And the Reds go marching onnnnn...

As of now I'm still feeling lazy so I should just plagiarize from the Liverpool home page. It was a great match by the way, dominating at the beginning and getting the job done at the end.

Fernando Torres struck a magnificent double as Liverpool left it late to clinch a 4-1 win over FC Porto and keep our hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League alive.

The Spain international, who has now scored 10 goals in 16 appearances, struck 12 minutes from time after his first-half opener was cancelled out by a Lisandro Lopez header with a Steven Gerrard penalty and a header from substitute Peter Crouch sealing the win.

The result means that Liverpool will qualify for the last 16 of the competition if they beat Marseille at the Stade Velodrome in an all-or-nothing clash on matchday six.

The Anfield faithful was in good voice ahead of the game and the team responded in kind, with a high-tempo opening that could have been rewarded with a penalty on five minutes, but the referee waived away Yossi Benayoun's appeals after his effort seemed to strike the arm of visiting defender Marek Cech.

Fernando Torres then showed just what he brings to the Liverpool side when he dispossessed Paulo Assuncao on the halfway line and ran at the heart of the Porto defence before unleashing a 20-yard strike that was well held by Helton.

Jesualdo Ferreira's men topped the group at the start of play and seemed content to sit back and soak up the pressure. But that all changed on 19 minutes when Fernando Torres gave Liverpool a deserved lead.

The Spain international rose unmarked to power home Steven Gerrard's corner from the right and claim his ninth goal of the campaign.

It was the perfect start for the Reds and they continued to dominate possession without truly troubling Helton in the Porto goal.

It seemed like they would go in at half-time with a priceless interval lead but on 33 minutes a defensive lapse allowed the away side in to equalise.

Przemyslaw Kazmierczak broke down the left and after evading the challenge of Steve Finnan he sent over a dangerous cross that was met by Lisandro Lopez who guided his header beyond Pepe Reina at the Kop end.

The goal was a bitter blow for the Reds but they did not lose heart and they could have restored their lead a minute later but Torres was thwarted at the last minute after a clever ball form Benayoun.

However, it could have been worse for Rafa and co and hearts where in mouths on 37 minutes when Lisandro Lopez contrived to stab his effort wide of the post after his intelligent run beat the offside trap.

Liverpool began the second period attacking the Kop end but chances were at a premium as the Portuguese outfit maintained their stubborn resistance.

Benayoun squandered the first opening of the half when he sliced his effort wide after good play by Torres before both substitute Harry Kewell and Sami Hyypia went close.

It looked like the visitors would hold on for a hard-fought draw but when Kewell fed Torres on 78 minutes the young forward held off the challenges to guide his effort past the keeper and send the home fans into delirium.

And it got better four minutes later when Steven Gerrard sent Helton the wrong way from the penalty-spot after a Porto defender was adjudged to have handled in the area.

There was even time for substitute Peter Crouch to put rub salt in the visitors' wounds as he headed in Gerrard's corner with Porto's defence all at sea.

Survey

I got this email on some census done of some 3000 England fans on what they think. I'm going to paste the whole chunk here.

Only 4% Of Fans Back England To Win World Cup

London 27th November 2007 … A Football Fans Census survey of over 3,000 England fans from all Premier and Football League Clubs has revealed that only 4% believe England will win the tournament in 2010.

The survey comes hot on the heels of the FA’s announcement to conduct a 'root and branch review' into the senior England set up following the defeat to Croatia. Fans will be hoping for some positive steps, as only 13% of them currently believe that the side will get beyond the Quarter Final stage in the 2010 World Cup.

England’s Poisoned Chalice?

The majority of fans (54%) believe the England Manager’s job has become a poisoned chalice. 60% of fans think there is too much pressure on the England Manager and 25% think that there is “way too much” pressure.

Worryingly, for everyone who has the best interests of the English national team at heart, 76% of fans feel there is a possibility that the amount of pressure on the England Manager could make it difficult to attract the best candidates.

Others Should Share Responsibility

While 94% of fans endorse The FA’s decision to sack Steve McClaren - they also feel that others should shoulder the responsibility.

