Bleacher Report - Articles by harry smith

The 10 Best Punches in Heavyweight Boxing History

harry smith — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:25:13 -0400

Hurrah ! The Harry Smith 10 Best series is back with a bang! This time I reveal the best punches in Heavyweight Boxing History! I have chosen to focus on the heavyweight division of pugilists for one reason and one reason only... They throw bombs! And who wants this list to be full of Eastern Europeans... No one! So its a list from throughout history, not just modern times! This list goes from the good old days of Dempsey and Louis, to the modern greats of Jones Jr and Tyson! So without further adieu, let the list begin ! Ding Ding!

Begin Slideshow

The 10 Greatest Shots in Tennis

harry smith — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:33:56 -0400

The Ten greatest.... in...... series continues with shots in tennis. Now there are many great shots, players, courts in the world of tennis. Federer, Nadal, Murray, Del Potro, Tsonga, Monfils Djokovic, the list really is endless. So of all the players in the world and all the shots possible to be played with a racquet and ball, who possesses the best shot ? and what is it ? Let me know if you feel i should continue this slideshow series. Check out The Ten Best Kicks In Football.

Begin Slideshow

The 10 Best Kicks in Football

harry smith — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:01:18 -0400

Magnificent. The only way to describe the beauty you see when your favourite player, clips that inch perfect pass on to the big number nines head. Or Rabona's a floating cross, underneath the back post. But which kick is the best in the world. The Beckham Free Kick ? The Xavi square pass? The Gareth Barry Penalty? There's only one way to find out ...

Begin Slideshow

The Ultimate Inspiration: For All Reasons

harry smith — Sat, 23 May 2009 15:52:58 -0400

The blood is pumping, the hairs on the back of your neck stand up on end, you know whats coming ... the ultimate buzz. Sport is a timeless industry that moves at the speed of ... well sport. So many competitors, alot of greats. But what does the word inspiration mean to you? For me this list you are about to is as near to perfect as sport gets...

Begin Slideshow

An Andy Murray Grand Slam? Liverpool EPL Title? Looking Ahead to 2009, Part Two

harry smith — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:26:16 -0500

Hi guys, sorry I took a while, but here is the second part to my previous article.

Continued from Part One:

July

Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao finally get it on in the ring. Just as Pacquiao begins to take control of the Hitman, the lights go out...Floyd Mayweather Jr appears in the ring and gives them both a steel chair to the head...WWE Styleee!

Cristiano Ronaldo picks up where he left off last summer, claiming that the cars in Madrid are a lot harder to crash than in Manchester. His whining gets front news in the paper ahead of Barack Obamas new plans to buy out the New York Knicks.

At Wimbledon, Roger Federer continues his theme of getting more old school every year. He picks up his sixth win at SW19 by beating Rafa Nadal, who has calmed down a bit, 6-0,6-0,6-1, looking somewhat creepily like 7 time champion Willie Renshaw. The now all time GS winner celebrates in style, being dropped to No. 69 in the world rankings. It was only natural as he was challenging inappropriately.

August

After winning the Open at Alisa in July, Tiger Woods claims he has no challengers and threatens to Boycott the sport unless he gets a decent rivalry.

Rafa Nadal takes both Masters Series Events in two weeks. The sleeves on his shirts continue to be ripped off and the totally random colour of his headbands gets more vibrant and insane. After his success his is taken to the recently sacked Tony Adams second chance sport clinic.

The new football season gets off to a flyer, with Liverpool already four points clear at the top of the now Pepsi Championship. The reformed Steven Gerrard comes back with a bang, smashing in six in thre games.

In the EPL Arsenal and Man Utd are the early pace setters. Defending champions Fulham and Abu Dhabi City languish at the foot of the table.

September

Cristiano Ronaldo is sold to Real Madrid on the final day of the Transfer Window for £140m with free delivery. The plane manages to escape uncrashed. Man Utd subsequently drop to fourth in the table behind Newcastle and Burnley. Chris Eagles is top scorer with 14.

