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? 

Manchester United secure Luke Shaw signing

Southampton have accepted United's move for the 18 year old ,according to reports

It is being understood that Manchester United have secured the capture of Southampton teenager Luke Shaw in a 27 million move,if the reports are to be believed

Early morning reports claimed that United had made a 27 million bid for the sensation and as of now,United officials have moved quickly to secure Shaw's signature.Personal terms are still to be agreed upon but the fact remains only a mere formality.

The 18 year old,who featured against United yesterday in Southampton's 1-1 draw,is a favorite to book a berth in England's plane to Brazil.As far as the wages are concerned,United will treble Shaw's wages to £75,000 a week in a five year deal.

The eye ball raising revelation had been a key figure for Southampton in a season which ended yesterday after both sides drew 1-1 at St.Mary's.

Cavani-Lavezzi Would Be Possibly Seen At The PL

Edinson Cavani had been recently linked with his big-money transfer deal to United in the summer. He poured some fuel on this discussion when he admitted that he would think to join the Devils after his time at France. 

A 2-1 loss at Parc des Princes at the hands of Rennes officially made it certain that Paris Saint Germain would retain their Ligue 1 title, the Uruguayan show stopper Edinson Cavani stated that he would possibly sit down with the President of the club to discuss about his transfer options on which, Manchester United was on the top.

With some sources telling that if Van Gaal takes charge at Old Trafford then, Cavani would be his first preference and would possibly bid for Uruguayan for about 50 million.

The main reason for the transfer was the frustration he got at the left-wing role at Parc des Princes. But PSG have warned any interested parties that he would not leave the Paris side in any circumstances. United have anyhow, moved further in possibly signing Southampton's Luke Shaw than Chelsea according to Goal.com.

Mirror sport revealed earlier this month that how both Edinson Cavani and team mate Ezequiel Lavezzi are ready to leave the winners of the Ligue 1 and cross the Channel. They both would leave Paris Saint-Germain possibly in the summer as they think that Premier League would suit their style.

The pair was also in contact with Londeners, Chelsea and signaled their discontent at the Parc des Princes as they think that they are been overshadowed by the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Sources say that Cavani was ' MAD ' at some point for United no matter they play the Champions League or not.
Do you think that the ex-Napoli man along with his Argentine mate would join United and Chelsea respectively? 

Bernard v Lucas Moura

Lucas Moura is missing from Brazil's World Cup squad,unlike Bernard

Luiz Filipe Scolari 's decision not to name PSG starlet Lucas Moura in his World Cup squad has sparked off some criticisms as to whether he thinks Bernard is better than Lucas or not.

Both are unbelievably exceptional players and honestly speaking,I feel bad for Lucas for missing out the plane to Brazil. 

Lucas and Bernard share the same position in the Brazilian squad and resemble each other in a variety of ways .

The Paris Saint Germain starlet has delivered a number of eye catching performances for the Parisiens and the Brazilian National Side and the reason being his technique,skill and untamed strength.

The 21 year old ,in the above video package succeeded in performing a number of solo dribbles past opposition defenders with the help of exceptional speed and stamina.Moreover,his crossing and passing abilities stand out among other wingers who are considered to be almost equivalent to him including Bernard and Adnan Januzaj,but the annoying thing turns out to be that he seldom takes advantage of it and dribbles it on his own. And unlike his other competitors,his body frame is quite brawny and well built and is quite strong for someone of his age.

The main qualities he possesses range from speed and dribbling skills,helping him anticipate and overcome defenses.Being versatile ,he can also be utilized as a forward having immaculate finishing.

He has played almost every game for PSG quite consistently but the only drawbacks have been his disappearance in big games (when at Miniero) and his selfishness. 

He is a no nonsense person on and off the pitch and is being increasingly recognized by other big clubs for his dribbling and immense speed.He is learning how to develop his skills well and is still raw but is clearly on the rise.He can easily thrive on a side which relies on quick passing and presses high up the pitch.

On the other hand,Bernard is quite the opposite when taking on defenders and beating them.He is evidently never keen enough to take them on and risk losing the ball.

His style of play is a pleasure on the eye for anyone who enjoys fast paced,exciting football filled with technical craft ,invention and trickery. Despite of being able to function across the entire front three behind the forward,he prefers the left wing quite often. From the left flank,he gets to the byline easily and can find spaces in the infield by passing the ball with cutting and threaded passes.

To add more to thise,he's two footed and passes  with both left and right to always find a bit of space on his flank.Due to this he's never pressured off the ball due to an inability to land the ball on his swinger.

The only big disadvantage in his case is his stature,which is vest pocket and small and is often compelled to get scared off from big centre halves such as Per Mertesacker ,Vincent Kompany or Phil Jones.Burlier defenders can easily shrug him off the ball and get a deserved advantage.

More so,he hasn't been featuring for Shakhtar much.He has hardly started for the Ukranian club and is being used as someone who can come on in the second half and turn the game around.

