The latest big story in Spain is the comments by Sara Carbonero - girlfriend of Iker Casillas - about Casillas' Real Madrid teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo. Carbonero (you should Google her for pictures) is also a famed TV commentator and she said several months back that Ronaldo is 'selfish and individualist.'
Well it turns out that Casillas and Ronaldo met about the comments and supposedly Casillas defended his girlfriend (and if you Googled her like we told you to, you would see why) and told Ronaldo that it is her job to comment, and he had no problem with it. Well Ronaldo didn't like that answer, apparently. Ronaldo also doesn't like the fact that nobody on his team (unsurprisingly) seems to like him.
Is there a solution to these woes? Should Jose Mourinho get involved and mediate. Is Ronaldo upset simply because possibly he has not slept with Carbonero yet? Let us know with your comments below, you could win a great prize!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Bundesliga Matchday 17 review
It's a good thing we are at the winter break since TBG needs to regroup after a tough weekend.
Friday night
Borussia Monchengladbach v. Hamburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 1-2
We knew this was going on a limb. We fell off that limb.
Saturday
Werder Bremen v. Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 1-2
Surely Bremen is headed for a relegation battle now.
Frankfurt v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 0-2
Actual result: 1-0
Barrios misses from point-blank range and Gekas scores a minute later. That's what happens in the most exciting league on the continent.
Schalke 04 v. Koln
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 3-0
A matchup with Valencia awaits Schalke, who may be getting their holiday break back?
VfL Wolfsburg v. Hoffenheim
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 2-2
Hoffenheim wastefully throws away a two-goal lead.
Nurnberg v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 3-1
Just when you think Hannover is good enough for a point.
St. Pauli v. Mainz
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 2-4
Too much 05ers and Tuchel's bunch is hanging tough.
Sunday
Leverkusen v. Freiburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 2-2
Looks like a just result, all things considered.
VfB Stuttgart v. Bayern Munich
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 3-5
The first half ends with a crazy match in which Bayern could have had seven or eight.
Friday night
Borussia Monchengladbach v. Hamburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 1-2
We knew this was going on a limb. We fell off that limb.
Saturday
Werder Bremen v. Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 1-2
Surely Bremen is headed for a relegation battle now.
Frankfurt v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 0-2
Actual result: 1-0
Barrios misses from point-blank range and Gekas scores a minute later. That's what happens in the most exciting league on the continent.
Schalke 04 v. Koln
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 3-0
A matchup with Valencia awaits Schalke, who may be getting their holiday break back?
VfL Wolfsburg v. Hoffenheim
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 2-2
Hoffenheim wastefully throws away a two-goal lead.
Nurnberg v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 3-1
Just when you think Hannover is good enough for a point.
St. Pauli v. Mainz
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 2-4
Too much 05ers and Tuchel's bunch is hanging tough.
Sunday
Leverkusen v. Freiburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 2-2
Looks like a just result, all things considered.
VfB Stuttgart v. Bayern Munich
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 3-5
The first half ends with a crazy match in which Bayern could have had seven or eight.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Bundesliga Matchday 17 predictions
This is it for a while so let's enjoy it while we can!
Friday night
Borussia Monchengladbach v. Hamburg
Prediction: 2-1
This is probably ridiculous but TBG thinks Borussia will show up under the lights.
Saturday
Werder Bremen v. Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 2-0
Surely Bremen can finally score some goals in this spot, no?
Frankfurt v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 0-2
Would any reasonable football blog pick against Dortmund now?
Schalke 04 v. Koln
Prediction: 3-1
Magath and company talking Europe now. This is a team on the ascendancy.
VfL Wolfsburg v. Hoffenheim
Prediction: 1-2
TBG keeps waiting for Hoffenheim to take off, but maybe it's not happening.
Nurnberg v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 1-1
Hannover should be the better side, but this is a tough trek to Bavaria.
St. Pauli v. Mainz
Prediction: 2-2
Should be a thriller, with Asamoah promising goals for the home side.
Sunday
Leverkusen v. Freiburg
Prediction: 2-1
Is this really the glamour match of this round or is it the one below?
VfB Stuttgart v. Bayern Munich
Prediction: 2-0
Labbadia should have his men ready for the defending champions, who seem to be catching foes at the worst time.
Friday night
Borussia Monchengladbach v. Hamburg
Prediction: 2-1
This is probably ridiculous but TBG thinks Borussia will show up under the lights.
Saturday
Werder Bremen v. Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 2-0
Surely Bremen can finally score some goals in this spot, no?
Frankfurt v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 0-2
Would any reasonable football blog pick against Dortmund now?
Schalke 04 v. Koln
Prediction: 3-1
Magath and company talking Europe now. This is a team on the ascendancy.
VfL Wolfsburg v. Hoffenheim
Prediction: 1-2
TBG keeps waiting for Hoffenheim to take off, but maybe it's not happening.
Nurnberg v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 1-1
Hannover should be the better side, but this is a tough trek to Bavaria.
St. Pauli v. Mainz
Prediction: 2-2
Should be a thriller, with Asamoah promising goals for the home side.
Sunday
Leverkusen v. Freiburg
Prediction: 2-1
Is this really the glamour match of this round or is it the one below?
VfB Stuttgart v. Bayern Munich
Prediction: 2-0
Labbadia should have his men ready for the defending champions, who seem to be catching foes at the worst time.
Bundesliga Matchday 16 review
Bundesliga Matchday 16 review
Friday night
Hannover 96 v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 2-1
The 96ers wereactually in second for a moment there.
Saturday
Hamburg v. Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 2-4
This Hamburg campaign gets worse and worse. Leverkusen eyeing second place at the break.
Kaiserslautern v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 0-0
That's five draws in a row for McClaren and company.
Koln v. Frankfurt
Prediction: 1-3
Actual result: 1-0
This is costly if Frankfurt hold European dreams.
Bayern Munich v. St. Pauli
Prediction: 4-1
Actual result: 3-0
Bayern on cruise control.
Hoffenheim v. Nurnberg
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 1-1
Hoffenheim denied by Eigler's equalizer in the 87th.
Borussia Dortmund v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 2-0
Another Kagawa goal, another three points.
Sunday
Freiburg v. Borussia Monchengladbach
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 3-0
Freiburg's six home wins equal the most of anybody.
Mainz v. Schalke 04
Prediction: 3-0
Actual result: 0-1
Schalke gaining steam as the break beckons.
Friday night
Hannover 96 v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 2-1
The 96ers wereactually in second for a moment there.
Saturday
Hamburg v. Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 2-4
This Hamburg campaign gets worse and worse. Leverkusen eyeing second place at the break.
Kaiserslautern v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 0-0
That's five draws in a row for McClaren and company.
Koln v. Frankfurt
Prediction: 1-3
Actual result: 1-0
This is costly if Frankfurt hold European dreams.
Bayern Munich v. St. Pauli
Prediction: 4-1
Actual result: 3-0
Bayern on cruise control.
Hoffenheim v. Nurnberg
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 1-1
Hoffenheim denied by Eigler's equalizer in the 87th.
Borussia Dortmund v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 2-0
Another Kagawa goal, another three points.
Sunday
Freiburg v. Borussia Monchengladbach
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 3-0
Freiburg's six home wins equal the most of anybody.
