Top of the Table Show-downs

La Liga: Barcelona v. Real Madrid (a.k.a. El Clasico)

Finally, an El Clasico that began to live up to its hype. In the past few years especially it has devolved into a one-sided affair, despite the considerable hoopla in the run-up. And while both sides missed chances (looking at you Ronaldo and Messi) on the night, it was actually an entertianing match that came down to the cool calm of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his 56th minute winner.

Did you know that Figo was once pelted with a pig's head after crossing the divide from Barca to Madrid? Here's some more info on El Clasico, if you just can't get enough fun facts about the rivalry.

EPL: Chelsea v. Arsenal

A competitive contest until the last three minutes of the first half. Wenger's wonder kids failed to capitalize on their early dominance, and it was left to the always dynamic Didier Drogba to take it early and finish it late, as he seized the initiative and the win from the young Gunners (with a little help from Thomas Vermaelen, of course). The win at the Emirates solidified Chelsea's hold of the top spot, while Arsenal relinquished third place to on-form Tottenham.

Messi Wins the Ballon d'Or

Lionel Messi is officially the best player in the world. Messi became the first Argentinian player to win the award and the sixth Barcelona player to receive the prestigious Ballon d'Or. Just rewards for his record-breaking treble season with Barca triumphing in the Champions League, La Liga, and in the Copa del Rey.

The 96 France Football voters gave Messi a near perfect 473 points out of a possible 480 points, putting him far ahead of other competitors for the honor. Ronaldo garnered 233 votes to put him in second place (the only non-Barca player in the top four); he was followed by Xavi (170), Andres Iniesta (149), and Samuel Eto'o (75).

Great Goals of the Decade

The Guardian just published a list of the top six goals from the last decade.

1. Leo Messi, Barcelona v. Getafe, La Liga, April 2007



2. Esteban Cambiasso, Argentina v. Serbia, World Cup Group Stage, June 2006



3. Wayne Rooney, Everton v. Arsenal, Premier League, October 2002



4. Rivaldo, Barcelona v. Valencia, La Liga, June 2001



5. Andres Vasquez, Gothenburg v. Orebro, May 2007



6. Paul Peschisolido, Sheffield Utd v. Nottingham Forest, May 2003
   
   

We might suggest one of Ronaldo's wonder strikes or Ronaldinho's juggling wonder. Thoughts? Other suggestions?

Man Utd in Trouble?

In happier, title winning times.

Maybe not trouble, but a Nathan Lowe article points to some troubling personnel problems.

Nani is no Beckham, Berbatov is no Van Nistelrooy, and no one is the next Ronaldo, who, Lowe points out, is "the difference between United's last three winning seasons and now."

While Fletcher and Carrick endeavor admirably, Scholes and Giggs have slowed understandably and there has been no midfield player sufficiently skilled to drive play in their places.

United lacks an irresistable attacking force. Actually, to be honest, they lack anything that resembles attacking fluidity and tend to rely on capitalizing on chances that they luck into, which can work for a while with players like Rooney and Vidic, but will do little in the ways of guaranteeing hardware at the end of the season. Add to that defensive frailties and a retiring number one keeper and major titles next season look even less likely.

So, while Ferguson has ruled out big signings in the January window, the question is: can he afford to do so over the summer signing period? Or will Valencia and Obertan et al have to develop alongside a new big name?

Champions League Round-Up

Ronnie returns.

• Higuain is scoring, Kaka is clicking and Ronaldo is returning. All is well for Madrid and just in time for El Clasico.
• As for their Clasico rivals, Barcelona seized initiative in their crucial match against Inter Milan, but advancement is still very much up in the air.
• Bordeaux took firm control of their group, leaving Juventus and Bayern to fight it out for second place.
• Chelsea and Arsenal pulled out wins against Porto and Standard Lige respectively, while Man Utd stumbled against Besiktas at home and Liverpool crashed out. But Rafa got a vote of confidence, well, um, until this...

• In the great tradition of Scouser/Manconian rivalry, Gary Neville then decided to rub salt into the Kop's open fleshy wound.

Spurs Score NINE

Not against a top four team mind you, but we're hear to concentrate on the postitives (or the negatives, for those who hail from certain parts of Manchester).

The scoreline is truly astonishing. Tottenham pounded Wigan into submission, scoring nine and conceding a sole goal , which was nearly upstaged by the goal scorer's black and white cookie inspired hair-do.

