tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73310662012-01-27T09:54:13.123+01:00Football FanaticosThis is a continuation of my previous webpage (www.fodbold-fanatic.dk) which included history and statistics of all World Cups and Euros.El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.comBlogger7201100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-25496141673953108992012-01-26T01:07:00.002+01:002012-01-26T01:17:09.976+01:00Cry "referee"Whenever Jose Mourinho (who notwithstanding anything, is still the best coach in the world) loses a match, he blames the referee. Do not mind the other team has played great football, or that some tactical choices have been wrong. No, the referee is to blame! So when it actually happens, it just seem like yet another lame excuse of "cry ref".And this is what happened today.Barcelona has lately El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-64409477556274341582012-01-22T15:01:00.004+01:002012-01-22T15:15:21.068+01:00USA-VenezuelaLast night I watched an interesting and rather entertaining friendly match between the USA and Venezuela. As this is not season for FIFA encounters, both teams largely played with their reserve side, but it was interesting nevertheless, as both nations are in a very good process of preparing for their World Cup qualifiers under two very good coaches, Cesar Farias from Venezuela and (the German) El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-90136163251600586882012-01-21T14:41:00.004+01:002012-01-22T15:00:55.044+01:00Africa Cup of Nations 2012Over the last years the African Cup of Nations has grown in importance and is surely one of the best international tournaments in the world today, assembling some of the strongest African talent. As often, the tournament is surrounded by political controversy, and no less this year, being hosted by two nations, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.But far beyond this, the most interesting part is the El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-83565520923885259042011-12-22T10:10:00.006+01:002011-12-24T13:42:31.794+01:00Best teams of 2011Here is my (personal) list of the best football teams of the year 2011:10) Borussia Dortmund: The Germans won the 2010-11 Bundesliga title playing entertaining football and a very young team. They have nevertheless disappointed in the fall. 9) Manchester City: Proof that money can buy a team, they have nevertheless also worked hard under Roberto Mancini to become a new power in English football. El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-70384273601899230582011-12-20T10:03:00.003+01:002011-12-22T10:10:24.556+01:00Barcelona World ChampionPerhaps it was only a formality that Barcelona should officially proclaim itself the best team in the world in 2012 after their resounding victory against Real Madrid recently. But surely, their victory in the FIFA Club World Championship against Brazilian Santos was no less resounding. The final had been looked forward to, since Santos is also a club that plays entertaining attacking football El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-6652542018101609992011-12-19T00:08:00.000+01:002011-12-19T00:08:00.726+01:00Life and footballIn life there are many things you cannot choose: you cannot choose your parents, where you are born, even whom you love is a difficult one: against all logic, a man may fall madly in love with some third-rate, cranky, controlling, selfish, unfaithful and evil bitch with a minority complex.
Football is most often a mere reflection of life itself, where a man walks from happiness to sadness, from El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-31132842499791303542011-12-16T12:43:00.002+01:002011-12-16T12:48:17.724+01:00Champions League play-off drawThe draw for the Champions League 2011-12 1/16th play-off took place today with the following pairings:AC Milan-ArsenalNapoli-ChelseaCSKA Moscow-Real MadridApoel Nicosia-Olympique LyonBasel-Bayern MunichBenfica-Zenit St. PetersburgFC Barcelona-Bayer LeverkusenOlympique Marseille-Inter MilanSome very interesting matches indeed! In particular the big matches between English and Italian sides, as El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-78369857995920465142011-12-11T00:00:00.004+01:002011-12-11T00:13:22.607+01:00Barcelona is still the bestBefore tonight's classic match in the Spanish League Real Madrid had every reason to be optimistic; they were leading the Spanish league, had won their last 15 matches (a record only achieved by Real Madrids' legendary side from the 1960s), and were pumping in goals. They were obviously full of confidence to take a greater lead ahead of their archrivals at home in Madrid. On the other hand, FC El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-24831928543690359302011-12-09T15:26:00.004+01:002011-12-10T15:48:08.826+01:00The surprisesThe last round of matches of the group stages of the 2011-12 Champions League had a couple of surprises.Firstly, Manchester United was elminated for the first time in the group stages of the tournament since the 2005-06 season. More surprising than this fact is nevertheless that it happened against the underestimated FC Basel in the last match of the tournament, where the English side needed onlyEl Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-11355897335685321142011-12-07T15:39:00.003+01:002011-12-07T16:03:37.842+01:00The usual storyEvery year, around these dates, which incidentally includes my birthday, the Champions League is entering the last round of the group stages. And often, around my birthday, my favorite team of Valencia is eliminated from the Champions League.Yesterday was no exception; leading up to the match much of the talk had been about the pressure on Chelsea. I must admit, that I never saw it that way. El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-63718307195690538202011-12-04T14:26:00.002+01:002011-12-04T14:45:32.541+01:00SocratesOne of the greatest midfielders of all time, Socrates, has passed away at the age of 57.In 1982, he captained the Brazilian side at the World Cup in Spain. With him as a leader, the team is surely the best side never to have won a World Cup, after they were defeated by Italy in one of the most legendary matches in World Cup history.A Brazilian triumph in the World Cup always eluded him (he also El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-73747164567655404202011-12-03T06:36:00.003+01:002011-12-03T06:43:50.869+01:00The Euro 2012 GroupsThe groups are as follows:Group A:PolandGreeceCzech RepublicRussiaNot the most scary group for the Polish hosts, but one should also look out for the Russians.Group B:GermanyNetherlandsDenmarkPortugalSurely the group of death! Germany and Netherlands nevertheless remain favorites to win the group and the tournament, while Denmark and Portugal will be looking to make a surprise.Group