The Contender v The Champ

By Clinton Ooi

The Heavyweight Championship of the World: Germany v Spain

Round #1 Points Score - 1:0

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages...The Contender versus The Champ! The Up and Coming against the Top Dog.

Round #2

At the moment, the Champs are down 1-0. Real Madrid gave a good fist of  it with a late surge but Borussia Dortmund just managed to hold on and win the first round on points. So the Contender is ahead, but can the Champ make his move?

Enter Barcelona versus Bayern Munich. The Champ has got its work cut out for him. He needs to win by 4 unanswered points, a tall order at any level, never mind under the lights of this live pay-per-view!

The Champ started the first round with a lack of ruthlessness and let some open looks go amiss. So he needs to land the knockout punch to win this old shindig. The problem is the more he goes for the coup de grace, the more he has to risk and therefore compromise his defense.

Will Barca make it and prove that the Champ is Back; or will Bayern take the opportunity to deliver the bigger of Counter Knockout Punches to in the words of Mortal Kombat: "Finish Him!"
Here we go, we will know in 90 mins... Hang on to your seats this could be a wild one!

ROUND TWO FIGHT!!!

For Club or Country

by Clinton Ooi

ONE. TWO.. THREE...

ONE. Steven Gerrard below par performance for The Three Lions versus Croatia, 3 days later puts in a top performance against Newcastle topped with a cracker of a goal

TWO.. Paul Scholes and Jamie Carragher retiring from International Duty while still at their prime



THREE... Thierry Henry never reproducing his form for Arsenal for Les Blues

The list could go on forever... Superstars in the world club game, but arguably never having fulfilled their full potential on the national scene as yet.

The reasons could vary depending on which side you sit on the pitch. Cries of superstar players no longer whole the esteem they once held for playing their country and priotise the longevity of their club careers has stood out highest.

Q: But have you considered this point of view?

ONE. Steven Gerrard has always had to shoulder the weight of Liverpool supporters as inspirational captain and midfield dynamo. While at England, he has many (potential) matchwinners beside him ala the Ronaldinho argument for Brazil. In summary, Gerrard still plays better with holding midfielders like Gareth Barry or Owen Hargreaves behind him and DEFINITELY not Frank Lampard in front of him (although Lampard is an excellent player in his own right). But we will see what the new England regime has in mind for the current Three Lions vice-captain.

TWO.. Paul Scholes retired due to the constant encouragement of club manager. You could always sense Sir Alex Ferguson never had a problem his players missing games for their countries generally anyway (Same in the case of Roy Keane and Ireland). Jamie Carragher called it quits because he was not rated as a starter by the past two English setups. Problem with versatility, you can be pushed around. (Just ask Stevie G)

THREE... Thierry Henry's stats are a case of being played out of regular club position by the French and up until the 2006 World Cup living under the shadow of a certain Zinedine Zidane. This is a similar pattern to Ronaldinho having a poor World Cup arguably because he was playing support to the old guard of Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.

Q: What's your say?

When Harry Met Crouchy

by Clinton Ooi

It might escape the radar at first sighting, but Liverpool's recent ascendency in form has not occured by pure coincidence with the return of a finally injury free Harry Kewell.

Though arguably it has only been two substitute appearances in the last week as well as a scoring comeback before that in the reserves, Kewell's entrance at Blackburn Rovers changed the attacking outlook for the Reds. In fact, his persistance in the final minutes led to a golden chance for Dirk Kuyt to almost steal a Liverpool win.

His natural inclination to take on players as well as scamper down the left touchline (or right where he actually prefers to play), brings width to a Liverpool team has been too centralised in recent months.

The reinstatement of Peter Crouch to the starting line up has also not come by chance with the return of Kewell. Harry's great crossing ability provides the service that players like Crouch thrive on. In fact, Ryan Babel almost completed his hattrick against Besiktas from a Kewell centre.

Crouch is underated by many of the footballing public, which unfortunately includes his manager this season. Rafa Benitez seems to use Crouch so one dimensionally ala Didier Drogba at Chelsea, when Peter's skills on the ground are actually his biggest asset.

