OLYMPICS FOOTBALL: Spain favourites again?

After claiming three relevant titles in succession, the out-of-this-world Spain team will be looking to extend their world reign even further when the Olympics games begin. I have to remind myself that am not a fan of theirs every time I find myself attracted to the poetry-in-motion kind of football that they play.

Forget the fact that a good number of them are from Barcelona, think about how much they have matured as a team.
Torres... rose through the ranks at Atletico Madrid, then joined Liverpool, and then became the most expensive commodity in English football when he joined Chelsea. Lets face it, you do not move to clubs of that calibre if you're not good. And he did repay his manager's faith well. Scored 3 goals when it was apparent that Spain would suffer without Villa
Fabregas... I can only say one word for this lad.... MATURITY. Leaves Barca, joins Arsenal, becomes very integral there, gets loved by the fans, then rejoins his boyhood team. He doesn't really pose that athletic figure of CR7, Torres, Balotelli etc. He's just a humble kid who plays some real good football. Plays a number of positions, CMF, DMF, Striker, Number 10 and he has delivered in all of them.
Silva... He was just another guy in the Spain squad, mostly starting on the bench. Now look what his move to Manchester City has turned him into... a star.
Alba... His left-back spot used to Capdevila's, if you remember, and now he has taken that spot from him. Plus he has just signed for Barcelona. Could life be any better for him??

The only person I don't see making it back into the squad is Puyol. As I mentioned earlier, it looked like Spain would struggle without Villa and Puyol, and well... they scored the most goals in the tournament, and conceded the least. In fact if I'm not wrong, the only goal they conceded was against Italy in the group stage. See how much better they get? Villa could still make it back... he is a goal scoring machine, everyone knows that.

In other news, a few days after Van Persie announced that he wouldn't be renewing his Arsenal contract, Marouane Chamakh is also looking for a move away from the Gunners. He wont hurt them much, that I know. Another player that is hot property right now is Modric. real Madrid want the kid so much... but if you ask me, that's the wrong career move. who is he going to bench at Madrid? Khedira? Alonso? The onlt way he can fit in is if Mourinho changes his formation and have him play as a Number 10. Inter Milan have released Lucio and Forlan, and the former immediately joined Juventus while the latter went to Brazil.

Back to Kenyan football, it looks like Gor Mahia are starting to get their form back and are going up the table again. They beat KCB 3-1 at city stadium. Midweek fixtures this week:

Wednesday 11 July 2012

Mathare United

v

Sofapaka

Nyayo

19:00

Friday 13 July 2012

AFC Leopards

v

City Stars

Nyayo

19:30

EURO & KPL standings

Let me start by saying that I feel so disappointed by England's exit...although they didn't really play like semi final material, did they? Seriously... at that level, any team that wishes to be associated to being champions of Europe cannot be playing like that. Basic football like keeping the ball cannot be overlooked. And speaking of basic football... look where that has gotten the Germans... far. Simple football. Basic passing. As for England, they wanted to rely on long-ball tactics, and we all know how that went. They also needed Chamberlain(I accept, Ashley young was poor). I don't see how Germany wouldn't have deflowered them, just like they did in the World Cup, in the semis if they had made it. And so... despite supporting England, am actually happy they were spared humiliation at the hands... or feet of Germany.

Can we talk about racism? All along the English fans have been commended for behaving well during the Euros... well, up until they were eliminated last night. And then.. all of a sudden, black people cant shoot penalties. If you have been following your timelines, well then you will notice that something of the same sort has been happening. Ashley Young and Cole have been criticized for missing their penalties in their loss to Italy. Before the football began, it was there... now that its over, for some teams.. its back. I rest my case.

