Aces for Argentina

Showing fluid, attacking style of play Argentina (or should I say "the new Brazil," a nomiker which will surely make Maradona chuckle and Pele grimace - more on that later) dismantled a hapless South Korea 4-1 on Thursday with Gonzalo Higuain on a hat-trick.

The Argentines had a lucky break to start when Park Chu-Young turned the ball into his own net off of a dangerous dead ball play by Messi. It then became the Higuain and Messi show with the two combining in a sort of sublime Thelma and Louise act robbing the Koreans of possession at every turn and converting on most of those chances.

Higuain added another in the 33rd minute, only to have Lee Chung - Yong claw one back for the Koreans in the dying minutes of the first half. But the enterprising Argentine duo finally put the match away with two goals in quick succession, though, for a neutral observer, the game was never in dispute. Argentina's class was simply too much.

Higuain's profligacy in front of goal heralded the arrival of free flowing Albiceleste football in South Africa. With Jonas Gutierrez and Gabriel Heinze's marauding runs forward and Angel di Maria's control of the midfield, Argentina finally fulfilled the promise of its potential.

Higuain's efforts in front of goal also gave the Real Madrid striker his fifth international goal in seven caps and the first hat trick in the World Cup since Pauleta put in three for Portugal against Poland in 2002. In the poaching, opportunistic vein of great strikers before him (e.g. Mueller, Ronaldo, et al) Higauin has staked in claim to this tournament's golden boot.

World Cup Round Up: Uninspired Underperformers

One has to wonder what Deco was thinking when he criticized manager Carlos Queiroz's tactics immediately following Portugal's exercise in futility against the Ivory Coast. Calling your coach out publicly is never in good form, but doing so on the biggest international stage for your sport is especially ludicrous.

Even if your comments were said "in the heat of the moment," as Deco later claimed his were, the resultant media furor surrounding the possibility of discord in your dressing room will become as great a distraction as if there were actual disunity. Heat of the moment or not, a veteran like Deco should know that the Portugal's chances diminish as the talk of them as a fractitious, fraught side increase. Disharmony off the pitch has a way of percolating on it and that is the last thing Portugal needs going into a must-win match against the well-organized North Koreans.

Not to be outdone in inane criticism of current coaching tactics, we have the Spanish, who, after their embarassing defeat at the hands of a defensive, if opportunistic Switzerland, had their former manager, Luis Aragones (of questionable motivating tactics and Euro 2008 noteriety) throw his ever illuminating two cents into the lot. Aragones was quoted as saying that "the better team didn't win, just the better organized one."

Well Louis, hate to break it to you but good organization seems to be the crucial criterion that separates the mediocre from the meteoric sides in any competition. To understand the premium put on pinpointing the appropriate formation for a side, you only have to look at the case of the English FA, which paid Fabio Cappello 9 million euros to reconceptulaize the Three Lions' formation (ed note: the fact that the impotent English cannot capitalize on their new organiational arrangements does not detract from the prime importance of such considerations). Bottom line: a well organized team is always the better team. The Swiss were well organized as were the Spanish, the essential difference is that the former were able to put their chances away.

Perhaps Luis should heed the wisdom of his former charge, Xavi Hernandez, the Euro 2008 player of the tournament and midfield maestro for Barcelona, who rightly noted that Spain wasn't "decisive enough around the goal" to win against Switzerland. Suffering under the severe misfortune of multiple missed opportunities, Spain became the seventh European Champion in in nine World Cups to lose its opening match. Where their Iberian neighbors, Portugal, didn't create many chances to begin with, Spain did not capitalize on their numerous opportunities in front of goal and are now in the uncomfortable position of having to win out to even hope to qualify for the knockout stages.

A Class Act (Finally)

Never one to disappoint, especially on a big, international stage, true tournament favorites Germany dismantled a hapless Australia in the most impressive performance of the World Cup so far.

