Tuesday, 15 June 2010
Friday, 28 May 2010
UK:
The latest instalment in Nike's World Cup campaign on the Cromwell Road in London - one of the largest poster sites in the UK.
The huge installation plays on the idea of Mount Rushmore by replacing the faces of the iconic American Founding Fathers with four key English Nike athletes: Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott, James Milner and Rio Ferdinand as they head to South Africa to WRITE THE FUTURE. With the England national team's first game against the USA, there is increased symbolism to the structure. The words PLAY TO BE REMEMBERED are carved into the rock formation, inspiring the players to give history-making performances on the pitch.
Europe: UCL Audience exceeds estimation
Using audience figures for UK, Germany, France, Italy and Netherlands the UCL Final delivered slightly higher audiences than estimated - creating real scale to the launch of the 180 spot.
Monday, 10 May 2010
Time to deliver Fabio
Okay so we qualified with ease, got Gerrard and Lampard playing together and tonked Croatia Home and Away. We turned the corner, we made the game look easy and we got pride back in our Three Lions. Yet we have been there before - Sven was a master of Qualification and yet always came up short in the big moments (v Brazil (02), v France & Portugal (04), v Portugal and Walcott (06)). Now is the time for Capello to earn his crust - even before we get to South Africa. The squad selections are the first indication of Capello's direction and confidence in his players and his team.
There are a number of dead-certs in the squad but putting down 30 names is a tough exercise - and if Capello is true to his word then players that are not in form will not be considered.
thebeautifulgame's 30
Keeper
David James - Rob Green - Joe Hart
Defence
Rio Ferdinand - John Terry - Glen Johnson - Ashley Cole - Ledley King - Matthew Upson - Michael Dawson - Gary Neville - Leighton Baines - Jamie Carragher
Midfield
Frank Lampard - Steven Gerrard - Theo Walcott - Aaron Lennon - Adam Johnson - Gareth Barry - James Milner - Scott Parker - Michael Carrick - Ashley Young - Joe Cole
Strikers
Wayne Rooney - Peter Crouch - Emile Heskey - Jermain Defoe - Bobby Zamora - Darren Bent
There are a few names in there that will cause an eyebrow or two to be raised - most notably Gary Neville, Joe Cole and my man Bobby Z. Right back is a surprisingly tough position to fill, and provide cover and with Wes Brown hopefully being over-looked for Jamie Carragher as 'utility man' I think Fabio will want to look at Gary Neville. Bags of experience and has been up there as the best right back in the Premier League for the 2nd half of the season - will probably not make the cut but potentially Neville is a stronger option than Carragher for Capello as he does pose a threat with his deep delivery, and Capello's puts so much on his full-backs to give the side the width and movement in midfield.
On Joe Cole - although he has not played much for Chelsea he is a top, top player who has performed for England at a World Cup. A few weeks of intense confidence building and team unity could mould Cole back into a key figure for England and with Barry's injury problem it could be that what England really need is a player to rove in from the left if Lampard and Gerrard pair up again in the middle (probably more likely than Carrick or Parker starting). I would love to have Joe Cole around the squad, even if just for the option of needing a goal in the latter stages when a player with his vision can make the difference.
For Zamora - I have been a passionate supporter all season - and hope that he plays in the final for Fulham and is fit enough for a call up. He has had an outstanding season and is a real handful - he also has that unknown quality, similar to Adam Johnson that I feel should be part of any World Cup squad, it gives an extra dimension to the squad and both have had great seasons. He deserves a chance in the warm-up matches and if he takes it, and is fit, then he should go as the fifth stiker. Darren Bent will be in the 30 but he has had chances for England before and not taken them so if Bobby Zamora gets the nod ahead of him then I will not shed a tear.
Come on Fabio - do me proud and match my 30, then we shall see about a final 23
Friday, 2 April 2010
No Rooney, No Cesc - but I still fancy United and Arsenal
So you lose your best player, you get played off the park, you waste possession and you have an uphill battle to make it through to the UEFA Champions League Semi-finals. This is the same scenario facing both Manchester United and Arsenal. Rooney and Fabregas have been their team's talismen - they have scored the goals, lead the passion and been integral to the best efforts of both sides. Cesc is out for the rest of the season while Rooney will probably only miss three to four weeks (a nation's relief being tangible). Regardless they go into the second legs of their Quarter Final matches struggling on the scoreline and without their main men.
Barcelona looked ever impressive on Wednesday with Xavi dominating (112 passes, 95 completed vs Fabregas 39 passes, 31 completed) and Zlatan seemingly getting the hang of scoring in the UCL. It seems that with that kind of dominance Barcelona will walk the second leg and the Gunners will surely drift to a trophy-less close season. While on Tuesday, United seemed to score too early and almost knock themselves out. Bayern played some great stuff and if Robben can get fit for the return then it will be a very tough night for United as Bayern. It was a stange performance by United who were so sloppy with the ball, and wastefull with it - even Mr Rooney (despite scoring again) had a bit of an off-night.
Yet it would not surprise me to see the two English sides progress.
