EURO 2012: Group by Group review

Before I start ranting about the Euro, I would like to mention the fact that Oliech is back in the Harambee Stars fold after threatening to quit. I personally think Kenya should not entertain this kind of nonsense. Sure I dont support how those who run the team run it, and keep players' money , but that is no way to behave really, especially from a man who didn't help his team survive relegation and is now looking to leave them. Shame on him really. I think his attitude, along with Jamaal's needs to be put in check. Jamaal is another one, getting involved in pleasures of life and not playing for his club. Ask around you will hear this stuff. Moving on to what really matters.


Group A: Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech
Group B: Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Denmark
Group C: Spain, Italy, Ireland, Croatia
Group D: Ukraine, England, France, Sweden

That's how the groups look like. I personally have always been a fan of England ever since I can remember but of course they have their shortcomings. This time around a lot could happen. Lets have a look.

GROUP A: I think Poland being co-hosts of the event could try and at least come out second in the group. We've all seen how hosts are at times. Thus leaving Russia, Greece and Czech to fight for that other position. Russia and Czech have not been in any major competition lately so I doubt they'll be putting up that much of a fight so I see Greece just barely making it. Hence, Poland and Greece.

GROUP B: Its tough trying to guess the result for the 'group of death', because a giant has to be sacrificed, but I'll try anyway. Denmark out definitely. I'll go with the German topping the group because all their players, with the exception of Ozil & Khedira, are based in their league, hence they have that chemistry factor with them. Plus they had a perfect record, winning 10 out of 10 heading into the Euros, and judging by the fact that Portugal had to play a play-off decider to get to the Euros in the first place, I see Netherlands making it into that second place. They only lost one match out the 10 qualifiers they had to play to get into this year's event.
Therefore Germany and Netherlands.

GROUP C: Spain being the reigning champs could just take it again. They are strong favourites. For that and this reason: most of their players are part of the two greatest teams in football right now, Real Madrid and Barcelona. The second position I think will be a battle between Italy and Croatia. Croatia have a promising forward line; Ivica Olic, Nikica Jelavic(all have haunted Man United at one point) and Eduardo, former Arsenal man, plus they have Modric in midfield. But Italy have Motta, Pirlo & De Rossi in midfield and I think they could be the difference here. Their forwards aren't really that popular for me but I think they could make it. My opinion: Spain and Italy

GROUP D: This could well be the group of death if you ask me. All these teams are somewhat evenly matched, though England and France might come behind their usual 'big history and tradition' arguments but Sweden and Ukraine aren't just gonna take that... I think. Ukraine have Shevchenko, 35, Voronin, 32, and a young and upcoming Iamorlenko upfront. Their midfield could be the problem though. Sweden... Ibrahimovic, Kallstrom(Lyon man, powerful shot and swerves freekicks as well) and Rasmus Elm(Liverpool want him for a reason).
I think England and France have qualified-enough squads with France's midfield lookin very competent in particular. Cabaye, Nasri, Ben Arfa, M'Vila, Valbuena just to name a few, with Giroud and Benzema upfront. I dont know much about Jeremy Menez but his manager obviously has faith in him, former AS Roma man.
England have Scott Parker, Lampard, Gerrard, and competent wingers to aid them in midfield.
I see England and France making it out of the group.

I am a staunch believer in strong midfields, as you may have already noticed. Midfielders control games... and that is why you see Barca, Man City dominating football. Look at Everton this season, Newcastle United. Teams with strong midfields usually 'suffocate' other teams so much. I should just become a manager already.

