Bleacher Report - Articles by Sam Dalton

Liverpool's Embarassing Europe Failure Brings Back Memories of UEFA Cup

Sam Dalton — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:27:17 -0500

Remember the time when Gerard Houllier was leading Liverpool into the UEFA Cup almost every year? Remember the time when Djimi Traore and Igor Biscan were in Liverpool’s starting line-up? Remember the time when Steven Gerrard was sliding into advertising hoardings on muddy pitches in tiny East-European countries?

Following their embarrassing exit from the Champions League on Tuesday night, this is the standard Liverpool must return to.

After Rafa Benitez’s transformation of Liverpool since 2004, Reds fans have not had to experience the lowly UEFA Cup, or the Europa League as it is now called, since Houllier was manager. They thought those days were over.

A return to the Europa League also means a return to Channel Five or ITV4 for Liverpool. Second-rate competition, second-rate coverage. Move over Richard Keys and Andy Gray, Colin Murray and Pat Nevin are about to analyse Liverpool’s European adventure.

Unfortunately that adventure will now take place along the B roads of Europe, in stadiums occupied by Heerenveen and Hapoel Tel-Aviv rather than Real Madrid and Barcelona. Big European nights will no longer have that special underdog atmosphere to them, when the Kop has previously roared for their team to defeat giants like Inter Milan and Chelsea.

Liverpool will now be expected to coast through the Europa League and to lift the trophy in May after seeing off the main challenges of Shakhtar Donetsk, Valencia and Roma. While there are other good teams in the competition like Werder Bremen, Hamburg, Benfica and Villarreal, Liverpool still undoubtedly have the strongest team in the Europa League. Who else has a Steven Gerrard or a Fernando Torres?

Even if Liverpool do lift the Europa League at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on May 12, their European season will still be considered a failure. Though he won the UEFA Cup with Valencia, Benitez has been used to Champions League football with Liverpool, qualifying for the tournament in every season he has been at the club, though they only qualified in 2005 due to winning the competition.

Liverpool have also always made it through the group stage under the Spaniard’s stewardship, though they have had some memorable scares, most notably in Benitez’s first season when Steven Gerrard scored a dramatic late goal to see off Olympiakos with Liverpool minutes from exit.

Once past the group stages, Liverpool have enjoyed some truly magnificent occasions in the later rounds of the Champions League under Benitez. There were spectacular European nights at Anfield against Bayern Leverkusen, Juventus and Chelsea in Benitez’s first season alone.

Then there was Istanbul, when a squad put together by Houllier was directed by Benitez to European glory in the most astonishing circumstances.

Benitez also guided Liverpool to the Champions League final in 2007, when AC Milan were fortunate to win 2-1 in Athens. Countless other European scalps have been pulled against the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Arsenal. Who could forget those remarkable victories at the San Siro, the Nou Camp, and the Bernabeu?

But Benitez will no longer be taking part in the Champions League this season, the competition he has made his speciality at Liverpool. Injuries, last-minute goals and bad defending have contributed to Liverpool’s condemnation to the Europa League this season, the competition that Gerard Houllier made his speciality. Remember the time?

Liverpool V Man City: Rafa's Reds Must Slam Top Four Door in City's Face

Sam Dalton — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:47:41 -0500

After embarking on a miserable run of only one win in nine, after conceding goals left, right and centre to the likes of Birmingham, Sunderland, and Fulham, and after showing such desperation in matches that a player has needed to dive to rescue a point against a relegation struggler, Liverpool appear to have left the door open to the VIP party of the Champions League.

Manchester City, Tottenham, and Aston Villa all sense the chance to gatecrash the biggest show in town, all ready to pounce on Liverpool’s failings this season. This weekend offers the perfect chance for Rafa Benitez and his team to slam the door firmly shut in their face.

When Liverpool kick-off against Manchester City on Saturday lunchtime, it will be time for Benitez’s depleted squad to show Robinho and co. that gaining entry to next season’s Uefa showpiece will not be as simple as might currently appear so.

Liverpool look a mid-table side at the moment, shambolic in one box and wasteful in the other, yet once the half of the squad which currently lie on the treatment table have returned to fully-fledged match action, and once the dream team of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are finally firing as a double-act again, Liverpool will begin to look more like title contenders.

Too many points have already been dropped for Benitez’s team to be a genuine title threat to Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal this season, but there is no reason why Liverpool can’t replicate the scintillating form they produced in the last few months of last season.

The squad is almost identical, so why can’t the results be?

Injuries has been the main reason so far, and Man City surely recognise that Liverpool’s challenge for the fourth Champions League spot will intensify dramatically once the club’s medical staff finally get a few days off. Fernando Torres will replace David N’Gog; Alberto Aqualani will replace Lucas; Fabio Aurelio will replace Emiliano Insua and captain fantastic Steven Gerrard will roar back into action in attacking midfield. What a difference.

Once Liverpool’s squad is fully fit and firing, Man City should beware. When Benitez can field his strongest eleven, as he could do in last season’s climax, there are few better teams in Europe.

Liverpool’s manager will have to add strength in depth to his squad so that injuries don’t make so much of an impact in future, but Liverpool’s current squad is still good enough to comfortably secure a Champions League spot, even with the odd injury.

Though Xabi Alonso’s departure to Madrid was clearly a major loss, Liverpool still boast a formidable nucleus.

With Jamie Carragher marshaling the defence, Javier Mascherano roaming deep and biting into tackles, Steven Gerrard raiding forward and scoring goals and Fernando Torres always liable to flash in a lightning finish, on paper Liverpool are supreme.

If that sublime spine can stay fit for the majority of the remainder of the season, and if other important players like Yossi Benayoun, Glen Johnson, and Dirk Kuyt can stay off the treatment table, then Liverpool should coast to fourth place.

If Benitez can get Liverpool playing anywhere near as well as they were in large periods of last season, when they did the double over Chelsea and Manchester United and thrashed Newcastle 5-1, then Liverpool will simply have too much for most teams.

Manchester City, on the other hand, have had an almost full-fit squad so far this season, and have struggled to beat promoted sides like Birmingham and Burnley. In future years, when Mark Hughes adds more quality to his squad, particularly in defence, then Man City may seriously consider themselves a likely top four team.

For now, though, a fully-fit Liverpool will always beat them to the Champions League. As more and more players gradually pick themselves off the treatment table, Rafa Benitez’s side must start to show why they are still one of the best four teams in England—starting on Saturday lunchtime

Gerrard and Torres Injuries Have Robbed Liverpool of League Titles

Sam Dalton — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:17:42 -0500

If injuries were a thing of make-believe, Liverpool would have won the Premier League last season; would still be in this season’s title race and would still be in a good position to qualify from their current Champions League group. Rafa Benitez would be a hero instead of having his job on the line.

But back to reality. The reality in which injuries have robbed Liverpool of key players and of a league crown. The reality in which injuries have left Liverpool miles adrift in this season’s title race and on the brink of exit from this season’s Champions League into the lowly Europa League. The reality in which Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, Liverpool’s leading lights, have spent too much time in the treatment room and not enough time in the dressing room.

Though it is true that Rafa Benitez has not added enough strength in depth to his Liverpool squad, and though it is true that Liverpool rely heavily on the presence of Gerrard and Torres on the pitch, it cannot be denied that injuries to their two key players robbed Liverpool of a first league title in 19 years last season. The same has already happened in this campaign.

It was no coincidence that in the last three months of last season, when Gerrard and Torres spent more time than any other stage of the season on the pitch together, that Liverpool began to embark on a consistent run of dominant displays, sparking hope of another title challenge this campaign.

Gerrard and Torres’ presence on the pitch alone scares the opposition. When Torres was substituted against Fulham a few weeks ago, Bobby Zamora admitted afterwards that Fulham’s confidence rose significantly, inspiring them to go on and win.

Working in tandem, the pair can reck havoc on opposition defences, combining to devastating effect. Just look at Liverpool’s equaliser in last season’s FA Cup fourth-round clash with Everton, when Gerrard laid the ball off to Torres before running onto the striker’s exquisite, perfectly-weighted back-heel which ripped open Everton’s defence. Gerrard finished with aplomb.

Liverpool appear to lack leadership without the pair, and particularly without inspirational skipper Gerrard, who rallies the troops when things are down. His contribution to Istanbul 2005 and Cardiff 2006 best sum up his importance to Liverpool, who simply would not have won those finals without him.

It is easy to criticise Benitez for failing to have adequate replacements in his squad, and it is certainly true if the likes of Craig Bellamy, Peter Crouch and Xabi Alonso had been retained then the problem would not be as great, but nobody could have foreseen such lengthy, frequent injuries for Gerrard and Torres, not even the master of detail that Benitez is.

At least it could have been two less vital players. If Manchester United had lost Ronaldo and Rooney for large periods of last season, and if the pair had only started together in around a third of United’s league games, they may well have not lifted the Premier League in May.

Gerrard and Torres’ injuries have worryingly continued this season, something which Liverpool’s medical staff have to take a serious look at. If they need an operation, they need an operation: there is no point in sacrificing long-term benefits just for a quick short-term gain. When Gerrard started Liverpool’s home Champions League tie with Lyon this season after injury, he hobbled back off after 30 minutes, clearly not ready. Though not as an important player, the same happened to Albert Riera against Birmingham on Monday night.

Liverpool’s medical staff clearly need to improve on this record, as Liverpool’s league record will continue to look bleak without the two leading lights of Gerrard and Torres.

Liverpool's Win Over United Means Nothing If Fulham Arn't Defeated

Sam Dalton — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:54:15 -0400

Liverpool’s victory over Manchester United last weekend was huge: it has revitalised the club’s mood, confidence and ambition, releasing the massive weight from Rafa Benitez’s shoulders and putting an end to talk of Anfield’s title challenge ending in October.

But it will mean nothing if Liverpool fail to collect all three points at Fulham tomorrow and against Birmingham next Monday night. Beating the big boy predators is great, but only if the smaller fish further down the sea are also defeated.

If Liverpool are serious about mounting a title challenge this season, they will need to demonstrate the consistency they showed in the last campaign, in which they lost only two games. Though the club have already been beaten twice as many times as last season in the first three months of this campaign, an ability to turn last season’s draws against lower clubs into wins would boost the points tally significantly.

