Fantastic display of football by Oscar Tabarez' team! Crushing Paraguay 3-0 (two goals by Forlan and one by Suarez) confirmed that Uruguay has been the best South American team since last World Cup. Move aside Argentina and Brazil!
Great coach, great scoring duo, Musrela at goalie, Lugano at center back and relentless midfielders have made this team more than tough. It is a great team! I still like Argentina but now Uruguay moves ahead in my personal ranking. They deserve it. They have earned it! I love Uruguay's play and I can only hope Poland will play the same next year. No superstars on this team but they play as a unit.
Once again, team concept wins. Individual talent can only take you so far. Team, team, team. Forlan tied team record by scoring twice with overall 31 goals for his country and team's 15th title breaks the tie with Argentina. Today Uruguay is the most successful South American team! Congratulations!
It was a beautiful final and all the beauty was on the Uruguayan side. Go la celeste!!!!!!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Summertime...see you in August
I guess you should always look at the bright side. Wojciech Szczesny, 21-year-old goalie, a near-future the best goalie in the world, has taken full advantage of the Boruc-Smuda rift. Boruc, to me and many Polish fans, is a world-class goalie. But Szczesny, whom I picked last year already to be the next best thing, is closing in on the title pretty fast.
A soccer team is built like a house. First you need a solid base, namely a defense. A goalie is at the center of it. Poland already has its rock. His name is Wojciech Szczesny. Now onto the defenders. I will have a new lineup, a bit different from the last year. The two center back should be: Perquis (Pole to be) and Wasilewski. Strangely, neither of them has yet to play for Mr Smuda. Perquis- because he is still waiting to obtain his Polish passport; Wasilewski- the rock under Leo Beenhakker reign has been recovering from the tragic injury (some psycho broke his leg, split bones in fact. horrible!). He played as right full back but he plays at Anderlecht as center defender. He is a definition of a tough guy. Those two would be great together. Piszczek on the right and Wawrzyniak (or Boenisch if he also recovers from injury) on the left. The current players- Wojtkowiak, Jodlowiec, Glik- are nice backups.
Midfield becomes tricky. There are several names for the 5 players to use (Smuda uses 4-2-3-1 system). Two defensive ones could be Matuszczyk and Dudek or Murawski. I would actually use only one defensive players and two forwards. Matuszczyk is a lock, the other ones are not. Left belongs to Mierzejewski, right to captain Blaszczykowski and offensive midfielder is Obraniak. But here is a key: a couple of new names, whose talent will hopefully explode in the next 12 months, might make a difference between a good team and a great one. A lone forward is Lewandowski, who should have a partner in Brozek or Malecki or Sobiech. Obraniak with Matuszczyk are enough in the middle, Mr Smuda. This is, so far, a good Polish team.
But only a great team goes all the way.
There are no real superstars playing for Poland. Yet. The hope is that, as usual, stars will be revealed at the biggest stage. EURO 2012 must provide a couple of stars from the Polish team to succeed. That means to win the cup. I guess reaching semis will be titled by many as a successful campaign for Poland. But I play for a true title. Always and against anybody. That's the real success.
European championship is that prize. Go get it Polish Eagles!
A soccer team is built like a house. First you need a solid base, namely a defense. A goalie is at the center of it. Poland already has its rock. His name is Wojciech Szczesny. Now onto the defenders. I will have a new lineup, a bit different from the last year. The two center back should be: Perquis (Pole to be) and Wasilewski. Strangely, neither of them has yet to play for Mr Smuda. Perquis- because he is still waiting to obtain his Polish passport; Wasilewski- the rock under Leo Beenhakker reign has been recovering from the tragic injury (some psycho broke his leg, split bones in fact. horrible!). He played as right full back but he plays at Anderlecht as center defender. He is a definition of a tough guy. Those two would be great together. Piszczek on the right and Wawrzyniak (or Boenisch if he also recovers from injury) on the left. The current players- Wojtkowiak, Jodlowiec, Glik- are nice backups.
Midfield becomes tricky. There are several names for the 5 players to use (Smuda uses 4-2-3-1 system). Two defensive ones could be Matuszczyk and Dudek or Murawski. I would actually use only one defensive players and two forwards. Matuszczyk is a lock, the other ones are not. Left belongs to Mierzejewski, right to captain Blaszczykowski and offensive midfielder is Obraniak. But here is a key: a couple of new names, whose talent will hopefully explode in the next 12 months, might make a difference between a good team and a great one. A lone forward is Lewandowski, who should have a partner in Brozek or Malecki or Sobiech. Obraniak with Matuszczyk are enough in the middle, Mr Smuda. This is, so far, a good Polish team.
But only a great team goes all the way.
There are no real superstars playing for Poland. Yet. The hope is that, as usual, stars will be revealed at the biggest stage. EURO 2012 must provide a couple of stars from the Polish team to succeed. That means to win the cup. I guess reaching semis will be titled by many as a successful campaign for Poland. But I play for a true title. Always and against anybody. That's the real success.
European championship is that prize. Go get it Polish Eagles!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Polska-Argentina 2-1!
NICE win Polish eagles. No first teams for neither squads but win is a win. More important was to see how Polska will play. I am happy to say that it was a lively display, active, good chances created. Much more positives have come from this game. Now Poland must make a consistent effort. Next stop France this coming Thursday. GO POLSKA!!!!!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Great Saturday with plenty of soccer action
SIX MATCHES at once! That was beautiful! Thanks to espn3 mosaic view I can watch 4 matches at once. Heaven! And two more on TV made it a dream come true, people. A dream come true! Ok, I got it out of my system but it was such a SCRRREEEAAAAAM!
Switzerland should have won on Wembley. 2-2 is still a good score, which also confirmed English mediocre status. I saw Montenegro play for the first time and was very impressed. Confident, efficient and strong team. A bit shaky after losing the goal (first time in 8 games so the shock was understandable, I think) but overall they played great. They will finish first and England will be in the playoffs. Just in playoffs because they will not qualify. Excellent news! You can watch EURO 2012 from the comfort of your living room, damn English freaks. Now, if you could only convince beautiful Helgas from Berlin to join you that would be perfect.
Ireland had an easy win over Macedonia, so did Denmark against Iceland. Portugal had a tough time beating Norway. Now the two are joined by Denmark at the top of the table. It will be a fantastic finish this fall.
For dessert, two friendly games. Brazil 0-0 draw against Holland was a bit disappointing. No revenge for Brazilians after losing 1-2 in the last world cup. But the US SPAINking was a thing of beauty. Another great display of a beautiful game played perfectly. Training session for the Spanish second team. Maybe they can dominate beyond 2012 after all? Young Spanish guns look ready. Americans- how much longer will you pretend you know soccer?! Switch to your stupid baseball. Give it a rest! It's Saturday!
Switzerland should have won on Wembley. 2-2 is still a good score, which also confirmed English mediocre status. I saw Montenegro play for the first time and was very impressed. Confident, efficient and strong team. A bit shaky after losing the goal (first time in 8 games so the shock was understandable, I think) but overall they played great. They will finish first and England will be in the playoffs. Just in playoffs because they will not qualify. Excellent news! You can watch EURO 2012 from the comfort of your living room, damn English freaks. Now, if you could only convince beautiful Helgas from Berlin to join you that would be perfect.
Ireland had an easy win over Macedonia, so did Denmark against Iceland. Portugal had a tough time beating Norway. Now the two are joined by Denmark at the top of the table. It will be a fantastic finish this fall.