C:El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-72278504299160673262011-11-24T03:17:00.003+01:002011-11-24T03:43:45.732+01:00Champions League fever!This round of the 2011-12 Champions League has been splendid, as teams are struggling to get over the last hurdles to the next round of the tournament.The Premier League leaders of Manchester City have not had an easy time in Group A. A great Napoli side, with two goals by the perhaps best striker in Europe right now, Edison Cavani, defeated City 2-1, and just need to defeat Villarreal to make itEl Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-755372366759360422011-11-17T19:40:00.005+01:002011-11-18T04:25:41.625+01:00Things that do not exist in footballFIFA President Sepp Blatter has made another brilliant comment, this time about the scourge of racism in football, saying that on-the-pitch racism is inexistant.Already Mr. Blatter has been harshly criticised, but I would like to give my support to the FIFA President by reminding him of other things that do not exist in football: HomophobiaMatch fixingDopingSexismCorruptionBad language and El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-50268172791575122042011-11-16T15:09:00.006+01:002011-11-18T04:24:50.342+01:00The Euro play-offsThe last four teams are ready for the Euro 2012 in Poland and Ucraine:Portugal: After 0-0 in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Portuguese lived up to the expectations and dispatched the Bosnians with a resounding 6-2.Ireland: The Irish are back in a major footballing tournament, after 1-1 at home against Estonia, which was enough after their 0-4 victory in Tallinn.Czech Republic: Had no problem in El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-29942021763689817412011-11-13T16:10:00.003+01:002011-11-13T16:26:26.286+01:00The smart against the World championsYesterday I had the pleasure of watching England defeat Spain in a match that put into display the weaknesses of the defending world champions. Undoubtedly Spain is the best footballing nation in the world, and they play a positive football style that closely resembles that of FC Barcelona. That said, they do not have the attacking power of the Catalonian side - that is, they need a Messi (who El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-65509285887676934722011-11-12T13:40:00.003+01:002011-11-12T14:06:19.382+01:00South American qualifiersArgentina is still not likely to go to the World Cup. At home, they did not manage to go beyond a 1-1 against the weakest side in South America, Bolivia, and the Argentines now only have 4 points for three matches. It was a well-deserved trashing that the local fans gave Messi and Company, a group of stars who should be in a circus rather than on a football pitch.Uruguay on the other hand is El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-21311246827425670922011-10-31T01:14:00.005+01:002011-11-08T01:35:04.097+01:00Minnesota championsAfter greatly enjoying my last NASL match in Fort Lauderdale, I was happy to follow the Strikers' surprisingly making it to the final of the NASL championship after defeating the huge favourites of Puerto Rico Islanders in the semifinal. The other finalists were also an upset, namely the Minnesota Stars, who defeated the North Carolina Railhawks, who had been the best team in the season.But as El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-35926784669559331862011-10-23T22:28:00.003+02:002011-10-23T22:32:28.389+02:00Mighty CityI think nobody was expecting Manchester City to win 6-1 against their local rivals, Manchester United in today's derby in Manchester. It was a strange match, which at the score 3-1 for City, the Reds basically gave up and let Manchester City's awesome striking force with Kun Aguero, David Silva and Edin Dzeko, have a field day.Manchester City are now on top of the Premier League and increasingly El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-17395108319525590222011-10-18T01:50:00.006+02:002011-10-18T02:34:27.771+02:00South African excusesI am not going to join the choir criticizing South Africa's Football Association (SAFA) or coach for their inability to qualify to the African Nations Cup. No, instead I am going to commend the coach, Pitso Mosimane, for his apparent strategic abilities: knowing (or thinking....) that 0-0 against Sierra Leone was enough to qualify, he decided to play on the result rather than a victory against a El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-88685634381834751432011-10-12T14:44:00.003+02:002011-10-12T15:04:38.998+02:00I predict that Argentina is not going to BrazilI have no doubt that if Venezuela had played the same 11 against Ecuador as they did against Argentina, they would have maximum points in the South American World Cup qualification. Now, instead, they have lost 3 points...Argentina started well, patiently in what in the first half seemed a more tactical game, where the Venezuelans were figuring out how to play the Argentinean side. And in the El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-76606168405623189272011-10-08T14:16:00.005+02:002011-10-08T14:50:33.704+02:00A good day of qualifiersFor the Euro 2012 qualifiers Denmark had to defeat Cyprus, and the match was virtually over after 25 minutes, with Denmark winning 4-0. It ended 4-1, but Denmark did what they had to do, and will now be looking towards a group final against Portugal in Copenhagen next Tuesday. Denmark needs to win to win the group though, after Portugal managed a too difficult 5-3 win over Iceland in Lisbon.In El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-88621923543951400382011-10-07T14:55:00.003+02:002011-10-07T15:07:44.390+02:00The most difficult qualifying groupThe South American qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil are starting today. Nine teams (Brazil, as hosts, are automatically qualified) are fighting for four and a half spots, and in this continent, there are no San Marinos or Liechtensteins; all sides are highly comptetitive, and surely have a shot at the tournament. The usual favourites are Uruguay and Argentina, where the latter have a El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-80589026975651258872011-09-22T11:28:00.003+02:002011-09-23T23:41:54.634+02:00Valencia on topI managed to watch the Valencia-Barcelona match in Miami Airport while waiting for a delayed flight.Valencia had started the league well with three straight wins, while Barcelona had lost points to Real Sociedad. But this remained Valencia's first big test, and it did not go as bad as some would expect, as Valencia was the better team in the first half, and were ahead 2-2. They continued playing El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-38999775594466740502011-09-21T23:05:00.005+02:002011-09-23T23:27:03.832+02:00Ft. Lauderdale Strikers versus the Atlanta SilverbacksI was recently in Florida and went to see