Been Awhile

Some may think I stop blogging. Some may think that the Red Planet had vanished from the blogging universe. Some may think that the view from the red eye had been closed. Well...it's not. Just that, the Red One had been busy with a lot of things..with life, with work, with things I expect will happen and things I didn't expect to happen... futhermore..I promise to myself I will only blog again if United loose...which they did last weekend.I'm back so hopefully it's not gonna be another 3 months before another update from the Red One.



So how's things with you guys/gals? Anyone miss me...or not? Had anyone actually been checking my blog and felt dissapointed cos no updates for the past few months...which I doubt..hahaha. Did anyone life change within this few months? Did it change the way u life your life? Did it give ur life a new meaning.. a new light?

Well..something did change in my life...something I never thought would happen. Something I never thought I would go through...but it happen and I couldn't ask for a better partner, even if I try to. I can't wait for it to be finalise. How happy would that make the Red One feel? United winning the treble for another 2 seasons...and Des, you should know how good that is rite dude?

5th WIN???

4 straight wins.. top of the league.. and the big game on Sunday at Old Trafford with the Gooners still looking for their first win in the league.. and somehow I don't think it is gonna come from the game this Saturday.



Why didn't I review or written anything about the matches before? First and foremost.. I was freaking busy with work and by the time I had the time, the only thing I can think of is resting. Second.. I just don't want to halt United run to just 3 straight wins..keeping in mind we never win 4 straight matches for 21 years. Last Saturday win against Spurs marked the best ever start for United. If we include the Champions League win against Celtic on Thursday.. that's 5 straight wins and 14 goals scored. An impressive start and I am praying that it will continue and leaving the likes of Chelski, Gooners and Liverfools eating our dust... Amin.



After 3 seasons of injury nightmare for Ole,he is coming back with a vengeance. 2 goals so far and we can expect more from our legendary no 20. His goal in the clash with Scottish giant, Celtic proves once again that he is still our baby face assassin and making sure the 3 points in the bag. He would definitely play further and important part in United games with another red hot veteran, Giggs is sidelined for a month with a hamstring injury and Park will be out for 3 months after undergoing an ankle operation. Well, with Ole fit and scoring, I think we will be ok... and of course Scholes will be back. He was superb in that Celtic game... and obvious proof that his eye problem last season is a thing of the past.

5th win in the bag?? Well, looking at the current form...it looks like it but form will go out the window when it is United and Arsenal game... but I think I can count on these two boys to bring us another win and another step to bring the trophy back home.... 3 seasons is a long long time...



p/s : He played for two of the best managers in English history... he came in and so far two wins... Welcome Gaffer Keano and can't wait to see you at the sidelines next year maybe???

How You Doin'?

Football



I've taken my much deserve summer break but now I'm back. Why? Because in about two weeks time, football season is back. But I am not gonna write about football here...no no...Why? Cos there is nothing worth it to talk about. Just that United just sold one of our best striker of all time to a team that might cut short United dream of another European glory. A team of which contains Beckham who supplied more than half of Van the Man goals when they were playing together. And in return, United might get a Fletcher-look-alike who only played bit-part in England's World Cup campaign....and to be honest, he sucked. 2 weeks before the season starts... United got no one but might be losing more players. Just need to get that out of the system...hmmmm..fuhhh. And 1 more thing... what is up with United jerseys??? I thought signing up with Nike will give a better look. Bring Umbro back (price a bit cheaper)!!!



Unless she comes with it..


Latest Happenings
I'll be moving into a new place next week...Insya Allah. So I have to do a bit of bargain shopping for household items....namely Tesco. Right now, I'm "menumpang" at my Uncle's house in USJ2....and after a month of traffic jams, tolls, petrol-killing-me drive... I am so looking forward to be moving to a place nearer to the office. That is why automatic cars are a better choice in KL... I am driving a manual and I built up muscles in my legs I never knew existed.

Work
I interviewed a few candidates for vacant positions in my department. Kinda cool and interesting cos I actually get to see what it feels like on the other side of the table. To actually judge someone if they are suitable for the job is really hard. And to actually look important and smart enough as an interviewer, is much much harder when you are interviewing someone much older and with more experience than you. FYI, none of the candidates were recommended to the 2nd interview... and I am not being mean.

Music

I am hooked on two songs for the last one month. Songs that will just make you bop you head up and down and just wanna shake that booty. "Maneater" by Nelly Furtado and "Mas Que Nada" by Sergio Mendez feat. BEP. Both had a lot of airplays on our local radio stations. Well, I am gonna add one more song to the list and trust me, it is terrific. Apparently, Stacy Ferguson or better known as Fergie(that hot sassy sexy mama) is coming out with a solo album and her 1st single "London Bridge" is making waves all over the world. Wanna taste of it, well... just click.

That lucky bugger Josh Duhamel
















Movie


Well... my ever lovely Sherie, who loves horror flicks, had a few movies she had lined up to make my heart stop a bit or two. First up, most probably tomorrow...will be "American Haunting". And judging the trailer, I am in for a rough 1 1/2 hours. "The Dorm" was supposed to be in the list too but her brother saw it and apparently, it is not that good. She is gonna buy a DVD copy instead....YEA for me. So, next in line is Keanu "Lookig confused and lost all the time" Reeves and Sandra "Please say my last name as glamorous as possible" Bullock flick... The Lake House. This is just the perfect role for Keanu. "I'm lost,lonely, confused...what?? She's 2 years apart?? How can that be? I'm confused... I need to find the truth". Oh Keanu, can't you get any other roles?




Rockstar


Am rooting for rooting for Toby and Dilana. Those two rocks.... and if Dilana ends up as the lead singer, I think she will give a piece of her knee if Tommy Lee try anything. Storm Large....hmmm.... with a name like that, with a performance like that...hmmm...Tommy Lee is thinking of a sequel to "On the Boat 2" maybe??

One in A Million
Suki got the highest vote and have immunity for next week..hmmm. No, it is not Survivor. Just curious, why and what makes people vote her? I really don't see anything special about this 16 year old? Or maybe the voters are confusing this with the next Manga comic character?

Am rooting for Faizal and Dayang. Those two are just terrific. Zai is another one of my fave but she kinda disappoint me with her two last performance. Need to gain her confidence back and control her nerves. It is effecting her performance.

The Gladiators V The Musketeers

It happen again to me. Again....what are the odds. Everything gone cos this stupid pc thinks it's funny...DAMN YOU ONCE WHITE COLOUR PC IN A CYBER CAFE!!!!

Let's try to recap what i said in the now lost creation of mine.

- not much excitement...still mourning cos England, Brazil, Argentina is out
- watching as a neutral
- hope it is gonna be a good match and worth to stay up for game on a working day
- Will the balding and one of the most talented player in our time Zizou wil get his dream sent off for his retirement or will Cannavaro cap his 100th game with the ultimate football prize?



Prediction - France will win to give Zizou the best ever retirement or going away present anyone can ever have. To make it more dramatic.. let's Zizou be that single goal scorer in the last minute of extra time.....




That's what i can remember... oh...before i forgot.. the p/s part...

P/S: Sherie is supporting Italy to win. Reason - France dumped Brazil out. For my sake, please let Lippi's men do something and win it.

THE FINAL FOUR

England is out……………. losing on the penalty kicks again. What a surprise!

Argentina is out…………... Germany winning it on penalty kicks again. What a surprise!

Brazil is out. France outplayed them again with Zizou becoming the Samba Boys'destroyer. What a surprise!

So what is left for me in the World Cup? Absolutely nothing….well, except for my fantasy team in the fantasy football league, which is also not doing well. I am 4th out of 10 teams and too far to challenge the top three.

I told Princess Sparkle that England will loose if it goes to penalty kicks…. The history books does not side the English. Last Saturday disappointment just adds to England sorry association with penalty kicks. Lampard who had been banging in the goals for Chelsea through out the season just couldnt hit the back of the net. He got the most shots on goal so far in this WC but none of it resulted in a goal. Even given the opportunity to score from the penalty spot pun tak boleh.

Stevie G was playing with his heart on his sleeves when playing for Liverpool but somehow he just ran out of steam when playing for England. He is not the major force he was with Liverpool. He did not rally the team like he did for Liverpool when they are 3 nil down to AC Milan in last season CL’s final or this season FA Cup final against West Ham. He was just Gerrard, the English midfielder who ran and ran but don’t know what to do with the ball except playing long balls. No creativity, no passion, no charisma.

Well, I could talk all day about the England team… the disappointment and sadness it brought to me when they were out yet again after so much promise…and don’t get me started on Brazil’s lackluster performance but let’s just concentrate on my prediction on the semi-final match…. but I do have to say that Hagreaves and Lennon do worth a mention. I personally think that they are the only bright spark in an England team containing suppose to be star players like Lampard, Stevie G, Becks and Rooney. I guess Sven brought Theo just to enjoy the his summer holidays under the german sun.

