My story on an Aussie teen Gavin Deniese and the connection the current River PLate youth has with with former Los Millonarios and current Tottenham Starr Erik Lamela.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/news/aussie-teens-connection-lamela
Showing posts with label Argentina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Argentina. Show all posts
Friday, June 12, 2015
Aussie teen's connection with Tottenham Star Erik Lamela
My story on an Aussie teen Gavin Deniese and the connection the current River PLate youth has with with former Los Millonarios and current Tottenham Starr Erik Lamela.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/news/aussie-teens-connection-lamela
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Part two of interview with Adelaide United star Marcelo Carrusca
Fire up for the FFACup final Pissants! Here is my interview with Adelaide United's silky skilled Argentinian Marcelo Carrusca. He talks FFA Cup Final, his time playing with Carlos Tevez, Maxi Lopez and Javier Mascherano at the Under 20 World Cup and his 15 years with Estudiantes which culminated at Club World Cup in 2009.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
The Next Generation of Next Gems Latest 442 magazine feature
Featuring: Panos Armenakas (Udinese, Itlay). James Demetriou (Swansea, England), Gavin De Niese (River Plate, Argentina)
Rafaael Jimenez ( Villareal, Spain), Gian Mendez (Valencia Spain), Reno Piscopo (Inter Milan Italy), Steven Ugarkovic ( NK Osijek, Croatia)
The young Aussies bypassing the A-League to sparkle at top clubs overseas. You might not know their names now...but you will when they turn up in the Socceroos - or are lured away by the countries where they're now plying their trade.
Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/news/hero-or-villain#8RWPppJ8QAALoFca.99
Friday, July 11, 2014
Oh my God Brazil! How World Cup 2014 Embarrassment
How embarrassment Brazil! You lost 7-1 in your home World Cup. I really don't think it's a good idea if you guys host World Cups anymore - it just doesn't seem to end well.
How World Cup 2014 embarrassment for me! My prediction of Brazil beating Germany in the World Cup semi final wasn't even Klose!
Forget that 200 million Brazilians were in tears for 81 mins (Muller scored in the 11th minute). Forget that the commentator's commentator Martin Tyler was taking the piss with five minutes to go with hilarious repartee like "there is five minutes left and Brazil only need seven more goals".
Forget that Brazilian football has been shamed and humiliated and a subject of world wide mockery.
Forget that efficient, pragmatic, humourless Germany were the ones playing Joga Bonito football and eased up on the Brazilians in the second half so as not to cause them further embarrassment.
I'm the one, readers who should be ashamed at my performance. I'm the one, who sat in a darkened room for two days hiding out of embarrassment. I'm the one, who should be pointing my fingers in the sky on my haunches, looking up at the heavens and asking - Whoa happened?
Because readers, I'm the one, who picked Brazil to beat ze Germans without a second of thought.
I keep on watching the game over and over again, when it gets to Oscar's consolation goal I rewind it, then play it again seven times in a row, so in some different realm or alternative universe the score ends up a respectable seven all and it goes into extra time and Martin Tyler says - " In all my years I have never seen such an amazing comeback!"
There are so many flies on the Brazilian team at the moment and those associated with them. They're like a tray of meat sitting topless on a hot summer's day at Gunnamatta Bay, Cronulla (you Wogs and ethnics know what I'm talking about!).
It's OK for the likes of Sideshow David Luiz and his teammates to be crying like babies. I'm sure once they start pre-season training at their various G8 clubs they'll be ok.
But what about me, Dear Readers? How can I be taken seriously again? Dear Readers, I beseech you!
How World Cup 2014 embarrassment for me! My prediction of Brazil beating Germany in the World Cup semi final wasn't even Klose!
Forget that 200 million Brazilians were in tears for 81 mins (Muller scored in the 11th minute). Forget that the commentator's commentator Martin Tyler was taking the piss with five minutes to go with hilarious repartee like "there is five minutes left and Brazil only need seven more goals".
Forget that Brazilian football has been shamed and humiliated and a subject of world wide mockery.
Forget that efficient, pragmatic, humourless Germany were the ones playing Joga Bonito football and eased up on the Brazilians in the second half so as not to cause them further embarrassment.
I'm the one, readers who should be ashamed at my performance. I'm the one, who sat in a darkened room for two days hiding out of embarrassment. I'm the one, who should be pointing my fingers in the sky on my haunches, looking up at the heavens and asking - Whoa happened?
Because readers, I'm the one, who picked Brazil to beat ze Germans without a second of thought.
In my previous piece I said that the Germans weren't that impressive. I thought they peaked too early after they beat Portugal 4-0 in their opening World Cup game.
I've been taking long hard looks in the mirror wondering if I should ever pick up a pen again. I have disgraced all of Bloggerdome. I have sullied the great oracle with whom I fear shall never grace me again with her knowing wisdom and insight.
I've been taking long hard looks in the mirror wondering if I should ever pick up a pen again. I have disgraced all of Bloggerdome. I have sullied the great oracle with whom I fear shall never grace me again with her knowing wisdom and insight.
I keep on watching the game over and over again, when it gets to Oscar's consolation goal I rewind it, then play it again seven times in a row, so in some different realm or alternative universe the score ends up a respectable seven all and it goes into extra time and Martin Tyler says - " In all my years I have never seen such an amazing comeback!"
