Ramires left out again- Chelsea Midfielder overlooked for latest Brazil squad.

Chelsea Midfielder Ramires, who has played a key role in Chelsea’s felling of Barcelona in the Champions League and who has been in sparkling form, has once again been left out of Brazil’s latest squad. Brazil coach Mano Menezes has dropped Flamengo Midfielder Ronaldinho, while AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato is a suprise call up after having been left out of Brazil’s last friendlies. Brazil will face Denmark, the US, Mexico and Argentina during this month and June.

With a clear eye on July’s Olympics, he has selected 17 players who are under 23 as Brazil look to try and win their first Olympic title, with wunderkid Neymar, Chelsea defender David Luiz, and playmaker Paulo Henrique Ganso amongst the list, while pacy Fluminese winger Wellington Nem is called up for the first time.

Ramires, last called up in November must wonder what he has to do to get picked: the all action midfielder was arguably Chelsea’ standout performer against Barcelona, and has been in impressive form domestically as well. Blessed with a fantastic engine, tough tackling, with the ability to go from box to box a la Gerrard and chip in with goals , Ramires would bring a lot to the ailing “selecao”.

Menezes, who has yet to convince the fickle Brazilian public that the team are heading in the right direction, has made plenty of mystifying selctions since taking over in 2010- the over the hill Ronaldinho, who has spent the last 4 years partying, the biggest of the lot. Methinks someone is heading for a fall.

 

Neymar considers post-2014 stay in Brazil.

Brazilian wunderkid Neymar has revealed that he may stay in Brazil after the 2014 World Cup, raising eyebrows here in Brazil and Europe. The 20 year-old Santos striker, one of the hottest properties in World football, signed a lucrative three year contract with the Sao Paulo club last year that will keep him in Brazilian football until the  2014 World Cup, after intense speculation that he would join a top European club in this years January transfer market with Real Madrid and Barcelona potential suitors.

But Neymar refused to close the door on permanently staying in his homeland, saying that although he wanted to play in Europe, that the chances of him staying in the club he joined as an 8 year-old were “big”. Santos President Luis Alvaro De Oliveira Ribeiro revealed in a recent interview that the club were planning a move to keep their prized asset here for a further period after the 2014 World Cup.

I for one hope that Neymar doesn’t stay post-2014. Why ? becuase in order for him to take the next step in his development he needs to test himself in one of the best leagues in the World- Spain or England in my opinion. He needs to be testing himself against the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid, Man Utd or Man City, against top quality defences. The fact is that although the “Brasilerão” (the Brazilian domestic league) has improved greatly and is possibly the best league outside the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga, he needs to be tested week in week out, which currently isn’t happening. The Libertadores ( The “Libertadores”- the South American equivalent of the Champions League) is a quality tournament, which does test the cream of South American talent, but the Champions league is another step up. Neymar needs this. 

I personally feel he should have left in January, having served his apprenticeship here- playing in the “Brasilerao” and “Libertadores”- winning the latter last year for the first time in more than 30 years. If he does decide to stay here for a while after 2014 (even for a period) I do feel that his development will be hampered, and his legacy could be affected. He has the potential to be one of the modern greats, but to do this he needs to go to Europe. Staying in his comfort zone here would be a big mistake and one I hope the precocious talent doesen’t make.

 

 

Brad Friedel- the Marathon man.

Likening Spurs keeper Brad Friedel to a Duracell battery is a fair comparison- the 40 year-old who has made over 600 appearances in a pro career which has spanned nearly two decades, continues to go from strength to strength with his impressive form contributing to Spurs’ fantastic season which sees them currently lie in 3rd place with an excellent chance of gaining a Champions league berth. The modest American star who signed for Spurs on a free in August- penning a two year deal, is one of only 11 players to have played in the Premier League after 40.

The Ohio-born stopper known for his shot-stopping abilities currently holds the Premier League’s record for most consecutive appearances, having racked up more than 305 consecutive appearances during spells with Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Tottenham. As well as being one of the oldest keepers in the Premier League he also holds the distinction of being the oldest player ever to have played for Aston Villa- a feat he achieved on February the 1st last year, when he played in Villa’s away fixture against Man Utd; beating Ernie Callaghan who was 39 years and 257 days old when he made his final appearance for the Birmingham based club against Grimbsy in 1947.