Germany V Italy

Prediction – Germany will win this one. Heck, they will go all the way to win the whole thing anyway. Italy might have beaten Germany 4-1 in a friendly recently but this is a totally different German team. They have the all important 12th player with them…the home fans.

Score – Germany 1 Italy 0 ( Klose will score)


France V Portugal

Prediction – France prove to the bogey team for Brazil yet again. Portugal has always been dubbed as the “European Brazil” and with a Brazilian coach. Hmmm… end of the road for Scolari? France will win this one. Zizou is in the form of his life and I believe he wants to win the WC to end his career on a high. You can’t have a better sent off than that.

Score – France 2 Portugal 0

The Quarter-Final

Well...it is gonna a boring 2 nights for me. No football action. Nothing to rush home to. No headache of wondering if the mamak will be full for the 11pm matches (damned astro...taking all the early games and England games and making people like me suffering...not fair) and hoping Sherie faham and ask me to come over to waych the game with her family..hehehehe. Well...at least me and a few other people who were not as clever as Javard to schedule their sleeping and waking up time to catch the much needed sleep...normal human being sleep.

Well, now to the the last 8..the Quarter Finals... 3 games away for one of this team to hold aloft the Cup of Life on June 9. Will it be England with their ugly game(I'm having tears in my eyes)? Will Brazil samba their way to win it for a record 6th time? Will the Argentina win it without the hands of god? Will Ukraine did a Greece and go all the way? Will Italy tackle their way (or bribe....) to bring it back and maybe salvage whatever dignity Italian football have (FYI-When Italy last won it in 1982, Italian football was also in humiliation when top players and officials are involve with bribery. Rossi was banned for 2 or 3 years from football because was found guilty and he became the golden boot winner that WC)? Will German with their ungerman like defense win it for the home team? Will France with their aging squad prove that experience will prevail? And...will Portugal act, dive, elbow, tackle and waste time to win it? Well, we have two days to wait before the first QF match kick off....

England V Portugal


The Prediction - England to win and Rooney will prove to Portugal he will is ready for a fight...trust me. You don't want Rooney angry. Even he is not angry he is a scary 20 year old.

The Score - England 1 Portugal 0

The Reason - Cos I am an England fan and I want them to win. Kalau tak puas hati, like Leen Ashburn said, you have a problem with that? Pergi turun car park lah kita settle. They have not played well(they suck I know) but they are in the QF but Ghana is packing their bag already...fyi Leen.

RED CARD FOR PORTUGAL


Brazil V France



The Prediction - Brazil to win lah...c'mon lah. Ronaldo gonna score and France will be wishing Laurent Blanc is still around to kiss Barthez head.

The Score - Brazil 2 France 1

Reason - It is Brazil. Ronaldo is 95kg but he makes me believe I can score in the futsal game every Tuesday nite and beside, Ronaldinho will make sure he will not suck like he did in the last 4 games...Don't you think. He is really making you asking "Ronaldinho ke Ronaldikin is on the pitch.

Thanks for the memory Zizou




Germany V Argentina

The Prediction - Aiyo...susah nya nak predict this one. Hmmm.. I want Argentina to win so that its. Well, on more professional opinion, I do think Argentina will win this exciting and hard fought game

The Score - Argentina 2 Germany 1

The Reason -This is because although Germany is great upfront but anyone who has been following football knows that the German defence is below the par they have always set for themselves. Lahm tedency to attack will give more room for Riquelme to expose a shaky German defense and it could be a Messi affair.

AND THAT GOAL.....SWEET LEFT FOOT MAXI!!!!




Italy V Ukraine

The Prediction - Italy to win it.

The Score - Italy 1 Ukraine 0



The Reason - Not enough threat in the Ukraine team except for Svechenko. Italy are short on central defenders but I think they will bring in someone to replace the injured Nesta and Matterazzi who is not available after the red card. Hopefully Toni and Gillardino will find their mark and if not, you got Pippo Inzaghi on the bench. Unleash him and let him fly.



And take note, no cut and paste from Words here. I hope the disaster that day will be the last and if you can read this, meaning I manage to not do any stupid things. Javard is writing a review for the WC...man...just imagine that. Javard turning his AF blog(in the midst of AF season) into a football blog. And he is doing great...so, if you find my WC review is not up to your standard..you got Javard's blog to go to or maybe my fellow mancunian, Des (sorry about the Oranje exit dude).

Well, enjoy your 2 days rest for all football fans..sleep, eat and rest properly. To the spouses, girlfriends, partners..... take the opportunity to tell your love one what has been happening around the world or even around the house while the WC was on (utilities bills, baby's milk, shaving maybe).

INGERLUND-INGERLUND-INGERLUND

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHH

That is why u write what u want on Microsoft Word before you copy and paste it to your blog. BECAUSE YOU WILL HAVE THE TENDENCY TO DO SOMETHING STUPID AND DELETE WHATEVER YOU HAVE WRITTEN FOR THE PAST 2 HOURS AND LOOSE EVERY SINGLE WORD OF IT WITHOUT ANY CHANCE OF RECOVERING IT BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!

All the predicitions and pictures and funny things(well..no way to find out if it is funny now kan) are gone. I don't know what I did but the main thing is...IT IS ALL GONE!!! Ah...crap..i just write the prediction of the matches for the last 16. Malas want to think and write whatever I wrote. It was so beautiful.... 2 weeks of World Cup reviews.....the teams reviews...ALL GONE!!!!!

Germany 2 Sweden 0
Argentina 3 Mexico 0
England 2 Ecuador 1
Portugal 0 Netherlands 0 ( Netherlands go through after penalty shoot out)
Italy 2 Australia 0
Switzerland 0 Ukraine 1
Brazil 2 Ghana 0
Spain 2 France 1

There....I am so frustrated...I wrote all those things and it is gone.. that should have help my application to ESPN and Star Sports for that football pundit vacancy.

Group D-H

I didn’t have time to review Group D to Group H…I am sorry. Work and time didn’t permit me to do so but I think I want to see how accurate am I and does my knowledge about world football can actually help me predict the correct team that will progress to the 2nd round from group D to H. So here goes….

Group D: Portugal will top the group. Too much quality and they have not been beaten under Scolari since that Euro 04 final against Greece. Mexico will accompany them in 2nd place. Angola and Iran might give Mexico a run for their pesos but just not good enough.

Group E: I think this will be a very interesting group. In my opinion, another group of death in this WC edition and will certainly be the most interesting outcome. I think the Czech Republic will be the group champion and Ghana might sneak in above Italy for that 2nd spot. Why don’t I think Italy will make it? Because The Azzuris this time around does not have a quality side to give a good challenge and couple with the bribery controversy back home and also injury to important players like Gattuso and Totti who is still recovering.

Group F: Anyone wanna bet that Brazil will not top this group? Only the brave and crazy will do that I guess. Of course Brazil will samba their way to the top of the group. Australia and Japan had shown in recent friendly matches that they are ready for a battle. Japan might nick that 2nd spot but Australia do have a shout if Kewell is injury free.

Group G: France will top the group. After that disastrous WC 02, the whole squad would want to erase that painful memory. South Korea will be there with France in the 2nd round at 2nd spot. Togo might be a surprise package if they can recover from losing their coach.

Group H: Spain will be the top dog in this group and a Shevchenko inspired Ukraine will accompany them.

Well, that’s my prediction. And to be fair, football is a strange game. You can’t really base the winner of the game on paper…with a bit of luck…with a bit of spirit….anything can happen at the end of the 90 minutes plus injury time.

Group C

I wish I had time on my hand to review each team in each group but I realize I am not blessed with that option. Come to think of it, I might have if only I have my own PC or laptop at home for me to work on it. So, I don’t have any other option but to review the group in general and not each team as I would have loved to do. I mean, I have to be realistic lah kan… 3 more days before the greatest football show on earth start and I still have 5 more groups to go.

Group C

The so-call Group of Death in this WC edition. Two teams with a lot of tradition, history and success in WC grouped with two teams with a lot of potential and coming to Germany with an impressive and convincing qualifying round. Argentina and Netherlands are the obvious favourites in this group with the wealth of talent in their squad but nobody is going to write off Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro before the ball is kick.

Argentina are coming to Germany with an exciting, young and talented attacking players like Tevez, Aimar, Saviola and the apparent heir to Maradona, Lionel Messi would definitely want to come out of this group on top. After being knocked out from the competition so early in the group stages in the last WC in another group of death, Argentina will definitely want to do better. Other than the young talents, veterans like Ayala, Sorin and Crespo will bring the experience to an otherwise young squad to face the other teams in the group. Pekerman’s tactics and strategies on the field are carried out by his trusted man on the field, Riquelme. The main target for United this summer, his performance this season had helped Villarreal to the CL semi-final. His vision and performance this summer will be important to Argentina push to their 3rd title. The problem with the squad is they are becoming too dependent with Riquelme. When Riquelme is out or under performing, the whole team ceases to function. Will young players like Messi be able to step up or one of the veterans can take over?