There are so many flies on the Brazilian team at the moment and those associated with them. They're like a tray of meat sitting topless on a hot summer's day at Gunnamatta Bay, Cronulla (you Wogs and ethnics know what I'm talking about!).
It's OK for the likes of Sideshow David Luiz and his teammates to be crying like babies. I'm sure once they start pre-season training at their various G8 clubs they'll be ok.
But what about me, Dear Readers? How can I be taken seriously again? Dear Readers, I beseech you!
How can I bounce back from such a prediction humiliation?
Before the game I felt confident picking Brazil. No Neymar, No Thiago Silva, what could possibly go wrong?
Before the game I felt confident picking Brazil. No Neymar, No Thiago Silva, what could possibly go wrong?
I felt confident like David Luiz did prancing in midfield carefree, with the wind blowing in his hair, patriotic tears streaming down his face as another German skipped and hopped past him with nothing but acres of space and a return pass in their mind's eye.
Brazil's shame is my shame.
Brazil's shame is my shame.
I felt real sorry for Brazil's coach Papou Luiz Felipe Scolari. He must have had that similar feeling that millions of Soccer Mums and Dads around the world feel when they look upon their uncoordinated children on the sideline, as they are getting smashed by superior players and better coached teams.
His heart bleeding for his children but at the same time his cheeks puffing with pride.
'My boys may be unco's but at least they are participating."
The Final
"Never bet on the fairy-tale" Jeff from NewtownSo the dream match up between Brazil - Argentina, Neymar- Messi, Pele's Ego vs Mardonna's Mentalness is no more.
Instead we probably have the next best thing. Argentina - Germany, a repeat of 1986 and the 1990 World Cup finals.
It's at these World Cups that most of my Generation the X's fell in love with football.
Will it be a goal fest like 86?, Or a drab stinker like 1990?
Can Argentina find some energy after almost being Dutched to football death?
Will it be a goal fest like 86?, Or a drab stinker like 1990?
Can Argentina find some energy after almost being Dutched to football death?
The Argentine penalty takers must have loved walking towards the box seeing only one Dutch goal keeper's outfit and not having to contend with seven orange shirts in front of it.
The Dutch almost Mourinho'd it with their defensive structure. Messi was quiet but can you blame him?
The Dutch almost Mourinho'd it with their defensive structure. Messi was quiet but can you blame him?
Poor Messi he must be sick of being chased around at this World Cup like some sort of fugitive. If Messi drove a White Ford Bronco there would be a phalanx of police cars accompanying him. (that's an OJ Simpson reference for you Generation Me's)
So Messi to beat seven German players and win the World Cup one nil in the last minute? That would be some cool symmetry. But don't bet on me predicting that!
So Messi to beat seven German players and win the World Cup one nil in the last minute? That would be some cool symmetry. But don't bet on me predicting that!
Monday, July 7, 2014
Sign o' the Football Times, Cynicism @ Brazil 2014
Neymar's Broken Back and Brazil's Broken Heart
It's a Sign o' the Times. The antics of certain players and teams during the Quarter Finals of the 2014 Brazil World Cup has produced a darkness over the later stages of the tournament. Its shadow threatens to occupy the illuminating glow of the record breaking goal count and attacking football that the world went nuts for in the Group games and Round of 16 matches.
There is still some light at the end of tunnel though, with the prospect of a dream Argentina - Brazil final. Unfortunately that has been sullied by Colombian defender Mr Zuniga, when he broke Neymar's back and 200 million Brazilian hearts.
What a shame the dream final between the South American rivals (and most neutral football fans around the world have craved) , will be missing the main draw cards of Messi vs Neymar. The football world has been robbed of a grand spectacle because of one cruel cynical action.
But perhaps I should listen to the strange random man I encountered on the bustling streets of Kingsgrove last Friday. A random man approached me and said: "don't judge, everyone makes mistakes, sorry I broke your heart". Tell that to the 200 Brazilians random man! Who I told three times- "It's OK I forgive you!", but still wouldn't leave me alone.
Sadly cynicism in sport is nothing new - winning at all costs is part of modern football. After all there are reports that kicking your opponent off the park occurred when Noah, his sons and some of the more talented monkeys played five a side in the Ark to keep fit in the mornings and afternoons.
Side Show Bob's (David Luiz) free kick brought some of the magic of the Group Stages back.
Perhaps instead of knockout games the whole World Cup could be a group stage?
The magic spray and Luiz's right footed, side foot, free kick kept the dark forces at bay for once.
Now with Neymar gone who will the Brazilians call on to step up against Germany? Only one of the most talented squads left in world football of course!
If home advantage and death threats isn't enough of a powerful motivational force to win the World Cup then nothing is. The home nation is still the favourites for the title in my opinion. They are still finding ways to win games without playing their best football.
If the Yellow, Green and Blue shirted ones can stop crying and play without fear of losing, the Seleção can still win the World Cup. They still have artists that can unlock defences.
But first Brazil have to get through the semi final. Playing a European team in Germany would suit the Brazilians much more than playing Colombia. The Germans haven't been that crash hot perhaps they peaked too early when they thrashed Portugal 4-0.
Plus Germany just love that third/fourth playoff game so much. Why ruin a good thing by playing in a World Cup final and potentially winning the World Cup for the first time in 24 years?
