Futsal Euro Tournament

Just an update here on the Futsal European Champsionship taking place in Belgium. In Group A, the hosts aren't looking too good. Ukraine at the moment lead the group with a final game against bottom-placed Belgium. Romania meanwhile are, for all intents and purposes, through to the quarter-finals after destroying Belgium 6-1. They do not have a perfect record though, since the Ukrainians were able to edge the Romanians 1-0. Over in Group B, the Netherlands have already been knocked out leaving Russia and Portugal to fight it out for the top position in a scintillating final group match. Based on the teams' performances against the Dutch, Russia might be favorites after winning 7-1 but Portugal's 5-0 result will ensure that they are both going through no matter what the result is. Groups C and D are a match behind the first two but the ice has been broken. In the former, Slovenia have jumped to the front following a 3-2 victory over the Italians while Azerbaijan have yet to start their campaign. Group D is also up for grabs - perhaps even more so - between Croatia and Spain who split points in their first match which ended 3-3. The Czech Republic waits to begin their group stage campaign. Hope you enjoy the competition!

Club World Cup: Update 12/15/2013

What an exciting round of games there has been in Morocco as Raja Casablanca of Morocco edged New Zealand's Auckland City in a 2-1 affair that saw Mouhssine Iajour open the scoring for the hosts in the 39th minute while Roy Krishna of Auckland City made it 1-all in the 63rd minute. In the 2nd minute of stoppage time of the 2nd half, Abdelilah Hafidi gave the Casablancan side the lead that carried them through into their Quarter-Final bout with Monterrey out of Mexico. In that face-off, Raja Casablanca once more took the lead early-on through Chemseddine Chtibi in the 24th minute. The Mexicans were able to equalize in the 53rd minute through Jose Maria Basanta. Going into extra-time, the North Africans were able to grab the lead through Kouko Guehi in the 95th minute much to the chagrin of the Monterrey outfit. In the other Quarter-Finals match-up, Guangzhou Evergrande of China took on Egypt's Al Ahly and gave the North Africans a right thumping. At the same time, the Chinese left it til late to take the lead with Elkeson striking in the 49th minute of the 2nd half while Dario Conca made it 2-0 for Guangzhou Evergrande in the 67th minute. With that round of matches out of the way, the 5th Place match has Al Ahly taking on Monterrey. As for the sides that remain in contention, the Semi-Finals see Guangzhou Evergrande face Germany and Europe's Champion Bayern Munich. Raja Casablanca meanwhile battle Brazil's Atletico Mineiro in what should be an absolutely enthralling match-up. Between these two matches, the parties that are defeated will face one another in the 3rd Place game as the winners go on to the Final in Marrakech. I would not be surprised to see Bayern and Raja Casablanca in that showdown although I believe Atletico Mineiro are the favorites to face Bayern in the showpiece event. Make sure to check out the games picking up again on the 17th of December and continuing to the 18th. The Final and 3rd Place matches will take place on the 21st of the same month. Happy Holidays!

Predictions for the World Cup 2014 in Brazil. 12/7/2013.

Well I will promise you all right now: I will not cite the Confederations Cup as a source of information on how the teams participating will do next year. Additionally, I'll say that travel and climate will be an issue for some of the teams playing in the tournament - but this is professional football, not a pick-up game so I expect the sides to compensate for any of these concerns if they have any hope of progressing through the stages to the showpiece event. Injuries may well be an issue, and I'll post closer to the tournament with any updates on that front. As for now, let's get into the predictions! In Group A, Brazil are certainly favorites to win with Mexico and Croatia the two sides fighting for the second position slot. I'd tip Mexico to make it through as Cameroon finish rock bottom and Croatia will not quite have enough. The opening match will set the tone for the Eastern Europeans as they face Brazil in the kick-off for the whole tournament. Depending on how poorly that first match goes, Croatia may well have the stuffing knocked out of them when they face Cameroon 6 days later. On to Group B now where Spain and the Netherlands should be the two to make it through although Chile will not make life easy for either side. Australia will probably not have booked hotels beyond the group-stage dates as a swift exit is on the cards for them. Again, though, the opening match in this group may determine a great deal as Spain take on Netherlands in a match-up that should stir a great deal of emotion from the last time around. If Holland loses their cool, and some players for disciplinary reasons, expect an abrupt South American vacation. As for Group C, Colombia should find their way through however Japan, Greece, and even Ivory Coast will have reason to believe that they can progress to the knock-out round. I'll say Greece might clinch it because of their typical defensive prowess though Japan shouldn't count themselves out of the race. Much will decide on whether Colombia can break down the gate when they face Greece in the group's opening fixture Ivory Coast's match with Japan should prove much more entertaining. Group D meanwhile may be seen as having a three-way race on the other side of the table: Italy and Uruguay are my favorites to proceed - in first and second respectively - however England will not give much to them easily. Costa Rica on the other hand is almost guaranteed a three-and-out affair with little hope of even tying any of the other three. If Italy can defeat the English in their opening fixture, they should win the group; otherwise it'll be Uruguay in first and Italy in second. Onwards to Group E where France and Switzerland are the notable - if imperfect - favorites and Ecuador and Honduras are left fighting for honor. Having said that, if the Swiss don't perform in the opening fixture against Ecuador, they'll be out while France's first match against Honduras should be a nice introduction to the continent. Group F will likely see Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina go through despite Nigeria's best efforts. Iran should enjoy their time on the world stage and play to the best of their ability - this is the culmination of all the work that they have put into the side and it would be disappointing, though not unexpected to go out without a point. Group G. For many of those of you who follow this blog, you'll likely feel hard done by the draw for the United States. It is true, Germany and Portugal are the undeniable favorites to win the group and contenders for the tournament title. It is also true that Ghana are a well put together side and possibly the strongest African side (after Ivory Coast) in the tournament this year. Despite these facts, when the U.S. plays Ghana in their first match, they will give it their all and the two sides really are just about equal on paper. At the very least I would expect the U.S. to draw that game and give the European sides a run for their money before bowing out with their heads held high. Finally, Group H: where Belgium, Russia, South Korea, and Algeria face-off and the Europeans are once more the favorites to make it through. There is honestly little chance that either the Koreans or the Algerians will mount much of a challenge against the Belgians and the Russians though I could see the Russians making life difficult for themselves when they face South Korea in the opener. Algeria will likely bow out in 4th with South Korea above them and Belgium deserved leaders. Again, look for an updated post closer to the tournament about any injuries and such that may alter these predictions. May the best side win!

