International Wednesday

There was a massive slate of international friendlies contested this past Wednesday, and some intriguing matchups produced some intriguing results. There were also some World Cup qualifiers played between smaller countries, who will likely not be ultimately competing for places in South Africa 2010.

Some notable results from Wednesday's friedlies:

France 1 - 0 England
Spain 1 - 0 Italy
Poland 0 - 3 United States
Egypt 0 - 2 Argentina
Scotland 1 - 1 Croatia
Ghana 1 - 2 Mexico
Sweden 0 - 1 Brazil
Denmark 1 - 1 Czech Republic
Switzerland 0 - 4 Germany
Austria 3 - 4 Netherlands

There were many other friendlies on the day, but these serve as the most noteworthy, due to stature and significance of the nations involved. Obviously Beckham's 100th cap was the big story in Paris, where a sold-out Stade de France looked on as France won a boring affair that marked the uber-icon's 100th apperance for England. Austria appear to be gaining confidence as they prepare to co-host Euro 2008 this summer, and in scoring 3 goals against Holland aim to present themselves as more than the tournament laughingstock. The South American juggernauts won with clean sheets away to formidable sides, while the USA might have scored the biggest win of the day, on the road, 3-0 over Poland. The Poles sometimes seem predisposed to losing friendly matches to the U.S., but any win over a European side on European soil is always a positive step forward for the Americans.

Grand Slam Sunday

Manchester United 3 - 0 Liverpool

Chelsea 2 - 1 Arsenal

Two big results from the weekends matchups between the "Big Four" in England. Javier Mascherano made headlines, in the wrong way, when he garnered two first half yellow cards at Old Trafford, and earned a send-off that sent a shockwave effect through the title race. First, obviously, it helped United increase their somewhat tenuous 1-0 lead to 3-0 by allowing them to play with a man advantage for the entire 2nd half. Second, it hurt Liverpool by prohibiting Mascherano from playing in this weekend's Merseyside derby against Everton, which is a vital game in the two teams' race for fourth in the EPL. Third, it effected Chelsea and Arsenal adversely, as a Liverpool result (1-1 would have been possible, if not probable, were Macherano to have stayed on the pitch) would have given the title-chasers great hope in catching United. Now, conventional wisdom says the race is all but over and won for Man U.

And, it needs to be said, deservedly so. United have been the best and most consistent English club the last two seasons, and will rightfully repeat as champions, barring any unforeseen collapses or miracles from the London contenders. Cristiano Ronaldo has established himself as the best footballer in the world, scoring 33 goals this season in all competitions, an outrageous number. Wayne Rooney is consistently dangerous and threatening, and newcomers Nani and Anderson pack a powerful youth punch in complementing veterans Scholes, Giggs and Carrick in midfielfd. And at the back, United are the best in the Prem, conceding a staggeringly low number of only 15 goals in the league. Chelsea, with their John Terry-led defense, have conceded 23. By all accounts, Manchester United are the best team in England this year, and deserve to win the trophy.

But will they?

(to be continued)

Home Stretch

We're in the home stretch of most European domestic seasons, with roughly eight or so matches remaining for teams in powerful leagues in England, Spain, Italy, Germany, France and Holland.

Bayern Munich, and PSV Eindhoven have five and four point leads, respectively, but are expected to comfortably cruise to titles in Germany in Holland. Lyon have an insurmountable lead in France, as do apparently Inter in Seri A, though Roma are still technically in striking distance only six points back, but Inter appear to have fegained their form and should also cruise to a second consecutive scudetto. Real Madrid are also comfortable atop La Liga with a seven point cushion ahead of Barcelona, who without Leonel Messi show no signs of mounting a late surge.

So really, the league I love to focus on, the English Premiership, is the only one with any real suspense surrounding it. Currently both Chelsea and Manchester United have games in hand over Arsenal, but both clubs play tonight, which will round at the fixtures at 30 apiece. Assuming both win (Chelsea are at White Hart Lane, so no guarantees there), United will move three points clear of both Arsenal and Chelsea. Arsenal, having suffered four consecutive draws in league play, will be astonished to see their London rivals equal on points heading into their derby match on Sunday if Chelsea do in fact win tonight. So now we can officially state that the title is a three-horse race, though United have certainly emerged as clear favorites with Arsenal's recent stumbles. It's still up for grabs though, and these three clubs all still play each other, so there's a lot of points to be had either way. Don't miss the big four square off against each other this Sunday. No way Liverpool walks in to Old Trafford and walks out with a result, right?