Tottenham, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Sunderland have all seen off Benitez’s side this season, underlining the woeful start Liverpool have made to this Premier League campaign. The defence has looked much less sturdy than in recent times and the attacking deficiencies have continued.

Criticism has flooded towards Anfield but this week there has been a drought. The United win has had that much of an effect. Jamie Carragher appeared back to his best last weekend with a magnificent defensive display of blocks, tackles and interceptions, while Yossi Benayoun and Fernando Torres displayed their raw ability to conjure the unexpected. Torres’ smashed finish from Benayoun’s immaculate through-ball was an act of the sublime.

But the hounds will be out in force again if Fulham manage to take anything off Liverpool on Saturday. United and Chelsea will both almost certainly win against Blackburn and Bolton respectively, leaving Liverpool further behind if they fail to win. Being six points off the top is already bad enough in October for a club steeped in league-winning history.

If last season’s problem of struggling to break down lesser opponents can be solved this time around then there is still genuine hope of a 19th league title though. 4-0 wins over Stoke and Burnley and a 6-1 thrashing over Hull seem to show the ability to unlock the door is being improved.

Fulham will provide stern opposition for Liverpool though, especially with Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson injured and Fernando Torres not fully fit. Mascherano and Lucas will start in central midfield, with Benayoun most likely supporting Torres and Kuyt and Aurelio starting on the wings. Liverpool will need to show the ruthlessness they demonstrated against Hull if they are to make sure the United win is backed up with another three points.

The Tale of Two Cheating Football Clubs Who Should Be Banned By the FA

Sam Dalton — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:14:11 -0400

The names Yarnton Blues and Abingdon Town don’t mean much to most football fans, but to anyone associated with Cumnor Minors under-18s, the team I have represented for four years, they stir bitterness, hatred and memories of more sustained bruises than a rodeo after a bull-fight gone wrong.

Youth football boasts many plus-sides, from offering kids the chance to improve fitness to helping to discover the next England international, but when it is goes wrong it can turn farcical. Most teams treat each other with respect, turn up to matches every Sunday to play football, try to win fairly and enjoy themselves, but Yarnton and Abingdon are two huge exceptions. If the ball went missing in a match, their players wouldn’t notice. Their eyes would remain firmly fixed on the opposition’s legs even if a bomb exploded next to them.

This is the story of two teams who cheated, bullied and disgraced football’s name, who made the long car journey for the Cumnor players a complete waste of time when the sides met. This is the story of two referees who allowed their sides to get away with murder, who put the safety of the Cumnor players at serious risk by purposely not giving decisions against the teams they were part of. This is also the story of terrible decision-making by the FA, of England’s footballing authorities docking points off a team who justifiably walked off the pitch after being offered a boxing match rather than a football match on the pitch.

My thighs are only just beginning to recover from the game against Abingdon two weeks ago; such was the violent nature to their style of play. I received more stamps than the Royal Mail from their centre-halves. Every time the ball was hacked clear, their defenders would threaten to break the legs of any of Cumnor players willing to go near them.

Those threatening words could have easily become reality on numerous occasions, as they swiped us down time after time before demanding us “to get up you pussy.” As Cumnor players complained during half-time about the violence they had faced during the first period, the Abingdon assistant-manager overheard, replying that “this is big boy’s football now ain’t it? You’ve gotta take the physical side of it.” Yes, but there is a difference between muscling someone off the ball and stamping on them when the ball is at the other end of the pitch.

The kind of violent bullying Cumnor players were subjected to should never be allowed on a football pitch, and it is the responsibility of one man in black to make sure of that. The young referee did not do this against Abingdon though, and we should have known he wouldn’t before the game had even started. As the players filed into their positions before kick-off, the referee could be seen joking and laughing with the Abingdon players, clearly on first-name terms with them. Never a good sign.

It became blatantly clear as the game progressed that the referee would not be giving many decisions against Abgindon, no matter how vile their challenges were. He was simply too scared to blow his whistle in favour of Cumnor, threatened by the abuse he would receive from his friends if he let the other team get away with winning.

As Cumnor appealed for two stonewall penalties during the match, one for a scything, late tackle and one for climbing on top of a player and pushing him to the ground, the referee remained hesitant, bottling the decisions in fear of the 11 monsters masquerading as Abingdon footballers.

When one particularly nasty centre-half began to approach a Cumnor player late in the second half, appearing to offer him a fight amid a swirl of vitriol, the referee finally responded to the desperate pleas from Cumnor to take action, reaching tentatively for a yellow card before nervously holding it aloft. He then received the biggest barrage of abuse from the player that I have ever heard in my life. Any other referee would have immediately brandished a red card and the Abingdon player knew it. Though probably without a GCSE to his name, he was obviously sharp enough to pick up from past matches that the referee was scared to penalise such foul-mouthed rants in his direction from Abingdon players.

The referee seemed to want to give the correct decisions, seemed to want the game to be won by the best team rather than refereeing decisions, but he just couldn’t face being the subject of vicious abuse from players he knew well. It became clear how well when he joined the team photo at the end of the match, standing alongside the two linesman. Then everything fitted together for the Cumnor players, confirming that we had been well and truly cheated and that the FA should never let members of a team referee them in a match.

And certainly not the manager of a team. It is two years ago now that we came face-to-face with Yarnton, managed by the referee and refereed by their manager, in an away league clash. He shared many of the traits of the referee in the Abingdon game, clearly not willing to give decisions against his own team, but there was a major difference between the two: this referee was not scared at all of his players, because it was totally his idea to sway the course of a match by the unfair use of his whistle.

Yarnton players also shared many of the traits of Abingdon players, as they were also more focused on kicking us than the ball, but they were actually instructed to be this way inclined by their manager. Their physical abuse was even worse than the Abingdon players’, diving into two-footed tackles whenever they had the chance and leaving elbows in when challenging for high balls, yet not one of their players received a caution.

One of only few likable members of the Yarnton team, a guy I know from school, told me after the match that in the dressing room their manager (aka the referee) had instructed them to “kick the shit into them,” had told them he would be kind to them when awarding free-kicks. He also referred to our centre-forward as a “prick” in his post-match talk, a player he had booked for next to nothing during the game.

After the match, our much more fair-minded and football-orientated manager asked us to take photos of the bruises and cuts we had received during the match so Cumnor could file a complaint against Yarnton. That was letting Yarnton off lightly.

Another club who faced the same cheating and violence actually walked off during their match with Yarnton, something us Cumnor players later said we should have done, and also filed a complaint against them. The injustices against them were only just starting though.

Rather than Yarnton being fined, docked points, or at least reprimanded for their disgraceful behaviour, it was the team who were so battered, bruised and bullied that they had barely been able to walk off the pitch that were punished. Unbelievable. They were the ones who had been assaulted, yet they were the ones who were fined and docked points. Remarkable. The FA must be proud.

The rest of the league was certainly astonished at the decision, with our training decision full of amazed open-mouths when the news filtered through. Most teams in the league had come up against Yarnton’s twelve men, with one school-mate telling the story of how one of their players almost broke his leg with a horrific two-footed lunge, before he lashed out with a fist, albeit not making any contact with the player, and seeing a red card brandished in front of him while the other player received a pat on the back.

The FA can’t allow members of a team, especially not managers, to referee matches involving that team; otherwise there will always be the odd few, like Yarnton and Abingdon, who plain and simply cheat. If somebody is so desperate to referee, he can do so in football matches away from the league which his team are playing in. And if any clubs still managed to break the rules and cheat their way to victory, the FA would have to punish them heavily, threatening to close down the club if the behaviour continued.

Because letting the likes of Yarnton and Abingdon get away with the physical abuse which they direct at the opposition, not to mention actually fining a club for rightfully walking away from the fight cage, is disgraceful. If the FA want youngsters to play grass-roots football, then they must clear away the cobwebs of cowards, banning any clubs who disgrace such a great sport in the way that Yarnton and Abingdon have done.

Alberto Aquilani Could Solve Liverpool's Attacking Deficiencies

Sam Dalton — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:02:55 -0400

Many players have come and gone at Anfield since Rafael Benitez took charge in 2004, but the same questions are still being asked and the same doubts are still being raised.

Liverpool’s early-season form suggests that there is still a distinct lack of enough attacking magicians in their side to win the Premier League, having already been frustrated by both Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa this season.

The likes of Albert Riera, Dirk Kuyt, and Yossi Benayoun can clearly do good jobs in midfield, but it is Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres who remain the only two players who seem capable of creating something out of nothing, of producing something special to turn the key when Liverpool are struggling to break the door down.

Xabi Alonso’s departure has made things even more difficult in these opening weeks, but the one man who could prove pivotal is Alberto Aquilani, an attacking midfielder signed from Roma for around 20 million Euros in the summer.

The Italian international is currently injured, but once he returns, the spotlight will fall on him to see whether he can provide the missing spark at Anfield.

Previous followers of Aquilani's career say he is a different type of midfielder to Alonso, more attack-minded and capable of scoring goals than his Spanish predecessor, which augurs well for Reds fans.

Liverpool’s problem remains breaking teams down when they get behind the ball, although often when they go ahead they can often go on to score more as a result of the extra space they are allowed, making the addition of Aquilani vital.

Though Lucas currently occupies the second central midfield position alongside Mascherano, his performances thus far this season clearly suggest he has yet to improve on last season.

His passing range still appears limited, especially compared to Alonso's, and is not at all capable of producing the ‘killer ball’ to the forwards that Alonso could. Lucas simply does not add sufficient attacking threat to Liverpool’s artillery.

With Torres as the lone frontman, the onus is on other midfielders to chip in and help crank up the goals tally. Wingers Albert Riera and Ryan Babel should be looking to score more than in previous years, while Yossi Benayoun will be expected to add more consistency to his game if he is to become a key player at Anfield.

They must add goals, as star men Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres should not be relied on so much.

Another summer recruit, right back Glen Johnson, has given Liverpool another attacking dimension this season, but he alone will not solve Liverpool’s continuing problem in the final third. That’s why all eyes will be on Aquilani when he returns next month.

Fortunate Manchester United Expose Flaws Despite Arsenal Win

Sam Dalton — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:42:10 -0400

Arsene Wenger provided a most surreal climax to the Premier League’s first heavyweight clash of the season when he stood amongst United fans after being sent off in the final minute, but the football that proceeded the headline-grabbing last act had already left minds stunned.

