Anelka kicked off French team

The controversy surrounding the French World Cup is only increasing as the team is now boycotting training. For those in the know, bear with me as I re-cap the illustrious fall of the French Football Federation (FFF):

1. World Cup 2006 – The downfall of team France can be traced back to the World Cup final against Italy. It was a close match and truthfully it could have gone either way. Then Zinedine Zidane made, possibly, the worst decision of his life – “The Headbutt Heard Around the World”. That single action cost France the World Cup. His abscence from the penalty kick was a severe disadvantage to France and allowed Italy to secure victory.

Not only did the incident taint their chances at victory but it also signaled the end of Zidane’s reign with the French international team. From that moment, the French have fallen and they have fallen hard.

2. Euro Cup 2008 – The French posted a disappointing 0-1-2 record after conceding 6 goals in 3 games. The French did not make it past the group stages after a dismal showing against the Netherlands and Italy. This marked the 2nd time in the past decade in which the French failed to make it out of the group stages at a major tournament (2002 – World Cup, 2008 – Euro Cup, 2010 – World Cup?). The FFF should have undergone a major overhaul but they decided to keep their manager, Domenech (Boy was that a terrible decision or what?).

Henry handball secures World Cup berth

3. World Cup Qualification 2010 – While trying to forge past the disappointment of the Euro Cup result, the French side struggled with their qualification for World Cup 2010. They ultimately finished 2nd in their qualifying group, which forced them into a playoff with Ireland. The playoff would be a two-leg playoff, with matches being played in both home countries. France took the first match 1-0. However, during the second leg, controversy struck as Thierry Henry used a handball to control the ball and eventually score to tie the game. With the tie, France moved on and set the world on fire with distain and disgust over the missed call.

Despite the falling out from the handball, France was in the World Cup and thankful for it. The controversy, however, had just begun.

4. World Cup 2010 – France vs. Mexico -  After a lacklustre first half performance, striker Nicolas Anelka was removed from the pitch by manager Domenech. However, the substitution did not sit well with Anelka who has a few choice words for the manager regarding his techniques and tactics. Suffice to say the choice words were not nice ones. With Anelka substituted off, the French side did not fair much better and eventually lost 2-0 to a better Mexico team.

5. World Cup 2010 – Anelka dismissed – Amid the rumblings of the altercation between Anelka and Domenech, came the report that Anelka was sent home because of his actions. The rumours were finally confirmed by the FFF who claimed that Anelka had acted inappropriately and would not take part in any further World Cup events.

This event leads us to the current situation:

6. World Cup 2010 – French team boycott – In an apparent opposition to the Anelka dismissal, the French team has refused to partake in any training. As can be seen in the following video, the team is split and distracted from the actual task at hand:

The thing that I can’t get over is how self-centered and obnoxious Nicolas Anelka - and for that matter the entire team – is. To complain after being taken off from what was a terrible half for Anelka, shows his immaturity, lack of respect and sense of entitlement. The funny thing in this situation was that Domenech went out on a limb for Anelka back in 2008 and invited him back to the French team after being left off the 2006 World Cup French team. This is how you treat the man that single-handedly revived your international career. If I was the FFF I wouldn’t even pay for Anelka’s flight back to France. That spoiled, no-good, excuse for an athlete can find his own way home.

As for the rest of the team, why are you refusing to practice? Domenech is the coach, he makes the decisions. You listen to him or your spot can be replaced – especially after the lacklustre performances in the first two games. If I were Domenech I would sit all the supporters of Anelka and go with a lineup that will work hard and listen to me.

There you have it – the timeline of destruction. With only one final match to go and the likelihood of moving past the group stages slim, it should be interesting how far the team will spiral into oblivion. If anything it’ll make for a good laugh.

Disappointment from Rooney

While some teams did disappoint on match day 8, the overall the entertainment value was as high as ever for the FIFA World Cup. Germany suffered a disappointing loss at the hands of the Serbians, while the Americans mounted a massive comeback that almost saw them take home a 3-2 victory after being down 2-0. And last but not least the English, oh the English – they drew a 30th ranked Algerian team. What was that Wayne Rooney? Guaranteed win…I think not.

