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.

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