I was tempted to reevaluate this as Tony Pulis was a major part in my prediction for Crystal Palace - but I suppose that's the joy with football - at any moment in time, a random unexpected event can occur and suddenly things look a whole lot different. For what it's worth, if rumous of Sherwood taking over a true, I reckon they'll go down.
Alas - I shall continue with positions 11th through to 15th.
In 11th place I have put Southampton. A lot of people are expecting them to struggle having lost the likes of Shaw, Chambers, Lallana, Lambert and Lovren - but Koeman has bought well. He has brought in players that he knows, and players that will directly replace those that have left (Shaw - Bertrand, Lallana - Tadic, Lambert - Pelle). They could do with a new central defender though, as Yoshida doesn't appear to have what it takes.
My prediction for 12th place is Newcastle United. Again, I think they'll be relatively safe - though they have a habit of making it hard for themselves. They have brought in players on long term contracts which is a bit of a risk, and they still have a pretty hefty French contingent. Cabella looks a handy signing, as does de Jong. Provided Pardew keeps his cool, The Magpies should be pretty comfortable.
In 13th I have placed Sunderland. After a huge shake up when Di Canio came in, Poyet has worked miracles in order to steady the ship and he appears to have a very clear idea of what he's doing. They still lack a top quality goal scorer, but they have a decent enough team overall with a good amount of experience. They seem to have faith in their manager, and with Poyet at the helm they could actually push towards the top half of the table.
Leicester City are the next on my list, finding themselves in 14th place. After a hugely impressive Championship campaign last season, The Foxes decided against making wholesale changes to their squad. They brought in a few players early, and Ulloa coming in from Brighton will take the goalscoring burden away from Nugent and Vardy. They have been away from the Premiership for too long and it'd be a real shame if they were to head back down.
I think exploits in Europe will be detrimental to Hull City's season, which is why I have them down in 15th. I actually think Steve Bruce has put together a brilliant squad, full of young British talent - but I worry that they'll burn out towards the end of the season. Beating Inter Milan to the signing of Ince is quite a coup, as was bringing in Livermore on a permanent basis. I like Hull and I hope they do well, but if they go on a decent run in Europe they may struggle.
1. Chelsea
2. Manchester United
3. Manchester City
4. Arsenal
5. Liverpool
6. Tottenham Hotspur
7. Everton
8. Crystal Palace
9. Queens Park Rangers
10. Stoke City
11. Southampton
12. Newcastle United
13. Sunderland
14. Leicester City
15. Hull City
Monday, 18 August 2014
Friday, 8 August 2014
PL Predictions - 6th to 10th
So without further ado, I shall go through the next 5 positions.
In 6th place, I have gone for Tottenham Hotspur. Generally a team that is sniffing around the European places, but never quite making the step up to the big time - I think this coming season will be a familiar story for Spurs fans. A team who generally have ambitions higher than their potential, Tottenham are a double edged sword for any manager taking the reigns. In Potchettino, they have a gaffer with a growing reputation but this stint could determine whether he has what it takes. Tottenham do have a talented squad, and they will be tricky to beat, but they need Lamela and Soldado to really step up this season if they want to put any pressure at all on the top 5.
In 7th place I've put in one of the overachievers from last year, Everton. Martinez worked wonders there in his debut season, and he'll need more of that this year as their squad hasn't really evolved since then. Keeping hold of Ross Barkley is important for them, and signing Lukaku permanently was a real sign of intent - but I don't think it'll be enough. A team with quality players throughout, Everton lack the trickery of Deulofeu this season and don't have a great amount of depth. Being in the Europa League could be a bit of a distraction, and I think 7th is the best they can hope for.
From 8th-15th I think you can probably whack a number of the remaining teams in a hat and it'll be as accurate as any guess. I dont think any teams left have the quality to push the top 7, and all have the potential to be in a relegation fight so maybe 8th position is generous for my predicted team, Crystal Palace. Since Pulis took over, Palace transformed into a difficult team to beat and they play a decent style of football. They have signed two players with decent Premier League experience in Hangeland and Fraizer Campbell, and I think they'll be fine.
