World Soccer

[worldsoccr-blog]

Real Madrid vs Valladolid

Real Madrid has been playing well lately. In the last seven games has scored 30 goals and conceded 9. Valladolid has been the last victim at Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is injured was not able to play. Gareth Bale was the MVP of the game scoring a hat trick and giving an assist to Benzema for the second goal. The final score of the game was 4-0. Valladolid  was not able to counteract with the level of play of Real Madrid. Isco, Di Maria, Alonso, Benzema, Modric played a really good game. Passing the ball around, assisting their teammates, playing with aggressiveness. In the first half, Real Madrid could have scored more goals but the man of the game for Valladolid was their goalkeeper. A young and skillful Keeper, what could not do anything to stop Real Madrid from scoring. Valladolid did not shoot at goal in the first half.

#RealMadrid's Gareth Bale is giving #Ronaldo a run for his money after scoring 3 goals against #Valladolid winning 4-0http://bit.ly/1j84Jt5

— The Gal's Got Game (@TheGalsGotGame) December 1, 2013

 In the second half Valladolid tried to get to change the strategy but it was not possible to score, although they had a great chance that Diego Lopez was able to block. Real Madrid took advantage of the will of their opponents to try to score that they used a lethal weapon that is not unknown for them. With the absence of Cristiano, Bale was the killer in the box and scored two goals one with the right foot and the other with his left. Two assists from the fullback Marcelo and a perfect game for him. A perfect hat trick, a header goal, a goal with the right foot, and a goal with the left foot, this makes the hat trick a perfect one. Bale has the potential of being lethal for Real Madrid’s rivals. With Cristiano coming back, Benzema, and Bale, their opponents should be worried with these three lethal strikers. If Real Madrid manages to maintain their level, and the balance in defence, Real Madrid will be a serious candidate to win the Liga, La Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. 

[worldsoccr-blog]

Monaco Vs Estade Rennais FC

Monaco played a great game against Stade de Rennais on Saturday winning the match 2-0 with goals from the Colombian offensive midfield James Rodriguez,and the 17 year old Anthony Martial. For the first time this season, Anthony Martial was playing in the starting eleven, replacing Colombia Superstar Radamel Falcao, whom the Coach Ranieri claims is injured. Falcao had certain disagreement with his coach Ranieri in the previous match they played away against FC Nantes in which the Colombia striker was replaced in the 69th minute of the game. Falcao looked surprised by the coach’s decision and after that there has been rumors about Falcao wanting to leave the team in the winter transfer window.

Monaco played really well today, they had the total control of the game, led Moutinho and Rodriguez the team looked consistant and balanced, with very few problems in the back. In fact they had more problems up front not being able to score more goals. This game could have ended in a bigger lead from the Monaco FC side if it wasn’t for all those missed chances from the strikers. Falcao is said to be back for the next game. We will see if Monaco  can start scoring more goals in the numerous chances that it creates. It seems that the biggest problem for Monaco this season is the missed opportunities that it generates. Against inferior teams it is not noticeable. But when the meet up with Paris Saint-Germain or Lille, they can’t afford to miss the few chances that they get. Working on their finishes will give more confidence to the team and will bring more happiness to the fans and a better chance to fight for the championship.

[worldsoccr-blog]

Napoli vs Dortmund Champions League Clash

Before this game, Arsenal and Napoli, had 9 points in their standings, and Dortmund 6 points, and Marseille no points. It is known that only the best two of the group will go through to the last sixteen and with the win by Dortmund 3-1 to Napoli, both teams showing intensity, quality in the game, and character, Dortmund has given a big step to go through to the next round. On the other hand, the win by Arsenal 2-0 against Marseille left the group standings Arsenal 12 points, Dortmund and Napoli with 9 points. With the standings like that and the last game of the stage group to be played in December, only one thing is clear. That one of the two great teams in Europe right now will be out of the champions league in the early stage. This "group of death" has turned out to be a close one, and it might be decided by the goal difference. 

ESPN compact #Dortmund vs #Napoli Que bien juega el Borussia por dios

— Cuqui (@CesarMasachessi)

November 29, 2013

It is a shame that one of these teams, Napoli, second in Calcio League in Italy a few points behind Juventus,  Dortmund trailing second in the Bundesliga, and Arsenal leading the Premier league, is going to be out of the competition in the early stages. It was an unlucky draw for these three teams that with more luck in the draw, could have easily made it to the best eight teams of the competition. Now in the final match of the group stage, the three of them will fight till the end to try to go through to the next round.

