Football Diaries: Euro 2008

2008-06-29T17:37:00.000+04:00

Euro 2008 Finals:
Spain (1) vs Germany(0)

Torres scored for Spain. The only goal that thrust Spain as winners in the Euro 2008. Germany was ridden with bad luck- Lahm was taken off, Ballack had an eye injury, Klose was replaced by Frings etc. I was expecting Schweinsteiger and Klose to score but what the heck happened on the field was beyond me. Spain fired up the entire game after the second half.

Anyways, both teams did put up a good game. Great job Spain.

Now, let's countdown to FIFA 2010! :)

2008-06-27T15:58:00.002+04:00

Second set of semi-finals:
Spain (3) vs Russia (0)

I knew Spain would advance to the finals. Although Russia packed a punch, I don't think they stood a chance against the legs of Villa (who was later pulled out of the game due to a muscle strain after a free kick), Fabregas and the rest. Villa unfortunately will have to sit out of the finals (what bad luck! I wanted to see him play). Russia did play well...they put up a great fight against Spain. They had several shots on target but not good enough as Casillas had the vision of a hawk!

Spain play against the Germans on June 29. I can't wait to see these powerhouses beat it out in the finals. Schweinsteiger and Lahm against Torres and Fabregas...what a fight. Me thinks Schweinsteiger and Klose will score in the finals. Viel gluck! That's good luck in German.

Finals:

June 29 2008
Germany vs Spain

2008-06-25T02:17:00.001+04:00

First set of semi-finals:
Germany (3) vs Turkey (2)

Frustration! Full of frustration this game was. Believe it or not, due to electric storms in Vienna, the live transmission feed of the game was disrupted in the final few minutes! Imagine the frustration of people all over the world when they couldn't see what was happening between Germany and Turkey when full time was just around the corner. The horrid disruption took place thrice(!). We got to know that Klose sealed Germany's victory in the final minutes by scoring a third goal. We got to watch replays of it. I don't understand what the hell Ballack was doing staying all quiet in the background. We didn't see much action from him in this game. Lahm and Schweinsteiger were magic on the field when they scored the first two goals. Believe it or not, the first goal was history repeating itself (read Portugal vs Germany). Lahm renacted the same pass to Schweinsteiger who kicked the ball the same way into the net when Germany played against Portugal. Even the final score was reminiscent of the quarter-finals. Unbelievable! Turkey scored two goals; the second goal was just surreal when Semih flicked the ball inches from goalkeeper Lehmann's hands into the net in the blink of an eye.

Semi-finals- Game 2:

June 26 2008
Spain vs Russia

2008-06-22T03:13:00.003+04:00

Fourth set of quarterfinals:
Spain (4) vs Italy (2)- penalty shoot-out

The game did end in a no goal and then followed with the most dreaded penalty round when Spain scored 4 goals. Italy is out of the tournament. Spain advances into the semis. They play against Russia.

Semi-finals - Game 1:

June 25 2008
Germany vs Turkey

2008-06-21T02:11:00.002+04:00

Third set of quarterfinals:
Netherlands (1) vs Russia(3)

Full of surprises. Netherlands is officially out of the tournament. Can't believe Russia has advanced into the semis!

Quarterfinals- Game 4:

June 22 2008
Spain vs Italy

2008-06-20T02:35:00.001+04:00

Second set of quarterfinals:
Croatia (1) vs Turkey (1)
Penalty shoot-out: Croation (1) vs Turkey (3)

Turkey advance into the semis to play against Germany! The game ended with an equaliser and then came the penalty round where Turkey made their mark.

Quarterfinals- Game 3:

June 21 2008
Netherlands vs Russia

2008-06-19T07:14:00.000+04:00

First set of quarterfinals:
Portugal (2) vs Germany (3)

Well, Portugal put up a strong defense when they played against Germany. Infact, both teams did real well and Scolari was right when he said that Portugal needs to be wary of Germany's aerial threats i.e. free kicks and the likes. Ballack, Schweinsteiger and Klose scored a goal each for their team while Gomes and Postiga scored for Portugal. Deco did score a goal but he was off-side so that was never counted.
I'm very sad that Portugal lost. The power coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will be named Chelsea's coach after the Euro 2008. Chelsea sure can look forward to some success like never before because Scolari is the man who steered Brazil's and Portugal's ship to success. Look at Portugal's players. Whether they play at international level or at premiere leagues, they can play football.

