Finally Arsenal End Their Trophy-Less Streak

Arsene Wenger's Arsenal broke their nine-year trophyless run after yesterday's victory over Hull City in the finals of the FA Cup. 

Nine years. Nine years without a trophy. It took them longer than the fans had expected when Partik Vieira lifted the same trophy after the penalty shoot out against Man. United in 2005.

How did this misery end?

2 goals inside 8 minutes. With a screamer by Santi Cazorla who made it 2-1. Arsenal were behind till the 71st minute, Koscielny scores. Extra time action from Aaron Ramsey making in 3-2 for the Gunners.

A nightmare started to develop in the minds of the Gunners that coming so close to the trophy, they might loose it when James Chester and Curtis Davis converted their close range efforts into crucial goals. Followed by a great piece of work by the young midfielder, Santi Cazorla, everyone in the Wembley Stadium were shocked.

In the second half, the tides turned entirely to the Gunner's way. Their play was defined as
" Electrifying " as fans lost count of the number of chances they created. Wenger remained on his feet, at the dugout, urging his players to be confident and to give their best. This motivation payed off when Laurent Koscielny converted Cazorla's corner into the equalizer for the Londeners. Aaron Ramsey took care of the Extra -time action as he gave Arsenal their first trophy in nine years through his wonderful goal.


Steve Bruce's game plan became immediately clear:  frustration with counter attacks. And Curtis Davies in-charge of the defensive line. He used his pedigree formation. 3-5-2. A system which was being trusted from the past two years. His wing-backs, Ahmad Elmohamady and Liam Rosenior were aggressive and often joined the attack to put pressure on Arsenal's defense.

Olivier Giroud, Arsenal's front man was leading the attack with pace but unfortunately could not convert the chances he got into remarkable goals, which he could have possibly done. So Davies willfully dragged his line high up the pitch and encroached upon the halfway mark whenever possible.

In the power pack of five midfielders in Hull's team, two of them were over Giroud making sure he gets minimum touches on the ball, one was over Lukas Podolski when he drifted towards the shoulder and other two were taking charge of the passing.

A hard-fought win over Hull should give confidence to Wenger's young players and could usher in more glory in north London. One can not ignore that they could have won the league also. What are you all expecting of the Gunners in the 2014/15 season? 

A lowdown on the Spanish squad

Spain get in into the wagon wheel of the announcement of the World Cup squad as manager Vincente Del Bosque revealed his 30-man provision for the big tournament.

Del Bosque included names who were a part of 2010 World Cup as well as some young guns to give them a shot at the summer tournament.

The Barcelona trio of Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets would orchestrate the midfield of the reigning champions along with the experienced legs of Xabi Alonso and young Koke. It won't be easy for Man United star Juan Mata to rise up the pecking order,if Spain play a traditional Barcelona like 4-3-3 formation but much like Koke,should be given sporadic match time.

Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique once again have got into the central defence while Daniel Carvajal and Cesar Azplicueta were both selected for their first World Cup and would look to impress Del Bosque and put a big impact on world football, just like they have done in their respective leagues.Del Bosque will probably prefer Pique and Ramos at the back with Azpilicueta and Alba on the right and left full back spots.

Diego Costa has got his name on the sheet with his Atletico-mate David Villa and EURO 2012 Golden Boot Winner, Fernando Torres in the forward line. Alvaro Negredo, who was crucial for Manchester City's title clinching, was included in the squad, while Roberto Soldado was ruled out after a not-so good season with English giants Tottenham Hotspur.

Iker Casillas would be again holding the position of the captain for the Spanish side in front of goal. Manchester United's young goalkeeper, David De Gea would be replacing the injured Victor Valdes, leaving Pepe Reina as the third choice for Bosque.

