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

EL DERBY MADRILENO………AGAIN! REAL AND ATLETICO LURK HORNS IN LISBON FOR THE HOLY GRAIL……….THE BIG EARED CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TITLE.

                                                        

It is the match we have all been waiting for since Real demolished Bayern and city rivals, Atletico Madrid, devoured Chelsea to set up an all-Spanish final-the first since Real got the better of Hector Cuper’s Valencia fourteen years ago. This is perhaps more high profile because it is a City derby and one of the feistiest in football today. Not only that, Real, for the first time in twelve years, are in a European final and the goal is ‘LA DECIMA’. A tenth European crown in prospect.

Los Colchoneros come into this game in party mood. The most unlikely champions in European club football this term, won La Liga at the home of last season’s winners, Barcelona and they did it yet again without Arda Turan and Diego Costa. El Cholo Simeone is aiming for a complete set of trophies since he took over three years ago and who will bet against the Argentine genius?

On the other hand, Carlo Ancelotti is aiming to put a dismal League campaign (that collapsed in the last couple of games) behind him and secure the long awaited tenth European crown for the ‘whites’ which will put him among the club’s all time greats. He is also chasing a personal triumph. Win on Saturday and he joins the one and only BOB PAISLEY as the only men to have won three European cups/Champions League titles. The task is enormous but he has been here before.

Atletico may have to do without talisman Diego Costa who is still doing everything possible to be fit for this one. He deserves to be waited upon as it is largely because of his excellent form that Atleti can dream of a domestic-European double. After scoring 27 League goals to help bring back the Liga trophy to the Calderon for the first time in almost two decades, he has shifted attention to the title match in Lisbon where he will face familiar foes, Real Madrid. It is worth noting that the Brazilian born, Spanish star was the catalyst behind his team’s slim victory at the Bernabeu last year. Simeone’s men know how to defend and one goal again might be enough on the day. Arda Turan is almost certainly ruled out of the all-important game but if the famous Serb, Marijana Kovacevic, can put personal tragedy (the Balkan floods) behind her temporarily, Costa can be relied on when proceedings get underway.

Real have injury worries of their own. The duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale have been declared fit for this one but whispers around say they are not 100% ready. Pepe and Karim Benzema will be given every chance to fight for their place in the starting line up as they are still nursing injuries. Xabi Alonso will feel what the likes of Roy Keane, Paul Scholes and Pavel Nedved have felt in the past. The Spanish deep lying playmaker is suspended for the biggest game of his Real Madrid career but will be all smiles if Los Blancos can win it. Iker Casillas will hope to celebrate his birthday, albeit belatedly, in grand style. The Club Legend will be between the sticks and memories of the Glasgow final in 2002 will definitely come crawling back to mind. If he is the man to hold aloft the elusive tenth title, it would represent the proudest moment of his career to date, even though he has lifted the World Cup and a couple of Euro titles.

The match is billed to take place at the Estadio da Luz also affectionately called the stadium of light. It is the home of Benfica, who yet again, failed to break the ‘Guttman curse’ for the ninth time and counting. CR7 and his Portuguese team mates will hope that Lisbon plays to Real’s advantage and the fans urge them on. It will be a fitting tribute to the great Eusebio if Ronaldo, Pepe and Coentrao win the ‘tenth European cup’ at the place where he became a god. Although, he would very much have loved Benfica to break the ‘ROMANIAN CURSE’ last Wednesday in Turin.

The script has been written perfectly. CR7 and his friends want to make history in Lisbon but Atletico are party spoilers and will aim to get that trophy no matter what it takes. Bjorn Kuipers has been handed the responsibility yet again to adjudicate. The Dutch referee was at the centre when Brazil decimated Spain to win the Confeds last year and also took charge when Benfica fell short in Europe at the eighth time of asking. Turkish official and one of the most loathed men at Old Trafford, ‘Cuneyt Cakir’ is the fourth official for the final. With experienced hands chosen, it is expected that the match will be a fantastic watch.

PREDICTED LINE UPS

REAL MADRID-

Iker, Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe/Varane, Marcelo, Illarra, Modric, Di Maria, BALE, BENZ, CR7

If Pepe doesn’t make it, Raphael Varane can confidently partner Ramos in central defense and with Alonso suspended, Asier ILLARRAMENDI has to post one of the best performances to match the excellent abilities of Gabi, Mario Suarez and Koke Resurreccion. Luka Modric has been the best player in Real Madrid this season, bar none. The nimble and very efficient midfield gem bossed the Schweinsteigers of this world this season and can run Los Rojiblancos out of Lisbon. Di Maria will leave Isco on the bench almost certainly and the BBC will be burdened with the unenviable task of shooting down the Godin-Miranda marshalled defense of Atletico Madrid.

