Transfer Season

With the news that Barcelona have agreed to terms with Valencia for David Villa, I think its time to talk transfers. Being a Barca fan I am gonna talk about the Barcelona summer transfers and spend some time on other rumors.

The big news is that yesterday Barcelona agreed to terms for David Villa, the Valencia striker. Barca spent last summer trying to wrangle Villa away unsuccessfully. It seems that this time Barca has found a way to bring him in. First off, I like David Villa and think he is a great goal scorer and is a good fit at Barcelona. However, he is 28 and turns 29 in December. He is getting older and his production wont continue to be as high as long. He will spend maybe 3 years in a Barca jersey before he loses his spot. I personally would prefer Barca to go after Fernando Torres of Liverpool as he has said he thinks continuing to play in the EPL will "ruin him". Barca could offer 35 million euros for him and I think Liverpool would sell. Torres is only 26 and could spend the next 5 years at Barca with great results. Also, I think Barca are giving up too much for Villa. The rumor is 40 million euros plus Alexander Hleb and Bojan Krkic. While I don't mind the fee, giving up 2 players both rated around 10 million euros is excessive. Especially when you are giving up Krkic. Krkic is only 19 and will turn 20 this summer. He is rumored to have scored 1000 goals while in the Barcelona youth system and he has also scored important goals for the senior team. He just missed a header against Inter and actually scored the goal that should have sent Barca to the final if it had not been incorrectly waved off. I think signing Torres and sending Bojan on loan for a year is the smarter move as you can then bring him back and let him develop a little more. Also, spending 60 million on Villa when Barca were only willing to spend 45-50 million on him last season is wrong.

The other problem this brings about is Zlatan Ibrahimavic. Does this spell the end for the Swede? I would say yes as he has failed to impress in his first season at Barca. Man City are reportedly interested in him and would be willing to spend 50 million for him. Or Barca could try to swap him for Torres. Either way this gives Barca some money to spend. Reportedly this money will be spend on Gael Clichy of Arsenal. He is a talented young (22) left back would would fit in well at Barcelona. It would allow Barca to sell off Maxwell who has also failed to impress, and move Abidal into center back, where he plays for France. With Puyol getting older, and possibly being sold as well, Abidal will fit in well in the middle with Pique. Abidal would spilt time with Milito, who has shown good form after coming back from injury. I wouldn't mind seeing Barca spend money on a center back as well but that doesn't seem likely. Hopefully Chigrinksy will improve next season.

There is also rumor that Barca will spend 20 million euros on Juan Mata, the Valencia winger. he would fit in on the left side for Barca, though with Pedro playing well I don't see the need for this move.

In other news, it looks like Real Madrid have given up on Wayne Rooney and will instead spend their money on David Silva, the Valencia winger (yes it does seem Valencia are selling everyone). There is also rumor that Real is interested in selling Lassana Diarra to Man United and trying to pick up another defensive midfielder for cheap. It is also rumored that if Man City fails to make the Champion's League that Tevez will ask for a transfer out. Man United is also interested in Aston Villa's winger Ashley Young and so is Barcelona. Karim Benzema may also be on the outs at Real Madrid as he wants more playing time.

Champion's League Semifinal Preview

This week marks the start of the Champion's League semi finals. 3 of 4 of the teams I predicted to be here have made it with the only exception being Manchester United (not complaining at all). On Wednesday, Bayern Munich play host to Lyon and on Tuesday Barcelona will play Inter Milan at the San Siro.

Barcelona have been forced to travel by bus to Italy due to the volcanic ash from Iceland. I don't really see this as being a problem and I know Barca will not use it as an excuse. That being said it does give Inter a slight advantage. That aside, Barca will be with out Iniesta through injury and Abidal has not been given the all clear to play though he is traveling with the team. I expect the Barca line up to be Valdes in goal; Maxwell, Puyol or Milito, Pique, and Alves on the back line; Xavi, Busquests, and either Toure for a more defensive approach or Kieta in the mid; and Messi, Ibra, and Pedro up top. Expect Barca to try to maintain possession and limit opportunities for Inter. Inter would love a 0-0 draw or a 1-0 win but Barca will push for that precious away goal and would not be upset with any scoring draw or a one goal loss (2-1, 3-2, etc). Obviously a win would be very welcomed but seems unlikely. Inter will play with Diego Milito up top (yes, brother to Gabi Milito of Barcelona) with Eto'o, Sniejder, and Pandev in an attacking mid role to try to counter. I think Barca will push the whole game like they always do and Inter will try to counter attack. I see this one very tight and would not be surprised with a low scoring draw or Inter win.

