The sacking of Juande Ramos by Tottenham Hotspur has most likely made Canadian National Team Captain (and friend of Fulltime, the Football Show) Paul Stalteri a very, very happy man.
Stalteri, who was relegated to the reserves after returning from his loan stint at the end of last season at Fulham, has been drafted back into the first-team by new manager Harry Redknapp.
Stalteri will now wear number 13 (his previous #7 is now being worn by Aaron Lennon). The Canadian is one of five players to get recalled. Hossam Ghaly (#15), Adel Taarabt (#19), Kevin-Prince Boateng (#23) and Ricardo Rocha (#33) have also been given new squad numbers.
While it remains to be seen if Stalteri can actually get on the pitch and contribute, the move will at least give the Canadian some hope as the January transfer window approaches. If it doesn't work out with Redknapp, perhaps Stalteri can finally move to another club and get some first-team football.
In all, Stalteri has appeared 46 times for Spurs, scoring three goals.
-MM
Monday, October 27, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Whitecaps bid for the MLS
The Vancouver Whitecaps, fresh off their 2nd USL-1 Championship in 3 years has officially made their bid for an MLS franchise, the 17th or 18th team in the league. Seven teams have applied for the 2 spots, these include, Vancouver, Portland, St. Louis, Montreal, Ottawa, Miami and Atlanta and the 'Caps have a great chance of succeeding in picking up one of the two, but there are some problems. The league is likely going to grant a team in the east and one in the west in order to keep the league even. Which means it really comes down to Vancouver versus Portland and St. Louis, who would be considered a Western team.
Of the three western based teams, Portland's bid has the possibility of a stadium that can be played in now, and will be renovated, with real grass. The problem in Portland is whether or not the MLS wants the team playing in a multi-sport facility. St. Louis is in need of a stadium, and a question still looms about whether or not the financial backing is all there, since it's a mystery on who the other backers are. In Vancouver, the Steve Nash is the start power, Mallett is the connection to the league having helped the MLS set up a deal with Yahoo and Kerfoot is the main money man. Which of those 3 seem the strongest? Vancouver is definitely the powerhouse out of the three, but could that be one of the problems that Vancouver faces?
The 'Caps are the frontrunner out west, but many claim that Montreal is also a frontrunner in the east, but rumblings out of the MLS office is that they don't want to have two Canadian teams joining the league in the same year. One reason is that is because the MLS and Toronto are already having some problems with the broadcasting rights. No one is the USA wants to see TFC play and Toronto currently don't have a national TV in Canada, which may be fixed if another Canadian team joins the fray. The other problem is that in their 2nd season, TFC have shown very limited success on the field. They continue to struggle and are once again one of the worst teams in the league (Luckily for them expansion squad San Jose is just as terrible and the Beckham experiment seems to have failed on the field in L.A.) and that fear is that another Canadian team would be just as bad. The final problem Vancouver face is that they have been consistent in having about 4,500 fans at home games, but they have struggled to really build it beyond that. Would 18,000 people be interested in seeing the Whitecaps play week in week out in Vancouver in season 1? Yes... after season 1, not likely.
The decision will be made at the end of the year or early in 2009. Whatever the decision, here's hoping that a Canadian team gets the call and has all the support that Toronto F.C. have off the pitch... but with some success on the pitch.
written by Tyler Green
Of the three western based teams, Portland's bid has the possibility of a stadium that can be played in now, and will be renovated, with real grass. The problem in Portland is whether or not the MLS wants the team playing in a multi-sport facility. St. Louis is in need of a stadium, and a question still looms about whether or not the financial backing is all there, since it's a mystery on who the other backers are. In Vancouver, the Steve Nash is the start power, Mallett is the connection to the league having helped the MLS set up a deal with Yahoo and Kerfoot is the main money man. Which of those 3 seem the strongest? Vancouver is definitely the powerhouse out of the three, but could that be one of the problems that Vancouver faces?
The 'Caps are the frontrunner out west, but many claim that Montreal is also a frontrunner in the east, but rumblings out of the MLS office is that they don't want to have two Canadian teams joining the league in the same year. One reason is that is because the MLS and Toronto are already having some problems with the broadcasting rights. No one is the USA wants to see TFC play and Toronto currently don't have a national TV in Canada, which may be fixed if another Canadian team joins the fray. The other problem is that in their 2nd season, TFC have shown very limited success on the field. They continue to struggle and are once again one of the worst teams in the league (Luckily for them expansion squad San Jose is just as terrible and the Beckham experiment seems to have failed on the field in L.A.) and that fear is that another Canadian team would be just as bad. The final problem Vancouver face is that they have been consistent in having about 4,500 fans at home games, but they have struggled to really build it beyond that. Would 18,000 people be interested in seeing the Whitecaps play week in week out in Vancouver in season 1? Yes... after season 1, not likely.
