Alexandre Pato - A New Hope?

I struggle to recount a player that has fallen off the scale as big as Alex Pato. Injuries during his stint at AC Milan thwarted him from fulling his potential as one of the most exciting prospects in world football, but now aged 26, could he be about to return to the big stage?

Rumours sparked at the start of the transfer window that the former wonder kid was on his way to the red side of Merseyside. Recently however, Pato has attracted some attention from Chelsea with various outlets describing the announcement as 'imminent'.

Milan signed Alexandre Pato from Brazilian side Internacional after he impressed in his first competitive season, scoring 6 goals in 11 matches. He scored within 60 seconds on his debut for the Brazilian side at just 17 years of age, meaning that he was touted as the next Ronaldinho after leaving the field that day to a standing ovation.

His first season in Italy was very good, especially for an 18 year old. He continued his tradition of debut goals and then went on to score another 10 in all competitions. In his early years, Pato was talked up and rightly so, as he had a lot of talent, it's a pity that the injuries wrecked his chances of really making the big jump. 

He featured in every game bar two in his second season, notching 18 goals in 42 games. He also formed one third of the famous trident that tortured Serie A defences for so long in the league. The 2009-2010 season saw him make less appearances, but still record a respectable 14 goals in all campaigns.

It was the 2010-2011 season when all started to unravel for Pato. He featured in 33 games in all competitions for Milan, suffering achilles and thigh problems, as well as being out for a short stint at the start of the season courtesy of a tear in the abductor muscle. He featured in even less the following season, just 18 times before being sold to Sao Paulo in January 2013.

In his first season back in Brazil he amassed 38 appearances, fighting his way back to full fitness, but never won over the fans at Corinthians and struggled to appear interested on the pitch. They cited his poor attitude as the reason they failed to relate to him and even the players found it hard to get on with him, considering his high weekly wage - the biggest in the club. Relations were not helped with his penalty miss in the 2013 Brazilian Cup quarter final loss to Gremio.

Currently, Corinthians cannot wait to get rid of the playmaker as they he is widely regarded as one of the clubs worst ever signings for the club. With the club financially unstable, getting their highest paid player off the wage bill would prove beneficial. Step forward potential suitors.

While Alex Pato will never reach the heights that were once touted of him, he is still only 26 and will be a useful player for Chelsea if they sign him. Playing in a wide role in his younger days, the injuries have affected his pace, so is normally deployed up front. He has the ability to play on the shoulder of the defence and will cause trouble for the players.

Joining Sao Paulo on loan, the Brazilian had a 2015 to remember with the goals returning in abundance. 23 to his name as Sao Paulo finished fourth in the Brasileriao and again 4th in the Paulista.

With Diego Costa as Chelsea's first choice striker and prone to the odd suspension, Alex Pato would be a player that Guus Hiddink could take a calculated risk upon. Radamel Falcao is struggling just as bad as he did last season at Old Trafford and Loic Remy could be soon departing Stamford Bridge. His price is currently a fuzzy area with various media outlets reporting that the £8m is required to buy his services while others believe that Corinthians are looking towards $20m.

It's hard to believe that Pato is still just 26 years of age, but to completely write the player off would be foolish. I tip the Brazilian to get back to where he was envisaged he'd be at this point in his career.

2014 World Cup Semi Final Preview

We are now just down to the last 4 teams in the tournament and the draw has thrown up 2 very tasty encounters that will be settled by late Wednesday evening into Thursday morning.

Brazil v Germany

The Tuesday night battle between Brazil and Germany will be slightly dampened by the missing Neymar who broke a bone in his back against Colombia, as well as the suspension of captain, Thiago Silva. Nevertheless, it will still be a gripping and exhilarating tie. Even though the Brazilians have home advantage, the Germans will have belief, particularly as the hosts will be missing their talisman. They also have a key asset in Thomas Müller in their possession, who is possibly one of the most underrated players in the world. In addition to this, Miroslav Klose is a useful weapon to have on the bench and will be looking to grab that solitary goal needed to make him the World Cup all time top scorer. It has been widely documented that the lack of a number nine within the ranks of the Selecao has been one of their weaknesses. With the Germans efficient at the back, this could be the match where there attacking weakness is exposed. 

The absence of Neymar is a travesty for the nation of Brazil and this was a match where he had the ability to hurt the Germans. It has been evident throughout the duration of the tournament that Jogi Löw is determined to hold a very high defensive line, even with playing Per Mertesacker at the back. Although with Arsenal, Arsene Wenger deployed a similar tactic against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge which resulted in a calamitous performance from the big German in which they conceded 6 goals. With Germany, Löw has often played with 4 centre halves at the back with Lahm sitting in front, dictating the play. This is an area the Selecao could exploit, particularly with the pace of Hulk, one on one with a defender.

Brazil have got to the Semi Final without mesmerising the world with their spectacular football, and now to get past the Germans, they will have to do it without their golden boy, Neymar as well as influential leader and captain, Thiago Silva.

