nihat beats the offside and curls the ball into the top corner of the Czech goal. CZE 2 - 3 TUR.
92' Demirel sent off.

Result: Czech Rep 2 - 3 Turkey.

WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Arda Turan (TUR).

Greece 0 - 1 Russia. Euro 2008

2008-06-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

The defensive Greeks against the skillful Russians. We can't imagine the Russians managing to crack the Greek defence easily; but do the Greeks have what it takes to put the ball in the net, given they need a win (as do Russia) to progress in this competition?
WATCHSOCCER prediction: 1 - 1.

13' Pavlyuvchenko's chipped shot tipped over by Greek goalkeeper Nikolidis.
19' Charisteas misses his header right in front of the Russian goal after a forty-three metre free-kick is floated in. Poor defending by the Russian defence against the inswinger.
23' Patsa does well on the right for Greece to give Charisteas a half-chance.
30' The Russians, worryingly for coach of Russia Guus Hiddink, allow the ball carrier to approach through the centre.
32' Goal. Greece 0 - 1 Russia. Cross by Torbinskiy over the head of GK Nikolidis beyond the far post is inexplicably followed by the keeper who is made to pay by Semak, who brilliantly bicycle kicks to the unmarked Zyryanov to tap home. Yes, it was a goalkeeping mistake, but Semak's recovery of the ball is one of the best moments of this competition.

The second half sees the Russians continue to push forward, and therefore finding the best chances to score. Paylyuvchenko is greedy though, and chances go begging.
Charisteas does head on target under pressure. The game is punctuated by many fouls.
78' Greek free kick on the right, outside the Russian box. Stelios on. Good delivery by Basinas. Cleared eventually by the Russians.
82' Zhirkov's free kick just over the Greek bar.
86' Gekas is adjudged offside as Greece get the ball in the Russian net.
ESPN commentator Adrian Healey says, "It's bleak for the Greek."
91' Semak's long run leads to Pavlyuvchenko with only the keeper to beat, but he shoots over.

Greece eliminated.

Russia deserve their victory.

Result: Greece 0 - 1 Russia.

WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Sergei Semak (RUS).

Espana (Spain) 2 - 1 Sverige (Sweden). Euro 2008

2008-06-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

Everyone's expecting Xavi and Iniesta to control this game to play David Villa in to score a few goals against Sweden. We're not expecting Spain to implode this early, so ..
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Spain 2 - 0 Sweden.

The average age of the Swedish squad is 31, the oldest in the tournament.

Goal. 15' Fernando Torres is quickest to react from a corner: Spain 1 - 0 Sweden.

17' El Mander shoots into the Spanish side-netting after Larsson holds up the ball well. Just wide.

One of the passes of the tournament so far as Ibrahimovic lifts the ball over the Spain back line to Larsson, who scoops the ball harmlessly over the Spanish goal.

Great skill on the ball by Sergio Ramos to get out while under pressure from the right back position.

Sweden look like they are a threat in the air from dead ball situations.

Goal. Spain 1 - 1 Sweden. 34'. Ibrahimovic squeezes the ball past Casillas, who should have done better after Sergio Ramos falls down instead of staying on his feet. The ball to Ibrahimovic came from a diagonal cross from the right.

Under pressure, the Spanish defenders sometimes just clear the ball anywhere.

Spain were denied a stone-cold penalty as El Mander clatters Villa right in front of the Swedish goal.

92' Goal. David Villa collects the long ball down the left, touches the ball past the back, runs round the other way and finishes in the classical manner far post. Spain 2 - 1 Sweden.

Result: Spain 2 - 1 Sweden.
WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: David Villa.

France 1 - 4 Netherlands. Euro 2008

2008-06-13T12:33:00.000-07:00

WATCHSOCCER prediction: France 0 - 1 Netherlands. Probably Van Nistelrooy.
This could be great game given the talent on show.

Before the tournament began THE NETHERLANDS was WATCHSOCCER'S PICK TO WIN EURO 2008, and still is.
Let's see how they get on against a France team that possess only one point.

Dirk Kuyt's 9th-minute header past marker Malouda is the difference between the two teams.
Until the twentieth minute, the Dutch were giving the French a footballing clinic in passing skills. Later in the half France put pressure on the Dutch defence, with most success coming through the centre, particularly Henry's marked back-to-goal touch-and-shoot that just misses Van der Sar's top left-hand corner.

Half-time: France 0 - 1 Netherlands. Kuyt 9'.

Arjen Robben is introduced by Nederland coach Marco Van Basten at the start of the second half, putting midfielder Engelaar on the bench.
France are all over Holland at the start of the 2nd half, shots flying in from a variety of players.
53' Henry misses a lob over Van der Sar after a great bicycle kick pass by Malouda.
58' Goal. France 0 - 2 Holland. Van Nistelrooy sends Robben away down the left wing, who carries until he can play the ball across to new sub Van Persie. His first touch in the game can't be kept out by Coupet.
Goal. France 1 - 2 Netherlands. Sagnol fires the ball into the Dutch box diagonally towards the far post and Henry with the most delicate of touches steers the ball into the Dutch goal.
Goal. 45 seconds later Robben bears down on the French goal and smashes the ball high into the near top corner. France 1 - 3 Netherlands.
91' Goal. France 1 - 4 Netherlands. Sneijder gets the ball onto his right foot and curves the ball high over Coupet, the ball entering the goal via the underside of the crossbar.

WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Arjen Robben.

Italy 1 - 1 Romania. Euro 2008

2008-06-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

Letzigrund. Zuerich, Der Schweiz.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Italia 2 - 0 Romania.

What an exciting first half with Italy deciding their best route to goal lies from crosses delivered by Grosso from the left and Camoranesi on the right. Toni had the ball in the net, but was offside. We simply cannot tell from the angle of the TV camera who was offside, though ESPN commentators Julie Foudy and Tommy Smyth (who are watching exactly the same TV pictures as the rest of us from the studio in the U.S.) are "sure" he was onside.
Del Piero is everywhere, influencing the Romanian defence. Romania had their chances, too. Notable among them Tamas' rocket shot from a free kick saved by Buffon low to his left, and Mutu's shot saved again by Buffon.

Half-time: Italy 0 - 0 Romania.

Italy 0 - 1 Romania. Mutu, in the 54th minute. Zambrotta's mistake on a back-pass is brilliantly half-volleye into the roof of the Italian net by Mutu.
Italy 1 - 1 Romania. 55th minute. Panucci scores after Chiellini heads a corner back to the Roma man to touch the ball over the line.
62' Looks like a penalty should have been awarded to Romania, though it the Italians creating the better of the chances in this exciting end-to-end game.

A series of amazing saves by Romanian GK Lobont.
80' Penalty to Romania. Seemed a little unjust, but Mutu Steps up and .. saved by Buffon! Amazing save, and Italy are still in it. Romania may have wasted their chance to stay in this competition.

86' Toni dives in the box, but the ref is not fooled.
89' Quagliarella dives in the box, but the ref is not fooled.

This has been the most exciting match of Euro 2008 so far.

Result: Italia 1 - 1 Romania.
WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Bogdan Lobont, Romania GK.

Austria 1 - 1 Poland. Euro 2008

2008-06-12T15:19:00.000-07:00

Ernst-Hapel-Stadion, Vienna/Wien, Austria.

Is this going to be an open game given the low quality of the two defences, or a tense possession match filled with fouls?
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Austria 0 - 1 Poland.

English referee Howard Webb is under scrutiny given the terrible performance by Englishman Graham Poll at the World Cup.

Austria are all over the Poles in the first twenty minutes, but the Austrians don't have a player who can finish. Then ..
29' Goal. Austria 0 - 1 Poland. Naturalized Brazilian Guerriero taps home from an offside position. The ball is crossed in from the left over the head of Pogatetz who has left a space behind him.
67' Smolarek has the hardest shot of the tournament so far - tipped over brilliantly by Macho in the Austrian goal.
93' Goal. Referee Howard Webb, who's had a so-so game, correctly awards a penalty to Austria in the dying seconds of the game for shirt-pulling in the box. Ivica Vastic steps up and hammers the ball inside the Polish keeper's right-hand post.
Result: Austria 1 - 1 Poland.
WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Artur Boruc, Polish GK.

Croatia 2 - 1 Germany. Euro 2008

2008-06-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

Croatia are better than their opening showing (Austria 0 - 1 Croatia) when they beat an Austrian team that looked livelier than their lowly FIFA ranking of 92nd-best team in the world. But the Germans are favourites to win this tournament, and have their usual attributes of fitness, tactics and technique in place.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: CRO 1 - 1 GER

After the first 20 minutes, the Croats have had the best chances, but these are thin.
At last Frings springs from the German midfield to make a diagonal run from right to left.
24' Goal. Croatia 1 - 0 Deutschland. One of the goals of the tournament as the Croats play the ball out from the right-back position and pass their way upfield, including a nice switch of play by Krancjar, leading to Srna sliding in to score. Great goal.
29' Krancjar blasts the ball over the bat as the ball is once more sent in from the Croatian left wing.
39' Metzelder heads just over the Croatian bar from a corner.
Germany are allowing the Croats to turn and this low-pressure defending is not working as the skillful Croatians are outplaying the Germans.
41' Krancjar collects and controls the ball beautifully right in front of the German goal, but his swivel-shot goes straight at German keeper and former Arsenal player Lehmann who makes a meal of saving it by jumping in the air when it would have been easier and less dangerous to catch the ball. Corluka is playing well by getting forward down the right.
43' German forward Gomez has fouled the Croatian keeper Pletikosa, so the ball in the net doesn't count as a goal.
61' Goal. Croatia 2 - 0 Germany. Olic pounces to tap home as Lehmann can only parry the ball onto the post after is is deflected goalbound off the unfortunate Podolski.
Germany seem to have little desire to win this game.
64' Gomez off (at last!), Schweinsteiger on.
69' Schweinsteiger has done more in his first five minutes than the rest of the German team has accomplished in the whole of this match.
72' Pletikosa saves after good work by Schweinsteiger on the left of the German attack.
75' Though Germany have finally woken up, Krancjar is allowed to cut in from the left and shoot right-footed.
78' Goal. Croatia 2 - 1 Germany. Podolski shoots first time with the outside of his left foot to score.
Result: Croatia 2 - 1 Germany.
WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Darijo Srna.

