----------------------

Michael retiring

2006-09-12T21:21:00.000+08:00

So here we go then, the last three races of Michael Schumacher's career, the three which might clinch him his eighth driver's title, a remarkable feat, in his 15 years in Formula 1.

I'll hold my hands up and say I definitely preferred Mika Hakkinen over him when I started to watch F1 in about 2000, and was gutted when Schumacher got the first title in 21 years for Ferrari. Eventually I also grew to like Hakkinen's successor, Kimi Raikkonen, who ironically will be the man who replaces the great man at the Scuderia next season.

My respect of him certainly did not improve, after what he did in Adelaide 94 and Jerez 97, his will to win crossing the line of ruthlessness and determination. Late gems like this year's Monaco brainfart where he parked the car at Rascasse to prevent Alonso from getting a decent lap time in was a rather unpleasant trip down memory lane. Of course the team orders crap in Austria 02, and the botched attempt to stage the closest finish ever with Barrichello in USA, are all blemishes in what has been a fine career.

Definitely some of his drives have been absolutely stunning. His maiden win in Spa 92, where he showed maturity beyond his years, as after rejoining from a spin, following closely behind team mate Brundle, he realised the tires were badly blistered. Thus he pitted, and the strategic timing of that ensured the win.

Numerous wet weather drives also have been the forte of Schumacher, Nuburgring 95, Spa 95 where he terrifically blocked off Damon Hill on wets using some of the most robust moves you will ever see on dries. Spain 96 of course, blitzing on a raintrodden track. His fastest lap was 2.2 faster than the second fastest lap, and that in an absolute dog of a Ferrari. Another Spain memory was in 94, where he got jammed in fifth gear from about 20 odd laps in, but still managed to bring the car home in second, a fantastic achievement.

Of course, when he was dominating F1 many of them found it dull, when someone was winning the same thing year in year out, but there was a driver on top of his game, and years on, I for one can say I saw a driver who mastered the rest, and dominated brilliantly.

Next year will be the first year that I watch F1 without this particular man on the grid, and it certainly will be a new experience, but hoppefully Kimi will continue the tradition at Ferrari, and with new boys like Kubica doing a great job, perhaps it is indeed the right time for him to retire.

He went out in style at Monza, home of the tifosi, and his actions said it all once he went past the chequered flag, without a shadow of a doubt it was time for him to go, and watching a legend leave is definitely a new experience, having not went through the likes of Senna, Prost, Mansell and Piquet and so on.

He will missed for sure, consistency was his greatest strength, and he was able to challenge for races almost every weekend since I started watching Formula 1. His achievements calls for respect, and his longevity at the top was something special, and I for one will miss his trademark leap at the top step of the podium, oh and his arrogant smirk.

Michael in the wets at Spa - a masterclass

And again

2006-09-10T18:39:00.000+08:00

Our dear scousers like to count with their fingers so there we go................. :D

Was that one month

2006-09-10T18:19:00.000+08:00

But I felt the need to post this picture

Absolutely cracking start to the season for us, 4/4, can't ask for more.

Carrick looked the biz yesterday for first half, hopefully a sign of things to come.

But the last laugh goes out to Arsenal and the dippers, 26 shots one goal for arse, one shot one goal for Boro. And about the dippers, refer to above hahahaha. Goal of the season for sure

How the world saw Zidane's headbutt

2006-07-30T23:38:00.000+08:00

As seen by Germans

As seen by French

As seen by Italians

As seen by Yanks

As seen by the press

Brilliant vid

2006-07-30T16:45:00.000+08:00

Hard to believe it has already been 10 years!

Ruud gone, Carrick comes in

2006-07-28T20:48:00.000+08:00

Well I am back!!!!!

Anyway, a true legend of Manchester United, his record speaks for itself, 150 goals in 219 games, best goal per game ratio, even better than the King Denis Law. People will always grumble that he is a penalty box player, contributing fuck all except tapping in goals, but they forget that you need anticipation and the calmess to finish a move off, as well as thinking a step ahead of the defender. He had it all, hunger, movement and composure, everything you need in a top striker.

I remember when I first started to watch United regularly, in the 02-03 season, probably his best season for United, 44 goals in total for that year. Many of which were crucial goals that regained our title. He dragged the team to the title, giving magnificent individual performances. His clinical finishes were brilliant, but what stood out was the goal of that season, a weaving run and the terrific finish past Maik Taylor inthe Fulham goal, as well the delicate chip over Stuart Taylor in run in with Arse in the 2-2 draw that gave us the psychological advantage over a crumbling arse. The goal against Basel in the CL was great too, finishing off from a seemingly impossible angle. He was the reason we won the title that season, despite having key injuries that year.

Following seasons failed to be as prolific as that, but his goalscoring record could not be argued against despite it. He seemed to lose a yard of pace after the achilles injury in 2004, and seemed to be a poorer player, more one dimensional than before. Couple of unforgettable memories in that year as well, the 4-3 win over Everton where Everton came back from 3-0 down to equalise at 3-3, but up pops Ruud to complete a hattrick and hand United the win late on in the game. Not to forget he was the top scorer at Christmas with a comfortable lead over Lampard in the top scorer's list, but unforunately he didn't grab as many goals post-Christmas due to being dropped.

However definitely one of United's true legends, and I definitely think he is the best striker I have seen at United thus far, no matter what others say.

Ruud van Nistelrooy: 2001-2006, 219 games, 150 goals, top scorer of Champions League for United.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C0ljoEK9ps&search=ruud%20van

-----------------------

Just a brief opinion on Carrick, it was to the point where anyone would do but I think he could be a success for United, but anyone who thinks he's the new Keane is a retard. He is proven in the Premiership and I think he could come on leaps and bounds by joining United. Not an out an out defensive midfielder though, which means that Scholes might be restricted a wee bit. Price tag is a question mark but nobody will remember that if he can take over Keano's mantle.

ITALIAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

2006-07-10T05:12:00.000+08:00

ITALY HAVE WON THE WORLD CUP

5-4 ON PENS ALL THE PENALTIES WERE BVRILLIANT ITALY KEPT THEIR NERVE AND HTEY WON

FAQNTASTIC

It's adieu Zidane but Italy to win

2006-07-09T18:55:00.000+08:00

A month of football will finally end today, and it will be either France or Italy who will lift the Jules Rimet trophy. Will it be Cannavaro or Zidane? Who knows, but you lot know who I will be supporting.

Probable starting lineups:

Courtesy of BBC Football

Quick lowdown on Italy:

The Italians have not conceded against the opposition, having only given up their only goal to a comical own goal by Cristian Zaccardo, who thankfully will not be starting today. But it is not only the old catenaccio that are getting Italy through, some of their play has indeed been brilliant. Pirlo is the one that is orchestrating things as the deep lying playmaker, and Totti is the one making incisive runs behind Toni, who will be a threat despite only scoring 2 goals so far. Toni is a robust centre forward, who has the skill to match. I fancy him to score personally, as well as one from a Pirlo free kick. More on predictions later. Their aforementioned defence is rock solid, Buffon is impeccable in goal, proving his worth many times but the standout save was the one from Poldolski against the Germans, finely poised in extra time at 0-0, when the ball left Poldolski goal I didn't bear to watch, but fucking hell did that man come up with the goods. Best defender of the tournament so far as well in Cannavaro, just brilliant, full backs can threaten, they are especially vital as Italy don't play with traditional wingers.

And the man behind all this is of course the brilliant Marcello Lippi. Winners of countless Serie As, a champions league medal, and many other trophies. Great motivator, reads the game like a book, and of course the man who steadied the ship despite the scandal, as well as the Pessotto incident.

Nobody expected Italy to reach the final, especially as the pressure was growing around them, and the players really bonded very well, and the team spirit is absolutely brilliant, likes of Inzaghi and Del Piero might not have seen much action so far, but they have not voiced a single complaint.

---------------------------

Lowdown on France:

Who else but Zidane for France? The aging star has been the focal point of the French, making quick and incisive passes, gliding past players effortlessly and rolling back the years. He has able support in Onree and Ribery, who will threaten the Italians. France's trump card might be set pieces, most of their goals have come from set pieces, and the Italians who are not the greatest in the air will have to be wary, which is why I think De Rossi who returns from suspension will feature at some point. In goal they have the ever eccentric Fabien Barthez who so nearly cost them a goal against Portugal, you never know what you will get with Barthez, as I got to know first hand being a United supporter, but he can repel anything on his day. Central defence has been solid, Gallas unflappable, and Thuram rolling back the years. Camronesi will have to test Abidal who is suspect at left back, while Sagnol is ever so solid at right back. Makelele and Vieira have been great central midfield protecting the back four, Vieira seems to have regained some of the mobility that was lacking last season. Ribery has been the revelation of the World Cup, Malouda isn't the best but he's part of the team job. Onree has yet to prove his billing on the biggest stage, but this might be his time.

And unlike Lippi, Domenech isn't respected by the press or the players, and it seems that the senior players, rather than him are making the main decisions. His only trophy won as a manager was a second division title, back in 1989.

France were expected to flop as well, but they have proved their doubters wrong, but imo they have not been overly impressive. But it's a remarkable achievement that such an aging team managed to galvanise themselves one last time to reach the final, and possibly their crowning moment?

Adieu Zidane it will be as well, as it his swansong, and a fitting stage in the World Cup final for the best player of his generation, he will have to come up with something special to penetrate the Italian defence.

-----------------

Prediction: Italy to win 3-1. Toni Pirlo and Del Piero scoring, with France getting one back with Onree.

---------------------------------

Results so far:

Group stages:
Italy 2-0 Ghana
Italy 1-1 USA
Italy 2-0 Czech Republic

France 0-0 Switzerland
France 1-1 South Korea
France 2-0 Togo

Knockouts:
Italy 1-0 Australia
France 3-1 Spain

Italy 3-0 Ukraine
France 1-0 Brazil

Italy 2-0 Germany AET
France 1-0 Portugal

Final
Italy v France

Referee: Horacio Elizondo (the Rooney ref)

Ball:

Special Golden Ball for the final, winners get to use it for the next 4 years.

ITALY

Squad

1 BUFFON Gianluigi (GK)
2 ZACCARDO Cristian
3 GROSSO Fabio
4 DE ROSSI Daniele
5 CANNAVARO Fabio
6 BARZAGLI Andrea
7 DEL PIERO Alessandro
8 GATTUSO Gennaro
9 TONI Luca
10 TOTTI Francesco
11 GILARDINO Alberto
12 PERUZZI Angelo (GK)
13 NESTA Alessandro
14 AMELIA Marco (GK)
15 IAQUINTA Vincenzo
16 CAMORANESI Mauro
17 BARONE Simone
18 INZAGHI Filippo
19 ZAMBROTTA Gianluca
20 PERROTTA Simone
21 PIRLO Andrea
22 ODDO Massimo
23 MATERAZZI Marco

FRANCE

Squad

1 LANDREAU Mickael (GK)
2 BOUMSONG Jean-Alain
3 ABIDAL Eric
4 VIEIRA Patrick
5 GALLAS William
6 MAKELELE Claude
7 MALOUDA Florent
8 DHORASOO Vikash
9 GOVOU Sidney
10 ZIDANE Zinedine
11 WILTORD Sylvain
12 HENRY Thierry
13 SILVESTRE Mikael
14 SAHA Louis
15 THURAM Lilian
16 BARTHEZ Fabien (GK)
17 GIVET Gael
18 DIARRA Alou
19 SAGNOL Willy
20 TREZEGUET David
21 CHIMBONDA Pascal
22 RIBERY Frank
23 COUPET Gregory (GK)

From soccer 24-7.