ENGLAND EURO 2012 TEAM: Pros & Cons

Goalkeepers: Robert Green (West Ham), Joe Hart (Man City) John Ruddy (Norwich). Ruddy has since been replaced after breaking a fingeer

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill(Chelsea), Ashley Cole(Chelsea), Glen Johnson(Liverpool), Phil Jones(Man Utd), Joleon Lescott(Man City), John Terry (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Man City), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Steven Gerrard(Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner(Man City), Scott Parker (Tottenham),  Alex Ox-Chamberlain(Arsenal), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Ashley Young(Man Utd)

Forwards: Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Danny Welbeck(Man Utd), Jermaine Defoe(Tottenham)

Straight to business. That's Mr. Roy Hodgson's 23-man squad. Quite frankly, am disappointed in it being an England fan. I'll state categorically that the reason England failed at the World Cup in 2010 was because they took unfit players there in the first place. Rooney, Gerrard et al. I'll highlight a few of my concerns:

1. Why take injured players to the tournament? Glenn Johnson. His standby option is Phil Neville and/or Martin Kelly. I have no doubt about them really, its just that a quality right back by the name of Micah Richards is available and not being utilised. If he is injured, let him stay out. Scott Parker(Central Midfielder) is another one. Why leave Michael Carrick, another experienced central midfielder, out of it? In fact he's not even on the standby squad. Parker's replacements are Andy Johnson(winger) and Jordan Henderson, a young inexperienced kid who plays in the same position. Mind you during the world cup in South Africa, Rooney could not perform. He was in the tournament few weeks after getting a knock during the Man United - Bayern game, remember? Steven Gerrard hadn't even recovered fully from his own injuries. Yet, Capello, then then England manager ferried his crippled players to the World Cup. Am a United fan, but I don't support Welbeck being in there. 2 reasons: 1. He's still inexperienced and hasn't been all that in the season and 2. He's injured. Whatever happened to Peter Crouch? Or Grant Holt? The poor souls played their hearts out all season and what do they get? No calls. And then Welbeck and Carrol given call ups to the squad.

2. What the hell is John Terry even doing in that squad? And no Mr Hodgson. I won't buy that hogwash, that you brought him in for footballing reasons. Rio Ferdinand is a perfectly experienced footballer who can play in that position too. John Terry is, if you ask me, being favored by the English football association. I think they don't want him to be punished. Suarez's case was done and dusted in no time and the lil fella served his 8-match ban. John Terry's case on the other hand, it was shelved until July... after the Euros. I think there was foul-play there. And now to deny a perfectly fit human being the chance to represent his country and replacing him with John Terry... The Ferdinand's are the victims in this story.

Am gonna support Germany as my back-up team in this tournament. I don't see England going far. They face France, Ukraine and Sweden.
France is a really good young team that has already gelled. Sweden, they have some good attacking midfielders... and Ibrahimovic upfront, he is lethal. Ask Arsenal fans, they'll tell you. And Ukraine... well you remember Shevchenko, dont you? he was lethal in front of goal at one point in his life. now he's 35. OMG, I just rhymed. Hard to run away from a poetic past, eh? Story for another day, that.
Anyway, my point is... You just never know just how good their squad is now. They have young players in their squad now. I know some of them since I play with the team on play station, and lots of other small teams

Although I think they could learn from their past mistakes and try at least come out of the group stage.

Thats all the ranting I had to do for now. What are your thoughts on the England team?

Because England Is Too Mainstream

All European leagues have well ended. There has been joy, pain and the usual promise of next season. But that aside, the European Championship is close to two weeks away. Teams have been named, star players have been dropped, sub par players have been picked, comments have been made and opinions put across. The main focus of all this has been on England being as it is their league is one of the most followed.

But that aside, there is a pool everyone will have their eyes on. Every tournament has had it: The Pool Of Death as it is called. Netherlands, Germany, Portugal and Denmark

Tactics aside for now, there are a few scenarios to this group:

The Expected:
In this case, Spain and Germany will go through to the next round but not without a fight from Denmark and especially Portugal

The Indifferent:
This scenario holds that the table will be decided by goal difference. Spain looks to top the table, then Germany and Portugal will fight it out on goals. The game between them will be the decider. About Denmark, lets put a pin in that.

