Sunday 25 October 2015

PSG Remain Unbeaten in the League

Goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Layvin Kurzawa, Edinson Cavani and Lucas Moura gave PSG a comfortable victory over Saint Etienne and ensure the Ligue 1 holders remain unbeaten in the league.

Having returned from a Europa League tie against Dnipro in Ukraine, it was no surprise that St Etienne surrendered most of the possession to their hosts and tiredness was evident as the match progressed.

The first chance did fall to PSG, as Angel Di Maria a terrific out-swinging corner found the head of Thiago Motta but he could not direct the header on target. Two chances followed for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but he failed to control the first and fired the second straight at the keeper.

Saint Etienne had the first attack on the 15 minute mark, when Valentin Eysseric's shot grazed the post. PSG took the lead 7 minutes later through Layvin Kurzawa. With Saint Etienne playing a high line, Kurzawa found himself in space on the left. He beat the defender before firing the shot into the back of the net via the hand of Stephane Ruffier for his first goal since joining the club from AS Monaco in the summer. With PSG completely dominant in the first half hour, it was only a matter of time before the second goal came.

After a terrific interception from Thiago Silva launched a counter attack, Angel Di Maria picked up the ball and struck a shot from outside the box that Ruffier had to parry to safety. Despite this, the visitors had grown into the game and were beginning to get foothold, but similarly, PSG look like they can add to their goal if and when they want.

Ruffier saved Saint Etienne's blushes with another terrific save in the second quarter of the game. After a loose pass was picked up by Cavani, Ibrahimovic was played through and he very unselfishly squared the ball to partner Cavani but his attempted shot was blocked by the goal keeper. A super save that kept the deficit at just one goal. Shortly before the interval the big Swede had another chance to double his side's lead, but his header looped over the bar off a Di Maria cross.

Straight from the kick off in the second period, PSG showed their attacking strength. Di Maria's shot trickled just wide and shortly after, Ibrahimovic squared a ball across the box for Cavani to tap in. The same pair linked up minutes later but Cavani scuffed his shot wide. He really should have done better. Saint Etienne were getting punished for their high defensive line and open play and with the continental hangover looming, a humbling was on the cards if they don't tighten up.

The third goal was scored through Saint Etienne's worst nightmare, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. A sharp turn from Di Maria allowed the Argentine space and his pass found Edinson Cavani. With Ibra in the box, he repaid the pass earlier in the second half offered by the Swede and squared it to give the the 34 year old his 9th goal in his last five games against away side. Not known for their passing relationship, Cavani and Ibrahimovic surprised many tonight.

Saint Etienne managed to get a goal back in comical fashion. Kevin Monnet-Paquet's cross was poorly hacked away by Marquinhos and in an attempt to either control or clear the ball, Marco Verratti deflected it into the back of his own net. Even though it proved nothing more than a consolation, PSG will be annoyed to have conceded their clean sheet.

That goal for Saint Etienne seemed to give the side a bit of a lift, as several chances fell to the away side with Robert Beric having the pick of them. However a fourth PSG goal was scored as full time approached. Verratti dinked the ball into the box and Lucas Moura's header was clumsily dealt with by Ruffier and the ball managed to cross the line. The veteran Saint Etienne keeper had a good night, with this being the only blemish on his performance.

The PSG midfield won the game tonight. They retained possession expertly while fighting for the ball when they lost it. The Saint Etienne midfield was often outnumbered when Ibrahimovic dropped back or when Di Maria cut inside. A victory was nothing short of what Laurent Blanc expected of his side and as they look almost invincible in the league, much will be expected of them in Europe. 

Tuesday 20 October 2015

Even Stevens in Ukraine

Chelsea leave Ukraine with a point after a competent defensive performance against a side who were average at best.

Willian went closest just after the break when a free kick rattled the cross bar, but neither side really looked liked they wanted to claim all three points.

It was evident from the start that Jose had set his Chelsea team up to not lose. A rigid formation,  full backs not looking to be adventurous and holding midfielders sitting and patrolling in front of the centre-halves. A typical Mourinho side when playing away from home in the Champions League. 

