tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85163259201666890322018-08-28T04:45:59.028-05:00Road to 2010 World Cup FinalMy journey from Brooklyn, New York January 4, 2007 to the World Cup Final match July 11, 2010 in South Africa. How will I get there? I have no idea. Join me as I travel around Africa, write a book, make some friends and watch the beautiful game!Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556360510080978716noreply@blogger.comBlogger761125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-69396732123069662692013-04-26T09:42:00.001-05:002013-04-26T09:42:34.524-05:00Brazil World Cup Title Success in Serious Doubt<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> 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Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:JA;} </style><![endif]--> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal">Brazil look increasingly unlikely to win the World Cup on home soil next summer after another disappointing performance on Wednesday resulted in the squad being booed by their own supporters.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A Brazil squad comprised of domestic-based players met Chile in a friendly on Wednesday night to celebrate the re-opening of the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, but their performance on the pitch was far from satisfactory.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">An estimated 53,000 spectators filled the stands yet were left unsatisfied almost immediately when Chile’s Marc Gonzalez knocked in a rebound from close range to give the away side the lead on eight minutes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite Brazil taking the lead in the second half through young superstar, Neymar, the overall team performance was less than satisfactory and Eduardo Vargas’ wonderful effort from distance earned Chile a draw and gave Brazil boss, Luis Felipe, Scolari another headache.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The boos that rang out across the stadium at full time are unlikely to disappear unless Brazil start winning games and sadly they have found this hard to come by, much like England, who <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/world-cup/international-reaction-home-wins-a-must-for-england-270313-579.html">need more home wins</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Because they will host the 2014 World Cup, they do not need to qualify for the tournament, meaning for the past two years they haven’t played a competitive match.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Friendlies, sadly, still account for your FIFA ranking and, with two defeats and four draws from their past seven games, Brazil find themselves at a record low 19<sup>th</sup> place.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Of course, the ranking system is skewed by the fact Brazil are playing friendlies and therefore the desire to win is not so great – while all opposing teams want to beat the Samba Boys – yet there is nevertheless a growing discontent in the country regarding the team’s performances.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Scolari is pressured with managing the expectations of a nation ahead of the World Cup and nothing but victory will satisfy the Brazil fans. It is a tough ask and not one many <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/fa-cup/">Betfair football</a> pundits think he can achieve, for the team are struggling simply to eke out meaningless wins a year before the finals.</div>Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-48288105870986047782013-03-25T05:07:00.000-05:002013-04-01T05:07:48.988-05:00England Running ScaredMontenegro coach Branko Brnovic thinks that England are running scared ahead of their vital World Cup Qualifier in Podgorica on Tuesday, and he has accused the English players and media of making their excuses before the game even kicks off.<br /><br />Montenegro’s biggest threat certainly comes from their two strikers, Stevan Jovetic and Mirko Vucinic who both ply their trade in Italy, with Fiorentina and Juventus respectively. <br /><br />As well as making their mark on the Italian domestic game the two both have good goalscoring records in European football and have bagged 24 goals in 53 international games between them and Brnovic hopes that the pair can make light of Roy Hodgson’s defensive selection headache on Tuesday. <br /><br />"We have Stevan Jovetic and Mirko Vucinic. Maybe England are more scared of this game than we are," Brnovic said to <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting">Premier League betting news</a> pundits.<br /> <br />The last time that England played away in Montenegro, in October 2011, they came away with a 2-2 draw but, at that stage, their qualification for Euro 2012 was as good as secure. <br /><br />On Tuesday, however, England must win to kick start their World Cup 2014 qualification campaign and Brnovic knows that the pressure will firmly be on the Group H favourites. <br /><br />This, he suggests, could explain why the English media are already making excuses for England’s performance; "I can say such English legends and journalists are already trying to resort to excuses for what will happen on Tuesday. Everything seems to bother them," he said to the <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football/premier-league">football betting news</a>.<br /><br />England will certainly not get an easy ride in Montenegro but they should be confident that they have the necessary quality to dispatch Brnovic’s side. <br /><br />If, as the Montenegro coach, hopes England are provoked by his words and allow themselves into a dog-fight then they could come away from Podgorica with little to show and little chance left of topping Group H.Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-29590731511418391362013-01-18T09:34:00.000-05:002013-01-21T09:35:23.268-05:00Premier League Quality Lacking in Afcon<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> 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Priority="32" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:JA;} </style><![endif]--> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal">On the eve of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, former Leeds United and South Africa captain, Lucas Radebe, told a national newspaper about his fears for the tournament after another low turnout from Premier League players.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The tournament, which kicked off in South Africa on Saturday, is Africa’s major international football event and is widely anticipated to be an exciting contest this winter. Yet poor scheduling, according to Radebe, is keeping top-flight players away from the competition as they choose to represent their club sides instead.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-language: JA;">“The only way to change it is to bring the competition in line with the European leagues but that is something the organisers don’t want to do,” Radebe told <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Independent</i>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-language: JA;">“But now [players] are suffering because clubs know they will lose them for more than a month in the middle of the season and can be reluctant to let them leave.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Indeed, Radebe is absolutely correct in his assertion that Afcon players have missed out despite the standard of football in Africa growing to unprecedented levels. For while African players now litter Europe’s major leagues the development of international football on the continent is still way below its potential.