tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60449288225924832312024-02-07T02:35:20.872-05:00Absolute Cracker FootballAbsolutely un-savable, absolutely magnificent...ABSOLUTE CRACKER!
Soccer analysis of the best of the best in footballJustin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-76801106055761767882008-12-18T12:17:00.003-05:002008-12-18T12:23:42.848-05:00The Curious Case of HoffenheimA fairy-tale story is being hatched in the Bundesliga<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Spiegel Online</span> <a href="http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,594663,00.html">gives an account</a> of how this tiny team made it to the top of Germany's premeir league.</div><div><blockquote></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; font-family:verdana;font-size:12px;"><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Few in Germany had ever heard of tiny Hoffenheim before this year. Now, though, the village club team is at the very top of the country's professional soccer league. On Friday night, they clash with powerhouse Bayern München.</span></span></blockquote></span><br /></div>Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-21732775447851456422008-12-17T10:48:00.000-05:002008-12-17T10:49:06.418-05:00World Cup GoalsTo the tune of "Everlong"<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; white-space: pre; "><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/B9L9rj4swhs&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/B9L9rj4swhs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span><br /></div>Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-4383641039710177512008-12-13T23:28:00.008-05:002008-12-18T12:12:12.350-05:00A Wonderful Day in Football<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ello</span> all,<div><br /></div><div>Isn't it great when all the work is done and you can sit down and just chill out? I am finally finished studying and I took the day off to do what I do best - laze around and watch football.</div><div><br /></div><div>And what a day it has been. First, I woke to read that Toronto <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">FC</span> have signed a club favorite, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2yZPEGaO3Y">Dwayne De <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Rasario</span></a>. What an amazing signing for the club. Not only is he an outstanding player, but also a local hero. He will surely become a fan favorite.</div><div><br /></div><div>I caught 3 games today. Yep. 3 games in one day. JACKPOT!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">10am <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);">Manchester City</span> 0 - 1 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Everton</span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>What looked like a promising game from the start turned out to a scrappy stalemate. Both City and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Everton</span> came out guns-a-blazing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">firing</span> shots on net and playing some really nice end-to-end football.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Robinho</span> showed a little bit of magic but once again his teammates <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">incompetence</span> (mostly all except for Wright-Phillips and Ireland) prevent City on really capitalizing on anything.</div><div><br /></div><div>The two sides slugged it out through the second half and the game got uglier and uglier as it went on. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Robinho</span> was substituted for fear of an injury and it seemed certain each team was satisfied with a draw at this point.</div><div><br /></div><div>But as it happens many times in football, the unexpected occurs. Just as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Everton</span> were nicked 3 points in the closing seconds of the game last weekend by Aston Villa, this time David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Moyes's</span> men salvaged 3 precious points from <a href="http://videos.sapo.pt/321g4zHhP457zZGFgnRE">Tim </a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><a href="http://videos.sapo.pt/321g4zHhP457zZGFgnRE">Cahill's</a></span><a href="http://videos.sapo.pt/321g4zHhP457zZGFgnRE"> last minute header</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>What goes around comes around! Sorry Mr. Hughes.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">12:30pm <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Tottenham</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Hotspur</span></span> 0 - 0 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Manchester United</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>This was a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">mesmerizing</span> game that I really couldn't take my eyes off of. The midfield work by both sides was outstanding and the constant booing of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">everyones</span> favorite aloof Bulgarian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">striker</span> made it all that more enjoyable.</div><div><br /></div><div>The crowd really must have got under <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Berbatov's</span> skin, because once again he failed to find the net on another occasion.</div><div><br /></div><div>What really stood out in this match for me was 2 things:</div><div><ul><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Gomes</span> made some outstanding saves. Perhaps he is starting to come out of his shell, and Spurs might not have to start searching for a better keeper come January.</li><li>What if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Luka</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Modric</span> started scoring goals? This guy could be so dangerous if he found the net. Think Frank <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Lampard</span> Euro 2004.</li></ul><div>Overall it was an amazing game and Spurs stood firm to go into the Christmas season with the dignity of showing the world that they are much better without <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Berbatov</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://videos.sapo.pt/v7WEPHCtJ92TTQ1REKZ4">Here are the highlights.</a></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">4pm <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Barcelona</span> 2 - 0 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">Real Madrid</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>El <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Classico</span> was amazing. The sheer quality of Barcelona has been awe-inspiring this season. These guys have it all this season: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgBgnoEY4iM">strength, agility, speed and pure dynamism</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Their ability to tackle and win the ball while losing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">possession</span> on the attack sets them apart from any team out there now, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Messi</span> is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">consistently</span> showing that he is 100% pure class.