What goes around, comes around

It was a familiar situation for Spurs when Martin Jol exited the club last November. For the past 3 years, they had been steadily on the rise, a 7th and two 5th place finishes, they’d played some smashing football, made some incredibly shrewd signings and looked to be pushing on. But all of a sudden it seemed to go a bit peared shaped as the Spurs of old looked to be returning. A defence lacking leadership without Ledley King, a goalkeeper completely bereft of confidence and Charlton Athletic making off with 17 million in “that” Darren Bent deal. The dressing room was lost, Michael Dawson’s performances dwindling with no experienced head beside him and hopes of a top half finish were pretty much gone.

Kudos to the Spurs board though for wasting no time in rectifying the situation. The signings of Alan Hutton and Jonathan Woodgate were again fantastic pieces of business to shore up that terrible back-line while we all know what Juande Ramos could do. He’s shaping that team using the Sevilla blueprint that worked so well and while we thought Jol’s Spurs were good, Ramos’s could really be the real deal. Add in the signings of the much coveted Luca Modric and Giovani Dos Santos and surely thats a team that could concievably make a run for 4th, even 3rd within a year or two. I mean, those two players aren’t just another “next big thing”, they could easily be playing for the Chelseas and Man Utds of this world

Trouble is, the big guns have come calling and it’s not just Berbatov this time. Robbie Keane’s just made the switch to Liverpool (in what Daniel Levy’s called an “enforced transfer”) and the Bulgarian could well be off to United again despite the wishes of the club. It’s harsh on Spurs who are doing their best to push on, only to have two of their most consistent, talented performers choose to leave, but thats the Premiership and quite frankly, what goes around comes around.

Spurs have spent the last few years snapping up anyone who’s the flavour of the month, and at times, it seems they’ve done it just because they can, rather than fill a need. It’s quite hypocritical of Levy to complain, he is getting 20 million for a striker who isn’t proven at Champions League level (Craig Bellamy anyone?) which is certainly more than Crystal Palace got for John Bostock. Due to some ridiculous outdated law, Spurs were able to take the 5million rated Bostock, a figure they were seemingly willing to pay, for just 700k. Yet Levy has the cheek to lament how he was given no choice but to let Keane go for 20 million. Even worse, he may just have to let Berbatov for something in the region of 30 million. Premiership transfer fees are inflating back to levels not seen since the turn of the century. Yes, it’s tough to lose your best players to bigger clubs, but why not quit your whining and think about how to spend that best part of 50 million you’ve just recieved.

New Balaban?

The new big man at Villa Park?

One name that is never far from the pages and pages of football gossip each summer is the colossal 6-foot-7 Serbian striker Nikola Zigic.

Usually linked to Portsmouth it seems his arrival, which has been pending for three years now, has been blocked by the arrival of fellow giant Peter Crouch.

So where now I hear you ask? Well it’s widely believed he will be joining the legion of strikers at Villa Park linking up with manager Martin O’Neill, after an indifferent stint at Valencia.

After seeing that Villa were the favourites to sign the big Serbian it made me think of the repercussions were he to go there. Both Zigic and current target man John Carew are no stranger to a confrontation. Taking this into consideration it would be no surprise to see the man who’s dropped every week affecting the harmony within a squad who may even push for a Champions League place.

Then will be the obvious comparison that will be drawn with other Yugoslavs/Serbians who have failed in the past. Remember Bosko Balaban?

The £5.8million man, who earned £20,000 a week, took part seven times for the Midlands side never scoring a goal. Unsurprisingly he was released from his contract with the Villains ending up in Belgium with FC Bruges.

Any Villa fan will also find it hard to forget Savo Milosevic. Nicknamed ‘Miss-a-lot-evic’ for his record of 28 goals in 90 games he was shown the door after spitting in the direction of his own fans following a heavy defeat.

As a great admirer of Zigic it would be great to see the big man do well and he may well do playing in a three-pronged attack involving Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor. Though don’t be surprised to see him go the same way as Messrs Balaban and Milosevic.

Can a European finally win the USPGA?

Harrington celebtrates winning his second consecutive Claret Jug

After Padraig Harrington became the first European to retain the Claret Jug in more than a century it begs the question; Can a European now win a major in North America without the presence of Tiger?

The last man to achieve such a feat was Jose-Maria Olazábal almost 10 years ago when he took home the green jacket in 1999, the second time he became the Master’s champion, going down as one of the great European players in recent history. Now with a number of very successful Europeans playing on the PGA Tour in North America it could be time for someone to follow in Ole’s footsteps.

