Ceblogger's Sports Blog » Footbal

Tim Howard End To End Goal

ceblogger — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:23:27 +0000

Tim Howard, goalie of Everton FC in the Premier League, made a spectacular goal that stunned (and embarrassed) Bolton and their goalkeeper.

Videos are currently making rounds in youtube, (and are also deleted due to copyright issues).

It is not usual for goalies to score goals. They are ball stoppers. But for this particular play, Howard kicked the ball hard inside his own box and with the help of the wind, bounced too high for Bolton’s goalie to reach but just under the bar to stay safely in.

Howard remained poker-faced despite a teammates exuberance.

Minutes later, Bolton scored twice to win the game. Lucky for Howard, who was once USA and Man U’s no. 1 goalie. Too bad for his team as they failed to make points.

Philippine Azkals vs LA Galaxy

ceblogger — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 02:53:45 +0000

The Philippine Azkals will play against LA Galaxy this coming December 3, 2011 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Though this is just an exhibition game expected to boost football in the country and promote further LA Galaxy in Asia, fans are eagerly hoping for a positive result for the Pinoy booters.

LA Galaxy is the reigning MLS Champion. They have superstar players like Davd Beckham, Robbie Keanne, Juninho and Landon Donovan. Of course their coach, Bruce Arena, is popular too and is even considered by many as the most successful coach in North American soccer.

Ticket prices for this game are P15k, P10k and P2k. Quite expensive, eh! But I am sure that a lot will be willing to empty their bank accounts just to watch this once in a lifetime event. According to reports, the United Football League (UFL) is also giving UFL fans a 35% discount on all tickets. The discount is not available though when buying online.

Diehard fans with extra bucks can also watch the LA Galaxy’s practice session on Friday afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Ticket prices range from P1500 to P3000.

David Beckham and his LA Galaxy are currently in Jakarta for a 3-day tour. Last night they blanked a selection of Indonesian footballers 1-0 through a Robbie Keane goal at the 14th minute.

For this Saturday’s game, the visiting team maybe tired but the Azkals will also be without key players Neil Etheridge and Roland Mueller, who are unavailable due to commitment with their clubs in Europe.

A 1-0 win for LA Galaxy will be comforting already. But honestly, I want David Beckham score 5 goals including one from the other half of the field, just like what he did when he was young and skinny in his early ManU days.

Philippine Azkals vs Singapore Lions: Preview and Results Prediction

ceblogger — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:03:33 +0000

The Philippine Azkals will meet the Singapore Lions in a football game tonight October 7, 2011, at the 6,000-capacity Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore. Even though this is just one of those friendlies, Philippine fans are eager to know the results of this game. Philippine Azkals vs Singapore Lions – who will roar loudest, or who will wag its tail in defeat?

A friend already posted in her Facebok page that she is now on her way to the stadium to watch the game live. She was already wearing blue with the Philippine map stitched on the left breast portion. Expected to cheer for the Azkals are plenty of Singapore-based countrymen.

Preview and Results Prediction

Because of their rank at no. 166, the Azkals are the underdogs here against their 136th ranked Southeast Asian neighbor. The last time they met, the PH booters managed a 1-1 draw in the group stage of the AFF Suzuki up in December 2010.

Tonight they will meet again with a new coach and several new players on the PH side. German Coach Michael Weiss will field one of the strongest sides ever assembled for an international match in recent memory. The team is bidding to improve their teamwork and cohesion for major tournaments ahead of them.

With too many talented players at his disposal, Coach Weiss is expected to go all out with his attack. Strikers Phil Younghusband and Fil-Spanish Angel Guirado will be the likely players at front and complemented with attacking midfielders and the fiery Chieffy Caligdong.

The Singapore Lions, on the other hand, is not taking this encounter lightly. They will field an A team that will make this game as a tune-up for their third round Asian World Cup qualifying game against Jordan.

Below is a short highlight of their previous encounter:

The Philippines will make every attempt to score, but so does the Singaporeans, who are equally sharp and talented. I will not be sad if the Azkals draw the Lions. My prediction – 2-2, with goals coming from Guirado and Caligdong.