After watching their reborn side outplay United for long periods, during which they took the lead through Andrei Arshavin’s spectacular long-range strike, Arsenal supporters must have left The Theatre of Dreams harbouring only nightmares following a fortune-filled and most unlikely turnaround by their old rivals.

Having already been denied a clear penalty by referee Mike Dean in the first half, Arsenal forced Ben Foster into a stunning reflex save and hit the bar before they watched their lead, which should have been more substantial, crumble within a matter of minutes.

First Wayne Rooney converted a penalty which he won himself, after a foul by Manuel Almunia which was no worse than Darren Fletcher’s on Arshavin at the other end, and then only moments later Abou Diaby headed spectacularly into his own net to stir jubilation at Old Trafford.

Rival fans will point once more to United’s seemingly never-ending supply of good fortune, but Sir Alex Ferguson’s men will not continue to triumph if performances remain as lacklustre as their first-half showing.

With Wayne Rooney receiving little support as United’s lone front man, Arsenal was able to dominate possession and create numerous chances without conceding any themselves. Ryan Giggs was often outpaced and out muscled and the attacking artillery appeared to lack spark without Cristiano Ronaldo, a flaw seen not for the first time this season.

Only when Lady Luck came to their rescue and turned the game on its head did United begin to play with any real confidence or verve. The second-half against Wigan last week, when United smashed in five, was the only time this season when the champions have showed glimpses of their formidable former self.

Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen all shone in that 45 minutes, but when Ferguson only starts one of his attacking trio, as he did here against Arsenal, then the attacking threat appears too easily nulified. It seems at least two will need to play to crank up the match-winner total in the starting eleven.

United do not want the same problem that Liverpool had last season, struggling to break stubborn opponents down, as already seen against Burnley, Arsenal and also in glimpses against Birmingham. They relied on goalkeeping and defensive mistakes against Arsenal but they will not always be gifted goals on future occasions.

Arsenal played better at Old Trafford so should continue to hold heads high and play football like they always have, which we know they will of course. This season Wenger also seems to have instructed his midfielders and forwards to press the ball more, which restricted United and prevented them from playing as freely as they usually are allowed to do against The Gunners.

Lady Luck will not always dig them out of a hole though, which is why they need to improve significantly to catch high-flying Chelsea.

2009/10 Football Season: Marathon for Players, Feast For Fans

Sam Dalton — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:40:26 -0400

London, Boston, and New York will stage their annual 26-mile marathons again in 2010, but the biggest sporting marathon that will take place in the next 12 months is the upcoming football season.

Starting next month, the sport’s biggest names will grace the greatest football stadiums in the world until mid-May, all chasing the glory of prestigious club honours, all transfixed by the gleaming trophies that stand before them, waiting to be lifted by the triumphant.

Then the world’s most talented footballers congress in South Africa for the greatest show on Earth: The World Cup.

Expect non-stop fireworks from August to July.

Only the most dedicated, hungry and gifted will emerge as victors from the 11-month battle for some of sport’s biggest prizes. With muscles aching and limbs screaming for rest after a rigorous domestic campaign, the World Cup next summer will push even football’s strongest athletes to physical limits. There will be no big summer holiday in 2010 for the world’s top footballers.

There will be for the world’s biggest football fans though, with a feast of competitions that can guarantee epic entertainment.

World-renowned stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kaka will tip-toe their talent all over football’s most celebrated amphitheatres, providing scintillating spectacle after scintillating spectacle at magnificent arenas like Old Trafford, The Nou Camp and The San Siro.

Those lucky enough to gain entry will create colourful backdrops to the dazzling drama on the pitch and provide deafening backing vocals to the main act. The rest of the world can sit back and watch the show in the comfort of their own living rooms.

Special players always guarantee great goals and magic moments, but this season should have extra spice to it.

The world’s top three players—Ronaldo, Messi, and Kaka—all play for either Real Madrid or Barcelona now, possibly spelling the end of English clubs’ dominance of Europe.

Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal will still challenge Spain’s finest hard for the Champions League though, and Italy’s two Milan giants can never be dispelled.

It promises to be one of the most keenly contested European campaigns in recent times.

Domestic league matches are what provide the weekly dose of excitement for football fans around the world though.

The Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A are the three most renowned leagues in world football, but every nation has its own that it cherishes.

The league is the bread and butter of football, and for most clubs, being No. 1 in their home country remains the prime focus.

English fans can look forward to a dramatic title race this coming campaign, with Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea all appearing evenly matched as kick-off approaches.

With players trying hard this season to catch the eye of international coaches ahead of the World Cup, fans can expect hard-fought matches all year with players straining every muscle to impress.

Why? Because no footballer wants to sit at home next summer when fellow professionals are jetting off to play in the pinnacle of all footballing competition.

The first World Cup ever to be played in Africa promises a spectacular scenery of colour throughout the whole tournament, with African fans putting on a show to prove they are more than capable of staging a successful and memorable World Cup.

Most of the world’s heavyweight nations are expected to qualify for the tournament so fans can expect classic matches featuring classic goals for the whole competition.

Spain may appear the best equipped to lift the World Cup currently, but international tournaments rarely go as expected.

The favourite to win rarely does.

With so many other quality footballing nations such as Brazil, Argentina, Italy, France, Portugal, Germany and even England, the tournament should prove to be another enthralling and open spectacle with success not guaranteed for any country, no matter how good their past form.

The World Cup will merely be the finale to a wonderful 11-month stretch of world-class football though. Fans across the world are currely drooling at the prospect, which promises so many twists and turns.

London, Boston, and New York just simply cannot compete with the upcoming football season to be the biggest marathon in the world.

There is no hard-running for the fans though, just a feast of entertainment. Enjoy it.

Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor a Lethal Duo—If Togo Star Shows Commitment

Sam Dalton — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:34:40 -0400

Things are currently so mad at Manchester City that their supporters have been dreaming of Carlos Tevez scoring goals this past week, the Argentine forward a loathed enemy for so long yet soon to be a loved friend of the Eastlands faithful.

A player cherished at Old Trafford has moved to the bitter rivals across town and has almost immediately been taken to heart. The concept seems crazy, but after delving deeper into Tevez’s nature on and off the pitch, it is easier to understand how this former foe has become a friend so quickly.

Tevez has shown whilst playing for West Ham and Manchester United that he never stops running, chasing opponents, and trying desperately to win the ball back during matches. “His work ethic and honesty make him instantly likeable,” says one City fan who has been observing Tevez’s hard-working traits in past seasons.

While Cristiano Ronaldo waltzed back towards the halfway line half-paced when the opposition gained possession, Tevez would tear back and hassle opponents into giving the ball back to United. That’s why the fans loved him. That’s why City supporters gathered in such high numbers and cheered him so loudly on his arrival at Eastlands. That’s why they will continue to love him despite his United history.

Tevez can play a bit too. City fans know that from firsthand experience after Tevez curled in a 25-yard beauty in last season’s Manchester derby.

The Argentine has a history of poaching vital, and often late, goals that have helped United’s title pushes immensely in the last two years. His ability to be in the right place at the right time was particularly highlighted in his critical strike against Wigan at the end of last season, when he showed astonishing trickery and ingenuity to backheel in a miscued Michael Carrick shot.

Tevez made such a contribution to West Ham’s survival previous to his United stint that some even said he was the sole reason they stayed up, prompting a string of high-profile court cases surrounding his illegal transfer to Upton Park. Tevez can make that much of a difference to one team when he plays regularly.

Tevez’s style of play is not to lead the line as a conventional striker, but to drop deeper behind a leading frontman and to get involved in link-up play before surging into the box to try to get on the end of crosses.

Tevez needs there to be a targetman in front of him to play at his best, so Manchester City’s signing of Emmanuel Adebayor from Arsenal could prove to be the perfect acquisition as Mark Hughes looks to build a formidable striking force.

Adebayor is excellent in the air and so will be able to flick balls on to Tevez, who enjoys trying to get in behind opposition defences, as well as advancing midfielders like Robinho, Gareth Barry, and Stephen Ireland. Holding the ball up is another of Adebayor’s strengths, allowing time for others to get upfield and join attacks.

Adebayor and Tevez’s contrasting styles suggest they could gel quickly at City and dovetail extremely effectively up front, but the former Arsenal striker should beware that he must put right some flaws shown up at Arsenal before City fans will take him to heart in the same manner they have done to Tevez.

Adebayor undoubtedly has a strong array of footballing talents, but regular viewers of Arsenal say he was too often below his best last season, drifting in and out of games and missing golden chances more than in previous seasons.

Adebayor was booed by Arsenal fans at the start of last season after reportedly attempting to engineer a move to AC Milan during the summer, and for the remaining months of the campaign he often appeared to be strolling around rather than giving his all for the team. Fans accused him of being lazy and lackadaisical, so it is no surprise to see the striker move from The Emirates.

City fans may give him more support, but Adebayor will have to earn it. The Togo international will have to show the same commitment that Tevez shows if his name is to be sung as loudly as the Argentine’s at Eastlands. If Adebayor can improve his work rate and continue his fine goal-scoring record, then he should be a prominent member of City’s glittering cast of attacking stars.

If Tevez and Adebayor gel as a partnership, then Mark Hughes has a lethal striking duo on his hands. If all goes well for the pair, the only people disappointed at City will be Craig Bellamy, Roque Santa Cruz, and Benjani, strikers who may be sitting on the bench a little more than they want to this coming campaign.

Carlo Ancelotti Must Learn Quickly to Succeed at Chelsea

Sam Dalton — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:12:05 -0400

Carlo Ancelotti has only just walked through the door at Stamford Bridge, yet, as ever, the spotlight is blaring from the word "go." There is no time for setting in gently at a club like Chelsea, where the intensity of expectation almost blinds new managers when they first arrive.

Last season Luiz Philipe Scolari proved that no amount of past success can guarantee glory when it comes to taking the helm at one of English football’s most heavily scrutinised clubs. Scolari won the World Cup with Brazil and steered Portugal to the final of the European Championships and semi-final of the World Cup, yet he simply could not cope with the daily pressure of managing Chelsea.

The ruthless Roman Abramovich dispatched him within a matter of months. That is the pressure at Chelsea: win football matches immediately or you’re out the door. The owner demands it. The fans demand it. The players demand it. With Chelsea struggling in the early stages of last season, unrest began to float around the dressing room, with Didier Drogba in particular falling out with Scolari and allegedly complaining to Abramovich about him.