Forza Azzurri

2006-07-05T06:28:00.000+08:00

ITALY ARE THROUGH TO THE FINAL OF THE WORLD CUP!!!!!!!!!!

BRILLIANT

Ze Germans were beaten at the Westfalenstadion, finally after 14 wins and 1 draw.

Fantastic

Grosso's goal was a peach, Del Piero's was a slick counter started by the best defender at the World Cup so far, FABIO CANNAVARO.

Fantastic

Predictions were spot on

2006-07-02T19:10:00.000+08:00

Perhaps I could be the next Nostramadus since the idiot predicted Spain to win, well kind of.

--------------------------

England Portugal was the typical way that England would go out. There was a scapegoat in the form of Ronaldo, who actions were downright retarded, a hero in Hargreaves, a man sent of in Rooney, and finally even the damn dog knows it, England to go out on penalties.

First half started quite well, but it went into a lull. Portugal's frontmen were toothless to be honest, and England were not creating anything with that stupid 4-5-1 formation of Sven. Second half a flashpoint, as Rooney imo, accidentally stamped on Carvalho, and that twat Ronaldo who I think should fuck off to Real Madrid asap, asked the ref to give a card to Rooney, which he did. A red one at that. And note it was for the push on Ronaldo, not the fucking stamp, which is stupid.

After that England brought on Crouch and immediately looked better, alongside Lennon who replaced the injured Beckham. They provided a threat and it proves Sven wrong in his tactics again and that Crouch should have started up alongside Rooney.

After a goaless 120 minutes, it was down to penalties again. 5 minutes before the penalties there was an interesting sub, Carragher on for Lennon which I could not understand at all unless Carragher was an unknown penalty specialist. Or maybe Sven wants as many scousers on the pitch as possible in a penalty shootout.

Sven's choices of penalty takers were questionable I think, giving one to Lamptard who missed 25 shots in the tournament was stupid. Gerrard did not look like scoring on his penno and Carragher the penalty 'specialist' missed unsurprisingly. Only England's best player scored, Owen Hargreaves who was a colossus in midfield for them, proving his critics wrong. Ricardo definitely has something over England tho, same in Euro 2004, the England players didn't really look like scoring.

So all in all Sven will be off to pastures new, thanks for the 24m from the FA, and his record reads out in all 3 tournaments in the quarter finals.

--------------------------------

Well well well, Brazil are out and dare I say it, it is NO surprise giving how they have played so far. They have failed to light up the tournament at all, and they have not attacked as well as they should have.

Yesterday France, and in particularly Zidane, showed why he is still such a masterclass over the rest, absolutely heads and shoulders abvoe any Brazilian, and that includes you Ronaldinho, who looked like a dick with his 'R' headband.

The magic square was something that Parreira had worked on, and it didn't work, probably because the two support midfielders sitting there could not afford any attacking intent as they needed to protect the defense, and the full backs, Roberto Carlos and Cafu I am sad to say just doesn't have the legs anymore to do it.

Not to forget Ronaldo is overweight and lost a yard of pace, Ronaldinho hasn't shown himself in this World Cup, Kaka has shown some glimpses but he couldn't do much on his own, and the less said about Adriano the better.

And of course they have a pragmatic coach in Parreira, who was in charge of Brazil when they bored their way to the 1994 World Cup victory. He is adept in working with a bad defense but not a bad attack I think, and his decision to play Ze Roberto, a winger in central midfield baffles me.

All in all this World Cup has been a terrible disappointment for Brazil after being such overwhelming favourites at the start, but they have hardly sparkled in the way that they should have.

Well done to the French tho, overcoming their previous squabbles to reach the semis, and I fancy them to go all the way to the final, overcoming Portugal. I think Italy will prove too strong for Germany as well, with their counter attacking style that will catch the Germans napping at the back, and Klose and Poldolski haven't met their match in the twin rocks in the Italian defence, the outstanding defender of the tournament so far, Cannavaro, and the returning Nesta.

Final: Italy v France in a repeat of the Euro 2000 final, mark my words.

Germany v Italy in the semis

2006-07-01T20:44:00.000+08:00

Should be a terrific game, despite all the cynics, Germany with their high tempo and Italy with the counter attacking style.

Germany Argentina was not a particularly good match to be truthful, and the two teams cancelled each other out, but with Argentina dominating the posession.

What ultimately lost Argentina the match was Pekerman's subs, as he correctly took off Riquelme who proved why he won't survive in the Premier League, but replaced him with Cambiasso. Thus that meant that Argentina were playing with 3 defensive midfielders without having much creativity. The second sub was a forced one with Abbondanzieri unable to carry on which is a shame as he is an expert at penalties. What killed the game was the useless Cruz coming on for Crespo, a subsitution that I cannot fathom. Crespo was their only direct striker on the pitch and the bring on a player not good enough for the biggest stage, and it led to the Germans goal.

Good subs by Klinsmann though, Odonkor provided pace, and Borowski was terrific coming in, and his flick on led to Klose's first headed goal of the tournament which is surprising as all five of his goals in the last World Cup came from headers.

And it as it all came down to penalties, a touching moment for Lemon as Kahn went over to give him some encouragement. Bit surprising, but Kahn has came out and said that he has matured a lot and thinks more about the team now, as well as being a mentor to the younger players. Good on him, and it probably spurred Lemon on to save 2 Argie penalties to send the Krauts through.

---------------------------------------------------

Italty dominated their match, as Ukraine didn't show up at all for the first half. Italy took an early lead after the Shovkovsky made an absolute pig's ear of Zambrotta's shot, and it squirmed over the line. Zambrotta was magnificent in the match for troubled Italy, as they were affected by their close friend Pessotto who attempted suicide earlier.

Ukraine did better after the restart, but Gigi Buffon showed why he was the best keeper in the world, coming to Italy's rescue twice. But they hit them again, with a classic sucker punch, with Luca Toni grabbing his first two goals of the World Cup. Might still be a good bet for the Golden Boot.