Lyon take on Bayern in the other semi. Bayern will probably be slight favorites in this tie though my prediction is for Lyon to get through. With Ribery and Robben on the wings, Bayern will be hard to stop but they also showed they can have give up a fair few goals themselves. This game should also be very tight and I expect Bayern to win but not by much. Lyon with the help of Hugo Lloris in goal will stay close. Lisandro Lopez has served his suspension and will be back ready to go. I think this one could end up 2-1 Bayern.

Hope you enjoy the games tomorrow and wednesday!

Weekend Thoughts

Well this weekend saw el Classico and my second favorite event, The Master's. In el Classico, Barca went to the Bernabeau and won 2-0 to give them the pole position for their second straight la Liga title. There are 7 games left and Barca has a 3 point lead and the tie breaker should they tie on points. Barca now need to match Madrid the rest of the way to retain their title and must also focus on Inter in a week in a half for their Champion's League campaign.

As for The Master's, it was exciting. I will start off saying that no matter what, I am still a Tiger Woods fan, as his golfing ability is utterly amazing. Say what you want about him as a person, he is still an amazing golfer. Also, I don't really like Phil Mickelson, and I have been trying to figure out why. He did go to ASU and me being a U of A grad might have something to do with it, it might also be that he is kind of the "anti-Tiger". Either way I don't really like when he wins but I must say he played great this weekend and deserved the Green Jacket. That shot on 13 through the trees was quite amazing. I was pulling for Tiger the whole time but he just had too many mistakes. Though given a 5 month layoff and him still finishing fourth is pretty damn amazing. And it is also scary to think that as bad as he played this weekend he still shot under par every round and was only 4 shots back. If he hit the driver a littler better and made a couple more putts he wins this tournament. What does that mean going forward? Who knows. I still think he has a great shot at the US Open at Pebble Beach and the British Open at St. Andrews but who knows.

Anyway, great weekend for sports. El Classico was a great game and even if you're a Real Madrid supporter you can take away positives from the game and know that you can still fight for the title. El Classico has also put Messi far above everyone else to retain his world player of the year all he needs to do now is do something in the World Cup and it is his. The Master's was as beautiful as ever. There is not a more beautiful or tranquil setting than Augusta National and there is no better golf tournament than The Master's. The set up to create opportunities, the course itself and all its subtleties, and of course the amazing players.

Messi Master Class sees Barca meet Inter in the semi's

Leo Messi scored 3 goals in 21 minutes in the first half to end Arsenal's Champion's League dream this year. To be honest, Barca were poor in the first half and Arsenal rightly took the lead in the 18th minute. Barca seemed uninterested and lazy at first but Messi saved them. To be fair, Arsenal were unlucky on Messi's first two goals as the ball didn't bounce their way but the class with which Messi finished was second to none. The first bounced around the top of the box, landed on his left foot and then was rocketed into the back of the net. The second came a few minutes later as Messi played Abidal in on the left who then crossed, poorly, into the box. The ball was deflected then nudged back by Pedro to Messi who took one touch around a defender then finished cooly with his right. Arsenal continued to press and, though having less possession they looked the more controlled side. However, Vermaelen went for a header he shouldn't have as there was no cover behind him. The ball fell to Keita who headed Messi into space. Messi then performed his best finish as he cheekily chipped Almunia for his third and for a 3-1 Barcelona lead. The second half showed a more controlled Barca as they held the lead and kept Arsenal from having any real threat on goal. Then with 2 minutes left Xavi played Messi through again, and then he beat 2 defenders before having his first shot saved right back to him and then put it between Almunia's legs for his fourth. I would have preferred to see him play Keita through on this play but it is the strikers perogative to go to goal as he did. Barcelona will face Inter in the next round as Jose Mourinho's men won 1-0 in Moscow through a Wesley Sneijder goal (I believe Real Madrid are wishing they had not sold him).

