Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Arsenal v Olympiakos 10/3/11
After the defeat to Chelsea, I couldn't help but be cautious about the fixture at home against the Greeks. Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny looked shaky versus Chelsea's attack and I wondered if they were gonna put up another dubious performance here. The first half definitely solidified my view here, as right after Gervinho's goal (which was taken brilliantly I might add), the center halves could not close down Mitroglou on a header as he put it past Vito Mannone to make the score 1-1. Entering halftime, Steve Bould must have been furious as Arsenal were scored on again in the air. The duo were not inspiring the confidence they needed to, and Arsenal's offense was middling at best. Bould's talk seemed just what Arsenal needed as in the second half, they came out flying. The Olympiakos defense were pressed well, and Lukas Podolski scored that all important second goal off of Gervinho's slick moves. After that though, it was a game of tug-of-war between the Olympiakos' attack and Arsenal's counterattacks. Both had little success trying to control the game, and Arsenal looked as even though they weren't going to concede an equalizer, they weren't going to score the insurance goal either. At the end however, Olivier Giroud's deft flick towards Aaron Ramsey provided the space Ramsey needed to score a clinical third. Giroud hasn't been banging them in, but he has been making fine contributions to the team in his substitute appearances. Overall, a decent performance from the Gunners, after a miserly first half. The Greeks did everything the could, but didn't have the quality Arsenal had, even though it wasn't a vintage Arsenal. And 3-1 isn't so bad in a mid-week game.
Monday, January 9, 2012
1/9/11
Today was a highly eventful day for sports. A champion is decided in college football, a legend returned to his former club, and one very special player is crowned.
The Rematch
Tonight, in the Louisiana Superdome, is the rematch between the Louisiana State University Tigers and the Alabama University Crimson Tide. After the Tigers defeated the Crimson Tide earlier in the season 9-6 in the Superdome, the Crimson Tide will be looking for revenge on the grandest of stages, the BCS Championship Game. This game will feature some of college football brightest talents, including LSU cornerbacks Tyrann "Honey Badger" Mathieu and Morris Claiborne, and Alabama running back Trent Richardson. The game is set to air on ESPN at 7:30.
The Comeback
As Leeds United took on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, the focus shone on one player. Thierry Henry. The Arsenal legend had recently returned to the club due to a need of strikers for Arsene Wenger's side, and sat on the bench during the FA Cup tie against Leeds. But the striker's substitution paid off after he scored the winning goal in the 73rd minute from a through ball passed by Alex Song. The fairytale goal was what Arsenal needed after a lackluster performance most of the match. Henry will most likely be featured again against Swansea City on Sunday.
The Crowning
The Ballon D'Or winner was announced today. It's recipient? None other than Lionel Messi. The 24-year old FC Barcelona winger was named the top player in the world for the 3rd time in a row. This equals current UEFA President Michel Platini's record and surpasses greats like Fabio Cannavaro, Zinedine Zidane, and Pavel Nedved. The other nominees were his Barcelona teammate Xavi Hernandez, and Real Madrid rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.
That does it for January 9, 2012. Good night everybody.
The Rematch
Tonight, in the Louisiana Superdome, is the rematch between the Louisiana State University Tigers and the Alabama University Crimson Tide. After the Tigers defeated the Crimson Tide earlier in the season 9-6 in the Superdome, the Crimson Tide will be looking for revenge on the grandest of stages, the BCS Championship Game. This game will feature some of college football brightest talents, including LSU cornerbacks Tyrann "Honey Badger" Mathieu and Morris Claiborne, and Alabama running back Trent Richardson. The game is set to air on ESPN at 7:30.
The Comeback
As Leeds United took on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, the focus shone on one player. Thierry Henry. The Arsenal legend had recently returned to the club due to a need of strikers for Arsene Wenger's side, and sat on the bench during the FA Cup tie against Leeds. But the striker's substitution paid off after he scored the winning goal in the 73rd minute from a through ball passed by Alex Song. The fairytale goal was what Arsenal needed after a lackluster performance most of the match. Henry will most likely be featured again against Swansea City on Sunday.
The Crowning
The Ballon D'Or winner was announced today. It's recipient? None other than Lionel Messi. The 24-year old FC Barcelona winger was named the top player in the world for the 3rd time in a row. This equals current UEFA President Michel Platini's record and surpasses greats like Fabio Cannavaro, Zinedine Zidane, and Pavel Nedved. The other nominees were his Barcelona teammate Xavi Hernandez, and Real Madrid rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.