</div><div><br /><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /></div><div>After a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">penalty</span> was awarded, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Casillas</span> made a set of <a href="http://videos.sapo.pt/fkQ7ngMBsDIhb8Zl5KOE">outstanding saves</a>. He seemed to be the only thing working on Madrid though, and it was only a matter of minutes before <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Eto'o</span> found the net, followed by an injury time goal by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Messi</span> to put the nail in the coffin for Madrid.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div></div>Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-13312738937409416432008-12-09T19:50:00.003-05:002008-12-09T20:15:04.102-05:00The Only Champions League Game that Mattered<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(116, 99, 78); font-family: Arial; font-size: 48px; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Today at least...</span><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(116, 99, 78); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;"><embed src="http://www.veoh.com/veohplayer.swf?permalinkId=v16873859PCkeYXKA&id=anonymous&player=videodetailsembedded&videoAutoPlay=0" allowfullscreen="true" width="410" height="341" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Watch <a href="http://www.veoh.com/videos/v16873859PCkeYXKA">Chelsea V CFR Cluj</a> in <a href="http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos.html?category=category_news">News Online</a> | View More <a href="http://www.veoh.com/">Free Videos Online at Veoh.com</a></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(116, 99, 78); white-space: pre;font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(116, 99, 78); white-space: pre;font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;">Chelsea did it. And with Drogba?! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(116, 99, 78); white-space: pre;font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(116, 99, 78); white-space: pre;font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;">He sat on the bench and rolled his eyes, then came out and scored within a few minutes. Good on ya!</span></div></div>Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-91811339006158192002008-12-08T18:13:00.000-05:002008-12-08T18:14:44.623-05:00Worst Dive Ever. Worst Refereeing Ever.<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RZjvFdPGFfg&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RZjvFdPGFfg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-58545261069354277912008-12-07T20:18:00.003-05:002008-12-08T06:18:06.317-05:00Villa 3 - 2 Everton<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(116, 99, 78); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;"><embed src="http://www.veoh.com/veohplayer.swf?permalinkId=v16853304cbymC4Dt&id=anonymous&player=videodetailsembedded&videoAutoPlay=0" allowfullscreen="true" width="410" height="341" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:10px;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(116, 99, 78); white-space: pre;font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Other Weekend Highlights:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(116, 99, 78); white-space: pre;font-family:Arial;"><a href="http://www.veoh.com/videos/v16853303Xgy5JcqG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">WBA - Portsmouth</span></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(116, 99, 78); white-space: pre;font-family:Arial;"><a href="http://www.veoh.com/videos/v16852698CJSK3Maa"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hull - Middlesbrough</span></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(116, 99, 78); white-space: pre;font-family:Arial;"><a href="http://www.veoh.com/videos/v16852698CJSK3Maa"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Stoke - Newcastle</span></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(116, 99, 78); white-space: pre;font-family:Arial;"><a href="http://www.veoh.com/videos/v16844050yCyJFN9y"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Arsenal - Wigan</span></a></span></div>Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-23100168707328784942008-12-07T20:16:00.003-05:002008-12-09T00:02:48.007-05:00Chelsea 2 - 0 Bolton<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(116, 99, 78); white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;"><embed src="http://www.veoh.com/veohplayer.swf?permalinkId=v16843807tW96dxKa&id=anonymous&player=videodetailsembedded&videoAutoPlay=0" allowfullscreen="true" width="410" height="341" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Watch <a href="http://www.veoh.com/videos/v16843807tW96dxKa">Bolton v Chelsea</a> in <a href="http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos.html?category=category_sports">Sports Online</a> | View More <a href="http://www.veoh.com/">Free Videos Online at Veoh.com</a></span></span><br /></span>Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-59739409349790133962008-12-05T00:53:00.006-05:002008-12-14T00:22:59.333-05:00gallas to miss wigan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://arsenalcolumn.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/gallas1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 390px; height: 512px;" src="http://arsenalcolumn.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/gallas1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I cant really comprehend why so much <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">controversy</span> has been surrounding William <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gallas</span> for simply speaking his mind.<div><br /></div><div>The ex-Arsenal captain has been reported to miss this weekend's clash with <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/1712/arsenal/2008/12/05/996815/humiliated-gallas-wants-out-of-arsenal"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wigan</span> Athletic</a>, which is an extremely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">crucial</span> game for the Gunners as they can only pull of results against the top 4. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is a crucial flaw about Arsenal, they are a team with such class and flare, but this simply doesn't give results. Other, less attractive teams like Chelsea have always had these kind of internal conflicts, and players like John Terry have always been vocal about players not pulling their own weight. Why strip your most experienced player of his arm-band, further isolate him in the dressing room and lose what little stability you have at the back in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">process</span>?</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Arsen</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Wenger's</span> favoritism to young talent needs to stop somewhere. This is football, and when you are a team of Arsenal's potential it is more than healthy to voice concerns about the effort of his team members. And what is more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">despicable</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Gallas's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">insubordination</span> off the pitch, or his team-mates <a href="http://fracturado.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/bendtner-gallas.jpg">on-pitch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">hissy</span> fits.