Only penalties or golden goals have beaten Italy since 1986 in the World Cup, and I certainly fancy them to go all the way.

-------------------------------------

Of today's matches, I fancy Scolari to work his magic again against England, and to knock a distinctly unimpressive England. If Frank Lampard plays then it gives Portugal a big favour as he will shoot on sight and pose absolutely zero danger.

France v Brazil will be tight unlike what most people think, and I think France might sneak victory after extra time or even penalties. Brazil haven't been too impressive so far, and might find their match against France. Zidane must have a good game for them to be able to knock out Brazil, and hope that Onree doesn't choke again.

Italy are through

2006-06-27T18:48:00.000+08:00

but deary me, the ref had an alright game bar the two biggest decisions which he fucked up. Materazzi was definitely not a red, yellow at worst to be honest. And the penalty was just something else, even as an Italian supporter. Neill dived past the ball, Grosso delibrately tripped over the hapless Neill to win a penalty. Very unlucky for the Aussies, but Hiddink might have to take the blame for not going for it.

When Materazzi was sent off, Italy took off Toni, and left only the crap Iaquinta up front on his own, and the totally ineffective Del Piero behind him. Hiddink had the chance to get Aloisi and Kennedy on, but he gambled on extra time, only bringing on Aloisi with 10 minutes to go. Meanwhile Lippi correctly subbed the ineffective Del Piero for Totti, to take the game to the aussies, and sure enough they were hit by the classic Italian sucker punch, however undeserved that was. Totti despatched the penalty with brilliant poise after having to wait an awful long time for his spot kick.

Australia must be gutted, but I expected more from them after Italy went down to ten.

And so the English and Portuguese are through

2006-06-26T21:03:00.000+08:00

Less said about England the better, as the scrambled home another win thanks to a Beckham free kick. As usual terrific game of free flowing football when England are playing, fast temp with a lot of interchange. Not.

The Portugal-Holland match was quite something else, due to the referee more than anything else. A brilliant 4 red cards and 16 yellows (shame he didn't beat the WC record of yellow cards at 18) issued by the one and only Valentin Ivanov, who looks uncannily like Ryan Stiles, the guy on Whose line is it anyway? The joker refereed Porto v United a couple seasons back at OT, and fell for the cheating scum that were Porto. Of course he and his linesman disallowed a perfectly legal goal from Scholes, which would almost certainly put us through, regardless of the late error by Howard, and the resulting goal by Costinha.

Enough of previous now, but the ref made the game a very funny game to watch, when he gone card happy towards the end it was like a countdown to each card being produced. His consistency was lacking - second yellow to Costinha for handball, yet he failed to give van der Vaart a yellow for the same infringement. Sending off a player just because it's the letter of the law and he committed an offence is retarded, refs should apply common sense so we won't see games fucking abandoned every week, and obviously this lad doesn't have any. He makes Graham Poll look like a saint really. Lost control of the game, and just resorted to pulling out the cards at every opportunity.

Oh well, Portugal reserves v England then, England get another lucky break and sneak through to the semis?

Graham Poll

2006-06-24T23:30:00.000+08:00

Of course now everybody knows about it, 3 yellows = red in Mr Poll's rules.

Not a particularly good ref, denied United penalties down the years, and thinks he is a celebrity whereas good refs tend not to be noticed. His refereeing of Australia Croatia was downright shambolic, and rightly he will be punished heavily, possibly getting kicked out of the FIFA refs list, as well as being demoted in the Premier League.

Hopefully we won't see him as often next season in charge of big games now that Premier league officials have found out what a bumbling fool he is.

Review of Spain v Tunisia, as well as a preview to tonight's final round of games

2006-06-20T18:35:00.000+08:00

Before the match, everyone quite rightly seemed to predict a Spain whitewash, after all this was the side that drawn against Saudi Arabia, who got beat by Ukraine 4-0 earlier, who in turn got beat by Spain 4-0. So we were set for a procession then, until Mnari had other ideas, tapping it in after Casillas had spilled an earlier shot. Uncharacteristic for the goalkeeper, but the Tunisians had something to defend on. Which they did very well for the rest of the half, and the game wasn't changed until two subsitutions at half time.

Enter Raul, talisman of Spain, as well as Cesc Fabregas, who at 18 looks to be a terrific prospect. Shame he's playing for arsenal. Fabregas especially turned the game in favour of the Spaniards, creating things for them, and testing the 40 year old Ali Boumnijel in goal. And it was his shot that Boumnijel failed to gather, and Raul prodded home from close range, to the relief of the Spaniards.

Then came an individual moment of brilliance, from none other than Fernando Torres, who had been playing quite poorly beforehand. He got the ball, Boumnijel went on walkabout, rounded him and with the outside of the boot, flicked it into the back of the unguarded net. Brilliant from the Atletico man, hopefully soon to be the Manchester United man.

He got a third from the penalty, but not before being denied by Boumnijel on a one on one, where he did probably everything right, getting height in the shot, but the keeper was equal to it. The penalty itself was not the best, but it managed to squirm under the goalkeeper's body.

Thus, the Spaniards are through to the second round, will face one of the distinctly unimpressive sides in Group G.

---------------------------------------

Final round of matches

Group A
Nothing much to play for here, Germany and Ecuador are already through, and Costa Rica and Poland are pointless from 2 games. Germany and Ecuador will decide who faces England, and we will finally get a good chance to see how Ecuador performs against a half decent side, having seen them dispatch equally unimpressive Poland and Costa Rica. Those two will play for pride, and I fancy Poland to get their first points of this quite terrible campaign.

Group B
Slightly more to play for, as England will seal top spot of they avoid a defeat against the Swedes, who are not mathematically through yet. A 2-0 win for England, as well as a 1-0 win for Tnt, will leave both of those teams on equal footing on pretty much everything, goal difference, goals scored, head to head, as well as results against the other teams. So basically, Tnt need a win from anywhere to get them through, and hope Sweden lose by a big margin to England.

