Spanish Armada

The statistics read for themselves:

Shots on targets: Spain 5 Germany 1

Shots off target: Spain 7 Germany 1

Corners: Spain 7 Germany 4

The Score: Spain 1 Germany 0

Spain was clearly the better winner and the super Spaniards 44 years of hurt ended with a fine Fernando Torres goal in the 33^rd minute.

I do find it ironic that Fernando Torres, Cesc Fabregas, Alvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso and Pepe Reina all achieved a winners medal after all having, a somewhat, poor domestic season for their clubs. Perhaps it was that determination to achieve and not look back with failure, grace the moment to edge them on.

Torres, especially, had a fitting end to a spectacular season for himself, not necessarily for Liverpool. Scoring 33 goals in his first season of English football and scored, probably, the most important against Germany to win the European Championship. I would not be surprised if he is a front-runner for European, if not, World player of the year in December.

Luis Aragones made the bold decision to leave out Real Madrid cult heroes Raul and Guti as he said the squad moral and spirit would be better without them. He was right. Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos were the only players from the La Liga winners.

Carles Puyol and Xavi Hernandez provided the stability needed for Spain to prosper; their experience and guidance led a group of young players to step up and performed like the winners they were.

Marcos Senna, I thought, was outstanding in every game I saw him. He made that so called ‘Makelele’ position look very fashionable and well worked. He provided a platform for Spain’s attack and he allowed the impressive Andres Iniesta and David Silva to transform the game from the back and get into decent position to be a real threat.

Barcelona’s Iniesta is only 24, he played with such maturity, and his marvellous wizardry carved out many openings for the likes of David Villa and Torres to work on.

The piss poor Ivan Campo impressionist Carles Puyol was a magnificent performer throughout and his defensive partnership with Carlos Marchena was significantly outstanding. In addition, on the outside of them, the La Liga’s top goal scoring full backs Sergio Ramos and Joan Capdevila.

Ramos is more naturally known as a Central defender but he excelled on the right, something in which Micah Richards should look up to. He is only 22 but he has made almost thirty appearances for his country. Class act.

Capdevila is quite the opposite, being 30, he is quite new on the international scene but he did not look out of place. An unorthodox left back who where the shirt number 11 as he known to play left wing for his club Villarreal.

Iker Casillas has just played his 77^th game for his country and he has led them to a winner medal. Great responsibility and he led with dignity and flourished with the pressure. A shrewd move putting the captaincy in the hands of a goalkeeper but Aragones put faith in him. A cult hero.

Torres and Villa put up amazing partnership and one, which will dominate Europe for years. Moreover, with Real Mallorca’s Dani Guiza providing the back-up they three top class strikers to choose from.

What a team, and what a team performance. Everything clicked for Spain at this championship and they have provided a benchmark for future success. Think the majority of these players are not even in their prime yet. 2010 will be interesting.

Prediction Round up.

The European Championships of 2008 was a mammoth success with countless games providing entertainment of the uppermost quality.

My prediction of Spain as victors and Germany the sore loser in the final in Vienna was spot on. The 1 -0 win for Spain says was a morale victory for football and it gave the Germans another defeat in the final of the major tournament. Seven in fact (but they have won six, no need to sound bitter).

France, let themselves and their nation down again. I was correct with that.

I put Fernando Torres as top goal scorer but his compatriot David Villa ousted him, perhaps if Torres was a bit more selfish he would have capped of tournament with the golden boot.

Cesc Fabregas, I acclaimed, would be the man of the championships. He never fully lived up too that but he was outstanding against Italy and Russia, arguably the most difficult two opponents. He was not as influential as everyone was hoping in the final but he certainly made his impact.

Can we claim Cristiano Ronaldo was a let down? He has performed so well through out the season and he rarely reached those heights at all in these championships. He did score and set up a few but perhaps we were all hoping that he would have put evidence to his proclaimed Player of the year status.

Slavin Bilic is maybe the coolest and most retro manager out their but you have to give the Manager of the tournament to Gus Hiddink. He managed to revolutionise Russian football and the semi final appearance was no surprise, he as definitely made a gigantic name for himself and has rekindled his reputation of the top coach he is.

Howard Webb did have a debatable penalty decision to make between Austria and Poland, whilst Spain against Greece went ok. Graeme Poll’s ghosts have been firmly put to rest.

With the hosts, I would have been correct if the annoying Portuguese did not fill a team full of reserves against Switzerland and then they may have not got beaten 2-0.

In overall a memorable championship and England, with a doubt, need to learn and get better. Fast.

Silverstoned!!

I lost my motorsport virginity recently at the, evitable, home of motor sport: Silverstone.

I was in pure ecstasy. I need to warrant a grace of gratitude to Stuart Owen, his elder brother Mark and Robin Hicks who joined me to my foremost experience to the outskirts of Northamptonshire to see Formula 1 testing for the upcoming British Grand Prix. (There you go your names are in it)

I must divulge it was not jaw dropping extravagant but a more resolute feel of the extinct of history (Like Anfield and Highbury, where history speaks far more volume than the place itself) surrounding this epic racetrack. However, I felt a sense of mythical impulses and was in a position where heroes have conquered (and failed), drivers who hang up there jump suit and move on to pastures new, many great men have graced our lives and inspired them.

I felt the spirit of many sporting heroes I have admired from memory or from stories in books and from my father experiences; it is a place where a Briton can be remembered for eternity with a solitary race. Many motor-racing ghosts have been put to rest as their experiences at Silverstone hit the crowd with such enthusiasm and amazement. Full of thrills and excitement, this race is definitely one of the highlights on the British sporting calendar, if not the worlds.

Many famous winners grasped my lips and were in my thoughts. They lived and breathed for arenas like this. Taking many plaudits as they win one of the best races the sport has to offer.

Peter Collins, the first British winner at Silverstone (1958).

Five time winner Alain Prost (1983, 85, 89, 90, 93)

Three time winners – Jim Clark (1963, 65, 67), Nigel Mansell (1987, 91, 92) and Schumacher (1998, 2002, 2004).

David Coulthard (1999, 2000) winning it back to back was a very special moment.

Ayrton Senna was limited to a solidarity 1988 win.

