Girls Soccer Like You've Never Seen Before

... well, at least its a first for me.

WARNING!!!

VIEWER'S DISCRETION ADVISED.
CONTENT MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR VIEWERS!!!

the convict

So here's Elizabeth Lambert, a defender on the University of New Mexico Woman's Soccer Team. She caused quite a stir recently in her soccer match with team BYU in the NCAA Women's Soccer Western Conference semifinal match where she brutally assaulted the opposing players in every possible way - taking a girl down by the ponytail, numerous punches to a girls head, illegally tackling, and kicking a ball into a girls face after she had fallen to mention a few.

we didn't think woman would fight. But boy we were wrong now weren't we?

What makes it even more amazing was that no one (coaches, teammates, opposition) stopped her after all her actions, more specifically, the referee of the match. I would think that she would have received a straight red card for putting her hands up to an opponent or two yellows which would mean a red as well but NO, she ended the game with only a yellow card.

However, actions have now been taken and she is now suspended. The following is a video of the action and also her apology to everyone.



So... Competitive soccer or just going out for blood?

Chelsea wins Community Shield

We are just one week away from the beginning of the footballing season now and we've just got a taste of what's to come from two of the title contenders for the English Premier League this season.

While its still pre-season and not considered to be a an important trophy, the Community Shield, which pits the FA Cup winners against the league winners, is considered the curtain raiser to the new season.

Of course, this post would be about Chelsea and it was interesting to see how the squad performed under our new Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti and the new system that he brought to the team. Chelsea looked lackluster in the first half, going down 1-0 at the break but came out firing on all cylinders in the second half which was great to watch. In the end, the match ended 2-2 and there was a penalty shoot-out to separate both teams and Chelsea won it by defeating Manchester United 4-2 on penalties.


Things are looking bright now and hopefully it will be the first of many trohpies to come from Chelsea this season.

Hiddink and Chelsea lift FA Cup trophy

... and the FA Cup winner goes to...

CHELSEA CHELSEA!!! CHELSEA CHELSEA!!!

That's right, Chelsea have won the English FA Cup which finally ends Chelsea's barren run of 2 years without a trophy since Jose Mourinho left.

Chelsea, still feeling and suffering from the Champions League heartbreak to eventual winner's Barcelona, did not had the best of starts to the match. With Everton kicking off the match, they had the ball deep into Chelsea's half and with only 26 seconds gone, Everton had opened the scoring thanks to a former Man United player, Louis Saha who drove a sweet left foot volley into the back of the net. It was the quickest goal in the 128-year history of the FA Cup final. But Chelsea, under Guus Hiddink for the last time before he returns to his role as Russia coach, battled back, though, and claimed the throphy for the second time in three years with a goal in either half.

The first came when Malouda, so often skinning the ineffective Hibbert on the left, crossed in a ball which Drogba meet with his head and into the back of the net. It was 5 defenders against 1 attacker in the box and full marks to The Drog as he managed to work some space and attack the ball so beautifully.

Frank Lampard rejoices after scoring the winning goal

After the interval, Chelsea completed the turnaround when Lampard thumped in a left footed shoot from 20 meters after a superd individual skill by shot faking the incoming Phil Neville and shifting the ball to his left before letting go the winning shot.

Guus Hiddink lifting the FA Cup trophy

It was Guus Hiddink's last match in charge after doing a fabulous job in turning an almost fading season into something special in just three months, guiding Chelsea so close to the Champions League final by losing only to circumstances not relating to football and pushing Man United all the way in the league title so winning the FA Cup was also the perfect sending-off for him from the Chelsea players.

Guus Hiddink celebrating with the Chelsea players

Subsequently, this marks the ending of the 08/09 footballing season with the FA Cup trophy deposited in Chelsea's cabinet. So what's next for the following season? What we know now is that Chelsea will have a new manager, probably AC Milan's Carlo Ancelotti who has two Champions League winner medal in his CV. Besides, Roman Abromovich is also promising to splash his cash on rebuilding the Chelsea squad which could see 1 or 2 big names wearing the blue jersey next season.

Michael Ballack, Michael Essien and John Terry with new home 09/10 kit

Lastly and for now at least, let us celebrate the FA Cup triumph and hope that it would be the first of many trophy to come after the successful Mourinho era.

THANKS GUUS!!!

Champions League Final 08/09

Ahhh... the sweet sight of seeing such a disappointing Manchester United side being downed by Barcelona in such a big match. I would love to see the usually cocky faces of the Manchester United supporters after the match...

Anyway...

