Managers To Blame?

Im again taking Soccer as a reference but please feel free to cite examples from other sports. Do managers claim to be the dominant force in the team? Do they Think they are the Boss and can do what they want? Ive seen managers think so highly of their ways of work that they fool around with the roster and end up leaving the team in tatters. The 2006 Fifa World Cup, Argentina vs Germany. Argentina were in the lead and then thanks to the manager they found themselves on the losing side. The manger had substituted play maker Riquelme and not even brought on Messi who was supposed to be the next big star. The Real Madrid coach is also to be part of this debate. End of last season he, wasn't even playing Beckham, but even though fans may think he's done, no one can deny that he played and instrumental part in taking them to the title. England Manager Steve did the same thing leaving him out from the national side but then realized that he had to bring him back. The Indian cricket team is also another example where they keep playing the wrong stars and leaving the performers out. One of the main reasons why I saw Beckham leave United was the rift between him and Sir Alex. Alex thought Beckham was getting bigger than the club itself and wanted Alex wanted none of that. Who knows Beckham might still have been playing at United if it hadn't been for the manager.However nothing against Sir Alex for all that he has achieved.

Too Many Stars = No Trophies?

I know many of you wont agree with this but its somehow being proven slowly. Having a team of Superstars doesn't always get you the results that are expected. Take for example Real Madrid had a touted 'dream team', with the likes of Zidane, Figo, Ronaldo. Beckham, Raul, Carlos, Hierro, and a host more, but they didn't win the league for a long time. The moment some of them left, Real Madrid won the league last season. It happened in the recently concluded Copa America as well, Brazil playing with a relatively young and unknown team managed to upstage the giants, Argentina, to win the cup. Everyone who saw the Argentian team would agree that it was filled with superstars. Its not only soccer but it happens in all sports. Im not fully aware of the stats in Baseball and some other American games such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, etc, but I'm sure many will agree that it happens all the time and all everywhere.

Arsenal's Demise

No one can quite figure out what exactly the Arsenal management is trying. Having just moved to the new Emirates Stadium fans surely would have been expecting a title contention season, however that can't be ruled out, but looking at their transfer season, it doesn't seem likely. Last season they lost Pires, Viera, Wiltord and brought in Baptista who hasn;t done much so far. This season the club has let Henry and Alliadiere go and now even Ljungberg. The only replacement they have got in is striker Da Silva. Surely the board can't expect to be title contenders if this is what they are going to do. This may just be a nervous season for Arsenal Fans.

India's Escape-Rain?

With less than 30 minutes of play left in the day and a very wet outfield, India look to have been saved from defeat and handed a draw. India went into tea at 282/9 still 98 runs from victory, more importantly 1 wicket away from defeat, when the rains came down. Since then there has been no play. It is still raining from the looks of it and does not seem to be stopping so the Indian team can breathe easy and thank their lucky stars for this miraculous escape. Dhoni was the last man putting up a fight with an unbeaten 76 and was at the crease with last man Sreesanth when the heavens opened. England will surely be disappointed having played so well and having the game robbed from them at the brink of victory.

Alonso Closes In On Hamilton

For the first time this season Mclarens driver Lewis Hamilton looked human as he not only failed to get a podium finish but also failed to finish amongst the points. Those who saw the European Grand Prix would have defended the fact that it was definitely one of the finer races this season. Massa who was in the lead was frustrated as he soon lost the lead to Alonso with about 8 laps to go. All credit must goto Alonso for some incredible and aggressive driving. Hamilton who had crashed during qualifying could not manage to finish in the points, though it is remarkable that he was even in the race. Kimi Raikonnen's jinx at the European Grand Prix as he yet again failed to finish due to engine trouble. At the end of yesterday's race, we still see Hamilton in the lead with 70 point but Alonso is right at his heels with 68. Massa moves to 59 whereas Raikonnen has to remain at 52. A lot seems to be in store for us as this year's season moves on.

India In Trouble

With 81 overs remaining in the day India find themselves battling to save the first test. Ganguly and Karthik both fell early to the seamers leaving the lower half of the order 235runs more to win or to battle out more than half the day. Karthik was dismissed for 60 while Ganguly was out LBW for 40. India are currently 173/5 with Laxman and wicketkeeper Dhoni at the crease. Inida must be hoping that the last recognised batting pair can pull them through or else start praying for the rain.