The month delayed PGA Championship is won by a semi black man. Not Tiger Woods but Barack Obama. After his bid to buy the Knicks fails, he goes for a swing and does rather well.

In New York, Roger Federer storms to ANOTHER GS title. Beating Andy 'The Choker' Murray in straight sets again. Rafael Nadal exits in the first round after he is disqualified for playing in no shirt at all.

October

Andy Murray, yes the scottish one, wins the Shanghai Masters convincingly but is only No. 14 in the world. Disgraceful!

Arsenal drop points at home to QPR, who are currently at fifth in the table. The gunners remain top despite this setback, and Arshavin is finding the EPL easier than Nuclear War...Thank God!

Lewis Hamilton is elected as new president of Iceland...Not the country (congratulations to the first lesbian president) but the Food chain. Kerry Katona is sacked because she KEEPS taking those chicken strips out of the freezer in the morning. Stupid Cow.

November

Not much happens in November aside Tiger Woods announces his retirement from Golf...That's All.

The biggest battle of the year commences. Rafa vs Roger. Nope. Obama vs Woods. Nope. Fifa 2010 vs PES 2010. They slug it out at each other and there is only one winner.. Sensible Soccer on the Sega MegaDrive!!!!

December

Chrimbo arrives and we finally get some decent fights. After his 20 second KO Defeat to Wladimir Klitschko, David Haye says he is really good...honest! He is subsequently knocked out by the ever increasing Manny Pacquiao...Now fighting at super Heavyweight! Beefy!

Arsenal finish the festive period top of the EPL by two points, just ahead of QPR and Chris Eagles FC. Man City are rock bottom and in the Pepsi Championship Liverpool are 36 points clear.

As for me, well thats my bussiness aint it. ;)

Over HS 13 nearly 14

An Andy Murray Grand Slam? Liverpool EPL Title? Looking Ahead to 2009, Part One

harry smith — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 10:19:02 -0500

Hip Hip Hoorah! 2008 has finally passed and the world that is 2009 awaits us. In 2008 we saw an All-England Champions League Final, A new king of the hallowed surface at SW19, and even Ol' Blighty doing rather well at the Summer Olympic Games.

But what to expect in the 365 days ahead? Perhaps A Grand Slam for Murray? A Premier League Title for The Kop? Maybe even an NBA-inspired Premier League All Star Weekend?

No-one knows...however, I am going to take a wild and somewhat relaxed "Guesstimate."

Oh, dear...

January

After much speculation Manchester City land Cristiano Ronaldo, David Villa, and a troubled Steven Gerrard with the latter performing 100 hours community service. As City are out of all the domestic cups, his 8 o'clock curfew doesn't stop him from playing in any games. Meanwhile, Dimitar Berbatov starts to shine in Red. Playing up front with Tevez the Zombie and Rooney the Ogre, Dimitar the Vampire makes up the Fairy Tale Trio...Literally.

In the Land Down Under, The Fed Express claims his fourth Aussie Open title without dropping a set. Despite this success, Rog is slated for his Bandana knot looking slightly off perfect and is subsequently dropped to No. 47 in the world rankings and shunned by the worlds press. Beaten finalist Andy Murray vows to continue his superb form, eating haggis and reiterates the fact that he is actually Scottish.

February

Roy Hodgson's resurgent Fulham revel in their role as Barney Corkhill's UWCC Champions and storm to third place in the Premier League after 18 points from six games. As Steve Gerrard returns to his beloved Liverpool he finds that in his absence Albert Riera has become Mr Liverpool and Kop captain. The bewildered Gerrard doesn't know what to do and subsequently locks himself in his room.

Rafa Nadal looks a shadow of his former self as his 24 inch guns are hidden until the tight little tops Nike have him wearing. Roger Federer and the chasing pack take advantage forcing The Matador Of Spin into a mass of rampaging testosterone.

March

The Enraged Rafa rips the sleeves off his tight little tops and storms to the first masters title of the year, the Indian Wells tournament. As he lifts the trophy his left knee tape snaps and he falls in agony to the ground. The stage is one short at the Miami masters event but that doesn't stop Federer swooping to claim another Hard Court Title.

