So the Swede's gone and the new English messiah has arrived (and Steve McLaren as well!) and England got off to a great start in a meaningless friendly against a Greek team who were really not interested.

Never mind, England won 4-0 and so of course all the chat now is about how "liberated" the players were, 'cos they're suddenly now playing with real passion (because they're playing for an Englishman) and also these papmpered, multi-millionaire so-called professional athletes have suddenly (in a couple of days) finally learned how to pass the ball to each other.

Well we all know "El Tel" is a genius and England are gonna win Euro 2008 and the World Cup in 2010. What a load of crap!

I remember a day in 2001 when a demoralised, underperforming England side went to Germany and slaughtered the Germans 5-1 in a fantastic display, having been "liberated" by their new Swedish coach and given the confidence to express themselves after the debacle of the Keegan era...and of course England were then going to win the World Cup in 2002 and Euro 2004.

...Groundhog day...

Never mind - at least the Blades are back where they belong - in the Premiership! I predict we will stay for a least 3 seasons - Autumn Winter and Spring! But at least it'll be fun and good old Neil Warnock will provide some entertainment on the sidelines when we are being thrashed by all and sundry!

Roll on Saturday - but did we have to get Liverpool in our first game...?

Up the Blades!

I love this - so funny! You've got to laugh really - remember its just a joke!!

You're in the shoe shop. You see a pair of shoes by the till that you
must have.

Closer to the shoes than you is a rival female shopper. You can see that she badly wants the shoes. Both of you have forgotten your purses. It would be totally rude to push in front if you didn't have the money to pay.

A friend of yours further back in the shop sees the position you are in. She prepares to throw her purse to you. If she does you can catch it then quickly move round the other shopper and buy the shoes.

At a pinch your friend could throw the purse ahead of your rival and while it is in the air you could nip round the other shopper, catch the purse and buy the shoes.

But remember that until the purse has actually been thrown it would be very wrong to move forward of the other shopper.

There you go, poppet!

Football is a funny old game...

...wonder if the second half of this tournament can live up to the start!??

32 games down - and now the World Cup really begins - all the teams now working out their tactics for the final games, who to rest, etc, how to prepare for the second round (if already thrpugh) or how to salvage some pride (if they are already out) Biggest disappointments so far - England and Brazil, even though both have won their matches and not conceded any goals, they don't look like competiton winners. Most impressive so far, Argentina, Spain and - despite that fact that they have lost both games - Ivory Coast. Pity the Ivory Coast boys are going home...

Don't get too hyped about Argentina yet - the history of the tournament is littered with teams who were spectacular and yet went home empty-handed. Remember Holland in '74 and Brazil in '82. And I'm told Hungary in '54 were by far the best team in the competition. Cruel game, tournament football - its not always the best team that wins.

Anyway keep following the World cup with your World Cup wallchart. Get your copy here.

Friend of mine sent this today...fascinating!

Only problem is that when you draw attention to these patterns, they always go wrong!

Let's see if it works this time, but even if it doesn't its fascinating all the same...

What I am talking about? Here goes...

Brazil won the world cup in 1994. Before that, he had won this title for the last time in 1970.

If you add up: 1970 + 1994 = 3964

Argentina won the world cup for the last time in 1986. Before that
only in 1978.

And 1978 + 1986 = 3964

Germany won the world cup in 1990. Before that, Germany won
in 1974.

Look: 1990 + 1974 = 3964

This could lead us to guess the winner of the World Cup in 2002, since it should be the winner of the 1962 World Cup.
(In fact 3964 - 2002 = 1962).

And Brazil won the world cup in 1962! (And, in fact, Brazil won the 2002 WC)

This numerology seems to work...

And now, who would be the winner of the 2006 world cup?

Let's see, 3964 - 2006 = 1958

And who won in 1958?....

Oh, Brazil did!!!

Follow the Wolrd Cup - and see if the pattern coninues, with your World Cup Wallchart.

Download your copy here

The Germans won their second game today and almost guaranteed qualification to the second round. A hard-fought battle with the Poland team. The Poles probably thought they had done enough for a draw as the clock ticked over into injury time. But I just knew the Germans would score – they are famous for these last-minute goals!

Anyway, as the Germans celebrate and the English prepare for today’s game against the Soca Warriors, here is a great joke which perfectly captures the age-old football rivalry between the 2 nations.

