Bleacher Report - Articles by Christopher Hayes

Cashtiano!: Manchester United to Offer Cristiano Ronaldo New Deal

Christopher Hayes — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:08:08 -0500

Manchester United are set to offer Cristiano Ronaldo a new deal totaling £10.4 (14.8 million USD) per year according to several UK sources including The Sun and News of the World.

The offer will raise Ronaldo's salary from the £120,000 (170,000 USD) he currently makes per week to £200,000 (284,000 USD).

Poor Robinho, it looks like his reign as the EPL's highest paid player will be a short one. Robinho will no longer be able to roll around in piles of money without knowing that there is a bigger, more ridiculous pile out there.

Ronaldo has three years left on his current contract, but a FIFA rule says that he could buy himself out of his contract at the end of next season. He has also been heavily courted by Real Madrid in an ongoing football saga that will no doubt get more intense as the summer offseason draws closer.

The deal is broken down so that the £160,000 per week is a base salary with the other £40,000 coming from advertisement and naming rights. The contract would also extend his stay at Old Trafford an additional two years.

Manchester United are certainly hoping that their preemptive strike will help secure Ronaldo's services, preventing a long drawn-out negotiation later on.

Sir Alex Ferguson has repeatedly said that,"There is no question of Ronaldo leaving." Perhaps the promise of £200,000 a week and mountains of silverware will be enough for the reigning FIFA Player of the Year.

United States Soccer Defeats Guatemala 1-0

Christopher Hayes — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 06:36:04 -0400

The United States went to war with Guatemala last night, and they have the scars to prove it. In a game that was chippy to say the least, the US was able to garner a victory 1-0 against a hostile Guatemalan team and city.

The US knew going in that the game would be decided not by their talent but by their ability to stay cool and collected when faced with the determination of the Guatemalans.

Landon Donovan had this to say. "In theory, we should beat a team like Guatemala. The reality is playing in Guatemala becomes very difficult, and they use all the other factors besides soccer and talent on the field to their advantage, so the atmosphere, the crowd, the travel that we go through, the field, the temperatures there, those can all become excuses for us and benefit to them."

Rain had been a constant issue in the days leading up to the match, with the American's pre-match training session cancelled due to the poor weather. The Guatemalan crowd cheered and jeered mercilessly throughout the whole game.

But when it comes down to it, the players on the field are what determine the outcome. Unfettered by their FIFA ranking of 100, the Guatemalans certainly out worked the United States all game.

However their work effort was laden with late tackles, hard fouls, and verbal abuse, which was the perfect game plan for Guatemala. They wanted to throw the US off their game—wanted to get in their heads—and they did. No one accomplished this feat better than Carlos Ruiz.

Ruiz had a reputation of being a dirty player and he only enhanced that image with his performance on Wednesday night. He had a few early fouls in the beginning of the game just to break up the US flow. Then in the 33rd minute Ruiz and Mastroeni tangled up with each other, and Mastroeni retaliated, earning himself a yellow card while Ruiz went free.

Later in the game Ruiz took an intentional poke at a ball already in goalie Tim Howard's hands, kneeing him in the head.

Howard took exception. "Carlos kicked me straight in my head," Howard said. "With Carlos you expect that. He is dirty. I wish I could say it otherwise, but he's played MLS for five years and I've seen him."

Ruiz managed not to hurt anyone seriously, unlike his teammate Jose Manuel Contreras, who leveled Eddie Louis while both were going up for a header. Wait—let me clarify, Louis was going up for the header while Contreras tried to spear Louis and the ball, jumping through the air like a dart. The play left Louis with a gash on his forehead requiring five stitches and another Guatemalan Gustavo Cabrera with a red card.

Guatemalan coach Ramon Maradiaga thought the card was a bit much. "The referee today expelled Gustavo Cabrera as a way to level the game after expelling Cherundolo."

Cherundolo had only a minute earlier been sent off for his second yellow card. Both fouls that Cherundolo committed were because of a lack of discipline, throwing the ball away in the first half, and then after getting beat, dragging a player down by his ankles.

The single scoring play was a nicely delivered corner by DaMarcus Beasley that found the wide open head of Carlos Bocanegra. Bocanegra nodded it home to ultimately give the US the victory.

It was the first World Cup qualifying for the US on Guatemalan soil, but to call it a 'historic victory' as did the announcers on ESPN about ten times, would be an overstatement. The fact that the US had not won there yet was historical, and a win is just one step toward the future success of the United States.