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Players cannot or do not want to play in a tournament that cuts into their season. In 2011, there were 37 internationals from Africa in the Premier League, yet a year later just 13 attended the Africa Cup of Nations; that is over half of the 28 that played in 2006, despite six further years of development.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-language: JA;">This year will see 15 Premier League players in the competition plus a good number of others from around Europe. Yet there is real concern from </span><a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/premier-league/">Premier League betting</a> fans<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> that if players – such as Steven Pienaar of South Africa and Morocco’s Marouane Chamakh – continue to stay away, then the tournament will fall into neglect within the next decade.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afcon organisers have already switched the biannual event to odd years in order to avoid clashing with World Cups– a decision that should progress to playing in the summer months if they are to make this tournament available to all players. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Interested in the Afcon? Pay a visit to the African Cup of Nations website on Betfair for the latest odds, picks, and news for the tournament: </span><a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/african-cup-of-nations/">http://betting.betfair.com/football/african-cup-of-nations/</a></i></div>Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-41136861186864465802013-01-16T10:29:00.001-05:002013-01-16T10:29:41.176-05:00Lennon boosts midfield ahead of Champions League tiesCeltic boss Neil Lennon already appears to be preparing for the future after the club agreed a deal with Central Coast Mariners for young midfielder Tom Rogic.<br /><br />Rogic, 20, has attracted much interest from British clubs this January transfer window after making his international debut in 2012. The Australian has developed into a key player for A-League team Central Coast, who topped the 2011/12 table before falling in the playoffs.<br /><br />According to reports in Australia and the UK, the Mariners have confirmed a deal has been reached between the two clubs – thought to be in the region of £400,000.<br /><br />“Central Coast Mariners FC wish to officially advise that terms have been agreed for the transfer of Tomas Rogic to Celtic FC,” a club statement read.<br /><br />“Rogic will now travel to Glasgow from Spain with the Bhoys, and will discuss personal terms with the Scottish giants over the coming days.”<br /><br />Togic will join up with the squad this week and could be in line for a place in the first XI come the <br />weekend – where the Hoops face Hearts at home in the league. For many fans in the betting world, it is a progressive move that proves Lennon is already thinking about the future of this team, which many have claimed has peaked now it’s reached the Champions League last 16.<br /><br />Some of Celtic’s big-name players, such as Victor Wanyama and Gary Hooper, are expected to leave in the summer and Lennon here has shown his dedication to replacing that talent once it leaves Scottish shores. <br /><br />He beat off interest from QPR and Reading for the 20-year-old Togic and, although not the finished article yet, this midfielder playmaker should be a Celtic Park favourite by next season.<br /><br />Don’t forget to check out the <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/fa-cup/">Betfair FA cup</a> site for all the latest betting news ahead of the fourth round next weekend. There will also be plenty of interviews, odds, tips and expert opinion – check it all out here: <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/daily-tipping/">http://betting.betfair.com/football/daily-tipping/</a>Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-12330175775012225752012-12-31T07:13:00.000-05:002012-12-31T07:13:04.879-05:00Time for Bentley to Shine<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> 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Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style><![endif]--> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal">Once described as the “next David Beckham”, David Bentley has found it hard to live up to the mantle of one of the great icons of the game but, with the midfielder set to return to English football, it might well be time for Bentley to show what he is capable of. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Having burst onto the stage at perennial <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/">football betting</a>favourites, Arsenal, and learning his trade with some of the Premier League greats in the early 2000s, Bentley soon found first-team games with the Gunners hard to come by.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Manager, Arsene Wenger, clearly saw something in Bentley that was not fitting in with his ethos at the north London club and the youngster was shipped on loan to the likes of Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers, before making a permanent move to Ewood Park.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Bentley has pretty much been a nomad ever since and a move to Tottenham Hotspur saw further loan spells with the likes of Birmingham City, West Ham United, and, most recently, Russian outfit, Rostov.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">However, the now 28-year-old looks like he has done plenty of growing up and a return to White Hart Lane is set for next month with a host of clubs interested in the midfielder.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Bentley told Sky Sports: "I have really enjoyed my time at Rostov and I am feeling fully fit after playing on a regular basis.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">"I will return to Tottenham in January and find out what is happening with regards my future, but ideally I want to be playing - whether that be at Tottenham or somewhere else."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It remains to be seen whether he has a future under Spurs boss, Andre Villas-Boas, but Bentley is looking forward to getting back to England and having one last proper crack at the rigors of the Premier League – and, with it, a shot at playing for his country at <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/world-cup/">World Cup 2014</a>. </div>Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-44445106889040332062012-12-13T05:28:00.000-05:002012-12-13T05:28:11.872-05:00Another FIFA project leading to World Cup schedule worriesWork on a number of projects for the 2013 FIFA World Cup are reportedly behind schedule, with transport infrastructure and stadiums lagging behind construction deadlines.<br /><br />There is a major concern in the footballing world that Brazil won’t be ready to host the tournament with just 18 months to go before the first match is scheduled to be played. Only last month FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke revealed host city Manaus was lagging behind schedule and was less than 50% complete despite needing to be ready by December 2013.<br /><br />Although Manaus may be ready for the World Cup, Brazil must have the stadium up to FIFA-recognised standards six months before the world descends upon Brazil, in order to carry out extensive safety and events testing. If they fall too far behind, Valkce suggested cities may even be struck off the schedule.<br /><br />“You cannot have the stadium six weeks in advance, that is technically impossible,” he said.<br /><br />“There is no plan B, you can always decide to take one stadium off. We did it in Germany for the Confederations Cup and South Africa for the Confederations Cup. It works.”<br /><br />Indeed, Valcke’s words should come as a real warning to Brazil to get their act together over preparations for the World Cup. The same warning was given to South Africa before the 2010 tournament, with the Rainbow Nation spending way above budget to ensure operations eventually met deadlines.