World Cup 2014 draw! 12/6/2013

And the results are out! After the drawing for the group-stage of the Brazil 2014 World Cup, we have hosts Brazil in Group A against Croatia, Mexico, and Cameroon. In Group B, Spain, the Netherlands, Chile, and Australia will face-off for the right to make it into the knock-out round. Group C is full of dark horses with Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, and Japan promising for an exciting opening set of matches. Group D is arguably the opposite with Uruguay, England, Italy, and Costa Rica competing for just two places in the next round. Group E should be relatively straightforward with Switzerland, Ecuador, France, and Honduras fighting for the right to lift the World Cup. Group F should be relatively open as Argentina must contend with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, and Nigeria. Group G on the other hand will likely be incredibly tight as Germany, Portugal, Ghana, and the United States must fight with only two sides progressing to the next round. Last but certainly not least, Belgium, Algeria, Russia, and South Korea make up Group H. Look for a predictions post in the very near future!

Women's U-17 European Championships and the Passing of Nelson Mandela. 12/5/2013

Excitement and somber memorial. That is what today may be described as in a few words. In the European Championships Semi-Final round, Italy faced Germany as hosts England took on Spain. In the first match, the Germans booked their place in the Final with a 0-1 victory over the Italians. The solitary goal was courtesy of Ricarda Walkling in the 15th minute after a stunning performance by the Germans which saw them largely dominate proceedings. Elsewhere, Spain gave their hosts no quarter in a 3 goal thriller that saw Andrea Sanchez perform admirably with goals in the 16th and 79th minutes. Pilar Garrote's 55th minute strike was also clean as the Southern Europeans absolutely dominated the game from start to finish. Expect a good match in the Final, I would tip Spain to win as they seem almost unbeatable at the moment.
Nelson Mandela, the one-time South African President and non-violent opponent of injustice and South African Apartheid as well as the voice of modern human rights passed away today at the age of 95. While a phenomenal example of the good that can manifest itself in the human spirit, Nelson Mandela was also an stunning figure in the world of sports. Utilizing rugby in particular, he united a nation; in 2010, he was arguably the man who inspired South Africa to successfully host the largest sporting tournament in the world - the FIFA World Cup. Words cannot describe the significance of Nelson Mandela in life, and his passing similarly prompts one to speechlessness. He will be missed, and may his memory be eternal.

Latest Domestic Standings 12/4/2013.

Before the upcoming fixtures across Europe, let's look at where things stand on a domestic basis! Spain seems like a decent place to start, where Barcelona have been in imposing form alongside Atletico Madrid - the two sides tied at the top with 40 points apiece. Real Madrid occupy 3rd position with 37 points as Athletic Club and Villarreal round out the top 5. The former have 29 as the latter sit on 28. Onwards to England now where Arsenal have gotten off to a decent first 13 games with 31 points earned. Chelsea hold 2nd with 2 points to spare over Manchester City as the Blues have 27 to their name. Liverpool are the side tied for 4th with Everton: both teams have 24. Across the channel, in France, Paris Saint-Germain have a slender lead of the table with 37 points and a game in hand over the competition. LOSC Lille are a point behind the Parisian outfit and one up on AS Monaco who have a significant hold on 3rd. 4th position Marseille have just 27 points as Nantes round out the best teams thus far with 26 points. Over in Germany, things are somewhat closer with Bayern up top with 38 points from 14 matches, Bayer Leverkusen 4 points off in 2nd, and Borussia Dortmund in 3rd with 31 - 3 points clear of 4th-placed Borussia Monchengladbach. Schalke have 5th just barely in their grasp on 24 points. South, in Italy, Juventus have grabbed 1st with 37 points just as Andrea Pirlo is forced out of contention for what may well be a month! Roma sit 2nd with 34 while Napoli are 3 behind them and Inter Milan and Fiorentina are tied for 4th with 27 each. Last but not least, the Portuguese league currently has the two main Lisbon sides, Sporting and Benfica, level at the top with 26 apiece while Porto are in 3rd with 24. As for those teams that aren't really in contention but would like to think they are, Gil Vicente and Estoril Praia are the closest to mounting a challenge with 18 and 17 respectively. Let me know if there are any things you'd like to see more of!

