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After much hard work and effort from all teams in a brilliant World Cup Qualification term, the following teams have qualified:
UEFA (Europe):
Denmark, France, England, Greece, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Slovakia, Serbia, Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, Switzerland.
AFC (Asian Football Confederation):
Japan, Australia, Korea Republic, Korea DPR.
CAF (African Football Confederation):
Cameroon, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria
CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football):
Mexico, U.S.A, Honduras.
CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation) :
Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay.
OFC (Oceania Football Confederation):
New Zealand
Good Luck to all teams involved. And real sympathy for the Republic of Ireland following their cruel exit in the play-offs following that hand-ball. More to follow on that soon....
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Friday, 7 August 2009
Coca Cola Championship + League One - 2009-10
So, after a nice summer holiday for me and for football - it's back. The Coca Cola Championship, League One, League Two and lower leagues return for a brand new season. The Premier League of course starting next week. And with the transfer window still open, it's going to be a very busy August. So, I'm going to have my say on what I think the season will hold for some English teams across the leagues. Firstly, The Championship. Newly-relegated Middlesbrough host Sheffield United tonight as Gareth Southgate looks to bounce back to the Premier League and Kevin Blackwell looks to improve on last season's play off-final defeat. That game just a taster for the opening Saturday. So, who for promotion and who for relegation? I think that West Brom will look good under Di Matteo. They always seem to be up and down and the
y've managed to keep almost all their players from last season and added to the team with Swindon hit-man Simon Cox and I think they'll definatley be up there again. Ipswich are another team to watch. I think they'll do really well under Roy Keane. I was surprised when he arrived at Portman Road and I think he'll get the best out of the players at Ipswich. He knows what it takes to get promoted. Now, we come to Newcastle. I think their season will be entirely down to who's leading the club, and if Mike Ashley manages to sell. If not, and Newcastle are still going to be changing managers every month, they won't pose much of a threat but if Shearer gets the job and the squad know where they stand, they could come back up again, because despite losing key players like Owen and Martins, Newcastle have still got quality players who are commited to the club. i don't know about Middlesbrough, after Tuncay leaves - which according to Gareth Southgate he will, then they look a bit thin. Not much quality, just a lot of young inexperianced players. So they might stay in mid-table. Again, I think a lot of the clubs we saw challenging last season will be there again. Watford, Preston, Cardiff again and Reading. I also hope that Paulo Sousa can keep Swansea's progress going by doing one better than Martinez and challenging for a play-off place. And I fancy Sheffield United to do very well, especially after missing out so narrowly last season. Ched Evans is a good signing and they'll be glas to get Kyle Walker back on loan from Spurs. Now, Relegation. Very tough one to call. All of the teams have quality about them but I think the clubs that escaped it last season could be there again. Plymouth, Barnsley, Nottingham Forest? You never know, they might prove me wrong. I don't know how far Darre
n Ferguson can take Peterborough as well and Nigel Adkins' Scunthorpe. Now for League One and I have to admit they get less of my attention, I'm arfraid. I think Leeds might come up to the Championship though, they've got a good mixture of young and experinaced players. And they've also managed to keep Jermaine Beckford so far. Simon Grayson will manage them to a good season. Another two to watch are Norwich and MK Dons. Norwich have just been relegated but I think they've got enough about themselves to get up again if they work hard. MK Dons have lost Di Matteo but Ince is back and I'm sure they'll be delighted as he was such a success last time, and I think he'll continue where he left off last time. Now for the drop. I think Exeter City might find it difficult in League One. And like the Championship, a few of the teams that were hovering above the drop zone might be there again, if they haven't strengthened their weak areas. So, Good Luck to all the teams across the Leagues. And I'm sure the lower English leagues will grow in popularity yet again!