The decision will be made at the end of the year or early in 2009. Whatever the decision, here's hoping that a Canadian team gets the call and has all the support that Toronto F.C. have off the pitch... but with some success on the pitch.
written by Tyler Green
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Whitecaps in the USL Final this Sunday
The excitement is building for the Whitecaps playing in the USL Final on Sunday afternoon. Puerto Rico has shown that they are a class team not only in the USL but also in the CONCACAF Champions League. A win for the Whitecaps would be tremendous not only for the city and the team moving forward as the 'Caps attempt to move into the MLS for 2011, but also for the game in Canada and showing that yes, a Canadian team with Canadian players can be good. Montreal, who lost of Vancouver in the Semi-Finals are now concentrating on their CONCACAF Champions League group. A group in which they lead. Montreal is also showing what Canadian talent can do, in the USL and also in the CCL tournament against the best club teams from various CONCACAF countries. Montreal and Vancouver are proving that Canadians can play the game, and hopefully that translates to the National squad coached by Dale Mitchell. If only Toronto F.C. could get their act together and maybe this country might start to build up from the grassroots and clubs. Only time will tell, but with the success that Vancouver and Montreal are having right now, let's hope that they don't change their tune when the MLS comes calling.
written by Tyler Green
written by Tyler Green
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Montreal Impacting CONCACAF
A few months back, July 15th to be exact, I wrote an article about wanting the Montreal Impact to be the Canadian representative in the CONCACAF Champions League, instead of Toronto and Vancouver (the Whitecaps were mathematically out of the contest at that point).
At the time, Montreal was struggling in the USL, but they were doing enough to get in. Most pundits who work in this business must have thought I was crazy, considering that Toronto should have been the team that won it (they do have the most money after all) and no one really thought that Montreal would make much noise. Well, 3 games into the group stage, the Impact sit in top spot in their group with 7 points, 2 wins and a draw. Three points up on the 2nd place squad Atlante. There is still a lot of soccer to be played, but right now, I'm glad that a Canadian squad is making waves in this tournament. It's showing that with a little bit of support, Canada can be a big power in CONCACAF. Starting at the club stage and hopefully moving beyond the club and into the country stage.
On Friday and Sunday, Oct 3rd and 5th, the Impact will play the Vancouver Whitecaps in the USL Playoffs, less than 48 hours after being Olímpia in Honduras. It will be interesting to see how this is going to affect Montreal. The advantage is with the 'Caps in this series. It would be nice to see Vancouver win the USL Championships and have the Impact concentrate on the CONCACAF Champions League title. Perhaps Toronto F.C. can get into the MLS playoffs and do some damage in that league, unlikely, but one can dream of a Canadian sweep. It's all coming in the next few months... an exciting time for football here in North America.
At the time, Montreal was struggling in the USL, but they were doing enough to get in. Most pundits who work in this business must have thought I was crazy, considering that Toronto should have been the team that won it (they do have the most money after all) and no one really thought that Montreal would make much noise. Well, 3 games into the group stage, the Impact sit in top spot in their group with 7 points, 2 wins and a draw. Three points up on the 2nd place squad Atlante. There is still a lot of soccer to be played, but right now, I'm glad that a Canadian squad is making waves in this tournament. It's showing that with a little bit of support, Canada can be a big power in CONCACAF. Starting at the club stage and hopefully moving beyond the club and into the country stage.
On Friday and Sunday, Oct 3rd and 5th, the Impact will play the Vancouver Whitecaps in the USL Playoffs, less than 48 hours after being Olímpia in Honduras. It will be interesting to see how this is going to affect Montreal. The advantage is with the 'Caps in this series. It would be nice to see Vancouver win the USL Championships and have the Impact concentrate on the CONCACAF Champions League title. Perhaps Toronto F.C. can get into the MLS playoffs and do some damage in that league, unlikely, but one can dream of a Canadian sweep. It's all coming in the next few months... an exciting time for football here in North America.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Zidane's Sorry
Zinedine Zidane has finally apologized (to his cousin...?) for his stupidity...
http://www.ansa.it/site/notizie/awnplus/english/news/2008-09-18_118274984.html
http://www.ansa.it/site/notizie/awnplus/english/news/2008-09-18_118274984.html
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Champions League Draw + Analysis
A
Chelsea
Roma
Bordeaux
CFR 1907 Cuj
Tyler's Analysis: Chelsea really have this group sewn up without having played a game. Roma should and usually takes 2nd spot, perhaps Blanc can work the magic he did in Ligue 1 last season and surprise someone in Group A, doubtful, but worth a look.