<br /><br />The same is destined to happen in Brazil, where the country’s Audits Court have already condemned a $650m light railway project as being so far behind schedule it won’t be completed by summer 2014.<br /><br />FIFA, it seems, have once again got themselves in a mess. Thankfully Brazil’s jewel in the crown, the Maracana Stadium, is only slightly behind schedule. Yet this is a real warning to future World Cup hosts like Russia and Qatar that work must be started as soon as possible if they are to avoid delay problems and spiralling costs.<br /><br />Don’t forget to check out the <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/capital-one-cup/">Betfair Capital One cup odds</a> specials ahead of Leeds v Chelsea next week, as well as the latest news, tips, expert opinion and the latest <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/fa-cup/">FA Cup odds</a>. Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-9111333627079695232012-12-10T08:27:00.000-05:002012-12-10T08:27:41.808-05:00Turkey deserves Euro 2020 final rights The one nation to reject UEFA’s proposals for a continent-wide 2020 European Championships was Turkey. They were right to do so. The Turkish FA had been planning a bid to host the tournament themselves yet were scuppered by UEFA president Michel Platini’s insistence that Euro 2020 should have numerous host cities.<br /> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">The corridors of the Turkish FA must have been shaking as UEFA’s executive committee made the decision in Lausanne last Thursday. It was the brainchild of Platini and received much criticism when first voiced last year, yet support has grown for the idea after witnessing financial and infrastructure difficulties leading up to Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">So, UEFA have taken the decision to stage a Europe-wide tournament, leaving Turkey in the cold. Instead of welcoming nations to bid for the tournament, potential stadiums will vie for the chance to become one of 12 or 13 host cities across the continent.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">As good as this idea may be, does anyone else not feel that Turkey has been cast aside here? Had FIFA pondered the possibility of hosting a global 2018 World Cup when England were bidding for the rights two years ago there would have been uproar.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Turkey’s build-up efforts for their bid have been completely ignored by UEFA and European football in general; isolating their FA and making them look like ‘the bad guys’ for objecting to Platini’s idea.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">There must be some sort of compensation for Turkey, who were led down a glitzy avenue only to be bundled into a dark closet and muffled. There are reports the FA will bid for Wembley to host the final. Well, why not give that honour to Turkey, the only country that bothered to show interest in the first place? Turks will certainly be of a nervous disposition when the IOC decides between Turkey, Madrid and Tokyo for the right to host the 2020 Olympics next September.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Istanbul has hosted major games before and Turkey was ready to invest millions into infrastructure. Galatasaray’s<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>fantastic new 52,000-seater stadium proves the Turks can stage games to UEFA standard and so should rightly host the Euro 2020 final.</div><br />Don’t forget to head to Betfair for all the latest <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/capital-one-cup/">CapitalOne Cup Betting</a> markets now we have reached the quarter-final stage. Plus you can also use their Football In-play betting <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/in-play/"><span style="color: blue;">http://betting.betfair.com/football/in-play/</span></a>markets to have a bet while the match is being played.<br /> Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-73376550904828490382012-12-10T08:08:00.000-05:002012-12-10T08:08:10.619-05:00Adebayor should be going to Nations CupEmmanuel Adebayor’s decision not to play for Togo in the 2013 Africa Nations Cup due to a dispute of match bonuses has shocked football fans already disenchanted with the vast sums of money their heroes earn on a weekly basis.<br /><br />Instead of playing for his home country, Adebayor will instead stay at Spurs and aid their chase for a Champions League spot come the May, something manager Andre Villas-Boas is reportedly happy about.<br /><br />“We’ll probably have the player here in January, which is a massive boost as you know, it gives me other options and possibilities,” the manager said.<br /><br />“[Adebayor is] very very important, we are speaking about a player that has meant so much to us.”<br />Indeed, Adebayor may give the boss options but whether or not Villas-Boas should take them is quite another thing. For while the majority of football fans would argue the striker should play in the Nations Cup to represent his country, others will further suggest the tournament could improve his game.<br /><br />For Adebayor has hardly been a success this season at White Heart Lane. The 28-year-old earned a contract in the summer after scoring 18 goals last year, yet has netted just twice for Spurs this campaign. He’s made just five starts, been sent off and has appears more of a hindrance than the far more affable Jermain Defoe.<br /><br />Villas-Boas may say the striker gives him options, but what options are they exactly? He is strong and makes himself known in opposition penalty boxes yet is also temperamental and selfish. Spurs have won just three games with him this season and one of those was against Maribor, where Defoe scored a hat-trick.<br /><br />And, as good as he was against Panathinaikos we must remember he was up against an abject defence. At the Nations Cup he would get game time, scoring opportunities and the chance to win something for his country.<br /><br />Of course, it is better AVB has him in the squad than not, but one cannot help thinking that a stint in a Togo shirt could have done Adebayor a world of good.<br /><br /><em>Don’t forget to head over to Betfair for all the latest </em><a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/fa-cup/"><em>FA Cup betting</em></a><em>, football news, odds, expert opinion and the best </em><a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/champions-league/"><em>Champions League tips</em></a><em>.</em>Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-29117346316804223512012-12-03T10:26:00.004-05:002012-12-03T10:26:29.396-05:00Football now not about winning trophiesUEFA’s recent proposals to do away with the Europa League and instead increase the size of the Champions League to a leviathan 64-team tournament may hold sound financial benefits but it highlights the changing mentality of club football.<br /><br />Rather than have a Champions League hosting the best teams in Europe and a Europa League that gives smaller clubs the chance to win a European trophy – for it is only in England where people have major problems with the Europa League – UEFA have proposed streamlining their competitions into one tournament.<br /><br />The problem with this is, in creating a continent-wide tournament UEFA will detach football from one of its major sporting attributes: winning a trophy.<br /><br />Football is now about balance sheets, sponsorship deals and revenue streams. Disappearing are the days when your team’s main aim was to win a trophy rather than qualify fourth for the Champions League. Success is now viewed through profits not cups, with Arsenal a perfect example of a club run purely for business in sacrifice of what fans deem success. They have qualified for the <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/opta/champions-league-opta-stats-group-b-4-301112-19.html">knock-out stages of the Champions League once again</a> but have not win a trophy in seven years.