Switzerland 1 - 2 Turkey. Euro 2008

2008-06-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

Basle (Basel). Cloudy. Heavy rain after 12'.
Everyone's expecting fisticuffs here after the violence between the two teams in Istanbul in their last meeting. I'm expecting a Turkish victory.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Switzerland 1 - 2 Turkey.

10' Turkey start quickly and press the Swiss back somewhat, though the Swiss themselves are trying to get the ball forwards.
18' Inler shoots from long range, the ball skidding off the wet in front of Turkish keeper Demirel who saves.
22' The ball seems to get stuck on the wet surface in front of th Swiss goalmouth.
23' Barnetta powers the ball toward the near post, but Demirel saves.
24' Barnetta fires in a free kick, Demerel saves again.
So much rain has fallen that the pitch can't cope and the ball is not moving on ground passes.
28' Turkey hit the post after a free kick taken by Nihat on the right. There is a pond in front of the Swiss goal.
30' Yellow for Tuncay.
31' Goal. 1 - 0. Yakin scores after good work by Derdiyok. Ball over the top beats the offside trap.
34' The same move finds Yakin again alone in front of goal, but this time he scuffs the shot wide of the post when it looks easier to score.
The Turks cannot cope well with the deep water on the pitch - skill on the ball counts for little as aerial play is the only option.
57' Goal. Semih Senturk equalises on a header that Benaglio cannot palm out.
63' Tuncay mishits his shot wide as the pitch has drained the standing water apparent in the first half. The Turks can now use their superior ball skills to keep the ball.
65' Teenager Derdiyok is becoming more influential in the game for the Swiss.
71' Red Bull Salzburg player Vonlanthen comes on for Switzerland and dribbles into the Turkish penalty area.
73' Great chance missed by Turkey as Nihat fails to connect with a diagonal from Tuncay.
83' Counterattack by Switzerland after a long period of Turkish pressure leads to a 3v1 that transmutes into a 4v2, but Volkan Demirel saves once more.
91' Goal. No Swiss player picks up Arda as he cuts inside along the 18-yard line and his deflected shot loops over the Swiss keeper - ecstasy for the Turks. 1 - 2.
Result: Switzerland 1 - 2 Turkey.
WATCHSOOCER Man of the Match: Turkish GK, Volkan Demirel.

Czech Republic 1 - 3 Portugal. Euro 2008

2008-06-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

At the Stade de Geneve, the Czechs are going to take on Portugal. I think the Czechs are better than their showing in the first match against Switzerland and should give Portugal a real workout.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: CZE 1 - 2 POR

The Czechs are wearing all red, the Portuguese in all white: looking like Liverpool against Real Madrid. Why are the teams not allowed to wear their traditional team colours? Some sort of Uefa meddling?

The Czechs are showing good ball control in the early stages.
7' Goal. Czech Rep 0 - 1 Portugal. Deco scores after great combination play into the Czech box. Was Deco offside early in the move? The commentators don't seem to question it.
8' Jankulovsky shoots wide under pressure.
The midfield seems very congested with neither team managing to dominate.
14' Petit shoots from long range - easily saved by Cech in the Czech goal
15' Baros heads well over he bar.
15' Sionko with a lovely touch wins a corner.
16' Goal. 1 - 1. Outswinging corner finds the diving Sionko who powers his header home from in front-centre of the goal after two near post colleagues make short runs toward the corner from which the ball is being played, thus taking their defenders with them, thus allowing a little more space for the header to be effected.
19' Petit shoots just wide from 35 metres. Cech looked beaten.
22' Polak gets a yellow card for dangerous play.
23' Deco cuts inside from the left wing, but shoots just over the bar. Coach Scolari looks disgusted.
24' Ronaldo shoots from just outside the D, the ball bouncing just in front of Cech who saves well.
28' A corner from the Portuguese left for the Czechs is sent beyond the far post and over Ricardo who's come off his line. Portugal look shaky at the back. Will Scolari engineer a soft defence when he takes over as manager of Chelsea this summer?
35' Milan Baros with a great mazy dribble.
Deco overhits a pass. He looks a bit out-of-sorts; perhaps Ronaldo will have to beat the Czechs on his own by dribbling. Neither midfield is managing to take control.
41' Ronaldo shoots, Cech saves.
Portugal's attacks are mostly down their left wing, but suddenly Deco sends Ronaldo away through the centre causing a modicum of excitement. Uncompromising tackling is occurring all over the pitch.
46' Ronaldo shoots and Cech saves ow to his right at the near post.
52' Nuno Gomes turns nicely on the edge of the box & shoots straight at Cech.
The referee is letting a lot of rough play go unpunished, therefore drawing praise from the commentator. The players are committing retaliatory fouls that are also unreprimanded.
Deco is beginning to pull the strings as he passes to Simao who shoots tamely at Cech.
62' Goal. Czech Rep 1 - 2 Portugal. Deco crosses the ball along the 18-yard line to the unmarked Ronaldo who hooks the bal slightly to make it bend away from Cech along the ground into the goal.
65' Jankulovsky's free kick is flapped at by Portuguese keeper Ricardo, but Baros side-volley is blocked by Nuno Gomes.
69' Ferreira clears after the Portuguese defence can't handle any cross from the goal line.
73' Galasek off, Koller "the totemic striker" comes on.
91' Goal 1 - 3. Quaresma is played in unselfishly by Ronaldo after Portugal take a quick restart for which the Czechs were unprepared.
Result: Czech Republic 1 - Portugal 3.
WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Cristiano Ronaldo.

Russia 1 - 4 Spain. Euro 2008

2008-06-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Russia 0 - 2 Spain.

Early Russian pressure leads to a free-kick that Spain goalie Casillas had to punch away.
According to ESPN commentator Tommy Smyth, "Guus [Hiddinck] generally knows what he's doing."
Zhirkov is very mobile for the Russians as they push as amny as five of their forwards and midfielders push up on the Spanish back line. This could be an open game if this continues.
14' David Villa shoots tamely at Akinfeev.
16' Semshov shoots wide.
19' Goal. Russia 0 Spain 1. The Torres-Villa combinaton works like a dream after a great vertical pass by Xavi. Torres has the vision and skill to flick the ball into the path of David Villa who scores easily as Akinfeev is drawn to the ball.
22' A shot by Zyryanov hits the right-hand post of Casillas.
22' Torres put through, but his shot is smothered.
End-to-end play in what is shaping up to be the best match so far in the tournament.
23' Torres shoots again, but Akinfeev saves low to his right at the near post.
24' Casillas saves a weak shot.
27' Villa shoot from a tight angle.
41' Pavlyuvchenko hits the bar after a free kick.
44' Goal. David Villa scores his second after a great through ball from Andres Iniesta.

Second half.

74' Goal. Russia 0 Espana 3. David Villa gets his hat trick; he fakes left, goes right and shoots past Akinfeev into the near side of the goal, the Russian goalkeeper having dived too early as he did for the second goal he let in.
The Russian midfielders are being dispossessed far too easily now and this is leading to sweeping counterattacks by Spain. The Spaniards are superior technically and it's beginning to be apparent to all the onlookers.
After Cesc Fabregas is brought on for Fernando Torres Spain start playing short wall passes in and around the Russian penalty area.
81' Pavlyuvchenko shoots just wide of Casillas' left-hand post.
Spain's defence doesn't look like a top-notch outfit, it must be said.

It's interesting to see the Spanish left-back and right-back pinch in centrally leaving space out towards the corners. Given the rain, a lofted back-spin pass aimed at the corner flags might not stop in time for the winger to reach the ball. It could be a coaching tactic though - we saw Wimbledon employ the same in their 1988 FA Cup Final win against Liverpool where their defensive corners were abandoned in favour of having a double layer defensive set-up around the goal area.

85' Goal. Russia 1 Spain 3. Pavlyuvchenko escapes his marker and heads powerfully home after a Russian corner from the right.
88' Semak inds himself with the ball in front of the Spanish goal. but he rabbit-headlights and the chance is lost.
90' Russia 1 Spain 4. David Villa brilliantly lifts the ball up and over the Russian backs and the ball falls to Cesc Fabregas who heads home.

Result: Russia 1 Spain 4,

WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: David Villa.

Greece 0 - 2 Sweden. Euro 2008

2008-06-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

Euro 2008. Salzburg. Fine weather.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Greece 0 - 2 Sweden.

Despite certain prognostications that Sweden will be going back home early from this competition, I feel the Swedes have every chance of winning this match against the current European Champions. But can they beat the Greek defence?
1' Charisteas collects a yellow card - late tackle.
5' Ibrahimovic crosses for Ljungberg, who misses the ball.
6' Charisteas beats 4 Swedish defenders to shoot weakly.
10' Svensson smashes the second ball just wide.
11' Greece get forward easily and the ball is powered across the Swedish box.
Looks like Greece are playing a 5-4-1 system - very defensive, just as in Euro 2004.
19' Sweden win the ball after a period of Greek possession, but the transition is so slow that the Greek defenders and midfield have to merely stroll back to get into their defensive shape.
32' Ibrahimovic flicks the ball just over the bar with his head.
33' Mellberg heads over his own bar to clear.
37' Charisteas is played in after a period of Greek possession; he shoots straight at Swedish keeper Isaksson.
The crowd is now whistling and booing as the Greek back line simply play horizontal balls among themselves.
Otto Rehhagel, the Greek coach, seems to be livid at his players as he fumes on the bench.
The booing continues as the Greeks maintain possession at the back.
43' Basinas shoots, Isaksson saves.
Half-time Greece O Sweden 0.

Second half.
Sweden come out with more energy and purpose, but the diagonal crosses from the right are wasted. Sweden don't look very inventive.
Rehhagel is going to give himself a hernia as he continues to rail at his team from the bench.
51' Ibrahimovic shoots over the bar from a free kick from the Swedish left after Ljungberg is brought down.
54' Greece waste a rare corner.
60' Swedish counterattack leads to a free kick on the Swedish left. Again the kick doesn't clear the first defender.
61' Karagounis shoots twice, but the Swedes block.
66' Goal Sweden 1 Greece 0. Ibrahimovic plays a wall pass and blasts the ball past Nikolidis.
71' Goal Sweden 2 Greece 0. Hansson bundles the ball over the line after Nikolidis fails to catch a bouncing ball.
Result: Greece 0 - 2 Sweden.
WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Holland 3 - 0 Italy. Euro 2008.