Willian and Cesc Fabregas had a few early opportunities, but it was Hazard who hit the post from the left. Replays showed that it was an excellent fingertip save from the Kyiv goal keeper. Vitaliy Buyalskiy had the first meaningful attempt for Kyiv but the shot was straight at Asmir Begovic.Chelsea had a penalty appeal turned down on 16 minutes when Cesc Fabregas drove into the box and seemed to fall over a lazy leg. While Savage and co persisted that it was a penalty all night long, it looked to me as if the Spaniard fell over too easily. 

Nemanja Matic had an excellent chance to give Chelsea the lead when his mazy run into the box left him with a great opportunity, but he poked it wide with his right foot. It was a run that warranted a better attempt than what was offered. Surely if he had taken the shot with the left then it would have made the attempt much easier than it already was? Buyalskiy had another shot on the turn that was sweetly struck and would have beaten Begovic if it weren't for a slight deflection.

In the first half, a pleasing feature for Mourinho was the pressing offered by the attacking players. It hassled and hurried the Kyiv players and they often won the ball back after a long ball by the keeper. Nevertheless it remained goalless at half time. Shortly after the break, Chelsea's dead ball demon struck an absolute peach of a free-kick that cracked the underside of the bar. Willian has a track record of set piece goals have already registered one against Maccabi Tel Aviv in round one.

Kyiv had more possession early in the second half but seemed reluctant to do anything with it. Neither side looked as if they wanted to go on and win the game leaving a draw as the likely outcome. Eden Hazard had a shot blocked from the edge of the area after a drag back from Willian. On the counter, it was a good opportunity with the Belgian unmarked, but equally good defending prevented a shot on target.

After a poor delivery from a set piece by Willian, Andriy Yarmolenko broke down the left flank. Beating Zouma, he found Artem Kravets with a reverse pass but his shot was parried by Begovic. Coveted by many European clubs, Yarmolenko wasn't able to really force himself on the game in the first half when he was against Cesar Azpilicueta. Now up against Zouma, usually a centre back, he started to get on the ball and excite the Ukrainian support.

The last 10 minutes of the game saw both sides come close. Yarmolenko had a ball that flashed across the area and Begovic clutched it into his arms at the second attempt despite a Chelsea player sliding in. The ball could have easily ended up in the back of the net. The last minutes smelt of desperation from the hosts. They failed to create any purposeful attacking moves on Chelsea throughout most of the game and when they realised there were only minutes left, Gary Cahill and John Terry were able to snuff out any potential dangers.

A point in Ukraine, a place that hasn't been the happiest of hunting grounds for English teams in the past, is definitely secretly pleasing for Jose. Like Kyiv, Chelsea failed to create anything from open play and set pieces were where they went closest. Nothing that this Ukrainian side offered will worry Chelsea as they welcome their hosts tonight to Stamford Bridge on 4th November. 

Sunday 18 October 2015

Nerazzurri and Old Lady Share the Spoils in Milan

A goalless draw was the outcome in the Giuseppe Meazza in an enthralling encounter that contained some high octane footballing action.

Juventus were the side trailing Internazionale by 9 points and it was the visitors that started with the more possession. The prize in this game was massive so there was no surprise to see the referee dishing out bookings inside the first ten minutes. Claudio Marchisio, Felipe Melo and Sami Khedira getting jotted down by the ref.

The chances were thin to report on in the first 20 minutes. Juan Cuadrado did have a shot from the right that disturbed the side netting while Stefan Jovetic's free kick didn’t have Gianluigi Buffon worried. Nevertheless it was a pulsating opening quarter with plenty of passion being displayed by both sides.

Internazionale had a hand ball appeal turned down after 25 minutes after excellent work from Marcelo Brozovic down the left but replays showed that the ref made the correct decision. Jovetic had an excellent chance to break the deadlock shortly after when Jeison Murillo slid the Montenegrin through but he was foiled by an excellent save from the 159 times capped Italian stopper.

Inter were most definitely on top as the half hour mark approached. Buffon once again saved Juve's blushes when he tipped a curling shot from Brozovic onto the bar after a short corner. Juventus were struggling and having to commit cynical fouls to slow the game down and to try and get a foothold in it.

Inter seemed to have surrendered their momentum when Felipe Melo looked to have brought Khedira down with a challenge from behind but the referee deemed the challenge to be fair and waved play on. Replays lead me to believe that the Brazilian was lucky not to pick up a second yellow.