Mike's Analysis: Can Big Phil do what Avram Grant and the Special One couldn't? We shall see. Roma will work harder than ever for Champions League success (with the final being played in Rome next May)... thus, Chelsea and Roma will advance easily. Those two meet in late October and early November, and should be fantastic matches. Laurent Blanc's Bordeaux will struggle, but look for Yoann Gourcuff to shine. The on-loan midfielder from AC Milan barely played in Italy, but has boatloads of skill. Will be interesting to watch CFR Cluj. They field quite the international squad... including Canadian 'keeper Lars Hirschfeld, who isn't first-choice, but has Champions League experience with Rosenborg.
B
Inter Milan
Werder Bremen
Panathinaikos
Anorthosis Famagusta
Tyler's Analysis: Mourinho's group is a breeze. Bremen and Panathinaikos battle for second behind Inter. The bigger question is how Anorthosis actually managed to make it into the Champions League. I saw them play last year against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in a Uefa Cup game. Spurs won that game 6 - 1... Famagusta didn't even have a chance and looked like they couldn't beat a Sunday League team. Overall, look for everyone to pick up 6 points off Anorthosis Famagusta, should any team fail to do that... they are the ones that will grab 3rd and miss out on the rest of the party.
Mike's Analysis: Mourinho and Inter should have no problem. Werder Bremen, led by Diego and Torsten Frings, will grab the second spot. Leaving former Arsenal star Gilberto Silva and Panathinaikos on the outside. Anorthosis Famagusta... no me gusta.
C
Barcelona
Sporting Lisbon
FC Basel
Shakhtar Donetsk
Tyler's Analysis: Barca will pick up the wins they need to progress in top spot, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's a dog fight between the other 3 teams.
Mike's Analysis: Barca has too much class for this group. Sporting has the depth to get them through to Round 2. Shakhtar should beat out FC Basel for the UEFA Cup spot.
D
Liverpool
PSV Eindhoven
Marseille
Atletico Madrid
Tyler's Analysis: This group is going to be good and I wonder how much the injury to Steven Gerrard will affect Liverpool. Liverpool should advance along with Athletico Madrid, but it may come down a question of in which spot, 1st or 2nd.
Mike's Analysis: As much as I hate Liverpool, they'll advance. The rest of the group should be interesting. Atletico has a great looking squad, with plenty of goals coming from Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan, but PSV are always tough and have owned the Eredivisie for years. Look for Atletico and PSV to fight for that second spot, with Marseille going home.
E
Manchester United
Villareal
Celtic
Aalborg BK
Tyler's Analysis: Manchester United look poised to win this group, despite in being tough... but they've been lucky so far this Premier League season, any stumble could produce an outside shot at someone taking over the group. The real battle will be Villareal and Celtic battling for 2nd spot.
Mike's Analysis: Add Utd to teams I hate... I absolutely detest them. So in honour of my hatred for Man U., I will go with Villarreal. But, it should be mentioned that the Yellow Submarine have a fantastic squad. Capdevila, Cazorla, Pires, Senna, Nihat, Giuseppe Rossi, along with American star Jozy Altidore are just some of the stars that will push Villarreal to the top. Utd will take second... as those matches v. Celtic promise to be entertaining.
F
Olympique Lyonnais
Bayern Munich
Steaua Bucharest
Fiorentina
Tyler's Analysis: Bayern returns to the Champions League and looking at their early season Bundesliga games, don't stand a chance coming out of this group. If they can start to get things going under Klinsmann, then look out, but until that happens, they are in tough. I'm also interested to see what Fiorentina can do this year (with a home game on the 1st leg on Champions League play so I can see it while I'm in Italy)
Mike's Analysis: Bayern should be the class of the group, but Lyon and Fiorentina will provide stiff challenges. The match to watch will be on November 5th, when Luca Toni and Bayern visit his old Fiorentina squad (they first meet two weeks prior in Munich). La Viola beat out Milan for the final Champions League spot last season, and made it to the UEFA Cup semi-finals (along with Bayern). With former Milan striker Alberto Gilardino joining Adrian Mutu, they'll definitely have the fire-power to compete.
G
Arsenal
FC Porto
Fenerbahce
Dynamo Kiev
Tyler's Analysis: Arsenal are the favourites to come out of Group G, but this group is going to be a dog fight. Although, Dynamo Kiev might be hoping for a few winter meetings to help them advance.