2008-06-09T12:33:00.000-07:00

Netherlands v Italy Euro 2008 9 June 08 Bern. Overcast.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Holland 2 - 0 Italy.
WATCHSOCCER prediction to win Euro 2008: Holland.

First half.
Robben out for Holland and Cannavaro out for Italia mean there are question marks over their substitutes. Additionally, Clarence Seedorf refused to play for Dutch boss Van Basten indicating there is the usual discord in the Nederland camp. The Italian Azzurri will be under scrutiny given their status as current World Champions.
We are told the Dutch national anthem (called "William of Nassau") is "one of the oldest in the world".
There's more excitement in the first three minutes of this match than in the whole of the Romania – France game earlier today as the Italians go close after Van Nistelrooy almost gets the ball alone in front of the Italian goal.
19' Sneijder shoots over, left-footed after Van Nistelrooy skips past Buffon to create danger in the Italian box.
Goal. 1-0. 26th minute. Holland score. Van Nistelrooy looks to be a good 5 yards offside as he deflects a driven low shot into the Italian goal.
Goal. 2-0. 31st minute. Sneijder scores on a brilliant counter-attack by Holland after Van Bronckhorst clears Pirlo's corner off the Dutch line.
33rd minute. Di Natale shoots and Van Der Sar saves.
44th minute. Di Natale shoots with power just over the bar.

Second half

Despite the introduction of Del Piero, whose free-kick was nicely saved one-handed by Van Der Sar, it is the Dutchman with the Italian first name, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst who finds himself in front of the Italian goal to head home 3 – 0.
88' Van Persie wriggles free in the box past three(!) defenders to smash the ball just wide of Buffon's left hand post.
Holland have completely outplayed Italy in this match. Nevertheless, Italy can take some positives from this defeat: Toni has found himself with time and space in front of the Dutch goal on a number of occasions, and Del Piero was his usual dangerous self once he was introduced in the second half. The Italian midfield of the Milan trio of Gattuso, Ambrosini and Pirlo though were completely outclassed in this game, and the defence clearly missed Cannavaro. Donadoni made a serious error of not changing his team at half-time.
Holland 3 – 0 Italy. Full time score.
WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Giovanni Van Bronckhorst.

France 0 -0 Romania. Euro 2008

2008-06-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

Romania v France Euro 2008 9 Jun 08 Zürich Sunny.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: France 1 - 1 Romania.
A great line from commentator Derek Rae: "Rat," (the Romanian LB) "is scurrying down the left."
These 2 teams are my favourites to go home early from this 'Group of Death' that also includes World Champions and currently ranked third-best team in the world Italy and Holland (ranked 10) who meet later today in the Swiss capital Berne. Given the firepower on show, my feeling after 5 minutes of play that this game is heading towards a nil-nil draw might look rash; I shall possibly be ruing my prediction in a few minutes.

33rd min. Anelka heads over as the Romanian defence once more allows the ball to bounce in the box.
37'. Anelka half moons Rat with an amazing burst of acceleration, but then blasts the ball into the side-netting from very close to the goal line.
The leading scorer in Ligue Un, Benzema, has done a lot of running but has not shown any attacking threat as the first half comes to a close. Thierry Henry, as is Viera, appears to be injured. While France has had most of the possession and territory, if they want to progress to the next round they will have to beat Romania in the next 45 minutes.
After a period of Romanian pressure, in the 57' Benzema tamely side-foots the ball towards the Romanian goal after a pass from Ribery on the right.
72' Anelka off, Gomis on.
75' Nasri on.
77' Mutu off, surprisingly.
France are one-speed and apparently idealess.
0-0 full-time.
WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: Dorin Goian
------

Manchester City 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

2008-03-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

Even my four year old son predicted a Tottenham win, and he doesn't know that City have not beaten Spurs in Manchester since 1994. Spurs fans may feel aggrieved that their equalising "goal" late in the game was annulled for an offside, given that the offside Berbatov was not involved in the play. But the linesman (sorry, assistant referee) made a good call - Berbatov was in front of the goalmouth so he did attract defenders toward him.
(Also aggrieved was Robbie Keane who childishly kicked up a fuss when he was substituted by coach Ramos in the second half. It wouldn't surprise me if he were sanctioned in some way by the club for this.)
The current confusion with the offside law is because the rule is confusing. The old version of this law where a defending team got a free kick when any player of a team in an offside position was deemed to be interfering with play was far more sensible and led to far fewer contentious calls by the referees. FIFA should rethink the offside law, as well as allow the use of technology in its implementation.

Sky Sports v Technology.

2007-12-09T22:52:00.000-08:00

With reference to Reading's first goal against Liverpool (a contentious penalty) the Premier League Review Show commentator (Dave Becket?) says that it is difficult for referees with only a split second to make decisions, but these decisions "even themselves out" over the course of a season. He cites a penalty awarded to Liverpool earlier in the season despite the foul on the Liverpool player having been committed outside the penalty area.

Two wrongs make a right, then.

This is the same old anti-technology argument regurgitated once more.

When will the world of football wake up and join the twenty-first century? With violence returning to the game and corruption seemingly widespread, it is now time for FIFA to make a stand and to regularise the game by the use of technology to monitor matches and help referees come to their decisions.
WE NEED VIDEO EVIDENCE NOW!

Penalty-Taking Law.

2007-12-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

According to a pundit on Fox Soccer Channel program "Super Sunday Plus," a player running up towards the stationary ball placed on the penalty mark in order to take a penalty kick may hesitate but not stop and then restart his or her run-up to the ball.

We at watchsoccer.blogspot.com have looked at the Laws and we cannot find reference to the pundit's assertation about stopping and starting a run-up.

Here is what the Laws of the Game have to say on the matter:

Law 14
Feinting to take a penalty kick to confuse opponents is permitted as
part of football. However, if in the opinion of the referee the feinting
is considered an act of unsporting behaviour, the player shall be
cautioned.

USA 2 - 0 Brazil [U17 friendly] 8th December 2007.

2007-12-08T14:34:00.000-08:00

USA u17 1 - 0 Brazil u17
For you scouts who missed this one, here are some thoughts on some of the players on show here today in Florida for the Development Academy Nike Friendlies tournament.

For the U.S. team, there is a lot of talent on show. The full US national team has a bright future with these guys in the picture.

Carlos Martinez. He started the move in midfield that led to his nice goal - a deft flick with the outside of his foot with both feet off the ground. Seems willing to tackle and block as well as create.

Joseph-Michael Gyau[pronounced "Jao"]. He fed the ball to Martinez for his goal and looked a threat because he was so comfortable on the ball in midfield, though he was dispossessed once in the game. Looks like a real prospect for the future. Unexpected pullbackturn with back to goal on edge of box beat two Brazilian defenders.

Charles Renken. Only thirteen, but has trained with the full US national team. Very calm and composed on the ball. Was badly fouled by Mauricio and had to leave the pitch in the second half. He wants to play in Europe. He is, like Dennis Bergkamp, afraid of flying in aircraft.

Earl Edwards [GK]. Made ten saves, though none of these required great effort. Good positioning at near post to make saves. Looked proficient and solid.

Stefan Jerome. Scored the second goal from the penalty spot - opened his body at the last second to hit the ball right-footed past the Brazilian keeper's left hand. The penalty came after his skill on the ball caused a Brazilian defender to handle the ball on the ground. Good ball skills and perhaps the player with the most potential.

Brazil:

Their only player of note was Cotinho, number 8 attacking midfielder. The US bested their Latin American counterparts in every department.

Kitchen

Managers.

2007-12-05T20:20:00.000-08:00

Gerard Houllier has ruled himself out of the job of $1m-a-year coach of South Korea. Is he keeping himself free to take up the England job, the Scotland job, the Ireland job, or the Australia job?

While we're at it, it seems that Philippe Troussier, the man who succeeded in getting his team to progress beyond the group stage but who left out his form players in Japan's 2002 World Cup loss to Turkey, has arrived Down Under. Will the Antipodeans go for the peripatetic almost-man?

Oh, and the KFA, the football association of the Republic of Korea, is reportedly mightily disappointed by, er, Mick McCarthy's rejection of their offer to teach the South Korean national team. Mick obviously reckons Wolverhampton is exotic enough for him.

Konami in league with Massive.

2007-12-04T12:40:00.000-08:00

According to ClickZ, Konami Digital Entertainment has "signed on with Massive for in-game advertising with ProEvolution Soccer 2008."
That video game advertising group is a subsidiary of Microsoft company. Car manufacturers Opel and Renault already advertise in the game.

Max Bretos on Finance.

2007-12-04T12:31:00.001-08:00

According to Fox Soccer Channel's Max Bretos soccer has an "image problem". He used the example of Argentina's former powerhouse River Plate club which brought in $60,000,000 from the sale of players to other clubs, yet River still has financial problems. Max says: "There must be more clarity" and "Clubs must must open their books".

Tottenham Hotspur 2 Birmingham 3

2007-12-02T13:59:00.000-08:00

Tottenham Hotspur 2 Birmingham City 3
Keane (48, 52); McSheffrey (24), Jerome (62), Larsson (90).
A great start for new manager Alex McLeish. A mobile Birmingham team beat Spurs with a brilliant stoppage-time winner from Larsson, who powerfully bent the ball away from ex-England keeper Robinson into the top corner of the net.
Two factors contributed to the win: the sending off of Spurs' best player Robbie Keane, who'd already scored two goals [video evidence would have helped the referee in making this call - would Spurs have lost if he had still been on the pitch?]; and the bringing onto the field of forward Forssell when many other managers would have shored up a midfield that was being bossed by Spurs' Tom Huddlestone (how Derby must wish they could've held on to him).
The introduction by McLeish of ex-Juventus player Olivier Kapo, not well known in England but a French u21 midfielder with an excellent record of three goals in nine international matches, added real class to the attacking side of Birmingham's game. With a bit of strengthening of the City defence, Birmingham look like they will pose problems to any opponent. Jerome too was a handful up front for the feeble-looking Spurs defence, and scored a great individual goal to bring the scores level at 2 - 2.
Spurs are still lacking in the the following areas: centre backs, defensive midfield and goalkeeper.

The FA, Foreigners and the Next England Manager.

2007-11-30T01:15:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else apart from us here at watchsoccer think it strange that the FA has to go to Frenchmen Platini and Wenger, German Beckenbauer, Welshman Toshack, and Scot Ferguson to get advice about who should be the next head of England's team? It is in the national interest of all of the above to see to it that England continue to fail on the international stage!

