I am coming, finally, to a decision for a prediction of the winner of Euro 2008.
It is hours to go before the spectacle rounds up. As much as I want Jens Lehmann to enjoy a good honour, I think Spain will edge it.
Spain is on the back of nearly a dozen straight victories. Their best player is their supersub till now, Cesc Fabregas, and not the injured David Villa. Villa has only thrived in the group stages, scoring a hat-trick in the first match.
It is Cesc Fabregas who is a real contender to be the player of the tournament. His influential performance against Russia in the semi-finals has outlined his major standing in the squad, and he is certainly one of the players who will be contenders for the top honours both as an individual and with their teams.
I still believe Thierry Henry's best is yet to come. If Wenger can see the light, and Henry see the interest, to come back to Arsenal for a couple of seasons will make this a truly memorable era for modern football. He could go to US when he is 38 years old. I am sure he can still make an impact.
Lehmann hasn't got much clean sheets this tournament. He won't get it in the final either. I am boldly predicting a scintillating match ending in a 3-3 draw. Fabregas may have yet another 2 assists. But Spain to win in extra-time. A better prediction will be a 2-1 or 3-2 victory for Spain, perenial underachievers no more.
Herald the arrival of a new big star.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Russia vs Spain
This is one of the most evenly matched battles we are going to see.
Russia may have lost 1-4 to Spain at the group stage, but Russia with their targetman Arshavin, who introduces a creative side to the Russians' game, they are formidable and had even trumped pre-knockout stage favourites Netherlands.
Russia has already performed over the odds, thanks to Guus Hiddink. Now I am really impressed with this manager, whom I now regard as one of the best international managers in recent history, alongside Luiz Felipe Scolari and Marcello Lippi, with Jurgen Klinsmann also a great manager.
As for the best manager at this tournament... :
1) Guus Hiddink
2) Fatih Terim
3) Marco van Basten
Now to the match.
I think it will be as closely fought as the other semi-final, which as I had predicted, Germany clocked a 1-goal winning margin, in the dying seconds. Fabregas needs to start the game, as he creates opportunities and also shields his defence. He is really a Central Midfielder. Arshavin should spearhead Russia's challenge, as expected. He is turning into the star player of the tournament, with Lukas Podolski and some others among challengers.
Men to watch:
Andrei Arshavin
His contribution to the squad cannot be underestimated. Before he returned for the match against Sweden, Russia looked rather out of sorts. They were whacked by Spain. And then they squeezed laboriously to knock holders Greece out. Then Arshavin returned and outclassed Zlatan Ibrahimovic, his counterpart, in the last group game. Then the win against Netherlands, whom had seemed unstoppable. He dictates the tempo and play of the game, and has a knack for creating chances and plundering goals when the time arrives. This is the kind of striker I like; able to score and assist, not like Ruud van Nisterooy and many others.
Cesc Fabregas
He scored the penalty that sent Spain through to the semi-finals of a major competition for the first time since 20 years ago. But make no fuss about that. Whoever else scored the penalty to send a team through is always overhyped as a hero. But Fabregas is starting to push for a spot in the starting lineup, which could cause Xavi Hernandez to be relegated to the bench, as Marcos Senna's defensive shield complements both of these 2 players. He is not a good scorer of goals; make no mistake. But he is really good at sliding the ball through for a teammate to get through on goal. A man to watch, especially if he starts.
Guus Hiddink
His tactical nous has been really impressive. He has a strong case for the best manager award. He has performed some sort of miracle at each of the nations he had coached in, namely South Korea, Australia, and now Russia. Don't include Netherlands, because Netherlands itself is a lready a strong soccer nation, unlike the rest. Guus is inspired by challenges, and that may well be the motivation for such miracles. Arshavin will surely be involved, but whether Russia will play counter-attacks, or any other strategy, we won't be sure. We will, however, be sure that Guus will not get it wrong like Scolari did against Germany.
So the big question. Who will win and face Germany for the highly coveted trophy. I would say the team with the greater desire will win this match. Spain wants to end many years of hurt. Russia wants to emulate Greece, and stun the whole of European football. The best motivator at the Euro tournament is by far Fatih Terim of Turkey. If Spain scores first, they may well go through. But if Russia take the lead in the second half, Spain may start to lose patience and lose. But whatever happens in the first half should not be too significant. This tournament, thanks to Turkey, has witnessed the most important events in the dying moments.
