Liverpool into EPL 2012-13

The summer break is a long one for one Reds fan. Yes, agreed that Euro 2012 is a great relief and some Team GB actions in the Olympics is as good as it gets.

One summer's gone and we have a Brand-new (pun intended) Liverpool team. So how new is it? Time will tell, starting from the clash with West Brom (with due respect to FC Gomel, which IMO, not a significant indicator of the new management's philosophy.

A summer overhaul of management saw Brendan Rodgers, formerly of the EPL-Barcelona (Swansea) taking the throne from the King. And one summer is all you need to get people excited. As always, alot of positive things are expected. Liverpool fans expects, and they always expect high. 

We will have a team, as BR will be implementing from his 180-page plan (hopefully), which plays the passing game. Tiki-taka. It will take time for the players to adapt, as was always Liverpool's pre-season mantra. How much time can BR has is another matter needed to be evaluated at the end of this season.

In regards to the signings, it has been an interesting transfer window. One full of optimism and youth. Fabio Borini is a familiar name to Rodgers. And that is our first signing. Aged 21 but have experiences of English football with Chelsea and Swansea previously. That would have cut short the adaptation part for him to gel with the others. Scored in his home debut (albeit against FC Gomel) is actually a good start, and fans will be expecting alot from the Italian. In my context, he is a Dirk Kuyt, with a better technique and ability to score goals.

Borini with his trademark knife in mouth celebration

Next up, we have Joe Allen. The English, Welsh 22-year-old bought from Swansea FC. For GBP15 mil, fans will be reminded of a certain Jordan Henderson. Bright prospect but failure to adapt could ruin his career. But with his Opta Stats being highlighted of his passing rate and a unheralded performance in the Olympics, it should be a good sign that he is of a different mould from our previous British talents.

Allen whilst in Swansea

And out of the Blue, the Reds signed a largely unknown player. Oussama Assaidi was signed to terrorise the defenders with his superb dribbling skills. This is a good sign, as such low-profile signings will not weigh up the expectation and stress on the player. It is an advantage for both player and club. A surprise package that can take the EPL by storm.

Transfer targets are being bandied around. Nuri Sahin, Tello, Gaston Ramirez and Quaresma etc. Players that excites and will probably suit into Rodger's style of play. Good news is there will not be uncontrolled desperate big-money spending on players. On the contrary, loaning players are considered. Once again, this is a brilliant move as FFP will be coming into action (tentatively) and we do not one to do a, no offence, Portsmouth or Leeds. Budgeting is essential and the fans can definitely trust that BR will do as such and maintain his philosophy of working on a budget.

The show starts today and a footballing treat is expected from LFC and BR.

Being A 'Keeper

Being a goalie is not easy. It is a position that needs bravery, dedication, mental strength and most importantly, a lot of focus.

Here in Malaysia, I have noticed that whenever there is a match, everybody wants to be the outfield player. The Messis, Henries and Ronaldos. Certain people will reluctantly be the Skrtels or Nestas. No ones to be Joe Hart or Buffon. Normally it will be at least 5 minutes before someone is extremely reluctant to be chosen and just go stand between the post. Afterall, all you need to do is just stretch your hand and the opposition will not score. And all teams are definitely have a good back line. Right?

Wrong.

Gigi Buffon's shot stopping moment

The 'keeper is an important player of the team. Cliche. Afterall, he is IN the team. Apart from preventing the ball going into the net (a.k.a Shot Stopping), he is the one who breaks up attacks, cut-off through ball, interrupts crosses and most importantly organises the defending players. Ability to take command of his area,  timing in rushing out or making decisions, and communicating with the outfield players are essential as well. In addition, especially in the modern game, having a ball-playing and tad attacking creativity goalkeeper is a bonus. Take Pepe Reina for example.

Pepe Reina's distribution and back line organising are his plus points

Hence, not everybody can be just shoved to the back and stand between the posts.After all, they are the ones who is going to take the blame/responsibility when a goal was conceded. The sense of responsibility and pressure on GKs are the heaviest. They are the last defense of the team. Therefore, one has to be ultimately focused, brave, composed, determined and influential to be a good GK.

Joe Hart, one of the new generation 'keepers worth modelling after

Euro 2012 Into the Knock Out Stage

By the time this was posted, we are almost done with the quarters. But here we go about a recap of who's in and who's out and how they are thinking.

