The Burning Boats...

There's an awe-inspiring story of the famed explorer Hernando Cortez that I can never forget. He reached the shores of Mexico in 1519. Wanted to conquer the land for the Spanish empire. But the hurdles were too big. A  mighty empire of Aztecs as enemies, deadly diseases, and scarce resources in a totally foreign land. As he marched with his army for the battle, he sent one of his captains back to the shore with a single order, "Burn our Boats." I love that attitude.

When Chelsea's famous Old Guard marched on to the Stamford Bridge turf on Wednesday night, they perfectly knew what future awaited them. They knew that, their boats were burning, and that there was no way back. Fight for survival, or die in the war.Simple. And they delivered. Sometimes, it's better to be under pressure, rather than coasting through everything.

John Terry said before the game it could be one of their greatest nights, and spot on he was. This was a performance that defined what Chelsea are all about. Simply refusing to die, refusing to give up on their long cherished dream of conquering Europe. Chelsea's golden generation knew this would be their last chance, a final onslaught in their quest for the Holy Grail, that is the Champions League. And they fought heroically, for the whole of those astonishing 120 minutes. John Terry, Mr Chelsea as he most certainly is, would lead the way majestically, miraculously just 3 weeks after a surgery on what had looked like a serious knee injury. Didier Drogba, who turned 34 days ago, battled like a monster for the whole of two hours, never allowing a moment's peace to all 3 defenders who formed Napoli's rearguard.

Let's give Napoli the credit they are due, though, for making this tie a memorable one. Any Italian team would try to sit on the two-goal lead they brought from Naples. But then, Napoli hardly play like an old-fashioned Italian team. They aren't afraid of the giants, and rightfully so. Their "Holy Trinity" is one of the best forward-lines in Europe, bettered perhaps only by Messi and Co. Napoli are quite an exceptional team, they move at a breakneck speed, they make the game thrilling, without doubt they went down fighting.

Walter Mazzari was right with his philosophy, despite the defeat. They knew they could score in London, leaving Chelsea to score atleast three. What he would not have thought, was that Chelsea would be up for the challenge. This was the Chelsea radically different from the one that fell lamely in Naples. Fired up for the occasion, ever since Terry put them ahead on aggregate, you could sense there would be no stopping them. Gokhan Inler's brilliantly taken goal, even though easily the finest of the night, merely delayed the inevitable. Chelsea would not be beaten on the night. There was far too much determination in them to be knocked out.

These are the nights that make football fans' lives worth living for. These are the nights that make Football the "Beatiful Game" that it is. Every club has their own, and this one perhaps, was Chelsea's greatest. There's far too much work yet to be done, all the hullabaloo will count for nothing if Chelsea can't get their faltering season back on track at the end. But this was a night, that galvanized the club, which days ago, looked a broken unit. Stamford Bridge erupted like never before, and it's likely to keep roaring again. The writing on the wall is there for all to see. Chelsea's Golden Generation are out on their final assault. They might not be around for long now, but they're far from finished. Not by a long way.

Is this the start of a revival for the Men from the Bridge?

"The Tainted One"??

                     
                    Images speak for themselves, they say. For the entire last week, all the Sports media have filled the pages, with enlarged images of a single photograph. Jose Mourinho, the self-proclaimed "Special One", the so-called "Scourge of Barcelona", poking a finger into the eye of a Barcelona assistant coach, Tito Vilanova. Jose is being slammed, almost by all the sections of the Footballing fraternity. Arrogant, cowardly, despicable, I wonder how the adjectives haven't been exhausted yet. He's simply lost the plot, they say, Barca are simply too good for him. In the circumstances, it's difficult to be sympathetic to him. But you know, you just know, that writing Jose Mourinho off, is the footballing equivalent of a suicide.

"The Special One" : Never afraid of Controversies

                         Even the most ardent supporters will find it difficult to justify Mourinho's actions on the night. But then, just take a look at all those who're leading the charge against him, and you'll find they're no saints either. "Jose is destroying Spanish Football", said Gerard Pique. Apparently, poking a finger at an assistant coach is the gravest sin one can possibly perform, but shamelessly diving in the Semi-finals of one of the Most watched tournaments in the world doesn't really malign their image according to Pique.Nor does insulting an opponent on his religion or country. I'm not at all trying to defend Jose here, I despised his actions like any footballing faithful would do. But, people should notice the hypocrisy that's currently going on here.

