The bad run for Chelsea FC keeps rolling on. After a 3-1 drubbing at the hands of Arsenal, it’s clear The Blues have lost their swagger. Some blame the firing of the assistant coach, others point to injuries of key players like Terry and Lampard, while others blame the lack of scoring by stars like Drogba. At the end of the day that may all well be true but the main issue is confidence. As with most sports it’s 80% mental toughness and right now Chelsea ain’t got it. Heading into their next match the stakes are high for Carlo. Can The Blues get their swagger back in time? Only time will tell but one thing is for sure – another embarrassing loss may well be the last nail in the coffin for Ancelotti.
And The Winner Is …
Chelsea FC. I just like their attacking style of play, personalities of their players, the fact that 2 of their starters are African (Drogba, Essien) and one of my favorite player from the World Cup 2010 – Didier Drogba – is their star striker. Apologies to all my Man U supporting friends … That decided, now time to get my jersey 😉
Chelsea or Manchester United. The Saga Continues
I’ve been watching the matches on Saturday and Sundays with glee. I’ve been very impressed with Chelsea and Man U but I’m still undecided. If I had to pick today, I would probably choose Chelsea – I just like their style of play an they are strong in all positions. I have yet to see the full Man U starting squad so I still can’t rule them out. Let’s see what this weekend’s matches bring.
Experiment: Following UEFA Champions League Soccer From the USA
I’ve tried watching soccer before. The MLS matches can be interesting at times but they didn’t have that certain something. I swore off watching but then summer 2010. The excitement of the FIFA World Cup showed me that I actually DO like soccer – it just has to be at a certain level & most importantly the fans need to be into it like their lives depended on it. That’s what was missing from the MLS.
So I’m going to try following the English Premier League and the Spanish League. I’ve been watching the preseason matches and the players of Chelsea and Manchester United look strong and their fans are rabid – the perfect blend. I like the squad Chelsea has going so they may just edge out. It all begins tomorrow with the Community Shield. As for the Spanish League it’s no contest – my team is Real Madrid (Kaká). Now if only the cable companies would cooperate. More later …
Brasil Bows Out, Dunga Steps Aside
It’s taken a couple of days of processing the shocking end to Brasil’s quest for #5. They started off strong with a beautiful goal from Robinho and definite signs of the attacking style (albeit with the Dunga discipline). At the half it looked like they were on their way. And then the own goal. I’ve never seen an experienced team fall apart & lose confidence so quickly. The Seleçáo completely lost their composure and got sloppy. There was no more offense and barely any defense. And then the Dutch scored again. Suddenly panic from Brasil.
They never recovered their composure and the rest is, in a word, history. Today FCB announced that Dunga had resigned as coach of the national team. While he is certainly partially to blame, can all blame be placed at his feet? Can each player say they gave it their all; that they held nothing back and shed blood, sweat and tears for country? I think the shorts answer is no. The red card and ejection was just one of a number of glaring examples of this. In the final analysis thought the Dutch played well, Brasil beat themselves. I sincerely hope they find their footing, style, strategy and confidence in time for 2014 where nothing less that victory will be tolerated.
Sunday, Bloody Sunday
So it’s no surprise to me but many of my English friends were hopeful. Me, not so much. The Germans were too fast, too strong, too young. Basically, England didn’t stand a chance on the pitch today. While I didn’t expect them to win, I also didn’t expect them to get slapped 4-1. In their defense the referees blew yet another call which would have made it 2-2 at one point and would have given England the momentum they might have needed. Too bad there aren’t any instant replays in soccer. Well onto the next match of the day. My money, just in case you’re wondering, is on Argentina
Brasil and Portugal Advance
Shared language. Explosive teams. It had the appearances of being the most exciting match of the group play round. Too bad neither team needed to win to advance. So the match ended up being a snoozefest. Elano injured, Kaká out on red card from previous match, Robinho resting – the outcome was not surprising. Hopefully these two giants win their matches, advance and meet again on the other side in what will prove to be a much more exciting contest (all the more if the Seleçáo Brasileiro is victorious). Chances are low for Portugal with Messi & Argentina standing in their way but it’s been a strange tourney.
The Host Nation Bows Out
Despite a valiant effort the South African team has been eliminated from the FIFA World Cup. Along with them bow out the French team who hasn’t had the best tournament (to say the least). Hats off the RSA for hosting a great tournament.
A Drubbing By Portugal
Ouch. After a relatively quiet 1st half (1-0) Portugal came roaring back to defeat North Korea 7-0 in decisive fashion. The North Koreans didn’t show the same defensive grit as they did against Brasil in their opener. The bigger issue of course is how this defeat will play back at home. Kim Jong Il is not the most understanding of leaders …
Brasil Bests Cote d’Ivoire – Not Quite the Return of Joga Bonito
The play was efficient and at times beautiful. The stars came out in full force and Brasil’s dominance was evident. For the Ivory Coast … not so much. They did manage to score a goal – a beautiful header from Drogba – but other than that it was an ugly showing on their part. Kaká is out for the Portugal match due to a couple of yellow cards from the referee but the Seleçáo Brasileiro is guaranteed a pass through. The march to 6 continues …
Rounding Mars 