Goals galore and quality chances a plenty, die Mannschaft quickly established their dominance going 1-0 up in the eighth minute on Lukas Podolski's screamer and added a second before the half-hour mark with Klose's fine finish. It is widely known that the pair have yet to replicate their NT form for club, but Podolski and Klose have never disappointed in their country's colors.

The contributions of the veteran players were matched by that of the German youth in the second half, with Thomas Mueller and Cacau scoring in quick succession. In fairness, the game was far out of reach before that and the Socceroos seemed particularly disheartened when their leader, Tim Cahill, sent off on a soft red in the 56th minute. A difficult fixture on paper, the ancient Australian side was outmatched and outclassed in every aspect of the game. Particularly effective was Mesut Ozil in the middle, heralding the new Germany in more ways than one.

Argentina were fine in their opener, but Germany have set the bar among the favorites. The message was clear; it is up to Brazil, Spain et al to take notice.

Now for the Other Side

England's anguish is perhaps matched only by American excitement at Saturday's result. Whereas the Three Lions experienced incredible hype in the build-up to South Africa, the US is now able to bask in the glow of increased (and again unreasonable) expectations after Saturday's draw. That an undeserved 1-1 tie is able to generate such optimism regarding American chances is indeed incredible in and of itself. But the one thing for the serious football supporter to take away is that as bad as England was, the US was worse.

American media please note that rather than abrogating the fluke that was last year's Confederations Cup performance, yesterday's flukish tying goal only reinforces it.

Not only did the Americans lack the ability to creatively build up through the midfield, but, beyond Dempsey and, on a few occasions, Altidore, the Americans' skill level on an individual basis was also woefully inadequate, save for Tim Howard who was pretty brilliant I must admit. Tactically and technically, the Americans pale in comparison to the world's elite (e.g. Brazil, Spain, Germany, Italy [well not so much post Euro 2008, but they are still world champs], and Argentina). Indeed, if England's parts are greater than the whole, neither America's parts nor its whole is all that great.

I wish the Yanks had a better team, and I will still root for them while they are a work in progress. But, make no mistake, I will not delude myself into believing that they warrant a tenth of the increased expectations they garnered after Saturday. In fact, no serious American footie fan should.

Slippery Hands, Slipping Hopes

I have lived in England, and, for as much as the press there does harass the NT when they do not meet expectations, they also build them up far beyond their collective capabilities, when they so much as threaten to come close to reaching their potential. It always has been thus, and it likely will always be.

So keep in mind the general chorus heralding England as favorites (see the usually objective June FourFourTwo cover to see how far the delusion had spread) was based in fact: England did have a near faultless qualifying campaign. Yet, even this triumph must be put in proper perspective, for it was not but two years ago that the Three Lions did not even qualify for the European Championships and a mere four years (with many of the same players) that they embarrassed English football in Germany.

Yes, the manager has changed. Yes, the formation is now better suited to the English personnel. Nevertheless, the English still suffer from three main faults: 1) poor goalkeeping; 2) star players* whose sum is somehow always less than their individual parts; and 3) a mental deficiency that causes the Three Lions to panic and abandon their game plan when something does not go their way in the course of a game (see: Robert Green's bungle and England's impotency thereafter).

As the game against the Americans aptly shows, none of these issues have been remedied. And no one, least of all England, is going to go on to international success without a top class goalkeeper and a shoddy, patched up defense unable to protect said subpar goalie. In England's case, this is especially true, as they also lack the ability to outscore the opposition, despite the individual brilliance of their offensive weapons.

For the English to have ever thought differently (i.e. that they had a realistic chance), suggests a level of self-dellusionment that is still surprising, even if it has become routine.

Though England still have a good chance to advance past the group stage, the papers will continue to (hysterically) decry Saturday's events. However, the truth is that England always was a second/third round team, so when they exit at that stage no one should be surprised.

*Above star players refer to Gerrard, Terry, Lampard, most anyone that is, except for Rooney, who Capello should've definitely subbed (instead of the hard-working Heskey) in the second half. The English's unabiding admiration for Rooney has always amazed and confused me, given that he has never shown up for country on a big international stage. To my further dismay, they exalt Rooney's play, when, in fact, his brutish style can serve only as a general affront to the sensibilities of those who love the beautiful game.