<br /><br />If UEFA absolve the Europa League then that’s countless more teams without a chance of winning a tournament. Ask Fulham fans if they would have rather played a boring group stage with 63 other disinterested sides or reach a European final in 2010.<br /><br />Ask Atletico Madrid fans if they would have swapped Europa League success last year for six pointless games against middling clubs before falling by the wayside as Barcelona surge to the final yet again.<br /><br />Granted, the Europa League format needs changing but not casting aside. Football should be about winning trophies: about pitting our team against yours and seeing who is the best. It should not be about having a great day out in Milan and dining off that 2-0 defeat for the rest of your life.<br /><br />UEFA will make the wrong move if they drop the Europa League, with teams happy to play for the money rather than go for a cup.<br /><br />Head to Betfair for more in for on <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/premier-league/">Betting Premier League</a> and Champions League marketsNick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-15233338250121000982012-11-29T09:22:00.004-05:002012-11-29T09:22:39.317-05:00Brazil revert back to nation hero to inspire World Cup triumphBrazil’s chances of winning the 2014 World Cup on home soil have received a huge boost this week after the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) revealed their new manager who will lead the team into the tournament: Luiz Felipe Scolari.<br /><br />The former Chelsea and Portugal boss is regarded as one of Brazil’s greatest ever managers after guiding the national side to World Cup glory in 2002. Scolari’s name goes before him and this appointment will no doubt inspire fans in the betting world to back Brazil for the trophy next summer.<br /><br />Indeed, Brazil fans will be especially relieved to see the return of their national hero after enduring a difficult 18-month reign under former boss Mano Menezes, who was dismissed last week. CBF changed tact when they appointed Menezes after the World Cup in 2010, opting to employ an unknown domestic club manager rather than a former player or world-renowned head coach.<br /><br />Menezes’ arrival was seen as a progressive step to involving the Brazilian domestic league with the national team, which so often has its players competition in Europe rather than South America.<br /><br />Yet the Menezes experiment failed, with Brazil falling in the quarter-finals of the 2011 Copa America to Paraguay, winning silver at the London Olympics and slumping to a record-low 14th in the FIFA rankings.<br /><br />With a home World Cup just 18 months away the CBF had to act fast and rightly reverted to type in appointing Scolari. Granted, the manager was exposed as a poor man’s Claudio Ranieri when in charge of Chelsea but his international record speaks for itself: a World Cup, a final defeat at Euro 2004 with Portugal and recently the Copa do Brasil with Palmeiras.<br /><br />In Scolari, Brazilian fans’ already high expectations for the World Cup will be insurmountable come the tournament. He has the players at his disposal and the experience to match, making Brazil formidable opponents to any side in two summers time. <br /><br />Don’t forget to check out all the <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/fa-cup/">Betfair FA Cup</a> markets ahead of the second round this weekend, including the pick of the markets as <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/fa-cup/afc-wimbledon-fans-given-the-chance-to-cash-out-of-mk-dons-clash-291112-51.html">MK Dons take on AFC Wimbledon</a>.Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-13766998541209897992012-11-20T05:29:00.002-05:002012-11-20T05:29:37.901-05:00Japan on verge of making World Cup Japanese football continued its development on Wednesday after the national side all-but qualified for their fifth successive FIFA World Cup with a late victory over Oman.<br /> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">The match saw Japan taken almost to the very end by a battling Oman team but in the final minute Shinji Okazaki popped up to secure a 2-1 victory and extend the nation’s lead <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in Group B of Asian qualifying.</div><br />The <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/in-play/">football live betting</a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>had always fancied the Blue Samurai to qualify, but with 18 months still to go before the World Cup in Brazil, Japan’s manager Alberto Zaccheroni will be pleased his side have secured their passage so early. <br /> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Japan have been on top form already this season and with World Cup qualification now out of the way the squad can concentrate on the FIFA Confederations Cup, which will be played next summer.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Indeed, <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/daily-tipping/the-big-wednesday-multiple-goals-in-the-usa-141112-35.html">the Confederations Cup</a> can act as a stepping-stone for national sides looking to make headways in the World Cup, just like the USA did in 2009. After making the semi finals three years ago, the USA overcame Spain 2-0 to reach the final where they narrowly lost 3-2 to Brazil.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">However, their experience in South Africa proved worthwhile as the side then performed above expectations at the 2010 World Cup, topping Group C.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p>With Japan now able to focus on the Confederations Cup, Zaccheroni will hope the experienced his payers gain from the tournament in Brazil will aid their progression 12 months down the line. Japan have never surpassed the round of 16 but with players such as Shinji Kagawa, Atsuto Uchida and Okazaki all key figures at European clubs, Japan look set to turn heads in South America in two summers time<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>.</div>Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-23194903734854184412012-11-07T05:30:00.001-05:002012-11-07T05:30:11.616-05:00Donovan 50/50 over World Cup participationUnited States legend Landon Donovan has suggested he may not partake in his country’s exploits at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil after revealing the strains of league football is slowly getting to him.<br /><br />Donovan, who has 144 international caps to his name, told ESPN recently that both physical and mental elements of the game are forcing him to think of retiring early, with <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/">Betfair football</a> markets reacting negatively to the news, given’s Donovan’s influence on the US national team.<br /><br />“I feel like there is a physical point which you hit when your body can’t take it like it used to, but there is also a mental place where your mind can’t do it anymore.<br /><br />“But if you do it for as long as I have, you realise you hit a barrier and have to work really hard to keep it going.”<br /><br />Asked if he would play at Brazil 2014 Donovan replied: “I don’t have the answer to that. There are a lot of moving pieces. If I had to guess I would say it is 50-50.”<br /><br />Indeed, Donovan has been in the game for almost 13 years now and the 30-year-old’s body is starting to strain. Loan spells at Everton and Bayern Munich have reinvigorated the midfielder and prepared him for the standards of World Cups and CONCACAF Gold Cups in recent years, but these stints appear to have taken their toll on his body.