In 9th place I have put our first Premiership newbies - QPR. 9th is pretty high for a newly promoted team, but with Harry Redknapp at the helm, there is always the potential to overachieve. A completely remodelled squad from the team that got relegated a couple of years back, QPR have built their latest foundations on British talent and have worked miracles in the transfer market to get in Ferdinand, Caulker, Mutch and Chilean World Cup star, Isla. If they can keep Remy, he will essentially be a new signing and so they only really need a left back and a tricky winger to have a well rounded squad. I think they'll be safe this season, and with a good run of results should squeeze into the top ten.
The last team to make it into my top ten is Stoke City. Mark Hughes is a manager I have never really rated, but I can't ignore the fact that he did a brilliant job last year - particularly after having a disastrous stint at QPR beforehand. He has slowly changed the style of play at Stoke, and although their backline still essentially consists of 4 centre backs, they have a bit more creativity and pace in the final third. Bojan could be an inspired signing provided he copes with the physical side of the PL, and Diouf coming in from Germany is another decent piece of business. Stoke have options these days, rather than the long ball tactics that got them into the league in the first place.
So here's my top 10:
1. Chelsea
2. Manchester United
3. Manchester City
4. Arsenal
5. Liverpool
6. Tottenham Hotspur
7. Everton
8. Crystal Palace
9. Queens Park Rangers
10. Stoke City
In 6th place, I have gone for Tottenham Hotspur. Generally a team that is sniffing around the European places, but never quite making the step up to the big time - I think this coming season will be a familiar story for Spurs fans. A team who generally have ambitions higher than their potential, Tottenham are a double edged sword for any manager taking the reigns. In Potchettino, they have a gaffer with a growing reputation but this stint could determine whether he has what it takes. Tottenham do have a talented squad, and they will be tricky to beat, but they need Lamela and Soldado to really step up this season if they want to put any pressure at all on the top 5.
In 7th place I've put in one of the overachievers from last year, Everton. Martinez worked wonders there in his debut season, and he'll need more of that this year as their squad hasn't really evolved since then. Keeping hold of Ross Barkley is important for them, and signing Lukaku permanently was a real sign of intent - but I don't think it'll be enough. A team with quality players throughout, Everton lack the trickery of Deulofeu this season and don't have a great amount of depth. Being in the Europa League could be a bit of a distraction, and I think 7th is the best they can hope for.
From 8th-15th I think you can probably whack a number of the remaining teams in a hat and it'll be as accurate as any guess. I dont think any teams left have the quality to push the top 7, and all have the potential to be in a relegation fight so maybe 8th position is generous for my predicted team, Crystal Palace. Since Pulis took over, Palace transformed into a difficult team to beat and they play a decent style of football. They have signed two players with decent Premier League experience in Hangeland and Fraizer Campbell, and I think they'll be fine.
In 9th place I have put our first Premiership newbies - QPR. 9th is pretty high for a newly promoted team, but with Harry Redknapp at the helm, there is always the potential to overachieve. A completely remodelled squad from the team that got relegated a couple of years back, QPR have built their latest foundations on British talent and have worked miracles in the transfer market to get in Ferdinand, Caulker, Mutch and Chilean World Cup star, Isla. If they can keep Remy, he will essentially be a new signing and so they only really need a left back and a tricky winger to have a well rounded squad. I think they'll be safe this season, and with a good run of results should squeeze into the top ten.
The last team to make it into my top ten is Stoke City. Mark Hughes is a manager I have never really rated, but I can't ignore the fact that he did a brilliant job last year - particularly after having a disastrous stint at QPR beforehand. He has slowly changed the style of play at Stoke, and although their backline still essentially consists of 4 centre backs, they have a bit more creativity and pace in the final third. Bojan could be an inspired signing provided he copes with the physical side of the PL, and Diouf coming in from Germany is another decent piece of business. Stoke have options these days, rather than the long ball tactics that got them into the league in the first place.