For dessert, two friendly games. Brazil 0-0 draw against Holland was a bit disappointing. No revenge for Brazilians after losing 1-2 in the last world cup. But the US SPAINking was a thing of beauty. Another great display of a beautiful game played perfectly. Training session for the Spanish second team. Maybe they can dominate beyond 2012 after all? Young Spanish guns look ready. Americans- how much longer will you pretend you know soccer?! Switch to your stupid baseball. Give it a rest! It's Saturday!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
1 year left to EURO 2012
In just 12 months the biggest soccer event in Poland's history will take place on its soil. 16 best teams in the world (only Argentina and Brazil are missing; Uruguay, Ghana and Ivory Coast are getting close, though) will compete for the ultimate glory. EURO finals is equivalent of the World Cup starting from the 2nd round with no koreas, costaricas, americas, aussies etc. to deal with. These teams' only purpose is to annoy you. Fine, i t i s a nice training session. Fine.
The favorites? Poland obviously, then Spain and unfortunately Germany. Barcelona players (Iniesta, Xavi, Busquets, Puyol) have been celebrating in June each year since EURO 2008 (2009, 2011 Champion League, 2010 world cup). Next year could be the last year of Spanish dominance.
The worst that can happen to us, Poles, is to see Germans win next July. Ok, true, at least the final is in Kiev, Ukraine.
I am biased but I am not dreaming. Never underestimate the host nation and its 12th player - the fans. Euro 2012 can, should, be the catalyst for the revival of the Polish team. We are all sick and tired of talking about the glory 1970s and 1980s. The time is now to return to the elite.
Therefore I say to fire current coach Franciszek Smuda and get Orest Lenczyk, 68-year-old veteran who just finished 2nd in Polish division coaching Slask Wroclaw, the team who was close to relegation last September after losing 5 straight games. Mr Lenczyk came, saw and conquered once again. Assistant coach should be a young mind Michal Probierz and goalie's coach famous Jerzy Dudek, who just finished his last year as a 2nd goalie at Real Madrid. Simple and painless but a necessary procedure to get Poland out of the mediocre play.
The two upcoming matches on June 5 against Argentina's 2nd team and June 9 against France (sort of 2nd team) are likely to bring Smuda down. For the sake of Poland this will be the best scenerio. Smuda is a great club coach. International team is something different and, especially playing only friendlies, it proved to be too much for Smuda. Wrong time, wrong place. Sorry. You are out.
Poland does not have international superstars. Thus defense must be stressed, world-class defense and exceptional counter-attack (Polish specialty). Next year's victory is not out of reach for any team including my beloved Poland. We should follow Greece's example from 2004 triumph. That is the short-term resolution. Long-term one is creating academies for young children (see Germany). However, the key is to get rid of current senior citizens who rule the Polish Soccer Association. They live in a different era. They should be sent to some old community where they can enjoy their little world and stop pissing us off. I am sure I am speaking for most of the fans.
The favorites? Poland obviously, then Spain and unfortunately Germany. Barcelona players (Iniesta, Xavi, Busquets, Puyol) have been celebrating in June each year since EURO 2008 (2009, 2011 Champion League, 2010 world cup). Next year could be the last year of Spanish dominance.
The worst that can happen to us, Poles, is to see Germans win next July. Ok, true, at least the final is in Kiev, Ukraine.
I am biased but I am not dreaming. Never underestimate the host nation and its 12th player - the fans. Euro 2012 can, should, be the catalyst for the revival of the Polish team. We are all sick and tired of talking about the glory 1970s and 1980s. The time is now to return to the elite.
Therefore I say to fire current coach Franciszek Smuda and get Orest Lenczyk, 68-year-old veteran who just finished 2nd in Polish division coaching Slask Wroclaw, the team who was close to relegation last September after losing 5 straight games. Mr Lenczyk came, saw and conquered once again. Assistant coach should be a young mind Michal Probierz and goalie's coach famous Jerzy Dudek, who just finished his last year as a 2nd goalie at Real Madrid. Simple and painless but a necessary procedure to get Poland out of the mediocre play.
The two upcoming matches on June 5 against Argentina's 2nd team and June 9 against France (sort of 2nd team) are likely to bring Smuda down. For the sake of Poland this will be the best scenerio. Smuda is a great club coach. International team is something different and, especially playing only friendlies, it proved to be too much for Smuda. Wrong time, wrong place. Sorry. You are out.
Poland does not have international superstars. Thus defense must be stressed, world-class defense and exceptional counter-attack (Polish specialty). Next year's victory is not out of reach for any team including my beloved Poland. We should follow Greece's example from 2004 triumph. That is the short-term resolution. Long-term one is creating academies for young children (see Germany). However, the key is to get rid of current senior citizens who rule the Polish Soccer Association. They live in a different era. They should be sent to some old community where they can enjoy their little world and stop pissing us off. I am sure I am speaking for most of the fans.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
2010/11 season is over - Barca & Messi on top!
As a Real Madrid fan even I can appreciate the way Barcelona plays. It is true that even its pure-heart haters (i.e. hardcore die-barca-die, enemies-for-life, barca-makes-me-vomit Real fans) find themselves watching Messi and Co. in awe. How special Messi and Guardiola made this team?
This team, I don't hate! I can't! I simply can't!
That's how special. I could not stand Ronaldinho and before Stoichkov and Romario. But not this team. That fast pace, these short passes, out-of-nowhere attacks on goal, the control of the game. Breathtaking! Messi is so damn good. He really reminds me of Maradona. Too bad he does not play for Real. On the other hand I am not sure if he would excel in Madrid. In Barca he found a perfect company. It fits, it makes sense.
As for real, Ronaldo is a playboy and even his 40 goals this season can't change anything. He did not make a difference in games that mattered. Messi did.
I am still fan of Real but I love watching Messi and fabulous Barca's style of play. Everything comes to an end yet I don't want Barca to stop playing its near-perfect soccer. And they didn't have to spend 100 milion Euros to get one player.
This team, I don't hate! I can't! I simply can't!
That's how special. I could not stand Ronaldinho and before Stoichkov and Romario. But not this team. That fast pace, these short passes, out-of-nowhere attacks on goal, the control of the game. Breathtaking! Messi is so damn good. He really reminds me of Maradona. Too bad he does not play for Real. On the other hand I am not sure if he would excel in Madrid. In Barca he found a perfect company. It fits, it makes sense.
As for real, Ronaldo is a playboy and even his 40 goals this season can't change anything. He did not make a difference in games that mattered. Messi did.
I am still fan of Real but I love watching Messi and fabulous Barca's style of play. Everything comes to an end yet I don't want Barca to stop playing its near-perfect soccer. And they didn't have to spend 100 milion Euros to get one player.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
What a beautiful game!
ARGENTINA! It was Argentina after all!
Argentina was supposed to play in the last world cup final and beat the best team, up to that point, in the world - Spain. The world cup would have ended completely different if not for... an Argentinian. And not any Argentinian. In fact, the greatest Argentinian player of all time: Diego Armando Maradona. Maradona was picked to coach the national team having no real coaching experience. Essentially, off the field problems led Argentinian Soccer Association to believe that coaching the national team could help Diego. He did too much for the country so they could not leave him. In a way it did help him but in the process it hurt that incredibly talented team. It hurt bad.
In the last year friendly, only a friendly but still a very prestigious match, post-world cup Argentina destroyed Spain 4-1. It also beat Portugal 2-1 and Brazil 1-0. All elite teams. And today, oh today, in a breathtaking performance against USA, as mediocre as Americans are, it was all about the magical Argentina.
What a performance!!! Simply A M A Z I N G!!!!!