                           Modesty has hardly been an illuminating aspect of Mou's persona, nor has been humility. But then, never forget, it's his brazen attitude and arrogance, which have made him the man he is today. Winner of  3 major European leagues and numerous domestic cups.Add to that, 2 continental titles won with not-so-fancied teams,all at the age of 48, and even the most vocal Mourinho-haters will be forced to admit he's good, damn good at what he does. Yes, some of his actions are despicable.Yes, he's a terrible loser. If you don't love him, it's pretty likely you hate him more than anything else. But even then, one can't deny his greatness. He's the man, who thwarted the heavenly Barca with Chelsea and Inter, he's the man who broke Manchester Utd and Arsenal's stranglehold on English Football, he's the one who single-handedly made Inter Champions of Europe, at a time when all other Italian teams were crumbling like sand-castles. Most importantly, one 0-5 demolition aside, he's the man who's defeated Barcelona in a cup competition which the Catalans had won 7 times more than Madrid. He's forced Barcelona, supposed to be the epitome of Beautiful football, to resort to unsavory tactics like playacting, and insulting opponents to get past the opposition. 

Jose Mourinho at Camp Nou : In your face....

                  It's difficult to like the man, I agree. All his theatrics, let it be the run down the touchline at Old Trafford after Porto's late equalizer, or silencing the Liverpool supporters after Gerrard's own goal in League Cup Final, to his sensational accusations against Barcelona this May, hardly improve his arrogant image. But, he has his gifts, the uncanny knack of uniting his team by creating a siege mentality. Getting himself in the line of fire, to provoke his players : "It's us against the whole world. Fight back in every way possible, and we shall prevail". Not the beautiful way of doing it,eh? But, Mou has hardly cared about the Universal opinions.
And it's been clear every time he's been criticised for his style of play.

Look, we're not entertaining? I don't care. We win. "

Was all he said, when such accusations were hurled, let it be at Chelsea, or Real Madrid. You can hate him for all you want, but even against Barcelona, this mighty Barcelona, count him off at your own peril. For tainted or not, he's still the "Special One".

Fizzled out at Wembley...

           Now, I agree it's a bit late to write on the Champions League final, but then you'll excuse me having been a victim of another massive conspiracy (This one involved My Cable-operator and some stupid University exams!),which even forced me the indignity of watching the Repeat telecast next day,rather than the Live game. Nevertheless, the Catalans produced a display, brilliant enough to keep writing for long time to come.
            Honestly speaking, few of us (except the United's own fans, I mean) might have given Manchester United little more chance of beating Barcelona,than that of Northampton beating Liverpool (which is still quite good, I must admit!).

"Mes que un club" ?...Reality is much darker....

                 "More than just a club"...as Barcelona so proudly call themselves.Not only are they considered the greatest ambassadors of the Catalonia,but also seen by many as staunch defenders of Justice and Freedom,in contrast to the "Dark Emperor"-like image of their fiercest  rivals,Real Madrid.The best football-playing team,who believes playing the game cleanly, but that has rarely been seen in last few years.
                 Okay, let me make myself clear, I have no personal hatred against Barcelona,never have I doubted their Footballing genius.I totally agree there are few players in the world who can reproduce the magic,that Xavi creates with his silky passes from mid-field, or the spectacle Lionel Messi exhibits,when at his absolute best.I think I have made my disclaimers, now let me dive straight into the controversy.

Even Victor Valdes ran down the pitch to pressurize the referee to brandish the Red card!

            

10 Best Quotes in Footballing World....

                        Football's not just played with feet,but also with your head (and it's more than just using your head as some sort of a baton to hit the ball,mind you!). I thought of doing something different from usual for this blog.We always come across many catchy quotes in the footballing world,sometimes genuinely funny moments,while some are the attempts at mind-games.Anyways,here are some of the best I have come across.They are not all of same type,some are teasing,some classy quotes,while some plain dumb ones.Feel free to add your own,if you have come across better.So,here they go.