SPAIN vs PORTUGAL: I'll still stand my ground. The only way to beat Barcelona, sorry Spain, is to pack the midfield. Have enough men in the midfield to neutralize, frustrate and attack. Change the formation if you have to for that game, like Italy did in their opening game against them. Play 3-5-2 if you have to. Speaking of which, I think France failed in their tactics, playing two right backs and Malouda when they faced Spain. Obviously those are wingers, and you're not going to beat Barca like that. Nasri and Alou Diarra would have helped the invisible M'Vila in that game. That said, I think Portugal already have a strategy to beat Spain

GERMANY vs ITALY:
I think Italy will make a worthy opponent against the Germans. They haven't had real competitors all this time. The only image of a threat they faced was a disoriented Dutch team. Italy... they're no push overs. Croatia and Spain will tell you that. Germans... we've all seen them. They were too strong for Portugal, overpowered the Dutch and were too good for the Danes. It looks like a promising encounter.

Elsewhere, the Kenyan Premier League second leg is underway. Tusker, Gor Mahia, City Stars and Ulinzi Stars got off to winning restarts and Tusker are back on top of the table. This is how the top half looks like...

	Team	P	W	D	L	Pts
1	Tusker	16	9	5	2	32
2	Sofapaka	15	10	2	3	32
3	AFC Leopards	15	8	4	3	28
4	Ulinzi Stars	16	8	3	5	27
5	Thika United	16	7	5	4	26
6	Gor Mahia	16	6	5	5	23
7	Western Stima	16	6	4	6	22
8	Karuturi Sports	16	5	7	4	22													More football another time people. Have a nice time

GREAT PLAYERS WIN, GOOD PLAYERS AFFECT GAMES

Lets talk about Cristiano Ronaldo.
Did anyone see his celebration? I think the boy was fondling a pair of imaginary boobs, or telling people that he is a monster. Sublime performance by the guy last night to put his team in the semi finals. That was a brilliant header. And I think he intended to score like that. Remember Croatia versus Spain in their final group game? They had two chances to score with headers but ended up heading straight at Casillas. My point... Ronaldo is a genius. Lets just put Messi out of the picture for a second here. He is class but Ronaldo is class too. How many players can do that? Not many. And that goal was the difference. I read a lot of BBC Sport articles everyday, and one of them had Czech republic manager saying that his team failed in stopping Ronaldo. Yes... this man is hard to keep a mark on. He runs, he jumps, he shoots... sometimes dives but very few can argue about his talent. My friend @DingoKG wanted me to do a piece that recognizes this man's skill... he does. I could say much more to convince, but I know even his haters know too much of him, even Barca players if asked will admit that marking him is hard. Let's not forget he is now joint top scorer in the Euros with 3 goals alongside Gomez(Germany), Mandzukic(Croatia) and Dzagoev(Russia). He led his team well beyond the Dutch with a double and his header against the Czech.

Elsewhere, Germany face Greece. This is supposed to be a great match for Greece. For the rest of us neutrals, Germany is gonna have an easy day on the field. But for the Greek, who are seeking funds for an economic bail out from germany, I hear its a big thing. Loved the cartoon depicting the Greek players wearing German jerseys on (just because the Germans funded them)BBC SPORTS earlier today. I predict a low score. Germany could win this with a one-goal margin.

I personally think the Spain vs France match will be a good match. Both teams can pass the ball around. Spain have a reputation to maintain while the French want redemption from their recent shortcomings.Of course Spain have gelled seeing as most of them play in the same league, so they know each other. France... well, you saw how they played against England and Ukraine. They are not too bad. I foresee a 2-1 win for Spain

England versus Italy. This could be a boring affair. But then again, the midfield battles look promising. Since both teams are practically not flare-playing teams, and they both defend, I see a midfield duel will win or help to win this match.
ENGLAND: Gerrard and Parker. 
ITALY: De Rossi and Pirlo.
Gerrard/Pirlo is the genius who does the fancy delivery. De Rossi/Parker tough tackler who breaks up the beautiful play.
And then they both rely on their wings for speed. I won't predict the score for this one

Before I sign off, a few words about the maestro that is Cristiano Ronaldo aka CR7:

Czech Rep. manager, Michal Bilek: We really prepared hard to cope with Ronaldo, but he is a player of the greatest class
"There have been a few good players but, if we are talking great players, then ronaldo is a great player. Great players can WIN a game, good players AFFECT the game." a former England player when asked about any bright players in the EUROs

In other news... Shinji Kagawa is officially a Manchester United player today. Mark the calendars people. Keep enjoying the games people. More football another time.