Mike's Analysis: Arsenal will take the group. Last season's quarterfinalists Fenerbahce will battle with Porto for second. Dynamo Kiev will be tough at home, but will find it difficult in away matches.
H
Real Madrid
Juventus
Zenit St. Petersburg
BATE Borisov
Tyler's Analysis: I think Real Madrid will win this group, Juventus get through. A lot of people feel that Zenit will give both teams trouble, but I predict they are a bit of an over-achieving club and will fail to impress this time around.
Mike's Analysis: I'm thinking Juve will knock off Real for top spot. Last year's UEFA Cup winners Zenit will hang around 'til the end, but it looks like they'll take third, and try to defend their UEFA Cup title. BATE is the first Belarusian side to get this far... sadly for them, this will be as far as they go.
Chelsea
Roma
Bordeaux
CFR 1907 Cuj
Tyler's Analysis: Chelsea really have this group sewn up without having played a game. Roma should and usually takes 2nd spot, perhaps Blanc can work the magic he did in Ligue 1 last season and surprise someone in Group A, doubtful, but worth a look.
Mike's Analysis: Can Big Phil do what Avram Grant and the Special One couldn't? We shall see. Roma will work harder than ever for Champions League success (with the final being played in Rome next May)... thus, Chelsea and Roma will advance easily. Those two meet in late October and early November, and should be fantastic matches. Laurent Blanc's Bordeaux will struggle, but look for Yoann Gourcuff to shine. The on-loan midfielder from AC Milan barely played in Italy, but has boatloads of skill. Will be interesting to watch CFR Cluj. They field quite the international squad... including Canadian 'keeper Lars Hirschfeld, who isn't first-choice, but has Champions League experience with Rosenborg.
B
Inter Milan
Werder Bremen
Panathinaikos
Anorthosis Famagusta
Tyler's Analysis: Mourinho's group is a breeze. Bremen and Panathinaikos battle for second behind Inter. The bigger question is how Anorthosis actually managed to make it into the Champions League. I saw them play last year against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in a Uefa Cup game. Spurs won that game 6 - 1... Famagusta didn't even have a chance and looked like they couldn't beat a Sunday League team. Overall, look for everyone to pick up 6 points off Anorthosis Famagusta, should any team fail to do that... they are the ones that will grab 3rd and miss out on the rest of the party.
Mike's Analysis: Mourinho and Inter should have no problem. Werder Bremen, led by Diego and Torsten Frings, will grab the second spot. Leaving former Arsenal star Gilberto Silva and Panathinaikos on the outside. Anorthosis Famagusta... no me gusta.
C
Barcelona
Sporting Lisbon
FC Basel
Shakhtar Donetsk
Tyler's Analysis: Barca will pick up the wins they need to progress in top spot, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's a dog fight between the other 3 teams.
Mike's Analysis: Barca has too much class for this group. Sporting has the depth to get them through to Round 2. Shakhtar should beat out FC Basel for the UEFA Cup spot.
D
Liverpool
PSV Eindhoven
Marseille
Atletico Madrid
Tyler's Analysis: This group is going to be good and I wonder how much the injury to Steven Gerrard will affect Liverpool. Liverpool should advance along with Athletico Madrid, but it may come down a question of in which spot, 1st or 2nd.
Mike's Analysis: As much as I hate Liverpool, they'll advance. The rest of the group should be interesting. Atletico has a great looking squad, with plenty of goals coming from Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan, but PSV are always tough and have owned the Eredivisie for years. Look for Atletico and PSV to fight for that second spot, with Marseille going home.
E
Manchester United
Villareal
Celtic
Aalborg BK
Tyler's Analysis: Manchester United look poised to win this group, despite in being tough... but they've been lucky so far this Premier League season, any stumble could produce an outside shot at someone taking over the group. The real battle will be Villareal and Celtic battling for 2nd spot.
Mike's Analysis: Add Utd to teams I hate... I absolutely detest them. So in honour of my hatred for Man U., I will go with Villarreal. But, it should be mentioned that the Yellow Submarine have a fantastic squad. Capdevila, Cazorla, Pires, Senna, Nihat, Giuseppe Rossi, along with American star Jozy Altidore are just some of the stars that will push Villarreal to the top. Utd will take second... as those matches v. Celtic promise to be entertaining.
