The Pharaohs are once again sitting pretty at the head of Africa tonight, after retaining the African Cup of Nations for a record-breaking 3rd consecutive tournament. This is the 7th time Egypt has won the competition, more than any other African nation and yet we will not have the pleasure of watching them in South Africa.
Egypt strolled through the group stages of the tournament, beating Mozambique, Benin and Nigeria with ease. The side managed to score 7 goals in the process and only let in 1 against Nigeria. The side had qualified comfortably, but their quarter final appearance against Cameroon was a nervous affair. However, an uncharacteristic sloppy mistake by Geremi in extra-time helped the Pharaohs to continue their progress into the semis.
The Egyptian’s then mummified any echoes of Algerian taunts, after their bitter rivals beat them in a play-off for a final World Cup place, by demolishing an ill-disciplined side that could not live up to their World Cup qualifying credentials, by being completely outclassed by their north African counterparts. 4-0 was the final score in the semi-final, although it could have been more, as for the amount of men Algeria had on the pitch at the end of night, 8, that could have been less.
The eagerly anticipated final meant that the tournament’s top scorers would be facing a Ghana side that had won 3 out of its 4 games 1-0. It was a tense affair, with neither side making any break through, until super-sub Gedo scored for Egypt in the 85th minute to avoid any extra-time boredom. Gedo deserved his title of super-sub more than most, having ended the competition as the golden boot winner, having scored 5 goals in 6 games, all from substitute appearances.
So, the party in Cairo will be an all-night affair, their lack of appearance at the upcoming World Cup, for the moment a distant thought of sorrow. Yet, there is the worry that their victory will be overshadowed by the events that occurred beforehand. The Togo team bus was attacked by gunmen, emulating in the Togo government recalling their players from Angola.
The Confederation of African Football has subsequently banned the side from the next 2 tournaments, a decision which had left many bewildered and outraged. How they expect any side to play after seeing team members being killed days before is just ridiculous. At the end of the day, there are more important things than getting one over your rivals, or four for that matter, even more important than winning the tournament, so let’s just hope that while Egypt celebrates their title, CaF think about their decision and reinstate Togo back into Africa’s greatest cup.
Sunday 31 January 2010
Saturday 30 January 2010
Steen Steers St.Louis To Victory
“And he dumps it in!” One of the most common phrases used in a game of ice hockey, it simply seems to be the American equivalent of “And he boots it forward!” The puck is simply hit up the rink towards the opposing team’s goal, yet deliberately not aimed towards it. The idea is to gain territory, pick up the puck after some hopefully fortuitous ricochets, and start a pre-trained attacking manoeuvre from further up the rink. Well, I think that is the case, otherwise, they just appear to be doing no more than hit and hope.
I have to admit, ice hockey always struck me as an exciting game, full of fancy footwork, great passing plays and huge hits emulating in fights for all to witness. Yet, after settling down to watch Edmonton v St. Louis my initial excitement slowly drained away. The only aspect that kept me mildly interested was the American commentary, firing facts at you from all angles, faster than another Tiger Wood’s mistress can sell her story to the press. Apparently, for instance, the commentators had never seen so much snow on the ice at Edmonton...
So, at the end of the first period we have seen one powerpoint play, two period shutouts and an unheard of amount of overexcitement over a relatively boring match. But then, all changed. The Oilers scored, the puck going out to the right winger, who switched the puck to a wide open Dustin Penner on the left, making it easy for him to place the puck into the goal for his 22nd of the year. Only a minute later the Blues score back after Brewer lets rip, firing the miniscule puck into the top-right hand corner. And before I knew what was happening two players had dropped their sticks and were attempting to square-up to each other, only to be prevented by the match umpires and their lack of ability to box.
Then with only a minute to go of the second period, the Blues goaltender tripped one of the Oiler’s offensive players, the referee put his hand up for a penalty, he then changed his mind, much to the bemusement of the commentators. But from the trip the Blues went straight up the ice, picked up a rebound off the goaltender and missed an open net from 2 yards, you can only imagine the commentators reaction at this point.