A German family head out one Saturday to do some shopping. While in the sports shop the son picks up an England football shirt and says to his sister, "I've decided to be an England supporter and I would like this for my birthday."

His big sister is outraged by this and promptly whacks him round the
head and says, "Go talk to your mother." So off goes the little lad with the white and red football shirt in hand and finds his mother.

"Mum?"
"Yes son?"

"I've decided I'm going to be an England supporter and I would like this shirt for my birthday".

The mother is outraged at this, promptly whacks him around the head
twice and says, "Go talk to your father." Off he goes with the football shirt in hand and finds his father.

"Dad?"
"Yes son?"

"I've decided I'm going to be an England supporter and I would like this shirt for my birthday."

The father is outraged and promptly whacks his son around the head 4
times and says: "No son of mine is ever going to be seen in THAT!"
About half an hour later they're all back in the car and heading towards home. The father turns to his son and says;

“Son, I hope you've learned something today?"

The son says, "Yes dad I have."

“Good son, what is it?"

The son replies, “I've only been an England supporter for an hour and already I hate you German B@stards!"

Wow! What a blazing start to the competition! From a 6 goal thriller opening match, the World Cup has delighted and entertained so far with every game. 8 games completed already – that 1/8 of the competition over and if the rest of the games are as good, the next few weeks will be a real feast of football.

A big feature of the opening games is that the so-called “underdogs” are not going to be whipping boys. They are taking the game to the big teams and really giving them a fight – as evidenced by the incredible 0-0 draw achieved by the “Soca Warriors” Trinidad and Tobago against Sweden, despite playing half the game with 10 men. Most disappointing team so far – England! Despite all the hype and the fact that they actually won their game, they looked poor and their inability to keep the ball by playing short simple passes will make them come unstuck against the better teams later on.

I’m off now to load up all the results in my World Cup Soccer interactive wall chart. Remember you can download you copy now using the link below.

World Cup soccer interactive wall chart.

Just a few hours to go until the big kick-off in Germany! The first game is Germany vs Costa Rica. This marks a big change in tradition – usually the first game involves the cup holders. FIFA are constantly trying to change the format – for example, this is the first tournament where the holders now have to qualify again. Up until now the holders have had an automatic entry into the finals.

Be interesting to see how Germany perform. German football is in the doldrums at the moment, but they always do well in tournaments (they have reached the final more than any other team) and home advantage is usually good for at least a ¼ final place…

Anyway, the anticipation is building! Got my Footabll World Cup Interactive Wallchart safely installed on my pc and I’ve been playing around with it. It’s amazing! I’ve been using the “what If” feature to develop a strategy for Trinidad and Tobago to win the cup – well, we can always dream…

Anyway, I’m gonna be tracking the progress of the tournament using the Wallchart. Remember you can grab yourself a copy as well. Just use the link below.

Download your Football World Cup Interactive Wallchart here.

Lets play ball!

Soccer Talk

Here comes part 2...!

7. You are welcome to sit with me to watch one game and you can talk to me during halftime but only when the commercials are on, and only if the half-time score is pleasing me. In addition, please note I am saying "one" game; hence do not use the World Cup as a nice cheesy excuse to "spend time together".

8. The replays of the goals are very important. I don't care if I have seen them or I haven't seen them, I want to see them again. Many times.

9. Tell your friends NOT to have any babies, or any other child related parties or gatherings that require my attendance because:
a) I will not go,
b) I will not go, and
c) I will not go.

10. But, if a friend of mine invites us to his house on a Sunday to watch a game, we will be there in a flash.

11. The daily World Cup highlights show on TV every night is just as important as the games themselves. Do not even think about saying "but you have already seen this...why don't you change the channel to something we can all watch??" the reply will be: "Refer to Rule #2 of this list".

12. And finally, please save your expressions such as "Thank God the World Cup is only every 4 years". I am immune to these words, because after this comes the Champions League, Italian League, Spanish League, Premier League, etc etc.

Thank you for your cooperation.
Regards, Men of the World

See Part 1 below...

Soccer Talk

Its Football Not Soccer

With the World Cup fast approaching and the excitement building, lots of people will be preparing to start tracking the games and the performance of their national – or favorite teams, via wallcharts.

