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Loyalty In Football – We Need More

I know we are being flooded by Cristiano Ronaldo articles just about now, but this is actually meant to be a response to a brilliant article posted earlier in the week. I am a Manchester United fan. I am devastated. No. Scratch that. I knew this was going to happen – we all did. All…

The indispensable Wayne Rooney

Manchester United’s nil-nil draws are starting to become a bit of a trademark of the team. The more experienced fan can now look at the first five minutes of any Manchester United game and be able to foresee if the team will struggle. The characteristics of these games are unmistakable; the players cannot string two…

Why Spurs, Villa, City, Everton and Newcastle can’t play in the Champions League

After his side’s defeat to Chelsea in May, Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan complained about the state of affairs in the Premier League: “This league is in danger of becoming one of the most boring but great leagues in the world. The top four next year will be the same top four as this year.” Recent…

Is it easier to win the Euro or the World Cup?

A question on the SoccerLens Forum recently asked whether it would be harder for teams to win the European Football Championships or the World Cup. A friendly argument ensued: The discussion ignored the number of games that the winner needs to play at each tournaments – 7 at World Cup as opposed to 6 at…

Euro 2008 Ref Watch: Group Stages Review

Compared to other international tournaments, the standard of arbitration at Euro 2008 has been near impeccable so far. Apart from marginal offside decisions, there were very few other controversial decisions. But, as it is human nature to pick on every little mistake, here are five of the most ambiguous calls, in ascending order:

Adebayor’s agent waiting for Arsenal to say yes to Milan

Arsenal is having a tough time holding on to their players, Flamini left on a free transfer and Alexander Hleb is looking to seal a move to either Spain or Germany and now, Adebayor’s agent has hinted that his client cannot not say no to an offer from AC Milan. “The player is fine at…

Chelsea to sign Deco?

Today’s reports suggested that Deco had met with officials from Chelsea sometime on Thursday, but Sky Sports says that the Portugal playmaker held no such meetings. Instead, BBC understands that a deal has been put in place for Deco to join Scolari at Chelsea next season. Strong interest has been shown in the naturalized Portuguese…

Liverpool to make yet another Barry bid

According to BBC, Liverpool have already had two bids for Aston Villa captain, Gareth Barry, turned down. However that will not stop them from making a third bid. Rafa Benitez is determined to get his man after it emerged today that Juventus are getting closer and closer to completing a deal for Xabi Alonso.

Arsenal to lose out on Nasri?

A few weeks ago, the transfer of Samir Nasri to Arsenal seemed on the brink of completion. But so far Arsenal have failed to conclude deal for the French youngster, with some sources citing money as a main stumbling block. Now, Atletico Madrid are hoping to capitalize on Arsenal’s lack of efficiency in the transfer…

Who’s That Player – Euro 2008 Edition

You think you know enough about football? Then would you care to share your knowledge with the, um… world? Below are descriptions of seven different players who will feature at the upcoming European Championships. My goal is to misguide you and I will use any tools available to me except lies. So, have fun and…