This weekend, no leader of the major European leagues was able to add three points to their total. Barcelona now shares first place with Real Madrid. Bayern Munich was saved by Nurnberg. Inter couldn't take advantage of Milan's draw. Arsenal were leaders for a couple of hours, but Scholes took United to the very top. At this point, nobody can predict what is going to happen.
In Germany, Bayern tied with FC Koln 1-1. With this result, Bayer Leverkusen was only three points away from the top, but for the first time in the entire reason, Leverkusen lost. The only team to accomplish this feat is FC Nuremberg, who managed to win 3-2. The table in Germany now has Bayern, Bayer, and Shalke 04 in the title run. There is only a difference of three points between the first team and the third.
In Italy, there was a match that promised, Milan vs. Roma. The perfect match for Inter because the teams in third and second were going to play each other. Clearly, Milan had many more opportunities, but they were unable to score. The match ended in a 0-0 which brought smiles to Inter fans all over the world. Inter faced Genoa at the Giuseppe Meazza. The match ended in a goalless draw, 0-0. Inter lost their chance to extend their lead over Milan which is still four points. (See full table here).
In England, Arsenal played Burnley and won 3-1. This result made the Gunners reach the top, but it cost them Fabregas; who was injured and will miss tomorrow's game against Porto at the Emirates. Arsenal was in first place because Chelsea was playing Stoke City for the FA Cup quarter final and won 2-0. Manchester United played Wolverhampton after Arsenal's game. It seemed the Gunners would keep first place, but Paul Scholes gave United three points with the match's only goal; 1-0. The table's first three positions remains very tight. Even though there are only three candidates to win the league, there are three teams fighting to take fourth place to be able to play the UEFA Champion's league. Manchester City, Totenham, and Liverpool are very close in the fight for fourth place. Liverpool lost 1-0 with a goal from the Colombian player Hugo Rodallega.
In Spain, Real Madrid shares the top with Barcelona. Barcelona who haven't been playing very well in the past few games, managed to tie with Almeria in a forgettable match for the Catalans. Messi scored 2, tying the match on both occasions. Real Madrid had a tough match against Sevilla in the Bernabeu. At first, it seemed the Merengues were going to lose their first home game this season, but Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, and Van der Vart turned the score around. Real had 31 shots, and deserved the win which was 3-2 with a very late goal by substitute Van der Vart. With these results, Real Madrid is back on top, and Barcelona goes to second because of goal difference. The match at the Bernabeu between Real Madrid and Barcelona will be very important, not only because of the points, but because it could decide La Liga. If there is a tie at the end of the season, the champion is decided by the two matches they played. Right now, Barcelona would be the champion because of their victory at the Camp Nou, but anything can happen.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Internation Friendlies
Today and yesterday we had international friendlies in preparation for the World Cup in South Africa. There were many promising matches all over the world. One of the most interesting matches was Spain-France, which ended in a 2-0 victory for Spain. Spain is the favorite in the World Cup, and they are still playing at an excellent level. France has great players, but the team doesn't play very well. In my personal opinion, I think that the manager should be sacked. It is unbelievable that a team with such great players plays so bad.
Speaking of a team with great players, and playing horribly is Argentina. Even though they were able to beat Germany 1-0, they still don't convince me. The fact that they almost couldn't qualify for the World Cup with such great players makes me doubt Maradona's ability as a manager. Argentina has Messi, Tevez, Higuain, Riquelme, and many other all-stars. With a good manager, Argentina can win the World Cup. With Maradona, the team doesn't play like it should. I think they beat Germany because of the player's talent, not Maradona's decisions.
England defeated Egypt 3-1. England has proved to be a strong candidate to win the World Cup with Capello leading the team. The players are playing very well together, and are getting results. The engine in the team is Wayne Rooney, who is one of the best in the world. England can go very far in the World Cup if they keep playing like they are playing right now.