Bob Bradley summed up the win and its significance in this way. "It was a very hard fought game, and for us a hard earned three points. We have played some tough games in the last year, but none of them are qualifiers. To experience it and to win in that fashion is good for the group."

Good for the group indeed. Havana, Cuba is the next stop for the US in World Cup qualifying, and they will certainly draw on their Guatemalan experiences in order to win again in another hostile environment.

Barry Bonds Turns Down the Independent Minors: What Now?

Christopher Hayes — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:03:58 -0400

In what can only be described as not shocking, Barry Bonds has decided not to showcase his talents in one of the independent minor leagues.

"He has nothing to prove there," Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, said Wednesday.

"He doesn't need to go to an independent team and hit two home runs a night hoping to get attention to prove that he still has the skills that would warrant him playing at the major league level. His performance in 2007 demonstrates that he's capable of playing at the major league level for the 2008 season."

Would he really hit two homers a night? Eh, actually maybe. Can you imagine some 21-year old bean pole trying to fool Barry?

Replays would show that Barry actually started laughing while the pitch was on its way -- right before he ripped it down the line and over the wall so fast that the skinny kid actually thought for a second he just might have blown one by the Home Run King.

I would go to one of those games to watch that.

What seems to have bewildered Barry and his agent is that no one has offered him a job. NO WAY! You don't say.

Borris does say, and he does it like this, ""The fact that no team in Major League Baseball has made an offer for Barry even at the minimum salary has created a level of suspicion that is currently being investigated."

Bonds has stated that he would play for the league minimum, even claiming that he would give that money away, essentially playing for free!

Wow Barry, you are such a great guy, offering your salary up to buy children tickets to come see you play.

The players union has yet to file a grievance concerning possible collusion, but says the matter is under investigation.

So why does Jeff Borris think that there is collusion going on?

"Let's look at the facts. Barry performed admirably in 2007. Barry is healthy. Barry has been offered at the minimum salary and Barry's trial date is in March of 2009, so there would be no interruption of the 2008 season. It defies explanation as to why he is not employed in 2008 with a major league club."

Huh, ok. Defies explanation does it? Let me help.

Barry Bonds is a Juice Head, a liar, a cheat, and on top of all that, a cancer in the club house. Shockingly, teams tend to avoid those sorts of things.

At this point it would be best for Barry to can the baseball career, and open up his own business. It could be called 'Barry's Homers.'

The premise is this: You pay Barry a thousand bucks to pitch to him in his own personal stadium. He gets to hit homers all day, because that's all he's ever wanted anyway -- and you get to try and fool the greatest home run hitter of all time.

Now you would have to secure 10,000 people to fill the stands, otherwise Barry won't hit. You're on your own for that.

Eventually, he could have a celeb-reality show, where celebs compete to try and give up the least amount of homers to the great Bondsino. Snoop Dog would be the first guest, high as a kite, laughing the whole time as he marveled at the wonder that was 67 straight homers by Barry.

I think that would work out for him.

He needs to hire me as an Idea man and fire this Jeff Borris guy. For sure.

One Student Dead, Seven Injured in the Latest Display of Soccer Violence.

Christopher Hayes — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:14:21 -0400

The AP is reporting that there has been a shooting in Lima, Peru, which took place between opposing fans on the way to a match between Universitario de Deportes y Alianza Lima.

A 21 year old student died and seven others were wounded when their bus was attacked by at least one man riding a motorcycle.

The bus was marked with the Universitario colors, and witnesses claim that the gunman was a fan of Alianza Lima.

The man was reported to have pistols, pellets of some kind (maybe shotgun shells), and Molotov cocktails in his possession.

More details should be available in the morning.

But while we wait to hear details about an incident this senseless, we realize the small things don't matter.

A boy is dead, and he didn't need to die.

It's so simple that it's callous.

And yet, we will look for reasons behind his death. Assign blame. Debate will be fueled with the blood of this young man.

Just two days ago Brad Carroll wrote an article for BR entitled World Football: The Ugly Side of Sport. In it he describes several incidents of violence that have happened in the world soccer community over the last few years.

I kept trying to figure out why the people had acted in the ways they had. Tried to rationalize the outcomes.

Some you can and some you can't—and ain't that just the truth.

Every day, things happen that defy explanation and these things in turn rip the hearts out of thousands of people.

Here we have a man who attacked a bus full of college students on the way to a game, but he was ready for more. He had Molotov cocktails? That takes preparation, planning—sickness. Clearly this guy was looking for trouble.