Great game Portugal. Germany advances into the semi-finals.

Quarterfinals- Game 2:

June 20 2008
Turkey vs Croatia

2008-06-18T05:27:00.001+04:00

Russia (2) vs Sweden (0)
Greece (1) vs Spain (2)

Surprise surprise! Russia advances into the quarterfinals. Unbelievable. Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko breezed past Ibrahimovich and the remaining players to score the goals that would thrust them into the last 8 standing teams.
Spain doubled the pleasure by scoring 2 goals against those sorry for a football team excuse- Greece. Guiza and de la Red scored big ones for Spain.

The biggest game tomorrow is the first set of quarterfinals between Portugal and Germany. Both are absolutely strong teams and I'm not going to underestimate any team but hope that Portugal fires 3 powerful goals against Germany. Portugal is the team that kicked England out of the Euro 2004 so, impossible is just a word. ;)

Quarterfinals- Game 1:

June 19 2008
Portugal vs Germany

2008-06-17T05:37:00.002+04:00

Netherlands (2) vs Romania(1)
France (0) vs Italy (2)

What a crap game France played. Seriously. Something is awfully wrong with the whole team. Italy put up a strong defense and scored two goals sending France out of the tournament.

Next game:

June 18 2008

Greece vs Spain
Russia vs Sweden

2008-06-16T10:58:00.000+04:00

Austria (0) vs Germany (1)
Poland (0) vs Croatia (1)

Ballack ended Austria's hopes of advancing in the tournament with a free kick scoring the only goal in the game.

Croatia's Klasnic scored a fire power of a goal to kick Poland out of the tournament.

And then there was the drama of the coaches being sent to the stand to watch the game from there. I have no idea what the heck went on between the coaches and the referee but he sure made it look like they stole cookies from the jar.

Next game:

June 17 2008

Netherlands vs Romania
France vs Italy

2008-06-15T06:19:00.002+04:00

Portugal(0) vs Switzerland (2)
Turkey (3) vs Czech Republic (2)

Portugal didn't have it's star players playing- Carvalho, Deco, Ronaldo, Gomes were all on the bench. Hence no big goals. But the team did try real well to score. Portugal is anyways, into the qauterfinals from the last game. Switzerland is officially out of the tournament.

Turkey performed like an unbelievable team. This is the first time they have reached this stage.

Next game:

June 16, 2008

Austria vs Germany
Poland vs Croatia

2008-06-14T10:52:00.000+04:00

Greece (0) vs Russia (1)
Sweden (1) vs Spain (2)

Greece is officially out of the tournament. You suckers deserve it. Russia, the team that nobody thought would proceed, did. Well done!
Sweden played against Spain, unfortunately the latter is through from the group.

Next game:

June 15, 2008

Portugal vs Switzerland
Turkey vs Czech Republic

2008-06-13T10:49:00.001+04:00

Netherlands (4) vs France (1)
Italy (1) vs Romania(1)

Zidane must have squealed when France scored only 1 goal. This is an absolute shame. Netherlands put up such a strong defense and all the French players could do was friggin' trip and fall in the penalty area. Like what the f****? I was so disappointed.
Atleast Italy got it's game on and scored a goal. Same with the Romanian team.

Next game:

June 14, 2008

Greece vs Russia
Sweden vs Spain

2008-06-12T05:11:00.000+04:00

Austria (1) vs Poland (1)
Croatia(2) vs Germany (1)

Austria landed that goal when a penalty was awarded to them. They received that penalty when in additional time. They scored that goal in the last 55 seconds or so. That's what I call luck.
Whatever happened to the power of the German football team is beyond me. Croatia scored a double round of goals and Germany score just one.
Today's second game should be a dream to watch!