Is the FA admitting defeat? Is it at last saying, "We are not up to the task of choosing someone to lead the England team?" I think we should be told, given the hoo-hah over whether the next boss of the England national team should be English or foreign.

Some blog archives from early November.

2007-11-29T10:37:00.000-08:00

10 Nov 07. Liverpool v Fulham.
10 November, 2007 by fscwatch

16 seconds into it Danny Murphy shoots. A minute later Kuqi takes a shot. 2′ 18″ Benitez is nervously looking at his watch. Peter Crouch holds the ball & lays it off perfectly. Hyppia shoots after Gerrard’s seemingly improvised free kick, Niemi saves. Murphy seems keen to do well against his old club. Crouch wins a corner. Riise’s miskick could portend further impatience with the player. Voronin’s inswinger to Hyppia’s head. Good movement by David Healy almost got him in behind the L’pool back line. Dempsey looks quick and confident on the ball; he seems to be playing a more withdrawn role. Murphy shoots - again on target. L’pool switch point of attack from right to left and this movement leads to Riise’s sliced but rasping shot. Crouch continues to make intelligent runs off the ball; he crosses the ball he wishes he could be on the other end of. Gerrard’s aerial pass to Crouch on the left post line shows promise, but Hughes makes a very good tackle. L’pool up the tempo and movement. Benayoun is stymied. Murphy breaks up the attack. After a third of the match has elapsed Fulham are holding on. Voronin is clearly offside, despite the commentator’s denying it. Fulham caught offside after good work on their left. In this first half, despite L’pool’s dominance of ball possession, there has been little for Niemi to do, and Reina has had to make more saves. 46th minute L’pool free kick to Crouch who hits the bar with GK Niemi more or less stationary.
Niemi makes a save after good work by Aurelio. Just after an hour is played, Benayoun attempts to chip Niemi. The introduction of Babbel has provided verve-swerve on the left of L’pool’s attack. 66′ Liverpool “dodge a bullet” (we wonder if that is possible) as sub Bouazza crosses from teh left after yet more fine work by Dempsey. A minute later Voronin fires wide left after quick feet by Benayoun. 68′ and we can’t help thinking it is a mistake as Dempsey, who has been keeping the L’pool defense busy all game, is substituted for Henri Camara by the dapper Lawrie Sanchez; as we like to say, “Don’t change a drawing team.” Then there is an interesting corner routine by L’pool: from the right the ball is driven aerially but with a flat trajectory diagonally across the field to a position outside the left corner of the Fulham penalty area; though the worked corner failed at lest it showed some invention. It could have been a variant of the Manchester United-style driven corner to the D (for Scholes to hit on the volley), or perhaps it was simply a miss-hit(?) . A Fulham foray ends with Reina banging the ball downfield to the chest of Torres, who turns with the ball on his right foot, switches to his left and surprisingly hits the ball low inside Niemi’s near post. Classy. 1-0 to L’pool. So ironically it is a long ball that turns the game, precisely the tactics used by Fulham all afternoon in their search to beat the Liverpool defense. Then, three minutes later, an incorrect refereeing decision gives L’pool a penalty. The foul clearly took place outside the penalty area, and should have resulted in a direct free kick to the home team. International Football Association Board! Where is the video evidence to help the referee make these close-call decisions? On our TV screens! Gerrard scores. 2-0.
The Premier League match commentators’ claim that as the foul started outside the penalty area, and continued inside it, means that a penalty had to awarded. What is this? A new modification to the laws of the game? Law 12 has it that “A direct free kick is taken from where the offence occurred.”
Tags: benayoun, Benitez, dempsey, evidence, fulham, gerrard, International Football Association Board, kuqi, L'pool, law 12, liverpool, murphy, Reina, torres, video, voronin
9 Nov 07 Fox Soccer Report.
10 November, 2007 by fscwatch
Hereford Utd 0 Leeds 0. Looks like Hereford almost won this one, unlike our prediction yesterday.
We forgot to add that kudos should go to FSC for its coverage of Argentinian football. On Monday morning (early! or late!) they are showing Boca Juniors against Velez Sarsfield at 3am Eastern, midnight Pacific 12 Nov 07.
LA Galaxy’s new coach Ruud Gullit sees opportunity in the States. When asked why he would move to LA, he cleverly replied, “Why not?” Ruud might be harking back to the bar/discotheque called “Why not?” in the Dutch city of Haarlem in the 1970s. Bobby McMahon was surprised at Gullit’s sacking as manager of Chelsea by then-owner Ken Bates. Ruud’s move to Newcastle was not such a happy one, though.
Chicago Fire were predictably beaten 1-0 by New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference Championship, the goal scored by Twellman, the striker Bruce Arena should have taken to Germany for the 2006 World Cup.
FSR previewed the Man Utd - Blackburn Rovers game. Sir Alex Ferguson said, “Teams reflect their managers”. According to Bobby, Blackburn are “solid” and Blackburn have “built from the back” meaning they are defensively strong. I think the FSR team smell an upset at Olde Trafforde, but we at FSCWatch don’t.
Portsmouth have added strike power since the summer. There’s no denying that. Can Man City “pull out at Fratton?” [Royal Navy personnel who travel by train with their significant others will know the provenance of that untoward expression].
Chelsea v Everton. Petr Cech and Terry are both injured. Who fancies a bet on Everton to win at a somewhat generous 7/1 offered by certain British bookies? Cahill is back and Everton are returning from a morale-boosting away win in Germany. But this game is at Stamford Bridge.
Fox Soccer Report reports that Adriano is not happy at Inter, and who would be with their less-than-die-hard fans? In the past only 9,000 of them would turn up to support their team when they were not playing so well, and this in the cavernous 90,000 Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. According to Bobby, Inter haven’t lost to Lazio since 1998.
It looks like Totti will play for Roma against Cagliari at the weekend, but we are not told by the FSR team whether they think this will affect the result.
Liverpool must be still pinching themselves after their Champions League record-breaking 8-0 thrashing of Besiktas. I’m interested in Bobby McMahon’s take on the contribution of Peter Crouch, but he stays mute on the subject. Bobby doesn’t like Peter.
Rooney’s out for four weeks due to injury. This will be of some concern to Manchester United, but of more concern to the boss of the England national team, Steve McClaren.
Fox Soccer Report: 8 Nov 07
9 November, 2007 by fscwatch

ACF Fiorentina 6 Elfsborg 1. Yes, the Viola are really the real deal - great finishing! Wow! Donadel’s rocket-goal! And FSR didn’t place a graphic over it - yay!
Spartak Moscow 2 Bayer Leverkusen 1. Spartak’s second goal was scored by Mozart, and I’m a bit surprised that the FSR team didn’t make more of a meal out of the player’s name.
Hapoel Tel Aviv 0 Tottenham Hotspur 2. Keane’s volley. There was no mention on the Report, unlike in certain British tabloids, of Berbatov’s sour face after he had scored the second goal for the team whose manager doesn’t want him. I wouldn’t worry if I were Berbatov; many teams in the world would take such a quality player in an instant.
Bayern München 2 Bolton Wanderers 2. Who da thought?
Another Barclay’s Premier League team had a good result, too: Nürnberg 0 Everton 2.
Kudos to Fox Soccer Channel for the upcoming games this weekend - an interesting selection if you like the Premiership or Italian Serie A. Just for fun let’s predict the score for the games being shown on FSC Friday 9th to Sunday 11th November:
Hereford Utd 1 Leeds Utd 4.
Manchester Utd 4 Blackburn 0.
Liverpool 3 Fulham 0.
Tottenham 1 Wigan 0.
Portsmouth 2 Manchester City 2.
Sampdoria 0 Empoli 0.
Palermo 1 Napoli 1.
Inter 2 Lazio 0.
AS Roma 2 Cagliari 1.
And in the big West of England FA Cup 1st round clash, let’s go with Torquay United 1 Yeovil Town 2.
What other news? Ah yes, Ruud Gullit’s becoming the new LA Galaxy coach. We wish he were still playing. By the way he used to have his own reggae band - betcha didn’t know that!
We have to take issue with Max Bretos. He gleefully suggested that because an assistant referee made the right call concerning a ball crossing the line in last week’s 2-2 tie between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, it rebuffed those calling for goal line technological aids to help referees in their decisions. “What a load of cobblers!” as they may or may not say in Northampton. So if the ref had made a mistake, then Max’d be calling for the tech? It didn’t sound like it. In any case, many of the contentious decisions in football are centered on penalty kick calls, not only whether the ball has crossed the goal line. The time has come for replays to be allowed in order to help the referees at any stage of each game. How absurd is it that on the big screen replay at the stadium we the spectators can see (say) the obvious dive or the clear foul, but the referee must be artificially handicapped in not being allowed to use this in his or her decision making? Not all games have the televised replay capability it is true, but that capability should be made a requirement of club and national teams whose matches take place in the world’s major leagues and competitions.
Tags: aviv, bretos, elfsborg, everton, fiorentina, hapoel, hereford, leeds, man, portsmouth, technology, tel, torquay, tottenham, yeovil

The Fox Soccer Report, thus far.
8 November, 2007 by fscwatch
Could someone out there please keep count of the number of times we hear the expression “thus far.” Is it a Canadian thing?
We learn from the program that Preki was voted MLS Coach of the Year. Toronto FC’s Edu is Rookie of the Year. Congrats to them from all of us here at FSCW HQ.
Tags: edu, far, preki, thus, toronto