Both sides need to win their return, I think the last 20 minutes should be a blueprint for Wenger on how to approach the Camp Nou. Let Barcelona come on to you and then break with pace - Walcott has to start - and if Maxwell retains his place at leftback Arsenal should look to get the ball to Theo at every opportunity as he scared the hell out of them. While the quite Nasri on the left has the potential to exloit the amazing Alves who seems to have lungs better than Darren Fletcher, but seems to spend more time attacking than defending. As Barca knock the ball around and dominate possession (as they will do), Arsenal just need to be patient for their moments to press and break with pace, they also need to be clinical and if they create a chance then they must take it. To me Barcelona are more vulnerable at home than away and I just fancy the Gooners pulling a little surprise on Pep and his troops.
As for United, it is probably an easier task at first glance. They need to win, and on reflection Ferguson is probably happy to have the away goal and will back his men at Old Trafford. It feels like one of those matches that will hit 75 minutes with it being 0-0 and the tie on a knife-edge. If United score then they will want to get the second goal as 1-0 is as dangerous a score for them as 0-0. We will see but I fancy United to steal it 1-0....in fact, I wonder what the odds are on a injury time winner for United?!
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The other quick point to reference is the other English team in doing well in Europe (im not including Liverpool) and that is the mighty Fulham. Once again last night they played great and have a shot at the semis - what a fantastic story that would be for Roy Hodgson and once again my main man Bobby Zamora made the difference - I do hope he gets a shot against Mexico or Japan....just have a look at him Fabio.
Monday, 15 March 2010
The art of being United
There I was on saturday evening away from ESPN, and away from the Hull City v Arsenal match. I knew it was 1-1 and was constantly checking out BBC Sport on the Blackberry to see if Bendtner had scored me some Fantasy League points. It got to 88 minutes, still 1-1 and then my mind wandered and I thought about the wider context of the title race - if it was United then they would score, they just would. However, the little faith I had in the Gooners to break down 10-man Hull meant that I did not check back to see if the score had changed, assuming that as usual all Arsenal players would stay true to their religion of not scoring, or even shooting from outside the box (I was startled to read last week about the Arsenal's warm up and the squad's favourite 'Never shoot if a pass is on' routine). As I watched MOTD on the Sunday morning, I was already congratulating myself on my decision and feeling that Arsenal were going to keep wasting chances no matter how much football they played against the tiring legs of Hull City. Yet in the 93rd minute up pops Denilson to unleash from 30 yards, get a dodgy rebound and a very tidy finish by young Bendtner ensured that Arsenal walked away with the 3 points and left Hull feeling mugged after working their nuts off. This is real title form, being away from home and getting frustrated by a very average team yet still finding the goal you need to walk away with the points. Well done Arsene -for doing a United - and well done Denilson for having a pop. Looking at the run-ins from the 3 top teams it seems that the real chance of a remarkable double comeback is on. Remember when Arsenal were destroyed by United and Chelsea at home, 11 points off the top spot. Now it is a real three horse race and with United having to play Chelsea and Liverpool it bodes to be a very interesting few weeks. In fact, the team who comes out on top could well be the team who gets knocked out of the Champions League first - so Arsene might bizarrely be cheering on Carlo and the boys at the Bridge tomorrow night. One thing we can be sure of is that this race will go down to the wire - United look in great form at the moment and if Rooney can keep it up then that should be enough for Sir Alex, and Chelsea seem to have their power back and have moved on from Terry-gate - but I think Arsenal could sneak it - especially if they keep the faith to shoot, the faith to grind out wins and Bendtner has more Porto's than Burnleys. 8 games to go (9 for Chelsea), the tightest race in Premier League history? I love football.
Thursday, 25 February 2010
What is all the fuss about Wayne Bridge?!
I just don't get it? Okay he has had a shocking time in his personal life, but it feels like the media are trying to make him feel better about everything by stating that it is leaving England's World Cup plans in ruin. Bridge always has, and always will be, a very average player - a solid one but still very average. Looking at the current state of play I am delighted that he has come out and confirmed he does not want to be part of party down in Bafokeng. That gives chance for Capello to look at players who can offer a bit more in that position.
It is a given that Ashley Cole is the best Left Back in England - he is in with a great shout of being the best in the World - and he rightly has the #3 shirt. However, given his ankle injury it will now be really interesting to see who Capello picks for next weeks match against Egypt and to go as Cole's understudy in the Summer (assuming Ashley makes the plane).
If I had to pick the team today I would look no further than Everton's Leighton Baines. He has been tremendous all season and seems to be getting better and better. He has pace and a great left peg giving England great delivery for the new Les Ferdinand (Wayne Rooney's new found heading ability) and an option for free-kicks on the right of the penalty box, and given it is a World Cup, he can also take a good penalty. However, what I like most about him is his defensive qualities and I can't remember any game this season when he has been seriously caught out by anyone. I would have him start next week.
However, I also think that Stephen Warnock will get a chance. Capello has had a couple of looks at him and think it is between these two and unfortunately Lescott.
I hope Baines gets 90 minutes at Wembley to show his potential and then maybe the media can leave Wayne Bridge alone and start worrying about Glen Johnson again and talking about Baines as the perfect option to replace Ashley Cole - and of England's new Number 10, Bobby Zamora.