So we go into the 3rd period with the scores still level at 1-1. But only 2 minutes into the 3rd period and Steen fires into the short side, over the sliding defensive player into the net to put the Blues 2-1 up with a classy wrist shot. The rest of the period passes without much incident, leaving the Blues to leave Edmonton 2-1 winners.
The game certainly took off in the 2rd period but the commentary really made it exciting throughout. Ice Hockey is definitely worthy a watch, and my anticipation to watch the national sides in the forthcoming winter-Olympics is now ripe. Unfortunately, this may come with English commentary. Either way remember guys, “Blues Hockey is brought to you by Bud Light, just the right taste, it’s not too heavy, it’s not too light, the difference is drinkability”
I have to admit, ice hockey always struck me as an exciting game, full of fancy footwork, great passing plays and huge hits emulating in fights for all to witness. Yet, after settling down to watch Edmonton v St. Louis my initial excitement slowly drained away. The only aspect that kept me mildly interested was the American commentary, firing facts at you from all angles, faster than another Tiger Wood’s mistress can sell her story to the press. Apparently, for instance, the commentators had never seen so much snow on the ice at Edmonton...
So, at the end of the first period we have seen one powerpoint play, two period shutouts and an unheard of amount of overexcitement over a relatively boring match. But then, all changed. The Oilers scored, the puck going out to the right winger, who switched the puck to a wide open Dustin Penner on the left, making it easy for him to place the puck into the goal for his 22nd of the year. Only a minute later the Blues score back after Brewer lets rip, firing the miniscule puck into the top-right hand corner. And before I knew what was happening two players had dropped their sticks and were attempting to square-up to each other, only to be prevented by the match umpires and their lack of ability to box.
Then with only a minute to go of the second period, the Blues goaltender tripped one of the Oiler’s offensive players, the referee put his hand up for a penalty, he then changed his mind, much to the bemusement of the commentators. But from the trip the Blues went straight up the ice, picked up a rebound off the goaltender and missed an open net from 2 yards, you can only imagine the commentators reaction at this point.
So we go into the 3rd period with the scores still level at 1-1. But only 2 minutes into the 3rd period and Steen fires into the short side, over the sliding defensive player into the net to put the Blues 2-1 up with a classy wrist shot. The rest of the period passes without much incident, leaving the Blues to leave Edmonton 2-1 winners.
The game certainly took off in the 2rd period but the commentary really made it exciting throughout. Ice Hockey is definitely worthy a watch, and my anticipation to watch the national sides in the forthcoming winter-Olympics is now ripe. Unfortunately, this may come with English commentary. Either way remember guys, “Blues Hockey is brought to you by Bud Light, just the right taste, it’s not too heavy, it’s not too light, the difference is drinkability”
Sunday 24 January 2010
Milan or United?
“So, who do you support?” A common question one may ask. “United”, is a relatively common answer. Yet one that continues to annoy me, as it is totally inept. United???? Do you mean Scunthrope? Leeds? Hayes and Yeading? Of course, the person always means Manchester, obviously too high and mighty to assume that someone else may actually use the term in their name. However, it appears Italians suffer the same indignation.
Taking advantage of ESPN’s free weekend on freeview, I settled down to watch the Milan derby, with all the pre-match talk about what “Milan” may do. I personally thought the whole point of a Milan derby, was that there are two teams playing from Milan. Of course, the pundits will claim that Inter’s real name is Internazionale, yet, it is F.C Internazionale Milano, or as everyone else calls them, Inter Milan, so why should AC get to keep the Milan segment all to themselves? It would be like calling Manchester United, just Manchester, leaving Manchester City to just be called “The wasters of a vast expansive of money but with a stylish as opposed to chewing gum manic manager”.