Darkness has once again been cast over the footballing world with an act of senseless violence.

In the coming hours we may come to know more about the motives behind the actions, but the results will still be the same.

Daniel Blanco Fernández, 21, will still be dead and people will still grieve.

New York Yankees and the Curse of Old Age

Christopher Hayes — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:53:10 -0400

Hello, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. Tonight I want to share with you a tale about the New York Yankees and their fall from grace.

This story is more scary than sad—pitiful really. I say this because the Curse of Old Age could have been avoided. Creeping up the spine of a franchise, weakening it from the inside out, the Curse is a product of human imperfection: we want more.

The Yankees can be no more faulted for their actions than little Billy Bailey.

Little Billy Bailey went out one Halloween and got a whole bag full of candy. But he wanted more! By the time he was through he had robbed an entire block of houses of all their candy. But when he got home he couldn't finish it all. The candy got old, brittle, and unusable, and Billy didn't know what to do.

Billy's story is for another time, though. Back to the Yankees.

Like many stories this one begins with a revival. A rise to success so dominant that great generals of the past surely applauded from the seats.

Traveling back to 1996 we encounter a hungry young baseball team in pinstripes. The team hadn't won a World Series since '78. Made the playoffs for the first time since '81 the year before.

Now that's a drought people, 14 years—makes me happy not to be a Cubs fan.

Then came the glory years, '96-00. Five years of some of the greatest baseball ever played. Five years that lofted the likes of Jeter, Rivera, and Posada into rarified air that select Yankees breathe.

When I was just a teenager I remember watching the '96-'00 Yankee teams and thinking how Yankee-like they were. Farm system products, mixed in with salty veterans.

Ah! Glorious days! But people wiser than I tried to temper my exuberance saying that, "Offense puts butts in the seats, but pitching wins you rings."

I had no inkling of the terrible fate awaiting the pitching staff of the Yankees.

The run started in 1996 with a dream staff. Andy Pettitte, Jimmy Key, David Cone, Dwight Gooden, and Ramiro Mendoza held down the starting rotation, but our bread and butter was the relief staff.

John Wetteland (29), Jeff Nelson (29), Mariano Rivera (26), and Bob Wickman (27). Four young arms who, with help from others, were able to close games like undertakers nailing coffins.

The average age of the pitching staff during this five-year reign was 30.46 years old. Never did it get higher than a 32-year average. A young and healthy staff.

Then the onset of the Curse slowly became apparent.

2001 was a transition year, from glory to desperation, as the Yankees and all of New York had their hearts ripped out by a Diamondback staff which performed superbly.

No one really knows when it all went wrong. Was it when we paid for Giambi? Was it when we paid for A-Rod? What about when we bought Pavano, Johnson, Damon, and Clemens?

Maybe the greed of the Yankee organization was bringing it down. What was once based on teamwork, was now based on money and stats.

But this is America, people! Greed is rewarded here. Sink your money into things and you should be rewarded.

And rewarded people are, if they make the right decisions. Like poor portfolio managers, the Yankee brass forgot how to diversify.

IBM, Microsoft, Coca-Cola: Blue Chips.

A-Rod, Clemens, Johnson, Giambi: Blue Chips.

The Yankees forgot about the little man—and nowhere is this more evident than in their relief platoon.

By 2002 the Yankees needed to retool their bullpen. They had let go many of their role players. Ironically they had become too high-priced due to their good performances during the Glory Years. Spending all their money on Blue Chips left them without any team balance.

Average age of the pitching staff from 2002-2007 was a whopping 32.95 years old! Two and a half years older than when we were winning championships. The Curse had wrapped icy fingers around the arms and shoulders of our staff.

No more the days of young fireballers hurling bolts of lightning at the plate. We were forced to watch men like Chris Hammond (37), Ron Villone (36), and Mike Myers (37) hurl moth balls straight down the pipe.

"Flash" Tom Gordon was aged 36 when he began his stint with the Yankees. The only thing fast about "Flash" was how quickly he worked in between pitches so he could get back in the locker room and take a leak.

A terrible Curse had beset the Yankees and we had no one to blame but ourselves. Blinded by the riches and treasures we had experienced during the Glory Years, we became greedy—wanting, needing more.

One can almost picture the meeting that went on in the Steinbrenner War room.

"Why can't we just buy 10 all-stars? Oh? We can? All right, let's do it. We should surely win every game then."

It is that attitude which defined the Dark Years of 2002-2007.