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>It is a shame that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Wenger</span> and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Arsneal</span> team were to quick to cast aside the wisdom and stability of a seasoned <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">veteran</span> like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Gallas</span> to side with these hit-or-miss youngsters. Kudos to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Wenger</span> for sticking to his vision, but I am sure he will feel the pressure to qualify for the Champions league much harder at the end of the season if he looses this key defensive <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">piece</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Although <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Wenger</span> is a genius at growing young home-grown talent, the departure of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Gallas</span> would be a rough blow to the Gunners already <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">wavering</span> stability.</div>Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-125601800663682352008-12-04T19:35:00.011-05:002008-12-04T20:04:41.269-05:00New Toronto FC kitsToronto FC's new kits were unveiled today.<br /><br />These ones have a collar! And one of those "sweet" embossed images (in this case a maple leaf) on the front of the shirt, a sartorial flourish which ceased to be stylish around the time when Eric Cantona was<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovYWY4Pf9_M"> ninja-kicking</a> Crystal Palace supporters.<br /><br />Here are the new shirts, modeled by Rohan Ricketts and Greg "Not Protected in Expansion Draft" Sutton:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5CVcucJjWyiWpTpmlT9_4gA-OptaaU_oL4gzUXdST7-XRzPTkqduHD-icvJShjFLv_5MlfpnAF8Jo19kmyWBMfDo3xUojLFP_m1h_rNlAdQt1PETkFdMlYc622vF5D_Xr21NulaZzJQ/s1600-h/fc_67904.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5CVcucJjWyiWpTpmlT9_4gA-OptaaU_oL4gzUXdST7-XRzPTkqduHD-icvJShjFLv_5MlfpnAF8Jo19kmyWBMfDo3xUojLFP_m1h_rNlAdQt1PETkFdMlYc622vF5D_Xr21NulaZzJQ/s320/fc_67904.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276099570294854738" border="0" /></a><br />Meh. They're alright- a little underwhelming. I was hoping for something a little more audacious and bold, something closer to the Jorge Campos look. Or the MLS of old.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8TLgNdHuAua49LsjVHQ98nA8JuRzmQpK49YR5AbYBiQYQByEqJGGlevSWhBR24mCSCsVBmJwh43Qjeg_L_FPerATAVvFjeHbpp4VCVl9xpnkinrU2BwtowmbhXt7xxwhCQryyY_A9cc/s1600-h/campos1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8TLgNdHuAua49LsjVHQ98nA8JuRzmQpK49YR5AbYBiQYQByEqJGGlevSWhBR24mCSCsVBmJwh43Qjeg_L_FPerATAVvFjeHbpp4VCVl9xpnkinrU2BwtowmbhXt7xxwhCQryyY_A9cc/s320/campos1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276099230662809010" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfgkIzw4ZGspqx991z7Ldf68G5CDwtfialME8iIoT_OFu4Lcn5Fznkn_t4VqWRL6knFq9t1sFxQCPN_0Mrt4H2swag6lfwIlyy6jFjIUvNaVwhyphenhyphen2goQS5i1J3YDDh126htnQOuIVsl0E/s1600-h/val.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfgkIzw4ZGspqx991z7Ldf68G5CDwtfialME8iIoT_OFu4Lcn5Fznkn_t4VqWRL6knFq9t1sFxQCPN_0Mrt4H2swag6lfwIlyy6jFjIUvNaVwhyphenhyphen2goQS5i1J3YDDh126htnQOuIVsl0E/s320/val.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276102017145231986" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-36876830074167371712008-12-03T17:45:00.007-05:002008-12-03T18:09:29.195-05:00Huntelaar to MadridWell, it was inevitable.<br /><br />Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, the best Dutch player still in the Eredivisie (and Ryan M fave), was signed by Real Madrid yesterday for a cool 27 million Euros. Huntelaar will replace the injured Ruud van Nistelrooij at Madrid, and will join countrymen Royston Drenthe and Arjen Robben, as well as fellow Ajax alums Rafael Van der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder, at the Bernabeu. Madrid has officially supplanted Barca as the home for crazy Dutch talent in La Liga. Meanwhile, my beloved Ajax continues to serve as a nursery squad for the big clubs in Europe...<br /><br />Anyways, this is why Huntelaar was signed: SWEET GOALS<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BQbNneMKzsU&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BQbNneMKzsU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-75681281813085963762008-12-01T10:31:00.002-05:002008-12-01T10:34:02.641-05:00weekend highlights<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; white-space: pre; "><div>Chelsea 1 - 2 Aresenal.</div><div><br /></div><embed src="http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/play?file=http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/FSq8F49RnViazednuaV8/mov/1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="322"></embed></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; white-space: pre;"><embed src="http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/play?file=http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/5lSVkMaJwJnbw30JByTr/mov/1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="322"></embed><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; white-space: pre;">Man United 1 - 0 Man City</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; white-space: pre;"><embed src="http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/play?file=http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/8yRZitEVc1PwS4Z2RCHO/mov/1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="322"></embed><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-59730580364872088882008-11-29T23:11:00.008-05:002008-11-30T00:29:15.872-05:00The New Deal for Newcastle United<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51MZ56ZZ2FL._SL500_AA280_.jpg" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This photo sums up what has been going on in the EPL as of late. Last weekend saw the entire top 4 draw without a single goal. Now similar shinanigans are happening this weekend and in the Champions league as well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe its the cold weather, maybe its thoes <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbie_Keane">lazy strikers</a>, but I tend to think there has just been a lot of great defending.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A prime example, and a player that I want to highlight as one of my favorites to watch since the season began. This is none other than Newcastle United's <a href="http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=26276">Fabrizio Coloccini</a>. I watched this guys defending against Manchester United at the begining of the season and truly beleived he was going to be a crucial part success for Newcastle. He's big, fast and lanky and is an absolute brick wall for any kind of cross comming inside the box. Using a skilled defensive line, Newcastle have been able to draw 2 points from their away encounters at both Standford Bridge and Old Trafford. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Many people beleive the Premier League is about the big-four clashes, but in many cases this <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/sep/23/premierleague.manchesterunited">certainly isn't true</a>. Being able to grind out these kind of results away are what is keeping Newcastle above the relegation zone and preventing the big four from actually gaining ground on each other. Its a dangerous way of playing, and by no means is it entertaining for the fans, but I beleive that what makes a team or a manager is their ability to know when to sit on the back heal and weather the storm.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So I have advice for the folks at St. Jame's park. Defend for your lives boys. Thats right, bard up the doors, shackle it up and get ready for a long seige.