The Netherlands is one of the major under achievers in the WC other than Spain. Bless with talented players like Cruyft, Van Basten, Gullit, the De Boers twins and the current Barca coach, Rijkaard throughout the years, the Oranje failed to live up to expectations and to deliver when it matters. After the 4th place finish in France 98, Oranje failed to qualify to Korea/Japan 02 and would want to show the world that they are still a football powerhouse. A dark horse to win the title, the squad is filled with exceptional talents on every position especially in attack. The out of favor striker at United, Van Nistelrooy is still the main threat upfront and supported the exciting Robben with his pace and trickery. Should be able to claim the other spot to qualify for the last 16.

Serbia and Montenegro had showed their defensive qualities in the qualifying round which included Spain. With an impressive record of only letting in one goal in 10 matches, it would be interesting to see if they can hold off the attacks from two of the best attacking team like Argentina and Netherlands. If they can do that, Serbia would have a very good chance to create an upset in this group. Upfront, the deadly finishing of Kezman is the main concerned for any opponents. He had done well with Atletico Madrid after a disastrous season with Chelsea. He would want to prove to Chelsea that he is better than the three current Chelsea’s strikers; Drogba with Ivory Coast, Crespo with Argentina and Robben with Netherlands; and that it was a mistake to let him leave.

Ivory Coast booked their place in Germany at the expense of African football powers such as Cameroon and Egypt. The Elephants will want to prove that their qualification is not just pure luck but base on merit. Being grouped with strong opponents such as Argentina and Netherlands will give them the chance to show that. The squad are largely made up of players who are plying their trade in the French League but the main forces in the squad are base in London. Chelsea’s Drogba is the main threat upfront while Arsenal’s Toure is the rock at the back.

This is a hard group to predict and every game is important and promise excitement but I am putting myself out there and predict Argentina and Netherlands to come out tops in this group. The last game between Argentina and Netherlands will determine who tops the group. Ivory Coast and Serbia will push to the end but the other two teams have a lot of quality and talents in depth. On the other hand, Ivory Coast might be the dark horse in this group and might…might squeeze through at the expense of Netherlands

Main Man

Argentina – Riquelme

Ivory Coast – Drogba

Netherlands – Van Bommel

Serbia – Stankovic

Player to Watch

Argentina – Messi

Ivory Coast – Fae

Netherlands – Robben

Serbia – Zigic

Babe Magnet of the Group (if you have to watch it with ur man)

Argentina – Crespo, Aimar

Netherlands – Van Nistelrooy, Van Persie

Serbia – Kezman

Ivory Coast – a hard one here….

Group B

England

England is coming to Germany with a squad dubbed as the most talented assembled bunch of players in recent times. Each player wearing the England jersey on the pitch is among the best in the world in their respective position. If England are to win the World Cup again after 40 years, this is the squad to do it. The only problem is, can the players lift up their performance and fulfill the promise everyone sees in the team?

When Rooney crumble down after the tackle from Ferreira at the Bridge, everyone believes England chance to be a real contender for the WC crumble with him. Rooney is indeed a special player and it would be a task to replace him but I do believe England still have a lot of players who can step up and propel England further into the competition. England midfield is considered as the best in the world with the likes of Beckham, Cole, Gerrard and Lampard operating the team’s engine. Gerrard performance had been spectacular especially in big games and can be exemplify in last season CL’s final and this season FA cup final while Lampard is the top scorer for Chelsea in winning their 2nr consecutive EPL crown. The only concern is if he can actually transfer his club performance into international games. Hopefully with his experience playing in the CL would help his confidence. He might be the star player for England this WC. The partnership of Terry and Ferdinand in the centre of defence looks solid with Neville and Cole on the right and left of the defence who can also provides the attackers with their crosses. Without Rooney unfit, Crouch is the front runner to partner Owen, who is still regaining his fitness after the same injury Rooney is suffering now. His height would be a plus point in set pieces but at the same time he does have a good touch for such a tall man.

England does look like a solid team on all areas but the most important factor is if the players can step up and prove that they can actually be a world class team. Sven would definitely love to win the WC as his last assignment with England and that would help him to get more coaching offers when he becomes available after the WC.

Main Man: I would love to say Beckham but I don’t think he is the player he was once before. I would love to say Rooney but as of now, he would likely be a spectator in this WC edition. For me personally, I think Gerrard would be England’s main force this time around. As I have mentioned before, he definitely showed he is a man for big games. A future England captain, his relentless work rate in the middle of the field and the ability to read the game would take England through before Rooney is fit enough to take part.

Player to Watch: He was bought from Southampton by Arsenal and didn’t even play in the EPL yet so his inclusion into the England squad was a surprise to everyone. Theo Walcott is only 18 but everyone is raving about him. I can’t say much about him because I have never seen him play before and to be honest, I doubt anyone else have to. He might be use late in the game when the other team is tired and his pace would definitely trouble the defence.


Paraguay

This is Paraguay 3rd straight appearance in the WC and definitely establishes them as South American football powerhouse with Brazil and Argentina. They qualified 4th behind Ecuador but with the same amount of points, they were struggling in the early stages of their qualifying round. They picked up their rhythm later and manage to secure the last qualification place with a game in hand and even losing the last home game against Colombia did not deny their place.

With a defence packed with experience players such as Caniza, Caceres and Gamarra would be a tough assignment for the opponents attacking players to crack down but the only worry is with age not on their side; a fast attack would probably catch them off guard. In midfield, Acuna and Paredes will definitely be the link to change from defence to attack while Dos Santos and Barreto will be creating havoc and opportunities for the forwards. Santa Cruz has showed to Germans his instinct for goals when playing for Bayern Munich while Cardoza might be an old hand but he is the top scorer for Paraguay in the qualifying round. If Santa Cruz is still not fit for the WC, Nelson Valdez who is playing for Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga had already shown he is a capable player to replace the Bayern Munich ace.

Main Man: Germany 2006 would be Acuna’s 3rd appearance in the WC and his experience would definitely help the young players in the squad such as Dos Santos and Barreto. This should be his last WC so he would want to lead his team past the last 16 after 2 WC failing to do it.

Player to Watch: Dos Santos is considered as the best young player in Paraguay and he has made his marked in Germany already. He is Santa Cruz teammate at Bayern Munich and he is usually given a free role in the middle of the field by the coach to use his creativity to carve an opening for the front two.


Trinidad & Tobago

T&T is one of the countries that will be making its debut in this WC edition and also the smallest among the 32 teams. The Socca Warriors, as they are known, qualified after beating Bahrain in a play-off. Being grouped with England would be a blessing in disguise for T&T as most of the players are plying their trade in the English league.

It would be an achievement for T&T if they can even win one game at this edition. There is not much quality in the team as most players are playing in the lower leagues in England. Their biggest star is obviously Captain Yorke, who played for Aston Villa before helping Manchester United to that famous treble in 1999. Now playing in the Australian League with Sydney FC, he is still a major threat. Latapy is one of the oldest player at 38 had come out of retirement to help the team would be the supplier from midfield with Birchall. T&T defence is not highly rated with their lack of pace but with a 201cm tall Lawrence in the centre, it would be hard to get a cross over him and he would definitely be a threat in set pieces at the other end of the penalty box.

Main Man: Dwight Yorke is the most successful player from T&T and had made an impact in the EPL with the Villains and United. He might not be as fast as he was before but he’s experience and his deadly finishing is still a threat. He would be the major key to T&T performance in the WC

Player to Watch: Christopher Birchall was born and raised in England but have the right to play for T&T because of his grandparents. He is the creative spark in the team and he would want to perform well in the WC to earn a transfer to an EPL club. He is currently playing for Port Vale.

Sweden

For a 2nd consecutive time, Sweden is being drawn together with Sweden but they are not complaining. Sweden has a good record against England…the English have not won against the Swedish in 11 meetings since 1968. The game in Korea/Japan 2002 ended in a draw but both team got through to the last 16.

Sweden is blessed with a strong line of attacking players. Henrik Larsson was impressive coming from the bench for Barcelona in the CL final when he created both goals for them. Partnering Larsson up front is Ibrahimovic who is an imposing figure at 192cm. For a tall man, he is fast and use his height well in set pieces as he proves with his team Juventus (hmm... would Juventus be relegated to Serie B for that bribery allegations?). He scored 8 goals in 8 qualifying games for Sweden and that is a goal a game ratio. Ljungberg fitness had limited his first team action early in the season with Arsenal but he played a significant role in helping Arsenal to the CL’s final and also securing the 4th spot in the EPL. Team captain Mellberg give that reliability and assurance at the back with his partner in the centre of defence Lucic who would be playing in his 3rd WC.

