LUIS SUAREZ….A COMPELLING TALE OF THE MAN AND THE FOOTBALLER AFTER YET ANOTHER CAREER DEFINING MOMENT OF STUPIDITY.

I first caught a glimpse of him at the Amsterdam Arena where some of the World’s finest ever footballers have set foot. The Uruguayan was little known at that time, until he took the Eredivisie by storm and broke all the records set by Legends aplenty. One thing that was quite evident was his attitude to the game. He always wanted to be part of the winners’ circle.  He always had to be the star of the show. The band leader, the leader of the orchestra, the focal point, the best. However, his unacceptable behaviour when trying to be the standard cannot be tolerated in this game we all love so very much.

Luis Suarez, according to Nikolas Postinger (@nikpostinger) and Italian fact finder, The Soccer Translator (@wroldfootballcm), is, in terms of playing style, the closest we have seen to ‘LA PELUSA’ MARADONA. I couldn’t agree more after what I have seen over the last eight months. Like Maradona, Suarez is a flawed genius. @youngcules went ahead to name some of the flawed geniuses of present and past generations and unintentionally omitted the very best of them all- Mane Garrincha. The GOLDEN BALL WINNER OF THE 1962 World Cup, Anjos de pernas tortas (Angel with bent legs) still remains the best dribbler ever in our sport. He was extremely flawed. Apart from being abnormal (bent legs and spine), he was a philanderer, womaniser and a heavy drinker but that did not stop him from becoming the greatest Botafogo player who has ever lived and a mainstay for the Selecao when he wasn’t drunk. He was nicknamed Mane (Wren) by his sister. The name ‘Mane’ was coined from his real name ‘Manuel’. Brazil NEVER EVER lost a game that Pele and Garrincha featured and only EVER lost one that the latter was part of alone. So loved and adulated by Brazilians, the home dressing room of Football’s most intimidating shrine-THE MARACANA carries his name. Garrincha had a long string of problems that he once ran over his father who was probably more reckless. Despite his many shortcomings, he took the World by storm with the gift God gave him. Although his career and life were shortlived, he still remains one of the greatest footballers of all time. The GOAT in my opinion because of what he had to overcome. George Best, Helenio Freitas, Edmundo, Romario, Stoichkov, Eric Pierre Cantona are others that had controversies hung around their necks but still made history with the blessings God bestowed on them.

Coming back to Suarez, he is unfortunately or fortunately in the above category. He has been charged several times by the F.A in England for several misdemeanours and law breaking activities ranging from the hand gesture at Fulham upon his arrival from the Netherlands in 2011 to racially abusing Patrice  Evra (called him ‘Negrita’-little black). He took his idiocy to another level in the 12/13 season when he mistook Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic’s hand for a piece of meat and bit it hard. That led to a hefty 10-game ban that was probably borderline lenient. It wasn’t the first time he was sinking his protruding teeth into the skin of an opponent. Othmar Bakkal was unlucky when PSV came visiting the Godenzonen (Ajax) in a League game in 2010. We thought we had seen enough until Tuesday, 24^th June 2014 in a World Cup ‘winner takes all’ v La Nazionale (Italy). Suarez, visibly infuriated by his lack of action coupled with Chiellini’s excellent defensive efficiency during the game, sought to vent his frustration in a most bizarre way and the result was yet another biting incident.  The Italian defender clearly showed the World where he had been bitten by the Football Hannibal. A FIFA inquest has begun and the verdict is expected to be passed later today. Feelers say a 25 game ban is most probable. The more popular rumour making the rounds says he may be banned for 24 months. I totally agree that he should be punished severely but taking two years from the career of one of the World’s best players will be a crushing blow. He’s 27 now and at the top of his game. Common sense should be applied and justice should be tempered with mercy. What we should be doing is to counsel him not condemn him. He is one of the most explosive footballers I have ever seen. The man came back from injury and scored a brace to edge Uruguay closer to qualification which they sealed on the day Suarez shot himself in the foot. The likes of Milmo Valdez (President of the Uruguay F.A) and Diego Lugano (Uruguay Captain) have leapt to the defence of their main man. But in trying to absolve him of any blame, they have made a mockery of themselves and the positions they represent. Alcides Ghiggia-One of  Uruguay’s greatest ever players has called for the ‘Gunslinger’ to be sanctioned and totally made it clear that such things (biting a fellow player) has no place in our beloved sport. In his words ‘I don’t know what this young man is thinking or what is in his head. Whether you are Uruguayan or not, you have to reproach these things on the pitch. It is not a war. Lugano took his ignorance a step higher with his criticism of the English press for witch-hunting the star man of La Celeste but he was only adding insult to injury.