GOAL

2006-06-17T01:09:00.000+08:00

for Ruuuuuuuuuuuud

First United player to score at the tournament

In light of the shit amtches today

2006-06-15T22:25:00.000+08:00

I shall blog about yesterday's matches.

Spain were terrific against a very average Ukraine, who were very lacklustre. Their performance was excellent, and was by far the best performance by a favourite so far, and maybe this could be their year. But most probably they will fuck it up in the later stages, but if they continue to play good football and entertaining football, I am sure they will get far, tho they could have helped by giving Torres's great goal to Ukraine, and I would have ~~won~~ had $11 fall into my hands..

David Villa scored 2, as well as Xabi Alonso getting one from a header, and those two helped my fantasy team a fukload for sure, I was languishing until the intervention of those two.

Saudi Arabia and Tunisia was a better match than anybody expected, Saudi Arabia nearly got their first ever win in the World Cup, but they were denied by Rahdi Jaidi, the first Bolton player to score at a World Cup since 1954. Tunisia's first was a good goal tho, the lad caused Saudi Arabia problems in the match, and assisted Jaidi's goal.

Germany were dead lucky to score against Poland in the final minute, especially as if they didn't some people would have thrown away their hard earned money. Olivier Neuville finally getting the goal that they deserved, a minute after Ballack and another guy hit the bar twice improbably, as they were only about a yard out.

As for today, not much to look forward to, unless Spastic Sven brings Rooney on whjen he clearly hasn't had much practice yet. Preferably we wioll only see him in the second round, but I fear Sven will risk him against the hard tackling TnT.

Italy v Ghana

2006-06-13T18:31:00.000+08:00

Quite an entertaining match, and the Azzurri deserved their 2 goal victory imo, as they created more chances than Ghana, though it has to be said Ghana's finishing was quite terrible.

Marcello Lippi has instilled an attacking intent into the squad, unlike previous Italian teams, most recently Giovanni Trapattoni's awful Italian side, who seemed to be content with a goal's lead.

And it showed, as Luca Toni smashed a terrific effort off the bar, after bamboozling the Ghana defender, and unleashing an unstoppable drive, which crashed off the bar (Mark Lawrenson of the BBC helpfully suggested that the shot was 'violent'.) Toni was quite impressive, as he led the Italian line alongside a virtually anonymous Alberto Gilardino, whose place in the team has been questioned, some people even preferring Pippo Inzaghi, who I must say has been in red hot form for Milan in the past season. Toni showed some good footwork for a big man (sorry Crouchy), and was a threat in the first half.

The goal came late in the first half, after a well worked corner to Pirlo, and the Ghanians did not close him down, and they were duly punished as Pirlo curled one into the far corner, the low shot somehow eluding the 15 odd bodies in the penalty area. One of the goals of the tournament so far for sure.

Second half as expected did not continue the pace of the first half, but a worry would be Totti cltuching his shin 5 mins into the second half. Totti, who went close in the first half with a terrific free kick from 35 yards out, had been stamped on the shin I think by Paintsil, and was immediately brought off for Cameronesi. It will be a worry for Lippi as Totti is the focal point of the Italian side, and I would think it is a precaution rather than anything else, that he was brought off. Meanwhile later in the game Iaquinta was also brought on, in place of the ineffective Gilardino.

And boy did he make an impact, scoring a good goal after a terrible backpass by Samuel Kuffour, formerly of Bayern Munich. He rounded the keeper and tucked it away very well, 2-0. Kuffour's reaction was interesting, as it was similar to the reaction he had after a particular goal in the 92nd minute of the match, on 26th May 1999.

And so full time it was 2-0, good start for the Azzurri, and they will have to get their finger out to get a positive result against the Czechs, who were very impressive against a lacklustre team USA, by far the most fluid side so far. Of course most probably the second placed team in this group will have to play Brazil, so it is imperative the Italians get a good results against the Czechs.

TONIGHT:
South Korea v Togo 9pm
France v Switzerland 12am
Brazil v Croatia 3am

I am not expecting anything special from Togo against South Korea, especially after the shenanigans that have surrounded their manager, so I would think South Korea would get a solid 2-0 win against a distinctly average Togo.

Switzerland are my tip for the surprise of today, I think they will be able to get a draw out of France, whom they also drew twice in the qualifiers. France are an aging team, while the Swiss are completely the opposite, the up and coming nation of Europe, and they are coming along nicely to host the Euro 2008 tournament.

We've waited a long time for Brazil, and tonight is the night that the likes of Adriano, Ronaldinho, Kaka, and of course Ronaldo who will be bidding to score in his 3rd World Cup, as well as trying to equal Gerd Muller's long standing record of the highest total goals of 14. Ronaldo currently has 12. Expect Brazil to get their campaign off to a good start, and join Australia at the top of Group F.

For all United fans

2006-06-10T18:51:00.000+08:00

http://media.putfile.com/MASSIVE-

Oh City are a massive club

http://media.putfile.com/we-all-follow-Man-United

We're gonna win the FA Cup!

http://media.putfile.com/Memories-16

Best one yet, brilliant medley of songs

http://media.putfile.com/Manchester-United---Glory-Glory-Man-Utd-99

Glory glory Man United

http://media.putfile.com/Calypson

Calypso

Got it off Fredthered on caf, credits to him.

Anyway short report on the first game

The highest scoring opening game of the World Cup ever, it was a terrific start for Germany as Phillipp Lahm curled in a spectacular goal, beyond the reaches of the dodgyCosta Rican keeper. Pesronally I thought it would be the first of many, but former Manchester shitty striker Paulo Wanchope equalised totally against the run of play, breaking through the terrible German offside trap. Klinsmann needs tos ort that one out, but first Miroslav Klose scored the first of his goals. Was raining goals atm, but it got scrap[py towards the end.

Half time 2-1 Germany.