1.One of my all time favourites,this comes from the Liverpool Legend, Bill Shankly,and I think it sets the tone nicely for what football means to us.
"Some people think "Football is a matter of Life and Death.Well,they are wrong.I can assure you it's much more important than that."
Resonates with most of us,doesn't it?

2.This one comes from the "Special One" himself,and the guy is know for giving out "Special Quotes" too.Here's what he said,when he was asked about toughness of his job at Chelsea, when he had just taken over:
"If I wanted an easy job,I could have stayed at Porto-a beautiful Blue chair, the UEFA Champions League trophy, God, and after God, me!"

Jose Mourinho hasn't been media's darling for nothing,his witty comments always making the Headlines. 

3.Now,here's a funny one.It comes from a Liverpool Legend, Ian Rush, who was transferred to Juventus from Liverpool. Here's what he had to say about his stint in Italy:
"I couldn't settle in Italy - it was like living in a foreign country."
Hmm,Italy  WAS a foreign country for an Englishman, wasn't it, Mr. Rush?


4.Now,here's what Norther Ireland midfielder Steve Lomas had to say about his team's defeat vs Germany:
"Germany are a very difficult team to play - they had 11 internationals out there today."
Err, what else can you expect from an International team,guys?


5. Now, here's one more from Bill Shankly, that sums up the Merseyside rivalry between Liverpool and Everton:
 "There are two Great teams on the Merseyside, Liverpool, and Liverpool Reserves."


6. Here's one more classic quote,although it comes not from a prominent Footballing personality,but from one of my dear friends, Akash Nair. This was his take on Lionel Messi's almost magical goal vs Arsenal in this season's Champions League:
"People struggle to dribble with the ball on the ground.This guy does it in air!!"





7.Now,here are Sir Alex Ferguson's general views on Football.No wonder that guy has stayed in the sport so long.
"Football. Bloody Hell!!"


8. I can't resist putting one more from Jose Mourinho here.Catania President Pietro Le Monaco claimed he wanted to "smack Mourinho in the mouth" following Inter's win over his team in 2008,here's what Mourinho had to say upon that:
 “As for Lo Monaco, I do not know who he is. With the name Monaco, I have heard of Bayern Monaco (Munich) and the Monaco GP, the Tibetan Monaco (Monk), and the Principality of Monaco. I have heard of any others.” 
Classic Mourinho this one,isn't it?


9. Here's another cool one from Duffy Daugherty.....
"Football isn't a Contact sport.It's a collision sport.Dancing is a contact sport."
I'm sure Roy Keane and Nigel de Jong will agree!


10. Finally to finish off,it's a Bill Shankly one again.He was accused of staying at Liverpool only during their good times.His reply? A classic.
"It's not true,not at all. I was here (at Anfield) when we finished Second."

So, these are the ones that caught my eye the most.I'm not, by any means, claiming these are the catchiest ever.Please feel free to add yours in comments too.But each one is here,is a little gem, I think.
Hope you enjoyed them. Till next time, Goodbye.

UEFA, the Referees & Contoversies etc etc...

             Now we have heard and read enough from both the Arsenal and Barcelona camps,about how they truly deserved to progress to the Quarterfinals of the Champions League.Listening to any one's side of the story,you can't help but feel they are right in their place.But then, I do not wish to take any sides on that.But has anyone noticed that such controversies happen almost every year in Champions League these days? It's supposed to be the most coveted prize in World Football,alongside the World Cup itself.We would tend to expect quite high standards of Officiating,wouldn't we? But then, we have always been disappointed.Right from Luis Garcia's "Phantom Goal" that took Liverpool to glory in 2005 (Mind you,there would be no Istanbul,had that goal not been counted!),to some horrible performances from Tom Henning Ovrebo for last 2 years,right to the last week's disgusting decision making by the Swiss ref Massimo Busacca,we have always had such avoidable controversies.                                 