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Everyone knows the piles of problems going on at Newcastle. From the managerial problems, boardroom problems and the fact that Joey Barton (everyones favorite scumbag) is now injured. The only good they can really do is to just go Greek style and put all men back and hope for the best.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So in light of this, I have compiled a buying list of what the ideal Newcastle side should be come the January transfer window:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPN64x-AhUh5fwasPHI36TLaJ1BmgjrA5aqEQD0Rr2Yv6LowS5ogfryHG5s7nI6sv6UJKMyGXjru-kUZIMsfQrNcah6-hY3MqPCN-GLvz4tdm9w_MzxlNOex1haG17oW54pHasjAHnkk/s1600-h/newcastle.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPN64x-AhUh5fwasPHI36TLaJ1BmgjrA5aqEQD0Rr2Yv6LowS5ogfryHG5s7nI6sv6UJKMyGXjru-kUZIMsfQrNcah6-hY3MqPCN-GLvz4tdm9w_MzxlNOex1haG17oW54pHasjAHnkk/s320/newcastle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274311398067432674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 308px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are a number of reasons why this works for Newcastle:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">a) You aren't scoring any goals now, so what's the bloody difference?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">b) If you turn Richard Dunne around, or get him to run backwards maybe he will score goals on the apposing goal instead of his own goal.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">c) Defenders are CHEAP.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-46204926800950795452008-11-20T21:40:00.007-05:002008-11-20T22:41:56.602-05:00Gypsy King<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eiNKLO7zqPMD9h94sqPXxqB-GrV4GxvKHW7MRtsMYCHJNxVrJCasGBeGZHwRkFKvfSdT7s_bpkyllQDWqUCXkLEhtAw32nS9Vx2YbDPGO2Q45wsoWBjUkHd9qyNFLqWnyciWNJhJL54/s1600-h/ddeeeper.jpg"></a><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ufc7Z76ko1Q&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ufc7Z76ko1Q&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Good evening my friends. I've been on this thing called Facebook. And somehow I think the guys who run the place have finally started leaking all my personal information to companies. Yeah, like we didn't all see that coming from a mile away. Either way, I have been getting frequent requests for my Premier League Picks.<div><br /></div><div>And I did it.<br /><div><br /><div>Now press play on the Youtube video above and become lost in the music as we delve into this weekends action.<div><br /></div><div>Look into my Crystal Ball....loook deeper.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">..deeeeeeper...</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eiNKLO7zqPMD9h94sqPXxqB-GrV4GxvKHW7MRtsMYCHJNxVrJCasGBeGZHwRkFKvfSdT7s_bpkyllQDWqUCXkLEhtAw32nS9Vx2YbDPGO2Q45wsoWBjUkHd9qyNFLqWnyciWNJhJL54/s320/ddeeeper.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270942479280593442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 318px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>I see Liverpool and Chelsea continueing their winning streaks. Yes!</div><div><br /></div><div>I see Villa tieing Man U and Hull are going to upset Pompey! <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I see the boys at Tottenham getting their winning ways back!</div><div><br /></div><div>Okay lets snap out of it and look at my predictions for the weekend:</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGvFrqerZHYiQcpxMWlaqc9CBbvHqv_WyCFuLKZEFkeinCWIdCiCDbbFUvntAR_-gkfpLCC0ZxBCkiGq96tLoA27LLJtWf65cE6GpV0jVitCT7TyoBNPiuZf4RWFK-RRxzFNkEIjojWc/s1600-h/prempicks.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGvFrqerZHYiQcpxMWlaqc9CBbvHqv_WyCFuLKZEFkeinCWIdCiCDbbFUvntAR_-gkfpLCC0ZxBCkiGq96tLoA27LLJtWf65cE6GpV0jVitCT7TyoBNPiuZf4RWFK-RRxzFNkEIjojWc/s320/prempicks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270938401102416354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Now, I am going to go through this list on Monday and post my stats to see if I am any good at this. If its anything like my Fantasy Football skills, I will probably looking very much in the red.<br /></div><div><br />Thank god I'm not a gamblin' man.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGvFrqerZHYiQcpxMWlaqc9CBbvHqv_WyCFuLKZEFkeinCWIdCiCDbbFUvntAR_-gkfpLCC0ZxBCkiGq96tLoA27LLJtWf65cE6GpV0jVitCT7TyoBNPiuZf4RWFK-RRxzFNkEIjojWc/s1600-h/prempicks.jpg"></a><div><br /></div><div>Either way, if I get all of these right, I think someone should buy me a <a href="http://absolutecrackerfooty.blogspot.com/2008/11/culinary-guide-to-football.html">delicious meal</a> and watch a game with me on the weekend!</div><div><br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-47194475330587783352008-11-18T17:03:00.002-05:002008-11-18T17:12:33.551-05:00Tuesday Triple SamplerKeeping with Mondays silly post on Rory Delap (well not that funny if your an Arsenal or Villa fan), I scrounged up some more football bloopers.<br /><br />I think its much better to look at this stuff mid-week than all the lame transfer drama and managerial jargon. If you notice, I don't concentrate on that stuff. Never have and hopefully never will.<br /><br />I found these all on <a href="http://www.viralvideochart.com/">viralvideochart.com</a>, which is one of my favorite new websites. Its great for finding whats popular on Youtube.<br /><br />Here are some of this weeks favorites:<br /><br /><br />1. Stupid Silly Goals<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4eayV1x-Vzc"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4eayV1x-Vzc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br />2. 2 Goals in 30 Seconds <br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/R96j711uSIM"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/R96j711uSIM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br />3. Chris Iwelumo misses open goal<br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RqkShPKgAbw"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RqkShPKgAbw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-20229770764913026912008-11-17T07:41:00.003-05:002008-11-17T08:00:24.954-05:00Muscley Arms<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://static.guim.co.uk/Guardian/football/gallery/2008/nov/12/stokecity/tom_leonard-655.jpg"></a>If you haven't been looking at Stoke City, and haven't seen there secret weapon. Let me bring you up to speed:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/742KZspdgr0&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/742KZspdgr0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Seeing how its Monday morning and I have a super busy day I am going to share with you some funny photoshop jobs on Mr. Rory's muscley arms and absolute throw-in power. Enjoyeeee!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/gallery/2008/nov/12/stoke-city-rory-delap?picture=339593637">PHOTOS THAT MAKE YOU LAWL</a>Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-49639135617648197002008-11-15T11:52:00.003-05:002008-11-15T12:22:01.167-05:00A Thrilla from Villa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.sportinglife.com/08/11/330/Luke-Young-Theo-Walcott-Gareth-Barry-Arsenal-_1481720.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 330px; height: 248px;" src="http://images.sportinglife.com/08/11/330/Luke-Young-Theo-Walcott-Gareth-Barry-Arsenal-_1481720.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Earlier this week, Michael Essien publicly criticized Arsenal, say they were <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/nov/10/arsenal-chelsea">all style, no substance</a>. Couldn't agree with you more, sir. You called it!