Of course, there are some differences between the two Manchester sides and the two from Milan. Both cities watch their respect teams play in red and blue, although with the two from Milan adding black stripes to their outfit. And of course, there is also the point that both the Milan teams are actually quality sides, shown by the fact that they occupy the top two places in Serie A.
As for the game itself, it was a feisty start to the game with Beckham picking up a booking after only 3 minutes, on a pitch that looked smoky, although that was probably due to the amount of flares let off within the ground. Inter then took the lead with a superb finish from Milito 9 minutes in, converting when clearly dominant. Wesley Sneijder was on top form, pulling all the strings showing as much flare and fight as their “special” manager.
But then things really got interesting. The referee accidentally blocked Sneijder from receiving a pass and then two minutes later booked Lucio for diving. Sneijder, still clearly incensed, decides to sarcastically clap at the referee, who took offence to this, or maybe to something else that could not be heard over TV, and produced a red card in front of a shocked stadium.
Yet the score remained 1-0 until half-time. 20 minutes after the players walked off the 2nd half kicked off, Gattuso being replaced by the legendary Clarence Seedorf. AC had a couple of chances to draw level, but headers were either aimed at Cesar, or put over the bar. Whilst up the other end, Inter showed great counter-attack ability, with Milito threading an eloquent flick to put Pandev through, only to watch his chip being denied by the post. But Pandev did not have much longer to wait before making a full impact on his first Milan derby, guiding a freekick into the back of the net, pass a less than agile Dida. The Macedonian celebrated without his shirt, got booked, and then promptly substituted to be replaced by the more physical, defensive-minded Thiago Motta.
The game entered the 91st minute, after Jose Mourinho had encouraged the crowd to celebrate, when the ball found its way to Huntelaar in the box. The Dutch frontman fired the ball towards the goal, blocked by the hand of Lucio. A penalty was awarded, Lucio received his second booking and marching orders, before Ronaldinho stepped up and fired his penalty towards the goal. Yet, once again, Cesar was there to keep the clean sheet for Inter.
So, Inter take the 3 points and go 9 points clear from their closest rivals. If Manchester United can get called simply “United”, because they believe they are the better side, then surely when saying “Milan” one must now be referring to Inter.
Taking advantage of ESPN’s free weekend on freeview, I settled down to watch the Milan derby, with all the pre-match talk about what “Milan” may do. I personally thought the whole point of a Milan derby, was that there are two teams playing from Milan. Of course, the pundits will claim that Inter’s real name is Internazionale, yet, it is F.C Internazionale Milano, or as everyone else calls them, Inter Milan, so why should AC get to keep the Milan segment all to themselves? It would be like calling Manchester United, just Manchester, leaving Manchester City to just be called “The wasters of a vast expansive of money but with a stylish as opposed to chewing gum manic manager”.
Of course, there are some differences between the two Manchester sides and the two from Milan. Both cities watch their respect teams play in red and blue, although with the two from Milan adding black stripes to their outfit. And of course, there is also the point that both the Milan teams are actually quality sides, shown by the fact that they occupy the top two places in Serie A.
As for the game itself, it was a feisty start to the game with Beckham picking up a booking after only 3 minutes, on a pitch that looked smoky, although that was probably due to the amount of flares let off within the ground. Inter then took the lead with a superb finish from Milito 9 minutes in, converting when clearly dominant. Wesley Sneijder was on top form, pulling all the strings showing as much flare and fight as their “special” manager.
But then things really got interesting. The referee accidentally blocked Sneijder from receiving a pass and then two minutes later booked Lucio for diving. Sneijder, still clearly incensed, decides to sarcastically clap at the referee, who took offence to this, or maybe to something else that could not be heard over TV, and produced a red card in front of a shocked stadium.
Yet the score remained 1-0 until half-time. 20 minutes after the players walked off the 2nd half kicked off, Gattuso being replaced by the legendary Clarence Seedorf. AC had a couple of chances to draw level, but headers were either aimed at Cesar, or put over the bar. Whilst up the other end, Inter showed great counter-attack ability, with Milito threading an eloquent flick to put Pandev through, only to watch his chip being denied by the post. But Pandev did not have much longer to wait before making a full impact on his first Milan derby, guiding a freekick into the back of the net, pass a less than agile Dida. The Macedonian celebrated without his shirt, got booked, and then promptly substituted to be replaced by the more physical, defensive-minded Thiago Motta.