Rambling Recap

A rambling recap of the past week...

First, in Champions League play, we now know our eight quaterfinalists, with the pairings to be determined this Friday, and no one should be unaware of the fact that 50% of the participants are from the English Premier League. Yes, the "big four" made history in Europe, making England the first country to have four quarterfinal representatives in European Cup history. And while Chelsea and Manchester United reached the last eight smoothly and in line with projections, Liverpool and Arsenal faced daunting opponents from the city of Milan, two Italian giants with 2nd legs looming in the same daunting San Siro. Arsenal won in spectacular fashion against AC Milan, by way of a magical strike from Cesc Fabregas in the dying embers of the 2nd half of the 2nd leg at Milan. Liverpool were more fortunate in their triumph over Inter, benefiting from definitely dubious double-yellow send-offs to Inter players in BOTH games. With suspect bookings going against them in both affairs, Inter never had a chance against Liverpool, and one has to wonder what the results would have been had the two teams been allowed to face each other at equal strength for the whole of the tie.

EPL sides each have a 40% chance of facing a familiar domestic partner in the next round, which could really spark a fever of interest among fans of the most popular league in the world.

And the Champions League was certainly not the only cup competition generating headlines in England in the past week, as the FA Cup saw a weekend of historic upsets produce a semifinals with all of ONE top flight team poised among THREE championship sides. Portsmouth will face high scoring West Brom, and FA Cup miracle darlings Barnsley will go against Welsh side (and FA controversy-embroiled) Cardiff. Portsmouth arrived in the semifinals by beating Man U at Old Trafford, in a game that left grumpy Alex Ferguson chastising the referees and demanding investigations by the FA. Barnsley continued their dream run by beating Chelsea at home just one round after shocking Liverpool at Anfield. West Brom can't stop scroing goals at the moment, and Cardiff are being told that even an FA Cup triumph would not be enough to see them compete in Europe next season, due to FA technicalities and incongruencies between England and Wales. Nevertheless, a non-Premier League team will compete in the FA Cup final, possibly against a fellow lower leaguer. Amazing stuff.

Inter v. Liverpool, 2nd leg

A long overdue weekend review piece is on its way later today or tomorrow, with coverage and thoughts on last week's Champions League results, weekend Premiership and Clausura action, as well as FA Cup talk.

But first, a last preview capsule on the last of the 2nd leg fixtures in the first knockout round of Champions League.

Inter v. Liverpool (aggregate 0-2)
Liverpool carry a massive 2 goal lead into the San Siro and hope to become the 2nd English side in two weeks to oust a Milano giant at their home stadium. Liverpool face an easier task, one would assume, than did Arsenal when they arrived here last week to face AC Milan in a 0-0 aggregate. The Reds arrive to face Serie A leaders and season-long Italian dominators Inter Milan, with Rafa Benitez' made-for-Europe side protecting a 2 goal lead. Conventional wisdom, which reveals a stellar Champions League pedigree in Liverpool and a perennial underachiever on the European stage in Inter, would suggest an easy go of things for the Merseysiders this evening. Rumors of infighting and dissatisfaction are circulating in the corridors of the Inter establishment, and one would think they would need to have all the confidence and belief in tact in order to reverse the 0-2 aggregate deficit. Inter will undoubtedly start the game in attack mode, something they failed to do at Anfield when they instead allowed Liverpool to bring the game to them from the outset. Inter will take some confidence knowing they will be playing 11 on 11 today, and will trust that there are no more silly decisions goinggainst them such as the red card against Materrazi in the first leg's opening minutes. The question really will be whether Inter's attackers, particularly Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Julio Cruz can make the most of the chances they get and score goals. Liverpool will be tough to break down, and are always danger on the counter, particularly in Champions League, where Benitez simply knows how to inspire results. Inter will score twice, but will be undone by a critical mistake that allows the crucial away goal. 2-1 Inter, 3-2 Liverpool on aggregate.

The big, rambling recap is on its way later today or tomorrow. I will have much reaction on the Champions League quarterfinal draw, which is announced Friday.

Champions League, Rd of 16, 2nd legs (part II)

Before we dissect Tuesday's Champions League results, we must briefly look at the three 2nd leg knockout round fixtures on tap for today. Once these matches are completed, we can look back at our results from the round of 16 (save for Inter - Liverpool, which will be concluded next week) and forecast each team's chances moving forward. The quarterfinal draw is on Friday, and we will have lots to talk about then once the matchups are set.