My prediction: 2-1 to Russia, or Spain to draw and win on penalties.
Russia may have lost 1-4 to Spain at the group stage, but Russia with their targetman Arshavin, who introduces a creative side to the Russians' game, they are formidable and had even trumped pre-knockout stage favourites Netherlands.
Russia has already performed over the odds, thanks to Guus Hiddink. Now I am really impressed with this manager, whom I now regard as one of the best international managers in recent history, alongside Luiz Felipe Scolari and Marcello Lippi, with Jurgen Klinsmann also a great manager.
As for the best manager at this tournament... :
1) Guus Hiddink
2) Fatih Terim
3) Marco van Basten
Now to the match.
I think it will be as closely fought as the other semi-final, which as I had predicted, Germany clocked a 1-goal winning margin, in the dying seconds. Fabregas needs to start the game, as he creates opportunities and also shields his defence. He is really a Central Midfielder. Arshavin should spearhead Russia's challenge, as expected. He is turning into the star player of the tournament, with Lukas Podolski and some others among challengers.
Men to watch:
Andrei Arshavin
His contribution to the squad cannot be underestimated. Before he returned for the match against Sweden, Russia looked rather out of sorts. They were whacked by Spain. And then they squeezed laboriously to knock holders Greece out. Then Arshavin returned and outclassed Zlatan Ibrahimovic, his counterpart, in the last group game. Then the win against Netherlands, whom had seemed unstoppable. He dictates the tempo and play of the game, and has a knack for creating chances and plundering goals when the time arrives. This is the kind of striker I like; able to score and assist, not like Ruud van Nisterooy and many others.
Cesc Fabregas
He scored the penalty that sent Spain through to the semi-finals of a major competition for the first time since 20 years ago. But make no fuss about that. Whoever else scored the penalty to send a team through is always overhyped as a hero. But Fabregas is starting to push for a spot in the starting lineup, which could cause Xavi Hernandez to be relegated to the bench, as Marcos Senna's defensive shield complements both of these 2 players. He is not a good scorer of goals; make no mistake. But he is really good at sliding the ball through for a teammate to get through on goal. A man to watch, especially if he starts.
Guus Hiddink
His tactical nous has been really impressive. He has a strong case for the best manager award. He has performed some sort of miracle at each of the nations he had coached in, namely South Korea, Australia, and now Russia. Don't include Netherlands, because Netherlands itself is a lready a strong soccer nation, unlike the rest. Guus is inspired by challenges, and that may well be the motivation for such miracles. Arshavin will surely be involved, but whether Russia will play counter-attacks, or any other strategy, we won't be sure. We will, however, be sure that Guus will not get it wrong like Scolari did against Germany.
So the big question. Who will win and face Germany for the highly coveted trophy. I would say the team with the greater desire will win this match. Spain wants to end many years of hurt. Russia wants to emulate Greece, and stun the whole of European football. The best motivator at the Euro tournament is by far Fatih Terim of Turkey. If Spain scores first, they may well go through. But if Russia take the lead in the second half, Spain may start to lose patience and lose. But whatever happens in the first half should not be too significant. This tournament, thanks to Turkey, has witnessed the most important events in the dying moments.
My prediction: 2-1 to Russia, or Spain to draw and win on penalties.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Euro semi-finals
I made no posts about Euro 08 since France was booted out of the competition, but now I am back!
Germany vs Turkey
This is a fight between a good mixture of the traditional style of ugly football and modern style of attacking football, and a united team that is greatly depleted but will be led by a strong determination.
I have a feeling Turkey will make it tight, but it will be like the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup. Turkey are too depleted; their star players Nihat Kahveci, Arda Turan andd some others are all unavailable for the game. But it will be a really interesting moment to see a reserve keeper come on as a substitute in an outfield position. And Rustu Recber is the same keeper that faced Germany in 2002, but his counterpart will not be Kahn but Lehmann.
Players to watch:
Hamit Altintop
He is perhaps the most known name in the Turkey team that will be starting the game. A midfielder, he needs to perform at his best to try and contain the attacking midfielders like Ballack or Schweinsteiger or Frings, and try to penetrate Hizlsberger and Rofles who shields the defence.