Other teams that are candidates to win the World Cup are Brazil and Holland.They both defeated good teams. Brazil defeated Ireland 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium with an incredible goal from Robinho. Brazil's second goal can only be done by Brazilians, every day the team impresses me even more. Holland defeated USA 2-1.USA has already proved that they are a strong team after reaching the Confederations Cup Final. Holland has a great team, but they still don't reach the final level in their game.
Speaking of a team with great players, and playing horribly is Argentina. Even though they were able to beat Germany 1-0, they still don't convince me. The fact that they almost couldn't qualify for the World Cup with such great players makes me doubt Maradona's ability as a manager. Argentina has Messi, Tevez, Higuain, Riquelme, and many other all-stars. With a good manager, Argentina can win the World Cup. With Maradona, the team doesn't play like it should. I think they beat Germany because of the player's talent, not Maradona's decisions.
England defeated Egypt 3-1. England has proved to be a strong candidate to win the World Cup with Capello leading the team. The players are playing very well together, and are getting results. The engine in the team is Wayne Rooney, who is one of the best in the world. England can go very far in the World Cup if they keep playing like they are playing right now.
Other teams that are candidates to win the World Cup are Brazil and Holland.They both defeated good teams. Brazil defeated Ireland 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium with an incredible goal from Robinho. Brazil's second goal can only be done by Brazilians, every day the team impresses me even more. Holland defeated USA 2-1.USA has already proved that they are a strong team after reaching the Confederations Cup Final. Holland has a great team, but they still don't reach the final level in their game.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Arsenal, Milan, and Real Madrid closer than ever
This weekend we had Liga BBVA, Serie A, Bundesliga, Barclay's Premier League, and the Carling Cup Final.
One of the most interesting matches this weekend was Chelsea vs. Manchester City. Apart from being two great teams, there was the Terry-Bridge battle. Since the first minute, you could feel the rage inside Wayne Bridge. When the players were greeting each other, Wayne Bridge moved his hand to avoid Terry's. The game started with a great goal from Frank Lampard who doesn't seem to be playing very well this year. Just before extra time, Carlos Tevez scored Manchester City's first goal. Tevez was returning from Argentina because his daughter had birth complications. He celebrated his goal for his daughter and ended the first half. Then Craig Bellamy scored an amazing goal. At this point, Chelsea started to crumble. Belleti gave Carlos Tevez the third goal be committing a penalty and getting a red card. This time, Tevez dedicated the celebration to Bridge. Then a vulnerable Chelsea was victim of a perfect counter attack with Tevez, Wright-Phillips, and Bellamy finishing the play. Lampard then scored his second from a penalty. Tevez won the Brigde-Terry battle.
Another major news for the Premier League is Arsenal. Apart from beating Stoke City 3-1, Aron Ramsey was injured horrifically. This injury is just as horrible as Eduardo's injury. The sad part is they were both Arsenal players. The only good news for Arsenal fans is that they are two points behind United and three behind Chelsea.(See full table here).
In the Serie A, Milan dominated Atalanta 3-1 with a great Pato performance. Unfortunately,the Brazilian was injured and will miss Milan's game against Roma who drew 2-2 at Napoli. Inter had an intense game against Udinese, and was able to win 3-2. Milan is still in the run, only four points behind Inter, but they face a tough match at Rome against Roma. (See full table here).
In the Bundesliga, Bayern Munchen defeated Hamburg SV 1-0 with a great Ribery goal. Bayer Leverkusen tied in a scoreless match against FC Koln. Even though Leverkusen are still undefeated this season, Bayern Munchen have a two point lead over Leverkusen. (See full table here).