When results start to go downhill at a club as big as Chelsea these days, fans often begin to turn on the manager. Chelsea fans seem particularly hard to please. At the beginning of last season, their supporters were praising Scolari and saying the opening day thrashing of Portsmouth was like watching Brazil. After a few months of dodgy results and unconvincing performances, they wanted him out.

Finishing two points behind champions Manchester United in the Premier League and only failing to win the European Cup because John Terry slipped over wasn’t good enough either for previous manager Avram Grant, who still incurred the wrath of the Chelsea faithful. If Terry had stayed on his feet and netted the winning penalty, would Grant still be in charge? Quite possibly. That’s fickle football for you.

That is the challenge Ancelotti faces. The business starts straight away and the Italian needs to work out quickly which players need to be signed to strengthen Chelsea. Russian left-back Yuri Zhirkov has already been acquired from CSKA Moscow, but Chelsea’s weaknesses surely do not lie where Ashley Cole has performed so well in past seasons.

With only the inconsistent Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka available as senior strikers, up front is the area that needs the most focus. If Ancelotti wants to play two strikers and either player is injured, then the only alternatives are Salomon Kalou and the unproven youngsters, Daniel Sturridge, Franco Di Santo, and Scott Sinclair, who are hardly reliable trophy-winning material. With Ricardo Carvalho seemingly keen on a move away from Stamford Bridge, then a new centre-back may be needed, as well.

Once the summer’s transfer activity is over, Ancelotti will have to learn and learn fast—not just the English language, but also how speedy and physical the Premier League is compared to Serie A. The Italian will know that there is a big difference already, but putting the knowledge into practice is where the difficulty lies. Just ask Scolari. This league can drain you mentally and physically.

Ancelotti will need to do better than Scolari in those departments to survive. He has to make sure his English is good enough first, as communication on the training pitch and in the dressing room is vital to get across tactical ideas. Those ideas will need to be adapted to the pace and intensity of the Premier League of course. There were never any Stokes or Boltons in Serie A. These first few months are all about learning.

One thing Ancelotti already knows though is Chelsea’s utter desperation to win the European Cup. After reaching the semi-finals in five of the last six seasons and not winning it once, the likes of Lampard and Terry are still hurting inside.

Ancelotti can be the one to bring them the glory they so desire, though. He has won the European Cup twice with AC Milan, and reached another final, which they famously lost to Liverpool in 2005, so he knows how European football works.

And though the main aim at Chelsea will once again be to lift the Champions League, and though Ancelotti has mainly been brought in to do just that, the Italian cannot lose focus of the Premier League. Scolari lost his way domestically and was out the door, never getting a chance to pursue those continental ambitions.

If Ancelotti adapts more quickly than Scolari, then he should not suffer the same fate. With great European tactical nous, the Italian certainly has plenty of tools in his locker. But facing English opposition is a totally different ball game. As well as challenging on domestic fronts, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal will also battle Chelsea for European honours. Ancelotti must learn to deal with them if he is to go down in history and fulfil Abramovich’s dream

Istanbul 2005: The Story of a Teacher Ruining Epic Drama For Students

Sam Dalton — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:35:07 -0400

It is one of those questions that every football fan should have an immediate answer to: where were you when Liverpool won the Champions League in 2005?

Most will say they watched it in a pub or round at a mate's house with takeaway pizzas. The lucky few will even say they got to go to Istanbul and witness one of the greatest European Cup finals of all time for themselves.

My answer is slightly different. Despite being a Liverpool fanatic, I could not watch the match when I was back in Year Seven at Wood Green School. I was not allowed to. Why? Because the teacher said so.

On a history residential to Bath, Mr. Cooper thought it too important to go and do “evening activities” instead of letting us gather round the old television set in the youth hostel to enjoy one of the most dramatic sporting occasions that the world has ever seen.

I argued passionately with nearly all the other students on the trip that we should be able to watch the game, stressing that my beloved Liverpool were unlikely to feature in a match of this magnitude for quite some time, that being able to watch the game meant everything to me.

We shouldn’t have had to fight so vehemently. If Mr. Cooper had had any idea of what we were going on about, if he had just watched one news programme during the previous few days, then he surely would have known the importance of the event taking place that evening. It was a European final but a worldwide spectacle.

We may have been in Year Seven but we knew what was going on, we knew what a massive occasion the final was. Even the non-football devotees wanted to watch it. Even the other teachers wanted to watch it. The whole year was chanting “LIVERPOOL LIVERPOOL LIVERPOOL!” at the top of their voices but Mr. Cooper wasn’t listening.

He should have been. Mr. Cooper may have been a history teacher but on that night he missed the whole historical point. It was four-time European Cup winners Liverpool against six-time winners AC Milan. A contest steeped in tradition was ignored by a historian. Criminal.

Instead, we all had to trot off glumly to a local playing field where we kicked a football about and had a few games of rounders. A teacher less senior than Mr. Cooper kept us informed of the latest happenings from Istanbul via texts from her husband at home, but it was not the same. Not by a mile.

We were not living every moment of the final like we should have been, not watching great players score magnificent goals like Hernan Crespo and Vladimir Smicir did. But most importantly, we were not able to view Liverpool’s extraordinary showing of courage, determination and belief.

Pity, a lot of the students on the trip could have learnt a good lesson from Liverpool that night. Particularly from Steven Gerrard, who inspired his comrades to a battling victory that had appeared impossible.

3-0 down to a rampant Milan at half-time, there seemed no way back for Liverpool. Chastened by the sensational talents of Kaka, Pirlo and Crespo, Liverpool’s dressing room must have resembled a funeral at the break. All dejection and heartbreak.

But somehow belief rose through. Liverpool’s fans were magnificent, chanting ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ like never before. Pride in the red shirt took over the negative thoughts and Liverpool turned the tables extraordinarily in the second half to square things up at 3-3, before triumphing dramtically on penalties. Liverpool showed that passion-players can overcome skilful souls. But only if you believe. Only if you give 100%.

As Steven Gerrard roared his team on, as Jamie Carragher stretched every cramping muscle to clear balls, we were mucking about on a playing field. The young sportsman in our year were not watching what would have been a perfect example of why you should never give up, of why players should never throw in the towel and resort to dirty tactics like is so often the case. Liverpool’s win was an education in belief and courage. Mr. Cooper seemed to forget his academic principles that night.

Those students who were in Year Seven in 2005 will never forget that night and will never forget Mr. Cooper. A European Cup final brimming with drama showed off virtues that could not be presented so strongly anywhere else. For all the DVD’s of Liverpool’s momentous win, nothing could have replicated experiencing one of the greatest football matches of all time live.

Fabio Capello Can Learn from Stuart Pearce On Practicing Penalties

Sam Dalton — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:45:57 -0400

England’s Under-21s eclipsed their seniors last night by achieving the miraculous, by pulling off the unheard of, by winning a penalty shoot-out in a major tournament.

Stuart Pearce has had his young charges practising spot-kicks ever since the U21s were knocked out on penalties by Holland in the last U21 Euro Championships two years ago. Fabio Capello take note: Practice does indeed make perfect, James Milner’s slip aside.

England’s U21’s were so well-rehearsed for last night’s semi-final shoot-out against Sweden that even goalkeeper Joe Hart stepped up to take a spot-kick. And score emphatically.

Even after Milner slipped and skewed the opening penalty horribly high and wide, England kept their nerve to score their remaining six spot-kicks and book a place in Monday’s final with Germany. More penalties anyone? Don’t bet against it.

Stuart Pearce has carefully analysed his players taking spot-kicks during U21 duty for two years and has compiled a list of his players from 1-23 in terms of their penalty-taking ability. Pearce knows whose kicks nestle in the net and whose fly sky-high.

Without this knowledge, nobody would have known Joe Hart’s ability to smash penalties into the roof of the net, as he did against Sweden. Without the practice he would probably have never even taken one in training.

It is not known for sure how much the seniors practice penalties on the occasions when they meet-up, but surely Fabio Capello can implement a similar strategy to Pearce to discover who really are England’s best penalty-takers. England’s Italian headmaster has been handed a lesson instead of giving one.

Given that Pearce is an important member of Capello’s backroom staff, arranging regular spot-kick rehearsal should not be too difficult.

History dictates that England will face a shoot-out at some point during next summer’s World Cup, so preparation is vital.

Managers often say that you can never recreate the pressure of a match situation in a training session, but constantly practising behind the scenes means players will be more confident when the spotlight really shines on a big occasion.

They know where their kick will go, they have seen it so many times. Looking at England’s penalty shoot-out record, a lack of improvement will spell an early exit from South Africa 2010. Simple.

Pearce’s U21 strategy is simple as well: get your players practising penalties and watch to see who is consistently successful and who consistently blazes over the bar. If Capello was watching the U21’s triumph on spot-kicks over Sweden last night, he must surely have noted that practice makes perfect.

Bad World Cup Match Schedule for English Fans

Sam Dalton — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:51:11 -0400

With the Confederations Cup currently being staged in South Africa and the national team performing so well under Fabio Capello, it has been easy over the past week for the eyes of English football fans to be drawn towards next summer’s World Cup.

While it is still unclear exactly which countries will be present in South Africa, what is already known is the match schedule for next June’s extravaganza. The teams playing in each match will only be discovered when the draw for the tournament is made on December 4th, but the dates and times have already been established.

The World kicks-off on Friday June 11th, with the group stage lasting until Friday June 25th. The first knock-out round, in which 16 nations will still be involved, starts a day later on Saturday June 26th and lasts until Tuesday June 29th. The quarter-finals are then on Friday July 2nd and Saturday July 3rd, and the semi-finals on Tuesday July 6th and Wednesday July 7th. The World Cup final, arguably the greatest sporting event in the world, will be on Sunday July 11th.

The times during the day at which these matches will be played are also known, and this is where English football fanatics may start to cringe. The group stage matches will be played at 12.30pm, 3.00pm, and 7.30pm (UK time); meaning only the evening match will be at a time convenient for fans to watch due to work commitments during the day. School kids will also be angry.

Half of the first knockout round matches and quarter-final matches will also be played at 3.00pm UK time, meaning heavyweight clashes between major nations may have to be missed by many. Of course, when England matches are played, no football fan will be working. The nation will sit transfixed no matter what time the game is on.