He was on the verge of joining Arsenal this previous summer,who are a side which can accomodate him and his style of play perfectly.Much like Moura,even he can thrive on such conditions.

The World Cup would,no doubt be a huge extravaganza for football fans but would be a sit at home event for Lucas.Both could've been easily accommodated into the squad if not for some other members like Jo.

In my view point,Lucas deserved a spot in the Squad no matter what the circumstances were.He is a bit better than Bernard owing to his body size and match experience but even Bernard,being an exceptional player ,deserved it.

Manchester United Flop Can Be The Replacement of Chelsea Star

Tom Cleverley has been regarded as a "Man United" flop

                   

                                                                                                                                                                     Every football player has three phases in his career. His uprising and gets spotted by big clubs, then they are at all time high and at the pinnacle of their career and at last, with growing age or others factors, their decline. The same has and is happening with Frank James Lampard, even being a midfielder, he is the highest goalscorer for Chelsea FC with two hundred goals in a time period of thirteen years. Since joining the West Londoners' in 2001, Lampard has been a regular in the Blues' starting XI. He has had a majority of success at Chelsea when they won back to back EPL titles, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League under the Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho.

But in recent times, they are not having a successful campaign. Being kicked out by Atletico Madrid by 3-1 and a recent loss to Sunderland, Chelsea are not having a good time. Even dominating the possession, they are not able to find enough balls at the back of the net. With the likes of Juan Mata offloaded to Man Utd, it seems that midfield and the strikers have become a concern for them. Young Brazilian play maker Oscar is not having good time so does Frank Lampard. It is thought that finally, time has come up for the 35 year old.

But things can change. Regarded by fans as "Manchester United Flop", Englishman Tom Cleverley can change the situation of the West Londoners'. With new club, new coach and new team mates, Cleverley can change his game too. Regarded as the "Tactical Genius" Mourinho can enhance the game of the 24 year old youngster. If this happens he can become a legend himself.

Its just about adapting and growing. As a youngster, at this stage he can pick up things pretty quickly. Hope the best for him.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

What has changed since Liverpool last won the title?

Liverpool were on the cusp on securing the 19th title

As time ticks by,still they try...

Now,we all know it has been 8750 days since Liverpool laid their hands on the prized Premier League title and sang their long forgotten glory songs.They would've experienced the joy of singing a "Not 18 forever " chant if not for Stevie G's slip against Chelsea a week ago.

The drought stricken period has helped rival sides to catch up with them in terms of No.of titles won but unlike the Liverpool fans,it has been a glorious period for the rival fans.

Times change,so do people and to add more to this,so do the number of titles.Let's have a look at what has changed since Liverpool last laid their hands on the prized League trophy.

6.Jose Mourinho has become a manager,and a successful one too

Spending 7 years as a player,Mourinho's career never achieved any heights at all. Three years after Liverpool won the title in 1990,Mourinho began his managerial career and since then,has won a total of 20 trophies and has coached 6 clubs in all. But Liverpool,have not won any League trophy since then.

5. Coutinho, Flanagan , Henderson and  Sterling were born and became players

The current crop of Liverpool players comprise of players who weren't even born when they had won the title in 1990.They ,no doubt can inspire Liverpool to a title but evidently,they have not seen the bad times properly .Henderson is 23,Sterling is 19,Coutinho is 21 while Flanagan is 19.

4.Eight  managers came while Fergie stayed put

There came a total of 8 earlier proclaimed "saviors" but none could cut the supply wire for Fergie's men. The turbulent times saw Liverpool succumb endlessly to Manchester United,who won the title 13 times and overtook them in terms of the titles won.Nobody including the likes of Gerard Houlier, Rafa Benitez,Roy Hodgson could outstage them and maybe Brendan Rodgers is on the verge of doing it.

3.Justin Bieber has lived 40 percent of his life

The trolled sensation was , unfortunately born in 1994 and would have so dull memories of his time back then than Andy Carroll's time at Anfield. The baby faced pop star was born in March 1994 and he is loathed by almost 54 percent of Americans,according to a survey.

2.Technology has taken a giant leap

When the Kopites last won the title,something called  a PlayStation was never invented.Game consoles such as Nintendo Gamecube and SEGA Saturn had taken over the minds of the fans,save for remembering those bad times.Moreover,the system termed as Social Networking was not even heard of and letter boxes were still in use. 

1.Ryan Giggs ran down the wing is on the verge of stopping

A messiah in Ryan Giggs took to the football pitch almost 3 months after Liverpool won the title.The chant "Ryan Giggs running down the wing" became renowned among the United fans and after Sir Alex's and his successor David Moyes' exit,is managing his beloved club .Liverpool fans might wonder when the Welshman will stop running down the wing and that relieving moment may just arrive when this season ends.Since,1990 Ryan Giggs came ,built a career,won loads of trophies and finally became a manager but Liverpool could never get closer to repeating their success.