Next game:

June 13, 2008

Italy vs Romania
Netherlands vs France

2008-06-11T09:40:00.000+04:00

Portugal (3) vs Czech Republic (1)
Turkey (2) vs Switzerland (1)

Deco scored, Ronaldo scored, Quaresmo scored! This is the power of Scolari's dominant team. Deco fired the leading goal 8 minutes into the game. You won't believe the 'mess' that took place when Deco was in the penalty area with the ball. That moment literally had be holding my breath because he almost tripped before kicking the ball into the net. Ronaldo's chances to the goal were all blocked initially until after half time when he fired past a wall of the Czechs. There were several close calls when Ronaldo was in possession of the ball. He kept advancing towards Czech's goalkeeper Cech but just couldn't fire that goal although there were several shots on target. After half time, he fired the power goal giving Portugal the second goal.
A well timed pass to Quaresmo in the additional one minute sealed Portugal's advancement into the quater-finals! Go PORTUGAL!
The Czech's did fairly well with Sionko scoring one goal but not well enough to beat power team of Portugal.

Next game:

June 12, 2008
Austria vs Poland
Croatia vs Germany

2008-06-10T01:20:00.000+04:00

Spain (4) vs Russia (1)
Greece (0) vs Sweden (2)

Wow! 3 goals by Villa. What a hat trick! Fabregas finally woke up from his slumber and scored an additional for Spain. They put up a very strong defence wall every time Russia tried to score. They just wouldn't let them get an easy shot. I always say that the 'score-less' team is given some pep talk during half time by their coach because they start to really play. See what happened to Russia...they atleast scored one goal.

I am very glad that Greece lost. I despise Greece and I wanted them to loose and they did. I am very happy. Ibrahimovich scored a totally surprising goal and then Hansson sealed their victory. Go Sweeeeeeeeeeeedeeen!

Next game:

June 11, 2008
Portugal vs Czech Republic
Switzerland vs Turkey

2008-06-09T01:19:00.000+04:00

Netherlands (3) vs Italy (0)
France (0) vs Romania (1)

What was that game all about? Netherlands and the controversial goal! I couldn't believe it. Although I supported Netherlands (but Portugal is my team) in this game that first goal was SO off-side! Even van Nistelrooy kept looking at the referee before being all jubliant. The second was a great shot but the third was "What the hell just happened? Woo hoo!" goal. Italy in the second half got very defensive and took every opportunity to score a goal. I thought Italy played very well in the second half; their coach Danadoni must have given them some pep talk during half time! Both teams played real well and it was entertaining to watch Italy trying to save every minute with a potential goal.
The first game between France and Romania resulted in a no-goal. Bummer!

Next game:

June 10, 2008
Greece vs Sweden
Spain vs Russia

2008-06-08T01:35:00.001+04:00

Germany (2) vs Poland (0)
Austria (0) vs (Croatia (1)

What a score by Podolski of Germany! 2 goals in the second half. He fired up his team. Poland had 12 shots on target but for them the goalkeeper Lehmann proved to be difficult. The irony of it all- Podolski is Polish born ;-) and so is Klose.
Hail Germany. Fantastic game.

Next game:

June 9, 2008
Netherlands vs Italy
Romania vs France

2008-06-07T02:45:00.001+04:00

Portugal (2) vs Turkey (0)
Switzerland (0) vs Czech Republic (1)

An entertaining game from the very beginning. Portugal played Turkey and scored 2 goals thanks to Pepe and Meireles. There were so many close calls for Portugal in the first half when the players almost scored but the ball ended up hitting the pole or the side of the net. FORCA PORTUGAL!

Switzerland and Czech Republic played the first game of the tournament and Czech emerged as the winner with 1 goal.

Next game:
June 8, 2008
Austria vs Croatia
Germany vs Poland

2008-06-07T01:20:00.000+04:00

Euro 2008

The Euro 2008 officially begins today.

First game: Switzerland vs. Czech Republic at 8pm
Second game: Portugal vs. Turkey at 10:45pm

All game timings mentioned are in UAE time (+4 GMT).