The World Cup in Germany three years ago was much friendlier to English supporters, and all European supporters as well, as the games kicked-off at 2.00pm, 5.00pm, and 8.00pm. Why there has been a need to change I do not know, especially as South Africa’s time-zone is very similar to Germany’s.

Of course, different countries will suffer these time problems during different World Cups depending on where in the world it is being staged. But considering South Africa’s time-zone is only one hour ahead of England’s in the summer, I think English football fans (and indeed all European fans) have a right to feel a little aggrieved at the match schedule.

Why has it changed from Germany 2006?

Fernando Torres' Hamstrings Dictate that Liverpool Need Another Striker

Sam Dalton — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:19:58 -0400

After injuring them on four separate occasions last season and only starting 20 Premier League games for Liverpool as a result, there is no getting away from the fact that Fernando Torres’ hamstrings are delicate.

Once a muscle has been damaged that many times it becomes much weaker and easily susceptible to further injury woe. And if Liverpool and Spain do not take utmost care with Torres next season, the woe will be theirs as well.

Spain clearly did not protect the Spaniard enough last campaign, as the majority of his hamstring injuries occurred during the minority of the time when he was away on international duty. Liverpool, however, were the prime sufferers.

Torres is the focal point to Liverpool’s attack, leading the line and using his quick change of pace to get in behind opposition defences and cause havoc, but when on the sidelines Benitez has nobody who can replicate any of those qualities to good effect. Torres has already become an Anfield hero for the mountain of goals he has netted in his short time at the club, and when he is on the pitch Liverpool’s offensive threat intensifies dramatically.

The Spaniard’s hamstrings meant he only appeared on the pitch for half of Liverpool’s league games last season though, diminishing Liverpool’s offensive threat significantly. Steven Gerrard may have been lifting the Premier League trophy last May if Torres had started more games. His presence guarantees goals.

Liverpool can blame bad luck all they like for Torres’ injuries, but they should be looking at themselves also for not having a backup striker ready to come in and score goals.

With Peter Crouch sold to Portsmouth, and Robbie Keane returning to Spurs in the second-half of last season, Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel, and David N’Gog were the only personnel who could attempt to fill-in Torres’ boots when the Spaniard was on the sidelines. The two Dutchman look more accomplished on the wings and N’Gog is clearly not good enough yet so trouble spelled.

Liverpool must be ready when Torres pulls up this time around—there must be someone ready to come in and do a good job, meaning a new striker must be purchased this summer. The new frontman doesn’t have to be a big-money signing, just someone who knows the Premier League and who can put the ball in the net as well as holding it up for Gerrard and co to join attacks.

Torres has been fantastic at Liverpool but even he has bad games sometimes, so the new striker would be someone who could provide a Plan B as well, someone who could influence a game coming off the bench as a substitute.

It really depends on how much money Liverpool have to spend that will dictate how good the signing can be. With Glen Johnson set to arrive at Anfield in the next week or so for around £17m (though it appears Portsmouth still owe Liverpool money for Peter Crouch, so Liverpool should only lose £7-£8m) it seems that Benitez may have to sell before he buys further.

Someone like John Carew or Emile Heskey could be a possibility; physical forwards who can strike and head a ball adeptly, as well as being very good at bringing others into play. This signing doesn’t have to be long-term if the price is not too high, so either of the Aston Villa strikers could make a good acquisition.

Whoever comes to Anfield this summer, one of the signings needs to be a proven striker who will not take time to settle into Premier League life. Torres is likely to get inured at some point during next season and when he does there needs to be an accomplished forward who can fit straight into on Benitez’s system and play up front his own, offering goals as well as hold-up play.

Why Glen Johnson Is Not the Answer for Cash-Strapped Liverpool

Sam Dalton — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:04:55 -0400

If reports are to be believed, and Liverpool really do have to sell before they buy this summer, then the likelihood is that Rafa Benitez will only be able to afford to bring in one or two signings before the domestic season kicks off again in mid-August.

This means there is no time for messing around in the transfer market, no time for bringing in players for the future or players that will sit on the bench as cover for the stars out on the pitch. It would be a waste of time and money for Liverpool to bring in a squad player.

Once the players Benitez deems to be sellable have been bought by other clubs and money is on the table, there will only be enough for maybe one big signing, possibly two if Benitez is lucky. Liverpool’s manager will therefore have been repeatedly asking himself the same question over the last few weeks: Which positions need strengthening most?

Last season’s Premier League table shows that Liverpool scored more goals than any other team, but conceded more than both Manchester United and Chelsea. They say the table never lies but in this case it clearly does.

Nobody doubts the capabilities of Liverpool’s defence, marshaled by the consistently excellent Jamie Carragher and protected by the hustling and hassling Javier Mascherano, who never stops running.

The backline wobbled at times during the Champions League clash with Chelsea and the thrilling 4-4 home draw with Arsenal, but Benitez’s defenders had proved themselves previously.

Liverpool do not need a new signing in this area. Liverpool do not need Glen Johnson, the forward-flying Portsmouth right-back who established himself in the England side last season.

Of course Liverpool would benefit immensely from Johnson’s services, from his assured defending and his whipped crosses from the wing, but Alvaro Arbeloa is not so bad that Liverpool need to spend £18m replacing him.

Liverpool’s strikeforce does require a big money signing to bolster it though. Liverpool may have scored the most goals in English football’s top flight last season but many of those came during big victories such as the 5-1 hammering of Newcastle and the 5-0 destroying of Aston Villa.

Once Liverpool are in front they rarely fail to win, often embarking on rampaging routs. That’s largely why the goals tally is so big.

The problem that often arises, however, is getting in front in the first place. Stoke, Hull, Fulham, Man City and West Ham all came to Anfield last season and frustrated Liverpool, getting men behind the ball and, bar Hull, making defending their priority, all managing to secure draws.

Liverpool seriously struggled against resilient teams like that and that ultimately cost them the title.

That is why if Liverpool only have enough money for one big signing this summer, it must be spent on an attacking player, someone who has the ability to unlock the opposition defence with a piece of magic when the going gets tough. That is why it must not be Glen Johnson who all the cash is blown on. The need is greater up front.

Liverpool have Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and, on his good days, Yossi Benayoun who can produce a piece of brilliance on the edge of the box, but Manchester United have more. Ferguson can rely upon Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Dimitar Berbatov, Ryan Giggs and even still Paul Scholes for a stroke of genius.

That gap in match-winners needs to be bridged. The small sum of money Benitez has cannot be blown on right-back when the need for improvement is so much greater further upfield.

£18m for Glen Johnson when there is lots of cash available? Yes, a good buy. But in Liverpool’s current financial situation? It would be mad.

What England Needs to Win the World Cup

Sam Dalton — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:36:10 -0400

England's footballers are currently playing with more confidence and less fear than they have in a long time, but the chief instigator of the new found belief, Fabio Capello, still has some pressing concerns ahead of next summer's World Cup regarding technical aspects of his team's game. From bedding in a new goalkeeper to working on the delivery from out wide, here is a list of what needs to happen over the next 365 days for England to win the World Cup.

Begin Slideshow

Disappionting Walcott and Young Provide Food for Thought for Capello

Sam Dalton — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:44:25 -0400

For all the flashes of brilliance from Wayne Rooney and Hollywood passes from David Beckham in this ever more impressive qualifying campaign for England, it must be remembered that the team is still very much a work in progress. It will still take big improvements for the World Cup to be won next June.

Even amongst all the flowing football that England paraded against the part-timers of Andorra last night, there were still clear signs that there are certain areas Fabio Capello will need to work on with his charges before South Africa comes into view.

The most pressing concern presented was that of the lack of quality on the flanks.

Theo Walcott and Ashley Young tore past their opposition full-backs time after time, but their final delivery was too often too poor. Peter Crouch didn’t make much of an impact until his late scrambled goal, but he would be justified to point out he didn’t receive a great deal of quality service from out wide.

These problems are not new for Walcott and Young, as the pair of flying wingers have been criticised for similar faults at Arsenal and Aston Villa, respectively.

But last night showed an alarming consistency of crosses that were simply not good enough. Even the mechanics and tourism-industry workers of Andorra could head them clear with ease.

If improvements are not made in future matches, then the likes of Aaron Lennon may need to be considered. Joe Cole will recover from injury next season and his raw ability means he too could earn a starting place.

Andorra were such poor opposition with so few talented resources that not a great deal else was learnt from the England’s 6-0 hammering of them, but previous fixtures have shown other areas of concern in the side.

David James has been making more mistakes in the last year, meaning doubts have crept in as to how secure England’s rear-guard would be against the world’s top nations with the Portsmouth stopper between the sticks. Ben Foster or Rob Green might need to be bedded in next season.

Before last night, the right-back position had also seemed an area of worry, with Glen Johnson struggling against Kazakhstan on Saturday. Johnson excelled against Andorra though, raiding forward to great effect and assisting four goals in the process, as well as picking up the Nationwide man of the match award.

If he and Walcott can both improve their consistency, then the right-hand side will look promisingly menacing from England’s point of view.

The left will look just as good if Ashley Cole keeps up his sensational form and Steven Gerrard continues to cut inside effectively, picking up dangerous positions on the edge of the box.

If the Liverpool skipper struggles in this position, then Capello could contemplate switching the formation from 4-4-2 to 4-1-4-1, with Rooney instead drifting in from the left as he does for Manchester United.

Emile Heskey would lead the line, with Walcott, Lennon, or Cole on the right, Lampard and Gerrard in attacking central positions, and Gareth Barry as a holding midfielder. Owen Hargreaves could perhaps be more suited to this position if he recovers from knee problems before next June.

And if David Beckham keeps spraying long balls about so perfectly as he did at Wembley last night, then Capello could perhaps consider him for a prominent role. Frank Lampard, watch out.

England are clearly flying under Capello’s wing at the moment, but nobody is getting carried away yet. Nobody is saying this team will win the World Cup.

England fans have learnt from the past. There are still many areas which need shoring up for John Terry to even think about lifting the famous trophy in South Africa next summer.

Let’s hope Professor Capello can drill the needed improvements into his charges in the next 365 days.

Roberto Martinez Can Transform Wigan into a Beautiful Bulldozer

Sam Dalton — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:40:29 -0400

Roberto Martinez may never return to Swansea, yet he will always be a swan.