my first American football match, from the North American Soccer League, one of the final league matches before the play-off, between the local side, Ft. Lauderdale Strikers and the Atlanta Silverbacks. It was a horrible match until the last few minutes when Atlanta underservedly went ahead, but the Strikers managed a late equalizer. The Silverbacks are El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-44613102318618433082011-09-12T01:10:00.002+02:002011-09-12T01:53:39.230+02:00Good weekendBarcelona didn't win, so now Valencia, after winning 1-0 in a difficult home match against Atlético Madrid, are second in the Spanish League, after Real Madrid. I know it does not matter much after two matches, but right now I can live with the illusion that it does: Valencia is on top!One the 21st of September Valencia faces FC Barcelona. They will likely have the referee with them, as it does El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-30603183529575934802011-09-09T15:40:00.004+02:002011-09-09T15:49:27.717+02:00Norwegian party-animalsLast week Denmark won a crucial home victory, 2-0 (two goals by Nicklas Bendtner! I didn't know the guy could score any more!), against Norway on the way to the EURO 2012. Denmark now has all the cards to qualify, while Norway has to be very lucky if they are to be in Poland/Ukraine next summer.As is often the case in these matches, the build-up was further motivated by the neighbourly rivalry El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-89504581854005636252011-08-28T19:42:00.003+02:002011-08-28T20:04:46.251+02:00The city of goalsThe city of Manchester has two of the best teams in the world, and with a spectacular start of the Premier League (surely the best league in the world), both teams have become candidates for the title.
On one side, Manchester City has invested heavily into building its new team, and that seems to be bearing fruits: today they played Tottenham, and with spectacular four goals by Edin Dzeko, as El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-40282979596574443182011-08-27T23:30:00.003+02:002011-08-27T23:48:47.442+02:00The first three pointsValencia has again gone into a new season apparently weakened after the sale of Juan Mata to Valencia. And in a league which will only be about Real Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia must fight to be "the best of the rest" just as last season, and thus qualify for the Champions League.
So after the ended strike, Valencia started the season at home to Racing de Santander. It started well for ValenciaEl Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-3823474662849697082011-08-24T15:44:00.003+02:002011-08-24T15:53:15.130+02:00Thank you MourinhoI have always been anti-Madridista, and wished that the team would lose. However, this has not always been easy, as I have had to recognize a team with enormous merits, not only winning titles, but also putting pride in being fair. It has always been a team characterized by many gentlemen who have been involved in the club for whom I can only have the greatest respect: Jorge Valdano, Vicente del El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-16879966135036062242011-08-21T07:02:00.003+02:002011-08-21T07:10:33.041+02:00Brazil championsBrazil is the greatest footballing country in the world, and tonight they won the U-20 World Cup in Colombia, after defeating Portugal 3-2 after extra time. The credit for the Brazilians is all the greater considering that Portugal had not conceded a goal the entire tournament, and were 2-1 up. Oscar, the Brazilian youngster from Internazionale scored all three Brazilian goals, and he will surelyEl Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-16011552392222314132011-08-18T01:08:00.004+02:002011-08-18T01:25:30.481+02:00The previewThe Spanish Super Cup is a preview of things to come for the Spanish League this season, namely the only thing worth watching: intense and dramatic matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona, fighting for some title, while the remaining teams remain front row spectators. Never did anyone care so little about a strike in football! Come on, everyone just follows the Spanish league to watch the two El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-1097199088614191752011-08-17T05:01:00.004+02:002011-08-17T05:14:14.546+02:00Advice to Mr. "Bolillo"The Colombian national coach, Hernán Darío Gómez, has come into controversy in his country after he was caught beating up a lady in a nightclub in Bogotá last week. He has offered to step down after the scandal, but incredibly as it may sound, many people want him to stay on as coach.Before I want to give my suggestions for what excuses this guy could use to get away with such a crime, I must sayEl Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-87222717115606393102011-08-16T23:29:00.005+02:002011-08-17T16:43:17.306+02:00Colombian nightmare?I was recently in the most wonderful country in the world, Colombia, where the U-20 World Cup is currently taking place. The atmosphere is great as Colombians greet the world with their usual smiles, hospitality and friendliness.Except if you are Argentine...
I had made nothing of an incident between the Argentinean team during a match against Egypt and the fans in Medellín until, last Saturday, El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-77535989890454520412011-08-09T02:58:00.003+02:002011-08-09T03:12:39.367+02:00USA and Jurgen KlinsmannAlready old news that Jurgen Klinsmann has become national coach of the USA after the ending of the Bob Bradley era.
As a player, Mr. Klinsmann was unconventional, a brilliant striker, completely his own, but still a team player, and indeed, a great guy. These are qualities he took with him as national team coach, where he completely revived German football with the great performance of the 2006 El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-49124470461736910012011-08-05T02:04:00.002+02:002011-08-05T02:21:10.126+02:00Another Brøndby flopLast year Brøndby was eliminated from the Europa League in the most pathetic way, after being up, and then fucking it all up when it counted.Now, this bunch of useless idiots have done it again, and this time against an even worse opponent than last season, the unknown Austrian side SV Ried. Brøndby had lost the first match 2-0 in Austria, but midway through the second half they were 4-0 up, and El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-44090562491019851822011-07-27T02:42:00.003+02:002011-07-27T02:55:53.207+02:00Batista outArgentina has one of the most talented group of players in the world, and yet they have done nothing on the national team, and the recent debacle now had its consequences by Sergio Batista being fired as national coach. This is about time; he has been a lousy coach, and Argentina has slid down the world ranking while him coaching