Mainz v. Schalke 04
Prediction: 3-0
Actual result: 0-1
Schalke gaining steam as the break beckons.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Congratulations to Akron
The Akron Zips are your NCAA champions of men's soccer! That's right, they beat Louisville 1-0 over the weekend. The Cardinals were coached by Ken Lolla, who previously coached Akron before leaving for greener pastures at Louisville. Well it turns out maybe he should have stayed put since Akron is the team with the title and the program that has produced players such as MLS superstar Steve Zakuani.
Let's give defender Zarek Valentin the last word.
"People think about Akron, they think about LeBron James and that whole fiasco," Valentin said. "This provides a good spirit on our campus."
Let's give defender Zarek Valentin the last word.
"People think about Akron, they think about LeBron James and that whole fiasco," Valentin said. "This provides a good spirit on our campus."
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Evra calls out Arsenal
Give Patrice Evra credit. He said what all of us football followers have long known on the eve of the big Man Utd-Arsenal clash on Monday night football.
"For me, (Arsenal) is a football training centre. I watch their match, I enjoy it, but are you going to win a title afterwards?" Evra said on French television channel Canal Plus.
"Our real enemy is Chelsea. They can win the title. We are more attentive to Chelsea’s results than Arsenal’s."
But wait, there's more from the French superstar.
"I hear them being compared to Barcelona. Barca play beautiful football but they win," said Evra.
"In 20 years, people are not going to remember Arsenal’s football. People remember trophies. We can lose against them on the 13th (Monday) but at the end of the day, there is nothing, no trophy, nothing.
"Arsenal is a big club that has not won anything in five years: that is a crisis."
Arsene Wenger came up with come lame defense for these remarks, something about "respecting his opponents," blah blah blah.
But does anyone really disagree with Evra? If Chelsea go down 5-0 to Tottenham on Sunday, guess what? They are still a bigger threat to Man Utd. And Spurs may be also. Arsenal? TBG is calling it right now, they will crash out of Champions League no matter who they draw.
What do you think? Is Evra being too harsh or is he spot-on? If you are being honest with yourself, you know he is right.
"For me, (Arsenal) is a football training centre. I watch their match, I enjoy it, but are you going to win a title afterwards?" Evra said on French television channel Canal Plus.
"Our real enemy is Chelsea. They can win the title. We are more attentive to Chelsea’s results than Arsenal’s."
But wait, there's more from the French superstar.
"I hear them being compared to Barcelona. Barca play beautiful football but they win," said Evra.
"In 20 years, people are not going to remember Arsenal’s football. People remember trophies. We can lose against them on the 13th (Monday) but at the end of the day, there is nothing, no trophy, nothing.
"Arsenal is a big club that has not won anything in five years: that is a crisis."
Arsene Wenger came up with come lame defense for these remarks, something about "respecting his opponents," blah blah blah.
But does anyone really disagree with Evra? If Chelsea go down 5-0 to Tottenham on Sunday, guess what? They are still a bigger threat to Man Utd. And Spurs may be also. Arsenal? TBG is calling it right now, they will crash out of Champions League no matter who they draw.
What do you think? Is Evra being too harsh or is he spot-on? If you are being honest with yourself, you know he is right.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Bundesliga Matchday 16 predictions
Two matches left before the winter break so let's get excited!
Friday night
Hannover 96 v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 2-1
Will Jens Keller get a chance at the permanent job at VfB? Probably not, so it's all the more reason for the 96ers to roll.
Saturday
Hamburg v. Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-1
Two teams coming off disappointing efforts, but at least Leverkusen won. TBG will split the difference.
Kaiserslautern v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 2-1
The home team has been playing good football and tension between Dzeko and McClaren may be too much to overcome for the Wolves.
Koln v. Frankfurt
Prediction: 1-3
An ugly season for the Rhinelanders should get even uglier against one of the league's surprise packages.
Bayern Munich v. St. Pauli
Prediction: 4-1
Another disappointing away trip for Bayern, but they had a nice bounce back in the Champions League and should dominate St. Pauli.
Hoffenheim v. Nurnberg
Prediction: 2-0
Not much to see here. Hoffenheim simply must win.
Borussia Dortmund v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 3-1
Sure, Bremen just thumped the defending European champions, as ridiculous as that sounds. The opposition at the Signal Iduna Park, though, are more formidable.
Sunday
Freiburg v. Borussia Monchengladbach
Prediction: 2-1
A vote of confidence for Frontzeck. He's living on borrowed time, however.
Mainz v. Schalke 04
Prediction: 3-0
Expect another letdown for Magath's men against a Mainz squad playing their final game at the Bruchweg before the break.
Friday night
Hannover 96 v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 2-1
Will Jens Keller get a chance at the permanent job at VfB? Probably not, so it's all the more reason for the 96ers to roll.
Saturday
Hamburg v. Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-1
Two teams coming off disappointing efforts, but at least Leverkusen won. TBG will split the difference.
Kaiserslautern v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 2-1
The home team has been playing good football and tension between Dzeko and McClaren may be too much to overcome for the Wolves.
Koln v. Frankfurt
Prediction: 1-3
An ugly season for the Rhinelanders should get even uglier against one of the league's surprise packages.
Bayern Munich v. St. Pauli
Prediction: 4-1
Another disappointing away trip for Bayern, but they had a nice bounce back in the Champions League and should dominate St. Pauli.
Hoffenheim v. Nurnberg
Prediction: 2-0
Not much to see here. Hoffenheim simply must win.
Borussia Dortmund v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 3-1
Sure, Bremen just thumped the defending European champions, as ridiculous as that sounds. The opposition at the Signal Iduna Park, though, are more formidable.
Sunday
Freiburg v. Borussia Monchengladbach
Prediction: 2-1
A vote of confidence for Frontzeck. He's living on borrowed time, however.
Mainz v. Schalke 04
Prediction: 3-0
Expect another letdown for Magath's men against a Mainz squad playing their final game at the Bruchweg before the break.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Bundesliga Matchday 15 review
Friday night
St. Pauli v. Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 0-2
Actual result: 1-0
Who figured St. Pauli would wake up?
Saturday
Frankfurt v. Mainz
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 2-1
Late winner here for Gekas ruined our prediction.
Freiburg v. Hamburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 1-0
Hamburg predictably useless again.
VfB Stuttgart v. Hoffenheim
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-1
This would have been different had Vorsah not been sent off for the visitors in the first half.
VfL Wolfsburg v. Bremen
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 0-0
Possibly the most shocking result of the round, if only because it is hard to envision Bremen conjuring up a clean sheet. McClaren must go!
Borussia Monchengladbach v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 2-3
Actual result: 1-2
U.S. superstar Michael Bradley scores, but that's not enough for the worst side in the league.
Schalke 04 v. Bayern Munich
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 2-0
We probably should have realized Schalke would wake up for this fixture. Van Gaal concedes title hopes over for the champions.
Sunday
Leverkusen v. Koln
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 3-2
Fairly entertaining match between these sides.
Nurnberg v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 0-2
There's no stopping the runaway table-toppers now. The race is over barring a catastrophe.
St. Pauli v. Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 0-2
Actual result: 1-0
Who figured St. Pauli would wake up?
Saturday
Frankfurt v. Mainz
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 2-1
Late winner here for Gekas ruined our prediction.