Torsten Frings
He hasn't shone at this tournament yet, while at first Podolski, then Ballack, then Schweinsteiger stole the limelight. He is capable of scoring goals from distance, as does Phillip Lahm, a wing-back who enjoys going forward. I think Germany coach Loew will play it safe and tell Lahm to stay at his role and not go forward too much, so as the attention is on the others, Frings could surprise with a goal.
Jens Lehmann
Lehmann was a revelation at the World Cup 2 years ago as Germany hosted the big event. This could be his last hurrah and he will be working hard to ensure a clean sheet. It will be tough to break the German defence shall Loew decides on a defensive game, but he should make it a good game with an attacking mentality. Germany will put in goals at the front, but Lehmann could win it for his nation if he produces good saves to deny the Turks.
Germany vs Turkey
This is a fight between a good mixture of the traditional style of ugly football and modern style of attacking football, and a united team that is greatly depleted but will be led by a strong determination.
I have a feeling Turkey will make it tight, but it will be like the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup. Turkey are too depleted; their star players Nihat Kahveci, Arda Turan andd some others are all unavailable for the game. But it will be a really interesting moment to see a reserve keeper come on as a substitute in an outfield position. And Rustu Recber is the same keeper that faced Germany in 2002, but his counterpart will not be Kahn but Lehmann.
Players to watch:
Hamit Altintop
He is perhaps the most known name in the Turkey team that will be starting the game. A midfielder, he needs to perform at his best to try and contain the attacking midfielders like Ballack or Schweinsteiger or Frings, and try to penetrate Hizlsberger and Rofles who shields the defence.
Torsten Frings
He hasn't shone at this tournament yet, while at first Podolski, then Ballack, then Schweinsteiger stole the limelight. He is capable of scoring goals from distance, as does Phillip Lahm, a wing-back who enjoys going forward. I think Germany coach Loew will play it safe and tell Lahm to stay at his role and not go forward too much, so as the attention is on the others, Frings could surprise with a goal.
Jens Lehmann
Lehmann was a revelation at the World Cup 2 years ago as Germany hosted the big event. This could be his last hurrah and he will be working hard to ensure a clean sheet. It will be tough to break the German defence shall Loew decides on a defensive game, but he should make it a good game with an attacking mentality. Germany will put in goals at the front, but Lehmann could win it for his nation if he produces good saves to deny the Turks.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Soccerproject latest updates
I realised that the primary skills of the players are very important, so I started buying players and selling again. My team spirit is at 56% at the moment, but it should drop to around 40%, then (-10% of current) which happens at end of every season. So it should be around 35%.
Team spirit is very important. I finished the season in a dismal 9th place, with 47 points. I am targetting 5th spot for the coming season, with 55 points. Regardless of how I perform the coming season, I am certain I will be aiming for promotion the season after.
I initially set a three-season plan, but this is the 3rd season and I had made little headway. However, I had made some shrewd signings, but at the expense of the team spirit for the 2nd season in a row. Thus, I will be aiming for top 5, nothing more.
I hope my new signings will do me real proud, and I hope to be able to offload some of my players to decrease my wage bill, which is eating off most of my stadium ticket revenues.
Team spirit is very important. I finished the season in a dismal 9th place, with 47 points. I am targetting 5th spot for the coming season, with 55 points. Regardless of how I perform the coming season, I am certain I will be aiming for promotion the season after.
I initially set a three-season plan, but this is the 3rd season and I had made little headway. However, I had made some shrewd signings, but at the expense of the team spirit for the 2nd season in a row. Thus, I will be aiming for top 5, nothing more.
I hope my new signings will do me real proud, and I hope to be able to offload some of my players to decrease my wage bill, which is eating off most of my stadium ticket revenues.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Way to go
France got whacked 1-4 by Netherlands. But Thierry scored, as I expected!
I must admit my predictions went awry. France drew with Romania 0-0, and Henry did not even play. Italy got thrashed 0-3 by Netherlands. Greece was defeated 0-2 by Sweden. But I got the margin corect for Czech vs Portugal and Swizerland vs Turkey. And Spain did win against Russia...
So, I will come up with more predictions!
Turkey vs Czech
If it is a draw, bank on the Czechs to go through because of Petr Cech's heroics. But I think it would be 1-0 to the Turks.
