" Black " Saturday 28th

When was the last time we saw

Manchester United

Manchester City and

Real Madrid

Lose on the same day

And lose by the same margin? ONE goal

Coincidence or

"Black " Saturday 28th???

 

 

Shameful display by Real Madrid in front of 80000 fans

Shame!! Disgraceful!! Shocking!!

Is this the result of Ancelotti being brought to the Bernabeu?

Is this the result of Zidane's influence on the team as the Assistant Coach?

Is the result of buying super stars?

I don't mind Real Madrid being beaten by a good and better team. But for Heaven's Sake - do not go down in this pathetic manner. It was the worst display of ineptitude I have seen from Real Madrid. And I can only blame Carlo Ancelotti and Florentino Perez.

One does not have to be "professional" football coach to tell you, and tell you correctly, that Real Madrid today is carrying Benzema , Arbeloa and Khedira. Without these three millstones around the Team's neck, I am sure Real Madrid will be a better team.

Forget analyzing the game.

We should discuss what is fundamentally wrong about the Team.

1. How many scoring chances were created in the first half?

2. How many passes were incomplete?

3. How many shots were taken at Atletic's goal?

4. How many times did Arbeloa pass the ball BACK to Pepe or Khedira?

5. How many times did Arbeloa cross the ball to his forwards?

6. How many times did Ronaldo enter Atletic's area?

The problems go on and on.

It was terrifying to see Atletico get the ball and run at the heart of the Madrid defence. The defence was like a house of cards - frail, weak and vulnerable. Everytime an attack was on, we felt the panic and terror in the defence.

Madrid's midfield was non existant today. Di Maria was awful. I was sorely missing Ozil weren't you Mr. Acelotti?

The only saving Grace was Diego Lopez. He was Madrid's savior yet again.

I really don't know where Madrid goes from here.

The Management needs to go back to the drawing board and start from the basics.

My simple advice is. You DO NOT need 11 men on the field. You need 11 professional, confident, skillful footballers who play in specialized positions and play as a team. 

 

 

Chelsea did just enough to snatch 1 point

Tottenham Hotspur came out playing good football and in the first half the goal that they scored was well constructed but eventually it was the determination of Gylfi Sigurdsson that brought about the goal. He was tackled and was going to ground but still, kept his head, and managed to slip in the ball past Cech.

Spurs created some good opportunities down the right side - through good one touch passing and eventually Paulino found himself in front of goal with only Cech to beat. But he made a hash of the chance and had he looked up. he would have seen a teammate in a better position to score. Besides Sigurdsson, Townsend was the stand out player for Spurs - he was brilliant in keeping the ball in possession, neat passing and great in passing the through ball.

It was a pity that Soldado and Paulino did not come into the game a wee bit more.

Chelsea did not fire at all in the first half. Oscar, Torres and Hazard did not look like scoring nor did they have any real opportunities of scoring. Chelsea's defence and midfield were busy trying to keep the Spurs attack at bay.

Chelsea hung on and went into the break, happy I am sure, to be just one down.

The second half started and immediately Mata was brought on. The substitution completely changed the complexion of the game. Now with Mata on, Torres was freed from his shackles and was all over the place creating scoring opportunities - one of which Oscar could not convert. Torres was galvanized into action and was making the Spurs defence look vulnerable and inevitably, the defenders began to wilt under pressure and the fouls kept mounting. On one of the moves, Ramires was brought down and Mata took the indirect free kick. Mata found the lunging John Terry's head and there it was - Chelsea's equalizer. On another occasion, Chelsea's Schurrle had a wonderful opportunity of scoring but struck the Spurs goalkeeper.

However after the goal, Chelsea seemed content to go back to defending and this gave Spurs the opportunities to attack. Defoe and the forwards did have a couple of chances but the ball went past by the goalposts - nothing really threatening.

I think an impartial observer would have sided with Spurs on the day but I suppose nobody can really complain with a draw. Neither team was dominant. 

 

 

Get Lewandowski to Madrid

I WANT to see Lewandowski play for Real Madrid.
Do you agree?
 

Real Madrid - cuesta mucho para ganar

This wasn't the script.
Sr. Florentino Lopez and his merry band were supposed to open their check books and VIOLA - there you have a winning team.
Its that simple.
Go buy footballers.
Yes Sr. Perez you did buy footballers.
But the problem is that most of them DO NOT :-
1. Inspire confidence
2. Not creative
3. Do not have the heart to die for the Club on the football pitch
4. Are not sure of their place in the team
They are mediocre in a GREAT CLUB.
Please understand Sr. Perez money isn't everything.
Why didn't Neymar want to come to Madrid?
Why can't you entice Lewandowski to forget about Bayern and come to Madrid.
You want to win the DECIMA?
CHANGE.