Freiburg v. Hamburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 1-0
Hamburg predictably useless again.
VfB Stuttgart v. Hoffenheim
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-1
This would have been different had Vorsah not been sent off for the visitors in the first half.
VfL Wolfsburg v. Bremen
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 0-0
Possibly the most shocking result of the round, if only because it is hard to envision Bremen conjuring up a clean sheet. McClaren must go!
Borussia Monchengladbach v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 2-3
Actual result: 1-2
U.S. superstar Michael Bradley scores, but that's not enough for the worst side in the league.
Schalke 04 v. Bayern Munich
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 2-0
We probably should have realized Schalke would wake up for this fixture. Van Gaal concedes title hopes over for the champions.
Sunday
Leverkusen v. Koln
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 3-2
Fairly entertaining match between these sides.
Nurnberg v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 0-2
There's no stopping the runaway table-toppers now. The race is over barring a catastrophe.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Bundesliga Matchday 15 predictions
Friday night
St. Pauli v. Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 0-2
Playing in the Millerntor at night should be a challenge for any club, but St. Pauli are very poor while K-Town have been flying. We'll trust the team that has the more Hertha rejects between the two.
Saturday
Frankfurt v. Mainz
Prediction: 1-1
Frankfurt have shipped eight goals in their last two while Mainz are on the right track. Eintracht should be able to tighten things up at home.
Freiburg v. Hamburg
Prediction: 2-1
This just looks like the type of match Hamburg will lose the way they have underachieved.
VfB Stuttgart v. Hoffenheim
Prediction: 1-2
Ibisevic is in fine form for the visitors, who are starting to look like they can challenge for the Champions League places.
VfL Wolfsburg v. Bremen
Prediction: 3-1
Two dreadful sides, yet TBG doesn't believe a draw is in the cards. The Wolves' attack should be too much for a Bremen team merely making sure their heads stay above water.
Borussia Monchengladbach v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 2-3
Gladbach's capitulation to the league leaders last week was another blow to their hopes of staying up. Hannover enters with three wins on the trot.
Schalke 04 v. Bayern Munich
Prediction: 1-2
Felix Magath has his side in the knockout phase of the Champions League, but could they be headed for the drop? Facing Bayern coming off a 5-0 thrashing can't be a good thing.
Sunday
Leverkusen v. Koln
Prediction: 2-1
Leverkusen threw away a two-goal lead last week and that could have major psychological ramifications. Not this week, though.
Nurnberg v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 1-1
Although Dortmund need to win at Sevilla to advance in the Europa League, the table-toppers have a margin for error within the league. Their perfect 7-0-0 away mark will finally end.
St. Pauli v. Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 0-2
Playing in the Millerntor at night should be a challenge for any club, but St. Pauli are very poor while K-Town have been flying. We'll trust the team that has the more Hertha rejects between the two.
Saturday
Frankfurt v. Mainz
Prediction: 1-1
Frankfurt have shipped eight goals in their last two while Mainz are on the right track. Eintracht should be able to tighten things up at home.
Freiburg v. Hamburg
Prediction: 2-1
This just looks like the type of match Hamburg will lose the way they have underachieved.
VfB Stuttgart v. Hoffenheim
Prediction: 1-2
Ibisevic is in fine form for the visitors, who are starting to look like they can challenge for the Champions League places.
VfL Wolfsburg v. Bremen
Prediction: 3-1
Two dreadful sides, yet TBG doesn't believe a draw is in the cards. The Wolves' attack should be too much for a Bremen team merely making sure their heads stay above water.
Borussia Monchengladbach v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 2-3
Gladbach's capitulation to the league leaders last week was another blow to their hopes of staying up. Hannover enters with three wins on the trot.
Schalke 04 v. Bayern Munich
Prediction: 1-2
Felix Magath has his side in the knockout phase of the Champions League, but could they be headed for the drop? Facing Bayern coming off a 5-0 thrashing can't be a good thing.
Sunday
Leverkusen v. Koln
Prediction: 2-1
Leverkusen threw away a two-goal lead last week and that could have major psychological ramifications. Not this week, though.
Nurnberg v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 1-1
Although Dortmund need to win at Sevilla to advance in the Europa League, the table-toppers have a margin for error within the league. Their perfect 7-0-0 away mark will finally end.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Bundesliga prediction review - Matchday 14
Friday night
Mainz v. Nurnberg
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 3-0
Saturday
Hamburg v. Stuttgart
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 4-2, yet HSV still looks like garbage
Kaiserslautern v. Schalke 04
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 5-0, truly gutless performance, and Magath taking away most of the break for this sad-sack squad
Bayern Munich v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 4-1, Daniel van Buyten tried to make this interesting by gifting goals but he failed for Bayern.
Hannover 96 v. Freiburg
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 3-0
Hoffenheim v. Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 2-2, late equilizer on a PK kept this from being 100 percent correct
Borussia Dortmund v. Borussia Monchengladbach
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 4-1, too much Kagawa and company
Sunday
Werder Bremen v. St. Pauli
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 3-0
Koln v. Wolsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 1-1, beautiful bicycle kick goal by Cicero rescues point for VfL
Mainz v. Nurnberg
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 3-0
Saturday
Hamburg v. Stuttgart
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 4-2, yet HSV still looks like garbage
Kaiserslautern v. Schalke 04
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 5-0, truly gutless performance, and Magath taking away most of the break for this sad-sack squad
Bayern Munich v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 4-1, Daniel van Buyten tried to make this interesting by gifting goals but he failed for Bayern.
Hannover 96 v. Freiburg
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 3-0
Hoffenheim v. Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 2-2, late equilizer on a PK kept this from being 100 percent correct
Borussia Dortmund v. Borussia Monchengladbach
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 4-1, too much Kagawa and company
Sunday
Werder Bremen v. St. Pauli
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 3-0
Koln v. Wolsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 1-1, beautiful bicycle kick goal by Cicero rescues point for VfL
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Crisis in Berlin!!!
It's been a busy time as 2010 nears it end, but the big story in the football world is the stunning struggles of TBG's favorite German team, Hertha BSC. When we last checked in on Hertha, the Berliners were cruising atop the Zweite Liga standings and looking like one of the best teams in the country, quite honestly.
Hertha, though, has lost three of four matches and slumped to third in the table - not even good enough for automatic promotion - with fancied FC Augsburg close behind. These are trying times in the nation's capital.
What has gone wrong? Well the goals have dried up, as a team that was running rampant has failed to score in back-to-back games. Saturday's 2-0 loss to Duisburg is Hertha's first at home while Adrian Ramos and Raffael have not combined like they did in early matches while a fortunate brace from teenage sensation Pierre-Michel Lasogga is all Hertha have mustered in the last four games.
Up next is a tricky trip to the fabled Allianz Arena to face 1860 Munich with Benjamin Lauth. Can our heroes turn this around and spare their blushes? Or will it be more heartbreak for the loyal fans of the capital city. Stay tuned.
What are your suggestions for Hertha to turn it around? Tell us below and we may pass them along to the Hertha technical staff.
Hertha, though, has lost three of four matches and slumped to third in the table - not even good enough for automatic promotion - with fancied FC Augsburg close behind. These are trying times in the nation's capital.