So here's my top 10:
1. Chelsea
2. Manchester United
3. Manchester City
4. Arsenal
5. Liverpool
6. Tottenham Hotspur
7. Everton
8. Crystal Palace
9. Queens Park Rangers
10. Stoke City
Thursday, 7 August 2014
PL Predictions - Top 5
I love a good prediction, and so I'm going to go through my predicted final standings of the PL for the upcoming season, starting here with my Top 5.
In first place, I have Chelsea. I think Mourinho has a squad full of depth and talent, having shipped out some deadwood over the past few months and he has a squad that should really be winning the title. They have two top class players in each position, though they do struggle a bit with strikers, but Drogba coming back to breathe down the necks of Torres and Costa should be enough to see them bang in a few goals. I'd love to see them play some of the younger forwards (Izzy Brown, Patrick Bamford) though I imagine they'll be sent out on loan instead. I think Fabregas is the signing of the summer, and will solidify a midfield that contains a huge amount of flair and skill.
Second place this yea I reckon will go to Manchester United. A new system and a new ethos this year will see a team itching to prove themselves. Louis van Gaal is a proven winner and has managed the largest clubs across Europe. Some of their current crop will have to adjust into their new roles - but once they find their feet, they'll be tricky to beat. I'd like them to bring in Cuadrado to play as a wing back, and perhaps an experienced central defender to give them options (Yepes?). rather than relying on Jones, Evans and Smalling. It will also benefit them hugely that they won't be playing in Europe this year when all of their competitors will be, and so I think it'll be a shootout between them and Chelsea for the title.
In third place I have the reigning champions. Manchester City will be there or therabouts - but I think they'll just miss out. Without Yaya Toure last season, they wouldn't have won the title, and I get the impression that he isn't as passionate this year as he has been in the past. They'll need more goals from the likes of Silva and Nasri to keep with the pace, and I think they'll run it close - but I just don't think they'll have the game changing moments to win it this time round. I also think they'll focus heavily on the Champion's League having not really impressed in Europe for the last few seasons, and if you compare squads with Chelsea, you can see that the depth for City just isn't quite there yet.
Fourth, and I believe a few points behind, will be Arsenal. They are comfortably the 4th best team in England and have been now for a few years. Alexis Sanchez is a great signing, and between him, Ozil, Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain they have some very skilled players - but they still lack a decent holding midfielder, and I reckon they could do with a whole new back line. Should Joel Campbell play to his potential in the PL they will do well, but otherwise they're relying on Giroud again and I don't think he's really up to it.
In fifth I have Liverpool. They have spent millions since Suarez left in a similar way to Spurs splashing the cash once Bale left - and I think it'll be a similar result. I don't think Rodgers will get sacked, but I also don't think Lallana, Lambert, Markovic, Can and Lovren are really inspirational signings. It is rumoured they are looking at Falcao, who would be an incredible signing but in reality it's not going to happen so I think a safe 5th works for them. They're better than the teams below, but won't keep pace with those above, and they will have Champions League football to contend with this season.
In first place, I have Chelsea. I think Mourinho has a squad full of depth and talent, having shipped out some deadwood over the past few months and he has a squad that should really be winning the title. They have two top class players in each position, though they do struggle a bit with strikers, but Drogba coming back to breathe down the necks of Torres and Costa should be enough to see them bang in a few goals. I'd love to see them play some of the younger forwards (Izzy Brown, Patrick Bamford) though I imagine they'll be sent out on loan instead. I think Fabregas is the signing of the summer, and will solidify a midfield that contains a huge amount of flair and skill.
Second place this yea I reckon will go to Manchester United. A new system and a new ethos this year will see a team itching to prove themselves. Louis van Gaal is a proven winner and has managed the largest clubs across Europe. Some of their current crop will have to adjust into their new roles - but once they find their feet, they'll be tricky to beat. I'd like them to bring in Cuadrado to play as a wing back, and perhaps an experienced central defender to give them options (Yepes?). rather than relying on Jones, Evans and Smalling. It will also benefit them hugely that they won't be playing in Europe this year when all of their competitors will be, and so I think it'll be a shootout between them and Chelsea for the title.