them. Next to him, with all his problems and criticism on Diego El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-4186957949542113962011-07-25T04:43:00.003+02:002011-07-25T04:53:09.892+02:00Football ignoranceI have in general been happy about Venezuela´s performance in the Copa América, mostly because it is nice to see people here so happy for their side. However, I have before said that Venezuela is a footballing ignorant country, and I think that the TV broadcasting today showed it all: while the final between Uruguay and Paraguay was taking place, the TV channel that has shown much of the El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-70076245504910224322011-07-25T04:30:00.004+02:002011-07-25T04:42:09.434+02:00Uruguay championIn the last World Cup, Uruguay made it to the semifinals as the best South American side. They have now sealed their status as the best side on the continent by winning the 2011 Copa América. It wasn't that they were brilliant, but they were simply the most intelligent and consistent side of the tournament, and in the final there was never doubt about the result as the Uruguayans destroyed the El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-12576434620735825832011-07-21T05:40:00.005+02:002011-07-21T06:02:04.810+02:00How to motivate the ParaguayansSometimes there simply is no justice in football. Sometimes the one team that plays like a bunch of violent shits wins, and this has just happened with Paraguay, who has made it to the final of the Copa América by not winning a single match in ordinary time. Instead, they retort to defensiveness, dirty tricks and filthy provocations to make it to the penalty kicks, where their only "good" player El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-2555687187709722332011-07-20T22:49:00.002+02:002011-07-20T22:52:27.645+02:00Football tearsI am a MAN, and men don't cry.Unless it is football of course.As the last times disappointments pass, although leaving a scar, it leads me to reflect about times when football has, if not made me cry, at least made me so fucking depressed that I swore never to watch football again.Mostly until the following match…In no particular order of depression:1. Denmark_Spain, 1986: I remember this as the El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-41712581516182291292011-07-19T23:04:00.003+02:002011-07-20T00:42:18.959+02:00SemifinalsSome people are calling this a historical Copa América. Admittedly, the tactical standard has been high, and all teams have proven hard to defeat. With the big teams not having performed, it seems any idiot can win this cup with discipline and defending. It is not a tournament that has been characterized by the technical skill and flair that South American football is known for. Perhaps those El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-59072943298926553722011-07-18T17:45:00.003+02:002011-07-18T17:50:07.613+02:00Messi Top-5 ExcusesLionel Messi has been very criticised for his role in Argentina's debacle at the Copa América, so I thought I would give Mr. Messi some help in providing some excuses for the performance:5) "I get confused when not playing in blue-red stripes"4) "mumble, mumble, mumble"3) "What do you expect? I am a dwarf!"2) "Does anyone speak Catalonian?"1) "There is only one "El Diego"!"El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-49669716127122894672011-07-18T00:06:00.003+02:002011-07-18T00:13:37.598+02:00The bitter football fanaticI cannot not watch football. But I am angry and bitter, so I think that from now on, I am renaming my site the bitter football fanatic. Nobody reads this shit anyway, so I am going to be a hooligan blogger.And first, I just watched Brazil get eliminated by little Paraguay. Brazil should have won, but Paraguay´s goalkeeper Justo Villar was an impenetrable wall today. And well, I think it remains El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-56671128547888826882011-07-17T03:21:00.003+02:002011-07-17T03:25:42.200+02:00And I am never watching football againAnd this is my last post. It is simply too fucking depressing. All teams I ever support always lose and play like shit.I don´t even have anyone to watch football with in this football-ignorant country, but it is not worth watching football when it just makes one´s life worse than it already is.I am going to find another hobby.Good luck to all you people who will contiue to watch football.El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-19312398110949427642011-07-17T03:03:00.005+02:002011-07-17T03:21:08.345+02:00The worst dayI had a bad feeling about today. And indeed, today was a horrible day. It seems all teams I support always lose, and this continues. Colombia lost, but much, MUCH worse, Argentina was eliminated by Uruguay from the Copa América today.I knew it could happen. Uruguay is one of the best teams in the world, and matches between these two giants are notably unpredictable. However, I was hoping, El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-48865953940157329772011-07-16T23:35:00.004+02:002011-07-16T23:54:07.871+02:00Colombian crash against PerúColombia has a thing for disappointing when you are expecting something from them. In this tournament they had been great, winning their group ahead of Argentina, and seemingly with some of their players, such as Freddy Guarín and Radamel Falcao, in great shape. On the other hand, Perú had only ended third in its group, working hard, but without impressing. Colombia were huge favourites. But in El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-12903789805895879032011-07-14T05:16:00.004+02:002011-07-14T05:21:29.300+02:00The Copa América QuarterfinalsIt has been an excellent Copa América until now, and we can all look forward for a great weekend, now that we have the four quarterfinals:Colombia-PerúArgentina-UruguayBrazil-ParaguayChile-VenezuelaSome extremely interesting matches, including one super-classic between Argentina and Uruguay, as well as a for me personally challenging Chile-Venezuela (I was born in Chile and live in Venezuela! El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-69182540216432882702011-07-14T02:33:00.008+02:002011-07-14T05:10:47.497+02:00Great Vinotinto continues!Venezuela was the only team in group B of the Copa América that before today's final matches was certain to go to the quarterfinals. However, what was not clear was whether they would progress on first, second or third spot.This being only the second time ever Venezuela progresses in this tournament (and the first time was 4 years ago when they were hosting the tournament themselves), to progressEl Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-2083932234505019962011-07-13T05:50:00.005+02:002011-07-13T06:06:36.440+02:00A bright Mexican futureMexico lost its third consecutive match of the Copa América today, and was for the first time ever eliminated in