<br /><br />Enough about Arsenal though, lets talk about Villa. <br /><br />Villa played this game very well. In all aspects they looked like a great team. Offensively they were all over Arsenal, comfortable playing the game in front of the Aresenal goal as well as maintaining a rock solid defence. An early attempt by Gareth Barry showed the strength and versatility this team has. <br /><br />Everyone talks about how "beautiful" Arsenal's passing is, but today Villa look much more stylish and displayed way more strength in the midfield. And nothing is more ugly than sloppy defending, which was the cause of both of Villas goals:<br /><embed src="http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/play?file=http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/RlU2Jti14TvNM0zCbUFm/mov/1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="322"></embed><br /><br /><embed src="http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/play?file=http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/unrbvg4OHN9u5lI9OHby/mov/1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="322"></embed><br /><br /><br /> Its a shame Villalost to Newcastle a couple of weeks ago because this team has so much <a href="http://www.tribalfootball.com/?q=content/man-utd-boss-ferguson-villa-can-break-top-four">potential of breaking the top 4</a>.Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-45545392142722893312008-11-14T09:32:00.002-05:002008-11-14T10:22:50.325-05:00A Culinary Guide to FootballTop of the Mornin' to you.<br /><br /><br />Ahead of another weekend of Premier League action, I want to discuss some of the best of the best foods to pig out on while watching a game. These are a list of the top 5 foods to eat out at a pub, in a stadium or standing on a street corner watching the game through the window of a local television store.<br /><br />5. <a href="http://www.londondailypicture.com/images/october_2007/english-breakfast-blackpudding.jpg">English Breakfast</a> / <a href="http://www.thewaxtadpole.ca/images/beer/st_peters_english_ale_poured.jpg">Pint of Ale</a> / <a href="http://www.topnews.in/health/files/Cup-Of-Coffee.JPG">Cup of Coffee</a><br /><br />This is the favorite of the North American soccer viewer. In order to catch lots of games, we have to drag our ass to the pub early in the morning. Arriving as early as 8am on a Saturday sometimes a greasy breakfast + a coffee + a pint of beer is perfect for watching any English or Scottish league game. Coffee does wonders in cleaning your pallet each time for a wonderful taste sensation of a piss-warm English ale. MMm mmm good!<br /><br />4. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burek">Burek</a><br /><br />Whether you are preparing for a football riot on the streets of Belgrade for the next Red stars game, or sitting in with your Nana having a cuppa tea and watching the game on the flat screen, this eastern-European treat is a versatile and delicious snack. Again greasy as hell and probably goes well with beer. The best thing about this is that its shaped like a pizza, but the ingredients are so plain "meat, pastry" that you wont be distracted by the wacky colours that a pizza offers. That means more time analysing every touch Arsenal's midfielders have on the ball so you can perfect your Fantasy League score. <br /><br />3. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kebab">Kebab</a><br /><br />Meat on stick with the spice for life. No matter where you are in the world you will be able to find it. Whether you're asked to watch your wife's little cousin play at some pitch out in the suburbs, or if you are downtown Munich I guarantee there <span style="font-weight:bold;">WILL BE A KEBAB PLACE</span> within 5km.<br /><br />2. <a href="http://www.costasinn.com/graphics/food/chicken-salad.jpg">Big Chicken Salad</a><br /><br />Trick your friends and make them think you are concerned about your weight and health! Hell, they might even think you are a decent soccer player. Say something like " Yeah, I gotta playoff game this afternoon" or "There's like 30g of protein in this shit". <br /><br />1. <a href="http://www.foodtv.ca/recipes/recipedetails.aspx?dishid=6581">The Beef Dipper</a><br /><br />Beef on a baguette has been my favorite football-watchin' food for a long time. Its simple, bland, full of great useless carbs and is served with a side of the juices it was cooked in. It is also very contagious. Usually whenever someone orders this, 2 or 3 other people queue in to get one. This meal is defiantly a team player.Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-57993099088361922752008-11-12T08:46:00.003-05:002008-11-12T08:54:23.781-05:00Get well.. Mr. Hume<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.theglobeandmail.com/archives/RTGAM/images/20070621/wsptgold21/hume.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 188px; height: 245px;" src="http://images.theglobeandmail.com/archives/RTGAM/images/20070621/wsptgold21/hume.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />After suffering a near-fatal head injury during a game with Sheffield United, the Soctland-born and Brampton native is getting better. He has moved out of the high dependency ward of Manchester Hospital yesterday and all our hopes and prayers are here for him<br /><br />Get well sir.Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-15145122493466904352008-11-10T21:33:00.006-05:002008-11-10T22:19:15.222-05:00Nick'n the Top Spot<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO09BaqHs0oK03NTll5aapn8groqknL9OCKDPNVaaMdOE69WDGf9uBYJH9Gw5LXF4DDlEaUXlKCToD998cxLWrscAGpQyjixHvykB0_gHhnur1wrVHW56rq2y8tPyzWByUj8D23kONPbE/s1600-h/EMP-5507093+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO09BaqHs0oK03NTll5aapn8groqknL9OCKDPNVaaMdOE69WDGf9uBYJH9Gw5LXF4DDlEaUXlKCToD998cxLWrscAGpQyjixHvykB0_gHhnur1wrVHW56rq2y8tPyzWByUj8D23kONPbE/s320/EMP-5507093+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267231700646101458" border="0" /></a><br />I was having problems at the start of this years EPL season trying to figure out who was going to be this years top scorer.<br /><br />I mulled it over. Surely it will be Torres. Last year he made such a dazzling debut with Liverpool and by the end of the season last year it seemed that he had some unfinished business to take care of. Then he began a lengthy stint of riding the pine.<br /><br />Okay, so its not Torres. Well, it must be Adebeyor! With his cheetah-like speed with sniper rifel accuracy I was sure he would net at least 10 or 15 by now. Then Arsenal got into a rut, lost some games and he got injured.<br /><br />Who else Drogba? No wait, he's injured. Rooney? Was looking hot for a while but Man U is in some weird transition phase.<br /><br />Let me get to the point.<br /><br />I never thought Anelka would be top of the table right now. <a href="http://touchline.onthespot.co.uk/guardian/StatsCentre.asp?CTID=11&CPID=4&pStr=Comp_Scorer&t=2">BUT HE IS</a>. He has manged to put together 10 goals thus far and although none of them have been sensational or jaw-dropping, his consitancy remains somewhat of a mystery to me.<br /><br />I had a full beleif in this Chelsea side this year, but I always though the goals would be comming from the middle with players like Lampard, Joe Cole, Deco and Ballack. When the Robinho transfer saga was over, I was sure that Chelsea were doomed up front. But some how, some way, Nick Anelka has been consitently pulling through and has <a href="http://www.viralvideochart.com/youtube/ninja_cat_comes_closer_while_not_moving?id=muLIPWjks_M">creeped</a> to the apex of the EPL top goals list.