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli/ITA), David de Gea (Manchester United/ENG)

Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos (both Real Madrid), Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba (both Barcelona), Cesar Azplicueta (Chelsea/ENG), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich/GER), Raul Albiol (Napoli/ITA), Alberto Moreno (Sevilla)

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas (all Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Ander Iturraspe (Athletic Bilbao), David Silva (Manchester City/ENG), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal/ENG), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich/GER), Juan Mata (Manchester United/ENG)

Forwards: Diego Costa, David Villa (both Atletico Madrid), Alvaro Negredo, Jesus Navas (both Manchester City), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Juventus/ITA), Fernando Torres (Chelsea/ENG)

A lowdown on the German squad

              The German side looks the strongest on paper , But what can be expected out of them?

One of the most promising squad is being sent by ‘The European Giants' Germany this year. The side looks well balanced and is a mixture of experience and young talent. All the departments of the game look well covered but what stands out is the midfield. With the likes of Sami Khedira, Mesut Ožil, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller and Andre Schurrle the midfield of Germany looks the strongest among all the teams. The substantial tiki-taka style of Germans will also play an important role in their World Cup campaign.

The defence of Germans will be mainly dependent on Phillip Lahm, Jerome Boateng and Per Mertesacker. Other defenders are young and low on experience so Lahm has to guide his troops well. The attack looks safe in the hands of Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose, who will be supported very well by their midfielders such as the dynamic and reliable Marco Reus .Mario Gomez will  sit out after enduring an injury prone season with Fiorentina but the inclusion of youngster such as Kevin Volland did surprise many and in case,he manages to break into the first squad it will be a real death knell for Gomez to tolerate.

The target man must be a goal poaching candidate and Miroslav Klose,if fit,must take up the role. Or else,Kruse or Volland would consider the spot to be up for grabs and may look to prove their respective worths.They will,no doubt be fed in by the likes of Reus,Ozil from all facets of the pitch but it remains to be seen whether midfield maestro Sami Khedira would be included in the starting line ups. Khedira would prove out to be a key figure in the German side,considering his exceptional ability to marshal the play for his side.

There would be great expectations from Löew's side as German clubs have performed brilliantly but the national team is still to deliver in international tournaments. The squad does consist of big names but they tend to disappear in big games. The Germans start their world cup campaign against Portugal and would be desperate for a win.

Goal Keepers: Manuel Neuer, Ron-Robert Zieler, Roman Weidenfeller

Defenders: Per Mertesacker,Jerome Boateng,Erik Durm,Kevin Grooskreutz,Benedict Howedes,Mats Hummels,Marcel Jansen,Phillip Lahm,Marcel Schmelzer,Shkhordan Mustafi

Midfielders:Lars Bender,Bastian Schweinsteiger,Julian Draxler,Matthias Ginter,Leon Goretzka,Mario Gotze,Andre Hahn,Sami Khedira,Toni Kroos,Max Meyer,Thomas Muller,Mesut Ozil,Marco Reus,Lukas Podolski,Andre Schurrle

Strikers:Miroslav Klose,Kevin Volland

The ageing Golden Generation of Les Elephants

The golden generation of Ivory Coast must make a final impact on the world stage

This World Cup it will be time to Unbolt the doors,roll up the window blinds and watch the golden generation take center stage for probably their last time in an occasion as colossal as this. When other fairly able teams strive for a cup,this equally able side strives for  recognition among the masses.

How often would you see a side consisting of the most followed stars of the generation including Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and Salomon Kalou resort to obtaining a meagre spot in a World Cup.Sure,they have not made a name for themselves on the International stage but their long lists of accolades do remind you of their credibility.

The much proclaimed Golden Generation may be playing their last World Cup this June and much the sorrow of the Ivorian fans,it would be their last likelihood of announcing themselves on the big stage. Considering the enviable ability of their side,one would consider the African Cup of Nations to be a mere formality but nobody knows what they lack when they get dumped out in the Quarter Finals of one of them.

Les Elephants have a huge amount of firepower in their ageing side,players like Didier Drogba ,Yaya Toure,Kolo Toure,Cheik Tiote,Salomon Kalou,Seydou Dombia and Wilfred Bony call the shots in their side. More so,the experience acquired by almost all of these marvels is admirable. Drogba,the current Galatasaray star has obtained a vast amount of experience from Chelsea and was rewarded the Golden Boot twice .