Spurs put on a blistering performance, highlighted by Jermaine Defoe's five goal second half, which was surely a sight for sore England eyes. Add to that Aaron Lennon's inspired wing performance, and the recent, post-Brazil die down in Three Lions hype for next years' World Cup is already on the rebound. Perhaps more importantly, the north London club will be supremely confident going into the heart of the season, having burnished their credentials for a place in Europe next year and being level on points with Arsenal.

P [dot] S Paul, if you're reading this, we respect the folicle fearlessness, but it just doesn't work for you, dear. More generally, food cravings are not something from which to take hair inspiration. Remember the time you wanted a slushie? Well, that didn't turn out well either.

End of the Week News Round-Up

Letting you know exactly how he feels.

• Never one to shy away from controversy, Keano agrees with our Henry assessment. Well, sort of.
  

• Speaking of that game, FIFA turned down Ireland's replay request.
  

• A match fixing ring so huge even the New York Times reported on it.
  


• It's okay to breathe again Pellegirini, your golden boy will be rejoining you soon.

Henry's Handball Heresy

If you haven't been living under a rock lately, you've come to know at least two things about football: 1) France will be going to South Africa; and 2) Thierry Henry's handball is what got them there.

This does not sit well with their Irish opponents, who have filed an official complaint with FIFA and are requesting a replay. The French FA has already rejected their appeal, so now it is up to FIFA to decide if a replay is warranted and/or possible. If Giovanni Trapattoni's opinion is taken as any indication, then the chances of FIFA reacting favorably to the Irish request are comparable to Nani's chances of being at Old Trafford beyond the end of the season in light of his recent criticism of SAF (a.k.a. slim to none).

As for the other issue (e.g. if Henry's reputation will suffer as a result of his handball), we'd like to think not. There are reports that some French are embarrassed about the means of their qualification, but was there any Argentinian blushing when one Diego Maradona fisted the ball into the net in the 1986 World Cup? Should the French go out and rub it in the faces of their Irish bretheren? Absolutely not. Should they cower in apology? No. Rather they should thank their lucky stars and remain humble. Refereeing mistakes happen, move on.

There is also a significant amount of criticism centered on the fact that Henry did not cop to the handball immediately and turn himself into the ref. That criticism makes as much sense as Sarah Palin's train of thought. Players are taught from a young age to play to the whistle. There was no whistle. Seriously, have you ever seen any player who was obviously off-sides or who blantantly committed a foul in the box before slotting home a winning goal stop, turn to the ref, and confess his sins so that his goal could be disallowed?? No. And you never will. Holding Henry to a standard that does not exist is absolutely ridiculous and reflects rage rather than reason.

Finally, this event should force FIFA to institute video replay, for if anyone is at fault here it is FIFA. Avoidable misfortunes like these should be avoided and will be if cameras are posted around the goal.

Mo' Money, Mo' Problems

Chelsea wants YOU.

Chelsea has never been a club to shy away from lavish outlays on world class talent, which is why their recent transfer ban has been so upsetting, not least of all to Abramovich himself.

It's also why news that the ban will not be enforced over the January transfer window, pending its appeal by the club, is so welcome...especially for one Sergio 'Kun' Aguero. Rejoice Blues fans, rejoice!

And then there were four...

After the second round of playoffs, the last four teams from UEFA have booked their places in South Africa.

Some results were surprising. Greece's 1-0 away win over Ukraine was unexpected given their lackadaisical performance at the weekend, while Slovenia's triumph over Russia, despite the latter's home advantage, was never the most likely outcome.

Other results were more expected. Portugal was able to draw out the win over Bosnia that will see Ronaldo to his second World Cup. And, while the result was not surprising, the lack of creative midfield play by Portugal was. Queiroz has yet to figure out how to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts.

And still other results were controversial. France's lucky draw with Ireland saw them through to South Africa, given their one away goal advantage. However, the circumstances surrounding Henry's cross that set up Gallas' header will be much (and hotly debated) in the coming days. Just look at Henry's wikipedia page if you don't believe us....let the conspiracy theories begin!

To see the full list of qualified nations, check out FIFA's website. The draw for the group stages will take place on December 4th.

UEFA's Final World Cup Spots Go To....

Make love not war.