Robin van Persie was sent off at Camp Nou,for not hearing the whistle,amidst the roaring 95,000 fans

                                                
                 Robin van Persie may have been sent off for not playing to the whistle at any other stadium in the world than Camp Nou.Hundred thousand fans baying for his blood,surely he can't be penalised for such thing there.How is he even supposed to hear the whistle? His actions suggested indeed he failed to hear it.I mean, you can understand if a player is trying to waste time.If someone is 40 yards away from goal,and still shoots from such position after the offside whistle,it's clear what his intentions are.No such thing appeared on Van Persie's mind.As I already said, I don't want to sponsor a particular team here,but that decision from the referee killed the game for Arsenal.Till that moment,Barca may had dominated the game,Arsenal may not have had a shot on goal,they may not even have touched the ball for the entire 56 minutes,but for heaven's sake,they were leading 3-2 on aggregate.And for all their so called domination,Barca had only managed to make the scoreline 1-1 till that moment.I'm not saying Arsenal would have gone and surely destroyed the Catalans,but they were denied the chance to attempt such a feat at least,for no fault of theirs.Of course, Arsenal shouldn't whine too much about it.Even Barcelona had a perfectly legitimate goal denied for Offside in the first leg.Wenger didn't seem to remember that.But,that doesn't make it any better for UEFA.Two Wrongs don't make one Right.
               I should remind all of the infamous Tom Henning Ovrebo here.2 years ago,after he denied Chelsea 4 stonewall penalties (yeah, FOUR!!),there were accusations of Conspiracy and Corruption in UEFA. I remember reading an opinion of a Respected Football Pundit on that;" I don't believe in all these Conspiracy theories,but if Tom Henning Ovrebo ever officiates again in a game more important than an U-13 match outside Switzerland,then you can be sure,there's something rotten in UEFA."
               Well,just one year later,Ovrebo was the man in charge for the Bayern Munich vs Fiorentina match in Champions League knockout stages.If that's not outrageous enough,he awarded Bayern Munich a blatantly offside goal in 93nd minute,which proved decisive in the outcome of the tie.Miroslav Klose was in an offside position for entire building of the move that led to the goal.Just see the image below to understand how pathetic the decision was.What should we say on this?

How much more clearly Offside can a player be ???

                                              

                  UEFA Champions League is perhaps the most coveted competition in the world.It also generates a huge revenue for UEFA,which is so important to them,while wielding their authority.So, we are entitled to at least expect decent refereeing in such competitions.Some may say,such errors are only human,and so much fuss shouldn't made of them.But, Champions League is serious business.Damn serious.Players are willing to put their careers on the line to win it. If you still don't understand the passion, just go and ask John Terry.He will tell you how much it means.

John Terry says his penalty miss which cost Chelsea the Champions  League title,still continues to haunt him

                                                   

Gunning down Barcelona...

Few thought this would be the scene at the Emirates yesterday

             I believed it could not happen.And,most of the Footballing world seemed to agree with me.Not an impossible feat,of course.But,it took Inter Milan all the shrewdness of Jose Mourinho,combined with an In-form Wesley Sneijder and the Defensive Rocks of Lucio,Samuel and Javier Zanetti.Chelsea almost achieved it with one of the most disciplined defensive displays ever two years ago,before a dazzling Iniesta moment broke their hearts.Even this year,perhaps only a Real Madrid or a Manchester United could even dream of beating the Mighty Barcelona.But,Arsenal,surely not.The fragile team who doesn't have a single trophy to show for the last four years of so called "Best Attacking Football in England" beating the team,considered THE Best attacking team in the World,who have conquered everything in last few years? Didn't seem possible.In Cricket's equivalent,it's like Ishant Sharma getting the better of Dale Steyn.Perhaps, you can expect a Harbhajan or a Muralidharan to outperform Steyn,but an Ishant Sharma? Seems almost impossible, doesn't it? Like an amatuer beating a thorough Professional in his act.
           But yesterday, Arsene Wenger's men achieved a feat, considered to be impossible to anybody.They not only defeated Barcelona,they did it playing their Own game,the game Barcelona are considered to be the masters at.The Inters and Chelseas have managed to get the better of Barcelona in recent times,but they had to do it,defending out of their skins.If you tried to play the game the "Barcelona way" against the Catalans,death was guaranteed.Yet, Arsenal went on and did it.The master tacticians like Mourinho and Guus Hiddink,and even Sir Alex Ferguson would consider it foolish,but Wenger told his team to go and attack Barcelona.And for once,it paid off handsomely.