Yaya Toure,the Manchester City midfielder orchestrator has never failed to deliver the goods for the Sky Blues.The 31 year old has racked up a huge amount of goals and assists through the years during his stay at City.Much like what Kalou achieved for Chelsea.

The other above mentioned players have not yet reached the pinnacle of their careers but are treated to be the best in their positions in their respective Leagues.

All of them have got used to delivering stellar performances for their clubs but have got acclimatized to faltering on the International Stage.Maybe,the temperature or the playing conditions in Africa serve as basket cases because most of them are accustomed to residing in cold places such as Manchester or Moscow(in Doumbia's case).Or perhaps the term "Golden Generation " itself is a curse.

This would be their last chance to catch the attention of the masses by surprise and it would be happiness indeed,if they manage to do so.The playing conditions in Brazil do resemble those of Africa quite closely.

The Les Elephants have been pitted alongside equally inept sides like Japan,Columbia,Greece.On paper,their team looks miles ahead of the other three in Group C but football is not played on paper,or is it?

They will take to the pitch for the first time against the Shinji Kagawa inspired Japanese side and this game,will be a tough one for them apart from the one against the Colombians.The lowly Greek side would be lucky enough to outsmart them and avoid them a spot in the Round of 16.

It would be an ideal tournament for them if they somehow manage to steer themselves towards the Quarter Finals and more so,it would be decent enough to detach the "Chokers Tag" from their names.

USA and Mexico-World Cup Preview

Preview - USA and Mexico - the CONCACAF representation at the FIFA World Cup 2014

  

It’s been far too long since a North American team has impressed at the World cup finals. Will the CONCACAF nations put up a show in brazil ??. Is this the time we get to see what their actuall potential is ??. All we know at this moment and time is that IF these teams perform on par with the others, the world cup will be a lot more than just participating in it for their respective fans as well more interesting and exciting for the neutrals.  

With the World cup just a few days away, it will be interesting to see whether the two North American giants, namely USA and Mexico put up a fight; Surprise everyone and finally show what thier always exciting and promising squads consisting of many young and talented players is capable of. We haven't had any such team come up and fight against the best of the best in the recent past.  

When will this change and what impact this could have on World Football.  

The fans of these respective countries would be the first ones to hope that this changes in over a months time.  Having said that, as neutrals everyone wants to see the so called small teams challenge the bigger teams in the World Cup in what's expected to be an end to end affair each game. The United States of America and the Mexico national team have always had players who have impressed as far as club football and domestic tournaments are concerned.

But on the International stage, they haven’t been able to showcase their talents in a way that they're often expected to. A part of this is down to the competetiveness in both the country’s leagues which was questioned in the past but has improved a lot over time. On a positive note, Mexico have continued their what has become a legacy now, to produce exciting young prospects who’ve later went on to make a name for themselves and Mexico itself in Europe.

Now, after a long wait, both these teams have a blend of youth and experience in their world cup squads. Both countries are in probably the toughest groups available and are expected to go out in the first round itself. With the Managers’s tactics, players available and certain experienced players in mind; almost everything taken into consideration, they have a fair outside chance of progressing in this tournament if everything clicks into place.   

An impressive performance in Brazil by both these teams could lead to many of their players coming in the limelight which could penultimately determine many transfers after the tournament ends. A success at the world cup finals would further give a boost to both the countrys' FA's to invest more and more money into their respective   national team set-ups to improve and possibly build on it.

                                 

                                            United States of America 

Manager:- Jurgen Klinsmann 

USA remain the only CONCACAF team to achieve the highest position in a World Cup (3^rd). They come to Brazil on the back of an excellent qualifying campaign having scored most goals in their group (15). They certainly are a team who can surprise quite a few and do well in Brazil. Managed by a a man who has a surprise up his sleeve every now and then, USA have adapted to Klinsmann’s  methods very well.   The 1994 hosts came closest in 2002 when they were knocked out by Germany in the quarters. They lie 3rd in terms of quality in the group of death which consists the likes of  Germany, Portugal and Ghana.