Fulham, still unbeaten since beating Tottenham, storm to the top of the the Premier League whilst bitter rivals Chelsea fall behind. Albert Riera's Liverpool seem to be out of it after Jamie Carragher is dropped in favour of the recently signed Titus Bramble. Manchester United keep themselves in the race after thumping Joe Kinnear's Newcastle 4-0. Shay Given's lawyer isn't impressed.

Man Utd also pile further pressure on Rafa Benitez by beating the Red Scousers 2-1 at Old Trafford. Albert Riera is removed as captain and the honour is passed on to Alvaro Arbeloa.

April

The first big fight of the year takes place as 43 year old Bernard Hopkins takes on 46 year old Evander Holyfield at Light Heavy. No one knows why?! At the end of the ninth round Holyfield retires on his stool, claiming that his free bus pass only runs until half past 11. He sticks his slippers on and catches the last bus...just.

The title race is really hotting up with Man Utd still second to surprise package Fulham. The UWCC Perma-Champs lead the way by five points with four games still to play.

Roger Federer regains some respect from the media when he beats Novak Djokovic at the Monte Carlo Masters without dropping a game. However the left loop of his right shoelace becomes slightly smaller than the opposite loop towards the end of the first set and boos ring around the Clay Court stadium.

May

After his recent success at The Masters in April, Greg Norman retires the nickname the Great White, claiming he is now, wait for it...The Whale Shark! Mixed opinions a plenty.

Fulham lift the Premier League Title after going unbeaten for well over five months. United finish second and Chelsea third. The Villa vs Arsenal battle ends with Arsenal nicking the final Champions League spot on the final day. Much To Michel Platini's disgust. Liverpool are relegated to the Championship but Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher vow to return to Anfield for the '09-'10 season.

The Reds, West Brom and Stoke City swap places with 100 pointers Wolves, second placed Chris Eagles inspired Burnley and Playoff Winners QPR. Paulo Souza is later sacked for being too portuguese. Sporting Lisbon win the Champions League in Rome, beating Barcelona in the final 2-1.

June

Rafael Nadal returns at the French Open and retains his title beating the plucky Scot, Murray in the final. Murray is slated for being a choker after losing in the finals of both Grand Slams. Nadal's knee was magically healed...some put it down to Eileen Drewery!

Tiger Woods continues his domination of the Golfing world, winning the US Open in New York. The event ends with Tiger playing the last round blindfolded as he holds a 43 shot lead. He extends his lead.

Fulham are officially crowned UWCC Champions, a now FIFA recognised honour, and a rewarded with a two week holiday in Benidorm. Jimmy Bullard pulls, not his hamstring but a lovely Northern lass named Barbara. Newly acquired Rory Delap breaks his £1m insured arms, falling off a sun lounger.

Part Two Soon To Follow

Suck My Golden Balls Ronaldo

harry smith — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 22:32:10 -0500

Cristiano Ronaldo—The Portugeezer with so much talent he could donate half of it to charity and still dominate most Premier League opposition. A little shift here, a little shuffle there, one whack of the football and the game can be over. He really is that devastating. Ballon D'or is in the bag for the flying winger...or is it?

On footballing terms, Ronaldo is a clear winner. No one can touch him, not even Fernando "El Nino" Torres or Leo Messi. His 42 goals in 49 games were unmatched anywhere else in Europe or maybe the world.

Amazing, even by Manchester United's sky high standards. Despite all this, he shouldn't win it.

Ronaldo is a disgrace. Yes he is insanely good at football and yes he is perfectly marketable for Nike and other endorsements but he is still the same winker that got Wayne Rooney sent off t the 2006 World Cup.

He has no soul, no heart or passion for Manchester United. His performances in the summer were disgusting, and I'm not talking about Euro 2008. Trying to force away from the club that has nurtured him from a stroppy 18 year old to the great player he is today, just because he loves "playing in all white".

Ronaldo made no secret of the fact that Manchester was not the place for him. Shame! He's playing for one of the biggest clubs in the galaxy, in front of 70,000 people knowing he can do no wrong. All for over £120,000 a week!