<br /><br />The three-time World Cup finals participant is no newcomer to the game and is more than aware of what his body is capable of. His LA Galaxy contract is up after the 2013 MLS season and if Donovan is not tempted to sign a new deal after that date he may just hang up his boots for good.<br /><br />It would be a severe blow to Jürgen Klinsmann’s <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/world-cup/world-cup-2014-the-pick-of-the-south-american-qualifiers-1-161012-556.html">World Cup preparations</a> and US soccer fans are likely to want their hero to stay on for just two more years at least.<br />Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-5389564756858882422012-11-05T11:44:00.005-05:002012-11-05T11:44:55.433-05:00South Africa could get Surman for Cup of NationsWith the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations only two months away, hosts South Africa’s chances of winning the tournament could be set for a huge boost after their coach revealed he intends to contact Norwich midfielder Andrew Surman on his availability for the side.<br /><br />Current head coach Gordon Igesund, in the hope of tempting the former England U-21 star to the Bafana Bafana this January, has contacted Surman, who was born in South Africa before moving to the UK as a child.<br /><br />The 26-year-old had previously declined to play for the nation of his birth after rejecting approaches from Igesund’s predecessors, Carlos Alberto Parreira and Pitso Mosimane. <br /><br />However, Igesund told BBC Sport that a change of heart might just be on the cards, with his side favourites in <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football/international-football">the sports betting to lift the trophy on home soil</a>.<br /><br />“I want to see what his situation is now because I think he would add a lot of value to our team,” <br />Igesund said. <br /><br />“We have the Nations Cup on home soil coming up so it would be a great opportunity for him. We’ll have a chat and see want his intentions are."<br /><br />Indeed, the chance to play at the Africa Cup of Nations might just be too tempting for a player who has previously harboured hopes of an England call-up one day. <br /><br />International tournaments are a different world to club football and Surman will likely consider his options, especially with a void to fill after the international retirement of Steven Pienaar.<br /><br />He is unlikely to be missed in the Norwich set-up after <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football">playing just five soccer games this season</a> and, although Carrow Road may see more of him over the busy Christmas period, the chance of playing at a huge tournament like the Cup of Nations is surely too good to let go.<br />Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-56748162434505856762012-10-30T06:10:00.002-05:002012-10-30T06:10:43.347-05:00The end for Nile?Nile Ranger’s future at Newcastle United looks increasingly uncertain after the striker was banned from training and sent a written warning this week regarding his behaviour at the Tyneside club.<br /><br />Ranger, who is yet to make an appearance for Newcastle this season, received a final warning from the club after persistently turning up late for training. So bad has his recent training-ground behaviour become that Ranger was even late for his own disciplinary meeting to address his tardiness issues earlier this season.<br /><br />The striker has been banned from training with the first team until he turns up at the club on time every day for the next six weeks – a task manager Alan Pardew doubts he’ll accomplish:<br /><br />“This guy is late so often, it is unbelievable. He’s still at this football club and we’re still trying to do something with him.<br /><br />“But he will still not get back in the team unless he has a period of six weeks where he isn’t late. I don't think it is going to happen,” the boss admitted.<br /><br />This warning comes just a week after Ranger admitted to assaulting two police officers during a night out in August last year. The 21-year-old was handed a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to monetarily compensate the officers involved.<br /><br />It appears Ranger may be a case of a player being given too much, too soon. His unprofessionalism has already forced him down the pecking order at Newcastle and Pardew is not a man to be played with for too long. Newcastle’s recent success has stemmed from dressing-room harmony and a work ethic completely detached from single-minded, egotistical individuals.<br /><br />If Ranger wants to be part of this team he must buck his ideas up and realise life at a Premier League club can be short, despite the four-year contract he recently signed. <br /><br /><em>Don’t forget to check out the </em><a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/premier-league/"><em>Betfair Premier League</em></a><em> micro-site for all the latest news, prices and expert opinion, including the </em><a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/leedixon/lee-dixon-goals-look-a-certainty-as-united-go-to-chelsea-261012-11.html"><em>favourite winning odds premier league</em></a><em>. </em>Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-38789382775974226792012-10-18T04:58:00.000-05:002012-10-24T04:58:43.099-05:00Taylor calls for calm ahead of derby clashNewcastle defender Steven Taylor says he’s excited about the build-up to Sunday’s local derby against Sunderland but has warned his team-mates that they cannot afford to get carried away with their emotions.<br />The Magpies are <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football">slender favourites in online gambling markets</a> after having lost only one of their last 15 meetings with the Wearsiders. They will be looking to get back on track following their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Manchester United last time out.<br />Alan Pardew’s men have made a solid start to the season but Taylor admits the defeat against the Red Devils has hit his side hard, especially after they went into the game fancying their chances of sealing the three points against Sir Alex Ferguson’s depleted side.<br />They now have the perfect opportunity to get their season back on track when they meet their local rivals at the Stadium of Light, for one of the most passionate derbies in the country.<br /><br />Having grown-up on Tyneside, the match understandably means a lot to Taylor but unfortunately he’ll miss the clash due to injury.<br />Sp<a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football/premier-league/colback-wants-maximum-for-fans">eaking to sport news before the game</a> he insisted he will be there to offer his team-mates his advice and has warned them that they will have to control their emotions going into the game, otherwise they could get caught-up in the electric atmosphere<br /> "Playing in the Tyne-Wear derby is what it's all about if you're a Newcastle player, and the build-up will grow and grow over this week as the game draws near,” he said. “There's always a massive build-up, and that's the way it should be." <br />"As a squad, we won't be doing anything different ahead of the derby - the gaffer will pick the team <br />in the usual way - and it's all about keeping cool heads on the day and keeping 11 players on the pitch."Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-81207017903047893122012-10-12T04:25:00.000-05:002012-10-17T04:25:15.000-05:00Crook plays down derby hype<br />Some managers might try to contain their excitement and refuse to get caught up in the hype that has NSW salivating at the prospect of a much-anticipated derby - not Ian Crook.<br /><br />Far from shy away from the headlines being generated and column inches spared, the Sky Blues boss said he will tell his players to seize the moment and enjoy the big stage.