Liverpool 1 Arsenal 1

It may be a little late for me to write something about this, but I can't help but to write something about it. I didn't write a preview or a match report, so here is just some verdict on the match I did not watch.

Going into the match, the two teams are the remaining teams in the EPL that is still unbeaten. The only difference is that Liverpool conceded too many draws. Other than that, Liverpool went into the game with a Champions League lost, and form that is not something to be proud of, while Arsenal came with a brilliant record. In other words, its the best time to go against Liverpool and the worst time to face Arsenal.

We all know 1-1 is the scoreline, and scored by the individuals of each respective clubs who have the responsibilities of bringing their teams to greater heights. Like what Richard Jolly said, both are incredible by their own, and its hard to replicate such players anywhere else other than their own childhood neighbourhood, with the kind of football they were brought up in.

The out come might be a goal a piece, and a point a piece, but I believe both squads have important things to worry about. Arsenal is going to face a difficult Man Utd this weekend while Liverpool picked up 3 injuries, Torres, Alonso and Marcherano. 3 key injuries in my opinion, and without Agger, looks like its going to get tougher for Pool.

What else can be said, really?

Malaysia out of World Cup 2010

So much for the dream, after losing 4-1 to Bahrain, looks like we've got to wait another 4 years for our next chance.

Jolless Spurs.

What do I really think about this?

The reason Tottenham is doing so bad lately is because of the pressure everyone is putting on Jol to succeed. And Robinson's Butter fingers.

Seriously, Jol is a good manager, no doubt brought Tottenham to great heights, and will continue to do so if given a fair chance.

Look at Tottenham games, the reason why they are not winning is simply due to the fact they concede too many goals, 21 to 10 matches to be exact. The only teams conceding more goals are Reading and Derby. Spurs scored a total of 17 League goals so far, second to only Portsmouth and Arsenal. So tell me, why are they in the bottom 3?

So Jol is sacked, in a very screwed up moment for the club. It would take something close to a miracle to revive them now.

And Megson takes over Bolton. Megson for all I know is a relegation specialist. Funny, Bolton's aim this season is to avoid relegation.

Pool in UCL tonight

Not many expected a Do or die situation as far as the group stage goes this season, but after the last Champions League game, supposedly the 2nd easiest game out of 6, Liverpool lost. And 1 point out of 6 is bad, by Liverpool's standards anyways.

This time, the opponent is Besiktas. In Istanbul. Istanbul might be memorable for the UCL final win 2 years ago, but the last time Pool came, they lost 3-2 in a meaning less game.

Both team knows that defeat would mean end that they will very well not progress pass the group stages, which means 3 points today brings a lot of significance to the equation.

Liverpool might be still unbeaten in the Premier League this season but are yet to replicate that form in the UEFA Champions League and must make do so without Fernando Torres, ruled out by a thigh injury. Benítez recognises the increasingly urgent need to kick-start a stuttering campaign, explaining: "It is a very short competition and you have to perform well in every game. Both sides want to win and we know the game will played in front of passionate supporters and against tough opponents."

As usual, it is hard to guess who will be starting for Liverpool tonight.

Prediction: 3-1 win to Liverpool.

FM2008 is out everybody!

For a while already apparently...

Yes that's right. One of the most anticipated football game of the year where players can boast their scouted gems, or they undefeated tactic. Or how their Ronaldinho scored 60 goals a season.

Honestly, I do like the new matchday experience, and it is still gettting realistic as we speak. I like the fact that you get spotted when you attend a match, can adjust the length and width of your field, better response from the other clubs, can set your budget according to your goals of the season, and it is so much faster than the previous versions!



Here is a copied and pasted section for you guys to read.

Match Flow - The largest change to match-day in a Sports Interactive game since the introduction of the second match engine. Match flow brings more atmosphere to match-days with match previews, team talks, opposition player instructions, the match itself, half time and post match. These now seamlessly follow on from one another, with no more pausing to make tactical changes, and a mini-radar pitch whilst making those tactical changes to keep you in touch with what's going on in the match

International Management - The international management gameplay has been completely revamped for Football Manager™ 2008, including, but not limited to, media improvements, international retirements, player interaction, international scouting, improved pool selection, captain selection and a separation of international and club morale for players.