I am very critical of Suarez and I support the fact that he should be punished for his crime but to give him a lengthy ban will only do more harm than good. The best that can be done for him at this point in time is to provide him with psychological help. We should unite as one to assist one of the best players in the World. Adding to his misery will deepen the sore that he has inflicted upon himself. We can be of immense help to the lad and he needs us now more than ever before. For the man who almost single-handedly drove Liverpool to within whiskers of a first League title in twenty four years, he deserves another chance.

Ohireime P Eboreime

@ohiskaka1990

THE END OF AN ERA? LA FURIA ROJA HUMILIATED IN BRAZIL....A TOURNAMENT THAT PROMISED SO MUCH, YET BROUGHT ABOUT A MONUMNENTAL COLLAPSE

Folks, tiki-taka has been battered and comprehensively outdone by sharp, fast and ruthless attacking football. After Louis Van Gaal exposed Spain's frailties to the whole World, Jorge Sampaoli capitalised and swept them aside in last night's win or burst match for the red fury of Iberia. Alexis Sanchez, Gary Medel, Edu Vargas, Charles Aranguiz, Arturo Vidal, Ricardo Silva, Claudio Bravo and Eugenio Mena played the game of their lives to upset the odds and become only the 2nd team to qualify for the last 16 of the 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP.

Vincente Del Bosque, still reeling from the dispiriting clobbering in the hands of the Oranje, decided to wield the axe and it dangled on the heads of Xai and Pique who were out of the eleven chosen to slug it out with the South American 'La Roja'. Iker Casillas, featured despite his mistakes in the Holland game and Pedro, David Silva and Diego Costa were chosen to lead the attack with Iniesta dropping back into midfield alongside Busquets and Alonso. Javi Martinez took Pique's place in defence, with VDB thinking that the ex-Bilbao man will perform better than the usually reliable (until last Friday) Barcelona stalwart.

Arturo Vidal and company carved out opportunity after opportunity but were marshaled adequately by the defence until Alexis Sanchez breezed through and put it on a plate for Edu Vargas to score his 15th International goal past the sprawling San Iker. It was bad feeling that ran through the spines of the Spaniards and despite their best efforts, Bravo stood between them and a goal from open play. Diego Costa floundered and this raised questions as to why he was chosen ahead of more experienced/seasoned campaigners like Villa and Torres to lead the line. Xabi Alonso cut a forlorn figure all through the first half and almost got sent off. Chile weren't through yet. The red soldiers dented any hopes Spain harboured of staging a comeback with a fine second goal by Charles Aranguiz after Casillas had uncharacteristically punched a cleanly hit Alexis free-kick unto his path. He made no mistake, spinning it brilliantly past the 156-cap goal keeper whose last two appearances represent the worst of his career to date. That was the culmination of Spain's adventure in Rio.