Remember the Fifth of November: Fox Soccer Report.
6 November, 2007 by fscwatch
All three commentators are wearing World War I poppies in their lapels, but Bobby McMahon’s is the flashiest.
Arsenal 2 Manchester United 2. Giggs and Ronaldo gave United “a bit of width,” said Bobby. Also, Hargreaves found himself the wrong side of Gallas and didn’t have the speed to catch him. Hargreaves was “at fault for the last goal.” No-one escapes Bobby’s critique, not even the Exalted One, Sir Alex Ferguson. Bobby: “I had no idea what he was talking about in his post-match comments.”
Wigan 0 Chelsea 2. Wigan axe manager Hutchings. No-one is surprised, including Bobby, including us here at FSCW HQ. The images of Belletti’s goal, starting as it did with a run with the ball from his own half, shows a Wigan midfielder seemingly allowing Belletti to head straight to goal by running away from the ball. “After you, Claude!” quips Bobby. Does anyone know the origin of this phrase? Who is Claude? It can’t be the Zairean defensive midfielder Claude Makelele. Is it from an Evelyn Waugh book? We heard the same phrase used in a Serie A game recently, too.
Blackburn 0 Liverpool 0. We can’t agree with Bobby on the subject of Peter Crouch. We feel his checking and lay-offs are very good at bringing the midfield forward in the game, especially when he is not played as the lone striker. He contributes to ball movement three-dimensionally (distribution on the ground + aerial ability), so Liverpool gain mobility with his presence, as opposed to the contrary as suggested by McMahon.
Commentator Mitch Peacock slips up when he says Barnsley were playing in a Championship game against “lowly Liverpool” - he should’ve said “Blackpool.” Can’t blame him; it’s a high-stress job. One of Blackpool’s players, Michael Jackson, is called the “King of Pop” by Fox Soccer Report. Other comments on the player’s name include, “He was not healing the World at all with that challenge.” He was red-carded. Barnsley 2 Blackpool 1.
Hibs 1 Hearts 1. The Edinburgh derby was, apparently, an entertaining end-to-end affair. Seems like there was some tactical discord between the Hearts management and their workforce (the players) in the first half. Are the troubles continuing at the most troubled club in living memory?
New England Revolution 1 New York Red Bulls 0. The expected result came to pass through a scrappy Taylor Twellman goal, who got his revenge for being left off the 2006 World Cup roster by then Team USA coach Bruce Arena despite being the league’s leading striker that season. It is almost sacrilegious to criticize Arena in the United States, but his performance at that World Cup was very poor: he played lefty Damarcud Beasley on the right wing -clearly out of position- and then lambasted him for not playing well. This is the same speedster Beasley that did so well in 2002 in South Korea on the left, feeding McBride with plenty of ammo. Anyhoo, Arena has resigned his post as boss of New York. Is he eyeing the glitzy LA Galaxy job (Beckham and all) just as Frank Yallop resigns from that post to return to his former club San Jose? Marc De Grandpre, Managing Director of New York, intimated that the club wasn’t in a hurry to find a replacement for Arena.
Juventus 1 Internazionale di Milano 1. Figo got his leg broken for him. Judging by the highlights, it didn’t appear Juventus had paid the referee to swing the game in their favor.
Nils Liedholm of Sweden, Milan, Varese, and other clubs has died, age 85.
Tags: arsenal, barnsley, blackpool, channel, chelsea, derby, edinburgh, fox, hearts, hibs, inter, juventus, liedholm, manchester, mcmahon, mitch, nils, peacock, soccer, united, wigan

Super Sunday Plus / Fox Soccer Report
5 November, 2007 by fscwatch
Super Sunday Plus
When Super Sunday + Master of Ceremonies Christian Miles is wrapping up a segment just before a commercial break, the two Brits immediately start talking among themselves. How rude can you get? We can’t hear what they say because their microphones are suddenly turned off, we think. It couldn’t be that they’re miming … could it? We don’t know about you, but it looks like they are feigning interest in what the other is saying, simultaneously. You be the judge.
To be fair, their (audible) comments are reasonable in the main, but then it’s easy to talk about something that’s already happened: “The defender should have got tighter,” “They concede too many goals.” We’d like to see them preview next week’s matches and predict scores. Beforehand, would they have called Newcastle 1 Portsmouth 4, or the MLS Cup result Chivas 0 Kansas City 0 for that matter?
We have to mention that “ex-QPR man” Gary Richards in particular makes some good comments and admits errors in judgment.
On 3rd Oct 07 Miles asked what was wrong with Italian powerhouse Milan. The pundits’ answer: “They didn’t manage to sign Henry or Luca Toni.” What? No mention of the poor defensive work in midfield? What about Nesta, considered one of the very best defenders in the world, who looked very slow in Milan’s 0-0 result at home against Torino? The history of team changes at Milan has, in general, not been one of wholesale changes; continuity is paramount at that club. But perhaps it is time for wholesale change. I can’t see Mourinho not effecting it should he take over the managerial reins there, if he isn’t grabbed by Liverpool first. Milan’s crosstown rivals Internazionale di Milano have done what was previously thought impossible in Italy: field an eleven composed entirely of non-Italians. And there they are - perhaps the best team in Europe. What Inter’s nationalistic, right-wing fans make of this lack of Italian personnel is anyone’s guess.
Super Sunday Plus suffers from what we call “Producer Powertrip,” made evident in the oft-changing active camera, so the person speaking doesn’t know which camera s/he’s supposed to be looking at.
Fox Soccer Report
This Producer Powertrip affliction used to be at a chronic level in the Fox Soccer Report (daily, 10pm Eastern, 9pm Central, 7pm Pacific). Yes, time was when the announcers would hunt around for the active camera every time they spoke; it made for terrible viewing. Recently we have been spared the constant tinkering with camera angles - has there been a change in the production team? It is a peculiar program in many ways - and I’m sure their sportscasters will appreciate that comment. The strength of Fox Soccer Report lies mainly in their football pundit Bobby McMahon whose comments are only rarely not sensible.
Tags: arsenal, championship, channel, chelsea, city, county, everton, football, fox, internazionale, league, liga, manchester, milan, premier, report, serie, soccer, united

Alex and Paul installed, Harry arrested.

2007-11-28T22:24:00.000-08:00

Portsmouth supremo Harry Redknapp was arrested by the police in their investigation into corruption in football. Interesting that his son reckons someone is "out to get" his dad. We at watchsoccerwish the FA would "get" Harry to be the next England manager.

Alex McLeish is finding his feet at St Andrew's, and no doubt Paul Jewell is telling the Derby defenders that the idea is to go to the ball rather than wait for keeper Stephen Bywater to fish it out from the back of the net.

What a classy goal from Van Nistelrooy for Real Madrid against Werder Bremen - a sweet chip on the angle to score the Spanish team's second. Unfortunately for them, Bremen scored three nice goals themselves. Werder Bremen 3 - 2 Real Madrid.

Van Gaal wants the England job, Mourinho has not been contacted by the FA. Yet.

Wolves continue to threaten to almost be in a position to be promoted to the Premier League. Wolves 1 - 0 Colchester.

Lazio took the lead but couldn't hold on to it versus Olimpiakos. Lazio 1 - 2 Olimpiakos.

Didier Drogba rubbed his arms after scoring to indicate the frigid temperatures in Rosenborg. Rosenborg 0 - 4 Chelsea.

Paul Jewell becomes new Derby County boss.

2007-11-28T08:52:00.000-08:00

Derby have landed the prize fish in the managerial sea.

At last an appointment Derby County fans will be happy about. Gritty realists that they are, Derbeians will know that the task of keeping the club in the Premier League is more-or-less impossible, whatever the noises from management. But the ineptitude shown by the Davies administration will be a thing of the past, and Derby fans will hope that Jewell, given the right backing from the top, will be the new Brian Clough.

It is true he performed miracles at Bradford and Wigan, though there is his failure at Sheffield Wednesday that will unavoidably temper enthusiasm for the new man.

On his appointment Mr Jewell said,
"It's going to be very difficult, but I'm not here to wave the white flag. We're not adrift. I've taken time out of football to reflect on how I can get better. That time has not just been spent playing golf, I've done a lot of travelling and watched a lot of football.
We're in a struggling situation but all is not lost and I'm here for the long term to try and get the club strong and upward and in the right direction.
Every challenge is a big challenge, be it Bradford, Sheffield Wednesday or Wigan but this one really excites me. There is a lot of history in this football club but the history doesn't count for a lot these days. I think we can move the club forward.
The chairman called me yesterday, it was the first time I've spoken to him ever, despite what people might think.
People always ask about money but we want to move forward, there will be money available if and when we want to strengthen.
People talk about the January window but you have to be careful about who you bring in. I've watched a lot of matches and there's players I'd like to bring in if and when it is possible.
Let January look after itself, we're looking now to Sunderland."

The Woes of English Football.

2007-11-27T21:30:00.000-08:00

Well, well! Some good comments for once on FFF-I. Steven Cohen: The English game "is rotten from top to bottom". Both Steven Cohen and fellow presenter Nick Webster made it clear that they don't care that England have not made it to the Euro 2008 finals, so poor is the national team. Of course that's easy to say now. Let's imagine for a moment that England managed to progress to the finals, would these two be saying the same thing? Funny that it takes non-qualification to clear the mind of blind adulation.
We saw in the last World Cup Lampard's inadequacies at this level, as well as the danger Peter Crouch poses to defences at any level. Yet since Germany it has been Crouch who has been doubted: "The only thing he did in an England shirt was a silly dance"; and it has been the pedestrian non-dribbler Lampard who has been showered with praises. Even for just scoring the penalty against Croatia.

What are England's woes, and how do we solve them?

1. The team has not has a left side for a long time. We saw in Sapporo England struggle to hang on against Argentina because the Argentinians knew there was no attacking threat from the England left. Joe Cole has been forced to play out wide and he is a threat because he is one of the few English players with ball skills. Imagine what he could do if he were freed of his left-sided duties.
Solution: play a left-winger.

2. Now Scholes has gone, there is no inventiveness from the centre of the pitch.
Solution: Joe Cole.

3. Owen has had his day. Next to Crouch there is Darren Bent, Agbonlahor, Lita to choose from and other will emerge as the next-gen forwards gain experience.

4. The England team doesn't now possess a true stopper in the mould of Butt. Let's hark back once more to Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup. The first match was against Sweden and England had the first half. From the stands the hole between England's midfield and defensive line looked horribly large, so when Sweden realised that to be the case they created danger every time they had the ball. This gap disappeared with the return of Butt from injury in their next matches. Maybe Hargreaves can do it, maybe not.

Solution: England coaches must study Italian defensive patterns from way back till now. How is it that Italy are so successful? (Yes, there is the unfair FIFA seeding system, but there must be something other than a single line of players stretched across in front of the goal to stop opposing teams. I wonder what it might be.)

5. Something needs to be done to rekindle the thrill of goalkeeping, an area in which England has been traditionally strong. The FA should investigate the state of the coaching of this position - back to basics: "the collapsing save" for example.