A Fan's take on Kenyan Soccer

I'll start at home today. Charity begins at home, but don't call me Charity. There's gonna be drama

Kenya has been eliminated...  yet again. Remember what I said last time? Unless the team is reviewed, there is no way Kenyan football will prosper. I honestly think the problem lies with the team selection. We had problems with the management, we "changed" the managing body, then we thought our problem was the team manager/headcoach and went on to change the managers.... severally. And now... Mr Kimanzi, our very own UEFA trained headcoach, no more. Well he is still in the management board. He is now the technical director. What will he even do there from there? Fishy business eh?

Anyway, we can only hope for the best because the latest string of results have not been appealing. Even for the ardent fans. I hope this time they(the management) pay the players their dues this time. We don't want anymore Oliech sagas, now do we? Which also reminds me, as much as fans want to support the team, the government doesn't support them. This was highlighted by Kimanzi in his post-match interview. He said that the team gets minimal funding... apparently. We need to pull a "Germany' I think. They spent heavily(750million pounds) but they got the best. Look at the Germans now in the Euros.

Kenyan Premier league: Our beautiful league has resumed, earlier today in fact. AFC Leopards and Sony Sugar were first, and they played out a 1-1 draw. The good thing about AFC though, is that their prolific striker is back. Yes, Allan Wanga is back from the sidelines, and he marked his return with AFC equalizer. I actually think am growing into the team. Hopefully in a few weeks I'll know the full line up. I know there's many of us who know European Clubs' full line-ups and substitutes and don't even know the full back line of the Harambee Stars.

Further afield, England have made it into the quarters of  Euro 2012. A hard fought victory against Ukraine ensured they got ended up top of their group. France... stupid team. They suffocate England, beat Ukraine and then lose to Sweden. An eliminated team. Messed up, eh? But that's part of the beauty of the game.

Am sure my friend @kevin_seth will have something to say about the Euros but let me just put up these fixtures, for your viewing.

Thursday, June 21st

Czech Republic v Portugal 

Friday, June 22nd

Greece v Germany

Saturday, June 23rd

Spain v France

Sunday, June 24th

England v Italy

I think Spain vs France and England vs Italy will be mouth-watering encounters.

Lets talk more football some other time. And be sure to whisper a prayer for the Kenyan boys. It wouldn't hurt if we saw our team play in a major tournament sometime, now would it?

Dutch felled in Group of Death

Last time we spoke about football, Germany needed a point while the Dutch needed a miracle. Sadly they didn't pray hard enough, or maybe Portugal prayed harder. And so Germany sealed their position at the top of Group B, and I have to give credit to Denmark. I had ruled them out completely, even though they still exited the tournament, they had a better record than one of the huge favorites, Netherlands. Honestly for me, the Netherlands were a shock exit. I had predicted Portugal and Denmark would exit. but i still reiterated that a giant had to be sacrificed in the 'group of death'. I read a few good reactions on BBC Sport(If its not on BBC Sport, its gutter) and here are some that I think you might like too.  

Phil McNulty, BBC Sport chief football writer: "Cristiano Ronaldo delivers. Good to see great players gracing major tournaments - and whether you like him or not he is a great player."

Germany captain Philipp Lahm: "Every match in this group was difficult. 

"It would appear the Netherlands took the group of death literally and were utterly lifeless throughout their whole campaign."


Denmark came close to claiming a point against Portugal and certainly did not disgrace themselves in defeat by the Germans.


Seems that Van Persie's been a victim of his own reputation, Ronaldo the beneficiary of his.


Who would have thought Netherlands would be eliminated before England? And without a point to add salt to injury... 

Judging by those few comments, I could tell Euro night was legendary. I missed it, sadly. I was watching a very captivating series but I managed to catch the highlights, and boy were those Ronaldo goals classy!! I wonder if Ronaldo's critics(I don't want to say haters) will still label him 'lack-lustre'. I mean sure he is not upto Messi's level, but his level is no other mortal's, lets be real.

