Crazy mind: May 2008

Monday, May 26, 2008

Ronaldo's Seaon 2007-2008

It would be an understatement if one said 2007-2008 season belonged to Cristiano Ronaldo. The dazzler from Portugal simply ruled the football world with his skill and most of all goals. He destroyed defences and ended the season with the tags "English Champion" and "European Champion". And apart from that he won several awards in England and is all set to be named the European and World Player of the year. He scored an astonishing 42 goals this season and also 3 more while playing for Portugal. So relive those magical moments of "Rocket" Ronaldo.

Stats:
Premier League - 31 goals
Champions League - 8 goals
FA cup - 3 goals
Euro qualifying - 3 goals

Click here for the goals:
Part1 , Part2 , Part3 , Part4 .
All in one - Link

Avram gets the sack

Chelsea on Saturday announced that they are parting company with their first team coach Avram Grant. This announcement was on the expected lines after Chelsea lost in the finals of Champions League and ending the season without any trophy. Avram Grant came in as an stop gap replacement for Jose Mourinho, who was sacked by Roman Abrahimovic after a poor start to the season. Grant's first match in charge was against Manchester United at Old Trafford and Chelsea lost that 2-0. And after that Chelsea went on a winning spree in both league and Champions League. Under Grant, Chelsea played more attractive football and scored lots of goals, something that they did not do under Jose. But in spite of the results going his way Grant was under severe pressure from the media that the players did not like him and he commanded no respect but Grant denied them all.

Chelsea, who were 10 points behind the leaders Arsenal at one point kept their focus and reduced the gap at the top of the table. They also reached the finals of the Carling cup. But Grant's tactical mistakes like the team selection and substitution cost them the match which they lost 1-2 in extra time against Tottenham. After this match Grant was under severe pressure. All these can be attributed to the fact that none seemed to like him because Chelsea were doing alright on the field and there were no reasons to complain. Chelsea crashed out of the FA cup against Barnsley. Now they had the league and Champions League to focus. Chelsea emerged as the sole competitor to Manutd after Arsenal lost to United at Old Trafford. Chelsea beat United at the bridge and pushed the title race all the way to the last week. The mood in Chelsea was optimistic as they were in with a chance of winning both the league and UCL. But United won against Wigan to retain the title. And in the finals of Champions League, Chelsea lost 6-5 on penalties. After this result his sacking was expected but the fact is he preserved the long unbeaten record at Stamford Bridge, reached the finals of the Champions League and missed the league title by a whisker. Grant's first and last match were against Manchester United, both of which Chelsea lost.

His style had more flow but his failure to land trophies(especially Champions League) might have been the reason for his sacking. Chelsea are now on the look out for a new manager who can win trophies and more players are expected to follow Grant out of Stamford Bridge.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Manchester United win Champions League 2007-08

When Manchester United took on Chelsea in the finals of the Champions League it was a Russian battle in more than one way, they were playing in Moscow and the owner of their opposite team, Roman Abrahimovic was an Russian and apart from supporters of both the teams, the neutrals were bound to be supporting Chelsea. Before the match all the talk was about the pitch but the managers of both teams made it clear that they are not going to give it as an excuse if they end up losing. It was the first ever All English final in Champions League and first for Chelsea. United were making their third appearance in the finals and were hoping to maintain their 100% record in finals.

It was not going to be a typical Champions League match as both the teams know each other very well and all expected a cagey affair, similar to the one in the last years FA cup finals. United started with Ronaldo on the left and Hargreaves on right while Malouda started for Chelsea whose starting 11 had never started together once this season. First 15min were evenly balanced and after that United took control of the midfield and Ronaldo gave Essien, who was at Left Back a torrid time. Scholes had a cut in his face when he fouled Makelele. Both of them were booked in that incident. Scholes came back after few minutes and was involved in the build up to the goal. A neat give and go with Brown let to the defender crossing the ball and Ronaldo rose up to head the ball past an unmoved Cech. United could have sealed the game had Tevez taken his chances but Cech made some brilliant saves and kept Chelsea in it. And towards the end of the first half Chelsea had some luck when Makelele's shot had several deflections and it fell to Lampard who dispatched it. Van Der Sar was never comfortable with the pitch and he slipped on that occasion too.