6. The media should be dealt with in the way that the Italian national team dealt with them during the 1982 World Cup: "We won't talk with you because you are being unreasonable." Let's see - oh yes, it was Italy that won that particular edition of the World Cup. The FA should protect the team manager. The manager should be able to say, "Please refer your questions to the FA. I am too busy trying to create a successful team to deal with questions concerning the team or my personal life."

7. Expectations of achievement must be realistic, given the under-developed nature of English football. To catch up with the (among other things) superior nutrition, tactics and individual technique of players from the leading countries, time and a lot of money will be necessary - as well as new ways of thinking about the game. If the FA wants England to be successful, it will have to say to the clubs: "The national team comes before your interests." It will have to ask itself why there are practically no Asian players in the professional leagues. The "Kick Racism Out" campaign has clearly failed in this regard.

8. Futsal must be made more widely available to players through the establishment of more pitches throughout England. This is a great way to develop close ball control.

9. Reader, please add to these solutions. Write to the FA.

2007-11-24T16:26:00.000-08:00

Arsenal 2 - 0 Wigan. Emirates Stadium, London. Saturday 24 November 2007.

Bendtner Sparks Life into Arsenal.

The ball is being moved around very quickly in this game, and newly-appointed coach Steve Bruce must be pleased with what he is seeing. No doubt the Wigan players are keen to impress their new boss in order to keep their jobs as the January 08 transfer window will open soon.
You get the impression that sometime Arsenal move the ball sometimes too predictably quickly, and too often. One reason to switch the point of attack laterally is to stretch the opposing defence so gaps appear between the defenders. When the ball is moved from left to right and back quickly, defenders don't have to run as much as much as they might so as to provide cover. In other words, the switch of the point of attack must be made to count for something.
The Wigan team – prepared for this match by temporary manger Frank Barlow due to the delay in the installation of Bruce – are under a lot of pressure all over the park, and Marcus Bent is working hard up front to harass the Arsenal defence. In the 78th minute, substitute Emile Heskey fouls Theo Walcott and the Arsenal player is compelled to be helped from the field of play. Bendtner is brought in his place, but it is Wigan's counter attack that is brilliantly stymied by the excellent Toure.
Late in the game Gallas starts a move in front of the Wigan penalty area and the ball is passed out to the right via Bendtner to Sagna whose near-post cross is expertly finished by Gallas. 1 – 0 to the Gunners. Wigan come out of their shells and are immediately made to pay through Bendtner's breakout run through the midfield that ends in a pass to Rosicky who again finds Kilbane a yard slow in the right-back position. The Czech player hits the ball across the solid Wigan keeper Pollitt and the shot couldn't be more perfect as it enters the goal after rebounding in off the inside of the post: 2 – 0. Perhaps it is the quick ball movement that tires out opponents - if we look at the number of times Arsenal leave it late to win games. Someone has called Arsenal's style "death by a thousand passes".

Derby County 0 – 2 Chelsea. Pride Park. Saturday 24 November 2007.

Poor Refereeing Gifts Chelsea a Win.

Many are expecting a score of something like 0 – 10 by the end of today's game, so the Derby team should be looking forward to hearing the referee's whistle indicating the end of the encounter. Derby manager Billy Davies is looking at his watch after a mere 18 seconds, seemingly bearing out this view. But is Derby who win a corner in the second minute, but it is wastefully overhit by Moore. How many corners will the mostly-British Derby team get against the star-studded Chelsea side?
The Derby fans are booing every time one of Chelsea's England players touches the ball – including John Terry and Ashley Cole, neither of whom played in England's Euro 2008 qualifier losses to Croatia and Russia.
It's not until the 14th minute do we see a shot, off target from Frank Lampard, reviled by the aggressive Derby fans for his part in England's failure to qualify for the Euro 2008 finals. But it's not long after that that Kalou scores, placing the ball inside Bywater's left-hand post after a delightful first-time pass into the box by Sidwell: 0 – 1.
Derby are too frightened to leave their defensive third and so cannot get the ball, which the Chelsea back line seem intent on not releasing from their possession - even to their own midfielders. This is a non-event as a spectacle, but the 33,000 spectators don't seem too unhappy given that the comfort-level of their expectations is not disturbed. Equally undisturbed is the aforementioned Chelsea back line. Kenny Miller is only rarely pressuring them, and never enough to force them into a mistake. When the ball does go forwards many of the Derby players look completely out of their depth at this level; the team is unable to string three successive passes together. Fagan and Barnes look the liveliest but even they are loath to take on and beat an opponent. For Chelsea, Wright-Phillips appears to be getting irritated by the booing and he manages to get a shot on target, saved by Bywater.
In the 34th minute the poor Derby defender Davis heads the ball back across the face of his own goal right into the path of Kalou, who fails to score from about 3 yards: terrible defending followed by pathetic finishing.
The second half sees Derby manage to get the ball into the Chelsea penalty area. Oakley and Fagan having shots, but it is after Kenny Miller's equalizing "goal" (incorrectly ruled offside by the assistant referee – when is FIFA going to allow video evidence to help referees?) that Giles Barnes is fouled by Shevchenko in midfield and the referee allows play to continue so that Lampard's shot is turned in by Wright-Phillips. 0 - 2.
FIFA needs to allow video evidence to help referees! Headlines such as "England Players Silence Boo-Boys" are incorrect: it was the poor refereeing in this game that denied Derby a draw and a valuable point.
Substitutions left far too late by the Derby management made some impact at the end of the game: in the 82nd minute Howard beat Terry to the ball but failed to make the right contact on the ball to score; Earnshaw, a proven goal scorer, was allowed only 4 minutes to change the game, and Feilhaber (the U.S. international who has impressed many with his ability, especially in the Gold Cup Final against Mexico) with a lovely piece of skill lifted the spirit of his teammates .. but he was only allowed to play for six minutes, much to the bemusement of fans across the pond. See the watchsoccer blog post 20 November 2007. Essien was rightly sent off (red card) for scratching Miller's face in added time, though even that incident (which Chelsea coach Avram Grant seems to think is part of a referees' conspiracy against his team) would have benfited from the use of video evidence to help association football referees come to their decision.

Fox Soccer Report / Fone-in.

2007-11-20T22:53:00.000-08:00

A question posed on Fox Football Fone-in: Why doesn't Derby County manager allow Brazilian-born US international to play in Derby's matches given the appalling results posted by that team this season?
Derby boss Billy Davies' reply: “He was bought very much as a young player, very much for the medium to long term. I've told him that and he knows the situation.”
Seems to us that Davies is resigned to allow Derby to be the least successful club to have ever played in the Premier League. Someone said recently that instead of buying new players in the January 08 transfer window, it'd be cheaper to sack the manager. Finance seems to be a perennial problem at Derby.

On the FSR we see Leeds were beaten at home by Hereford Utd on a goal by Ainsworth in the third minute ( 0 - 1 ). There's some suspicion that Leeds are not that bothered about the FA Cup defeat when their escape from Division 1 must be some sort of priority for the Yorkshire team with financial problems.

Good news reported on Fox Soccer Report concerned a United Nations-sponsored 'Match against Poverty' between a Ronaldo Team and a Zidane Team ( 2 - 2 ). Awareness and money were both raised in the fight against poverty worldwide which sees 11,000,000 kids under five years old die of poverty-related causes each year. Italian referee Pierluigi Collina came out of retirement to officiate in this match for the second year running. Unicef's United States SHOP is here.

Soccer freestyle skills

2007-11-19T23:47:00.000-08:00

Fox Soccer Report.

2007-11-19T22:39:00.000-08:00

Fox Soccer Channel's nightly news program Fox Soccer Report [FSR], tells us that England striker Peter Crouch has scored 13 goals in 23 appearances. This is in connection with England's upcoming final European qualification match in England against Croatia in which England require a draw or a win to qualify for the Finals. England national team supremo Steve McClaren is likely to use a 4-5-1 formation given injuries to his back line as well as the need to prevent the Croats from scoring. Bobby McMahon, FSR's Scottish pundit tells us "a braver man would play 4-4-2".
In addition, Bobby says "the real minnows" of European competition should be required to play extra qualification matches to earn the right to play the larger fish because "the Andorras, the San Marinos [..] are rubbish." Yes, tell that to Holland to struggled to beat Luxembourg 1-0 in their last game. We at watchsoccer wonder what the exact criteria would be used to define a "minnow". May we suggest Greece, the current holders of the UEFA European Football Championship? Or how about also-ran teams such as England? No chance of an upset by a small team if there are no small teams taking part. This push toward increasingly strict seeding will take magic out of the game in our humble opinion and would like to see UEFA as well as FIFA commit to taking steps to abolish seeding in its entirety and change the major competitions to a knock-out format from the beginning. No playing for draws, and no collusion between teams - remember the Anschluss - to keep third countries from qualifying.
One last thing. Bobby made the comment that in scoring the winner, Israel's Golan "reached new heights". His fellow commentators didn't get the joke, though.

Euro 2008 qualification results.

2007-11-17T19:46:00.000-08:00

Israel 2 Russia 1
27,000 fans in Tel Aviv saw an enthralling 91st minute win by Israel over Russia.
Scotland 1 Italy 2
For all the build up, Fox Soccer Report's Bobby McMahon was correct in recognizing Luca Toni would be the danger man. There was a surfeit of statements to the tune of "the boys are up for this game" from the Scotland camp before the game, but they obviously weren't as they lost a goal within 75 seconds of the start of the encounter! Italy's skillful Di Natale didn't really look offside when his 'goal' was disallowed, but then we weren't in line with the play. But Scotland have a future given the eight wins. They will have to start turning their defeats into draws in order to make the World Cup finals though.

Lithuania 2 Ukraine 0
Ukraine - where are they now?

Macedonia 2 Croatia 0
As we predicted: a difficult game for Croatia.

Norway 1 Turkey 2
Kudos to Max Bretos for predicting a Turkish victory.

Portugal 1 Armenia 0
What is going on with Portugal? They seem to have slipped from contenders to bar tenders. Armenia unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty.

Finland 2 - 1 Azerbaijan

Poland 2 - 0 Belgium

Portugal 1 - 0 Armenia

Serbia [14:00 Sunday 18th Nov 07] Kazakhstan

Scotland 1 - 2 Italy

Lithuania 2 - 0 Ukraine

Moldova 3 - 0 Hungary

Norway 1 - 2 Turkey

Greece 5 - 0 Malta

Wales 2 - 2 Republic of Ireland

Germany 4 - 0 Cyprus

Czech Republic 3 - 1 Slovakia

Andorra 0 - 2 Estonia

F.Y.R. Macedonia 2 - 0 Croatia

Israel 2 - 1 Russia

Latvia 4 - 1 Liechtenstein

Northern Ireland 2 - 1 Denmark
Who da thought? Danmark eliminated. David Healey scores again!