Generous Nadal

With a 6-4 7-5 victory over Stanislas Wawrinka in the Stuttgart final, Nadal claimed his 6th title of the year and finished yet another remarkable clay court season. Playing his 16th straight final on clay, Nadal ran into a bit of trouble in both sets. Being the fighter he is known for, Nadal came from 3-1 down to clinch the first set 6-4. Wawrinka had Nadal cornered in the the second with a 5-2 lead but Nadal took the next five games in no time to clinch the match and title, improving his 2007 clay court record to 31-1. His overall clay court record is an unbelievable 93 wins from 94 matches, the only loss coming in the form of Roger Federer in this year's Hamburg open. Nadal has only dropped three sets in this years clay court season.
Nadal winner of the Mercedes luxury car at the Stuttgart open in 2005, handed over this years Benz to his Coach, who is also his Uncle. Nadal claimed to be still doing okay with his last win and that his Uncle needed a new car. How generous.

India face Uphill Task

India find themselves needing 243 to win on the last day with seven wickets in hand. Karthik who played brilliantly yesterday is still holding on wit 56 to his name. He is holding the fort along wit Ganguly who is batting on 36. The weather will be a huge factor as England take to the field. The weather is dull and gray which will provide a boost for swing bowling. Anderson and Sidebottom must be just waiting to get their hands on the ball. Rain has been predicted and maybe that is what the Indian dressing room is secretly hoping for. Day four saw some superb batting by Pieterson who took the team to a commanding position. Prior joined Pieterson at the crease with England in trouble at 132/5 and a lead of just 229. Pieterson went onto get his 8th test hundred as he put on 119 runs for the 6th wicket with Prior. Prior was finally dismissed for 42. Pieterson was finally out for 134 but had already take England into the drivers seat with a huge lead. England's innings folded at 282 and left India with a huge 380 for victory. India lost early wickets and found themselves at 85/3 before Karthik and Ganguly steadied the ship. It should certainly be a very intriguing last day of cricket at Lords.

Heartbreak for Sergio,as Harrington lifts Claret Jug

Sergio Garcia could not hold on to his three stroke lead on an exciting and dramatic last day at the British Open. At the 14th tee Harrington was -7 while Garcia was in the lead at -8. A stunning eagle took Harrington into the lead at -9 whereas Gracia playing behind Harrington birdied the hole to have a share of the lead. This is where all the drama started. Harrington played par right upto the the 18th tee whereas Garcia dropped a shot on the 15th to leave him one behind the leader. Events of the 1999 Championships seemed to unfold all over again on the 18th. Harrington who led by one had a disastrous last hole and finished with a double bogey to drop one shot behind Garcia at -7. Garcia needed to hold his nerves and Par the last hole for a win and maiden major title. As luck would it have it(for Harrington), Garcia hit his second shot into the bunker and had to be content with a bogey leaving him -7 and in a playoff with Harrington for the title. In the playoff Harrington drew first blood with a birdie on the first of four playoff holes. it stayed that way till the last hole. Garcia could not put any pressure on the last hole and left Harrington wit a short putt for the title.
Richard Green mad a final spurge with a brilliant 64 but found himself two shots behind. Tiger Woods shot a final round 70 to see him finish tied for 12th at -2. Els saw himself finish in the top five yet again with a final score of -5. Vijay Singh who had a disastrous last round of 75 finished at +2.

Garcia In The Lead

Sergio Garcia shot a brilliant 65 to head the first round of the Championship wit a 6 under par.On a windy wet day Garcia showed his putting brilliance that saw him take a two shot lead over Paul McGinley. McGinley led most of the time but could not keep up with Garcia on the last 9 holes and finished with a 67 . Defending champion and favourite Tiger Woods, is in a comfortable position having shot a 69 and four of the lead. The surprise of the day was amateur Rory McIlroy who impressed everyone with a brilliant 68. His 68 had not a single bogey, one of the very who managed that feat. Angel Cabrera, Markus Brier, Boo Weekley and Michael Campbell are tied with Rory for 3rd place. Other big names in the field had average rounds. Goosen shot a 70. Els and Vijay Singh shot a 1 over 72 whereas 'Lefty' Mickelson shot an even par round. We wait to see what happens on day 2 at The Open.

Hatrick For Tiger?