Game #1 Germany 0 vs. Serbia 1

The early game saw yet another huge disappointment from a top 10-ranked team. That’s right – Spain, France and Germany have all conceded defeat to lower ranked teams. The tipping point for the Germans came in the 37th minute after Miroslav Klose received his second yellow card of the game, which resulted in his automatic ejection from the match. Not one minute after he was thrown out, Serbia took advantage and scored. I guess it shows how much the Germans really rely on Klose, especially considering Lukas Podolski missed a penalty kick in the 60th minute.

In my opinion, this loss can be pinned solely on Klose. After receiving his first booking, the German striker should have had the piece of mind to say “OK. Maybe I won’t play the ball as hard as I normally would”. You would think a player of his stature and experience would think otherwise. But then again who ever said athletes were smart.

Regardless of my opinions over the mental fortitude of Miroslav Klose, the Germans will be hard-pressed to win let alone make it out of the group stages. They face their toughest opponent in Ghana. Should be exciting. Everyone does love an underdog.

Game #2 USA 2 vs. Slovenia 2

The one thing that I do have to say about this game is that I feel sorry for those American fans who shut off their TVs after the Slovenians jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first half. They missed quite a comeback by their compatriots.

Let’s fastfoward to the second half, where the Americans are down 2-0 and Landon Donovan is streaking down the left flank for the American side. Now Donovan had a pretty good season in England yet was a ghost in the first World Cup game; so to say the pressure was on his shoulders is an understatement. So with Donovan coming down the flank, he lets a bullet of a shot go right at the goalie. The ball was like a heat seeking missle aimed right at the top corner of the net. The goalie had no chance. Suffice to say the comeback was on. The Americans ended up scoring the tying goal and even scored the go-ahead goal before it was called off due to pushing in the box.

For a World Cup match between the USA and Slovenia, you couldn’t have asked for more. You had a copious amount of goals, some nice set plays and an improbable comeback. All in all, well worth the price of admission.

Game #3 England 0 vs. Algeria 0

What could be said about this game? I could talk about the lack of creation through the middle of the field for the English. I could even question the decision to leave Rooney to create his own chances up front. But what it comes down to is not what the English couldn’t do, it’s what the Algerians did. They played a solid game that was based on steady defensive coverage and an overall team mentality.

It’s funny how the 2010 World Cup has shown that solid talent doesn’t always beat a solid system. While we won’t know how this World Cup will end, it has surely taught us a thing or two about wasted talent.

On Day 8, look for the Netherlands to extend their lead over Group E. Also the Black Stars of Ghana look to take control of Group F in their second match against Australia.

Kobe and the Lakers win championship

Lakers win…blah…blah…blah. We’ve heard it before. Kobe Bryant leads the Lakers to victory. The supporting cast steps up.  Blah…blah…blah. I don’t want to take anything away from the Lakers’ win, afterall Kobe did describe this as his sweetest victory, but really who cares. This is the third straight NBA Finals with the Lakers making an appearance.  It’s getting a little bit repetitive, don’t you think?. Let’s get some new blood in there. When is the next generation going to take over from Kobe? When are the Lebrons, Boshs and Howards going to take over? I hope soon. In fact I’m hoping next season – soon.

With the Big Three free agents (Lebron, Bosh and Wade) still deliberating and planning a big splash I, like any other basketball fan, can only hope that their decisions end up being wise ones and ultimately lay the foundation to overthrow the evil empire that is the Lakers. With all the rumours making their way through the mill, as fans, we should be in for an exciting couple of months.

Will the Bulls push ahead and snatch Lebron and Wade or will it be Lebron and Bosh who sign with the Knicks?. Whichever it is, the one thing that matters is that the Lakers won’t be back next year. Count on it. Now my dislike for the Lakers isn’t truthfully directed at Kobe and the team, it is more directed at the fact that I am tired of seeing the same team in the Finals every single year. I got a taste of something new in the NHL Finals this year and wanted the same for the NBA. Maybe I was asking for too much. Is parity that much to ask for?