FC Barcelona has won the Champions League in Rome beating defending champions Manchester United by two goals to nail in what is believed to be a one sided affair. Going into this match, Manchester United had the chance to be the only club to win back to back Champions League title and Barcelona on the other hand could record a historic treble (winning three titles) for the season.

Samuel Eto'o wheels away in delight after giving Barcelona an early lead in Rome

In all honesty, Manchester United started off well but after the 10th minute goal by Samuel Eto'o, they just looked out of sorts and disappointing. It was a Barcelona fast break which broke the dead lock as Andreas Iniesta, who ran down the field set Samuel Eto'o up with a through ball. Then skillfully, from the right side, Eto'o managed to cut inside Vidic and fire a low shot which Van Der Sar only managed to touch but couldn't keep the ball out of the net. United's almost arrogant-control of the match slowly but surely evaporated, eventually to disappear altogether.

Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring Barcelona's second goal at the Stadio Olimpico

As Manchester United push forward to get an equalizer in the second half, the back was expose once again in the 70th minute when Xavi's pin point cross reach the head of Lionel Messi who guided the ball with his head pass the rotted Van Der Sar. 2-0 the scoreline and United just did not have any answers for Barcelona. The United players not only did not get going on the offensive end but where also made to chase the ball round the field by the classy Barca players. Now, how often do we get to see that? Manchester United were just awful.

Barcelona pose with the trophy

Lionel Messi leads the Barcelona celebrations

I would say the lost was down to Sir Alex Feguson's lousy tactics and also the players that did not show up. But credits to Barcelona as well, they played their usual breath taking football and United just couldn't handle them.

Josep Guardiola enjoys the triumph in Rome

One man not to forget is the manager of Barcelona, Josep Guardiola, who's previously a captain of a Barcelona side which have also won the Champions League, is only in his first season in charge of Barcelona and at the age of 37, he is the 3rd youngest manager to guide a team to Champions League glory. Besides, Barcelona this season has also won the Spanish League and Cup which marks an outstanding season for the Spanish side. This team should also be rated by the history books as one of the truly great sides of European football.

No arguments can be made, they deserved it.

Back from trip

Just came back from my Lang Tengah trip this morning. It was a pretty fun snorkeling around, looking and feeding the different fishes. There was once when I let out a "boom" in the sea and to my amazement the fishes followed closely behind me. One even came on to bite me like I'm some kinda fresh meat, so what I can come out with is that it either likes the smell or is just angry I polluted the sea. lolz.


All in all, it was fun but there was a setback in the end as we tried to make our way back home. Not gonna talk about it cuz it was a long long story which took us 24 hours to get home.

On the other hand, there were also mid week Champions League match on show and I did get to watch it in Lang Tengah. It was the match that could win a ticket for Chelsea to Rome on the 27th May for a replay of last seasons final with Manchester United.

As usual, Barcelona boasted a huge amount of possession of the ball but Chelsea's long ball tactics and superb defending kept it a close match. Then in the 10th minute, Stamford Bridge erupts as a super Essien left footed volley outside the box sends the ball into the roof of the net to put Chelsea in front.

Michael Essien and Frank Lampard are all smiles as Chelsea take an early lead

1-0 the scoreline and Chelsea are looking good to advance into the finals until the 90th minute and 3 added on time. Chelsea where trying to get a second goal with Barcelona down to 10 men from Eric Abidal's sending off but Barcelona piled men forward to attack and were rewarded when Essien's missed a defensive clearance which allowed Barca to move the ball right to the edge of the box where Andres Iniesta powered a first time shot into the back of the net.

Petr Cech cannot keep out Iniesta's 93rd-minute shot

Andres Iniesta celebrates after his dramatic late strike

Florent Malouda despairs at the crushing of Chelsea's UEFA Champions League dream

Barca win 1-1 on away aggregate rule. A devastating way for Chelsea to get knocked out of the competition right at the very last minute which surely hurts the players and the fans... including me.

The Chelsea players suffer semi-final heartache

Now Chelsea only has the FA Cup to play for and hopefully the season will end with some joy.

Its the same scoreline again

I've just witness another pulsating football match again. Previously, it was the Champions League quarter final 2nd leg between Chelsea and Liverpool which ended 4-4. This time, it was thanks to Liverpool (again) and Arsenal in the English Premier League, producing the best match of the season yet and probably even one of the greatest EPL matches of all time.

I'd just finish badminton and was feeling hungry so I decided to watch the match at McDonald's at 3am. Now, I did not only got a large set of Big Mac but I was served a goal fest from the football match as well. So the first half was okay with Arsenal taking a 1-0 scoreline into the second half thanks to Arshavin but things started to get interesting after that.