Easier to Use - A much cleaner skin, a brand new advisor system to help players through various areas of the game. A new notes and notebook system, better button positioning for simpler navigation and an updated tutorial and manual. Also, coach reports make taking over a new team easier, and the new calendar system lists all important dates throughout the season. These all help to make Football Manager™ 2008 the easiest Sports Interactive game to use yet.

Confidence - Players can now easily tell what the board and supporters think about their performance in the game through the new confidence section. This gives players feedback not just on their current progress in competitions, but also their financial management and signings.

Transfer Centre - A new way of managing all current transfer and loan bids for a players club, both incoming and outgoing, making it easier to compare bids and reject or accept them.

Match Engine Improvements - A greatly improved match engine, once again utilising the footballing brain of former Republic of Ireland international player Ray Houghton as well as other tools used by real-life managers to make the most accurate simulation of football in a computer game. The ability to change the pitch dimensions at the start of the season to suit players styles of play better has also been added.

Awards re-write - An overhaul of the awards system inside the game which is not only more accurate now, but also includes new awards such as the European golden boot, and a "best eleven", which shows the all-time (in game) best eleven for all teams and nations.

Finances revamp - To reflect the changes in modern day football, Sports Interactive have updated the finance area of Football Manager™ 2008 to better reflect the ever changing football world, with more information available to the manager too, including, but not limited to, corporate match day income, season ticket news, investment funds, improved sponsorships, collective win bonuses, and the ability to move around funds from the wage budget and transfer budget (and vice versa) at any point to help you in your quest for the ideal squad.

Fan days - The board can now arrange fan days to boost ailing attendances, or for matches that are likely to attract a low crowd, with a long term affect to attendances if all goes well.

Expanded media - More media and feedback than ever before, plus more detail in existing media, and a new competition news section to find out what major things are going on in all league competitions

Regenerated player photo's - All in game generated players now have pictures using FaceGen technology to give each player more personality, and the ability for the players to be seen to grow up in front of your eyes as the game is going on.

Faster - Saving and loading is now significantly faster, with network gaming faster and smoother to play, as well as tactical changes and match reports being quicker than ever before.

Make sure you try it out!!

Post mortem of derby

Everton 1 Liverpool 2 was the final scoreline, and mathematically, that is the only thing that matters.

With a game of 2 red cards and the atmosphere of World War III, it is a typical derby game; expected and fulfilled. Liverpool had a very weird starting line up, with just Dirk Kuyt as the lone striker. Voronin started in a right wing familiar and that is certainly not his best position. Neither Aberloa or Pennant, both who have played in every Liverpool game up to date are not starting, and a flat defensive midfield pairing of Sisoko and Marsherano. It looked like a very negative tactic to me.

Other than Voronin's good chance and Riise's Free kick, Everton looked more dangerous in the first half, with Lescott proving his qualities. I knew the formation wasn't working, the defense looks vulnerable and Everton made a few really good chances for themselves. They might have 0 shots on Target but a mixed up by Hyppia gave the home team the lead when the ex-captain finished the ball in his own net. And the first half ends 1-0. To be honest, most of the referee's decisions favours Everton.

Looks like another disappointing outing for Liverpool as their form drops again. Second half commences and I saw Voronin feeding gerrard, releasing him to a very inspirational run, before getting brought down by Hibbert. Replays showed that Gerrard was brought down outside the penalty box, but nevertheless, it was a 50-50 decision, and a one on one chance meant direct red, no matter what level of football is played. Kuyt stepped up and slotted in his first goal in the EPL this season.

Gerrard continued to play very well, showing that he is back in business until suddenly everyone was shocked that Benitez took the Captain out and replaced him with Leiva Lucas. Leiva Lucas is a bright talent, but in a derby game, level on goals and opponents down to 10 men, its about time to take out one of the defensive midfielders instead and maybe place crouch in front. This substitution makes me question Benitez's tactics. Yes Gerrard had 2 rough England games, and 2 big fixtures is coming up, but this is a much heated derby to rest him that soon.

