Joga Bonito Renegade Style

Please visit my good friends at bodybuilding.com for the first part of this enormous article series. Please be patient with this series as after being commissioned for the article, I sent them a sixty-plus page document and I know that is far beyond the scope of any typical web-publication, so it is a trace difficult to release in one article (don't ask me to summarize). I will post regular updates on the full release.









more ridiculous footy pics

spur the economy!

Ok, so maybe my "collection" does necessitate an "intervention" but these two jerseys are absolute must-haves for supporters. Both Kappa and Adidas design groups have out-done themselves with the (beautiful) Wales away shirt and Marseille's argyle.

And yes, they do have rush delivery.

space - time warp?

dispelling rumors of a black-hole where I came back in-time to predict the FIFA world rankings...oh lo' and behold, Russia is up and away, nearly breaking into the top 10, The Netherlands number five and England is sailing a ship far into the world of what might have been.

Ok, so my attempt at humor is only of interest for the driest types but the case in point; listen-up England and invest in the roots or you'll be heading down a very dark path.

Rankings and the real pretty flags are per FIFA. Visit, join and be a part of the site...

joga bonito

1	Spain
2	Italy
3	Germany
4	Brazil
5	Netherlands
6	Argentina
7	Croatia
8	Czech Republic
9	Portugal
10	France
11	Russia
12	Romania
13	Cameroon
14	Turkey
15	England
16	Scotland
17	Bulgaria
18	Greece
19	Mexico
20	Ghana
21	Israel
22	Uruguay
23	Colombia
24	Egypt
25	Paraguay

Euro 2008 Final Germany v Spain

Hmmm...so this is hard one for me as you know I am strong supporter of German Football and anything else Der Kaiser related.

At the start of this tournament, my odds on bet to advance to the finals were the rather predictable Germany v Spain match we have today. However the route has been anything but predictable as Germany hasn't looked nearly as strong as I thought they would and Spain obliterated the Russian squad (and anything else in its wake). Along with the stunning disguise of San Mario and Faroe Islands squads as Italy and France left this Euro full of surprises

For this final match I can't help but side with German team simply "knowing how to win" and thus casting my chips on them. Spain has looked daunting at times but I think Joachim Löw's German squad with Michael Ballack will take a firm grip of the helm. For German fans, Michael Ballack's return to strength from a training injury is a key mix but I do not doubt for a moment he will be up to the challenge. In this star-studded affair watch for the continued growth of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski to offset the speed of the Spanish assault of led by Fernando Torres which will feel the enormous loss of David Villa.

19-11 after Spain ruined the possible German - Russia final I had been hoping for...

Euro 2008 semi-final Russia v Spain

For the last year plus I've been talking to the emergence of Russia of a Football super-power and with todays semi-final against Spain in the Euros, the public is starting to finally realize this.

I'll make this quick (I'm a bit pressed with the start of the match) and state that the Russian wave will over-take Spain in a close title. And yes, the leads to a Germany - Russia final.

19-10 after yesterdays close call for Germany.

fun in the park

On the Lower East Side of The City, between East Houston Street and Canal Street with Chrystie Street to the west and Forsyth Street on the east, sits Sara Delano Roosevelt Park, perfect for some hoops, some bangin' roller skating and if you can call on friends like Robbie Fowler, Salomon Kalou and Thierry Henry, a nice game of footy.

Funny, the crowds look a smidgen larger then when Magnum and I kick the ball around but then again, the photo ops get so tiring at times.

Euro 2008 semi-final Germany v Turkey

On all accounts this should be Germany's match as they are clearly a superior squad in talent and experience. However the one thing that Turkey has shown is that they will not give up.

Turkey's situation is dire as they will likely go into the match with twelve players, yes twelve players. This put them in slightly less of a bench then the Peanuts gang (excluding Woodstock of-course) when they faced the team across town so you get the general idea. They have four players suspended, Emre Asik, Volkan Demirel,Tuncay Sanli, Arda Turan and Emre Belozoglu, Servet Cetin, Emre Gungor, Nihat Kahveci and Tumer Metin are out. Basically they need Woodstock because Germany is completely healthy and not missing anyone to suspension.