That does it for January 9, 2012. Good night everybody.
Monday, December 26, 2011
12/26/11
Manchester Monday
It was a busy day in the Barclays Premier League as Manchester United beat Wigan Athletic 5-0 to draw even on points with Manchester City after City drew West Bromwich Albion 0-0. Man City had to travel to the Hawthornes today and grind out 3 points to stay the single leader of the division. The Baggies defended for a point with some brilliant last-ditch gestures and the strike force of City, with David Silva, Sergio Aguero, and Mario Balotelli could all gaze in wonder after the full 90 was done. Meanwhile, at Old Trafford, Manchester United gave Wigan a show in football after 3 goals from Dimitar Berbatov led United's rampant victory. Chelsea drew Fulham at Craven Cottage 1-1. Goals from Daniel Sturridge and Clint Dempsey canceled each other out as Andre Villas-Boas looks to still be on Roman Abramovich's hot seat. Liverpool also missed out on 3 points after a 1-1 tie with Premier League bottom-feeders Blackburn Rovers at Liverpool's Anfield. Rovers improbably struck first at the famous grounds, much to the dismay of Reds manager Kenny Dalglish, but Maxi Rodriguez pulled one back for Liverpool to share the spoils. Newcastle United bounced back from defeat at the hands of West Brom last week to beat Bolton Wanderers 2-0. Goals from the in-form striker Demba Ba and one off the bench from Hatem Ben Arfa ensured Toon success.
It was a busy day in the Barclays Premier League as Manchester United beat Wigan Athletic 5-0 to draw even on points with Manchester City after City drew West Bromwich Albion 0-0. Man City had to travel to the Hawthornes today and grind out 3 points to stay the single leader of the division. The Baggies defended for a point with some brilliant last-ditch gestures and the strike force of City, with David Silva, Sergio Aguero, and Mario Balotelli could all gaze in wonder after the full 90 was done. Meanwhile, at Old Trafford, Manchester United gave Wigan a show in football after 3 goals from Dimitar Berbatov led United's rampant victory. Chelsea drew Fulham at Craven Cottage 1-1. Goals from Daniel Sturridge and Clint Dempsey canceled each other out as Andre Villas-Boas looks to still be on Roman Abramovich's hot seat. Liverpool also missed out on 3 points after a 1-1 tie with Premier League bottom-feeders Blackburn Rovers at Liverpool's Anfield. Rovers improbably struck first at the famous grounds, much to the dismay of Reds manager Kenny Dalglish, but Maxi Rodriguez pulled one back for Liverpool to share the spoils. Newcastle United bounced back from defeat at the hands of West Brom last week to beat Bolton Wanderers 2-0. Goals from the in-form striker Demba Ba and one off the bench from Hatem Ben Arfa ensured Toon success.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
9/15/11
Hello again, I'm Eli Schoop with a Champions League twist on Cocktail Sports Talk.
Inter fall way short
Yesterday, Inter Milan played Turkish side Trabzonspor at Milan's San Siro. Inter Milan is considered an Italian powerhouse but was defeated by the newcomer to the Champions League 1-0. "We're unlucky at the moment," Inter manager -- for now -- Gian Piero Gasperini told Sky Italia. "When it rains it pours." The Italians really need to step up their football now or face a deep trench in their group.
Mayhem in Manchester
On the blue side of Manchester, the Sky Blues were playing the Italians from Naples in a group stage battle. Both teams were playing balls out, and entertaining games, and both David Silva from Man City, and Edinson Cavani from Napoli were extremely impressive. Expect the games of the tournament from these two teams-this encounter ended at a 1-1 draw in the Eastlands.
Quotes of the Day
Cristiano Ronaldo - "I hope we will not have a repeat of this refereeing performance, it was shameful. Some referees allow them to give me stick like [the Dinamo players] did today. I think it's because I'm rich, handsome and a great player. They envy me, there's no other explanation."
Pep Guardiola - "Not even Usain Bolt would have been able to stop him."
Mircea Lucescu - "He is a great player, picking up blistering pace, playing one-two and then just bumping into an opponent to fall down spectacularly."
That's all for today. See ya later.
Inter fall way short
Yesterday, Inter Milan played Turkish side Trabzonspor at Milan's San Siro. Inter Milan is considered an Italian powerhouse but was defeated by the newcomer to the Champions League 1-0. "We're unlucky at the moment," Inter manager -- for now -- Gian Piero Gasperini told Sky Italia. "When it rains it pours." The Italians really need to step up their football now or face a deep trench in their group.