The final major, the USPGA Championship, is coming up in August and the possible European contenders are as follows.

Padraig Harrington

The obvious choice would be the Irishman who is currently one of the most successful European golfers in major championships. Although he will have to recover from the wrist injury which almost forced him to pull out of the Open at Birkdale if he’s to compete at Oakland Hills.

Current odds: 16/1

Sergio Garcia

The Spainiard was looking to make it a historic sporting treble for the Iberian country after the successes of Euro 2008 in football and Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon at Birkdale, but it wasn’t to be as he slipped to a disappointing 17 over par and tied for 51st place. Despite this he will be optimistic going into the USPGA where in the past he has come second and joint-third.

Current odds: 14/1

Lee Westwood

After adjusting his swing and under-going a strict fitness program the Englishman will hope to have a realistic chance at the course in Michigan. Westwood will take inspiration from his third place at this year’s US Open as he looks to win his first major.

Current odds: 22/1

Ian Poulter

The 32-year-old achieved his best finish in a major, finishing runner-up at Birkdale. He will look to build on this at Oakland Hills and gain a place in Nick Faldo’s Ryder Cup team with another top-ten finish.

Current odds: 33/1

Henrik Stenson

Another impressive performer at Birkdale (tied 3rd), who plays on the PGA Tour. He will look to use this to his advantage going into the last major of the season.

Current odds: 28/1

Justin Rose

Last year’s European Order of Merit winner hasn’t had a good year thus far but will take heart from his performance last year in the upcoming tournament, where he was tied 12th.

Current odds: 30/1

Robert Karlsson

Finishing in the top-ten of each major so far this year is no mean feat putting him in good stead for the tournament at Oakland Hills.

Current odds: 40/1

Paul Casey
Tying seventh at Birkdale was his best finish in the Open Championship which will give him confidence going into USPGA.

Current odds: 40/1

Looking at the contenders Karlsson may be best-placed to make a challenge after being very impressive so far this year. Although it should be remembered that a European has never actually won the tournament but with Tiger out this is the best chance that European players may ever have.

False dawn?

One of the things that makes the NFL great is the parity. Teams can go from 4-12 to the playoff picture in the blink of an eye. With the prospects of turnarounds so high, it’s often so difficult not to get caught up in a wave of optimism as each team enters minicamps. Even those select few who’ve been stuck in a slump for years (the Lions, Cardinals, Raiders), there’s almost always cause for hope, usually when fans know they should know better.

As another Oakland preseason rolls around it’s that same story, and on the surface some of Al Davis’s big name signings perhaps justify Raider’s fans in beginning to believe that that return to greatness is just around the corner. I think back to past false dawns and find reasons why this one is different. the Moss/Porter/Curry combo was never going to work with Collins in the backfield. Daunte Culpepper was never going to be the same player he was in Minnesota, last season was a “transition” season. But this time, we’ve got a top reciever like Javon Walker, the best CB tandem in the game, an impressive young defence, Darren McFadden, JaMarcus, a young hungry coach. Is 8-8 that unrealistic?

Maybe it is, as good as this team looks on paper, I can’t help but get an awful feeling this teams about to implode…again. It’s taken a while, longer than most to try and get this team back to something other than a laughing stock and last season was always going to be a throwaway year. A couple of stop-gap QBs while Russell learned and a young defence that could only get better. But as so often is the case with franchises stuck in slumps, some bad front-office decisions could cost them.

Firstly, the offensive line recieved no upgrades. Now in an era where the QBs and RBs are lauded more than ever, nothing makes or breaks a team like an O-line. A mediocre back could gain 1,500 yards with a top line yet even LDT would struggle to break 1,000 with a bad one. There’s so many questions over Javon Walker too, and not just his physical health. The Vegas incident was mysterious enough, but it appears that he’s still not been able to truly cope with the death of former teammate Darrent Williams. Whether he can really be a big contributor to Oakland is a big question.

What really worries me however is who the money isn’t being given to, rather than who it is. Tommy Kelly was given a large contract, with a lot of that based on potential. Meanwhile Derrick Burgess, who has been one of the best ends in the league went without. DeAngelo Hall is a great addition as well, in terms of talent there’s not too much to choose between him and Asomugha. But character-wise they couldn’t be much more different. Hall is young, brash, outspoken whilst Asomugha a model professional, on and off the field. After the dreaded franchise tag, it’s unlikely he’ll be back next season.

Letting cornerstones like Asomugha and Burgess go could completely destroy what the Raiders are working towards, and that’s why so much hinges on this season. If it goes wrong, and theyre in a tough division, it could be Kiffin out, and back to square one.

Euro 2008 Wrap: It’s the Bryant Awards!

Yes, Euro 2008’s come and gone quicker than a host nation and while “best tournament” ever calls may be a bit premature, it was pretty darn good. Plenty of goals, drama, laughable punditry and a complete lack of Britain conspired to produce an exciting couple of weeks, otherwise usually filled by Sky Sports trying to convince us to watch county cricket.

So as Spain continue to celebrate their first trophy in 44 years, it’s time for the inaugural Bryant Awards ‘08. Without further ado…

The Tottenham Hotspur Award for Most Watchable Team Despite a Woeful Defence

Spain were easily the best team, but you just couldn’t keep your eyes off Turkey. Words can’t describe how they managed to keep coming back, let alone with a more incredulous feat each time. And just as you went to write them off for being “lucky” and not that good technically, they go and play the Germans off the park. I’m hard pressed to find a more remarkable cup run. Apparently they led for 15 minutes in the whole tournament, AND were knocked out by a 90th minute goal. It wasn’t always pretty but they were a hell of an advertisement for football.

The Derby County Award for Just Turning Up.

It should be blasphemy to call the previous winners the worst team but Greece were almost offensive to watch this time around. For all the negativity around Austria’s participation, they were anything but out of place. If they could have just put the ball in the back of the net they could have been the pride of Austria. Nevertheless, Greece were just terrible. With almost every other team determined to push forward and play to win, the Greeks were determined to stick by their 9-1-1 and were justly rewarded with 1 goal, no points and no self-respect.

Best Player

Everyone knows that if Russia had beaten Spain then Arshavin would have this wrapped up, but you can’t give it to someone who played 3 games and was a bit quiet in one of them. It’s hard to judge considering Spain put in such a team performance overall while the rest were so inconsistent. But I’m probably going to have to go with UEFA and pick Xavi. His contribution is so understated. It’s not the same as Senna who it’s very easy to pick as “you don’t see much of him so he must be doing a good job”. He’s a very good player but it’s such a fashionable pick, the defensive midfielder. Xavi really was almost flawless in every game, and his goal against Russia sent them to the final.

The Jon Stead Award for Being Unable to Hit a Cow’s Arse with a Banjo

Mario Gomez scored 28 for Stuttgart last year, and I’d probably let him off if it weren’t for two things. People were tipping him for top goalscorer and he got benched after 3 woeful displays. And he managed to clear the ball from off the Austrian line from a yard. That requires new levels of incompetence.

Best Match

So many to choose, but for me I think I’m going to have to go with Holland v France. Turkey’s games only got going late and I loved the Russia/Holland game but the drama of Holland’s 4-1 was fantastic.

Worst Match

France v Romania, 2 hours of my life I’ll never get back.

Best Goal

Tough to choose as while there were some good goals, there’s not one that really stands out. My favourite probably has to be Bastian Schweinsteiger against Portugal. Great team goal as Podolski plays two 1-2s down the wing before Schweinsteiger times his run to perfection to steer the cross home.

The Guus Hiddink Award for Overachievement with a Relatively Unknown Team

Ironically, it’s not Guus Hiddink. Russia were bloody good, and Russia have never looked like winning an international game in the past 50 years. But you are some manager if you can rouse your team from a 1-0 half time deficit, a 2-0 deficit with 18 minutes to go, and equalise after conceding in the 119th minute. What tops it off was that performance against Germany. Nobody saw that coming.

The Steve McClaren “How did that moronic grinning oaf ever get put in charge of anything?” Award

It wasn’t France’s best ever team, but Raymond Domenech really was the French version of Second choice Steve. He got everything wrong, he left out 20 goal David Trezeguet, Phillippe Mexes, Gael Clichy, Mathieu Flamini and Bakary Sagna. He refused to play one of the biggest talents in the world, Karim Benzema, in his proper position. He kept playing Nicolas Anelka. He picked Lilian Thuram. To top it off, in a totally McClaren-esque move, he proposed to his girlfriend on TV IMMEDIATELY AFTER BEING ELIMINATED AT THE FIRST HURDLE WITH ONE POINT.

It was compelling just to see what he’d get wrong next.

The Lance Armstrong Award for Never Giving Up in the Face of Adversity

Jens Lehmann. No matter how bad, how inept, how incompetent, how completely and utterly rubbish, he kept on going. He kept putting those gloves on and blaming everybody else for his mistakes.

Good for him.

The Mike Riley Award for Most Partizan Decision

Let’s be honest, that was NEVER a penalty when Austria were given a 92nd minute lifeline against Poland. They’d squandered chance after chance but the selfless Howard Webb handed them a point which lifted the spirits of the whole nation, and also earned Ivica Vastic a lifetime’s supply of beer.

The Mark Viduka Award for Most Smug Celebration

Now I love Andrei Arshavin, and I love . Simply brilliant.

The Kevin Keegan “Think before you speak” Award

Like many Polish, Prime Minister Donald Tusk was slightly miffed at Howard Webb ending Poland’s tournament. However, going on record saying “As the prime minister I have to be balanced and collected. But last night I was speaking very differently about the whole thing, I wanted to kill” perhaps wasn’t the best way to go about it.

The David Pleat Award for Most Bumbling, Incoherent Piece of Commentary

Luckily Shimbomba wasn’t at the Euro’s and David Pleat wasn’t that terrible. The award goes to ever increasingly senile John Motson for this nugget during the Italy/Romania game. “And had Christian Panucci scored a day earlier, he’d be the oldest ever goalscorer at a European Championships. Ivica Vastic currently has the record after his penalty for Austria last night”.

Erm, what?

The Jermaine Defoe Award for Bad Timing

I’m not saying that Scolari’s early appointment caused Portugal to exit the competition or anything. But how many games did they win after that?

Yeah, thought so.

Best Punditry

Despite the majority being substandard there were a few brief shining lights. Martin O’Neill’s ability to disagree with himself was always amusing while Gordon Strachan was criminally underused. Danny Baker wasn’t technically a pundit but was brilliant on his return to 606. Mind you, anything would be better than the insufferable Tim Lovejoy and Spoony. Also, it does pain me to say it but I quite enjoyed Marcel Desailly on the sidelines with Ray Stubbs.

Worst Punditry

Where on earth do you start? Steve Ryder was one of the more bizarre acquisitions from ITV while Clive Tyldesley and Peter Drury continued to annoy me. I don’t think anyone enjoys the tiresome, banal witticisms from Motson and Lawrenson but Alan Green has to top them all. His rants are getting increasingly bizarre as he tries to sensationalise anything and everything in an attempt to “stir things up”.

Team of the Tournament

Iker Casillas (Spain)

Sergio Ramos (Spain)

Carlos Marchena (Spain)

Pepe (Portugal)

Yuri Zhrikov (Russia)

Wesley Sneijder (Holland)

Michael Ballack (Germany)

Xavi Hernandez (Spain)

Andrei Arshavin (Russia)

Lukas Podolski (Germany)

David Villa (Spain)

Subs: Buffon (Italy), Marchena (Spain), Senna (Spain), Torres (Spain), Pavlyuchenko (Russia), Fabregas (Spain), Semih (Turkey)

What we learned: Euro 2008 Day 18

What’s that sound? Oh yeah, that would be everybody jumping off that Russia bandwagon.

After all the hype, the hope, the tension, it wasn’t really a contest. Spain proved that they do still have Russia’s number and they are more than good enough to take home their first major trophy. Whether they will or not, is another matter entirely. You know what though, I think this game was already over once Cesc Fabregas put the ball past Buffon last week. I spoke before about that Spain inferiority complex, it’s plagued them for years but with that defeat of Italy, it’s looks like they’ve got that monkey off their back and they made Russia again look very average.

It’s was a harsh lesson for Russia who were again put to the sword, but they can go home with their heads held high. It is interesting though, it’s almost as if Russia have gone down in people’s estimations after being dominated so heavily. After simply beating Holland (who as i keep saying, really weren’t that good), the hype had grown to such an extent that people were almost expecting Spain to lose. Russia are a good side, there’s no doubt they were highly impressive against the Dutch and Sweden, absolutely dominated England in the second half on home soil, but perhaps they had reached that glass ceiling.

It’s no disgrace mind, on their day they probably could beat almost anyone. It’s just that Spain were very much on form and very well organised.

The foundations on which the Russian machine had been built clearly couldn’t adapt to the Spanish, even when David Villa was forced off early on. If anything, it only served to increase Spain’s superiority. Much was made of Russia’s superb fitness and work rates, but without the ball it was ineffective. Once Fabregas was introduced, the five man midfield made it even harder for Russia to get and keep hold of the ball. Unlike Germany’s set up, Spain’s midfielders could break from midfield much more frequently and from different areas. Their first goal was a perfect example as Xavi played the ball to Iniesta before streaking into the box to prod home with remarkable accuracy.

Previously we could perhaps dismiss Euro 2004 as a fluke but we’ll have to sit up and take proper notice now of the Croatias, Czechs, Turks and Russia’s of the game. In an intimate tournament such as the Euro’s, anything quite clearly can, and will happen.

—

Andrey Arshavin was pretty anonymous last night, thanks in no small part to the stifling play of Spain. With Russia unable to keep possession, Arshavin was unable to get into those advanced positions and just as the Holland game may have added 5 million to his value, that could have knocked a couple back off.

It’s a strange phenomenon, it can take a season of consistency for a player to get noticed at club level, and even then it can be dismissed as “just one season”. James Beattie, Peter Crouch, Andy Johnson clearly haven’t hit the heights of those one outstanding seasons that earned them big money moves. Yet at international level, one game can mean everything. It’s partially down to us not seeing these teams much in true competitive games, plus international level is seen as a higher standard.

Had Arshavin played another sensational game, there would be no doubt about is ability, even if Russia had lost, but now the hype could very well die down as quickly as it started.

Personally, I still think Arshavin is a wonderfully talented player but the concerns that I had prior to Russia’s exit still linger. Firstly whether the Barca team will be coherent enough for him to actually be effective, and whether his temperament will be an issue. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

—

Predictions for the final? It’s a difficult one. Which Germany turns up is vital, but strangely, I think they’re more likely to score if they’re playing badly. Germany for me have to be the most clinical team in the tournament. Spain may have gotten 3 last night but it was fully deserved and they could have had a couple more. Both teams have players that can make something out of nothing, but i don’t think Spain are as capable of scoring when they’re on the back foot, or playing poorly. I look at Spain’s team, their set up and I see a team that produces team goals. Plenty of dynamic midfielders who knock it about beautifully but I think perhaps only Torres, and maybe Silva could pull something out of the bag if needed. Germany meanwhile have Podolski, Ballack, Klose and Schweinsteiger, and everyone I could see nicking a goal against the run of play. Look at their equaliser against Turkey, it epitomises my point.

Still, I expect the good Germany to turn up. With the bigger teams, they know what they are getting, how they will approach. Turkey was more of an unknown factor and they struggled to deal. They should be able to prepare for Spain much better and be more effective.

My head tells me Spain but I have a nagging feeling Germany will be too good, yes, even with that defence. Tough to say, but I’m sticking my neck out and saying 3-1 Spain.

Just plain awful…

 

That was one of the most appallingly, inept, incompetent displays from a pair of goalkeepers I’ve ever seen. In what was otherwise a thrilling game last night, Rustu Recber and Jens Lehmann, no fewer than 73 years between them, were about as effective as 4th graders. I’ve criticised Paul Robinson consistently this past year for his performances but Jesus Christ even he didn’t come close to being as bad as those two were. I remember just a few seasons ago, the eccentric Rustu was quite highly rated and earned a move to Barcelona. On closer inspection they too realised he actually was terrible and played all of about 4 games. But can he have been that bad then? He was always a bit barmy but did seem to be at least a bit competent. The two games he’s played here though, he’s done nothing but fuck up quite frankly. It only serves to worsen the crime of Volkan, the suspended no.1 keeper who foolishly got himself sent off in the 90th minute against the Czech Rep.

Lehmann however is another case altogether. What really works me up about him is the sheer arrogance of the man. He’ll come out in the media, call other keepers terrible, proclaim how good he is, scream at defenders and then put in performances like that. He is the arrogant prick version of Paul Robinson. How he didn’t cost Germany the game was unbelievable. He kept coming for crosses and missing them, flapping at high balls and his positioning for Turkey’s second was just… well there aren’t even words for it. What the hell kind of goalkeeper takes that position for a low cross coming in from the by-line? He’s like thirty fucking eight, how can you be that incompetent?

Timo Hildebrand, Michael Rensing, Manuel Neuer, Rene Adler. All are streaks ahead of this bumbling liability. But it’s the old experience thing, it’s what’s holding England back and it’s what could cost Germany the final.  

It happens with players of all positions but with goalkeeper such a vital position, mistakes are so much more costly and the fact is, the step up to international level is a big psychological one. Experience is such a cliche but it really is a massive factor at tournaments like this with so few having the composure to cope. There are quite a few good English keepers around, Rob Green has bailed us out more times than I can count, Scott Carson, Joe Hart, Chris Kirkland provide heroics every week, but i wouldn’t trust any of them for England, even Rob Green. Its the simple fact that playing for England is so different, they’d get nervous and probably cost us, just like Carson did. How often does Carson blunder? Maybe twice, three times a season. One game for England and he’s a mess. 

It is a dilemma but one that does need to be addressed. David James is the best English keeper sure, but we could cope without him in the qualifiers. Getting players like Joe Hart or Ben Foster acquainted at this level is much more important for me. As for Germany, Sunday would be a very good time for him to come good, he’s due we know that much…

What we learned: Euro 2008 Day 17

I think the question now is not necessarily who Germany will be facing but which Germany is going to turn up. It wasn’t at all pretty, but Jogi Lowe’s side are through to another major final. It was harsh on the Turks who basically left it too early. Hoisted by their own petard it seemed, the patent still pending on that last minute heroics thing. Briefly, it did look like they’d done it for a incredible fourth consecutive time, but they couldn’t hold out for those four minutes.

It was a game that pretty much reversed opinion on both teams. While Russia have been sensational, Turkey perhaps hadn’t quite been sensational in the same way. It takes remarkable guile and spirit to keep coming back like they have, let alone it get more improbable each time, but the nature of the previous games, it was hard to imagine them giving Germany a tough time. The Switzerland game was unique to say the least and they were the better side in the second half but you couldn’t disagree that the Swiss deserved something. Against the Czech’s, again it’s difficult to fault the comeback but to lead 2-0 with 18 minutes to go, a lot of blame has to go to the Czech Republic. Turkey would be out of this tournament had it not been for Petr Cech’s monumental blunder. I don’t want to take away from the comeback as they still had to score the winner but the fact is, they weren’t necessarily the better team. 

Then of course the Croatia game, again they really should have lost. They were second best and lucky not to lose in normal time. Add that to the mind-boggling injury and suspension list and you really couldn’t give Turkey much hope. Their inspirational captain Nihat gone and the calamitous Rustu in goal, the omens weren’t good. 

Yet, their performance was sensational. Fatih Terim wasn’t being hailed as much of a tactical genius before hand but he got it very right against Germany last night. For long periods Germany could barely get the ball back let alone get out of their own half. The workrate was superb but ultimately the Germans were just a lot more clinical. Where have i heard that before?

Schweinsteiger put in a second consecutive good performance and produced another fantastic run for the first goal. They shot themselves in the foot for the second and were killed off by another bit of brilliance from Ballack in the dying seconds, something they had prevented him from doing for 89 minutes. 

It’s scant consolation but Turkey can go out with their heads held high. Clearly the better side and they showed some fantastic pieces of skill during the game. The way in which Sabri beat Lahm to set up Turkey’s equaliser was delightful. Still, it’s Germany who’ll contest the final in Vienna this Saturday and I think i’ll have to put them down as winning it if Spain go through tonight. 

—

I was speaking to someone yesterday about England’s absence from the Championships and they were telling me how bad England were, how we overrate ourselves. Now I could talk about everything that’s wrong with that statement for days but he used Germany as an example of how they are much more talented than us.

One good game against Portugal, it shows you how uneducated some football fans are. It’s not meant to be an insult, but a recognition of how a couple of games in an international tournament shapes opinions of players on the spot. With some, there’s no doubting there ability. Arshavin for example, unbelievable talent but there’s certainly consistency and temperament questions. But this German side still has it’s weaknesses. 

Phillip Lahm for example. I was told how he is a much better player than Ashley Cole. Ok, firstly Cole is a tosser, we all know that, but he’s brilliant defensively and one of the few players that can keep Ronaldo quiet consistently. Secondly, Lahm is very good going forward, and that will always stand out more than a good defensive performance but like so many attacking full backs he can be exposed defensively, and that is just what happened last night. Fantastic run and shot for the goal but was ruthlessly exposed at the back. Yet he still got man of the match…

Another thing, Germany must be the tallest team in the tournament and while Klose is one of the best aerial players in the world, Mertesacker and Metzelder were very poor. They’re both huge but somehow were unable to deal with the Turks and looked pretty weak. It doesn’t bode well if Spain win tonight with Villa and Torres up front. Both like to pull wide and if Lahm and Fritz have pushed up, there’s no way the German centre backs will be able to cope. 