The British Open starts on the 19th of July at Carnoustie and World No.1 Tiger Woods will be gunning for his third consecutive Open title. Woods won his first Open title in 2000. The last Open to be held here was in 1999 where Jean Van De Velde's dramatic last hole led to a playoff where Paul Lawrie clinched the title. Woods as usual will be the firm favorite to take home the title but Els, Singh, Mickelson and a host of others will want the title for themselves. Woods who is chasing Jack Nickalus's record of 18 majors will be hoping to add No. 13 to his collection. Woods has played 10 tournaments this year winning three of them and finishing second twice. He has had seven top 10 finishes with all cuts made. Woods closest rival will be Mickelson who surprisingly has never performed well at the Open except for a third place finish in 2004. Ernie Els will be another favorite who has always produced good results at the Open with 9 top ten finishes in the past 15 Opens including a win in 2002. I'm sure this will be a great Open and one not to be missed.

Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal

Monday July the 16th, Rafael Nadal leads Roger Federer by 85 points in the ATP tour race.The ongoing debate is whether this is the beginning of the end for the World No.1. Federer has a 36-5 record this year with four titles which include the Australian Open and Wimbledon. 21 year old Nadal is 51-8 this season with five titles including his third French Open. They have faced each other 13 times in the past with Nadal leading the duel 8-5. Nadal has beaten Federer every time at the French Open, once in the Semis and twice in the Finals. Most believed this was Federer's year to clinch the elusive French Open having just beaten Nadal in the previous clay court Final at Hamburg. Federer had only himself to blame as he failed to convert 16 of 17 breakpoints. However Federer kept his record intact on grass beating Nadal in both the Finals they have played in. Nadal is young and seems to be improving his game rapidly as was evident in the recently concluded Wimbledon Final where he took the defending champion to five sets. Many believe Federer is running out of steam. His recent lapses on the court before the French open against Canas and Volandri raised doubts about his game. Nadal has a long career ahead of him as compared to Federer and it will remain to be seen how both the players handle the upcoming US open.

English Premier League 2007-08 (Transfer Special)

We are only a month away from what promises to be a very close and exciting season. Over the summer we have seen a large number of signings and more taking place every day. This is just a look at the transfer market and how the teams are shaping up and getting ready for the upcoming season.
ARSENAL-they have had the biggest transfer this season with their most prized possession, Thierry Henry heading to Barcelona for 16 million pounds. They have also let go of their other striker Alliadiere to Middlesbrough. they have brought in Eduardo Da Silva from Zagreb but it will remian to be seen if he can fill such big shoes. With Ljungberg also rumoured to be heading out Arsenal could seem to find themselves in a litle trouble this season.
ASTON VILLA-Their biggest signing of the summer is striker Marlon Harewood from West Ham but they have also let Lee Hendrie and Aaron Hughes go.
BIRGMINGHAM CITY- Have found their way back into the Premiership and have strengthened their side by adding Olivier Kapo from Juventus, and Stuart Parnaby.
BLACKBURN ROVERS- Have had no major signings this season but are in danger of loosing their main striker Benny McCarthy to Chelsea and midfielder Pederson who is debating over a few offers
BOLTON WANDERERS- No major signings but have released Quiniton Fortune and Henrik Pederson. Like Blackburn, they are also in danger of loosing top players such as Kevin Nolan and Anelka.
CHELSEA-The spending team that always creates transfer news.In order to regain the title they have brought in Malouda, Sidwell and striker Pizzaro. They are also rumoured to be trying to get in David Villa, Alves, Pato and Chimbonda. Geremi has confirmed his exit and Drogba, Robben and Shaun Wright Phillips are rumoured to be leaving Stamford Bridge.
DERBY COUNTY- Newly Promoted will face tough relegation battle
EVERTON- Have signed Tim Howard and are in a battle to keep James Beattie at the club.
FULHAM-Have lost Radzinki and Jensen but have signed Kamara, Healy, Konchesky and Hughes to strengthen the side.
LIVERPOOL- Stated to be in a position to contend for the title. With new owners and a surplus amount of spending money, Liverpool has gone on a shopping spree. Torres, Veronin, Babel and Benayoun are the big new faces at the club and might be joined by Heinze. Fowler, Dudek, Bellamy, Zenden and Cisse have all found their way to other clubs. Hyppia is the lastest who might leave the club.
MANCHESTER CITY- Have things to look upto with Eriksson now in charge but will have to find replacements for Distin, Sinclair and Barton. Eriksson has already brought in Bianchi for 8.8 million punds and looks to be adding a lot more.
MANCHESTER UNITED-Defending champions have strengthened their squad and have spent the most this season.Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson are the new faces at Old Trafford and will be hopefully joined by superstar Carlos TeveZ. Gudjhonsen and Defoe are also said to be targets for Sir Alex
MIDDLESBROUGH- Aliadiere and Woodgate are new members of the team whereas Parnaby and Viduka are out. Zamora might find his way into the team
NEWCASTLE-Have also spent big and made some important signings this season such as Viduka, Geremi, Barton and Rozenhal, but have lost Bramble and Parker. They could be futher strengthened with the likes of Shorey, Robinson and Defoe.
PORTSMOUTH- A bit of a surprise package last season have signed Distin, Muntari, and youngster Nugent to strengthen their squad.
READING-Definitely the surprise of last season have lost Sidwell and could lose Lita and Shorey
SUNDERLAND- Managed by Roy Keane and promoted this season will definitely be trying to make a statement this season have signed Richardson from Man United and Etuhu to their ranks
TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS-The underachievers always have brought in Gareth Bale, Darren Bent and Taarabt. Mido and Defoe are ruumoured to be leaving the club.
WEST HAM UNITED- Performed a miracle last season by staying in the Premiership will have to perform another one after losing Sheringham, Carroll, Harewood, Reo-Coker, Benayoun and most likely Tevez. They have however brought in Bellamy, Parker and Wright to give them any hope.
WIGAN- Last day survivors of last season have brought in Sibierski, Bramble, Melchiot, and Koumas. Unsworth is the significant one to have left the club.
So there we have it. There will definitely be more transfers till the league starts and I will bring them to you closer to the start of the season. Till then keep supporting you club and watch the Transfers happen.

