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.

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