What has gone wrong? Well the goals have dried up, as a team that was running rampant has failed to score in back-to-back games. Saturday's 2-0 loss to Duisburg is Hertha's first at home while Adrian Ramos and Raffael have not combined like they did in early matches while a fortunate brace from teenage sensation Pierre-Michel Lasogga is all Hertha have mustered in the last four games.
Up next is a tricky trip to the fabled Allianz Arena to face 1860 Munich with Benjamin Lauth. Can our heroes turn this around and spare their blushes? Or will it be more heartbreak for the loyal fans of the capital city. Stay tuned.
What are your suggestions for Hertha to turn it around? Tell us below and we may pass them along to the Hertha technical staff.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Bundesliga Matchday 14 predictions
After the rough effort in our debut segment, TBG is back to preview Matchday 14. Will Bayern Munich win a match? Will Dortmund lose? Will Jakub Blaszczykowski get another chance to shoot an at open goal? Will Werder Bremen score a goal?Find out below.
Friday night
Mainz v. Nurnberg
Prediction: 2-0
Schurrle (team-high five goals) there's no chance of an upset in this spot for the Bavarians, even in a bitter snowstorm!
Saturday
Hamburg v. Stuttgart
Prediction: 1-1
Not much to see here. The Swabians continue to disappoint and Hamburg also seems to hitting another dip in form.
Kaiserslautern v. Schalke 04
Prediction: 2-2
Amazingly, S04 qualified for the knockout round of the Champions League with a match to spare. Will they be motivated for the trip to K-Town?
Bayern Munich v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 1-1
Louis van Gaal has set a goal as for three wins and a draw in the final four fixtures before the winter break. Well, let's guess that it's a draw in this spot against a battling Frankfurt side.
Hannover 96 v. Freiburg
Prediction: 3-1
Hard to believe this is a matchup of 4 versus 6. The 96ers welcome back Steve Cherundolo, and should welcome him back in style.
Hoffenheim v. Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-2
Leverkusen has yet to lose on the road this season, and should be playing with confidence after last week's good result against Bayern Munich.
Borussia Dortmund v. Borussia Monchengladbach
Prediction: 3-1
The battles of the Borussias is a top versus bottom clash, with Gladbach 24 points behind the table-toppers. Dortmund rewarded Juergen Klopp with an extension through 2014 and can't possibly slip up here.
Sunday
Werder Bremen v. St. Pauli
Prediction: 2-1
Sure, Bremen have been outscored 10-0 in their last three league matches and are in total disarray following their lethargic ouster from European play. But the supporters should make this a tough task for the visitors, and the Green-Whites can solidify their place in the top flight with three points.
Koln v. Wolsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Expect Podolski and company to do enough to muster a good result against an underachieving club that is sliding closer and closer towards the drop as Steve McClaren gets his resume ready.
Friday night
Mainz v. Nurnberg
Prediction: 2-0
Schurrle (team-high five goals) there's no chance of an upset in this spot for the Bavarians, even in a bitter snowstorm!
Saturday
Hamburg v. Stuttgart
Prediction: 1-1
Not much to see here. The Swabians continue to disappoint and Hamburg also seems to hitting another dip in form.
Kaiserslautern v. Schalke 04
Prediction: 2-2
Amazingly, S04 qualified for the knockout round of the Champions League with a match to spare. Will they be motivated for the trip to K-Town?
Bayern Munich v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 1-1
Louis van Gaal has set a goal as for three wins and a draw in the final four fixtures before the winter break. Well, let's guess that it's a draw in this spot against a battling Frankfurt side.
Hannover 96 v. Freiburg
Prediction: 3-1
Hard to believe this is a matchup of 4 versus 6. The 96ers welcome back Steve Cherundolo, and should welcome him back in style.
Hoffenheim v. Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-2
Leverkusen has yet to lose on the road this season, and should be playing with confidence after last week's good result against Bayern Munich.
Borussia Dortmund v. Borussia Monchengladbach
Prediction: 3-1
The battles of the Borussias is a top versus bottom clash, with Gladbach 24 points behind the table-toppers. Dortmund rewarded Juergen Klopp with an extension through 2014 and can't possibly slip up here.
Sunday
Werder Bremen v. St. Pauli
Prediction: 2-1
Sure, Bremen have been outscored 10-0 in their last three league matches and are in total disarray following their lethargic ouster from European play. But the supporters should make this a tough task for the visitors, and the Green-Whites can solidify their place in the top flight with three points.
Koln v. Wolsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Expect Podolski and company to do enough to muster a good result against an underachieving club that is sliding closer and closer towards the drop as Steve McClaren gets his resume ready.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Mourinho angering everyone again
It seems like Jose Mourinho has already upset everyone in Spain ahead of Monday's 'El Clasico' at the Nou Camp. First, it was respected Sporting Gijon boss Manolo Preciado, who was criticized by Mourinho when Gijon rested some starters in its trip to the Nou Camp this season, although Barca only managed a 1-0 win.
That started a war of words between the managers heading into their matchup in Gijon, a match that Mourinho was banned for his antics during the Spanish Cup. Preciado responded by calling Mourinho a Spanish word that - since this is a family audience - wasn't very complimentary - canalla.
After Madrid was outplayed and won anyway 1-0, Mourinho and an assistant were on the bus leaving the stadium when he stuck out two figures to signify that Gijon would be sent down. Preciado responded by throwing a bottle at Mourinho.
Which brings us to Madrid's trip to Amsterdam on Tuesday for the Champions League. Sure RM won 4-0 over Ajax, but Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos were both sent off in the late stages for time wasting. Both wanted to miss the meaningless group finale against Auxerre as opposed to a knockout stage contest. Of course, this was orchestrated by Mourinho.
So Mourinho is the scum of the earth. But you knew that. Here's hoping that Barca runs circles around Real Madrid.
That started a war of words between the managers heading into their matchup in Gijon, a match that Mourinho was banned for his antics during the Spanish Cup. Preciado responded by calling Mourinho a Spanish word that - since this is a family audience - wasn't very complimentary - canalla.
After Madrid was outplayed and won anyway 1-0, Mourinho and an assistant were on the bus leaving the stadium when he stuck out two figures to signify that Gijon would be sent down. Preciado responded by throwing a bottle at Mourinho.
Which brings us to Madrid's trip to Amsterdam on Tuesday for the Champions League. Sure RM won 4-0 over Ajax, but Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos were both sent off in the late stages for time wasting. Both wanted to miss the meaningless group finale against Auxerre as opposed to a knockout stage contest. Of course, this was orchestrated by Mourinho.
So Mourinho is the scum of the earth. But you knew that. Here's hoping that Barca runs circles around Real Madrid.
Monday, November 22, 2010
NCAA College Cup down to the last 16!!!!
Now that the NCAA Men's College Cup is down to the round of 16, it's time for TBG to step in and make our predictions on these thrilling games. Here we go:
No. 1 Louisville v. No. 16 Ohio State
The Buckeyes have advanced with a sold win, but their reward is the No. 1 team in the country, coached by Ken Lolla himself. This shouldn't be close.
Louisville, 3-1.
No. 8 UCLA vs. Dartmouth
Credit Dartmouth with two big NCAA wins. The run ends on the west coast against the powerful Bruins.
UCLA, 2-0.
