Same Old Story....Another Cup Win

Well...two down, 3 more to go!!! Glory Glory Man United!!!






And I think Stevie G sums it all up for the Scousers..."We are not a worthy challenger, we are just not good enough. We bow for your mercy. We bow for the best team in the world!!!"

An Old Song...

I was going through my playlist when I stumble upon this particular song, Because I'm a Girl by Kiss. No, I’m not talking about Gene Simmons’s Kiss but a Korean girl band. It has been quite some time since I heard this song. I remembered it was heavily played in my car and also kat office but the thing that made this song so special is the music video. Though the group didn’t even last till the 2nd single, the MV will always be one of my all time favourite.

I wanted to story a bit about the MV but I think its better kalau you watch it yourself. Baru best sikit impact dia(for those yang tak pernah tengok the video). No harm pun. The song is sodap and MV pun best…. I got the Korean(click here) and English(and here) version…so tengok, jangan tak tengok.

Watching this MV makes me wonder….would we do the same thing for the one we love?

Of Needles and Guilty Pleasure

Getting stuck on a hard bed and being poked by needles two times a day is not what I want to repeat. A week dah cukup and I am still recovering from it. The worst experience ever…

Well for some yang didn’t know, I was admitted to the hospital due to dengue. It just amazed me what a tiny little flying insect can do. I was down and out. The worst was not being able to eat no matter how hungry I was. Its not like I don’t want to eat, just I can’t. Whatever yang I tried to masukkan in my mouth tasted so pahit I just can’t force it in. If it did pun, it will end up in the toilet bowl later. The missus was a bit irritated with me cos she said I was not trying hard enough to eat…I lost quite a bit of weight due to that. A fast and effective diet programmes but of course not recommended.

Honestly, everyone hates injections. I hate needles but when you are being warded, it is kinda hard to avoid being poke by one lah rite. So, twice a day a nice nurse in blue uniform will come in with a smile and her scary needles…I just turn the other way and hope it’s over ASAP. The worst is when they wake you up at 4am or 5am…..hmmmm...really not something you want at that time of day.

I’m just glad it’s over but I am still recovering. The doctor had given me an MC for a week but I am still trying to regain back the strength and energy I lost. I was expecting a fast recovery but I guess my body is responding slower now due to my….mature age now. At least I get to indulge myself with my new obsession…… Korean Dramas!!!

Yes…I am into K-dramas. Don’t ask me why….just my guilty pleasure I guess. My sister is the one who got me hooked when I was in back in Kuching and I can’t seem to get enough of it. I just enjoy watching it….and the missus is getting annoyed a bit because she said I’m too obsess with it. Hahahaha....I do have to admit I am bit maybe. Just one after another…

My all time favourite is Coffee Prince (or also known as The 1st Shop of the Coffee Prince). I watched it maybe 5 or 6 times and I know for a fact I can watch it a few more times. I love the acting and the intriguing story line. And the music is not bad too. For those yang nak starts with k-dramas, I highly recommend Coffee Prince….just watch it and you understand what I mean. Full House and My Name is Kim Sam-Soon should be in that list too.

And coincidentally, my favourite actress….Yoon Eun Hye, is the heroin in the drama. She only acted in three dramas (Goong or Princess Hours and The Vineyard Man is the other two) but she is so talented and a joy to watch. She has that “Drew Barrymore” cuteness about her. It has been awhile since she acted (Coffee Prince was her last acting job since 2007) and I just hope she will be out of her acting hiatus soon. Attached is one of my favourite song from the series....and some of the scenes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJBhpj2W0R4

Well…now I just have to figure out how to get myself all pump up about work tomorrow. It has been 2 weeks….So I assume it is gonna be a struggle. Or should I just request an MC for another week…hmmmmm.

It hurts....really hurts

1 point from a possible 9 in away games to our rivals....and almost a draw to HULL CITY?? Hmmm...and what was Gary thinking during the Arsenal game? I love him for the services he had given us and I am happy he recovered from the injury but I am still trying to figure out what was wrong with him in that match against the Gooners? Did he just choked? Was he trying to hard to impress the gaffer?

The only positive....all three teams will be coming to OT and I wish we will show them....beat them stupid when they come.

GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED!!!!

Young Devils Did Good

Unlike last season horror show when were beaten by Conventry City at the same round, United did much better this time arond. I may had only watched the 1st half of last night League Cup match against Boro but I was impressed with the young Devils on show. 3 that stand out were:

Rafael Da Silva - Watching him play assure me there is life after Neville and I'm thankful it is not Brown. He defended superbly at the back and was always eager to join the attack. He is one fast Brazillian and being one made sure he is blessed with impressive skills. The best example was his backheel pass to Welbeck that could had been Ronaldo's 2nd goal. We might see him sooner than later as our regular right back.