Damien Hill (1994), Johnny Herbert (1995), John Watson (1981), and James Hunt (1977) have all won it once each to give Britons a huge gleam of delight.

The history of the place is unquestionable and it is worth so much to our dedicated sport fans.

However, facilities seemed a touch (a lot) out of date, as grand stands are temporary fixtures, with slow moulding rust surrounding them, most do not acquire a roof, as modern sports places this place is certainly lacking.

Wembley, Twickenham, Lords, have all had breathe taking upgrades and one is needed at Silverstone.

Bernie Ecclestone, in past years, resented Silverstone and in 2003 swift upgrades were made in the VIP and Pit areas. A dispute rose between Silverstone’s owners, the British Racing Drivers’ Club, and F1 authorities over the funding for track improvements. In October 2004, Silverstone, initially, was, left off the preliminary race schedule for 2005.

It is a few million pounds short of being absolutely astonishing.

The circuit itself is incredible and so much could be expressed.

The first ever Grand Prix took place at Silverstone on the 13^th of May 1950 and was won by Nino Farina in his Alfa Romeo in a time of 2:13’236, with a fastest lap of 1’50.600. Over 70 laps, this is incredible.

Having been awarded the ‘honorary’ title of the European Grand Prix it was attended by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth and was billed as the ‘Royal Silverstone’.

The circuit was originally an airstrip, and during World War 2, it was used as a bomber-training centre. To this day, there have been many explosive crashes and fatal incidents since to live on the legacy.

In 1967, Bob Anderson slithered off the track in exceptionally wet conditions and crashed, he died later in hospital. He was the first to lose his life at the track.

Michael Schumacher broke both of his legs in 1999, when his hydraulics failed when approaching Stowe for the first time.

The corners are really testing but Silverstone is known to be one of the fastest tracks of the F1 calendar.

As you start, you have the daunting turn of corner 1- Copse, then into Maggots-Beckett-Chapel before heading into the famous Hangers straight. Then it is a swift right turn at Stowe, going along Vale and into Club. Shooting down the straight, Abbey into Bridge will always be challenging. Then the drivers head into the most open part of the track with a speed dash coming up the hill into two left hand corners - Priory and Brooklands then into the fatal right hand turn Luffield Corner. Coming out of there Woodcote awaits you in a high-speed dash into the Pit Straight before doing it all over again. I learnt that all in one day, I might be able to do this blindfolded in my Peugeot 106, well perhaps not. Me, like many out there, would love to give it a go at 10 miles per hour. (Simply because that is what I could handle)

The test day showed Heikki Kovalainen as the quickest producing a time off 1’20.015, the best of the week. Michael Schumacher, naturally, holds the record here with 1’18.738 in 2004.

Jenson Button was trying to put in extra effort, as his recent performances were dire. He did something ridiculous like 103 laps today and only finished 8^th out of 10. His Honda is by far the loudest out there, ‘dream earth’ is there slogan but it will more annoyed neighbours, which will be there first obstacle in their support to ‘save the world’. Be more like ‘dream on’.

Other drivers, which were testing, were Robert Kubica, Mark Webber, Giancarlo Fisichella, Nico Rosberg, Sebastian Vettel, Felipe Massa, Nelsinho Pique Jr, and Jarno Trulli. Many looked decent as Kubica in his BMW looked very fast in sections and gave me a huge fright while walking through a metal tunnel on the way to bridge. He bombed through and the vibrations and sounds is nothing I could describe. It hurt and I am still hearing the sounds now.

Man, I am hooked.

Just testing and six red flag were produced, amazing. It is just a glimpse to what Formula 1 can be like in person.

On television, you do not get the intensity, the thrill, the life-threatening saga; the sounds are phenomenal, so unnaturally loud. Goosebumps shot down me whenever Kovalainen pass. His speed and charisma was an elation to watch, Massa was lacking severe pace as he set the fastest time the day before.

Man controlling machine, Man created machine and it has developed religiously over decades. It looked remorsefully inadequate to the previous cars in early formula One. Nevertheless, as the modern age continues these cars and their characteristics will have to change and what fine machines they are. Up close, they were sex, pure sex. I really do not know how to describe it.

Thanks to Stuart’s and Mark’s Father, Graeme, we were able to have a, some sort of, Driver’s Club Membership guest pass which enables us to have a look around the pits and the paddock.

Mechanics were there in there thousands, teams having travel buses, food buffet services all destined to each individual team. This is definitely the sport of the rich and there will always be sponsors a plenty. The followers of this sport would have noticed the amount of effort each person has to put into each car and there performer and with no doubt they know how to look after their fans with unlimited hospitality experiences available to everyone.

McLaren was even letting ‘Joe Somebody’ to change a tyre for their spare formula one car. Unreal.

Disappointingly, the pit girls were not up to their high standards but that did not stop creeping old forty-something year old men drooling over them and wasting an insignificant moment in time getting their picture taken with two rather average looking girls.

What a day though. Kimi Raikkenon and the newfound sensation Lewis Hamilton will be performing the next day and unfortunately, I will be missing out. However, I will return. Full of knowledge, grace and an in-depth understanding of the sport.

A sport I had huge affection for, has just gave me a lift. This is love. Love stays around for, hopefully, a lifetime.

He is 'FAB'

Cesc Fabregas has finally received some much-deserved credit from his native Spain.

For too long now he has been immensely underrated and undervalued, not only by his coach Luis Aragones, but also by his own fans.

Scoring the winning penalty pass Italy showed much maturity and showed he could burden the responsibility of a great nation. It possibly put those fears of being unwanted and neglected from his country firmly behind him.

When he entered the fray, he, instantly, sparked an ordinary performance into one, which showed urgency and a show of willingness. He played as a part of a three man midfield and he was able to break forward and was given a licence to pick that pass.

As we, all know Spain did not find that goal but it was not through a lack of trying. Marcos Senna looked a class player with much ability; he made that ‘Makelele’ role look rather stylish and adventurous and performed sensationally next to Fabregas.

Arsenal have appreciated the young ‘Fab’ for a while and he has emerged as the new fans favourite from the departure of Thierry Henry. Who can blame them?

He has certainly progressed astonishingly under the stern guidance of Arsene Wenger and he had made him into a first-rate thespian.

