Beckham in the States

This issue has way too much hype.

The former English Captain wasn't as good of a player that the crowd thought he was. He was okay, above average with a good right foot, but that's all to it.



Fair enough, he scored memorable important goals, won important trophies, inspired others, will one day look back at his wonderful career and wish he could do it all over again.

But it sickens me to hear people that relate him as the best footballer in the world. Ladies and gents, One day I'l make a list of top footballers of the decade, maybe the century if i've found enough clips to judge, but Becky boy is not and will never be in that league.

He lives a live where people admire him all over, married to a spice girl, played in the biggest clubs but he's far from the greatest.

Since his move to the states, he just turned from footballer to popstar. Earning so much more than his teammates, haven't played a competitive game, I never heard of so much hype building up to a simple friendly against Chelsea earlier on.

Football is not even a big sport in the states, when was there so much hype when a 30 year old English sportsman came to join the NBA, NFL, MLB or whatever. Since when?

Okay, he will get better soon and will get some games, probably a lot. Moving from the La liga to the MLS, it is safe to assume Becky boy will get complacent, underestimate the league and find himself in a rough spot. A hard start.

Brazilian Legend Pele got some advise for him here

I don't know when he will start playing, but I hope he plays more football than appearing in Movies and commercials. Lets hope he actually brings the American soccer game to another level. As in really make it more popular.

Iraq wins Asian Cup

I'm as shocked as you are. Iraq, the war torn country won the Asian Cup beating Saudi Arabia 1-0 with a goal by Y.M. Khalef.

I always thought that they were a strong team, and they will do well in the Asian Cup, but I never knew that they would do this well... Congratulations.

Before this its all about the best defense. (Iraq) versus the best offense.(Saudi Arabia)

Stats don lie, Iraq only conceded 2 goals before this while Saudi Arabia scored 12, in the whole tournament. And the record stays.

Correct me if I'm wrong. But the Iraqi team is build up of players from the different 'tribes' or groups that usually do not get along. They put this behind them, put their sorrows of the war behind them, and placed the cup right in their sights.

Fairy tale ending really. Beating pre-tournament favourites Australia earlier on, hardly anyone would bet on them to reach the quarter-finals. In 10 years time, maybe 20 or 30, when directors finally make good soccer movies, they might make a film on this one.

Because I like living in the past

Played Football Manager before? Guess who's in the Credits.

Blackburn Rovers!

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you the yo-yo team of 2007/2008.

We will see the rise of Mark Derbyshire, the fall of Benni McCartney, and red card after red card after red card.

Maceo Rigters will be a decent signing no doubt, contenders to be one of the signings of the season if there are no plagues injuries and self doubt.

Don't get me wrong. Blackburn have a very talented squad. Very talented.

Go check out the squad here

Look through player by player, and I can tell you that if they have the money to buy one super star player to push them hard enough, get rid of Mr Mediocre Mark Hughes, they can be the next Tottenham Hotspurs, pushing for a Champions League spot.

If I'm given a management role, out of the top 4 clubs, I'l take Blackburn Rovers. Pressure wise, it seems relative lower compared to the others.

So how will Blackburn do this Season?

Like I said, yo-yo. It goes up and down.

Asian Cup updates.

Since this is like news of 23 hours ago, (plus plus) Its not really up to date updates anymore.

But just in case if you still do not know, The Asian Cup finals will feature Iraq and Saudi Arabia. And the third and fourth playoff will be between Japan and Korea.

Initially My predictions for the finals was Japan vs Iran. With the possibility of Iraq and Saudi Arabia in the 3rd place playoff match. Guess I was wrong(3 out of 4 teams in the semis was predicted correctly, thats not too bad, even though the Asian Cup can be pretty predictable).

The Japan Vs Saudi Arabia Match has to be the match of the tournament. It was Technique versus speed, and Speed won the game. Awesome match to watch I tell you. Almost like Brazil versus England without the boring tactics. Both teams deserved to be in the final.