The first half was UN-believable! I have not seen such a brilliant football in a long, long, looong time. Spain has been great for the past several years but it has been playing, especially last June, a sort of calculated football (they borrowed it from Germans, of course). Well, it worked: 2008 Euro title, 2010 world cup trophy. Spain was playing fabulous for decades but was never successful on the big stage. Until it became cold-hearted. However, in the pre-world cup predictions I still believed that it was only Argentina that could defeat the reigning European Champions. If only it had a coach. As brilliant as Spain was Argentina was and still is today more talented and it all starts and ends with the best player in the world - Leo Messi - the heart of breathtaking Argentina. The good news is that Messi is still only 23.
Three years is a long time but the 2014 world cup in Brazil might really belong to them. Brazil will have to swallow another bitter pill. The last time they hosted world's best teams, in 1950, Brazil lost the final to Uruguay. The famous Maracana drowned in tears and 9-year-old Pele, watching in disbelief, promised his dad to win the world cup for him one day. He fulfilled his promise three times. This time I can already bet that Brazil, should it reach the final, will have to face another South American rival. Face it and lose. Because Argentina will not be stopped this time.
We were all robbed of what could have been the most memorable world cup final ever: Spain-Argentina, one for the ages! Unfortunately we are only left with "what if..." What an irony that it was the greatest Argentinian who did it to all of us.
Argentina was supposed to play in the last world cup final and beat the best team, up to that point, in the world - Spain. The world cup would have ended completely different if not for... an Argentinian. And not any Argentinian. In fact, the greatest Argentinian player of all time: Diego Armando Maradona. Maradona was picked to coach the national team having no real coaching experience. Essentially, off the field problems led Argentinian Soccer Association to believe that coaching the national team could help Diego. He did too much for the country so they could not leave him. In a way it did help him but in the process it hurt that incredibly talented team. It hurt bad.
In the last year friendly, only a friendly but still a very prestigious match, post-world cup Argentina destroyed Spain 4-1. It also beat Portugal 2-1 and Brazil 1-0. All elite teams. And today, oh today, in a breathtaking performance against USA, as mediocre as Americans are, it was all about the magical Argentina.
What a performance!!! Simply A M A Z I N G!!!!!
The first half was UN-believable! I have not seen such a brilliant football in a long, long, looong time. Spain has been great for the past several years but it has been playing, especially last June, a sort of calculated football (they borrowed it from Germans, of course). Well, it worked: 2008 Euro title, 2010 world cup trophy. Spain was playing fabulous for decades but was never successful on the big stage. Until it became cold-hearted. However, in the pre-world cup predictions I still believed that it was only Argentina that could defeat the reigning European Champions. If only it had a coach. As brilliant as Spain was Argentina was and still is today more talented and it all starts and ends with the best player in the world - Leo Messi - the heart of breathtaking Argentina. The good news is that Messi is still only 23.
Three years is a long time but the 2014 world cup in Brazil might really belong to them. Brazil will have to swallow another bitter pill. The last time they hosted world's best teams, in 1950, Brazil lost the final to Uruguay. The famous Maracana drowned in tears and 9-year-old Pele, watching in disbelief, promised his dad to win the world cup for him one day. He fulfilled his promise three times. This time I can already bet that Brazil, should it reach the final, will have to face another South American rival. Face it and lose. Because Argentina will not be stopped this time.
We were all robbed of what could have been the most memorable world cup final ever: Spain-Argentina, one for the ages! Unfortunately we are only left with "what if..." What an irony that it was the greatest Argentinian who did it to all of us.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
EURO 2012 qualifiers are back
I know, I know. you have all missed me. tough love. tough life. thank God for His spiritual support in my everyday life. As much as it will always hurt I feel better, stronger, wiser.
Now back to business. I have watched some soccer games lately (borussia-mainz, real-atletico) and it was so relaxing to sit back and enjoy the real football. Tomorrow EURO 2012 games (still can't believe they play games on fridays and tuesdays now. I work, people, on Friday in the afternoon in the unites states of america!!!!!). At least there are some games on saturday this time. I plan to watch wales b/eating up english muffins and Norway losing to Denmark. And some other games squeezed in the middle (Ireland-Macedonia sounds good, too)... I miss world cup fever! 3 games a day 7 days a week! ehh soo goood!
BTW i just love miller lite commercials. The beer itself (if anyone on the planet calls it a beer) stinks but the commercials crack me up. My wife's and mine latest favorite one is the sunglasses: "...they are playing your song, too...!" Classic! ... Once again, there is only a Polish, Czech or German beer worth drinking. Just so you know.
Group A
20:30 Austria - Belgium 0-2 (was 0-2)
20:00 Germany - Kazakhstan 3-1 (4-0)
Group B standings
16:00 Armenia - Russia 1-0 (0-0)
20:00 Andorra - Slovakia 0-4 (0-1)
20:45 Ireland - FYR Macedonia 2-1 (2-1)
Group C
20:30 Serbia - Northern Ireland 3-0 (2-1)
20:45 Slovenia - Italy 0-2 (0-1)
Group D
21:00 Luxembourg - France 0-3 (0-2)
19:15 Bosnia Herzegovina - Romania 5-1 (2-1)
20:00 Albania - Belarus 1-0 (1-0)
Group E
20:30 Hungary - Netherlands 2-2 (0-4)
Group F
18:00 Georgia - Croatia 0-1 (1-0)
19:05 Israel - Latvia 1-1 (2-1)
20:30 Malta - Greece 0-2 (0-1)
Group G
16:00 Wales - England 3-2 (0-2)
20:45 Bulgaria - Switzerland 1-1 (0-0)
Group H
19:00 Cyprus - Iceland 3-2 (0-0)
20:00 Norway - Denmark 1-3 (1-1)
Group I
22:00 Spain - Czech Republic 5-1 (2-1)
To my fans who only visit my website to make money out of me - please contact me so that I can give you my account number. I am not greedy thus i expect a non-negotiable 11% of your winnings. Salamat and walang anuman.
I have to mention my Bulls... I'M SO EXCITED! told ya! NUMERO UNO already!!!!! And there is no stopping POWERHOUSEBULLS! 7th heaven this June! NOOOAAAAAHHHHH!
Now back to business. I have watched some soccer games lately (borussia-mainz, real-atletico) and it was so relaxing to sit back and enjoy the real football. Tomorrow EURO 2012 games (still can't believe they play games on fridays and tuesdays now. I work, people, on Friday in the afternoon in the unites states of america!!!!!). At least there are some games on saturday this time. I plan to watch wales b/eating up english muffins and Norway losing to Denmark. And some other games squeezed in the middle (Ireland-Macedonia sounds good, too)... I miss world cup fever! 3 games a day 7 days a week! ehh soo goood!
BTW i just love miller lite commercials. The beer itself (if anyone on the planet calls it a beer) stinks but the commercials crack me up. My wife's and mine latest favorite one is the sunglasses: "...they are playing your song, too...!" Classic! ... Once again, there is only a Polish, Czech or German beer worth drinking. Just so you know.
Group A
20:30 Austria - Belgium 0-2 (was 0-2)
20:00 Germany - Kazakhstan 3-1 (4-0)
Group B standings
16:00 Armenia - Russia 1-0 (0-0)
20:00 Andorra - Slovakia 0-4 (0-1)
20:45 Ireland - FYR Macedonia 2-1 (2-1)
Group C
20:30 Serbia - Northern Ireland 3-0 (2-1)
20:45 Slovenia - Italy 0-2 (0-1)
Group D
21:00 Luxembourg - France 0-3 (0-2)
19:15 Bosnia Herzegovina - Romania 5-1 (2-1)
20:00 Albania - Belarus 1-0 (1-0)
Group E
20:30 Hungary - Netherlands 2-2 (0-4)
Group F
18:00 Georgia - Croatia 0-1 (1-0)
19:05 Israel - Latvia 1-1 (2-1)
20:30 Malta - Greece 0-2 (0-1)
Group G
16:00 Wales - England 3-2 (0-2)
20:45 Bulgaria - Switzerland 1-1 (0-0)
Group H
19:00 Cyprus - Iceland 3-2 (0-0)
20:00 Norway - Denmark 1-3 (1-1)
Group I
22:00 Spain - Czech Republic 5-1 (2-1)
To my fans who only visit my website to make money out of me - please contact me so that I can give you my account number. I am not greedy thus i expect a non-negotiable 11% of your winnings. Salamat and walang anuman.
