Champions League Final Set

After months of play, we finally know which two teams will battle for the Champions League trophy at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.

Favorites Barcelona were held in their first leg tie against Inter Milan, losing 3-1 at the San Siro. That meant that Barca needed to win by at least two goals yesterday in the return match at the Camp Nou. Despite shutting out Inter, the Blaugrana were only able to punch in one goal which meant that they would not repeat as title holders. Highlights of Inter's post-match celebration are below.




On Tuesday, Bayern Munich ran riot over Lyon 3-0 to book their trip to the finals. Munich were led by Ivica Olic's hat-trick while missing the services winger Franck Ribery. Ribery looks set to miss the final match due to a three-game suspension over a red card. The highlights of Bayern's win in the semis are below.

Beckham Interview

Here's a clip from Monday's edition of ABC's "Good Morning America" featuring David Beckham.

The 34-year-old midfielder is currently rehabbing a left Achilles tendon injury that will keep him out of this year's World Cup.

Way-Too-Early World Cup Predictions

Only 46 days until the World Cup kicks-off in South Africa (according to my new counter), so why not take a stab at picking which teams will advance from the group stage of the tournament? These predictions may be lousy but should prove to be a good point to start a heated debate. Feel free to comment.

Without further adieu, these are the countries I think will advance into the Round of 16 this summer.

GROUP A

South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France

On the surface, this looks like a relatively easy group to pick: you have traditional heavyweights France along with a dangerous Mexican side that finished first in its qualifying region. But peel away the layers and some interesting storylines take shape. First, no host country has ever failed to advance out of its group in World Cup history. Ever. Secondly, South Africa is arguably the weakest national team to host the tournament. Third, the France national team wouldn't have qualified it if wasn't for a Thierry Henry handball.

So after all that, what do you have left? Something tells me that the South Africans will have what it takes to surprise many observers and get it done, vuvuzelas and all. I also like Mexico to progress due to the many shortcomings of a faulty France squad and an inexperienced Uruguay side. My Prediction: South Africa, Mexico

GROUP B

Argentina
Korea Republic
Nigeria
Greece

This may be the toughest group to predict, as no one team stands out amongst the rest. Performance-wise, Argentina have fallen short of their elite history under the tumultuous reign of manager Diego Maradona. The Argentinians scraped by with one goal on the last day of qualifying to progress to South Africa. Nigeria has not been playing its best soccer of late, while Greece won a UEFA playoff match against Ukraine to punch its ticket. Only Korea looked dominant during qualifying rounds, going undefeated throughout.

Despite the struggles under Maradona, Argentina still have Lionel Messi. How can you bet against him right now? And I'll take the disciplined Korea Republic side in a close second to Nigeria. My Prediction: Argentina, Korea Republic

GROUP C

England
United States
Algeria
Slovenia

Oy mate, the Americans are coming! Already nervous at the prospect of facing their former colony, England fans are holding their breath as the health of star striker Wayne Rooney has been thrown into question. No doubt manager Fabio Capello is losing sleep over this already. But the United States has its own injury issues which threaten to take the teeth out of its lineup. Midfielder Clint Dempsey seems to be doing fine after knee problems but defender Oguchi Onyewu still has rehabilitation remaining for his knee. Throw in the idea of striker Charlie Davies being declared out for South Africa and suddenly England gets less nervous. But when healthy, this American squad can beat anyone (as evidenced by their work in last summer's Confederations Cup).

You know just whom I like to advance. My Prediction: England, United States

GROUP D

Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana

With their size and disciplined play, the Germans are almost always a lock to advance. Count them in. But as for the other three? You have a plucky Australian side that advanced past the group stages back in 2006 (albeit under mastermind tactician Guus Hiddink), a Serbian national team that boasts one of the game's best defenses with Nemanja Vidic and Branislav Ivanovic and Ghana who possess some of the best young talent in the world.