2008-05-11T15:55:00.004+04:00

Countdown to the 2008 UEFA Games

Raaaaaaaaight. So now that the UEFA games are just round the corner (well June 7, 2008 to be precise), I'm aaaaaall excited and real happy. I can't wait for the games to begin. I have to revamp this blog in terms of images. I had amended the image so that it looks in line with my blog (my name on the image etc), now I have to do some work on the new image. *makes a note on the To Do List.
So, I can't wait for the games to begin, I have to go buy merchandise and have to make sure I am updated on the scores even if it means keeping a widget running at work.

Official countdown: 26 days to go

2006-07-17T22:06:00.000+04:00

FIFA Final: Italy vs. France

Result: Italy 1 (5 PSO) - France 1 (3 PSO)

What a grand finale. Italy lifted the 2006 World Cup and brought joy to the many ardent supporters of the football team. France on the other hand left their fans devasted and shocked.

Zidane's behavior...well what can I say? Materrazi shouldn't have said anything. If he had issues with Zidane, he should have discussed it in the locker rooms or somewhere else but not on the field. What happened was not professional at all. If you insult someone's mother or family no matter how calm the person is, he is bound to react violently.

Podolski was awarded the FIFA best young player. Good job.

This World Cup was so different. The unexpected teams proceeded forward whereas the teams that were a sure-shot bet lost. What the heck? Brazil was kicked out by France, Germany was kicked out by Italy, Netherlands departed and gave way to Portugal...the FIFA 2006 was full of surprises!

With the end of the World Cup ends the international careers of legendary players and goalkeepers. My personal favorites France's Barthez and Germany's Kahn, France's Zidane, Portugal's Figo and Pauleta, Brazil's Carlos, Italy's Totti...

All good things do come to an end. But there's always Euro 2008 to look forward too! Begin the countdown!

2006-07-09T20:12:00.000+04:00

8 July 2006: Portugal vs. Germany

Result: Portugal 1 - Germany 2

Oh well, someone had to capture the fourth place. Portugal, unfortunately scored one for Germany. Or else it would have been 1-1.

Better luck next time. Figo leaves international football. Such a good player. We will miss you Figo! Nobody will be able to replace the Luis Figo! Same with Zidane and Barthez. Ditto for Kahn. Some of the great players and goalkeepers take leave from international football. :-( Football is not going to be the same without you all.

France play Italy today in the FIFA 2006 finals. I'm all for France!

2006-07-07T20:51:00.000+04:00

5 July 2006: Portugal vs. France

Result:Portugal 0 - France 1 [Penalty]

I'm in mourning. Portugal is out of the tournament although they will still play against Germany on July 8.

Portugal had chances to score but unfortunately they did not. France played well. Zidane fired it all up with that penalty kick.

I hope France emerge as the winners of the FIFA World Cup 2006. :-)

Next game: July 8: Portugal vs. Germany
Finals: July 9: France vs. Italy

2006-07-05T20:23:00.000+04:00

4 July 2006: Germany vs. Italy

Result: Germany 0 - Italy 2

What a game Italy played! The spotlight was on them- hands down! Even before the status bar for "Ball Possession" was displayed on the screen, I kept telling myself Italy had the ball majority of the time. Germany played hard too. None of the teams scored in the time alloted to them. Extra time proved lucky for Italy. But what a shocking outcome! Everyone I know bet on Germany. Pay up ya'll! Italy have slapped Germany and tore their way into the finals!

Today Portugal play France. Fingers and toes crossed- may the best team win!

2006-07-02T11:08:00.000+04:00

1 July 2006: Portugal vs. England

Result: Portugal 3 - England 1 [Penalty shoot-out]

YEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!! Portugal won! They kicked England out of the tournament! *jumps up and down and does the ritual dance of joy...jumps up and down again.

I'm over the moon! This is the second time Portugal and England clashed and Portugal emerged as the winner! YEEHAAAA!