I have to mention my Bulls... I'M SO EXCITED! told ya! NUMERO UNO already!!!!! And there is no stopping POWERHOUSEBULLS! 7th heaven this June! NOOOAAAAAHHHHH!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas! Wesolych Swiat! Maligayang Pasko!
Christmas time, my most favorite time of the year, is here. Wish for health for all my family and good, happy new year. God Bless us everyone!
But this Christmas time is more special to me. God has answered my prayers and is healing my beloved Mom in front of my eyes. Thank you Lord for your mercy, thank you Baby Jesus for your touch and thank you Mama Mary for your constant love and support. That is all I need for Christmas. Next year if You can make our house crowdier it would be nice as well. I know that You give us what we need. I am forever grateful for Your love.
But this Christmas time is more special to me. God has answered my prayers and is healing my beloved Mom in front of my eyes. Thank you Lord for your mercy, thank you Baby Jesus for your touch and thank you Mama Mary for your constant love and support. That is all I need for Christmas. Next year if You can make our house crowdier it would be nice as well. I know that You give us what we need. I am forever grateful for Your love.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Orlando-Phoenix-Washington trade
Suns are the big winners! Orlando got desperate, Washington is rebuilding so getting insanely overpaid Lewis still is better than much longer Arenas contract. However, it is my wife's Phoenix Suns that clearly got what they needed. Size (Gortat), defense+scoring (Pietrus) and offense (Carter, on some nights but still a good deal). Nash can do his magic again. It is stupid to read some reports that now Nash will be traded. Suns just got better! And assured a playoff spot. I see them finishing 6th and...taking out Lakers in the first round! You heard me! Nash will have his revenge. The biggest obstacle to Suns will be Spurs. Last year I picked them over Spurs and actually predicted the sweep (yeah, I am THAT good) but this year grandpas from San Antonio will be more dangerous. Much more.
Orlando removed itself frome the East elite making a room for Bulls. Miami is not on the same level as Boston. Only Bulls can, and will, challenge successfuly grandpas from Boston. Bulls-Boston east finals will be a beauty and see the end of short Boston's reign. The next decade will belong to Bulls again.
Orlando removed itself frome the East elite making a room for Bulls. Miami is not on the same level as Boston. Only Bulls can, and will, challenge successfuly grandpas from Boston. Bulls-Boston east finals will be a beauty and see the end of short Boston's reign. The next decade will belong to Bulls again.
NBA playoffs 2011
Why not?! It's only Christmas but the top 8 teams in both conferences seem to be set already. Who gets what spot? I think I know! (one question mark is Carmelo: if he is traded, Denver won't make playoffs. And to whom traded? Exactly. If New York then Knicks can finish 4th or 5th. If Nets, they are 7th or 8th. I am guessing it is Knicks. Overall, it does not matter. Melo can only succeed in Chicago but we don't really need him to win it all! Go Bulls!
East
1. Boston Celtics
2. Miami Heat
3. Chicago Bulls
4. Atlanta Hawks
5. New York Knicks
6. Orlando Magic
7. Milwaukee Bucks
8. Indiana Pacers
West
1. Dallas Maverics
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Los Angeles Lakers
4. Utah Jazz
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
6. Phoenix Suns
7. Portland Trailblazer
8. Houston Rockets
East 1st round: no upsets
East Semis: Boston-Atlanta 4-1; Miami-Bulls 2-4
East Finals Boston-Bulls 3-4
West 1st round: Dallas-Houston 4-2; Spurs-Portland 4-1; Lakers-Suns 2-4; Utah-Oklahoma 4-3
West Semis: Dallas-Utah 4-2; Spurs-Suns 3-4
West finals: Dallas-Suns 4-3
NBA Finals
Chicago Bulls vs. Dallas Mavericks
(I can see Suns beating Mavs, mostly because they are my wife's team but I am sticking to me preseason picks. It would be nice though to see Steve playing at least once in the finals. Whether Suns or Mavs it is Bulls time anyway).
The 7th heaven for Bulls as we will celebrate first of many Grant Park parties after 4-2 victory over cry-baby Cuban. BULLS are BACK!!!!!
East
1. Boston Celtics
2. Miami Heat
3. Chicago Bulls
4. Atlanta Hawks
5. New York Knicks
6. Orlando Magic
7. Milwaukee Bucks
8. Indiana Pacers
West
1. Dallas Maverics
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Los Angeles Lakers
4. Utah Jazz
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
6. Phoenix Suns
7. Portland Trailblazer
8. Houston Rockets
East 1st round: no upsets
East Semis: Boston-Atlanta 4-1; Miami-Bulls 2-4
East Finals Boston-Bulls 3-4
West 1st round: Dallas-Houston 4-2; Spurs-Portland 4-1; Lakers-Suns 2-4; Utah-Oklahoma 4-3
West Semis: Dallas-Utah 4-2; Spurs-Suns 3-4
West finals: Dallas-Suns 4-3
NBA Finals
Chicago Bulls vs. Dallas Mavericks
(I can see Suns beating Mavs, mostly because they are my wife's team but I am sticking to me preseason picks. It would be nice though to see Steve playing at least once in the finals. Whether Suns or Mavs it is Bulls time anyway).
The 7th heaven for Bulls as we will celebrate first of many Grant Park parties after 4-2 victory over cry-baby Cuban. BULLS are BACK!!!!!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
A rise to stardom
Wojciech Szczesny, a 20-year-old Arsenal London goalkeeper, is another phenomenal Polish kid who could become #1 in the Polish national team for a decade.
He is a son of Maciej Szczesny, a very good goalie himself who, however, never got a chance to be #1 in the Polish team playing only several times. He won Polish national championships with 4 different teams (an amazing accomplishment) but he was not trusted to be Poland's #1. It was likely a mistake but to his satisfaction his son could live his dream.
This is a golden age for goalies in Poland. For some reason world-class goalkeepers are growing like mushrooms nowadays in the land of milk and honey. Boruc, Fabianski, Kuszczak and now Szczesny. They could start for any team in the world. Szczesny replaced an injured Fabianski in the starting lineup last Monday. That was his first game in the English Premiere League. And he got this opportunity to play against arch rivals - Manchester United! Szczesny, who is a very cocky goalie, did not disappoint. Despite the loss (0-1) he was named the best player in Arsenal receiving a 7 (out of 10) note. His counterpart, legendary Van der Sar (still playing at the age of 40) got 6. Manchester had a great chance to score one more but Rooney missed the penalty badly sending the ball over the bar. If you ask Szczesny he will tell you that it was no accident. He played a big part in that miss. He might be right.
Szczesny could very be THE most talented of all Polish goalies. Fabianski is very good but Boruc was not only my #1 choice being overall a better player. But Szczesny has something extra special. He does indeed since Barcelona, already interested in him for some time, was so impressed after the Monday match that it now is seriously considering acquiring Szczesny over the summer. Lucky Poland! And lucky Barca as well. I can really feel that good days are returning and the beginning of the golden age will be the Euro 2012.
