Top 10 South Americans in the Premier League
March 15, 2010
I think it is perhaps fair to say that traditionally the English league doesn’t seem to attract as many South Americans as its Spanish, French and Italian counterparts. Bizarrely, the Russian and Ukrainian leagues also seem to have higher South American contingents than the Premier League does. However, there are a couple of players who have bucked that particular trend and excelled on English soil so I thought I’d offer a rundown of my top ten South American imports, in no particular order.
The Enigma that is Nicklas Bendtner
March 10, 2010
Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendter bagged himself a hat-trick on Champions League duty on Tuesday night. The Gunners put in an outstanding display and saw off Portuguese side Porto 5-0 to ensure qualification to the next round after a 2-1 defeat in the first leg in Portugal. Bendtner’s goals came courtesy of two tap-ins and a penalty - granted, they may not have been the most attractive of finishes but he was in the right place at the right time and that is all you can ask of a striker.
International friendly round-up
March 3, 2010
In truth the countdown to the next World Cup starts as soon as the previous one finishes. The preparations for the 2010 tournament are now in the final stage, denoted by the fact less than 100 days remain to check out the best World Cup bets until the actions kicks off in South Africa.
Most participating teams have chosen this landmark to play friendlies, with the most notable result being Brazil’s 2-0 win over Republic of Ireland. The five-time winners fielded a strong team and exhibited the fluid, passing game that many expect to take them to glory once again.
The Samba Kings were in total command during the second half at the Emirates Stadium, cruising to victory in much the same way they did against England in November. Robinho was the outstanding performer, but the whole team looked settled and comfortable in their jobs, typified by the 29 passes that preceded the temporary Santos star. World Cup odds will certainly have them down as one of the favourites.
Mexico started their busy build-up – they play 10 more times before the tournament – with a 5-0 thrashing of Bolivia in San Francisco. Boss Javier Aguirre selected a young squad, with Carlos Vela, Rafael Marquez and Omar Bravo some of the star names to be rested.
The comprehensive victory, secured with four goals in the opening 20 minutes, gives Aguirre food for thought as he finalises his squad, with two-goal Javier Hernandez one man who did his hopes of inclusion no harm.
CONCACAF rivals United States edged past El Salvador 2-1 in the last match they will play before Bob Bradley announces his World Cup squad. Sacha Kljestan and Brian Ching scored the goals for a team that was missing its major stars from the European leagues.
Wayne Bridge shuns England
February 25, 2010
Wayne Bridge has shunned England and declared himself unavailable for the world cup in South Africa. The defender, who has been at the centre of a media maelstrom since news broke over an alleged affair between John Terry and his former partner, Veronce Perron.
Ina statement to the press, Bridge referred to his position with the England Camp as “untenable and divisive.” Bridge went on to say that “I feel for the sake of the team and in order to avoid what will be inevitable distractions, I have decided not to put myself forward for selection. I have today informed the management of this decision. I wish the team all the very best in South Africa.” This stands in stark contrast with Fabio Capello’s conviction earlier in the week that Wayne Bridge would be starting in the game against Egypt.
Proof, if it were needed, that events off the pitch can spill over and affect the composition of those on it was confirmed in this shock statement issued. There has been much debate over recent weeks regarding the role of professional footballers over whether events in their private lives should remain private or be publicized and chewed over by the general public. Bridge, it seems, has taken enough and has put himself in the media spotlight here so that he will eventually be able to withdraw from the issue. No doubt the players decision is partly to do with the belief that the public would continue to question his feelings of animosity towards John Terry and his impact on the England squad consistently, up to and including the finals themselves in June.
Although Bridge has potentially exposed himself to some criticism for putting personal feelings before national pride and patriotism, one could argue that he is perfectly entitled to do so. While John Terry will no doubt squirm as uncomfortably as he is able to at this news, he should take on board that his role within the squad was not just team mate and captain, but a respected colleague and, he claims, former friend. Bridge’s announcement shows the impact that this betrayal has had on him, and for all the hype, has shown that he is a human being who has been put in a position that most would sympathise with. It is one thing to cheat on your wife, but to do so with a colleague and friend is the ultimate betrayal; this is just as true for everyone as it is for International footballers.
Bridge has decided that he cannot forgive and forget and sweep his issues with John Terry under the carpet for the sake of the England football team. Whether this is commendable or not is a different question, but the Manchester City defender has emphasized to the squad, the nation and to Terry that the Chelsea defender remains unforgiven.
Luckily for Capello, ‘A Different League’ has already undertaken to answer the question of who will fill in for Cole at left back by highlighting the qualities of Leighton Baines and Stephen Warnock. It is worth remembering too, that on a footballing level Bridge has been unspectacular at international level, and that the squad is likely to contain both James Milner and Gareth Barry, who can both play left back if necessary. Therefore it seems that the biggest problem facing Capello is not filling the positional void left by Bridges withdrawal from the squad. Rather, he needs to bring together a squad that may be in jeopardy of separating itself on moral grounds.
Rooney explains goal glut
February 17, 2010
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has always been an exciting proposition. From his early days at Everton where he burst onto the scene as a raw 17-year-old up until the present day his performances have always been captivating. However, despite such electric displays Rooney has been criticised for his goal return - until this season that is.
Categories
- 2010 World Cup
- Editorial
- English Blue Square Premier
- English Championship
- English League 1
- English League 2
- English Premiership
- European Football
- French Ligue 1
- German Bundesliga
- Italian Serie A
- Main Content
- MLS
- Scottish Football
- Spanish La Liga
- Transfer News
- UEFA Champions League
- UEFA Cup
Friends
21onlinecasinos.com has the latest and highest casino online payouts for players that could play and win the casinos jackpot!After you're done checking out all the latest football action why not have a punt playing some online poker.
Related Sites
- 2010 World Cup
- Aston Villa Blog
- Aston Villa FC Fansite
- Auto-Golazo
- Blog Catalog
- Dreamfootball
- Extra Footie
- Football Betting
- Football Highlights
- Football Kits
- Football Shirts
- Free Bet
- Free Bets
- Free Bets
- In the Stands
- Man City Blog
- Omni Football
- Online Football Spread Betting
- Soccer Highlights
- Soccer Jerseys
- Soccer News
- soccernetlive
- Technorati Profile
- The Gunning Hawk
- WINKI DIRECTORY