Where we stand after the latest round of games.

So the Champions League group stage has just one more match to go and what a roller coaster ride it has been! Beginning in Group A, following Manchester United's demolition of a hapless Bayer Leverkusen side, and Shakhtar Donetsk's victory over Real Sociedad the table stands with United assured of a spot in the knock-out round with 11 points. Meanwhile Shakhtar and Bayer are left to fight over the scraps of 2nd place with 8 and 7 points respectively. Bottom of the table and playing for pride at this point, Real Sociedad have earned 1 point over 5 matches and don't look like earning any more. With that in mind, so long as Bayer improve from their dismal performance against United, they should earn the three points when they visit Spain while Shakhtar will count themselves very lucky if they can get even one when they face Manchester United next.
Over to Group B now where things are also close besides the poll position: Real Madrid are assured of qualification with 13 points to their name as Juventus occupy 2nd with 6 and Galatasaray and Kobenhavn each have 4 with the same goal differentials. As the final fixtures in place and Juve travel to Turkey while Kobenhavn host Real Madrid, I think the Turks might well be favored since they were able to draw the Italians in Turin 2-2 the last time the two sides faced off. A great deal will rely on Pirlo and company though Madrid will probably find victory in Denmark with even a B-Team.
Group C is also tight between 2nd and 3rd: PSG are through with 13 while Olympiacos and Benfica have 7 apiece. Anderlecht are down and out with just a point to their name. Olympiacos will likely seal the deal given that they play at home, welcoming Anderlecht, while Benfica will likely face sterner opposition in PSG although they do play in Portugal which may give them the lift they need. I'd like to see it but I doubt it'll happen.
The most divided group, Group D has Bayern in front with 15 points although Manchester City are just 3 behind the Germans. CSKA Moskva have 3 while Viktoria Plzen have 0. The last round of games will still be interesting though as Bayern host Manchester City and Plzen face CSKA Moskva. I think Bayern will at least draw if not claim victory over the English outfit while CSKA should hold onto their Europa League spot - given that there is a 4 point differential between the two sides in terms of goals scored and conceded.
Any of the top 3 can still win Group E on the other hand as Chelsea have 9 in 1st, Basel have 8 in 2nd, and Schalke have 7 in 3rd. Steaua Bucuresti have picked up 3 points, from 3 draws, but they travel to England for the last game of the group meaning Chelsea will most likely make it through. Between Schalke and Basel though, I am not sure. While the Germans will be at home in Gelsenkirchen, their recent performances both at home and abroad have been less than impressive. On the other side of the coin, Basel have been imperfect but magnificent - specifically against Chelsea. It all depends then on which side shows up for the Swiss: the one that has on two occasions defeated the Blues, or the one who lost at home to Schlake earlier in the group. We'll have to wait and see but I assure you it will be extraordinary!
Onwards to Group F. Strangely, depending on how the results go, a team with 12 points may not be making it to the knock-out round. Presently, Arsenal sit at top with 12 while Dortmund and Napoli have 9. Marseille continue their run of awful form with 0 points. In the unlikely event that Napoli destroy Arsenal in Italy by, say, 5-0, then the Gunners will be out so long as Dortmund don't mess things up in France. However, if Napoli are only able to edge the game in their favor - a far more likely scenario - they will go out with 12 points! Be ready to be amazed.
Groups G and H round out the affair with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona the teams leading the respective groups with 13 and 10. In the former, Zenit and Porto are left to fight over 2nd with 6 and 5. Austria Wien have 2 and should not prove too much of a challenge for the Russians in their last game of Group G. For Porto, they may well feel hard done by the draw which sees them travel to Madrid hoping for 3 points and a miracle. I would pick Madrid and Zenit to go through. As for Group H, Barcelona are not quite free and clear yet. 2nd place AC Milan have 8 while Ajax are on 7 and Celtic have 3. Given that Milan host Ajax while Barca welcome Celtic, I would say the Spaniards and the Italians would be the ones to progress. In fact, even a draw for the Dutch would be a great result, though not enough to get them into the next round.
Hope you've enjoyed the games and keep your eyes open for Europa League action! Names to look for include: Valencia, Ludogorets Razgrad, Salzburg, Rubin Kazan, Fiorentina, Eintracht Frankfurt, Genk, Sevilla, Lyon, Trabzonspor, Tottenham Hotspur, and AZ Alkmaar each of whom either drew or won today putting them at the top of their respective groups.