ATLETICO MADRID-

Courtois, Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Filipe Luis, Gabi, Suarez, Koke, Diego, Raul Garcia, Costa/Adrian

Diego Simeone’s well drilled machine operates at the maximum when Diego Costa plays. The little beast is similar to ‘the lion of Apache’, Carlos Tevez, but probably more proficient. His consistency has been unbelievably astounding and if fit, we know what to expect. Adrian can function effectively as a striker but is nothing like his more illustrious colleague. Filipe Luis has been all guns blazing and is undoubtedly the best left back in Spain. Unlucky not to get called up by ‘Big Phil’, he has put that disappointment behind him to push forward Atleti’s hopes of becoming European champions. His friend at right back is no slouch either. Juanfran is very comfortable in his position and offers that Cafu-esque support from the right. Godin and Miranda have been monumental at the back and the Uruguayan took matters in his own hands when he rose highest to head home the decisive goal at the Camp Nou last Saturday. With the League wrapped up, winning the Champions League and denying Real of ‘LA DECIMA’ will go down as the greatest achievement ever by any manager in Atleti history and probably football as a Sport. El Cholo’s stock is progressing geometrically and he is only starting out.

Let the light shine as bright as it can in Lisbon and may the best team win.

Ohireime P Eboreime

@ohiskaka1990

MANCHESTER UNITED-SUNDERLAND...RED ARMY SET TO MAKE THINGS DIFFICULT FOR THE BLACK CATS AS THEY ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE RELEGATION

The red army is marching on again. Maybe the excitement is a bit overboard but Manchester United dismantled Norwich in what has been described to the best performance of the woeful League season. It is no surprise the boys que Decided to turn up on Their pal's first game in charge. The starting eleven and substitutions were spot-on and the football on show was pleasing on the eye. With all due respect, it is only Norwich but worse teams have made difficult for us this season and the signs are there the the old Manchester United flame can be rekindled.

                                                      


Gustavo Poyet and Sunderland have been in excellent form for the last couple of weeks. The draw at the Etihad was Accompanied by an unlikely giant killing at Stamford Bridge. Last weekend, Their They further gave fans something to enjoy with a comfortable 4-0 demolition of OGS ' Cardiff. On Saturday afternoon, visit Old Trafford They-the same place They booked a Carling Cup Final place earlier in the year even though They lost the battle. The war was won on penalties and They intend to go all out for the win League Which Will Ensure all about safety in the Premier League with home games to come. The main reason why They are on the up is A Certain Connor Wickham. The stone rejected has become the head of the corner and his five goals in the last three outings may be worth many millions if the club remains in the top division. Fabio Borini Also has contributed a lot to the cause but it is too late for the Italian to force his way into his national manager's plans for a World Cup place.


The for the hosts, Robin Van Persie has returned to fitness in time for the visit of the black cats. The Dutch National team captain may be named club captain is if LVG Given the top job. That Should be enough motivation for him to stay on his feet throughout the duration of next season. Although, it will be very unfair on Wayne Rooney if rumors are to be believed. An acrimonious situation will suffice  and will bring down the Englishman's team morale has PROVED team and time again  he is the very best footballer at the club. Ryan Giggs will want to continue on the path he has toed since his ascension to the managerial position. The Welshman may be tempted to start Juan Mata after the Spanish super star came off the bench to score a brace last weekend. That would mean Danny Welbeck may be shifted to the left or left out of the starting line up . Shinji Kagawa Showed glimpses of his improved form against Norwich but it may not be enough to guarantee him a starting berth. Wayne Rooney Is Certain to lead the line again after playing so well against the Canaries. He is 34 goals away from Becoming Manchester United's all time top scorer. He que van reduce number in the coming weeks starting with Sunderland who intentionally put Themselves in the Red Devils' bad book two years ago after mocking the team upon the confirmation que City had stolen the Championship at the death. Wazza and his peers have not forgotten the incident and will be ready to gate crash the Sunderland party.


PROBABLE LINE-UPS-

MANCHESTER UNITED

DDG, Jones, Vidic, Rio, Evra, Carrick, Fletcher, TonyV, Welbeck, Mata, Rooney

SUNDERLAND-

Mammone, Vergini, O'Shea, Brown, Alonso, Cattermole, Larsson, Colback, Johnson, Borini, Wickham


They have been flying in the last few weeks but this match may be too difficult for them to get anything from it. However, with United being better away than at home, the black cats will be confident of getting something from Saturday's game. Connor Wickham is in a hot streak at the moment. He has scored goals at major grounds but one at Old Trafford will be the crowning moment of his career.