Chelsea v. Olimpiacos (aggregate 0-0)
Chelsea are everyone's favorite to advance from this tie, but not scoring an away goal in Athens could prove to be their undoing if they see their way to conceding tonight at Stamford Bridge. It will be interesting to watch how the Greek side approaches this match, knowing an away goal would do wonders for their chances, but also knowing that they could sit back and defend and try to advance on penalties. If they open themselves up in attack, Chelsea could show that lethal counterattacking prowess and demolish them. Avram Grant, meanwhile, is feeling the pressure at the Bridge, but will be buoyed by the recent result earned by starting Cole and Ballack (genius!). He should be able to pick the "right" eleven today and Chelsea are more than capable of breaking down Olimpiacos if they play to potential. Look for Drogba, Essien, Ballack, and Cole to have big moments, even if not all four start. I predicted 2-0 Chelsea at the outset, and I feel pretty confident about that scoreline occurring still. But what do I know, really?

Real Madrid v. Roma (aggregate 1-2)
This is a fascinating 2nd leg between two enigmatic powerhouses. Conventional wisdom should favor Real Madrid tonight, but Roma are still very capable of scoring away goals, and I also feel strongly about my 3-3 aggregate prediction holding up here, though Roma would not go through on away goals as I predicted should that scoreline come about. I predicted Roma, and must stick by it, but though they enter tonight's match protecting a lead, I don't feel any firm conviction in their prospects. I think it's a toss-up. Real are more than capable of humbling Roma and not even making this affair last into extra time, but we shall have to wait and see. My gut feeling for man-of-the-match is Fernando Gago of Real. Take it to the bank!

FC Porto v. Schalke '04 (aggregate 0-1)
Besides the debacle of a prediction in the Sevilla - Fenerbahce tie (which, it needs to be said, was the result of the tournament so far...kudos to the Turkish side for reaching their first ever CL quarterfinal), it seems I may have been most wrong about this fixture, as I evidently drastically underestimated Schalke. Though the aggregate stands at only 0-1, and Porto are more than capable of overturning that result (and even arriving at a 3-1 aggregate victory like I predicted), Schalke proved they were the better side in the first leg in Gelsenkirchen. They could have scored two or three more times, and exhibited total dominance in limiting the fierce attack of Porto. So, with Schalke holding dominant form at home, will Porto return the favor on their home pitch? And if so, will that home form amount to more than a one goal victory? They better be careful of conceding a crushing away goal as they push forward early to level the aggregate. Should be compelling stuff....

Full recap of first knockout phase results tomorrow, and examination of the quarterfinal draw on Friday.

Argentina considers USA and Mexico friendlies

Good news for the two Concacaf superpowers: CONMEBOL superpower and world # 1 Argentina is considering playing friendlies against both Mexico and the United States in early June.

Argentina would then return home to play host to Ecuador and at Brazil in further World Cup qualifiers at the latter end of the month. This would be a busy month for Alfio Basile's national team, but likely won't affect them adversely, as they are the deepest team on the planet.

It would be great news for Mexico and USA, as any chance to improve form against a global giant such as Argentina is always a welcome proposition.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/soccer/03/04/bc.soc.argentina.us.ap/index.html

Champions League, Rd of 16, 2nd legs

Today four clubs will advance to the Champions League quarterfinal round, with four more joining them tomorrow, as 2nd legs conclude. There is much intrigue going into today's matches concerning how it will all play out, so let's talk about it...

AC Milan v. Arsenal (aggregate 0-0)
I predicted Arsenal going through on away goals (2-2 seems unlikely, but it could happen), and if the Gunners are to oust the Cup holders, that is likely how it will have to transipre, as I just don't see them winning at the San Siro tonight. They will need to defend much better than they have done of late, and will have to find a way to finish one or two of the rare chances they're likely to see against the stout Milan home defence. Kaka is fit to play, as is Pato, though Clarence Seedorf is a gametime decision, which looms large for the Rossoneri. Manchester United ran into a buzz saw in this stadium in last season's Champions League semifinal, so Arsenal are up against it in needing a result tonight against the defending chamipions. Arsene Wenger may very well gamble on Robin van Persie tonight, as he travelled to Italy and is included in the rotation. But will he start? Emanuel Eboue is also clear to play, and could make a big impact on the right in midfield. Kolo Toure and Tomas Rosicky are still not match fit, and did not make the trip, and each provides a still-gaping void in Arsenal's lineup. All in all, the two sides are clear-headed about their objectives, and confident in their chances. It will be a rollicking atmosphere, and one you don't want to miss.

