The title really says it all. This is easily the goal of the season, unless something else preposterous unseats it.
Papiss Cisse from Newcastle. Just watch.
http://youtu.be/zgmUO77HWa0
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Some Champions League Final Thoughts
- The final is held in Munich. Bayern Munich plays in Munich. This is a home game for Bayern Munich. This is a home game for Bayern Munich. We all know that Chelsea fans travel well, and they'll be rabid for Champions League glory, but for heavens sake, it's a home Champions League final.
- I am conflicted on who I want to win this game. On one hand, I hate Chelsea. I hate the fact that they've bought their success with Uncle Roman the Tyrant's (probably ill-gotten) riches. I hate the fact that their fans equate them with the top tier of English football, even though they've been to 2 Champions League finals (Liverpool: 7, Manchester United: 5) and have won four English titles (Liverpool: 18, Manchester United: 19).
So I really do want Bayern to win. However, I have this terrible vision in my head of Bayern winning on some fluke goal, or a missed offside call, or a controversial handball in the box that is/isn't a penalty, and Chelsea having rather legitimate complaints about being robbed by the officiating. It doesn't matter whether they import the officials from India, Saskatchewan, or Pluto, anyone would be swayed by 70,000 screaming Germans.
- The yellow card suspension rules need to be changed. Obviously, John Terry should be out for the final with a red card in the semifinal. Less sensible, however, are the suspensions of Ramires and Branislav Ivanovic. Ramires was easily one of Chelsea's best players during the semifinal (see this goal for proof). As for Ivanovic, his reaction to the knowledge of his suspension illustrates this point. He wasn't even aware he'd have to miss the final until the postgame press conference, and nearly broke down when informed by a reporter of this fact. This needs to change. No one wants to see a less-than-full-strength side out on a final night, except if one of their number (Terry) has done something massively stupid to get himself suspended.
In short, I say that yellow cards should be struck from the board for the final, with suspensions only handed out to a player who's somehow managed a red card in the semifinal.
-PREDICTION: Bayern 2 - 1 Chelsea
- I am conflicted on who I want to win this game. On one hand, I hate Chelsea. I hate the fact that they've bought their success with Uncle Roman the Tyrant's (probably ill-gotten) riches. I hate the fact that their fans equate them with the top tier of English football, even though they've been to 2 Champions League finals (Liverpool: 7, Manchester United: 5) and have won four English titles (Liverpool: 18, Manchester United: 19).
So I really do want Bayern to win. However, I have this terrible vision in my head of Bayern winning on some fluke goal, or a missed offside call, or a controversial handball in the box that is/isn't a penalty, and Chelsea having rather legitimate complaints about being robbed by the officiating. It doesn't matter whether they import the officials from India, Saskatchewan, or Pluto, anyone would be swayed by 70,000 screaming Germans.
- The yellow card suspension rules need to be changed. Obviously, John Terry should be out for the final with a red card in the semifinal. Less sensible, however, are the suspensions of Ramires and Branislav Ivanovic. Ramires was easily one of Chelsea's best players during the semifinal (see this goal for proof). As for Ivanovic, his reaction to the knowledge of his suspension illustrates this point. He wasn't even aware he'd have to miss the final until the postgame press conference, and nearly broke down when informed by a reporter of this fact. This needs to change. No one wants to see a less-than-full-strength side out on a final night, except if one of their number (Terry) has done something massively stupid to get himself suspended.
In short, I say that yellow cards should be struck from the board for the final, with suspensions only handed out to a player who's somehow managed a red card in the semifinal.
-PREDICTION: Bayern 2 - 1 Chelsea
Sunday, April 15, 2012
The Inigo Martinez Speculative Rip of the Week
Time has been good to Paul Scholes. He still possesses a deft passing touch and can still shake Old Trafford with efforts like this.
Skip to 5:00 for the rip, or watch every touch Scholes had in the game. Most were sublime, as usual
Skip to 5:00 for the rip, or watch every touch Scholes had in the game. Most were sublime, as usual
Friday, April 6, 2012
The Inigo Martinez Speculative Rip of the Week
Yes, it's been a while since the last post. Being a senior in college ain't all rainbows and smiles. Sometimes you have to buckle down, go to a 12 o'clock class about young adult fiction, play 9 holes, then have dinner! Jeesh.
Anyway, Cristiano continues to produce spectacular efforts like this dipping missile in the Champions League.
Enjoy.
Anyway, Cristiano continues to produce spectacular efforts like this dipping missile in the Champions League.
Enjoy.
Friday, January 27, 2012
The Inigo Martinez Honorary Speculative Rip of the Week
The title, and the video, sum it up. What a screamer!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
THE RETURN OF THE GINGER PRINCE!!!!!
(City Beware. Herrreeee's Scholes.)
Although a very dramatic and important FA Cup battle between Man U and Man City took place today, it was highly overshadowed by the most important news of 2012 (for real): Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has come out of retirement so suit up in the middle of the pitch for the vaunted Red Devils who are experiencing an injury crisis. Scholes was used as a 2nd half substitute in United's 3-2 victory over hated City and although there was significant rust (a Scholesy giveaway led to City's second goal), his mere presence on the pitch raised the fighting spirit of slumping United to beat their nearest neighbors. Although Scholes will certainly need some time to get into game shape, his glorious right foot will no doubt provide perfectly weighted balls to United's wingers and strikers. This boost is clearly the biggest news of 2012 in any sports. Better yet, I would call it the biggest news in the world. Fuck the NFL playoffs, fuck politics and upcoming elections, fuck even the bitter Bruins Canucks rivalry. The Prince has returned. Need I say more?