Both defences were on form. Andrea Barzagli was on fire and frequently thwarted Inter in their steps. Likewise an excellent challenge from Murillo prevented Simone Zaza from getting a shot on target. The referee blew an electric first half to a close.

Right from the off, Juve pressurised Inter and Cuadrado nearly squeezed a shot through Samir Handanovic's legs. The Old Lady dominated the midfield in the first 10 minutes of the second half, much to the contrary at the tail end of the first half. A snap shot from Stefan Jovetic was sweetly struck from about 10 yards outside the area, but Buffon was equal to the shot despite the vigorous dip just in front of him.

With an hour gone, it was Roberto Mancini who decided to try and force things with the introduction of Fredy Guarin. The pace of the game was frantic from the off of the game, with both sides causing each other problems and neither looking as if they would succumb to tiredness. It looked as if it was going to take a mistake or a piece of magic to separate the sides.

Undoubtedly the chance of the game was squandered by Sami Khedira just before the 70th minute mark. Excellent control, composure and awareness from Alvaro Morata inside the box allowed the Spanish international time to find the former Madrid man. Unchallenged a goal looked inevitable but his shot hit the post and bounced clear of danger.

As the final 5 minutes approached, it looked as if both sides were going away with a point each. Ivan Perisic did have a late free kick that sailed over the bar, not troubling Buffon, while a late surge by Cuadrado to the by-line looked promising, until he failed to find Paulo Dybala or Paul Pogba free on the edge of the 6 yard box. It was excellent play by Cuadrado to beat his opponent on the right flank.

Neither side could be separated and a point each was definitely the correct result. Juventus needed the victory more than the Nerazzurri as they continue to falter in attempt to get their Serie A campaign up and running.

Tuesday 13 October 2015

Dutch Crash Out In Qualifiers

After a dismal Euro qualifying campaign, the Netherlands quest has finally died a death. Throughout this match they looked clueless and devoid of confidence, epitomising their campaign to date.

Right from the off, the Dutch showed their intent. A shot from Anwar El Ghazi was straight at Cech and the keeper saved comfortably. El Ghazi turned provider when his low cross found Wesley Sneijder on the edge of the box but he lacked the composure and sent the ball into Row Z. That's two chances the Dutch have had within the first 10 minutes and were made to rue them once 90 minutes were up.

However it was the Czech Republic that struck first. A flick from Tomas Necid split the defence and allowed Pavel Kaderabek to run in on Jasper Cillessen's net. A shot across the goal left the keeper helpless and gave the Dutch a mountain to climb. There was a notable change in the mood once the goal went in as the Dutch crowd created a raucous atmosphere up until that point. 

At the half hour mark, The Netherlands were having the majority of possession  but they evidently did not know what to do with the possession. No penetration and apart from those chances in the first minutes they didn't look like they were able to score against the Czechs.

The second goal came much to the dismay of the Dutch faithful. A Theodor Gebre Selassie throw in found the right winger before he chipped into Josef Sural who poked the ball past Cillessen in nets. It was poor defending from Van Dijk to allow the Czech wriggle away and double their lead.  Danny Blind had seen enough and introduced Robin Van Persie, substituting Ridejwald. 

This substitution seemed to give the Dutch a lift, creating several opportunities shortly after. Wesley Sneijder released Memphis Depay in behind the defence. He was through on goal but a desperate lunge from Marek Suchy brought the United man down and was dismissed for a professional foul. At half time, the Netherlands looked down and out, however the momentum from the red card had completely swung in favour of the home side.

The second half started and The Netherlands were keen to press. They had several attempts but were unable to latch onto and control the final ball. Time was not on the side of the Dutch and they were beginning to feel the pressure. Despite having the possession, the Czechs were relatively untroubled and Cech had minimal saves to make.

As the game progressed, the Netherlands resorted to long balls. 20 minutes into the second half and the Dutch were yet to make any advantage of the man extra. It was the away side that were going to hit the final nail into the coffin of the Netherlands. A free kick was swung in, and in an attempt to clear it, Robin Van Persie headed into his own net. 

Just short of the 70 minute mark, Klaas Jan Huntelaar headed a consolation for the home side and it would take a miracle to reach the next round. Huntelaar had another attempt but he shot straight at the Czech keeper. Like the red card, the goal seemed to give the Netherlands a lift, but it seriously looked as if they didn't know how to use it. It's not too often we see a Dutch side lump so many long, meaningless balls into the box.