Yet this time around the Australians will be missing Hiddink, and Ghana may be without midfield dynamo Michael Essien. For the time being, let's pencil in Serbia as the second team to advance. My Prediction: Germany, Serbia

GROUP E

Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon

The Netherlands seem to always underachieve when it comes to the big stage. Just take a look at their defeat versus Russia in Euro 2008. However, I cannot pick against the Oranje just yet after their impressive qualifying campaign.

I also like Denmark to advance as well. Cameroon just do not have depth in their squad right now and Japan is just not strong enough in my book. My Prediction: Netherlands, Denmark

GROUP F

Italy
Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia

The defending Wold Cup trophy-holders, Italy have a squad that blends experience (midfielder Andrea Pirlo) with excitement (forward Giuseppe Rossi). Add in the weak group the Italians were placed in and it makes them a virtual lock to advance. Paraguay also have an underrated national team, and hope that their star forward Salvador Cabanas will be fit in time for the World Cup. Cabanas is recovering from a life-threatening incident that saw him get shot in the head outside a bar in Mexico City. My Prediction: Italy, Paraguay

GROUP G

Brazil
Ivory Coast
Korea DPR
Portugal

This year's "Group of Death" is sure to make fans of each respective national team groan. For the Ivory Coast, just when their team is coming together and is finally talented enough to make a run in the tournament, they are drawn into a murderer's row of opponents. When Brazil and Portugal finally meet-up, their match will be between not only two heavyweights of international soccer, but two countries with colonial ties to each other as well. It should be a heated contest. And for Korea DPR, who knows? They are a national team which the world has paid little attention to. This group is going to be tough to call. My Prediction: Brazil, Ivory Coast

GROUP H

Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile

If there was a favorite to win this tournament, Spain would be it. The winners of Euro 2008, the national team's only hiccup since then was losing to the United States in last summer's Confederations Cup. With enough attacking players to make an opposing manager's worst nightmares come true, the Spanish should have no problem making the Round of 16. Besides Spain, Chile have qualified for the first time since France '98. I don't think they are just happy to be here; with young talent like forward Alexis Sanchez and defender Arturo Vidal they know advancing is well-within their reach. I like their "wow" factor more than I do for Honduras or Switzerland. My Prediction: Spain, Chile

Davies Return Put On Hold

Charlie Davies' recovery from career-threatening injuries has been guided by a beacon of light: to be fit in time to represent the United States in the 2010 World Cup.

The forward has been back in training with his Ligue 1 club Sochaux since March, in hopes of seeing field time before possibly heading to South Africa. Until yesterday, it looked like he might actually have a reasonable chance of returning.

On Thursday, Sochaux president Alexandre Lacombe said in a statement that Davies would not be recovered in time for the end of the season. This could prove to be a major blow to the American's World Cup dreams if he fails to get playing time in the next couple of weeks.

Davies responded by telling the Associated Press he still remains hopeful of returning and has not given up. But with only five games left in the French season, how realistic is this notion?

I can see Lacombe's point: Davies, when fit, is a pacey forward that creates havoc for opposing defenses. Sochaux have made an investment in the American and want to avoid any sort of career-shattering setbacks if he returns prematurely.

However, the progress Davies has made is nothing short of remarkable. Why not give him a chance as a substitute? Maybe only 10 minutes is what he could give his team: but mentally, it would give Davies that spark to continue getting fully fit.

So will Davies make it into the Sochaux squad before the season ends? I guess we will have to just wait to find out. The clock is ticking, but I wouldn't want to bet against him at this point.

Inter Defeats Barca

Ladies and gentlemen, the power balance in the Champions League has shifted.

Defending title holders Barcelona were rocked yesterday at the San Siro as Inter Milan defeated Pep Guardiola's side 3-1. Jose Mourinho's men may have staked their claim on this year's trophy after the impressive display, but face a stern test at the Camp Nou next Wednesday. It's going to take another dose of magic from Messi and his men to sway the tie in Barca's favor.