The Unexpected:
This is all about Denmark. They beat Spain and Portugal and say draw with the Germans hence topping the table. You'll have probably laughed this one off because it is highly unlikely. But do not forget this season has been one with the most surprises.

To mention but a few, the Yellow submarine finally sunk into relegation, the English Premier League was won by goal difference, Montpelier won the Ligue 1 and Hazard eventually turned out to become the little bitch non of us expected.

That being said; pick your team, stick to it, stand or fall with it because there is no end to football

After the leagues, then what?

All the major leagues have concluded, Titles have been won, we've seen winners, we've seen losers. We've seen new champions (congrats to Montpellier and Manchester City), and we have witnessed the return of former greats to power (Real Madrid, Dortmund and Juventus back after lengthy spells from power)... and relatively new champions get back to winning ways. Am talking about Borussia Dortmund of Germany. They used to be huge back in the 90's. I know, I've mentioned them twice, eh? I'll explain why in a few. But congratulations to all champions.

I'll start with the French. Montpellier. They've been doing really well for themselves lately. They had some worthy competition in the name of Lille and PSG, and could have lost it too if the former hadn't gone one to sell the stars that took them to the title victory in 2010-2011. Marseille.. I wont even talk about them. thay started so bright. Lyon just keep outdoing their record of doing bad... Anyway, Lille went on to sell Gervinho to Arsenal, who didn't really flourish there. Then in January they sold Musa Sow. For those who don't know, he was top scorer in the 2010-2011 and was also the leading goalscorer before he was sold off to Fernabahce in the January transfer window. Am not sure how he is faring there now, I don't follow the Turkish league. And now they want to sell their most prized asset, Eden Hazard. And the kid is now so absorbed in this limelight shone on him. I hope he fails really... proud kid. Anyway, back to Montpellier... they did themselves good and held on to their stars but only time can really tell whether they will keep them any longer, especially with Premier League clubs looking hungrily at their stars(Giroud, Belhanda and captain, Yanga-Mbiwa).

The Italian connection: Juventus have won the title for the first time since 2006, and that last time they did, they were stripped of the title and another they had won the previous year, relegated to Serie-B and deducted 9 points due to a match fixing scandal they were involved in then. They were promoted back into Serie-A the following season... strong team this, though they couldn't really get back up there, especially having sold off some of their stronger players(Ibrahimovic and Vieira). They are Serie-A champions now, and did it in outstanding fashion having sealed it unbeaten. They had a relatively young team, but they also had their veterans to thank for the experience. Alessandro Del Piero, Buffon, Chiellini just to name a few... and the midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo. Del Piero won't be playing with them next season though as the club think he is too old for them now. he played an emotional last game for them. But you can see why for Juve, it was so important to win this title. AC Milan and Inter have had 'up and down' seasons, it was only right for Juve to win, but I think the Italian giants are back in it next season. And so are Napoli and Lazio. Interesting, eh? I know

Borussia Dortmund: Remember the days of 'Football Mundial' back in the 90's? The German show that was centered the Bundesliga... Yeah? No? Well, that was when I got to know of Dortmund. I really didnt know jack about football then, all I know is they were great to have been featured on almost every episode then. At some point I think they got relegated, then Bayern took the spotlight for a while, but then got back their form and have been trying to clinch the title for the past few years, and voila!! They have now won it twice in a row. They have some really talented young players too, and all of European football's greats will be looking to tempt them away with some great offers. Shinji Kagawa, Mario Goetze, Subotic just to name a few... are some the young players who could be snapped up by these hungry European giants.

Spanish La Liga: These guys are the current legends of soccer. I can't even discuss them because everything has been said already. But i wouldn't be doing justice to the legends in that field wither... if I dont mention how Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are tearing up the record sheets there. Cristiano Ronaldo is class, skill, pace, and goal scoring machine put together in one human being. The guy has scored 60 goals this season, 46 in La Liga. WHO DOES THAT????
Enter Leo Messi...and then we talk of a super human. 72 goals... dont forget he still hasn't played the King's Cup final, so there is space to add on to those. Last season, he, and Ronaldo broke the record for most La Liga goals in a season. Then this season, they shatter their own records?