Germany didn't play the same tempo as they did first half, but they got the third after a defensive mix up by Costa Rica, Klose scoring his seocnd. However Costa Rica just refused to lie down, and pulled one back again by Wanchope. Mertesacker and Metezelder had a mix up at the back, both covering the same player, leaving Wanchope to score again. Goal of the tournament possible coming up, Torsten Frings had an absolute screamer p ast the Costa Rica keeper. The ball moved and swerved, almost Roberto Carlos like, definitely a problem for keepers in matches to come.

So therefore full time it was Germany 4-2 Costa Rica, good start for the krauts, but Klinsmann needs to think about the defense, or not we're gonna see it terribly exposed in the latter stages. Good ens tho Lemon has an ankle injury, tho how serious it is we don't know yet.

Giggs video

2006-06-03T03:16:00.000+08:00

One of United's true legends.

Brilliant player

Some videos on the Wolrd Cup

2006-06-02T17:28:00.000+08:00

Couple of videos on preview of the World Cup tho the music is crap, but just awtch it anyway.

I've just been

2006-06-02T04:21:00.000+08:00

outwitted by a cockroach.

Kinell I was just coming back from a toilet break when I saw a cockroach trying to creep under the storeroom door, and I didn't get any newspapers as I wanted to watch the cockroach make an arse of itself trying to crawl underneath that miniscule gap between the door and the floor.

But I forgot that those fuking cockroaches have the ability to compress themselves or summat, and it went through the gap. So that's one living cockroach that's still in the house. Fuck.

26 May 1999

2006-05-27T00:12:00.000+08:00

The day when we won the treble, 7 years ago. Doesn't seem that long ago that's for sure.

Off the top of my head but the team for that day was

Schmeichel

Gary Nev Stam Johnsen Irwin

Giggs Beckham Butt Blomqvist

Cole Yorke

Of course we went down 1-0 down early doors to Mario Basler's free kick, a defensive mix up, and Schmeichel and the bar saved us for much of the match. Only when Sir Alex sent on Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did the complexion of the match change. United started to get chances, and hit the bar once if I remember correctly. Into injury time, United's treble dream seemed dead and buried.

Suddenly United get a corner.

Can United score? They always score"

Schmeichel went up. Beckham's delivery into the box, absolute melee, Giggs mishits a shot, falls into Sheringham's path, who slots it home. 1-1!

NAME ON THE TROPHY

92nd minute, and into the last minute of the three added minutes. United get another corner, Schmeichel didn't come up this time. Another Beckham corner, into the 6 yard box, Sheringham flicked it on, Solskjaer stuck out a leg, roof of the net.

And Solskjaer has won it!

Magnificent game, espescially those last minutes.

And of course it was Sir Matt Busby's 90th birthday that night, and it would have been his 97th today.

The long awaited news

2006-05-23T20:23:00.000+08:00

Whether I have passed Chinese CA1.

The delay is not my fault cos it was only today the marks were released.

So....

I have somehow contrived to

~~fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff~~

PASS CHINESE

Excellent 53.1

---------------------------End of extensive report------------------------------------

I'll be back tomorrow

2006-05-18T22:49:00.000+08:00

with an extensive report on if I failed chinese CA1.

As things stand:

57 will see me fail by 0.1
59 and above will guarantee a pass

*this of course refers to the compo markls which will be returned tomorrow

LEVEL CAMP

2006-05-13T20:55:00.000+08:00

Ok I shall be blogging on level camp now rofl. Expect it to be long and boring, just joking, I will have Jintao and John to spice thiongs up!

DAY 1
Right starting from the first day, assembled in our groups and blahblablahlbalh you get the drill. On the way there I was sleeping like a pig rofl, too tired after watching the previous night's final day drama. We arrived at Sarimbun campsite, and I thought it was pretty much a shithole, which was to be expected. We then tried to think of a group names, and our letter was H and I thought of many suggestions, like horny, hot, once again you get the drill rofl. But eventually we settled on High 5. You know what the first thing I thought of when I saw the name, that's right Moses singing that fecking high 5 bread song, which was irritating like shit. Then we had to write out objectives and shit, the instructor Huatzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz wanted someone with best handwriting then he go pick me, what a joker man.

Then we had to pitch our tents, and there were 2 scouts in my group, one was according to a fellow scout was a sleepy head and didn;t do anything, another at least contributed lol. Got a few Sj one also but they don't know how to pitch tents rofl. But I tried to tie a few proper knots after finding out some morons had tied crappy knots, some got pattern also ffs, and some were not tight at all, and I couldn't be botherde to retie for them lol. Then lunch, which was probably the worst out of the 3 days' meals. Then group flag, we got competiton to see who finished the fastest with Gaga, then we chiong, basically our flag was one high-5 and 239052340682 handprints on it, so naturally we finished fastest. However Gaga flag is damn nice , got blending some more, ours had no artistic value in it rofl.

Our first activity was Saint Challenge course. Our first part was King of the hill.We got two bites of the cherry as our first attempt was botched liek shit. Second one was better but I was the last one hanging of the human ladder, then I had to pull a few cnuts up. I nearly slipped off in climbing back up rofl. Then we had the shuffling shit. Our instructor Huatzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz frst wnated us to arrange ourselvesaccording to birthdays, then he gav eus 5 mins to plan. Then when we got back on the logs he wanted us to arrange accrding to height. wtfbbq rofl. then we kept cheating rofl, bending odwn when the next person is taller/shorter. Also got the walking on the wooden plank crap, which was yes you guessed it, crap.

Then we had Command and Conquer, which we got thrashed by Gaga cos we could only use mess tin, the other thingy was broken. Also got Initiative games, I only remember got the er rope thing, then I was one of the two being picked to control the people holding the rope lmfao.

Ate dinner then came together as a class to get the ACE shirt. Then Jordan kept saying the John got fleas in his dick or summat, cos he kept scratching it rofl. Went back to tent, I think our tent was the messiest rofl, then when I was sleeping some moron kept kicking me in the head, I think it was HEIBI rofl. Was sweating like a pig, until it got colder then I slept like a pig.