Not to beat a dead horse or anything, but Rooney's is a brilliance that has always been surpassed by that of Messi and Ronaldo. Simply put, the attempts to elevate him to that class level are consistently shown to be absolute rubbish every time he steps out on the pitch. He plays with heart to be sure, but Rooney simply lacks the skill to be the best player in the world. Period. To my mind, it is fair to say that he is the one star whose individual level of NT play is consistently on par with England's collective level of incompetence.

Update: Good, Better, Best

Fans are treated to the spectacular displays in La Liga, particularly when Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi are on form, as they were over the weekend.

So when Ronaldo scores a brilliant free kick in Madrid's bounce-back win over Valladolid, what does Messi do? Something like this, obvi.

The Man Utd and Madrid Merry-Go-Round

The Grass is Always Greener, Eh?

'Tis the stuff the tabloids thrive on: the latest round of player swaps and transfer market speculation concerning these two European titans has Real president, Ramon Calderon, professing the club's "obsession" with signing Wayne Rooney for upwards of 80 million pounds.

Meanwhile, Madrid's other 80 million pound, former Man Utd man does not seem to enjoy heading the Madristas. In what has been a subpar season so far (the recent CL exit to Lyon, coupled with the ignomious defeat fourth division Alcorcon in the Copa del Rey to name but a few low lights), the squad, which was supposed to be invincible following the 250 million pound summer outlay on new personnel (C. Ron, Kaka, Alonso, etc. quickly add up), has been dutifully cut down to size as quickly as they were built up by the Spanish media.

When contrasted with Manchester's recent successes and C. Ron's continued affection for his former colleagues, it is not hard to see why number 9's eye may rove back in the direction of the northwest.

And, not to be outdone, Fergie is playing on the seeds of discontent by asserting that the final chapter of Ronaldo's Red Devils career may not yet be written. In the end, my money's on Sir Alex. Ronaldo, Rooney, Calderon and all the others are just the bit players, where SAF is the star actor/director/producer in world football.

And he will always pull the strings.

England's World Cup Woes

Another Blow.

So much for 2010 being the Three Lions' World Cup year.

On the heels of the Terry's ill-advised tryst and the Bridge will-he-or-won't-he saga (he won't btw), Ashley Cole's many marital indiscretions and (unrelated) broken left ankle, Capello's preparations have been thrown into turmoil as the side lacks a tried and tested left back. Even in the best case scenario, which has Cole returning before the season's end to stake a bid for his WC spot, match-fitness may be beyond his reach. And that's assuming if he returns at all this year.

Now, David Beckham won't be able to aid the cause. It was confirmed today that the 34 year old ruptured his Achilles tendon in Milan's 1-0 win over Chievo, ruling him out for what would have been his final World Cup. Again, Serie A: where dreams and beautiful football go to die.

Greater Ronaldo

Real Ronaldo?

"With one Ronaldo up and the other down it will be interesting to see which one eventually leaves the greater legacy." That is who will be the greater Ronaldo: Brazil's O Fenomeno (now not-so-affectionately known as "fat") Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima; or Portugal's well-heeled and even more well-oiled Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro?

That's what Dominic Raynor ponders in his most recent Soccernet column, and with news of Ronaldo 1.0's planned retirement at the end of the 2010-2011 season, the great debate is coming into focus.

On the one hand, while C. Ron's indisputable talent looks limitless in this point in time, O Fenomeno was a once in a lifetime striker. Indeed, as Raynor reminds us, during his 2003 debut, C. Ron was taunted with chants of "you're not the real Ronaldo".