Actual Results (Update)

The first half ended with both sides failing to score. However, in the 50-th minute, Shaiful Esah of Singapore gave the Lions a 1-0 lead through a deflected long-range strike. Veteran striker Aleksandar Duric, doubled Singapore’s lead in a counterattack goal in the 64th minute.

The Azkals had several chances to score in the first half. Chieffy Caligdong’s goal in the 13th minute was disallowed for offside, while Phil Younghusband’s free kick missed the goal by a few inches. Almost, but not quite lucky.

Azkals vs Kuwait: Dream of An Upset

ceblogger — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 03:17:22 +0000

After a historic first round win over Sri Lanka in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifier, the Azkals will now face a formidable opponent in the 102nd-ranked, Kuwait. Do you believe the Philippines can beat Kuwait in this round? Ahhh, ehhhh…

Azkals vs Kuwait

Kuwait is a ten-time Gulf of Nations Football Cup winner. They’ve been to the World Cup finals in 1982. They were also winners in the 1980 AFC Asian Cup. It is a team tougher than any other Asian team played by the Philippines so far. And they are not taking the Philippines for granted. There were reports saying that they sent scouts when the Azkals played against Sri Lanka.

The Philippines, whose team is famously (only recently) called Azkals, is a football minnow and ranked 159th in the world. Despite being affiliated with FIFA since 1930, and the oldest national team in Asia, the Philippines have never qualified for the Asian Cup and the World Cup. Unbelievable! But the current roster of Fil-foreigner players and the current string of victories put the team in the hearts of many Filipinos.

In the first leg encounter, the Azkals may play without 2 vital players who got suspensions after getting two yellow cards. The team is still appealing the cases of team skipper Aly Borromeo and Fil-German midfielder Stephan Schrock, and it is now up to the FIFA disciplinary committee to decide on the matter.

The Azkals, in their preparation, played two tune-up matches against Bahrain’s under-23 Olympic team. The Philippines lost both but it’s a good step since they need to get used to Kuwait’s scorching climate.

The 1st leg will be held at the Mohammad Al Hamad Stadium, Qadsia on Saturday, July 23, 2011. The 2nd leg will take place at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium on Thursday, July 28, 2011. ABS-CBN is reported to air the games live.

Can the Azkals upset Kuwait?

Now back to the question: Can the Azkals upset Kuwait? The dream is not just to beat Kuwait but to qualify for Brazil in 2014. It’s a tough route. The team should believe they can do better in each round. The Filipinos too should rally behind their team. It is not impossible, right Azkals fans?

Manchester United vs Barcelona 2011 UEFA Champions League Finals Results

ceblogger — Sat, 28 May 2011 20:40:21 +0000

Barcelona defeated Manchester United 3-1 at the UEFA Champions League Finals at Wembley. They are Kings of Europe once again, winning the title twice in three years against the same opponent.

Pedro opened the scoring for the Catalans at the 27th minutes before Rooney equalized seven minutes later. The defense of Manchester United looked frail in the zigzagging attacks of Messi, Iniesta, Pedro and Villa. Vidic and Ferdinand stood their ground and repulsed all other attempts.

In the second half, Messi beat two defenders and fooled Van Der Sar. Barca was again on the lead. This is the first time that Messi scored for Barcelona on English soil. Tight defense of English clubs swarms Messi everytime he handles the ball. This strike also tied him with Van Nistelrooy’s record of 12 goals in a season.

David Villa scored the third at the 70th minute and Barcelona never looked back. This led to further frustration of the Red Devils who seemed not to get their offense right in the second half. There were ball handling mistakes too.

Would the result change had Berbatov been around? That is for Ferguson to answer and for the fans to wonder.

Manchester United vs Barcelona: Dream Finals of the 2011 UEFA Champions League

ceblogger — Thu, 26 May 2011 10:55:27 +0000

The best clubs of England and Spain meet again – Manchester United (ManU) vs Barcelona (Barca) in the 2011 UEFA Champions League Finals at Wembley on May 28, 2011! It is fluid offence vs effective defense – every football fans dream final. It is Lionel Messi vs Wayne Rooney, two of the world’s best football players today.

The two met at the same finals in 2009, which Barcelona won 2-0 at Rome. Two years after, they met again. No more Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez for the Red Devils. No more Eto’o for the Catalans. But basically, they have the same coaches and the same winning mentality.