DAY 2 LATER, as I am watching the preview of FA Cup final now lol

FOR jintao stories etc

2006-05-12T18:28:00.000+08:00

please visit

WWW.C-NUTS.BLOGSPOT.COM

THANKS

PAP won over here in Tampines

2006-05-07T03:20:00.000+08:00

-Again. Mah Bow Tan and co won the elections over here again, total thrashnig it was I think, forgot the figures tho. Opposition only got two measly wards, which at least they successfully defended despite the SM walking around.

Just realised if I go ahead and make more comments I might get into trouble rofl so I'll stfu.

Barca Espanyol is a temporary relief for boredom, end of season match, nothing to paly for Barca tho it's a derby match and Espanyol are fighting relegation.

Fight fors econd and fourth ends tomorrow, United need to match scousers result to secure 2nd, though I am not too fussed as I reckon it's first or nowhere. Fourth is interesting, Spurs travel to West Ham who have 1 1/2 eye on the cup final while Arse play a tiring Wigan in the library's last match. It would be funny if arse get UEFA Cup football at Ashburton, that's counting out the CL final of course. Cunting ESPN not showing United or Spurs, instead showing arse and chelski-barcodes. Can't thjey see arse result is irrelevant if Spurs win, and who cares it's the librarys last match. The other match is of course meaningless now, so what's the point?

Otherwise, COME ON YOU SPURS!

Big question

2006-05-03T19:36:00.000+08:00

Ruud to stay or to go?

Reckon the end is neigh for him, especially with recent peformances being absolute gutless, none of the movement that was so apparent earlier in the season. The big problem is probably the dropping in the Carling Cup final for Louis Saha, and since then he's been rather disinterested.

true, he might have been a legend, but legends come and go, and I definitely think, despite being one of the best goal scorers in the country for the past 5 years, he might just be showing his age at 30. Hopefully a good World cup will do him wonders, but will he be at United when the world cup ends?

Who knows and I cbf blogging more now as I got a cnuting du xie tmrw.

Ciaozzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Terrific

2006-05-01T14:27:00.000+08:00

I am a lance corporal now rofl even tho I was blind on the day. Terrific, after so long rofl, makesure im worthy of lcpl

Excellent

I am not blind anymore

2006-04-30T16:49:00.000+08:00

Cos I've got a crapshit cheapskate spec that has been using the eye degree from 2 years back cos I haven't actually went to test yet rofl. But it's still ok I guess cos I aced the eye test for health check with the old specs rofl. So my dad decided to change this spec only next year when my degree he phrophetically claimed would rise.

hahaha

2006-04-27T21:30:00.000+08:00

Typical ski supporters on Kick off just now, ffs they don't even know who the fuck was their captain when they won the league in 1955, not that I know but at least it's not my club. Ffs they were embarassing to say the least rofl, I reckon the Everton team of the other day was pretty good. Well done Spurs for reaching the semis tho rofl, at least they know something about their own club rofl.

Lee Sharpe: I know what's the minimum width of the pitch allowed as Alex Ferguson used to walk across the centre circle, measuring the width before every away match

Pai seh for not updating

2006-04-15T20:28:00.000+08:00

Rofl been busy with shite over the past two weeks.

First I'd like to rant about this cunt

TwatKelvin Davis who has been shite all fucking season long somehow comes up with 10582305723081761 saves against us for no apparent reason. Don't you realise your team is down cunt, and you're one of the reasons they are so fucking shite, but yet you perform like this against United. If you hadn't been so shite all season long maybe Sunderland won't have 11 points from the previous 32. Cunts. and for my fucking life I will never forgive the defender who blocked Ole's shot which was going into the top corner with 5 minutes left. Twat.

Moving swiftly on to today's class outing, which was kind of fun rofl. The fun part was owning even Zhijie in Daytona LOL, I won every race that I participated in rofl. Got one time Wei Hong was trying to feck everyone up by pressing turbo at the worst moment, I had the treatment for about 4 times rofl. But on final lap he pressed turbo for me at the finishing line and I somehow charged past Zhijie LOL ahahha. And another one was where Teck huat and Kian kok had one whole straight's lead over me, but they were trying to crash each other off at the final corner and I just cut on the inside and went past them ROFL.

Btw the movie was quite ok, it was boring at times and had a cliched ending but it was very well produced lol. We walked around Dhoby Ghaut after the movie trying to find the Lan shop and after walking one big round, we finally found it rofl. And as usual I was the feeder and noobshit and got owned rofl. At least I killed zhijie once rofl. And apparently I improved on the last time I played rofl.

After that went home and here I am now watching Bolton-Chelsea. If bolton get something out of this im gonna be so pissed.

Ciaozzzzzzzz

Pai seh for not updating

2006-04-15T20:13:00.000+08:00

FAO whoever built the covered walkway to my block

2006-04-03T19:07:00.000+08:00

Thank fuck for those cnuts who build that cos without it I'd have been drenched in that bloody storm just now. Whoever who built it - PAP HDB Opposition Party - you've got my vote for the elections.

We are right back in it

2006-04-02T16:54:00.000+08:00

Who would have thought it eh, 18 points behind at December, we have whittled it down to 7. Terrific stuff, yesterday match proved that with Rooney, Ruud, Saha, Ronaldo and Giggs, noone will dare to feck with us, Bolton were shit scared for the last 20 minutes where we just pounded their goal.

Not one to predict stuff but comparing Chelsea's fixtures to ours, it's fair to say we've got more difficult ones than them, but we are the team that are actually in form, so we will be the ones being more confident going into the matches, especially the big one next Sunday, Arsenal. They are in great form as well, but the key factor could well be that it is at Old Trafford, and Arsenal's away day blues have been well publicised.

Nevertheless it is great to see an exciting end to the season again, after the last two seasons we have just fallen away after being so far away from the title. Something's for sure, we are going to push it right down to the wire.