The game entered the 91st minute, after Jose Mourinho had encouraged the crowd to celebrate, when the ball found its way to Huntelaar in the box. The Dutch frontman fired the ball towards the goal, blocked by the hand of Lucio. A penalty was awarded, Lucio received his second booking and marching orders, before Ronaldinho stepped up and fired his penalty towards the goal. Yet, once again, Cesar was there to keep the clean sheet for Inter.
So, Inter take the 3 points and go 9 points clear from their closest rivals. If Manchester United can get called simply “United”, because they believe they are the better side, then surely when saying “Milan” one must now be referring to Inter.
Tuesday 19 January 2010
Two Goal Tevez Torments Ex-Teammates
The warmly anticipated first leg of the semi final of the Carling Cup between fierce rivals Manchester City and Manchester United finally got underway after it had been postponed previously due to the snowy weather. However, Guy Mowbray mentioned the song shortly after I had noticed it, for a game which means so much to the City of Manchester, is “Blue Moon” not one of the most boring songs ever to sing beforehand? Not quite “You’ll never walk alone” anyway.
Maybe the lack of a decent atmospheric song helped Manchester United feel so at ease at their closest rival’s stadium, in the opening 10 minutes, passing the ball around with ease, leaving City to force an upbeat tempo which only created misplaced passes.
Yet, through Wright-Phillips the sky blues gradually worked their way into the match. Only their lack of cutting edge meant that their play posed no real threat. Man U however, looked more decisive. Evre barged Wright-Phillips off the ball before putting a dangerous cross in for Rooney. And then only minutes later Valencia battled his way through Bellamy, fired a low cross which Rooney flicked towards goal, forcing Given to make a great reaction save, but the rebound fell to man of the moment Ryan Giggs, who calmly passed the ball into the open net from 2 yards.
You would have presumed that this may insert some fight into Man City, yet that was not the case. City remained lethargic when off the ball, giving the visitors far too much time and space on the ball, allowing them to pick pass after pass. Whereas, when on the ball, although they tried to inject some pace into the game, players were often left isolated, as their opponents played a high maintenance pressing game against them.
But, Manchester City were given a life-line when Rafael pulled at Bellamy’s shirt outside the box, yet the referee awarded a penalty. Rafael did seem to make a second grab towards Bellamy inside of the box, yet there appeared to be little contact. However, against his former club, Carlos Tevez stepped up before lashing the ball home into the back of the net, with a strike of the upmost ferocity, bringing the game level a 1-1 right before half time.
The second half commenced with more fouls than effective football. Evans did play one ball from just outside his own half which penetrated the City backline, however Rooney found his path to goal blocked by the inform Shay Given. City then had a corner which buzzed around dangerously in the United box, yet it failed to cause too much distress.
Yet, 20 minutes into the second half, Bellamy whipped in a corner which Company knocked back into the box, where it found Carlos Tevez unmarked inside the 6 yard area. The striker knocked home the ball before running straight to the centre circle to listen to the sumptuous applause and cries of “Sign him up Fergie” from the ecstatic City fans.
Man U tried to up the gear, bringing on Owen to partner Rooney up front. It wasn’t long before the pair linked up, but Given was there once more to prevent Rooney, and substitute Onuoha kept Owen’s rebound going over the line. Rooney then produced some sublime footwork after some flowing football by United, but the agile Irishman was there once more to prevent the goalbound strike.
The pressure on the City defence never truly intensified. Diouf came on but saw his header go wide. Given also produced another good stop but what else would you expect from the best keeper currently in the Premiership. So Manchester City thanks to former Red Carlos Tevez, take a 2-1 lead into the second leg at Old Trafford, where they hope to draw or win. The only problem is, that only happens once in a blue moon...