These are the undisputed footie-gods, and they deserve a tip of the hat. They make our football watching experience different.

City's earned the bragging rights

First things first, Congratulations to Manchester City on winning the premier league title. Yes, I know its hard to actually do that, being a Manchester United fan but I have swallowed my pride and taken a few days off to chill so I don't write a bitter piece. enough of that. We are not here to discuss how to be a good and less sore loser. But City's win had been coming for quite a long time. Lets just take a brief look at City's rise to success.

2007: Former Thailand PM, Thaksin Shinawatra takes over the club... after allegedly stealing money from his government. This guy was moneyed. He then signed Mark Hughes as manager. This was the start of the transformation for Manchester City

2008: Man City taken over by the Abu Dhabi Group.  
And this is where the real transformation actually started taking place with City signing Robinho, Wayne Bridge, Kompany, Zabaleta, Bellamy, Wright Phillips, Roque Santa Cruz, Tevez, Adebayor, Kolo Toure, Lescott Shay Given... just to name but a few, all under Mark Hughes. Some of these players have since moved on to other clubs. 


Robinho, Santa Cruz, Wayne Bridge and Wright Phillips never really did make an impact here. No disrespect to these players... I mean they are great players but Man City just wasn't the team for them. These things happen eh? Like Forlan at Man United, or Veron... Or Denilson/Park Chu at Arsenal. Or better yet.. all the signings in Liverpool.


Adebayor, Bellamy and Shay Given and one player that goes unnoticed, Steven Ireland, really did play a huge part in this team. Adebayor especially... he scored that goal when City beat Arsenal and ran the full length of the pitch to celebrate in front of Arsenal(his former club) fans... much to their distaste.

Bellamy's most outstanding contribution... I'd say in the Manchester derby that they lost to United thanks to Michael Owen's last minute goal. Remember that? And Shay Given... this man was key to Mark Hughes' solidity at the back. Kinda makes you wonder why Mancini sidelined him, eh? Such a waste... De Jong also looks like he's on his way out. Story for another day though.


Then came the other signings... Silva from Valencia, Aguero from Atletico Madrid, Yaya Toure from Barca and Ballotelli from Inter Milan. and City all of a sudden became a force to reckon with. Even the way the started the league just stated that this team was going to be trouble to other teams, and most especially the top four in the prem. Not that it wasn't already undergoing changes... Liverpool plummeted, Arsenal settled for third place... fourth sometime, while another newcomer, Tottenham Hotspur also briefly rattled the top four setting, and recently, Newcastle United also look like upsetting the creme de la creme of English Football.

Long story short, Manchester City deserved their win. It doesn't matter what anyone says, United or Arsenal fans alike, Nasri and team really did have the title coming. From the demolition of spurs in August, Manchester United at home... and away, Newcastle home and away, to the last minute winner by Aguero in the dying minutes of the 2011-2012 season. And so I congratulate them, yes, despite being a United fan.

Chelsea, also had the same story play out when they were bought out by billionaire, Roman Abramovich. Real Madrid also had to invest heavily just to 'buy back' the leadership in La Liga. Am talking Ozil, Khedira, Lassana, Benzema, Ronaldo, Kaka, Carvalho, Altintop, Nuri Sahin, Varane(although he hasn't featured much). So as much as we may want to say City bought the title, we have to also look elsewhere to see that the same events happened in history.

Now all City have to do, is build on their title win and then maybe... just maybe, they could have the bragging rights for a while. Real Madrid also have to prove themselves after dethroning Barca, who had won thrice in a row already. One thing's for sure though, Man United and Barca will not stand and watch. Word on the tabloids is that Sir Alex is already on the prowl for midfield reinforcements. I personally think Pogba plays better than Cleverly. and that Kagawa and Hazard would make a mean combo in midfield... and since they're both young, that could be a lot of promise.