the first round of this tournament. However, there is much reason to be optimistic about the future if you are a fan of the North American nation. Just before the Copa América Mexico was awesome in winning the North American Gold Cup, with an excellent side with great attacking power. El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-76596293056006770412011-07-13T05:34:00.004+02:002011-07-13T05:49:11.929+02:00Argentina against Uruguay!Yesterday's Argentine victory in the Copa América put them in the second spot, where they are to face number 2 in group C. Group C was played today, with Chile defeating Perú on a goal in overtime to take 1st spot, and Uruguay defeating Mexico 1-0, to take second spot. Uruguay, who made it to the semifinal of the World Cup has not seemed too strong, and they had difficulty defeating the Mexican El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-67879740288430534492011-07-12T04:48:00.005+02:002011-07-12T05:02:34.644+02:00Argentina wakes upArgentina's national team had their backs against the wall against Costa Rica in a match that they had to win if they were not to be the first host-nation ever to be eliminated in the first round of the Copa América. Costa Rica, although playing with a youth side, had in previous matches proved well-organised and disciplined, while Argentina had looked like a mess.But there was really never any El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-35257599594240132552011-07-10T23:04:00.003+02:002011-07-10T23:11:11.370+02:00Unstoppable ColombiaColombia could, with a victory against Bolivia today, make sure that they would be winners of group A, in front of either Argentina or Costa Rica (who are playing tomorrow). Colombia had no problems winning 2-0 on two goals by the FC Porto striker Radamel Falcao. With Falcao scoring goals, a solid defense (they have conceded no goals) and an excellent midfield, Colombia has looked as the best El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-69167708594097180252011-07-10T02:40:00.003+02:002011-07-10T02:45:27.391+02:00And in the women´s World CupI have not been able to watch any matches in the Women's World Cup in Germany (nobody shows such sports in South America...), but I have been following on the internet, and was in awe at the surprising result in the quarterfinals today: the defending champions and hosts, Germany, losing to Japan!In the other match, France defeated England after penalty kicks, to make it to their first ever El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-18677636095934230212011-07-10T02:30:00.003+02:002011-07-10T02:31:51.155+02:00(two) reasons to support ParaguayParaguay seems to do this for every large tournament now. And well, I can hardly blame them: http://noticias24.com/copaamerica2011/noticia/802/en-fotos-paraguay-ya-tiene-a-su-nueva-larissa-riquelme/I still hope Venezuela wins the next match!El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-89323786880590230452011-07-10T01:48:00.005+02:002011-07-10T03:40:12.609+02:00Venezuela on topI do not know how it is to have Venezuelans on top of me. Maybe I should ask Brazil's and Paraguay's national teams? They are trying it right now!Group B in the Copa América is on fire. The two huge favourites tied 2-2 earlier today in a match that Paraguay should have won. As for Argentina, this tournament is turning into a huge disappointment for the large collection of Brazilian superstars, El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-52839986083277228022011-07-08T13:25:00.004+02:002011-07-08T13:35:12.081+02:00Watch out for Costa RicaArgentina's poor performance has forced the hometeam to be in a situation where they must defeat Costa Rica in their last group match. Since Costa Rica is playing the tournament with an under-22 squad, this may not sound difficult for the Argentinean super-stars, but after having watched Costa Rica take out Bolivia last night, this will surely not be an easy task.After a first half where Bolivia El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-52947364427094075572011-07-07T04:55:00.005+02:002011-07-07T05:31:27.445+02:00Argentina-ColombiaArgentina and Colombia are two countries that I am so attached to that I can actually sing along on both national anthems. Today, both teams played in the second round of the Copa América in a match where the Argentinean home side was under enormous pressure after their debacle against Bolivia, while Colombia could play more comfortably after their opening 1-0 win over Costa Rica.The game ended 0El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-73099840286997751462011-07-06T03:36:00.004+02:002011-07-08T13:38:22.491+02:00The first round of the Copa AméricaSince I was travelling, I missed the surprise opening match of the Copa América, where Argentina were unable to defeat a well-playing Bolivian side.However, I was able to watch other matches in this tournament that has, until now, shown that South American football is currently home to some extremely strong and talented national teams.Although without many goals, the matches have been technicallyEl Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-83503989332831450192011-06-30T23:49:00.001+02:002011-07-01T03:37:31.533+02:00Copa América 2011One of the most interesting tournaments this year starts tomorrow: the South American championships, or Copa América 2011. It will be hosted in Argentina, and the groups are as follows:Group A:ArgentinaBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaArgentina are undoubtfully huge favourites playing at home, with a team full of stars, led by the magician Lionel Messi, and hungry to win a trophy they have not had since El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-90714315921275754502011-06-27T23:59:00.000+02:002011-06-28T01:07:12.715+02:00This cannot be!I am not a fan of the team, but know about football, so: How in the world can it be that River Plate, RIVER PLATE, has been relegated!?!?!!? After some meager years, this last tie 1-1 against Belgrano sealed the Argentinean giants' darkest chapter.River Plate is one of the most legendary clubs in the world. Like Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Ajax Amsterdam, one cannot imagine the El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-9262470174311093352011-06-26T23:35:00.004+02:002011-06-27T05:43:29.501+02:00Libertadores final in CuzcoI have been in Peru over the last two weeks, greatly enjoying that wonderful country, that has so many things to see, try and taste, that I forgot to dwell into their football history. What I did not miss though, was the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final between Santos and Peñarol. It was indeed a final that had footballing history written all over it, as Pelé's old club faced the El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-92032436521652007702011-06-08T03:36:00.003+02:002011-06-08T04:17:40.293+02:00Not