Spain 3 - 0 Sweden

Bulgaria 1 - 0 Romania
Velizar Dimitrov scored the only goal.

Albania 2 - 4 Belarus

Netherlands 1 - 0 Luxembourg

--

A few friendly results of note:
Angola 2 - 1 Ivory Coast. A good result for the Angolans.
Senegal 3 - 2 Mali
Tunisia 2 - 0 Namibia
Republic of South Africa 0 - 1 United States of America. The Americans continue to do well - even without Twellman.
Australia 1 - 0 Nigeria. At Fulham's picturesque Craven Cottage Sheffield United's David Carney drove a 30 yarder to win the game for the Aussies only hours after Dutchman Dick Advocaat elected to coach Zenit St Petersburg over the Socceroos.

Euro 2008 qualifiers preview.

2007-11-16T23:30:00.000-08:00

It's Dror Kashtan v Guus Hiddink. Israel v Russia in Tel Aviv on Saturday 17th November. Russia manager Guus Hiddink is apparently popular in Israel as his family helped Jews escape from the Nazis in World War II. If Russia win, England are effectively out of the Euro 2008 finals. If Israel draw or win, then England can beat Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday to progress.
Croatia first have to play a tricky match against Macedonia on Saturday 17th November.
Better England don't qualify if the team is not likely to at least be contenders to win the Euro 2008 trophy. Strangely there is still a strong anti-Crouch sentiment in England and elsewhere, despite his scoring yet again for the national team in the friendly 1-0 victory against Austria in Vienna. That game saw yet another injury to Owen; he will be out of action for a month, meaning the task of beating Croatia will be perhaps harder. But England have attacking power - many of their players can score goals - the team is not a one-trick pony as some suggest.

England U21 v Bulgaria U21

2007-11-16T22:49:00.000-08:00

England U21 2 Bulgaria U21 0.
The first impression is the skill on the ball of the Bulgarian players: good close control and good movement off the ball. But this England team is not full of slouches either with Walcott in particular causing problems with his speed and movement. Milner on the left is getting plenty of the ball, including the one he crosses for Agbonlahor to expertly head home at the near post.
Quick movement of the ball by the Bulgarians at the end of the first half sees them squander chances. Mattock backheels the ball off the England goal line.
It's Walcott's speed that leads to a great shot and brilliant save by the Bulgarian keeper. Ten minutes from the end of the match Walcott falls over Liverpool keeper Mihaylov and the referee award England a soft penalty dispatched comfortably past Mihaylov's right hand. 2-0.

Correction.

2007-11-15T23:59:00.000-08:00

Erratum: The repechage first leg score from Mexico should read Pachuca 0 Cruz Azul 2.
En espanol: http://www.terra.com.mx/articulo.aspx?ref=0&articuloid=477884

Thaksin, Copa SudAm, Pasarella, Harry Redknapp.

2007-11-15T23:10:00.000-08:00

Manchester City's banker (and former Thai PM) Thaksin seems to be milking his Asian roots: he wants to set up City academies in Asia and bring players to the Premier League.
No real surprises there. Nor from Luton where former manager of Luton Town manager Mike Newell (he of the "women and football" comments) seems to have blown the whistle on the club's allegedly illegal shenanigans involving players' agents. Luton fan website lutontown-mad: "If Luton are to survive this, then the chairman needs to act now and try to show the FA that he is committed to eliminating corruption at Luton Town FC."
On 28 November 07 the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana will take place in Mexico between Club America and Arsenal de Sarandi.
Daniel Passarella has quit River Plate after their defeat to Arsenal de Sarandi in the semi-final of the Copa Sudamericana.
Repechage first leg result: Pachuca 0 Cruz Azul 0.
MLS news: Luciano Emilio wins Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Player Award.
Seattle and San Jose are the two new "expansion teams" to join MLS next season. Great for people on the west coast of the States. We wonder if San Jose Earthquakes will be allowed to take their pick of the Houston Dynamo team when selecting their squad. San Jose played in, and won 1-0 against DC Utd, the first ever MLS game, and were twice MLS Cup Champions. Bizarrely, despite the success, the whole franchise moved to Houston to become the Houston Dynamo in 2005.
Fox Soccer Channel pundit Max Bretos believes Turkey will make it through to the Euro 2008 finals in Switzerland and Austria, as will Italy, France, and England, too. The Benayounless Israel will not be beaten by genius Russian national team manager Guus Hiddinck, then. According to Max, Russia aren't that good. But they were good enough to beat England, though. It's true that England's results haven't been bad under Steve McClaren, but we at watchsoccer would prefer to see Portsmouth coach Harry Redknapp in charge of the national team.
Steve Bruce may move to Wigan. Chairman David Whelan is waiting for a reply from Birmingham FC. Stuart Pearce is not interested in the Wigan position.

12 Nov 07. Fox Soccer Report.

2007-11-13T23:19:00.000-08:00

In their reporting the scores of the second-tier English/Welsh Championship,the Fox Soccer Report has a graphic that reads "Ipswich 6 Bristol 0". Not all viewers in North America will be aware that there are two professional football teams in England with "Bristol" in their names: Bristol City and Bristol Rovers. We suppose City fans can pretend the vague graphic is referring to their rivals given the embarrassing, though suprising, scoreline.

2007-11-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

10 November 07. Liverpool v Blackburn

16 seconds into it Danny Murphy shoots. A minute later Kuqi takes a shot. 2′ 18″ Benitez is nervously looking at his watch. Peter Crouch holds the ball & lays it off perfectly. Hyppia shoots after Gerrard’s seemingly improvised free kick, Niemi saves. Murphy seems keen to do well against his old club. Crouch wins a corner. Riise’s miskick could portend further impatience with the player. Voronin’s inswinger to Hyppia’s head. Good movement by David Healy almost got him in behind the L’pool back line. Dempsey looks quick and confident on the ball; he seems to be playing a more withdrawn role. Murphy shoots - again on target. L’pool switch point of attack from right to left and this movement leads to Riise’s sliced but rasping shot. Crouch continues to make intelligent runs off the ball; he crosses the ball he wishes he could be on the other end of. Gerrard’s aerial pass to Crouch on the left post line shows promise, but Hughes makes a very good tackle. L’pool up the tempo and movement. Benayoun is stymied. Murphy breaks up the attack. After a third of the match has elapsed Fulham are holding on. Voronin is clearly offside, despite the commentator’s denying it. Fulham caught offside after good work on their left. In this first half, despite L’pool’s dominance of ball possession, there has been little for Niemi to do, and Reina has had to make more saves. 46th minute: L’pool free kick to Crouch who hits the bar with GK Niemi more or less stationary.

Niemi makes a save after good work by Aurelio. Just after an hour is played, Benayoun attempts to chip Niemi. The introduction of Babbel has provided verve-swerve on the left of L’pool’s attack. 66′ Liverpool “dodge a bullet” (we wonder if that is possible) as sub Bouazza crosses from teh left after yet more fine work by Dempsey. A minute later Voronin fires wide left after quick feet by Benayoun. 68′ and we can’t help thinking it is a mistake as Dempsey, who has been keeping the L’pool defense busy all game, is substituted for Henri Camara by the dapper Lawrie Sanchez; as we like to say, “Don’t change a drawing team.” Then there is an interesting corner routine by L’pool: from the right the ball is driven aerially but with a flat trajectory diagonally across the field to a position outside the left corner of the Fulham penalty area; though the worked corner failed at lest it showed some invention. It could have been a variant of the Manchester United-style driven corner to the D (for Scholes to hit on the volley), or perhaps it was simply a miss-hit(?) . A Fulham foray ends with Reina banging the ball downfield to the chest of Torres, who turns with the ball on his right foot, switches to his left and surprisingly hits the ball low inside Niemi’s near post. Classy. 1-0 to L’pool. So ironically it is a long ball that turns the game, precisely the tactics used by Fulham all afternoon in their search to beat the Liverpool defense. Then, three minutes later, an incorrect refereeing decision gives L’pool a penalty. The foul clearly took place outside the penalty area, and should have resulted in a direct free kick to the home team. International Football Association Board! Where is the video evidence to help the referee make these close-call decisions? On our TV screens! Gerrard scores. 2-0.

The Premier League match commentators’ claim that as the foul started outside the penalty area, and continued inside it, means that a penalty had to be awarded. What is this? A new modification to the laws of the game? Law 12 has it that “A direct free kick is taken from where the offence occurred.”

9 Nov 07. Fox Soccer Report.

Hereford Utd 0 Leeds 0. Looks like Hereford almost won this one, unlike our prediction yesterday.

We forgot to add that kudos should go to FSC for its coverage of Argentinian football. On Monday morning (early! or late!) they are showing Boca Juniors against Velez Sarsfield at 3am Eastern, midnight Pacific 12 Nov 07.

LA Galaxy’s new coach Ruud Gullit sees opportunity in the States. When asked why he would move to LA, he cleverly replied, “Why not?” Ruud might be harking back to the bar/discotheque called “Why not?” in the Dutch city of Haarlem in the 1970s. Bobby McMahon was surprised at Gullit’s sacking as manager of Chelsea by then-owner Ken Bates. Ruud’s move to Newcastle was not such a happy one, though.

Chicago Fire were predictably beaten 1-0 by New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference Championship, the goal scored by Twellman, the striker Bruce Arena should have taken to Germany for the 2006 World Cup.

FSR previewed the Man Utd - Blackburn Rovers game. Sir Alex Ferguson said, “Teams reflect their managers”. According to Bobby, Blackburn are “solid” and Blackburn have “built from the back” meaning they are defensively strong. I think the FSR team smell an upset at Olde Trafforde, but we at FSCWatch don’t.

Portsmouth have added strike power since the summer. There’s no denying that. Can Man City “pull out at Fratton?” [Royal Navy personnel who travel by train with their significant others will know the provenance of that untoward expression].

Chelsea v Everton. Petr Cech and Terry are both injured. Who fancies a bet on Everton to win at a somewhat generous 7/1 offered by certain British bookies? Cahill is back and Everton are returning from a morale-boosting away win in Germany. But this game is at Stamford Bridge.