We shall see on Wednesday.
Thursday, 18 February 2010
Pele for this Generation
I have been lucky enough to see great players playing football. I have seen Cantona, Gazza, Zidane, Ronaldinho, Messi, Henry, Beckham, Rooney but I have never felt that I have seen a true legend walk onto the park. You hear stories of fans that saw Maradona at Napoli or Pele for A Seleção - even if just on the TV.
Looking ahead to 2010 there seems to be potential for a name to be added to the level of Maradona or Pele. We have to be talking about someone who is able to take the game to another level where he alone can play. I think that the original Ronaldo was a fantastic player and had he not had the bad luck of injuries and the bizarre end to FIFA '98 then he could be the one that is the player who of my generation is the one. For me Japan / South Korea in 2002 was a poor World Cup in terms of standard.
However, for me it is his namesake Cristiano who has the potential to tear up the future of the game. CR9 is in my eyes the most modern footballer on the planet - he has the power and the athleticism to match his ball skills and footwork. Okay he is arrogant as hell but I doubt if there is anyone who does not have that as a characteristic for either Pele or Maradona. People love to see him play and I doubt if anybody would name a World XI and not have Cristiano Ronaldo in the team.
If football clubs were able to genetically modify their youth teams then I think Cristiano Ronaldo would be the template.
Obviously World Cups are the greatest stage, and the one that made the names of Maradona and Pele into legends - both good and bad - but absolute legends none the less. To date CR9 has not quite delivered on the International stage at a major tournament. He came close in UEFA EURO 2004 and 2008, and again in Germany 2006, but his form over the past two years for Manchester United and now for Real Madrid have seen him move his game to a whole new level.
To watch La Liga now it sometimes looks as though Cristiano Ronaldo is the big kid in the playground - the one that the defenders can't cope with and look scared of. He is able to win games on his own. If he can stay fit and focused he will be a real threat in South Africa and I think the fact that he and Portugal have been drawn in the 'Group of Death' will only help him step up and lift his team. In qualification he was subdued - he did not even score - but I am sure the fanfare of the FIFA World Cup and playing Brazil and Ivory Coast in the Group Stages will bring the best out of him and maybe in July I wont be the only one listing Cristiano Ronaldo alongside Pele and Maradona.
Then it is just a matter of getting out to Madrid to watch a game.
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
The future of the global game is terrifying
Where is the world of football headed? It's a new year and a new decade and I am fascinated to see what developments there will be in the game. What if.... The money pouring into the game through TV revenue and new club ownership continued to grow - not just in England - alongside the money pouring out of the game in player wages and agent fees and both became more and more erratic and unstable. Massive institutions like Manchester United are already in the process of relieving their huge borrowed debt by issuing bonds to achieve a lower interest rate - it is pretty scary stuff and the future of football could see some extreme results. Potentially we could get to a point where multiple clubs collapse mid-season - not just fall into administration, but totally collapse - be shut down and games and points earnt during the season become null and void. The domestic league becomes more and more of a reserve league to support the evolved FIFA Champions League (like the UEFA Champions League but a global version) and the World Cup would become a sideshow much as the Carling Cup is today. The best clubs in the world would evolve alongside the competition they play in. They would have massive squads and have a squad network spread out across the globe. There would be a Chelsea in Johannesburg and one in Shanghai and players would rotate between the regional squads of the super clubs - probably about 20 globally. The smaller clubs would be bought up and you would find Fulham, Brighton, Charlton, Crystal Palace and Gillingham acting as the reserve teams and youth teams of Chelsea - their sole purpose to maintain the squad of the new Chelsea with zero ambition or infrastructure to be anything more. With the lack of stability and massive amounts of money involved in the new global FIFA Champions League football players would become more like mercenaries or free-lancers who could change teams on a monthly or weekly basis just based on who would pay the most. Fans would no longer support clubs but follow these players and be more interested and excited by the individual performances and skills than the result of the game. The majority of fans would only watch highlight packages subscribed to and streamed on YouTube than tune in to the live games but when they do download or stream the 'live' game there are differences to how 90 minutes play out now. We could have multiple substitutions for specialised tactics. Players would be able to play till 50 as they could have one and only role in the team - the penalty taker, the long throw in, the corner taker etc. Each time he came on the pitch he would carry his own brand sponsorship and once his role was complete he would return back to the bench. Technology would ensure all aspects of the game are fair and tight. Digital replays and referees with A-class celebrity status would run proceedings. There will be commercial breaks built around the additional digital replays and substitutions. Players themselves will also evolve as the physical capacity of the football player is taken to the next level. The average height of a FIFA Champions League player would be 6ft9" and most could do 100m in under ten seconds. The game would be the pinnacle of physicality and young players will be genetically tested by the age of 6 to see if they have the physical potential to reach the top of the game. The other fascinating evolution will be the emergence of a number of Chinese superstars who dominate the game and the commercial success to a much higher level than David Beckham does today. Who knows what will happen, we might not see the end of football - but I certainly feel that there is an evolution on the way, we shall see if there will be a time when we have a global Chelsea FC - I hope not