Mayhem in Manchester
On the blue side of Manchester, the Sky Blues were playing the Italians from Naples in a group stage battle. Both teams were playing balls out, and entertaining games, and both David Silva from Man City, and Edinson Cavani from Napoli were extremely impressive. Expect the games of the tournament from these two teams-this encounter ended at a 1-1 draw in the Eastlands.
Quotes of the Day
Cristiano Ronaldo - "I hope we will not have a repeat of this refereeing performance, it was shameful. Some referees allow them to give me stick like [the Dinamo players] did today. I think it's because I'm rich, handsome and a great player. They envy me, there's no other explanation."
Pep Guardiola - "Not even Usain Bolt would have been able to stop him."
Mircea Lucescu - "He is a great player, picking up blistering pace, playing one-two and then just bumping into an opponent to fall down spectacularly."
That's all for today. See ya later.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
9/11/11
Hello everyone. I know it's a somber day for everyone. But I know it's also NFL kickoff weekend. But if you really want NFL previews at a time like this, go to ESPN.com or some other pre-occupied sports news site. I'm going to tell you what 9/11 means to me.
When I was 5 back in 2001, I was still reeling from the gifts I got from my birthday in early September. I was watching the news at my Grandma's house when suddenly there appeared footage of planes headed towards the New York skyline and then, the fateful moment the changed American history hit me. I saw the planes hit the Towers and I was in shock. Now, my 5 year old self could not comprehend what was happening that day, but I knew it was bad. Really bad. I could never forget from 9/11 that I was at my Grandma's house, in a supposed good time of my life, witnessing one of the most horrible American tragedies in history. I'm sure most adults out there have more saddening or powerful memories, but I can see it in my mind to this day.
So now, I hope everyone in America has fun watching their NFL team go head-to-head. To me it's diminished value games, but we all need a little release, right? This is Eli, signing off.
Go Bears.
When I was 5 back in 2001, I was still reeling from the gifts I got from my birthday in early September. I was watching the news at my Grandma's house when suddenly there appeared footage of planes headed towards the New York skyline and then, the fateful moment the changed American history hit me. I saw the planes hit the Towers and I was in shock. Now, my 5 year old self could not comprehend what was happening that day, but I knew it was bad. Really bad. I could never forget from 9/11 that I was at my Grandma's house, in a supposed good time of my life, witnessing one of the most horrible American tragedies in history. I'm sure most adults out there have more saddening or powerful memories, but I can see it in my mind to this day.
So now, I hope everyone in America has fun watching their NFL team go head-to-head. To me it's diminished value games, but we all need a little release, right? This is Eli, signing off.
Go Bears.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
8/24/11
Today I break down the new NFL fantasy football season, a general manager looks to bring glory days twice to a new baseball club, and Jered Weaver makes some big money.
Fantasy Today
NFL defeated a miserable time for football fans in the lockout situation and now the biggest sport in America is back. Many a sports fan in the USA are gearing up for fantasy football season and many will fail picking inadequate players and falling flat on their keyboards. Here are 5 tips to ensure your fantasy team is a success.
-Don't reach for running backs. Seriously. There is far too deep a market of good ones.
-Same for QBs guys.
-DO reach for wide receivers. After Andre Johnson, Greg Jennings, Roddy White, Greg Jennings, there's a huge gap in the levels of consistency, talent, and X-factors plaguing other receivers.
-Watch the trade piles very closely, there's always a new emergence in the world of fantasy football. DO NOT GET COMPLACENT.
-Trash talk. For everything trade, matchup, NFL game. Have fun with it!
Theo to Cubs?
Theo Epstein, general manager of the Boston Red Sox, has been linked to a move to the Chicago Cubs. Epstein, who led the BoSox to their first championship in 86 years with savvy business decisions and a clear head, has provoked the Cubs into thinking he can do the same with their title drought. The Cubs have tempted him to coming to the Windy City by giving him a big bonus and a promotion into president if he leaves Boston.
Angelic Spending
Jared Weaver has been one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball this season, with no doubt. So to reward him, the Los Angeles Angels have offered the ace $85 million and a 5-year contract that was met with raised eyebrows. Scott Boras, the big-time agent of Weaver's, said that the man signed for a hometown discount and left big money on the table. However, Weaver thinks it doesn't matter. "How much more do you need?" he said, adding, "Could have got more, whatever. Who cares?" A very clear-headed statement from the Angels' darling thrower.