A figure of complete poise and grace, the Spaniard’s elegant style will never leave him. The passion to play beautiful football will never stop coursing through his veins. His footballing philosophies will still read the same whether in Wales or Wigan: pass and move, play through midfield, and put on a show.

That’s why Swansea fans currently feel so distraught at having to wave him goodbye and why Wigan fans are so ecstatic that they can embrace him. They never thought seeing Steve Bruce leave would be so good, but Martinez has the capabilities to surpass Bruce’s achievements at the club. He can add style and aesthetics to the solid work ethic and organisation that Bruce has implemented.

Martinez can continue to preach the ugly side of the game to his new charges, but also advocate more flair so defences can be unlocked easier. Wigan can become a beautiful bulldozer.

Wigan’s huge gain means a loss of massive magnitude for Swansea, a club transformed by Martinez. The entertainment has been so good at the Liberty Stadium under Martinez’s stewardship and the results so successful that the divorce between Swansea and Martinez will take a long time to get over for fans of the club, probably all summer.

According to Swansea die-hards, losing the charismatic but cool Spaniard is like “being hit in the face by a heavyweight boxer," like “being kicked in the gonads not once but twice.”

It’s easy to see why. Since taking the wheel at Swansea, Martinez has driven the club to new heights, achieving promotion to the Championship in his first season and rebranding the style of play.

Nobody in League One could get close to them in that first campaign. Nobody could live with the speed of movement and play. Teams in English football’s second tier have not faired hugely better, with Swansea finishing just outside the playoff places with largely the same squad that played in League One.

Some of the fans’ frustration at Martinez leaving has boiled over into a storm of fury, with some supporters feeling angry that Martinez has been disloyal and unfaithful. The love affair between Swansea and Martinez ran so deep that one fan says Martinez walking out feels like “my missus has cheated on me.”

Accusations labelling Martinez as a “traitor” must be put on hold though. The opportunity to manage a Premier League team is too good to turn down after years of playing and managing in English football’s lower reaches at grounds like the Banks Stadium for Walsall and the Deva Stadium for Chester. It is time Martinez was given an opportunity at Old Trafford and Anfield.

Martinez will no doubt exert his graceful approach onto Wigan’s players. But it is just as certain that there will be many tricky obstacles that the Spaniard will encounter on his path to Premier League success.

If star player Antonio Valencia leaves this summer as expected, who will Martinez bring in to replace him? Martinez has a broad scouting network across Europe, so finding a suitable signing should not prove too difficult.

Another transfer Martinez may wish to carry out is that of his award-winning Swansea groundsman, who produced a pitch for him that Swansea could easily play their passing football on. The JJB is unlikely to have such a smooth surface if past seasons are anything to go by, when rugby league matches have made it more like a muddy farm than a football pitch.

Many observers will also point out that Martinez’s graceful approach will not work in the Premier League, that the Stokes and Boltons will find his pretty style of play out. But it must be remembered: The Championship is just as physical as its big brother, if not more so, and Martinez coped fine in that league. Wigan’s players will surely retain much of the grit that Steve Bruce cemented as well.

Whoever comes in and out of the JJB this summer, Wigan fans can be confident they are in for a fun and entertaining ride with Martinez at the helm.

Swansea fans, on the other hand, must remember that Martinez is only leaving for professional reasons, not because his heart is no longer at the Liberty Stadium. The love affair will continue.

Martinez will always be a swan, but now is the time for him to glide into the JJB and transform Wigan into a beautiful bulldozer, destroying defences with grace and guile, not grit.

Liverpool's Spirit Shines Through In Chelsea Epic

Sam Dalton — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:46:46 -0400

When the dust has settled on this extraordinary Champions League tie, and when Liverpool fans overcome the despairs of seeing their side gift Chelsea goals, Reds fans must celebrate how valiantly their side fought in the second leg to push Chelsea all the way. The fact that they came so close to achieving one of the most remarkable comebacks of all time, on not one but two occasions, should be what supporters remember most, and not the mistakes that led to Chelsea’s resurgence at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool showed why they are feared so much in Europe with a display brimming with determination and passion for the red shirt. On another night they would have been the ones preparing to book flights to Spain for a mouth-watering semi-final with Barcelona.

If Jose Reina hadn’t spilled Didier Drogba’s flick into his own net shortly after half-time, swinging the momentum into Chelsea’s favour in the process, then it might have been Liverpool fans jumping up and down at the final whistle.

Instead it is Chelsea who continue marching along the road to Rome, and they must be credited for the way they responded to Liverpool’s first-half dominance, in which Fabio Aurelio’s ingenious free-kick and Xabi Alonso’s calm penalty had given Liverpool an extraordinary 2-0 lead on the night. Chelsea were stunned at the break.

Liverpool’s astonishing resilience continued into the second-half, even after Chelsea had taken a 3-2 lead through Reina’s catastrophic own goal, Alex’s free-kick thunderbolt and Lampard’s calm side-foot. When Lucas’ deflected shot from the edge of the box flew in with ten minutes remaining, and then Riera’s whipped cross was headed in by Kuyt from point-blank range moments later, Liverpool fans sensed a repeat of Istanbul.

The climax was unbelievable. After so many dull stalemates between these sides, a true epic unfolded.

There was still more drama. Liverpool’s hopes were crushed for one final time when Lampard scored again with minutes remaining. Their efforts will not be forgotten for a long time though.

The spirit that they showed throughout the ninety minutes was indescribable, and they could have even grabbed another goal in the last minute when N’Gog’s prodded shot was headed off the line by Essien.

All Liverpool’s hard work was ultimately undone by silly mistakes around their own penalty area though. In the first leg, Ivanovic was twice allowed to power home free-headers from inside the six-yard box.

Then in the second-leg Reina’s untimely fumble proved to be the turning point. A sloppy pass was intercepted for Chelsea’s last goal as well.

After awarding a penalty to Liverpool in the first-half, the referee was rather generous to Chelsea for the remainder of the game. He was not helped by Drogba’s all-night acting show, the Ivorian always making the most of minimal contact and faking injuries on numerous occasions. Drogba’s diving was so good that Tom Daly should probably give him a call and talk to him about being his partner at the 2012 Olympics.

Mistakes and Drogba’s diving are not what should be remembered from an epic night of top-class football though. Instead it should be the never-say-die attitude that defined Liverpool’s unbelievable performance at Stamford Bridge.

A special club will show its true colours once more tomorrow afternoon when it mourns the 96 who lost their lives twenty years ago. Liverpool’s four goals will be devoted to them.

Manchester United Could Be in for a Rough Ride at Fulham

Sam Dalton — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:25:06 -0500

Despite their current supremacy, their abundance of exquisite footballers, and their unwavering determination to succeed on all fronts, Manchester United may find an FA Cup sixth-round trip to Craven Cottage a difficult challenge to overcome this evening.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s thoroughbreds continue to vanquish their opposition week after week, playing with swagger and style as well as with grit and strength of mind, but rarely does a team visit Fulham and find it easy. Just ask Arsenal and Chelsea, two teams who have both suffered as a result of magnificent home performances from Roy Hodgson’s men this season.

Even the very best succumb to defeat at some point, and Fulham could be the team that end United’s remarkable run of fantastic results. The last time the Old Trafford club lost was back in November against Arsenal at The Emirates, and until their 2-1 win over Blackburn two weeks ago, that match was also the last league fixture in which they conceded a goal.

Combined with their consistent ability to score goals from out of nowhere, that is why Manchester United are currently champions of England, Europe, and the World.

Statistics favour Fulham as well though, and that is why they will believe that they can knock United out of the Cup this evening. They have won eight of their 13 games at home in the league this season, a record only bettered by the two Manchester clubs. Their goals tally at Craven Cottage can only be beaten by the top three and Man City. Fulham do not concede many at home either–just 10 in those 13 league games–and once again only the top three can better that record along with, remarkably, Tottenham.

For a team just poking their head into the top half of the table, Fulham’s home record is extraordinary, and they will be hoping their Cottage confidence will help them pull off a famous victory tomorrow evening.

Another factor that could work in Fulham’s favour is that Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to rest many of his stars with Wednesday’s Champions League second leg with Inter Milan in mind. The likes of Berbatov, Rooney, Ronaldo, Ferdinand, and Carrick may not feature, handing Fulham’s less celebrated individuals a greater chance to shine. Brede Hangeland, Danny Murphy, and Andy Johnson will relish the spotlight.

Manchester United are no doubt favourites for tomorrow’s FA Cup showdown at Craven Cottage and rightly so, such is their imperious form of late. But do not bank against Fulham causing an upset on home turf this evening–they are not bad at the Cottage you know.

Tottenham Face 16 Days of Destiny

Sam Dalton — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:36:55 -0500

In 16 days' time, Harry Redknapp could be sitting down in his Tottenham office feeling like he is on top of the world, raising a glass of vintage to commemorate more fine footballing achievements.

Then again, it is just as conceivable that, while sitting in that same chair, he will be mulling over where it all went wrong for his team and possibly lamenting dodgy refereeing decisions or mistakes from his Spurs thoroughbreds.

Redkanpp’s Tottenham Hotspur side face five games in the next two weeks that will shape their season. Come out on top and there may well be another open-top bus parade filled with joyous celebration, but finish second best and the tears will turn to those of despair.

The entire campaign’s success rests heavily on the five results that Tottenham obtain in the next 16 days.

That is why the next five are the big five for Tottenham. They play in the Carling Cup final against Manchester United, they take on Shakhtar Donetsk in the second-leg of their UEFA Cup last-32 tie, and they face three vital Premier League games against fellow relegation candidates. Every game is a cup final, not just the trip to Wembley on Mar. 1.

“Six games in 17 days and all big games,” Redknapp said yesterday, which included last night’s UEFA Cup first-leg defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk.

Redknapp knows that in the coming weeks, challenges will be abound for his Tottenham side, but he is also just as aware that if his players pass the many tests they'll face, then they can become heroes once more, just as they did when they triumphed over Chelsea in last season’s Carling Cup Final.

There is more on offer for Tottenham this time around as well, because there is also the chance of reaching the last 16 of the UEFA Cup, where they would face a mouth-watering tie against fellow Premier League side Aston Villa if the Midlands side also manage to get through.

And three enormous Premier League games also lie in wait for Redknapp and his men, against Hull City, Middlesbrough, and Sunderland. The fear of relegation could be eased significantly with three big results.