Jack Wilshere was superb for Arsenal,not only with his passing,but  doing the  defensive job superbly to block out Messi and Iniesta

             Barca's biggest Weak Link (and perhaps the Only one) is their fullbacks.Although Dani Alves and Maxwell are massive contributors in making Barcelona the most lethal striking force,they tend to forget their defensive duties sometimes.Theo Walcott just went and ran straight at Maxwell,terrorizing the Brazilian fullback,which not only made huge difference to Arsenal's attacking potency,but it reduced a member of the Human Web,through which Xavi and Iniesta weave their passing magic.Arsenal also seemed to have finally found a decent goalkeeper,as Wojciech Szczesny produced a confident display,and Laurent Koscielny stood tall when it mattered most versus an attacking lineup that boasted of the Best Player in the World,and also possibly the Deadliest Finisher on the Planet.
            Of course,they had their luck.Messi missed chances,which would be considered "Sitters" by his current Sky-high standards.They even played a High defensive line,which left Villa and Messi toying with the Offside trap.The move could have worked well,or it could have gone horribly wrong,putting Arsenal out of contention,even before the Second leg began.But,just for their willingless to stand up to Barca,Arsenal deserved the luck to make that gamble work.Of course,the tie is long way from being decided.Arsenal still have to go to Camp Nou,with a single goal lead.The World knows what mockery Barcelona can make of even the Top teams,when they are on song.Arsenal have to produce another such performance in the Spanish Capital,and even then, they still have to hope Barcelona have an Off-day.Not impossible of course,but it's going to be a hell lot tougher,if they thought the tie at the Emirates was the biggest challenge.

        So, in three weeks time,Camp Nou will be packed with Hundred Thousand Hostile men,clad in Scarlet and Blue,trying to intimidate the Opponents,even before the ball has been kicked.But,still I am damn sure,Arsene Wenger will send his team out to go and beat Barcelona,the Mighty Barcelona in their own backyard.Still,Walcott will run madly at the Barca fullbacks without caring for the counter-attacks,still Arshavin will make those dazzling runs,not bothering about what his defense will face,if he loses the ball,trying to skip past the defenders,instead of just keeping the possession and wasting time.Mind you,we don't know what the outcome will be.It could be anything from another Arsenal Capitulation (There have been so many in recent history!) to even an Unimaginable Barcelona collapse.But,Arsenal's unwavering trust in their Footballing Philosophy promises to make the game at Camp Nou a Footballing Masterpiece.And,for their sheer desire to do that,Arsene Wenger's team deserve a big salute from this small guy. 

Of Arsenal's "Mission Impossible" and Spurs' Italian Adventures

Who would get to lay his hands on the Europe's most coveted Trophy,this year?

        
  So,finally the Draws for The Champions League knockout stages are out,and although some of the biggest teams in World Football are involved,there isn't really a Adrenaline-raising,Mouth-watering clash at least in the Last 16s. Manchester United and Chelsea got comparatively easy draws,while Arsenal managed to find the worst draw possible in Barcelona,Real Madrid face Olympique Lyon,the team that knocked them out last year,so that would be an interesting clash too.Here are the 3 best fixtures I thought,came out Yesterday's draw:


3. Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich

with the "Special One" gone,and Diego Millito not emulating his last season's goalscoring heroics,Inter will find the goings hard in Europe's elite competition this year

It's the clash between last year's Finalists,but this doesn't look as exciting as last year.Both teams are struggling in the Domestic Leagues,especially Inter,who have really found it tough to cope with the loss of Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid.Struggling with so many injuries,Inter languish at the sixth place in Serie A ,and if their form doesn't improve soon,we could have a different man from Rafa Benitez in the Dugout by the time they face the German Giants.Although,Bayern themselves are not in the best of forms,the Bavarian Giants would be my pick in this tie.