At the start of the second half, VDB spared Alonso's blushes by bringing on Jesus Resurreccion (Koke) in his place. The Rojiblanco who has been tipped to be the long term replacement for the great Xavi, was brought on to at least turn the tide for this team. That was not to be as he made very little impact in the time he was given. EL NINO Torres came on for Diego Costa who had to endure another gutless display and Santi Cazorla made his first appearance too, coming on for the exhausted Pedro who was pocketed very well by Mena. Andres Iniesta, the band leader, tried to orchestrate some new things but all came to nothing as Gary Medel stood like a solid rock and threw back everything that came his way. The former Sevilla man will not stay too long in Wales on the evidence of his last two performances.

The match ended and the feeling of disappointment came upon Spain. Never before had any defending Champion lost its opening two games in the World Cup. After making the right records, they had to balance it up with one unacceptable one. A wake up call for Del Bosque who could be sacked in the aftermath of this. TIKI-TAKA has been found out. Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Spain were all decimated by fast, tight, strong, counter attacking teams in the last couple of months. TIKI-TAKA has to produce something out of the ordinary to return to the summit of World football. Any other than that will be dominated and annihilated.

Xavi, Alonso and Casillas have a jaw dropping 401 caps between them. at the wrong side of 30, perhaps it is time to hand over to the younger generation. The sports gurus call it CHANGING OF THE GUARD. The likes of Isco, Tiago and Koke are ready to be promoted to the big time. David De Gea can now dream of becoming Spain;s number one goalkeeper. No one can deny the excellent service the trio have rendered in the last decade or more but everything comes to an end. However, they cannot be written off considering how much talent they possess and how capable they have been for a long time. Let us see what life holds.


In the other group match, the Socceroos almost caused a stir.Angel Postecoglou's men gave LVG something to think about with a fine display all through the encounter. After Arjen Robben scored his third goal of the tournament, Tim Cahill replied with a worldie. The New York Red Bulls striker powered in a left footed volley past the Dutch goalie to bring the scores level. Australia could have gone ahead countless times but fluffed their lines repeatedly until the second half when Daryl Jammaat was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area and Mike Jedinak duly converted from six yards to put the Socceroos in the lead. Staring down the barrel, the Oranje immediately equalized. Robin Van Persie latched unto a sweet pass and thumped in a shot off his famous left foot to restore parity. MEMPHIS DEPAY came on and scored the winner-his first World Cup goal and that was all for the Australians. Their sojourn has been brought to an end.

Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990

REVIEW OF THE WORLD CUP GAMES PLAYED OVER THE WEEKEND

The football World was left mystified on Friday evening when the Netherlands utterly battered the much fancied Spain in a grudge match. A game the Oranje have been waiting for since 2010, they stormed out of the blocks in devastating fashion and knocked the hell out of VDB’s La Roja. All guns blazing, they were undeterred despite going 1-0 down in controversial circumstance. A Daley Blind cross was finished with heavenly ruthlessness by Robin Van Persie who stooped and then flew and later came down when the deed was done. The header was from 17 yards-the farthest in 44 years of World Cup play. The finish never before seen since Football became the King of Sport. From then on, Louis Van Gaal and his troops never backed down. Their relentlessness coupled with Arjen Robben’s blistering pace was too gargantuan a task for the Spanish team. Although they had ruled the football World with their much talked about and very effective tiki-taka style of play, the tactical nous of the new Manchester United manager broke through the very thick bars that had prevented almost every team from causing havoc. San Iker was within touching distance of eclipsing Walter Zenga’s proud record number of minutes without conceding a goal. Robin and Robben would hear none of that and it was no surprise when the left footed wizard put his team ahead for the first time. Another Daley Blind cross was brought down expertly by Arjen (A close control even the enigmatic Ibra would be proud of) and after leaving Pique for absolute dead, he struck a sweet shot past the hapless Iker. That was just the beginning. Wesley Sneijder who was appearing for the 100^th time as an International footballer, conspired with Stefan De Vrij and the result was the latter converting the former’s set piece past Iker again. However untidy it was, it meant a lot to him and the entire Oranje squad. A first International goal on the biggest stage of all is something he will never forget. As if it wasn’t humiliating enough, the usually composed and dependable Casillas gifted RVP his second and Holland’s 4^th. A Sergio Ramos back pass was not handled well by the Spanish keeper. RVP, as expected, pounced and duly converted. Well, the killer blow was coming soon after. LVG decided to pull out his captain (RVP) and introduced Jeremain Lens in his place. The Manchester United man got off to a rousing applause from the packed Arena Fonte NovaSalvador soon after handing over the baton of Leadership to his crime partner, Robben. It seemed the armband re-energised the new Captain and there was no stopping him when he latched onto a fine pass and ran the full length of the pitch, leaving Sergio Ramos five metres behind, gasping for breath. Oh! What happened next was perhaps the biggest disgrace of San Iker’s career. The great custodian was left scampering and swimming on the ground by the Bayern Munich talisman before he swept the ball past Azpilicueta who tried in vain to prevent a fifth. Crushing, crippling, condescending, catastrophic, unreal. It was the best performance of any team against the defending Champions. The best ever witnessed. A damning washout of epic proportions. VDB was captured all through the game distraught, flustered and shaken with disbelief. A thorough show of shame. The Dutch tore the script and wrote their names in the lights. Sneijder, De Guzman and De Jong were completely dominant in midfield with Alonso, Xavi and Busquets out of sorts and chasing Oranje shadows. The mind boggling tactical display of excellence put LVG back on the World map if there were any doubts that he had lost his groove. The 5-1 blow-out was a strong message to the rest of the football World that Holland wants to go one better this time. The agonies of 74, 78 and 2010 have to be wiped out. No more sitting back and wallowing in self pity. Time for redemption.

Spain face a marmot task in their next game. Jorge Sampaoli’s Chile are no pushovers and downed Australia with aplomb. Alexis, Valdivia and Jon Beausajor scored to put the Socceroos to the sword. A trademark Tim Cahill header halved the deficit in the first half when they were 2-0 down. Valdivia was at his very best and strode along the pitch with absolute assurance and confidence. His first goal in four years was cooked by Alexis. That match will be a real battle. If Spain don’t win, it is bye bye and the descent from WORLD CHAMPIONS to whipping boys will be colossal.

Cameroon came into the tournament looking for a first win in a World Cup tournament since 2002. The last time the Indomitable Lions won a World Cup match was at the Korea-Japan edition of the global showpiece and even Samuel Eto’o was a young man still trying to find his feet in the competitive World of Football. Miguel Herrera’s EL TRI only just qualified for the World Cup after a dismal qualification campaign. The once prolific Chicharito, who has always been one of the first names on the team sheet since he rose into prominence, now finds himself warming the subs bench with ORIBE ‘LA PARTIDA’ PERALTA taking his place in the team. The new Club America acquisition was responsible for the gold medal Mexico won in 2012. With 16 goals in his previous 33 games and 8 in his last six, he was the automatic choice to lead the attack. Gio Dos Santos ran rings around the Cameroon defence and scored two legitimate goals that were incorrectly ruled out by the match Officials. When there is a will, there must normally be a way. GDS kept on pressing and pressing for the opener until it finally came. Carlos Idris Kameni spilled a GDS shot that allowed La Partida to score his 17^th goal for his country and 9^th in his last seven appearances. That extended Cameroon’s unenviable losing record to an even greater number, leaving them with little or no chance of qualifying from the group.

Italy and Cesare Prandelli had an appointment to keep with England at Manaus. The Stadium which has arguably the poorest pitch. But that did little to halt proceedings as the march went underway. Andrea Pirlo continued from where he stopped for Juventus in May,  bossing things in midfield, running the show as he so often does. It was his dummy that set up the first goal for Claudio Marchisio to open scoring. Wayne Rooney wasted no time in setting up wonder boy, Sturridge for the equaliser before Mario Balotelli justified his place in the starting line-up ahead of the more prolific Ciro Immobile with a fine header. Andrea Pirlo almost rubbed salt on England’s wounds with a Pernambucano-esque free kick that caught Joe Hart napping…..only for the crossbar to deny the World’s finest DLP from making it 3-1. The introduction of Barkley and Lallana did little to turn the tide in England’s favour. They have to regroup and ensure that victory is secured v the Celeste.