so surprisingThe most annoying thing about today's friendly match between Venezuela and the world champions of Spain in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, was its lousy hour: at 4 o'clock in the afternoon most people, including myself, are still in the office, and I had to walk out to see the second half of the first half. Very annoying for the first match ever with the "Vinotinto" where I would support my current El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-38564497023931131822011-05-29T13:59:00.004+02:002011-05-29T14:32:37.360+02:00Out of this worldI had anxiously been expecting a great game in the Champions League final, which I watched in my new football-hangout in Caracas over a few Soleras. I was not disappointed, although it did not go exactly as I thought. That FC Barcelona was so superior to Manchester United was surprising, and nobody can say that their 3-1 victory was undeserved. The Catalonians controlled the ball superbly, and El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-17658455519261287062011-05-24T00:59:00.004+02:002011-05-24T01:25:55.954+02:00The Carlos Tevez showIt is hard as a football fan not to like Carlos Tevez: a small, nice guy from one of the poorest and harshest neighbourhoods, who had a harsh upbringing, but fought against it to become an outstanding footballer. He is a great striker, and his constant fighting for the team, running, tackling, and taking responsibility upon his shoulders, has made him loved in every single place he has played. InEl Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-73426985922065528862011-05-22T16:58:00.003+02:002011-05-22T17:07:28.218+02:00Adiós DeportivoThe excitement of the last round of the 2010-11 Spanish league was all about who would be relegated together with Almería and Hercules. It is perhaps telling about how poor the Spanish league is (outside the top 2), that in the last few rounds, up to eight teams were fighting relegation! While there are 21 points between teams number 2 (Real Madrid) and 3 (Valencia), there are only 19 points El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-39817005342166827202011-05-19T12:58:00.004+02:002011-05-19T13:10:00.215+02:00Porto championsThe 2011 UEFA Europa league final probably did not raise much interest outside Ireland (where it took place) and Portugal, from where the two finalists, FC Porto and Braga, came from.I must admit that the match was also a big disappointment. Porto's 1-0 victory was fully deserved. Although Braga was organised, when Porto went ahead on a goal by the Colombian goal machine Falcao, Braga had nothingEl Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-72750797121158300432011-05-05T02:01:00.003+02:002011-05-05T02:06:26.001+02:00Repeat finalAfter Manchester United's perhaps expected 4-1 victory at home to Schalke 04, it is now confirmed that the Champions League final at Wembley om May 28th will be a repeat of the 2009 final, where FC Barcelona defeated Manchester United 2-0. Back then, the English side had been weak favourites, as many expected them to be stronger physically and tactically. But in fact, the Spanish side matched theEl Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-63090195311491541162011-05-04T13:19:00.003+02:002011-05-04T13:38:58.767+02:00The clasico foursomeFour matches between the archrivals of Real Madrid and Barcelona have ended. The first one, the league match (which I did not see because I was barbecuing with friends in Richmond, California), ended 1-1, and with 8-point difference, the league is quite certain to end in Barcelona for the third season in a row.The final of the Copa del Rey was a 1-0 Real Madrid victory after extra time (I El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-7630329438919468632011-04-14T05:59:00.004+02:002011-04-14T06:15:43.183+02:00What I think and what I wishThe semifinalists for this season's Champions League are ready after some not overly surprising nor exciting matches. The semifinals are as follows:FC Barcelona-Real MadridSchalke 04-Manchester UnitedThat the two Spanish giants are playing one another in a couple of weeks on four crucial encounters is completely unprecedented. No matter how it goes, football history is being made. Although Real El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-38017799866595693282011-04-11T00:57:00.002+02:002011-04-11T01:04:48.038+02:00Valencia third!Valencia and Villarreal were playing today their local derby for third place in the Spanish league. These matches are always difficult, so it could as always go to either side even though Valencia had the advantages: they were three points ahead of Villarreal on third spot, and were playing at home.Indeed, Valencia played one of their best matches of the season, and won a stunning 5-0. Juan El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-92189420321757809202011-04-07T02:03:00.004+02:002011-04-07T02:11:27.490+02:00Yawn...As I was at work, and leaving late, I recorded one match. I didn't know which one in fact, but I made sure I heard no results, and quickly put on the match as I came home.Chelsea-Manchester United was a bore! Manchester United won 0-1 on a Wayne Rooney goal, and will probably make it to the semifinal, but the most notable thing about the match was how lousy Chelsea played, and Ancelotti's very El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-81853109579095734722011-04-06T02:24:00.003+02:002011-04-06T12:29:42.053+02:00Schalke 04 rules!I think that Schalke 04 were probably considered the little guys in this season's Champions League, and not many would have put money on the German side as they were to face Inter Milan in the quarterfinals. But today any lack of respect for this German side that it is virtually impossible to sympathize with should be totally absent.Schalke 04 destroyed the defending champions of Inter 2-5 in El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-7626749617953301212011-04-05T01:00:00.004+02:002011-04-05T01:15:37.213+02:00Towards the championshipThe European leagues are entering their last stage, and one can begin to see the shape of the champions more or less in many of them:In Germany, Borussia Dortmund destroyed 4th placed Hannover 96, and are 7 points ahead of Bayer Leverkusen with six matches left. They have had an extraordinary season, and it would be a pity if they don't win it.In Italy's local derby between AC Milan and Inter, ACEl Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-90220650201344489442011-04-03T16:22:00.003+02:002011-04-03T16:33:44.006+02:00The white shipwreckLast night seemed like a normal night in Spanish football: Real Madrid would win against Sporting Gijón at home, while Barcelona would have to struggle in a difficult away match in Villarreal to keep the Madrid team at a distance.However, it wasn't to be: at home in the Barnabeu, Real