And now he is stuck in Manchester, for another six months at least. So stop whingeing and suck it up.

The Ballon d'Or is a prestigious award that should go only to the most prestigious and gifted players. Leo Messi, Fernando Torres, even Jimmy Bullard but just don't give it to Ronaldo.

PS Do I Not Write Enough Articles?

Is Rafael Nadal Unstoppable in Paris?

harry smith — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:31:44 -0400

Many moons ago, there was a place called "Make Believe." It was a quiet place with not much going on...if you wanted it to be. In "Make Believe," you do as you please and it is utterly unpredictable. Maybe the most predictable place in the world is Roland Garros.

Rafael Nadal is the matador of spin and currently the King of Tennis. No matter how long that latter title lasts, he will in many people's eyes always be the King of Clay.

I am one of these people who believe every Slam event should be played on a different surface. The US Open and Australian Open are virtually the same. Wimbledon and The French Open stand out. Wimbledon is a grass event, but the French is played on clay.

Roger Federer's run as world No. 1 ran almost identically to his dominance at the only Grass GS. Rafa won four French Opens before he became world No. 1, but will his run as top dog end when his dominance in Paris does?

It's a tricky one. Rafael Nadal has the talent to be world No. 1 for as long as Federer was...but I don't think the other players will let him. Two Slams a year and a few tour titles should be enough to keep you at No. 1 yearly. As long as Rafa keeps winning the French, it's an easy spell at No. 1, right?...Wrong.

I know that Rafa won Wimbledon and he probably would have won the US if he hadn't played a trillion-odd matches, but he'll always have that problem. And if you ask me, Roger Federer is still a better grass court player than Rafa.

Now, that just leaves the Australian Open... the first Slam of the year. It's the bit of the season when the Gulbis's and the Del Potro's are all feeling it's their year. The expectation of greatness from these youngsters seems to affect Rafa the most.

Jo Wilfred-Tsonga, please step forward. He may be the only player to outhit Rafa Nadal all last year...and boom! Rafa's out down under.

Now it wouldn't surprise me to see Rafa take the first two slams next year...not one bit. I just feel that the want of the youngsters could ruin Rafa's chances. Damn those meddling kids!

So while Rafa is bang in line to be the greatest clay player ever, and to win three or four more French Opens, I don't feel that his No. 1 ranking will still be there when he lifts that final Roland Garros trophy aloft, on the famous red clay of Paris.

Over Hs

Tennis 2009! Can It Get Any Better?

harry smith — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:36:37 -0400

As you all know, Roger Federer recently won a fifth straight US Open title. Congratulations Rog! He was written off all year and to finally got something in his trophy cabinet for 2008; it was richly deserved.

Tennis in 2008 was fantastic and produced some of the greatest rivalries in sport today. Barely anyone would have predicted last year's tennis outcomes. I'm going to try and do so for 2009.

The 2008 season has just finished, bar the Masters Cup, so predicting for 2009 will not be easy. I expect the year to be dominated by the big four as its now known.

Rafa, Rog, Nole and Andy are the big boys of the game and will be the main contestants for all major titles. I also see Juan Martin Del Potro to move into the top six rankings by the end of the year.

Australian Open

Maybe the most unpredictable slam of the year as it is the first. Rafa Nadal will beat his semi final 2008 best and make his first Aussie final. The other Semi is a sub final of sorts.

If Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer were seeded in opposite sides of the draw, I would say this is the final. The defending champion will battle hard but eventually lose to the Fed. Rafa vs. Roger episode 1 will end in a 14th Slam title for Roger... just! Andy Murray will exit in the quarters. P.S If Federer wins does he move back to No. 1?

French Open

Most will see this as a foregone conclusion... and so do I. Rafael Nadal will inevitably win a fifth consecutive and record-breaking French Open title.

Roger has the game to win it, but facing the best clay courter ever is a bit of a downer. He will exit in the semis and depending on the draw, Nole or Murray will make the final, where I predict they will lose.

