It seems that the English FA has almost nabbed a world-class manager in Fabio Capello. If this works out then the solice that everyone has enjoyed in the last month or so (where we haven’t had to endure the press/TV rubbish – “we’re the best team in the world”, “England should always qualify for major tournaments”, bla bla bla) may soon be at an end – NOOOOO!!!!
Evan
A sad week for the Irish and British teams in Euro Qualifiers – looks like none of them will qualify for the championships next year. Ireland’s campaign is fizzling to a less than mediocre end with a VERY poor quality display i drawing with Cyprus to follow a draw with a poor german side. I am left once again wondering how Robbie Keane plays so well for Spurs but not for the Republic!!
As might be expected someone will have to pay the price for such a disappointing qualifying campaign. It seems that Stan might be getting his P45 sooner rather than later if this news report regarding emergency FAI meetings is to be believed. Maybe it is for the best.
My recommendation is to ask some rich Irish businessman with a love for football (and there are plenty) like JP McManus or John Magnier to take over the FAI, get Jose Mourinho in as manager and let him sort out the lacklustre performances! We need his special powers me thinks …
Besides the Republic’s dire qualifying Norn Iron seem to have collapsed too – maybe even more disappointing as they started so well beating Spain and Sweden giving everyone hope that they would do it! Well it is not to be it seems despites the efforts of Super Healy.
In Britain, well Wales have been terrible in Ireland’s group and were never going to do anything. England are in a very tough group but i thought they would pip Russia for second behind the dominant Croatians. A loss in Moscow with only one game left (against Croatia!) means they are out bar a miracle (in the form of Russia losing to Andorra and even that might not be enough!). Scotland have been playing the best of the British teams – in a group with both World Cup finalists and Ukraine (tough or what!) they lead the group until this week. They have even beat France twice. If they had managed to beat Georgia a draw against Italy would have seen them through. A draw against the World Champions is a big ask but the loss in Georgia means that the Scots too are staying at home.
Ah well … I guess I will cheer for … eh … Austria … no wait they’re crap … oh i’ve got it! Greece to retain their championship!!
Evan
An amazing goal last night from Lionel Messi (again!) in Argentina’s Copa America semi-final win over Mexico. Absolutely fantastic stuff!
PS i have found out that it is a pain in the ass when people take down videos on youtube and you have to find others … and some people don’t allow embedding videos … sigh!