The Celeste had to play Costa Rica without their very best player. The Gunslinger had not fully recovered from knee surgery and had to be left out of the starting lineup. The opponents, Costa Rica were without top dog, Alvaro Saborio, but had a team of players who complemented each other and were ready to give their all.

New flagbearer, Joel Campbell may be young but he has talent beyond his years and can shine on the big stage. La Sele fell behind early in the game via a Cavani spot-kick. El Matador had to joint carry the burden with Corazo Forlan in Suarez’s absence but that was all he could do throughout the duration of the match. Costa Rica came out of their shells and dared to dream. When the Arsenal youngster scored a scorcher of an equaliser in the second half, it was all TICOS TICOS TICOS. Memories of Italia 90 where they astounded all the bookmakers came crawling back. La Sele sprang to life and after Keylor Navas pulled off a spectacular save at the end of the first half, Jorge Luis Pinto knew his boys could save the sinking ship. The task ahead was daunting because they had never previously beaten Uruguay. After the equaliser, they were well on top. Oscar Duarte rose highest to score La Sele’s second and when Marcos Urena came off the bench to score the third, Oscar Tabarez and La Celeste had seen and bore enough. Maxi Periera decided Campbell had tormented his side enough. He swung a furious kick at the lad and straightaway, he was given his marching orders. Walter Gargano-the South America Gattuso, Diego Lugano and Martin Caceres made sure their names were  taken by the match Referee and the taste of defeat never felt worse. Whatever happens after the disastrous outing is left to be seen. But for both England and Uruguay, Thursday’s game is a must win. La Sele now top a group they were expected to be basement boys. They lead a group consisting of three holders of the JULES RIMET trophy who have 7 titles between them. Christian Bolanos, Oscar Duarte and Joel Campbell were the standout performers in the victory but everyone put in a great shift to bring glory to the Ticos.

The Ivory Coast had to leave out Drogba and Kolo Toure from the team set up to play Zaccheroni’s Samurai. Drogba made the bench and Wilfried Bony was chosen to lead the line in his absence. Japan didn’t waste any time in making their presence felt. An Uchida run left him in acres of space behind the CIV defence but his shot couldn’t go past Buby Barry. There was no stopping Keisuke Honda’s pile driver though. The head of the Samurai let fly inside the box and Japan had the early advantage. Bony had earlier tested the Japanese keeper, Kawashima, to no avail. Sabri Lamouchi introduced the not fully fit but ever capable Drogba in the second half and it was not long after that Serge Aurier, rumoured to be the ideal replacement for the now departed Bacary Sagna at Arsenal, sent in a perfect cross from the right which was met by Swansea’s Bony-one of the World’s great headers of the ball. 1-1 and game on. Gervinho had a starring role to play and he scored the winner from yet another Aurier perfecto. 2-1 it ended and Zaccheroni must now rally the blue Samurai to win the next two matches v Colombia and Greece.

Jose Pekerman chose Teo Gutierez and Victor Ibarbo as his front men for the match against Greece. For the Greeks, it was Gekas in attack and not Mitro-gol. Faryd Mondragon, the 42 year old Veteran goaltender was left on the bench for David Ospina. James Rodriguez, the darling of Colombia was chosen to share the attacking duties with Teo. The match had hardly begun when Pablo Armero struck a harmless shot that was deflected past Greek keeper, Orestis Karnezis. Greece fashioned out opportunities of their own but couldn’t covert any. They paid for their profligacy when Teo scored his team’s second in the second half from a corner. The game lost its ebb and flow but Greece carved out a glorious chance that was again wasted until James Rodriguez made it 3 with a deft finish past the unguarded Karnezis. Belo Horizonte was in delirium at the end. Pekerman party.