Buoyed by that goal Chelsea started the second half very well and started dominating midfield. The first half scenario was reversed, United were defending now while Chelsea pressed forward. Ferdinand had a cramp but was back on soon. Chelsea had lot of corners but were unable to score. Drogba who was not in the game for long time had a shot that hit the post. Time was running out and Gigss replaced Scholes to become the leading appearance maker for United getting past Sir Bobby Charlton's record. And with teams all square extra time was needed.

In the first half of ET there were no concrete chances for any of them but for Lampard's shot that hit the post. Drogba saw the Red card for a slap on Vidic when Chelsea players nee. Chelsea were a man down and only 5 min were left. United were unable to force anything in that time . Penalties were needed to decide the winner. Ronaldo missed his kick when the scores were 2-2 and Terry had the chance to win it on 4-4 but he slipped and shot wide. In the sudden death United were leading 6-5 and Anelka came on. His shot was saved by Van Der Sar and United were crowned the kings of Europe. A fitting reward for the only unbeaten team this season in Champions League. It would have been poetic for Roman to see his team win in his home country against one the teams which created the football interest in him but United deserved their crown and Ronaldo lead the Red Army in the finals. He was the leading scorer with 8 goals and it goes without saying he will be the "World player of the year" and "European Player of the year".

Click here for the action:

Extra Time1 , Extra Time2 ,

Penalties/Celebrations - Link1 , Link2 , Link3

Trophy Presentation - Link

Player's Celebration - Link

Extras:

Drogba - Hits the bar

Lampard - Hits the bar

Gigss - Great save Terry

Torrents:

Ronaldo Specials:

Link1 , Link2 , Link3 , Link4 , Link5 , Link6 , Link7 , Link8 , Link9

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Manchester United Player Awards 2008

Manchester United had the players award function at Old Trafford. Ronaldo scooped most of the awards including Player's player of the season and Goal of season for his sublime freekick against Portsmouth at Old Trafford. Check out the videos of this glittering function.

Click here for the videos

Part1 , Part2 , Part3 , Part4 , Part5 , Part6 , Part7 , Part8 , Part9 , Part10

Monday, May 19, 2008

Real Madrid sign off in style

Real Madrid signed off an successful season in style as they beat relegated Levante 5-2. The match was in doubt as Levante players were threatening a strike as they had not been paid for few months and that amount is told be in the region of €13m. And Levante who had already been relegated ran the risk going down to third division if they didn't play at the Bernabeu. But the Champions had said the trophy presentation would take place irrespective of the match status. But Levante players finally said they will play at the Bernabeu.

Real started with Codina in goal, the highly rated B team keeper and Rudd started upfront with Robinho and Raul. Real had lots of possession and Levante who did not practice throughout the week were not sharp. And Robinho had some chances but Reina saved. And Real broke the deadlock when Rudd headed the ball from Ramos. And within minutes Ramos scored a header from an assist by Guti. Levante yet kept trying and Codina made some decent saves to deny them. And before the break Rudd got his second when he tapped home a miscued shot by Robinho.

In the second half Levante played better football and passed the ball well. They never looked liked a team that had been relegated. They fought bravely and were rewarded for that when Geijo slammed the ball past Codina. Real responded immediately when Sneijder curled a freekick past Reina for the 4th goal. But Levante still kept fighting and Geijo scored again with a great finish. Levante had done what many teams couldn't do, score twice at the Bernabeu. Geijo was on a hatrick. Ramos got his second when he headed home a Sneijder corner.

The Bernabeu was rocking as the final whistle approached. And when the whistle was blown Real Madrid had made history. Their points this season is the most by a team in La Liga since the 20 team format was introduced. And Real with 84 goals in the league edged past Manchester United who scored 80 as the leading scorers in European Leagues this season. And Raul was handed over the 31st La Liga title and the party continued at the Bernabeu.

Click here for the goals

1-0 Rudd
2-0 Ramos
3-0 Rudd
3-1 Geijo
4-1 Senijder
4-2 Geijo
5-2 Ramos

Trophy Presentation & Celebration

Sunday, May 18, 2008

AC Milan end up in UEFA cup

This has been a disappointing season for AC Milan. They were knocked out of the Champions League in the round of 16 and after that all they had left to play was a 4th place in the league that will make sure they would appear in the Champions League next season. But they did not even manage a 4th place finish and that means they will have to play UEFA cup next season. Things were under control for Milan after the 36th week when they edged past Fiorentina to take the fourth place. But their 3-1 loss to Napoli combined with Fiorentina's win over Parma meant that Milan were pushed back to the 5th place going into the last weekend. And also they were 2 points below Fiorentina which meant even if they win their last match, Champions League action could not be guaranteed. And both the teams fighting for the 4th spot won yesterday and it meant Milan will play in UEFA cup next season.

It would be a bitter pill to swallow for Milan who have won the Champions League 7 times, next only to Real Madrid. And with the influx of players like Pato and latest signing Flamini they would have hoped to put a better show in Champions League next season. Kaká, prior to this weekend said that it would not be a disaster for the club if they were in UEFA cup next season. It is all down to their teams poor domestic form and they did not have the best of starts this season and they even dropped out of the top 10 but they managed to comeback and were fighting for the 4th spot. It must be remembered that even last year Milan(started on -8 points in the league) failed to finish in top 4 but they won the Champions League which gave them a direct entry to this season's edition. Milan's primary focus has been the Champions League and they have been criticized at times for that. Some say Milan are the Liverpool of Italy and vice versa, these teams do well in Europe but not that well in the league. But teams get what they deserve, Milan showed no consistency in neither Champions League nor Serie A so its apt that they are in UEFA cup next year. But one can hope they will comeback strong as Bayern Munich. Whatever may be the case AC Milan will be missed in UCL next season.

Click here for the goals

AC Milan - Udinese Final score : 4-1

0-1 Mesto
1-1 Pato
2-1 Inzaghi
3-1 Cafu
4-1 Seedorf
Penalty Miss - Kaka

Ibrahimovic lands Inter The Scudetto

Zlatan Ibrahimovic got a brace and helped Inter secure their title. Inter had been pushed all the way till the last day of the Serie A but they had destiny in their own hands, if they win the match they win the title. With Roma leading in the other match against Catania, all the pressure was on Inter Milan to score a goal and they did it through Ibrahimovic who scored two goals in the space of 20 minutes. That dashed the hopes of a miracle for AS Roma who conceeded a late equaliser in Sicily.

Click here for the goals

0-1 Ibrahimovic

0-2 Ibrahimovic

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Manchester United goals 2007-08

Manchester United have scored more than 100 goals this season and their free scoring combined with compact defending have helped them retain the EPL title and now they are chasing their 3rd Champions League crown in Moscow. Ronaldo was the chief of the Red Devils army which destroyed defences wherever they went. So re live those magical moments

Click here for the goals

Goals in 2007

Goals in 2008

Torres show 2007-08

This season clearly belonged to two stars, Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernando Torres. But a special mention should go to Torres who set the footballing world on fire by slamming 33 goals in debut season in England, a place where the strikers arriving from La Liga and Serie A have found the going very tough. But the "El Nino" did not have any problems settling in and scored goals at will. He showed tremendous pace and strength to hold off players and his finishing was exquisite. Though most of his goals came at Anfield there is no doubt that he will be a better player next season and will score everywhere. He had shouldered the responsibility of a huge price that was paid for him and no one has questioned the amount Rafa paid to land him. Liverpool fans would be hoping that Torres would help them to launch a serious fight for the EPL title next season.