The Netherlands got a second goal back after Van Persie redeemed himself after nudging the ball past Cech after a flick on from Wolfsburg man Bas Dost. Minutes later, Van Persie went down inside the box, but the referee deemed it to be a dive and booked the Dutchman.

The Dutch are out and truthfully, they didn't deserve anything from the game, never mind the qualifying campaign. It's back to the drawing board for Danny Blind and his Dutch side as they prepare to embark on a World Cup qualifying campaign that they cannot afford to mess up.

Monday 5 October 2015

Més Que Un Club

'Més que un club,' or 'More than a club' is the phrase that is associated with FC Barcelona. For many people, the title holders represent something more than just football, independence. On minute 17 and 14 seconds at every game, Catalan song 'Independencia' is chanted referencing the year in which Catalan independence was abolished, with the flag and language also being outlawed by King Philip V at the end of the War of Spanish Succession.

On Sunday 27th September, citizens of the Spanish state Catalonia casted their votes in an Independence referendum. The 'Junts pel Si' (Together for yes) campaign won by a landslide, 62 seats in addition to the 10 seats won by the CUP, but what does the future bode for Catalonia's two main clubs?

First of all, independence is still a while away yet. Spain's constitution does not permit regions to break away so it still be a long and arduous process until an ultimatum is reached. It will take longer than over night to have an independent state created and the decision needs to be approved by the Spanish public. However, the Together for Yes coalition has announced that they will start preparations to enable a road map for independence in 18 months.

We all know of the fierce rivalry between the 'Royals' - Real Madrid - and the 'Catalonian Nationalists' - Barcelona. The dubious transfer of the late Alfredo di Stefano heightened tensions, particularly as Barca claimed to have been pressurized by Spanish dictator General Franco's regime. The Spanish dictatorship was never popular in Catalonia and the club quickly became associated with anti-Franco and pro-Catalan movements, hence the argument for independence. The rivalry is deeply entwined in Spanish history so surely to discontinue it would be a disaster?

Liga BBVA chief Javier Tebas warned that if the country splits, then this could be a serious consequence. Neighbouring countries, France and Portugal have been suggested as possible destinations for the Catalan clubs, while the idea of a 'European Super League' has also been banded about. Realistically, a European league would be a disaster. It would take the major teams out of each league creating a somewhat 'superior' league. It would render the Champions League meaningless and would severely impact the clubs that don't make it into the league. A European Super League will not and should not ever occur.

Tebas seems assertive in his remarks regarding Barca's future. Looking at the situation with a pragmatic eye, could the league really do without Barcelona? The world famous El Clasico derby pulls in around 400 million viewers and TV broadcasters pay obscene amounts of money to host the match on their channel. The LFP would be losing out on serious money if El Clasico was to be split apart, hence why they were furiously campaigning on behalf of the 'No' campaign. While by the letter of the law, Barcelona should not be allowed to compete, there will be a loop hole somewhere exploited if independence becomes a reality.

I haven't mentioned the other club in Catalonia, even though the independence issue still applies to them. RCD Espanyol are not as vociferous about their independence as their neighbours, but it will also severely affect them. They don't generate as much money as their successful rivals for obvious reasons, so the LFP may not be as lenient.  Wrong, I know, but looking at it with a cynical approach, FC Barcelona are more of a pulling power for foreign viewers than RCD Espanyol. Obviously it would be wrong and corrupt to make allowances for one side and not for the other, so this it is likely that they will follow in the footsteps of Barcelona.

The final suggestion is to create a Catalan league, independent from Spain. This would be the worst nightmare for both Barcelona and Espanyol. Consisting solely of Catalan clubs, the league would be at risk of not being recognised by UEFA, therefore not being allowed to compete in European competitions. The Campionat Catalunya was a domestic league for the Catalan sides in the early 1900s. An educated guess would be that a new competition would take a similar format, despite it being seriously one-sided. Out of the 39 seasons, Barcelona won the competition 23 times and finished 2nd or third another 14 times. With the league offering little of a challenge, Barcelona and Espanyol would find it hard to attract high profile players in order to remain competitive in Europe and risk falling to a 'happy-medium' standard with the rest of the teams.