That's all for today. Thanks again.
Fantasy Today
NFL defeated a miserable time for football fans in the lockout situation and now the biggest sport in America is back. Many a sports fan in the USA are gearing up for fantasy football season and many will fail picking inadequate players and falling flat on their keyboards. Here are 5 tips to ensure your fantasy team is a success.
-Don't reach for running backs. Seriously. There is far too deep a market of good ones.
-Same for QBs guys.
-DO reach for wide receivers. After Andre Johnson, Greg Jennings, Roddy White, Greg Jennings, there's a huge gap in the levels of consistency, talent, and X-factors plaguing other receivers.
-Watch the trade piles very closely, there's always a new emergence in the world of fantasy football. DO NOT GET COMPLACENT.
-Trash talk. For everything trade, matchup, NFL game. Have fun with it!
Theo to Cubs?
Theo Epstein, general manager of the Boston Red Sox, has been linked to a move to the Chicago Cubs. Epstein, who led the BoSox to their first championship in 86 years with savvy business decisions and a clear head, has provoked the Cubs into thinking he can do the same with their title drought. The Cubs have tempted him to coming to the Windy City by giving him a big bonus and a promotion into president if he leaves Boston.
Angelic Spending
Jared Weaver has been one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball this season, with no doubt. So to reward him, the Los Angeles Angels have offered the ace $85 million and a 5-year contract that was met with raised eyebrows. Scott Boras, the big-time agent of Weaver's, said that the man signed for a hometown discount and left big money on the table. However, Weaver thinks it doesn't matter. "How much more do you need?" he said, adding, "Could have got more, whatever. Who cares?" A very clear-headed statement from the Angels' darling thrower.
That's all for today. Thanks again.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
8/23/11
Hey guys, long time no see eh? So where to begin? There's the recent (inevitable) University of Miami football scandal, Justin Verlander's ungodly pitching, The Brawl at Camp Nou, and so on. These weeks have been very turbulent in the time of sports, so let's dig in.
Miami's Mayhem
The University of Miami's football program has been in mounds of NCAA trouble these past weeks. Reports of illegal tax exemption, payouts to collegiate athletes, and corrupt boosters have made the university a prime target for NCAA investigators. Many a commentator have noted that the NCAA have suggested the penalties for these infractions could not only be fines and bans, but the "death penalty", which would be that the Miami football program would lose a whole season of football.
Hot in Detroit
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander has been the consensus best player in baseball in the 2011 season. Not only does he have a 2.28 with 19 wins and only 5 losses, but he has led the Tigers to an AL Central lead in the standings, in prime playoff position. Verlander psychs players out on the mound, and when he pitches, the Tigers have a slim chance of losing.
Barcelona Brawling
Once again, soccer's big boys are at it. Real Madrid's Marcelo committed a gruesome foul on new Barca boy Cesc Fabregas by scissor kicking him (watch here) and the Madridistas and Cules once again attack each other maliciously. Madrid's ace; Mezut Ozil was slapped in the face by Barca striker David Villa, and each head coach Jose Mourinho poked Barcelona assistant Tito Villanova in the face. Truly shameful.
Miami's Mayhem
The University of Miami's football program has been in mounds of NCAA trouble these past weeks. Reports of illegal tax exemption, payouts to collegiate athletes, and corrupt boosters have made the university a prime target for NCAA investigators. Many a commentator have noted that the NCAA have suggested the penalties for these infractions could not only be fines and bans, but the "death penalty", which would be that the Miami football program would lose a whole season of football.
Hot in Detroit
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander has been the consensus best player in baseball in the 2011 season. Not only does he have a 2.28 with 19 wins and only 5 losses, but he has led the Tigers to an AL Central lead in the standings, in prime playoff position. Verlander psychs players out on the mound, and when he pitches, the Tigers have a slim chance of losing.
Barcelona Brawling
Once again, soccer's big boys are at it. Real Madrid's Marcelo committed a gruesome foul on new Barca boy Cesc Fabregas by scissor kicking him (watch here) and the Madridistas and Cules once again attack each other maliciously. Madrid's ace; Mezut Ozil was slapped in the face by Barca striker David Villa, and each head coach Jose Mourinho poked Barcelona assistant Tito Villanova in the face. Truly shameful.
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