Fox Soccer Report reports that Adriano is not happy at Inter, and who would be with their less-than-die-hard fans? In the past only 9,000 of them would turn up to support their team when they were not playing so well, and this in the cavernous 90,000 Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. According to Bobby, Inter haven’t lost to Lazio since 1998.

It looks like Totti will play for Roma against Cagliari at the weekend, but we are not told by the FSR team whether they think this will affect the result.

Liverpool must be still pinching themselves after their Champions League record-breaking 8-0 thrashing of Besiktas. I’m interested in Bobby McMahon’s take on the contribution of Peter Crouch, but he stays mute on the subject. Bobby doesn’t like Peter.

Rooney’s out for four weeks due to injury. This will be of some concern to Manchester United, but of more concern to the boss of the England national team, Steve McClaren.

Fox Soccer Report: 8 Nov 07

November 9th, 2007 by fscwatch

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ACF Fiorentina 6 Elfsborg 1. Yes, the Viola are really the real deal - great finishing! Wow! Donadel’s rocket-goal! And FSR didn’t place a graphic over it - yay!

Spartak Moscow 2 Bayer Leverkusen 1. Spartak’s second goal was scored by Mozart, and I’m a bit surprised that the FSR team didn’t make more of a meal out of the player’s name.

Hapoel Tel Aviv 0 Tottenham Hotspur 2. Keane’s volley. There was no mention on the Report, unlike in certain British tabloids, of Berbatov’s sour face after he had scored the second goal for the team whose manager doesn’t want him. I wouldn’t worry if I were Berbatov; many teams in the world would take such a quality player in an instant.

Bayern München 2 Bolton Wanderers 2. Who da thought?

Another Barclay’s Premier League team had a good result, too: Nürnberg 0 Everton 2.

Kudos to Fox Soccer Channel for the upcoming games this weekend - an interesting selection if you like the Premiership or Italian Serie A. Just for fun let’s predict the score for the games being shown on FSC Friday 9th to Sunday 11th November:

Hereford Utd 1 Leeds Utd 4.

Manchester Utd 4 Blackburn 0.

Liverpool 3 Fulham 0.

Tottenham 1 Wigan 0.

Portsmouth 2 Manchester City 2.

Sampdoria 0 Empoli 0.

Palermo 1 Napoli 1.

Inter 2 Lazio 0.

AS Roma 2 Cagliari 1.

And in the big West of England FA Cup 1st round clash, let’s go with Torquay United 1 Yeovil Town 2.

What other news? Ah yes, Ruud Gullit’s becoming the new LA Galaxy coach. We wish he were still playing. By the way he used to have his own reggae band - betcha didn’t know that!

We have to take issue with Max Bretos. He gleefully suggested that because an assistant referee made the right call concerning a ball crossing the line in last week’s 2-2 tie between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, it rebuffed those calling for goal line technological aids to help referees in their decisions. “What a load of cobblers!” as they may or may not say in Northampton. So if the ref had made a mistake, then Max’d be calling for the tech? It didn’t sound like it. In any case, many of the contentious decisions in football are centered on penalty kick calls, not only whether the ball has crossed the goal line. The time has come for replays to be allowed in order to help the referees at any stage of each game. How absurd is it that on the big screen replay at the stadium we the spectators can see (say) the obvious dive or the clear foul, but the referee must be artificially handicapped in not being allowed to use this in his or her decision making? Not all games have the televised replay capability it is true, but that capability should be made a requirement of club and national teams whose matches take place in the world’s major leagues and competitions.

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Tags: aviv, bretos, elfsborg, everton, fiorentina, hapoel, hereford, leeds, man, portsmouth, technology, tel, torquay, tottenham, yeovil
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The Fox Soccer Report, thus far.

November 8th, 2007 by fscwatch

Could someone out there please keep count of the number of times we hear the expression “thus far.” Is it a Canadian thing?

We learn from the program that Preki was voted MLS Coach of the Year. Toronto FC’s Edu is Rookie of the Year. Congrats to them from all of us here at FSCW HQ.

Tags: edu, far, preki, thus, toronto
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Remember the Fifth of November: Fox Soccer Report.

November 6th, 2007 by fscwatch

All three commentators are wearing World War I poppies in their lapels, but Bobby McMahon’s is the flashiest.

Arsenal 2 Manchester United 2. Giggs and Ronaldo gave United “a bit of width,” said Bobby. Also, Hargreaves found himself the wrong side of Gallas and didn’t have the speed to catch him. Hargreaves was “at fault for the last goal.” No-one escapes Bobby’s critique, not even the Exalted One, Sir Alex Ferguson. Bobby: “I had no idea what he was talking about in his post-match comments.”

Wigan 0 Chelsea 2. Wigan axe manager Hutchings. No-one is surprised, including Bobby, including us here at FSCW HQ. The images of Belletti’s goal, starting as it did with a run with the ball from his own half, shows a Wigan midfielder seemingly allowing Belletti to head straight to goal by running away from the ball. “After you, Claude!” quips Bobby. Does anyone know the origin of this phrase? Who is Claude? It can’t be the Zairean defensive midfielder Claude Makelele. Is it from an Evelyn Waugh book? We heard the same phrase used in a Serie A game recently, too.

Blackburn 0 Liverpool 0. We can’t agree with Bobby on the subject of Peter Crouch. We feel his checking and lay-offs are very good at bringing the midfield forward in the game, especially when he is not played as the lone striker. He contributes to ball movement three-dimensionally (distribution on the ground + aerial ability), so Liverpool gain mobility with his presence, as opposed to the contrary as suggested by McMahon.

Commentator Mitch Peacock slips up when he says Barnsley were playing in a Championship game against “lowly Liverpool” - he should’ve said “Blackpool.” Can’t blame him; it’s a high-stress job. One of Blackpool’s players, Michael Jackson, is called the “King of Pop” by Fox Soccer Report. Other comments on the player’s name include, “He was not healing the World at all with that challenge.” He was red-carded. Barnsley 2 Blackpool 1.

Hibs 1 Hearts 1. The Edinburgh derby was, apparently, an entertaining end-to-end affair. Seems like there was some tactical discord between the Hearts management and their workforce (the players) in the first half. Are the troubles continuing at the most troubled club in living memory?

New England Revolution 1 New York Red Bulls 0. The expected result came to pass through a scrappy Taylor Twellman goal, who got his revenge for being left off the 2006 World Cup roster by then Team USA coach Bruce Arena despite being the league’s leading striker that season. It is almost sacrilegious to criticize Arena in the United States, but his performance at that World Cup was very poor: he played lefty Damarcud Beasley on the right wing -clearly out of position- and then lambasted him for not playing well. This is the same speedster Beasley that did so well in 2002 in South Korea on the left, feeding McBride with plenty of ammo. Anyhoo, Arena has resigned his post as boss of New York. Is he eyeing the glitzy LA Galaxy job (Beckham and all) just as Frank Yallop resigns from that post to return to his former club San Jose? Marc De Grandpre, Managing Director of New York, intimated that the club wasn’t in a hurry to find a replacement for Arena.

Juventus 1 Internazionale di Milano 1. Figo got his leg broken for him. Judging by the highlights, it didn’t appear Juventus had paid the referee to swing the game in their favor.

Nils Liedholm of Sweden, Milan, Varese, and other clubs has died, age 85.

Tags: arsenal, barnsley, blackpool, channel, chelsea, derby, edinburgh, fox, hearts, hibs, inter, juventus, liedholm, manchester, mcmahon, mitch, nils, peacock, soccer, united, wigan
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Super Sunday Plus / Fox Soccer Report

November 5th, 2007 by fscwatch

Super Sunday Plus

When Super Sunday + Master of Ceremonies Christian Miles is wrapping up a segment just before a commercial break, the two Brits immediately start talking among themselves. How rude can you get? We can’t hear what they say because their microphones are suddenly turned off, we think. It couldn’t be that they’re miming … could it? We don’t know about you, but it looks like they are feigning interest in what the other is saying, simultaneously. You be the judge.

To be fair, their (audible) comments are reasonable in the main, but then it’s easy to talk about something that’s already happened: “The defender should have got tighter,” “They concede too many goals.” We’d like to see them preview next week’s matches and predict scores. Beforehand, would they have called Newcastle 1 Portsmouth 4, or the MLS Cup result Chivas 0 Kansas City 0 for that matter?

We have to mention that “ex-QPR man” Gary Richards in particular makes some good comments and admits errors in judgment.

On 3rd Oct 07 Miles asked what was wrong with Italian powerhouse Milan. The pundits’ answer: “They didn’t manage to sign Henry or Luca Toni.” What? No mention of the poor defensive work in midfield? What about Nesta, considered one of the very best defenders in the world, who looked very slow in Milan’s 0-0 result at home against Torino? The history of team changes at Milan has, in general, not been one of wholesale changes; continuity is paramount at that club. But perhaps it is time for wholesale change. I can’t see Mourinho not effecting it should he take over the managerial reins there, if he isn’t grabbed by Liverpool first. Milan’s crosstown rivals Internazionale di Milano have done what was previously thought impossible in Italy: field an eleven composed entirely of non-Italians. And there they are - perhaps the best team in Europe. What Inter’s nationalistic, right-wing fans make of this lack of Italian personnel is anyone’s guess.

Super Sunday Plus suffers from what we call “Producer Powertrip,” made evident in the oft-changing active camera, so the person speaking doesn’t know which camera s/he’s supposed to be looking at.

Fox Soccer Report

This Producer Powertrip affliction used to be at a chronic level in the Fox Soccer Report (daily, 10pm Eastern, 9pm Central, 7pm Pacific). Yes, time was when the announcers would hunt around for the active camera every time they spoke; it made for terrible viewing. Recently we have been spared the constant tinkering with camera angles - has there been a change in the production team? It is a peculiar program in many ways - and I’m sure their sportscasters will appreciate that comment. The strength of Fox Soccer Report lies mainly in their football pundit Bobby McMahon whose comments are only rarely not sensible.

Tags: benayoun, Benitez, dempsey, evidence, fulham, gerrard, International Football Association Board, kuqi, L'pool, law 12, liverpool, murphy, Reina, torres, video, voronin
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9 Nov 07 Fox Soccer Report.

November 10th, 2007 by fscwatch