Although FC Barcelona has declared itself to be on neutral ground, independence has been supported by several sport stars including Pep Guardiola, while Gerard Pique and several other past and present Barcelona players have played in unofficial Catalonia international matches. On a national scale, it would be interesting to see how a Catalan national team fares. I suspect a similar approach would be taken if independence was gained as it is in Northern Ireland, where players can opt to play for the 6 county side or else the Republic of Ireland, as James McClean, Marc Wilson, as well as others have done. It would give the players a choice to play for Catalonia or else the Spanish side.

The Spanish national side would also be affected. Talking to reporters in April of this year, Eric Cantona commented, "Spain did not win the [2010] World Cup, Catalonia did." In the final, Barcelona provided six players, while David Villa and substitute Cesc Fabregas moved to the club in that summer. As stated previously, Catalonia does have its own national team however it is not recognised by FIFA or UEFA. Players that would be eligible to feature include Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Cesc Fabregas, a contingent of players that would be vital for Spain. Other hot prospects include Barcelona's Sergi Samper and Sergi Roberto as well as Everton's Gerard Deulofeu. Spain would be severely weakened if these players played for a UEFA and FIFA recognised Catalonian national team.

An independent state of Catalonia is still far away in the distance. If it does happen, then there will be some serious decisions to be made by the governing bodies of La Liga and the Spanish Federation. Feel free to comment your opinions on the matter or even suggest what would happen to Barcelona and Espanyol.

Sunday 4 October 2015

Vietto Saves The Day in Madrid Derby

A late Luciano Vietto goal cancelled out Karim Benzema's early strike as both sides leave the Vicente Calderon with one point.

Real Madrid started the game on top and it took less than 10 minutes for Karim Benzema to nod the visitors in front. Atletico lined up as they are to be expected, with everyone behind the ball and looked to counter, but this changed when going behind. The home side had a great chance through Angel Correa but he dragged his shot past Keylor Navas' right post.

The referee awarded the home side a chance to level the score line, but only after pressure from Atleti's front line on the Madrid defence.  Fernando Torres intercepted Sergio Ramos's pass but the former Liverpool man faltered and squandered the chance. Tiago picked up the loose ball only for Sergio Ramos, again, to scythe the veteran midfielder down. Antoine Griezmann stepped up but Navas dived to his left and saved the penalty from the young Frenchman.

Cristiano Ronaldo's first attempt came just after the half hour mark, but he ballooned the shot over the bar. Real lost fullback Dani Carvajal shortly before the half time whistle. The Spanish international was a key attacking outlet in the first half and always endeavoured to whip the ball into the box. It looked precautionary, but will no doubt the loss will worry Vicente Del Bosque ahead of Spain's Euro Qualifier on Friday.

Half-time beckoned and the score remained 1-0 to Real Madrid. Atletico Madrid were not creating much and anything they did create seemed to come from a Real mistake. For the second half, Simeone introduced the pace of Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco in the place of Oliver Torres in an attempt to find an equaliser. 

Contrary to the first half, Atleti looked to take the game to their city rivals while Real were content to sit back and hit them on the counter attack. The home side had a few snap shots but they were blocked in tandem by the defensive pairing of Ramos and Varane. 

Atleti's only attacking outlet was down the flanks, where the wingers and full backs crossed the ball into the box. Largely the deliveries were disappointing and Madrid's back four dealt with them comfortably. Gareth Bale was introduced by Rafa Benitez, but never really had an impact on the game.

Despite Atleti's chances coming like treacle, they did manage an equaliser with seven minutes remaining. Ferreira-Carrasco broke down the left wing, beating Alvaro Arbeloa before zipping a low cross into the box. Griezmann's flick was blocked, but newbie, Luciano Vietto was on hand to net his first goal for the club. The goal seemed to spark the home side into life as they pressed their visitors higher up the pitch.

Jackson Martinez had an excellent opportunity to win the game for Atletico, with a shot from several yards outside the box. Although struck well, Navas was on hand to save once again. Both sides wanted the victory so the latter of the game descended into an end to end spectacle with neither side able to clinch all three points.

Real Madrid will be disappointed that they could not hold onto the one goal lead that would have sent them of the table, while Atletico Madrid will definitely see this as one point gained rather than two points dropped.