Main Man: No doubt it is the veteran Larsson. He is a smart player with a deadly finishing but at the same can create an opening for others to score. He has been a very important in Sweden football for a decade and he has been voted as “the greatest player in Swedish football”.

Player to Watch: With a goal a game ratio, Ibrahimovic would be a tough customer for any defenders. He uses his strength to dominate the ball and for a big man he is quite fast. He is always lurking for that special pass from Larsson or Ljungberg to score. His height means he would be a handful in set pieces situation.

Prediction

I think the other three team managers in this group were actually giving a huge sigh of relief when Rooney is deemed not fit for the group stages. One less headache for them and they can actually concentrate on beating England rather than stopping Rooney. But I still think England still have a lot of quality in dept and claim the top spot. Assuming Germany would top Group A, England wouldn’t want to finish as group runner-up because it would set up a meeting in the last 16 against the host nation. Sweden is England major threat in this group and would likely accompany England to the last 16. Paraguay would be the dark horse in this group but with Santa Cruz still recovering and has not been playing regularly, it does not look good for Paraguay. Trinidad should be the points giver in this group and we just hope Yorkie will keep on smiling when they have to pack their bags after their last game on the 20th June against Paraguay.

Group A

Germany



As the host nation, nothing less is expected from Klinsmann’s men from the people of Germany…….come 9th July 2006, Germany will be lifting the World Cup to become champion for the 4th time. It is obviously a big pressure for a team who were knocked out from Euro 2004 in the group stages but playing in front of their own fans and also a world cup pedigree only bettered by Brazil, Germany would be one of the favorites.

With the tussle for the no 1 jersey is finally over with Lehman having the coach’s vote, Germany can now concentrate on their defence unit. Although in Lehman they have a goalkeeper who is in a wonderful form, the defence are relatively untested and the new pairing of Mertesacker and Huth, who can’t even break into Chelsea’s first team, lacks the reliability and confidence the once famous organize German had. But with Ballack operating in the midfield and Klose and the exciting new striker Podolski upfront, Germany will absolutely be a major threat to Brazil’s dream of a 6th title.

Main Man: Ballack, the new Chelsea man performance would be the major key to Germany’s success. If he can lead the team to their 4th WC title, he would justify his nickname…The Little Kaiser and also his name in Germany’s football history just like The Kaiser himself.



Player to Watch: Podolski moved to Germany from Poland at age 2. Poland’s lost is Germany’s gain. He scored 8 goals in 12 games last year and with Klose, also originally from Poland, on fire by being the top scorer in the Bundesliga this season, their partnership would certainly bring in the goals for Germany.




Costa Rica


It is Costa Rica 3rd appearance and 2nd in a row in the WC. They finished 3rd in the CONCACAF qualifying and coming to Germany with a lot more experience behind them. With Paulo Wanchope leading the country and the attack, the Ticos would want to do better and if possible to emulate or do better than the 1990 World Cup squad, who in their 1st appearance qualified into the last 16.

Their qualification round did not start well for the Ticos but they overturn their fortune to secure their place in Germany with 3 wins in the last 4 games of the qualifying round. Other than the veteran like Martinez, Solis and Wanchope in the team, new players like Saborio will be looking to make an impact in Germany. Saprissa FC which represented CONCACAF in the FIFA Club World Championship, made out more than half of the national team would also use their experience when paying in the competition to good use in Germany.

Main Man: Wanchope is the national hero and football icon. His performance is unpredictable and inconsistent but when he is in form, he just dazzle.



Player to Watch: Saborio is an exciting young striker and the Ticos will be hoping he would not succumb to pressure and get them the goals to take through.



Poland


Poland pushed England all the way in the qualifying round but the lost to England in the last game means they could only finished 2nd. But luck was on their side and they booked the ticket to Germany by being one of the best group runner-up. Poland was one of the major football force not so long ago but was not good enough to even qualify for any major competition since 1986 until their appearance in the last WC edition.

With Celtic’s Zurawski who scored 7 goals in the qualifying round and also on fire in the Scottish league, goals can be assured with Southampton’s Rasiak lurking behind him with his 191cm figure. With Smolarek providing the fire power to the front two, it does look worrying for the Polish defence marshal by the veteran Jacek Bak. Jerzy Dudek was dropped and Celtic’s Artur Boruc will be wearing the no 1 jersey. The performance of Wigan in their 1st season in the EPL had helped their custodian Tomasz Kuszczak to be included into the team. The defence looks a bit suspect and vulnerable. Poland would hope to qualify to the last 16 this time around without the controversy that seem to affect their performance in the last WC when the players protested about bonus payment and were eliminated in the group stages.

Main Man: Zurawski is the major threat in front of goal. Poland would be hoping he would bring his performance while helping Celtic winning the SPL this season to the WC.



Player to Watch: Boruc is another Celtic man but rather than getting in the goal, his job is to stop the goals going in. In outstanding performance at Celtic, he gave the manager enough confidence to not including the Liverpool European Cup hero Dudek out of the team.



Ecuador



Qualified 3rd behind the South America power houses Brazil and Argentina, Ecuador came into the tournament this time as the favorite to qualify from the group stages. Once consider one of the South America’s minnows, their 2nd straight qualification showed a major improvement in the country’s football standard. With most of the players that played in the last WC still in the team, Ecuador would want to improve on their performance. Although they did beat Brazil and Argentina at home, most would say they won because of the city’s altitude.

Delgado is their main goal poacher with his 5 goals in the qualification helped Ecuador through. The veteran Ayovi and Tenorio are the main men in midfield while the exciting new player Luis Valencia would be a major torn with his pace and overwhelming force of play. Hurtado and Espinoza are the key men at the centre of defence but fast pace attack would crack them if the overlapping full back De La Cruz forgets his defensive duty.

Main Man: Edison Mendez would trouble opponents with his passing ability and also the powerful shots will trouble goalkeepers.



Player to Watch: Nicknamed “Tsunami”, this young midfielder will be creating havoc with his pace down the left and also his no fear attitude. He scored 3 goals in 7 qualification matches for Ecuador.


Prediction

I don’t expect any surprises in this group. With home support and what seems to be an easy group, Germany would definitely top the group and qualify to the last 16. Poland and Ecuador would be fighting for the runner up spot but I believe the Polish team would have the upper hand. Costa Rica, well, the team just lacks quality players to really challenge for a spot in the last 16.

List of Rules During the World Cup

1. From 9 June to 9 July 2006, you should read the sport pages so you are aware of what's going on regarding the World Cup and will be able to join in conversations.

If you fail to do this, you'll be looked at in a bad way or be
totally ignored. DO NOT complain about not receiving any attention.

2. During the World Cup the television is mine at all times - without any exceptions.

3. I don't mind if you have to pass by in front of the TV during a game - as long as you do it crawling on the floor and without distracting me.

If you decide to stand naked in front of the TV, make sure you put clothes on right after because if you catch a cold, I won't have time to take you to the doctor or look after you during the World Cup month.


4. During the games I will be blind, deaf and mute - unless I require a
refill of my drink or something to eat.

You are out of your mind if you expect me to listen to you, open the door, answer the telephone, or pick up the baby that just fell from the second floor....it won't happen.

5. It would be a good idea for you to keep at least two six packs in the fridge at all times, as well as plenty of things to nibble on.

And please do not make any funny faces to my friends when they come over to watch the games. In return, you will be allowed to use the TV between 12am and 6am, unless they replay a good game that I missed during the day.

6. Please, please, please if you see me upset because one of my teams is losing, DO NOT say "get over it, its only a game" or "don't worry, they'll win next time".

If you say these things, you will only make me angrier and I will love you less. Remember, you will never ever know more about football than me and your so called "words of encouragement" will only lead to a break-up or divorce.

7. You are welcome to sit with me to watch one game and you can talk to me during half-time but only when the adverts are on, and only if the score is pleasing me.

In addition, please note I am saying "one" game, hence do not use the World Cup as a nice cheesy excuse to "spend time together".

8. The replays of the goals are very important. I don't care if I have seen them or I haven't seen them, I want to see them again. Many times.

9. Tell your friends NOT to have any babies, or any other child related parties or gatherings that requires my attendance because:
a) I will not go,
b) I will not go, and
c) I will not go.

10. But, if a friend of mine invites us to his house on a Sunday to watch a game, we will be there in a flash.

11. The daily World Cup highlights show on TV every night is just as
important as the games themselves. Do not even think about saying "but you have already seen this...why don't you change the channel to something we can all watch?" The reply will be: "Refer to Rule #2 of this list".

12. And finally, please save your expressions such as "Thank God the World Cup is only every 4 years".

I am immune to these words, because after this comes the Champions League, Italian League, Spanish League, Premier League, etc etc.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Regards,

Men of the World

World Cup Is Here!!!!!!