Out of the three, Napoli is in the most difficult situation to qualify. First because their final match will be played against Arsenal, a team that has a great potential and great quality, and has 12 points and a goal difference of +5.  So Napoli not only is forced to win that match, but it also has to win by more than a three goal difference. Something that can be possible but very very difficult. What Napoli has on its favour is that they will be playing at home, and the Neapolitan fans will be there supporting the team till the end.  On the other hand, Dortmund, it is also forced to win, which with the level shown in the current days won't be hard to do, even though they will be playing away. Marseille in the previous five matches of the champions league has not been able to win nor to tie any match. All of its matches have been lost.

There is no reason to think that this time it will be different. It can be possible for Marseille to score some points, but it is also unlikely that this happens. For this reason, the way it will turn out to be is that either Napoli takes out Arsenal by beating them badly in their final encounter, or there is a miracle in Marseille with the win or draw by the home team that will take out Dortmund. If none of these two situations happen, then Napoli will be out of the competition. 

[worldsoccr-blog]

Ajax vs Barcelona

Ajax and Barcelona played an intense game in Amsterdam for the second to last match of the group stages of the Champions League Competition. The number of injuries in their squad reduced Barcelona’s team. Valdes, Alba, Alves, Alexis, and Messi, were the players that were not able to play this game. Although Barcelona is virtually qualified for the next round of the competition, they wanted to secure first place in their group. They went with the idea to grab some points away that would leave them first in the group and just focus on the domestic league for the remainder of the year. But Ajax surprised Barcelona in the first half, playing outstanding soccer and fighting every ball.

The key for their magnificent first half was the pressing that they exherted on Barcelona FC defenders. Barcelona is one of those teams that likes to play the ball from behind, so Ajax pressed on Barcelona's centre backs and full backs so that they could not have a safe pass and they were forced to do long passes that would jeopardise the ball possession in the midfield. With only one defensive midfield, Song, Barcelona was outnumbered in the midfield, and Xavi and Iniesta did not have chances of getting the ball and passing it to their forwards. Ajax marked Xavi and Iniesta very well in the first half and neutralize any attack from the Barcelona squad. 

#Barcelona boss Tata Martino blames a lack of focus for defeat to #Ajax last night. http://t.co/z6o9pVuKgz @sKenifati

— Sport 360° (@Sport_360)

November 27, 2013

Once Ajax gained confidence in the midfield, they started to pass the ball around quickly and using their wings wisely. In one of those passing rounds, Ajax managed to cross the ball and Serero coming to the center shoots from the small box and it is the opening goal in the 19th minute. Ajax continued with the pressing and Barcelona still shocked by the goal could not recover. The pressing continued and Barcelona FC centerback made a mistake with a pass and Ajax Midfielders recovered the ball shot at goal and on the rebound Ajax scored the second goal in the 41st minute.

 In the second half, Barcelona FC came to the field with a different idea. They tried to be more aggressive and more direct. Just at the beginning of the second half a ball through to Neymar left them alone with a defender and the defender committed a foul. A good call about the foul and the respective red card, but it was a mistake by the referee to call a penalty kick because the foul was committed outside the box. Xavi took the penalty kick and scored the in the 51st minute.

From then people thought that Barcelona was going to come back and win the match. One, Barcelona is a very dangerous team and when they set their minds to it they can do damage on their opponents, and second because Ajax was playing with a man down. But things did not go their way and Barcelona was not able to even tie the game. Barcelona fans are not very happy about it. First loss this season and now thinking about winning in their last match against Celtic, to secure first place of the group.

[worldsoccr-blog]

Mexico vs New Zealand

Mexico vs New Zealand playoff games for the final spots in the world cup, had the same turnout, many people realised that neither New Zealand nor Jordan have a real chance nor real level to go compete at a world cup level. It is obvious that if FIFA  wants to give more spots to other continents, it should not do so at the detriment of the south or north american teams, buy taking half spot away from each confederation, the Conmebol and the Concacaf.

 After these two games, and a 5-0 for Uruguay and 5-1 for Mexico, the second leg game loses interest, and the amount of money payed to broadcast those games is lost. It is not economically sustainable to have those match ups. There is a extremely big gap between those teams. If FIFA does not have a great plan to make the next world cup interesting level wise,  the level of game in the world cup of 2018 in Russia is at stake. The best way to incorporate more teams from other continents is to add more spots in the world cup. The game level will suffer a bit but not many good teams will be restrained from going to the biggest event in the world. 