Friedel who made 82 appearances for the US and played in 3 World cups, including the US’ stellar 2002 campaign which saw them reach the Quarter-finals, with Friedel’s excellent performances earning him the nickname- ” The Human wall” by fans, and in which he became the first man since 1974 to save two penalties in one game (in normal time) since 1974, is the 3rd most capped US Goalkeeper behind Tony Meola (100 caps) and Ex-Fulham and Spurs Keeper Kasey Keller.

Excellent performances during the 2002-03 season for Blackburn saw him included in the Premier League’s team of the season, while in 2004 he became the second keeper in Premier League history to score a goal in open play (Peter Schmeichel was the first when he score for Aston Villa in 2001) when he scored a 90th minute header from a corner against Charlton Athletic at the valley.

One of the first US players to establish himself in Europe, his career has also seen him take in spells at Brondby (Denmark), Galatasary, Columbus Crew in his native US, and Liverpool.

The question is- How much longer can he defy father time and continue to excel at the top level ? It would take a brave man to bet against the ‘bionic man’ seeing out the remainder of his two- year contract with the North London club.

How football turned to prayer.

God doesen’t usually get much time in the World of proffesional football with its plethora of material rewards- huge salaries, mansions, flash cars and designer clothes.

So as a christian it has been a pleasant suprise to see how the sad recent events involving footballers Fabrice Muamba and Stilyan Petrov have made people seek God’s help; while also being encouraged by the way the footballing world has rallied around the pair. Congo-born Muamba who suffered a cardiac arrest against Tottenham last month, and who was effectively “dead” for 78 minutes between the time he collapsed on the field and the time he arrived at hospital, has made amazing strides in the last weeks and has now begun to walk.

The day after his collapse British tabloid- “The Sun” had as its cover the following words- “God is in control”, with Chelsea and Leicester players sporting T-shirts with the words- ” Pray for Muamba” in their games. Messages of support were sent from all over the world, fans left tributes at football grounds all over the country, and fans all over the World prayed for him.

The news that Aston Villa skipper and Bulgarian international Stilyan Petrov had advanced Leukemia once again drew prayers from all over the world. The popular 32-year old has now started treatment to overcome the disease.

It is interesting to see how people- whatever their social standing- rich, middle class, working class or poor- footballer or road-sweeper, turn to God for help in their hour of need.

It is good for all of us- Premier League stars or ordinary Joe to be reminded that we are mere mortals and that God is the one who is ultimately in “control” of our lives.

We wish Fabrice Muamba and Stilyan Petrov well in their respective battles- like many other, I’ll be praying for them.

History Maker- Tendulkar breaks record.

The monkey is finally off his back- this morning Sachin Tendulkar- the World’s top test and one day International run scorer, notched up his 100th International century and in the process became the first man in history to make 100 International tons.

Tendulkar, who made his debut as a raw 16 year-old against Pakistan way back in 1989, broke the record in a One day match against Bangladesh in Dhaka, with a single clipped to Square leg off Shakib Al- Hasan on his way to a knock of 114. “The Little Master” had been stuck on 99 test centuries since scoring a century last March against South Africa during the Cricket World Cup, despite getting into the 90s on two occasions. His muted celebrations perhaps showing the mental strain the Mumbai-born right-hander had been feeling.

 

His milestone also coincided with his 49th one day century and his first one day ton against Bangladesh. He made his first ton way back in 1990 against England during the first test at Old Trafford and in 2005 broke compatriot and fellow idol Sunil Gavaskar’s 34 Test centuries record, before going on to become the World’s highest test scorer in 2008. And in 2010 he became the first man to score a double century in a One-day International, and has made the third highest number of One-Day appearances having played 207 matches.

The humble 38 year-old , who has amassed over 33,000 International runs, and who has made 188 Test appearances for his country, is a true legend. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar- we salute you. 

Wales awaits- Gatland’s men chase a third Slam in Seven years.

All roads lead to Cardiff as Wales chase their third Grand Slam since 2005 and the 11th in their history. With a two point lead and a healthy points difference over second placed England, barring a big loss to France and a comfortable English win over Ireland, Wales will be crowned the RBS Six Nations Champions.

But all the talk this week hasn’t been about Six Nations titles, but rather about Grand Slams. Warren Gatland can write his own name in the history books by earning a second slam, which will see him become only the second Welsh coach to win two grand slams- the other being John Dawes, whose team won Rugby’s ‘Holy Grail’ in 1976 and 1978.

Its going to be tough- no doubts about it. The French inspite of having been out of sorts and coming off the back of a draw and a defeat to Ireland and England, have lost only once in their last six visits to the Millenium stadium- a 29-12 defeat in 2008, which earned Wales a Grand Slam. The return of the experienced Dimitri Yachvili, and their excellent back row unit (Dusautoir, Harinordoquy and Bonnaire) all having been fit, is a fillip for the French and they will be looking to end their campaign on a high.

But Wales have all the tools to win and I’m backing them to do it:
I expect us to gain parity at the Scrum through Jenkins, Jones and Rees- the omission of Nicolas Mas for David Attoub will give us a boost, secure our own ball at the line, and edge the tough breakdown battle through the irrepressible Warburton.

Having conceded 5 tries in their last 2 games, some defensive frailities have been exposed in the French game, frailties which the potent Welsh backline can exploit. Quick ball and mixing up their attacking game i.e. not giving it on the crash to Jamie Roberts too much, bringing Halfpenny, North et al will cause the French defence. Wales are also bolstered by the fact that their stand-out player Wesley Fofana (who has scored in every game of the tournament thus far has been moved to the wing to replace the injured Vincent Clerc. Replacement Florian Fritz doesen’t offer half the threat that the 21 year old does- another boost for Wales.

Its going to be a tense, tough battle but expect Wales to hold their nerve, score a couple of tries and seal that eleventh Grand Slam.

France to edge Irish in Paris.

Ireland take on France on Sunday looking to notch up their first win since 2003 against Phillipe Saint-Andre’s men, who have won 12 of the last 13 encounters between the two sides. To do so Declan Kidney’s side will have to right a dreadful record in Paris which has seen them win only once since 1972: a dramatic 27-25 win over “Les Bleus” in 2000, which saw a certain Brian O’Driscoll bag a hat-trick.

A dissappointing opening weekend defeat to Wales was eased somewhat with a 5 try, 42-10 win over Italy. After a poor first half the Irish took control of the match and ran out comfortable winners. But to beat the French they know they will have to go up a couple of gears and cut out the mistakes which blighted their first half showing against the Azurri.

Ireland’s front row face a big challenge against the raw power of Jean Baptise-Poux, Dmitri Szarzewski and Nicolas Mas and I expect them to have the edge over Healy, Best and Ross. Ireland with old heads Paul O’Connell and Donnacha O’Callaghan will have the edge at the lineout, while the back row battle between Ferris, Heaslip, and O’Brien vs Bonnaire, Harinordoquy, and Dusautoir promises to be a humdinger which I think the French will narrowly edge.

Inspite of being without the excellent Maxime Medard who hobbled off against Scotland at Murrayfield last weekend and who has been replaced by the enigmatic Clement Poitrenaud, the French still have plenty of flair and power behind in- Clerc, Rougerie, Trinh-Duc, Malzieu, new star Fofana and Parra. But expect Poitrenaud with his poor defence and penchant for making mistakes to receive plenty of high balls from Johnny Sexton.

If they can get enough ball for their exciting backs the Irish can pose France some serious questions behind, with dangerous runners such as Earls, Bowe, Kearney and Trimble; but I expect the French pack to win a tough contest up front, get their off-load game going and eventually release their exciting backs.

France to win by 5-10 points.

WBC Chisora ban wrong.

The WBC’s (World Boxing Council’s) decision to ban Dereck Chisora “indefinitely” after his behaviour before and after his fight with Vitali Klitschko in Munich last month was wrong.

The Zimbabwean- born fighter who faces a British Boxing Board of Control hearing on March the 14th for his disgraceful behaviour in Munich, should have been given a hearing before a decision about how to punish him was made: that would have been the just and democratic thing to do. Chisora, ranked 14th in the WBC ratings should have been given a chance to explain himself.

In deciding to ban him without given him a hearing the WBC have set a dangerous precedent, which could well come back to haunt them. As well as having an indefinite ban slapped on him, being removed from the WBC ratings, he also faces a ‘serious’ fine at some point, as well as having been told to seek ‘anger management therapy’ before a lifting of his ban would be considered.

This month’s Boxing board of Control hearing will be crucial for “Del Boy’s” future: if they decide to ban him he will have to go outside the UK to try and get a licence- something which won’t be easy, as the Boxing Board of Controls in different countries would likely endorse the Boxing Board of Control’s decision.

It really is ‘squeaky-bum’ time for the 28-year old slugger- watch this space.

Wales to beat England at HQ.

Old enemies England and Wales clash tommorrow in Twickenham with both sides looking to make it 3 out of 3 out in this years Six Nations, with Wales looking to win in HQ for only the second time in 24 years.

Warren Gatland’s men will look to pick up their first Triple Crown at Twickenham and their third in seven years; while England will look to continue their impressive start under interim coach Stuart Lancaster.

Wales go into the match as favourites having lit up the Six Nations thus far with their dashing brand of attacking rugby, which has seen them bag six tries in two games. With a solid scrum, Priestland pulling the strings at 10, Roberts and Davies consistently getting over the gain line, and North in rampant form- not forgetting the sublime Halfpenny at 15, England are going have to be at the top of their game to spring an upset.

England have made four changes from the team which edged Italy in Rome- Manu Tuilagi comes in at 12 for his first England start since the World Cup, with Owen Farrell who has impressed with his goal kicking moving to 10 and Charlie Hodgson dropping to the bench. Youngster Lee Dickson replaces Ben Youngs at 9, and Scarlets No8 Ben Morgan takes over from Phil Dowson at 8.

It will be a big test for Farrell- and Roberts and Davies will look to target the 10 channel. Great defence, guts and determination got England over the line against Scotland and Italy, but they will need more of a cutting edge if they are to topple Wales.

To beat Wales England need to rattle the Welsh lineout which has struggled thus far, highlighted by the fact that Wales have lost six balls on their own throw; win the breakdown battle and get quick ball to their dangerous back three. Quick ball will be vital as slow ball will give the organized Welsh defence time to reorganize themselves. Trying to beat Wales through squeezing the life out of them up front will not succeed as this Welsh pack is a physical, tight knit unit.

Its going to be a tough battle up front and in midfield, but I expect Wales to do well at Scrum time, hold their own at the lineout, have the edge at the breakdown and thus win the match. By having the edge at the breakdown Wales can get quick ball for their dangerous backs, and pose serious danger to the English defence.

Wales by 5-10 points.

Chisora and Haye should face serious punishment.

Dereck Chisora and David Haye’s disgraceful actions on Sunday night shamed the fight game, and should result in serious punishments for both of them.

Both Chisora and Haye were involved in an ugly scuffle during Chisora’s post-fight press conference, which resulted in Chisora sustaining a cut lip and accusing Haye of glassing him, Haye’s trainer Adrian Booth sutaining a nasty cut on his face, Haye allegedly throwing a tripod at Chisora, and Chisora threatening to shoot and burn Haye if he didn’t agree to a fight with him.

Chisora, who had behaved disgracefully prior to his unanimous points defeat against WBC champ Vitali Klitscko- slapping him during the pre-fight weigh-in as well as spitting water at Vitali’s brother- WBO champion Wladimir, just before the start of the fight, as well as fronting up to Vitali after the decision was announced, must be dealt severly with: I feel that he should be given a life ban.

While Haye, who retired last year after losing his WBA belt to Wladimir Klitschko in July, and who doesn’t currently have a licence, shouldn’t be given a licence if he does decide to come out of retirement. This isn’t the first time that Haye has stepped out of line: who can forget his despicable comments before his fight with Audley Harrison, when he said the fight was going to be like a “Gang rape”.

This is not the first time that an unsavoury incident has occured outside the ring between two fighters: Ali and Frazier brawled on the set of a TV show, Michael Bentt and Herbie Hide fought on the street during a pre-fight photo shoot, and Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson scuffled before their fight; but this incident unfortunately tops them all.

Let’s hope for the sake of boxing that the British Boxing board of Control do the right thing on March the 14th, when Chisora faces a hearing with them.