So, fingers crossed, if Kewell stays fit, expect a higher goal scoring ratio for the Merseysiders as well as the more frequent inclusion of the dangly Crouch.

Scotland the Brave

by Clinton Ooi

Scottish football is on the rise. That is the theme that has dominated the European football scene for most part of this season so far. The national team is punching above its weight, defeating 2000 European Champions France home and away. Only a surprising 2-0 reverse in Georgia has put the Scottish express on hold.

Rangers are undefeated and equal top with Barcelona with 7 points in the UEFA Champions League, having just squeezed out a gritty draw with the Catalans in Ibrox while Celtic caused a major upset against the champions Milan at the death on Match Day II. That means Scottish Premier League Clubs have managed to hold the last two champions of Europe to a combined total of 1 point and 1 goal. That is nothing to be sneezed at.

The pragmatics would argue the Scots have rode their luck while the pessimists would say Scotland has not yet qualified and still face the impending showdown against the Italians. A win or draw with the Georgians could have afforded Scotland with a bit of breathing place, but where would the element of drama fit in?

Back in the Champions League and it would now be possible for both SPL representatives to qualify for the knockout stages. That would be history making stuff. However, let us not get ahead of ourselves. Just like ESPN host Derek Rae has been doing, getting excited but keeping it real. As we alluded to before Scotland has not yet booked their place in Euro 2008 while the Rangers and Celtic express are far from reaching Central Station.

So while many are waiting or predicting for the Scots to lose their way, the eternal optimist reckons this could be a potential Scottish hattrick on the cards. Watch this space…

Premiership, Have You Lost Your Soul?

by Clinton Ooi

As Icelandic businessman Eggert Magnusson and Iranian-born Kia Joorabchian fight out for control of London club West Ham United, either of their successful bids would mark an 6th club falling into the hands of foreign ownership. Currently, non-English investors own Chelsea, Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Manchester United and Fulham.

The key issue here is not that offshore investment in the clubs are necessarily all bad, however there must be a process of policing of the foreign investors that come into play.

The test should be one of a case-to-case basis, depending on the financial resources and intentions of each investor. Here, the process of investigating each proposed offshore investor should be detailed and comprehensive.

Aston Villa – Randy Lerner
Dissatisfaction with Doug Ellis’s long term of mediocrity and underachievement, it’s fair to say Villa fans would be happier if Austin Powers took over the reigns. It’s still too early to judge, whether it’s Martin O’Neill’s appointment or Randy’s arrival that has sparked a mini revival at Villa Park.

Chelsea – Roman AbramovichThe Russian revolution brought Chelsea out of huge outstanding debt and transformed them into a major power in European football, eclipsing the likes of United and being on par with Real Madrid. Two titles in two years, so the Roman rails are still running. The major concern here however, is Chelsea have recorded losses for both of the last two seasons.

Fulham – Mohamed Al-Fayed
The Harrods owner has been the longest of the foreign investors and his term has brought stability and quick promotion into the top flight to this London club.

Manchester United – Malcom Glazer & Sons
Still to be proved, United were not in the financial doldrums and were in fact the world’s richest club when the Glazers took over and immediately put the club in debt by borrowing against the future earnings of the club. This is a dangerous exercise as Leeds United fans will remember. Only time and immediate success for United will tell.

Portsmouth – Milan Mandaric
Arguably Milan’s millions provided Harry Redknapp with the resources to make those key buys in last season’s January transfer window to save Pompey from relegation. But there have been many cases of Milan being too involved in the team and at times a hindrance to his manager, prompting Redknapp’s first exit from the club.

Arsenal’s manager Arsene Wenger sums it all up very well when he said, 'This trend [for foreign ownership] does worry me. Generally you want the clubs to be in control of their own destiny. If you suddenly have 20 foreign investors who buy 20 English clubs you are in danger.'

'The manager is foreign, the players are foreign, and you need to draw a line. England doesn't control it any more. I feel the soul of football in this country is first granted by the owners of the clubs. Here, for example, at Arsenal I feel I am really at an English club. Traditionally the people who owned the clubs were first and foremost supporters. If that ceases to be the case then the clubs lose something.'

Has the English Premier League lost its soul?