Just Sayin'

Kaka: Marca is now reporting that AC Milan sold Los Merengues a "broken" Kaka for a still astounding 68.5 million euros. Granted Madrid victimhood at the hands of jealous outsiders conspiring against them is not an unexpected theme in the Madrid-leaning daily, but I have always questioned the enormous fee paid for the Brazilian, even before the full extent of the indifference of first season at Los Blancos became known. Now while Marca may want to attribute that loss in form to an actual physical ailment, I am more inclined to think it derives from the horrendous play stylings of Serie A to which Kaka was exposed to for far too long....just sayin'.

Handball Ref: Word is that FIFA has decided to include the aptly named "Henry handball ref" in their roster of 30 referees for this summer's tournament in South Africa, because there is really no better way to say eff off to the Irish than to allow this official to continue to call games, after having already refused to step up and institute replay technology and/or extra endline officiating measures...just sayin'.

Chav-tastic Terry: In an interview with The Sun, the former England captain finally broke his silence about the controversy surrounding his recently-revealed affair with former biffle/Chelsea teammate Wayne Bridge's baby mama, Vanessa Perroncel. Terry apparently thought the time opportune to state that he and wife Toni's relationship has never "been knocked down" and that they are just "so in love." Now, normally the tawdry affairs borne from inflated footballer's egos are beyond the scope of this blog, but when the indiscretion begins to affect on pitch performances (see: Terry versus Everton) and off field preparations (see: England, World Cup 2010) then it actually becomes a footballing, as opposed to a private, matter, John. Moreover, no matter how you want to spin it, this mess isn't the media's doing, so taking responsibility in your public and sporting life, not just at home, is actually necessary...just sayin'.

Pompey: From Pitiful to Pitiable

Grim Face, Grim Times for Pompey and Peter Storrie.

Last fall, Pompey's precarious financial sitchu was sufficiently ludicrous as to be laughable, as in a football team can be managed by people without even a basic understanding of mathematical principles.

But that was then.

Now the club has been granted a "stay of execution," after it was revealed that Portsmouth are "insolvent" and owe Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (a.k.a. GB's IRS) over 11.5 million pounds. Further, the club have a mere seven days to sort out their finances before heading back to court.

According to Peter Storrie, the team's beleaguered chief executive, Pompey are currently courting two serious bids for new ownership, which, if they go through, would mark the FIFTH time the club has changed hands this season. It truly never ceases to amaze me that the true dysfunction of the last placed side in the league should be found in the boardroom rather than on the pitch.

As an aside, it is worth noting that there is something positive to be taken from this ordeal, and that has been the conduct of Pompey's players. The boys in blue have not only proven themselves to be consummate professionals, but also tremendous sportsmen, continuing to play hard for their side despite not knowing if their wages will be paid. Indeed is a refutation of the cynical analysis of the modern footballer's playing motives, for, whatever else there is, it always starts and ends with love of the game.

Tales of 'Dinho and 'Binho

National Team call-ups are dependent on first team playing time at the club level, and this rule of thumb is all the more true in World Cup years. Hence, the current predicaments of two Boys of Brazil/Femme-Football regulars: Robinho and Ronaldinho.

The talismanic 'Binho has been wont to perform up to his potential during his time in Europe. First, failing to consistently impress at Real Madrid and then bungling his way through a seventeen-month stint at Manchester City. 'Binho has moved back to the greener pastures of his boyhood club Santos in search of the form that will allow him to feature in South Africa. A triumphant winner in his debut versus Sao Paolo has gone a long way in validating that decision.

Faring somewhat better in the form department is FF fav Ronaldinho, whose resurgence at Milan has none other than the G.O.A.T. Pele calling for him to be included in Dunga's summer plans.

Yet, as the clamor for 'Dinho's inclusion in the the NT grows, quesions remain. Notably, the compatibility of Ronaldinho's style of play with that of the current Brazil squad is no longer a foregone conclusion. In the years since their disappointing 2006 performance, the Samba Kings play has been a little less samba-like, as Dunga has favored the deliberate tactical style of someone like Kaka to the free-flowing football that has characterized Brazil in years past.

So the question in 'Dinho's case now becomes whether he can complement his former Milan teammate or if this odd-couple's stylistic differences are just too much for the NT to overcome?