He is a son of Maciej Szczesny, a very good goalie himself who, however, never got a chance to be #1 in the Polish team playing only several times. He won Polish national championships with 4 different teams (an amazing accomplishment) but he was not trusted to be Poland's #1. It was likely a mistake but to his satisfaction his son could live his dream.
This is a golden age for goalies in Poland. For some reason world-class goalkeepers are growing like mushrooms nowadays in the land of milk and honey. Boruc, Fabianski, Kuszczak and now Szczesny. They could start for any team in the world. Szczesny replaced an injured Fabianski in the starting lineup last Monday. That was his first game in the English Premiere League. And he got this opportunity to play against arch rivals - Manchester United! Szczesny, who is a very cocky goalie, did not disappoint. Despite the loss (0-1) he was named the best player in Arsenal receiving a 7 (out of 10) note. His counterpart, legendary Van der Sar (still playing at the age of 40) got 6. Manchester had a great chance to score one more but Rooney missed the penalty badly sending the ball over the bar. If you ask Szczesny he will tell you that it was no accident. He played a big part in that miss. He might be right.
Szczesny could very be THE most talented of all Polish goalies. Fabianski is very good but Boruc was not only my #1 choice being overall a better player. But Szczesny has something extra special. He does indeed since Barcelona, already interested in him for some time, was so impressed after the Monday match that it now is seriously considering acquiring Szczesny over the summer. Lucky Poland! And lucky Barca as well. I can really feel that good days are returning and the beginning of the golden age will be the Euro 2012.
Monday, December 6, 2010
WC 2018 - Russia; WC 2022 - Qatar
Russia somehow managed to copy Brazil, which has its WC in 2014 followed by the Olimpic Games in Rio de Janeiro two years later. The Winter Games are set in 2014 in Sochi and now a beautiful game will travel from the sands of Copacabana to the dry fields of Moscow.
England is the big loser receiving only 2 out of 22 votes. USA and Australia felt confident enough but it is Qatar where the world's best teams will compete in less than twelve years. Unfortunately, there are many reasonable voices that the Russian pick is a political move and Qatar - an economic. It is hard to disagree but what's done is done. More important is the game itself and that becomes the focus for everybody from the very first kick. Just wait 11 1/2 years!
P.S. Revenge of the Brits. Katia Z., a 25-year-old Russian employee of the British Parliament, charged with espionage, is to be deported from England. How will USA/Australia spank Qatar?
England is the big loser receiving only 2 out of 22 votes. USA and Australia felt confident enough but it is Qatar where the world's best teams will compete in less than twelve years. Unfortunately, there are many reasonable voices that the Russian pick is a political move and Qatar - an economic. It is hard to disagree but what's done is done. More important is the game itself and that becomes the focus for everybody from the very first kick. Just wait 11 1/2 years!
P.S. Revenge of the Brits. Katia Z., a 25-year-old Russian employee of the British Parliament, charged with espionage, is to be deported from England. How will USA/Australia spank Qatar?
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Decision 2018/2022 World Cup
December 2, 2010, Zurich, Switzerland. At around 3pm tomorrow, FIFA officials will announce the successful bid for the 2018 and later on for the 2022 World Cup.
The finalists are:
2018: Spain/Portugal, Russia, England, Belgium/Holland
2022: Qatar, USA, Australia, South Korea and Japan
The first vote should give a good indication of how the second will go. If Spain/Portugal prevails for 2018, that's bad news for the USA, since it's been widely reported that the seven or eight international allies of the Spain/Portugal bid have made a deal, in which they've agreed to support that bid in 2018 in return for backing Qatar in 2022.
One is already known. WC 2018 will take place in Europe. The latest favorites are Spain/Portugal and Qatar. My picks were England and US but now I am not sure because the voting is unfortunately not so clear or better say not just (they put it "deliberations and votes are secret." Secret my ass!). The 2006 WC was to be played in South Africa but one of the voters was bribed and never showed up for the voting. That one vote cost South Africa the election. Germans. Go figure. Pretty disgusting. Nein, nein, nein! And who ended up in jail?! Nobody! And that was a real crime! Makes me sick! At least pizzaronis denied bratwurst the final.
WC in England in 1966 saw the English side win its lone WC title. US was not so lucky in 1994, though getting out of the group stage was considered a great step forward at the time. For some reason I think the two might be winners but it does not really matter to me. A beautiful game is beautiful everywhere.
The finalists are:
2018: Spain/Portugal, Russia, England, Belgium/Holland
2022: Qatar, USA, Australia, South Korea and Japan
The first vote should give a good indication of how the second will go. If Spain/Portugal prevails for 2018, that's bad news for the USA, since it's been widely reported that the seven or eight international allies of the Spain/Portugal bid have made a deal, in which they've agreed to support that bid in 2018 in return for backing Qatar in 2022.
One is already known. WC 2018 will take place in Europe. The latest favorites are Spain/Portugal and Qatar. My picks were England and US but now I am not sure because the voting is unfortunately not so clear or better say not just (they put it "deliberations and votes are secret." Secret my ass!). The 2006 WC was to be played in South Africa but one of the voters was bribed and never showed up for the voting. That one vote cost South Africa the election. Germans. Go figure. Pretty disgusting. Nein, nein, nein! And who ended up in jail?! Nobody! And that was a real crime! Makes me sick! At least pizzaronis denied bratwurst the final.
WC in England in 1966 saw the English side win its lone WC title. US was not so lucky in 1994, though getting out of the group stage was considered a great step forward at the time. For some reason I think the two might be winners but it does not really matter to me. A beautiful game is beautiful everywhere.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Roger is alive, again!
Federer over Nadal. 6-3 3-6 6-1 win in the season-ending tournament featuring 8 best players of the year saw the top two seeds making it to the final for the first time since 1986 (Lendl and Becker). After losing the last 6 of 7 games against Rafa, Roger finally won his arch nemesis. And he won convincingly. Not long ago was he a clear choice as the best player of all time. With recent dominance by Nadal over everybody else the choice has not been no longer that clear. Amazing but we might be witnessing two best players of all time playing each other in the same era. Rafa is 5 years younger but that's a small age gap.
Next year Fed should dominate again. He might even win the grand slam! That is all 4 major titles. The more they play each other the better for us.
Next year Fed should dominate again. He might even win the grand slam! That is all 4 major titles. The more they play each other the better for us.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Polska wins!!
I was onto something. In my prediction I simply doubled the score (6-2) but I take 3-1 victory over Ivory coast any time! Fantastic win for Poland! Great offense again, but ... horrible defense! The goal by Ivory Coast in 45th minute was the third gift from the Polish defender (a pass in a penalty area to opponent is never advisable!). Fortunately, they took advantage of only one mistake. Horrible defense!
The 11 that started against Ivory Coast: Fabianski - Piszczek, Jodlowiec, Wojtkowiak, Sadlok - Matuszczyk, Murawski - Blaszczykowski, Obraniak, Mierzejewski - Lewandowski. Out of that 11, 4-6 players do not guarantee international level of play. Three of them are defenders! Scary!
However, there is hope about (lack of) defense. Early next year, and if everything goes smoothly, Columbian Manuel Arboleda, French Damien Perquis and Brazilian Hernani, will receive Polish passports. Since we have very unreliable defenders (shame!) there is no other choice. Now if that happens, Poland will have a complete team that will only need time to gel for the next 18 months to compete successfully against the European elite.