The road to Wembley wasn’t easy for both. Barcelona had to dispose the resurgent Real Madrid and their proud manager Jose Mourinho. As we all know, Mourinho, when he was with Inter in 2010, brought down Barca in the semifinals and eventually, won the trophy. This time around, Pep Guardiola and his boys exacted revenge not only in Europe, but in Spain as well, where Mourinho’s Real Madrid was in far second place. Barcelona also waylaid Arsenal and Shakhtar in brutal fashion to reach this far.

For Manchester United, it was rather easy for them to defeat Schalke with 6-1 on aggregate. But it was Chelsea that was considered as a solid opposition. Nevertheless, they overcame the Blues.

Manchester United vs Barcelona Preview

Messi is unstoppable. He already has 11 goals this campaign, and it is not difficult for him to surpass Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s record of 12 goals for a season. If you add Pedro and Villa to the front, then Iniesta and Xavi crisscrossing the middle and the penalty box, all hell will break loose for Barca. If you see their fluid and accurate ball handling, you’d be amazed. If you’re not a fan, you will be converted. Barca has the most exciting football in Europe today. And they have kept their tradition and style for many years now.

27 goals this season is the most for any team in this 2011 UEFA Champions League. Pep Guardiola, despite being new to coaching, had handled Barca well. He is not intimidated even against the best clubs of Europe.

Sir Alex Ferguson is a wonder. At 69, he hinted no sign of weariness or retirement. His 24 years at Manchester United’s helm is the most glorious era of the team. He won the Champion’s League twice and the domestic title twelve times. His brilliance is evident despite player changes and superstar exits at the many points of the team’s history.

Wayne Rooney may be the team’s superstar player, but he has not seen consistency recently. He only made 11 goals this season as compared to Berbatov’s 20 and Hernandez’ 13. But Rooney is a powerful striker who has the ability to explode at any given time. You cannot also discount the sneaks and strikes of Chicharito Hernandez, and the striking accuracy of Dmitar Berbatov. The trio form a potent and dangerous force on front.

Nemanja Vidic is the heart of United defense. The Serbian is now considered to be one of the best defenders in the world. Along with Rio Ferdinand, plus the world’s best goalkeeper in Van Der Sar, they form a rock solid defense for the Red Devils. It is something that the Barca offense has to deal with. Effective defense can spoil their fluidity.

Results Prediction

In 2009, I predicted a close victory for Manchester United. I was wrong, as Messi and Eto’ o demolished United in Rome. But for 2011, I had my heart set that whoever crushes Mourinho’s team will be Champion. Barca did that at the Semis. They will win at Wembley 2-1 at end of regulation.

Miroslav Klose Unbelievable Miss on Goal

ceblogger — Sun, 15 May 2011 03:27:08 +0000

We saw a lot of unbelievable misses in football – sometimes shocking, sometimes embarrassing. Amateurs and players from lowly teams can be forgiven. But what can you say if it’s a miss from a topnotch player from one of the world’s top club and top country team?

See this shocking miss of Miroslav Klose in front of the goal.

Arjen Robben made a nice run and quickly set a perfect pass to the cruising Klose who was inches away in the middle of the goal. At that point, to miss is near impossibility. He went inside the goal line alright, but not with the ball, who flew high over the bar. That was close, Klose!

Miroslav Klose, along with Gerd Muller, is the second all-time leading scorer of the World Cup. He is no ordinary striker, scoring a total 61 goals for Germany. At 32 and laden with injury, he is not of his peak lately and is not even on top of the pecking order at Bayern Munich.

Bayern won this game 2-1 though. But Klose and the Bayern team will have something to remember aside from finishing third on the Bundesliga this season.

Good Friday Sports

ceblogger — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:47:34 +0000

Will there be any Good Friday sports or football match you can watch somewhere? Not in my place of the world. Most, if not all, are on Lenten breaks. No badminton, no basketball, and certainly no football. There will be no sports on TV that day. (I’m not sure with cable though)

But hey, in Australia, there were plans to put football in the calendar for a Good Friday match. These made lots of Christian churches fuming mad. According to reports, Catholic spokesman Bishop Christopher Prowse said: “Good Friday is a day like no other for the vast majority of Victorians who are Christians and even for those who are not. It’s a time to reflect on deeper issues and on our ultimate destiny. Sport should serve humanity and society, not the other way around. This is making sport itself into a religion.”