No. 5 SMU v. No. 12 William & Mary
It's been an outstanding soccer season in Dallas, with FC Dallas reaching the MLS Cup title game and SMU turning in another big season. William & Mary is best known as where Steve Jolley and Comedy Central's Jon Stewart played their college soccer.
SMU, 1-0.
No. 4 North Carolina vs. Michigan State.
The Tar Heels have plenty of talent, but the Spartans are a very mentally tough team. Go with the upset.
Michigan State, 2-1 (OT).
No. 3 Akron v. No. 14 Indiana.
This is THE GAME of the round of 16. The Zips lost a heartbreaker in the final last season as they search for that elusive national title. The Hoosiers are never pushovers. What a classic!
Akron 3-2, penalty kicks.
No. 6 California v. Brown.
The Golden Bears are enjoying a terrific season, and hope to make short work of the visitors. Brown shouldn't be taken lightly, however.
Cal, 1-0.
No. 7 South Carolina v. No. 10 Michigan.
Both teams needed overtime to advance to this round, and appear evenly matched. TBG will play a hunch on this pick.
Michigan, 3-2 (OT).
No. 2 Maryland v. No. 15 Penn State.
Legendary Terrapins coach Sasho Cirovski has another terrific team with this ACC championship squad. Do the underdog Nittany Lions have what it takes to pull the upset?
Maryland, 4-1.
What do you think? Let us know, you may win a trip to the championship game in Santa Barbara!
No. 1 Louisville v. No. 16 Ohio State
The Buckeyes have advanced with a sold win, but their reward is the No. 1 team in the country, coached by Ken Lolla himself. This shouldn't be close.
Louisville, 3-1.
No. 8 UCLA vs. Dartmouth
Credit Dartmouth with two big NCAA wins. The run ends on the west coast against the powerful Bruins.
UCLA, 2-0.
No. 5 SMU v. No. 12 William & Mary
It's been an outstanding soccer season in Dallas, with FC Dallas reaching the MLS Cup title game and SMU turning in another big season. William & Mary is best known as where Steve Jolley and Comedy Central's Jon Stewart played their college soccer.
SMU, 1-0.
No. 4 North Carolina vs. Michigan State.
The Tar Heels have plenty of talent, but the Spartans are a very mentally tough team. Go with the upset.
Michigan State, 2-1 (OT).
No. 3 Akron v. No. 14 Indiana.
This is THE GAME of the round of 16. The Zips lost a heartbreaker in the final last season as they search for that elusive national title. The Hoosiers are never pushovers. What a classic!
Akron 3-2, penalty kicks.
No. 6 California v. Brown.
The Golden Bears are enjoying a terrific season, and hope to make short work of the visitors. Brown shouldn't be taken lightly, however.
Cal, 1-0.
No. 7 South Carolina v. No. 10 Michigan.
Both teams needed overtime to advance to this round, and appear evenly matched. TBG will play a hunch on this pick.
Michigan, 3-2 (OT).
No. 2 Maryland v. No. 15 Penn State.
Legendary Terrapins coach Sasho Cirovski has another terrific team with this ACC championship squad. Do the underdog Nittany Lions have what it takes to pull the upset?
Maryland, 4-1.
What do you think? Let us know, you may win a trip to the championship game in Santa Barbara!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Bundesliga prediction review
So it seems TBG's first crack at predicting the most unpredictable league in Europe turned out similar to this miss by Jakub Blaszczykowski: http://bit.ly/aOtjRq
Let's review:
Eintracht Frankfurt v. Hoffenheim:
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 0-4
Freiburg v. Dortmund:
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-2
Schalke v. Bremen:
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 4-0
Monchengladbach v. Mainz:
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 2-3
Hannover v. Hamburg:
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 3-2
Nurnberg v. Kaiserslautern:
Prediction: 3-0
Actual result: 1-3
Leverkusen v. Bayern Munich:
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 1-1
Sunday games:
Stuttgart v. Koln:
Prediction: 5-1
Actual result: 0-1
St. Pauli v. Wolfsburg:
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-1
The results in Frankfurt, Nurnberg and Stuttgart were frankly unfathomable. Who loses 4-nil at home anyway and bottom-placed Koln had not won away all season. Hamburg was a disappointment and Gladbach threw away a 2-1 lead. All in all, another wild and crazy weekend in the Bundesliga and TBG paid a major price. But we love the challenge and will be right back at it for Matchday 14.
Let's review:
Eintracht Frankfurt v. Hoffenheim:
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 0-4
Freiburg v. Dortmund:
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-2
Schalke v. Bremen:
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 4-0
Monchengladbach v. Mainz:
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 2-3
Hannover v. Hamburg:
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 3-2
Nurnberg v. Kaiserslautern:
Prediction: 3-0
Actual result: 1-3
Leverkusen v. Bayern Munich:
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 1-1
Sunday games:
Stuttgart v. Koln:
Prediction: 5-1
Actual result: 0-1
St. Pauli v. Wolfsburg:
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-1
The results in Frankfurt, Nurnberg and Stuttgart were frankly unfathomable. Who loses 4-nil at home anyway and bottom-placed Koln had not won away all season. Hamburg was a disappointment and Gladbach threw away a 2-1 lead. All in all, another wild and crazy weekend in the Bundesliga and TBG paid a major price. But we love the challenge and will be right back at it for Matchday 14.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Bundesliga Matchday 13 predictions
We are about to start a weekly feature here at The Beautiful Game, our Bundesliga predictions.
Eintracht Frankfurt v. Hoffenheim:
Frankfurt have been a major surprise and are unbeaten in their last seven. Hoffenheim seems to be hitting a wall.
2-0
Freiburg v. Dortmund:
Jurgen Klopp's men continue to astound the pundits by outscoring foes 29-7 as Shinji Kagawa has helped Dortmund go unbeaten in their last 11. It's always tough to win in the Dreisamstadion against a fired-up Freiburg side.
1-2
Schalke v. Bremen:
These disappointing Champions League teams have been an embarrassment to the league and to the country. Werder coach Thomas Schaaf just got a vote of confidence, but he needs solid play from his defense. This screams a draw.
2-2
Monchengladbach v. Mainz:
Credit Michael Frontzeck with getting his side off the bottom. Gladbach has been playing well and scoring goals. The storybook season of Mainz has gone south, and traveling to Borussia Park is not a good place to revive it.
3-1
Hannover v. Hamburg:
This is an enticing matchup of No. 7 Hannover against No. 9 Hamburg. Hamburg seems to be getting healthier while the 96ers' luck should run out soon. Hannover will be without the suspended Steven Cherundolo, a U.S. international.
1-2
Nurnberg v. Kaiserslautern:
Der Club was predictably humbled in last week's Bavarian derby, but looks to be the better side here. K-Town is in a serious slide and their road form has been abysmal.
3-0
Leverkusen v. Bayern Munich:
Franck Ribery will likely be back for the defending champions as Toni Kroos returns to Leverkusen. Munich are unbeaten in five, and that figures to continue but Louis van Gaal needs all three points.
1-1
Sunday games:
Stuttgart v. Koln:
VfB have posted some resounding wins for a team that was in the drop zone most of the season. The Swabians have bagged nine goals in their last two games, and figure to add to their total against the league's worst team.