In third place I have the reigning champions. Manchester City will be there or therabouts - but I think they'll just miss out. Without Yaya Toure last season, they wouldn't have won the title, and I get the impression that he isn't as passionate this year as he has been in the past. They'll need more goals from the likes of Silva and Nasri to keep with the pace, and I think they'll run it close - but I just don't think they'll have the game changing moments to win it this time round. I also think they'll focus heavily on the Champion's League having not really impressed in Europe for the last few seasons, and if you compare squads with Chelsea, you can see that the depth for City just isn't quite there yet.
Fourth, and I believe a few points behind, will be Arsenal. They are comfortably the 4th best team in England and have been now for a few years. Alexis Sanchez is a great signing, and between him, Ozil, Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain they have some very skilled players - but they still lack a decent holding midfielder, and I reckon they could do with a whole new back line. Should Joel Campbell play to his potential in the PL they will do well, but otherwise they're relying on Giroud again and I don't think he's really up to it.
In fifth I have Liverpool. They have spent millions since Suarez left in a similar way to Spurs splashing the cash once Bale left - and I think it'll be a similar result. I don't think Rodgers will get sacked, but I also don't think Lallana, Lambert, Markovic, Can and Lovren are really inspirational signings. It is rumoured they are looking at Falcao, who would be an incredible signing but in reality it's not going to happen so I think a safe 5th works for them. They're better than the teams below, but won't keep pace with those above, and they will have Champions League football to contend with this season.
Joe's Top 5
1. Chelsea
2. Manchester United
3. Manchester City
4. Arsenal
5. Liverpool
Friday, 18 July 2014
My name is Joe, and I am a Football Managerholic
So the day is Thursday 18th July, the glorious sun is shining through my window and it is my day off from work. My beautiful partner has gone to work and I am home alone.
There are many things I could do with my day - whether it be strolling in the park, having a quiet read on the balcony or meeting up with a friend for lunch... But no. My sole focus is to get Crewe Alexandra promoted from League 1.
Let me explain myself.
I have been a massive fan of the Football Manager series for about 10 years now. I have spent hours/weeks/months on that game steadily building a solid foundation for any given team. I have won everything there is to win, and I have been heartbroken when losing to that gutting goal in the final minute that my keeper most definitely should've saved! I have been there. I have even played the Champions League theme tune through my phone as my players come out onto the pitch. I have felt every minute, and I have loved it...
There is nothing more satisfying than seeing that youth team player you have produced grow into one of the World's best players. To see him get called into the international squad for the first time, and for him to thank you when getting his first international cap or goal. The feeling of finding that elusive gem playing away in the depths of a Scandinavian league and giving him his chance at the big time - to see him score the winner in the FA Cup Final! To have one of your legendary players retire and then elect to become your Assistant Manager so that you can continue your friendship.
These characters are not simply fake little players running around. They are my players. They are people, and they have personalities to go with it. I imagine they have fake little families, and are friends with all the other fake little players.
...and this is why I am an addict.
But I don't care. Yes the sun is shining, yes there are a million things to do, but young Stevie Harrison has just come into the youth team, and he is going to be my star for years to come! I must make him a star!!
Only a few people will really understand this, but those who do will completely appreciate where I'm coming from. The rest of you can think I'm mental, that's fine. I have a legacy to complete.
There are many things I could do with my day - whether it be strolling in the park, having a quiet read on the balcony or meeting up with a friend for lunch... But no. My sole focus is to get Crewe Alexandra promoted from League 1.
Let me explain myself.
I have been a massive fan of the Football Manager series for about 10 years now. I have spent hours/weeks/months on that game steadily building a solid foundation for any given team. I have won everything there is to win, and I have been heartbroken when losing to that gutting goal in the final minute that my keeper most definitely should've saved! I have been there. I have even played the Champions League theme tune through my phone as my players come out onto the pitch. I have felt every minute, and I have loved it...
There is nothing more satisfying than seeing that youth team player you have produced grow into one of the World's best players. To see him get called into the international squad for the first time, and for him to thank you when getting his first international cap or goal. The feeling of finding that elusive gem playing away in the depths of a Scandinavian league and giving him his chance at the big time - to see him score the winner in the FA Cup Final! To have one of your legendary players retire and then elect to become your Assistant Manager so that you can continue your friendship.
