So once again Mr. Sepp Blatter wants to control the number of foreign players in the european teams.

Great idea but very much improbable that will be approved by the UEFA members. And that's about it.

But I decided to write (and read your opinions) about it.

Mr. Blatter's idea is not just bullocks. It does have a good intention behind it. He claims (and he's right) that the way the big clubs are right now make it impossible for a smaller team to fight for a league title. And that is very bad for football, very bad for the national teams but very good for global business for those big clubs.

When we see a team like Arsenal for example. 25 foreign players and only 12 Brittish on the 2007-2008 squad.  With Internazionale  Milan from Italy it's even worse. Out of the 29 players on the regular first team only 4 are Italian. It's not rare to see Inter playing with a starting XI that features only Marco Materazzi as an italian born player (well and then he gets a red card and Inter ends up with 10 foreign footballers on the pitch).

It is a pleasure for the fans to see their team win titles and sweep their rivals off the map for one season but when it happens like in France where Olympique Lyon (10 foreigners) is about to win the French League for the 7th time in a row, I start to understand (and partially agree) with the FIFA President.

The main difference between me and SOME other people that write here at OleOle is that I'm absolutely NEUTRAL.

I love good football and I know some of you will say "if you love good football you should love the foreign presence because they give quality to the Brittish teams". 

They do. The English sides of Manchester United and Chelsea fought for the league this season and going to play for the continental title thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo, Tevez, Vidic, Anderson, Ballack, Drogba, Cech, Essien, etc... 

Of course there is also Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Wayne Rooney BUT neither of the two teams could rely on an all-Brittish squad to get this far in the tournaments. WE KNOW THAT!

And as the powerful clubs become richer, more international and consequently more powerful we see the National Teams becoming weaker and weaker. England out of the Euro ... hmmm... that might say something... 

So, (try to) leave your passion aside just for little bit and think how much more exciting would be if we had other teams besides Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and ManU in England, Real Madrid and Barcelona (and sometimes Valencia) in Spain, Juventus, Inter and AC Milan in Italy, Olympique Lyon in France. 

What's your opinion on this? 

Lots of jaws dropped after slightly unknown side of Zenit of Saint Petersburg crashed the powerful Bayern Munich with a resounding 4-0 n the second leg of the UEFA Cup semifinals. The Russians then secured their spot in the final with a 5-1 aggregate score.

I watched that match and I have to tell you all that I was shocked. Zenit in any moment lost their calm. They controlled the game and displayed a very disciplined football in defense and great speed and technique in counter attack.

They count on the goals of 24-year old Pavel Pogrebnyak. He already scored 10 goals in this edition of the tournament and has by his side the fast and skilled Argentine forward Alejandro Domínguez.

Zenit's Dutch coach Dick Advocaat completes this successful formula. From 1998 to 2002 Advocaat was in charge of Rangers FC and knowing the Scottish club's behind the scenes may be an advantage when putting his team on the pitch.

To get to the final in Manchester, Zenit had to eliminate Spartak Moscow (RUS), Olimpique Marseille (FRA), Bayer Leverkusen (GER) and Bayern Munich (GER).

Could they also beat the Scottish?

***

If Zenit will try to repeat the achievement of CSKA Moscow in 2005 and bring the UEFA Cup to Russia again the Rangers expect not to make the same mistakes as the other two Scottish teams that lost in the final. It happened to Celtic in 2003 and to Dundee United back in 1987.

Rangers entered the 2007-2008 UEFA Cup direct to the round of 32 knock out round after their elimination in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.

The team could be seen as favourites for this final against the Russians due to their good position in the Scottish Premier League table, their tradition and the match will be in the UK. The Blues' fans will certainly pack the stadium and the streets of Manchester to support their team to win their first continental title.

I just think it won't be easy at all.

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SNAPSHOT:

Who: FC Zenit (RUS) vs. Rangers FC (SCO)

What: UEFA Cup Final

When: Wednesday, May 14^th, 2008 - 8:45pm (UK Time)

Where: City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester, England

DO YOU WANT TO FEEL THE HEAT OF THE UEFA CUP FINAL FROM THE STANDS IN THE MANCHESTER STADIUM? 

CHECK ON TICKET PACKAGES INFO HERE 

So we are less than two months away from kick off at the Euro 2008.

The main nations like Spain, Germany, Italy, Holland, France, Portugal … are intensifying their preparations for the most important competition in the continent.

After some research I could see that most of the betting sides point Germany as favorites to win the tournament followed by World Cup Champions Italy. Among internet users it seems that Spain is at the highest preference as possible winners.

I truly believe that none of these teams will take the title. I would put my money on France.

With Abidal, Diarra, Saha, Flamini, Vieira, Ben Arfa, Anelka, Ribery and Benzema … the French can even leave Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet sitting on the bench…

I don’t particularly support any of the teams although I always have hopes that Spain is going to perform well in and International Competition. (I’m getting tired of hoping).