Rodrigo Possebon - He was as cool as cucumber in the middle of the field. He covered the back four while letting the likes of Anderson and Nani joined the attack. He was confident with the ball and his passing vision was superb. The only blip was his injury from a bad tackle by Boro's captain, Pogatetz, who deservedly got a red card. Carrick might want to look back and work hard cos Possebon is knocking on the door.

Danny Welbeck - At only 17, Welbeck was impressive in his full start for United. He was a constant threat infront of goal and only 2 saves from the Boro keeper denied him a goal. His link up play with the other forwards was excellent and he is not one to give up on a chase. If Berba think he can slide his way into the first eleven, he might want to think again as this young lad might have something to say. Manucho who came in the last 7 minutes might want to knock Berba's head and wake him up a bit.

I JUST WISH THE WEEK WAS BETTER

Hmmmm.....I guess during the Holy month of Ramadhan, all Devils kena ikat. That's why the Red Devils are not firing all cylinders right now. 15th in the league with 4 points(from 4 games) says it all. Another away lead squandered this time at the Bridge, another conference like defending at the back, another 7 yellow cards, another dissapointing end to the week.

Well, at least we got 2 tough away games against our main rivals out of the way and Ronaldo is back. We just need Rooney and Berba to find their way now and hopefully we can see what damage the Awesome Foursome can really do....hopefully.

Welcome to the Red Familia.....Berba!!!

The missing link we needed upfront....Our new no 9.

Another one...

No Portugal. No Holland. It’s the cup specialist Germany against the perennial under achievers Spain. I am sure it will be a good game as I am sure a lot of your male colleagues will be taking half day leave or masuk lambat office. I still tak decide lagi if I am gonna stay up and watch the game but kalau tak tengok rasa cam tak sah pulak. I’ll decide later.

Who do I think will win? I just have this sneaky feeling that Spain is gonna add to the 1964 European Championship. They cruise through the championship so far and were fantastic in the semi against Russia. Although David Villa is out due to injury but Spain have players who can certainly step up and make a difference in the game just like Fabregas who came on for Villa and inspired the semi win against Russia. And don't forget, they still have Torres upfront and we know what this boy can do. Germany might be without Ballack tonight and that might cost them. He was excellent in the semi and had been an inspired leader on the field. I can’t really see anyone else taking over his place if he really does not play. For Spain for me but if you are a betting man, just choose the opposite. You know what I did to Portugal and Holland.

The Ronaldo transfer saga is still not over. Nobody knows whether he will be wearing a red or white jersey come August. Latest news, he will be back for pre-season training but maybe just to pack his things before leaving for Madrid. Like everyone else, we just have to wait. Do I want him to stay or go? He is an out of this world player and to loose him would be a blow to United. He is still a young player and still developing and it would be a shame if United can’t hold on to him but I am always a firm believer that a club is always bigger than a player. If he wants to go and believes he belong to another team, let him go. We don’t need players who don’t want to be part of the team. We need players who go out on the field and play their hearts for us. If Madrid wants him for ₤80m, sell him and just imagine the players we can buy to make the squad stronger.

The futsal tournament kat office came to its conclusion this week. Our team made it to the QF but because we came 2nd in the group stages, we had to meet Finace Team A (Turkey) and we lost 1-0. Turkey ends up as the champion beating France (Customer Service) 2-0. So, now all of us have to work till 6 and no more lepaking at Townhall and makan free popcorn and drinks….hmmm…it is gonna be hard. Oooo….France’s cheerleading team won the Cheerleading competition and to be honest, there was no contest. If you have 3 gorgeous fe”male” who can shake their booties like there is no tomorrow, you are bound for greatness.

There are so many movies coming out thick and fast that I and the missus missed some of them. We have not watch Narnia, Hulk, Get Smart and Wanted….and there is more to come. We just need to come out with a plan and of course a budget (since the fuel price is really hitting me hard) to catch the movies….some movies are meant to watch in a cineplex u know. Hmmmm… but I do have to make sure I’ll get Wanted dvd though. Don’t ask me why ok…..it’s Jolie ok.

Music…hmmmm…still listening to the same materials since the last update. Anyone who cares to read my blog checked them out? What do u guys think? Ok…now I nak suggest a couple more. Adele if you like Duffy or Amy Winehouse….and Augustana new album Can’t Love Can’t Hurt. Do check them out…. I would not have suggested you guys to listen to them if they are no good right?? Ermmm….they are good you know..try listening to it dulu lah ye.

Well…I think that’s it for now. No bad eh….2 posts in a month….horaayyyy!!!

Finally.....

I really wanted to write about Euro’08 that is currently in the last group matches but I am so malas. Maybe because England is not involved…..oh well, malas is the main reason.

But if I have to choose the two teams that will battling it out in the finals, base on current form, I would say Portugal and Holland. Portugal with Ronaldo is looking dangerous and with the soon to be Chelski manager Scolari, they do have a manager that knows how to win but Holland is looking like a different class when they beat Italy and France convincingly. For a neutral like me, that would be a mouth watering clash. But Spain is definitely with a chance but they do have to meet Holland in the semi. David Villa is scoring for fun and increasing his salary demand with every goal he scored.