However, if you are planning to use an online wallchart, BEWARE! The experts over at SophosLabs™, Sophos's global network of virus, spyware and spam analysis centers, have warned users about a “Trojan horse” virus that poses as a free wallchart for the soccer World Cup tournament.

To quote from the Sophos site:

“The Troj/Haxdoor-IN Trojan horse has been spammed out to computer users via a link in a message offering a free wallchart for fans who wish to follow their favorite teams in the international football tournament. If PC users are tempted into running the malicious program they risk allowing hackers to gain access to their computer for criminal ends. “

So BEWARE if someone is offering you a free World Cup wallchart, by email. If you want a wallchart, download one from a respected source such as the Fibonacci World Cup Wallchart, which you can download HERE.


Its Football Not Soccer

Extremely important advice and recommendations to be passed on to wives, girlfriends, fiancées, mothers, sisters, daughters, etc. (to all women of this world).

These rules are to be communicated prior to the World Cup in June/July this year...

List of Rules:

1. From 9 June to 9 July 2006, you should read the sports section of the newspaper so that you are aware of what is going on regarding the World Cup, and that way you will be able to join in the conversations. If you fail to do this, then you will be looked at in a bad way, or you will be totally ignored. DO NOT complain about not receiving any attention.

2. During the World Cup, the television is mine, at all times, without any exceptions. If you even take a glimpse of the remote control, you will lose it (your eye).

3. If you have to pass by in front of the TV during a game, I don't mind, as long as you do it crawling on the floor and without distracting me. If you decide to stand nude in front of the TV, make sure you put clothes on right after because if you catch a cold, I won't have time to take you to the doctor or look after you during the World Cup month.

4. During the games I will be blind, deaf and mute, unless I require a refill of my drink or something to eat. You are out of your mind if you expect me to listen to you, open the door, answer the telephone, or pick up the baby that just fell from the second floor....it won't happen.

5. It would be a good idea for you to keep at least 2 six packs in the fridge at all times, as well as plenty of things to nibble on, and please do not make any funny faces to my friends when they come over to watch the games. In return, you will be allowed to use the TV between 12am and 6am, unless they replay a good game that I missed during the day.

6. Please, please, please!! if you see me upset because one of my teams is losing, DO NOT say "get over it, its only a game", or "don't worry, they'll win next time". If you say these things, you will only make me angrier and I will love you less. Remember, you will never ever know more about football than me and your so called "words of encouragement" will only lead to a
break up or divorce.

Come back tomorrow for rules 7 -12!!

Download your soccer World Cup Online Wallchart

Soccer

So far, The World Cup Soccer tournament has been played 17 times, but seven nations have ever won the World Cup Finals. Brazil is the current holder, as well as the most successful World Cup team, having won the tournament five times, while Germany and Italy follow with three titles each.

Uruguay and Argentina have won twice each and France and England have won once.

One team stands head and shoulder above the rest - Brazil, with their 5 titles and 2 runners-up spots. Funnily enough, despite having won so many times, Brazil are the only winners who have never won it at home, which makes their achivements even more remarkable. In the 1950 World Cup, hosted by Brazil, they went into their final match against Uruguay needing only a draw to win the cup (the tournament had a league format at the time). Despite leading the game with 20 minutes left, they let in 2 soft goals and lost the game and the cup to Uruguay. It was this traumatic loss which led to a massive shake up in Brazilian soccer which has led to them becoming a dominant force in the world game. As holders, they also go into World Cup 2006 once again as favourites..

Brazil are also the only team to have appeared in all 17 tournaments. Their 1970 winning team is regarded as the finest national team ever seen and their 1982 team is known as "The greatest team never to win the World Cup."

Track the fortunes of Brazil and all the other 31 teams using the fantastic Soccer World Cup 2006 Online Wallchart.

Soccer

Soccer

“The finest online wallchart.” FHM.com

“A marvellous invention," FourFourTwo
"This team drags ancient tradition into the 21st century..." Web User

Despite the very positive reviews from these publications, I’ll be honest with you, I wasn’t expecting much from this Wallchart, except just an onscreen version of the usual newspaper or magazine wallchart. But I have to say, I LOVE IT!

The Fibonacci World Cup Soccer Wall Chart was invented by a small software house in time for the 2002 World Cup. They had an amazing 25,000 downloads – pre-broadband!

So what’s the 2006 version like? New, improved and brilliantly updated. The World Cup Wall Chart is basically an interactive, electronic version of traditional paper wallcharts that have been so popular for decades. But to call it a wallchart is really doing it a disservice – its soooo much more. It’s actually a brilliant piece of interactive software, with which you can:

· Keep track of all the scores, or just click to download them.
· Record all the goals scored and penalties taken.
· Get the groups automatically updated
· Get the winners automatically progressed to the next stage
· Set up your own “What if” scenarios
· Get ALL the info on the teams and venues, including web links.
· Check out an overwhelming amount of stats, which you can customize to suit yourself
· Even play a built-in game that is cleverly hidden in the chart!
· Organise your office or club sweepstakes. The chart will keep track of who has paid and who hasn’t!

And much, much more…

I’ve got to say that this compares to the usual newspaper wallcharts, like a Ferrari F360 compares to a horse and cart. As we get closer to the start of the World Cup, all the newspapers will be releasing their gimmicky World Cup wallcharts, and usually, I would be one of the first to pin one up on my work desk, use it to organize the office sweepstake and then painstakingly fill it out after every game. But to be honest, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to take them seriously again!!

The Guardian newspaper – not exactly the most excitable publication - sums up this great little piece of software brilliantly when it said about the original version; "It's not quite as thrilling as shouting yourself hoarse on the terraces, or as moving as feeling the blazing oriental sun drying the inevitable tears of disappointment as they cascade down your face, but its the next best thing."

Download your copy of the Fibonacci Online World Cup Wall Chart HERE.

Soccer

Soccer

Just set up some new blogs at:

http://bbc-football.blogspot.com/
http://fifa-world-cup-news.blogspot.com
http://fifa-world-cup2006.blogspot.com
http://world-cup-news.blogspot.com
http://my-world-cup-2006.blogspot.com
http://world-cup-soccer-news.blogspot.com

Soccer

Outright Odds: 8/1
Group A Winners: 4/9

Former national favourite and Tottenham Hotspur diving enthusiast Jurgen Klinsmann takes control over the next generation of German players who are keen to end 16 years of hurt and win the World Cup for a fourth time on their own soil.Klinsmann has thrown the traditional playing style manual out of the window. Gone is the patient, tight gameplay, his teams are sent out to play a "fast-paced, attacking and very aggressive" game which has significantly improved their goal tally. However, this strategy, along with a number of inexperienced defenders (none have played at a World Cup finals before) has seen a once resolute back line concede almost as many goals as the team score at the other end.

The current squad is void of any true superstar names, with only Michael Ballack offering real world class status. Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger hope to prove there is life after former heroes Lothar Matthaus, now-manager Jurgen Klinsmann and Andreas Moller.While there are question marks over the defence, Schweinsteiger forms part of an outstanding midfield alongside Ballack and the more experienced Sebastien Diesler and Torsten Frings. These players will have to work hard to ensure their untested defence (bar veteran goalkeeper Oliver Kahn) does not get caught out and that a sufficient supply line meets their equally World Cup virginal strikeforce of Kevin Kuranyi and Podolski.

As always, host nations will have their critics about how ready they are to perform on the biggest stage of all after playing only friendly matches for over a year. Germany did participate in last year’s Confederations Cup which offered a decent level of competition. The Germans finished third but a 2-2 draw against Argentina and narrow 3-2 defeat against World Cup favourites Brazil suggests they are on the right track. Strikers Kuranyi and Podolski also rattled in five goals between them.German sides appear to relish being criticised and seen as the “underdog”, yet are always there or thereabouts at the business end of the tournament. Indeed, they were dumped out of the 1998 tournament in the quarter-final stage by Croatia, their worst result at the World Cup since 1958, but reached the final four years later.

Klinsmann’s side has learned to accept their limitations but combat this by working for each other as a team. Rudi Voller lead his much-criticised Germany team to the final of the 2002 World Cup so the message here is, never write off the Germans, especially on their home turf.Recommended Bet:Expect Klismann’s side to come out all guns blazing during the tournament and with home advantage they should ease through the group stage.

A much criticised German side reached final four years ago, so why not this time aswell?Germany to win Group A @ 4/9E/W Germany to win the World Cup @ 7/1David Walker has made a free email course, "Seven Days to Better Betting" available at his following websites:

http://www.betbonus.co.uk
http://poker.betbonus.co.uk
http://www.footballbettingsystem.co.uk/

Got sent this brilliant email yesterday! Enjoy! Roll on June 9TH!

Extremely important advice and recommendations to be passed on to wives, girlfriends, fiancés, mothers, sisters, daughters, etc. (to all women ingeneral) These rules are to be communicated prior to the World Cup in June/July this year... List Of Rules.

1. From 9 June to 9 July 2006, you should read the sports section of the newspaper so that you are aware of what is going on regarding the World Cup, and that way you will be able to join in the conversations. If you fail to do this, then you will be looked at in a bad way, or you will be totally ignored. DO NOT complain about not receiving any attention.

2. During the World Cup, the television is mine, at all times, without any exceptions. If you even take a glimpse of the remote control, you will lose it (your eye).

3. If you have to pass by in front of the TV during a game, I don't mind, as long as you do it crawling on the floor and without distracting me. If you decide to stand nude in front of the TV, make sure you put clothes on right after because if you catch a cold, I wont have time to take you to the doctor or look after you during the World Cup month.

4. During the games I will be blind, deaf and mute, unless I require a refill of my drink or something to eat. You are out of your mind if you expect me to listen to you, open the door, answer the telephone, or pick up the baby that just fell from the second floor....it wont happen.

5. It would be a good idea for you to keep at least 2 six packs in the fridge at all times, as well as plenty of things to nibble on, and please do not make any funny faces to my friends when they come over to watch the games. In return, you will be allowed to use the TV between 12am and 6am, unless they replay a good game that I missed during the day.

6. Please, please, please!! if you see me upset because one of my teams is losing, DO NOT say "get over it, its only a game", or "don't worry, they'll win next time". If you say these things, you will only make me angrier and I will love you less. Remember, you will never ever know more about football than me and your so called "words of encouragement" will only lead to a break up or divorce.

7. You are welcome to sit with me to watch one game and you can talk to me during halftime but only when the commercials are on, and only if the halftime score is pleasing me. In addition, please note I am saying "one" game, hence do not use the World Cup as a nice cheesy excuse to "spend time together".

8. The replays of the goals are very important. I don't care if I have seen them or I haven't seen them, I want to see them again. Many times.

9. Tell your friends NOT to have any babies, or any other child related parties or gatherings that requires my attendance because: a) I will not go,b) I will not go, andc) I will not go.

10. But, if a friend of mine invites us to his house on a Sunday to watch a game, we will be there in a flash.

11. The daily World Cup highlights show on TV every night is just as important as the games themselves. Do not even think about saying "but you have already seen this...why don't you change the channel to something we can all watch??", the reply will be: "Refer to Rule #2 of this list".

12. And finally, please save your expressions such as "Thank God the World Cup is only every 4 years". I am immune to these words, because after this comes the Champions League, Italian League, Spanish League, Premier League, etc etc.

What a day yesterday - the final day of the English Premiership season.

Arsenal sign off at Highbury in the best possible way - they win the game, the "God" Henry scores a hat-trick and the win sees them jump above their neighbours and biggest rivals in the league to claim the last Champions League spot.

At the same time, Tottenham - who needed to achieve the same result (or better) as Arsenal, suffer an epidemic of food poisoning at the hotel the night before the game and end up losingt their match and dropping below Arsenal. If someone had written this script, no-one would have believed them. No wonder this game is so fantastic.

And now onto the cup finals - Middlesborough v Sevilla in the UEFA cup final on 10 May, Liverpool v West HAm in the FA cup final on 13 May, then Arsenal v the mighty Barca on 17 May.

I would love Middlesborough and Arsenal to do it - but I fear it may be 2-0 to the Spanish teams in their match up with the English. Why do I have a sneaking suspicion that Arsenal will do it though...? In the FA Cup, its Liverpool all the way, but West Ham are no pushovers, so it should be a great game. Would be tragic for Liverpool, having knocked out their 2 biggest rivals, Man U and Chelski, to fall at the final hurdle though..

Loads more drama to come - and that's before the World Cup has even started!

Made It!

The Blades are back in The Premiership after many long seasons...well done to Neil Warnock and the boys.

And in these the times of multi-million pound football players and foreign managers, its great to see a club getting into the top flight whilst managed by a local man who has been a life-long supporter of the.

Well ok, we don't play the best football in the World, but we've got a manager who is ne of the biggest characters in the game. It'll be great to watch him going head to head with people like Mourinho and Ferguson next season.

I predict we will be in the Premiership for 3 seasons - autumn, winter and spring. But hey - it'll be fun while it lasts...

What a week!

Arsenal make it through to the Champions League final - just! Barca play (almost) just as bad but also make it through to set up the final that most people want to see. Can't deny that they have been the best two teams in the competition this season. Roll on May 17th in Paris. Of course Barca - with the genius who is Ronaldhino pulling the strings - will be strong favourites. They are running away with the Spanish League again and are probably the best team in Europe at the moment. But I have a sneaking feeling that Arsenal will cause an upset and bring the cup back to the UK for the second year running.

In the meantime, Liverpool outfoxed Chelski again to reach the FA cup final. Hurrah!! They will be meeting the happy Hammers, who scraped through against Middlesbrough. Liverpool will be big favourites and they underlined that last night by beating the Hammers away from home. But - once again - don't underestimate the underdogs. You would think that Liverpool have all the big match experience, especially after all the drama of last season's Champions League final and also the League Cup final. Also West Ham are a young team, playing in the Premiership for the first time. But once again, don't understimate the underdog - many stranger things have happened....

The irony is that Luis Garcia managed to win the semi-final for Liverpool, but then puts himself out of the final by getting sent off against the team who they will be playing in the final. Football's a funny old game...

And so to Middlesbrough tonight, hoping to pull back a 1-0 deficit against Steaua Bucharest and get through to the Eufa Cup final. Can they do it? Yeah, but its gonna be difficult - they were really lucky not to lose 2 or 3 nil in the first game, so maybe that will give them the boost they need. They've also got Mark Viduka back - he's a potential match winner. Should be interesting...

Been a great week for football all round - and its not over yet!

Watched the first two 2nd leg 1/4 finals of the Champions League last night:

AC Milan huffed and puffed (very fitting description for a team with and average age of 31 - the oldest ever team in the competition) and VERY LUCKILY saw off Lyon who were by far the better team. Just goes to show that you have to be able to take your chances...

Milan are by far the most experienced team still left in the competition - last year's finalists and a squad with 41 Champions League medals between 'em, including Clarence Seedorf who is the first person to ever win the competition 3 times with 3 different clubs. But somehow, I don't think they are good enough to win it this year - they have been extemely lucky so far. Either its that old cliche "their name is on the cup," or their luck is gonna run out quicker than than ink from a leaky biro.

On the other hand, Villareal deservedly beat Inter Milan. Bad news for Arsenal really - although they are fully capable of beating Villareal, Inter would have been better suited to Aresnal's style of play and in Riquelme, 'Real have a player who can dominate any game.

But its all speculation anyway, Arsenal still have to get past the Old Lady of Turin first. A nice 2 goal cushion, but if Juve score quickly, it could get very interesting. I think Arsenal have enough quality to score goals of their own though, so I'm expecting them to get through.

In the last 1/4 final, it could get very interesting. Barca are obviously the quality team of the competition (along with Arsenal) but their failure to score away against Benfica could spell disaster. If Benfica can get a score draw, then Ronaldhino and the boys bite the dust, which would be a real shame.

The "dream" final of Barca vs Arsenal is still on, but - in the words of Jimmy Greaves - "Football's a funny old game" - methinks there could be many twists and turns before then...watch this space.....

Watched the FA cup 1/4 final game last night between Chelski and Newcastle. Must admit, I was hoping Chelski would get stuffed (small chance).

As usual, the Blues won the game. They scored within 4 minutes, then the game just became one looooooong battle. I gotta say, I was not impressed. For a team that is running away with the Premiership, playing on a (finally) good quality pitch, the quality of their football is rubbish! Can't deny they are a hard-working, well-organised team, but whatever happened to the beautiful game?

The thought that the Chelsea power-play may rule the English game for the next few years is beginning to depress me! I'm just praying that Arsenal keep hold of Thierry and the rest of the team comes of age as soon as possible...football is a game of 3 components - craft, artistry and athleticism. Chelsea have proved the point that if you swap the "artistry" for "loads of money," you can be really successful - but at what cost?

I've got a headache....

Well - almost got it right!

I predicted that Barca would get through against Chelski, Aresnal would see of Real, Glasgow Rangers would lose to Villareal and Liverpool would get through against Benfica.

Only got the Liverpool one wrong. I did say that Liverpool would be in danger of Benfica hitting 'em on the break and that's exactly what happened! So its the end of the road of the current cup holders and only one UK team left if the competition.

Doubt if Arsenal have the strength in depth to go all the way - but people said that about Liverpool last season. Can't see the same fairy story happening two seasons running though - having seen the Barca v Chelski game, I have to say that Barca must be favorites for the Cup, especially if Ronadhino remains fit; the man is a genius!!!

European Champions League 2nd Round 2nd leg this week! Can't wait! Some biiiig battles for the UK teams, but who do I think will come out ontop?

Well here are my predictions:

1. Arsenal v Madrid - I reckon Arsenal could get a big scare here and might even get turned over. Let's face it they should have finished things off in the first leg. But I think, if Thierry is on form, they will do enough to scrape through...


2. Barca v Chelski - can only see 1 winner here. Cheski need to win at least 2 nil. And if Barca score - which is highly likely - Chelski will need to win the game and score at least 3 goals, or win 2-1 to take it to penalties. I predict lost more fireworks, but Barca to get revenge for last year's scandalous winning goal by the Chelsea cheats.

3. Liverpool v Benfica - hmmmm, the Reds were unlucky to lose a last-minute goal in the first leg. I can see a barnstorming, high-pressure performance from them at home, but the fear is that Benfica will hit them on the break...could go right to the wire this one, but I reckon the Reds will do it.

4. Villareal v Rangers - sorry Rangers, but this is where your season finally ends. At least you got further than Man U!!!

Anyway, wha'dya think folks? Let me have your own thoughts and we'll compare notes on Thursday

...is Jean-Carlos Chera, aka "Anderson". The kid is only 10 years old but has soccer skills that have to be seen to be believed.

I think he's really a young looking dwarf!

Will be interesting to see if he goes on to fulfill this early promise - or if he will discover women and alcohol like so many other child prodigies!!!

Anyway - check out the future of soccer here....

http://www.jean-carlos-chera.com/

Most young soccer fans don't know the name Bill Shankly, but if you ever take a trip up to Liverpool in England, you will realise that he is one of the greatest football characters that ever lived. You see, "Shanks" was the man who created the soccer dynasty that is the modern Liverpool FC.

After taking over this run-down club in 1959, he put in place the changes, systems and staff that led to creation of one of the powerhouses of world club soccer. The list of his achievements and those of Liverpool FC are too numerous to mention, but Shanks is also noted as one of soccer's biggest ever characters, noted for his biting wit and no-nonsense views about the game.

His most famous quote is:

'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death.I'm very disappointed with that attitude.I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.'

Brilliant!! A little screwed up (probably) but brilliant all the same. The great thing about Shanks is that he always said these things with a glint in his eye, so you were never quite sure if he was serious or not.

Some more great Shanks quotes are as follows:

"Football is a simple game based on the giving and taking of passes, of controlling the ball and of making yourself available to receive a pass. It is terribly simple."

"At a football club, there's a holy trinity - the players, the manager and the supporters. Directors don't come into it. They are only there to sign the checks."

"The trouble with referees is that they know the rules, but they do not know the game."

"We absolutely annihilated England. It was a massacre. We beat them 5-4."

After a 0-0 draw at Anfield:"What can you do, playing against 11 goalposts?"

"He has football in his blood," said a scout who was tryng sell a player to Liverpool. "You may be right," Shanks said, "but it hasn't reached his legs yet"

Shankly to a Liverpool apprentice:"The problem with you son, is that your brains are all in your head."

"I told this player, 'Listen Son, you haven't broken your leg. It's all in the mind.'"

"A lot of football success is in the mind. You must believe you are the best and then make sure that you are. In my time at Liverpool we always said we had the best two teams on Merseyside, Liverpool and Liverpool Reserves."

"Adidas wanted to present him with a Golden Boot in recognition of what he'd done. Bob Paisley took the call and said, 'They want to know what shoe size you take'. Shanks shouted back, 'If it's gold, I'm a 28.'

"If you are first you are first. If you are second, you are nothing."

When asked what aspect of the game he disliked most, Shankly replied:'The end of the season.'

Wonderful.... Shanks died in 1981, but he will live forever in the minds of all true soccer fans...