 

Real Madrid eventually overcomes valiant Elche - thanks to the Referee

Watching  the first half one might have thought that Elche are the favourites - the Galacticos and  Real Madrid were the minions.

Again Mr. Ancelotti- I have said this time and again, but you continue to turn a deaf ear:-

1. Sergio Ramos should have been sent off - had the Referee not been kind to Real Madrid. I have said this over and over again, Ramos is going to get Real Madrid into serious trouble by being sent off. He plays a very rough and dangerous game. You cannot put your team in danger by being so stupid.

2. Why is Ramos the Captain when he continually attracts yellow cards setting a bad example to the youngsters? If he cannot tackle legally he should be benched. It seems he gets a yellow card every single match.

3. Albeloa - how many times did he cross the ball - ONCE. He takes the ball up to the oppositions area and then passes the ball back. Please see the TV replays. Its awful. Terrible waste of an attacking move if you have to go back when you are in opponents area.

4. Passing the ball back when there is no opponent near you - see how many times the ball was passed back when taking the ball forward would have been the most logical thing to do. See the TV replays.

5. What is Khedira and Albeloa doing in the team? Benzema is atleast trying today - but he should also be benched.

6. The Madrid defence and midfield are weak - letting Elche do whatever they want - attack freely down Madrid's left flank.

7. Had it not been for Diego Lopez, Real Madrid would have been 2-0 down going into the break.

8. You don't have a genuine right winger.

9. The left flank is where all the attacks are coming through - the same every game.

Mr. Ancelotti, you belittled Ozil during the week, but your words will come back to haunt you. There are very few players of Ozil's caliber in Real Madrid.

I hope you throw the book at those highly overrated and overpaid players. They do not do our REAL MADRID BADGE and COLOUR  proud.

We are worried how Real Madrid will score, or will they score or can they score?

For us Madridistas, we have to suffer during every match. Our defence is porous. Our midfield lacks creativity and the forwards are not getting the right passes or crosses or through balls. Goals are like gold dust - very few and very precious.

The second half started and within a few minutes Ronaldo was brought down outside the Elche area and he converted from  the free kick. The free kick went through the barrier; in fact I think the Madrid players moved away and the ball went through the gap into the near post bouncing just as it went in.

After the goal, Madrid played indifferent football. Nothing happened. It was all Elche - they were trying their best to score a goal. They shots at Diego Lopez's goal - reminding me of the old saying - if you don't shoot or take a shot, you will not score a goal.

Elche's perseverance finally paid off when during extra time they stretched the Madrid's defence and the Ghanian forward headed home a beautiful, nicely constructed goal. A good move - free flowing - nice to watch.

As time was ticking way, Madrid was awarded a corner and from the corner- a penalty. It seemed like Pepe was held and brought down in the area. It was perhaps a fair decision for Madrid but a cruel one for Elche.

Ronaldo converted from the penalty spot.

Madrid came away with the 3 points.

But well done Elche you deserve more. You left your hearts out on the field.

We the Real Madrid fans salute you.    

You played well, you played with passion and you gave it your all.

What more can you do?

 

Passing the ball backwards

Nowadays many players are too concerned about getting rid of the ball too fast.

They do not look up and see what openings/plays are possible but rather pass the ball.

Get rid of the ball.

Getting of the rid of the ball is becoming today's "passing".

So no one can say they lost the ball to the opposing team.

Further many times they pass ball back towards their defenders or their goalkeeper.

In my opinion :-

1. They do this, because they don't want to be the one who loses the ball.

2.  By passing the ball backwards, they must realize that it breaks the flow of play. The opposing team gets a breather to regroup.

3. How many times have you seen a back pass to the goalkeeper nearly creating an opportunity of a goal for the opposing team?

4. Passing the ball backwards should be the last option, now it is the norm.

5. Further how many times have you seen players passing the ball back to their goalkeeper, when they are in the opposition's half?

This type of football brings disrepute to the "beautiful game".

Please Managers tell your players to move forward, rather than think in terms of safety for no rhyme or reason.   

 

Manchester City thump United 4-1

What a dazzling display of attacking football played by Manchester City. It was beautiful to watch. Negredo, Aguero and Navas ran the Manchester United defence ragged.

The crosses and passes City played were on target and the United defence had no answer. In fact United in the first half, had problems clearing the ball forget attacking City.

I got the feeling that United were not coordinated at the back, coupled with some very ordinary defending which does not become of a reigning Premier League Champion. It was quite sad to watch.

Without Van Persie, the Man U attack lacked bite. Yes Rooney was playing but Welbeck and Valencia, could not lend adequate support.