Though that statement was made a couple of years ago, it is still true today. Are you thinking of playing sports on Good Friday? Do you think this is the same as people going to the beach on Good Friday or just staying at home watching movies all day forgetting what the Lord Jesus Christ did on the cross more than 2,000 years ago? For some, Sports is an alternative as they never really have anything to reflect on that day.

I remember my grandmother saying, “Never go near the beach on Good Friday. Sharks will prowl the shoreline and snatch those swimming even in shallow waters. And never ever do anything that will bruise or injure you. It will take another Good Friday for your injury to heal”

So, those wanting to play sports on Good Friday, please avoid any injuries. Those watching from home, is it really a good time to do just that. As for me, I will go somewhere and ponder on what my Savior did for me. This is a time for reflection.

Footballer Fined for Twitter Comments

ceblogger — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:13:28 +0000

West Ham striker Carlton Cole has admitted to a charge by the Football Association of improper conduct in relation to a comment he made on Twitter during the England-Ghana friendly at Wembley.

“Immigration has surrounded the Wembley premises! I knew it was a trap! Hahahaha. The only way to get out safely is to wear an England jersey and paint your face w/ the St. George’s flag!” his tweet says.

Realising that his initial comments were considered offensive by many, Cole tweeted, “To my ghanian brothers dont take it so seriously, its just jokes! Youve played well! Done africa proud!”

Subsequent tweets were not also well accepted as it compounded the displeasure of the critics. Cole later deleted the comments, but as we all know, what you place in the web will still be retained somewhere else.

An FA statement read: “The FA has charged West Ham United’s Carlton Cole with improper conduct relating to media comments. The charge relates to comments made on Twitter during the England v Ghana fixture on 29 March 2011.”

Cole was not the first to be charged for improper tweets. Former Liverpool forward Ryan Babel got the honors first when he tweeted a mocked-up picture of referee Howard Webb wearing a Manchester United shirt. He later apologized but still got fined £10,000.

Chelsea vs Manchester United: Champions League 2011 Quarterfinals (Leg 2) Preview and Results Prediction

ceblogger — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 03:06:59 +0000

A Chelsea vs Manchester United encounter will never fail to excite the football world. On April 12, 2011, they will meet again at the Old Trafford for the leg 2 of their 2011 Champions League quarterfinals match. The Red Devils has a goal advantage courtesy of Wayne Rooney’s first half goal during the first leg. It will now be a do-or-die game for the Blues as they chase for their first ever European title.

Preview

Chelsea are on their way to avenge their finals loss in 2008, but they were not able to hold their ground in their home turf last week as the visiting Red Devils’ Wayne Rooney blasted a goal. That loss was crucial. An exit at this stage could be the final nail in the coffin for the manager, as this tournament is all that matters now for the Russian owner, Roman Abramovich. Ancelotti may have Torres alright, but this prized striker has not yet scored for the Blues. Fans (and the owner too) are already getting impatient. Center-back David Luis is ineligible to play as he has already played for Benfica early in the tournament. The Blues will still be relying on the old boys in Terry, Lampard and Drogba. A draw or even a 1-0 win at Old Trafford will not be enough. They have to score at least twice and a margin of at least 1.

Manchester United is riding high towards this match as they are on their way for a treble this season. They are already sitting comfortably on top of the premier league and they are also in the FA Cup semis. Sir Alex Ferguson will most likely rely on his attacking trio of Hernandez, Rooney and Berbatov. He will miss the services of Rio Ferdinand though. Despite the goal and away advantage, Ferguson and his boys must focus on protecting the goal and finishing off the Blues.

Prediction

Head to head encounters between the two in all competition is 68 wins for Manchester United as 44 for Chelsea. They drew in 44 games. Despite my being a Blues fan, I believe that for this 2nd leg of Champions league quarterfinals, it will be a 1-1 draw. Sir Alex Ferguson will once again enter the semis, and possibly the finals of this elite tournament.

Update:
Chelsea vs Manchester United Live Stream will be up anytime soon. I will stay awake for this one.