But before getting to the finals the teams need to qualify in their groups so my first question for you, CRAZY FOOTBALL FANS is … who are the teams that will make to the quarter-finals

HERE ARE THE GROUPS:

Leave your predictions:

An electrifying match played at Anfield proved why the Premier League is the best club league in the world at the moment. Arsenal and Liverpool fought until the very end for a place in the 2007/2008 UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

 

Arsenal turned things in their favor when, at minute 13, after a great play from Cesc Fabregas, Darby with a powerful shot put the Gunners ahead (picture). LIVERPOOL 0 x 1 ARSENAL

17 minutes later Hyypia header made things even for Liverpool. LIVERPOOL 1 x 1 ARSENAL

The score was now set for a possible extra time but just as the second half started we could tell that none of the teams were gonna settle for that.

Chances missed from both sides on the second half until Fernando Torres received the ball in the box, turned and with a powerful shot scored a beautiful goal (picture) and put Liverpool ahead. Now the possibility of a penalty shootout didn't was eliminated. LIVERPOOL 2 x 1 ARSENAL

I always criticize the British style of football with their long crosses and physical game but I see hope when I see a kid like Theo Walcott touch the ball. And what a touch he had at minute 84.

Coming from his own field, Walcott dribbled all the Liverpool defenders that came into his way and assisted Adebayor that only had to place the ball into the net. Arsenal tied the game and had one foot on the semis. LIVERPOOL 2 x 2 ARSENAL

But one foot is not enough. Especially when you're playing against a powerful offense like Liverpool's. One minute later Babel invaded Arsenal's box and was tripped after having his shirt pulled. An obvious foul and inside the box it means PENALTY!

Gerrard gave Almunia no chance and Liverpool crashed the Gunner's morale right there. LIVERPOOL 3 x 2 ARSENAL

Arsenal moved all offense. A goal would put them through but with little time to do it, the team got desperate and that gave Liverpool the chance of counter attack. At minute 92 Liverpool confirmed their ticket to the semifinals with Babel socring the 4th goal in a quick counter-attack. LIVERPOOL 4 x 2 ARSENAL

A game that could've gone either way ended with the victory of the most consistent team in the past weeks. Arsenal had a great first half of this season but the team started going down hill since the beginning of the year. That got even worse when Eduardo got injured and now they need to pick up the pieces and fight for at least a place in the next Champions League.

Liverpool moves on to face Chelsea and I believe they have a big chance of pulling this one of and making to the big Final.

According to the Spanish Website MARCA.COM, Ronaldinho's brother Roberto de Assis had a meeting with Manchester City's representatives to promote the brazilian midfielder. But he also talked to Internazionale and AC Milan (that already offered 20 million Euros to Barcelona). Chelsea was the first club that showed interest in adding Ronaldinho to their squad back when the problems appeared between the player and his present club.

      --> Ronaldinho wants to know what his next team will be.

Thierry Henry is also target by AC Milan. The Rossonero sees the French striker as a perfect replacement for Ronaldo and along with Pato and Kaká (and maybe Ronaldinho) they would form a great offensive line. Besides the Milanese team some English teams are also targeting Henry: Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle. But the most surprising proposal came from the recently built MLS franchise Seattle Sounders FC.

 

     --> Where will the French striker go next? He's waiting for a definition

As a new MLS Season begins, US Soccer Fans start to turn their attention to David Beckham, Landon Donovan, Gallardo, Cuauhtemoc Blanco but I went on a different road. 

Today I took a break from the testosterone of the English Premier League, the Spanish La Liga , the Italian Serie A  and avoided the MLS (for now) to spend my Saturday afternoon with 26 ladies. The USA Women’s Soccer Team. And even better, I got to talk to them and get OLE OLE an exclusive interview that shows how dedicated these women are to US Soccer and the evolution of the sport among women.

Living in the United States I hear a lot of non-sense bulky (sometimes obese) guys telling me that “soccer is for girls”. I think they are right. But we are not talking about the shallow 24-hour Barbie Girls, no sir… We are talking about elegant, talented, fast and tough, very tough superwomen.

I dare any of those guys to go in the air to dispute a header with Abby Wambach… Or to show their fancy footwork in front of defensive midfielder Shannon Boxx… Or yet, to go one-on-one against tough goalkeeper Hope Solo… I’d love to see that…

Anyway… I went to the team’s training session at the Home Depot Center here in California and watched the girls preparing for the Olympic Qualifying that will be played next month in Mexico.

After the practice I talked to former NCAA Champion for USC Amy Rodriguez, to 2004 Gold Medalist Shannon Boxx and to Swedish coach Pia Sundhage:

Amy Rodriguez (number 19 on the right)

Mano Gil: You were on the USC team that just won the NCAA Championship right? How was that?