It has been an interesting group stage phase, especially Group A, now known as the Group of WTF. Group B is not so surprising though, save for the Dutch's elimination. The whipping boys in and the swashbuckling Spanish are miles apart. But Italy and Croatia have added a certain aspects of entertaining dynamic. England surprisingly topped Group D. And there will be no co-host in the knock-out stages. What will the knock-out stages hold for the fans? Will it be surprises or would it be the favourites that is going cruise through? We shall see.

Euro 2012 Round 2 Recap

The Euros are in the thick midst of happening. It is an orgy of football, as everyday you will see 22 men snatching for a ball. Twice a day that is.

So how are the teams doing so far? If by words, it is gonna be a friggin long post here. But somebody just made things easier for a recap:

Yeap, here you go. Quite a recap, ain't it? Thanks nick_cm41 . As of this post, Group D we have two winners in the form of England (God Save the Queen) and Le French. And the Swedes and Irish are out. Oranje is hanging by a thread. And Italy is feeling Deja Vu from the last major tournament.

Third round is to begin by today. Do Widzenia for now!

Keeper Trolled by Wind, Scored an Own Goal

Now, it is (quite) common to have goalkeepers scored an own goal. Could be a bad back pass, wobbly fingers, too confident on the ball....

But get pawned by the wind. Now that is something different. Ask the shocked Assaf Mendes, of Maccabi Haifa. As below:



Funny yes. But you got to feel for the keeper. This is just plain amusing.

Pre-Carling Cup Session

For Liverpool fans who have been waiting for the cup moment, this is one small step to future success.

Anticipation is high and to feed the hype and interest, here's what the Liverpool players have been doing for preparation.

No penalty shootout practice? No Agger and Bellamy? These are the players going out onto Wembley for today?

We are all eagerly waiting. Cardiff is no small fly, and Liverpool have a very good reminder of what can happen in a defeat in the form of last year's Carling Cup final.

For better or for worse, this is a defining day.

Thorsteinsson Teaches You The Flip Throw-In

Apologies for the long absence as I was caught up with loads of stuff. I promise you that this is going to be a common occurance. Yes, you read it right. But I will try to be disicplined in this.

So much has happened since the last post. Hell, even Henry has gone back to the MLS.
But here's something impressive and amusing about a throw in. Introducing a flip throw in.

via The Footy Blog

This is Steinthór Freyr Thorsteinsson. Helluva name too I would say. This is a scene from Japan vs Iceland friendly. But the player has done this numeral times at his club, Sandnes Ulf . Well, honestly, I have to look up for that club name as well.


So, alot would be going up to Thorsteinsson and say: "Teach me, Master!" And Rory Delap would be out of business as well. Or maybe he can learn the flip to empower his throw. Goalkeepers gonna hate. And Arsene Wenger too.

The Return of the King

Such stories are always nice to hear about. In just one week, we have seen two comebacks. Well, one is not really crowned king, but Paul Scholes is one of the adored legends for Manchester United. The other is more romantic of the two. Coming off the bench and scoring the winner on a second debut. Not to mention a statue that is standing right in front of his beloved club's stadium.

Let's hear it from Thierry Henry.

You can see the nostalgic feeling that filled the stadium after the goal. One of the legendary Invicibles has come back and helped through to the next round.

There will be at least six weeks of availability for the fans to look forward to. It is just a joy to watch a classy player, though aged, to be back and strut his stuff once again.

Tim Howard's Goal

Happy New Year peeps!

We hope this is going to be a great year in football.

So let's celebrate the new year with a great goal from Tim Howard. Yes, the Everton and US Goalkeeper.

As you can see, it is awesome. What is awesom-er is that Tim refuse to celebrate.

Here is the reason why:

"It was cruel. You saw the back fours and the keepers not being able to believe balls all night, and at the back one wrong step and it can be a nightmare. For our goal I was disappointed from a goalkeepers' union standpoint. You never want to see that happen. It's not nice, it's embarrassing, so I felt for Adam but you have to move on from it."

-via The Guardian 

Wow. Classy and professional, ain't he?

But nonetheless, it is still a magnificent goal. Score credit should be written: 63mins Tim Howard + strong wind

Enjoy.