Les Blues destroyed Honduras and Karim Benzema was the undisputed star of the show. An own goal by Noel Valladares compounded his team’s woes. Benz drove past every defender Honduras had and could have scored more. France played with purpose and finesse. The three pronged attack of Griezmann, Valbuena and Benzema worked in tandem and the resultant effect was a thumping. Didier Deschamps was in cloud nine as the referee signalled the end of proceedings.

Ecuador, driven by the sad demise of Chucho Benitez were determined to start the tournament well and use a victory or two to pay tribute to their fallen comrade. It all went according to plan when Erno Valencia headed past Benaglio in the Swiss goal. Jefferson Montero was giving Juventus’ Lichtsteiner a torrid time, mesmerising him time after time. General Ottmar’s men shot back and they didn’t miss.  Xherdan Shaqiri missed so many chances before the equaliser finally came. From a corner, Admir Mehmedi took advantage of some slack defending to nod in a 48^th minute equalizer. Ricardo Rodriguez the provider. The game went back and forth until the 90^th minute when Valon Behrami won a tackle inside his own box, then embarked on a mazy run, got tired and fed it to Rodriguez who again put it on a plate for Harris Seferovic to score from virtually the last kick of the match. The La Real attacker has lost his place to Drmic but not his abilities. He may not win his place back but if he can keep producing the goods, he will always be a useful asset to the General.

Argentina got off to a good start, seeing off a very gritty Bosnia side complete with Dzeko and Pjanic. An own goal by Sead Kolasinac from a Marcos Rojo flick on set Los Albiceleste on the path to victory. Sabella’s men were solid all through the game but left doubts as to why they were crowned second favourites to lift the trophy in four weeks. The MARACANA was abuzz with frenzy. Playing there was a dream come true for every member of the Bosnian team. Appearing in their first ever World Cup, it was a huge challenge placed in the same group with Argentina and Nigeria. Missimovic and co played through their skins but Messi made sure of the victory with a trademark left footed finish that went off the post. Pipita and Campagnaro were introduced in the second half for Maxi and Gago as Sabella reverted to his preferred 4-3-3 formation. It didn’t make any major difference and when Vedad Ibisevic scored Bosnia’s first ever World Cup goal, a feeling of de javu crept into the Argentinian camp but they held on to secure three points and provisionally top the group.

In other news, Gregg Popovich and the Spurs saw off the Heat easily in Game 5.A 104-96 scoreline was all that Tim Duncan needed to win his 5^th ring. Kawhi Leonard switched on the ‘superhuman mode’ in the playoff final to win the MVP award ahead of Parker, Ginobili and Duncan.

Marc Marquez also won in cycling. His 7^th consecutive victory.

Roger Federer won Halle for the seventh time. His 79^th singles title. The GOAT!

Grigor Dimitrov came from the jaws of defeat to edge out Feliciano Lopez in Queen’s.

 Three tie-breaks and Dimi won the last two to secure his 4^th title and third of 2014.

Ana Ivanovic won her first ever grass court title in Birmingham.

Martin Kaymer won the 114^th edition of golf’s version of the US OPEN on Sunday ahead of Rickie Fowler and Eric Compton who has survived two heart transplants

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS………….ROCKING!