Argentina v Holland

The second Semi Final match is another cracker. Few people, including myself, gave the Dutch any hope going into the tournament and it wouldn't be unfair to say that they have surprised us all. They have surpassed all expectations, including their own in which they stated they would have been pleased with an exit at the quarter final stage. With Louis Van Gaal at the helm, a shot at glory in the infamous Maracana is not out of the question, but first they must defeat Argentina and Lionel Messi and it won't be an easy task. 

The Argentine media have criticised their country saying that they rely on their own superstar, Lionel Messi too much. This is a fair evaluation of the side as the little wizard has dragged them over the line in the match against Iran as well as providing the assists for Di Maria and Rojo to beat Switzerland and Nigeria respectively. Even though they possess an array of talent in the final third, defensively, they can be loose, as proven in the game against Nigeria. It tough to say who will dictate the majority of the play, if Argentina do, then the Netherlands will be looking to counter in a similar way to which they did against Spain, and we all know how that one turned out. 

Either way, this match will go to the wire and it may be a piece of magic from one of the stars on show to seal the winner for either side. Holland will be hoping to isolate Robben one on one against the defenders, while the Argentines will be hoping that Lionel Messi will be able to come up with the goods once again.

The Final has the possibility of being an all European, or else an all South American affair. A match between the Dutch and the Germans has it's history, and one which should provide plenty of crunching tackles as well as a high calibre of football. The rivalry between the two South American sides in question is enormous. Pundits and football fans have been wishing for a Argentina and Brazil from the start and now, it is looking ever so likely.

World Cup Preview

"Twas the night before the World Cup, when all through the house

excitement was building, even in the mouse.

The fridge was loaded with beer and Doritos

and we were making our Brazilian mojitos."

I'll leave the poetry to Clement Clarke Moore and start discussing what lies in wait over the next month. It is hard to believe that in less than 24 hours, the 2014 World Cup will be kicking off. It seems like only yesterday when Andres Iniesta sent Spain to World Cup glory and they kick off their attempt to retain their title on Friday in a remake of the last final.

Everyone has seen the disruption and chaos that the country of Brazil is in, with stadiums not being ready and the protests from the natives over the World Cup, at why the money could not be spent with more wisdom on more pressing matters, such as tackling poverty and improving infrastructure. Blatter has already been in the media for the wrong reasons this week, and many people condemn him for heaping unwanted pressure onto the South American nation. Besides this not-so-small-issue, I hope the World Cup lives up to expectation once again.

Dark Horses

I would like to start with the teams who have the potential to cause an upset in the tournament. Under this bracket, I include the likes of Switzerland, Ivory Coast and Chile.

Firstly I'd like to begin with a personal favourite of mine, Switzerland. I tip the landlocked side to make an impression at the World Cup. They have a side that boasts a plethora of young talent such as Shaqiri, Xhaka, Schar and Stocker. In addition to this, their group consists of Honduras, France and Ecuador and Hitzfeld will be expecting to achieve a second place finish at the very least. Deep down, they must be thinking that they can topple France in order to avoid Argentina in the second round, and they certainly can do it.

Next is Ivory Coast. Similar to Switzerland, they have excellent options in attack. Even at the tender age of 36, Didier Drogba still has the capacity to excite, and with this almost certainly being his last tournament, he will be hoping to find his form for his country in order to go out with a bang. Drogba has former Chelsea team mate Saloman Kalou in support as well as Roma's Gervinho. A special mention also has to go to Yaya Toure in the engine room who guided Man City to their second title in 2 years.

Chile have been placed in a horrible group consisting of holders, Spain and runners up, Holland. Chile have an underrated team that consists of Nou Camp star, Alexis Sanchez in attack as well as Arturo Vidal in midfield. The Chileans finished 3rd in the South American qualifying table behind Argentina and Colombia. It is unlikely that they will get through, particularly if Holland are at their unstoppable best, however if a half-hearted Dutch side from the 2012 Euros is on show, they are their for the taking.

Big Slumps

Under this heading I will share my thoughts on who will be likely to flop at the tournament this year.

With all hype around the youthful Belgian side, along with a relatively simple group. They play Algeria, South Korea and Russia on the group, and with them likely to qualify, could meet Gemany or Portugal in the second round. The media and sports fans are expecting big things from this side, particularly with players such as Hazard, Lukaku and Kompany. On paper, this side would definitely not be out of place in the semis or even the final, but their lack of experience worries me. The last tournament that they qualified for was the 2002 World Cup when they reached the last 16. I can see them not getting past the last 16. However, this side has bags of talent, and will certainly will be around the big stars in years to come.

Another side that could suffer is Uruguay. They are in a group of 'death' along with England, Italy and Costa Rica. Many would tip Uruguay to qualify for the next round at the expense of England. I dont see this happening, as although they have a star-studded attack, their defense may let them down. With it being relatively slow, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sterling or Cerci can cause mayhem with their direct running. If Italy and England run directly at the Uruguayan defence, then Godin and Lugano will be tied up in knots and also will have their work cut out if they are to secure a position in the next round.

Likely Contenders.