City went into the lead in the first half with a Sergio Aguero goal from a cross. It was the execution of the goal that was impressive. The ball was floated to Aguero above the waistline and slightly behind Aguero. Controlling the ball and driving it home from that height and slightly behind him, required considerable skill in my opinion.

The second goal followed soon after. A corner kick was floated in and a Man City player headed it towards goal and Torre who was hovering near the goal line, gladly accepted the free ball and tapped the ball home.

It was 2-0 at half time.

Almost as soon as the second half started, Aguero scored from a cross. The third goal was followed by the fourth from Nasri who latched on to a cross and hammered the ball past a hapless De Gea.

We were stunned that Man U gave away another 2 goals in such a short time after the half!! What did Moyes tell his players at half time? What was the message? Did this United team have the strength of character to come back? There was a lot of doubt created in our mind.

Man City was running riot and it was conceivable that they would easily put another couple past the United Goalkeeper. It could become embarrassing for United.

However United entered the game and started having a little more possession of the ball. And finally Rooney scored a brilliant goal from a free kick, The ball floated over the human barrier and buried itself in the top right hand corner of the net. The Man City keeper Hart had absolutely no chance to save the free kick.

The final result was Manchester City 4 Manchester United 1.

It was an afternoon to remember and relish for the City fans and an afternoon to forget for the United supporters.

But what is clear is that Manchester United is not a formidable side as it was last year. Is this because of the absence of Van Persie? Or is this because of the absence of Ferguson? Or both? I don't know.

There are many questions which need answers.

The Spanish footballing influence in the Barclays Premier League is positive from the spectators' point of view and enjoyment.

 

 

   

 

Real Madrid win at home

Real Madrid as usual started off very slowly. In fact during the first few minutes of the match, Getafe was on the attack and in one of the first attacks on Madrid's goal, Getafe's Angel Lafita scored a lucky goal. The goal was deflected off a Madrid defender and Diego Lopez had no chance.

Madrid created some good moves with Di Maria, Carvajal, and Isco combining nicely. But unfortunately Benzema was again very disappointing. He missed a point blank chance from a cross from Carvajal. It is incredible how many opportunities the French International has been given to prove himself. In fact his poor display today drew jeers from the Madrid fans. Nacho give a good account of himself and he cut off a sure goal.

Madrid scored twice in the first half. The first was from a free kick and as Ronaldo's tap in was bouncing in front of the Getafe goal. All Pepe had to do was to tap the ball in.

The second goal came again from a free kick. Ronaldo's free kick hit Michel on the hand and a penalty was awarded to Madrid. And Ronaldo stepped up and converted the penalty without any difficulty.

Now Ronaldo has equaled and surpassed Hugo Sanchez's record of 208 goals but Ronaldo has played fewer games. All Madrid fans miss Hugo's celebratory back flips.

The Getafe forwards were dangerous and had a couple of chances.

But that was as far as they got.

The second half was far better for Madrid. They had the lion's share of possession and attacked the Getafe goal at will. But the main problem was Benzema. He could not finish. He could not put away sitters. An Albeloa cross found Benzema with an open goal but he headed it over the bar. Another pass he headed it past the goal post. It was embarrassing to see Benzema play.

Albeloa tried to get the Madrid crowd behind Benzema and applaud his efforts.

The third Madrid goal was brilliantly executed between Ronaldo and that GALACTICO Isco. A quickly taken free kick sent Isco on his way and he curled the ball in beating Moya - Getafe goalkeeper very easily.

The fourth goal came right at the end. A pass from Khedira which arrived a little late for Ronaldo, had Ronaldo twist and back heel the ball into the net. It was a clever and quick piece of thinking by Ronaldo and the goal looked spectacular.

In summary. Ancelotti it is very clear you have to find alternatives for Benzema, Khedira and Albeloa.  I have said this numerous times but now you have to take action. Secondly, Madrid is very vulnerable in the first half hour or until Ronaldo settles into a rhythm.  The defence has to withstand pressure during this period.

Finally I have a word of advice for Khedira. Why do you tend to pass the ball back to Pepe or Diego? This breaks the flow of play and gives the opposition time to regroup. I know by getting rid of the ball you think you are doing a great job, but in actual fact you are hurting Madrid's chances. I sincerely wish you see the video of your passing and see the damage that is being done.

 

 

 

 

 

Boring Chelsea beat lowly Fulham - big deal!!!

Boring. Boring. Boring.

Jose Mourinho give us our money and time back.

That was not football we saw. It was kick the ball.

Thank God The "Chosen One" doesn't live in Madrid anymore.

Chelsea you are lucky to have such a "live wire"

I have never seen such a pitiful game. The football was all over the mid field and neither team were creative. Thank God the match ended soon after the 90 minutes.

Again I say that if these sides like Fulham don't take their chances - they will have to pay the price.