Lets talk some more football another time

Its time we supported our own league

I would love to say something about our homegrown league, the Kenyan Premier League, although I really am clueless on how to start it so I will just say, that we need to support our league. We have become so engrossed in the world's most watched leagues; the English Premier League, The Spanish La Liga and the likes that at some point we forgot about our own.

It is understandable though, given that it has, until recently, been run by some shoddy management ever since the 80s. If you read up on the history of the Kenyan premier league, then you will see how Kenyan football has deteriorated... from having some of the best teams in the African champion's league... to a country that's currently ranked at 117 by the world football governing body, FIFA. Those were the days when AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia FC reigned East African football.

Am not sure how the poor management in the FKL played into this whole mess but I know for sure that it does affect the quality of football around. Youth academies shut down, players get paid peanuts etc, while the big boss men drive away with all the loot. And thats where FIFA came in... and since their intervention, we now see a better, though it could be even better, Kenyan Premier League.

We now see football clubs getting shirt sponsorship deals, stadiums getting renovated, and most of all, our league is being televised all over Africa through DSTV. To cut a long story short, we have come a long way with our local premier league, we cannot abandon it now. I think Gor and AFC fans have been the most ardent around. You always heard them even when the league was not so popular.

My only hope is that the football governing body in Kenya, FKF extends its disciplined structure to the lower levels, the nationwide league, and the county leagues.. (yes, I bet you didn't know those existed) and Kenyan football will soar to the heights most of us have never seen. Then maybe we could 'export' afew more players to play abroad and better their lives, if not to add colour to the Kenyan football scene.

Let's support local football people. To read more on the Kenyan Premier, just look up the article on Wikipedia here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenyan_Premier_League

THE MESSI VERSUS RONALDO FACTOR

The Premier League is coming to an end. So is La Liga. Manchester United are yet to relinquish the title to City... completely, although we all know we gave it up with that Everton game. The minute Fergie substituted Scholes, that game changed and we started playing defensive. By this time am sure you are aware am a Man United fan. But we are not here to speak of Man United, or Everton... or Manchester City.

Real Madrid won their first league in 4 years. Am sure they are very happy. I was happy for them too. Barcelona had become too much with their "All I do is win" mentality. Hell, they were taking it far, even. But they are yet to capture the Champions League trophy two time in  a row... no ona has yet, since 1990.

It is interesting to note that they were strong favourites this season too, and Chelsea got VERY LUCKY to have beat Barca being a man down. Not many teams could have done that. In fact... I think none. Credit to Chelsea. But despite Barca being a strong TEAM, there is one man who single-handedly carries their weight on his shoulder... if you like feet. MESSI. The kid is a god. Simply put.

Goal.com usually have this week-in-week-out player rating where they rate players and it is interesting to note that this Messi guy usually does very well on it. Cristiano Ronaldo does very well too. But in some games, he has been accused of not stepping up to the occasion. Especially during EL CLASSICO. So goal.com did a half-season tally and Messi's average was something close to an 8 while Ronaldo averaged a mere 6.75.

Needless to say, they may have been miles apart then, but I think Ronaldo took that criticism as fuel for his fight back and look where he has gotten his team now. Second top scorer, after Messi of course, and a La Liga title bagged. they may have exited the Champions League in the semis at the hands of Bayern but he was instrumental in every bit, including their exit for missing that penalty.

Messi on the other hand.. there are little things, people included, that can stop this guy. He scores when he wants, however many times he wishes. he now hold the record for the most goals in a single Champions League match, having scored 5. Its a shame they went down against a lack-lustre Chelsea side though. It kind of even beats you how it happened. The kid has 71
goals this season in all competitions, 49 in La Liga. I mean really... is this guy brilliant or what?