[worldsoccr-blog]

Colombia vs Belgium

Colombia and Belgium played a friendly match in Brussels in their quest to find their best team and try new players for the world cup that will be played in Brazil next summer. Colombia ranked 4th in the world and Belgium 5th, played an intense game watched more than fifty thousand spectators that filled up the stadium. In the first half, Belgium had the control of the game, with a fast transition from defence to attack, Led by the Chelsea star player Hazard. Hazard on the left wing was very incisive and brought a lot of danger and gave chances to Benteke to score in the first half.

Benteke and De Bruyn had more than one or two clear chances to score in the first 20 mins of the game. Colombia on the other side, was a bit shocked by the intense pressing that Belgium exercised on their wings and offensive midfield, James Rodriguez and Cuadrado. Colombia tried using their full backs to bring danger to the Belgium side with Arias and they actually managed to get a relatively clear chance to score for Falcao when he received a cross from the right  and his shot was blocked by the Belge Keeper. That was the only chance for Colombia in the first half.

Yup, #belgium beaten by #colombia too last night. Never been a Euro winner in LatinAmerican World Cup @XFuxTheSpot

— Neal Collins (@nealcol)

November 15, 2013

In the second half Colombia's attitude change, they started to play on the Belgium side of the field and started pressing their full and centre backs, Belgium had a clear chance at the beginning of the second half with Benteke but the ball was shot too high. Right after that chance a beautiful through pass from Rodriguez to Falcao left him alone with the keeper, Falcao dribbled the keeper and scored the opening goal 0-1 Colombia.

This goal brought more intensity to the game. Belgium went to try to find the equaliser and left some big spaces that Colombia was trying to use. At counter attack Colombia had a couple of chances to score the second goal, chances from Cuadrado, Rodriguez, and Muriel. The coach decided to take Muriel off the field and got Ibarbo in. A few minutes into the game and Ibarbo scores a beautiful goal for the 2-0 lead for Colombia.

Then Belgium try to score a goal quickly to have a chance at the end to tie the game. Belgium had clear chances with Fellaini and Mertens hitting the post. Belgium was desperate to get a goal and had the centre backs on Colombia's side, and with another through ball from Guarin to Jackson Martinez and the Colombian striker was not able to score the third goal, a magnificent block from the keeper. The final score was 2-0 in favor a Colombia. A very entertaining and intense game that gave some ideas to both managers in their pursue to get a solid and balanced team for the world cup. 

[worldsoccr-blog]

Sweden Vs Portugal World Cup Qualifiers

Sweden and Portugal have played one of the most intense world cup qualifying playoffs in recent years. With two of the best players in the world Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading Sweden and Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal it was one of the biggest soccer clashes of the year.

After both finishing second in their respective groups, they were matched up in the draw to play a two leg game that would qualify the winner to the World Cup that will be held in Brazil next summer. The first leg was played in Portugal with a final score of 1-0 an important Portugal win led by Cristiano Ronaldo's goal in the 79th min. However the crucial match was to be played 5 days later in Sweden. 

The game started very intensely. With Portugal pressing on the Swedish side of the field and having their offensive midfields and their wing backs very active at the beginning of the match. Rotating positions and moving the ball fast and precisely from one side to the other. Making the Swedish a bit desperate to gain control of the ball and to have some chances to score.

Since the first leg final score was 1-0 Sweden was forced to score a goal and not concede any to force penalty shoot outs. If Portugal scored a goal, Sweden was forced to win with a 2 goal lead. 2-1 would not be enough because the rules state that in case of a tie in the number of goals scored in the two legs, the goals scored in the away match would count for double. 

Sweden continued with the inertia of the moment to seek a second goal that would give them some chance to fight in the last minutes of the game for the third goal that would qualify them to the world cup. Minutes later, a foul was granted to the Swedes after a full back fouled Zlatan close to the box. Zlatan took the free kick and scored a beautiful goal for a 2-1 lead. They rushed to the midfield after scoring because all they needed was another goal.

The swedes continue with their effort to score but they did it in a disorganised manner and left some spaces in the back. Portugal was smart enough to take advantages of these spaces and with a long ball to Cristiano and a 60 yard sprint from him followed by a beautiful crossed shot, he scored the equaliser that silenced the exultant crowd, and went from having expressions of optimism to expressions of disbelief and hopelessness. 