And now they play France. Even if, God forbid, they loose to France, it won't hurt as much as it would have if they lost to England. I'm so proud of Portugal! I'm so content with Portugal. Even without their two key players they beat England!
But England played well and Portugal played like crap in the first half. I think Scolari's pep-talk helped them as they played like warriors on a battle field in the second half. Ricardo, C.Ronaldo, Pauleta and the rest, you guys rock the world! Kisses and hugs to the Portugal team. Forca, Portugal!

I was so hoping France would win. Immediately after Portugal's victory, my friend called up to congratulate and we both wished for Brazil to crash out and France to proceed. Clash of the titans! Brazil took everything for granted, they believed they would get past France bec. they are the best and 5 time champions!

I've been saying ever since the tournament began: Never underestimate a team!

Next Portugal game: Wednesday 5 July, 2006- Portugal vs. France
Next Germany game: Tuesday 4 July, 2006- Germany vs. Italy

2006-06-26T09:10:00.000+04:00

25 June 2006: Portugal vs. Holland

Result: Portugal 1 - Holland 0

This game was definately 'The Game of Cards'. One after the other the referee issued yellow cards to the players of Portugal (and to Holland)! As if it wasn't enough, red cards were issued to two key Portugal players- Deco and Costinha were dismissed and won't play in the next game against England. PATHETIC! And to make matters worse, Cristiano Ronaldo sustained a thigh injury and was replaced by Simao. And to make matters terrible, Figo might not play in the next game. This decision lies soley in the hands of the FIFA committee as Figo was noticed for his 'hit and run' action against a player. SAD! The referee was crazy. He didn't issue the cards to the right players. Did anyone notice how he suspended Deco? Holland's player wouldn't let go off Deco and Deco got a red card! What kind of justice is this? Also, Holland lost on a lot of corners because of-again- the referee. He must have had a field day with all those yellow and red cards!

Portugal did not play as well as they do! The ball was held onto by Holland for majority of the game. But truly, what a game this was! Tension and pressure mounting from both sides, frustration and anger spilling from players...this is what happened even at the Euro2004 finals.

I'm depressed that Deco and Costinho will not play in the next game. They are a crucial part of the team esp. Deco. Maniche did an extremely fantastic job. He was extremely alert and quick to grasp the opportunity to score a goal when Pauleta made the pass. Pauleta would have scored a second hadn't it been for Van der Sar.

Surprisingly, Netherlands' coach Van Basten who reminds me of Hollywood star Will Ferrell didn't get Nistelrooy to play even in the second half! Netherlands played well. They put up a strong front. Well done.

I watched the game with a bucket of tension on my head and developed a headache when the players went in for half-time. I was depressed when the red cards were issued. I hope Ronaldo gets to play in the next game against the players of Manchester United :-D on Saturday when Portugal plays against England in the quarter-finals on Saturday, July 1.

May the best team win!

2006-06-21T20:25:00.000+04:00

21 June 2006: Portugal vs. Mexico

Result: Portugal 2 - Mexico 1

Hurray! Hurray! Hurray! Portugal won!
Good game. My heart was in my mouth when Portugal was awarded the penalty shoot!

Well done Portugal. :0)

Next Portugal game: 25 June 2006.

2006-06-21T09:44:00.000+04:00

20 June 2006: England vs. Sweden

Result:England 2 - Sweden 2

FINALLY got to watch England play! Missed all the other England games due to some sound reason.

What a game though. After England scored, Sweden tried like crap to score and their hardwork paid off. England played well too. Sadly, Owen hurt his knee (like, ouch! The replay of him falling to the ground and crawling was really painfull. Poor knee of his). Crouch is sooooo tall. He should be in the movies! So now England play Ecuador.

Today Portugal plays against Mexico. :)

2006-06-20T09:31:00.000+04:00

19 June 2006: Spain vs. Tunisia

Result:Spain 3 - Tunisia 1

Mucho gracias Torres and Fabregas. Well done! They are into the Last 16 along with Portugal and other teams. The Last 16 will be worth watching. Scary, tense, exciting and all that.

Looking forward to Ecuador vs. Germany and Sweden vs. England.
Ecuador and Germany are going to battle it out like hell. None are weak. May the best teams win!