Madrid lost 0-1 to little Sporting. It was the first time since 2002 (when he was at FC Porto) that a team El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-32595388790237903642011-03-26T22:02:00.004+01:002011-03-26T22:17:58.035+01:00Euro qualifiersI am delighted to say that I have found a nice bar to watch football and drink beer in Caracas, with a great atmosphere, down-to-earth friendly crowd, and most important, beer. It was there I watched Spain's qualifier against the Czech Republic. After many years of success, the Czech have become a quite ordinary team, and Spain's world champions dominated completely. Still, in spite of the fact El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-66855200090194809822011-03-20T23:09:00.003+01:002011-03-20T23:12:25.093+01:00A very bad weekendI was not expecting, but merely hoping that Brøndby could pull a surprise against FC Copenhagen. I spite of leading 0-1, it was not to be, and FC Copenhagen own 3-1. Then it was Valencia's turn to round off a bad weekend: at home to Sevilla Valencia needed a victory to keep ahead on third spot, but in a match full of both offensive and defensive mistakes (except by goalkeeper Guaita), Sevilla wonEl Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-53564212631024900692011-03-17T11:49:00.003+01:002011-03-17T12:03:52.218+01:00The last quarterfinalistsThe last seven years mighty Real Madrid has been unable to make it to the quartefinals of the Champions League, but 2011 finally saw them get through. Under José Mourinho the team is as good as it has been for years, and one of the teams that has often been a stumbling block, Olympique Lyon, was dispatched with a well-played and offensive 3-0 victory. Karim Benzema scored yet another goal, and isEl Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-43515669869421636012011-03-13T14:12:00.004+01:002011-03-13T14:23:09.004+01:00Bad week for ValenciaAfter falling in the Champions League midweek, Valencia only need to concentrate on keeping the third spot in the Spanish league in order to make it back to the Champions League next season. I got ready for the match against Zaragoza after the gym, a bit in the pool, and the Manchester United-Arsenal match (2-0, putting United in the semifinals of the FA Cup, and also a bad week for Arsenal). I El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-11135985407100045252011-03-10T04:45:00.003+01:002011-03-10T04:51:22.029+01:00More quarterfinalistsIt seems that all Italian teams are on the way out of the Champions League: today it was AC Milan. After losing 0-1 at home to Tottenham, the Italians were unable to score in London, and 0-0 was enough for the English to progress to the quarterfinals for the first time ever. Last Italian team left is Inter, who lost 0-1 at home to Bayern Munich, so they will surely have a difficult time keeping El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-77256261685522741042011-03-08T23:28:00.006+01:002011-03-08T23:41:51.137+01:00Barcelona and ShakhtarI think that most people were expecting that Barcelona would be able to defeat Arsenal, which they also did, 3-1 tonight, to qualify for the quartefinals of the Champions League. What less people, including myself, were probably not expecting is that Arsenal would play so bad! In spite of a bad referee, 3-1 was pretty lucky, although Barcelona's attack was also somewhat inefficient; David Villa El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-34797519507208219752011-03-06T16:18:00.002+01:002011-03-06T16:29:36.925+01:00Excellent LiverpoolLiverpool under Kenny Dalglish is on the rise. Some of the new signings of the season, notably Raul Meirelles, and lately Luis Suarez, have blended well into the team. Today, Liverpool played their rivals of Manchester United, who is leading the league, in what was an expected match in the English Premier League. And this time, Liverpool was simply much better than a quite lame Manchester side: 3El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-404055749657469432011-03-05T14:53:00.004+01:002011-03-06T15:04:13.392+01:00While I was goneI have been travelling, and although watching football as much as possible, have not been able to post much here. Still, many interesting things have happened in the world of football!In the Italian Serie A, AC Milan and Napoli played a match where the southerners had the chance of taking over the first spot. However, they faced a concentrated Milan side where Brazilian Pato was extraordinary andEl Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-27496788823397769482011-02-12T17:56:00.005+01:002011-02-12T18:04:11.986+01:00Goal of the seasonThere is something special about Manchester United versus Manchester City this season, as the latter has invested heavily on a long list of excellent players. I must admit that I felt great sympathy with City today, with outstanding players such as Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko, Yaya Touré, David Silva and Shawn Wright-Phillips. But what took the day was another extraordinary player from the opposite El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-30181528249793706082011-02-10T12:31:00.002+01:002011-02-10T12:39:04.372+01:00Lucky world championsSpain has not been looking overly impressive since winning the World Cup, and last night's match against Colombia was no exception. Colombia had numerous big chances against a meager Spanish defense, and can only blame enormous inefficiency on not having taken the lead. Instead, Spain showed its power credentials when David Silva scored the winner at the end of the match.Spain's side is doing El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-5380063075316398282011-02-02T03:00:00.003+01:002011-02-02T03:25:33.020+01:00Millionaire transfers!By the amounts some of the Premier League clubs have been spending in this transfer window one would never guess that there is an economic crisis going on! One year ago, the clubs spent 29 Mio pounds in the transfer window, something that couldn't even pay for what Chelsea paid for Fernando Torres! All in all, Premier League clubs have spent more than 200 Mio Pounds!Chelsea, who seems to be El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-5983587374666636182011-01-30T21:05:00.003+01:002011-01-30T21:20:52.337+01:00Osasuna!The Spanish league has become a general bore: week after week one has to watch Barcelona play like the Harlem Globetrotters and destroy other teams, and Real Madrid trying to keep up. Although these two teams have always dominated in Spain, the difference has never been so marked as now: there are the two teams and all the rest.So it is very refreshing indeed when one of the teams lose, like El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-69679535133605307632011-01-29T23:00:00.004+01:002011-01-30T21:05:40.576+01:00Congratulations JapanJapan won the Asian Cup final against Australia