Exciting times at the office now. We are having our own version of Euro at the office…..a futsal competition. There are 16 teams consisting of all the departments in the company and the team names are..well, base on the nations competing in Euro’08. And yours truly is in team Poland…and unlike the real Poland team, we are through to the quarterfinal after 2 wins in 2 matches. We have a top of the group decider this Thursday against Croatia but a draw would be good enough for us to emerge as group champion. As you can see, I am excited about the whole thing..something to look forward to when you are starting to get a bit mengantuk petang-petang at work.

What else ya….hmmm…oh yeah, I am currently listening to Ingrid Michaelson (Girls and Boys), The National(Boxer) and A Fine Frenzy (One Cell in The Sea) and I am just loving the music they are making. The kind of songs that you can listen to when you are caught in a jam to calm you down or with a good book on a breezy day on a lazy Sunday. The vocals are amazing and the lyrics are beautiful. If you are tired of Flo-Rida, Timbaland, Mariah Carey and maybe One Republic…maybe you should try giving these 3 a try.

My current tv addiction….Chuck. Why? Because the nerds are the heroes!!! But seriously, it is a good show. Zach Levi and Joshua Gomez are funny and Yvonne Strahovski makes me wish all the country’s secrets are downloaded into my brain and they have to send an agent to protect me. And that is before the missus deleted all the secrets and kicks the agent’s arse.

Well, that’s all for now….ahhhh. Finally, an update. Hopefully the next one will be much sooner.

p/s: Was planning to attach some pixs to make the posting nampak cantik...but MALAS!!!

I'M BACK FOR A REASON

Need I say more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wohoooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!! 10th title in 16 years...so sweet!!!



Now....proving the best in England is the easy part....now to Moscow. Full speed ahead you Red Devils!!!

The Cup, The Blues and The Break

Finally the other team from London have got something to celebrate. After 9 seasons of re-arranging their trophy cabinet to make it less boring, Spurs can now add the 2008 Mickey Mouse…ehh silap…Carling Cup into their collection. People like Shebby and my brother-in-law can smile a bit now…..hmmmm… and maybe sports outlets will finally sell Spurs jersey now. I should talk to my supplier about bringing it in too.

But to be fair, Spurs does look like a different team under Ramos. Spurs is playing attractive football and there is a sense of believe in the players that was lost under Jol before. Now they are chasing the UEFA Cup which Ramos had won 2 seasons in a row with Seville. The main thing for everyone connected with Spurs is to be patient and give Ramos time to develop. We might see Spurs in the fold in a couple of seasons. But bila fikir balik, didn’t they say Jol might be the saviour and make Spurs great again about 2-3 seasons ago and we know apa dah jadi ngan En Jol kan?

While Spurs is bathing in their glory and looking to brighter days ahead, the team they beat that day seems to be in trouble pulak. Off the pitch problems are appearing all over the papers….Kapitan Terry nak balun Ten Cate sampai orang kaya Chelski En Roman buat emergency meetings to clear straighten things up, Chelsea seems to be giving up on keeping 2 of their most important player in the shape of Lampard and Drogba (who I think may join Mourinho kat Barca…hmmmm) and their coach ponteng kelas and might not be their manager next season. Apparently, Rijkaard is rumoured tengah dipancing to be the new manager..Interesting. Aiyoo…. Apa dah jadi? Well...kena tunggu lah how do they react in this weekend game against West Ham. Yang pasti, Grant is very unhappy with the bad media reports surrounding his team for the past week.

But I think the talk of the week was the sickening Eduardo’s leg break. Masa game tu I was out with the missus and only watch the 2nd half of the game while we had our dinner kat Chilli’s 1U. I only knew about the leg break when I was already at home and checking the net for the game summary. It makes me cringe when I youtube the tackle. It reminds me of that Smith’s leg break a couple of seasons ago. For the faint hearted, mintak tolong jangan tengok the pix below.

What's the deal with Gallas when Birmingham was awarded the penalty. Cam budak kecik je...he was sulking and running all the way down the field. I mean, if you are upset pun, you have to be professional lah kan...no matter how passionate you are or maybe it was the emotion seeing your team mate suffered a horrible injury..but don't lah sulk cam a 3 year old.