Regardless, I am looking forward to the next couple of months as this summer will signify the start of a new dynasty in the NBA, Lebron just has to decide which city it will be in. Let’s just hope, for our sake, it’s not the Lakers - again.

Higuain the Hero

If I didn’t know any better I’d say Day 7 shaped up to be quite similar to Day 6. Think about it – we had another big loss with France rolling over for Mexico, another African team plagued by a dubious red card and the emergence of a strong team in Argentina. 

Game #1 Argentina 4 vs South Korea 1

Like Chile in the first game on Day 6 the Argentinians imposed their will against the South Koreans. To tell you the truth I thought the South Koreans were going to be a tougher battle for Team Messi and Co. I guess I was influenced by the strong backbone their nation is currently displaying in the ongoing battle with Kim Jong Il (any time I can mention Mr. Kim is a bonus). But boy was I wrong. It was the Higuain show, plain and simple. How scary is it that the Argentinians are 2-0 with 5 goals for that Messi has not had a hand in any of?

The Argentinians should make quick work of the Greeks and look forward to facing either Mexico or Uruguay. While I am currently on the Argentinian bandwagon, the saying does go – The bigger they are the harder they fall.

Game #2 Greece 2 vs. Nigeria 1

I’m saying it now – CONSPIRACY! There have been two terrible red cards handed out in two back to back games that have featured African teams; South Africa yesterday and Nigeria today. While my facetiousness should be taken with a grain of salt, I do stand behind the two African teams mentioned above as the calls really were down right wrong.

In today’s game Nigerian Sani Kaita recieved a red card in the 33rd for a small mix-up with a Greek midfielder, Vassilis Torosidis. After watching the replay, it was clear that the squirmish did not warrant the dramatics from Torosidis nor the card from the referee. To add insult to injury the winning goal was scored by – you guessed it - Torosidis.

It is hard not to feel bad for the Nigerians but you have to feel good for the Greeks who scored their first goal and cemented their first win in their World Cup history. Can you believe it – A team that has won the European Cup, has not won a game in the World Cup?  That’s one record I’m sure they were happy to relinquish.

Game #3 France 0 vs. Mexico 2

The final game of Day 7 left us with the most dramatics. The French, Les Blues LOST! Mexico simply out played them. Now one could argue that there were some tactical errors made. For example not playing Henry was a big mistake. Forget about the poor season he has had. This guy can score. He is the most prolific scorer in French history. How can you justify not even substituting him in? Boggles the mind how some of these coaches get hired (and I’m not talking about Maradona).

When it comes down to it, France needs a big win and I’m talking 5-goal differential win to move on. Unlikely.

European Cup 2008 – Eliminated in Group Stage

World Cup 2010 – Eliminated in Group Stage

Zinedine Zidane is rolling in his..uh..bed.  Literally. He hates the French team.

Day 7 did not disappoint. We are looking for big things tomorrow from Robert Green, as England tries to secure their first win. Also look for Germany to try and recreate the magic they had in their first game.

Halak traded

Jaroslav Halak has just been traded from the Montreal Canadiens to the St. Louis Blues. Yes you read that right…Halak not Price has been traded. The goaltender who posted a 3.56 GAA, a .890 save percentage and 0 wins during the playoffs was kept while the goaltender who posted 9 wins, 2.55 GAA and a .923 percentage was traded away.

There has to be something we are missing, something deeper that we aren’t privy to. Otherwise it appears as though history has repeated itself and Montreal has traded away another Number 1 goalie. Oh how Montreal will riot tonight.

The only way that I can justify this trade is by the following:

1) Halak is a RFA – Given that he had an outstanding playoffs and is up for contract along with Carey Price, it could be rationalized that Halak will receive a larger salary increase than Price and that is the reason why Gauthier decided to keep Price.

2) Halak was not happy in MTL – Halak’s unhappiness could have forced Gauthier’s hand into trading the goaltender.