Ok this match just got interesting...how good is Ibrahimovic? #sweden #Portugal

— Nabil Karim (@NabilKarimTSN)

November 19, 2013

Sweden did not give up and continue to fight with what was left in their tank and in another lethal counter attack, Cristiano with another sprint pass left behind the swedish full back, dribbled the keeper, and scored his most important hat trick of his career. I had never seen that expression on his face after scoring that final goal. He ran to the sideline and the whole Portuguese team ran to him and celebrated the qualification to the world cup. His face showed total excitement. He had helped his National team qualify to the world cup with a superb performance from him and the team. His job was done, and one of the super stars was to be out of the world cup, but it wouldn't be him. He will be in Brazil, Cristiano had brought some joy to his country that needed good news in times of economic recession. It won't help those portuguese bring bread to their tables, but it will boost up their morale a little. 

[worldsoccr-blog]

Netherlands vs Colombia

Colombia and the Netherlands played a friendly match today in Amsterdam. The game was not at all "friendly" since the start of the match Colombia started playing aggressively and committing too many fouls. The referee did not take actions in time, and the game got out of his hands too soon, which had the players committing a lot fouls and challenging every referee's call. The first half  was very interrupted, did not go smooth and spectators were twiddling their thumbs and yawning because the game turned out boring in the first half. For the Netherlands it was a tragic first half, first in one of the encounters between Lens and Armero, Lens was sent off the pitch for a assailing Armero, a bad call from the referee, he should have sent both players off the field because it was a mutual aggression. After that the Netherlands was playing with ten men, and still was trying to score a goal. Van der Vaart was injured by an awful foul from Aguilar who was very aggressive in the misfield and misjudged the slide tackle. This foul force Van der Vaart out of the game and was replaced by Leroy Fer. 

I'm on #Falcao anytime @ 7/4 (2.75)! #Colombia are a strong side. The #Netherlands have a poor defence! http://t.co/Y4VJ88elia #betting RT

— Dutch Football Tips© (@FootballTipsNL)

November 19, 2013

In the second half, not much changed, the Netherlands had most of the control of the game although they were playing with one man down. For important players off the field such as Snyder, Robben, Van Persey, for injuries, the Netherlands controlled the game very well and had more chances of scoring the opening goal. With the lead from the Bayern Munich star Robben, the game should have been easily won by the Netherlands. It was a great chance for the orange machine to try new players out and to test themselves in a challenging situation against a very balanced and organised team such as Colombia. Although Colombia did not show their best performance, Colombia showed that there are no friendly game, and that they want to win every game they play. Colombia is a very aggressive, passionate and mentally strong team, and matching up with the top teams in the world would give them a sense of where they stand as of now, and what aspects they need to improve the most for the world cup. 

[worldsoccr-blog]

Betis vs Barcelona Messi's new Injury

Barcelona was able to win the match against Betis, 4-1 in an away game leaving it at the top of the standings of La liga and with a 3 point lead over Atletico de Madrid who was only able to get a draw at El Madrigal against Villareal. This new win brought more problems than happiness to Barcelona FC. Soccer superstar and four time winner of the Ballon d'or Lionel Messi suffered an injury on his left thigh that will have him off the fields for six to eight weeks, the remaining of the year. This is bad news for Barcelona FC because since April of this year, Messi has suffered similar injuries in both legs. The problem with these injuries is that Messi doesn't seem to be the same player since he started suffering from those injuries this year. Barcelona's doctors have "forced" his recovery times to use him for crucial games, which has not allowed him to recover completely. This is shown on his performance in the following matches, not able to show his whole potential nor his infallible skill to score.

#LaLiga. El jugador argentino del #Barcelona Lionel #Messi se lesionó de nuevo este domingo, y no terminó ante el #Betis

— Super Stereo 98.1 FM (@superstereo981) November 11, 2013

#Betis 1-4 #Barcelona: Blaugrana victory marred by #Messi injury http://t.co/OTdDw9nL8b

— FootballGates (@FootballGates) November 12, 2013

Now Barcelona FC has told Messi and his physiotherapists to take their time in their recovery. Until he is not fully recovered and at one hundred percent physically, he will not be back on the pitch. Barcelona FC does not want to risk him, and they want him back at his full potential for the rest of the season, which is the most difficult, facing the last sixteen of the champions league competition and the end of La liga. While Messi recovers, Neymar is the player to be called out to lead the team to victory. So far he has shown character and leadership, always asking for the ball and assisting his teammates. Although he is still in debt with the number of goals he has scored, he has done a great job assisting his teammates.

[worldsoccr-blog]

"The Clasico" Barcelona vs. Real Madrid

Last Saturday, was "El Clasico" or "The Classic" between Barcelona and Real Madrid. El Clasico has always become more famous in recent years, since it has been characterized by Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo two of the best players in the world.