But this story is not all gloom and pity. Old man Steinbrenner is gone. With his son in place the organization experienced a youth movement from the top down. Newfound exuberance has taken over the club.

The Curse is beginning to subside. Currently our pitching staff has an average age of 30.5. The last time that our staff was so young we won the World Series.

It has been a long six years since the Yankees last made it to the series. For the first time in years the Old Age Curse is loosening its grip on the arms of the Yankee pitchers.

I tell this story in warning to other teams beset by the happiness of winning. Do not let yourself slump into greed and pride. It is in these states of mind that many perils lie.

Emmanuel Adebayor: Transfer Saga Update

Christopher Hayes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:03:46 -0400

Emmanuel Adebayor is involved in his own transfer saga as three super-clubs vie for the chance at retaining his services for next season.

Long linked with a move to AC Milan, the club has been putting the pressure on, in its pursuit of Adebayor.

Now a new twist has been added, with a supposed £21million deal to Barcelona in the works, according to agent Ernesto Bronzetti. Strangely, Bronzetti does not represent Adebayor, but does handle several of AC Milan's large contracts.

Stephane Courbis, Adebayor's agent, has come out and said that while Adebayor is happy at Arsenal, he would not mind a move to AC Milan.

The following is a recent time line of the activities surrounding the possible transfer.

June 13, 2008

Milan publicly confirms rumors that they have interest in the 24 year old Adebayor.

Adebayor has repeatedly denied that he wishes to leave Arsenal.

"It's very flattering for a young Togolese who's only 24 to see that Barcelona or Milan are following him. But for the moment I'm very happy at Arsenal. We'll see what happens next."

Courbis, Adebayor's agent, had this to say which neither confirmed nor denied any possible action.

"The player is fine at Arsenal, but when Milan come in for you it's difficult to tell them no... I know that Milan is one of the biggest clubs in the world and, when they want to take you, you have to really consider it. It's difficult to say no to Milan."

June 14, 2008

Adebayor comes out and claims he is happy at Arsenal, and that new talks with Wenger have gone well.

"My future with Arsenal has never been in doubt and I want to assure fans I will be here for many years," Adebayor said in The Sun.

"My agent has met with coach Arsene Wenger about a new deal and I am happy about how the talks are going so the fans can rest assured."

Having just signed a new deal last year, these statements hint at a possible extension, or complete reworking of his contract.

Reports from Italy imply that the deal my be at a stalemate. La Gazzetta, an Italian newspaper quoted a supposed message from Arsenal to AC Milan stating, "For the moment we don't intend to open negotiations for the sale of Emmanuel Adebayor,"

June 19, 2008

Just four days after claiming Adebayor may be out of their price range, AC are back in the news claiming its Adebayor or bust. Club VP Adriano Galliani had this to say.

"There is no negotiation for Eto'o or Drogba."

"If we do not get Adebayor, we will remain as we are."

However he also confirmed the report by La Gazzetta that Arsenal were not going to sell, which is what made agent Ernesto Bronzetti's claims about Barcelona all that much more interesting.

June 21, 2008

In an interview with Italian TV station Radio Radio TV, Bronzetti dropped a bombshell that he knew of a deal in the works with Barcelona.

"Arsenal want to sell him [Adebayor] to Barcelona, for their own motives. Barcelona tell me they already have an agreement with the player."

This agreement could be worth £21million.

Barcelona though will need to free up some money if they are going to make a successful bid. They may need to dump Ronaldinho or Eto'o in order to make room.

June 22, 2008

Arsene Wenger comes out and states his intent to keep the players he currently has at Arsenal, rather than sign new ones in the transfer market.

"I will use my cheque-book first to keep the players I already have."

This neatly sums up Wenger's attitude toward the situation, and may be the best indicator as to how the situation will play out.

***

Meanwhile amid all of this hullabaloo, Arsenal have begun distributing Adebayor propaganda via their website.

Did you know that it is Adebayor week in the land of Arsenal? WOOOOO!

Options on the website include, news about how great he is, video of him performing, and a forum to display your thoughts and feelings on Arsenal's third most popular player.

Arsenal are certainly trying to make Adebayor feel welcome. Negotiations are coming to a head and we can probably expect a decision sometime soon about the future of Adebayor.

World Football: Andrei Arshavin Sets Hopes On La Liga

Christopher Hayes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:55:50 -0400

Though offers abound from England and Germany, Arshavin declares he would like to play in La Liga, says Skysports and AS.com.