When asked who they would blame the most for England's failure to qualify for the European Championships, 45% of fans blame the players - only 6% less than those who blame the manager. In another indictment of the “Golden Generation”, only 35% of fans think that the players still care enough about playing for England, although the majority of fans (58%) do not feel that individual players should be booed.

81% of fans feel it was right to sack Terry Venables, but their discontent does not end in the dressing room; 67% of supporters feel that Brian Barwick, The FA Chief Executive, should take “a lot” (45%) or “full” (22%) responsibility for England's failure to qualify for the European Championships. The majority of supporters (54%) also feel that FA Chairman, Geoff Thompson should take a lot (40%) or full (14%) responsibility.

Nationality Not An Issue

England fans want the best person for the England Manager job, regardless of nationality, and they feel that that person is Jose Mourinho.

The results are a clear indication that the majority of fans want the best man for the job, regardless of nationality. Non-English managers picked up 70% of the total manager vote, while only 14% of fans state that the next manager ‘has to be English’.

Fans were asked who they would like to see appointed as the next England Manager from a choice of 20 of the bookies’ favourite candidates on the day Steve McClaren was sacked.

Jose Mourinho emerges as the clear favourite among England fans as the man they want to succeed Steve McClaren. The “Special One” polled 36% of the vote, and in doing so received over four times as many votes as the two next best placed managers - Martin O’Neill and Harry Redknapp - both on 8% each.

Club & Country

The club v country debate is often central to discussions about the national side. While fans are most loyal to their clubs, they are also signalling that they want football’s decision makers to ensure that future developments in the game strike a balance between club football and the strength of the national side. When asked which is most important for them, a majority of fans 51% said their club, but 43% replied that club and country were equally important to and 6% said their country was most important.

The majority of fans aren’t too concerned about the effect the number of club games played has on the English National side (57% of think that the current amount of club games played has a neutral impact) however there is a significant minority of 31% who do feel that there is a negative impact.

Premier League Power

Fans are also questioning whether The FA has enough power within the game to implement the right strategy, only 14% of fans feel the balance of power between The FA and the Premier League is about right. 54% of fans feel the Premier League has too much power compared to The FA, while only 20% feel The FA has too much power.

Foreign Players

Whilst the quality of play in the Premier League may have benefited from an influx of foreign players, 59% of fans think that the current level of foreign players has a negative impact on the English National side.

Coaching System

There is a feeling that the coaching system is partly to blame for England’s failure in the Euro 2008 campaign, 76% of fans think that the English coaching system is not producing enough good English players, while 66% of fans feel that cutting the number of foreign players training through the club Academy systems would have a positive impact on the English national side.

World of Football

No I'm not dead. I've just been busy. While I was away, the World Cup qualifying draw was made, Man utd Lost to Bolton, Gerrard scored one of those goals that make your hair stand, and Platini talks about how England should be coached by an English man. Oh and Billy Davis.

More tomorrow, or the day after :)

McClaren Sacked

No surprises really. Not at all. After the Croatia game, you are either a hero or a villain. 1 goal made McClaren the Villain.

As a manager, McClaren did not do that many mistakes, at least when he did them, he had the guts to correct them. But with everything going on with the squad right now, can anyone actually save the Nation's pride?

Lets face it, the reason why McClaren was hired in the first place is because of his nationality. He's English. I know it punctures the local's ego to see a foreign coach coaching your national side especially if that sport itself is such a tradition in the nation. Imagine an Australian training the Japanese Karate team, or a Russian coaching the national Sepak Takraw team of Malaysia. Same deal.

As thing stands now, think 18 months back, was McClaren the wrong choice?

Could have big Sam done any better? Could Harry Redknapp helped? How about Pearce? McClaren's record exceeds his 'English' counterparts. Had the other English managers been elected then, the outcome would be still the same.

The not qualifying for Euro 2008 part was a total embarrassment. To the point that it doesnt matter who is coming in next, as long as he can save the team.

At a crisis like this one, I mentioned it before, and I will mention it again. When the safe choice does not work, its time to gamble. If Alan Shearer is interested, give him the job. The English game as of now is filled with predictability and routine. Its about time to change things and take a risk. I don't know Alan's coaching credentials but I believe if there is anything he can offer to the English game is motivation. Thats what they need right now anyways.