y've managed to keep almost all their players from last season and added to the team with Swindon hit-man Simon Cox and I think they'll definatley be up there again. Ipswich are another team to watch. I think they'll do really well under Roy Keane. I was surprised when he arrived at Portman Road and I think he'll get the best out of the players at Ipswich. He knows what it takes to get promoted. Now, we come to Newcastle. I think their season will be entirely down to who's leading the club, and if Mike Ashley manages to sell. If not, and Newcastle are still going to be changing managers every month, they won't pose much of a threat but if Shearer gets the job and the squad know where they stand, they could come back up again, because despite losing key players like Owen and Martins, Newcastle have still got quality players who are commited to the club. i don't know about Middlesbrough, after Tuncay leaves - which according to Gareth Southgate he will, then they look a bit thin. Not much quality, just a lot of young inexperianced players. So they might stay in mid-table. Again, I think a lot of the clubs we saw challenging last season will be there again. Watford, Preston, Cardiff again and Reading. I also hope that Paulo Sousa can keep Swansea's progress going by doing one better than Martinez and challenging for a play-off place. And I fancy Sheffield United to do very well, especially after missing out so narrowly last season. Ched Evans is a good signing and they'll be glas to get Kyle Walker back on loan from Spurs. Now, Relegation. Very tough one to call. All of the teams have quality about them but I think the clubs that escaped it last season could be there again. Plymouth, Barnsley, Nottingham Forest? You never know, they might prove me wrong. I don't know how far Darre
n Ferguson can take Peterborough as well and Nigel Adkins' Scunthorpe. Now for League One and I have to admit they get less of my attention, I'm arfraid. I think Leeds might come up to the Championship though, they've got a good mixture of young and experinaced players. And they've also managed to keep Jermaine Beckford so far. Simon Grayson will manage them to a good season. Another two to watch are Norwich and MK Dons. Norwich have just been relegated but I think they've got enough about themselves to get up again if they work hard. MK Dons have lost Di Matteo but Ince is back and I'm sure they'll be delighted as he was such a success last time, and I think he'll continue where he left off last time. Now for the drop. I think Exeter City might find it difficult in League One. And like the Championship, a few of the teams that were hovering above the drop zone might be there again, if they haven't strengthened their weak areas. So, Good Luck to all the teams across the Leagues. And I'm sure the lower English leagues will grow in popularity yet again!
Sunday, 5 July 2009
Michael Owen - Worth the gamble?
I'm sure every avid football fan had to refresh their web pages and look at the T.V closely after hearing of Michael Owen's move to Manchester United. I know I did. I have to be honest and say out of all the clubs in the world United would be the club I'd think he'd go to last. I'm a passionate Liverpool fan, I won't hide that, so for me it's a real shame he's gone to Man United. S
ome would call it betrayal, I wouldn't go as far as to say that, but nevertheless you have to take into consideration football rivalries. I'll be honest again - I dislike Man United. It's something I can't explain. I do however respect their success, players and manager but as a committed Liverpool fan I like nothing less than to see them get beat. But to get back to the point. Michael Owen came from the Liverpool academy, he was rai
sed on Kopite territory and for me I always thought he was Liverpool through and through. There's no doubt in my mind that he can be called a Liverpool legend. For a man who's scored 158 goals for the club you have to call him a legend. Growing up a Liverpool fan, he was my idol. A real goal poacher and not to forget a brilliant international player. But let's forget about personal feelings, to Owen the football is 
important. And I can imagine his delight to be wanted by a club like Man United, since his
most likely destination was looking like Hull or Stoke. For me, Owen is a very strange signing for United. Not because he's an ex-Liverpool favourite but because I can't see where he fits in Sir Alex's picture. With Berbatov, Rooney and Valencia plus rising stars like Welbeck and Macheda, and even talks of a new signing like Huntelaar and Ribery, Owen just looks like a spair part - which maybe he is for them. I can't imagine him in a United shirt for long, not for more than 3 seasons anyway. When he's 100% fit Owen is an unstoppable goalscorer, but when he's carrying niggly injuries he's practically useless. Whether he'll be a bench warmer, a small game player or a leading front man we'll have to see next season....