<br /><br />I think the reason why so many people have overlooked Anelka in the past is because he doesn't show off. He isn't the guy who is going to crack the ball into the back of the net.<br /><br />Here is a perfect example of Anelka's cool, calm scoring style (while he was back at Bolton):<br /><object width="470" height="353"><param name="movie" value="http://video.rutube.ru/703697a89a72f08fa189e99b04a67ac7"><param name="wmode" value="window"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://video.rutube.ru/703697a89a72f08fa189e99b04a67ac7" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="window" allowfullscreen="true" width="470" height="353"></embed></object><br />Not the net-shattering stuff you will see from players like Wayne Rooney, but you have to hand it to the guy. He is clever. He knows when to turn on the gas, how to keep his cool when a keeper charges out and has the restrain to finish without a bang.<br /><br />He scored a hat trick against Sunderland the other week with his <a href="http://videos.sapo.pt/MbfVn3qlbOrjy6HiLItO">sneakyness</a>.<br /><br />So the sneaky Frenchman has not brought the kind of shwashbuckling football players like Drogba, Torres and Adeybyor do but has showed that a striker can play with sly positioning cunning intelligence to bring himself and his team to the top of the table.Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-70274254566552137672008-11-08T23:28:00.003-05:002008-11-08T23:31:55.385-05:00Arsenal 2 - 1 Man UVideos for your life.<br /><br />I missed the game today, but I heard it was a great match and that Arsenal are back into their swing!<br /><br />Arsenal 1 - 0 Man U<br /><embed src="http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/play?file=http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/8WiuE1s34RjKMA4Uao9P/mov/1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="322"></embed><br /><br />Arsenal 2 - 0 Man U : This is what happens when you give the Gunners time to dance around outside the box:<br /><embed src="http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/play?file=http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/rdcHZjUofvG50FP6llAU/mov/1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="322"></embed><br /><br />Arsenal 2 - 1 Man U<br /><br />MAMA MIA!<br /><embed src="http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/play?file=http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/DA8trLUeB004MIDt1Zi0/mov/1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="322"></embed>Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-34172911630824149182008-11-08T22:44:00.002-05:002008-11-08T22:53:36.114-05:00owww!If you are like me, you are doing <a href="http://fantasyfootball.guardian.co.uk/CleverTV/en/guardian/football/19/entryposition.do?entryId=680977&leagueId=78128&prizePeriodId=577">absolutely brutal</a> in Fantasy Leagues, then I want to share a link that i just found.<br /><br />Its called <a href="http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php">physioroom.com</a> and it provides a list of all the injured players, when they are scheduled to return and the likelihood of them making it to the next big match.<br /><br />Woot!<br /><br />Even when you aren't nerding it up in a fantasy league, its still great to know who is going to be playing on your team. It even shows the injury! <br /><br />Michael Essien out till March!?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ugghhhhhhh....</span>Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-79928328469016432012008-11-07T11:02:00.004-05:002008-11-07T15:06:39.858-05:00kits of the futureGood day folks,<div><br /></div><div>Today I want to take your time and pry you away from this weeks Champions league excitement to take a look at this years best kits. Thats right, I will be running through some of the most stylish, eye-catching or just plain weird kits this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>A jersey showcases a teams reputation, history and style. They come in all different fits and forms. Some with collars, some without. Some have vibrant eye-catching colours and others revel in the feeling of a bland but old-school colour. What is really amazing is how much these kits represent their teams in such conscious and unconscious ways.</div><div><br /></div><div>So without further adue, please let me show you some of my favorite kits for the 08/09 season:</div><div><br /></div><img src="file:///C:/Users/JUSTIN%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpg" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/Users/JUSTIN%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.jpg" alt="" /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x113/pitchslap/mancityaway-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 333px;" src="http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x113/pitchslap/mancityaway-1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Manchester City: Away 08/09, Premier League</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the few teams to have Le Coq Sportif sponsor their equip. I dont know what I like more about this, the retro-90's goalkeeper "acid wash" in the red stripes or the neon yellow bird. It looks like something out of Nintendo's <a href="http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=UsBOqpuM_Tw&feature=related">Virtual Boy.<span><span> </span></span><span><span></span></span><span><span></span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Get this kit while it lasts though, Man City will be <a href="http://www.football-shirts.co.uk/fans/man-city-going-puma_1656">switching to Puma</a> shortly. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 450px;" src="http://www.subsidesports.com/uk/images/product/xlarge/OlyLyon3rdSS0708.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Olympique Lyonnais 3rd Shirt, Ligue 1</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Call me a sucker for the dark shirts, but the Lyon 3rd shirt just looks so damn menacing. If batman played football, he would most likely have a kit like this. The stripe on the side is classy and there isn't too much going on to get you distracted.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://www.subsidesports.com/uk/images/product/xlarge/WerBrem3rdSS0708.jpg" alt="" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 450px;" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Werder Bremen: 3rd, Bundisliga</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">This looks more like a blog template than a football jersey. Leave it to Kappa though to make a brown/lime green shirt that fits like a glove. It takes real balls to throw on a brown jersey and look intimidating, but I think this shirt pulls it off nicely. Its got a really interesting collar too...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAh7hDmCTtCn9liulvwQh-_Y4dVTsvxTdJ62A5RHZLqwWX-jJuqggazQoeB1oc9o7qmQZEzv6WSZb9krGMHCFjK0gFGnFwSyx6ThJaaZ3DrVqn7e9zCGbcleDGrMlDw-ShM_W8IAZdUR76/s400/Chievo+Verona+Home+Shirt+2007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAh7hDmCTtCn9liulvwQh-_Y4dVTsvxTdJ62A5RHZLqwWX-jJuqggazQoeB1oc9o7qmQZEzv6WSZb9krGMHCFjK0gFGnFwSyx6ThJaaZ3DrVqn7e9zCGbcleDGrMlDw-ShM_W8IAZdUR76/s400/Chievo+Verona+Home+Shirt+2007.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Chievo Verona, Serie A</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">It has a knight with a jousting pole on a horse AND its yellow. Deal with it.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.uksoccershop.com/images/7508.