One of the most interesting leagues this year is La Liga BBVA, with possibly the two best teams in the world, Barcelona and Real Madrid. Real Madrid crushed Tenerife 5-1, with an impressive Higuain. Higuain has been Real Madrid's savior this season scoring the most goals in number and importance. Without Higuain, Real Madrid wouldn't be two point behind Barcelona. Barcelona haven't been the amazing team everyone expects it to be, but they get the job done. The played a close match against Malaga that ended 2-1. Barcelona dominated the entire match, but the Malaga defense complicated things for Barcelona. Even though the defense did great, they couldn't stop Pedro and Messi. With Messi's goal, he is now tied with David Villa in top scorers with 17 for each striker. Higuain is just one goal behind. Speaking of David Villa, his side had a humiliating match against Atletico Madrid, which they lost 4-1. Atletico is an irregular team that can beat Valencia and Barcelona, but have problems getting a single point from bottom half teams. Real Madrid is very close. Even though Barcelona have more points than what they had in this time period last year, Real Madrid have played very well, and are winning matches. They face Sevilla, a very tough opponent, which they need to beat to keep the title run. (See full table here).
One of the most interesting matches this weekend was Chelsea vs. Manchester City. Apart from being two great teams, there was the Terry-Bridge battle. Since the first minute, you could feel the rage inside Wayne Bridge. When the players were greeting each other, Wayne Bridge moved his hand to avoid Terry's. The game started with a great goal from Frank Lampard who doesn't seem to be playing very well this year. Just before extra time, Carlos Tevez scored Manchester City's first goal. Tevez was returning from Argentina because his daughter had birth complications. He celebrated his goal for his daughter and ended the first half. Then Craig Bellamy scored an amazing goal. At this point, Chelsea started to crumble. Belleti gave Carlos Tevez the third goal be committing a penalty and getting a red card. This time, Tevez dedicated the celebration to Bridge. Then a vulnerable Chelsea was victim of a perfect counter attack with Tevez, Wright-Phillips, and Bellamy finishing the play. Lampard then scored his second from a penalty. Tevez won the Brigde-Terry battle.
Another major news for the Premier League is Arsenal. Apart from beating Stoke City 3-1, Aron Ramsey was injured horrifically. This injury is just as horrible as Eduardo's injury. The sad part is they were both Arsenal players. The only good news for Arsenal fans is that they are two points behind United and three behind Chelsea.(See full table here).
In the Serie A, Milan dominated Atalanta 3-1 with a great Pato performance. Unfortunately,the Brazilian was injured and will miss Milan's game against Roma who drew 2-2 at Napoli. Inter had an intense game against Udinese, and was able to win 3-2. Milan is still in the run, only four points behind Inter, but they face a tough match at Rome against Roma. (See full table here).
In the Bundesliga, Bayern Munchen defeated Hamburg SV 1-0 with a great Ribery goal. Bayer Leverkusen tied in a scoreless match against FC Koln. Even though Leverkusen are still undefeated this season, Bayern Munchen have a two point lead over Leverkusen. (See full table here).
One of the most interesting leagues this year is La Liga BBVA, with possibly the two best teams in the world, Barcelona and Real Madrid. Real Madrid crushed Tenerife 5-1, with an impressive Higuain. Higuain has been Real Madrid's savior this season scoring the most goals in number and importance. Without Higuain, Real Madrid wouldn't be two point behind Barcelona. Barcelona haven't been the amazing team everyone expects it to be, but they get the job done. The played a close match against Malaga that ended 2-1. Barcelona dominated the entire match, but the Malaga defense complicated things for Barcelona. Even though the defense did great, they couldn't stop Pedro and Messi. With Messi's goal, he is now tied with David Villa in top scorers with 17 for each striker. Higuain is just one goal behind. Speaking of David Villa, his side had a humiliating match against Atletico Madrid, which they lost 4-1. Atletico is an irregular team that can beat Valencia and Barcelona, but have problems getting a single point from bottom half teams. Real Madrid is very close. Even though Barcelona have more points than what they had in this time period last year, Real Madrid have played very well, and are winning matches. They face Sevilla, a very tough opponent, which they need to beat to keep the title run. (See full table here).
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