Maybe the lack of a decent atmospheric song helped Manchester United feel so at ease at their closest rival’s stadium, in the opening 10 minutes, passing the ball around with ease, leaving City to force an upbeat tempo which only created misplaced passes.
Yet, through Wright-Phillips the sky blues gradually worked their way into the match. Only their lack of cutting edge meant that their play posed no real threat. Man U however, looked more decisive. Evre barged Wright-Phillips off the ball before putting a dangerous cross in for Rooney. And then only minutes later Valencia battled his way through Bellamy, fired a low cross which Rooney flicked towards goal, forcing Given to make a great reaction save, but the rebound fell to man of the moment Ryan Giggs, who calmly passed the ball into the open net from 2 yards.
You would have presumed that this may insert some fight into Man City, yet that was not the case. City remained lethargic when off the ball, giving the visitors far too much time and space on the ball, allowing them to pick pass after pass. Whereas, when on the ball, although they tried to inject some pace into the game, players were often left isolated, as their opponents played a high maintenance pressing game against them.
But, Manchester City were given a life-line when Rafael pulled at Bellamy’s shirt outside the box, yet the referee awarded a penalty. Rafael did seem to make a second grab towards Bellamy inside of the box, yet there appeared to be little contact. However, against his former club, Carlos Tevez stepped up before lashing the ball home into the back of the net, with a strike of the upmost ferocity, bringing the game level a 1-1 right before half time.
The second half commenced with more fouls than effective football. Evans did play one ball from just outside his own half which penetrated the City backline, however Rooney found his path to goal blocked by the inform Shay Given. City then had a corner which buzzed around dangerously in the United box, yet it failed to cause too much distress.
Yet, 20 minutes into the second half, Bellamy whipped in a corner which Company knocked back into the box, where it found Carlos Tevez unmarked inside the 6 yard area. The striker knocked home the ball before running straight to the centre circle to listen to the sumptuous applause and cries of “Sign him up Fergie” from the ecstatic City fans.
Man U tried to up the gear, bringing on Owen to partner Rooney up front. It wasn’t long before the pair linked up, but Given was there once more to prevent Rooney, and substitute Onuoha kept Owen’s rebound going over the line. Rooney then produced some sublime footwork after some flowing football by United, but the agile Irishman was there once more to prevent the goalbound strike.
The pressure on the City defence never truly intensified. Diouf came on but saw his header go wide. Given also produced another good stop but what else would you expect from the best keeper currently in the Premiership. So Manchester City thanks to former Red Carlos Tevez, take a 2-1 lead into the second leg at Old Trafford, where they hope to draw or win. The only problem is, that only happens once in a blue moon...
Saturday 16 January 2010
Moyes' Men v Mancini's Manchester
It was a clash of expansive spending verses intelligent dealings, a constant changing of managers against a constant manager, never changing, a match that would pit a lacklustre Manchester City against an ever increasing return to form Everton.
Manchester City have been attempting to fly high this season, a feat that Everton have being trying to emulate for the last few seasons. Yet, this year both teams have the advantage of the so called “big four” struggling to hit full throttle, in what has been one of the most closely contested Premierships in a long while. Albeit, Chelsea did win 7-2 today against Sunderland, and Manchester United saw off a Burnley side looking to do the double over the Champions.
However, despite Liverpool keeping the faith with Rafa, Mark Hughes fell foul for drawing too many games, finding himself sacked after picking up only 2 wins in 11 consecutive league games. Everton on the other hand, plagued with injuries, started the season even more poorly, yet they remained faithful to the 3rd longest serving manager in the Premier league, David Moyes. What a wise decision this appears to be.