@ Ohiskaka1990

REAL DESTROY BAYERN AND CHELSEA HOST LOS COLCHENEROS AT THE BRIDGE TONIGHT IN WHAT IS SET TO BE A PULSATING AFFAIR

REAL RUN RIOT IN MUNICH AND CHELSEA PREPARE TO WELCOME LOS COLCHONEROS IN WHAT IS BILLED AS A NAIL BITING AFFAIR

Real Madrid laid down a marker last night at the Allianz Arena with a near perfect display to dethrone last season’s champions, Bayern Munich on their own turf. The nine time European champions have waited impatiently for more than a decade to reach another final. Precisely twelve years, four semi-finals (three in the last three campaigns), one quarter-final and six round of 16 exits. History was rewritten in Germany in so many ways and finally, los merengues will appear in what will be their 12^th European Cup/UCL final.

The game started with Bayern again dominating possession but lacked the potency in attack yet again. Reminiscent of the first leg, it was Real Madrid who took the lead against the run of play. Luka Modric’s corner was thumped in by Sergio Ramos to extend the aggregate lead to two. Before the Bavarians could regroup, the Spaniard was on hand again to score another headed goal when he reacted quickest to a Pepe flick on from a Di Maria free kick. As if Pep hadn’t seen enough, another quick break was fashioned and Gareth Bale had the freedom of Bavaria before he slipped the ball across to Ronaldo to score a record breaking 15^th Champions League goal of a truly magnificent season. His strike and Madrid’s 3^rd was also the 50^th he has registered in the competition since his move from Old Trafford almost five years ago. It was also his 65^th, two behind Messi and six behind record holder Raul. The second half was less drama filled. Pep tried all he could to at least claw back some of the deficit. The introduction of Javi Martinez, Mario Gotze and El Conquistador Pizarro did nothing to harm the La Decima chasing Spanish team. Instead, it was Ronaldo who struck again. The magical Portuguese, already the frontrunner for the 2014 Ballon D’or, was felled just outside the 18 yard box and he immediately dusted himself up and powered a low drive under the jumping wall past Manuel Neuer to make it a very embarrassing night for Bayern but a hugely exemplary  one for Real. That was his 16^th Champions League (66^th in total) strike and 49^th in all competitions this season.

At the end of proceedings, the script was perfectly written and ran its full circle. Real Madrid drank from the spring of vengeance and got one over Bayern Munich for themselves and Spain. It was a fitting revenge for what happened two years ago in front of hopeful fans at the Bernabeu. Ronaldo and Ramos missed the spot kicks that eliminated los blancos that night but were on hand to make amends this time in Germany. Ancelotti’s men also helped Barcelona avenge the 7-0 annihilation suffered in the hands of the Bavarians last season. Ronaldo, Ramos, Bale, Benzema, Di Maria, MODRIC*****, Pepe, Alonso, Carvajal, Coentrao all played the match of their lives and the diminutive Croatian midfield gem was fantastic yet again. San Iker amazingly kept one of the easiest clean sheets of his career to date. The Veteran goal tender would never have envisaged such a trouble free night when he was preparing for the game.

Finally, Real Madrid are in another Champions final and fittingly, it is in Lisbon where a certain Cristiano Ronaldo is revered and greatly cherished. Later today, their opponents will be known. Will it be another Portuguese (Mourinho) or city rivals, Atletico Madrid?

The 4-0 walloping of Bayern Munich was their worst ever home defeat in any European competition and the first time they had conceded four without reply at home in any competition since 1979 (against Armunia Belefield). 35 years on, it was replicated but in a more painful way. No one would have predicted such a result. Pep and co were left shell shocked and disheveled at the final whistle and Da Kaiser will have a lot to say about the stoic and insipid way die roten capitulated and surrendered the holy grail. The power, pace and precision of the Spanish team was just too much for Bayern to bear. Pep Guardiola will have a lot to worry about in preparation for next season’s assault. His central defence is in utter shambles and the zonal marking system employed last night was mocked by Real Madrid. The ‘marking in spaces’ idea has to be dispensed with and their kind of game requires much better defenders than Dante and Boateng. The Brazilian and German were looking sheepishly at Ramos when he got on to the end of first, Modric’s corner, then, Pepe’s flick on. Both of them were largely at fault for the first three goals, leaving spaces in behind them and defended poorly all through the game. With Holger Badstuber still recovering from injury and Dan Van Buyten almost retiring, one would feel that the Bayern hierarchy will do something in the summer. Manuel Neuer had to come out many times to help out his sleepy defenders in typical South American style. Javi Martinez is versatile and can play at the back but he is no World Class defender. Also, the tactics could have worked better if the likes of Schweini and Kroos paid closer attention to Luka Modric and the former helping out in defence. The Croatian was at the heart of everything good Real mustered and his creative excellence was glaringly obvious. The foundation of last season’s success was the effort put in by the Schweini-Martinez midfield combination. The gigantic Spaniard operated as a third defender when his team was under the cush. To be fair, with the kind of gifts Bayern offered, even Gil Vicente would have scored a couple tonight and that is not undermining the hard work and praise worthy shift Madrid put in. All the good work of this season may end up with only one title won. All that is left of it is the DFB Pokal final against Borussia Dortmund. That will be very tough.  For almost every team in the world, confidence will be at a ground low after what transpired last night. After going 3 goals down (4-0 on agg), their attention shifted to picking fights and getting involved in altercations. For a team filled with experienced players and champions, their frustration was channeled in the wrong direction with Ribery caught slapping Dani Carvajal. Bad losers the reigning European champions are. Bayern have to pick themselves up. They will be back soon enough.