5-1
St. Pauli v. Wolfsburg:
For all the hype about St. Pauli returning to the top flight, someone forgot to tell the Buccaneers to bring their shooting boots. The home side has one goal over four straight matches. Surely, Dzeko and Grafite can muster enough to top that kind of an attack near the Reeperbahn?
1-2
Eintracht Frankfurt v. Hoffenheim:
Frankfurt have been a major surprise and are unbeaten in their last seven. Hoffenheim seems to be hitting a wall.
2-0
Freiburg v. Dortmund:
Jurgen Klopp's men continue to astound the pundits by outscoring foes 29-7 as Shinji Kagawa has helped Dortmund go unbeaten in their last 11. It's always tough to win in the Dreisamstadion against a fired-up Freiburg side.
1-2
Schalke v. Bremen:
These disappointing Champions League teams have been an embarrassment to the league and to the country. Werder coach Thomas Schaaf just got a vote of confidence, but he needs solid play from his defense. This screams a draw.
2-2
Monchengladbach v. Mainz:
Credit Michael Frontzeck with getting his side off the bottom. Gladbach has been playing well and scoring goals. The storybook season of Mainz has gone south, and traveling to Borussia Park is not a good place to revive it.
3-1
Hannover v. Hamburg:
This is an enticing matchup of No. 7 Hannover against No. 9 Hamburg. Hamburg seems to be getting healthier while the 96ers' luck should run out soon. Hannover will be without the suspended Steven Cherundolo, a U.S. international.
1-2
Nurnberg v. Kaiserslautern:
Der Club was predictably humbled in last week's Bavarian derby, but looks to be the better side here. K-Town is in a serious slide and their road form has been abysmal.
3-0
Leverkusen v. Bayern Munich:
Franck Ribery will likely be back for the defending champions as Toni Kroos returns to Leverkusen. Munich are unbeaten in five, and that figures to continue but Louis van Gaal needs all three points.
1-1
Sunday games:
Stuttgart v. Koln:
VfB have posted some resounding wins for a team that was in the drop zone most of the season. The Swabians have bagged nine goals in their last two games, and figure to add to their total against the league's worst team.
5-1
St. Pauli v. Wolfsburg:
For all the hype about St. Pauli returning to the top flight, someone forgot to tell the Buccaneers to bring their shooting boots. The home side has one goal over four straight matches. Surely, Dzeko and Grafite can muster enough to top that kind of an attack near the Reeperbahn?
1-2
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
A star is born and he's from the U S of A!!!!
The Beautiful Game told you we were excited about this U.S. team and they backed it up with a tremendous 1-0 victory at South Africa on Wednesday. And a star has been born in the Red Bulls' Juan Agudelo, who scored the winner in the 84th minute after entering as a substitute.
A patchwork group of unproven youngsters mostly took the field in Cape Town against a more experienced side in front of a sellout crowd. And guess what? These guys weren't intimidated.
Eric Lichaj looks like he will become a capable national team player at right back and another red Bulls youngster, Tim Ream, didn't look overmatched. Ream and Clarence Goodson had a surprisingly strong partnership in central defense for the Americans, who are usually terrible in the back.
Substitutes Teal Bunbury and Mikkel Diskerud had their moments as well, and Brad Guzan excelled in goal, although that was not a surprise. TBL thinks that this group could give the U.S. first-teamers a good run, actually.
What do you think? let us know, you could win a prize. Nobody responded last time so our trip to South Africa to watch this match was unclaimed.
A patchwork group of unproven youngsters mostly took the field in Cape Town against a more experienced side in front of a sellout crowd. And guess what? These guys weren't intimidated.
Eric Lichaj looks like he will become a capable national team player at right back and another red Bulls youngster, Tim Ream, didn't look overmatched. Ream and Clarence Goodson had a surprisingly strong partnership in central defense for the Americans, who are usually terrible in the back.
Substitutes Teal Bunbury and Mikkel Diskerud had their moments as well, and Brad Guzan excelled in goal, although that was not a surprise. TBL thinks that this group could give the U.S. first-teamers a good run, actually.
What do you think? let us know, you could win a prize. Nobody responded last time so our trip to South Africa to watch this match was unclaimed.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Finally
I must be the worst blogger out there. I created this blog a while ago. Not only have I not posted anything since, but I also forgot how to get in here to actually write something. I had to go through the exercise of admitting that I forgot my password and then wait for an email. . . .
Anyway, now that I am here, let's talk football shall we. Yes my Chicago Bears are 6-3, but let's stick to the other football - The Beautiful Game. In terms of what I will watch my preferences are as follows: Barcelona, Real Madrid (even though I hate them), then I will watch almost any EPL game, then Bundesliga. The other European leagues, not so much. MLS - almost not at all. Why though? I think if I was younger I would sit through the growing pains of the MLS more patiently. I tend to bash the MLS a lot, but If you compare where the league was at inception and today, it has come a long way.
Back in 1996, the league started with 10 teams and D.C. United was our first champion. The league kind of struggled to find its place on the American sports circuit, but it eventually found its way. Most of the original teams are still in place and the league now has 16 teams. There is a nice balance of West coast, Midwest, and East coast teams. Most of the teams play in soccer-specific stadiums now, which makes going to the games (or watching on TV) more enjoyable. There is much greater star power now compared to the early years with guys like Beckham, Donovan, Juan Pablo Angel, and probably a bunch of good young players that I cannot name. When I say I cannot name it's because I don't know who they are. That is not bad for 14 years of existence.
I guess this blog's purpose is to admit to myself, and to the loyal readers of The Beautiful Game, that I am not a good MLS fan and I need to be. If you look at this league from a larger scope, it is still in its infancy stage experimenting and growing slowly. The NFL was not always like it is today. George Halas funded almost all the teams when the league started. MLS had Anschutz and Hunt to guide the ship. BTW, if you don't know who Anschutz and Hunt are, you are a worse fan than me!
I am writing here to make my pledge. I will be a better MLS fan and Chicago Fire fan. I am going to grow with this league instead of complain about the poor quality of play and lack of creativity by the coaches and the players. I am going to see it through until it is as popular as the big 4 American sports. I want it to be the Big 5 American sports. I promise to do all this, but not until next season. I am very busy with fantasy football and fantasy basketball. But come spring time I am getting on this train and I am not getting off until the MLS is compared to the EPL or La Liga!
Who's with me!??!?!
Anyway, now that I am here, let's talk football shall we. Yes my Chicago Bears are 6-3, but let's stick to the other football - The Beautiful Game. In terms of what I will watch my preferences are as follows: Barcelona, Real Madrid (even though I hate them), then I will watch almost any EPL game, then Bundesliga. The other European leagues, not so much. MLS - almost not at all. Why though? I think if I was younger I would sit through the growing pains of the MLS more patiently. I tend to bash the MLS a lot, but If you compare where the league was at inception and today, it has come a long way.
Back in 1996, the league started with 10 teams and D.C. United was our first champion. The league kind of struggled to find its place on the American sports circuit, but it eventually found its way. Most of the original teams are still in place and the league now has 16 teams. There is a nice balance of West coast, Midwest, and East coast teams. Most of the teams play in soccer-specific stadiums now, which makes going to the games (or watching on TV) more enjoyable. There is much greater star power now compared to the early years with guys like Beckham, Donovan, Juan Pablo Angel, and probably a bunch of good young players that I cannot name. When I say I cannot name it's because I don't know who they are. That is not bad for 14 years of existence.