These characters are not simply fake little players running around. They are my players. They are people, and they have personalities to go with it. I imagine they have fake little families, and are friends with all the other fake little players.
...and this is why I am an addict.
But I don't care. Yes the sun is shining, yes there are a million things to do, but young Stevie Harrison has just come into the youth team, and he is going to be my star for years to come! I must make him a star!!
Only a few people will really understand this, but those who do will completely appreciate where I'm coming from. The rest of you can think I'm mental, that's fine. I have a legacy to complete.
Monday, 14 July 2014
So How Close Was I To Being Correct?
Ok, let's face it. My post here was a little tongue in cheek, and in reality I got 0 out of 3 correct..
The major thing I got incorrect was that I didn't predict that for the first time in history, the World Cup held in South America would be won by a European team.. However, my thought process wasn't a million miles off for the rest of it.
Winners: Germany
Prediction: Brazil
I predicted that Brazil would win the World Cup.. I was wrong. They were utterly hammered by the eventual winners in the Semi Finals. I can't really defend that.
Runners Up: Argentina
Prediction: Germany
I had predicted that not only would there be a Europe vs South America final, but also that Germany would be the team representing Europe. I would argue that had Brazil been on the other side of the draw, the final could well have been Brazil vs Germany but as they both won their groups that was deemed impossible. If you read my original thread too, I toy with the idea of putting Argentina there and state that the only reason I chose Brazil was because of home advantage. So yes, I was wrong but I was close to being right.
Top Scorer: James Rodriquez
Prediction: Edin Dzeko
Now, I was completely wrong with my answer here. I had Bosnia down to be a dark horse. They scored plenty in qualifying and Dzeko was their top scorer. They should've breezed past Nigeria and Iran but alas, they didn't. Unfortunately he ended the tournament with 1 goal to his name, and Bosnia never made it out of their group.
However - I was correct to state that the top scorer is likely to be playing for a team that does not compete in the final. In fact, James Rodriguez didn't even play in the Semis... So my thought process was correct, but my decision making was a bit off.
The major thing I got incorrect was that I didn't predict that for the first time in history, the World Cup held in South America would be won by a European team.. However, my thought process wasn't a million miles off for the rest of it.
Winners: Germany
Prediction: Brazil
I predicted that Brazil would win the World Cup.. I was wrong. They were utterly hammered by the eventual winners in the Semi Finals. I can't really defend that.
Runners Up: Argentina
Prediction: Germany
I had predicted that not only would there be a Europe vs South America final, but also that Germany would be the team representing Europe. I would argue that had Brazil been on the other side of the draw, the final could well have been Brazil vs Germany but as they both won their groups that was deemed impossible. If you read my original thread too, I toy with the idea of putting Argentina there and state that the only reason I chose Brazil was because of home advantage. So yes, I was wrong but I was close to being right.
Top Scorer: James Rodriquez
Prediction: Edin Dzeko
Now, I was completely wrong with my answer here. I had Bosnia down to be a dark horse. They scored plenty in qualifying and Dzeko was their top scorer. They should've breezed past Nigeria and Iran but alas, they didn't. Unfortunately he ended the tournament with 1 goal to his name, and Bosnia never made it out of their group.
However - I was correct to state that the top scorer is likely to be playing for a team that does not compete in the final. In fact, James Rodriguez didn't even play in the Semis... So my thought process was correct, but my decision making was a bit off.
Tuesday, 1 July 2014
Why English Players Should Move Abroad
It is no secret that our issues with the national team are being blamed on those 'average' foreign players that get brought into the Premier League on smaller pay packets. The England National Team is apparently worse off because of this, and the idea of a 'B Team League' has been brushed off with barely a whimper - after all, how is the English team going to benefit from more players playing at a lower standard...?
If the FA will not put rules in place to restrict the amount of players from across Europe joining our league, surely English players should be looking to seek moves to clubs outside of our own nation. There are barely any British players plying their trade across Europe's other big leagues, and I think this is part of our downfall.