Amy: Well, playing for USC in the NCAA, well… we were not among the top dogs we were kind of the underdogs in that situation so that was a unique experience, you know. We started from the very bottom and worked our way up and we actually worked very hard to get to the final four and basically busted it out. So, that experience I’ll never forget and I hope to use it here with the National Team.

You're one of the babies of the team, right? You’re only 21 so what do you remember from the former great Women’s National Teams?

Well yeah, I’m only 21, just turned 21, so yeah, I’m one of the babies here but there a few younger than me. I remember… well, the earliest moment or experience that I remember is the 1999 World Cup when it was at the Rose Bowl here in California. Since I’m from California I was able to go to the games. That was the first time I got interested, actually the first time I even knew what a World Cup was. In 99 I was….12? 12 years old? (laughs) Yeah, I was really young. For me it was great to see that. I had no idea that one day I would be here. I just remember watching them and thinking of how cool they were and I wanted their autographs, I wanted to be just like them. It’s unique you know? It’s very special to me to be able to be playing among these people that I once had their posters on my wall.

Shannon Boxx

Mano Gil: Did last year’s defeat to Brazil leave a sour taste? Was it something hard to swallow just like when Norway beat the US in the World Cup semifinals?

Boxx: No, it wasn’t. I think Brazil outplayed us that day. I think it was a tough game. We played with ten men (sic) for over 45 minutes but even before I got called out on that one, I think they were showing a lot more intensity than us. So I think that day they were better than us. That’s what it was. That’s how it happens with soccer.

And do you see the others countries evolving and improving their game?

Yes and that’s great. We were blessed that we started early in Women’s Soccer. We got support from our Federation and we were able to make this sport our job. And now other countries Federations like Brazil, like Germany, are investing in women soccer too. For me this is great. They look at us and they say “look how good they are and we want to be great too”. For me it’s just great to see women soccer develop everywhere.

Are we gonna see Shannon Boxx playing another World Cup?

You know what? I hope so. I’m gonna play until my body tells me I can’t play or someone takes my spot so I’m excited I’m having fun. I’m actually completely recovered from my knee injury. Pia has a passion to play soccer and it’s coming out on me.

And are you going to convince Kristine Lilly to come back?

Yes we are!!! For sure!!! That will be a plus

Pia Sundhage – Head Coach

Mano Gil: Women’s Soccer has developed Last world cup 120 teams played the qualifiers, 16 made it to the finals… Do you think that for the next World Cup it is time to raise the number to 24 teams?

Pia Sundhage: Well… yeah, I’ve been around Women’s Soccer and around FIFA people saying we need more teams. I’d say if you compare the level of 1991 to today so many things have happened I think it’s about time that we get more teams and make that tournament even bigger because the women’s game is improving everyday pretty much.

It’s well known that you’re a very competent coach, a great strategist but with Greg Ryan who is an excellent coach he had one defeat last year and his job was on the line. Do you worry about this pressure, this responsibility, this necessity to win?

No, no… because I get my energy from inspiration. This practice for instance, we didn’t win any game today but we won a lot of things on the field. We talked about the way we want to play, I saw a lot of smiles, I heard a lot of discussions. That’s the way to the next winning game, the way to the gold. That’s what counts It‘s goods to know where we’re going. Everybody wants the gold I want to win the next game and I want to win it in a certain way. It’s not just the about the three points. And if I don’t survive the Olympic Games I had a great time and I’ll have great thing to take back to Sweden or to whatever country I go to next.

 Mano Gil interviewing Amy Rodriguez

 

Abby Wambach signing a souvernir for a fan

They've just announced the draw for the quarter-finals of the 2008 UEFA Champions League:

Here are the matches and a quick personal analysis:

Game 1: Arsenal X Liverpool

The game that every football fan were dying to see. This match is probably the most interesting match of the four. Last time these two teams played was on October 28th at the Anfield. The score ended 1-1 and some curious facts can be pointed to help us predict this clash:

*Liverpool scored early in the game with a free kick from Gerrard. The equalizer came with Fabregas but only at minute 79.

*Fernando "El Niño" Torres only played the first 45 minutes and left the pitch injured, now he's fully recovered and playing at his best.

*Eduardo was not even on the bench for that match and now he will once again watch the game from his home.

***MY PREDICTION: Arsenal will not be able to stop "El Niño" and Liverpool will move on to the semi-finals.

Game 2: Roma X Manchester United

If the first game is the most interesting this one is possibly the most exciting. Both teams have tremendous capacity of creating offensive plays so we might see many goals in this draw. That's why, even though one might think Man U are the favorites with Cristiano Ronaldo, Tevez and Rooney leading the pack, I still believe they should not even think of underestimating Pizarro, Mancini and Totti.