Mancini may wear a scarf that gives him instant respect and likeability which fans adore, however, with it comes the expectation that a side, which has spent so lavishly, will produce football that will at least match the Italian’s immaculate style. Tevez has recently stepped up to the plate, in the absence of Adebayor , Bellamy has also played his part and Shay Given is still one of the best keepers in the league. Yet, the rest of the team seems to leave much to be desired. Robinho especially feeling the heat, coming on as a substitute before himself being subbed merely 51 minutes later.
Whereas Everton have a side playing once more at the best of their capabilities. South African Steven Pienaar clearly has the summer in sights, yet this only seems to have invigorated the player, who is tormenting countless defenders with his nippy, skilful feet. On the opposite wing, the Toffees have Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, a man who looks like another classic Moyes signing, hard working, yet with evident ability to match, even if his name is a nightmare for commentators. Add these two international wingers to a midfield pair of Cahill and Fellaini and it is not hard to see why Everton is producing such good results.
Fellaini may look like an overgrown celery stick, but his appearance should not deceive, his feet are still fully attached to his overexcited head of hair and boy do they work well. And despite what Alan Shearer may suggest, everyone, and not just young lads, loves to see a “Maradona” turn on the ball, leaving Craig Bellamy looking even smaller than he usually would next to the giant.
Landon Donovan also appears to be a shrewd loan signing, finally giving Louis Saha a strike partner who looks able to provide and score. The American is another who will grace South Africa with his presence, let’s just hope he doesn’t like scoring against English opposition too much however.
So, maybe on reflection a 2-0 loss for Mancini was to be expected. His first loss in English football comes at the hands of a team built upon stability. Let’s just hope Mancini is given the time to do the same. However, I doubt it...
Manchester City have been attempting to fly high this season, a feat that Everton have being trying to emulate for the last few seasons. Yet, this year both teams have the advantage of the so called “big four” struggling to hit full throttle, in what has been one of the most closely contested Premierships in a long while. Albeit, Chelsea did win 7-2 today against Sunderland, and Manchester United saw off a Burnley side looking to do the double over the Champions.
However, despite Liverpool keeping the faith with Rafa, Mark Hughes fell foul for drawing too many games, finding himself sacked after picking up only 2 wins in 11 consecutive league games. Everton on the other hand, plagued with injuries, started the season even more poorly, yet they remained faithful to the 3rd longest serving manager in the Premier league, David Moyes. What a wise decision this appears to be.
Mancini may wear a scarf that gives him instant respect and likeability which fans adore, however, with it comes the expectation that a side, which has spent so lavishly, will produce football that will at least match the Italian’s immaculate style. Tevez has recently stepped up to the plate, in the absence of Adebayor , Bellamy has also played his part and Shay Given is still one of the best keepers in the league. Yet, the rest of the team seems to leave much to be desired. Robinho especially feeling the heat, coming on as a substitute before himself being subbed merely 51 minutes later.
Whereas Everton have a side playing once more at the best of their capabilities. South African Steven Pienaar clearly has the summer in sights, yet this only seems to have invigorated the player, who is tormenting countless defenders with his nippy, skilful feet. On the opposite wing, the Toffees have Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, a man who looks like another classic Moyes signing, hard working, yet with evident ability to match, even if his name is a nightmare for commentators. Add these two international wingers to a midfield pair of Cahill and Fellaini and it is not hard to see why Everton is producing such good results.
Fellaini may look like an overgrown celery stick, but his appearance should not deceive, his feet are still fully attached to his overexcited head of hair and boy do they work well. And despite what Alan Shearer may suggest, everyone, and not just young lads, loves to see a “Maradona” turn on the ball, leaving Craig Bellamy looking even smaller than he usually would next to the giant.
Landon Donovan also appears to be a shrewd loan signing, finally giving Louis Saha a strike partner who looks able to provide and score. The American is another who will grace South Africa with his presence, let’s just hope he doesn’t like scoring against English opposition too much however.
So, maybe on reflection a 2-0 loss for Mancini was to be expected. His first loss in English football comes at the hands of a team built upon stability. Let’s just hope Mancini is given the time to do the same. However, I doubt it...