The substitution almost backfired when Liverpool did make their attacks but wasted their chances. And I have to admit, some players are too greedy for glory instead of putting the team first. But when the sky gets darker and the world seemed doomed, A Leiva had a chance to score in his EPL debut until Phil Neville blocked the shot with his hand, which had gotten him sent off. I don't blame him. Rather risk a red card and hope that the penalty is not converted then a direct goal.

Kuyt once again put the ball behind Howard and 2-1 to Liverpool. Everton Never gave up. A really bad Carragher tackle on Lescott which is a clear penalty on any other day in the last second caused some panic on the reds. But in the end, 2-1 the final score and 3 points coming this way :)

Merseyside Derby

Its Liverpool traveling to Goodison Park this weekend, after a rough spell of matches in previous games, Liverpool are looking to make things right again. Lets not forget, Everton beaten Liverpool 3-0 in this fixture last year.

Liverpool must take full points from this one, no excuses actually.

Mathematically important, but I am sure every player involved will know how important this match is, traditionally. Besides the matches against the top four teams, Everton is a big fixture for Liverpool fans and players alike. Local Derbies are more important than points in some ways. Its who's the boss of the town.

And will Torres play?

One match to kick start post euro 2008 matches and it had to be this one. Hope it goes to Liverpool's way. I predict a small victory of maybe 1-0 to Liverpool. :)

Britains Euro dreams

Only a couple of weeks ago, it looked so likely that Northern Ireland (well geographically they are there) and Scotland have brilliant chances to make it to the Euro 2008. And England was picking up so many crucial 3-0 wins, suddenly many feel that the universe was working alright after all.

Then Spain picked up points, and David Healy can't carry the team on his own, so it was up to England and Scotland.

Well, until last night, it still looks bright for both teams. Until England lost 2-1 to Russia and Scotland lost to Georgia 2-0. Off all countries. No disrespect to Georgia, but after taking all 6 out of 6 points from France and is tipped to knock out either one of the World Cup finalist, losing to Georgia is just well, a nightmare. If Scotland does make it through what seems to be an unlikely task now, 50 years down the road, someone might just make a movie out of this.

England's fortunes were not looking good either. They might be ahead of Russia in the tables, but bear in mind, Russia has one game in hand, and could easily overtake England if they win their last 2 fixtures.

It could be a British-less competition next year.

Flashscore.com

Let me introduce everyone to this amazing site. Its www.flashscore.com. Flash score offers live score updates on soccer matches from all over the world. We are talking about live updates here, so there is no more sitting down waiting for the news, as you can anticipate on all the games that are happening right now!

Live soccer scores available for leagues all round the world, including lesser known leagues like Scandinavia, Singapore or even Chile. This site also features other competitions including the European Cups and International tournaments.

What differs this amazing site from others is that besides up to the second live scores, Flash score offers live odds! Now that is something no other live update site has to offer.

Besides soccer, you can check up on the latest scores on other sports such as hockey, tennis, basketball, baseball and even American Football! Talk about convenience. All updates on one site.

Believe me when I say this. You will want to check this out.

Russia vs England

That fixture is coming up this week. After a really bad start, and a streak of 3-0 wins, one more win will ensure England's qualifications in the Euro 2008 tournament.

The reverse fixture might be won 3-0 in Wembley but going to Russia to play against a Gus Hiddink Russian side is something else. Furthermore it is going to be played on a plastic ground. This plastic ground is similar to the turf surface that some futsal courts offer. I've played on it before, and personally I think its slippery and little bits of black plastics do get into your shoes and annoy the hell out of you. I heard the Russians are going to wet the field as well, and with the freezing weather, it is going to be hard to ignore the fact that the field is something totally different from what most are used to. And I'm not even talking about ball dynamics.

The English team will be without Ashley Cole after picking up an injury in the previous match while John Terry said to return. The six forward starters should be starting once again.

I do feel England's 3-0 streak will end. They will still be favourites to win this one. My predictions, 2-1 to England. Fair result, and no one bullies or praises McClaren. Wins like these are taken for granted by the press.

International week

Once again, club managers relax, or should I say panic (cant stop thinking about which one of their players will come back injured)

Tonight a whole new set of matches continues and Big fries like England, Italy, France, Portugal and Spain are still in danger of not qualifying for the tournament. Lets not forget the European Champions Greece.