ome would call it betrayal, I wouldn't go as far as to say that, but nevertheless you have to take into consideration football rivalries. I'll be honest again - I dislike Man United. It's something I can't explain. I do however respect their success, players and manager but as a committed Liverpool fan I like nothing less than to see them get beat. But to get back to the point. Michael Owen came from the Liverpool academy, he was rai
sed on Kopite territory and for me I always thought he was Liverpool through and through. There's no doubt in my mind that he can be called a Liverpool legend. For a man who's scored 158 goals for the club you have to call him a legend. Growing up a Liverpool fan, he was my idol. A real goal poacher and not to forget a brilliant international player. But let's forget about personal feelings, to Owen the football is 
important. And I can imagine his delight to be wanted by a club like Man United, since his
most likely destination was looking like Hull or Stoke. For me, Owen is a very strange signing for United. Not because he's an ex-Liverpool favourite but because I can't see where he fits in Sir Alex's picture. With Berbatov, Rooney and Valencia plus rising stars like Welbeck and Macheda, and even talks of a new signing like Huntelaar and Ribery, Owen just looks like a spair part - which maybe he is for them. I can't imagine him in a United shirt for long, not for more than 3 seasons anyway. When he's 100% fit Owen is an unstoppable goalscorer, but when he's carrying niggly injuries he's practically useless. Whether he'll be a bench warmer, a small game player or a leading front man we'll have to see next season....
Thursday, 2 July 2009
Summer Window 09 - So far
It's the 2nd of July and already some transfers have been all but sealed up. No doubts that the biggest story of the window is Real Madrid's mass spending spree, or to by more specific the signings of Kaka for £56m and Cristiano Ronaldo's switch for a mega £80m, smashing the world record transfer fee twice in the space of a few weeks.
Back in Britain, Manchester United lost Carlos Tevez as well as Ronaldo, the Argentine rejecting a contract at Old Trafford and could be set to join rivals City. United however did manage to win the signature of Wigan's Ecuadorian winger Luis Antonio Valencia, but look set to miss out on French ace Karim Benzema who is set for Real Madrid for around £30m.
Man City have splashed the cash already as they signed long-term target - Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz, along with Villa captain Gareth Barry for £12m. Samuel Eto'o and Tevez could also be on their way to Eastlands. Cash-strapped Liverpool won the race to sign England right-back Glen Johnson from Portsmouth for around £17m.
The Premier League newcomers have also been busy in the window so far. Wolves signed Irish ace Kevin Doyle from Reading to bolster their attack along with Serbian midfielder Nenad Milijas from Red Star Belgrade and Marcus Hannemann after he was released from Reading as well.
Birmingham snapped up striker Cristian Benitez along with defenders Giovanny Espinoza and Scott Dann. Man City keeper Joe Hart also joined in a season-long loan.
Transfer News will return at the end of July. Happy Shopping!
Back in Britain, Manchester United lost Carlos Tevez as well as Ronaldo, the Argentine rejecting a contract at Old Trafford and could be set to join rivals City. United however did manage to win the signature of Wigan's Ecuadorian winger Luis Antonio Valencia, but look set to miss out on French ace Karim Benzema who is set for Real Madrid for around £30m.
Man City have splashed the cash already as they signed long-term target - Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz, along with Villa captain Gareth Barry for £12m. Samuel Eto'o and Tevez could also be on their way to Eastlands. Cash-strapped Liverpool won the race to sign England right-back Glen Johnson from Portsmouth for around £17m.
The Premier League newcomers have also been busy in the window so far. Wolves signed Irish ace Kevin Doyle from Reading to bolster their attack along with Serbian midfielder Nenad Milijas from Red Star Belgrade and Marcus Hannemann after he was released from Reading as well.
Birmingham snapped up striker Cristian Benitez along with defenders Giovanny Espinoza and Scott Dann. Man City keeper Joe Hart also joined in a season-long loan.
Transfer News will return at the end of July. Happy Shopping!
Sunday, 14 June 2009
Premier League Football Awards 08-09
It's been a brilliant 2008-09 Premier League season, with some mouth-watering signings in the summer, pulsating matches and all-round brilliance! And as the summer break is here, It's time to take a look at the highs and lows. To start, here's my awards for the players and managers who have impressed.