Swizerland vs Portugal
Portugal has secured a place in the knockout stages, so Scolari should be fielding a weakened team against the co-hosts. But their half-hearted display will allow the co-hosts to leave with something, and don't bet against a victory.
Poland vs Croatia
Poland would have to hope that Germany do not win the other match and they would have to win this encounter by some goals. However, they lack enough quality to overcome this Croatian side. It should end in a draw, enough for top spot for the Croats.
Austria vs Germany
The Germans have their backs against the walls now, but you can expect they are not going to flop against the lowest FIFA-ranked team in the tournament. A 2-goal victor for the pre-tournament favourites.
France vs Italy
The arch-enemies meet again, this time in dire circumstances. Both teams have aged, but expect Henry to be fitter, and score a brace and inspire the French to victory and the knockout stages. The Italian defence could not even hold off Romania, so what chance do they have against a strong attacking firepower in the French. If the attackers find their form, they have potential to be a match to the Dutch. Bank on Henry and Ribery to combine to devastating effect. Possibly a 4-2 victory for France, as both sides are desperate.
Netherlands vs Romania
Romania may have gotten the better of the Dutch during qualifying, but this side is different. There would be a couple of changes to the lineup, but the Dutch would not worry about the Italians and French making the knowckout stages, since they had beaten them, so it should be another solid victory for the Dutch team. This leads France to second spot and the quarter-finals.
Russia vs Sweden
Guus Hiddink have another chance to prove his miracle skills. But if Ibrahimovic is fit, and Ljungberg finds his form, the Russians have no chance. A narrow victory for the Swedes.
Greece vs Spain
Spain are assured of top spot, and Greece are dead out of the tournament. The spanish will ring a wholesale of changes, so Fabregas should start. We could then see how much strength in depth is in this Spanish team. The reigning champions will not want to exit the competition with no points, so they will be extra motivated. A draw is on the cards.
I must admit my predictions went awry. France drew with Romania 0-0, and Henry did not even play. Italy got thrashed 0-3 by Netherlands. Greece was defeated 0-2 by Sweden. But I got the margin corect for Czech vs Portugal and Swizerland vs Turkey. And Spain did win against Russia...
So, I will come up with more predictions!
Turkey vs Czech
If it is a draw, bank on the Czechs to go through because of Petr Cech's heroics. But I think it would be 1-0 to the Turks.
Swizerland vs Portugal
Portugal has secured a place in the knockout stages, so Scolari should be fielding a weakened team against the co-hosts. But their half-hearted display will allow the co-hosts to leave with something, and don't bet against a victory.
Poland vs Croatia
Poland would have to hope that Germany do not win the other match and they would have to win this encounter by some goals. However, they lack enough quality to overcome this Croatian side. It should end in a draw, enough for top spot for the Croats.
Austria vs Germany
The Germans have their backs against the walls now, but you can expect they are not going to flop against the lowest FIFA-ranked team in the tournament. A 2-goal victor for the pre-tournament favourites.
France vs Italy
The arch-enemies meet again, this time in dire circumstances. Both teams have aged, but expect Henry to be fitter, and score a brace and inspire the French to victory and the knockout stages. The Italian defence could not even hold off Romania, so what chance do they have against a strong attacking firepower in the French. If the attackers find their form, they have potential to be a match to the Dutch. Bank on Henry and Ribery to combine to devastating effect. Possibly a 4-2 victory for France, as both sides are desperate.
Netherlands vs Romania
Romania may have gotten the better of the Dutch during qualifying, but this side is different. There would be a couple of changes to the lineup, but the Dutch would not worry about the Italians and French making the knowckout stages, since they had beaten them, so it should be another solid victory for the Dutch team. This leads France to second spot and the quarter-finals.
Russia vs Sweden
Guus Hiddink have another chance to prove his miracle skills. But if Ibrahimovic is fit, and Ljungberg finds his form, the Russians have no chance. A narrow victory for the Swedes.
Greece vs Spain
Spain are assured of top spot, and Greece are dead out of the tournament. The spanish will ring a wholesale of changes, so Fabregas should start. We could then see how much strength in depth is in this Spanish team. The reigning champions will not want to exit the competition with no points, so they will be extra motivated. A draw is on the cards.
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