Previewing the Second Leg of the Quarters

This week gives us the return legs of the quarter finals of this years Champion's League. We will see who the top 4 teams in Europe are this year and who will meet in the semi's.

Inter Milan @ CSKA Moscow... Inter held serve at home with a 1-0 winner through Diego Milito's second half goal. A 1-0 lead means this tie is very much in doubt, but it should be noted that Italian sides are famous for winning 1-0 at home and holding on to a nil-nil draw on the road to advance. These teams usually "park the bus" and have 10 men behind the ball at all times, but I do not see Inter or Jose Mourinho taking this tactic. I expect to see Inter play just like they did on the road against Chelsea and push forward in attack and defend strongly when needed. CSKA will be able to play at home in the second leg and many European teams have trouble traveling to Russia in the Champion's League. CSKA also didn't "park the bus" at the San Siro and looked dangerous at times in the attack. They had a few chances and could have scored that important away goal but just didn't manage it. With Necid, Honda, Krasic, and Mamaev in attack, this team can score goals. They also move the ball very well and pass and keep the ball well in very tight quarters. Their one touch passing can open up quick spacing for them and give them opportunities to score. In the end I see this game ending 1-1 with CSKA opening the scoring, Inter leveling early in the second half and then fighting furiously at the end to get the other goals necessary to move on but only getting 1.

Arsenal @ Barcelona... Barca saw a late come back from Arsenal mean they only got a draw at the Emirates stadium in London. The big news in this return leg are the players who will miss out. Barcelona saw Pique and Puyol, their two first choice center backs, get suspended for this game which means Gabi Milito will pair along side either Rafa Marquez, most likely, or Dmytro Chigrynskiy. Eric Abidal is back healthy and may play but Andres Iniesta is still out thru injury and goal scorer, Zlatan Ibrahmiavic, will also miss out with a calf problem. Arsenal will be without captain Cesc Fabregas through suspension and injury while Gallas, Arshavin, and Song will all miss thru injury. Arsenal, who were already having problems in defense against Barca, will be without 2 center backs and will most likely have to start Sol Campbell who isn't preferred because of his age and speed. In the game, Arsenal must score at the Camp Nou and they must win. A draw of 3-3 or more will send Arsenal through as well. A 1-0 victory is what Arsenal will be playing for but that means they must keep Barca from scoring which does not seem likely. I expect Arsenal to look for a goal on the counter attack in the first half and if they don't get then they will start to push forward later. In the end I see Barca taking this game and this tie. and 2-1 victory or more seems likely as Barca looked great at the weekend while playing a lot of younger non-starters and Arsenal need a late goal to win over a 10 man side.

Bayern Munich @ Manchester United.. The big news in this game is that Wayne Rooney may not make a surprise return to the lineup, though I don't see that happening. With Wayne Rooney out, Man U lost at the weekend to Chelsea and may have lost the Premier league title as well. Man U lost 2-1 at Bayern which means they must score at least once and with Rooney out this could be difficult. Berbatov just hasn't seemed like scoring in any game I have seen but hopefully for Man U he can. Bayern will get Arjen Robben and Bastian Schweinstiger back for the game which will make them even more potent in attack. I honestly think that Bayern will be able to get a 1-1 draw at Man U and move on to the semi's. The only real reason for this is because of Rooney being out and I see Man U having a hard time scoring.

Lyon @ Bordeaux... This was the second most exciting game last week and saw Lyon take a 3-1 advantage at home. Bordeaux could easily have scored more but didn't manage to and now need a minimum of 2-0 victory to move on. Give the poor play in defense for both sides this outcome could easily happen but I see more goals than this. A possible 4-2 game is likely which would see Lyon move on but I personally see it ending 3-2 and Lyon moving on. No major players will be missing out in this game and it should be fun to watch again.

If these results do happen then we would see a Lyon-Bayern Munich and an Inter-Barcelona semi finals.

Arsenal Grab 2 Late Goals to Square the Tie

Barcelona and Arsenal played to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Champion's League Quarterfinal. Barcelona came out from the start pressing hard and nearly scoring within the first minute. Almunia had four great reaction saves to keep Barcelona out. Barcelona had 70% of the possession in the first half and should have been 3 up at half. However, the half ended nil-nil. William Gallas and Andrey Arshavin were both forced out in the second half thru injury and Gallas definitely looks like he had the more serious one and wont be playing in the second leg. The other big story was Cesc picking up a yellow for a silly challenge though it was a harsh yellow which will see him miss the next leg.