3) Halak’s trade value – As expected, Halak’s trade value is enormously higher than Carey Price’s at the current moment. Gauthier’s thought process could be that Halak will garner the greater trade return and that Price will eventually be able to shoulder the Number 1 goalie load; so why not pull the trigger and make the trade?

It’s a big risk and if it fails it will likely cost him his job. Could Bob Gainey be back in as General Manager by the end of the year?. If Price falters – it could happen.

Buffon Injured and Out of World Cup

Word from Irene, South Africa is that the beloved Gianluigi Buffon, known to his teammates as Gigi, is out for the tournament. Now before everyone goes on and discredits Italy’s chance at a repeat, I ask the question – Will the loss of the 32 year-old really affect the Azzuri? Think about it – Gigi didn’t have his best season with Juventus and everyone seems to forget the disappointing outcome of the penalty kicks against Spain at Euro 2008.  While team morale might be hit a bit, I think that his replacement Federico Marchetti will be more than able to fill the shoes.

As long as Marchetti keeps his composure and doesn’t pull a “Green”, the Italians should be fine. Marchetti is a younger and more agile goalkeeper than Buffon – so who knows this could be a blessing in disguise.  Before everyone discounts Marchetti – give the guy a chance -  after all the World Cup is due for an emerging star goalkeeper.

Torres deflated after loss to Swiss

On what was supposed to be a seemingly slow day turned out to be one of the most exciting days of the tournament as of yet. We saw the emergence of the darkhorse Chilean team, a major upset at the hands of the Swiss and a dubious penalty kick call against South Africa. Here is the Cheddarbomb World Cup Day 6 recap:

Game #1: Chile  1  vs Honduras  0

This game saw the emergence of a relatively unknown Chilean team. Led by an early goal by Jean Beausejour, the Chileans were able to impose their will against the lowly Hondurans.  The game could have easily been 2-0  or even 3-0. Realistically, Honduras is going no where fast in this tournament and this just marked the beginning for the team from is Chile. While they lack the big name prescence of a Spain or Brazil, they execute a tight game-plan that is created from their steady yet dynamic defense.  You heard it here first – Chile is for real. This team has the opportunity to make it out of the group and even further.

Game #2 Spain 0 vs. Switzerland 1

What was expected to be a walk in the park for the Spaniards turned out to a nightmare at the hands of the Swiss.  Yes, Spain dominated Switzerland. Yes, Spain deserved to win. Yes, Spain was the better team. However, when everything is said and done – nobody cares who should have won. The fact is, Switzerland was able to upset a Spanish team that went undefeated throughout World Cup qualifying. Who cares if Torres had a bunch of chances or if del Bosque should have subbed in Cesc Fabregas. The point is Spain LOST!! It looks like Spain is gearing up for another World Cup of high hopes and big let downs. 

Game #3 South Africa 0 vs. Uruguay 3

While the scoreline for this match indicates a game that was far from close, it was still a heart-breaking loss for Bafana, Bafana. In actuality, South Africa was only down by one goal until the wheels fell off in the 76th minute when goalkeeper Khune came out to challenge, what appeared to be, an off-side Luis Saurez and accidently clipped him in the box. This resulted in a red card, Khune’s ejection from the game and a penalty kick for Uruguay. South Africa, to say the least, was devastated.

Let’s get back to the offside call – it appears as though Luis Saurez was making a run to the box when the ball was tipped by Diego Forlan and ultimately put him offside. It was a very slight tip and was obviously missed by the referee. Unfortunately for Khune, he was forced to defend the play, which ultimately led to South Africa’s collapse.  Uruguay added a 3rd goal when the South Africans were down a man and deflated by the poor call.

While I feel for South Africa and their tough loss, I do have to say that it was a lot more enjoyable to watch the game without those vuvuzelas blowing.

That’s your Day 6 in a nut shell. Tough losses, heartbreaking calls and darkhorses coming alive – what else could we ask for.

Look forward to Day 7 when we get to see France vs Mexico and Argentina vs South Korea. Let’s just hope Day 7 can replicate the intrigue of Day 6

Hockey/NHL: The largest hockey market is in North America. In Eastern European countries there is a following. However, in South America, Africa and Australia the sport is pretty much non-existent. Therefore, hockey is rated very low on the potential to gain worldwide attention.