What An Uproar!

by Clinton Ooi

The Queensland Roar have started the 2006/2007 A-League season with a bang. Since its inception into the inaugural season last year, the Roar have had a glowing reputation of playing slick attacking football, creating a lot of chances, but also had a notorious knack of not being able to finish most of them.

So what culminated was a lot of hoo-hah and a disappointing 6th placed finish, meaning not qualifying for the finals. With the off-season proving to be further non-enthusing because of:

• the sale of key strikers Alex Brosque (Sydney FC) & Michael Baird (Uni Craiova)
• no significant additions to the coaching staff
• no statement of intent to signify any impending changes

Hence, things seemed pretty bleak.

Hoewever, 1 month later and now Queensland are top two of the table unbeaten, with 3 wins and a draw. The best part is they are scoring goals right, left and centre. The 5-0 trashing of the New Zealand Knights at Suncorp has made it 11 goals in 4 games with 2 conceded and 3 clean sheets.

These are amazing stats bearing in mind last season's troubles. So what was the chief changes of keys to the success so far if you like. Well, I'm glad you asked the question:

1. Signing 4 strikers from 4 continents: Simon Lynch (Dundee), Ante Milicic (Newcastle Jets), Reinaldo (Brazilian signed from last season) and Yuning Zhang (Shanghai) has given the Roar a totally new look, potent and balanced attacking line.
2. The Emergence of Matt McKay: His 2 goals against the Knights and recent call up to the Socceroos squad speaks of the massive improvement of the Brisbane native.
3. An Improved backline: 3 clean sheets were not expected after the sale of last season's first choice keeper Scott Higgins to Falkirk, Scotland. However, Luke Willis has stepped up while Liam Reddy (Jets) has proved to be an excellent acquisition.
4. Sasa Ognenovski: This tough tackling and heart on sleeve defensive player has added that bit of grunt to last season's tamer roar. Signed from the Fawkner/Whittlesea Blues in the Victorian State League, he may yet prove to be the one that prevents the team from Victoria to emerge victorious.

So the question remains, just as Portsmouth in the EPL: Can the Roar keep this going?

Time will tell...

Inter-necine

by Clinton Ooi

As the new season gets underway in Serie A, Nezzazurri fans could not be faulted for having a feeling of optimism. The demise of 'champions' Juventus to Serie B, the docking of 8 championship points of housemates, AC Milan & the awarding of the 2005/06 league title (their first in... well let's just say eons).

You noticed, I haven't even begun to drop names and speak about Inter's summer imitation of Chelsea (2004) & Real Madrid (well... Fiorentino Perez). So now I am...

• Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Juve)
• Patrick Vieira (Juve)
• Fabio Grosso (Palermo)
• Hernan Crespo (Chelsea)
• Olivier Dacourt (Roma)

All world class names who would slot into any good first eleven in the world (apart from Dacourt of course).

These are in addition to last season's squad stars like:

• Adriano
• Estaban Cambiasso
• Marco Materazzi
• Luis Figo
• Ivan Cordoba
• Javier Zanetti

Q: So, Inter favourites for the title?

A: Far from it!

To be honest, I don't think Inter could win the title even if they signed Ronaldinho, Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry. Yes, football is a game won on the field. However, there are an array of off-field elements that could be as influential, if not more influential.

Here are the reasons why:

1. The transfer policy - Inter have always had a big squad, too big and inbalanced in my opinion.
2. The Gaffer - For a club of Inter's stature and rich history, they always seem to make the wrong choice for the top job. I like Roberto Mancini but I am not convinced he could lead Inter to the Serie A title... legitimately and on equal grounds.
3. Lack of luck - Inter can be classed as the 'graveyard' of football. Stars that come here, either do not perform or have career stalled for various reasons ie Ronaldo's injury curse and Dennis Bergkamp's insignificance.
4. The Shoot-myself-in-the-Foot tendency - They have a knack to losing the 'unlosable' games and watch this space. I will put myself out on the limb that by season's end we will be writing about either AC Milan's repentance and redemption or Roma's emergence and maturation of it's new generation.

So while the blue half of the San Siro may be singing now, watch out for the fat lady, she's waming up on the touchline.