Wenger has turned a young sixteen year old from Barcelona into a player in his early twenties who performs light-years above his age.

His maturity of conducting himself on and off the pitch is remarkable. No WAG issues, a player who keeps himself to himself and never been spotted anywhere he should not be. A true role model.

Fabregas plays many roles on the football field as well, when licensed too. He is a conductor and plays the right notes within the Arsenal ranks. His simple, but effective passing is in correlation with his swift eye to pick the pass. He can transfer defence into attack as he has that awareness to pick the early pass, or delay to allow his teammates to get involved.

He brings everyone in to play and does not shy away from the tackle. His midfield partnership with Mathieu Flamini was probably the most effective last season and it is, to the gunners, pity that Flamini could not be tied to a contract sooner. However, he will have his work cut out player next to the brilliant Kaka next season.

Fabregas scores great and crucial goals, the equaliser against Liverpool was vital as Liverpool were dominating. The cracker against local rivals Tottenham Hotspur would have went down well with the locals.

Without a doubt, he should be installed as the captain of Arsenal. The hapless William Gallas should step a side, or beaten with a very big pillow. Fabregas is gracious in defeat and inspired with a win, he will not let you down. He is someone to rely in a time of urgency, like Henry. He is a match winner, and his name should be up there with Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard (Cesc is better though), Kaka, Andre Pirlo, Cristaino Ronaldo, Xavi, Michael Ballack, etc.

He can turn any match and he needs to stamp his authority in the international scene, where his place should already be cemented.

Fabregas, a future World Player of the year. Arsenal golden boy and the person they pin all their hopes.

Paul of the Rover

I Wish congratulations to Paul Ince of his promotion to be the new manager of Blackburn Rovers but I believe it has come too soon.

He showed much promise and much delight as he has just won a respectable double with the MK Dons. MK Dons finished above Darren Fergusons Peterborough to clinch the League Two title and defeated Grimsby in the Johnston’s Paint Trophy Final. A remarkable success.

He performed the mission impossible with Macclesfield as he somehow saved them from Football league extinction, especially being, at one point, 14 points of relegation.

Ince’s playing record is very impressive as he has played for West Ham, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Liverpool, and Middlesbrough before finishing his playing career at Wolves and he will take those experiences with him into management.

The disappointing thing is that he does not have the correct coaching badges to be a certified manager in the top flight and I was surprised the league allowed that. Gareth Southgate was able to coach without those badges but his appointment was from within the club as opposed as stealing him from another club.

The First Black English Manager to take charge of a top-flight club will be the Guv’nor. An incredible talent of the highest regard, his leadership of men with prosper and he can join the list of successful managers who has played under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Steve Bruce, predecessor Mark Hughes, Alex McLeish, Gordon Strachan have all achieved success at the highest level and I really hope Ince does.

Blackburn chose him as they look for continuity, someone who will take the helm for the next five to ten years to start a rapport with the fans and the current board. Try to relive those unbelievable successfully days when they won the Premiership in 1995, and success with the Carling Cup.

Mark Hughes have done a sublime job and cleaned up a real mess that was left by Graeme Souness. Paul Ince has the chance to continue that work and stamp his authority.

David Bentley and Roque Santa Cruz is vital to next seasons success, he must keep hold of them if the team can move forward.

Just a Little Goodbye

I am going to pay an omen, if not it will come out as a major tribute to a player who always end up making me smile.

He may be unconventional and rugged at times but he is dazzling and will always remain dazzling in my mind.

We know him as ‘Blakey’ but you probably know him more as Glen Little.

He has now jumped Reading’s sinking ship and he is the first of our better players to leave but who came blame him.

FA Cup winners Portsmouth offered Little the chance of playing Premiership football again and deputise in the UFEA Cup next season and at his age, you cannot decline that.

The 32 year old has been out for pretty much missed the whole of last season, only making a brief cameo against Fulham, and without his talents, we were relegated. John Oster is definitely no decent replacement and Emerse Fae; well you all know the story about that. Let us be thankful they have both left and now we are without a right midfielder.

Even though the club has been loyal to him offering a new contract when he has been out for the season and that is the only gut wrenching thing about it.

He is probably, after Steve Sidwell’s departure to Chelsea, one of the first players to leave our greatest ever team. He will always be a fixture in my Reading side and I will speak fondly and at length about him to my children and grandchildren.

I will tell them about his long legs and how he could get pass anyone. His 6 foot 3 frame will always play against him, but his craftiness, his trickery, his ability to cross with such accuracy will go down in record books and his name will pop up in Reading's finest ever players.

Hahnemann, Murty, Shorey, Sonko, Ingarmasson, Little, Convey, Harper, Sidwell, Kitson, Doyle those eleven players will remain in Reading’s Football club folk law. Little played in an overall 103 games and scoring six goals, his contribution was massive and he produced a number of assists for our record-breaking Championship winning side.

One goal, which will always stay with me, will be his excellent chip away at Plymouth Argyle. Home Park saw Little at his utmost best and this chip is only a glimmer what Pompey will see next year as Harry Redknapp is recruiting a bigger squad.

Glen Little you will be missed and you will be remembered. Keep talking son.

Reality Hits

Fixtures announced today and the first game back in realisation is Nottingham Forest away.

Reading are definitely back in the Championship. Exciting times ahead.

The City Ground awaits my fellow fans and me and to be fair it is not a shame by any means. Let us not forget Nottingham Forest were two time European Champions with a host of famous players in their history such as Stuart Pearce, Roy Keane, the first 1 million pound man -Trevor Francis, Teddy Sheringham, Martin O’Neill, Archie Gemmill, John Robinson, Pierre Van Hooijdonk, Hans Segers, and Steve Stone. Managed by the famous, or infamous, however you like to remember him, Brain Clough. The best Englishmen to have never managed England.

Now we will be playing a Nottingham Forest side consisting of Rob Earnshaw, ex-Royal Nathan Tyson, Paul Smith, Grant Holt, Matthew Lockwood, Junior Agogo and Tom Sharpe. Managed by Colin Calderwood, quite the contrast.

It is still a tad difference to play Manchester United on the opening day last year. Remember the very hard fought 0 -0, one point gained from the champions. We want a little more exciting game though.