Offense is almost ready, Smuda (our coach) declared following the game. Well, it is impressive at last and international level in every game is certainly achievable for them. That would be a dream come true. Another important fact, this is a young team built not only for Euro 2012 but also beyond. Wait a minute? Could it be!? Yes, something unthinkable a short while ago but Poland is on its way to the elite! And I am not being biased (ok, maybe a bit but it looks like this team can join European superpowers relatively soon). Don't you screw this up, young Polish eagles! You kin do it! Just don't fall in love with yourselves after one good game.
My evolving starting lineup (since Boruc seems out for good, at least get Szczesny to back up Fabianski, Mr Smuda): Fabianski - Piszczek, Perquis, Arboleda, Boenisch - Matuszczyk, Murawski - Blaszczykowski, Obraniak, Grosicki - Lewandowski.
Matuszczyk, only 21, looks to be a fantastic player. Murawski is certainly replacable (Majewski? a new name? Hopefully). Same with Grosicki, whose position is taken by Mierzejewski for now but Grosicki should be given a chance. No Peszko please! Smolarek, if he comes back to his old self one more time would be great, too).
Poland wants to surprise many during EURO 2012 and it certainly can. Its main goal is to make at least quarterfinals. I hate such minimalist thinking. As a host nation, especially as a host nation, there is only one goal - the championship!
The EURO 2012 will reveal a true character of all players. It is unknown how Poles, who only play friendly matches now, will cope with such pressure. No doubt, standing in front of 40 thousand fans facing Italy (my guess) in an opening game in Warsaw will be completely different. There is only one player who passed such test with flying colors. A fact is that in world cup 2006 in Germany and Euro 2008 in Switzerland and Austria it was only Artur Boruc who revealed a world class. The last line of defense will likely watch his fellow countrymen in front of TV in two years. Therefore with the help of fanatical Polish fans, myself included, I can only hope that the lucky 11 will copy Boruc's perfomances from 2006 and 2008. If they can, Poland will be crowned a new European champion!
Believe!
The 11 that started against Ivory Coast: Fabianski - Piszczek, Jodlowiec, Wojtkowiak, Sadlok - Matuszczyk, Murawski - Blaszczykowski, Obraniak, Mierzejewski - Lewandowski. Out of that 11, 4-6 players do not guarantee international level of play. Three of them are defenders! Scary!
However, there is hope about (lack of) defense. Early next year, and if everything goes smoothly, Columbian Manuel Arboleda, French Damien Perquis and Brazilian Hernani, will receive Polish passports. Since we have very unreliable defenders (shame!) there is no other choice. Now if that happens, Poland will have a complete team that will only need time to gel for the next 18 months to compete successfully against the European elite.
Offense is almost ready, Smuda (our coach) declared following the game. Well, it is impressive at last and international level in every game is certainly achievable for them. That would be a dream come true. Another important fact, this is a young team built not only for Euro 2012 but also beyond. Wait a minute? Could it be!? Yes, something unthinkable a short while ago but Poland is on its way to the elite! And I am not being biased (ok, maybe a bit but it looks like this team can join European superpowers relatively soon). Don't you screw this up, young Polish eagles! You kin do it! Just don't fall in love with yourselves after one good game.
My evolving starting lineup (since Boruc seems out for good, at least get Szczesny to back up Fabianski, Mr Smuda): Fabianski - Piszczek, Perquis, Arboleda, Boenisch - Matuszczyk, Murawski - Blaszczykowski, Obraniak, Grosicki - Lewandowski.
Matuszczyk, only 21, looks to be a fantastic player. Murawski is certainly replacable (Majewski? a new name? Hopefully). Same with Grosicki, whose position is taken by Mierzejewski for now but Grosicki should be given a chance. No Peszko please! Smolarek, if he comes back to his old self one more time would be great, too).
Poland wants to surprise many during EURO 2012 and it certainly can. Its main goal is to make at least quarterfinals. I hate such minimalist thinking. As a host nation, especially as a host nation, there is only one goal - the championship!
The EURO 2012 will reveal a true character of all players. It is unknown how Poles, who only play friendly matches now, will cope with such pressure. No doubt, standing in front of 40 thousand fans facing Italy (my guess) in an opening game in Warsaw will be completely different. There is only one player who passed such test with flying colors. A fact is that in world cup 2006 in Germany and Euro 2008 in Switzerland and Austria it was only Artur Boruc who revealed a world class. The last line of defense will likely watch his fellow countrymen in front of TV in two years. Therefore with the help of fanatical Polish fans, myself included, I can only hope that the lucky 11 will copy Boruc's perfomances from 2006 and 2008. If they can, Poland will be crowned a new European champion!
Believe!
Monday, November 15, 2010
About a mess, about the next game
That was some tumultuous time the last couple of weeks for the Polish national team. The best goalie, and one of the best in the world, Artur Boruc fought publicly with the national coach, Franciszek Smuda, over his inappropriate behavior (screaming and drinking a few glasses of wine. He was joined by Poland's captain, Michal Zewlakow, who just set national team record with 101 caps) on the way back from last month games against USA and Ecuador. Ugly.
On the one hand, our coach is right. Players called to national team represent the entire country and should behave properly. That is, should be at least, obvious. Unfortunately, it is not for many of them. The problem of alcohol in Polish team is real and last September proves it (two players were kicked out of the team after heavy drinking following the game against Ukraine). Naturally, when you win, it doesn't matter and no one (media, coaches) would not even touch the "problem". But the last win Poland had against Bulgaria (2-0) last March. Go figure. In the old, good, days (1970s and 80s) it was a normal practice (some former players say today) to have a shot or two before a game (yes, before). (Some said to play better after a couple of drinks. Nice!). But in those days we had truly talented players on and off the field. They could handle it. Today's players clearly cannot.
On the other hand, drinking and getting drunk are two different things. Wine is even recommended with certain meals. It is widely known that Boruc was never Smuda's favorite player but Zewlakow played in almost all matches under Smuda. To make a long story short, according to Smuda, Boruc's behavior was a bad example to other (especially younger) players and not worthy of a national player. So was Zewlakow's (with several key mistakes in the last few games and his advanced soccer age (34) the ex-captain likely said good-bye in a very poor way). The wine incident seems to be an excuse to get rid of them. Boruc even declared to be ready for World Cup 2014 campaign, guessing/wishing Smuda won't be the coach by then anymore. Time will tell.
I do like Boruc and undoubtedly he is Poland's #1 goalie but it is not about personal relationships when it comes to national team. I like him because he is the best. Smuda should take this under considereation. However, the good thing is that Fabianski and Szczesny are not too far behind. Let's hope they will be ready by 2012.
Now onto the real problem. It is unthinkable that many Polish players treat national time as a party time, a vacation from everyday club work. Unfortunately, they do not work as hard as professional players in the western Europe otherwise, with our natural talents, Poland would be in the top ten in soccer ranking. No, they are simply lazy! Playing three games a week is a standard in the west. In Poland, two games a week already provides a problem. This must change.
With all that mess aside, let's talk for a second about the upcoming game. This Wednesday, November 17 in Poznan, Poland is set to play Ivory Coast - a team that should have reached at least semis of the last World Cup. Drogba, Kalou, Toure brothers, Eboue - world class players! However, they did not play as a team, unlike Ghana, but rather as selfish individuals. A great opportunity was lost. That's their problem, though. Poland has its own but I can bet that our coaching staff would welcome Ivory Coast problems for a change. Oh, who wins? Polska! 6-2! Why not?! Led by Jakub Blaszczykowski, Poland's biggest star and new captain, it can be done. GO POLISH EAGLES!
Lastly, an important note, I agree completely with Smuda on another OBVIOUS TO ME matter. When Radoslaw Majewski (a talented and ambitious midfielder) complained publicly to play only 18 minutes against Ecuador last month, for which he already apologized Smuda, our coach replied: "knowing I would play only one minute for Poland I would bike to Canada!"