We're gonna win the league,
We're gonna win the league,
And now you're gonna believe us,
And now you're gonna believe us,
And now you're gonna believe us,
We're gonna win the league

They said we couldn't catch Newcastle
They said we couldn't catch Arsenal
They said we couldn't catch Chelsea
Like fuck we can't, we're UNITED.

UNITED FIXTURES
Sunday, 09 April 2006
Barclays Premiership
Man Utd v Arsenal, 16:00

Friday, 14 April 2006
Barclays Premiership
Man Utd v Sunderland, 19:45

Monday, 17 April 2006
Barclays Premiership
Tottenham v Man Utd, 12:45

Sunday, 23 April 2006
Barclays Premiership
Man Utd v Middlesbrough, 15:00

Saturday, 29 April 2006
Barclays Premiership
Chelsea v Man Utd, 12:30

Sunday, 07 May 2006
Barclays Premiership
Man Utd v Charlton, 15:00

CHELSEA FIXTURES
Saturday, 01 April 2006
Barclays Premiership
Birmingham v Chelsea, 12:45

Sunday, 09 April 2006
Barclays Premiership
Chelsea v West Ham, 12:00

Saturday, 15 April 2006
Barclays Premiership
Bolton v Chelsea, 12:45

Monday, 17 April 2006
Barclays Premiership
Chelsea v Everton, 15:00

Saturday, 22 April 2006
FA Cup
Chelsea v Liverpool, 17:15

Saturday, 29 April 2006
Barclays Premiership
Chelsea v Man Utd, 12:30

Sunday, 07 May 2006
Barclays Premiership
Newcastle v Chelsea, 15:00

Hiiiiiiii

2006-03-30T20:53:00.000+08:00

Watch this video

Or not you're a cnut

http://www.careerbuilder.com/monk-e-mail/?mid=6124007

Thanks bye

I think

2006-03-26T02:33:00.000+08:00

teaching maths to zz could kill you some day. I pity her maths teacher rofl, this is the person who does not know how to cross multiply at all ffs.

On another note im bored as feck right now as arsenal Pompey has been called off due to a waterlogged pitch. Wtf is wrong with Fratton Park's drainage system, the pitch was a total failure rofl full of muddy water.

And Didier Mong Drogba gave Chelski a 2-0 win over citeh with ANOTHER bloody handball, this time it went un noticed thanks to bent as feck Rob Styles. Cnuts.

And speaking of cnuts the same zz refuses to update for some reason, so I can't update. Fantastico.

Which then reminds me that Malaga v Barca is coming up in 20 minutes time. Should be an easy win over a struggling Malaga.

Blah Im still bored as feck.

Brilliant picture

2006-03-21T22:57:00.000+08:00

This is a true picture, used by me for my literature letter thingy. Brilliant paint skills you must admit? Those who want to use this picture please pay me $1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000. Thanks.

Pretty pleased with my science and geography marks as well. Hehehe.

Why am i blogging now?

2006-03-19T19:27:00.000+08:00

When I have so many homework to complete and one test to study? Roflmao. I am currently struggling with my maths and I am tempted to just put that aside atm and get started on studying for literature test at it seems so much easier. However both are due tomorrow so do I look as if I have a choice?

Ahh guess you lot are bored with homework as well, so why not I update you on some sporting news. Manchester United beat a plucky West Bromwich Albion 2-1, to continue the stranglehold on second place, still 5 points ahead of the scousers, who face barcodes today. We battered the barcodes last week, with that twat Shearer not scoring on his last visit to OT, which was nice. But the difference is the scousers have Morientes, Crouch and Cisse. All are on form aren't they? United only have Rooney and Saha, with Ronaldo on the wings, and we can afford to leave Ruud on the bench. Just terrific innit.

And there was a couple of hilarious incidents in the match between Wigan and citeh. Fat Aussie keeper John Filan caught an incoming cross, and threw it out, only to his shock horror see his throw hit the back of Darius Vassell, and somehow looping to hit the bar. And of course, Calamity James had to better that, by somehow volleying a backpass 60 yards vertically, and when Distin controlled it, and passed it back to James again, he managed to clear it, but backwards. It went out for a corner which Wigan scored from. Stuart Pearce must be thinking: Wtfbbq. And Paul Jewell: Hahahaha. You noobshit!

In other sporting news, Giancarlo Fisichella has won the Malaysian GP, after leading for most of the race starting from pole. Kimi Raikkonen crashed out, after being hit from behind, causing a rear suspension failure. Fuck.

Shit, I think I've wasted too much time on this blog post, so I'll go and finish my homework now(no, really)

Bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb

So this is my new blog

2006-03-17T22:42:00.000+08:00

After the last one went dead, and I'll post semi-regularly (I hope) about general stuff in life, or football blahblablah.

My first post on this brand new blog would be about Arctic Monkeys, after Isk kindly pointed out an article in the Straits Times today. They're really superb, worthy of the hype that's been going around internet forums and stuff like that, particularly at Redcafe where I first found out about them. I 'bought' their album and gave it a listen, the songs grow on you rather than you like them after a first listen or summat. Really good stuff, but of course we'll need to see their sophomore album to see what they are really made of and if they can keep the quality up.

Mardy Bum
Ritz to Romance
Fake Tales of San Francisco

These three are the best songs on the album imo, of course there are a few bland and uninspiring fillers but overall the album's really terrific.

Moving on there's only three days of the holidays left and my homework are still pretty much untouched. Not to add my literature file is still stuck in the messy locker, and that I have to wake up early in the morning tomorrow to retrieve it(fyi I woke up at 6pm today).

Tomorrow - Somehow complete maths | Memorise at least 1/2 of oral presentation script| Do finish lit letter | Paint art wooden block
Sunday - Study for lit test | complete chinese diary

Deary me what a cramped schedule, and I have realised how short one bloody week is. Wtfbbq. H for holidays and homework.

Meanwhile I shall end here for the first post of this brand new super duper blog.

Ciaozzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz