Friday night
Eintracht Frankfurt v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 0-2
Three points will give the winner comfort from the drop. Somehow Eintracht are still not relegation material, although they look it.
Saturday
SC Freiburg v. 1899 Hoffenheim
Prediction: 1-1
Neither team playing well or worth watching at this moment.
Hamburger SV v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 2-1
TBG believes the title margin will be down to four points after this weekend.
FC Schalke 04 v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 1-2
The spotlight will be on Felix Magath's return to Veltins Arena. Expect him to spring a surprise against a Schalke team that hit five in Milan.
Hannover 96 v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 2-1
If Hannover still have Champions League ambitions, three points is a must.
1. FC Nürnberg v. FC Bayern München
Prediction: 2-2
TBG believes that Bayern's training methods that included use of a basketball isn't the best preparation for this edition of the Bavarian derby.
VfB Stuttgart v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 4-1
VfB will move up with a victory that is expected at this stage.
Sunday
Mönchengladbach v. 1. FC Koln
Prediction: 2-2
Expect Favre's men to come on strong in what should be a feast of goals.
Bayer Leverkusen v. FC St. Pauli
Prediction: 3-0
Victory and a loss by Dortmund makes the meisterschaft very much up for grabs.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
TBG Champions League Analysis
Well it looks like three of the four quarter-final ties have been decided. Tottenham, Inter Milan and Shakhtar Donetsk all need comprehensive 4-0 wins next week to advance (In Spurs' case, that would get them to extra time). That is not going to happen. Let's look at what just happened.
Real Madrid 4, Tottenham 0: This is where Spurs' lack of a European pedigree seemed to hurt them. Of course, Peter Crouch took an idiotic second yellow but the score was 1-0 at half. That's where Spurs needed to figure out how to get men behind the ball and spring Defoe and Bale on the occasional counter. Instead, Real's possession with the advantage was ruthless and Mourinho's men put the tie away.
Inter Milan 2, Schalke 04 5: The shock result of the round was at the San Siro. On reflection, Stankovic's wonder goal may have been the worst thing to happen to the holders. Schalke dominated the next 15-plus minutes and got a deserved equalizer, and although Diego Milito restored the hosts' advantage, the Royal Blues got even again at the break and survived Inter's initial pressure at the start of the second half. Cristian Chivu's second yellow card may have been harsh, but the score was 4-2 at that point anyway and Schalke and Ralf Rangnick got the result they deserved.
Chelsea 0, Manchester United 1: Without question, Chelsea probably deserved a draw and Patrice Evra clearly fouled Ramires for a penalty late. Still, it was Ramires who earlier sent a clean header from six yards out wide of the target while Fernando Torres lacked the finishing touch. The interplay between Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney on United's goal was a joy to watch. Rooney looks to be at the top of his game after his heroics on the weekend - perhaps his bad-boy antics bring out his best football. The task is difficult but manageable for Chelsea at Old Trafford - two goals for the Blues should send them through.
Barcelona 5, Shakhtar Donetsk 1: Don't let the scoreline fool you. Yes, Barcelona were the superior team. Yes, Barcelona are the best team in the world. Yet the scoreline was flattering as Mircea Lucescu's men came to play, almost creating an opening-minute goal and forcing the Blaugrana defense into some rather amateurish mistakes. No player had a more frustrating night than Shakhtar's Luis Adriano, who missed several chances in the first half and hit the post in the 82nd minute. Barca, however, deserved all their goals. Iniesta's first and Messi's layoff for Seydou Keita's left-footed rocket in the second half were among the highlights. Iniesta is suspended for the trip to the Ukraine, but it won't matter. This match could have been a 4-3 or 5-4 scoreline for the hosts.
Real Madrid 4, Tottenham 0: This is where Spurs' lack of a European pedigree seemed to hurt them. Of course, Peter Crouch took an idiotic second yellow but the score was 1-0 at half. That's where Spurs needed to figure out how to get men behind the ball and spring Defoe and Bale on the occasional counter. Instead, Real's possession with the advantage was ruthless and Mourinho's men put the tie away.
Inter Milan 2, Schalke 04 5: The shock result of the round was at the San Siro. On reflection, Stankovic's wonder goal may have been the worst thing to happen to the holders. Schalke dominated the next 15-plus minutes and got a deserved equalizer, and although Diego Milito restored the hosts' advantage, the Royal Blues got even again at the break and survived Inter's initial pressure at the start of the second half. Cristian Chivu's second yellow card may have been harsh, but the score was 4-2 at that point anyway and Schalke and Ralf Rangnick got the result they deserved.
Chelsea 0, Manchester United 1: Without question, Chelsea probably deserved a draw and Patrice Evra clearly fouled Ramires for a penalty late. Still, it was Ramires who earlier sent a clean header from six yards out wide of the target while Fernando Torres lacked the finishing touch. The interplay between Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney on United's goal was a joy to watch. Rooney looks to be at the top of his game after his heroics on the weekend - perhaps his bad-boy antics bring out his best football. The task is difficult but manageable for Chelsea at Old Trafford - two goals for the Blues should send them through.
Barcelona 5, Shakhtar Donetsk 1: Don't let the scoreline fool you. Yes, Barcelona were the superior team. Yes, Barcelona are the best team in the world. Yet the scoreline was flattering as Mircea Lucescu's men came to play, almost creating an opening-minute goal and forcing the Blaugrana defense into some rather amateurish mistakes. No player had a more frustrating night than Shakhtar's Luis Adriano, who missed several chances in the first half and hit the post in the 82nd minute. Barca, however, deserved all their goals. Iniesta's first and Messi's layoff for Seydou Keita's left-footed rocket in the second half were among the highlights. Iniesta is suspended for the trip to the Ukraine, but it won't matter. This match could have been a 4-3 or 5-4 scoreline for the hosts.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Lehmann suing Wiese for Muppets remark
Yes, it's true. Jens Lehmann, back with Arsenal, is suing Tim Wiese since the Bremen goalie said Lehmann should go on the Muppet Show and should be committed to an asylum.
Where's Oliver Kahn to settle this?
Where's Oliver Kahn to settle this?
Bundesliga Matchday 28 review
Friday night
FC St. Pauli v. FC Schalke 04
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result 0-2?
This will surely go down as three points for the Royal Blues and put St. Pauli into the drop for good.
Saturday
Werder Bremen v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result 1-1
Not sure the point did anyone anything good here.
Borussia Dortmund v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result 4-1
Dortmund put on a second-half clinic to keep the gap at seven.
1. FC Kaiserslautern v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result 0-1
Leverkusen keeps the pursuit on, more importantly keeps seven up on Bayern.
FC Bayern München v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 5-1
Actual result 1-0
Not very pretty, but puts the champions into a Champions League slot.
FSV Mainz 05 v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result 1-1
Allagui cancels out Cisse's opening-minute tally.
1899 Hoffenheim v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result 0-0
Hoffenheim outplayed the visitors to no avail.
Sunday
1. FC Koln v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result 1-0
Novakovic to the rescue.
VfL Wolfsburg v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result 1-1
Are these teams terrible or what? Purely awful football.
FC St. Pauli v. FC Schalke 04
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result 0-2?
This will surely go down as three points for the Royal Blues and put St. Pauli into the drop for good.
Saturday
Werder Bremen v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result 1-1
Not sure the point did anyone anything good here.
Borussia Dortmund v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result 4-1
Dortmund put on a second-half clinic to keep the gap at seven.
1. FC Kaiserslautern v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result 0-1
Leverkusen keeps the pursuit on, more importantly keeps seven up on Bayern.
FC Bayern München v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 5-1
Actual result 1-0
Not very pretty, but puts the champions into a Champions League slot.
FSV Mainz 05 v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result 1-1
Allagui cancels out Cisse's opening-minute tally.
1899 Hoffenheim v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result 0-0
Hoffenheim outplayed the visitors to no avail.
Sunday
1. FC Koln v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result 1-0
Novakovic to the rescue.
VfL Wolfsburg v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result 1-1
Are these teams terrible or what? Purely awful football.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Preciado ends Mourinho's run
Loyal readers of this blog recall how we covered the spat between Jose Mourinho and Manolo Preciado back in November.
Preciado's Sporting de Gijon outplayed Mourinho's men back then, although they lost 1-0. This time, Gijon went into the Bernabeu and inflicted a 1-0 defeat on Real Madrid for Mourinho's first league loss at home in nine years.
Said Preciado: "Football is about moments, and there are glorious ones."
Mourinho did his part to concede the La Liga title to Barcelona, which dispatched Villarreal 1-0 at El Madrigal.
Can Madrid bounce back against Tottenham without Cristiano Ronaldo? Preciado doesn't care and neither do we at TBG today. Because today, we salute Preciado for getting a victory over the 'canalla' Mourinho.
Preciado's Sporting de Gijon outplayed Mourinho's men back then, although they lost 1-0. This time, Gijon went into the Bernabeu and inflicted a 1-0 defeat on Real Madrid for Mourinho's first league loss at home in nine years.
Said Preciado: "Football is about moments, and there are glorious ones."
Mourinho did his part to concede the La Liga title to Barcelona, which dispatched Villarreal 1-0 at El Madrigal.