The second half start brilliantly for Barcelona with Xavi finding Zlatan Ibrahimavic in acres of space and Ibra cooly floating the ball over Almunia into the net. Almunia can definitely be blamed for this one as he started to come out then decided to stay in and was caught in between but it was a brilliant finish from the Swede. Barcelona continued to control and Xavi found Ibra in space again in a nearly identical play with Ibra finishing in the top netting for his double and a Barcelona 2-0 lead. The game and entire tie seemed over as Barcelona had the 2 away goals. However, Theo Walcott was introduced and had an immediate impact causing problems down the right and finally finishing to get Arsenal back in the game. Arsenal started to gain confidence and took control and leveled the game at two after Cesc was brought down in the box by Puyol. The cross came in from Walcott and was deflected to Bedtner who headed to Cesc who was then impeded by Puyol. Puyol received a straight red for this and will miss the return leg as well. Pique will also miss the next leg due to his yellow which also looked harsh. Cesc finished the penalty and looked to hurt his knee. He hobbled on the rest of the way but will be out for a while it looks like.

Personally I would have to say Barca deserved better but in the end didn't finish well enough to get the win. This tie could have been over 20 minutes into the game if not for Almunia. Arsenal took their chances well and finished them.

The return leg will be on Tuesday at the Camp Nou. I fully expect Barcelona to move on since Arsenal have to win or score at least 2 in the Nou Camp which is difficult to do. However, both Pique and Puyol will miss out and Iniesta looks to miss the next match as well. Cesc and Gallas will both be missing for Arsenal and Arshavin may miss as well. Seeing how much Barcelona dominated the game and controlled the game I expect more of the same.

I do want to say that I am disappointed in Messi. He looked uninterested most of the game and only had 2 good chances both in the first 20 minutes. After that he had touches but nothing that looked dangerous. I expect better from him in the second leg. I also have to say that Barcelona would have much preferred this game to end 2-0 for more reasons than advancing but also because they play Real Madrid on the 11th. Winning 2-0 at the Emirates would have allowed Barcelona to possibly rest some players before that clash.

In other news, Wayne Rooney has a sprained ankle and will with next weeks game against Bayern Munich

The greatness of Messi

Well it has come to the point that I just have to say something. Messi is absolutely amazing. In his past 3 games he has scored 8 goals (3 v. valencia, 2 v. Stuttgart, and 3 v. Real Zaragoza). And these goals are not just tape ins or lucky goals. Most of these are purely brilliant spectacles that only a few players in the world could replicate. I have added a couple of youtube links which show some of these goals. The first is the game against Valencia and it is a highlight tape of the entire game and in Spanish but Messi's brilliance starts at the 2 minute markwith some of his first half stuff and then moves to his second half brilliance but his best goal starts at 2:35. Enjoy...

The next video is of Messi vs. Stuttgart and his brilliance in that game. This video is also a game highlight and in Spanish. Messi's first goal is almost right away, the second goal if you notice is orchestrated by Messi and finished by Pedro. The man is amazing and is so influential...

The last video is the most recent game against Real Zaragoza. Messi once against scores a hat-trick and is pulled down in the box which lead to Ibrahimavic's penalty shot goal. The second goal is the one you want to watch.. over and over and over again...
This last video is not commentated by anyone but has music in the back round and is a highlight of the game..

The first goal is a nice headed finish but the second is amazing. Takes the ball from a defender about midfield then beats one player and then races toward the goal before beating two more and clinically finishing. It is reminiscent of Maradona in '86 and Owen in '98

Is Leo Messi the best player in the world?? At the moment I would have to say yes (though I am admittedly biased) and the only person who is even close to him would be Wayne Rooney. But at the moment there is not a more influential player, for his club team, on the planet. Lets hope as Barca fans his form continues and that is does so in the World Cup as well

Champion's League Draw

Well the draw happened on friday and a soccer fan's dream has come true with Barcelona and Arsenal getting drawn together. This is the best and most interesting match up of the bunch with out a doubt. But first I'm gonna talk about the others.