Basketball/NBA: Since basketball is an indoor sport, it can be played everywhere and as a result has a larger worldwide attention than hockey. However, as seen by recent Neilsen ratings, basketball’s following is limited. Outside of North America and China (Re: Yao Ming), there is little interest in the NBA. While basketball rates higher than hockey on wordlwide exposure, you simply don’t hear of fans in Europe going crazy at basketball games, like in the following sport, soccer.

Soccer/World Cup: Currently soccer is undoubtedly the most worldwide sport. With the relative ease, effort and price wise to play soccer, it’s not hard to believe the popularity across the globe. Furthermore, given the fact that the structure of the European leagues, including Champions League and the UEFA Cup, are so strong, it is only expected that such a large following would result. On top of all this, the world’s largest and most inclusive tournament features the sport of soccer. Overall, soccer has a stronghold and right now can be considered the world’s sport. 

Baseball/MLB: Baseball, similar to hockey, has its roots in a limited number of places. For example, baseball is enjoyed in North America, South America and in parts of Asia. However, it is almost non-existent in Europe and Africa thus putting it at a low level of international exposure similar to that of hockey.

Football/NFL: While the Superbowl may be one of the most watched television events year in and year out, American football does not transcend beyond North American borders. Does anyone remember what happened to NFL Europe? Exactly.  As a result, football is ranked as the lowest sport with international exposure.

MMA/UFC: This finally brings us to MMA and specfically the UFC. In the past decade the UFC has evolved from a barbaric display of testosterone to an intricate game including strategy and preparation, just like any other sport. Today the UFC’s monthly events highlight many sport fans’ calendars. What makes the MMA/UFC different from other sports is the relative ease in which the sport is merging with mainstream pop culture, including TV shows and movies. For example, the reality show ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ is by far the most popular sports reality show on television. Furthermore, such athletes like Rampage Jackson, Georges St. Pierre, Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture have made successful forays onto the big screen, bringing an increased attention to the UFC and MMA that other sports do not benefit from.

It comes down to the fact that everyone in the world can relate to fighting of some sort. Whether it was  in a bar, with a sibling or just for fun with friends, everyone has thrown a punch or a kick and can understand the thrill and excitement that goes along with it. This simple fact eludes all other sports.

While I am not saying that it will appeal to everyone, I will say that the UFC and MMA have the ability to appeal to a larger market than basketball, soccer or any sport for that matter.  The only question is whether the UFC, and specifically Dana White, can make good on his word to make MMA the biggest sport in the world. One thing I can be sure of though, is that the next decade should be interesting.

Keane Joins The Hoops

Another transfer window has come and gone… and what do the football clubs of the world have to show for it? Not a whole lot, to be completely honest. But as with all transfer windows, there are winners… and there are losers.

First, the former: The Winners

Inter Milan:

Kenyan McDonald Mariga, signed with the Nerazzuri after being pursued by multiple squads in the Premiership, and Serie A. Mancini’s departure to cross-town rivals AC Milan has likely ensured that the young midfielder will see quite a bit of pitch time under Jose Mourinho’s watch. Mourinho and company should also be happy about the shipping out of little used, and aging midfielder, Patrick Viera in addition to the loan agreement worked out for underachieving Luis Jiminez. All and all, a productive window for the Italian outfit.

U21 English Starlet Johnson Signs For Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur:

Perhaps the biggest of the movers and shakers through the January window, Spurs did a number of deals that has the potential to keep them in the running for European play next Autumn. Spurs picked up highly coveted England U 21 midfielder Adam Johnson from Middlesborough. Also, Eidur Gudjohnson has moved to White Hart Lane just in time for Robbie Keane to bounce on up to Glasgow… where he will slot in at striker with the Hoops at Celtic. Spurs added one more fantastic piece to the puzzle in acquiring one of the Premier League’s outstanding young defensive talents in Younes Kaboul, coming over from cash strapped Portsmouth. All in all this is a Tottenham team that gets younger and faster through each transfer window. Harry Houdini et al in the Spurs camp have shown they mean business, and that they have what it takes to be a top 4 club in the upper echelon of English football. Though one question remains… why hold on to Roman Pavlyuchenko?