Well ok…now for my predictions for this week matches. Last week I got the Birmingham-Arsenal result spot on. Yang lain tu..well, at least I got some of the winners’ right…..So, my prediction this week:

Arsenal 3 Aston Villa 1
Birmingham City 1 Tottenham Hotspurs 1
Derby County 1 Sunderland 2
Fulham 0 Manchester Utd 3
Middlesbrough 2 Reading 0
Newcastle Utd 1 Blackburn Rovers 2
West Ham Utd 1 Chelsea 1
Manchester City 2 Wigan Athletic 0
Bolton Wanderers 2 Liverpool 2
Everton 2 Portsmouth 1


Last week result:

Birmingham City 2 (McFadden 28’,90’) Arsenal 2 ( Walcott 50’,55’)

Fulham 0 West Ham 1 (Solano 87’)



Liverpool 3 (Torres 28’,29’,61’) Middlesbrough 2 (Tuncay 9’; Downing 83’)



Portsmouth 1 (Defoe 69’-pen) Sunderland 0



Wigan Athletic 2 (Schaner 61’; Valencia ’85) Derby County 0



Newcastle Utd 1 (Faye 79’) Manchester Utd 5 (Rooney 25’,81’; Ronaldo 45’,56’; Saha 90’)



Reading 1 (Shorey 90’) Aston Villa 2 (Young 45’; Harewood 84')



Blackburn Rovers 4 (McCarty 25’-p,67’-p; Bentley ’71; Pedersen 90’) Bolton Wanderers 1 (Davies 50’)



Manchester City 0 Everton 2 (Yakubu 30’; Lescott 38’)

Week 27

I was planning to write a very insightful and full of crappy facts review about this week games but I was down with a very dangerous virus. A virus commonly call MALAS and instead of writing possibly the best ever review anyone had ever read, I will just give u my prediction. But ni bukan just letak ikut suka hati….I buat research before I predicted the scores. And to think Shebby gets paid for doing this.

Birmingham City 2 Arsenal 2
Fulham 1 West Ham 1
Liverpool 2 Middlesbrough 1
Portsmouth 2 Sunderland 0
Wigan Athletic 3 Derby County 0
Newcastle Utd 0 Manchester Utd 3
Reading 2 Aston Villa 1
Blackburn Rovers 1 Bolton Wanderers 0
Manchester City 1 Everton 1

Itulah dia prediction kita untuk minggu ni. Last week score predictions satu pun tak kena..so to all yang ingin menggunakan my predictions as the main source to take a bet, please don't. Baik u duduk kat kedai mamak pekena teh tarik while watching the game or buy some snacks if ur watching at home.

All Fantasy Football Managers, Wigan is playing against Derby so....fill ur team with Wigan players... Heskey, Scharner and Palacios might be scoring a lot of points for ur team.

When the Tykes is High......

A friend was wondering.......

if Barnsley were in Serie A, would they be on top of the league now?? Hmmm.... it does makes you wonder right?

The Round of 16........

Harlow football fans....

There’s no EPL(or is it BPL now?) matches this weekend…so all you fantasy football managers’ out there can just sit back and not worry if your players are injured or suspended and if any team is taking on Derby so you can score more points.

This week is all about one of the oldest cup competition in the world, The FA Cup and it is the round of 16. There are surprisingly only 6 Premier league teams in this round and we might end up with only one top flight team in the quarter final after all the matches are played. Hmmm….that would definitely be interesting but would be a big disaster for the TV stations lah…honestly, who nak tengok a Preston V Huddersfield final? Personally, I wouldn’t.

It is really hard nak review some of the matches cos kat Malaysia ni we don’t get a chance to actually watch some of the teams like Bristol Rovers or Cardiff play every week. So, kenalah buat research sikit about the teams, their current performance and their players so I can give a fair review, for people who care lah. For those who don’t give a damn, it will actually be a good read before u go to sleep u know. The missus can attest to that claim.

So here we go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Bristol Rovers (League 1) V Southampton (Championship)
Venue: The Memorial Stadium

Bristol Rovers had not lost at home and only lost once in all competition since the turn of the year while Southampton form took a dip since beating Bury in the round of 32 in the FA cup. The Saints had failed to win in the last 4 games, losing 3 out of the 4.

According to form, The Pirates have the upper hand and looks good to make it to the quarter finals which they last achieved in 1958. It will be a close game as Southampton is in the league above with a few players who have experience performing in the big stage but I do think Bristol will pull it through especially with their good home record so far.

Score Prediction: Pirates to win 2-1

Facts:
Best Achievement in the FA Cup:
Bristol Rovers – QF 1951, 1958
Southampton – Winners 1976

FA Cup Head to Head record – Bristol Rover 1W, 0D, Southampton 2W

Last match - 1980/81 Round 4 Southampton 3 Bristol Rovers 1


Cardiff City (Championship) V Wolverhampton Wanderers (Championship)
Venue: Ninian Park

Cardiff is just above Wolves in the Championship only due to goal difference. It will be a hard fought match and The Bluebirds would definitely want to avenge their defeat at home in the league back in October. Cardiff does have Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in the squad and he will definitely be a threat to the Wolves defence and luckily for them Robbie “The God” Fowler will not be involved due to hip injury.

It is a hard match to call with both sides is aiming for that money spinning quarter final place. I think it will be a hard fought English football style draw.

Score Prediction: It will be a 0-0 or 1-1 draw

Facts:
Best Achievement in the FA Cup:
Cardiff City – Winners 1927
Wolves – Winners 1893, 1908, 1949, 1960

FA Cup Head to Head record – Cardiff 1W, 1D, Wolves 1W

Last match – 1920/21 Semi-final (R) Cardiff 1 Wolves 3


Chelsea (Premiership) V Huddersfield (League 1)
Venue: Stamford Bridge

Huddersfield is the lowest ranking team left in the competition and their wonderful run look set to be ended in this round. Chelsea will be too good for the Terriers and will be hoping that it will not be a drubbing. Chelsea is facing Olympiacos in mid-week so they might be taking it easy after scoring the 2nd goal.

It will be an easy win for Chelsea but Huddersfield with Frank Sinclair, the former FA Cup winner with Chelsea back in 1997, will try to tackle their way into Chelsea’s defence.

Score Prediction: A 3-0 win for The Blues.

Facts:
Best Achievement in the FA Cup:
Chelsea – Winners 1970, 1997, 2000, 2007
Huddersfield – Winners 1922

FA Cup Head to Head record – Chelsea 3W, 1D, Huddersfield 1W

Last match – 2005/06 Round 3 Chelsea 2 Huddersfield 1


Liverpool (Premiership) V Barnsley (Championship)
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool is playing at home against a mid-table Championship team…any fool would be crazy to bet against The Reds losing. Liverpool is virtually out of the league title race and facing a rather daunting task of trying to get past the mighty Inter Milan in the last 16 round of the Champions League, it does seems like that the FA Cup might provide them with a silverware for a clearly disappointing season after a promising start.

The Tykes are struggling away from home and Anfield is a tough place to go. It would definitely be good for them to look at what Havant & Waterloo did well in the last round and maybe take advantage of Liverpool having one eye on the Inter match. But I do believe Liverpool are just too good for the Tykes and will book their place in the last 8.

Score Prediction: Liverpool 3 Barnsley 0

Facts:
Best Achievement in the FA Cup:
Liverpool – Winners 1965, 1974, 1986, 1989, 1992, 2001, 2006
Barnsley – Winners 1912

FA Cup Head to Head record – Liverpool 4W, 1D, Barnsley 0W

Last match – 1984/85 Round 6 Barnsley 0 Liverpool 4


Coventry City(Championship) V West Bromwich Albion (Championship)
Venue: Ricoh Arena

Another all Championship match in the cards and the last time West Brom visited Ricoh Arena, they came away with a 4-0 win. If you take into account their league position, West Brom does have the upper hand. While The Baggies are chasing for a promotion, The Sky Blues are fighting their way out of the relegation zone but suprisingly they are doing well in cup cempetitions this season. They had beaten Man Utd at Old Trafford in the Carling Cup tie and also beaten Blackburn Rovers 4-1 in the 3rd round.

West Brom form has not been at its best latelt and Coventry seems to a different opposition in the cup. So I am going for a win for the Sky Blues. Who knows they might get Man Utd in the next round and beat them for a place in the semi final? Who knows?

Score Prediction: They met twice in the league and both had been high scoring games. I don’t think it will be the same as the stakes are different here. Im going for a 2-1 win for the Sky Blues.


Facts:
Best Achievement in the FA Cup:
Coventry – Winners 1987
West Brom – Winners 1888, 1892, 1931, 1954, 1968

FA Cup Head to Head record – Coventry 2W, 2D, West Brom 3W

Last match – 1994/95 Round 3(R) West Brom 1 Coventry 2


Man Utd (Premiership) V Arsenal (Premiership)
Venue: Old Trafford

Everyone in the world is looking forward to this game after the draw was made. After this match, one of the team have to say goodbye to their treble dream. Man Utd is suffering a little set back in recent weeks after only able to take 1 point from the last two league matches and the derby lost was definitely a kick to the mouth for United. Arsenal took advantage of the situation and opened up a 5 points lead in the league. Arsenal are riding high on confidence and looking for another great performance at the Old Trafford.

Man Utd will look to this game to erase their recent poor run and put pressure on The Gunners and will hope they can beat The Red Devils to further dent the team confidence and morale. This may be a different competition but many sees that the winner of this match will carry on the momentum to win the league title. It will be a display of two top marksmen in the league so far in the form of Devil's Ronaldo and Gunner's Adebayor. Both looking to add on to their amazing goal tally.

A replay is definitely a no-no for both teams with the amount of important games ahead. It is a tough game to call and the head to head record showed both team are par with each other but I think United might nick this one. Rooney is back and he will bring that sting and spirit that was definitely lost in that derby match. His performance will be the difference to seperate the two sides in this match.

Score Prediction: A hard fought and interesting 1-0 win to United.

Facts:
Best Achievement in the FA Cup:
Man Utd – Winners 1909, 1948, 1963, 1977, 1983, 1985, 1990, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004
Arsenal – Winners 1930, 1936, 1950, 1971, 1979, 1993, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005

FA Cup Head to Head record – Man Utd 5W, 2D, Arsenal 5W

Last match - 2004/2005 Final Arsenal 0 Man Utd 0 (Arsenal win 5-4 on penalties)


Sheffield United (Championship) V Middlesbrough (Premiership)
Venue: Bramall Lane

Losing your manager before an important match is not ideal for any team but The Blades will have to deal with it. The new manager, Blackwell, will hope that the couple of days he had with the team will be enough to tackle another premiership team. They had knocked out Bolton and Man City from the competition and will definitely hope Boro will be added to that list.

Boro had not lost in the last 7 games and seems to turn their luck around since the new year. They had secured an important player for the team when Downing signed a new 5 year-deal and that would definitely lift up the team. With Alliadiare looking like a re-born player up front, Boro looks set to add more misery to the Blades.

Score Prediction: Downing to score in a 2-1 win for Boro.

Facts:
Best Achievement in the FA Cup:
Sheffield Utd – Winners 1899, 1902, 1915, 1925
Middlesbrough – Runners Up 1997

FA Cup Head to Head record – Sheffield Utd 1W, 1D, M’boro 0W

Last match - 1922/23 Round 2(R) Sheffield Utd 3 M’boro 0

Preston North End (C) V Portsmouth (P)
Venue: Deepdale

Preston was the surprise winner from the last round when they beat Premiership side Derby…hmmm….ok lah, kira a surprise. But Portsmouth is a different side from the sorry Derby. With their African stars back in the team, Pompey will sail through this round. It will be a heart breaking end for the once an invincible team but they are just not good enough. It will be smarter to concentrate on their relegation dog fight in the Championship.

Score Prediction: Preston 0 Portsmouth 2

Facts:
Best Achievement in the FA Cup:
Preston – Winners 1889, 1938
Portsmouth – Winners 1939

FA Cup Head to Head record – Portsmouth 2W, 0D, Preston 1W

Last match - 1947/48 Round 4 Portsmouth 1 Preston 3

No More......

I used to bore people around me about facts they don’t need about football or any other sports and no one had it worst than the missus…poor woman. So, a friend introduced me to the wonderful world of blogging. I suddenly found a place for me to channel my crazy passion for football and share (or not) with people who cares to read about it. But somehow, I got lost along the way and started to write about things way off the original purpose the blog was created. There are more posting about my personal life than about sports in general and football especially.

I decided that the trend will stop now. There will only be sports postings on this blog. There will be no more whining, no more feeling bad for oneself…no more!!! Well…unless the whining and the feeling bad for oneself are connected to sports, then it is allowed. This blog will talk everything the wonderful world of sports have to offer…..except for the very confusing sport of cricket. I honestly don’t even know how they score points in that game. Once I figure it out, maybe I will be reviewing the Cricket World Cup??

So, welcome to the wonderful world of sports from me, your host, Gagak Merah. I hope I am able to cater to your needs and demands.

P/S : Happy birthday Ayieh!!!

Am I Not Likeable?

I know I’m not the friendliest person around and my 1st impression is not the most memorable. I have to admit that I do look like I got something stuck in my arse but…. I don’t know lah.It’s not like no one is talking to me or “memulau”ing me but when nobody asks you to join them for lunch after 4 months of working together, you do have to wonder what is the problem? Bad breath? Body odour? Bad attitude? A Man United fan maybe? Or they just don’t like me. But what have I done to make them not like me?

I understand, when a person comes into a place where everyone had known each other since the beginning of time, or in this case, for almost 10 years of working together…it is kinda hard to knock that door and join in to be part of that group. Hearing the crazy and sad things they had shared all these years made u realize that they are just not colleagues, they are close friends. And for a person like me, where I sometimes wonder what else can I do with my mouth other than to eat....it is not easy. Unlike my better half who can just walk into a room full of strangers and in less than 5 minutes after that will make them feel like they had been friends for years. I wish I have that confidence and aura sometimes….

On Fridays, while the others pergi solat Jumaat in groups, I’ll be going alone..and having lunch alone I must add too. It does sound sad and pathetic huh…but some of you might say and think…open lah the mouth. Try lah tanya if you can join them. Well friends, I did that a few times before and I never thought that I needed to ask them every single time lah right? Malu lah pulak cos you do hope someone would actually come up to you at 11.30 Friday morning saying, “Kau ikut sama ke nanti solat Jumaat?”… So far, when it’s 12.45pm on a Friday….. I angkat kepala, I ‘ll be the only muslim guy still around. Just to pujuk myself, I like to think that there are not enough space for me to fit in the car. I am quite a large human being anyway...yeah, that must be it...rite?

Well, the least I can do is to take the positives from the whole situation...I lost 3 inches from my waist since the lunch skipping and I don’t have to worry about having enough money for lunch. I don’t need it and I get to do a little bit of savings.

For the people who knows me, am I not likeable? What can I do?

The Annual Win at Anfield!!!!

Why does Rafa Benitez(Liverfool Manager for those who don't know) likes to rotate the squad?

Because he doesn't want the robbers to know who is not at home during match day.

That's a really funny joke... I guess the Scousers like to leave the door open huh? Just like what happened last Sunday. Leave one of the main threat to your goal open to pounce....thank you Scousers!!!

WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And we scored at the Kop End again!!!!!!!!!!!! OOOOOO...that sinking feeling!!!!

I Hope

It's that time of the month.....




And she cried again tonite.




I just don't know what to say anymore.




It seems like I am out of words to try and make her feel better.




So I just laid there beside her and hugged her.




I hope she knows that I am there for her and that I understand her frustration and sadness.




I hope she knows that I feel them too.




I hope she knows.........

My First Tag Ever......

1. Name one person who made you laugh last night.
A friend who said Liverpool lost because they were concentrating on the Champions League game this week and they will murder United next weekend….hahahahahaha.

2. What were you doing at 0800?
Snoozing the darm handphone for the 3rd time

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
Made some business in the toilet

4. What happened to you in 2006?
I got enganged…….

5. What was the last thing you said out loud?
“Arsenal Kalah?? Liverpool Kalah?? United menang???” to a bunch of sorry looking Gooners and Scousers…

6. How many beverages did you have today?
4, Water, Milo, Café Mocha and Tea

7. What color is your hairbrush?
I don’t own one. My hands do all the work.

8. What was the last thing you paid for?
Toll at RM 1.60

9. Where were you last night?
Stadium Merdeka with My Chemical Romance…wohoooo!!!!!!!!!!

10. What color is your front door?
Ermmm…..hold on..let me check. Yeah… Brown.

11. Where do you keep your change?
Car. House. Wallet. Pocket.

12. What’s the weather like today?
It rain all day…..as a colleague said…it’s mating season.

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor?
Anything laa….. semua masyuk!!!

14. What excites you?
Good music and a good football match...United involves of course

15. Do you want to cut your hair?
Just had a hair cut.

16. Are you over the age of 25?
Yes. But I am young at heart.

17. Do you talk a lot?
No.

18. Do you watch the O.C.?
No.

19. Do you know anyone named Steven?
Hmmm…. Like Des, Steven Gerrard count or not?

20. Do you make up your own words?
All the time. Ask the missus.

21. Are you a jealous person?
No…well…I don’t think I am.

22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’.
Abdul Aziz…there you go.. double A lagi.

23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’.
Kamilia..ehh..she’s my sister… wait, let me scroll in my contact list dulu…yeah…ada sorang, Kenny.

24. Who’s the first person on your received call list?
The missus

25. What does the last text message you received say?
From my sister asking me to listen to the new The Killers new single.

26. Do you chew on your straw?
No.

27. Do you have curly hair?
No.

28. Where’s the next place you’re going to?
to bed....sleeping

29. Who’s the rudest person in your life?
The freaking driver of a Nissan Camry who tailgated me because he thinks he owns the farking road....

30. What was the last thing you ate?
Bubur ayam…with ikan bilis goreng, telur masin and hotdog….fuhhhhhhh…

31. Will you get married in the future?
I am married…. and before I can think of getting married again in the future, I’ll be 6 feet under.

32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks?
Enchanted…well, that’s the last movie I saw in the past two weeks anyway.

33. Is there anyone you like right now?
Yes.

34. When was the last time you did the dishes?
Ermmmm…..about 2 months ago I think.

35. Are you currently depressed?
Nope.

36. Did you cry today?
Nope.

37. Why did you answer and post this?
Because Des tagged me and I have not updated my blog like forever.

38. Tag 5 people who would do this survey.
1.Ifzan “The Design Diva” Ibrahim
2.Sista Adorable
3.Trueblue
4.Eddy Sparrow
5.Aphroditekuzz

I'm Fine but.....

Assalamualaikum Mak,

Apa kabar kitak ngan bapak? Sihat kah? Kamek ngan Sherie, Alhamdulillah sihat. Dalam bulan posa tok, adalah panas sikit cuaca kat KL tok but syukur juak sebab kerja dalam ofis ada air-cond…sik kedak sidak bekerja di luar nun dalam tengahari retak ya. Cuaca kat Kuching camne?

Kamek dah nak masuk sebulan kerja tempat baru tok. Setakat tok, oklah juak. Colleague semua very helpful and friendly. Sidak really cuba to make me feel comfortable and fit in fast. Tapi tempat kerja tok pelik sikit lah. Sik kedak tempat kerja biasa kita. Sik ada tempat kerja fix pake kita. Meaning dalam seminggu ya, kamek might be working at 5 different places. Setiap sorang diberik kotak digelar sidak “toolbox” pake nyimpan stationeries and masa nak balit, all personal stuffs simpan dalam locker. Even boss2 besar [un duduk kat luar…sik ada ofis khas pake sidak. And paling best, kerja pun make casual clothes. Sik payah nak smart-smart lagik nak pegi kerja…..tiap2 harilah kamek make jeans ke ofis. Rasa janggal juak mula2 cos dah biasa ngan your shirt and slacks but now ok dah. Kamek rasa more comfortable and sik terkongkong gilak masa bekerja.

1st time posa kat KL as a family man. So sik lah cam tahun2 sebelum tok Setiap kali nak sungkei, kenak lah makan nasik bungkus and duduk sorang kat apartment ya. Sedih juak rasa but kamek yang milih nak datang sitok ria nak? Tahun tok, at least makan nasik and lauk straight from the kitchen…home cooked. Mak mentua pande masak so sik tauklah berat tok turun or nait bulan tok..hehehehehe. But rasa-rasa nya mungkin turun kali cos seluar pun dah longgar sikit. Sherie pun ada masak mun nya ada masa, especially weekends. Nya suka experiment with her cooking but selalunya menjadi. Sik jauh tumpah nya kuah, kata pepatah melayu. Alhamdulillah….at least mun kamek duak diam kedirik kelak, sik lah dapur ya sik berasap and harap fast food or tapau dari kedai nak?

Walau camne pun, kamek tetap rindu keadaan posa kat Kuching. Pegi Pasar Satok meli tapai madu, ikan terubok n sardin panggang, umai….. but gine-gine pun sik dapat lawan bubur pedas nenek. Rasa sik complete bulan posa tok sik makan bubur pedas nenek. Masih ingat lagik masa kecik2 dolok nolong nenek grind bahan2 make molah resipi bubur pedas nya. Sampe kepak rasa tangan but sik maok berhenti sebab rasa orang paling penting jak….hahahahaha. Siapa nolong nenek grind resipi kinek tok I wonder? Hmmmm…I miss all that.

Kamek mintak maaf benar2 lah cos sik dapat balit raya tahun tok. Memang kamek duak dah plan nak balit tapi gine nak molah. Kamek baruk jak start kerja so kamek sik ada cuti. Sik apalah, cuba cerik rasa beraya kat tempat orang. Harap2 sik banjir lah Sg Petani. Mun ada nengar kat berita di tv Sg Petani flash flood, tauk2 lah siapa penyebab nya. Mak iboh sedih indah pagi raya kelak, I make sure I call pagi-pagi mintak maaf ngan mak, bapak and nenek. Tapi terus terang kamek madah lah yang kamek malas gilak nak mikir pasal raya tahun tok. Bukan sik suka nak raya tapi just rasa sik best sik dapat beraya ngan famili dirik pun kat Kuching. Ne nak molah nak, dah ada hidup kedirik so kenak lah biasa kan dirik ngan situation cam tok. Lagikpun famili Sherie are a wonderful bunch of people. I am sure they gonna make me feel ok. Insya Allah, mun sik ada aral melintang, kamek duak balit raya tahun depan.

Kamek akan really miss daging rendang, manok masak kicap and manok kari masak mak. Apa ndak kah nama kuih-kuih lapis tahun tok kah…after Tsumawi, Senyum Sokmo…mabe this year ada Wazzup Wazzup kali? Banyak meli kuih kah tahun tok? Mun boleh jangan berlebih meli…takut kelak sik abis, membazir ajak.

So camne preparation nikah Razi. Glad nengar my brother is settling down. Roslind is a nice girl and Hopefully Razi can direct her to the right path lepas nya masuk Islam. Mun boleh, biarlah sidak bapak,Hanim,Yaya,Iwan and others ngator hal nikah ya. Kamek sik maok mak gago and bingong sampe sakit mak datang. Ya ajak mintak kamek. Mun ada perlu nak mintak tolong dari kamek, padah jak lah. Insya Allah, mun kamek mampu nolong kamek akan cuba.

Ok lah mak. Mata pun dah ngantok tok cos malam tadik tidur akhir. Hehehe… lepas nanggar game United malam tadik, terus sik dapat tidur. Memang besar bah... 4-0 and on top of the league. Bukan mak sik tauk anak mak sorag tok nak. Alang2 dah sik tido, berjaga nanggar ragbi World Cup dari pukul 3 pagi. Nasib berbaloi cos it was a really interesting and a very good game.

So…kirim salam ngan semua from kamek and Sherie. Peluk and cium for nenek for me. Kamek rindu kitak orang semua and I love all of you. Always remember that no matter where I am, all of you are in my thoughts every single day.


Your loving son,

Red Raven



p/s : to all my friends out there, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Mintak maaf kalau terkutuk, tercerca, tergurau lebih atau tersilap bahasa…..dan saya maafkan sesiapa yang terbuat benda yang sama kat saya. Have a safe journey to and from kampung saya doakan…Amin.