I guess this blog's purpose is to admit to myself, and to the loyal readers of The Beautiful Game, that I am not a good MLS fan and I need to be. If you look at this league from a larger scope, it is still in its infancy stage experimenting and growing slowly. The NFL was not always like it is today. George Halas funded almost all the teams when the league started. MLS had Anschutz and Hunt to guide the ship. BTW, if you don't know who Anschutz and Hunt are, you are a worse fan than me!
I am writing here to make my pledge. I will be a better MLS fan and Chicago Fire fan. I am going to grow with this league instead of complain about the poor quality of play and lack of creativity by the coaches and the players. I am going to see it through until it is as popular as the big 4 American sports. I want it to be the Big 5 American sports. I promise to do all this, but not until next season. I am very busy with fantasy football and fantasy basketball. But come spring time I am getting on this train and I am not getting off until the MLS is compared to the EPL or La Liga!
Who's with me!??!?!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Excited about US soccer
OK that doesn't mean we here at The Beautiful Game believe the US is going to become a world football power all of a sudden. But the young team that Bob Bradley is sending to South Africa to face Bafana Bafana won't include the same Europeans and veterans that many supporters have grown a bit weary of. Instead we get to see Gale Agbossoumonde and Mikkel Diskerud. In addition, Red Bulls wunderkind Juan Agudelo and New York defender Tim Ream have been selected.
Will these youngsters do something in the red white and blue? Will they fall apart and leave our country with no hope whatsoever for the future? Let us here at TBG know what you think and you may win a trip to the game in South Africa!
Will these youngsters do something in the red white and blue? Will they fall apart and leave our country with no hope whatsoever for the future? Let us here at TBG know what you think and you may win a trip to the game in South Africa!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Meet Shinji Kagawa
Here at the Beautiful Game, we love to give you the scoop on players you haven't heard about. So we want you to remember the name Shinji Kagawa, who is a big reason why Borussia Dortmund is leading the Bundesliga.
Kagawa is a striker/midfielder signed out of the J-league. He's second on the team in goals with five and also had two goals in a Europa League qualifier in his debut with the club.
What's great about the Japanese star is that he has stated that playing for Dortmund is not his goal now that he is Europe. He says he wants to play for Barcelona and La Liga teams are now after him reportedly.
Can you imagine a player from the U.S. saying his goal is to play for Barca?
But I digress. Remember the name Shinji Kagawa. He's a star in the making and one of the The Beautiful Game's top-rated transfer prospects.
Don't hesitate with any comments or questions, please. We love our fans!
Kagawa is a striker/midfielder signed out of the J-league. He's second on the team in goals with five and also had two goals in a Europa League qualifier in his debut with the club.
What's great about the Japanese star is that he has stated that playing for Dortmund is not his goal now that he is Europe. He says he wants to play for Barcelona and La Liga teams are now after him reportedly.
Can you imagine a player from the U.S. saying his goal is to play for Barca?
But I digress. Remember the name Shinji Kagawa. He's a star in the making and one of the The Beautiful Game's top-rated transfer prospects.
Don't hesitate with any comments or questions, please. We love our fans!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Meet Wilfried Bony
You come to the Beautiful Game to learn about the beautiful game, and do we have a scoop for our loyal followers. A big-time player to watch is none other than the Ivory Coast's Wilfried Bony - and you heard it here first.
Wilfried or 'Willy' as we like to call him, currently plays for Sparta Prague. He's been tearing it up in the Europa League with back-to-back braces and five goals overall.
Since many of our blog's followers are in Italy, if you happen to be in Palermo on Dec. 2, Wilfried and Sparta will be there to take on the Rosanero. We guarantee you will see a superstar or your money back!
Wilfried or 'Willy' as we like to call him, currently plays for Sparta Prague. He's been tearing it up in the Europa League with back-to-back braces and five goals overall.
Since many of our blog's followers are in Italy, if you happen to be in Palermo on Dec. 2, Wilfried and Sparta will be there to take on the Rosanero. We guarantee you will see a superstar or your money back!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Red Bulls crash out in stunning fashion
The hopes and dreams of the New York metropolitan area have died again. The New York Red Bulls have been eliminated from the MLS playoffs after one of the best seasons in franchise history. Bobby Convey had a brace to lead San Jose to a 3-1 victory Thursday to overturn a 1-0 loss in the first leg in California.
Juan Pablo Angel tied it before Golden Boot winner Chris Wondolowski put San Jose ahead for good. The Red Bulls had chances to get even but Thierry Henry failed to put an unchallenged, point-blank header on target while Rafa Marquez badly missed the target on a blast from outside the box.
The New York fans and all of New York City and New Jersey are in stunned disbelief. It's absolutely heartbreaking and The Beautiful Game is crushed.
Juan Pablo Angel tied it before Golden Boot winner Chris Wondolowski put San Jose ahead for good. The Red Bulls had chances to get even but Thierry Henry failed to put an unchallenged, point-blank header on target while Rafa Marquez badly missed the target on a blast from outside the box.
The New York fans and all of New York City and New Jersey are in stunned disbelief. It's absolutely heartbreaking and The Beautiful Game is crushed.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
MLS Cup 2010
It's time to determine the best team in MLS - even though LA won the Supporters' Shield.
Western Conference:
Seattle over LA 3-2 - Beckham and Donovan will have problems in Qwest Field like last year's MLS Cup game. The Sounders are two-time US Open Cup champs and on the rise.
RSL over Dallas 5-0 - The defending MLS Cup champions will end Dallas' Cinderella run with two easy victories. Jason Kreis knows how to get the job done.
Eastern Conference:
Colorado over Columbus 3-2 - The Crew will get smoked in the thin air of Colorado and return home and fall flat on their faces, just like last season. Columbus is no longer the feared team that beat the Red Bulls to win the title.
New York over San Jose 4-2 - Golden Boot winner Chris Wondolowski will get a boot in his ass from Rafa Marquez as he gets introduced to the intensity of MLS playoff action. Thierry Henry will do nothing like he did for France in the last World Cup.
Championships:
RSL over Seattle 2-1 - These teams don't like each other. The champs will win a tight affair behind Nick Rimando.
Colorado over New York 1-0 - The Red Bulls aren't a cursed franchise for no reason. An own goal by Tim Ream will be the difference.
MLS Cup 2010
Colorado over RSL 2-1 et - This can't be what the MLS wants in Toronto, but it is a scrumptious matchup. The Beautiful Game doesn't believe that RSL can handle Omar Cummings and Conor Casey.
What are your picks? Do you disagree with our expert opinion? Let us know. Who knows you may be able to win some big prizes?!
Western Conference:
Seattle over LA 3-2 - Beckham and Donovan will have problems in Qwest Field like last year's MLS Cup game. The Sounders are two-time US Open Cup champs and on the rise.
RSL over Dallas 5-0 - The defending MLS Cup champions will end Dallas' Cinderella run with two easy victories. Jason Kreis knows how to get the job done.
Eastern Conference:
Colorado over Columbus 3-2 - The Crew will get smoked in the thin air of Colorado and return home and fall flat on their faces, just like last season. Columbus is no longer the feared team that beat the Red Bulls to win the title.