Barcelona v. Celtic (aggregate 3-2)
Barcelona regained their luminous form in Glasgow a fortnight ago, flowing and attacking and looking boldly like the best club in the world. Granted, they did concede two goals on only about four goal efforts by Celtic, which was a credit to the opportunism of the Scottish side, but the game was thoroughly dominated by Barcelona, and with Messi, Ronaldinho, Henry and even Eto'o all gleaming in top form, Barcelona suddenly look like favorites to hoist the European Cup title for the second time in three years. I predicted a 4-2 aggregate win for Barca, which may have been generous to Celtic, as this could get out of hand in favor of the home side tonight at the Nou Camp.

Sevilla v. Fenerbahce (aggregate 2-3)
My most errant prediction of all the first legs, I underestimated the guile of the Turkish side at home, though Sevilla have to be feeling good about their chances to win this tie after garnering two crucial away goals in Turkey. Needing only a 1-0 victory, the Spanish club should go through, though I won't make the same mistake as predicting as much, as I've now learned not to look past Fenerbahce. Still, while it won't be by a 5-0 aggregate as predicted, if I was betting on the result (which I'm not), I'd go with Sevilla going through.

Manchester United v. Lyon (aggregate 1-1)
The miracle-maker Carlos Tevez emerged in the dying minutes for United yet again in the 1st leg at Lyon, scoring a vital away goal for the Mancunians and resuing a draw in the process. Many expected a United victory in the first leg, and were thus bearing witness to a minor upset when it appeared for most of the match that the French giants would head to Old Trafford with a lead (and more importantly, without conceding an away goal), until Tevez did what he has often done this season for United, score late. Now it feels a safe bet that Man U. will go through, as no French club has ever beaten them at Old Trafford, and with Vidic and Ferdinand healthy and determined in the back, it will be a tall order for Lyon to find the back of the net, something they HAVE to do if they want to advance to the next stage of the competition. My prediction was a 4-1 United aggregate triumph, and that may well come to pass if Rooney and Ronaldo play to their expected levels. Lyon have an enormous challenge laid out before them, but no one can say they don't have a squad capable of shocking the football world....

Should be an enticing, theatrical, vibrant evening of top-class club football. Everyone should tune in and make their opinions heard.

To check out my earlier aggregate predictions and previews of these ties, go here:
http://trueglobalfootball.blogspot.com/2008/02/champions-league-preview-part-2.html

Saturday Recap

An eventful day in the EPL....

Arsenal's lead atop the Premeirship is now one point, and it's a small miracle that it is still in fact a lead at all. With Manchester United thumping hapless Fulham at Craven Cottage 3-0, Arsenal were in need of points to keep their lead in the league, and a miracle 93rd minute goal by Nicklas Bendtner salvaged a 1-1 draw for the Gunners, who were at home to Aston Villa. Arsenal were clearly still hungover from their tumultuous past weekend and played uninspired football, particularly in the attack, although it could be said that Phillipe Senderos played as bad of a defensive game as is possible, consistently getting abused by Gabriel Agbonlahor and Marlon Harewood. Cesc Fabregas, Emanuel Adebayor, Mathieu Flamini, et. al played very sub par, and it's never been more clear now that Eduardo is missing, that Arsenal are sorely missing the services of Tomas Rosicky and Robin van Persie. Villa for their part, must feel bitterly disappointed not to come away with all three points after soundly outplaying Arsenal. A win at the Emirates would have put them level with Everton for the moment in 4th place and only whetted their appetites for Champions League qualification for next season. As it is, they can head back to the Midlands feeling good about their form, but disappointed that they didn't enhance their position as much as they could have.

United will go approach their last ten games with the swagger and the confidence and the belief that they are indeed the best side in England, and will surely feel optimisitic about catching and then fending off Arsenal (and perhaps Chelsea still) in route to defending their Premeir League crown.

As much as we love to focus on the glamour clubs at the top of the table, the real theatre this year is occurring in the bottom half, where after today, teams placed 12 through 18 are separated by a mere 4 points, meaning any one of SEVEN clubs will be joining Fulham and Derby in relegation by season's end. Reading and Birmingham both scored crucial wins, while Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Bolton suffered defeats. Wigan and Sunderland drew, and it's anybody's guess who will be relegated as we enter the last phase of the schedule.