In the Premiership, we have a huge amount of Spanish, French, Dutch and German players. Players who are mostly internationals, and some who are absolutely World Class.. On the other hand, the only player in Woy's squad to play outside of the Premier League is Fraser Forster.. Of Celtic.
I was frustrated with Tom Ince when he turned down a move to Inter Milan, stating that he has 'unfinished business' in the Premiership. This isn't the case. He is still young and can return to the PL after 5 potentially brilliant seasons playing for one of Italy's top clubs - but no. He'll probably move to Hull, or Crystal Palace and be constantly ignored by the National team because he isn't at a big club. He has the potential to be one of the most effective wingers in Europe, and this lack of ambition really frustrates me.
I have read recently that Fraser Forster has been linked with a move to Athletico Madrid and I think this would be a brilliant move for him. I really rate Forster, but it's clear that playing for Celtic has seen him considered only 3rd choice for England. I think he's far better than Ben Foster, and, provided he's playing for a World Class team on a regular basis, he could really push Joe Hart for the Number 1 spot... But staying in Scotland would see him fester into that average 3rd choice role for the rest of his career.
Yes, the Premier League is one of the best leagues in the World - and there are a lot of British players drawn to that - but if you have the option of Inter Milan or Hull, surely it's a no brainer?! Gareth Bale took the plunge and went to Real Madrid, and he is clearly enjoying that - but even that took a World Record fee.
Look at Joey Barton, succeeding at Marseille a couple of seasons back. Joe Cole had a bit of a revival in France with Lille - but has since failed at West Ham, and even Bradley Wright-Phillips looks a decent player playing alongside Tim Cahill and Thierry Henry in the MLS, moving there from Charlton.
Let's imagine that Tom Cleverley goes abroad along with Micah Richards, Ryan Shawcross and Andros Townsend. Four players that have potential to be good enough for the England team, but are wasting time stuck at their current clubs - happy to be average. Shawcross could get into almost any squad in Europe and would be great in the heart of an English defence, Richards was a brialliant youngster but has since rotted away on Man City's bench and cannot shift Zabaleta from that right back slot. Townsend too would be brilliant in La Liga or Serie A, and Cleverley could even do a decent job in the Bundesliga. But it is just not going to happen.. The draw of the Premier League is too great, even if it means a player's career suffering because of it.
The amount of players you could list who have 'wasted potential' goes on - you look at Jack Rodwell, Scott Sinclar, Ravel Morrison, Wilf Zaha, Conor Wickham.. All players who are not getting game time in the biggest competitions because they would rather stick it out at an average English team, or convince themselves that they're going to knock Juan Mata or Yaya Toure out of the starting lineups of their clubs. Not going to happen. Move on. Live a little. Reach that potential!
Cool. Rant over. Thanks for reading.
If the FA will not put rules in place to restrict the amount of players from across Europe joining our league, surely English players should be looking to seek moves to clubs outside of our own nation. There are barely any British players plying their trade across Europe's other big leagues, and I think this is part of our downfall.
In the Premiership, we have a huge amount of Spanish, French, Dutch and German players. Players who are mostly internationals, and some who are absolutely World Class.. On the other hand, the only player in Woy's squad to play outside of the Premier League is Fraser Forster.. Of Celtic.
I was frustrated with Tom Ince when he turned down a move to Inter Milan, stating that he has 'unfinished business' in the Premiership. This isn't the case. He is still young and can return to the PL after 5 potentially brilliant seasons playing for one of Italy's top clubs - but no. He'll probably move to Hull, or Crystal Palace and be constantly ignored by the National team because he isn't at a big club. He has the potential to be one of the most effective wingers in Europe, and this lack of ambition really frustrates me.
I have read recently that Fraser Forster has been linked with a move to Athletico Madrid and I think this would be a brilliant move for him. I really rate Forster, but it's clear that playing for Celtic has seen him considered only 3rd choice for England. I think he's far better than Ben Foster, and, provided he's playing for a World Class team on a regular basis, he could really push Joe Hart for the Number 1 spot... But staying in Scotland would see him fester into that average 3rd choice role for the rest of his career.