Monday 4 January 2010
Only One United
A new millennium, a new manager, a new set of young players hoping to emulate the glory days. Champions League success coupled with ambition created a new problem facing the stronghold of Yorkshire football. These financial issues led to regulation, down the slippery slope of the English leagues they fell, yet with the decade coming to a close, the spiral became a trough. Now with a new born and bred manager, a financially aware owner and some fresh talent, Leeds United are starting to get to grips with the possibility of promotion that will take them one step closer to being back where they were in the year 2000, the Premiership.
The League One outfit are well below the level of football the city expects of them, yet not many other football fans will feel sorry for what appears to be one of the most unlikeable clubs in England. Leeds however, are sitting pretty at the top of the League, and promotion seems a certainty, provided the players which have been excelling under Simon Grayson, remain to be present come February, after January’s bring and buy market ends.
Jermaine Beckford, Robert Snodgrass and Bradley Johnson, are just a few of the players who could be seen as potential prospects for a higher placed club. Beckford has knocked up 20 goals this season already, and Snodgrass has recently been called up for the Scotland squad. Yet, what better way to prove your worth than with a glamour tie against the English League Champions, Runners-up in Europe and champions of the world, Manchester United at the theatre of dreams, Old Trafford?
Having narrowly lost to Liverpool in the Carling Cup earlier this season, Leeds were well aware of the task ahead. Yet today, on the clubs biggest day of the season, one of the most unlikeable teams in the country, found themselves with the support of every football fan outside of Manchester, and maybe even a few within it. The old rivalry between the clubs still remained even as Leeds went into the darkness, whilst across the Pennies the Red Devils went from strength to strength, dominating English football. Yet, despite the clear different paths they have recently being travelling, both teams took to the pitch, to face each other in the first game of their new decade.
The intensity was there, the passion was shown, the desire was evident for all to see. In a 3rd round which had thrown up no real upsets, Man U were fully expected to win, to dominate, to quash any potential threat the away side could conjure up and yet this was not to be. Leeds came out of the blocks fighting, with their high maintenance pressing game paying dividends. Captain Taylor hassled, Jonny Howson picked up the pieces, the Leeds boy looked up, a clear game plan already in mind, fired a long ball forward to leave Beckford sprinting away from Brown. Despite a poor first touch taking him away from goal, the inform striker calmly placed the ball back across the goal past the onrushing Kuszczak, and slowly it rolled over the line sending the away fans into delirium.
The goal had come only 19 minutes in, plenty of time for the Premiership side to get themselves back into the match, back into the FA Cup, yet that resurgence never arrived. Casper Ankergren kept any potential threat at bay. In fact it was the visitors who came closest to scoring again, with Beckford firing inches wide and Snodgrass hitting the woodwork from a free-kick. However, it must be said that Wayne Rooney did not deserve to be on the losing side, the only real player from Man U to show his quality for the entire match.
Yet, even Rooney couldn’t muster up a goal, leaving Man U to ponder over their first exit in round 3 of the FA Cup for 26 years. Alex Ferguson was clearly not happy with his players, taking an age to “talk” to his players before facing the ITV postmatch cameras. “Well I didn’t expect that” his first comment, yet his tone was not one of surprise at Leeds winning, more anger at how bad his team had performed. Ferguson did admit that Leeds deserved to win, which they probably did, however he, like everyone else in football, will feel they should be in the 4th round draw.
So where did it all go wrong? Fans will probably say that Man U didn’t field their strongest side, yet, realistically it was almost as strong as it could have been. The back four of Evans, Brown, Neville and Fabio Da Silva may not have been first choice at the start of the season, yet with injuries to Ferdinand, Evra and Vidic, who else was there to play? Admittedly, Giggs and Valencia only came on in the last 30minutes, both provided stability and quality, replacing the woeful Obertan and Welbeck, but Anderson and Gibson have both started for Man U in the centre. As for Rooney and Berbatov, that is a front pair that many sides would sell their entire squad for.