You should check this excellent article I found from the website Thescore.ie. It examines the painful memory of Holland losing the 1974 World Cup. The article says that the tragedy wasn't that Holland lost the World Cup to Germany. The greatest tragedy was that during the final minutes of the game, Holland thumped the ball long into the German area, seeking a miracle by abandoning their "Total Football philosophy."
Here is an interesting take on that game:
The article also quotes David Winner who wrote the book Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Soccer. Winner tells the website that there is an undeniable cultural and social overlap that exists in society and football. He says the Dutch team of 1974 were a reflection of the zeitgeist.
So what are the current Dutch team a reflection of in terms of cultural and social overlap that exists in society and football?
The cynical actions of World Bankers? The failure of Governments around the world to stop the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer? Can we relate the pragmatism and cynicism of modern football with the world's current socioeconomic problems?
Of course we can! Look at the World Cup bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup and the greed and corruption that exists in FIFA.
The Dutch are so sick of being the Bridesmaid and never the Bride, thet have abondened the ideals of "Total Football". Making this current Holland incarnation the antithesis of the 1974 team.
Just like the movie Bridesmaids, I'm sure Holland Boss Louis Van Gaal would take a shit in the middle of the street wearing a wedding dress if it meant winning the World Cup.
The white socks and sandals wearing, non smiling Dutch coach made a big move substituting the goalkeepers before the penalty shootout against Costa Rica. It was a history making move by Van Gaal. That kind of choice has never been seen at a World Cup before.
Sure the move paid off and Krul guessed correctly on every shot, allowing his mullet two make two amazing saves, but to me it doesn't just justify how he acted.
Take Krul's antics before the Costa Ricans were about to take their penalty shots.
Talk about Neurotic Genius.
Krul's actions seemed to mirror the strange random man that came up to me in Kingsgrove. Like the random on the street (who walked up and down the street) Krul was walking up and down and side to side in his box aimlessly, then would pause so he could talk some unintelligible nonsense to the Costa Ricans (like the strange man did to me) before they took their penalties.
Question marks hang over the second penalty that Krul saved. Is it legal for a goalkeeper to grab the bar and have the net shake right before the penalty taker takes the spot kick? Cheat! Cheat! (allegedly, allegedly)
Everyone knows what Cruyff said after Holland lost the 1974 final – ‘We were very successful in a way because we were acclaimed for our style and everybody said we we were the best team."
There is still some light at the end of tunnel though, with the prospect of a dream Argentina - Brazil final. Unfortunately that has been sullied by Colombian defender Mr Zuniga, when he broke Neymar's back and 200 million Brazilian hearts.
What a shame the dream final between the South American rivals (and most neutral football fans around the world have craved) , will be missing the main draw cards of Messi vs Neymar. The football world has been robbed of a grand spectacle because of one cruel cynical action.
But perhaps I should listen to the strange random man I encountered on the bustling streets of Kingsgrove last Friday. A random man approached me and said: "don't judge, everyone makes mistakes, sorry I broke your heart". Tell that to the 200 Brazilians random man! Who I told three times- "It's OK I forgive you!", but still wouldn't leave me alone.
Sadly cynicism in sport is nothing new - winning at all costs is part of modern football. After all there are reports that kicking your opponent off the park occurred when Noah, his sons and some of the more talented monkeys played five a side in the Ark to keep fit in the mornings and afternoons.
Side Show Bob's (David Luiz) free kick brought some of the magic of the Group Stages back.
Perhaps instead of knockout games the whole World Cup could be a group stage?
The magic spray and Luiz's right footed, side foot, free kick kept the dark forces at bay for once.
Now with Neymar gone who will the Brazilians call on to step up against Germany? Only one of the most talented squads left in world football of course!
If home advantage and death threats isn't enough of a powerful motivational force to win the World Cup then nothing is. The home nation is still the favourites for the title in my opinion. They are still finding ways to win games without playing their best football.
If the Yellow, Green and Blue shirted ones can stop crying and play without fear of losing, the Seleção can still win the World Cup. They still have artists that can unlock defences.
But first Brazil have to get through the semi final. Playing a European team in Germany would suit the Brazilians much more than playing Colombia. The Germans haven't been that crash hot perhaps they peaked too early when they thrashed Portugal 4-0.
Plus Germany just love that third/fourth playoff game so much. Why ruin a good thing by playing in a World Cup final and potentially winning the World Cup for the first time in 24 years?
The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Soccer
You should check this excellent article I found from the website Thescore.ie. It examines the painful memory of Holland losing the 1974 World Cup. The article says that the tragedy wasn't that Holland lost the World Cup to Germany. The greatest tragedy was that during the final minutes of the game, Holland thumped the ball long into the German area, seeking a miracle by abandoning their "Total Football philosophy."
Here is an interesting take on that game:
"July 7th, 1974 was a death knell for the freedom of expression that formed through the 60s. For the Dutch, their Summer of Love didn’t end on Altamont Speedway in 1969 but at Munich’s Olympic Stadium four and a half years later. Both incidents signaled the end of a counter-culture. Both incidents signaled the end of optimism, open-mindedness and new-wave. Both incidents signaled the start of pragmatism, cynicism and suspicion of anything different."
The article also quotes David Winner who wrote the book Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Soccer. Winner tells the website that there is an undeniable cultural and social overlap that exists in society and football. He says the Dutch team of 1974 were a reflection of the zeitgeist.