The fall of Indian Cricket

I'm sure all the cricket fans especially Indians around the world have been embarrassed and stunned by the Indian cricket team's performance over the past few years including the horrifying world cup performance. Everyone after the world cup could play only one game, the blame game. There were rampant calls for sacking players and resignations. However amidst all this mayhem no one seemed to put the blame on the board. Not one felt that some board members needed to be replaced.
The first point is whether politicians should be allowed to handle the running of the board at all. Why not leave it to people who know more about the game and have more time to devote to it. I strongly feel that politics should have nothing to do with the functioning of the board. However the Govt. can have their say in an away series about the safety issues the same way the England and Australian Board intervened when the world cup was co-hosted by Zimbabwe a few editions ago.
The other surprising point was the team composition after the world cup.The people wanted a change and the board obliged but with a more controversial team. Everyone knew about the patch that Sehwag was going through in the one day format of the game against Bangladesh. According to the stats Sehwag had one of the best records in Tests prior to this series. so why was he axed for the test and retained for the one day series. Surely a hundred against a team like Bermuda had nothing to do with it, even though he had a comparatively better world cup than most others. The inclusion of Dinesh Mongia in the one day squad was a another mind blower. Hasn't he been given enough chances to prove himself and against Bangladesh he failed again. What about giving the youngsters a chance. The youngsters are doing so well and taking the chances given to them. Dinesh Karthick is a prime example. He somehow always performs when needed though his averages indicate a different story. Inspite of doing well he wasn't given a single game during the world cup.
Sourav Ganguly's admission back into the squad has been debated a great deal. Sure he has got the runs to back his inclusion and seems to be in finer form than before but if one would look closely at the one day matches since his return one would see his dismal strike rate.It seems he is trying to make a point to his critics by trying to amass runs but I feel it is at the cost of the team on the whole. So what if the youngsters fail a few times in their first few games, it would help them gain experience and make them stronger. It is no point in retaining non performing stalwarts as they will not be available for the next world cup.
The fitness of the team is the other talking point that no one seems to be interested in. Take a look at the other cricketers from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand for example. They are all genuine sportsmen who have played other sports for either their state or even their country. That is why they are so fit and agile. The Indian mindset is just cricket, batting and bowling. A few rounds of the field, a couple of exercises here and there and thats about it. They don't have the mindset of an athlete. Their reflexes and agility is not the same compared to others. So many times we see the Indians lose a game even before it has started. Australia seem to have a mental edge over India. This needs to change.
Im sure no one could have got away with the debate about the players and sponsors after the world cup. One thing I cant understand is why were the players objecting to the performance clause and the cut in sponsorships. Are they in the team to create advertisements. I'm not saying that ads affects the game. It's just that it should not be priority.Why should they worry about it at all. They get paid enough from cricket alone.It is said that the BCCI is the richest board in the world, so where is all that money going then? Cricket should be their number one priority. Are they so scared of the performance based clause that they can't accept it?
Indian cricket needs a dramatic change and needs a fresh new start. The Board, the players and even the general public are all responsible. the players are what they are today only because of the public. It doesn't matter if we have a few results going against us. Everything takes time to build and hopefully we should have a much better world cup next time around.