I am just glad that I won’t have to wait for too long for my dose of football like the past 4 years. 3 months of no football in the weekend, 3 months of not talking about last weekend matches, 3 months of not feeling happy or sad about a result…..3 months of getting to know the weekend again…3 months of agony..3 months of football starvation. But not this year….no no….in less then a month, every single football fans in the world will be focusing their attention to Germany……The World Cup is here…. WOOHOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After almost 2 years of grueling qualifying rounds, 32 teams from all over the world will be vying for that dream to be the World Cup champion. The usual suspects in world football like the current World Cup holders Brazil, Argentina, Italy, England, Holland and the host Germany alongside WC debutants like Togo, Ivory Coast, Angola, Trinidad & Tobago and Ukraine will be competing in this month long football extravaganza with billions of football fans around the world watching every game religiously and of course one of them would be yours truly. A month where every other sports will mean nothing at all, well, unless you are not a fan that is.

The great thing about the World Cup is…even non-football fans became fans, just like Sherie. Well, I don’t blame them. The euphoria that the World Cup brings can never be matched by any other sports in the world. The passion, the adrenaline, the suspense, the suspense, the elation and every single emotion that a football maniacs like me feel every single week during a football season will be shared by people like Sherie. For the record, Sherie supports Brazil and her favourite player is Ronaldinho for obvious reason (definitely not his looks)…he just amazes her with his brilliance on the pitch back in WC 2002 and he still does till now. At least she appreciates the beauty of football and not how good he looks in shorts. Well, she still does but at least she recognizes talent and skills lah.

Me, I am an England man but I do have a soft spot for Brazil because the men in my family are Brazil supporters. My first WC experience was Mexico 86 and I can still remember how devastated my late grandpa and dad when Brazil were knocked out by France in the penalty shoot out….although I was peeking from a slightly open door to catch the game on a double decker bed. I was 11 so staying up late for a game on a school night was not something my parents would have allowed me to do .

I am football crazy, or a football nerd as Sherie like to refer me as, and I think anyone who knows me would confess to that but the World Cup brings another level of craziness in me. It will be the single most important thing in my life for one month. For that one month, every football match is important...it doesn’t even matter if it is Costa Rica V Ecuador. It’s the World Cup and it only comes once in 4 years. It is not the same like any other football matches I’ve seen for the past 8 months (except United matches of course). This is the pinnacle of world football…to determine who the world champion is. It is a big deal and that will ALWAYS….ALWAYS be my argument. I hope my other half will understand, but somehow deep down inside I know she will (Ya Allah, semoga Kau bukakan dan lembutkan hati Sherie untuk memahami kegilaanku semasa Piala Dunia nanti, Amin!).

Maybe being an insomniac does have its advantage. I would have no problem staying up for the early morning kick off. I am so thankful, as others who are not blessed with owning ASTRO, I can still catch most of the game on the 6 free channels. The only task now is determining which game I will be watching if it is playing on the same time. Hmmm…. it is gonna be hard but someone have to do it. I mean, it would be waste of the government money if nobody watch the live coverage kan?

Well, as I would be analyzing each group and trying to predict which team will be going through to the next round just like the past WC, I might as well share it with anyone who cares to read it. Anyway, would Brazil stroll again to their 6th World Cup or would there be a team that will do a “Greece”? I hope it would help “football fan when it is the World Cup” to get to know the teams and players in the World Cup and the chances of the teams in Germany 2006 according to an unprofessional and uncertified football pundit like me. Maybe if I am accurate enough, someone from ESPN terstumble with my blog would be impress and offer me a job. Ahhh….that would be like a dream come true.

Next posting….. we will be analyzing Group A with the host nation Germany will be up against Poland, Costa Rica and Ecuador.

The Fantastico

Arsenal just needed to defend their goal to add to the impressive 10 straight clean sheets en route to their first European Cup final. Arsenal was only 5 minutes short for a total of 1000 minutes without conceding a goal in Europe. Arsenal was just 15 minutes away from capturing the pinnacle of European football. But in a space of 5 minutes, two goals were scored and everything that they had achieved before was just not good enough to make sure the European Cup stays in England.

A game hyped by the prospect of watching arguably two of the best players in the world in the shape of Ronaldinho and Henry was justified not just by them but the overall performance of both teams. Great defending and attacking play can be seen all over the pitch but the game was decided by three great substitutions by Rijkaard. Innuesta, Larson and Balletti were introduced in the 2nd half and all three made an impact on the team performance. Innuesta was a constant threat with his runs and was putting the Arsenal defense under a lot of pressure. Larson created both goals while Balletti was at the end of a superb pass from Larson to score the winning goal and ensure Barca’s 2nd European Cup. Eto’o scored the equalizer after collecting another superb pass from Larson.

I do have to take my hats off to Arsenal though. Playing for almost 70 minutes with 10 men after Lehman was showed the red card in the 18th minute of the game, they actually went ahead when Campbell scored from a free kick by Henry. After a lot of pressure especially in the 2nd half in the heavy rain at Stade de France, fatigue took over them and surrendered two goals in the space of 5 minutes to seal their faith. No arguments about the sending off of Lehman but a few debated that Eto’o was offiside when he collected the pass but to me, Eto’o sheer pace push him through the defense.

Well, Barca capped an astonishing week for Spain sports. Seville wining the UEFA Cup, Pedrosa winning his first MotoGP in Beijing, Alonso became the first Spaniard to win the Spanish GP and Nadal put his name in the tennis record book for winning his 53rd straight win on clay……and the only thing that can outdo this astonishing and wonderful week of sport for the people of Spain is Spain being crowned as the World Cup champion come this July. Well, I think after the performance of Spanish teams in both European competitions…..they might be a real threat come this summer in Germany.

Well, that’s all for club football for now. Next…the World Cup and it is just 3 weeks away. Will be coming up with my own thoughts and predictions for the World Cup next…so we’ll see if I am a good football analyst as I think I am.

Season in Review

I know that my season review came a week late but been busy with stuffs and my health was not in tip top condition. After 10 months of football, both the beautiful and bad sides of it, the season came to a close with a very good game in the FA Cup with Liverpool winning it on penalty…. A second consecutive penalty shoot up after last season Arsenal win against United. Let’s just summarize the season as per below.

Milestone

- Shearer and Henry became the new record goal scorer for their respective clubs. Henry also became the first Arsenal player to score 200 goals for Arsenal.

- Sunderland became the new lowest points holder in a season beating their old record of 19 points. They only manage to collect 15 points this season.

Goodbye

- Alan Curbishley said goodbye to Charlton after 15 years in charge at The Valley. He took charged for the last time in the game against Manchester United at Old Trafford with a 4-0 defeat

- Alan Shearer said goodbye to football and his adoring Newcastle fans. Although he had to say goodbye earlier due to an ankle injury, he will always be his local team hero forever…(and always the one who snubbed United)

- Denis Bergkamp last season with The Gunners. I am not sure if he is retiring though.

- Souness and McCarthy said goodbye to their clubs, Newcastle and Southampton respectively and the only managerial casualty of the season. Newcastle fortune turn for the best after that and even qualifying for an European competition next season (Intertoto Cup if I am not mistaken..another entry route for the UEFA Cup…correct me if I am wrong), Sunderland continue to slide down.

- West Bromwich, after last season incredible last day escape, was not able to save themselves this season. Birmingham City joins West Brom and Sunderland to the Championship League next season.

- Highbury, Arsenal’s home since 1913 will be replace by a new stadium…..aiyo…I forgot the stadium name…Ashburn Grove or something…. but the main thing is Highbury no more…and on the last game on the pitch, Henry scored a hatrick for a fitting goodbye.

- Steve McClaren said goodbye to Boro and took the team to their first European Cup Final…the UEFA Cup but beaten 4-0 by Seville. He will be taking over from Sven to be the next England manager…. Good luck to him.

- Keano quit United which came as a surprise not just to the supporters of the club but all football fans. The United captain said goodbye after almost 15 years with the club and the real reason of him quitting United is still in doubt. He was said to have left United in mutual consent.

Surprise

- West Ham and Wigan were taunted as relegation candidate even before the season starts but at the end of the season, both clubs finished in the middle of the league which is quite an achievement. West Ham finished 9th while Wigan just below West Ham. Both teams even qualify for the final of both domestic Cups. Although they lost but for clubs who were not given a lot of chances, they had surpasses their own supporters’ expectations.

- Martin Jol just missed out on the last day to bring Spurs to that elusive 4th spot to qualify for next season Champions League. Spurs had been struggling on the wrong half of the table for the last 2 decades and this season was quite a surprise seeing them at a dizzying height of 5th at the end of the season. Although finishing 4th would be a dream but they had actually achieved what they have targeted for the season….to qualify to European competition via EUFA Cup. Expect Spurs young team to pressure for that Champions League spot next season.