Andrei Arshavin has been the center of transfer rumors amid his thus-far stunning performance at Euro 2008. Having been linked with clubs like Everton, Aresenal, Newcastle, and Manchester City, has been flattering for Arshavin, but his heart apparently lies in Spain.

"I know that I have offers from England and Germany, but what I really want is to play in the Primera Liga," the striker told Spanish website AS.com.

His reasons also let on that there may be more to what Arshavin wants in his football career than the vast amounts of money he may receive.

"It's the championship that I have always followed, I like how football is played there."

Euro 2008 has not only been about Arshavin's coming out, it has been Russia as a whole demonstrating many talented players.

Arshavin described this sentiment. "There are many good players in my country, but people are now discovering us. It's not only me. This tournament is an opportunity for us."

Though Arshavin has now expressed his desire to play in Spain, he admits he still has not received an offer from any of the Spanish sides.

It seems that Andrei understands that sometimes the best way to get what you want is to just ask nicely for it.

EPL News: Arsenal Sign Samir Nasri

Christopher Hayes — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:24:10 -0400

According to Samir Nasri's website, the BBC and SkySports, the Gunners have signed the 21-year-old French midfielder to a four-year £15.6m (20m Euro) deal.

As of yet Arsenal has not confirmed the move.

Nasri has been a youth prodigy for a long time now, signing with Marseille as a nine year old boy. International eyes fell on Nasri after his performance with France's U-17 European Championship team from 2004.

He is a young, quick player who would fit in well with Arsenal's sleek offense.

Wenger had this to say about the young star, "At 21 years old his whole future is ahead of him and he has (quite) a margin for progressing further," Wenger told French newspaper La Provence.

"He has, in any case, the qualities needed to assert himself at the highest level."

Nasri, though small in stature at 5'9" has earned a reputation for being a creative wide midfielder, some calling him the "New Zidane."

Having the ability to play on either side of the pitch offers Arsene Wenger some much needed versatility, especially with the uncertain future of Alexander Hleb.

Tom Hicks, George Gillett Reach Uneasy Peace

Christopher Hayes — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 07:35:17 -0400

American owners of Liverpool FC Tom Hicks and George Gillett may have mended the personal schism that has threatened the future of LFC.

George Gillett on Canadian radio station the Fan950 said, "It's fair to say communication between the Hicks and the Gilletts has been substantially improved."

Problems began in January of 2008 when Dubai International Capital (DIC) offered to purchase the club from the two Americans.

Gillett wanted to sell and Hicks didn't. Gillett could not sell his share of the club to DIC without Hicks' approval—which he wouldn't give.

Hicks then offered to buy out Gillett, so that Hicks would become the total owner of LFC. Gillett refused to sell it, in what can only be seen as an effort to spite Hicks.

Like two kids in a sandbox, one holding the bucket, one holding the shovel; they both want to build a castle but neither will help the other to do so.

In all of this George Gillett has certainly come out as the villain. After less than a year he wanted to sell the team. There was no passion behind his motives. The team appeared as just an asset to him, and to the people that support Liverpool it is so much more than that.

So what has changed Gillett's opinion and helped to mend his relationship with Hicks?

It has been the passion of Liverpudlians for their club which has changed Gillett's mind and his heart. Like the Grinch in Dr. Seuss' famous book, Gillett's heart may have just been two sizes too small.

But like the Whos in Whoville taught the Grinch about Christmas, Liverpudlians have shown Gillett the true meaning of football.

Gillett has been surprised at the passion demonstrated by Liverpool's supporters. "Soccer is the leading sport in the world and it's just shocking how popular Liverpool is. So it surprised me, but it really is an amazing responsibility."

With a new unified front from the owners, Liverpool should be able to make a concerted effort to bring home some silverware next year.

We can all learn something from this story, just like George Gillett has. If Seuss had written it, it might sound like this.

"Maybe Liverpool doesn't come from a store... Maybe Liverpool means a little bit more."

Euro 2008: Quarter final Previews

Christopher Hayes — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:00:20 -0400

Euro 2008 has been full of mouth-watering affairs.

Thus far, the tournament has provided 57 goals in 24 games, with seven of those coming during added time in the second half.

The Netherlands have proved themselves formidable, with both starters and substitutes contributing to the orange machine. Sneaking into the quarter finals, the Italians are looking to prove to the world they are still the best. Here's a look at the upcoming quarter final match-ups.

Portugal vs. Germany

Two distinct styles will clash on Thursday the 19th on the freshly laid pitch at St. Jakob Park in Basel. Quick passing and aggressive dribbling from Portugal will meet the confident size and deadly set pieces of the Germans.