Yes Bent may be a good striker but the golden opportunity that he missed was shocking.

It would have been interesting to see how Chelsea would have reacted to being one goal down.

 

 

 

Rayo Vallecano did not test Barcelona

There is no justice in football.

This afternoon at Vallecas, Rayo Vallecano was fast, fighting for every ball, not giving the Barcelona forwards the luxury of time on the ball.

It was a beautiful fast paced game. Initially Barcelona was beginning to exert control, then Rayo reversed the tide and ended the 45 minutes spending more and more time in the Barcelona half.

In the first half, Rayo created one clear chance of goal of where Victor Valdes had to make a tremendous save and then Victor saved a penalty taken by the Rayo Captain - Treshorras.

Messi's skills were on display for a couple of dribbles and on one occasion he laid off a beautiful pass to the right to Pedro who made no mistake in scoring. Barcelona also tried to get Neymar, playing on the left wing, into the game, but today was not Neymar's afternoon. He did not take advantage of any balls passed to him nor did he pose much of a danger.

Barcelona went into the changing room at half time, thanking the Footballing Gods, for retaining their slender one goal lead.

The second half was totally different.

Rayo Vallecano had lost all its fight as soon as Pedro scored his second goal - which may have been offside. But it did not matter. Pedro completed his hattrick and Cesc Fabrigas scored the fourth goal.

Barcelona won 4-0.

Its a pity that Rayo does not have a couple of quality players. I believe that had Rayo Vallecano taken its chances and scored a couple of goals in the first half, the result of the match would had been quite different.

Barcelona is not the same Barcelona of old. They are not playing their attractive football nor are they being tested.

I would like to see how this Barcelona team reacts to a situation when they are behind say 1-0 or even 2-0. It will be a test of their character.

 

 

 

 

Penalties missed

Penalties are a GIFT.

Its a GOAL waiting to be scored.

But every week, we see Penalties being missed. Penalties are missed for variety of reasons (a) the goalkeeper moved before the shot is taken (b) the quality of the penalty taker or (c) a miss kick.

The underlying problem I feel, is that Clubs do not prepare adequately for this very important aspect of the game.

I have been surprised so many times to see that the penalty takers are midfield players or even defenders!!!

I mean why don't the strikers take the penalty kick all the time?

After all they are the ones who are supposed to have the necessary goal scoring skills.

The Managers must prepare players for this important - critical aspect of the game.

Today Norwich missed a penalty against Aston Villa and lost the game by a goal. If they had scored from the spot, they could have come away with a point.

A very costly mistake.

The other night Ajax could have had a goal against Barcelona at Camp Nou but they missed the penalty.

The sad story goes on and on.  

Competition in the LIGA from Atletico Madrid

You what I am excited about this year?
It is no longer the inevitable TWO horse race.
I think Atletico Madrid has crashed into this very exclusive  party this year.
This is great.
And the brilliant thing is that the Rojiblancos have not gone and spent MILLIONS and MILLIONS of EUROS to be able to compete.

I can almost see the spirit of Jesus Gil y Gil dancing in Vicente Calderon.

 

 

Jose Mourinho takes down Chelsea

Chelsea losing to FC Basel at home at Stamford Bridge!!!

Are you kidding me?

What is Jose Mourinho doing with the Boys in Blue?

But one has to admit that the first Basel goal was a real beauty.

So is he the Special One or the Chosen One?

Could it be he is neither.

Another big mouth.

Full of sound and fury signifying nothing!!!

 

 

 

Barcelona outclasses Ajax and romps home 4-0

Barcelona outclassed Ajax and won by a wide margin 4-0.

The match was very similar to Real Madrid's match yesterday.

Messi scored a beauty from a free kick in the first half but the match didn't open up until the second half. Messi, Neymar, Alexis Sanchez ran riot and darted in and out of the Ajax area with total freedom.

However with all this possession in Ajax's area, Barcelona only managed to score 4 including a Messi hattrick. Pique chipped in with a header and was promptly rewarded by being substituted - maybe he got a niggling injury.

It was sad that Ajax could not convert a penalty. It would have been a little consolation.

This sums up the match. Ajax were not in the same League as Barcelona - not in same class. My opinion is that the Champions League should really be restricted to the top flight teams and not open to mediocre teams who fill in the 16 available slots.

The style of football that Barcelona played to night was not very attractive - so should I say was not the style that we have become used to. In my opinion if they carry on playing this way, it is very likely that good teams will force draws and maybe wins against Barcelona in the Liga this year.

Barcelona was not dominant.

 

 

 

 

great goals in the Manchester United vs Bayern Leverkusen match

See the great goals scored in this match.

Rooney's two, Van Persie's, Valencia's and the first Leverkusen goal are great goals.