However, Leeds came out on top, Man U can now concentrate of regaining the league for a 4th consecutive time, a feat which I am sure they will achieve. Yet, could the new decade see a resurgence of a once formidable Leeds United side? Well, either way, there is now only one true United in the FA Cup.
The League One outfit are well below the level of football the city expects of them, yet not many other football fans will feel sorry for what appears to be one of the most unlikeable clubs in England. Leeds however, are sitting pretty at the top of the League, and promotion seems a certainty, provided the players which have been excelling under Simon Grayson, remain to be present come February, after January’s bring and buy market ends.
Jermaine Beckford, Robert Snodgrass and Bradley Johnson, are just a few of the players who could be seen as potential prospects for a higher placed club. Beckford has knocked up 20 goals this season already, and Snodgrass has recently been called up for the Scotland squad. Yet, what better way to prove your worth than with a glamour tie against the English League Champions, Runners-up in Europe and champions of the world, Manchester United at the theatre of dreams, Old Trafford?
Having narrowly lost to Liverpool in the Carling Cup earlier this season, Leeds were well aware of the task ahead. Yet today, on the clubs biggest day of the season, one of the most unlikeable teams in the country, found themselves with the support of every football fan outside of Manchester, and maybe even a few within it. The old rivalry between the clubs still remained even as Leeds went into the darkness, whilst across the Pennies the Red Devils went from strength to strength, dominating English football. Yet, despite the clear different paths they have recently being travelling, both teams took to the pitch, to face each other in the first game of their new decade.
The intensity was there, the passion was shown, the desire was evident for all to see. In a 3rd round which had thrown up no real upsets, Man U were fully expected to win, to dominate, to quash any potential threat the away side could conjure up and yet this was not to be. Leeds came out of the blocks fighting, with their high maintenance pressing game paying dividends. Captain Taylor hassled, Jonny Howson picked up the pieces, the Leeds boy looked up, a clear game plan already in mind, fired a long ball forward to leave Beckford sprinting away from Brown. Despite a poor first touch taking him away from goal, the inform striker calmly placed the ball back across the goal past the onrushing Kuszczak, and slowly it rolled over the line sending the away fans into delirium.
The goal had come only 19 minutes in, plenty of time for the Premiership side to get themselves back into the match, back into the FA Cup, yet that resurgence never arrived. Casper Ankergren kept any potential threat at bay. In fact it was the visitors who came closest to scoring again, with Beckford firing inches wide and Snodgrass hitting the woodwork from a free-kick. However, it must be said that Wayne Rooney did not deserve to be on the losing side, the only real player from Man U to show his quality for the entire match.
Yet, even Rooney couldn’t muster up a goal, leaving Man U to ponder over their first exit in round 3 of the FA Cup for 26 years. Alex Ferguson was clearly not happy with his players, taking an age to “talk” to his players before facing the ITV postmatch cameras. “Well I didn’t expect that” his first comment, yet his tone was not one of surprise at Leeds winning, more anger at how bad his team had performed. Ferguson did admit that Leeds deserved to win, which they probably did, however he, like everyone else in football, will feel they should be in the 4th round draw.
So where did it all go wrong? Fans will probably say that Man U didn’t field their strongest side, yet, realistically it was almost as strong as it could have been. The back four of Evans, Brown, Neville and Fabio Da Silva may not have been first choice at the start of the season, yet with injuries to Ferdinand, Evra and Vidic, who else was there to play? Admittedly, Giggs and Valencia only came on in the last 30minutes, both provided stability and quality, replacing the woeful Obertan and Welbeck, but Anderson and Gibson have both started for Man U in the centre. As for Rooney and Berbatov, that is a front pair that many sides would sell their entire squad for.
However, Leeds came out on top, Man U can now concentrate of regaining the league for a 4th consecutive time, a feat which I am sure they will achieve. Yet, could the new decade see a resurgence of a once formidable Leeds United side? Well, either way, there is now only one true United in the FA Cup.
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