Nott’s Forest will be am epic encounter and I am for one looking forward to it, I believe the last we went to the City Ground we won 3 -0. I am obviously hoping for a repeat.

Then who is our first game at home? Plymouth Argyle. Remember our record-breaking Championship winning season where we lost one of two games that season. A shameful 2 -1 defeat with Nick Chadwick grabbing a last minute winner in our opening game.

Finding trips to Doncaster and Burnley may be the hard part, satellite navigation is necessary.

First, a trip to Victoria Road to play Dagenham and Redbridge for the first time in our history a complete contrast to what we have become accustomed too.

During the Christmas stage, we play Southampton and Cardiff with a trip to Derby over Easter. This league is definitely for our taking. Who is there to match us?

Derby is rebuilding under the fine Paul Jewell, Dave Jones’s Cardiff will not be ready, Wolves seem to be a threat with Mick McCarthy bringing in a decent player in Sam Vokes from Bournemouth, Southampton need a miracle, Watford may be there or there abouts.

We match the old enemy in Sheffield United and Crystal Palace who both deserve a decent shout. Birmingham will be there, Alex McLeish will try to keep a similar squad, and they will be difficult. Ipswich and Charlton may warrant a mention.

May predictions are Reading to win, Birmingham second with Wolves clinching it in the play offs. Obviously, I am biased but I do not think there is a better team than us now. Steve Coppell did this so easily last time, perhaps it we may not take the title as easily as last time. I want this league to be much more competitive and I believe that it will be.

New Comedy Act arrived at the Bridge

The major talking point of the week – Luiz Felipe Scolari becomes the new Chelsea manager.

The next jester has arrived in Roman Abramovich’s comedy club and let us sees how long he will last?

Avram Grant’s dry wit did not fend well with good friend Abramovich, Jose Mourinho’s comedy genius just got a bit too personal.

Peter Kenyon is always used as a pathetic and pity laugh, especially the way he wore his, undeserved, champion’s league losers medal with such pride. Why does he get one? It must add to the comedy.

I think the people at Chelsea should remember that this is Football ran in touch with a business. It is not a millionaire’s playground. They should not play God; they should listen to those who are important: the fans.

Big Phil as now taken the reigns and has a difficult act to follow with Grant taking his side to the Champions League final and too second in the league behind eventual winners Manchester United.

The side need discipline, I agree. More players should want to play for the shirt rather than the substandard size of their wallet.

Many changes will be made this summer.

Claude Makelele should leave, especially the pathetic so-called performances he has endured for France recently.

Forgotten man Steve Sidwell will move with Chelsea making a quick fire profit, now that sounds rare. He would have flourished under Mourinho but it was not to be.

Shaun Wright-Phillips will be another and will have many takers.

Didier Drogba may stay but deep lying wounds take a long time to heal.

Frank Lampard desire to play abroad may leave a huge void to fill.

Those coming in will be interesting, so many rumoured.

David Villa, Deco, Fernando Torres, Ricardo Quaresma, Gareth Barry, Kaka, Ronaldinho, the list goes on.

Chelsea is definitely a worldwide comedy act who has everyone laughing; they may be the most hated club in Europe.

The players, which have, came with a high price and gone to better themselves has been laughable by many rights. Juan Sebastian Veron, Arjan Robben, Damien Duff, Hernan Crespo, Adrian Mutu, Asier Del Horno, Mateja Kezman, Cardoso Tiago to name a few.

Stability is essential and is needed for constant future success. Scolari has admitted he is only here for four or five years and that is not how it should work. How can you build foundations for success? They are just going to buy quick fire, short-term options in hope that they can work.

Mark Hughes should have been handed that job with a ten-year contract and with a ten-year plan. Continuity and trust equals success. Ask Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, and David Moyles. Look what they have achieved. Blackburn were on their way to provide a good platform for future success. Hughes may have jumped ship for more money but at Manchester City, he will have the finance to put his plans into order and fulfil his desires and visions. He will make a success of an underachieving club.

Wenger had to rebuild his side many times to redevelop their style and desire. His eleven years at Arsenal has brought success of the highest magnitude. He has laid the foundations for future success, a policy aimed at youth and a range of impressive scouting networks. He turned Arsenal into what they are today.

Ferguson struggled at the beginning when he took over Manchester United in 1986, from Aberdeen. Only winning the FA Cup in 1990 saved his job after fans were calling for his dismissal. In this age, Ferguson would have properly have lasted only a season or two before getting the boot but after 22 years he has been there most successful manager. Because he was given time and he transformed the club from the board downwards and now look what he has accomplished, two European Cups and ten Premierships. Not bad asking really.

David Moyles has transferred Everton’s fortunes and even finished above Liverpool to clinch an unlikely Champions League spot. He has regularly qualified for the UFEA Cup and, even though he has not won anything, he achieved major success in the youth side and helping them to be in a position to move to a new stadium.

This is certainly no laughing matter.

Clean Sweeping

Kevin Pietersen may be the only man willing to attempt a six with a reverse sweep and he made it look ridiculously easy against New Zealand last Sunday.

His 110 not out was an incredible innings but the International Cricket Council declaring the ruling of a reverse sweep has marred it.

Scott Stylis bowling looked rather pitiful as KP changed to a left hand grip to smack him for consecutive sixes. The brave gets fortunate. Now that behaviour is being referred to as unsporting and not in the right intentions of the game. Cobblers.

A batsman needs to protect his wicket with his bat and he should do that by any means necessary. KP was just being clever and he managed to rick benefits from a shot he has mastered. No batsmen should be put down for how they conduct their shots, let us remember that bowlers can do bouncers, Yorkers, etc, so they are in much greater danger of being hit.

I am under the presumption that the Cricket authorities wanted to make this bat and ball game popular and surely, they need to cash in on sportsmen like Pietersen and how he played the games. Shots like that make a talking point and it will dominate papers, sport shows, etc so therefore they should be pleased with all the attention.

KP even admitted that he should not be doing those shots, as it does seem, realistically, impossible. Nevertheless, he defined the impossible and I have no doubt that everyone who is training in the nets today will be trying to do that.

If this rule comes into action, let us think of other sports in which we can take some of the unorthodox movements out.

Imagine formula one without a seventh gear, as going faster would not be fair for the spectators. Football without a step over, as it confuses defenders. Basketball without a slam-dunk as it would not be fair to the shorter individual. Golf without a wedge, they have enough clubs to use?

The ICC should laugh off these claims and just let the good banter continue. Cricket is about to embark on a revolution and hopes the ‘old man’ version of the game can keep up. So if twenty20 is going to dominate, let us see something extra special shots. This makes cricket mush more exciting. We need to be grateful to players of the calibre of Pietersen and hope to see children try to emulate him in the, not too distance, future.

There were 16,000 spectators watching England against the Kiwi’s at Durham on Sunday and they were in for a treat. This one-day international was far more exciting that twenty20 it followed. It proves that people are still very much fascinated in this form of the game. KP rubbished the significance of the 50 over game and claimed that it may be something of the past. However, with more one day games like this, that certainly would not happen. Long live limited over’s cricket.

Wounded Tiger....

Watching the finale of the US Open late on Sunday night, thinking what an actual sad bastard I really am. This major championship may be the less sufficient but fuck me it is some contest.

Englishman Lee Westwood is leading a field, but in sharp pursuit is that man we all love; Tiger Woods.

Westwood is not playing any sort of Tiger; he is playing a much-wounded one. Having his knee operation not so long ago, it shows he is suffering. Golf is a game based on endurance, self-confidence and self-belief and any normal human being would need all three.

Tiger probably could play without an arm and still scamble to par.

Having a troublesome knee as his handicap is not working to break his monopoly of golf. Why would we want that to happen?

Tiger Woods is what butter is to bread, milk to tea, he makes it so much better. S I am writing this he has just taken the lead. A sterner handicap is required.

I do not have doubt in my mind that if Woods was 100 percentage he would have been leading by at least ten.

What a testament it is to himself.

It make all these footballers who instantly hit the deck at the slightest bit of contact pathetic. Woods is there, he does not want to be injured. He is drawing no excuses from it. He may be the most modest sportsman around.

For me, I am glued to the screen and will not be leaving any time soon.

Entertainment Galore

You can forget the astonishing football the Dutch play, you can forget the deadly Fernando Torres and David Villa partnership, and you can forget the woeful France and the pathetic attempts of the World Champions, Italy. You can forgot England’s failure to reach this summers championship, you can forget their mentors Croatia defeating the old enemy Germany, simply because tonight Czech Republic and Turkey put on one of those games which may come, at international level, every decade.

Michael Platini managed to score a brace in a comeback against Spain in 1984 and with no doubt; he would have admired this game. It had everything.

Czech Republic went ahead through Jan Koller; he even makes Peter Crouch look very small. They must have thought it will a mandatory win.

Jaroslav Plasil then slid in a second to make it seem that the Czech nation will comfortably be in the quarterfinals. How wrong they were?

Football is pretty much the only game this can happen. Turkey in the last ten minutes scored three to win the tie and send themselves into the quarters.

Arda Turan slotted home to set up a tense finale. Petr Cech then did something that he has not done in a while, he made an error, and they are very rare. He must have thought Stephen Hunt was standing behind him.

He dropped a routine cross, so routine it was like putting your socks on. He dropped it on to the feet of Turkey’s captain Nihat Kahveci. This made it two each, exciting stuff.

It looked like it was heading for history breaking penalties until a moment a pure genius, which will go down in the memories of everyone who was watching it.

Nihat managed to make a darting little run, escaped the offside trap to control a pass and with two touches he scored a goal of the utmost of quality. Dennis Bergkamp, Macro Van Basten, Thierry Henry, Gianfranco Zola, Platini, this was in your class. 3-2 you could not have written this better.

To make it even more remarkable, Turkey had to stick Middlesborough’s Tuncay Sanli in goal for the dying minutes as goalkeeper Volkan Demirel was sent off for pushing Koller to the ground. No mean feat in itself.

Smash and Grab does not even come close to this. It is an honour to this competition that this sublime worth of talent and football is being played. It shows us why this is the best game in the world. Let us hope this entertainment continues.

France waving the white flag....

Just seeing the classy Netherlands brush aside an advancing aged French 4 – 1 gave me some inspiration and, to be fair, much disappointment,

I believe I should be far happier to see my prediction pan out, seeing France will fall and tumble at the first hurdle at the European Championships.

It is a shame to see the 1998 World Champions, the 2000 European Champions and the 2006 World runners up collapse in such spectacular fashion, just like the 2002 World Cup.

What went wrong? First things first, Raymond Domenech should be given a very honoured boot from the hot seat as he rely on his laurels far too much.

Seeing the players of Claude Makelele perform like little children who is having their favourite toy taken away. He should have been sent off, he is too old and too naive to play, if not behave, like an international footballer. He should have stayed retired and let France groom there youngster.

Thuram with 143 caps should be the pride of France but he was exposed like Amy Winehouse on drugs. He should have retired gracefully two years ago; he has, and in some way still is, a master of the game, a quality defender, and an admiration to look up to for any young defender. The captain, the big man, he has been there from the start and he is in trouble to finish in the international wilderness and be remembered for his blunt blunders rather than his strides of glory.

Nicholas Anelka, now what shall I say. Garbage, pure garbage, if he touched the ball he gave it away. I do not think he actually tried to get in the game, let in know to play football. He may be the most expensive journeyman to ever live but that actually says more of how much a pathetic personality he actually is. Le Sulk, as he is known, does not deserve the credibility and stature he gets. He should be hounded and chucked on the international scrap heap as Chris Sutton was. How could anyone respect or even support a player like that? I will never know.

Frank Ribery sparked on the scene as the next best thing, he joined Bayern Munich and hoped that he will progress his career. Casted in to be the next Zidane, France's next best thing. Yeah, Michael Jackson is black. It was horrible watching him having so much influence amongst the French side. He ran over to take every corner kick, every free kick; it was not satisfying to watch. He made Joe Cole look like Paul Gascoigne. I feel for the French fans as people put Ribery in the same bracket as Zidane. Zizou was a pure genius, a wizardry mind and a god-like touch. Ribery is a luxury, if that. He did not benefit the team much and he was easily found out by the Dutch, average, defence.

When you have William Gallas is the heart of your defence you may have to worry. In all, he is an excellent (ish) defender with great awareness and decent in the tackle but this ego, this self-indulgence, the personality of his will hinder any team. Remember him threatening to score an own goal at Chelsea, remember his Britney Spear type hissy fit away to Birmingham where his mentality, more or less, lost Arsenal the Premiership crown. Mate start acting your age will you.

I cannot believe players like David Trezaguet, Mathieu Flamini, and Gabriel Clinchy were omitted. Flamini and Clinchy had a superb season for Arsenal and were probably two of the main highlights of the campaign.

Flamini, rightly, joined AC Milan as Arsenal failed to provide decent commitment or loyalty to the player. He may be missing Champions League football next season but at least he will be earning a nice packet.

Clinchy was immense, him and Patrick Evra should be scrapping out for that left back position but, against Romania, it was given to Abidal. Why? His reputation is not known. Barcary Sagna is another played whom France should be starting. He has come on leap and bounds.

Diarra was, arguably, one of the best performers in the second half of the season for Portsmouth. He should be deputising for the nuisance Makelele. He showed against teams of the calibre of Manchester United that he could perform. Diarra will be in that French team for years to come and he would have provided a decent platform for future success. Was France in this Championship to win it? The two defeats against Scotland suggest otherwise.

Thierry Henry showed his defining touch with a very ‘Henry’ goal. Good pace, good movement, similar result. He does not seem the ‘Arsenal’ Henry we all love. He seemed his confidence has been hot for six and he is not known as the lethal sharpshooter he was once was. Barcelona has crushed his high spirit and his utmost passion for the game. He needs to be loved, Arsenal gave him that, at Barcelona he is second rate.

Gomis looked like a young Darius Vassell when he came on, full of energy but nothing there. He is young and he, hopefully, will learn. However, if they are in this to win it surely they should have brought experience on, or even a proven craftsmen or goal scorer to change things, actually give them a chance.

Karim Benzema did not perform much against Romania but he will become a pin-up. He is young, Sir Alex Ferguson wants him, and he must be some good. Perhaps this is a nurture tournament rather than a nature one as the new breed of youngsters will have their chances to suffer defeat, to be given the run around by the Netherlands.

I can see one thing; France managed to get to the 2006 World Cup final because of one man. Now that man has vanished, leaving a mark on only Materazzi’s chest. Who will be brave enough to step up? The next generation awaits.

Stanford hits Cricket for 6 (or 20 million Dollars)

Cricket has just been made exciting; a one off game and a winner takes all between England and a West Indies XI.

This will revolutionise the way the adoring public will think about England’s national summer sport.

Adding to this, the football style – Champions League that will come into force will make Cricket more global. A use of a Black bat as well will cause a few eyebrows.

Sir Allen Stanford put down 20 million Dollars for the winner of this game; this will be an annual event over the next five years.

It is an exciting incentive for any cricketer out there.

How will the selectors pick?

Should Michael Vaughan be considered? Matthew Hoggard, Steve Harmison, Andrew Strauss, Marcus Trescothick, etc.

Who will have the final say in the matter?

Anyone will benefit hugely from this. This single game will change the way people will watch and anticipate cricket.

Imagine Monty Panaser waiting nervously as he needs to score one run to win his side 20 million dollars. If he fails, they lose it all. Queen and David Bowie did not put it lightly – under pressure.

Stanford has been generous towards cricket and he simply wants to put the game on the map. He wants more love; more passion from more people injected into the sport, and then the sponsors will come.

He may start the ball rolling and sponsors may come with their thousands to publicised cricket amongst the world.

I say, I would not like to end up on the losing team.

Answer Now!

The Clash are a remarkable band and I feel one of their songs has been immovable in one extraordinary footballer’s mind at the moment.

Should I stay or should I go?

Cristiano Ronaldo will you please make up your mind.

I really want to know.

Let us be fair, without a doubt, he should be crowned World Player of the Year and he should receive every award which is heading his way.

However, would we be glad to see the back of him?

Some astonishing players have played and waved goodbye to the Premiership. More, to be honest, has put a huge smile on my face than Ronaldo.

Gianfranco Zola always played with such ecstasy and deception, which pleased not only the unruly Chelsea following but also all football fans. A goal against Norwich comes to mind when he did a back-heel flick from a corner to score. Amazing.

Dennis Bergkamp is another. He opened the floodgates to let all these foreigners and wealth of talent to enter our league. Perhaps Bergkamp is the classiest to grace our football, with precision moment and passing and he is known to score some crackers, the hat trick against Leicester City anyone?

Thierry Henry became Arsenals all time top goal scorer and was almost impossible to play against. Ridiculous long ranged goals against Manchester United and Manchester City were just pure class. A solitary hat trick against Liverpool where he, literally, ran passed every player and left a hapless Jamie Carragher on his backside.

Ruud Gullet became Chelsea’s player coach after coming to the English game to retire and make a windfall. He was voted World player of the year and he came to exploit his talents.

Eric Cantona retired somewhat gracefully.

Gianluca Vialli came with a big reputation and was a success (ish).

Christophe Dugarry even came and played for Birmingham.

Bolton managed to attract Jay-Jay Okacha and Youri Djorkaeff.

Patrick Vieria, Emmanuel Petit and Marc Overmars all jumped ship.

All this top talent has been and gone.

They definitely left their mark in the Premiership and probably will never be forgotten but if Ronaldo goes, it will not the end.

Fernando Torres, Emmanuel Adebayor, Nani, Cesc Fabergas, etc will still provide a wealth of talent. Do not forget our English talent; Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard are regarded as two of the worlds best as is John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

Theo Walcott, David Bentley, Ashley Young, Aaron Ramsey are all coming through to become champions and are ready to dazzle us.

This league will still be the best in the world.

What about Man City’s outrageous bid for Ronaldinho?

Imagine if that comes of. Deco to join Chelsea?

Rafael Van Der Vaart and Danny Villa looks like they want to head this way.

Djibril Ciise has been rumoured to come to Wigan?

Joao Mouninho may be heading to Everton, believe me this league will be nothing short of the highest talent, well apart from Hull and Stoke City.

So Ronaldo, if you stay, great. Carry on impressing us with your numerous number of dummies and world class touches. Spectacular goals will come in there plenty and global exposure.

Nevertheless, please do not hold our league at ransom.

The new 'Total Football'.....................

There is a thing called Dutch courage but perhaps that is in vain.

They had serious balls for what they did tonight; defeat the World Champions Italy 3 – 0, in such a stylist matter it was memorizing.

They way they played, how they knocked the ball about, how they worked for each other at every single ball was incredible.

Forget the silly tiffs going on between Robin Van Persie and Wesley Sneijder or Clarence Seedorf's discontent of having a lack of faith in the manager, a master class put this team together.

Macro Van Basten redefined the Netherlands and led a team based on high tempo and energetic movement, possibly a far cry from the 1970’s ‘Total Football’.

Netherlands would without a doubt gain a lot of credibility and plaudits tonight and they deserve so.

Stevie Wonder may have seen that Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s goal was offside but it still stood, laying to bed Italy’s crafty luck at big tournaments.

The next two goals will be talked about each European Championship to come. The goals were textbook counter attacking, straight out of the Arsenal’s invincible era.

Ex-Gunners full back Giovanni van Bronckhorst cleared an Italian attack of the line, then found the craftsmanship and energy to send a cross field ball to Dirk Kuyt who promptly headed the ball down for Sneijder to finish off, all in a mere 17 seconds.

Van Bronckhorst then managed to get his name on the score sheet with a header from a counter attack, just after Edwin Van Deer Sir saved brilliantly from a free kick of Andrea Pirlo.

Van Bronckhorst set up Kuyt and after his shoot was initially saved cleverly by Gianluigi Buffon, he did not give up and re-paid the favour to set up the full back for the simplest of headers.

The amazing thing is that Italy did not perform badly, it was two evenly matched teams and this game will probably go down as one of the finest.

The football was just outstanding, Van Basten showed us that using two holding midfielders could actually work defensively whilst being a good force going forward, playing the utmost of fantastic football. Liquid football if I will.

Luca Toni looked menacing through out and Italy looked so more natural with an age advancing Andre Del Piero entering the fray putting then four four two.

Rafael Van Der Vaart looked a player who believes himself again, complying numerous of world-class touches and keep the heartbeat of the team going.

Fabio Capello needs to take a leaf out of Van Basten’s handbook and play with the best formation and tactics and not the best players.

This was pay back from the Euro 2000 semi final, where Holland missed a host of chance and, then Italian goalkeeper, Francesco Toldo saved, a combined, four penalties (two in normal time) to progress in to the final.

Moments of magic wins games at the highest level, Michael Platini against Spain in 1984 was outstanding and a perfect example.

Holland can list a world ranging number of previous stars Johan Cruijff, Ruud Gullit, Van Basten, Patrick Kluivert, Ruud Krol, Dennis Bergkamp, Ronald Koeman, Edgar Davids, Jaap Stam, the list can go on and any one of them would have been so proud of that fluid, morale collective performance today.

FOO FIGHTERS>>>WOW

They came they saw they conquered.

One word for the Foo Fighters performance, SEX.

PURE SEX.

They were so good, beats any live performance at Wembley if not the whole country.

To make it unique and never-to -be-repeated they brought on the legends Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones.

For you with fickle minds that is the guitarist and bassist from Led Zeppelin.

They kept teasing and enticing the crowd for the majority of the evening, claiming that they will do something that will be talked about in twenty years.

The gig itself was phenomenal and they made there way through all the classics.

Breakout, All my life, Best of you, etc.

The song, which got my hairs standing on end, was Monkey Wrench.

As in Britain, as you know, it never stops raining and at that particular moment, it decided to rain. It gave that song a completely different complexion.

The fans favourite.

It gave the gig ultimate energy and spectacular effects.

A certain buzz, like no other. It must have gone on for ten minutes; no one wanted it to end. WOW!

In my view, Foo Fighters have set the benchmark or even peak to which every band should be gunning for when performing at Wembley.

In front 86,000 people, they played energetically and legendary.

They have written their name into folk law and written a moment in history.

All hail foo fighters……..

FOOs AWAIT!!!!

I have another confession to make. I am no fool.

I am heading to Wembley again…………….

Get in.

Not for a big game but to see the new stated heroes of our generation, Foo Fighters.

I will be there, in full voice (hope no one can actually hear me), but no doubt it will be a drunken, sweaty kind of gig.

I am hoping for the best show I have seen, Muse will take some beating after watching them at Wembley last year.

Foo Fighters sound is like no other, they make rock fun and everyone, well almost, loves them.

I have been excited about this since January when I brought my ticket. I have never seen them before and I really hope I am not disappointed. No doubt I will be.

Radio 1 has been banging on about it all today, their not normally wrong, par Zane Lowe.

So here I am, Taking a much needed day off work and preparing to travel to London, through the alcoholless tubes (thank you Boris) and into the place where heroes where born.

So Foo Fighters its time to become heroes…………………….

Retire: you old fool

Are they mad?

Max Mosley kept his job. How?

The man who hired six prostitutes and performed Nazi orientated sex games with them kept his job as president.

Formula one hold your head in shame.

That is it; he is now an inspiration for all those nationalists to behave in a way he wants to act.

Lewis Hamilton and Ron Dennis did not attend a formal party because of the thought that he will turn up.

How can they shake his hand?

It is now Nazised, full of spunk and been near six overly infested prostitutes who are carrying enough diseases to make the plague look rather pleasant.

Now is it ok to drink and drive all of a sudden. That would cause mayhem wouldn’t?

Fernando Alonso will have a reason for his consistent stropping.

Plus Jenson Button may actually finish higher up; you know how us Brits drink.

What a poor end to a very interesting scenario?

Perhaps he will be the laughing stock of the world, and how jokes can, we fit in?

How many witty (well, not really) comments ITV will be able to handle?

It will be the BBC’s turn soon; they may get some more banter than dull and duller contribute on a Saturday evenings (Alan Hansen and Alan Shearer).

Imagine Garth Crooks in the pit lane that will be immense.

Oh the banter, the quizzing, the fruitless stories, that is what he is there for.

As for Mosley, stand down mate.

You can stick your willy into Goebbels, Himmler or whomever you want then, as we would not give a damn.

Retire in peace and tranquillity, not to the youth of sex.

Why did it have to end like this?

Legends tumble, heroes fall.

The nicest get creamed, will they remember him?

Fallen by grace, in an era where one, generally, claims victory.

Deprived of luck, none short of talent.

Scottish pride, but what has he won.

He helped us beat those yanks, more times, than they care to remember.

He also had one huge victory in his grasp, and then buckled at the last hurdle.

It is easy to see who this is: Colin Montgomerie.

He has just slipped out of the world 100, for the first time since 1990.

The Ryder Cup will surely not be forgotten.

Soon to be 45, I do not feel there is enough time for him to recapture his youth and be a force in world’s golf again.

Finishing 58^th at the Wales Open may be telling him something. He rose to number three in the 1990s. I really doubt he will make the Ryder Cup this year; he will not be able to rely on Nick Faldo to give him a wild card.

However, it is pleasing to see the recurrence of Darren Clarke, who initially rose to 104^th in the world. After an emotional return in 2006, Ryder Cup hero Clarke fought back the tears and difficult memories of the pasting of his wife and will make a full-scale comeback into the world of golf.

He may even be the surprise pick in this year’s Ryder Cup as his good form continues. He will need to put in some good performances.

As for Monty, he may have to win a major. He has never won one, he is a people’s favourite but he has never delivered.

I would love him to get into form and participate in his ninth consecutive Ryder Cup. He is still unbeaten and he is a man the Yanks hate to see in competition.

Cheerio Sven.................

Hakuna Matata!

What a wonderful phrase.

It, actually, means there are no worries for the rest of your days.

I would love to know if Sven Goran Eriksson feels this way. I have no sympathy for him. Mark Hughes will do much better; he still has his reputation intact.

Sven was sacked from Manchester City. Hakuna Matata.

Sacked (More or less) from England. Hakuna Matata.

Sacked from Lazio, Benfica, and Roma. Hakuna Matata.

So, still, this man walks away smelling of roses and an Abramovich sized wallet in his over indulged pocket. More money than he has ever deserved, it makes a mockery of any manager out there.

Yes, he has previously won three doubles (one treble with IFK Goteborg), so what?

What has he achieved recently? Sweet FA, he bankrupt them.

Success is nothing without dignity and respect.

Sir Alex Ferguson is universally respected, despite his pathetic humiliation about horse ownership.

Terry Venables still has a reputation with the English supporters even with his business problems.

Glenn Hoddle may have found God (that is one hell of a pass (ooo Jasper Carrott); he still is, sort of, liked.

Nevertheless, Sven’s reputation went down like his trousers.

I am not sure whether to gag or giggle.

I think I will gag. Look at the wall of shame.

Agreeing to join Blackburn and ruthlessly pulling out. Gag, gag.

Taking our best team to the 2006 World Cup and did not put in one decent performance. Gag, gag.

Three Quarterfinals. Gag, gag.

Giving worthless caps to Michael Ricketts, Francis Jeffers, and Michael Ball (add other pathetic excuses for ‘internationals’). Gag, gag.

Cheating on Nancy on many occasions. (Well deserved) Gag, gag.

Being fooled by the News of the world (Quality). Gag, gag.

I am embarrassed to go on. Since early January 2001, he has tormented us on numerous occasions, lived his life in the press.

Even Sir Alex Ferguson put his retirement plans on hold because Martin Edwards wanted Sven to replace him.

So long, please do not come back. You are not welcomed. We have had our fun.

You will be known as that Swede who got his willy out far too much.

Prediction for Euro 2008......................

European Championship beckons and this is how I think it will pan out….

Winners: Spain

Spain will be worthy winners by playing classy and skilful football. Villa and Torres’ strike partnership cannot be matched. They, literally, do have everything. Pace, unerring, awareness and dedication. They have been under achievers at all tournaments (it makes England’s record look rather pleasant. This will be their year, Cesc Fabergas will make a big difference, and he needs to be on the form he was for Arsenal for the first six months of the season.

They do have the easiest group and Sweden will be their sternness test, I believe they will win all three. They are vulnerable at the back, they will be involved in some high scoring games and it will be these games, which the public will want to watch.

Iniesta, Villa, Torres, Fabergas, Casillas, Silva, Alonso, Riena, Puyol, Xavi, Senna, thee I say more.

Runners Up: Germany

Germany will have another strong tournament, just like a James Bond baddie, or Arnold Swwarzenegger’s Terminator, the Germans keep coming back.

Germany will play their typical display of disciplined football, working for each other and have the superior mental aptitude. Michael Ballack will be leading his country out and they hope he can supply Klose and Gomez with the quality needed to score goals.

They almost done it in 2006 and I believe they can go one better.

Third: Italy

They will fail to add to their world cup triumph at the hands of Spain in the semis, a decent platform to success, I just feel Spain will be luckier. Captain Fabio Cannavaro will need to play a huge role and be the heartbeat of the team. Luca Toni will be a striker to look out for.

Surprise Package: Croatia (semi-finals)

Knocking England out, decent manager, favourable group, there should be no reason why Croatia should not do well. A lot will depend on, Tottenham bound, Luka Modric to supply the finish article and lead his team to a surprise semi final appearance.

Biggest Flop: France

Doomed to fail, too many players unwilling to perform. William Gallas and Claude Makelele both finished the season trophy less, so did Thierry Henry. They will be the last one to come out of the group of death. Italy and Holland will do it, it will be very difficult. Even Scotland beat them twice.

Top Goals corer: Fernando Torres

Man of the moment, give him the ball and he will score. If the midfielders supply enough chance, with no doubt, Torres will finish the majority of them off.

Player of the tournament: Cesc Fabergas

Time to turn good for Spain, not favoured by Luis Aragonas but he will turn it around and will be the inspiration. A decent chance to shine.

Biggest let down: Cristiano Ronaldo

Too much in one season, distracted by all the transfer speculation and will be found out. It will be a shame, the world’s best player may just have had the season of his life but we struggle.

Manager of the tournament: Slaven Bilic (Croatia)

Knocking England out, finishing top of the group, he may be much underestimated in the game. We give his players believe and he has the tactical know how to be a flying success.

Worst Refereeing decision: One from Howard Webb (probably)

And the Hosts: Switzalnd and Austria….

…I have them gaining one point between them. An Austrian draw against Poland. Woop Woop.