The bookies make Brazil the favourites to clinch the title on home soil, and I am hoping that they do is well. In addition to this, holders Spain, Argentina, Italy, Holland and France must also be included in the likely contenders.

Brazil will be hoping to give the nation a lift in spite of the problems that the country has been going through over the last few years. The weight of a nation falls on the young shoulders of 22 year old, Neymar. He silenced the critics during last years Confederations Cup, and after a solid league campaign for new club Barcelona, he will be hoping to set the world alight once again. The ably named Fred will lead the line for Brazil and he comes off the back of a superb season at Fluminense.

Spain have often played the attractive football and captured everyone in South Africa when they blew away the competition. Spain will certainly be up challenging, and looking for their 4th consecutive title, something that may not be achieved for along time. If anyone can achieve this feat, it is definitely this Spanish side. It is unlikely that midfield maestros, Xavi and Iniesta will be around for the next World Cup, so another title would be a fitting end on the illustrious careers of these players.

Brazilian rivals, Argentina had a disappointing 2010 campaign so they will be hoping to rectify this, and there is no better place to do it than on rival turf. It is becoming a cliche that you aren't one of the best ever players if you haven't won the World Cup. For Lionel Messi, a win in Brazil who certainly cement his place in footballing history  along fellow countryman, Diego Maradona as well as Pele. The Argentinians have the firepower to claim the Jules Rimet trophy on the 13th July and boast a formidable attack. Consisting of Aguero, Messi, Lavezzi, Higuain and Palacio. The defence could prove their downfall, which lacks pace. A fast team such as Brazil and Spain could exploit.

One Final Note.

The tournament promises to bring the World to a stand-still and it is something that I have been excited for since the group draw back in December. I am rooting for a home win in Brazil. Not only do I have Brazil in my family sweepstake, I feel that this could unite a nation in turmoil. I also feel the football team deserves to give something back to the nation who has suffered due to the costs of the World Cup. Looking into my not-so-mysterious crystal ball, I can see an intense showdown between two bitter rivals in Brazil and Argentina, something which I'm sure the neutral would love. Also, Spain will get to the Semi Final and beat Italy in the third place play off. You heard it here first. Feel free to give me your predictions on the winners, shocks or big slumps.

It is almost upon us. Get the beers chilled and the doritos in the microwave. Get the the diaries cleared and the best spot in the living room. It's going to be a cracking ride, and one that will be over in a flash. The World expects. And I expect plenty of late and exhilirating nights.

Will the World Cup be a Success?

It's less than 100 days until the eagerly awaited FIFA World Cup kicks off. Brazil is the venue this year and the excitement for the trophy is reaching its peak. Most managers will have a rough idea of the squad they want to take to the tournament while every player will be trying to receive the all important plane ticket to Brazil.

However, the Brazilian nation has not been without its controversy and various events over the past year has made an attempt to blemish the anticipated spectacle.

"It had the potential to threaten the lives of the players"

Most recently, the roof at Belo Horinzonte collapsed onto the pitch. This will add to the pre match jitters of the English fans as they face Costa Rica. The stadium is scheduled to hold 3 group stage games including the England match and also a semi final match. While no one was killed in this collapse, it had the potential to threaten the lives of the players, particularly as the roof toppled just hours before a regional championship match was due to be played.

The tropical city of Manaus also hosts an England match. Back in early February, a World Cup worker was killed as he dismantled a crane. In November, it was well documented about the killing of 2 workers after a crane collapsed in the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo. 

"Curitiba is in jeopardy of being removed as a host city"

As we grow closer to the World Cup, the capricious preparations for Brazil has cast some doubts over some FIFA Officials, particularly when the city of Curitiba is in jeopardy of being removed as a host city because of a delay in stadium construction. However, it just goes from bad to worse for Brazil as the poor infrastructure of some of the stadiums is the least they should be worrying about.

Fan trouble has hampered the preparations of the nation and this was evident throughout the Confederations Cup back in June. Brazilians were in uproar over the increased fares of buses and trees. The protests, turned to riots over the high levels of corruption throughout the Brazilian government and police. During the Confederations Cup last year, protests were rife, and the sounds of police weapons were audible throughout the Uruguay vs Nigeria match on June 20th. It is also worth noting that the heavy handed tactics of the police do not help the situation sparked even more riots and violence.

It couldn't possibly get any worse... Could it?

Yes, yes it could. Fans have been warned about a deadly holiday bug named, dengue fever. It has the capacity to kill by producing flu-like symptoms with the more serious leading to internal bleeding. It claims 20,000 lives every year and is expected to peak in at least 3 of the 12 host cities. 

With Brazil in the middle of some major sports projects, anxiety may be creeping into the the minds of the Brazilian population and also the rest of the world, about their ability to stage a major sporting event.

This makes bleak reading for a Brazilian or a World Cup enthusiast, however, personally, I believe that the World Cup will be a resounding success. I hope that the President has the situation in Brazil sorted out in time, but I also feel that the World Cup will galvanise a torn nation, after all, they worship football in that country. As for FIFA, I believe they have bigger worries... 

...Such as why Qatar are allowed to host the 2022 World Cup...