Germany will look to control the pitch and run Turkey ragged and thus force fatigue prone errors. However they cannot let Turkey gain any confidence and must keep pushing as they will not give up (and btw mes amis, just like the Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang who never gave-up!). Turkey cannot be underestimated though and appear to be masters of overcoming adversity.

Germany to win, with my record at a dismal 18-10. I should get a bonus for a seque from Turkish football to the Peanuts gang..geez I miss that. Oh well, only four more months until the great pumpkin arrives YAAAAAAAY!

Lionel Messi to the Olympics

In 2008 it's rare for athlete to take a stand for their nation and turn their backs on their growing bank account. Yet a few stand alone amongst the rubble of nationalistic mercenaries and should be, no, need to be commended.

High on the mountaintops of athletes to play for the pride of their nation is one Lionel Messi. A native of Rosario, Argentina, Lionel along with the likes of Juan Román Riquelme and Alessandro Del Piero, are the face of the select few who present-day Football links to the game of the past, which was more skill-rich. Yet amongst the glowing commentary of Lionel's skills, one of the greatest messages he will leave on the game is his insistence to play for his homeland, Argentina ,at the Olympics.

With his club Barcelona adamant that he must be available for Champions Leagues qualifying matches, he has put his foot down and stated he will play for Argentina. Their are no negotiations, no debates or endless chit-chat as he has made his mind that the people of the nation come first. You can pass on the clever marketing campaigns and the great advertising copy, Lionel Messi has just set the bar for others to aspire to.

Euro 2008 Quarter-final Italy v Spain

Heart and soul, heart and soul...

So lets see Spain is a superior team. Check.
Italy looks miserable at times. Check.
Spain should defeat Italy handily. Check.

Now, step two in the equation; Italy has heart and a fellow named Gigi. Someone tip the King over because no-way I'll go against a grizzled Italian squad, yet.

Italy has some serious issues with both Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo suspended and Andrea Barzagli is injured. For Italy to win, it needs to put the padlock on and shut down David Villa and Fernando Torres. Is Roberto Donadoni going to put a more classic Italian formation? If so this match will be tight and Italy can win. If not, Spain will run rough-shod over them.

I'm putting a bit of old-fashioned backs-against-the-wall logic here and saying Italy has another match in them.

Sitting at 18-9 after yesterday victory by Russia...

Euro 2008 Quarter-final Netherlands v Russia

Welcome to the Guus Hiddink story with a great chapter in stunning Basel today. Does the globe-trotting man from the Netherlands lead Russia to an upset of the Netherlands and formally announce to the world Russia's emergence as a powerhouse in the sport.

Ok, maybe I'm a bit too anxious on this one because although I'm a huge fan of Football in the Netherlands, I know by 2014 - 2018 Russia is a top 2-8 team in the world. Key players to watch for Russia is the emerging striker Andrei Arshavin and their lignting fast mid-field of Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, the mercurial Vladimir Bystrov and the artistry of Dmitri Torbinsky. The Netherlands hit squad is led by Ruud van Nistelrooy but is missing Arjen Robben who is injured.

Technically I'm expecting the Netherlands to continue their dominance however and with a heavy "however", Guus Hiddink knows how to beat this squad and it may be the best prepared to team to do so. So basically, I'm expecting the unexpected and for Russia to win. Russia is more than capable and they are lethal with Andrei Arshavin back. Watch closely if Klaas-Jan Huntelaar gets time to shine because he is particularly deadly as the match wears on. Should Russia win, the chances of a Germany v Russia final in Vienna. Oh how that'll conjure up a "friendly" rivalry.