I think it is worth listening to the passion of the Commentator!!
You don't need to know the language, the passion and the joy in the voice says it all. 

Real Madrid score 6 a good morale booster.

Forget about the quality of Galatasaray. Its all about confidence in themselves, confidence in their much hyped forward line, confidence to do well, confidence that they are destined to be CHAMPIONS.

The first 35 minutes of the match was dominated by Galatasaray and an injury to Casillas which forced Ancelotti to bring on Diego Lopez. We are not really sure what happened, but they bandaged up Casillas around the midrift pretty good.

Galatasaray had most of the play and had two clear chances of goal. One save which Diego pulled off - diving fully extended to his left was a treat to watch. He used his full height to save what was a sure goal. The Turks could have had atleast two goals but let them slip away.

Real Madrid in a counter attack lobbed the ball from their own half, to that little genius - ISCO, who made no mistake and slipped the ball in at the corner of the goal giving the Turkish goalkeeper absolutely no chance.

Having gone down a goal, the Turks run of bad luck continued and Drogba, their Superstar, went down from what appeared to be a relatively innocent challenge. Anyway he too made his way down the tunnel to dressing room. His contribution for the evening done.

The second half began well for Real Madrid and they were made to look good by the numerous errors made by the Turks. Errors in passing, errors in communication and errors in judgement. The second goal - a defensive error that let Benzema in and then the flood gates opened and Madrid put another 4 goals away. Leaving the Turks reeling, wondering what had happened. The Turks scored a consolation goal at the end.

It was night which saw Ronaldo getting frustrated, shooting and missing opportunities and then ending the evening scoring a hat trick!! How lady luck changed his fortune within 30 minutes. His third goal when he latched on to a through ball from Bale, dribbled past three defenders to beat the keeper was a treat to watch.

The little genius - my GALACTICO - Isco was in my opinion the standout player for Madrid. He defended, played midfield, was up in attack, he created chances and scored a beauty. What more can you ask from a player?

Bale came on with about 30 minutes left in the match. His free kick led to a Ronaldo goal and then he slipped in a nice through pass which Ronaldo put away very neatly.

Now it seems that Ronaldo will have to start feeding Bale some passes to repay the generous service that he has been receiving from Gareth!!!

Di Maria was great as usual but his "bad" right foot caused him to miss out on goal scoring chances.    

Now that the first Champions League match is out of the way, can you Mr. Carlo Ancelotti, get back to Madrid as soon as possible and start winning matches in the Liga.

 

 

 

 

 

Lucky Real Madrid salvage a point at Villareal

It was a treat and a pleasure to watch the young Villareal squad play such open, attacking and exciting football. They ( Villareal ) took Madrid's defence apart at will and if Lady Luck was on Villareal's side tonight, they would have won by atleast 3 goals.

Ancelotti where was Madrid's defence? The left flank was totally exposed and vulnerable to Villareal's frequent attacks. Madrid's defence couldn't keep up with the speed nor anticipate nor guard the marauding Villareal forwards. Nacho was terrible and in my mind ( and I have said this earlier ) Sergio Ramos will soon be sent off for some very serious tackles.

Thank God for Diego Lopez. Had it not been for Diego, Madrid would have suffered a humiliating defeat.

Further when you do an analysis of the match, I would like to question the Madrid forward line. The only two times Madrid attacked, they scored their two goals. Why could not Madrid create more opportunities of goal? There is no point in passing the ball around in the mid field without taking the ball up the field and creating scoring opportunities.

Carlo Ancelotti you are now TWO points behind Athletico Madrid and Barcelona. If you want to be able to compete, you have to start thinking about your two weaknesses and put your house in order.

Defence and Strikers.

Defence and Strikers.

These are not new problem areas. I have been mentioning them in every Blog over and over again.

You have to improve.

If Madrid cannot beat a newly promoted side, who can they beat in the Primera?

Well done Villareal.

Atleast football the " beautiful game " is in good hands in Spain.

The match saw the debut of Gareth Bale and he scored his first goal for the Club. Unfortunately he couldn't come away with all three points.

 

Arsenal come away with 3 points thanks to Ozil, Ramsay and the Referee

Ozil on his debut showed what a brilliant creative player he is.
My only concern is that besides Giroud, Arsenal does not have quality strikers to capitalize on Ozil's creative passes.
Look at Walcott. He missed two clear opportunities of goal - both created by Ozil.
It could be that Ozil may become frustrated playing with such poor quality strikers.Arsenal were clearly the better side but they had good fortune when the Referee - Atkinson disallowed a Sunderland goal and did not play the advantage.
It is sad when you see referee's of " a certain standard" make a complete hash of things. And the funny thing is - it always favours the stronger and better teams.
Ramsay was a stand out player for Arsenal scoring two goals and Gardner for Sunderland was active in the second half.