For United, it was another disappointing season although we did win the League Cup (Mickey Mouse Cup) to not finish the season empty handed again. Although we did improve on our league position but we are still struggling to match Chelsea. We the limitless budget from Abrahamovich, Chelsea looked unstoppable this season and took charge of the league while the other teams are playing catch up. While the other team including United are looking for players that are in their budget, it seems that Chelsea are not even bothered about the budget. The only thing that Mourinho has to do now is to name who he wants…and he will get him. As of today, Ballack who had been rumored to be joining Chelsea since he indicated his intention to leave Bayern, is a Chelsea player. Next on the book for the Blues is Shevchenko. If he does sign for Chelsea, it is gonna be an even harder task for other teams to challenge for the title next season. Chelsea now looks more like a fantasy football team rather than a real football team and you wonder if anyone ever gonna challenge them with the kind of money and budget they have.

The shock early exit from the Champions’ League was the biggest blow for United, the first time in 10 years United had failed to qualify to the knock out stage and did not even finish 3rd in the group to play in the UEFA Cup. Couple with Keano exit, it was a good year to end 2005. Luckily, United picked up after that and finished the league creditably behind Chelsea. United even put a bit of pressure on Chelsea before succumbing to Chelsea relentless form that gave them another title and left others to wonder if they ever gonna challenge for the title.

Park Ji Sung is a good buy for United and showed he was bought not just for selling replicas in Asia. His pace and determination on the pitch helped United and also gave United other options in the team when Giggs or Ronaldo are out. The best buy without a doubt for me is Edwin Van der Sar who was an incredible form through out the season. He was the main reason for some of the games that United didn’t even deserve to win with his saves.

Rooney’s influence in the team seemed to be increasing in the team. With him in the team, there is a different aura about the team and the way the team plays. He is just 20 years old but everyone is looking for him to supply that magic that can turn a game into United favour. When he was holding his feet in the game against Chelsea, the whole of England and football fans around the world feared for the worst. With the metatarsal injury, his involvement in the World Cup looked bleak although Coach Sven refused to rule him out yet. Alan Smith deserved a mention….well…for his horrific injury in the FA Cup quarter final match against Liverpool. I still cringed remembering it.

So, what does the next season hold for United? Well, one sure thing, we might not see Van the Man in a red United jersey again next season. He was pushed back into the pecking order with Saha form in the 2nd half of the season. When he stormed out of Old Trafford in the last game of the season against Charlton for not being included in the team, it was clear that he won’t be part of the United squad next season. There were talks of him joining Spurs with Defoe coming in for him and the latest I heard is he is gonna be part of the deal to take Diarra from Lyon to United. For any transfer news, I think we just have to wait till the World Cup ends.

For next season, I think the main thing for United is….how can we stop Chelsea winning the title for the third time. What can we add to the team to challenge a team where money is not a concern? What would Fergie do to challenge for the title? Would bringing in the likes of Diarra or anyone else challenge a team with Lampard, Ballack, Robben, Drogba and possibly Shevchenko for the title? Would selling Van and depending on Saha and Rooney with the help of Rossi be good enough? Well, I guess we just have to wait till the season starts again in August…but till then, we have the World Cup to entertain us.

P/S: Did I leave anything out ?? Well, do share.

Last Day Dram

Just needed a win against Boro and United would have secured that 2nd place. But the United players thought…hmmm…. supporters all over the world know who the champion is so there is no excitement there. They also know the three teams relegated to the Championship next season so there is no last day survival, nail biting heart breaking games. Why don’t we make it exciting? Why don’t we make the last day of the season a bit more interesting for all the football supporters? Why don’t we set up this tense nerve wrecking end of the season game for that automatic 2nd spot place for next season Champions League with our bitter rival? A game that we need to win to make sure of the place. A game that if we loose, we have to depend on our rival result to determining our place. We could made it easier but no……we just have to make it exciting….so why don’t we draw with Boro after that defeat at the Bridge and set up an exciting and tense game to end our season.


Well….that’s Manchester United. Not for the faint hearted……trust me.

War at The Bridge

I do have to admit that United will not be the EPL champion this season but I am very sure I don’t want Chelsea to get the point they need to win the championship against us. I don’t want to be watching the match and see the Chelsea players, manager and their fans celebrating after 90 minutes of play tomorrow. I don’t want us to be the witness of that.

Coming off that FA cup semi final match defeat against Liverpool last week, Chelsea will be concentrating on winning the match tomorrow to clinch the championship and what better way for them to assure their 2nd successive championship against United. Although Mourinho kept saying that tomorrow will just be another match for them but I know deep down inside him and with an ego as big as him, he wants to beat United and clinch the title right under Fergie’s nose. And trust me, it is not just Mourinho but the entire Blues squad and fans. It would be just rubbing salt to a wound if they win it tomorrow.

United will go to Stamford Bridge tomorrow with three mission. The first is to make sure Chelsea will not get that one point to clinch the title….in short, to win at Stamford Bridge. Second, for the pride of each and every single one who are connected to United…bragging right especially for us United fan and lastly, to remind Chelsea that we are still here and next season wouldn’t be as smooth of a ride as this season.

For me especially, it would be a great birthday present.

Viva La Catalonia

May 17th 2006. Stade de France, Paris. Arsenal V Barcelona. Thierry Henry against Ronaldinho. Two of the greatest footballer in modern times will be pitting their skills and will lead their team to the ultimate Holy Grail of European football. Last year Stevie G inspired his team to that incredible come back to win it for Liverpool against AC Milan….a match I didn’t watch because of a very personal reason (do I need to say why?). But come this 17th May, I am very sure I am gonna be among the millions who will be watching and enjoying, hopefully, a great game of football.

Barcelona will be going into the final as an overwhelming favourite and this is mainly caused by one man…..Ronaldinho. As poetically said by Sherie “He is one ugly motha but he is a damn good player” and trust me, coming from her that meant a lot. I also heard an interesting comment last night… “In modern football, there are 3 categories of footballer- great footballers, superstars and there is Ronaldinho”. I am not gonna argue with that. He performance for Barcelona since last season has never been less than spectacular. Week in week out he had been producing magic in the Nou Camp and all around the Primera Liga. I watched both the Barcelona-AC Milan semi final game and Ronaldinho just mesmerized everyone, even the players, with his skills, passing and coolness on the field. Somehow, I believe that we have not yet seen the best out of him and we might see that in Germany 2006. I am getting goose bumps just thinking of it.

With the elusive fourth spot in the EPL is looking rather bleak for the Gunners. The only chance for them to qualify for next season Champions’ League would be doing a “Liverpool”. Henry have yet to sign a new contract with Arsenal and everyone knows that he is stalling on the contract signing just to see if Arsenal can win the European Cup. If he ends up with the European Cup aloft his head in a couple of week time, he might still be a Gunner next season. If Ronaldinho end up checking his teeth with European Cup, Henry might probably be calling the Nou Camp as his new home next season. To be honest, that would be a perfect move for Henry and it is scary to think the combination and threat that Barca will have. Ronaldinho, Henry, Eto’o and Messi……. I don’t think anyone would bet for a nil-nil score with that kind of attacking in your team.

Anyways, we just have to wait until the summer for that usual “Is he staying, Is he going” question. For now, let’s just concentrate on the coming final in Paris. Personally, I would say Barca will win it. Arsenal may have dispatched Real Madrid and Juventus in route to the final but Barca is a totally different opposition altogether. Ronaldinho would want to end the season on a high before the World Cup and I think Eto’o would want to watch the World Cup at home with the European Cup medal around his neck. It has been a spectacular run for the Gunners but I just think they will succumb to Ronaldinho’s flair and brilliance with the predator Eto’o to open up the Gunners defence who so far have kept, 9…correct me if I am wrong, clean sheets. Lehman is in a spectacular form and totally justifying his selection as Germany’s no 1 and that last minute penalty save from Riquelme helped Arsenal to the final but Ronaldinho and co are a different opposition altogether.

Unlike Arsenal, Barca are not just depending on Ronaldinho to deliver for them. The have the likes of Eto’o for fire power, the hardworking French winger and apparently match winning goal scorer, Giuly and the apparent successor of Maradonna, Lionel Messi, to depend on. Without or by silencing Henry, Arsenal don’t really have anyone else to lead them or give them that extra magic. Arsenal had crumbled and torn apart as seen in the EPL when Henry is not playing. Again, they don’t really have a player in the same level as Ronaldinho…but then again, who is?

Well, we just have to wait till May 17th to know the new European Champion but we might see Henry in maroon and blue of Barca rather than the maroon and white of Arsenal next season.

Tagged

Tagged by Mr. Desparil...


HOW MANY SCHOOLS DID YOU GO TO?

Hmmm…. 1 I guess…. SRB and SMB St. Joseph



WAS I THE STUDIOUS NERD OR THE LAST MINUTE HERO?

A last minute hero……. It is surprising the result and end product when u r desperate



WAS I THE TAIKO OR THE TEACHERS PET?

Neither one actually…..