2006-06-17T20:25:00.000+04:00

17 June 2006: Portugal vs. Iran

Result: Portugal 2 - Iran 0

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Portugal won!!! Woo hoo! Fabulous goal by Deco and splendid performance by Ronaldo! Stellar performance by the entire Portugal team! Thank God Deco didn't repeat the fiasco that he displayed at the Euro2004 finals (overhead shoots)! Ronaldo grabbed a fantastic opportunity in the form of a penalty to score big for Portugal. They would've scored a third goal, hadn't it been for an off-side. But it was a great game. Figo...poor Figo, he got hit so many times...excellent work Portugal! Scolari, your team deserves an accolade.

Next Portugal game: 21st June 2006- Portugal vs. Mexico

2006-06-16T20:15:00.000+04:00

16 June 2006: Argentina vs. Serbia & Montenegro

Result: Argentina 6 - Serbia 0

OH MY GOD! 6 freaking goals??? MY GOD! I didn't watch the game but just read the news on FIFA's site. At first it was shock but then Argentina is a strong group.

6 goals...I think Brazil, Portugal, France and Holland should learn from Argentina!!!

2006-06-13T14:36:00.000+04:00

12 June 2006: Italy vs. Ghana

Result: Italy 2 - Ghana 1

This game was good. Ghana played really well. Italy was at their best.
Didn't get to watch the entire game :(

Looking forward to Brazil vs. Croatia and France vs. Switzerland. Brazil and France are worth watching and this will indeed be a good game! I would love to see Brazil and France battle it out!

2006-06-13T14:26:00.000+04:00

11 June 2006: Portugal vs. Angola

Result: Portugal 1 - Angola 0

PORTUGAL WON!!!!!

They could have played better though. Surprisingly, Angola weren't bad! They made an extremely good effort. I was amazed. Portugal would have scored a second goal if Ronaldo had to hit the ball a little lower. Figo made an excellent pass to Pauleta with regards to the first shot. Man! That pass was very sharp. Very sharp! I would be sitting ducks if I were the one in Figo's place. I wouldn't have even noticed Pauleta on the right! Daym Figo! Ronaldo needs to keep his temper in check. Pathetic that Scolari called him off...but Scolari knows well.
Good game, good tackles, good game play. But Portugal could have done better. Simao, Figo, Pauleta and Ronaldo made a good effort. Dad and I were expecting 2-3 goals. Portugal would have scored 3 goals...there's always a next time.

Angola's Akwa made a good attempt too with his acrobatic kicks.

I missed Netherlands playing. Wanted to watch it despertely.

2006-06-11T09:34:00.000+04:00

10 June 2006: Argentina vs. Cote d' Ivoire

Result: Argentina 2 - Cote d' Ivoire 1
England 1 - Paraguay 0
Sweden 0 - Trinidad & Tabago 0

What a good game it was! Very well played. Both teams fought till the end. It was nothing like the Germany vs. Costa Rica game. Argentina and Cote d' Ivoire played their best! Very good strategic team play. This is the way games should be played. Personally, I found both teams focused. They knew what they had to do. Never underestimate the power of not-so-famous teams. I was impressed by Cote d' Ivoire! Well done!

Unfortunately, I missed the game I was looking forward to- Sweden vs. Trinidad & Tobago. Also missed England vs. Paraguay. Missed it because I was attending my fabulous graduation ceremony. I'm surprised Sweden didn't score anything! I did get to see a replay of certain shots from the game. Ibrahimovic and Larsson- the two key players didn't do much. Although theirs and their team's attempt was commendable. Beckham scored for England, eh. Well, atleast he didn't screw up like at the Euro2004!

The biggest game today is Portugal vs. Angola. It starts at 11pm. Although I've got work tomorrow, I'm not missing this game! I've got my supply of coffee all set. Unfortunately Portugal doesn't play on weekends :-( I was hoping for that but it's all good! I'll stay up until 3am if required to watch Portugal play.

2006-06-09T22:19:00.000+04:00

9 June 2006: Germany vs Costa Rica

Result: Germany-4; Costa Rica-2

WHAT A START! Well done Germany. Costa Rica could have done better. Klose, Lahm and Frings- good job! Wanchope- not bad.