 

"The Young Pretender"

Watching how well Rafael Nadal is playing, can we say that Andy Murray is " The Young Pretender" of the Tennis World?

 

Cool, Calm, Focused and a very Determined Rafael Nadal overcomes No. 1 seed to win US Open

This match had two very different facets.

For Novak Djokovic it was a nightmare. In a Final against Rafa, one has to bring his 'A' game. But what we saw was unforced error after unforced error from Novak.

On the other hand Rafa was calm, totally focused on the job at hand, determined and was not willing to gift away points. He stuck to his task. It was not easy for either player as the wind was a huge factor to contend with.

The first set was easily won by Rafa. It seemed that Novak did not get going in the first set. Rafa ran away with the set 6-2. 

Novak started coming into his own in the second and started putting away some winners. I was surprised how the match which was being so dominated by Rafa in the first set, could suddenly swing towards Novak and he took the set 6-3. Was it a lapse of concentration or was the crowd shouting during the points which upset Rafa? In either case, Rafa lost the second set.

The Officials were seen trying to evict a spectator for shouting during the games.

The third set began inauspiciously for Rafa. He was broken in the first game but kept hanging in there, fighting for every point, scrambling for balls which were being placed on all corners of the court with such precision and power that it was incredible.

Being so focused and determined and not willing to give away easy points, made Novak's job on the court very very tough.

Novak's unforced errors kept mounting.

In the third set Djokovic had Rafa on the ropes 3-3 and 0-40 down but could not close out the break and the game. Rafa pulled off an amazing set, winning 6-4.

The third set loss knocked the stuffing out of Novak and he gave in tamely in the 4th. Rafa won the 4th set 6-1.

Usually Rafa's returns are deep, precise, down the line or cross court finding corners or clipping lines. But today his returns were dropping mid court. And surprisingly, Rafa was getting away with it. His returns were not being put away by Novak. Whether it was the wind factor, whether there was too much spin on the returns or whether Novak  did not want to take more risk by coming to the net, I don't know.  

Going through Rafa's form on hardcourt this season coming into the US Open 21-0 with many many titles including victories over Novak and Roger Federer, it was not surprising that Rafa won easily at the end in 4 sets.

The TV Commentators guessed correctly that the Finals would be a 4 setter but were wrong in picking their winner. They all thought the No.1 seed would win, but then again Rafa had other ideas.

This was Rafa's 2nd US Open Title and 13th Grand Slam Championships.

Vamos Rafa you still have a long to go and many more Slams to win.

 

 

Vika so close yet so far

It was one of the best Ladies Singles Finals you will ever see.
Although Victoria Azarenka eventually lost to Serena Williams 5-7, 7-6 and 1-6, the match will go down as a truly epic encounter.
What was so incredible was the second set when Azarenka found herself 1-4 down and Serena was going all out for the kill - a straight set victory. Vika crawled back from a seemingly hopeless position to pull back one game at a time to go into a tie break and eventually closing out the tiebreaker. By this time the facial expressions of Serena were quite pitiful. She did not know what hit her and how come she found herself in this position - a position she is not used to, a situation of uncertainty and definitely a position of possible defeat.
But how can this be?
The crowd was overwhelmingly backing her. The TV commentators had sent Mary Carillo down courtside to be ready to interview Serena after her inevitable victory - it was the second set and Serena was up 4-1. It was just a matter of time.
But Azarenka is made of sterner stuff and forced Mary back to her commentary booth.
It was tremendous but I suppose the crowd, the tiredness and the luck of a Champion was a tad too much for Victoria Azarenka.
Not this year Vika - hopefully you will do one better next year.
For Serena this was her 5th US Open and 17th Grand Slam Singles Title. She is now one Grand Slam behind Chris Evert and Steffi Graff.
For people who have followed the Williams sisters over the years, one thing was surely missed at this year's Finals and Serena's Victory.
Where was Papa Williams?
The Victory was not that sweet.

 

Leander and Radek you guys are rightfully the CHAMPIONS

We were informed that Leander and Radek were up against a very strong doubles team of Peya and Soares in the Finals of the US Open 2013.
But what we saw was that the Austrian / Brazilian pair were a bundle of nerves and could not do anything right. This was their first Major final. And it overwhelmed them.
Its a pity. Because the match was so one sided.
The first set went to Leander and Radek 6-1. It was blitzkrieg tennis. Before you could sit down to enjoy the Doubles Finals, the first set was over.
The second set was in the same mould - but Peya and Soares did try to put up a fight only to see that Peya had pulled a back muscle and for all intents and purposes had to be carried till the finish by his partner Soares.
Leander and Radek won the second set 6-3.
This pair of Leander and Radek because they are so mature, so confident, so sure of themselves and they have that belief in themselves that makes them so dangerous. Their constant communication and touching of hands lends support to their bond of friendship.
In the semi finals Leander had to carry Radek, but today Radek held his own and played some wonderful volleys and rallies.
In the process, Leander became the oldest man ( 40 ) to win a Major. He topped Daniel Nestor in this awe inspiring statistic/ranking.
I for one am so proud to be an Indian tonight inspite of the Rupee and the Bombay Sensex tumbling.
Keep on winning and entertaining us Leander. We really enjoy your brand of tennis. Your hands are so smooth, so soft and so deadly that's incredible.
Its a treat and a delight to watch.