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 337px;" src="http://www.uksoccershop.com/images/7508.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Barcelona 3rd, La Liga</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the better attempts at a high-contrast neon shirt. Its really pleasing on the eye, high visibility and has a NGO as the sponsor. If there was ever a kit to make you feel good about the world, it would be the fan-owned, unicef sponsored Barca shirt. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.subsidesports.com/uk/images/product/large/SheffWedsASS0708.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.subsidesports.com/uk/images/product/large/SheffWedsASS0708.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Sheffield Wednesday, Coca Cola Championship</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Its simple, and I really like how the black-and-white owl sketch sits on the orange and blue. Its loud with the color scheme but really simple and classic. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-71887047372797695632008-11-03T18:30:00.002-05:002008-11-03T18:44:54.046-05:00EPL: Unpredictably PredictableThis weekend showed us a number of key upsets in the EPL, but at the same time restored the kind of order at the top of the table that we are used to.<br /><br />With Spurs continuing their resilient streak and ousting Liverpool in the last minute, not only has the premier league showed us how unpredictable things can be (in the sense that Spurs were bet to loose or lucky to tie) but also how predictable the dominance of the top 4 can be.<br /><br />Let me explain further. Hull 3 -4 Man U. Hull really has been what Reading was last year. They have been eating up points from all the mid-table hacks, stunned Arsenal and gave it to Man United for most of this game. Teams coming up from the Championship are so scrappy and have really been giving it to there bigger clubs, but in the end Manchester came away with 3 points. Hull certainly brought the drama to Man U, but at the end of the day the super club was able to salvage 3 points from these rapscallions.<br /><br />Even Fergie himself said this week that Villa may were the only ones capable to nick a place in the top spot. They had the chance to today and lost to the most unlikely of <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/nov/04/premierleague-newcastleunited">opponents </a>. Wasn't expecting that!<br /><br />Oh yeah and if things couldn't get any worse for the gunners they lost 3 points to Stoke. In a game that can only be summed up by this video:<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oPnJGHXiSXI&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oPnJGHXiSXI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />So. Lots of crazy stuff happened this week. Too much to handle. But what isn't exciting is this: the big 4 somehow are still at the top.Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-8200175328464938412008-10-31T09:54:00.018-04:002008-11-01T09:06:42.263-04:00Fifa World Player of the Year<span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNaZedAWmlE">Drum roll please..</a><br /><br />The winner will be announced January 12<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> so plenty of time for debate.<br /><br />So here is the list in all its glory. Marked in different shades of red are my favorites and my reasons why below:</span><br /><ul style="font-family:verdana;"><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Emmanuel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Adebayor</span> (Arsenal and Togo)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Sergio <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Aguero</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Atletico</span> Madrid and Argentina)<br /></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:85%;" >Andrei <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Arshavin</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Zenit</span> St <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Petersburg</span> and Russia)</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ballack</span> (Chelsea and Germany)<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Gianluigi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Buffon</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Juventus</span> and Italy)<br /></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Iker</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Casillas</span> (Real Madrid and Spain)</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Deco (Chelsea and Portugal)<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Didier</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Drogba</span> (Chelsea and Ivory Coast)<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Samuel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Eto'o</span> (Barcelona and Cameroon)<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Cesc</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Fabregas</span> (Arsenal and Spain)<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Steven Gerrard (Liverpool and England)<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Zlatan</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Ibrahimovic</span> (Inter Milan and Sweden)<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Andres <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Iniesta</span> (Barcelona and Spain)<br /></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:85%;" ><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Kaka</span> (AC Milan and Brazil)</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Frank <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Lampard</span> (Chelsea and England)<br /></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >Lionel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Messi</span> (Barcelona and Argentina)</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Franck <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Ribery</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Bayern</span> Munich and France)<br /></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >Cristiano <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Ronaldo</span> (Manchester United and Portugal)</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">John Terry (Chelsea and England)<br /></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >Fernando Torres (Liverpool and Spain)</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Ruud</span> van <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Nistelrooy</span> (Real Madrid and Netherlands)<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">David Villa (Valencia and Spain)<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Xavi</span> (Barcelona and Spain).