GOALKEEPER OF THE SEASON:
Jussi Jaaskelainen
The faithful Finn has been in the Premier League since 1997. And he's kept Bolton safe for many a year with his brilliant, athletic shot-stopping. He impressed again this season for me, keeping Bolton firmly safe, including a wonderful save late on this season. A big well done also go to Mark Schwarzer, Brad Friedel and Shay Given.
DEFENDER OF THE SEASON:
Brede Hangeland
The big dane made a big impression this season, with consistent performances and strong leadership qualities. He was integral to Fulham's march to Europe and it will be no surprise if he attracts the attention of some top clubs. Jose Bosingwa, Glen Johnson and Nemanja Vidic have also impressed me.
MIDFIELDER OF THE SEASON:
Stephen Ireland
An odd choice perhaps, but nevertheless a right one I think. Ireland has put in some top-class performances this season, and despite Man City being linked with every superstar under the sun, Ireland has got his head down and got on with it, scoring some important goals. Thumbs up go to Steven Gerrard, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ashley Young and Tim Cahill.
STRIKER OF THE SEASON:
Nicolas Anelka
A really tough one to call. But I've gone for Anelka despite a dip in performances in the second half of the season. However, finishing off as the league's top scorer he's scored some great goals and star of the show for Chelsea in some parts. Fernando Torres comes close, and so do Wayne Rooney, Robinho and Robin Van Persie.
MANAGER OF THE SEASON:
Roy Hodgson
Despite Fergie's triple trophy season and Hiddink's miracle, I've gone for Roy Hodgson who's quietly built his Fulham side into top-half winners. He's done very well since coming in, as well as some intelligent signings. Congratulations also go to Tony Pulis, Gianfranco Zola and Harry Redknapp.
FUTURE STAR OF THE SEASON:
Rafael da Silva
The Brazilian has done well to come in to the side because of Gary Neville's injury and has been important in some occasions. The eighteen year old will defiantly feature in Fergie's plans next season. Praise also goes to Jack Collison, Kieran Gibbs, Jack Rodwell and Dan Gosling.
BEST ELEVEN (4-4-2):
GK: Jaaskelainen
RB: G. Johnson
CB: Hangeland
CB: Vidic
LB: Evra
RM: A. Young
CM: Gerrard
CM: Ireland
LM: Ronaldo
ST: Anelka
ST: Torres
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
Taking a break
I will be taking a break from posting for a few weeks due to education commitments. Thanks!
"I wouldn't say I was the best manager in the world. But I was in the top one" Brian Clough
"I wouldn't say I was the best manager in the world. But I was in the top one" Brian Clough
Thanks Guus
So as we say goodbye to the 2008-09 Premier League season, there is one ma
n Chelsea will thank twenty times over. Guus Hiddink's time at Chelsea is over, as he returns to his post as Russia boss and he will be sorely missed by Chelsea fans. Personally, speaking as a football fan I thought what Guus did over that short space of time was incredible. When he took over Chelsea were a team of confused, down-hearted, selfish players. Now, after what he's done Chelsea are a changed team and they have an F.A. Cup to prove it. We now know that it will be Ancelotti who will take his place. But can he fill Guus's shoes? He has said he wants to return to English football one day. I think that's something I and a lot of other football would want. Cheers and Good Luck Guus.
n Chelsea will thank twenty times over. Guus Hiddink's time at Chelsea is over, as he returns to his post as Russia boss and he will be sorely missed by Chelsea fans. Personally, speaking as a football fan I thought what Guus did over that short space of time was incredible. When he took over Chelsea were a team of confused, down-hearted, selfish players. Now, after what he's done Chelsea are a changed team and they have an F.A. Cup to prove it. We now know that it will be Ancelotti who will take his place. But can he fill Guus's shoes? He has said he wants to return to English football one day. I think that's something I and a lot of other football would want. Cheers and Good Luck Guus.
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