Against San Marino or Brazil, for one minute or 90, playing for my beloved Poland would be the greatest honor. Something that I will likely never experience.
On the one hand, our coach is right. Players called to national team represent the entire country and should behave properly. That is, should be at least, obvious. Unfortunately, it is not for many of them. The problem of alcohol in Polish team is real and last September proves it (two players were kicked out of the team after heavy drinking following the game against Ukraine). Naturally, when you win, it doesn't matter and no one (media, coaches) would not even touch the "problem". But the last win Poland had against Bulgaria (2-0) last March. Go figure. In the old, good, days (1970s and 80s) it was a normal practice (some former players say today) to have a shot or two before a game (yes, before). (Some said to play better after a couple of drinks. Nice!). But in those days we had truly talented players on and off the field. They could handle it. Today's players clearly cannot.
On the other hand, drinking and getting drunk are two different things. Wine is even recommended with certain meals. It is widely known that Boruc was never Smuda's favorite player but Zewlakow played in almost all matches under Smuda. To make a long story short, according to Smuda, Boruc's behavior was a bad example to other (especially younger) players and not worthy of a national player. So was Zewlakow's (with several key mistakes in the last few games and his advanced soccer age (34) the ex-captain likely said good-bye in a very poor way). The wine incident seems to be an excuse to get rid of them. Boruc even declared to be ready for World Cup 2014 campaign, guessing/wishing Smuda won't be the coach by then anymore. Time will tell.
I do like Boruc and undoubtedly he is Poland's #1 goalie but it is not about personal relationships when it comes to national team. I like him because he is the best. Smuda should take this under considereation. However, the good thing is that Fabianski and Szczesny are not too far behind. Let's hope they will be ready by 2012.
Now onto the real problem. It is unthinkable that many Polish players treat national time as a party time, a vacation from everyday club work. Unfortunately, they do not work as hard as professional players in the western Europe otherwise, with our natural talents, Poland would be in the top ten in soccer ranking. No, they are simply lazy! Playing three games a week is a standard in the west. In Poland, two games a week already provides a problem. This must change.
With all that mess aside, let's talk for a second about the upcoming game. This Wednesday, November 17 in Poznan, Poland is set to play Ivory Coast - a team that should have reached at least semis of the last World Cup. Drogba, Kalou, Toure brothers, Eboue - world class players! However, they did not play as a team, unlike Ghana, but rather as selfish individuals. A great opportunity was lost. That's their problem, though. Poland has its own but I can bet that our coaching staff would welcome Ivory Coast problems for a change. Oh, who wins? Polska! 6-2! Why not?! Led by Jakub Blaszczykowski, Poland's biggest star and new captain, it can be done. GO POLISH EAGLES!
Lastly, an important note, I agree completely with Smuda on another OBVIOUS TO ME matter. When Radoslaw Majewski (a talented and ambitious midfielder) complained publicly to play only 18 minutes against Ecuador last month, for which he already apologized Smuda, our coach replied: "knowing I would play only one minute for Poland I would bike to Canada!"
Against San Marino or Brazil, for one minute or 90, playing for my beloved Poland would be the greatest honor. Something that I will likely never experience.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
A guessing game
Poland's EURO 2012 squad remains a mystery. It's still 19 months left to the kick-off but picking the RIGHT players who will represent proudly a 40-million nation in the biggest event after world cup makes me nervous. Franciszek Smuda, our coach since 2009, had it all figured out. Until he became the team's coach (he waited patiently for over a decade for his dream job). Sadly, one year has passed for him to realize that Poland does not have too many quality players after all.
Really?! He needed a full year?!
So Smuda is searching. Searching everywhere inside and outside of Poland for players who will help Poland in its lets-not-bring-shame-to-our-fellow-Poles campaign during June 2012. There is already some success. He found left defender Sebastian Boenisch in Germany (born in Poland; waited for a call from German national coach, which never came, so he picked Poland). He wants Frenchman Damien Perquis (nice first name, huh?), a central defender, and Damien wants to play for Poland, as well. Good. Hopefully next year once he gets a Polish passport. Smuda wanted Laurent Koscielny, who opted to play for France. (Your loss Laurent!). We already have Ludovic Obraniak, a fantastic French midfielder, who still cannot speak Polish. But does it really matter? No! He plays great, he is ours. Yay! (by the way, quite an amusing story: Boenisch does understand Polish but does not speak it. Yet when he is asked a question in Polish, he replies in...English. Educated man, I say, and sensitive, too, not wanting to use that beautiful, poetic near-native language of his).
I say go for Manuel Arboleda, a Columbian central defender who actually speaks good Polish by playing in the Polish league for several years. Smuda is still against it (Arboleda has no blood ties with Poland yet he does want to represent Poland) but he was also against playing Artur Boruc again (world-class goalie, who had some personal problems) and was making fun of out-of-form Ebi Smolarek. Both are already back with the Polish team. If you want to avoid laughter, Mr Smuda, do not be so picky. There are many more not-so-Polish Poles but they might, quite ironically, give Poland a minute of joy in 19 months. Like Obraniak.
That brings us to Polish Poles - you should be ashamed of yourselves! Have some honor! Be proud of representing your country and leave your heart on the field. Like Obraniak. Like Arboleda and Perquis want.
Honestly, my biggest fear is the aftermath. In case of national tragedy (3 group games and out) I do not want to hear, for a millionth time, from coach and players their pitiful excuses. It will make me sick to the core of my body if I hear the usual: "we were not ready...we should have done this and that...we were not aggressive enough..." etc. WE, FANS, DO NOT WANT TO HEAR IT!
Poland is rich, making everyone else jealous, by having fanstastic goalies: Boruc (Fiorentina), Fabianski (Arsenal London), Szczesny (Arsenal London), Kuszczak (Manchester United), Tyton (Roda Kerkrade), Zaluska (Celtic Glasgow) to name only a few great ones. That's already half the team! If only did they have the same talent to play different positions. Unfortunately they do not. Two things we know for certain: (1) we do not have 11 native Poles who can guarantee success; (2) we will not find 11 Brazilian-born magical players who dream about playing for Poland. Where does it leave us? Mr Smuda and we, fans, need to keep looking and keep our options open.
It's nearly impossible, even for me, to predict Poland's starting line-up in 19 months. My best guess, based on available talent, is: Boruc - Piszczek, Arboleda, Perquis, Boenisch - Matuszczyk, Murawski - Blaszczykowski, Obraniak, Grosicki - Jelen.
Jelen, a near-irreplacable forward in Auxerre, is my biggest question mark. Often injured and he has not copied his club performance in national team can be replaced by Lewandowski, who should be there in the first place but has lost his touch lately. I fear he might not recover in time. I hope that I am mistaken but more importantly I hope that a couple of players will have breakout perfomances in the next 19 months and will rise to stardom. Because the above squad does not guarantee a championship. Positions currently taken by Piszczek, Murawski, Grosicki and Jelen are up for grabs. In reality, only Boruc, Blaszczykowski, Obraniak and Matuszczyk seem to be locks.
Whether it is a Polish Pole or not, the Polish team needs a true star who will bring the glory time of 1970s and early 1980s back. A star who will provide example to everyone else that playing for your country is the greatest honor. A star, whose both talent and passion will be contagious and take the entire team to the next level. A championship level.
Really?! He needed a full year?!