***MY PREDICTION: I'll be cheering for Roma on this one because of my "homeboy" Mancini but I believe Manchester United is indeed a stronger side and will advance.

Game 3: Schalke 04 X Barcelona

Well, well, well... If Ronaldinho plays his best, if Henry forgets about his unhappiness, if Etto scores the necessary goals then Barcelona will have an easy path to the semifinals. The only problems is that a football match is never decided by "IFs". Schalke made this far for a reason so the Catalan Team will have to foccus and play well without their Wonder Kid Lional Messi.

***MY PREDICTION: Ronaldinho is eager to shut up his critics and I'm expecting him to perform his best, with that been said, it's Barcelona in the semifinals.

Game 4: Fenerbahçe X Chelsea FC

This is not gonna be pretty. Chelsea doesn't follow the "play beautifully" slogan. They play to win and that's it. Fenerba'hçe on the other hand plays with heart. They might not have the best team on the paper but their home crowd can make all the difference. It's not gonna be easy for Chelsea playing in Turkey. So we might have a surprise with this one.

***MY PREDICITION: Brazilian Coach Zico will infuse passion in his players hearts and Fenerbahçe will repeat Barnsley achievement and knock Chelsea out of the competition.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN TO AGREE OR DISAGREE...

POST YOUR PREDICITONS!!! 

After yesterday's and today's games I came to a few personal conclusions (feel free to disagree)

 * Using the home team advantadge is crucial at this point of the competition.

* But a one goal is still a dangerous result for Fenerbahce and Roma. They will both face strong spanish teams that will play for their crowds. And Sevilla and Real Madrid will need a simple victory by 1 x 0 to move to the next round.

* Schalke has a better change to hold up Porto. The tactical discipline of German football can make the difference

* Liverpool is a little bit more confortable to face Internazionale after scoring twice and not allowing a reaction by the leader of Serie A.

* Real Madrid's inefficiency to create trouble to Roma's defense in the second half proved that Robinho is much more important for the team than Robben right now.

* Vitor Valdes needs to improve his game or soon he'll be getting the boot. How couldn't he save that header in Celtic's second goal?

* Olympique Lyon will have a lot of problems to stop Tevez and Ronaldo in the second leg. Lyon can always count on Bezema and Juninho but if Ronaldo, Tevez and Anderson really play at the top of their games it would be improbable to Man Un to be beaten.

* Experience still goes a long way. Of course I'm talking about AC Milan. They bravely held up a 0 x 0 result against a Arsenal that had at least 2 clear chances to score. Arsenal still has a chance but beating the European (and World) Champions will not be a simple task at all.

* Messi is the pulsating heart of Barcelona now! And Ronaldinho finally woke up! And that's excellent for the spectacle of football!!!

Please add your own points of view!

Kevin Kurani (Schalke 04)

Ernesto Farias (FC Porto)

Raul (Real Madrid)

Mancini (Roma)

Kovacevic (Olimpiacos)

Drogba (Chelsea)

Tevez & Rooney (Manchester United)

Karim Benzema (Lyon)

Materazzi (Iternazionale)

Gerrard (Liverpool)

Kezman (Fenerbahçe)

Dani Alves (sevilla) vs. Alex (Fenerbahçe)

Kaka (AC Milan)

Eduardo (Arsenal)

Barry Robson (Celtic)

Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

I decided to watch Roma vs. Real Madrid simply because both teams have a style of football that pleases me a lot. Even though Madrid played without Robinho I would have the chance to see Robben, Sergio Ramos, Casillas. Raul, Van Nilsterooy and Julio Baptista and on the other side I really like the way Roma plays. Mancini, Totti, Pizzaro, Juan... I knew this would be a great game.
.

***

The first half was not as good as it could be but Robben was the differential. At the 8th minute he started the play that ended with Raul putting the ball inside Doni's net. Real was up by 1 and looked pretty comfortable in the game.

***

The problem is that "Los Merengues" miss Robinho very much. Mainly because he is the one able to cause defenses to collapse simply by moving without the ball. And when he has it he is able to take defenders easily and create spaces for Raul and Van Nilsterooy. Without him Real Madrid was not able to transform its first half superiority into goals.

***

So that at the minute 24th Pizarro scored Roma's equalizer confirming that if don't score when you have the chance you end up boosting your opponent's morale.

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Pizarro celebrating his goal .

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And then came the second half. Roma came back a different team. Still the same players but with a different spirit. At minute 12 Mancini did what he does best. Coming on the left side in an individual play he shoots and puts the home team on the lead..

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After the goal, Roma became a little bit more cautious and Real Madrid still wasn't able to be really dangerous. Even though the (fanatical) "Diario Marca" states that the result was unfair I honestly didn't think so.

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In football you got to transform superiority into opportunities and those into goals. Real Madrid didn't but Roma did.

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