After yesterday's peculiar ending and Turkey's victory over Croatia, my record stands at 17-9

Rawbau

how can you not like a manager in a band. Croatia's - Slaven Bilić

Euro 2008 Quarter-final Croatia v Turkey

To some this isn't such a "sexy match" but true aficionado's of the sport know this has all the makings of a unbelievably heated match.

The first step is understanding that if you were to draw a corridor north starting in the Balkan states you have one of the worlds top Football hotbeds. Using a broad definition of the region, with most recent FIFA rankings noted, it includes amongst others, Serbia (39th), Moldova (51st), , Macedonia (56th), Bosnia and Herzegovina (67th) as well as top-twenty teams world-wide; Greece (8th), Romania (12th), Croatia (15th), Bulgaria (18th) and Turkey (20th). In-fact, with respect, the republics formerly identified under Yugoslavia (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia) make up one of the world's richest areas of the sport. Heading north, you'll include the Czech Republic (6th), Hungary (52nd), Slovakia (66th) and into Poland (28th) across to Belarus (57th) and the Ukraine (31st) into this remarkable mix. Should you continue further along our little grade-school (please mes amis, tell me grade-school because if you can't point this on a map, stop reading this and quickly head to the library and yes, I said "library") geography class you'll encounter the Baltic Sea and powerful squads in Norway and Finland. This of course ignores the Russia (24th and heading to top ten FAST) lurking to the east and likely the tipping point that this the worlds most under-rated Football hotbed. Now if I've made this appear too clinical, the fuel to this success is the passion of the game and you won't see a more passionate area than the Balkan's.

Today's match pits a clever Croatian squad against a very feisty Turkish team. Turkey is missing a gaggle of players Volkan Demirel and Mehmet Aurelio with suspensions and Emre Belozoglu, Servet Cetin, Emre Gungor and Tumer Metin are doubtful / questionable because of injuries. Croatia is completely healthy and likely to see Ivica Olic return from injury.

Croatia must attack early and sever all hopes for that tenacious Turkish team. As the Czech Republic found out you cannot allow them any hopes as they will not give-up. Head back up to the point out passion and if you don't understand that maybe you ought to venture to a Galatasaray - Fenerbahçe derby. Oh, it'll be fun for you 'cause everyone gets along in a lot of good-natured hi-jinx. Ahem, you feeling me on this because this is real. Turkey will play with passion and cannot be given the slightest hope.

I'm going to Croatia on this and the sly Slaven Bilić moving his squad confidently into a semi-final against Germany. This will be tight and expect a lot of fireworks.

After Germany blew-up Portugal (what no pics of Ronaldo crying this time?) my record stands at 17-8. Hmm...throw out a few of those matches that I knew should be avoided (i.e. Swiss - Portugal) and it's not as paltry as it seems.

inappropriate title

I'm searching for an appropriate title but there isn't a chance with this one.

First of all, Rémi Gaillard has some pretty mad skills as well as being a GREAT practical joker. For myself, I'm happy for a large wall as I my target as I'll likely hit it and the ball will come back. If I tried this, there are a lot of casualties amongst the broken windows and I'd end-up being barred from Montpellier (not a good idea mes amis). The second thing is, this guy ditched a lot of footballs in making this. And yes, now you've figured how I could have titled this post.

For more on Remi Gallard please visit nimportequi.com
by nqtv

Euro 2008 Quarter-final Portugal v Germany

For the first time in quite a well, Germany appears inefficient and Portugal poised to push through. Prior to the tournament I would have expected Germany to hammer through this but now the tables have been turned. Germany looks dreadful, at best and Portugal seems untouched.

Germany is at a huge disadvantage with Coach Joachim Löw suspended for the match and Hansi Flick will take over. They will have Bastian Schweinsteiger back after his suspension and he'll be gunning hard to impress. Big players need to rise to the equation and Michael Ballack must rise to the occasion and slow the tempo down to suit the Germans.