on a 1-0 victory in extra time. Tadanari Lee scored the winner to give the Japanese team its fourth continental title.Congratulations to Japan and all their fans!El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-21333286039725733982011-01-28T03:00:00.004+01:002011-01-28T03:16:29.971+01:00More women in football!In my view and experience, football breaks down barriers of nations, race, class, age, and well..., gender!However, in spite of advances over the years, football culture remains very male-chauvinistic, perhaps blocking the complete breakthrough of women's football (I think the main problem with women's football is that it is not as technically good as men's, but it surely could be! Look at Marta!El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-53169281402723740592011-01-26T02:29:00.006+01:002011-01-26T02:44:46.523+01:00The Asian Cup finalI must admit that due to time difference and media coverage in this part of the world, I have not seen any matches of the 2011 Asian Cup in the future World Cup hosts of Qatar. However, I will have to try to watch the final this next Saturday against two giants that I have found excellent to watch in the last two World Cups: Australia was great in 2006, barely losing to Italy, and fought well in El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-46582456814688945332011-01-25T23:52:00.000+01:002011-01-26T03:09:38.343+01:00A golden future?An overlooked tournament is taking place right now: the South American U-20 championship in Perú. The tournament is important because there are perhaps no other areas in the world where the u-20 teams are nourished as a seed for the future as in South America. And living in Venezuela, I have of course noticed a splendid goal in last night's tie between Venezuela and Perú: 19-year old Yohandry El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-27532510872458376982011-01-20T00:11:00.002+01:002011-01-20T00:22:02.170+01:00Better BetisI have a TV now and satelite connection, so my life will now take a great leap in terms of being able to watch football!Although many people like Barcelona, I think it is great when teams like these are humbled by a smaller team. And it was great today to watch Betis, from the Spanish second Division, defeat the best team in the world 3-1 in the quarterfinal of Copa del Rey. Granted, Barcelona El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-9024693844011468452011-01-11T00:42:00.004+01:002011-01-11T01:10:11.078+01:00Messi, the world's bestI must admit that although I greatly admire Lionel Messi, and probably agree that he is the most noteworthy player in the world, I am not wholly in agreement about winning the FIFA Balon d'Or today.I am not sure what the criteria for the title are, but if they indeed are the player that seems to do the most amazing things on camera - the one that most looks like a Playstation player, it is indeedEl Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-19990649117048012092011-01-01T01:59:00.000+01:002011-01-01T17:18:05.810+01:00Top-10 Player of the YearFollowing my need to make top-10's for the year 2010, here is the list of my favourite 10 players of the year:10) Carles Puyol: a brilliant defender who gives both Barcelona and Spain tranquility and solidity. His role in both of the world's greatest teams should not be underestimated!9) Iker Casillas: In my view, the best goalkeeper in the world. He is the crucial captain of Real Madrid, and wasEl Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-27195973856959621182010-12-31T01:56:00.001+01:002010-12-31T14:40:03.962+01:00Top-10 teams of the year 2010A list of what I consider the best teams of 2010:10) Fulham: There are other teams in England than the usual big ones, and Fulham was a huge surprise in 2010 as they made it to the UEFA Europa League final. In spite of losing to Atlético Madrid, their performance deserves all the credit it can get!9) FC Copenhagen: I admit that as Brøndby fan this hurts, but their overwhelming success in the El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-4361266822833446462010-12-24T11:47:00.006+01:002010-12-24T12:42:16.011+01:00Best and worst of the 2010 football yearIt is time for a review of football-year 2010, and I will start by my personal top-10 of best and worst football things this years.Saving the good for last, here comes the worst (a list that has, fortunately, been a bit difficult to make!):10. Paraguay not becoming World Champions, to be summarized in one name: Larissa Riquelme...9. Not having played football once during the year.8. Time El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-84235459325783101622010-12-24T03:31:00.001+01:002011-01-11T04:33:18.892+01:00BundpropligaenFC Copenhagen has surely been one of the teams of the year: they upset everyone by playing excellent football in the CL, coming second in their group, only behind mighty Barcelona, and will now face Chelsea in the Last-16.In the Danish League, no team has ever been so dominating as FC Copehagen is now: they are undefeated in the league, and as they go on winter-break, they are impressive 19 El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-57334908551779538742010-12-23T14:08:00.002+01:002010-12-23T14:16:15.634+01:00Benitez outAlthough Inter Milan just last week won the World Club Championship, it is perhaps not surprising that it was today when coach Rafael Benitez was fired after only six months. Benitez has been very critical of the Inter leadership, and as results have not been forthcoming (they are only 7th in Serie A and came second to Tottenham in their CL Group A), the firing of Benitez is perhaps not so El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-9183585197921840792010-12-19T11:22:00.003+01:002010-12-19T11:47:31.817+01:00Inter World ChampionsInter Milan has had a pretty bad season so far, but last night nevertheless the Italian team managed to win the FIFA Club World Cup, after defeating Congo's TP Mazembe 3-0 in the final in Abu Dhabi. The tournament, in its current format, looks like this:WinnerRunner-UpThirdFourth2005Sao Paulo (Brazil)Liverpool (England)Saprissa (Thailand)Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)2006Internacional (Brazil)FC El Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331066.post-33564715520216831062010-12-11T15:45:00.004+01:002010-12-11T15:57:31.075+01:00The Golden BootI must add my voice to the choir of critics of the chosen finalists for the 2010 Golden Boot: three Barcelona players, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi and Lionel Messi are the contenders for this year's title as the world's best player.Barcelona are indeed a powerful team that plays the most entertaining football in the world, and these three players are indeed the spinal chord of the team. Add to this thatEl Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524616809585764331noreply@blogger.com0