Two Tickets to the Gun Show: Marcelo Moreno Joins Wigan

Wigan Athletic:

The Latics made a (relatively) huge splash during the transfer window signing young starlet Victor Moses from Crystal Palace, giving the budding striker have his first taste of Premier League footy, while possibly winning a few more matches along the way. Also, up front, Wigan locked down young Bolivian sniper Marcelo Moreno with a view to creating a youthful and exciting strike duo for their small yet truly dedicated fan base. I for one look forward to what they can do come this weekend against Sunderland.

Galatasaray:

Picking up Jo from Manchester United in conjunction with a few smaller moves earlier in the window, the Turkish side has done well to deepen their squad. I would keep my eye out for European play to return to Istanbul in the near future.

The Latter: Losers

Robinho... The Ultimate Looser of the Window?

Manchester City:

Jo gone to Gala, Robinho back to Santos in return for untested Brazilian `talent`. I would say that its difficult times for the splashy club from the Eastlands. Another disappointing campaign (salaries and expenditures considered) cannot be sitting well with Roberto Mancini or his billionaire Emiri backer… and for the life of me, I cannot imagine how these moves can possibly improve such a middling team.

Birmingham City:

Lost out on Kaboul, Lost out on Babel from Liverpool. Lost out on Pavlyuchenko… Alex McLeish started off great by acquiring defender Michel from Sporting Gijon in Spain, but generally tanked as soon as it was leaked that he had 40 million quid to bat about. Its too bad really, this could have been the year for the Blues to establish themselves well out of the drop zone in the Premiership.

Portsmouth:

No Money. No Talent. No Points. No more Younes Kaboul… No Future.

Roma:

I am still not sure that I understand the Okaka loan. I know that more playing time, in an extremely competative league will yield great results for the still somewhat rough Italian striker… though wouldn’t you want him to gain that experience playing with the team he will be spending at least the next three years with? Following flashes of brilliance like that heel flick goal from last weekend might have the Roma brain trust scratching their collective noggin.

Real Madrid:

In securing the rights to Sergio Canales from Racing Santander, Real Madrid boss Florentino Perez may have sold the farm prematurely. He allowed himself to get into a bidding war over the meek, albeit talented Spanish starlet, with Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal and United. So much of Real’s transfer focus was put into locking up Canales that they may have missed the proverbial boat on many of the other available, and matured, players available. Rumours are still abound that Franck Ribery will be moving to the Spanish capital in the summer, but this is still greatly unsubstantiated, and a move of this nature would even further limit the already slim chances that Canales would see playing time immediately in Madrid. Considering that it is being discussed that Canales will be left with the Basque outfit on loan for the time being, it puzzles me to think that Madrid may have ended up paying his salary so that he can play elsewhere… and that when the time comes, he will just thank them for their generosity and move on to play for Barca, or even somewhere in the Prem.

Also, the Ruud van Nistelrooy move. Another bonehead display by Perez, who has been attempting to clean house since he regained his throne at the Bernebeu. I Contend that the Dutchman has a lot of good footy ahead of him and should have been kept on the squad and played because when it comes right down to it… there is no doubt in my mind that he is more dangerous from inside the box than any other striker in their current lineup.

Lets hear what all the cheddarbombers out there have to say… who do you think made out like kings and who do you think missed the boat during this past window? As always thanks for reading, and keep watch for our upcoming Champions League predictions.

Another Budding Italian Starlet?

Newly acquired by Fulham, Stefano Okaka showed the Cottagers just what they can expect come next weekend when he suits up for the West London outfit. In his last appearance for Roma before going on loan to the Premier League, the young Italian made a ridiculous heel flick goal on a play that would piss the majority of managers off to no-end… unless, like in this case, it works, and makes them scratch their head for sending him on loan in the first place.