In comparison to past classics, this time around Neymar; the most recent acquisition of Barcelona stole the spotlight when he scored the first goal in his first classic.

Even though Madrid had more control of the ball unlike past classics where Barcelona had always more ball possession; Barcelona this time was more effective and scored two goals while Madrid scored one in the last minutes of the game. 

Real madrid fans were upset 

Two penalties not called. #UndianoFC against Real Madrid

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@CRonaldoFever)

October 26, 2013

. @NeymarJr debuts with a goal in the Clásico #ClassicFCB http://t.co/BZQvcENIFG

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona)

October 27, 2013

[worldsoccr-blog]

World Cup Qualifiers

Last week there were some qualifiers for the Brasil 2014 world cup. On Friday  October 11th Colombia played Chile in Barranquilla. This was an important game because if Colombia won or tied the game it would be directly qualified; since they had 26 points. Chile on the other hand had 24 points and they needed  3 more points to qualify. So this game was decisive for both teams if they wanted a spot in the World Cup.

 At Lucky bar in D.C, despite the rain, there was a massive line of Colombian people waiting to get in the bar just to watch this game. The game started at 5 p.m and both Colombians and Chileans were nervous for this game. Not too far from the beggining of the game, in minute 18th Chile won a penalty which was scored by Arturo Vidal and put Chile ahead. All three goals were scored on the first half, making it hard for colombians to come back in the game.

At Lucky Bar, all Colombian fan faces looked sad, disappointed and they were speechless. As the second half started Colombians were still cheering for their team, hoping they would at least score once. And in minute  66th Carlos Carmona, Chilean player picked up a second yellow card and Chile was left with ten players. In minute 69th Teofilo Gutierrez, gave Colombians the first goal. After this goal, Chile was giving Colombia more spaces and Colombians were making Chile so uncomfortable that many faults were committed. One resulted on a penalty kick that gave Colombia their second goal with Falcao. 

#SeleccionColombia jugó mal con #Chile Si no hubiera sido xq los chilenos se desesperaron y cometiron faltas, no habrían metido 2 goles.

— Cagimo (@cagimo)

October 12, 2013

At Lucky Bar the atmosphere was tense, Colombians were excited, nervous and hoping for a miracle to happen to get the third goal so that they would tie. As the game was about to end, Falcao again scored in a second penalty kick, tying the game 3 to 3. Lucky Bar became a huge party, everyone was happy with the result.

Colombia directly qualified to the Brasil 2014 world Cup with 27 points; while Chile ended with 25 points and another game to play. After 16 years of not qualifying, Colombians finally got a spot in the 2014  World Cup.

Here is a video with all the goals of this game:

[worldsoccr-blog]

Ball possession is not the key for a win

After four years F.C. Barcelona loses in ball possession but wins the game against Rayo Vallecano. Barcelona in the last four years had monopolised the ball possession in all the matches that they played. With the previous two managers, Pep Guardiola and Tito Villanova, Barcelona F.C had been recognised as a team of ball possession and smooth transitions. Anyone watching Barcelona play, would recognise their style right away, whether the game was at home or away, they would have an average of ball possession of more than 65% at every game. With the new manager, Tata Martino, Barcelona has remained with a high percentage of ball possession, but also has gained more effectiveness when it comes to goals converted.

What do you know. #Barcelona had less possession than #Rayo. When was the last time you saw that? Incredible stuff.

— Goal India (@Goal_India) September 21, 2013

Barcelona's style of play has always been of having the ball for the majority of the time during the game, but they have struggled to turn their possession supremacy into goals scored. This was not the case today, Rayo ended their possession supremacy, statistically speaking, Rayo took the ball away from Barca, they played aggressively in the midfield, used the wing backs to attack. They also pressed on their offensive midfields Xavi and Iniesta, making Barcelona lose presence in the midfield, forcing their full backs to use long balls to find their strikers. Unfortunately  all of this "control' of the game was useless, because Rayo was never effective and was unable to score a goal. As the match went on, Barcelona on the pitch started to feel more confortable, and  using counter attacks as their weapon, they had serious chances to score in the first half, they were not able to capitalise them but in the second half everything changed. Pedro scored his first Hat trick in Barcelona F.C and Fabregas scoring another goal. A final score of 4-0 at Vallecas, and 3 points that help the team remain first in the standings of la Liga. Ball possession is important if that helps the team score goals, and it seems useless if the strikers are not able to score. Barcelona F.C has always been a solid team, but now it has become a more dangerous. They are not afraid of stepping out of their confort zone to look for new strategies within the game to become dangerous and more effective when it comes to winning matches.