It is worth noting that La Liga may already have been won, yet the contest between two of the the world's best players continues... in the search of all that is great in the eyes of football. messi clearly has an upper hand, with 4 goals over Ronaldo in La Liga, and his other goals just show his immense contribution elsewhere. Ronaldo on the other hand ha shelped his club gain their first title in years so his contribution is as big, if not bigger.

Am just waiting for the end of the La Liga season to see who wins the PICICHI award(that's the Top Scorer's Award in Spain for those who didn't already know) and the Footballer of the Year award by FIFA. No one really can tell, but we can only wait.

Lets talk some more football another time.

Give God what is God's, and Cisse what is Cisse's

When he was signed from Freiburg for 9 million quid, there wasn't too much hype about him. But boy oh boy, Cisse cannot stay out of the headlines. From curlers, to tap ins, volleys and to even that monstrosity he belted out against Chelsea.

I know i digress, but if his goal against Chelsea was converted to dowry, it'd be more that enough to pay for all your family's marriage arrangements.

Sure, Messi and Cristiano have run rampant, bagging goals so easy you'd think they play against toddlers. But his guy, 13 goals in 12 games and yet he was a mid season signing. Brilliant. Along with the marginally forgotten Ba, they have given Newcastle the force to push for fourth and that Champions League spot.

At the rate he scores, we should probably call him "The Mid Wife" because he damn delivers.

Up next for Cisse and Newcastle is Manchester City at their home ground. That will definitely not be one to miss.

After all has been said and done; give God what is God's and Cisse what is Cisse's.

Take a bow son. Take a bow

EPL REVIEW, A FAN'S VIEW

It has been a freak season this, eh? 

First it was Manchester United suffering an injury crisis we only wish on Arsenal, and which led to United getting whooped 6-1, at home... by their noisy neighbours. I was majorly hurt by that one, being a United fan. Then played second fiddle to our noisy neighbours for a few months. Bookies(I used to assume these are guys who read books so much) said the Manchester derby would decide the potential winner. I didn't believe it but now I think I do. The bragging rights are entirely with the blue side of Manchester now. We played shit, we paid for it. Simple. It'll be interesting to see how the league plays out from here on.

Then it was Arsenal with their injuries. Jesus, this team... and the random inconsistencies. And some classy own goals. Koscielny takes this award if it ever is coined. Then it was the 8-2 demolition by Man United.

Then came Newcastle. This team I'd say, for a team that got promoted, is doing really well. They are now challenging for Chelsea and Tottenham's - and what used to be Liverpool's place a while back - place in the league.

Tottenham recently started stamping their authority(mostly on Arsenal and bottom half teams) in the Premier League.But their form had dipped since February, I think, owing to the whole Redknapp leaving to manage England. Shocker! Roy Hodgson landed that position. That's another thing right?

Now West Brom will be looking for a manager next season. Tottenham may also be. I think Redknapp let himself get carried away with the England job speculations, that he may be feel bad for letting his team down. So I personally think he might move on elsewhere. That creates a lot of speculation about his star players... Bale and Modric. They could also leave, don't you think?

Chelsea and Liverpool have been average. I can't discuss average, that's a waste of your valuable time. But I will do just that and remind you of the racism charges that faced the two average clubs. Funny how Suarez was dealt with immediately and yet JT's case was postponed till after the Euros. Leaves a lot to be answered, eh? That aside, Liverpool have done well to save their season and look likely to seal a double having already won the Carling Cup. They have to beat Chelsea though.

Wigan... I have no words for them. They lag behind the whole season and then out of nowhere beat United, Arsenal and Newcastle. Clearly remaining in the Premier League is a priority. Wolves are already out, and two other teams are going to join them down in the Championship. someone has got to go. I personally think Blackburn should go. They have been riding a crisis wave for a long time now

Still lots of footballing action coming up in the next few weeks. Euro, Olympics, and the pre-season and transfer gossip. Not forgetting our very own Kenyan Premier League. We certainly will be talking up on that. Lets talk some more football some other time