Ash Cloud Affects Soccer Matches

In the past five days you have probably heard about the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, a volcano in southern Iceland, that spewed an ash cloud which has affected air travel in Northern and Western Europe. If not, you need definitely need to spend more time on current events.

Since the eruption, millions of passengers have been stuck at airports across the continent as flights have been canceled by carriers. Some major airports, such as London's Heathrow Airport and Schiphol in Amsterdam, have been shut down completely.

So where do the Europa League and the Champions League fit into all of this? Yesterday the Union of European Football Associations, the governing body of European soccer, released a statement saying that matches will go on as planned this week in both competitions.

This does not mean that travel will be hindered for teams which are still competing. Far from it. Liverpool will have almost a full-day of travel to make he 2,600 mile trek to Madrid to face Atletico on Thursday. The club will depart from their base of operations and take bus and rail to get to Bordeaux in France, before flying to the Spanish capital for the Europa League tie.

Barcelona will have to travel by train to Milan for its clash with Inter in the Champions League. The same will be done by Lyon for their match in Germany versus Bayern Munich.

Maicon Magic

Check out this absolutely superb goal by Inter Milan defender Maicon!

The Brazilian's goal in the 75th minute led Inter to a 2-0 win over arch rivals Juventus this afternoon. With the win, the Nerazzurri reclaim the top spot in the Italian Serie A.

Welcome, Mr. Rose

Danny Rose, take a bow.

The 19-year-old Tottenham winger was making his Premier League debut today against Spurs' most hated rival, Arsenal. The contest looked like it would provide the youngster with a platform to gauge his talent.

But 10 minutes into the match, Rose served notice to manager Harry Redknapp that his faith in the teenager was to be rewarded: Rose produced an absolutely stunning volley off a clearance from Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia--definitely "Goal of the Year" type of material.

Check it out below. The goal helped to power Tottenham to a 2-1 win over Arsenal and break their 11-year streak of losing to the Gunners in league play.

Guinness World Record Soccer Game

This past weekend I had the pleasure of taking part in the Guinness World Record for Most Players in a Soccer Match. Starting at 11:20 a.m. on Saturday, the field at Spartan Village Apartments was full of Michigan State Students looking to be a part of history. I had the 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. shift along with my intramural teammates from The Planeteers.

Check out my audio slideshow of the event at Spartanedge.com.

Here are some other news and notes from around the world of soccer:

• Barcelona assure Arsenal they will not pursue Cesc Fabregas this summer
• Juventus give Rafa Benitez 10-day ultimatum to decide on manager position
• Red Knights close in on Manchester United bid
• Emmanuel Adebayor retires from international soccer

Stay tuned for my next post!

Did This Deserve A Red Card?

As England manager Fabio Capello looked on, a controversial tackle in the 75th minute by Chelsea defender John Terry grabbed the attention of the Wembley Stadium crowd. The victim, Aston Villa's James Milner, was lucky enough to survive the studs-up challenge with only a bruise and not a broken leg. To add insult to injury, Milner's side lost 3-0 to Chelsea in the FA Cup semifinal.

Referee Howard Webb granted merely a yellow card for this cold-blooded attempt on Milner's leg. But what do you think? Should England's ex-captain have been sent off yesterday?

El Clasico Once Again!

On Saturday night, Barcelona will take on Real Madrid with first-place in La Liga at stake. For the 160th time in league play, the rivals will do battle with pride and glory on the line.

How many times have we seen this? Both these clubs meeting with title implications involved. It goes without saying that the two most successful clubs in Spanish history dominate their league on a year-in, year-out basis.

Real Madrid holds a slight advantage over Barcelona in the all-time win column, with Los Blancos having 68 wins to Barca's 61.

As for tomorrow's game, I have a hard time betting against Barca even with the game being played in Madrid. The sensational form of Lionel Messi (see previous post) I believe is what spurs the Blaugrana on to victory. Make it 3-2 for the Catalan side in a exciting contest.