2. AC Milan vs Tottenham Hotspur


This one promises to be a cracking tie,the Defensive Strength of Milan versus the free flowing Spurs.Although AC Milan would be a different opposition altogether from their neighbours Inter for Spurs,who were impressive against the Defending Champions in the Group Stages,the Londoners do have the talent to compete with the very best of Europe.One thing that could go against them is their inexperience at this stage,although they score goals for fun,keeping clean sheets is so vital in Champions League,especially in the latter stages,and Spurs look like they can concede anytime.Milan are in very good form domestically,on top of the Serie A,and with Ibrahimovic finding his goalscoring form,they would be my favourites in what promises to be a Roller-Coaster ride of a game,but then which game involving Spurs isn't??




1. Arsenal vs Barcelona

Will Fabregas and co. be able to match the Catalans,or will it be a repeat of last year's Messi mania??

This was the fate everyone wanted to avoid,and Arsenal have gone and found it again! Points dropped against Braga and Shakhtar look so costly now,as they find themselves in a tie,which ,at the moment,seems to have only one possible outcome.The Catalan Giants have re-discovered their devastating form,and since Destroying Real Madrid in the "Classico",they haven't bothered to look back.While their dazzling scoring records catch every one's eye,they have silently turned into a Rock-Solid Defensive Unit.6 straight clean sheets in all competitions in a row,and the number only looks set to increase as La Liga action continues.Arsenal haven't been that impressive,although they sit 2nd in the Premier League,they have already lost at home to the likes of West Brom and Newcastle,and unless Someone can produce a Miraculous performance for the Gunners (and of course,there is a condition that no one does it from the Spanish side,which looks unlikely,remember what Messi did last year to them,don't you?) ,This looks a tie heavily tilted towards the "La Blagurana"

"Month from Hell"??

Another agonising game to watch,playing just one-half of good Football, well,and then just giving up in the second,Chelsea fans aren't really used to this....But,really these troubled times make you understand what Arsenal and Liverpool fans have to suffer week in week out!!! From 5 points clear at the top,the Champions have plunged downwards in November,seeing Blackpool's home record,we can consider ourselves 4 points off the pace already,and the December fixture list doesn't make it any easier.Tottenham,Manutd,Arsenal all lined up alongside resurgent Bolton Wanderers,Chelsea couldn't have chosen worse times to have got the Lampards and Terrys and Benayouns injured,could they??

Watching the Everton game on Saturday,I couldn't really believe how light-weight Chelsea's midfield looked.Essien looked rusty from injury,Mikel was wasteful,and why Malouda is trying to play in the Centre-midfield more when he excels so well on the wings???

If there was one area,that Chelsea could boast of as being arguably the"World's Best",till last year,it would be their midfield.Lampard,Ballack,Essien,not to mention Makelele,these guys would get into any team in the World,and then we had Joe Coles and Decos and Mikels as cover-ups,couldn't get any better,could it? And suddenly this season,it's all collapsed!! Mikel looks a lost man,the creative force of Benayoun was lost to injury,and Ramires hasn't managed to settle in English Football yet.Chelsea are missing Lampard like hell!!! He gets them those 20-25 invaluable goals each season from Midfield,but its not just the goals,but his forward drive,his ability to get into shooting positions.Watching Mikel and Ramires on Saturday,I really missed Lamps there! Of course,Chelsea wouldn't have missed him so much last season,when Michael Ballack could fill that role efficiently,But this season,with Benayoun out inured,Chelsea have lost that authority in midfield.It was same vs Everton,same vs Sunderland,and same vs Birmingham.They just put the extra guys in midfield,and Mikel and Ramires were simply overwhelmed,Malouda tried to bridge the gap by getting more Central,and it took out Chelsea's sting on that left flank! At the moment,there looks to be no solution other than getting Lampard back as quickly as possible,and with the quality of the teams they're about to face,they have got to do it fast!!!

Manchester Utd are getting back to their normal Fiery "Christmas period form"(not taking into account that dreadful 0-4 to West Ham,of course!!!),Arsenal also look strong,and Spurs seem to be in great spirits following their adventures in European Football,but all the talk of Chelsea's title challenge falling apart still seems far-fetched.Your title challenges are not wiped out in November,guys,well,not unless you are Liverpool fans! But,for the rest of the normal World,it takes April or May for the title challenge to fade off.So let this "Month from Hell" be upon us,we won't give up Hope.

December,here WE come !!!