Can Madrid bounce back against Tottenham without Cristiano Ronaldo? Preciado doesn't care and neither do we at TBG today. Because today, we salute Preciado for getting a victory over the 'canalla' Mourinho.
Friday, April 1, 2011
U.S. jealousy of Chandler?
There's another major problem in the U.S. with soccer. When a player plays well, the States try to bury him and make him as ineffective as the rest of the team.
At least that's what it seems like will happen with right back Timothy Chandler, who impressed anyone with a brain with his play in the new fire-red jerseys in friendlies against Argentina and Paraguay.
"Apparently that's not so usual in the U.S.," Chandler said. "But I said to myself that I play like this in Nuremberg - very offensive-minded, with lots of runs down the wings. I thought I'd do it like that here, too."
The loyal readers of this blog should not be surprised since we
spotlighted him back in February.
However, 'coach' Bob Bradley and 'star' Landon Donovan want him to not be attack-minded and be as boring as the rest of the team.
Bradley said: "It's not just going forward, it's making good decisions."
Said Donovan: "There's certain times when we want him to do things, and he's not quite there yet. But his pure willingness to attack is good."
Really, Donovan? He's not there? He only plays in a league that you flamed out of two or three times and he plays for a club that is in sixth place in that league.
This, our friends, is why the U.S. will never really improve at football. These idiots should be learning from Chandler, not the other way around.
At least that's what it seems like will happen with right back Timothy Chandler, who impressed anyone with a brain with his play in the new fire-red jerseys in friendlies against Argentina and Paraguay.
"Apparently that's not so usual in the U.S.," Chandler said. "But I said to myself that I play like this in Nuremberg - very offensive-minded, with lots of runs down the wings. I thought I'd do it like that here, too."
The loyal readers of this blog should not be surprised since we
spotlighted him back in February.
However, 'coach' Bob Bradley and 'star' Landon Donovan want him to not be attack-minded and be as boring as the rest of the team.
Bradley said: "It's not just going forward, it's making good decisions."
Said Donovan: "There's certain times when we want him to do things, and he's not quite there yet. But his pure willingness to attack is good."
Really, Donovan? He's not there? He only plays in a league that you flamed out of two or three times and he plays for a club that is in sixth place in that league.
This, our friends, is why the U.S. will never really improve at football. These idiots should be learning from Chandler, not the other way around.
Bundesliga Matchday 28 predictions
Friday night
FC St. Pauli v. FC Schalke 04
Prediction: 1-2
Surely Schalke will muster enough against a relegation-threatened St. Pauli? Surely?
Saturday
Werder Bremen v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 3-1
Bremen will be out for revenge against a VfB team that handed them a 6-nil defeat in November. TBG thinks they will get it.
Borussia Dortmund v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 2-1
The Dortmund lead is down to seven points, but expect an inspired Hannover to fall short on the road.
1. FC Kaiserslautern v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-1
Will Leverkusen respond after the world's worst secret of Heynckes' departure is finally out? TBG will venture they won't.
FC Bayern München v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 5-1
This has potential as one of the biggest mismatches of the season.
FSV Mainz 05 v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 2-1
We'll go with the home team in this matchup of surprise packages that have caused quite a stir in the top flight.
1899 Hoffenheim v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 2-1
Two similar teams having mediocre campaigns compared to expectations. Skip this one, viewers.
Sunday
1. FC Koln v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 2-2
This one is more intriguing that it would appear, and it's very hard to determine a winner.
VfL Wolfsburg v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 2-1
The combination of Magath and a woeful Frankfurt side should provide three points to the Wolves and drag Eintracht into more danger.
FC St. Pauli v. FC Schalke 04
Prediction: 1-2
Surely Schalke will muster enough against a relegation-threatened St. Pauli? Surely?
Saturday
Werder Bremen v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 3-1
Bremen will be out for revenge against a VfB team that handed them a 6-nil defeat in November. TBG thinks they will get it.
Borussia Dortmund v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 2-1
The Dortmund lead is down to seven points, but expect an inspired Hannover to fall short on the road.
1. FC Kaiserslautern v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-1
Will Leverkusen respond after the world's worst secret of Heynckes' departure is finally out? TBG will venture they won't.
FC Bayern München v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 5-1
This has potential as one of the biggest mismatches of the season.
FSV Mainz 05 v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 2-1
We'll go with the home team in this matchup of surprise packages that have caused quite a stir in the top flight.
1899 Hoffenheim v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 2-1
Two similar teams having mediocre campaigns compared to expectations. Skip this one, viewers.
Sunday
1. FC Koln v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 2-2
This one is more intriguing that it would appear, and it's very hard to determine a winner.
VfL Wolfsburg v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 2-1
The combination of Magath and a woeful Frankfurt side should provide three points to the Wolves and drag Eintracht into more danger.
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