In another group, the 'stubborn hosts' Poland were eliminated along with the Russians they clashed with on the streets. Looks like they kept their eyes off the ball, eh?And then we have Spain Italy and Croatia fighting for their place in the quarter finals. Anyone could get in. Anyone could go home

Elsewhere, Kenya's Harambee Stars lost their Africa Cup/World Cup qualifier in Togo. Thats three matches we've failed to win, and in succession. That's messed up. Simple. I pray for the day we will see an improvement in Kenyan football. And it was this Origi guy that we were waiting for to 'solidify' our team at the back? In brighter news though, the Kenyan transfer window is almost coming to a close, and the market has been alive. Clubs have been on a signing spree, with friendly matches being organized to test the new players. I have a feeling KPL will be a good watch when the league resumes

In other unrelated news... the Soccer & Social tweet up was a success. People showed up, played their soccer and ended up having a good time. We played two long matches that ended 8-7 and 2-1. And since Saturday I haven't seen any 'subaru' on the TL concerning the that day. So am guessing it was a success.Well that was all for the love of the game.

More football after we are certain if England have made it to the quarters(I'm rooting for them). Lets see what effect Wayne Rooney will have on the Three Lions and who will have to step down for him and who among Italy, Spain and Croatia will join them in the quarter finals.

EUROS, EPL & KENYAN FOOTBALL WRAP

So, Germany need a point. Netherlands... they need a miracle. The free scoring Van Persie doesn't score when he wants after all. Poland and Ukraine are the stubborn lot we all expected them to be. And our usual stars aren't shining. Ask Torres, Robben or Rooney. Or better yet... Cristiano Ronaldo. Am still pissed at him for almost giving away his team. He and Robben are almost single handedly bundling out their teams of the tournament.

The Germans... they are executing their rivals so well. Defensively, they are intact, upfront lethal. And I like their midfield domination. They have players to bully and the players to create flair as well as attack. I personally think the Dutch played really well. I just don't understand what their problem is defensively. And the England versus France game... well both teams approached it cautiously. That 1-1 draw was even too much to ask for from that game. At least there was plenty of flare in the game. I expect England to see off Sweden easily though. I personally think Chamberlain should NOT start. We, yes am an England fan,  need experience on the wings, Chamberlain isn't exactly experienced. He is raw talent. Hodgson should play Ashley Young on the left, Walcott/Downing down the right... with Defoe and Welbeck upfront and VOILA!!! They conquer the Swedes

Elsewhere, while we were watching the Euros, Redknapp resigned/got fired.. or whatever was the case. If you have been following his case, Redknapp has been through a rough patch. The trial, the heart attack, his team's form slump and now he's been sacked.
You have to feel sorry for him. He really doesn't deserve that, I think. He has a really good track record, with Portsmouth. and he only got better with them, before taking on Tottenham, who by the way were 17th at the time and then turned them into Champions League material. If he wasn't already old, although age comes with experience... I'd say he'd make a good replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson, which makes me wonder, when is the Legend that is Ferguson going to retire and most importantly.... who CAN and will replace him?

Also, while we enjoyed European football, Man United signed Nick Powell(18yr old starlet) and are finalizing a deal with Shinji Kagawa. Chelsea gave Di Matteo a 2-year contract, signed Marek Hamsik from Napoli and Eden Hazard from Lille. Arsenal are also in the running for Podolski and Olivier Giroud. Looks like next season will be a hotly contested affair, don't you think?

And while all that was happening, Harambee Stars lost to Namibia, after a disappointing draw at home to Malawi. you want some more bad news... we play Togo. Not sure if we will also play Nigeria at some point. But my point is... Mr Kimanzi needs to field strong teams... yes, some are his friends but we need good players who are not necessarily HIS friends. Friends of the country... you get the drift, right? Otherwise, every match Harambee Stars will ever play will always be FRIENDLY or a QUALIFIER.

I'll let you enjoy your Euros good people.
PS... am very disappointed with the Dutch. They can still make it though.

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