F
Olympique Lyonnais
Bayern Munich
Steaua Bucharest
Fiorentina
Tyler's Analysis: Bayern returns to the Champions League and looking at their early season Bundesliga games, don't stand a chance coming out of this group. If they can start to get things going under Klinsmann, then look out, but until that happens, they are in tough. I'm also interested to see what Fiorentina can do this year (with a home game on the 1st leg on Champions League play so I can see it while I'm in Italy)
Mike's Analysis: Bayern should be the class of the group, but Lyon and Fiorentina will provide stiff challenges. The match to watch will be on November 5th, when Luca Toni and Bayern visit his old Fiorentina squad (they first meet two weeks prior in Munich). La Viola beat out Milan for the final Champions League spot last season, and made it to the UEFA Cup semi-finals (along with Bayern). With former Milan striker Alberto Gilardino joining Adrian Mutu, they'll definitely have the fire-power to compete.
G
Arsenal
FC Porto
Fenerbahce
Dynamo Kiev
Tyler's Analysis: Arsenal are the favourites to come out of Group G, but this group is going to be a dog fight. Although, Dynamo Kiev might be hoping for a few winter meetings to help them advance.
Mike's Analysis: Arsenal will take the group. Last season's quarterfinalists Fenerbahce will battle with Porto for second. Dynamo Kiev will be tough at home, but will find it difficult in away matches.
H
Real Madrid
Juventus
Zenit St. Petersburg
BATE Borisov
Tyler's Analysis: I think Real Madrid will win this group, Juventus get through. A lot of people feel that Zenit will give both teams trouble, but I predict they are a bit of an over-achieving club and will fail to impress this time around.
Mike's Analysis: I'm thinking Juve will knock off Real for top spot. Last year's UEFA Cup winners Zenit will hang around 'til the end, but it looks like they'll take third, and try to defend their UEFA Cup title. BATE is the first Belarusian side to get this far... sadly for them, this will be as far as they go.
Jonathan de Guzman & the big "What if"
Wenger and Arsenal are apparently sniffing around Feyenoord to see if there is a possibility of bringing in Jonathan de Guzman to help solidify the Gunners midfield. The move however, will likely not happen this summer, according to de Guzman's agent Jan de Visser, "I don't expect a transfer of Jonathan this summer," he said. "The price that Feyenoord ask for him is too much for the interested clubs. And the closer you come to the end of the transfer window, the more expensive he will get."
de Visser doesn't believe that any team is willing to spend the reported £12 million that it will cost to bring JvG in. Arsenal is a team though that has money to spend and a depleted midfield after losing both Gilberto and Mathieu Flamini, so we'll see what happens to the Dutch/Canadian player.
Now for the big "WHAT IF"... I still feel disappointed that de Guzman chose Oranje instead of Red and White. Can you imagine the scary midfield that Canada could have had with de Guzman (squared alongside brother Julian) with current Manchester United and England midfielder Owen Hargreaves, plus de Rosario. People wouldn't be talking about Canada as a team that may get the 3rd spot in CONCACAF, instead they would be talking about how Canada is one of 'THE' countries to beat to get in instead of Canada. Hopefully de Guzman is the last player that chooses another country to play for. On the other hand, I've said it before, if I were de Guzman or Hargreaves and were eligible for a call-up from one of the "big" countries (I am still eligible to play for Germany in case Joachim Löw is reading this and in need of a mediocre midfielder) and the coach did phone me to put on the National team shirt for one of the footballing powers, I would have to take that call seriously and I too, might turn my back on Canada. I'm sure not any of players would say this, but I think a lot of it is all about winning, and I suppose many of the players would rather win than represent, not all, but if they had the opportunity, many would.
Tyler
de Visser doesn't believe that any team is willing to spend the reported £12 million that it will cost to bring JvG in. Arsenal is a team though that has money to spend and a depleted midfield after losing both Gilberto and Mathieu Flamini, so we'll see what happens to the Dutch/Canadian player.
Now for the big "WHAT IF"... I still feel disappointed that de Guzman chose Oranje instead of Red and White. Can you imagine the scary midfield that Canada could have had with de Guzman (squared alongside brother Julian) with current Manchester United and England midfielder Owen Hargreaves, plus de Rosario. People wouldn't be talking about Canada as a team that may get the 3rd spot in CONCACAF, instead they would be talking about how Canada is one of 'THE' countries to beat to get in instead of Canada. Hopefully de Guzman is the last player that chooses another country to play for. On the other hand, I've said it before, if I were de Guzman or Hargreaves and were eligible for a call-up from one of the "big" countries (I am still eligible to play for Germany in case Joachim Löw is reading this and in need of a mediocre midfielder) and the coach did phone me to put on the National team shirt for one of the footballing powers, I would have to take that call seriously and I too, might turn my back on Canada. I'm sure not any of players would say this, but I think a lot of it is all about winning, and I suppose many of the players would rather win than represent, not all, but if they had the opportunity, many would.
Tyler
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