So Smuda is searching. Searching everywhere inside and outside of Poland for players who will help Poland in its lets-not-bring-shame-to-our-fellow-Poles campaign during June 2012. There is already some success. He found left defender Sebastian Boenisch in Germany (born in Poland; waited for a call from German national coach, which never came, so he picked Poland). He wants Frenchman Damien Perquis (nice first name, huh?), a central defender, and Damien wants to play for Poland, as well. Good. Hopefully next year once he gets a Polish passport. Smuda wanted Laurent Koscielny, who opted to play for France. (Your loss Laurent!). We already have Ludovic Obraniak, a fantastic French midfielder, who still cannot speak Polish. But does it really matter? No! He plays great, he is ours. Yay! (by the way, quite an amusing story: Boenisch does understand Polish but does not speak it. Yet when he is asked a question in Polish, he replies in...English. Educated man, I say, and sensitive, too, not wanting to use that beautiful, poetic near-native language of his).
I say go for Manuel Arboleda, a Columbian central defender who actually speaks good Polish by playing in the Polish league for several years. Smuda is still against it (Arboleda has no blood ties with Poland yet he does want to represent Poland) but he was also against playing Artur Boruc again (world-class goalie, who had some personal problems) and was making fun of out-of-form Ebi Smolarek. Both are already back with the Polish team. If you want to avoid laughter, Mr Smuda, do not be so picky. There are many more not-so-Polish Poles but they might, quite ironically, give Poland a minute of joy in 19 months. Like Obraniak.
That brings us to Polish Poles - you should be ashamed of yourselves! Have some honor! Be proud of representing your country and leave your heart on the field. Like Obraniak. Like Arboleda and Perquis want.
Honestly, my biggest fear is the aftermath. In case of national tragedy (3 group games and out) I do not want to hear, for a millionth time, from coach and players their pitiful excuses. It will make me sick to the core of my body if I hear the usual: "we were not ready...we should have done this and that...we were not aggressive enough..." etc. WE, FANS, DO NOT WANT TO HEAR IT!
Poland is rich, making everyone else jealous, by having fanstastic goalies: Boruc (Fiorentina), Fabianski (Arsenal London), Szczesny (Arsenal London), Kuszczak (Manchester United), Tyton (Roda Kerkrade), Zaluska (Celtic Glasgow) to name only a few great ones. That's already half the team! If only did they have the same talent to play different positions. Unfortunately they do not. Two things we know for certain: (1) we do not have 11 native Poles who can guarantee success; (2) we will not find 11 Brazilian-born magical players who dream about playing for Poland. Where does it leave us? Mr Smuda and we, fans, need to keep looking and keep our options open.
It's nearly impossible, even for me, to predict Poland's starting line-up in 19 months. My best guess, based on available talent, is: Boruc - Piszczek, Arboleda, Perquis, Boenisch - Matuszczyk, Murawski - Blaszczykowski, Obraniak, Grosicki - Jelen.
Jelen, a near-irreplacable forward in Auxerre, is my biggest question mark. Often injured and he has not copied his club performance in national team can be replaced by Lewandowski, who should be there in the first place but has lost his touch lately. I fear he might not recover in time. I hope that I am mistaken but more importantly I hope that a couple of players will have breakout perfomances in the next 19 months and will rise to stardom. Because the above squad does not guarantee a championship. Positions currently taken by Piszczek, Murawski, Grosicki and Jelen are up for grabs. In reality, only Boruc, Blaszczykowski, Obraniak and Matuszczyk seem to be locks.
Whether it is a Polish Pole or not, the Polish team needs a true star who will bring the glory time of 1970s and early 1980s back. A star who will provide example to everyone else that playing for your country is the greatest honor. A star, whose both talent and passion will be contagious and take the entire team to the next level. A championship level.
Bulls look good!
The opening act is over. Erasing the last 3 minutes of the game, in which powerhouse Bulls gave away a victory by too many sloppy plays, Bulls outplayed Durant's Oklahoma City Thunder in their arena. The so-called ESPN and TNT critics did not give Bulls too much of a chance but it was Rose, Noah, Gibson and company that played superb from the start. Rose's foul trouble limiting him to 31 minutes (28 points!) and 25 more free throws by Thunder help them to steal the game. As disappointing as it obviously was to me, Bulls strong play has showed how good they already are. Without Boozer! Noah, my favorite Bull, was fanstastic with 18 points and 19 rebounds. MONSTER! This Saturday poor pistons will be crashed! Go BULLS!!
Chant of the week: OOOOVVVEEEERRAAAATEEED! (Naturally, miami freaks are!)
Chant of the week: OOOOVVVEEEERRAAAATEEED! (Naturally, miami freaks are!)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Chicago BULLS look good. Really good!
First non-soccer theme but life is more than soccer (yeah, I did slap myself immediately for saying that! hurt tiny bit). Bulls and tennis are my other loves so I will squeeze them here from time to time.
It took 12 long years to get over with the Jordan era. Finally, it looks like this season is the start of the new, great Bulls team. Of course, the beginning was 2009 play-offs and one of the best series EVER between Bulls and Celtics that left everyone grasping for air after another and another and another overtime. Two games won by Bulls in double and triple overtime went immediately to ESPN Classic channel! Yes, they were THAT good!
But this season is truly the first time when everyone around the league includes Bulls in contender discussion. Top 4 East teams are: Boston, Chicago, Miami and Orlando (alphabetical order). I expect Bulls to win the title this year. Why not?! Bulls are talented, big, strong, young and versatile. Anything less than conference finals will be a huge disappointment in my view. But I really think we can win it all against... Lakers! If they make it there. Hate lakers but it would be a great story since this is 20th anniversary of Bulls first championship against... Lakers! They would meet again with jackson coaching stupid lakers. No doubt Bulls would win that series. Bulls will be there, the question is: will lakers make it?
My favorive Bull, Joakim Noah, stands tall and is already regarded as top NBA center. To me, the best of course! I love how he plays (coincidentally that is how I play soccer - with passion unmatched by others). An All-star Derrick Rose and this year All-star Noah, they create a fantastic duo that is feared around the NBA. Three Jazzmen: Boozer, Korver and Brewer, compliment this team perfectly. Luol Deng looks reborn; Omer Asik could be a surprise of the season; an entire bench seems to be the deepest in the entire NBA.
Yes, this is going to be a great year!
It took 12 long years to get over with the Jordan era. Finally, it looks like this season is the start of the new, great Bulls team. Of course, the beginning was 2009 play-offs and one of the best series EVER between Bulls and Celtics that left everyone grasping for air after another and another and another overtime. Two games won by Bulls in double and triple overtime went immediately to ESPN Classic channel! Yes, they were THAT good!
But this season is truly the first time when everyone around the league includes Bulls in contender discussion. Top 4 East teams are: Boston, Chicago, Miami and Orlando (alphabetical order). I expect Bulls to win the title this year. Why not?! Bulls are talented, big, strong, young and versatile. Anything less than conference finals will be a huge disappointment in my view. But I really think we can win it all against... Lakers! If they make it there. Hate lakers but it would be a great story since this is 20th anniversary of Bulls first championship against... Lakers! They would meet again with jackson coaching stupid lakers. No doubt Bulls would win that series. Bulls will be there, the question is: will lakers make it?
My favorive Bull, Joakim Noah, stands tall and is already regarded as top NBA center. To me, the best of course! I love how he plays (coincidentally that is how I play soccer - with passion unmatched by others). An All-star Derrick Rose and this year All-star Noah, they create a fantastic duo that is feared around the NBA. Three Jazzmen: Boozer, Korver and Brewer, compliment this team perfectly. Luol Deng looks reborn; Omer Asik could be a surprise of the season; an entire bench seems to be the deepest in the entire NBA.
Yes, this is going to be a great year!
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