<br /><br />It a commendable attitude from the 49-year-old because for years now Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets fans have been pining for a domestic dust-up to savour - and why shouldn't the A-League embrace its day in the sun?<br /><br />Saturday's match has been billed as the clash of the new arrivals, Alessandro del Piero and Emile Heskey, <a href="http://www.bet365.com.au/news/en/betting/football/australian-football">with A league betting markets involving the two imports proving popular</a>, but there is a wider point here.<br /><br />Both sides bombed in the opening round of fixtures and the Allianz Stadium showdown offers the chance to get points on the board.<br /><br />An estimated 35,000 sell-out crowd is expected and Crook knows the arrival of the Azzurri legend means Sydney FC are an even bigger scalp.<br /><br />"Sydney FC had that tag of 'bling' in year one, and since then it's carried on, and everybody wants to beat us," he explained.<br /><br />What tends to happen is that the arrival of marquee players like del Piero not only raises his team-mates' game but also the opponents - as was proved last week against a fired-up Wellington.<br /><br />Both clubs have raised the bar in terms of profile and it seems the FFA now has a product that is on the up and capable of <a href="http://www.bet365.com.au/news/en/betting/football/australian-football/coach-rallies-behind-mcflynn">making news soccer headlines across the country</a>.<br /><br />If Crook is to be believed, then it appears his players are ready to enjoy the ride and meet that challenge head on.<br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br /><div><br /></div>Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-89741646591362284122012-10-11T04:59:00.004-05:002012-10-11T04:59:41.166-05:00Heskey makes losing start<br />It turns out the A-League upsets were not confined exclusively to star Sydney FC signing Alessandro del Piero.<br /><br />Another high-profile arrival, Emile Heksey of Newcastle Jets, lasted just 72 minutes of a 2-0 defeat by Adelaide United at Hunter Stadium.<br /><br />The former England striker only arrived in Australia 10 days ago but was lauded by coach Gary van Egmond for a performance packed with enthusiasm but lacking the panache to ever suggest the outcome would be different.<br /><br />Much of the post-match reflection will centre on a day to forget for Heksey but Adelaide, <a href="http://www.bet365.com.au/news/en/betting/football/australian-football">who were outsiders in the A league betting</a>, also deserve the column inches for a display which belied a stamina-taxing extra-time quarter-final Asian Champions League defeat by Bunyodkor in Uzbekistan less than four days ago.<br /><br />Reds coach John Kosmina, whose side spent 33 hours making the 11,000-kilometre journey from Tashkent to Newcastle, admitted it had been a "long week" but was encouraged by a "fantastic effort".<br /><br />Heskey alone was not to blame as the Jets succumbed to goals from Dario Vidosic and Iain Ramsay in front of 14,868 fans. The goal which killed the contest came three minutes after he had got the hook after all.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bet365.com.au/news/en/betting/football/australian-football/imports-will-need-time-says-kosmina">Punters betting on soccer will have noted</a> that Newcastle lacked the craft and guile in the final third to ever threaten Adelaide and the red card shown to goalkeeper Mark Birighitti on 56 minutes changed the whole dynamics of the game.<br /><br />Heskey will have better days ahead and van Egmond admitted an obvious area for improvement is getting players buzzing in and around the 34-year-old to feed off his scraps.<br /><br />The Jets could not be faulted for not trying but a run of three straight defeats carried over from last season is becoming a worry.<br /><div><br /></div>Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-71482657858859755182012-09-19T07:08:00.003-05:002012-09-19T07:08:44.642-05:00Handshake ideal has had its dayWith the build-up to Chelsea's game at QPR dominated by the pre-match 'fair-play' handshake, and whether or not players who clearly do not get on would take part in it - rather than the game itself - is it now time to ditch this divisive FA ritual?<br /><br />The football authorities will argue that the handshake promotes the FIFA 'fair-play' ideal and is designed to create a better atmosphere between players before a ball has been kicked on the pitch.<br /><br />In the vast majority of games, they are nothing more than a visible part of the pre-match routine with little at stake but when players with considerable 'history' come face-to-face it becomes incendiary.<br /><br />That was the case last season between Manchester United defender Patrice Evra and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez following their race row, and it was also a significant issue when Chelsea duo John Terry and Ashley Cole took to the pitch at Loftus Road with Anton Ferdinand in the opposition side.<br /><br />There are likely to be several more pre-match handshakes this season dominated by a lack of one between players who have a considerable grudge to bear <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football/premier-league/johnson-blow-for-qpr">and again the focus of sport news</a> networks will be on that rather than what is about to happen on the field. <br /><br />Some fans, players, managers and pundits have been fairly critical of the handshake with their argument being that a traditional post-match embrace should suffice after 22 players have given their all over 90 minutes.<br /><br />The handshake before the game was only introduced four years ago and was met by initial bemusement by fans and some players, who believed it should be saved until afterwards.<br /><br />So, all things considered, it seems it is largely a pointless excerise and, when it becomes more of <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/">a talking point in news and sport updates</a> than the actual game, it surely proves it's an idea that has significant flaws.Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-32384809761708470502012-09-17T07:12:00.006-05:002012-09-17T07:12:37.507-05:00No panic after England draw<br /><div class="MsoNormal"> England's 1-1 draw with Ukraine in their second World Cup qualifier has been criticised by the press but the result may well be looked back on as being a decent point against a side that could join them in Brazil in 2014.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Following the 5-0 hammering of Moldova in their Group H opener, <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football/international-football">punters betting on sports had expected </a>Roy Hodgson's side to continue in a similar vein and brush aside the Euro 2012 co-hosts as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">However, it was clear from the first few minutes at Wembley that Oleg Blokhin's side were a totally different proposition and, in the end, a draw was all England deserved from an overall fairly even game.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hodgson said afterwards that he felt like his side had performed better this week than they did when beating the same opponents 1-0 in the summer and, such was the improvement from Ukraine, it is hard to disagree with him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But still England's performance has been criticised by some who believe the draw embarrassed the Three Lions and they now predict a difficult qualification campaign awaits.