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Better Late than Never: the Euro 2012 Draw Roundup
This draw happened a few weeks ago, but what with a thesis, 3 classes, another writing job, and various nonsense, I never got around to blogging it.
Regardless, Euro 2012 is coming to an ESPN near you this summer, and it's the best international soccer competition outside of the World Cup (some have called it better than the World Cup). With traditional powers like Italy and France mired in troublesome slumps, this may be the year where some lesser-known countries get their shot at taking down football's royalty.
Additionally, this is some of the last top-notch football we'll see on ESPN, as FOX has outbid the worldwide leader for the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. This is truly a massive loss for soccer in America, and will undo essentially everything that ESPN has been doing for the last several years for the game in the States. But that's another story.
Here are the groups for Euro 2012, and the predictions for each:
Group A: Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech Republic
This may, top to bottom, be the weakest group that was possible. The level of play will be low (for top-notch international football), but the level of competition will be sky-high. These teams (with the possible exception of Greece) are known for being tough, scrappy sides, and each will believe they have a great chance to come out of this group. Which they do. Every game in this group will be exciting and significant.
Prediction: Czechs and Russians advance
Group B: Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Portugal
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!!!!!! In all seriousness, this is the definition of a Group of Death. See?
I don't have anything else to say. It's horrifying for all parties involved. Trees may not bear fruit during these matchups. Children will cry. Doves will spontaneously combust. Human life as we know it may be at stake.
Prediction: Germany and Netherlands advance
Group C: Spain, Italy, Ireland, Croatia
This wins first alternate for the Group of Death. Spain's the clear favorite, as they would be in any game that wasn't against the Netherlands, Germany, Brazil, or FC Barcelona. Their coach, Vincente Del Bosque, certainly seems content with the draw. But after that, you really have your pick of the litter. Ireland will be so pumped to be in an international tournament that they'll want to put on a good show. Croatia is a solid team, and Italy is no longer the power it once was. Plus, Spain plays like Barcelona: too much passing, not enough goals. I could see them getting caught in possession and giving up a few goals.
Prediction: Spain and the flying Balotellis (I mean Italy) advance
Group D: Ukraine, Sweden, France, England
England's national team fans piss me off. Mainly because they have gotten their way for the last few major tournaments. This was the cover of the Sun after the draw for the 2010 World Cup:
How'd that work out for you, ya limey tea-swilling numpties? And this draw isn't much harder. The Ukraine can be dismissed immediately based upon the other group members. England will win the group by default, and I think France has recovered enough to beat a Swedish side with an aging, but still omnipotent, Zlatan the Magnificent Nose.
Prediction: England and France advance
Regardless, Euro 2012 is coming to an ESPN near you this summer, and it's the best international soccer competition outside of the World Cup (some have called it better than the World Cup). With traditional powers like Italy and France mired in troublesome slumps, this may be the year where some lesser-known countries get their shot at taking down football's royalty.
Additionally, this is some of the last top-notch football we'll see on ESPN, as FOX has outbid the worldwide leader for the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. This is truly a massive loss for soccer in America, and will undo essentially everything that ESPN has been doing for the last several years for the game in the States. But that's another story.
Here are the groups for Euro 2012, and the predictions for each:
Group A: Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech Republic
This may, top to bottom, be the weakest group that was possible. The level of play will be low (for top-notch international football), but the level of competition will be sky-high. These teams (with the possible exception of Greece) are known for being tough, scrappy sides, and each will believe they have a great chance to come out of this group. Which they do. Every game in this group will be exciting and significant.
Prediction: Czechs and Russians advance
Group B: Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Portugal
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!!!!!! In all seriousness, this is the definition of a Group of Death. See?
 | ||
| They're already making t-shirts |
I don't have anything else to say. It's horrifying for all parties involved. Trees may not bear fruit during these matchups. Children will cry. Doves will spontaneously combust. Human life as we know it may be at stake.
Prediction: Germany and Netherlands advance
Group C: Spain, Italy, Ireland, Croatia
This wins first alternate for the Group of Death. Spain's the clear favorite, as they would be in any game that wasn't against the Netherlands, Germany, Brazil, or FC Barcelona. Their coach, Vincente Del Bosque, certainly seems content with the draw. But after that, you really have your pick of the litter. Ireland will be so pumped to be in an international tournament that they'll want to put on a good show. Croatia is a solid team, and Italy is no longer the power it once was. Plus, Spain plays like Barcelona: too much passing, not enough goals. I could see them getting caught in possession and giving up a few goals.
Prediction: Spain and the flying Balotellis (I mean Italy) advance
Group D: Ukraine, Sweden, France, England
England's national team fans piss me off. Mainly because they have gotten their way for the last few major tournaments. This was the cover of the Sun after the draw for the 2010 World Cup:
How'd that work out for you, ya limey tea-swilling numpties? And this draw isn't much harder. The Ukraine can be dismissed immediately based upon the other group members. England will win the group by default, and I think France has recovered enough to beat a Swedish side with an aging, but still omnipotent, Zlatan the Magnificent Nose.
Prediction: England and France advance
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