BEST 2 SUBJECTS

History and Pendidikan Jasmani



3 TEACHERS I REMEMBER MOST (FOR WHATEVER REASON)

Miss Mok cos she’s hot until she made the mistake of marrying that not so good looking guy….. and Cik Faridah…cos she is hot too…..really hot with her red specs number….



WHO DO I TAG?

1. Cosmic Gurl 2. Seeking Solace 3. Kaisersoze

My Pick for the Moment

Last weekend, I bought an album from a new artist, Corinne Bailey Rae. I read good review about her album and once I heard her song, I knew I just have to get her album. I just love her voice. A breath of fresh air in the music industry filled with Hip Hop with song’s like “ In Love with a Stripper” hogging the air waves. Don’t get me wrong, I am into this hip hop scene, but something different for the ears are always welcome. And this lady 's music is God 's prescription for anyone who wants something different.

When I saw her album last weekend at Rock Corner 1 Utama, I just had to ask Sherie to listen to it. I know she is not into R&B and Soul too much but maybe she would listen to this one. I have bad records for recommending songs to her, so I could see that she was a bit skeptical about it. She listened to it anyways……… by the end of it, we are listening to the cd in her car…hehehehe.

Some of you might be go “ Who the heck is that?” but I guess most of you might have heard her first and hit single, “ Put Your Records On” which is getting a lot of play on the air waves and on MTV. Why am I writing or attempting to review her album? Well, for a simple fact there is no United match this weekend and I have got nothing else to write about. But seriously, I just wanted to let people who have not listened to her yet or may not be interested, to give her music a chance.

Her music is a mixed of soul, jazz, classic R&B and maybe just a dash of pop in some songs. She has a smoky tone of voice that really reminds you of the great Lady Day. She delivers each songs with such ease and I really recommend her album for that nice alone time in your garden or balcony with a cool breeze sweeping over your face . Most of the songs in the album are slow and easy with a lot of acoustic guitar and keyboard/piano being the main musical instruments. I like most of the songs in the album but my personal picks would be:

1) Like A Star – I love her voice in this song. A certain cuteness and innocent in her delivery connects well with the lyric and concept of the song. A woman coming to terms with her feelings and love.

2) Put Your Records On – Her first single from the album and getting a lot of air plays on radio and MTV. A happy and fun tune that makes you wants to groove to the beat…chewah. A good song to get your chin up when you are feeling down.

3) Trouble Sleeping – My theme song I guess…hahahaha. It starts with this lazy singing voice that picks up during the chorus. Another tune that makes you want get you boogey down….a slow one I mean.

If you a big fan of the great Lady Day or into the music of Sade, Norah Jones or Joss Stone, it is a must buy. Also recommended for those who wants a good “bed” time album…….highly recommended.

P/S : Chelsea or Liverpool? I don’t really care who win that semi final as long as the team they meet in the Final, Boro or West Ham, beat them. If I have to choose, I would rather have West Ham in the final just because it would be good to see the old horse Sheringham. I don’t know if he is gonna be the oldest player to feature in the final but it would be unbelievable kan?

It Is The End

Another 3 points in the bag but Chelsea just needs one more point from a possible 9 to win the title. I guess that is the season for United. The only highlight before the season ends is the game against Champions-elect, Chelsea at The Bridge, and maybe we can put one over them. I just hope that match would not be the match we handed them the title. A win would at least give us the bragging right of doing a double on them and also the points gap would not be too great.


Well, we just have to wait for another season to wrestle the title back to Ole Trafford. Glory Glory United!!!

Balik Kampung!!!!

Oooo balik kampung

Ooooo balik kampung

Ooooo balik kampung

Hati girang


Yeah…I am going back home…well, for a few days that is but I am so excited. I wish I can go back like every other weekend or at least once a month but it is just impossible to do that. Seeing my parents, my siblings, my family, my friends……my hometown. Laksa, ikan terubok tunok, ikan terubok masin, mee kolok, manok panggang jambatan gantung….slurp…slurp…can’t wait to just eat all that….hehehehe. I even told my mom in advance what I wanted her to cook for me. And for the record, my mom’s laksa and stuffed chicken are the best.


I am also excited because this time around, I am bringing along with me someone special in my life and hopefully will be a permanent fixture when I go back home. I am going to introduce her to a place I call home. A place I never thought I could ever leave until I met her. A place that might not be as good as KL but will always be the best place in the world for me. In a short period of time we are going to be there, I want her to go to places I go, eat food I eat, adore friends I adore and most importantly…love the family I love. I know she is nervous about it but somehow I just know she will just make my whole family love her…well, so far my parents approved and like her, my youngest sister is like her best friend now. Like she always say…what is not to like about her, and you know what, she is not exaggerating.

Well, Kuching might not be much for anyone else but to me, it is paradise. A place I always call home no matter where I am. And hopefully, I can make Sherie see and understand, despite of all the kekurangan in Kuching, I can’t stop talking about it to her…..hehehehe.



Home Sweet Home

Crash and Burn

The interview last Saturday, in my personal opinion, didn’t go well. I think I didn’t do enough to impress them. I was nervous and that showed when I was answering the questions asked. I was early…about ½ an hour early in fact. I looked presentable, I think, with tie and all. I even gave my best smile to each and every single employee I passed by especially the receptionist…. I don’t even think Sherie ever saw that smile before.

I have a gut feeling that I won’t be hearing from them after two weeks. I don’t think I would even consider myself if I was the interviewer. Well, maybe it is just not my rezeki there but at least being considered as a candidate is good enough….sounded cam one of the Oscar nominees who lost pulak.

Well, for now, I just have to keep on flipping the papers and looked for other opportunities…….and hopefully I will find something soon. Amin.

6 games, 7 points, 8 wins

6 games left, 7 points difference, 8 wins in a trot………and next week, Arsenal will come to Old Trafford to be our number 9 victim. 18 points adrift just 3 weeks ago with every single sports paper announcing Chelsea as the Premier league champion for a 2nd successive season, United is back in contention with their current winning streak coupled with a patchy spell from Chelsea which included the draw with Birmingham this weekend. Thank you Brucey and Brummies…..

Well, I had to miss the Bolton game last Saturday because I had a very important appointment……….. watching the Korean movie “My Girl and I” with Sherie and Noobs!!!! It was a good movie by the way….true to Korean movie genre…tear jerking and a real chick flick no ladies and their loving and “I would do anything for you including missing a United/Liverpool/Arsenal game” boyfriends should miss. To be honest, it was a good movie and I enjoyed it. I made up 1/3 of the male population in Cinema 12 at GSC KLCC. Yes, I was not around to feel the tension and frustration when Davis scored the opening goal. I also had to miss the impressive equalizing goal (as described by the paper today) by Saha and I also did not feel the relief and excitement when Van the Man scored that winning goal. No…. I miss all that but the main thing is we won and we are just 7 points behind Chelski.

Ok…let’s look at the mathematical side of United chances of catching up and maybe becoming EPL champion again. Both United and Chelski played 32 games with 6 more games left before the end of the season which means there are a maximum of 18 points left at stake. The maximum point United can accumulate, that is if they win all six games, are 90 points. Chelski just need 12 more points from a possible 18 to be the champion again with 91 points.

So, can United do it? Well, Chelski have two tricky fixtures with Bolton and Blackburn to look forward to other than that massive game against United in May. With both teams are still pushing for that elusive 4th spot, it will not be easy for Chelski. Other than the help of other teams to catch Chelski, United also need to maintain their good run and form to collect the maximum points to do the unthinkable maybe a month ago…become the champion of England again.

I would still salute United effort even if they fail to stop Chelski from becoming champion again because United have given Chelski a run for their roubles. The form United showed in the past two months have actually made everyone in football realized that United is still one of the best team in England and Europe. Everyone had elected Chelski as champion way back in February and practically written off any challenge from any team. Now, United have a realistic chance to become champion again after two seasons of disappointment. The shocked and disappointment of their early elimination from the Champions’ League may have an impact on their current form in the league. The players are hitting form at the same time with the likes of Saha banging in goals for United week in week out, Giggs and O’Shea are playing well in the middle of the field while Vidic prove to be a good buy for United in defence.

But for now, Chelski still has one hand on the EPL championship but the grip is looking a little bit loose now. We just have to wait for next week massive game…against Arsenal. Beating them meaning we still a realistic and strong challenge for the league championship. With Arsenal are also in great form and still fighting for that 4th spot, it will be a highly contested match. But then again, it is Arsenal. It is always going to be a big game. But bear in mind, Arsenal have a very important mid week appointment with Juventus and that might give United a bit of an edge against their fierce rival. A 9th straight win would definitely put more pressure on Chelski and might crack under the pressure.

Another good week for all United fans…..to Des and Kaiser…. We might win more than just the Mickey Mouse Cup….Glory Glory United.

P/s: Ole is with us for another two more seasons and thank you for the excellent service Fortune have given us……

Sex and Sports

“The problem is, they don’t eat, they don’t sleep, they smoke and they drink. That is the problem. Sex? No, sex is always very good – always welcome”.

