Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Ibrahimovic vs Ronaldo - who will miss the World Cup?

Following Monday's World Cup play-off draw which saw Sweden paired with Portugal, we already know one superstar will not will heading to Brazil next summer.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of the game's current greats, are both in danger of missing out on international football's pinnacle competition.

Let us know who you would prefer to see at the World Cup.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 12:00

Wenger the pinball wizard

It has already been labelled the goal of the season and there will be few Premier League observers up in arms if the award was doled out now to Jack Wilshere after Arsenal's phenomenal opening goal in their 4-1 win over Norwich.

The combination play was typical of Arsene Wenger's side but the improvisation and flicks by Olivier Giroud and Wilshere made for a magnificent one-touch goal.

Santi Cazorla was involved somewhere down the line and there were appeals for offside but such was the speed of the move, it is still difficult to piece together what happened.

Pass, pass, flick, flick, pass, shot, goal seems to do the trick.
Sunday, October 20, 2013 08:16

Monday, October 21, 2013

Rampant Rossi trips up Old Lady

Juventus may have thought they had another Serie A victory in the bag when 2-0 up against Fiorentina with 25 minutes remaining. But oh no.

A Giuseppe Rossi hat-trick and a further strike from Joaquin handed the Viola a famous and much-celebrated win against one of their most hated foes.

It is a remarkable return from Rossi, who missed over a year with serious knee problems. The Italy striker has scored eight goals in as many matches and looks set to play a major role in his team's fortunes this season.
Monday, October 21, 2013 12:00

Saturday, October 19, 2013

'Tarzan' Puyol swings back into action

Carles Puyol is set to return to action for Barcelona against Osasuna on Saturday.

The club captain is likely to feature for Gerardo Martino's side for the first time this season after recovering from a knee injury.

And Martino is hoping Puyol - nicknamed Tarzan - will quickly get back into the swing of things.

"Puyol's enthusiasm surprises me," Martino said. "He acts as if he's about to make his debut. Seeing him has gotten me all excited too.

"Carles' return is a great joy for the team and even more for him. He couldn't wait to get back."
Saturday, October 19, 2013 12:55

Omar Momani interviews "the Running man" Vu Xuan Tien




In 490 BC, Pheidippides a Greek hero ran from the battle of Marathon to Athens to give the people the news in a story reflects loyalty and sacrifice. Vu Xuan Tien a gunner fan from Vietnam, ran a 5 kilometers on foot to chase the bus of his favorite team on their visit to his country, in a move which let Arsene Wenger that Tien is an inspiration to his team. I made a cartoon on this incidence last July and recently contacted with "the Running Man" and asked him for a special interview which he agreed.

1 - Can you give us a short brief on you?
My name is Vu Xuan Tien, I was born in 6th May, 1993 and I’m the last year student of Pharmacy Central College. I became a fan of Arsenal at the age of 5, I think I was effected by my grandfather and my father. All members of our family love Arsenal and Professor Arsene Wenger.

 2 - When you met Arsenal stars in the bus, were you surprised of their characteristic?
Certainly. I was so surprised because the players look tall and muscular, especially friendly. I was happy when Professor Wenger smiled at me. That was fantastic!!!


3 - Who is the best gunner player to consider as a buddy?
All the players are buddies ‘because I can feel their spirit, their passion for Arsenal.

4 - Where there any funny or bizarre moments?
When I was invited to get in the bus, they made applause and asked me to name the players. I named all the players (in the first and second squad).

5 - If Wenger asked for your advice what would you advice him?
 My advice? It’s very simple: “We all love Arsenal and always support the club even they had 8 years without any trophy and I think Arsenal will achieve triple this season for their endeavor.


6 - Can Arsenal win trophies this season, especially with the arrive of Ozil?
Yes, I do believe that Arsenal will win triple this season after such a long time of effort and sacrifice. I’m sure this year will be Arsenal’s year. Regarding Ozil, he’s a great player and deserved with what Arsenal spent for. But Arsenal is successful for its consolidation, every player plays important role in the club and that’s the most important.