New York over San Jose 4-2 - Golden Boot winner Chris Wondolowski will get a boot in his ass from Rafa Marquez as he gets introduced to the intensity of MLS playoff action. Thierry Henry will do nothing like he did for France in the last World Cup.
Championships:
RSL over Seattle 2-1 - These teams don't like each other. The champs will win a tight affair behind Nick Rimando.
Colorado over New York 1-0 - The Red Bulls aren't a cursed franchise for no reason. An own goal by Tim Ream will be the difference.
MLS Cup 2010
Colorado over RSL 2-1 et - This can't be what the MLS wants in Toronto, but it is a scrumptious matchup. The Beautiful Game doesn't believe that RSL can handle Omar Cummings and Conor Casey.
What are your picks? Do you disagree with our expert opinion? Let us know. Who knows you may be able to win some big prizes?!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tough loss for Hertha BSC!
A major blow was dealt to The Beautiful Game's favorite German team as Hertha BSC was dumped out of the DFB-Pokal in the second round by scrappy TuS Koblenz 2-1 on Tuesday night. The dream of silverware for Germany's rising team in popularity was halted by the third-division minnows.
Hertha was without Nikita Rukavytsya and captain skipper Andre Mijatovic. Both could be out for significant time. The visitors turned in a dispiriting effort and let in a poor first goal when goalkeeper Marco Sejna was beaten by a shot from the other side of the field somehow. Hertha has the worst luck!
Adrian Ramos scored to make it 2-1 in the 88th - eight minutes after Raffael was sent off for Hertha. Fortunately, Hertha can focus on the goal of promotion with a big match Friday against Ingolstadt! The cup final will be in Berlin - alas once again without Hertha BSC!
Hertha was without Nikita Rukavytsya and captain skipper Andre Mijatovic. Both could be out for significant time. The visitors turned in a dispiriting effort and let in a poor first goal when goalkeeper Marco Sejna was beaten by a shot from the other side of the field somehow. Hertha has the worst luck!
Adrian Ramos scored to make it 2-1 in the 88th - eight minutes after Raffael was sent off for Hertha. Fortunately, Hertha can focus on the goal of promotion with a big match Friday against Ingolstadt! The cup final will be in Berlin - alas once again without Hertha BSC!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Big win for Hertha BSC!
A thrilling encounter in Berlin ended with the home team beating Gruether Furth 2-0 to remain on top of the table to the delight of this blog. Valeri Domovchiyski scored the opener in the 76th minute after some nice work on the left side by Levan Kobiashvili helped set up the chance. It was a deserved lead since the Berlin club always had the run of play and only had an anxious moment around the 60 -minute mark when bacjup goalkeeper Marco Sejna spilled a harmless long-range shot into the path of a Furth player who somehow contrived to miss the ball entirely when any kind of touch would have sent it into the open net.
The South American connection of Raffael and Gustavo Adrián Ramos created the second goal, with the Brazilian slotting home to send the crowd into delirium!
Hertha has 23 points and gets ready for a German Cup showdown on the road with TuS Koblenz on Tuesday. Another matchup that day will be Bayern Munich against Werder Bremen if anyone cares.
As for Furth, they host Augsburg in the German Cup.
Any comments or questions, let us know! For now, it is a beautiful night in Berlin as the fans sing in delight. What an atmosphere as Hertha remains the only unbeaten professional team in Germany!
The South American connection of Raffael and Gustavo Adrián Ramos created the second goal, with the Brazilian slotting home to send the crowd into delirium!
Hertha has 23 points and gets ready for a German Cup showdown on the road with TuS Koblenz on Tuesday. Another matchup that day will be Bayern Munich against Werder Bremen if anyone cares.
As for Furth, they host Augsburg in the German Cup.
Any comments or questions, let us know! For now, it is a beautiful night in Berlin as the fans sing in delight. What an atmosphere as Hertha remains the only unbeaten professional team in Germany!
Big clash in the nation's capital on tap
It's at high noon Eastern time Friday and the world will be watching. The Beautiful Game's favorite German team Hertha BSC will be hosting Greuther Furth in a showdown of the top two teams in the second division. Both teams will be going all-out for the three points and a place at the summit in a mouth-watering clash sure to draw the attention of all of Europe.
For those needing more info, Hertha BSC is a club located in one of the coolest cities in the world - Berlin, Germany. While it's true that the locals have far too many entertainment options to focus solely on football unlike other parts of the country, this humble club has developed an international fan base that extends throughout the continent and the whole world. The boys from Berlin are the only side not to lose a match in the league and have 20 points - one more than the visitors.
As for Greuther Furth, they are located in Bavaria. Enough said.
Can Hertha maintain their winning ways? Will the Bavarians fill up the Olympiastadoin? Stay tuned to the beautiful game for the answer!
For those needing more info, Hertha BSC is a club located in one of the coolest cities in the world - Berlin, Germany. While it's true that the locals have far too many entertainment options to focus solely on football unlike other parts of the country, this humble club has developed an international fan base that extends throughout the continent and the whole world. The boys from Berlin are the only side not to lose a match in the league and have 20 points - one more than the visitors.
As for Greuther Furth, they are located in Bavaria. Enough said.
Can Hertha maintain their winning ways? Will the Bavarians fill up the Olympiastadoin? Stay tuned to the beautiful game for the answer!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Liverpool
Liverpool FC - So here is a club in a world of hurt. Currently sitting in the relegation zone, with 1 win to their name. Their two best players, Gerrard and Torres, still on summer vacation (at least mentally). Their two most productive players from last season, Benayoun and Kuyt, gone and injured respectively. The club's finances in shambles. They are playing in the Europa League thanks to their 7th place finish last season. By they way the drew at 0-0 at Napoli today. All this and they still feel good about flying on a plane piloted by the front man of Iron Maiden.
I really don't know what to say about that. Are they taking everything in stride while there is turmoil all around? Do they not care? Are they trying to cheat death?
Champions League roundup
Well another nauseating matchday of Europe's most prestigious and money-hungry competition is over. Is this the worst ever group stage or not? Nice to see an American score - even if Maurice Edu also scored into his own goal. I remember DaMarcus Beasley scoring for Rangers also a few years ago - any other Americans ever score in this competition? Let us know here at The Beautiful game. We would love your questions and comments on the game or life in general.
Alas, poor Maurice still has yet to score in a World Cup match (sigh!).
Moving along, there are a few spots up for grabs by any reasonable estimation. Can Rangers go and get a result in Valencia (probably not)? Can Schalke take care of business in Portugal against Benfica (maybe)? Can Tottenham screw up what looks like a promising campaign (likely)? Will Chelsea get so bored they will forget to show up (Doubt it)? Stay tuned.
We will have a Bundesliga 2 update later after a big weekend of action in Germany!
Alas, poor Maurice still has yet to score in a World Cup match (sigh!).
Moving along, there are a few spots up for grabs by any reasonable estimation. Can Rangers go and get a result in Valencia (probably not)? Can Schalke take care of business in Portugal against Benfica (maybe)? Can Tottenham screw up what looks like a promising campaign (likely)? Will Chelsea get so bored they will forget to show up (Doubt it)? Stay tuned.
We will have a Bundesliga 2 update later after a big weekend of action in Germany!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Here we go
So I think I figured this out. This here is my first post on a blog. Let's see if this works.
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