Man U v. Bayern Munich... Interesting match up here. Obviously a rematch of the '99 Champion's League final which Man U won with 2 stoppage time goals from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Man U will definitely be the favored side in this tie but Bayern could cause a scare for the Red Devils. Man U will have the advantage of the second leg being at home but if they are not careful Bayern can score at home and put this matchup in doubt. With Robben and Ribery causing problems down the flanks, Bayern have a definite attacking scare. I still think Man U will win this tie (and eventually make it to the final) but I think Bayern win's at home but Man U gets the away goal and then finishes it off at home.

Lyon v. Bordeaux... The all French match up. These two teams obviously know each other very well being from the same league. In fact, they will play 3 games in quick succession as they play in the league right after the second leg of this tie. Bordeaux have the second leg at home and are currently in better form than Lyon, sitting atop the Ligue 1 table with Lyon in 5th (but only 5 points back). Lyon have the experience on their side as they have made the knock out stage in the past 6 years. I like Lyon in this matchup because of the experience and having defeated Real Madrid in the previous tie. Though this one is almost 50-50. The winner of this tie gets Man U in the next leg and will have the second leg at home. Man U will be favored against either of these teams and I think Bayern would be too. I see Man U moving on to the final.

Inter Milan v. CSKA Moscow... Inter had a great showing against Chelsea and get the "benefit" of the draw against the least well known side. However, playing against Eastern European teams and having to travel there is always difficult (just ask Barca: Rubin Kazan, Dynamo Kiev, and Shaktar Donetsk). Mourinho will have his team ready to go and will have the advantage of the second leg at home. I think the game in Moscow will be tight and tough but the game at the San Siro will be defining and send Inter through.

Barcelona v. Arsenal... Without a doubt the best match up of this stage. Two teams with a similar style who wont sit back and play ugly soccer (are you listening Chelsea?) Barcelona will be favored in this match up as they are arguably the best team in the world at the moment (they would be favored against everyone they play right now though it would be almost 50-50 against Man U). Henry will be facing his old club and Cesc will be doing the same, though Cesc may also be facing his new club as Barcelona want to buy him this summer. Barcelona have the second game at home. This is also a rematch of the '06 final which Barca won 2-1 coming from behind late. I think the game at Arsenal will be high scoring and very exciting (3-2, 2-1, 3-3 type game). I think Barca will, however, once again take advantage at home and win the tie. The other interesting thing about this tie is that the weekend after the second leg Barca must go to the Bernabeu while Arsenal must take on Tottenham. These two games could cause the teams to play different but I don't see too much changing. The winner of this match gets Inter or CSKA in the next round and will have the second leg at home.

I picture it being Barcelona v. Inter and Man U v. Lyon in the semi's. Again I see Man U making the final and in the rematch of the group stage I think Barcelona will once again get by Inter in a very tight match up. This would obviously lead to a rematch of last years final which Barca won. Not sure who would be favored in this game at these are the top 2 teams in the world at the moment. Rooney and Messi are on amazing form and are scoring all the time. Barca's defense is weaker but their attack and possession is much stronger. I am biased so I will say Barca repeat but remember no team has repeated since it became known as the Champion's League. Also, the game will be in Spain which may help Barca and with it being at the home of your rival it could give Barca another advantage. Also, with Mourinho facing Barca it could be very interesting as he may take over for Real next season or Barca in 2 seasons (Guardiola unsure if he wants to continue after next season).

More to come on the Barca-Aresnal match up when it gets closer

Barca run rampant

I was unable to watch the first game today, Bordeaux v. Olympiacos, but Bordeaux won the game and the tie and are into the quarters.

I did get to watch the Barcelona-Stuttgart game (of course) and what a beauty it was, for Barca fans. Unsurprisingly, Henry started the match with Messi and Pedro flanking him. The game started out just how Barca wanted, taking control and possession early and finding the net early. Another wonder strike from the best player in the world and Barca were off and running. Messi looked like he was out of space but somehow got the shot off and beat Leahmann. Barca got their second soon after with Messi the creator this time and Yaya Toure sliding it across for Pedro to tap home. Barca continued to push and came close a couple times in the first half but were unable to score again.