UPDATE: Apparently, Dunga is not to keen on our man 'Dinho, as the latter has just been left out of Brazil's final warm-up match against the Republic of Ireland. Perhaps the memory of 2006's playstation-fueled sexcapades has not been forgotten quite yet...

Tempestuous Tevez

Anyone could've seen this coming.

Disaffected player + Match at Home Ground of Former Employer x Intensity of Cup Tie = THIS and THIS

No wonder Greater Manchester police are on alert for the return leg.

In other cup news, Tottenham and Leeds tied 2-2 away, while Arsenal lost 1-3 to a solid Stoke side with Sol Campbell's return being characterized "as nothing short of a disaster."

Returns are tricky like that.

There Was Nothing "Ruud" About It

With the January transfer window beginning to wind down, there is news of the anticlimactic departure of Ruud van Nistelrooy from the hallowed stands of the Bernabeu.

The exceptional, if oft injured, winger now finds himself under the employment of FC Hamburg in a year and a half year loan deal, on which he and Madrid both mutually agreed. And unlike his prior move from Man Utd, there are no hard feelings this time, with the manager or C. Ron.

I only hope that the injury gods take mercy on Ruud's time in the Bundesliga, as it would be a shame for such a talented player not to regain at least some of his former glory in another uniform (and perhaps back in the Dutch national team kit?)

All this brings us to the end of the first Galacticos era at Madrid with Van Nistelrooy out, Guti soon to be, and Ronaldo and Beckham long gone, Los Merengues have closed the chapter of 2002. It remains to be seen, however, if Los Galacticos 2.0 are able to bring in more silverware than the original iteration.

Chelsea's 7-2 drubbing of a sorry Sunderland side made a few statements on Saturday.

To the pundits: Yes, you can take four of our first-team players, including our leading scorer/offensive lynchpin, and we'll still be fine.

To the doubters: Arsenal good, Man Utd better, Chelsea best.

To Jose: Balotelli won't be your biggest headache come February.

Furthermore, even though Man Utd and Arsenal managed to stay close, neither team has consistently challenged Chelsea this year - either in quality or results. Particularly disappointing have been the Red Devils, who, for being just a solitary point back from top of the table, have never seemed to have the undefinable, yet indispensible, "it" this season, while the young Gunners have suffered multiple injury mishaps, with which their squad is just not equipped to deal.

In the end, the result seemed merciful as Anelka could've easily compounded the pain if he had capitalized on a sitter, while Lampsie narrowly missed the goal more than once. Free-flowing attack-minded football wasn't in the Blue's nature in title-winning years past, but it may just be their hallmark in 2010.

Resurgent Ronaldinho

A hat-trick in Milan's recent 4-0 victory over Sienna has capped an impressive run of form for the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, and now there is a growing chorus of calls for Dunga to include 'Dinho in his World Cup Squad.

It's not like I called/prayed/wished upon a star for it or anything, but I couldn't be happier that the Greatest Player of the Last Decade has finally found his form. I mean, seriously, check out that last goal and tell me he doesn't warrant a place in Brazil's starting XI.

Dude Cannot Catch A Break

I have alternated between pity for Rafa's predicament, disdain for his transfer policy, and bewilderment at his preference for rotation, but right now I cannot feel anything but sorry for the man.

Not only have Liverpool just crashed out of the FA Cup at Anfield, but they lost both Fernando Torres (knee) and Steven Gerrard (hamstring) before the start of the second half in the process.

It all started out so well (ok, well enough): New signing Maxi Rodriguez was in the stands, Rafa was seeing silverware in his side's future, and Reading even obliged their hapless hosts with a one goal advantage, after the Royal's Ryan Bertrand steered the ball past his own keeper. Even in the front office, it all seemed to be going the Spaniard's way, as one American recused himself, though admittedly not the one Kop faithful would most like to rid themselves of.