Oh and Iraq scored more penalties compared to Korea.

I'm going to give the finals a miss unfortunately, but I shall at least give my predictions for the upcoming 2 matches.

Japan beats Korea

Saudi Arabia beats Iraq.

No surprises this time. Lets see if i'm right.

Japan Vs Saudi Arabia

So many media anticipation for this match. Japan had quite a run towards the end of the tournament.

ITs the repeat of Asian Cup final 1992. Like 15 years ago, and Japan won. I remembered that match well, the Japanese were the underdogs making their mark in football in front of Asia. And that victory propelled them to where there are now. Not exactly the Brazil or France of football, but at least an Asian Powerhouse, and the world does take notice of Japanese Football. Lead to co-hosting the 2002 World Cup as well.

Wait, that was liki 15 years ago, And I was 5 then? How I know all these crap?

I saw the highlights of the 1992 Asian Cup last week! Dramatic one.

Anyways, Japan Vs Saudi Arabia. Who will prevail?

I'm going to choose Japan for this one.

Why?

No tactical analysis, no player comparison, no history reading. Its just a pure gut feeling. Japan will win.

No mood

No mood to post anything now. Come back tomorrow.

More on the Asian Cup

Yesterday's predictions were spot on.


Japan celebrates their penalty victory against the Australians.

No offense to the Australian fans. But like I said before, I feel like the Australians came into this Confederation, thinking they will dominate the whole continent. Its not that easy is it now.

And Iraq won. No surprises there.

Tonights matches would be a lot tougher to call.

Iran Vs South Korea

I expect this to be a really good match. But I think Iran would win this one. They are a very strong team.

Saudi Arabia Vs Uzbekistan

I don't know why so many people consider Uzbek's 3-0 win over China a shocker. No shocker to me, I expected it from the start. People are overrating China. So what if they were in the World Cup in 2002. What progress did they make after that?
Another hard match to predict. But I guess when it comes to big matches like these, the Saudis can get it done.

Asian Cup Action Tonight.

It will be tonight anyways, if you happen to be from this region.

Match Number one would be Australia Vs Japan. A lot of people see this as a Dream final. Funny. Let me remind everybody what I think. Australia and Japan are overrated. I firmly believe that both will not Win this Tournament. Ok, maybe reach the finals and that's it.

Is Australia the Brazil of the Asian Cup? (have a really bad start and end up winning the tournament). No. I hope its a Japan victory, welcoming Australia to the AFC and prepare better for the next time. Give them a torrid time, showing them that you're welcome to join the Asian Confederation but its not going to be easy.

Of course the last time these teams met, it was the World Cup where Australia won 3-1. Why issit different this time? There is no Gus Hiddink Fulls stop.

Match number 2 would be Vietnam Versus Iraq.
Iraq wins. Well done Vietnam.

Who knew that Vietnam, the only Co-host to make it through to the Quarterfinals. I have to say, among all the groups, Vietnam and Thailand had the more possibilities and hopes of doing well. In all, all the co-host exceeded expectations and their fans can be really proud. Malaysia not included.

Anyways, Iraq is a stronger team than what people Imagined. I see them as a dark horse of winning this tournament. I believe that they won't win this one, but will do well enough. Maybe a Final appearance.

I hope the finals would be between an Arabian team versus a Eastern Team. Then we would have a great tournament. How about Japan VS Iran.

Yes I believe Iran as a spanking chance to win. But they have a difficult path ahead.

Faubet and Dudek

If you haven't read, Dudek is going to Real Madrid.

I knew, he was going to leave Liverpool. But I thought he wants first team football and going to Madrid, and probably play back up to Iker Casillas? Funny.

We all remember him from that 2005 Champions League Final where he made early blunders, and soon became the hero. Yes from that magnificent double save in Extra time as well. He will be remembered by Liverpool fans the penalties.

West Ham bought Julien Faubert for 6.1 Million pounds and is out for 6 months! That must be like nearly all if not all of the allocated transfer funds for the season gone.