Click here for his goals:

Friday, May 16, 2008

Tevez Transfer Saga

CARLOS TEVEZ, the little bull from Argentina had been all over the news pages during the summer transfer window(June 07-Aug 07) regarding his transfer. And finally he has reached his preferred destination- MANCHESTER UNITED.

It all started way back at the beginning of the last season(2006-07) when Tevez and Javier Mascherano made a shock move to England and it was West Ham who got their signatures. Manutd who were supposed to be in the hunt for him didn't get him in spite of TEVEZ saying that he was a "MANUTD" fan. Though the Hammers got two bright talents they were struggling in the league and Tevez was not starting or even playing matches. It was clear that there was some problem with the then manager of West ham, ALAN PARDEW. And both the player's and club's positions were worsening as weeks passed by.

West Ham got a new owner Eggert Magnusson and they sacked Alan Pardew as the team was languishing at the bottom half of the table and Alan Curbhisley took over as the manager of West Ham and his first match was against MANUTD at Upton park and Tevez didn't play that match which West ham won 1-0.

And in the January transfer window Liverpool got Mascherano, another troubled player at West Ham. And with Pardew gone Tevez finally started playing matches for Westham and was scoring goals but it seemed too late as West Ham were destined towards relegation but Tevez pushed them all the way till the last weekend against MANUTD at Old Trafford and won they match 1-0, Tevez scoring the lone goal which kept West Ham in the premiership. As the games went on, West ham were found guilty of illegally signing Tevez and they were let off with a fine of £5.5m without any points deduction as they pleaded guilty. And even after the season was over Sheffield United, the team that got relegated filled a case against Westham being let off without points deduction, but they couldn't win the case so West Ham stayed in premiership thanks to late goals from TEVEZ.

As the summer transfer window opened it was clear that Manutd wanted to sign him. But the actual problem was lying in the fact that Tevez was owned by a company MSI which was headed by Kia Joorabchian and also Westham so there were confusions regarding the third party ownership of the player and Westham wanted compensation for letting Tevez free and even FIFA said it would help Tevez join MANUTD. Finally after a long delay MSI payed Westham a compensation of £2m and Tevez was free to join MANUTD.

Yet there were some delays as FA wanted to examine all the aspects of the transfer and this meant Tevez, who had been without match practice after the Copa America had to wait a little longer before joining United and start playing football with United.Yet he was practicing with the United squad and impressed everyone out there.

And Tevez was officially registered as a MANCHESTER UNITED player on 10th August marking an end to one of the longest saga's in football history. He made his ManUtd debut on 15th August against Porstmouth at Fratton Park. Tevez is set to be signed permanently as his current deal is a loan deal and with Ferguson saying that a fee is in place to complete the transfer Tevez can look forward to playing with the Reds for a long time.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Top goals in Champions League 2007-08

Champions League 2007-08 season has reached its final stage with the top teams in England set to battle it out for the honours. And this season has produced some magical goals in Champions League so check them out.

Click here for the best goals

Link 1

Link 2

Zenit truimph in Manchester

Zenit St Petersburg won the Uefa Cup in Manchester with a 2-0 victory over Rangers. It was a stylish performance from the Russian side who kept up their favourites tag going into the final.
The Scotland side fought hard but second-half strikes from Igor Denisov and Konstantin Zurianov sealed the match in the favour of Zenit. Rangers once were not adventurous and always looked to play on the break. And this loss means Rangers wait for an European title continues for 36 years.

Click here for the goals

1-0 Denisov

2-0 Zurianov

Zenit Celebrations

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Its Number 10 for Fergie!!!!!

Manchester United won their record 10th Premier League title under Sir Alex Ferguson and have brought an end to an enthralling season of top flight football in England. United have been the most entertaining team in the league by scoring the most number of goals and conceding the least - all it takes to win the title. And they have emerged the deserving winners.

The title was to be decided on the last day of the Barclays Premier League and all the 20 teams kicked off at the same time. Due to some delay of Chelsea players coming out they started few minutes late than United. At the JJB, United were facing a tough task as Wigan were matching them and the Champions struggled to create any concrete openings. And Wigan had a shout of penalty turned down when Ferdinand handled a shot inside the box. And in the pouring rain on a relaid pitch Rooney was brought down inside the box and United were given a penalty which Ronaldo dispatched for his 41st goal of the season. Scholes, who had already been yellow carded was in a midst of attention when he fouled Palacios and the whole of the stadium wanted him off, but he got away.

In the second half United were determined to get the insurance goal which would make them more comfortable. And they had several chances but Kirkland was there to deny whenever United threatened. Time was ticking by and Chelsea had got a goal at Stamford Bridge through Shevchenko. That made sure that United needed another goal as a single goal was never going to be enough in any match. And it was the substitute Ryan Giggs, who was making a record equaling 758th appearance for United who scored from a through ball by Rooney. United were nearly there and there was no way they were going to throw this lead away. They saw off some late flourish from Wigan and sealed the title and their day was even made better with the news that Chelsea could only manage a draw at Stamford Bridge.

And this meant Manchester United were crowned CHAMPIONS not on the basis of goal difference but by the virtue of their 2 point lead over Chelsea. It was back to back titles for the Red Devils and more importantly its a young team that has won with the guidance of some seniors and this will help the new comers like Tevez, Anderson and Nani as they have won a title in the very first year at the club. With the champions league clash happening within ten days United might have the confidence going to Moscow and will be hoping to maintain their perfect record in Champions League finals.

Click here for the goals
0-1 Ronaldo (pen)
0-2 Giggs
Celebrations video - Watch
Presentation - Download
Celebrations - download
Pictures of Title Celebrations
Sir Alex Interview

Special videos
Part1
Part2
Part3

Highlights
First Half
Second half

Torrent
Full Match
First Half
Second Half

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Guardiola in Rijkaard out

Frank Rijkaard has been sacked as the coach of Barcelona after serving 6 years at the Nou Camp. But he will continue as the manager till the end of this season and he will be replaced by Guardiola, former Barcelona player and the present coach of the 'C' team. The sacking of Rijkaard was on expected lines as Barca have ended with empty hands for 2 years in a row after winning La Liga and Champions League in 2006.

Their form in league this season has been nothing but inconsistent. Its true that Real Madrid ran away with the title but Barcelona have had their chances in the league, something that they did not take. The lead which was once 9 points during mid season was cut down to just 2, but Barca once again kept dropping points and Real Madrid who had a tough start to 2008, picked up their pace and made real daylight between their rivals.

Barcelona have had lots of internal(players) problems with Ronaldinho playing no where near his potential and the players kept saying they would leave if they don't win anything this season. Henry who was brought in and expected to star for the Catalans was played out of position all through and has never really kicked off in La Liga. Barca lost both the El Classico's this season after a time of 24 years. And to make matters worse they were made to form the Guard of Honour at the Bernebeu as the Whites had wrapped up the title at Osasuna. And in the pitch they were humiliated by the Champions(Campeones).

Messi was the only star this season and even he was injured for most of the time. And when he dint play Barca totally lost their way. And to add insult to injury they have also failed to capture second place in the table and will have to play the qualifying rounds in Champions League next season. Now the trimming job is taking place at the Nou Camp with Rijkaard being the first to go out. Its expected that Ronaldinho will follow soon and be off to AC Milan. Henry is linked with a move back to England. Deco and Eto'o also are set to leave. So its a sorry state at the Catalan club who will look for better things next season.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

The Kings of Spain

Real Madrid are the undisputed kings of Spanish football. They have won their 31st La Liga title and this has been a deserved one. Not only they won with some style but also they showed tremendous character yesterday going a man down and then a goal down before staging a remarkable comeback to seal the title. No one can argue Real's dominance this season because they were at the top the table from Week 1. The era of Galacticos is over and what we are seeing now is a new generation of young players together some experienced ones and future looks good. Schuster promised stylish football and he has delivered that with results. The title was necessary for him to give him confidence for his career as Real Madrid manager. With Real back in Madrid with the title, the El Classico would not mean a great deal considering the table but the players will want to prove that they are better than the Catalans. Beware Barca

Click here for the videos of title celebrations

1. Players Celebrations

2. Celebrations in Madrid
3. Cibeles Celebrations

The Super Sub delivers number "31"

Real Madrid have been crowned the Champions(Campeones) of Spain for the 31st time and this is their second league title in 2 years. All the talk on Sunday was about Real having the possibility of winning the league and Schuster had taken his entire squad to Osasuna with only Guti left out in Madrid.

The match got off to a silent start with not much happening in front of the goal in the first half. Both teams were trying hard to get the goal, for different reasons. The ball was in midfield and lots of Yellow cards were being dished out to both team's players. Portillo had some headers off the mark while Diarra's long range effort was the closest Real came.

Just seconds into the next half Cannavaro was given his second yellow and he had to go. Real had to play with 10 men for more than 40 minutes. But the changes were not being made for time as Real showed more desire now. And Torres came on for Saviola, with the back four stabilised Real became adventurous and started attacking. Osasuna were threatening but the Champions were not under such pressure. Raul was replaced by Higuain.

And just when one thought the match would end out in a scoreless draw, Heinze handled the ball inside the box and Osasuna were given a penalty which Punal dispatched. It was a crucial goal for them as it would save them from relegation. Baptista came on for Sneijder. With only 3 minutes remaining Robben brought Real back into the game with a neat header and immediately
after the "Super Sub" Gonzalo Higuain smashed the ball from just inside the box to give the Whites their 31st Title.

Click here for the goals

1-0 Punal(pen)
1-1 Robben
1-2 Higuain
Cannavaro Red card
Sneijder - Hits the bar

Highlights

First Half
Second Half

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Ronaldo puts United a step away from title

Cristiano Ronaldo was in a belligerent mood against the Hammers who were hammered 4-1 at the Theatre of Dreams. He helped himself to a couple of goals and took his season tally to a staggering 40 goals of which 30 have been in Premier League. This record speaks volumes of this star who still has 2 games left in this season and when he adds goals to his tally that will help United add some Silverware to their Cabinet.

Manchester United took on West Ham at Old Trafford knowing that they had to win to put pressure on Chelsea. They were up against a team who had beaten them in their last 3 meetings and when they met earlier this season at Upton, Ronaldo scored early and then missed a penalty in the second half and the Hammers went on to win 2-1. So the Red Devils had to get past the ghost of past memories and it was done with some style by the Champions. With Rooney and Vidic watching from the players box, Ronaldo cut inside from the right wing and smashed the ball which went in off a slight deflection. United were in control and it was Ronaldo again who just converted a ball from Hargreaves with his thighs. That was number 40 for the Dazzler from Madeira. And then it was time for former West Ham boy to get into the party, Tevez smashed a scorcher from nearly 30 yards. United were in dreamland with the score at 3-0 but they came back to earth when Ashton's scissor kick changed the score.

Then came the moment of madness, Nani reacted to some comments from Lucas Neil and reacted by head butting him. The referee after consulting with the linesman sent him off. United were a man down with a half still to go. In the second half United were keeping the ball well and when Carrick's shot was deflected in, the match was done. Ronaldo was replaced to a thunderous applause. United then saw off the match comfortably by keeping the ball well and even had some chances to score. At the end it was job well done by the team who took a lap of honour as it was their last game of this season at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo was the star of the day and his joy was doubled when Betfred boss "Fred Done" said he will donate £50,000 to charity to celebrate Ronaldo's 30 goals.

Click here for the goals

Nani Red card

Highlights

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