This really is a make-or-break stage of the season for Tottenham. In 16 days' time, will it be joy or despair for Harry Redknapp? Will it be tears of happiness or tears of sadness for Spurs’ loyal supporters?

We will see.

Martin O'Neill Is Right to Fume Over Emile Heskey's England Start

Sam Dalton — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:16:15 -0500

For any club manager with international stars in his team, it can be deeply frustrating to see such important players go off, play for their countries, and return wounded soldiers a few days later, unable to take part in the club’s next few matches because they are so battered and bruised.

So it is unsurprising that Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill is upset about Emile Heskey’s inclusion in England’s starting lineup against Spain on Wednesday night, with the forward having returned back to the club with a sore Achilles injury.

There is always a risk of players picking up injuries while they are away on international duty, and that is something club managers have to accept, but in Emile Heskey’s case the situation was different.

Heskey was already injured when he joined up with the England squad, already carrying that Achilles injury from a trip to Blackburn last Saturday. England’s medical staff somehow declared Heskey fit to play, though, allowing him to damage his Achilles further and limp off only minutes after half-time.

Even if Heskey’s injury seemed to be healing before he started for England, it is surely not right to risk a player in a meaningless friendly. Fair enough, O’Neill said, if it was in a vital World Cup qualifier, but definitely not in a friendly.

O’Neill will now seek to talk to England manager Fabio Capello about why Heskey was passed fit by medical staff, and why such a risk was taken in a match so insignificant. Capello must always put England first in crucial qualifiers, but it is wrong for him to ruin the plans of club managers by unnecessarily playing unfit players in friendlies.

O’Neill is right to be angry with England. "I have spoken to the England doctor and voiced some concerns and I will speak to the manager," said the Aston Villa manager.
"Knowing Emile, he would have wanted to have gone down there and played in a bit of discomfort but I was surprised he played considering he wouldn't have been fully fit.

"If you are fully fit to play, I don't have a problem and you take your chance. If you have been suffering from something a couple of days before, then I think a bit of care should be taken.

"Emile has come back, he didn't train on Friday, the Achilles is particularly sore at this minute. If the game was this minute, he couldn't play.

"It was a friendly international at the end of it all. I can understand it if it was a qualifying game because they are very important to the well-being of the country."

A trip to European champions Spain was always going to be a game to look forward to, but it was still nowhere near as important as the next qualifier will be against Ukraine at Wembley next month. So it is really quite confusing as to why Capello felt so compelled, or capelled, to start with the walking wounded striker from Villa.

It was wrong for Capello to start Heskey, and Martin O’Neill is right to let the England boss know how he feels.

Arsene Wenger Slams Emmanuel Eboue for Red Card at Tottenham

Sam Dalton — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:39:52 -0500

Arsene Wenger is usually very protective of his players, but on Friday afternoon the Arsenal manager just couldn’t resist letting out his frustration toward his right-back Emmanuel Eboue for getting sent off in the North London derby last Sunday.

Eboue was dismissed for two yellow cards in the first half by referee Mike Dean at White Hart Lane, the second of which was for kicking Tottenham’s midfielder Luka Modric in an off-the-ball incident.

Wenger says Eboue needs to learn to control himself in future and not let the team down by picking up needless cards.

"He didn't sense how far you can go," Wenger said. "When he got the first card it was unfortunate, but the second one, you cannot complain about that."

"During the game he had problems in dealing with his frustrations," Wenger added. "We want to play a part in helping him to deal with that. The other players want to help their partners to deal with frustrations, but you are also responsible for the way in which you deal with it."

Eboue will now miss Monday night’s FA Cup fourth-round replay against Cardiff at the Emirates, and after previously being booed by Arsenal fans this season in the home game with Wigan, it might be wise for him to stay out of trouble for a while and not get himself sent off again too soon.

Manchester United's Defeat of West Ham Shows Their Extra Class

Sam Dalton — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:31:54 -0500

Manchester United’s performance against West Ham on Sunday was not vintage, but Ryan Giggs’ winner certainly was.

The football from the champions was nowhere near their free-flowing best, but they still possessed the necessary quality to win the match.That is why they are such strong favourites for a third consecutive Premier League title.

Even as West Ham closed United down tirelessly and pressed the likes of Ronaldo and Berbatov into mistakes, there was still a spark of genius among the struggling crew of Red Devils. With the match drifting towards a stalemate, Giggs picked the ball up on the left-wing before cutting inside past two defenders and unleashing a low drive into the bottom corner.

Giggs’ piece of expert skill highlighted United’s supreme strength in depth. The Welshman is not one of United’s consistent starters anymore, yet he is still one of the players that they can rely on to grab a goal when they most need one. With West Ham looking like they would hold out for a draw, Giggs was still someone who could produce something special and snatch the game from Gianfranco Zola’s grasp.

Giggs’ goal showed just what a professional he is to still be playing so well after so long, but it also showed just what a good team Manchester United are. No matter how much they are struggling in a game to break down the opposition, there is always a big chance that one of their stars will produce something out of the ordinary to turn the match in their favour. Whether it be a long-range beauty, a jinking dribble or a perfect pass, it is always in United’s capabilities to surprise.

What makes United so strong is that they have so many individuals who can produce that moment of brilliance, whether it be Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez, Berbatov, Scholes, Carrick or, as on Sunday, Giggs. One of them will always stand up and produce something special. That is why they just keep on winning and that is why the title will surely be theirs come May.

Liverpool seem to be United’s only challengers in the Premier League title race now, after Chelsea’s recent slide, and they simply do not possess the same attacking flair as United. Without Gerrard and Torres, they lack any sort of attacking wizardry, whereas United have magic in abundance.

The lower teams are competing to a very high level against the big boys in this season’s Premier League, so with so many games being closer than they might have been in previous years, the need for match-winners is greater than ever. So it is logical that United should win more games than Liverpool because they simply possess more match-winners. Sunday’s Upton Park fixture was a perfect example

No one can doubt how good a side Liverpool are when their best players are fit and on form, because Benitez sets the team up in such a specific system that makes them extremely hard to break down and always gives them a good chance of nicking a goal. The thing is, that chance of nicking a goal is never as high as United’s.

Fergie’s thoroughbreds play much more attacking football, because they know that an unbreachable defence lies behind them when they push forward in search of goals. And because they surge up-field in such numbers, with such great talents with the ball at their feet, they are always likely to score a goal. And with a rock solid backline, one goal is often enough.

Yes, they have spent a lot more money than Liverpool, but Fergie and co. will not care when they lift the Premier League trophy in May once more. They surely have too many special talents in the attacking areas not to win a third title on the trot. Because as Giggs showed against West Ham, United always have someone who will stand up and do something special.

Sky Sports Mock ITV Over Missed Goal Blunder

Sam Dalton — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 12:03:04 -0500

During Saturday morning’s Soccer AM programme on Sky Sports, the programme mocked ITV’s midweek blunder of showing adverts instead of Everton’s winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup.

Just as studio guest John Barnes was about to show everyone how good he was at baton twirling, the picture cut to Soccer Am’s intro titles, then a sign came up on the screen saying, “we apologise for the temporary loss of pictures.”

The picture returned to normal just as John Barnes had finished his baton twirling. He was standing up with his arms aloft as all the audience jumped up and down around him, went mad, and hugged each other in celebration of his supposed amazing baton twirling.

“That must be one of the greatest Soccer Am moments ever!” said Helen Chamberlain, the Soccer Am presenter. Everyone in the studio, from the audience to the presenters, was wearing a beaming smile and looking stunned, as if they had never seen anything so amazing in their lives.

The programme then went for a real advert break before returning to the "controller of Sky," or so Soccer AM told us, who apologised sincerely for the missed baton twirling segment.

Of course, there had never been any baton twirling from John Barnes, the intro-titles were set up, the wild celebrations pre-planned, and the apology from the "controller of Sky" had been pre-recorded hours before the show went live. Nevertheless, the mock was fantastic from Soccer AM.

From the mis-timed advert break, to the picture returning to normal just as everyone was celebrating a great bit of skill, Soccer AM’s mock of ITV was great entertainment.

A World Cup in England: Which Stadiums Would Be Used?

Sam Dalton — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:47:50 -0500

With England bidding to host the World Cup in 2018, thoughts need to turn to which stadiums in the country would be used to stage matches during the tournament.

FIFA say that the host country must select between nine and 12 stadiums to use during the World Cup when they host it, and there can only be one city which supplies two stadiums.

So, if plans to build new stadiums go ahead as expected at Liverpool and Portsmouth, here are the 12 stadiums that could be used if England won the right to host the 2018 World Cup, in order of capacity:

- Wembley, London (90,000)
- Old Trafford, Manchester (76,212)
- Emirates Stadium, London (60, 355)
- New Liverpool Stadium, Liverpool (60,000-80,000)
- St James’ Park, Newcastle (52, 387)
- Stadium of Light, Sunderland (49,000)
- New Portsmouth Stadium, Portsmouth (probably 45,000)
- Villa Park, Birmingham (42, 573)
- Elland Road, Leeds (40, 242)
- Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough (35, 100)
- Pride Park, Derby (33, 597)
- St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton (32, 689)

It makes me excited just scanning through the list of English grounds which could be staging World Cup matches in under ten years time.

It is unfortunate that Upton Park, The City of Manchester Stadium, Stamford Bridge, Goodison Park and Tottenham’s new ground cannot be used because of FIFA’s rules, but it does mean the stadiums will be spread out across the country. From Portsmouth to Newcastle, a World Cup in England would be a truly spectacular affair, full of passion and colour.

Wembley would definitely host the final, so maybe Old Trafford and Liverpool’s new stadium could be used for the semi-finals?

Whichever stadiums are used, England will stage an unforgettable World Cup if they are given the chance to by FIFA.

Why It's Time for the World Cup To Come Home Again

Sam Dalton — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:48:20 -0500

FIFA have a massive decision to make in December 2010: who will host the 2018 World Cup?

There are many strong contenders to stage the tournament, from Australia to Russia, but there should really only be one country in FIFA’s minds. As well as looking at transport links and stadia, the 24-man executive committee who will choose the hosts should consider history and tradition.

They can inspect the financial stability of a nation all they like, and closely examine how easy it will be for teams to travel to and from their match destinations, but when FIFA discover that these factors are pretty much equal in the countries leading the race, the deciding vote must be given based on the answers to a few questions:

1) Which countries have hosted the World Cup before, and how recently did they do so?