So what are the current Dutch team a reflection of in terms of cultural and social overlap that exists in society and football?
The cynical actions of World Bankers? The failure of Governments around the world to stop the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer? Can we relate the pragmatism and cynicism of modern football with the world's current socioeconomic problems?
Of course we can! Look at the World Cup bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup and the greed and corruption that exists in FIFA.
The Dutch are so sick of being the Bridesmaid and never the Bride, thet have abondened the ideals of "Total Football". Making this current Holland incarnation the antithesis of the 1974 team.
Just like the movie Bridesmaids, I'm sure Holland Boss Louis Van Gaal would take a shit in the middle of the street wearing a wedding dress if it meant winning the World Cup.
The white socks and sandals wearing, non smiling Dutch coach made a big move substituting the goalkeepers before the penalty shootout against Costa Rica. It was a history making move by Van Gaal. That kind of choice has never been seen at a World Cup before.
Sure the move paid off and Krul guessed correctly on every shot, allowing his mullet two make two amazing saves, but to me it doesn't just justify how he acted.
Take Krul's antics before the Costa Ricans were about to take their penalty shots.
Talk about Neurotic Genius.
Krul's actions seemed to mirror the strange random man that came up to me in Kingsgrove. Like the random on the street (who walked up and down the street) Krul was walking up and down and side to side in his box aimlessly, then would pause so he could talk some unintelligible nonsense to the Costa Ricans (like the strange man did to me) before they took their penalties.
Question marks hang over the second penalty that Krul saved. Is it legal for a goalkeeper to grab the bar and have the net shake right before the penalty taker takes the spot kick? Cheat! Cheat! (allegedly, allegedly)
Everyone knows what Cruyff said after Holland lost the 1974 final – ‘We were very successful in a way because we were acclaimed for our style and everybody said we we were the best team."
No-one will say that about the Dutch if they win the FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
But who cares as long as you win right?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
What kinda crazy will Maradona get up to during this World Cup?
The World Cup hype and coverage has been ramped up to overdrive this week. The announcement of the World Cup players squads, the World Cup themed TV advertisements and the end of the European football seasons has put the World Cup in South Africa front and centre of the crazy and casual football fans consciousness.
To get in the mood I have been reading and watching World Cup related books and films. I am in the middle of reading the excellent Maradona biography by Jimmy Burns one of the best football writers around. The book is called "The Hand Of God, The Life of Maradona and delves into Maradona's personal and football life and as one reviewer put it 'Few people emerge innocent in this book.'
Maradona's Exclusion from 1978 Argentina WC Squad
What I found really eye opening was Maradona's exclusion from the 1978 World Cup Argentinian squad. Argentina went on to win that World Cup in Argentina. In the background of that triumph a Military Junta ran the country.
Here is an extract from the book on why then Argentine coach Luis Menotti didn't pick the then 17 year old Maradona for the 1978 World Cup squad:
"Menotti told me he didn't pick Maradona because he believed he was still too young, both physically and emotionally, to deal with possible defeat - an assessment which appears at first sight to have been confirmed by Maradona's reaction to his exclusion.
'For the child prodigy who had for so many years been bent on winning the approval of his elders, the feeling of rejection by this latest of a series of father figures in his life was profoundly shocking. Without waiting for Menotti's explanation , Maradona locked himself out of and wept uncontrollably.
'He vowed never to forgive Menotti for the betrayal and to quit football altogether.
'According to witnesses who monitored the Argentine team closely at the time, Menotti had other, more personal reasons for excluding Maradona. A man of enormous ego, he was obsessed with the glory that victory would bring, and feared that any rival would eclipse him......that friendly against Hungary in which he had found himself almost bulldozed into bringing out the young player to the tribal cry of "Maradoona, Maradoona.'
(Maradona during his debut for Argentina in a game against Hungary, 27 February 1977)
Lucky for fans of the beautiful game Maradona didn't quit football and we all know the rest of the story. Reading on I found this next extract very engaging. Aside from the Military Junta exploiting the victory for political gain that accompanied Argentina's World Cup victory in 1978 there where question marks over how the victory was achieved.
"One medical source told me that in 1978 the 'whole of Argentine football was doping itself......I started a big fight to break the trend." Argentina had players who had been regularly provided with amphetamines while playing for their league teams, and who found in World Cup a suitably lax regime when it came to urine samples.
'According to other reports Mario Kempes and Alberto Tarantinoi were so "high" after playing one particular World Cup match that they had to keep on going for another hour before they came don again.
'One of the most extraordinary episodes of the World Cup involved the pregnant wife of the Argentine's team waterboy. Her urine was used as a cover for an Argentine's player's in one of the competition dopes test."
Maradona's Exclusion from 94 World Cup
Speaking of doping and Argentinian football I also watched a documentary called Maradona by Kusterica. In a revealing interview Maradona had this to say about his well documented drug use.