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That is unlikely to be the reality, though, as Hodgson's side remain very much a work in progress and they will probably endure a few more <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/">uncomfortable live scores on the long road ahead to Brazil</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Credit must go to Ukraine for the way they tried to take the game to their supposed superior hosts and they were the better side when in front at the break. But credit must also be given to England for the way they responded in the second 45 minutes and their late rally ensured they deservedly picked up a point.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It may not look great on paper but, taking into account the three remaining sides England still have to play are Montenegro, San Marino and Poland, it cannot be seen as a major setback yet.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It remains too early to judge Hodgson's England and there will be ups and downs to come but one slightly disappointing defeat, if not performance, does not put their World Cup qualification in jeopardy.</div>Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-27036487817159582762012-09-12T06:02:00.005-05:002012-09-12T06:02:55.604-05:00Platini’s sharpened sword primed and ready<br />Michael Platini’s plans for Financial Fair Play (FFP) across Europe has come into effect after 23 clubs had their prize money withheld by UEFA for failing to comply with new rules.<br /><br />The penalties see the likes of Spanish clubs Atletico Madrid and Malaga, Turkey’s Fenerbahce and Rubin Kazan of Russia put under scrutiny and are based on overdue payments to other clubs, employees or tax authorities. Though they are not among <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/champions-league/champions-league-winner-market-the-contenders-and-best-outsiders-090912-48.html">the favourites for European trophies</a>, they are significant enough for the rest of Europe to sit up and take note.<br /><br />UEFA’s insistence that clubs must live within their means is the central idea of FFP and Platini is right to begin his challenge on overspending powerhouses. For football will reach a point of no return should FFP fail to bring European club spending back into line. The latest moves have affected <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/champions-league/">Betfair Champions League</a> markets as punters wonder who is next in his sights.<br /><br />British football has already witnessed a multitude of financially stricken clubs suffer off the backs of over-eager chairmen and uncaring owners. Leeds United, Portsmouth, Plymouth and Rangers are just four that have felt the full force of financial mismanagement.<br /><br />Platini and UEFA are right to implement these FFP plans in order to prevent more Leeds Uniteds and Portsmouths from developing and this recent move should be widely praised by fans and pundits alike.<br /><br />What is most pleasing about this decision is that it targets clubs that are failing to provide other clubs and their staff with a means of surviving. Withholding payments only deteriorates the sport and European football – currently billions on Euros in debt – needs this stick to drive them away from corrupting the game for good.<br /><br />Platini has his critics are still wondering whether or not FFP will work, but this recent development can only be good for the game and will hopefully make the rest of Europe aware that they cannot simply spend their way to success.<br /><div><br /></div>Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-67886068950272513872012-09-07T07:56:00.001-05:002012-09-07T07:56:28.765-05:00High hopes of Celtic after European draw<br />Celtic have been gifted a chance to make the knock-out stage of this season’s Champions League after being drawn in a group they are capable of overcoming. Neil Lennon’s side will fancy their chances against Benfica and Spartak Moscow, although a scalp over Barcelona may be beyond them.<br /><br />Nevertheless, Group G looks like it will go down to the wire and Celtic, who beat Helsingborgs 4-0 on aggregate in the play-off round, are in with a chance of progressing to the latter stages.<br /><br />Lennon, who manages Celtic in the Champions League for the first time, knows his side are rivals for second place with Barcelona expected to run away with the group.<br /><br />“I think Benfica will be strong, I think Moscow will be strong. They have got financial clout behind them but anything can happen in the group stages, particularly if we can start the group well and maximise the home advantage,” Lennon outlined in a recent press conference.<br /><br />Celtic fans may be disappointed they drew arguably the best team in the world in Barcelona, yet this match may come to their favour, and their <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/champions-league/">Champions league odds</a> actually shifted upon news of the draw.<br /><br />For with Barca expected to take maximum points from the group stage every year, Celtic can be comfortable in the knowledge their second-place rivals are unlikely to nick any extra points.<br /><br />This puts serious importance on the games against Moscow and Benfica, yet if Celtic can take three points off each of their home games then anything is possible in the return legs. The Glasgow club may have a poor record away in Europe but will take solace in their 2-0 victory in Helsingborgs last month.<br /><br />The Champions League is more than a fun few days out for Celtic fans and Lennon is more than aware of this as he prepares to advance from a group stage that could have been a whole lot tougher.<br /><br />Elsewhere, Premier League champions Manchester City were dealt another tough draw, being placed in a all-champions group with Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax.<br /><br />The draw meant that their city rivals <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/champions-league/champions-league-another-awful-draw-for-man-city-300812-39.html">Manchester United moved ahead of them in the betting</a> , with the Red Devils set to take on Sporting Braga, Galatasaray and CFR Cluj<br /><div><br /></div>Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-2150710498347421362012-08-20T10:58:00.002-05:002012-08-20T10:58:18.361-05:00Brawl bother down underFootball Federation Australia today finds itself dealing with an altogether different headlines and an inquiry into an ugly brawl between Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix at Weston, while new A-League chief Damien de Bohun might have hoped for a gentler introduction to life in his new role.<br /><br />There can be no condoning the nasty exchange that cleared both benches in front of 2,000 fans but a slap on the wrist is all that is required here.<br /><br />The powder-keg moment arrived when Manny Muscat reacted badly to a heavy challenge from Tiago Calvano - the pair were both sent for an early bath, while Ben Sigmund was also given his marching orders.<br /><br />Wellington captain Andrew Durante would later be sent off by rookie referee Tim McGilchrist for retaliating to a tackle from Scott Neville.<br /><br />Jets coach Gary van Egmond <a href="http://www.bet365.com.au/news/en/betting/">called it right when he told news soccer networks</a>: "I would hope there is no repercussions".<br /><br />Fartoo often there is a rush from pundits and experts to take the moral high-ground when, actually, the referee called it right in any event.<br /><br />There has to be an acceptance that at the highest level there is every chance games will go off because of the intrinsically competitive nature of the players and compared to, say, the NRL, this was nothing more than a robust exchange of handbags.<br /><br />True, the timing was awful off the back of the much more serious incidents between rival supporters which marred a Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers – <a href="http://www.bet365.com.au/news/en/betting/football/australian-football">two sides with AFC Champions league aspirations</a> - trial match in Campbelltown but the two do not go hand in glove.