2) How popular is football in each country? And so which country would put on the biggest show?

The final question that the committee should ask themselves is that of: Which country actually invented football? England is the answer of course, and the question then is: Has 52 years been too long to have not had a World Cup hosted by the country that actually came up with the idea of the damn game?

FIFA would not even be welcoming bids for the 2018 World Cup if English citizens hadn’t thought up the idea of kicking a ball between two posts over 100 years ago. Surely, after the soccer world-tour has found itself at places from Japan to Mexico, it is time for football to return back to its home, back to its roots.

And after the greatest show on Earth has visited South Africa in 2010 and Brazil in 2014, having the World Cup hosted by a time-zone friendly nation like England would be something FIFA would welcome as well. Europe would not have to get up during the night to witness the matches, nor would a lot of Africa.

Those reasons are not the most important though. As well as the country’s footballing history and tradition, England would offer truly electric atmospheres at world-class stadiums. Wembley would be buzzing, Old Trafford bustling and St James' Park vibrant. England’s own football fanatics would unite with the world’s colourful and passionate supporters to create an unforgettable backdrop to the magical football on the pitch.

Nobody is doubting the capabilities of other contenders like Australia or Russia though. Both of those nations would certainly put on a spectacle to behold, but is the passion for football really as a great as in England?

Other nations hoping to host the 2018 tournament are Spain and Portugal, who are putting together a joint bid, the USA, who surely couldn’t be considered after hosting the tournament in 1994, and Mexico, who have had the cheek to bid again after already staging two previous World Cups. They cannot be seriously considered either.

Japan and South Korea have both tabled individual bids as well, having jointly hosted the 2002 tournament, and they must surely be out of the running before the voting process has even begun for that very reason.

FIFA appear to be less keen on joint bids this time around, so it also seems unlikely that efforts from Spain and Portugal or The Netherlands and Belgium will succeed.

So there is no doubt that England, Australia and Russia have the best chance of winning the right to host the 2018 World Cup, but if they fail with their bids these countries could be helped by FIFA’s new voting strategy. It will also be decided in December 2010 who will host the 2022 World Cup, and nations that are unsuccessful with their 2018 bids are invited to bid again straight away for 2022.

So there is every chance that two of these three leading contenders for 2018 will get to host a World Cup in the near future, maybe even all three.

But we must hope it doesn’t come to that for England. It will be extremely disappointing if FIFA decide a nation like Russia or Mexico is more worthy of hosting a World Cup than England, the great nation that invented football.

It must be time for football to come home, for Wembley to stage another World Cup Final and for England’s passionate fans to sing their hearts out on home territory. And who knows, it might even be time for the next generation’s version of Bobby Moore to lift the famous trophy itself once more.

Please note: I did not have room on the poll to include Qatar, who are also bidding to host the 2018 World Cup. If you wish to vote for them, please leave a comment underneath. Thanks.

Everton Triumph: Just One of Those Horrible Nights for Liverpool

Sam Dalton — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 10:52:49 -0500

January was a difficult month for Liverpool, from the frustrating draws to the distracting court hearings, and, though February began in encouraging fashion with the defeat of Chelsea, things continue to be miserable for Rafael Benitez and his men. This time fierce rivals Everton inflicted the pain.

Dan Gosling scored the winning goal at Goodison Park last night, but his extra-time strike sparked only one of the four occasions in which the Everton fans celebrated euphorically. When Steven Gerrard limped off, when Lucas was sent off and when Fernando Torres was taken off, the roar from the Goodison faithful was just as loud as when Gosling curled home.

The series of unfortunate events made for a torrid night for Liverpool. There were no bright sparks at all in the attacking areas, no moments of class and nothing that ever suggested that Tim Howard was going to be beaten in the Everton goal. Anfield’s quest for the FA Cup ended rather meekly.

Without Gerrard, who faces three weeks on the sidelines after tearing his hamstring, Liverpool were toothless, offering nothing in attack. Torres was well below his best, and after he seemed to get back into full swing against Chelsea on Sunday, his lack of energy and purpose will have worried Benitez. He will hope that tiredness is the only reason for the Spaniard’s absent application.

In midfield, Xabi Alonso seemed the only one who could pass the ball accurately, with Albert Riera and Yossi Benayoun struggling on the wings. Lucas was his normal self, careless and clumsy in equal measure, before he removed himself from proceedings by getting sent off. His first booking was admittedly very harsh though.

Liverpool were poor, but if there was one player who would not have looked out of place with the man-of-the-match award at the end it would have been Jamie Carragher. He was as rock solid as ever, denying Everton’s attacking threats time and time again with last-minute interceptions and tackles. His centre-back partner Martin Skrtel was excellent as well.

Everton were camped in Liverpool’s half for most of the second half and all of extra-time, but they still struggled to create many clear openings in front of goal. So with such a formidable record in penalty shoot-outs, it was a real sickener for Liverpool to concede only two minutes before the end of extra-time. No-one would have betted against Liverpool marching on to the fifth-round if Gosling hadn’t stuck.

Such a bad performance was never expected for Liverpool after Sunday’s win over title rivals Chelsea, but so much conspired against them last night that Everton were always going to be favourites to snatch a goal. Gerrard injured, Lucas sent off, Torres ambling about. It did not make for pleasant viewing for Liverpool fans, but at least ITV’s horrendous cock-up meant that they did not have to watch Gosling’s winning goal live.

Liverpool can comfort themselves with the thought of still being in with a chance of winning the Premier League and Champions League, but their recent FA Cup record is quite atrocious, and needs amending next season. Since their triumph against West Ham in 2006, they have been knocked out in the third round, then the fifth round, and now the fourth round.

So even with thoughts turning to Real Madrid and the Premier League title race, Liverpool will feel a heavy blow after being dumped out of the FA Cup by their bitter rivals. It was just one of those horrible nights for them.

Disgraceful FIFA Need Rules Shake-Up After Bosingwa Let-Off

Sam Dalton — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:07:49 -0500

When I first saw the news that Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa will not be punished for his blatant stamp on the back of Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun in yesterday’s Premier League clash, my first reaction was one of complete and utter disgust.

How can such a violent act be overlooked when Frank Lampard receives a red card and three-match ban for a clean tackle?

The lack of punishment highlights how outrageous FIFA’s current laws are. Currently, a player cannot receive punishment after a game if the incident in question was seen by one of the match-day officials on the day – which is what happened in Bosingwa's case.

That is completely ludicrous when it allows a player to get away with a disgraceful stamp on the back of another professional, as seen at Anfield yesterday.

I’m sure the FA would like to do something about it, but unfortunately they have no option other than to let Bosingwa off. I’m sure they would like to hand the Chelsea full-back a hefty fine or lengthy ban, but unfortunately they can’t. The FA’s stupid parents at FIFA won’t let them.

You could also blame the linesman closest to the Bowsingwa incident for not alerting the referee of the stamp. It was truly remarkable that he did not even consider the assault a foul, especially given that he was only one yard away from the episode.

In fact, he actually awarded a free-kick against Benayoun for some unknown reason. Even more remarkable.

But the main issue is with FIFA, whose terrible laws do not allow players to be punished after matches for crimes that were seen by the match-day officials. Sepp Blatter and his band of barmy brothers are trying out silly new ideas in youth championships, like experimenting with two extra officials behind each goal, but they are completely overlooking the most important matter of all.

If in this modern world of television replays and slow motion play-backs, footballers are still getting away with assault, then there is something seriously wrong. Why can’t FIFA just change the damn rule?!?

If FIFA think that not undermining the decisions of referees is more important than stamping out, quite literally in the Bosingwa case, violent conduct, then the footballing world must be worried.

Bosingwa's challenge on Benayoun was an absolute disgrace, but so are FIFA for allowing it to go unpunished.

Selling Robbie Keane Could Be a Huge Mistake for Liverpool

Sam Dalton — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:32:01 -0500

Having only scored five goals in the league and two in the Champions League, you might not think that letting Robbie Keane re-sign for Tottenham would be a particularly bad decision for Liverpool.

But the Anfield staff and board should ask themselves this: What happens if Fernando Torres gets injured again? Would Dirk Kuyt or David Ngog really be good enough up front? And if Kuyt was chosen to play in Torres’ position, who would fill his place on the right-hand side of midfield?

Liverpool may be picking up a healthy sum of money for Keane, and letting go a player who has never really hit the heights for them on the pitch, but the fact of the matter is that if Torres picks up another lengthy injury, Liverpool’s season will be over.

If Keane stayed at the club, he would be able to play up-front on his own if that situation came around again. Although playing the lone striker is not the Irishman’s favourite position, he did the job well enough earlier this season when Torres was indeed injured.

Liverpool won against Chelsea away with Keane in that position, and the club’s overall title push did not suffer too much while the strike force was in that predicament.

Yes, during that time Liverpool should have beaten the likes of Stoke, Fulham, and West Ham at Anfield when they only drew, and of course Torres would have provided an extra spark in those matches, but for someone who does not like playing up-front alone, Keane performed pretty well in the position.

I was at Anfield on Boxing Day when Keane fired a double against Bolton Wanderers when Liverpool won 3-0, and in that match he showed how well he can perform when he plays up-front with a partner as well—in that case, it was Dirk Kuyt in a 4-4-2 formation.

Everybody knows that Keane has been struggling in front of goal for a lot of this season, but Benitez’s decisions have hardly helped him. When Keane scored a brilliant goal against Arsenal at the Emirates just before Christmas, and then followed it up with another two against Bolton at Anfield on Boxing Day, Benitez dropped him for the next game at Newcastle. A great lot of good that would have done for his confidence.

Keane is a player who thrives on confidence and sharpness, so to be in and out of the team really set him back.

I am in no way saying that Keane has played well for Liverpool for the majority of the time, but just that he showed glimpses of what a good player he is when he started to gain confidence and score goals.

So if Torres picks up another lengthy injury, which is not too unlikely after he has pulled his hamstring three times already this season, there will be no Keane to fill his place and do a professional job and hold the ball up for the likes of Gerrard and Riera.

Benitez and his staff will regret the transfer then, and how horrible it would be for Liverpool if Keane ruined their hopes for the title on the last day of the season at Anfield. That’s a date for your diaries.