<br /></span></li></ul><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvjr8KmduvHNoDENxdPlHjJQIFllyKlQML8sdWc2nxOpH9dOCkfMjKkNlTd2Ww3ZV3lTCtolD0CLvXOzn3ju8WE4dcKvL2BKO6Z3t0WcgaKUiefsuS_de_Z093c4PlmCBZJ_LQWtFY6s/s320/arshavin_shrug3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263320823347337410" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Andrei <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Arshavin</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">If football is about entertainment, then we have to give a tip of the hat to the Russian play maker. He captivated us in Euro 2008 with his brilliant midfield awareness. Pulling Russia out of their rough start, he single-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">handedly</span> changed the Russian team from a boring lull against Spain to a powerful total football team that silenced one of the most impressive Dutch teams in years. What impressed me so much about his performance in the Euro was his ability to breathe life into the team and inspire his teammates with beautifully strung together passes. And lets not forget, he helped <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Zenit</span> lift the Russian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Prem</span> trophy for the first time in a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Premier_League">long time</a></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvi8HAJr-inICpSjIvg0CT9OSxco6n1L-ascmDQGQwbz2d8-JYfB1IaB1y8p4MfDIv8M0-ezVAB8BOiOxBgo-Nyoqai24TdyjLaj3kvbTpc2TCYVKCJ4VKeibCw8ANBBKYIM7jQtJdVQk/s1600-h/spain-vs-italy-euro-2008-quarter-final-iker-casillas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvi8HAJr-inICpSjIvg0CT9OSxco6n1L-ascmDQGQwbz2d8-JYfB1IaB1y8p4MfDIv8M0-ezVAB8BOiOxBgo-Nyoqai24TdyjLaj3kvbTpc2TCYVKCJ4VKeibCw8ANBBKYIM7jQtJdVQk/s320/spain-vs-italy-euro-2008-quarter-final-iker-casillas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263385266944745890" border="0" /></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Ikre</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Casillas</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Deep down in my heart, I think <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Casillas</span> should win this. First of all, he has all the credentials. Top of La <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Liga</span>,won Euro 2008, he did everything he needed to for club and country. He kept a clean sheet on the Euro final, and did some <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5ts0n_casillas-saves-20072008_sport">awe-inspiring saves</a> in the 2007-08 season of La <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Liga</span>. He communicates as a strong leader for his back line and saved Spain against Italy when <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdzm1h_QOpw"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Buffon</span> could not</a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdzm1h_QOpw">.</a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />If you can win La <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Liga</span>, win the Euro and beat the <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">supposed </span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;">best keeper in the world with a magnificent save in a Semi-Final match then I think you can qualify for player of the world.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://paulrudatsikira.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/kaka-i-belong-to-jesus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 323px; height: 202px;" src="http://paulrudatsikira.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/kaka-i-belong-to-jesus.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Kaka</span></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;">He won last year. He is amazing. But not as good as last year + injury stuff = probably not going to get it. Not really sure why I put him on here, if he wins it really will be by grace of god.<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.topnews.in/sports/files/messi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 207px;" src="http://www.topnews.in/sports/files/messi.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Messi</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The most exciting player in the world to watch right now. He is what <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Ronahdinho</span> was 3 years ago. He boggles your mind and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZaL6j6QOTk">baffles defenders</a> with his movement and motion with the ball.<br /></span></div></div><span style="font-size:85%;">Because he has generally been seen as the highest standard of creative quality within the football community this year, this makes him a strong contender. He will be in the top 3 for sure.<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00980/ronaldo0918ap_980220c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 338px; height: 212px;" src="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00980/ronaldo0918ap_980220c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Cristiano <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Ronaldo</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">He was on fire in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">EPL</span> this year. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GJetwg_nGs">Absolutely unstoppable</a>. Then came the summer. Everyone held their breath to see him play in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Scolari's</span> Portugal, but he did not deliver the caliber of play fans have expected from him. We hoped to see him blow through Turkish defenders and dismantle the entire Swiss team...he didn't. Then came that messy transfer drama with Real Madrid. This really put me off. I'm not sure if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Fifa</span> takes into consideration a players off the pitch behavior when considering these nominees, but for me, he didn't display the kind of professionalism in his career that a player of his level should.<br /><br />All my whining and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">bellyaching</span> aside, the guys a genius, and many regard him as a favorite to win this reward.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/09_01/Torres2DM0209_468x313.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/09_01/Torres2DM0209_468x313.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Fernado</span> Torres</span><br /></div><br /></div></div><span style="font-size:85%;">Looking up at my list, most of these are "creative midfielders". Its always easy to pick the midfielder. They have long ranged shots that impress and there aren't high expectations on them to put away the goals. That being said, Torres was the most <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_wIjJjOuNk">dangerous striker</a> in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">EPL</span> this year. He was absolutely on fire and was a menace for any defender. Top striker on this list for sure, but it will be a squeeze for him to get in the top 3.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">My top 3:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">1. </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">Casillas</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">2. </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">Messi</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">3. </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">Ronaldo</span><br /><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6044928822592483231.post-26549153892500350382008-10-30T10:28:00.002-04:002008-10-30T10:30:44.177-04:00Thursday Photoshop RoundupJust when I thought my photoshopping skills were at least decent. I have been put to shame by the guardian's readers.<br /><br />I found this one of the better photoshopping galleries on the Guardian, featuring none other than Lady's Love David B:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/gallery/2008/oct/29/beckham-david-milan-gallery?picture=339110412">Beckham Photoshop Extravaganza </a>Justin T Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08419655015124376042noreply@blogger.com0