Luiz Filipe Scolari's side is well rested and should look to attack the German flanks and they report no injuries. While some will be looking towards Ronaldo, a crucial point is the penetration of Deco and how flanking movements will spread German defenders.

Obviously this will be a tight match. Based upon the prior two matches Portugal should win however I can't believe Germany won't wake-up and play to its abilities. Therefore with Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose coming up big, I'll go with Germany (upsets?) triumphant over Portugal.

My record stands a paltry 16-8 at this stage.

Euro 2008 Russia v Sweden

With the last selection I got off easy with a choice between one of the top teams of the tournament and possibly the least memorable. This one, might be the toughest match to predict in the entire Euros yet. For Russia to advance to the next round they need to defeat Sweden whereas Sweden can advance on a draw.

So where do we begin with this opera. Hmm..a good place to start I suppose would be Russian coach Guus Hiddink playing for the right to face his native Netherlands and a team he has managed himself. Point 1 in the drama (cue up orchestra...something that builds...)

Russia is on the dawn of becoming a Football superpower and well (no need for me to discuss the heavy buy-recommendation of Gazprom but don't wait for the spike) financed to make it happen. They are the youngest team at the Euro while Sweden warms its milk at night as the oldest. Point 2...build the music (hmm Wagner?).

Russia has its dangerous striker Andrei Arshavin who plays for Zenit Saint Petersburg back after serving a (ridiculous) two-match suspension. If used, he is dangerous and this is a different club with him finishing. Presuming he is match fit, Russia is not only the type of club to beat the Netherlands, run the table and take the trophy back home to Moscow. Point 3...dominant player with pride wanting to establish himself...music should be reaching a crescendo.

On the injury front both squads are hobbled and Sweden is likely to be without Zlatan Ibrahimović for the full match. Russia has numerous injuries but excluding Diniyar Bilyaletdinov who is unlikely to appear, I very much doubt any of the starting players would allow their spots to be taken. If, you're not feeling me on this I'll be blunt - this is a passionate, tough group of players who are more than aware they are turning the Football tables upside-down. Point 4...fireworks are really needed here because I'm expecting Russia to win.

Let me also state that my poor humor masks a very serious situation with Russian Football because this truly is a superpower to be. As crude spikes to the $200-250 region, domestic support will be unparalleled and the passion of the people will push them along to a top ten squad in the world and a threat to win the World Cup.

Euro 2008 Spain v Greece

Innsbruck is the scene Spain's final match in the group stage against Greece. With Luis Aragones squad already sewn up the top spot, many of the first team players will be given a rest. However given the depth of Spain's bench they should dine quite nicely on Greece's squad which has shown barely any passion in their matches. Dani Guiza and Cesc Fabregas should be in the starting lineup for the La Furia Roja and Greece will use it's customary tactics to lull us all to sleep. I expect Spain to win this came but for those who like to "predict" matches with the rent money on the line, this should be avoided lest we forget Portugal's "effort" against the Swiss.

After yesterday's matches and Romania's decision to allow San Marino to play for them against the Netherlands, my dismal record stands at 14-8.

btw...it's Innsbruck, do you realize Oktoberfest is only a few months from now. It really needs to snow soon.

the pirating of Davide Petrucci

While England grapples with not taking part in the Euro championships and nod's a familiar nod of superiority, I question whether the once great Football superpower will ever understand the road to developing the youth of the nation.

It has been a number of months now and the message of the FA not supporting domestic coaches is loud and clear. I've accepted the rationale of the "best man available" yet I haven't seen the proverbial dance that domestic coaches would be developed. I suspect I could ask how and where but that would be ignored just like other commentaries towards governing bodies that didn't come with a commercial endorsement and a third-party payment. But enough of those ramblings, I don't want to poke at the hornets nest too much or someone still might want an answer to why the FA blessed the selling of domestic institution and now wears its jersey.