Stuttgart looked completely over matched and were unable to do anything to stop the Barca onslaught. Messi found the net again with another superb move. Pedro down the right slotted it back to Dani Alves who back heeled to Messi. Messi let the ball slide across him as he turned the defender and then wrong footed Leahmann. The only worry for Barca the entire game came when Sergio Busquets had to come off due to some sort of shin injury. However, when he comes off and you are able to bring Zlatan Ibrahimavic in, it is hard to say its a bad thing.

Ibra looked good and involved even if he didn't manage a goal of his own. It is positive to see him back in the lineup healthy and looking good. Ibra also finished the game with a brilliant thru ball between the legs of the defender to the on rushing Bojan Krkic who took one touch in the entire game and it ended up in the back of the net.

Fun game to watch for the casual observer or any Barca fan as they completely dominated and found the goals too. They join Bordeaux, Lyon, Bayern, Man U, Arsenal, CSKA Moscow, and Inter Milan in the final 8. The draw is Friday to see who plays who in the next rounds!

Surprise!

Well I wasn't expecting to have anything to talk about today but I turned on my TV and surprise surprise Barcelona were on ESPN2. Unfortunately, I missed the first half but from the sounds of it I didn't miss much (at least as a Barca fan). Needless to say I saw the much more exciting half and got to see exactly why Messi is with out a doubt, unquestionably the best player in the world! Virtuoso performance, great finishing, amazing control, unequaled exuberance. A natural hat-trick.

Now, not all can be attributed alone to Messi. His first goal was largely a solo effort (and quite the effort if i do say so) but his second and third had a helping hand from Thierry Henry. Henry has been out of form and out of favor of late and he was actually a second half sub coming on for a, as I'm told, ineffective Bojan Krkic. It is wonderful to see Henry play so well and make the most of his opportunity (Zlatan Ibrahimavic suspended). Henry played his more natural role of central forward which he rarely gets to play at Barca but with this game he is making a case for more playing time and I wont be surprised to see him mid week vs. Stuttgart.

I was told that Valencia played Barca very tight in the first half and pressured high to give Barca little time or space with the ball. The second half was not the same case. Barca had time and space and got into their natural rhythm quickly with Iniesta, Xavi, and Busquets working well in the midfield together and controlling possession. And then came the first goal. Messi taking the ball on the right, dribbling toward the left between two as he cut to his right then just stops on a dime as a defender moves right past him and then Messi tricks the keeper and looks far post before slotting it home near post. Absolutely brilliant individual work and goal. He was then showing off his undershirt which I can only assume said something but I was unable to see.

Barcelona controlled most of the rest of the game except for one instance when Zigic got behind the defense and looked primed to level the match but was superbly denied by Victor Valdes. It seemed to me a chip over Valdes was obvious but Zigic chose to try to slot it far post on the ground and Valdes was able to deflect it.

While Barca were in a comfortable position with possession and control the game was still in doubt at only 1-0. There were a few chances from Henry, Xavi, Pedro, and Maxwell (hit the net but was offside). Then a Valencia defender was shown his second yellow and Barca completely took over. Henry crossed to the right side and Messi took the ball down perfectly with his first touch. He ran at the defense then cut inside (as he always does, force him outside you morons) and curled past the keeper into the far netting to make it 2-0. Then 2 minutes later a poor clearance landed to Henry who pushed the ball into space for Messi. He picked it up took a couple dribbles the finished with his right foot (holy shit he can use that one?!?!?!) just over the keepers outstretched foot.

I was very excited to see the game actually on TV as ESPN2 usually shows crap games, but was pleasantly surprised. And, of course, as a Barcelona fan I was very happy to see the team playing well and grabbing the 3 points. Also, Messi's hat-trick puts him five clear of the next highest scorer in la liga this year!!!

Hello Everyone

Well hi there! This is my first time doing a blog and I am fairly excited. I have always had opinions about soccer and no one ever knows them so I decided to finally write them down. First off, I'm Zac. I'm 25 and have played soccer since I was a little kid. I'm a huge fan of the sport. My teams are the USA of course, along with Brazil, Cameroon, and Holland, with Barcelona and Arsenal being my club teams. Well anyway, I hope you enjoy my future postings and comment.