But, all good/subpar/barely passible things must come to an end, and so it did for Liverpool on Wednesday night. In the dying minutes of regulation, Reading were given a golden opportunity to equalize after Yossi Benayoun was judged to have fouled Shane Long in the box, which is exactly what Gylfi Sigurdsson did after stepping up to take the penalty. That disappointment became heartbreak only ten minutes later, when Long fired Reading tops. It was another nail in the coffin of the Red's season, finally, if inhumanely, obliterating the last modicum of confidence 'Pool players had diluded themselves into possessing.

Oh yeah and all this on the heel of news that Rafa might be forced to sell El Nino, if (read: when) Liverpool don't qualify for the Champions League next season.

UPDATE: And so it went from bad to worse. Reports have Nando missing 6 weeks with a knee cartilege injury that will require surgery, while Yossi Benayoun (fractured rib; expected 4 week absence) and Stevie G (strained hamstring; expected 2 week absence) did not fare much better.

Something in the Water

Reunited and it feels so good...

Footballers might not usually be considered the most sentimental types. Be it because of their propensity to leave their "beloved" club or their willingness to mock their former employers at the first opportunity, no one would think the likes of Carlos Tevez and Ashley Cole are quietly pining away for the day when they can rejoin they former clubs.

But the announcement of Sol Campbell's return to Highbury (check that: Emirates) as Becks publicly mourns his early departure from Old Trafford calls that perception into question. Not to be outdone, there's talk that Van Nistelrooy could be reclaiming his Premier League past (albeit likely in a Potters [side note: seriously?!] or a Gunners uniform). And then there's this.

Only time will tell if these moves prove masterstroke (a la Hughes) or misguided (a la Sheva), but, in the meantime, sit back, realx, break out the vintage kits, and bask in the nostalgia.

UPDATE: Word is that Flamini is keen to return to the Prem too, which shouldn't come as a surprise, since he is currently suffering the drop in form that accompanies a move to Serie A.

Zidane Weighs In: Messi or Ronaldo?

The French midfield master was willing to share his insight into the current and former FIFA World Players of the Year.

On Ronaldo: "He fascinates me as a player...I feel that is a special player, because with his belief, he has infected the rest of the team. It is almost inconceivable all that Cristiano has achieved already."

On Messi: "Messi is special, there is only one. When he gets the ball, everyone knows what is sure to happen: the ball will finish in the opponents' goal."

Hmm, kind words all around, but there can be "only one" per Zidane.

In other news, after seven months on the job shadowing Florentino Perez, Zizou revealed his "dream" to someday manage Madrid, as well as his World Cup prediction: Viva Espana, y'all.

Fleet Footed Spainard > Unstoppable Argentine?

Rumor has it that Wenger is considering some permutation of a trade that would have Cesc Fabregas for Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain (plus some cash?).

And yes, you read that right.

This move is perplexing, but not so much on Arsenal's end, rather it's Real who "got some 'splaining to do." Instead of Higuain, why not try and offload Benzema? Seriously, in what world does it make sense to trade your starting (and in form) striker, in order to keep your sullen, inflexible back-up? Madrid is finally linking up through the middle, and, to my mind, that has been a direct consequence of Benzema's play up front.

If it's a financial calculation (the high fee to pry Fabregas away from the Emirates will be more difficult to swing if the player were obvi Benzie instead of Gonzalo), Perez, Pelligrini et al should look to build on what they already have (with or without Fabregas), not dismantle it, because, for Madrid, gaining Cesc, irregardless of how wonderful he is, is not enough to outweigh the loss of Higuain.

On the other side, assuming Wenger is in his right mind, some may ask how could he ever agree to sell Cesc? Not so fast; after a quick review of the facts (see below), it is not an entirely insane proposition.

Fact: Wenger has long admired Higuain from afar.

Fact: Arsenal has significant offensive frailties, from Van Persie's inability to stay healthy for an entire season to Bendtner making stupid decisions at every opportunity, all of which has been compounded by the summer sale of Adebayor.

Fact: Gonzalo could be a quick fix for said issues.