5 - Who is your favorite Arsenal player at the moment and in history?
It’s Mikel Arteta. I was impressed by Henry and Bergkamp too. They devoted for the success of the club and helped the club get over their difficulties. That’s why I love them.


6 - Do you follow Goal.com news and of course Cartoon of the day, and what was your reaction when you saw a cartoon on you?
Yes, I follow goal.com and I watch cartoon there as well. I’m so happy and excited about a cartoon on me. Thank you so much.


7- If I want to visit Vietnam where do you recommend me to visit and what is the best food?
There are so many nice places and good food to recommend. Just contact me, I will take you at the airport and show you around to nice places and try delicious foods.


And I will of course J

Tien told me also that he is been invited by Danish Ambassador John Nielsen, and he just joined in a mount marathon competition in Sapa town, 42km challenging distance together with many professionals from other countries. Tien the Pheidippides of Arsenal will always surprise us J.

Further reading:


 

Friday, October 18, 2013

Bayern chief issues Gotze sponsor warning

Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze has caused a stir between sponsors for the second time since moving to the Allianz Arena.

Upon moving to Bayern, Gotze was pictured wearing clothes made by Nike while holding the club's shirt, made by rival kit manufacturers adidas.

And the former Borussia Dortmund man has again been photographed sporting Nike clothing.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the Bayern chief executive, has offered some advice to Gotze.

"Maybe [it was a publicity stunt], I do not know," the 58-year-old told Bild. "But maybe there is also an intention by the company to annoy another competitor. I imagine that could be the case.

"But he should not let them abuse him. That would be my advice to him."
Friday, October 18, 2013 12:30

Cassano sees himself in Balotelli

Mario Balotelli may be the current enigmatic poster boy of Italian football, but before the pig-owning, camouflage car-driving AC Milan striker, there was Antonio Cassano.

The 31-year-old's numerous spats with management and senior figures at clubs including Roma, Real Madrid, Sampdoria and AC Milan are well known.

Now at Parma following a single season with Inter, Cassano understands why comparisons might be drawn between him and Balotelli.

"Mario is a great guy," he was quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport.

"He reminds me a bit of myself when I was 20 years old."
Thursday, October 17, 2013 11:15

Dzeko and the dragons to the mondial

Bosnia and Herzegovina finally qualified to the Brazilian mondial, with the big effort from stars like Dzeko, Pjanic, Spahic and others.

Roy The Redeemer leads England to Rio

England were finally able to celebrate on Tuesday night after a 2-0 victory over Poland booked a place at the 2014 World Cup.

Knowing Ukraine were likely to thrash Group H minnows San Marino, Roy Hodgson's side had to win at Wembley Stadium in order to top the table and avoid a potentially tricky play-off tie.

And the Three Lions were sent on their way just before half time by a Wayne Rooney header, before captain Steven Gerrard secured a vital three points in the closing stages.

Hodgson and his charges have come in for criticism throughout his spell in charge, with the former Fulham and Liverpool manager once comically mocked up as the Christ The Redeemer statue prior to the Euro 2012 clash with France, such was the nation's bleak view of England's chances of progression.

But few could knock Hodgson after two exhilarating victories wrapped up an ultimately unbeaten World Cup qualifying campaign.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013 11:00

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Final obstacle for World Cup hopefuls

Just one more game stands between a number of teams and qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

England can secure their place at next year's competition with a victory over Poland, with anything less meaning Roy Hodgson's side will be relying on San Marino to shock Ukraine to avoid a play-off tie.

Spain, meanwhile, need a single point against Azerbaijan to complete their road to Rio, with France likely to have to settle for second place.

Russia are also likely to finish top of their group at the expense of Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, while Honduras and Mexico are still playing for automatic qualification in the Concacaf zone.

In South America, Ecuador and Chile clash with both teams requiring a point to qualify, and Uruguay will be relying on either side to lose, while still needing to beat Argentina, who are already bound for Brazil.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013 10:15