USA will again depend on their top experienced perfomers in Tim Howard, Geoff Cameroon, Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey etc. They’ve got a goal poacher in Dempsey who takes his chances when given adequate supply, and a great versatile player in Donovan who can operate anywhere across the front three. Being the captain, Donovan always led from the front and has mostly been the only genuine performer against the big teams.

Between the poles are the safe hands of Tim Howard who’s had a great season with his club Everton in the Premier league. Another genuine quality forward USA have is Josy Altidore who’s a big physicall presence upfront, capable of holding the ball up and getting others into play and who's very strong in the air. Michael Bradley is the one they depend on to connect defence into attack. Geoff Cameroon and Matt Besler are two reliable defenders who are expected to start in Brazil. Under  Klinsmann, Cameroon has been rock solid so far. The omission of Tim Ream was unexpected as he had a fairly good season with Bolton.

In all, USA have a good team who on their day with the right decisions, can cause an upset. Let’s hope they do so, because it would only make up for further entertainment and excitement as far as thier own fans and the neutrals are concerned. 

                                                        Mexico

Manager :- Miguel Herrera 

Mexico have always been a team who’ve showed promise, but never have they perfomed to their level of expectation in the World Cup. They’re one of those teams having excellent youth prospects and experienced veterans. They also are a team who play  a brand of free flowing attacking football which is wonderfull on the eye.

As quoted by USA captain Landon Donovan “In my opinion, the youth in Mexico is better than ours. We're looking for ways to improve it, but for me Mexico is one of the best in the world at that kind of progression, with youth, and with the national team it's almost the same forever, and I think it will continue to be for a long time.”  Donovan also went on to say that “Mexico has a chance to do something special in the World Cup. When they play well, Mexico is one of the best in the world.” 

The reputation Mexico have in terms of their youth and style of play is immense, but actually putting it all into practice and perfoming at a major International tournament remains a big problem. Recently, Mexico defeated Brazil in the Olympic final which should further add to their confidence and aura of being capable enough to beat the best when playing well. They’re often the underdogs who come out on top in the end. 

Qualification to the World cup finals was a close call as it was nail bitting stuff for the players as well as the fans. Mexico share their group with Cameroon, Croatia and hosts Brazil, who will be the only real threat to them. As far as the other two are concerned, quality wise Mexico have the upper hand over them.

Just like the USA, Mexico too depend wholely on their star performers and experienced veterans. Captain Rafael Marquez will resume his duty of leading his men as he always has. Marquez’ experience along with the ever-present Hector Moreno and Carlos Salcido would do Mexico a world of good at the back. It’s a partnership which is fairly reliable.  Herrera And Carlos Pena are the usual paring in the middle who are the main reason behind the free flowing football Mexico play. However, the real creativity in Mexico’s midfield is mainly seen on the left hand side where Giovanni Dos Santos is up and raring to go with his exquisite skills and tricks. He’s another essential asset on which Mexico rely upon for any kind of creativity.  

In attack, Oribe Peralta has been prolific on the international stage. He’s the “Fox in the box” type of a centre forward which every top team needs. Peralta is accompanied by another big name striker and a goal machine in Javier Hernandez who also shares similar instincts to that of Peralta. We all know that if anyone can get a goal out of nothing, Chicarito can.   

Mexico are a team who can pull off shock results and surprises with the football they play. They last reached the Quarters in 1986, which seems like ages ago. It’s about time they live up to the expectation of their fans and finally prove their mettle in Brazil.  

What can we expect out of Argentina?

Considered to be one of the favorites,The Argentine side looks strong on paper

After a delay of some 10 hours, Alejandro Sabella has announced his 30-man squad for the tournament. As expected, Sabella has dropped the option of Carlos Tevez even after discussions with the board and protests by the fans.

Franco Di Santo, Gabriel Mercado and Fabian Renaudo were some of the surprise cuts in the squad, but most probably they would not be able to have a place in the 23-man squad which would be announced by Sabella on June 2.

Lionel Messi leads the world class attack along with one of the best strikers in England, Sergio Aguero. Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuan and the Paris' show stopper Ezequiel Lavezzi would be playing alongside the two world-class attackers. However, Tottenham winger Erik Lamela was ruled out of the squad after an awful season in Premier League at White Hart Lane.