Wimbledon

Being English, this is my favourite Slam event. Del Potro will really make his mark. I think he will make a semi appearance along with Rafa, Federer and Djokovic (I don't know who alongside with him).

Roger vs. Rafa episode 2 will be another great match. It can go either way, but Roger's health let him down in 2008 and he was still points away from a sixth straight win at SW19.

I think he will regain his title and move into No. 1 in the world if he hasn't already and to No. 1 on the all-time Slam winners list. Unlucky Rafa!

US Open

I feel that Rafa may not win this for two reasons, he will be extremely tired. Two hard courts do not favour his knees. Andy Murray will stay at No. 4 in the world after making another Semi appearance. Novak vs Federer as a final.

They have equal chances, but I think Novak Djokovic is the man to take Roger's US Open crown. Novak Djokovic wins a second career slam on his favoured hard courts.

This article could turn out to be completely pointless if none of this happens but... they're only predictions. Please feel free to comment or respond with your own article, and as my good old uncle used to say, Eat your greens ;)

Over -

The World's Greatest...Kaka, Messi, Ronaldo...All in One Big Frying Pan!

harry smith — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:28:41 -0400

For anyone reading this that still has an imagination, picture this: Three witches stand around a large, boiling cauldron on a rocky cliffside somewhere in Scotland. They stand in a rain-sodden cave, inserting various body parts and organs into this giant pot awaiting the result of their "ultimate footballer recipe" experiment.

Each believes that their fantasy footballer is astonishing, an unbelievable specimen, and, ultimately, the best of the bunch. Each of the three witches has their own opinion, their point of view. The first witch is me.

Now I am a relatively new football fanatic (I am only 13), but I know what the game is all about. Class is everything but everything isn't class.

Not every player has the ability to become the world's best. Just look at Titus Bramble. However, some players are simply devastating. Maybe some of the greatest athletes and most technically gifted people in the world ply their trade kicking leather at the weekends. Only a select few are like this and they are special for one reason or another.

I thought about this after I realised that Phillipe Senderos is about as useful as a bloke with no arms in a Mexican wave. I now want to mix all the best bits of world footballers and make a super-player.

Steven Hawking should stop wasting his time with Quantum Mechanics and figure out a formula to perform this.

But who and what about them would I mix?

So, in Dr. Frankenstein fashion, I am going to list my body parts and give reasons for those I have chosen: Footballer's of the world beware!

Hair: TARIBO WEST

Yes, I know he's a bit old but his hair is awesome. On par with Mr. T. Just phenomenal!

Brain: FABIO CANNAVARO

He proved at the World Cup of 2006 what a class act he is. Reads the game superbly. Probably the most influential defender on a tournament winning side since Franz Beckenbauer.

Ears: PAUL SCHOLES

An unlikely selection but he always seems to know where his team mates are. Always spots the pass. It's almost like he listens to his colleagues feet when they step, that's how he knows where they are.

Eyes: KAKA and CESC FABREGAS

These guys can see the whole pitch, even behind them it seems. Can pick the pass as good as anyone else, even better. Vision Express and Specsavers should get these guys to advertise.

Mouth: STEVEN GERRARD

Always talking to his team, a brilliant captain. Just one of his many traits. Great Player. Kop Legend, and I'm a gooner!

Neck and Head: MIROSLAV KLOSE

Best header of the ball I've seen. In 2002 Miroslav scored a hat trick of headers against world class opposition. Hey, Saudi Arabia can be dangerous when they want to be!

Torso and Shoulders: KAKA

His strength often goes unnoticed, often due to the fact that he's running incredibly fast. Hardly anyone get's the ball from him.

Right Arm: PATRICK VIEIRA

Highbury faithful can be certain of this selection. Many a time will they have seen the gangly Frenchman push off opponents with his overgrown upper right limb. Also got a good punch in there.

Left Arm: WAYNE ROONEY

A lot of Wazza's play depends on the passes delivered to him. His left arm always tells his counterparts where he wants the ball and with the likes of Paul Scholes in his team, it usually ends up there.

Right Leg: STEVEN GERRARD

My selection of legs are mainly about power. No more needs to be said.