England Vs Croatia

With so many injuries and a possible change of Goalkeeper, 1 point is all England need after the weirdest week of football where the Unfairness of football gods got it right for the Universe, giving England a donno how many chances and kicking out Scotland for doing too well. Taking 6 points out of 6 against France is really something.

Another ironic moment is where, by right, England does not need to score tonight. The job is as simple as keeping a clean sheet and thats it. With injuries to Owen and Rooney, maybe this is a smart move. Why risk a partnership that would most likely not work (Crouch, Defoe, Bent, Smith??) than to let Crouch go solo up front and have a pack of midfield to feed him high balls and ensure that their defenders got the simplest of jobs.

Besides, England boast a talented midfield that consist of flair, drive, consistency, and strength. On paper, this is a good combination of doing what a midfield does best, taking the ball from the opponent and feeding it upwards(supposedly where if should belong)

After all that talk, they are going to just make it. Thats what I feel anyways.

Israel did beat Russia

Looks like the 9 year old did beat up the 14 year old. Next task is to either beat up or make peace with a 15 year old.

Buahahahah!

The Israeli Hope.

England fans will be supporting Israel tonight, hoping that they will beat Russia so England can qualify for the Euro 2008 tournament. Is this funny or what?

Edit:

Its like when you are a 17 year old, and you are hoping that a 9 year old will beat up a 14 year old who was going to beat you up.

Where are the goals?

Today we attack Steve Howard from Derby County.

I would excuse you if you don't know who he is, but this man was Derby's top goal scorer last season and voted as player of the season for Derby County by his fans.

This season, in the EPL, Mr Steve Howard has played a total of 13 games scoring 0 goals having just 6 shots on target.

If you want to score, you need to get more than 0.4615 shots on target a game. No excuses if you are with Derby, busy facing your own goal. No excuses.

Where are the goals Howie?

The Torres Difference

Liverpool won 2-0 in last night's game. For the second time, Benitez names a unchange side, the side that gave Besiktas a good whipping lastWednesday, and it looked like it was going to be another 8-0 victory the way Liverpool was threatening Fulham from all angles.

I have to admit, this weaken Liverpool side looked so strong and yet so entertaining, we are once again seeing the best in Voronin playing up front(effectively), but deeper than I expected, and Benayoun being faster than what most people think. Aberloa and Fabio Aruilleo is proving to be strong wing backs themselves. Hopefully they will develop into world class players.

There were so many Shots and Niemi and the Fulham post was on course to win the man of the match award. Fulham's defense kept it tight, and with all the missed chances, it looked like another home draw for Liverpool. Looked like a game where people are going to watch Liverpool throwing away valuable points away by not scoring against a relatively weaker opponent, no offense to Fulham.

Then on came a striker who can create chances out of nothing. A Quick Reina kick that looked so harmless, was well controlled by the 20 million pound fella, and some slick moves and a tap, suddenly made Niemi's heroics seem like yesterday's news. For years, Liverpool were in need of a striker of this caliber and I'm glad we got one at last.

Crouch was brought down in a goal scoring chance just outside the penalty box but karma works its wonders. Liverpool's been punished by penalties they did not deserve to concede, and this time it goes in their favour(not like it would change the outcome of the match in a significant way anyways) and Captain Gerrard slots it right in the bottom corner, a place where you want to put your penalties in.

Liverpool vs Fulham

The match is going to start in 1 hour and 15 minutes, but the dying question that no one other than the team itself knows, is that who is going to be in the starting 11 tonight.

After a 8-0 win, it might not be a win against a strong opponent, but I believe the confidence level has built up in Anfield. The team is going to walk into todays game starting to believe their abilities and hopefully this will convert their chances into goals.

The truth is that Pool hasn't done well in the Premiership in terms of winning lately, their record of being unbeaten is often ignored as they lost too many points rather too easily from games they should excel. Its a shame really.

But it is still rather early in the season, and things can change starting from today's Fulham fixture. I really do hope that they dont disappoint me this time.