NFL Power Rankings

With training camp a couple of weeks away, we’re edging closer to the ever-dreary NFL Preseason. Before the contact starts to get going and any more Bengals get arrested (I can’t believe I used that old joke either), I’ve produced my offseason power rankings. Enjoy…

(note: Last years position refers to the position they finished draft-wise)

2008 Power Rankings: Offseason
	RK (Last Year)	TEAM	REC	COMMENT
	1 (2)	Patriots	16-0-0	Asante Samuel isn’t that big of a loss. They’ve still got Brady, Moss, Welker, and now they’re angry. You thought they were good last year?
	2 (4)	Colts	13-3-0	Dwight Freeney and Bob Sanders returning will be a big boost as they look to step out the Pats shadow. Their WR corps looks a bit thin though.
	3 (5)	Cowboys	13-3-0	Pac-man, sorry Adam Jones will make this team better, and they’re a very fashionable SB pick. Thats why they won’t even get there.
	4 (7)	Jaguars	11-5-0	This team is a Colts injury or two away from finally ending the Indianapolis dominance of the south.
	5 (6)	Chargers	11-5-0	They’ve got all the tools, Rivers is growing in stature and they finally got that playoff win. Can Norv lead them to the Superbowl though? I doubt it.
	6 (1)	Giants	10-6-0	Teams other than the Patriots aren’t supposed to repeat as Super Bowl champions. Their defence is still impressive, I’m just unsettled by all this contract talk.
	7 (3)	Packers	13-3-0	I think people are not giving Rodgers enough of a chance already. He handled them pretty well when subbing for Favre last year, another division title wouldn’t be a surprise.
	8 (8)	Steelers	10-6-0	Roethlisberger to Holmes. We’re going to be hearing that a lot this season.
	9 (13)	Seahawks	10-6-0	One of the most consistent franchises around, but their receivers continue to disappoint. Favourites in the West but they could be seriously challenged this year.
	10 (23)	Saints	7-9-0	Look for a return of that high powered offense we saw two seasons ago. If Brees starts throwing for 300 again, maybe it’ll see Reggie Bush have a breakout year.
	11 (11)	Browns	10-6-0	Last year’s surprise package, it’s going to be tough now everyone knows Derek Anderson. If they don’t hit the ground running, it could be a very disappointing season.
	12 (14)	Eagles	8-8-0	Even I get bored of asking this question every year. Can Donovan McNabb stay healthy?
	13 (9)	Titans	10-6-0	Vince Young may not have the numbers, but again he’s helped the Titans exceed expectations. Don’t expect his numbers to get any better though with that WR corps.
	14 (17)	Cardinals	8-8-0	Again we wonder if the Cards can break their playoff drought. If they do, it depends on the play of Matt Leinart. Also that o-line needs to start producing.
	15 (13)	Buccaneers	9-7-0	Performances in the South always fluctuate wildly, and without any major offseason happenings, the Bucs will need to focus to retain their division crown.
	16 (20)	Panthers	7-9-0	Jake Delhomme’s back and better than ever, so he says. This team has potential and it’s time to utilize it, namely getting the ball to Steve Smith a lot more. Did they not see this play last season?
	17 (15)	Texans	8-8-0	We saw how good the Texans could be before Andre Johnson went down. It’s the best offense they’ve ever had, but they’re playing in maybe the toughest division in football. 8-8 last season was some achievement.
	18 (16)	Vikings	8-8-0	Big questions still linger over Tavaris Jackson but the addition of deep threat Bernard Berrian could help. Having Chester Taylor in the backfield with AP though will be a massive factor.
	19 (12)	Redskins	9-7-0	Jim Zorn’s made a good impression in the capital, but I’m not convinced by Jason Campbell. We could be seeing Todd Collins again fairly soon.
	20 (29)	Raiders	4-12-0	I’ve made the mistake of getting excited about the Raiders before. But if Russell can keep it simple and avoid mistakes, this defense could help them break even for the first time since 2002
	21 (22)	Bills	7-9-0	The Pats have the division locked up, but the Bills have four very winnable games against the Jets and Fins. With Paul Posluszny, Marcus Stroud and Kawika Mitchell upgrading the defense, they could still be in the hunt come December.
	22 (31)	Rams	3-13-0	Last season is behind them, forgotten. Time to show the NFC what this offense can really do.
	23 (18)	Lions	7-9-0	Panic over people, this is still the same Lions. How on earth do you finish 1-7 after a 6-2 start? Forget establishing a run game behind that line.
	24 (25)	Ravens	5-11-0	Can you believe the Ravens were 13-3 two seasons ago? That defense is still there, but Joe Flacco needs to mature pretty quickly.
	25 (21)	Broncos	7-9-0	Their defense is horrible, period. Not much use having Champ Bailey and Dre Bly when the other team can run on you all day long. Cutler to Marshall isn’t a bad link-up to have however.
	26 (26)	49ers	5-11-0	Arnaz Battle, Ashley Lelie, Bryant Johnson. Hows that for a bunch of average, underperforming receivers to compliment a 35-year old Isaac Bruce. Better hope Frank Gore has a lot of fuel in the tank.
	27 (19)	Bears	7-9-0	No running back, no wide receivers and Rex Grossman STILL at quarterback. Devin Hester’s going to have to be really good this year.
	28 (27)	Jets	4-12-0	Here’s a problem, so let’s throw money at it. Faneca is a top guard but their quarterback situation is still horrible and Calvin Pace is not worth 42 million.
	29 (28)	Chiefs	4-12-0	I’m tired of hearing it was a good draft. Dorsey fell to them and they had 13 picks! A healthy Larry Johnson could help them to maybe 6 or 7, but don’t count on it.
	30 (24)	Bengals	7-9-0	Remember when the Bengals stopped being a joke? That lasted long…
	31 (32)	Dolphins	1-15-0	Josh McCown should at least be able to rustle up a couple wins before they lose Brown and Ricky Williams to injury.
	32 (30)	Falcons	4-12-0	Vick wasn’t going to last much longer in Atlanta, but his incarceration just tore this team apart. Drafting Ryan was a start, but do they risk him now?

Biggest Climber: New Orleans 23 -> 10

Biggest Faller: Chicago 27 -> 19

The “Open” Championship?

What’s the best time to watch golf? Sunday afternoons? or 2009?

I’m borrowing from ESPN’s Page 2 there but it raises an interesting debate following the decision of Tiger Woods to shut it down for the rest of the year. First off, noone is questioning that decision, it seems like the logical thing to do for the man looking to break Jack Nicklaus’s record for most major wins. But what will it mean for the sport of golf though?

With Woods looking to make a return in January, it means he’ll miss the remaining two majors of the year, the Open Championship at Birkdale and the PGA Championship at Oakland Hills, as well as the Ryder Cup of course at Valhalla. The Ryder Cup isn’t too much of a big deal, Woods has never thrived in the unique format and often seemed uncomfortable with all the team bonding. But after his stunning form this year, if given the choice of Tiger or the field for the majors, I’d be leaning towards Tiger again.

But he’s not there. “Tiger Woods isn’t one in a million,” Stewart Cink said a few weeks back. “He’s one in ever.” So are the next two majors devalued without him? Are they better off with him not being there?

To say the tour would be better off without him would be unmerited and just plain wrong. Now I’m one of those people that always gets drawn to the underdog, the unlikely hero, even in events I ultimately care little about. Russia/Holland for example, I would have been severely disappointed to see Holland go through. College hoops, and I seem to track every cinderella story. I cheered for Barnsley against Cardiff despite me having no reason whatsoever to care about the outcome. Yet with Tiger I always seem to be following him, despite being the most dominant force, perhaps ever, in the world of golf. I was slightly disappointed to see Angel Cabrera win last year and would have been the same if Mediate had overcome Tiger this year. Now Mediate was a rank outsider with the perfect backstory, yet I wanted Tiger to win.

He has a charisma, an appeal that few have ever achieved, or are likely to achieve. There’s been others that have dominated sports, Schumacher was untouchable, Federer is still unbeatable on grass but golf is different. It has such an enormous amount of variables, you shouldn’t be able to dominate like he does. There’s something intangible about it. He can double viewing figures just by being there.

Still, I’m not cursing the fact that he’s not there. It’s temporary and the spectacle remains the same. While he may have been better than ever he still can’t win everything (can he?). The grand slam is still elusive and competition only makes others better.

Does it devalue the competition then? Maybe it does slightly, but I don’t like the word devalue, it’s almost as if the prestige is taken away. It’s still the Open, a major, and I’m sure whoever lifts the trophy will be afforded the rightful acclaim that they deserve rather than suffer the indignity of the media having an asterisk discussion.

The fact is, he’s not gone forever, and while I’m sure TV execs will be banging their heads against the wall in frustration, the Open this month should be more open than ever and just like any other major, I can’t wait to see how it plays out.