 

Stanislas Wawrinka you are the man to stop Novak

Boy did we see the total domination of Andy Murray on the Tennis court.
Stanislas Wawrinka - better known as Stan, covered the court so well and made short work of Andy - beating the reigning US Open and Wimbledon Champion in straight sets.
It was a clinical victory.
Andy Murray was made to run all over and all round the court.
Stan's shots were accurate, well placed, deep and always searching for the down the line or cross court winners.
Having seen the change of the "Swiss Guard", I believe we may be seeing a new Champion in the making.
The power, stamina and accuracy of Stan is simply amazing. That's why I believe that he is going to go past Novak in the semi finals and meet Rafa for the Championship.
For a tennis fan it is always great to see new players come through the ranks / seedings and challenge and compete with the best.
Now I believe we are seeing a new Champion.

  

The genius that is Leander Paes

I had written in an earlier Blog that the Bryan brothers would have to go through Leander Paes and his doubles partner Radek Stepanek if they are going to win the Calendar Year Slam.
I have watched Leander over the years and have always known that Leander Paes was one of the greatest doubles players the world has ever seen.
But today, the whole world saw what he can do on the doubles court.
His play, his deft touches, his placing, his timing, his passing shots were exquisite.
But above all, what stood out taller than his game was the way he constantly urged Stepanek to do better, instill confidence in his partner and do it all with a smile on his face and even invented a celebratory dance step on the court.
It was brilliant.
This positive attitude was a treat to watch - it was the icing to his marvelous game.
I hope that he and Stepanek realize and keep in mind that this historic victory over the Bryan brothers will be even sweeter if they win the US Open Doubles Championship.
Not bad to win a Grand Slam at 40.
Its quite neat.
Not bad for a boy from Kolkata.
That too is very neat.

   

The compliment that Leander got from Pam Shriver this evening was fantastic. She said on air, that she thought that the tennis Leander played in the 2nd and 3rd sets was the best ever!! 

Unseeded Pennetta beat the 10th Seed - Vinci in straight sets!!

In straight sets 6-4 and 6-1, Flavia Pennetta beat her doubles partner Roberta Vinci.
It was a convincing victory. In fact it was very very easy sailing through to the semi finals for Pennetta.
I am surprised and may be its because I do not understand the seedings system in these tournaments, how easily an unseeded player can topple a seeded player.
We saw it the other night when Robredo beat Roger Federer in straight sets and now, we saw Pennetta beat Vinci convincingly.
I am sure its not good for tennis if these Major tournaments get the seedings wrong.
The spectators who have come to witness a close, hard fought match are treated to a very docile and tame match.
It is unfair and I think someone is trying to "fool" the big bucks paying public.
What do you think?

 

Can Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek stop the Bryan brothers?

The Bryan brothers are playing unbelievable tennis and this could be the year when they complete their first ever Calendar Year Slam.
A calendar year slam means that you have to win all the Four Majors in one calendar year.
The Bryan brothers have already won the Australian, the French and Wimbledon this year - and now only need to win the US Open to win the Calendar Year Slam - the only achievement they have not won in doubles.
But first they have to get past Leander Paes of Kolkata, India and his Czech partner Radek Stepanek in their Semi Finals match.
Leander Paes, a very familiar and formidable doubles player,  has won many Doubles and Mixed Doubles Majors and I am sure, he and Stepanek will bring their A Game to try to beat the Bryan brothers.
Although my mind tells me that the Bryan brothers are just too strong and tough, my heart says the boy from Kolkata and his Czech may just pull off a Major surprise!!!
Lets see.
May the better pair win.

 

Unlucky Leyton shown the door

The unseeded Leyton Hewitt, a former US Open Champion, did all that he could but fell at the Round of 16.
He had Mikhail Youzhny on the ropes in the 4th and the 5th set. All Leyton had to do was to hold his own serve and come away with a victory.
A quarterfinal berth awaited him.
But victory eluded him. He seemed drained of all energy. It felt as if he just wanted the match to end.
On the other hand Youzhny kept plugging away, kept putting the ball back in play and kept it in play and let Leyton make the mistakes.
It was a clever tactic considering how tired Leyton was.
At the end Youzhny deserved to go forward and renew his battles with Djokovic.