The game started great. I noticed Costa Rica had good defense tactics but that didn't hold well in the second half. They were pretty strong in terms of defense in the first half and therefore 51% of ball possession was under Germany. Throughout the game Germany made a number of attempts to score and Costa Rica only paid attention to obstruct their opponents' attempts. Not a really good move. Costa Rica would have done better if they would have realized Germany's game plan. The Germans had direction; the Costa Ricans just kept their eyes on the ball rather than the movement/ placement of key German players.
Lahm was the first scorer, followed twice by Klose and then Frings sealed the victory. Well done Germany.

The next game I'm looking forward to is Sweden vs. Trinidad & Tobago and Argentina vs. Cote D' Ivoire.

2006-05-25T13:14:00.000+04:00

Tidbits

Portugal's first FIFA 2006 game is on 11 June. Thank God it is not on June 10! That's when I have to attend my graduation ceremony. But all is good since it is on June 11. I really hope they sail smoothly past Angolia, Iran on the 17th and Mexico on the 21st.

France plays on 13 June. Hope the number 13 doesn't prove unlucky for them. And Netherlands play on June 11. Same day as Portugal :-)

Wow. World Cup fever is already spreading and it should! I just overheard two men in the elevator on the way to the office two days ago.

"It's going to be one great month. FIFA is all that's going to be on my mind"

I agree, brother. I agree!

2006-05-17T16:41:00.000+04:00

Show me the merchandise!

While at Starbucks yesterday, I saw this guy wearing a shirt supporting Portugal. I was sooooo jealous. I wanted to go ask him where the heck he purchased it from but I decided against it.
I so need to get my merchandise ready! I need to buy that mini flag, a shirt, a sash or whatever you call it...I have to start collecting! Man...I'm so behind schedule.

2006-05-11T18:17:00.000+04:00

Kahn't Do It?

One of my favorite goal keepers is Germany's Kahn. And I just happened to read in the newspaper today that Kahn will quit after the World Cup. But he will continue at Bayern Munich. And the decision to quit Germany is not his but coach Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. WTF? Sure the coach would know better, but why? WHY? Bloody f***. Very annoying news. VERY annoying. First Zidane announces his depature (after the Cup) and now Kahn. Are there anymore left??? Grrrrrr...

2006-05-06T22:47:00.000+04:00

3...2...1...Blast off!

Some hardwork this is! I had to edit a lot of things in the template of this blog. Phew! It is finally done and over with. Now I can finally post non-test messages!

I love football. I'm a mad mad fan of football. I caught the bug when I was very young. Ever since then, I've been passionate about football. Football is so much like second religion to me. My dad subscribes to a particular channel when its football season. Last year he subscribed to a channel broadcasting the FA Premiership. Mindblowing games the teams play! What strategy, what gameplan, what teams, what players, what coaches! Excellent.

Arsenal is by far one of the best teams that play at the Premiership. Striker Henry is one outstanding player. Bergkamp and Reyes are equally worth watching. Midfielder Pires does a fantastic job in every game.
Manchester United is the other team I like. It has my football favorites- Portugal's Ronaldo and Netherlands' Nistelrooy. Striker Saha and midfielder Scholes are great. Defenders Neville and Pique make the game more exciting.
Aston Villa's striker Baros played so well at the Euro2004.

Forget about the FA. Let's yak about the FIFA 2006. I have been waiting patiently for this ever since the Euro2004 ended. Now that the countdown has begun, I can't wait to sit in front of the screen, scream and howl when the players kick the ball overhead or score big. The first goal makes everyone so jubliant. Forget the players, I think I scream more loudly when the first goal is scored. Then the first 45 minutes end and everyone heads for a break. That's the time when I sit and think about the first half and comprehend what the favorable team should/ will do. The next 45 minutes bring in so much of horror. The players from the opposing team are 're-charged' and should they score one point higher than the favored team, terror walks in. Tense moments, cursing, screaming and everything in between ensues until the game is won.

I can't wait for June 9th, 2006. I just can't wait.