Fact: Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Wenger has never shied away from the sale of a trademark star (see: Henry, Thierry). Of all English managers, he is consistently confident in his youth ("Young Gunners," anyone?) and unafraid of a (smart) gamble.

I'm not saying it's going to happen. I'm just saying don't be surprised if it does. Whether Cesc survives the away fixture to Barca is another issue entirely....

Mancini Hearts Vieira

Now that the Special One has confirmed the exit of Inter midfielder, Patrick Vieira, odds are the French international will be able to escape Serie A for Premiership pitches, as he is rumored to be heading to Man City. As you'll remember, Mancini was responsible for bringing Vieira to Italy as Inter's manager, and now he is eager to bring Vieira in for his leadership qualities, while the Frenchman is happy to finally have a chance at first team football...and the potential for a World Cup spot come summer.

In other January transfer window news:

• Mancini also had eyes for Juan Sebastian Veron, but the Argentinian maestro has decided to stay at Estudiantes instead of returning to England. The man has learned the lessons of Figo, where his NT teammate, Carlos Tevez, obvi missed the memo.
  
  
• Leeds' FA Cup hero Jermaine Beckford has put in his request to leave Elland Road, with Newcastle United as front runners in the race to procure his services.
  
  
• Liverpool fans can look forward to having Atleti forward Maxi Rodriguez join their ranks, though Rafa may not have the funds to keep him on anything but a temporary basis.

Man Utd Pull A Madrid

The headlines could be the same: "Top-Flight Title Contender Dumped out of League Cup By Third-Tier Side."

If you're blanking a little allow me to refresh your memory. Remember way back when Madrid were dropped out of the Copa del Ray in humiliating fashion by third-tier side Alacorn? Well Man Utd successfully replicated that feat losing 0-1 at Old Trafford in the third round of the FA Cup, while their main title challengers, Chelsea, ran riot against Watford. Not only does this loss mark the first loss to a lower tier team under the tutelage of SAF, but it also came to hated rivals Leeds, an enmity which, despite the years and flights that separate the two sides, has not dissipated.

So will this embarrassment on their home ground spring United into action and compel players (particularly those in its fragile defense) to redouble their efforts a la Madrid, or does it portend the beginning of the end of United's season (either for lack of personnel or the loss of one in particular)?

At least, United's upcoming Carling Cup match against a resurgent Man City will help us get a better idea of their trajectory. It's all in how you respond, right?

UPDATE: Barca has joined the top of the table losers in league cup competitions, crashing out of the Copa del Ray. The Blaugrana lost 1-2 to Sevilla, though the referee's incompetence, as opposed to their own ineptitude, may have had more to do with the final result.

La Liga Round-Up

While Barca were held 1-1 on Saturday by a spirited Villarreal side, Real Madrid failed to capitalize on the opportunity to get on equal terms with Barca at the La Liga summit with a sub-par performance against Osasuna, resulting in an 0-0 draw.

Elsewhere, Mallorca won 2-0 over Athletic Bilbao, moving them into CL qualifying fourth place over Sevilla, who were set back at Atleti over the weekend. Valencia (3rd), Mallorca (4th), Sevilla (5th) are now all within two points of each other, with Deportivo la Coruna, Getafe and Athletic Bilbao not far off their pace.

The title may be out of reach for most, but there's still a lot to play for in La Liga.

Bidding "Adu"

This past week saw U.S. internationals Eddie Johnson and Freddy Adu (remember him?) sign for Greek club Aris Thessaloniki.

Eddie is being loaned for at least the rest of the season, after only making four appearances for the Cottagers and having had, shall we say, a less than successful loan spell with Cardiff City. Let's hope Hector Cuper, the former Inter and Valencia boss, who currently manages sixth-placed Aris, will provide him with meaningful playing time prior to this summer's World Cup.

Similarly, Freddy passed up the chance to play for Hull in hopes of joining the Greek side, because it would allow him the most playing time and best prospects for the development of his game after a disappointing spell at Benfica.

And, thus, Aris has taken the American invasion mantle from Fulham.