 

Why Ozil and not Khedira or Alonso? Sr. Perez please explain.

As an ardent Real Madrid fan, I cannot understand why Madrid had to sell Ozil?
If Madrid has to sell someone why not Khedira or Alonso?
Is it because Ozil fetched more money than these two combined?
Was it really a question of money?
Sr. Perez and Ancelotti please respond:-
: Why would Arsenal pay $ 67million for a midfielder?
: Why would you sell one of your most creative player?
: Why would you sell such a talented YOUNG player?
: Why would you NOT sell the likes of Khedira and Alonso who really do not add any value?
: Why would you sell someone who has been your sole right winger?
: Why would you sell someone whose passing was so accurate and could float the ball in at will?
I cannot understand the logic and I am sure many of my fellow Real supporters do not either.
Finally why would the Club bring in a forward ( Bale ) and sell a STAR ( Ozil )?
Its a "real" shame.

 

The Spaniards are now taking over the HARDCOURT tournaments

Have you noticed that the Spaniards are now coming through the HARDCOURT tournaments and beginning to put their names and stamp on them.
Previously it was the Spaniards who dominated the CLAY tournaments and were not very good on grass or hardcourts.
However things are changing.
Now the Spaniards are coming through in a big way on HARDCOURTS.
In the US Open you are seeing David Ferrer, Tommy Robredo and Rafael Nadal doing well and are bursting into the quarterfinals and have won.
Next I am sure they will be dominating grass as well.


 

The Federer era is over

Roger Federer was comprehensively beaten by the Spaniard Tommy Robredo in straight sets 7-6, 6-3 and 6-4.
It was sad to see a great Champion struggling to stay with Robredo. Nothing was working for Roger. He could not convert the numerous break points he won. In fact nothing wa working for him.
At the end a very steady Robredo won and entered the Quarterfinals of the US Open for the first time.
Further this was the first time Tommy Robredo beat Roger Federer. Their head to head stats now read 1-10.
It wasn't a great or even a good match. The numerous unforced errors by Roger Federer was a dampner. For us, the spectators, we came away in disbelief at the very poor performance of Roger Federer. Maybe we felt let down. Or maybe we felt cheated out of a good match.
I think its time to bring down the curtain on the Roger Federer era.
Its sad to call for an end to an era which has given us so much excitement and fun.
But all good things must come to an end.
And I recommend that future Grand Slam Tournaments take into account Roger Federer's current results rather than the WTA or whatever other rankings they use to determine the seedings.
We the need to see games being more competitive and exciting for the spectators.

 

Arsenal win against a very very weak Spurs

Arsenal could have won by atleast half a dozen had it not been for the efforts of Lloris, the Spurs Goalkeeper.
Arsenal was so much better than Spurs. Their passing was good, the speed at getting up was good but it was the heroic Lloris that held them off.
Tottenham Hotspurs played without much idea as to what needs to be done to score a goal. The Spurs forward line were inept. They did not and could not link up with one another. Their passing was dreadful and they did not set up a single good opportunity of goal.
Again we did not see Roberto Soldado - the much hyped Spanish striker recently acquired from the La Liga. I think its a shame that he does not force himself more and more into the game.
Overall Spurs were outplayed and were lucky to lose by only one goal.
I think Mr. Levy needs to and should go out and continue buying a string of players if he wants to continue in the Premier League.
The Giroud goal was cleverly taken. It was a Walcott cross and Giroud who came to the near post, flicked it in with his left foot, when it was expected that he would bring his right foot down on the ball.
Giroud fooled Lloris - the only time in the match.

 

Liverpool vs Manchester United - not an exciting match

The match was not pleasing to the eye of the spectator.
After the first and only goal by Sturridge ( Liverpool ) the game became a "fouling bout" - very physical and not enough of good football.
Its a shame that two top sides of the English Premier League can produce so much of "nothing".
The ball was in the midfield most of the time and there were very few scoring chances.
The match celebrated the great Bill Shankly's centenary year - the tribute was perhaps the only emotional moment in the whole match.
The Sturridge goal was intriguing. I will argue that he was trying to get out of the way whereas others will argue it was a clever back deflection.
Whatever the case, only one goal in such a highly charged game short changed the spectators.

 

Real Madrid puts away Athletic Bilbao in style

ISCO put daylight between the two sides.
Two beautiful and well taken goals by this brilliant young player - ISCO, were great but his second showed class. It was very well put away and the Bilbao goalkeeper had absolutely no chance.
Ronaldo's header from a free kick, completed the final Madrid tally.
Real Madrid picked up another three points and kept their points tally to the maximum.
Nine points from three games.
Hala Madrid.