Here are some vids talking about tomorrow's game. The first is an interview with Madrid forward Cristano Ronaldo. The second is a compilation of what "El Clasico" is all about. Enjoy.

The Magic Of Messi

Without a doubt, yesterday's performance by Lionel Messi was one for the ages.

The Argentinean dazzled the more than 95,000 in attendance at the Camp Nou with his sublime skills and crafty moves. After an opening goal by Arsenal that quieted the Barca faithful, a Messi hat-trick scored in a span of 42 minutes was the final blow to the Gunners hopes (see above video).

While we've seen this kind of play before, number 10 has made soccer fans all over the globe start to run out of superlatives to describe his magic. He put in four goals last night, but if not for a couple of missed chances his total could have been even higher.

If you're lining up against him, how is it possible not to be intimidated? So far the pint-sized forward has bagged 39 goals with still a month left in the season. At 22, he has only BEGUN his career in relative terms. And yet he has the look of a hard-nosed veteran and can surgically dismantle opposing teams with the quick movements of his size-10 adidas cleats. As ESPN Soccernet writer Harry Harris put it, he is a "phenomenon."

So after this latest performance, can Messi be called the greatest soccer player of all-time? No. Despite his numerous trophies, his FIFA World Player of the Year award, his Olympic gold medal and his impressive stats, Messi still has something to prove.

What? You may be thinking that I'm crazy. But hear me out.

Messi has had the benefit of playing on a star-studded roster since joining the Barcelona first-team in 2004. This can't go unmentioned as other defenses have had to handle players like Samuel Eto'o, Andres Iniesta, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Xavi as well as Messi. He has never been the sole attacking presence on a roster.

This is a small point, but an important one.

The main hurdle left in Messi's career is reaching to podium of the World Cup Finals. If Messi is able to help Argentina to the top of the pile this summer, then he can be called the greatest this game has ever seen. But until he does that, he will only continue to be in the discussion.

Argentina's qualification for South Africa was unpredictable and unstable. The team narrowly secured the spot on the last day of qualifying. Much can be said that the managerial skills of Diego Maradona hindered his team's ability to perform, but what was also true was that Messi was not on his top form throughout the qualification journey.

But if Messi continues to play like he did last night? It won't be IF he will bring home the World Cup trophy, but WHEN.

Arsenal-Barcelona Second Leg

Hey guys! For those of you who aren't able to view today's match at the Camp Nou, I will be having text updates of the game at my Twitter page. You can view it from your laptop or your phone.

Click here for the link.

Super Clasico 2010

The 2010 version of the Super Clasico rivalry between Chivas USA and the Los Angeles Galaxy saw its first installment played last night at the Home Depot Center. A physical game is always expected: both teams share the same facilities on and off the field. Here's what I mean:


After a game which saw five yellow cards produced, the Galaxy walked away last night as 2-0 winners thanks to Galaxy forward Edson Buddle's two goals. Chivas remains winless in this rivalry since 2007.

Here's a post-game interview with Galaxy defender Sean Franklin:

Thierry Henry To Join Sydney FC!

After playing for some of the world's best clubs in Juventus, Arsenal and Barcelona, Thierry Henry has reportedly chosen to join the Australian League's Sydney FC at the conclusion of the 2009/10 season.

Xtra Time can officially reveal that Henry's agents have been in negotiation with Sydney FC for months now over a possible deal. Apparently, Henry will leave this summer and sign a two-year contract to play in the A-League.

Why Henry would want to play in one of the world's weakest leagues is anyone's guess. But Xtra Time has heard reports that the Australian club are offering a lifetime supply of kangaroo leather soccer cleats to make the French international the biggest signing in the A-League's history.

Click here for more information on this breaking story!

Arsenal-Barcelona Recap

What a game today in London! In spectacular Champions League fashion, Arsenal kept their head above water against the defending European champions with two late goals. Looks like the return leg at the Camp Nou will be meaningful after tonight's 2-2 draw.

P.S. My roommate's music is featured in the video.