'For 20 years during Havelange's (former FIFA boss from Brazil) presidency Brazil did not win the World Cup. You know why? The man up there is just. The old man loves justice! If for 20 years a mafioso was unable to win the World Cup, kind of tough isn't it?(Maradona makes a gesture where he point to his right eye)
'I'm going to tell you the story. Argentina was eliminated from the World Cup (in 1994). We went to play Australia. It was a tie 1-1. We came back here and we qualified 1-0. There was no doping case (Maradona shakes his finger) No drugs not over there, not over here. There was no ephedrine over there or over here. No cocaine over there or over here. During the World Cup after we beat Nigeria 2-1 they said: "They're screwing us up." (Maradona was kicked out of USA 94 after the Nigeria game)
"I'd say Havelange is the arms dealer, and Blatter sells the bullets" (both Maradona and Kusterica laugh after this quote).
On his fight against Cocaine addiction:
"Scoring a goal in front of 100,000 people, like I did with the English for example, was for me a normal thing. It was my game my life. When I came down, I was like everyone, all of you. And I could talk to you. What messed me up was cocaine. But I was just like you. However when you let the tiger out, when I went onto the pitch, I was in command.
"Emir do you know what a player I'd have been if I hadn't taken coke? (he puts his hand together in a prayer gesture) What a player we lost! It's like a bad after taste. I could have been much more than I am. Yes. really it's true. I was born into football. I new who I was going to be. But I didn't know I was going to take coke."
World Cup 2010
I can't wait to see what kinda crazy Maradona will get up to during this World Cup. Today the final Argentinian 23 man World Cup squad was announced. Maradona will this time coach the side and the World Cup will be better for his crazy side line antics.
Goalkeepers: Sergio ROMERO, Mariano ANDUJAR, Diego POZO
Defenders: Nicolas BURDISSO, Clemente RODRIGUEZ, Martin DEMICHELIS, Ariel GARCE, Gabriel HEINZE, Nicolas OTAMENDI, Walter SAMUEL
Midfielders: Jonas GUTIERREZ, Javier MASCHERANO, Juan Sebastian VERON, Angel DI MARIA, Mario BOLATTI, Maxi RODRIGUEZ, Javier PASTORE
Forwards: Lionel MESSI, Gonzalo HIGUAIN, Carlos TEVEZ, Diego MILITO, Sergio AGUERO, Martin PALERMO
Me I am tipping Argentina to beat Brazil in the final.
Hot off the Press: The Madness begins
I just saw this report in the Guardian:
Diego Maradona runs over cameraman at World Cup squad announcement
The Argentina coach Diego Maradona insulted an injured cameraman after accidentally running over his leg ahead of announcement of thealbiceleste World Cup squad.
Driving to yesterday's news conference in Buenos Aires, the 1986 World Cup winner was surrounded by journalists. One was hit and he fell to the ground.
According to a witness, Maradona's car rolled over the lower part of the cameraman's leg. "What an asshole you are," Maradona shouted from the car. "How can you put your leg there where it can get run over, man?" Paramedics attended to the cameraman, who was taken away for further treatment.
The 49-year-old coach then delivered the names of the 23-man squadfor the World Cup to the media. Maradona's World Cup preparation was disrupted in March when he needed minor facial surgery after being bitten by his dog.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Waiting for the democratisation of Australian Football
There were some very interesting developments that took place in the world of television football broadcasting recently. The first piece of news I found interesting was the BBC’s attempt to get football events such as the World Cup and FA Cup back on free-to-air television.
The Guardian report said that events such as the World Cup, Olympics and the FA Cup final benefited society as a whole if they were to return to free-to-air television.
Its research shows that one in five adults claim that watching at least one sport on TV motivated them to participate. What about the other four?
I guess that’s another researcher’s job.
Meanwhile, FFA chairman Frank Lowy stated in an interview to the SMH last week that the future of Australian football needed free-to-air to be included in it.
Speaking to Michael Cockerill, Lowy said: “We have a contract now, until 2013. I’ll do my damndest to make sure we get free-to-air after that. We can’t do it beforehand. These people [Fox Sports] are not going to give up. They came in and took a punt, a big punt; they gave us the basis for the competition. They’re not going to give up their contractual rights, and I don’t blame them for it. But the future needs more teams, a second division, and also some free-to-air.”
In Argentina, football fans there are enjoying watching their teams go around on free-to-air television for the first time in eighteen years. A deal by the FA and the government was struck to ensure that all domestic top flight matches can be broadcast for free by any national television channel wishing to do so.
In a recent article penned by one my favourite football writers, the Guardian’s Marcela Moya y Araujo reported that Julio Grondona the president of the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) said the decision to give football back to the people was “like the parable of life itself.”
Standing next to Grondona was the president of Argentina Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, and she announced it as a “historic” day in the “democratisation” of football.
While accepting an Argentina shirt from Diego Maradona, the president said “Football is an extraordinary business,” and “It doesn’t need to be subsidised. It needs to return the right to those who provide us with it to be enriched by it.”
She mentioned its importance as part of the cultural heritage of the nation, and referred to Argentinian football as a “registered trademark”.
The World Cup hosted by South Africa will be shown on SBS in all its glory next year. Whether you love them or loath them, knowing you haven’t paid for the privilege will make it taste that much sweeter.
Published here:
http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/26/waiting-for-the-democratisation-of-australian-football/
Friday, May 29, 2009
Russian News Update: Messi To Face Hiddink & Arshavin In Moscow
A look at what made news in Russian football this week.
Russian media reported this week that the Russian Football Union and the Football Association of Argentina officially reached an agreement regarding the friendly match between the two national teams.
A strong Argentine team featuring Champions League winner Lionel Messi will take the field in Moscow on August 12.
The Argentine squad is:
Goalkeepers: Juan Pablo Carrizo (Lazio, Italy), Sergio Romero (AZ, Holland), Mariano Andujar (Estudiantes);Defenders: Javier Zanetti, Nicolas Burdisso, Walter Samuel (all – Inter, Italy), Martin Demichelis (Bayern, Germany), Gabriel Heinze (Real, Spain), Daniel Dias (Getafe, Spain), Emiliano Papa (Velez Sarfield), Marcos Angeleri (Estudiantes);Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool, England), Fernando Gago (Real, Spain), Maxi Rodriguez (Atletico, Spain), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle, England), Luis Gonzalez (Porto, Portugal), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes);Strikers: Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Spain), Sergio Aguero (Atletico, Spain), Carlos Tevez (Manchester United, England), Ezequiel Lavezzi, German Denis (both – Napoli, Italy), Lisandro Lopez (Porto, Portugal), Angel di Maria (Benfica, Portugal), Diego Milito (Genoa, Italy)
Russia have never previously played Argentina.
Hiddink Announces Squad For World Cup Qualifier Against Finland.
Russia's two biggest stars who ply their trade in the English Premier League - Arsenal’s Andrey Arshavin and Tottenham’s Roman Pavlyuchenko - are both included in Guus Hiddink’s squad to face Finland on June 10.
The website Russia Today reported that three home-based players had been recalled to the squad:
Spartak Moscow winger Vladimir Bystrov, who last played for Russia at Euro 2008; CSKA midfielder Evgeny Aldonin; and Dinamo striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov, who made his name in Europe by winning the UEFA Cup with Sevilla.
An excited Kerahakov told Sport-Express:
"I understood that I would receive an invitation from the coaches when Alexandr Borodyuk and Igor Korneev met with me before our match with Zenit last weekend.
"We talked to them and decided to start everything from the very beginning. I return to the team with great pleasure.
"Guus Hiddink didn’t cap me for Euro 2008 last year; however, it doesn’t matter anything for me anymore. My future is more important than the past and I will do everything to help Russia advance to the World Championship final stage.
"I told my family about my meeting with Borodyuk and Korneev and they were very happy for me, while this news came as a surprise for my friends, who didn’t know anything. I am very thankful to Andrey Kobelev and Dynamo because only thanks to their support I deserved this invitation."
"There is a wonderful atmosphere in the national team and I am glad to come back there. I will be pleased to meet my team-mates, talk to Malafeev and Zhirkov. It's pity that my friend Ivan Saenko stayed out of the roster, but I am sure he will return to the national side."
Spartak star Bystrov admitted that he was waiting expectantly for the call-up.
"I waited for this invitation, because I regained my peak form," said Bystrov to Sport-Express.
"Earlier I wasn’t ready to play on this level so I owe no grudges to coaches.
"I felt that I was not at my best form and it’s pleasant that national team coaches didn’t forget about me. Alexandr Borodyuk always phoned me and said that everything would be all right.
"Right after the Saturday match against Lokomotiv I will visit my parents in St. Petersburg, and then I will join the national side on June 3.
"I know that Finland is a good team, which could be very dangerous at home. Last year Germany was lucky to steak a point in Helsinki.
"There is also one other rookie in the squad, who is CSKA youngster Pavel Mamaev. His team-mate Alan Dzagoev, considered the biggest new Russian talent, has been left out this time but has been picked in the under-21 side.
Three regulars in Hiddink’s lineup, Lokomotiv Moscow players Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Dmitry Sychev and Dmitry Torbinsky, who scored Russia’s winner against the Netherlands at Euro 2008, won’t play against the Finns due to injuries.
The Russian team is:
Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA), Vladimir Gabulov (Dinamo), Vyacheslav Malafeyev (Zenit)
Defenders: Alexey Berezutskiy, Vasiliy Berezutskiy, Sergey Ignashevich, Yury Zhirkov (all CSKA), Denis Kolodin (Dinamo), Renat Yanbaev (Lokomotiv);Midfielders: Yevgeny Aldonin, Pavel Mamaev (both CSKA), Vladimir Bystrov (Spartak M), Igor Denisov, Konstantin Zyryanov, Igor Semshov (all – Zenit), Sergey Semak (Rubin)Forwards: Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal, England), Alexander Kerzhakov (Dinamo), Roman Pavlyuchenko (Tottenham, England), Pavel Pogrebnyak (Zenit).
Russia’s main rivals, Germany, top Group 4 in the World Cup qualifiers, with 16 points. Hiddink’s men are second, with 14 points and a game in hand.Finland have played one game less than Russia, have seven points. Wales are fourth with six points and Azerbaijan and Lichtenstein have one point.
The winner of the group receives an automatic qualification to South Africa 2010, while the second team will progress into play-offs.
The Russian team and the coaching staff start pre-match preparations on June 3.
New Coach For Lokomotiv
Yuri Semin, who led Dinamo Kiev to the UEFA Cup semi-finals, will become the new coach of Lokomotiv Moscow, Sport-Express reports.
The official announcement is expected to be made after the end of the Ukrainian championship, in which Dinamo have already guaranteed themselves gold medals.
The 62-year-old will take charge of the Moscow club during the summer break in the Russian Premier League.
Loko are set to establish a training camp in Austria from June 24 to July 6.The current substitute coach, Vladimir Maminov, will stay on with the team and join Semin’s staff as assistant coach.
Lokomotiv started looking for a new coach after firing Rashid Rakhimov due to a poor start to the season in April.Semin headed Loko back in 1986-2005, bringing the team two champion’s titles and five cup victories.
Dzagoev To Play For Youth Team
Yesterday, the Russian youth team’s coaching staff named players to prepare for the Euro 2011 qualifier against Faroe Islands.The head coach Igor Kolyvanov capped 20 players for pre-match preparations:
Goalkeepers: Sergey Pesyakov (Shinnik), Evgeny Pomazan (CSKA)
Defenders: Roman Amirkhanov (Sibir), Giya Grigalava (Moskva), Andrey Ivanov (Tom), Evgeny Makeev (Spartak), Mikhail Mischenko (Terek), Georgy Schennikov (CSKA)
Midfielders: Igor Gorbatenko, Vladislav Ryzhkov (both – Spartak), Alan Dzagoev (CSKA), Alexey Ionov, Anton Sosnin (both – Zenit), Alexey Kozlov (Nizhny Novgorod), Semen Fomin (Lokomotiv)
Strikers: Artem Dzyuba (Spartak), Alexandr Kokorin (Dynamo), Alexandr Prudnikov (Terek), Dmitry Ryzhov (CSKA), Alexandr Stavpets (Moskva)
The team will start preparations on June 3, while the game will be held on June 9.
Dinamo Drop Complaint After CSKA's Maazou Clarifies Race Comment
RIA Novosti reported this week that Dinamo Moscow had withdrawn a complaint filed with the Russian football authorities over "unacceptable and insulting" comments made by CSKA Moscow's Nigerian striker, Ouwo Moussa Maazou.
The incident has its roots in a mid-May Russian Cup semi-final between Dinamo and CSKA during which Maazou, 20, was racially abused by a group of Dinamo fans. The club were subsequently fined some $3,200 over its supporters' behaviour.
After the game, which CSKA won, Maazou seemed to suggest in an interview with Sport-Express that the fact that there were no black players in the Dinamo side meant the club tacitly approved of its fans' actions.
However, after Dinamo lodged an official protest over his comments, Maazou told the CSKA website that he may have been "misunderstood" and that he had not wanted to accuse the club of condoning the fans' behaviour.Racism has long been an issue in Russian football, with black players frequently complaining of abuse.
In March, Zenit St. Petersburg goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev told the country's Futbol magazine that the far-right views of the club's supporters made it impossible for the club to sign a black player.
Russian media reported this week that the Russian Football Union and the Football Association of Argentina officially reached an agreement regarding the friendly match between the two national teams.
A strong Argentine team featuring Champions League winner Lionel Messi will take the field in Moscow on August 12.
The Argentine squad is:
Goalkeepers: Juan Pablo Carrizo (Lazio, Italy), Sergio Romero (AZ, Holland), Mariano Andujar (Estudiantes);Defenders: Javier Zanetti, Nicolas Burdisso, Walter Samuel (all – Inter, Italy), Martin Demichelis (Bayern, Germany), Gabriel Heinze (Real, Spain), Daniel Dias (Getafe, Spain), Emiliano Papa (Velez Sarfield), Marcos Angeleri (Estudiantes);Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool, England), Fernando Gago (Real, Spain), Maxi Rodriguez (Atletico, Spain), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle, England), Luis Gonzalez (Porto, Portugal), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes);Strikers: Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Spain), Sergio Aguero (Atletico, Spain), Carlos Tevez (Manchester United, England), Ezequiel Lavezzi, German Denis (both – Napoli, Italy), Lisandro Lopez (Porto, Portugal), Angel di Maria (Benfica, Portugal), Diego Milito (Genoa, Italy)
Russia have never previously played Argentina.
Hiddink Announces Squad For World Cup Qualifier Against Finland.
Russia's two biggest stars who ply their trade in the English Premier League - Arsenal’s Andrey Arshavin and Tottenham’s Roman Pavlyuchenko - are both included in Guus Hiddink’s squad to face Finland on June 10.
The website Russia Today reported that three home-based players had been recalled to the squad:
Spartak Moscow winger Vladimir Bystrov, who last played for Russia at Euro 2008; CSKA midfielder Evgeny Aldonin; and Dinamo striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov, who made his name in Europe by winning the UEFA Cup with Sevilla.
An excited Kerahakov told Sport-Express:
"I understood that I would receive an invitation from the coaches when Alexandr Borodyuk and Igor Korneev met with me before our match with Zenit last weekend.
"We talked to them and decided to start everything from the very beginning. I return to the team with great pleasure.
"Guus Hiddink didn’t cap me for Euro 2008 last year; however, it doesn’t matter anything for me anymore. My future is more important than the past and I will do everything to help Russia advance to the World Championship final stage.
"I told my family about my meeting with Borodyuk and Korneev and they were very happy for me, while this news came as a surprise for my friends, who didn’t know anything. I am very thankful to Andrey Kobelev and Dynamo because only thanks to their support I deserved this invitation."
"There is a wonderful atmosphere in the national team and I am glad to come back there. I will be pleased to meet my team-mates, talk to Malafeev and Zhirkov. It's pity that my friend Ivan Saenko stayed out of the roster, but I am sure he will return to the national side."
Spartak star Bystrov admitted that he was waiting expectantly for the call-up.
"I waited for this invitation, because I regained my peak form," said Bystrov to Sport-Express.
"Earlier I wasn’t ready to play on this level so I owe no grudges to coaches.
"I felt that I was not at my best form and it’s pleasant that national team coaches didn’t forget about me. Alexandr Borodyuk always phoned me and said that everything would be all right.
"Right after the Saturday match against Lokomotiv I will visit my parents in St. Petersburg, and then I will join the national side on June 3.
"I know that Finland is a good team, which could be very dangerous at home. Last year Germany was lucky to steak a point in Helsinki.
"There is also one other rookie in the squad, who is CSKA youngster Pavel Mamaev. His team-mate Alan Dzagoev, considered the biggest new Russian talent, has been left out this time but has been picked in the under-21 side.
Three regulars in Hiddink’s lineup, Lokomotiv Moscow players Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Dmitry Sychev and Dmitry Torbinsky, who scored Russia’s winner against the Netherlands at Euro 2008, won’t play against the Finns due to injuries.
The Russian team is:
Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA), Vladimir Gabulov (Dinamo), Vyacheslav Malafeyev (Zenit)
Defenders: Alexey Berezutskiy, Vasiliy Berezutskiy, Sergey Ignashevich, Yury Zhirkov (all CSKA), Denis Kolodin (Dinamo), Renat Yanbaev (Lokomotiv);Midfielders: Yevgeny Aldonin, Pavel Mamaev (both CSKA), Vladimir Bystrov (Spartak M), Igor Denisov, Konstantin Zyryanov, Igor Semshov (all – Zenit), Sergey Semak (Rubin)Forwards: Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal, England), Alexander Kerzhakov (Dinamo), Roman Pavlyuchenko (Tottenham, England), Pavel Pogrebnyak (Zenit).
Russia’s main rivals, Germany, top Group 4 in the World Cup qualifiers, with 16 points. Hiddink’s men are second, with 14 points and a game in hand.Finland have played one game less than Russia, have seven points. Wales are fourth with six points and Azerbaijan and Lichtenstein have one point.
The winner of the group receives an automatic qualification to South Africa 2010, while the second team will progress into play-offs.
The Russian team and the coaching staff start pre-match preparations on June 3.
New Coach For Lokomotiv
Yuri Semin, who led Dinamo Kiev to the UEFA Cup semi-finals, will become the new coach of Lokomotiv Moscow, Sport-Express reports.
The official announcement is expected to be made after the end of the Ukrainian championship, in which Dinamo have already guaranteed themselves gold medals.
The 62-year-old will take charge of the Moscow club during the summer break in the Russian Premier League.
Loko are set to establish a training camp in Austria from June 24 to July 6.The current substitute coach, Vladimir Maminov, will stay on with the team and join Semin’s staff as assistant coach.
Lokomotiv started looking for a new coach after firing Rashid Rakhimov due to a poor start to the season in April.Semin headed Loko back in 1986-2005, bringing the team two champion’s titles and five cup victories.
Dzagoev To Play For Youth Team
Yesterday, the Russian youth team’s coaching staff named players to prepare for the Euro 2011 qualifier against Faroe Islands.The head coach Igor Kolyvanov capped 20 players for pre-match preparations:
Goalkeepers: Sergey Pesyakov (Shinnik), Evgeny Pomazan (CSKA)
Defenders: Roman Amirkhanov (Sibir), Giya Grigalava (Moskva), Andrey Ivanov (Tom), Evgeny Makeev (Spartak), Mikhail Mischenko (Terek), Georgy Schennikov (CSKA)
Midfielders: Igor Gorbatenko, Vladislav Ryzhkov (both – Spartak), Alan Dzagoev (CSKA), Alexey Ionov, Anton Sosnin (both – Zenit), Alexey Kozlov (Nizhny Novgorod), Semen Fomin (Lokomotiv)
Strikers: Artem Dzyuba (Spartak), Alexandr Kokorin (Dynamo), Alexandr Prudnikov (Terek), Dmitry Ryzhov (CSKA), Alexandr Stavpets (Moskva)
The team will start preparations on June 3, while the game will be held on June 9.
Dinamo Drop Complaint After CSKA's Maazou Clarifies Race Comment
RIA Novosti reported this week that Dinamo Moscow had withdrawn a complaint filed with the Russian football authorities over "unacceptable and insulting" comments made by CSKA Moscow's Nigerian striker, Ouwo Moussa Maazou.
The incident has its roots in a mid-May Russian Cup semi-final between Dinamo and CSKA during which Maazou, 20, was racially abused by a group of Dinamo fans. The club were subsequently fined some $3,200 over its supporters' behaviour.
After the game, which CSKA won, Maazou seemed to suggest in an interview with Sport-Express that the fact that there were no black players in the Dinamo side meant the club tacitly approved of its fans' actions.
However, after Dinamo lodged an official protest over his comments, Maazou told the CSKA website that he may have been "misunderstood" and that he had not wanted to accuse the club of condoning the fans' behaviour.Racism has long been an issue in Russian football, with black players frequently complaining of abuse.
In March, Zenit St. Petersburg goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev told the country's Futbol magazine that the far-right views of the club's supporters made it impossible for the club to sign a black player.
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