Greatest ever Players

A factual list of the Greatest ever players is out! Its a factual list because the criteria judged to get into this list is points based. Points are given to number of games started, goals scored, assists made, cups won, clean sheets, honours won and what not.

Here is the funny part, there are players in the list or are in positions where we find questionable. We are talking about a list of players to be the greatest ever of all time!

Factor no 1, you will notice that most of the players played in the 90s or later. Due to the amount of games played compared to 2 decades ago, it is a bias way to compare but it is what it is.

Questionable players on their positions in the list includes Diego Maradona. We thought he was the best Player of the century. Well, some of us think that he is 2nd only to Pele. But in this list, Maradona is ranked 6. After the likes of Ronaldo, Romario, Luis Figo and Zidane.

We are also talking about no.26, Ali Daei from Iran, no.42 Hakan Sukur, no.44 David Beckham, no.58 Silvian Wiltord, no.61 Davor Suker, no.86 Gary Neville, no.95 Fabian Barthez and no.99 Robert Pires. Yes these are good players, but if you make a list of the top 100 greatest players, will you even consider Ali Daei? Forget the fact that he is the 26th greatest player ever! And you know what, more players in that list other than these mention don't deserve to be in that list either.

Here have a look.

GREATEST EVER PLAYERS

1.Pele (Brazil)
2.Ronaldo (Brazil)
3.Romario (Brazil)
4.Luis Figo (Portugal)
5.Zinedine Zidane (France)
6.Diego Maradona (Argentina)
7.Lothar Matthaus (Germany)
8.Gerd Muller (Germany)
9.Franz Beckenbauer (Germany)
10.Cafu (Brazil)
11.Roberto Carlos (Brazil)
12.Marco van Basten (Holland)
13.Michel Platini (France)
14.Rivaldo (Brazil)
15.Paolo Maldini (Italy)
16.Zico (Brazil)
17.Raul (Spain)
18.Ruud Gullit (Holland)
19.Eusebio (Portugal)
20.Ferenc Puskas (Hungary)
21.Johan Cruyff (Holland)
22.Alfredo di Stefano(Argentina)
23.Bobby Charlton (England)
24.Jurgen Klinsmann (Ger)
25.Kenny Dalglish (Scotland)
26.Ali Daei (Iran)
27.Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Ger)
28.Gabriel Batistuta (Argentina)
29.Michael Laudrup (Denmark)
30.Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria)
31.Dennis Bergkamp (Holland)
32.Frank Rijkaard (Holland)
33.Thierry Henry (France)
34.Pavel Nedved (Czech Rep)
35.Gheorghe Hagi (Romania)
36.Peter Schmeichel(Denmark)
37.Andrei Shevchenko (Ukraine)
38.Sepp Maier (Germany)
39.Didier Deschamps (France)
40.Lilian Thuram (France)
41.Enzo Francescoli (Uruguay)
42.Hakan Sukur (Turkey)
43.Paolo Rossi (Italy)
44.David Beckham (England)
45.Jean-Pierre Papin (France)
46.Kevin Keegan (England)
47.Marcel Desailly (France)
48.Oliver Kahn (Germany)
49.Alessandro Costacurta (Ita)
50.Clarence Seedorf (Holland)
51.Dino Zoff (Italy)
52.Patrick Kluivert (Holland)
53.Jari Litmanen (Finland)
54.Daniel Passarella (Arg)
55.Bixente Lizarazu (France)
56.Gary Lineker (England)
57.Ronaldhino (Brazil)
58.Sylvain Wiltord (France)
59.Bebeto (Brazil)
60.Alessandro Del Piero (Italy)
61.Davor Suker (Croatia)
62.Ryan Giggs (Wales)
63.David Trezeguet (France)
64.Demetrio Albertini (Italy)
65.Patrick Vieira (France)
66.Jurgen Kohler (Germany)
67.Laurent Blanc (France)
68.Michael Owen (England)
69.Youri Djorkaeff (France)
70.Frank De Boer (Holland)
71.Emilio Butragueno (Spain)
72.Hugo Sanchez (Mexico)
73.Rudi Voller (Germany)
74.Djalma Santos (Brazil)
75.Giacinto Facchetti (Italy)
76.Kanu (Nigeria)
77.Franco Baresi (Italy)
78.Gianni Rivera (Italy)
79.Roberto Baggio (Italy)
80.Oscar Ruggeri (Argentina)
81.Gheorghe Popescu(Romania)
82.Jon D. Tomasson (Denmark)
83.Raymond Kopa (France)
84.Carlos Valderrama (Colombia)
85.Rui Costa (Portugal)
86.Gary Neville (England)
87.Edgar Davids (Holland)
88.Claudio Taffarel (Brazil)
89.Paul Scholes (England)
90.Diego Simeone (Argentina)
91.Bryan Robson (England)
92.Roy Keane (Rep of Ireland)
93.Brian Laudrup (Denmark)
94.Henrik Larsson (Sweden)
95.Fabien Barthez (France)
96.Michael Ballack (Germany)
97.Jan Koller (Czech Republic)
98.Edwin van der Sar (Holland)
99.Robert Pires (France)
100.Johan Neeskens (Holland)