What I do wish to bring your attention to is the pirating of one Davide Petrucci. One of the most promising young strikers in Italy who many compare to Francesco Totti, has just signed a contract with Manchester United. Young Davide is only sixteen years of age and by Italian law unable to sign a professional contract however Man Utd thought nothing of enticing the boy with a three year contract at € 120 k, a gardening job for his father and other incidentals. It is strictly pirating and a dreadful comment on Man Utd.

Now I'm sure many will wag their all knowing finger at me, standing proudly on a soap-box and tell me how this is the nature of modern sport. This is certainly not the first time it has happened and it will not be the last. I suppose there is a great deal of truth to it but while you're wearing your new kit and watching the Premier League champions defend their title, out in the reserves squad another spot will be taken by someone who will never dream of taking thirty-nine steps. If sport echoes society, your acceptance was your condemnation.

Should this type of behavior continue, I can only hope the 2018 bid is successful because qualifying on merit won't be much of a concern.

Euro 2008 Netherlands v Romania

The Tricolorii advancing to the next round was the most unlikely of consequences when they were drawn into the "Group of Death". Yet as France and Italy lingered as shadow of their past, Romania is on the verge of one of the greatest early surprises of the Euros.

To defeat the Netherlands, Victor Piţurcă’s squad will push forward and counter-attack at every advance. Cristian Chivu will continue at his alarming pace and Daniel Niculae and Adrian Mutu will provide the offensive impetus for Romania's greatest glory on the pitch. Romania's greatest problem will be dealing with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in the lineup for the Netherlands as he is a proven goal scorer. The young predator from Ajax can change any match and the man to watch for the Netherlands. Don't expect Marco van Basten to provide any assistance to Italy's cause either or do you forget how his playing career ended?

And now collectively, bid adieu to Raymond and Roberto.

Euro 2008 Italy v France

This should be set to opera given it is likely the last we see of Italy's Roberto Donadoni and France's Raymond Domenech. Both have done a miserable job with their squads so far and while there are many great stories of the 2008 Euro, the failure of Italy and France should conclude both coaches careers as national coaches.

To predict this match like akin to decide who will bumble and stumble less (or is it more?). As a supporter of both of these nations programs and domestic leagues, their performances have been an embarrassment. If there is a modest compliment to be made, it that at least Italy has shown the passion and desire to play for the nation. I cannot say the same for France and management must be replaced and every player needs to be put to task. How France, which is ripe with talent has played so miserably is a mystery. France, you cannot go forward without your history. Your history and your future is answered simply; Zizou. The answer is there, you need his leadership to go forward.

It is no secret that this is Roberto Donadoni final moments with (in?) Italy and thankfully Marcello Lippi will be back shortly and restore pride to the Azzurri. Rumors are swirling what formation Donadoni will use but I suspect in a close match, Italy's pride will provide them a win. Gigi will wear the armband and that alone is enough for me to say they will win. Lets move on after this and wait for Lippi to return.

The record stands at 13-7 after squandering a worthy shot for Austria

Euro 2008 Austria v Germany

Earlier this month I chose Germany to win the tournament yet now it faces elimination at the hands of Austria. The little nation that couldn't just might be able to make the impossible, possible.

Austria is an outmatched, out-manned team of upstarts who have consistently played above their ability as the 92nd ranked team in the world. There head-coach Josef Hickersberger is tactically playing one of the greatest poker games and starting at striker the youth of the Austrian, Martin Harnik and sharp-shooter, Jimmy Hoffer, who we have yet to see in the tournament. Win or lose, the man is a genius with ice water for blood.

I must tell you mes amis, I believe Germany should triumph but "should" in my life of getting off the canvas has nothing to do with will and desire. Foolish I maybe but I'm "all-in" and for Josef Hickersberger to take us back to the great miracle of Córdoba on June 21st 1978. Yes I know, wistful eyes, masking the graying temples but I have to believe. So cue up the music, let the band play because now is the time for the wall of adversity to come down. With apologies to Der Kaiser but lets go Austria.