Both Javier Mascherano and Angel Di Maria would be taking charge of the midfield of team as usual. And Javier Pastore has been omitted from the Argentine side.Meanwhile,Fernando Gago will supposedly marshal the Argentine midfield.

Another upset exclusion was of the in-form Malaga goalkeeper Willy Caballero. Sabella has yet again ignored him and has asked Sergio Romero to be in front of the goal.

The La Albiceleste have been handed a relatively easy group and coming out of it as group winners looks quite easy. Bosnia and Herzegovina,Nigeria and Iran are those unlucky sides to be pitted alongside Sabella's men but are worthy of being touted as "Giant killer".The first game of the World Cup against Bosnia can be a tricky one for them ,if they falter here or there but otherwise the games against the Iranians and the Nigerians may be just some breezes.

Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Mariano Andújar (Catania), Agustín Orión (Boca Juniors)

Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Federico Fernández (Napoli), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Hugo Campagnaro (Internazionale), Martín Demichelis (Manchester City), José Basanta (Monterrey), Nicolás Otamendi (Atlético Mineiro), Lisandro López (Getafe), Gabriel Mercado (River Plate)

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Éver Banega (Newell's Old Boys), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter), Augusto Fernández (Celta Vigo), José Sosa (Atlético Madrid), Angel Di María (Real Madrid), Maxi Rodríguez (Newell's Old Boys), Fabián Rinaudo (Catania), Enzo Pérez (Benfica)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuaín (Napoli), Sergio Agüero (Manchester City), Rodrigo Palacio (Internazionale), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain), Franco di Santo (Werder Bremen)

Argentina have been placed in a relatively easier group. What do you think that the South American behemoths can do this year?

The Title Comes Back To Manchester

Needing far less drama in three years, City were able to put hands on their second title in three years when they beat West Ham 2-0 yesterday.

The songs and the chanting by the Manchester City fans started well before the final whistle. After it blew, the Manchester City fans set off blue flares and stormed into the field in thousands. The proud manager, Manuel Pellegrini was tossed into the air by his jubilant players.

The Men-In-Blue were able to bring the title home with goals from Samir Nasri and captain Vincent Kompany on the final day. This meant that Liverpool's 2-1 win over over New Castle was meaningless as the Manchester club finished 2 points ahead of the Merseyside club.

"It's my first season at the Premier League and I was able to do a lot of things here. It's amazing that we are here in just a single year"...Manuel Pellegrini. 

For a club who has played in the shadows of the neighboring club, Manchester United, the champions of last season, it is an achievement that the City fans have got to celebrate for their league win only for the forth time in their history of 134 years but, second time in three years.

Last time in 2012, City won the league on the goal difference from Manchester United when they came from behind to beat Queens Park Rangers on the final day.

"You cant really repeat what has happened in the past. But this time we were strong and gave our best" City Goalkeeper, Joe Hart said. 

15 years ago, City were playing in the third tier of the English football but the club's fortunes transformed after the influx of the Abu Dhabi cash in 2008. Making this victory a more sweeter one was the fact that last May, Manchester United finished 11 points ahead of the Men-in-Blue, but this season they unfortunately finished fighting for the Europa League position on the seventh spot.

The Pellegrini club was on the top for only 15 days but, for the time which was most important. The 60-year old Chiliean manager ended his first season at City with a blast. Having won the Capital One Cup earlier in March, he stunned European football with a double-trophy haul at City.

The title looked to slip out of the hands of the Manchester behemoths when they lost to Liverpool at Anfield. But towards the end, Liverpool slipped when they lost against Chelsea and then faced a draw against Crystal Palace. This meant that City needed only a draw at the Etihad to secure the title.

Nasri scored the opener for his side on the 39th minute and then Vincent Kompany added his name to the score sheet with his short range effort just after the break.

The challenge for City is to retain their title for the first time in their history and show electrifying performances in the Premier League as well as the Champions League. Do you think City can retain their title next year?