Following heavy rains during the opening round tournament, officials made the decision to relay the field. The Portuguese have since held training on the ground, and given it their seal of approval. Certainly the new grass will benefit the Portuguese more than the Germans.

Germany, unlike Portugal, had to fight their way into the quarter finals, and they are the worse for it. Lucas Podolski is nursing a calf injury, while Frings suffered a broken rib in the game against Austria. Expect both players to make the start, especially in Frings's case, who missed the World Cup 2006 semi final loss to Italy.

Rest and relaxation was the theme for Portugal in their final game against the Swiss. Scolari sacrificed the possible momentum a third win would have given his team for fresh and healthy players. Fitness is sure to play a role in this game.

Scolari is worried about the size advantage that Germany will enjoy over his squad. "I have to worry about finding some way of dealing with their free kicks," said Scolari.

On average, the Portuguese give up a little less than 4 inches (7 cm) to the Germans.

Both teams are looking to prove themselves on the world stage after coming close in previous major contests. The Portuguese are coming off of losses in the Euro 2004 final and the 2006 World Cup semi final. The Germans came third at the 2006 World Cup after beating Portugal in the consolation game.

Croatia vs. Turkey

Fitness will again be a big factor in this match. Croatia were able to rest their main players against Poland, but they still pulled out a win. The confidence of both Croatia's starters and their subs is sure to be high.

Turkey, though, is dealing with several injuries and suspensions that will make a victory against the Croats unlikely. Goalkeeper Volkan Demirel and Mehmet Aurélio will both miss the game due to suspensions.

There are five others who are nursing various injuries with varying degrees of seriousness. Turkey is certainly lacking the personnel to mount a solid attack at Croatia.

One thing that Turkey will not be missing is heart and desire. They are the classic overachievers which almost every tournament encounters—a team that plays so hard and so well that its players can overcome the lack of talent to make some real noise in the tournament.

But, make no mistake, they are technically sound and well-coached. Their last two victories have been snatched from their opponents during injury time. Croatia will do well to keep their guard up against Turkey.

Netherlands vs. Russia

Goals may be the theme of the night on the 21st when these two teams meet. The Dutch have been on an absolute tear, and the Russians got Arshavin back from suspension, who, coupled with Pavlyuchenko, scored during a 2-0 victory against Sweden.

Pavlyuchencko's nickname is the "Sleeping Giant" because of the dormant talent that supposedly lies within him. Solid performances in the first two games were finally rewarded with a goal in the game against Sweden.

It is possible that he is ready for a break out performance against the Dutch. Coupled with the shot of adrenaline that Arshavin has given the squad, the two will be trouble for the Dutch defense.

Wait a minute, there's a Dutch defense, right?! Apparently, they are pretty good, too. Van Basten has implemented a 4+2 rotating defense which has conceded only six goals in 15 previous Euro games. With that said, the offense-minded Dutch can leave themselves vulnerable at the back, especially to counter-attack.

Both squads are coming in with lots of confidence, so this should be a wide open hotly contested match.

Spain vs. Italy

The final game of the quarter finals presents two teams with perhaps the most to prove on the world stage. Spain are perennial underachievers—a squad with tons of talent that recently has not come through on the world stage.

Italy are coming off a World Cup victory in 2006, and would have been bounced from the tournament if there hadn't been for Buffon's stellar play in goal. A loss by either of these teams will be considered a failure by their countrymen.

Italy are still without Cannavaro, though they may have finally settled in without him. Missing a central defender of his caliber is like the Ravens defense being without Ray Lewis during his prime. As the tournament progresses, the Italians will become more and more comfortable with themselves.

The current wave of Spanish players seems to have much of what their predecessors possessed, but it remains to be seen if they can deliver under pressure. Torres may be the man to deliver what Spain needs. Having played significant games in his recent experience with Liverpool should help the Spaniard rise to meet the challenge that the Italian defense will provide.

***

This year's Euro is on its way to being one of the best ever. Set up has been completed for the stage that is the quarter finals. In a field of many, teams who have the talent to win the Euro trophy look for coaching to be a deciding factor.

The fifteen-minute span between the 61st and the 75th minute has produced 15 goals, almost double the amount of goals scored during any other 15 minutes of the game.

Half-time adjustments and second half subs are having a clear impact during this critical juncture in the game. Coaches will certainly be trying to tweak their teams just right in order to get the result.

These four matches promise not to disappoint unless you find yourself in the inconceivable position of a loss.