Tag: Benzema

Euro 2012 Crystal Football…

One of the most exciting football tournaments in the world is upon us and we’ve only had to wait four years.

Euro 2012 is about to kick-off and co-hosts Poland and Ukraine, together with the rest of Europe, carry the dreams of millions of fans in their kit bag!

Who will be victorious? Is there a team primed for a Denmark or Greece type Cinderella story? Can one of the host nations win? Can Spain create European history and win another title? Who will shine the brightest on the biggest stage?

The wait is over. It’s time for us to channel our inner Nostradamus. It’s time for us to look deep into our crystal football. How right or how wrong will we be?

Let’s hope it’s a thrilling tournament without any trouble and that for a few weeks, the beautiful game can make a tough old world feel a little good about itself right now.

Group A
Winner = Poland
Runner-up = Russia

Group B
Winner = Holland
Runner-up = Germany

Group C
Winner = Spain
Runner-up = Italy

Group D
Winner = France
Runner-up = Sweden

The quarter-finals could be a time for justice or vengeance! 

Quarter Final #1
Poland v Germany

These teams drew 2-2 last September in a friendly. Germany coach Joachim Loew said that result was a “wake-up call” for his country. It was the first time Poland got close to beating the Germans in 17 previous attempts. Poland have been unable to defeat Germany in 78 years. What better way to break the cycle than a sweet victory in front of your own people! Football always serves up story lines that take us beyond the game and it’s almost written in the stars these two teams will meet. You can almost feel it in the air.

Quarter Final #2
Holland v Russia

This is a match-up that would excite any football fan. Russia were the surprise team of Euro 2008 and very few thought they could beat Holland in the quarter-finals. The Dutch were piping hot favourites in that game and as we’ve seen in tournament’s past, they tend to break under the pressure. The Russians on the other hand played fearless football and solidified their place as one of the tournament’s most exciting teams. They could meet again at Euro 2012 and this would be a wonderful opportunity for Holland to turn the tables and exert revenge on the Russian’s who trampled all over their Euro 2008 dream.

Quarter Final #3
Spain v Sweden

In the past, we’ve seen some of the supposed European giants of football get an easy path in the knockout stages. Some would say Germany were lucky to face Turkey in the semi-final of Euro 2008. No matter who you get in the knockout phase, it’s never an easy game, but the luck of the draw could mean it’s just easier than other match-ups. This year, Spain could find themselves a little lucky when they face Sweden in the quarter-final. Sweden may have done well getting out of their group, but they are reminded of who the real Royal family of European football is in this match!

Quarter Final #4
France v Italy

Who wouldn’t want to see these two European powers battle it out in a quarter-final? There is so much recent history between France and Italy, it would almost be wrong for them not to meet again. Italian hearts were smashed into tiny pieces at Euro 2000 after Trezeguet’s golden goal sealed glory for France. And at the 2006 World Cup, the football boot was firmly on the other foot as Zinedine Zidane’s moment of headbutt madness cost the French another world title. Old scores must be settled and this match would truly be a treat for fans everywhere.

Semi Final #1
Poland v Spain

Semi Final #2
Holland v France

European Championship Final
Spain v France

Champions
France

Storylines…
1. Debuchy comes of age.
2. Ben Arfa grows to superstar status.
3. Benzema solidifies spot as European scoring machine.
4. Laurent Blanc the heroic winning player turns winning coach.
5. Laurent Blanc restores pride to French flag and French international football.
6. Hugo Lloris finally recognized as one of world’s best goalkeepers.
7. Arsenal have to pay double for M’Vila.
8. Spain’s rule ends and questions are asked about Xavi and Iniesta.
9. Less questions about Torres as he has a great tournament
10. Del Bosque retires. Pep Guardiola pressured to take over the national team. Luis Enrique joins as his assistant

I’d play at the Theater of Dreams…

oldtrafford_468x596Why is everyone turning down the chance to sign for Manchester United? Why don’t players want to play at the Theater of Dreams? What is wrong with everyone people?

Benzema admitted today he chose Real Madrid over Manchester United. Ronaldo didn’t want to stay a second longer in the North of England. And Franck Ribery is hellbent on joining Real Madrid over United too. I get it, and I just don’t get it all at the same time. The last time I looked, Manchester United were the team with the stable manager and the countless Premier League titles, F.A. Cup and Champions League wins over the last few years.

If I were a player wanting to win things, United would be a better choice over Real Madrid right now wouldn’t it? But it seems the lure of Real Madrid and their place in football history is too much for players to overlook. Manchester United have just as much history. But wearing the famous white for one of the world’s greatest teams seems to be the soup de jour. Or is it because they are throwing money at players and they all see an opportunity to beef up their pensions while they can? Surely they don’t want to make history and be part of a football revolution do they? I’ll give Ronaldo a pass on this one. He earned his move and gave a lot to United.

But given the choice, would you play for Sir Alex Ferguson or Manuel Pellegrini? Pellegrini doesn’t have the pedigree of Ferguson. Granted neither did Pep Guardiola and he was amazing as Barcelona manager winning the treble in his first season. But how often does that happen? Not very. Real Madrid are obviously building another Galacticos team and they are desperate to emulate what their biggest rivals did last season. It’s hard to win the treble and it’s not a guarantee these superstars are going to gel and be unbelievably good together. 

David Beckham and other Real Madrid players of the past have all said that the revolving door of managers at the Bernabeu hurt their own form and this obviously affected the overall success of the team. No player likes to have a couple of managers a month taking charge. Beckham has said many times the stability at Manchester United and knowing who the manager was and what was expected helped him and every other player evolve and progress as professionals. Perhaps it will be different with Pellegrini. Let’s see what happens when the new season starts.

Manchester United have been turned down a lot this summer. Does this mean the power is shifting to La Liga? Is this where most players want to be now? If I were one of the best players in the world today seeking a transfer, I’d sign for Manchester United in a heartbeat. It’s called the Theater of Dreams for a reason you know! Who would you sign for?