Ohireime P Eboreime

@ohiskaka1990

BRAZIL FLATTER TO DECEIVE IN WORLD CUP CURTAIN RAISER……BUT GET THE JOB DONE NONETHELESS AGAINST A RATHER UNFORTUNATE CROATIA………..THE RECAP

Le Samba got off to winning ways in the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup on Thursday night in Sao Paulo.  Felipao’s men made sure their fans' nerves were high up in the early minutes when Marcelo inadvertently diverted a dangerous cross into his own net to hand the Croats the lead. It wasn’t part of the script, so the Selecao had to dig deep to dowse the anxiety that had gripped the stadium. True to type, main man 

Neymar rose to the occasion and scored the equaliser in what was his 32^nd International goal. All the good work was done by Chelsea’s Oscar who seemed to be pumped up and galvanised by the earlier announcement of Fabregas’ switch to West London. The 22-year old playmaker likened to greats like Kaka and adored by the even greater Zico, took matters into his own hands and provided the needed energy and guile to restore confidence in his side. Croatia were missing the aerial and attacking prowess of the suspended Mario Mandzukic and had to make do with the hardworking Ivica Olic, Ivan Perisic and ‘Jellyfish’ Jelavic in attack. The veteran Octopus, Stipes Pletikosa, was again chosen to keep goal. Vedran Corluka and Dejan Lovren had the uneivable task of keeping Fred and Neymar quiet and it was not for long that they had to provide answers to the questions the Samba attack posed. Have passed the first few tests, the Neymar question was left unanswered and the result was a deserved equalizer. 

The Barcelona star notched his 50^th cap-the youngest ever to do so and he was not done yet. The first half ended with both teams unable to add to the score line.

The second half wore on with both sides tearing at each other until twenty minutes to go. Fred tumbled easily under the slightest of challenges from Dejan Lovren and the Japanese man at the centre of proceedings wasted no time to point to the penalty spot. Modric and his teammates were livid, distraught and astounded at the rather appalling decision. Neymar was unperturbed by the uproar and in no mood for favours as he stepped up and swept the resultant penalty just out of the reach of the Octopus to give the hosts and hot favourites the lead. Croatia and Modric made Julio Cesar work subsequently but there was no route past the ex-Inter goalie. Oscar added gloss to the score line in stoppage time with a quality toe poke to end any withering dream of a Croatia comeback.

The hopes of the South Eastern European nation rested heavily on the shoulders of the RIC-TIC duo.  The senior member, Luka Modric was not his usual best, but showed flashes of the form that set him apart from everyone else in his position in the just concluded season. The Champions League winning gem was joined by Europa League winning and Barcelona bound playmaking genius, Ivan Rakitic in midfield but they couldn’t overpower the Gistavo-Paulinho combo the way they would have liked.  The ever dependable Darijo Srna, one of the World’s greatest fullbacks and Leader of the team, played out of his skin last night but it wasn’t enough to turn the match in Croatia’s favour. Niko Kovac would have liked MM to play but his hands were tied. He will hope to have his full complement of players on the 18^th of June when they face Cameroon. Time to go back to the drawing board for the ex-Croatian captain. Given the chance, he would have torn Yuichi Nishimura, the man at the centre, apart after the match but the most important step now is to re-strategize before Eto'o adds to their misery.

For the Selecao, they looked far from their best last night. Even though poster boy, Neymar delivered when it was most required, LFS (Luis Felipe Scolari) knows that to actualise the ambition of winning the World Cup, his team must be on a much higher level than they were against Croatia. Next Tuesday’s match v EL TRI (Mexico) will be much more difficult and testing. A repeat of yesterday’s sloppiness may well cost them dear. He must also make some adjustments to his starting eleven. Some players failed to come alive and other teams will definitely make them pay.

All in all, it was a good opening day for the Hosts. Neymar scored his 32^nd and 33^rd International goals in his 50^th cap, equaling Ronaldinho (33 in 97) and Jairzinho (33 in 89) and just one behind Rivaldo (34 in 74)  The star of the tournament so far, he may well surpass Pele’s 77 in 92 at this rate. He has arrived and there’s no stopping him.