Can you count to 8?

My question to you today is simple. Can you count to 8?

Liverpool-Besiktas-LdC-031107
Uploaded by rory_cabt_die

=D

I know I can!

Liverpool's Judgement day

Its hard to imagine Liverpool Knocked out by Match Day 4 for the Uefa Champions League. It is true that Liverpool did not get an easy group for this competition, but it is not the hardest either. The group is just filled with pricks and problems that the current Liverpool squad should have no problem overcoming.

Somehow, things just don't go as the universe is meant to be. Its unfortunate, but on the bright side, the next 3 European fixtures will test Liverpool's true strengths. Teams faced might not be modern day European Champions material, but they will be tough obstacles.

Tonight, Besiktas will be making a trip to Anfield, supposedly a fortress when it comes to European nights. The last time a Champions League game was played here, pool lost though.

Things certainly does not look good. With injuries of Torres, Alonso and Agger, conveniently one of each position, it affects Liverpool's game. I hope Benitez does not make silly judgements tonight like he has recently.

He is either a tactical genius or a Soccer *inserts negative word here*. Lets hope he's a genius tonight.

Hutchings sacked

Wigan just sacked their manager, and as usual, for the wrong reasons as far as this season goes. Mourinho was sacked just because of the rift between himself and Roman, Jol was sacked because Spurs wanted Juan Ramos, Sammy Lee gone because his just not fit for the job, but Hutchings getting sacked, I dont know.

It is true that they lost their last 6 matches in a row, but with a team of mediocre players, what is there to expect. I agree that Wigan is also filled with experienced players, when it comes to the EPL. Koumas, Heskey, Brown, Bent, Sibierski, Kilbane, Sharner, Melchiot, Kirkland and Bramble. Like it or not, these are relegation fighting players.

Where are Wigan in the table? 3rd from the bottom, but only 4 points away from 13th place Fulham.

Either they replace Hutchings with a Top manager from the Championship League, or don't bother. Its not easy to afford foreign talent with their budget anyways.

Arsenal 2 Man Utd 2

I only have one thing to say about the match. Arsenal's second goal, the way Theo Walcott tried so hard, its just so damn funny!!!

Arsenal vs Man Utd

It doesnt get any bigger than this. Another match in between the big four and this one is in between the English Champions and the title pretenders.

Before the season, everyone is talking about Man Utd's signings strengthening the squad and how powerful they will be this season. Everyone is also talking about how Henry's departure will leave Arsenal to dry. Well the Young Arsenal squad did prove a lot of people wrong.

This would be a test match, a test for both teams. Arsenal might have a good run thus far, until the Liverpool Match last week, it is safe to say that Arsenal is not tested in the highest level of football just yet. Same goes to Manchester United, although they were involved in a match with a very screwed up then Chelsea.

No need to talk about the rivalry and history between the clubs, everyone knows how big this game is.

My rough predictions for this match would be another 1-1 draw.

Real Madrid 5 Valencia 1

In case you missed the goals, here is a video



Now how long the the commentator shouted, "goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal"