There are two minutes left in extra-time, of the Croatia-Turkey, quarter-final, when Croatia’s Ivan Klasnic, puts his team ahead. The Turks are beating the turf in frustration and despair. Whilst the Croatians are going wild with jubilation. Manager Slaven Bilic, with his trademark suit and earring, has raced onto the pitch and joined his players in celebration. He is ecstatic. He thinks his team are through to the semi-finals. But they are not. In time added on for Croatia’s collective celebration, Turkey score. Now it is Croatia’s turn to beat the turf in frustration. They are utterly dejected as they […]

It was the night, when France would put right the wrongs of their sluggish, opening group performance, against Romania. To show that they were a credible threat at this years European championships. So much for that. After their defeat to Holland, coach Raymond Domenech spoke frankly about his team. ‘Certain players did not do what they had to do. The players have to show themselves worthy of wearing the French shirt. Big players have to know how to get over things like this, and to come back.” Well there is no doubt, that the French coach is correct in his […]

So Luiz Felipe Scolari will become the new head coach at Stamford Bridge. Clearly this is a man with the self-confidence, belief and communication skills to thrive on the sporting challenge laid down to him, by the powers that be, at Chelsea. It is interesting to learn that Scolari, has used to excellent effect, the services of an eminent Brazilian sports psychologist, Regina Brandao, to help him succeed. Regina has supported Scolari, during his time as Portugal coach, to help him get inside the mind of his international players. It’s clearly a relationship that has worked exceptionally well for Big […]

So Italy, the reigning World Champions, begin their Euro’ 2008 campaign, in the worst possible way. A three goal defeat to Holland, followed by stories of unrest within the Italian camp. Players, apparently, sending text messages, disrespectful of the manager Roberto Donadoni, with indications that felt they were mentally unprepared, for the Dutch challenge. And of course, the notorious Italian press, have been calling for the new managers head and have even been criticising him, for the tone of his voice! Which in many ways is perfect for Donadoni. We know how the bribery scandals in Italian football, created a […]

There are about eight minutes left in the Spain-Russia, Group D encounter. The Russians are three goals down, when they suddenly snatch a goal back from a corner. Yet, even though there is a chance they can still save the game, they show little or no urgency in hurrying back for the restart. For this is a Russian side, who appeared to have accepted their fate, long before the final whistle. In fact, around the time Spain scored their second goal. It was as if the Russians, simply believed, that they had come up against a superior team, and would […]

It’s days before the 2008 European Championships get underway. After a successful season with Manchester United, you would expect Christiano Ronaldo, to be settled and focused, ahead of Portugal’s campaign. An opportunity for them to try to go one better, than their tame 2004 final defeat, to Greece. But no. All the media focus, is centred around whether Ronaldo wants to go and ply his trade in Spain, with Real Madrid. The European Championships, is the perfect stage for Ronaldo to demonstrate that he is a world star. It is one thing showing your class every week in the Premier […]

So Somerset, led by Justin Langer, head to the top of the County Championship. Although it’s still early days in the cricket season, it would be no surprise, come September, if they achieve the county’s first ever Championship pennant. Once more, the winning mentality and attitude of Australian cricket, is delivering results in England. From Rodney Marsh as England Academy director; Troy Cooley as successful England Ashes bowling coach; Shane Warne’s cup-winning regime at Hampshire; now Justin Langer transforming the fortunes of Somerset. Let’s not forget that the West Country men, finished bottom of Division Two of the County Championship, […]

It appears likely that Mark Hughes will leave Blackburn Rovers. What isn’t certain, is whether he will become the new manager of Chelsea or Manchester City. To date, Mark Hughes’s managerial career has been exemplarary. A successful stint as Wales manager, then steadily revitalising the fortunes of Blackburn Rovers. The Welshman has yet to put a foot wrong as a manager. It may well be that he is tempted by the Chelsea job. A huge transfer budget; working with some of the world’s best players; Champions League qualification every season. He wouldn’t have trouble handling the big egos. And he […]

It’s the eve of the Champions League final. Both sides have trained on the Luzhniki Stadium pitch. And Chelsea’s Claude Makelele, has let it be known, that he is up for this special challenge. Much of the pre-match talk, has been of Manchester United’s desire to pay a fitting tribute, to those who lost their lives in the Munich air crash. But Chelsea, of course, will have the opportunity to honour the life of Frank Lampard’s late mother Pat. And players will have their own personal motivations. Paul Scholes in his first Champions League final; John Terry, in his desire […]

Some thoughts and reflections on tonight’s Champions League final, in Moscow. 1: There is something undignified about victory secured via a penalty shoot-out. The winners chase after their goal-keeper, whilst the losers are left alone with their dejection. It’s unseemly and not in keeping with the spirit of the game. The two teams have finished on level terms after extra-time. Therefore, for one team to become so hyper after winning on penalties, overlooks the truth, that neither side has been good enough to win outright. 2: The United psychology to highlight Didier Drogba’s fondness for diving, worked in their favour. […]