Sol Campbell is starting. What a surprise. Why not new blood like Michael Dawson. And Steven Gerrard will Captain tonight.

Germany will be the first team to qualify for the Euro 2008 tournament if they win tonight.

Besides Europe, Other parts of the world will start their World Cup qualifying campaign which includes the South American region Brazil will take on Colombia.

Mr Robinson

Paul Robinson, the man they once said will be THE successor of David Seaman. The man they say will answer England's goalkeeping problems. The man who has great talents in front of him such as Kaboul and Michael Dawson and still concede more goals than any other keeper in the Premiership other than Steven Bywater. If Robinson plays for Derby it could be worse.

Butter fingers Robinson is far from what he is supposed to be. England's no.1. The country have so many goalkeeping prospects with the like of Kirkland, Carson, Ben Foster, and the aging David James pushing for that no.1 spot.


Do you remember this own goal in Croatia?

Personally I think its time for Scott Carson to be the first choice keeper for England. This young lad has done enough to prove that he's ready for the big games. Robinson is a has been even at his age.

Where are the goals?

I was quite a fan of The beautiful game podcast, but they are not doing any podshows this season, and I would like to carry on their legacy on one of my favourite segments on the show called Where are the goals?

I will do this once a week to showcase a player who should be scoring but isn't.

Our first lucky player to be added in this Wall of Shame would be none other than Andriy Shevchenko.

Let me remind everybody again, that Andriy Shevchenko is once, European player of the year, top goal scorer in the Serie A and a 30 million pounds buy for Chelsea.

Lets forget about last season shall we? Cause there is so much to talk about already.

This season in 5 games, Sheva scored 1 goal, not the kind of stats one like himself would like to have. Not only is he not scoring goals, the Ukrainian is playing at a standard many will not believe that he has a 30 million price tag and earns more than most can imagine.

So Andriy Shevchenko, I've got to ask you, Where are the goals?

Sorry guys

Sorry for not updating. I've been very busy, and still busy. Its a busy week. Come back tomorrow. Please? :D

Liverpool 0 Marseille 1

Honestly, what can I say?

I woke up at five thirty and refreshed Livescore.com and found this scoreline.

Liverpool losing in a home game? Everyone expected a win. After a draw with Porto, a win here would be good. And its a home game, we expect to get all 9 out of 9 points in the 3 home games. No excuses really.

I didn't watch the match, so I really can't say much about it. All reports saying that it was Liverpool's worst European night out under Benitez, and stats don't lie, often. Looks like a bad game. So what if the squad was rotated, and Sebastian Leto starting on the left? It doesn't matter, its still a Liverpool squad losing a home game in the group stages.

Liverpool is supposed to be in a group against teams that looked like they will cause a threat but the end story is the other. So far, not too good.

On the bright side, the last time Liverpool lost to a French team, they ended up winning the tournament. And usually 10 points is needed to qualify to the next stage. That means in the next four games, 3 wins are required. As bad as the last 2 games go, 3 wins are highly possible.

On the other UCL matches from last night, I can embarrassedly admit that most of my predictions were wrong.

2 out of 8 matches where correctly predicted. I'm so ashamed.

Man Utd vs Roma

Remember that 7-1 scoreline from a few months back, in the same fixture? I remembered watching the first leg where Roma won by 2-1. I was happy enough to hope for a draw between the two in the next leg then, and when I woke up a little late and saw Man Utd with a 4 goal lead. Then they scored some more.

It doesn't reflect the quality difference between the teams really. If I could conclude on how that happened in the first place as just pure focus. Lets not forget self belief. After 2 goals, Roma was probably shivering inside, wondering what, how and why they are even alive.

This time I assure everyone it will be different. No matter what, there will be no goal fest, at least not like last season's game.

Roma will walk into this game with injuries and bad form (4-1 lost to Inter) while Man Utd will be heading to this one picking up form (even though they played badly) and with fit again players.

On paper, looks like a 2-1 or 2-0 win for United. Not too difficult.

John Terry needs protection

Issit just me or does anyone else not find this title amusing?

What KIND of protection?