Yes, the Premier League is one of the best leagues in the World - and there are a lot of British players drawn to that - but if you have the option of Inter Milan or Hull, surely it's a no brainer?! Gareth Bale took the plunge and went to Real Madrid, and he is clearly enjoying that - but even that took a World Record fee.
Look at Joey Barton, succeeding at Marseille a couple of seasons back. Joe Cole had a bit of a revival in France with Lille - but has since failed at West Ham, and even Bradley Wright-Phillips looks a decent player playing alongside Tim Cahill and Thierry Henry in the MLS, moving there from Charlton.
Let's imagine that Tom Cleverley goes abroad along with Micah Richards, Ryan Shawcross and Andros Townsend. Four players that have potential to be good enough for the England team, but are wasting time stuck at their current clubs - happy to be average. Shawcross could get into almost any squad in Europe and would be great in the heart of an English defence, Richards was a brialliant youngster but has since rotted away on Man City's bench and cannot shift Zabaleta from that right back slot. Townsend too would be brilliant in La Liga or Serie A, and Cleverley could even do a decent job in the Bundesliga. But it is just not going to happen.. The draw of the Premier League is too great, even if it means a player's career suffering because of it.
The amount of players you could list who have 'wasted potential' goes on - you look at Jack Rodwell, Scott Sinclar, Ravel Morrison, Wilf Zaha, Conor Wickham.. All players who are not getting game time in the biggest competitions because they would rather stick it out at an average English team, or convince themselves that they're going to knock Juan Mata or Yaya Toure out of the starting lineups of their clubs. Not going to happen. Move on. Live a little. Reach that potential!
Cool. Rant over. Thanks for reading.
Sunday, 29 June 2014
UFWC - Will the 'trophy' change hands today?
Today sees Costa Rica play Greece in the title match for the Unofficial Football World Championships.
The winner will move up in the rankings - Costa Rica from equal 24th (with Angola, Paraguay, Peru and Zimbabwe) to joint 22nd (with Colombia and Romania). Greece would move ahead of Japan and Chile, to joint 15th alongside Wales and Austria.
For those who didn't read my last post about the UFWC, it is the longest international football 'competition' in which there is a winner-stays-on mentality. The first champions were England back in 1873, having beaten Scotland - they held onto it until they were beaten, the team that beat them then held onto the title until they were beaten, and so on.. Right up to present day, over 800 international matches have had the title up for grabs, over 142 years, title bouts have been fought between some of the huge teams in the World, as well as some of the minnows.
As recently as 2012, North Korea were UFWC title holders having won it from Japan - and held the title for a whole year before losing against Sweden on penalties in the 'King's Cup', held in Thailand.Scotland currently top the World Rankings with most successful defences of the title, mostly due to the fact that in the early years there were very few international football teams at all. They look likely to stay there for some time, with England 13 defences behind, and Argentina 3rd in the rankings and 29 victories away from overtaking them.
This year, we will see the UFWC and the World Cup title unified during the World Cup for the 9th time in history. England could've kept them apart had they beaten current holders, Costa Rica, before heading back home - but alas they did not, Costa Rica successfully defended the title and it is now up to Greece to take it off them.
What's great is that the teams competing don't even know they are competing for it. They could lose the title in an international friendly, or they could - as will happen this year - win it in the World Cup Final. It is unlikely that Costa Rica will keep hold of it for much longer, but you never know!
The winner of today's game will then take on the team who wins between Netherlands and Mexico, in another title bout.
Today, I think Costa Rica will keep hold of it. Greece have only scored 2 goals in the competition, and blagged it through the group stage thanks to a last minute penalty which Samaras put away.
Costa Rica have impressed, beating both Uruguay and Italy - and are currently one of the few teams to maintain an unbeaten record in the competition. They've played some good football, and are ultimately the surprise of the tournament.
I'm gonna go for a win on penalties for Costa Rica, after a 1-1 draw. Quite specific, but I'd like to imagine it'll go that far.
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