Left Leg: ROBERTO CARLOS

Hits a ball like A freight train. Frightening and graceful. His left leg is a machine.

Feet: CRISTIANO RONALDO

I dislike the guy so very much. But he is a bit special. Quick feet to go with his even quicker mind. I hope he doesn't get any better, unless he goes to Spain next year.

Right Toes: FERNANDO TORRES

His touch is immense. You know, tall blond fellow. Scores a lot of goals—a LOT of goals.

Left Toes: LIONEL MESSI

The greatest player in the world. It's official, his toes are made of No More Nails. The ball sticks to them like a Pritt Stick on paper.

But, like I said there are three witches. The second is you...I want to know your recipe for the ultimate footballer, what you think would work the best. The third which is unknown...we will never know the recipe for the greatest footballer.

Not unless Steven Hawking is reading :)

Over Hs

Is Roger Federer Still the Best ?

harry smith — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:37:42 -0400

A few years ago, I would sit in my room waiting for The Simpsons to ruin my education at 6 p.m. on BBC2, oblivious to the world of tennis. It's a funny old game.

One day, after getting a stern telling off, I was waiting for Homer and Co. to lighten my evening. It was the start of July and Wimbledon was on.

I frustratedly sat on the bed and began watching this tennis lark. As I watched the match, I became agitated and couldn't understand the point of the game. It was fascinating.

The match wasn't great by all means, but my brain was intrigued by this newfound joy. Tennis was good to watch, but nothing compared to what I was about to encounter.

A 6-foot-1 dark-haired Swiss man took to the court. At this point, I was by no means experienced as a tennis spectator, but this guy was in different league. The man went by the name of Roger Federer.

He was superb, spectacular and at the same time subtle. He was arrogant, yet full of respect for the man on the other side of the net.

His shots blazed through the air like a duck through water. He wore his opponents down not just as a player, but as a person. By the end of a straight-sets loss to Roger Federer, opponents were half the man they were when they stepped onto court. Total domination.

Since then, I have watched this player obliterate everyone before him, earning nearly 60 tour titles, 12 Grand Slams, and I imagine there are more to come.

But, unfortunately, every man has his nemesis. Federer's is Rafael Nadal. In every GS final Federer has lost, it has been to the young Spaniard.

His forehand somewhat rivals Federer's; not many people can boast that. Combined with Roger's form of late, it gives us all reason to be concerned. Is there a new king of tennis?

Nadal, 22, has already won 5 Grand Slam titles, including one at Wimbledon (or Fort Federer). I know Federer has had glandular fever, which apparently really knocks you for six, but Nadal is also supremely talented.

Like Federer, he is modest about his success, but he knows he is good. Is he the best?

In my opinion, he isn't. Roger had won 12 Grand Slams by the age of 26. Nadal will do well to win that many in his entire career.

Many will say Federer's days are gone, but I disagree. I expect him to bounce back at the US Open in September. When he is fully fit for Wimbledon next year, I expect him to retrieve his crown as the king of SW19 and all of tennis. All hail King Roger!

Over Hs

Premier League: You're Having a Laugh!

harry smith — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:22:48 -0400

Money, Money, Money! The game is dominated by the stuff today. The latest revolution in world football seems to be foreign investors... But why are they really here???

The beautiful game is, in many opinions, being ruined by these guys. They turn up with their HUGE wallets and think they own the place. It is becoming sad reality, that they probably do.

Roman Abramovich, the Glazers and all other world tycoons have invaded the game of "soccer" in the last few years. Do they know anything about the game?

One of the most "benefited" teams by this Russian revolution is Chelsea. Go to Chelsea away games and you are likely to here songs such as " Where were you when you were S**t?"

A recent poll of Chelsea and Arsenal fans revealed that Chelsea fans would rather play like Arsenal and not get the results and Arsenal fans would rather the beloved Red and White army play like Chelsea but get their results. I find this statistic rather disturbing... from both points of view.

No offence to the team from the King's Road but their football is very similar to Watford. I can go to Vicarage Road and get the same enjoyment as I would at Stamford Bridge... For half the money, which brings me on to the next topic.