Ronaldo and company are marching on. One step away from the treasured LA DECIMA. One big and very important step. One thing is certain- Whoever comes through the other semi final will prove to be much more difficult than the Bayern sham they faced last night. The only blight to a truly awesome night was the caution Alonso picked up which rules him out of next month’s final. The 2005 Champions League winner will be gutted that he cannot take part in what could be the club’s greatest night in Europe.  One of prices the team had to pay for a first European Cup final since 2002.

Atletico Madrid come into this game fully confident that they can reach their first Champions League final just two years after lifting the Europa League. Diego Simeone and his warriors are on a roll. 180 minutes away from winning their first League title in eighteen years, they find themselves 90 minutes (120 max) away from an all Spanish final-the first since Real got the better of Valencia 14 years ago. It would also be the 5^th Madrid derby of the season and Real lead on that count with 2 wins to Atleti’s 1. However, the possibility is still a long shot with Jose Mourinho waiting at Stamford Bridge. The managerial genius is attempting to reach his 3^rd Career Champions League final. He has a perfect record in finals with Porto (‘04) and Inter (‘10). He showed one of his students how to win on Sunday in one of the most tactically brilliant displays of any team I have ever seen. Rodgers first criticized the approach but later appreciated his master’s superior tactical nous when he probably watched the match again and learnt a few things afterwards. Prior to the Bayern bashing, Pep, Jose and Carlo all had aspirations to match the great Bob Paisley’s record of 3 European cups. Guardiola has to wait until at least another year. Ancelotti is one step away. Mourinho is not far off too.

Before the semi final fixtures were set, I considered Mourinho, Klopp, Conte, Ancelotti, Pep, Wenger and Diego Someone the ‘sacred seven’. The seven best managers in the World in my humble opinion. Pep has been disgraced, Ancelotti can become the best this year, Mou and Diego are dreaming of another European Final.

Peter Cech and John Terry miraculously trained with the rest of the squad yesterday just days after Mou ruled them out for the rest of the season. Although, the ‘Only one’ has affirmed that Cech is not ready to feature tomorrow, we might as well treat that assertion with a pinch of salt. John Terry is fit. Eden Hazard is back after collecting his PFA YPOTY award on Sunday night. Mourinho has a near full strength squad to pick from. He has to deal with the absences of Lampard and Ramires who are suspended for tonight’s match.

Diego Simeone can call upon all his regulars for tonight’s bi game. He must be feeling sore that his captain and team lead, Gabi, is suspended for the encounter. Nevertheless, there are other options to replace the tough tackling midfielder. Raul Garcia scored the game clinching goal at the Mestalla to keep the Rojiblancos at the top of the pile in Spain and he will certainly start alongside Diego Costa and David Villa who the manager may start from the off in place of Diego Ribas. Miranda and Godin will continue in central defence. They let in only five goals in the entire competition-The best defensive record by a mile.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

CHELSEA

Schwarzer, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpi, Mikel, Oscar, Willian, Hazard, Schurrle, Eto’o

ATLETICO MADRID

Courtois, Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Felipe Luis, Tiago, Suarez, Koke, Villa, Garcia, Costa

Samuel Eto’o will lead the line with support from Hazard and Andre Schurrle. Former Atleti skipper, Fernando Torres will make do with a place on the subs bench, while for the Colchoneros, Tiago will come in for Gabi. Chelsea will be inconsolable if in the end, Thibaut Courtois is the difference between both teams tonight. The Belgian shot stopper is fast becoming the best keeper in the World and he has kept more clean sheets than any other goal keeper across all competitions this term. He is a Chelsea player on loan at the Calderon. A more than able replacement for Peter Cech if he is patient enough to wait.

Diego Simeone must have seen the Liverpool-Chelsea game on Sunday. How Mourinho tactically outwitted Rodgers despite using less than half of his first team regulars. He has opined that he has no problems with Jose or anyone for that matter ‘parking the bus’. He is no stranger to the ‘Catenaccio’  style and has employed it to good effect so many times in his coaching career. Tonight, he has to call upon all his experience as a manager. Facing Mourinho in an all-important match and coming out victorious is a rarity. It is squeaky bum time.

@ohiskaka1990