Ohireime P Eboreime

@ohiskaka1990

RAFA NADAL DEFIES HIMSELF TO RESTORE ORDER ON THE SURFACE HE BESTRIDES LIKE A COLOSSUS

The name, Rafael Nadal is synonymous with EL REY DEL CLAY 'The King of Clay. The Spanish World Number One had a date with history on Sunday afternoon in Southern Paris. A place he is accustomed to and has won eight times prior but the challenge before him was different from that of the last eight tournaments. The obstacle between him and an unprecedented ninth Roland Garros crown was his greatest adversary, Novak Djokovic. The Serb may have lost thirteen times on the red dirt to his great rival but since he became immortal at the start of 2011, he has defeated the Clay GOAT four times-all in finals of tournaments the King usually dominates. Madrid (11), Rome(11), Monte Carlo(13), Rome (14). Nadal, on the other hand, has won only three- Rome (13), Roland Garros (12) and Roland Garros (13). Sunday's match was very important for both men and none was ready to concede defeat.

For Nadal, hoisting a ninth French Open title and 5th in succession was something he may never have dreamt of when he was growing up, but here he was, on the brink of becoming the only man to achieve both feats, all in one match. Additionally, the Spanish warrior had to preserve his Number One ranking at least for two more weeks. Another important record he was trying to set/reach was a 14th Grand Slam-a record tying 14th to climb to 2nd all time alongside Pistol Pete (Sampras) and three behind the KING of Tennis, Roger Federer. Serbian superman, Novak Djokovic only had to beat Nadal to claim a 'Career Slam' and join the Spaniard and six other men as the only people to achieve such an unbelievable feat. But he knew he was up against the greatest clay court player in History and one who prevented King Roger from completing the set three times until Robin Soderling made sure it was a realistic dream. He also knew he had come out tops the last four times they played and that weighed positively on his mind. The stage was set.

Djokovic took advantage of some loose play in the eight game of the 1st set and needed no further invitation to break his rival and serve for it. Nadal worked himself nicely to 15-40 only to fall apart and hand the Serb the advantage. Nadal had not beaten Novak in five years after conceding the first set and the World Number Two was 35-0 in finals when winning the first set. Will the tables turn? We were about to find out. No one takes a fight to Nadal and expects to win easily. With blood gushing out of his eyes literally, the great man stepped it up a notch and destabilized the Djoker in the 12th game of the second set when he was trying to force a tie-break. That was it. One set all and EL MATADOR was back in business. The second set was completely dictated by the 8-time Champion. A break in the 2nd and 8th games meant it was a one-sided affair and on to the 4th set we went. In the fourth, Nadal broke for a 4-2 lead only to relinquish the advantage in the very next game. Typical Nadal repeated the US OPEN final 3rd set trick when he came back from 5-4 0-30 down to win four straight points (including a Djokovic double fault) and win his 14th Grand Slam final. The great man was appearing in his 20th final (2nd all time behind Federer's 24). Nadal extended his winning record over Djokovic on Parisan clay to 6-0 and dented his friend's chance of completing the slam set. Another massive disappointment for the Serb. Nadal not only defeated Djokovic, he also broke the 70 Million Dollars barrier in prize money, held on to his number one ranking and extended his winning streak to 35. The emotions were there for all to see from both men. Both let the tears run down freely when receiving their trophies. Nadal, the more tearful. He cried freely when the Spanish National Anthem was sang and couldn't hold his 9th COUPE DE MOSQUETAIRES for too long because of cramps. Once again, Nadal reigned supreme in Paris and order has been restored despite his indifferent form pre-tournament. Not since 2004 had the Champion failed to win at least two titles before the main clay slam tourney. But when there is a will, there is a way. EL REY DEL clay proved the doubters and even himself wrong. He called Djokovic his biggest challenge in tennis and that is stating the obvious. The man was visibly delighted that he wore down his nemesis. The gap may be 14-6 in Grand slam titles won but the rivalry is a lot closer than the stats portray. 23-19 is what the H2H reads. Anyone that has beaten NADAL 19 times is greater than Mohammed Ali.

VAMOS RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CAMPEON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990