Those are the words of the current Brazil team coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira. Well, I guess Ronaldinho and Ronaldo are gonna be smiling, not that we know the difference anyway, in Germany. Unlike in the previous World Cup, the Brazil ex-coach, Scolari banned the players from having sex during the World Cup and that worked for them…they won it for a record 5th time. We just have to wait if the “have sex all you want” for the 2006 Brazil World Cup team will help them lift the cup for a record 6th time come this summer. Scolari is now coaching Portugal, so Christiano Ronaldo and gang can look forward to a “dry” summer in Germany I guess…unless they win the World Cup, I don’t think they mind.

What do u guys and gals think? Would sex actually influence the performance of a sportsman or sportswoman?

The Edge

I have an interview to attend this Saturday. I am no stranger to interviews but somehow, I am nervous about this one. Sherie’s theory…. I am nervous about it because I really want this job badly. And come to think of it, I do want that job…badly.


There are a lot of benefits if I am to be part of that company. First, it is only about 10 minutes away from where I live now. I can even see it from my apartment. It is that near. And because of the location of the place, comes the 2nd benefit…..my monthly budget for petrol would also decrease significantly. I can even buy a bicycle to ride from my apartment to the office. This will lead to the 3rd benefit….by riding a bike to the office every day, I am actually exercising and there is no need to worry I would exercise less after leaving my current work place. And the best part is, it is a company managing a shopping mall...cool kan?


I can go on and on about the benefits IF I get the job but I know before any of that happens, I need to make sure that I impress the interviewers that day. Sherie have helped me a lot in digging information about the company. A few friends also helped and gave me invaluable information and hopefully it will help me to gain that extra yard against the other candidates.


I still remember my worst ever interview session. It was about 6 or 7 years ago. The interview was with a government agency back in Kuching. I entered the interview room and I was taken aback when I saw 5 people surrounding a lone chair in the middle. I had attended a few other interviews before but damn….5 important looking people surrounding you was kinda intimidating. Maybe that was the purpose they did the interview in such a style….and they succeeded in their attempt. I couldn’t answer any of the questions. I looked like a fool. I was asked the name of the Agricultural Minister…and I just answered I don’t know. I was asked who was the Chairman of board…..and I answered I don’t know. Basically, every single question that was asked…my answer would be I don’t know. It was the longest and humiliating 5 minutes interview I ever attended. Seeing those men chuckling at me and looking at me as if I was retarded….. Well, it is just something I just don’t want to repeat ever again.


I just hope that with all the help I got, I will nail this interview. But there are a few things that are playing in my head. Such as :


1. Would I get a better chance if the interviewer is from an opposite sex or maybe from the same sex but kinda leaning to the other side..u know what I mean?

2. Would they even consider me if the last candidate looks like Jessica Alba or Brad Pitt?

3. Would the interview be a formality when in actual fact they have already someone in mind (such as a family friend, anak sedara ke, kazen ke…u know the drill)?

4. Would my not so young age be a factor?

5. Would they choose me if another candidate is a 1st class degree holder?

6. Would the fact that I have not been doing accounts for the past 8 months be a factor?


So what can I do to add that extra edge over the candidates? What would make me stand out and get the job? What would make me a better asset to a company managing a shopping mall? For those who had done interviews before, tell me, what do u look for in a candidate? What made u choose them over the others?



P/s: Van the Man back in the starting line up and scored again for us against West Ham…… 7 wins in a trot. Glory Glory United

S.T.R.E.S.S

I am physically and mentally tired right now and it has been quite sometime since I am happy that it is Friday and the weekend is just around the corner. Working your arse off from 9 am to 9 pm is not fun. The target was set early in the month with an unbelievable pressure to achieve it. We have about 7 more days to go before the end of the month and so far we have only achieved 70% of the target. I don’t know if the team can actually pull off a miracle in the next 7 days but I know each and everyone of us are trying the best they could to reach the goal. I just hope the bosses see that, but to be honest, is there such a perfect boss? If you know one, please do introduce me to him/her?

For the past week, I have been rambling about work, the dream job I wish I am doing and also about not liking (again, hate is too strong) my job and wishing that I can find a job I would be satisfied with. I think working long hours trying to fulfill the unbelievable and out of reach targets may have caused it. Well, to be honest, anyone would be stress and crazy after working continuously like that. It just seems like my weekdays just flies by. By the time I get home, I am too tired to do anything, even to take a bath. With another complication at the apartment for the past 2 weeks, which I thank Allah SWT and the helping hand from a good friend and his family had been finally rectified last Tuesday, it has been quite a stressing and hard month for me. What is the complication you might ask, well, let just say I was in the dark about it.

I just hope for the next month to be a better month for us. It would be a better month already if we don’t have to work from 9 to 9 again. As to date, I still don’t know if my team and I have to do it again next month. I am sure each and every one of us are hoping we don’t have to. To be honest, I think it has been harder for some of them. A lady who had just started working this month, just moved to KL to be with her hubby who she married only 7 months ago. A lady who is married with 2 kids and when she goes home, she can only hope her two children are still awake for them to at least take a glimpse of the mother. Come to think of it, they got it worst than me.

Can’t wait for tomorrow. No plans yet except visiting Sherie’s friend who just gave birth and staying in Putrajaya during her confinement on Sunday. That is something I am kinda looking forward to. Seeing Aida’s baby girl and also going to Putrajaya for the first time ever. If that does not happen, I guess have fun with Dick and Jane or learn how to marry a millionaire with Marilyn Monroe.

So a good weekend to all of you…. Safe journey to those driving back to their hometown (how I wish I can do that every other week too) and enjoy your party, wedding, movie or just being a couch potato this weekend. And not forgetting, to all fellow Red Devils, another win hopefully against another team under an Old Trafford old boy. Steve Bruce and Birmingham coming to town after that humiliating 7-0 mid week FA Cup defeat against Liverpool. Chelsea not playing this week, so hopefully we can take the chance at home to close the gaps and put pressure on Chelsea.

RED HOT, cold blues!!!!!

3.45 am. Monday morning. Eyes closed. Woke up cos needed to pee. Walked to the toilet….eyes still closed….navigating in the dark. Switched on the lights … argghh …my eyes…my eyes. Walk slowly into the toilet….took out the weapon...open eyes a bit... looked at the aim….Ahhh……that feels good…what a relief. Walked back into the room and to my ever soft (I wish) and inviting mattress. Lied down on the mattress…Took the hand phone. Eyes now opened slightly. Menu….Connectivity…Maxis Easy Access….News& Sports….Sports News…Soccer…Send.



A few seconds later…. Click ….. sms received…..Read Now......reading the sms……eyes now wide opened….reading the sms again…and again. The sms reads…..End of Match Result: FUL 1 CHE 0. In the dark…pumped hands in the air….smiled….went to bed….still smiling.



Yeah…Chelsea lost to Fulham 1-0. With that lost, United is now only 12 points behind Chelsea with a game in hand and with only about 9 games before the season ends. If United win that game in hand, 9 points would be separating the two teams. With the match at Stamford Bridge looming and maybe a few more hiccups along the way for Chelsea before the match, maybe…maybe….it would be a title deciding match nobody would have thought could happen at the turn of the year.



United performances and luck of late have help pretty much securing the 2nd spot and easing the pressure from Liverpool. In the last three premiership games, United have to admit that they were lucky to secure the 3 points in two games. United especially Rooney were in pulsating mood against Newcastle and should have scored more than the 2 goals margin in that game but United were thanking their lucky stars in the game against Wigan, with a Chimbonda late own goal, two weeks ago and a string of beautiful and world class save from Van Der Saar in the game against WBA this weekend. The main thing, 3 points are in the bag and all of us, including Fergie, would be happy to take it.



And for the past 4 games, Van the Man has been warming the bench for United with Saha and Rooney leading the attack. They have scored 7 goals between them in the past 4 games and the gloomy looking Nistelrooy wondering if he would get a chance to start another game for United. Also something nobody expected at the turn of the year seeing United top scorer struggling to get into the first eleven. As per Des comment, maybe Saha give United a little bit of pace and unpredictable style of play gives United more option in the attack rather than Nistelrooy. And so far, Fergie’s gamble has produced the goals and the results United needed to keep alive their challenge for the title.



Can United overhaul Chelsea for the title? Would Nistelrooy get his starting place back or the rumors of him leaving at the end of the season to Real Madrid is true? 9 more games, 2 more months and by then, we would know who will the ONE to win the title. Don’t ask me who I want to be the number one in England comes this May. If anyone asked me the same question 3 months ago, my answer would be the same but I would be accuse of being a dreamer, unrealistic or getting people laughing at my face but I doubt that would happen now. I might get even a few nods of agreement. For the time being, let the Blues be blue for a bit more, maybe another 3-4 games, and The Red Devils would be red red hot…….Glory Glory United