Tag Archives: The Beautiful Game

Sir Alex Ferguson: Can anyone surpass his achievements?

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Sir Alex Ferguson’s announcement this morning has sent shockwaves throughout the footballing world. 26 years, 38 trophies, 13 leagues titles; his retirement will be a great loss to football. In his 26 years at the helm of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson has achieved unrivalled success and his ability to continually build upon his previous squads is what has made him an anomaly in the game.

Ferguson is ,without question the most successful manager in the English game. His records are staggering; the United treble of 1999 and surpassing Liverpool’s 18 league titles are just two of his greatest achievements.

It is worth remembering the situation in which the soon-to-retire Manchester United manager took the reins at Manchester United in 1986. United were still awaiting their first Division One title since Matt Busby’s side won in the 1966-67 season, with Denis Law as their top goalscorer.

He dd not immediately bring success either, finishing in 11th place in two of his first 3 seasons. Fast forward to 2013 and the clubs position in global football is incomparable. Ferguson has left Manchester United in arguably the strongest position that the club has ever been in.

So, the question arise of whether anyone can possibly match the Scot’s success. He is arguably the greatest manager in the history of football, but who can surpass him? Here are my top 3 candidates of the moment: Continue reading →

Oscar thrills in the Champions League… again

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Oscar's 40-yard strike helped the Blues to their 3-2 win. Source: theaustralian.com.au

Last night in the Champions League, it was time for two of the British teams in the competition to show Europe how both talent and desire can help you win. Chelsea’s late 3-2 victory against Shakhtar Donetsk Chelsea was arguably overshadowed by Celtic’s remarkable … Continue reading →

Euro 2012: Play with Flair’s tip to win.

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With only two days until the start of the European Championships it is clear that before kick-off on Friday Spain, Germany and the Netherlands are the three favourites to win the tournament.

These three teams may be worthy challengers but I believe that France should be the team to watch this year. So, why is France my tip for the tournament? Continue reading →

Didier Drogba

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Didier Drogba points to the heavens after scoring Chelsea's equaliser. Source: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire.

If Chelsea’s Champions League final win last night could be told through one man it would be Didier Drogba. Eight years as a Chelsea player and eight years as their talisman was encapsulated in one breathtaking performance. Of course, if possession statistics could win … Continue reading →

A Premier League Hangover

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Mario Balotelli, Roberto Mancini and Vincent Kompany celebrate Man City's first title win for 44 years. Source: thesun.co.uk

The weeks after the Premier League season finishes are a tough test for football fans. They know that a nine -month long discussion of great goals, footballing tactics and controversial chickens must come to an end, leaving football fans with a terrible hangover.  So, it is a natural reaction … Continue reading →

Van Persie’s form down to his ‘lucky pen’

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Robin Van Persie and Fabrice Muamba meet as Van Persie congratulates his former teammate for his miraculous recovery. Source: Action Images

Last night, I was extremely fortunate to be invited to the Football Writers’ Assosciation gala dinner, where Robin Van Persie received his Footballer of the Year award. The entire evening was celebratory as Fabrice Muamba, accompanied by his fiancee Shauna … Continue reading →

Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola: The master or his pupil?

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Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola’s resignation this week, although not a complete shock, marks the end of a stunning era at Barcelona. His philosophy of how the game should be played has ultimately developed one of the greatest teams ever to grace the planet. … Continue reading →

Blue is the colour at Wembley

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We all know that Sunday’s FA cup semi-final will be remembered for Chelsea’s controversial second goal that never was. The back pages in today’s papers have predictably been dominated by this moment in the game. However, the debate over goal line technology is one that will rumble on until July at least, when the International FA Board meeting is scheduled. So until then I would like to leave it at that.

What shouldn’t be forgotten are the two standout goals of the game.

To start things off, Didier Drogba’s classy strike was a vintage goal. In his signature style, Drogba shrugged off the figure of William Gallas before spinning towards goal to smash the ball into the top corner. The power and speed of the shot made it unstoppable and added a piece of brilliance to a game that was failing to reach its high expectations.

Didier Drogba scores the first goal in the FA Cup semi-final, his seventh goal at the New Wembley.
Source: http://heraldsun.com.au

Lampard’s free kick was also one to savour. With some spectators convinced that the goalkeeper had been deceived by a deflection, the replays showed this to be untrue. Lampard had perfectly placed the ball into the bottom corner and it was a stroke of genius.  His free kick was one that both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo would have been proud of.

Frank Lampard scores the free kick to make the score 4-1 to Chelsea
Source: AP Photo/Tom Hevezi

It was a game with two great goals and a weekend with two great FA Cup semi-final ties. So let’s try to forget the controversy surrounding Sunday’s game and look forward to a fantasic final that could make or break the season for Chelsea or Liverpool.

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