Well, we don't actually know yet. But, in the interim, we're going to give out our midterm report cards. Final exams will be given this Wednesday, November 18th.

Russia = B-; Slovenia = C. Russia looked like its in the drivers seat going 2-0 up, but Nejc Pecnik's late goal could be crucial for the second-leg at home.

Portugal = C +; Bosnia = C-. Portugal breathed a sigh of relief, after pulling out a 1-0 win at home, without Ronaldo and without any player able to exert influence in the midfield.

Greece = D-; Ukraine = D+. Greece looked impotent, and Ukraine was intent on matching them ineptitude for ineptitude. At the very least though, Ukraine can look to the positive of having the second-leg at home, while the Greeks have to figure out a way to keep from firing blanks.

France = B-; Republic of Ireland = C+. And, finally, France looked lucky after a fortuitous 1-0 away win. Although, Lass Diarra may want to watch out for Keith Andrews and any other hard-charging Irish players looking to work out their issues on the pitch.

Needless to say there is significant room for improvement....

Footballers Are Just Like Normal Guys

They have problems. Some face troubles with our fairer sex compatriots. Some battle addictions, and others have money problems.

And these money probs don't stop with blowing all their cash - though they do so often enough. But, just as often, you can find these footballers bemoaning their taxation levels. Seriously, how are they supposed to lavish Ferraris and the like on their WAGs AND contribute to the social good? See, problems just like with the other guys we know.

And now these taxation troubles are about to get more acute in Spain, where a proposal circulating Parliament could reverse the "Beckham Law," and raise taxes on Spanish footballers from the current 24% to 43%, as soon as January 1st.

Naturally, the Spanish League Association has objected to this reversal, claiming that it would cause a veritable foreign flight of top talent. Problem with that argument is that even now only 35.8% of La Liga's players are foreign. So, on that measure of the law's success, it trails the Premier League (65.5% foreigners, 50% taxation rate), the Bundesliga (43.7% foreigners, 45% taxation rate), Ligue 1 (41.9% foreign players, 40% taxation rate) AND Serie A (41.7% foreigners, 43% taxation rate).

It also fails the logical test: If the taxes are raised in Spain to levels equitable to those in other countries that house top leagues, where exactly would the players go?

UPDATE: Not For Sale!

It seems the giant fire sale that was rumored at Anfield will not come about, per Liverpool's co-owner Tom Hicks. So no new stadium, but at least Reds fans will have Nando, Gerrard, et al to keep them company at home on those cold European nights next year.

P dot S Liverpool's owners are not the most adept PR people. When it comes to the hearts and minds of Reds fans, it always seems to be one step forward and twenty back. So, naturally, after reassuring the faithful that their top talent will not be sacrificed for financial reasons, Hicks decided it would be good to follow that up by conveying his disappointment in Liverpool's on pitch performances.

Note to Hicks: Get in touch with your fans. If you were to ask anyone in the Kop, they would be able to tell you that if your finances were better, your on pitch performances would follow suit. In fact, if you actually provided the club with sufficient cash on hand, then perhaps the heart of your midfield wouldn't have been sold over the summer. Just sayin'.

From the Mouths of Babes...

Sometimes footballers forget the lessons they learned in kindergarden. You know, like, don't hit people, share with others, etc. So, every now and then, it's nice to know that they remember how to mind their manners.

Such is the case with Femme Football fav Didier Drogba. The mercurial Blues man recently returned to Champions League action after serving a 3 match ban for his foul mouthed tirade during last year's tie against Barcelona. But he learned his lesson....all thanks to his 8 year old son.

It really is all about the kids.

Smell That?

Let's just say it hasn't gone well.

It's the stink emanating from the Camp Nou's own right now.

A fortnight ago Barca suffered one of the most unexpected, not to mention embarrassing, losses at home to Russian champs Rubin Kazan. And how did they follow-up that gem? With an uninspired 0-0 tie away to Rubin, of course.

While CL slip-ups are to be expected, especially in the group stages, and while every Goliath is bound to fall sometime or other to an enterprising David, Barca has struggled mightily to even come close to the expectations (and odds) put on them.

We also don't really know what's happened to Messi in these last few games, but surely the world's best player ought to be able to take over a game against on at least one occasion, non?

There is a positive side to all of this...for Inter Milan, at least. In the space of 2 hours, the Italian champions jumped from last to first place in the group. Now there's a good day of work for you.