<br /><br />Instead of rushing to play judge, jury and executioner, justice should be allowed to run its course.Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-79662127043895325252012-08-13T05:03:00.000-05:002012-08-13T05:03:43.582-05:00Fergie admits RvP frustration<br />Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed his frustration in his attempts to sign prolific Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.<br /><br />The Netherlands international has entered the final year of his Gunners contract and has declined an offer to extend his stay at Emirates Stadium.<br /><br />Ferguson has revealed he has made an approach for last season's Premier League top goalscorer. It is understood Arsenal are demanding a fee in excess of £20million.<br /><br />"We've made a bid – they [Arsenal] have been trying to negotiate with other clubs. I don't have a gut feeling about it. We can't get a breakthrough with Arsenal," said the experienced manager.<br /><br />Van Persie, who moved to Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004, has suggested he would favour a move away from the club during the close season in his quest for silverware.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football">Football betting news reports than reported that Arsenal</a> were considering resisting offers for the Dutchman and risk losing him on a free transfer next summer. Ferguson admitted he does not know their current stance.<br /><br />"I don't know what Arsenal's thoughts are because they're not giving anything away. It's difficult to say why they're operating this way. I can't give you any more information," he added.<br /><br />"We just have to persevere. We are trying our best and hopefully it will come our way but there's no progress at this moment in time."<br /><br />Van Persie scored 41 goals in 53 games for club and country last term and picked up a number of personal accolades, <a href="http://www.bet365.com/news/en/betting/football/premier-league">United’s premier league odds would rapidly improve</a> if they snapped up the talented forward.<br /><br />United face competition from Turin giants Juventus for the 29-year-old, but Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has revealed the Premier League champions are out of the running.<br /><br />Van Persie is likely to line up for the Gunners in their season opener at home to Sunderland on August 18, should a suitable bid fail to materialise.<br /><div><br /></div>Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-13517303627590474112012-08-04T18:00:00.000-05:002012-08-06T04:05:57.618-05:00Great Britain and South Korea Ready for Olympic QuarterfinalGreat Britain <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/betting/2012-olympics/football/">football</a> team's 1-0 win over Uruguay has given their confidence a major boost and they now seem determined to finish at least on the podium, if not as the gold medal winners. <br /><br />They enter the knockout stage as the winners of Group A and their first opponents in the sudden death round are South Korea, with whom they will clash at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. <br /><br />The team that had started off with a lacklustre performance against Brazil in the pre-Olympic warm-up has slowly raised their level of performance. <br /><br />"It's difficult for teams that have been put together to all of a sudden play together and try to have some form of connection on the field,” explained Team GB striker Daniel Sturridge.<br /><br />“But we're all good players and as the days and weeks have gone by we have made a connection and made partnerships with each other. There are no divisions between us and everyone gets along."<br /><br />Their opponents, South Korea, have so far failed to get their attacking game going in the competition and are being considered as outsiders in <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/betting/2012-olympics/olympics-mens-football-big-two-to-go-through-040812-164.html">London 2012 football odds</a> against the hometown boys. However, GB coach Stuart Pearce has warned his players not to take the Koreans lightly.<br /><br />In a recent interview, the trainer nicknamed 'Psycho' told the press: "I've watched South Korea once and they are a workmanlike side. We had a situation where we didn't know exactly who we would be playing, but we had a feeling it would be them, so we will be prepared and we won't underestimate them.<br /><br />"Their preparation has been fantastic coming into this. They are a good side, well prepared, well organised - everything you would expect from a side in the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games. They offer something different each time, technically and tactically."<br /><br />The British team's hopes have increased in the past few matches but Pearce insists that Brazil still are the hot favourites for the gold medal. While the former Manchester City manager has taken the pessimistic route to relieve the pressure off his players, his Korean counterpart has Myung-Bo Hong is full of positivity.<br /><br />"Our players have been playing well. I do not know what the British team think of the Korean team, but if there is any overconfidence then we will use it to our advantage. Many people think the Great Britain team is superior to the Korean team, but anything can happen. We will put everything into this match," Hong told the press.Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516325920166689032.post-32080204787343904082012-07-26T06:19:00.003-05:002012-07-26T06:19:43.101-05:00Superb GB can only get betterThey may not be in a position to defy <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/premier-league/">Betfair Premier League tips</a>, but Team GB’s women’s football team could be on course to a medal finish after a convincing victory over New Zealand in their first match of the 2012 Olympic Games.<br /><br />Steph Horton’s superb curling free kick was enough to confirm victory and surely propel GB to the quarter-final stage.<br /><br />Manager Hope Powell’s side beat their Group E rivals in a tense match at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, and their performance has rocketed GB’s expectations of winning a medal on home soil.<br /><br />Powell’s side controlled play for large parts of the game in front of over 24,000 spectators.<br /><br />The boss will have been pleased to see Jill Scott performing at her best: holding the ball up well to bring teammates into the game.<br /><br />At the other end, goalkeeper Karen Bardsley marshalled her defence well, and came to the rescue to block New Zealand’s Sarah Gregorious one-on-one.<br /><br />But plaudits must go to GB’s attacking stars, most notably Eniola Aluko and Anita Asante.<br /><br />Aluko was impervious in Great Britain’s forward third, cutting in from the wing and distributing across the midfield. Her anticipation cleared up many loose balls in the centre of the park, giving GB a starting block to push forward.<br /><br />But the star of the show was undoubtedly Asante, who came desperately close to scoring on three occasions.<br /><br />The midfielder saw her first headed effort rebound off the stump of the post, with a contested corner flying narrowly over the crossbar and a final diving header glanced wide.<br /><br />The Gothenburg FC star’s commitment and poor luck showed just how much more there is to come from Hope Powell’s side.<br /><br />Almost certain to qualify for the knock-out stages, Team GB are in a promising position and can only improve from here as the tournament progresses.<br /><br />Get the inside track on the new season with exclusive <a href="http://betting.betfair.com/football/leedixon/">Lee Dixon analysis</a> on Betfair.<br />Nick Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730485130265475218noreply@blogger.com0