Are the investors really getting their expected "feedback" from the English game. The investors have come to English clubs, all of the big four, and they don't want to win the ENGLISH premier league. The UEFA Champions League is a much bigger draw.

This competition does not prove you are the best team in Europe. In 2004 the final was contested between AS Monaco and FC Porto. One team had a sensational one off season and the other's success was largely down to the skill of their coach.

Meanwhile, over in merry old England, Arsenal were winning the Premiership UNBEATEN. Now who would have a match between Arsenal and Porto?

What I am trying to say is, if the investors don't have a good reason to be here then why isn't there a FIFA ruling against it. The guys at FIFA and UEFA, especially Michel Platini, know the investors are doing no good for the game.

These guys practically own football, so do something about it!

The game depends on it happening.

I know this has only scratched the surface and I am not the first or only person to have this opinion but I wanted to put my point across

Thanks for reading

Over Hs

World Football: What Is the Greatest XI of All Time?

harry smith — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:59:03 -0400

The elegance of Zidane, the majesty of Beckenbauer, and the brilliance of Puskas... all great players, but what really makes a great team?

Strength, determination, the will to win, and skill. A modern day team must possess all of these attributes to get anywhere nowadays. The Real Madrid's, the Man Utd's, and the AC Milan's of the football world have always had these qualities, which is why they are so successful.

But no matter what anyone says, if you haven't got the players, then you haven't got the trophies.

Every team has one indefinite stand out player. As an Arsenal fan, no matter how much you hate us, you have got to agree that Fabregas is a little bit special.

Manchester United has Ronaldo, Liverpool have Torres/Gerrard and so on. In the world of football history, players echo through eternity.

For that reason, I have tried to assemble the greatest team that ever lived. My formation will be a 3-5-2 one with two wing backs.

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson. It pains me to say it, but Alex Ferguson is a fantastic manager. If this was a football club, I would want Arsene Wenger as coach, purely for the fact that he can take a 16-year-old wannabe and turn him into a world beater.

He has proved this statement true on many occasions. But for a football team, Sir Alex gets the nod.

In goal, I would place Peter Schmeichel. The Great Danes superb reflexes and distribution put him ahead of the likes of Banks, Taffarel, and even Gigi Buffon. In his prime, he was simply unbeatable.

Defensively, it is not hard to understand why I have placed Franz Beckenbauer at the heart of my defensive unit. He was a leader on the pitch, which is also why he takes my captain's armband.

Beside him in the centre, I have placed Cafu and Paolo Maldini. Fantastic for club and country over the years.

Deciding on my midfield was a very hard task, too attacking, too defensive, too passy-passy? All of these were factors in my selection, but I have finally decided. My RWB is Garrincha. On pure heart alone, he would walk into any team. To come back from near disability to win the World Cup is some achievement.

LWB is Roberto Carlos. The man is a machine! My centre of midfield is delicately poised on the shoulders of one man, Zinedine Zidane.

The best player of his generation, possibly all time. He could do everything and more, a joy to watch. He would set the tone for his two central companions, Diego Maradona and Johan Cruyff. Two of the most exhilarating players ever known to mankind.

In the attacking roles, I place two Brazilians. The ever present in teams of this caliber, Pele. He knew what he could do with a football, and he put it to best use, a magnificent footballer.

Supporting him is Luis Nazário de Lima, better known as Ronaldo. A toss up between him and Thierry Henry, but the wide grinning, goal scoring Brazilian won.

He continued to defy belief well past his best, and I just hope that people in years to come realize what a special player he was.

To conclude my team is as follows: Coach: Sir Alex Ferguson, Gk: Peter Schmeichel, Cb: Franz Beckenbauer (captain), Cb: Paolo Maldini, Cb: Cafu, Rwb: Garrincha, Lwb: Roberto Carlos (Long free kicks), Cm: Zinedine Zidane (short free kicks), Cm: Diego Maradona, Cm: Johan Cruyff, St: Pele, St: Ronaldo (penalties).

Hope you enjoyed. Please leave comments. Over HS