Liverpool fought hard to score two goals after 4 minutes of the restart and Arsenal looked down and out. However, Arshavin had other ideas as he popped up to score another two goals in the space of three minutes. I was certainly screaming out loud with the joy of seeing Liverpool losing 3 points but then came Fernando Torres who somehow manage to score goal to make it 3-3. in the 72nd minute. By now, Liverpool were in control of the match with the home fans urging them on, they were pressing Arsenal into their own box until the 90th minute. From a resulting Liverpool corner, Arsenal broke and Liverpool were caught on the counter attack by the pacy Theo Walcott who race down the field and then passes the ball off to none other then Arshavin who then scores his 4th goal of the match. Everyone was screaming in McDonalds but it wasn't over yet, Liverpool pressed on and manage to equalise just 2 minutes later which sends all the Liverpool supporters in McDonalds out of their seats screaming and jumping like they just won the league. I guess poor Arshavin must be thinking how did he score 4 goals and not win the match.

Lukasz Fabianski does his best to keep out Yossi Benayoun's header

Fernando Torres shows his delight at scoring his second of the night

Shhh... Andrei Arshavin celebrates one of his four strikes at Anfield

Liverpool hopefuls still hoping to end their 20 years league title drought

From this 4-4 draw, Liverpool's title hopes would have taken a huge dent but in contrast, it will be good news for Chelsea as they can close the gap between them and Liverpool to just 1 point if they win. Manchester United will be playing as well so I just hope they drop points so that Chelsea could at least get nearer to the top. (I want them to win the title!!!)

Finally, I gotta say it was just amazing to watch this Liverpool vs Arsenal match and will probably watch the reply later today as well. So folks, if you still think football is boring, think again...

Chelsea's CL Quarter-Finals 2nd Leg

It's the Champions League night again where all football fans stay up late or wake up in the middle of the night just to support their favorite team. Well, I stayed up even though I was pretty sleepy from having too much of sleep however, I did only manage to watch about 20 minutes of the match from my PC due to the freaking lousy internet and the streaming video provided online. I should have gone home to watch it. Damnit...

"Chelsea withstand stunning Liverpool surge"

All I can say is, I missed one hell of an amazing match. As Chelsea was leading 3-1 from the 1st leg, Liverpool aim was to score at least 2 more goals than Chelsea in this 2nd leg at Stamford Bridge and that was exactly what Liverpool did after just 30 minutes played, they managed to score 2 goals which could spark an amazing comeback going into the second half.

Fabio Aurelio delights in his opening goal

Xabi Alonso celebrates after his penalty drew the aggregate back to 3-3

2nd half started and Chelsea opened their scoring in the 51st minute from a cross from Anelka which Drogba met but it was largely thanks to Liverpool goalkeeper Reina who somehow "saved" the ball into his own net. Chelsea's second came 6 minutes later, a powerful drive from Alex's (Yea, brazilian Alex, not me) freekick. 76th minute, Lampard scored another to put Chelsea 3-2 up and 6-3 on aggregate. Now, Liverpool is surely dead and buried you think, but NO, Liverpool fought back again and scored two goals in the space of 2 minutes in the 81st and 83rd minute through a Lucas's deflected shot and Kuyt's header. Chelsea lead 6-5 on aggregate, one more goal and Liverpool would be through but instead that went to Chelsea and the inspirational Lampard in the 89th minute. A goal that ensures Chelsea go through and do not fall to yet another one of Liverpool's amazing comebacks.

Drogba turned the tide 6 minutes into the second half

Alex (bald) celebrates his goal with Didier Drogba and Michael Ballack

It was one of those amazing European nights again and I just thank god Chelsea has gone through after being so close to elimination. In the night's other match, Barcelona goes through to the semis as well with a 1-1 draw away to Bayern Munich at the Alliance arena in Munich, Germany which now means Chelsea will be facing them, the best attacking team in the world I would say. So now, can Chelsea stop Barca's attacking trio of Theirry Henry, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi?

Chelsea's CL Quarter-Finals 1st Leg

"Liverpool have fallen to Chelsea 3-1 at Anfield, thanks to an Ivanovic brace and a Drogba nail to the coffin!"

This is the headline shown on ESPNstar.com as the Champions League night comes to a close. It was a great night as many believed Liverpool in its current form, trashing Real Madrid and Manchester United along the way would be the favourites playing at home today. As Chelsea has also lost 2 league matches to Liverpool this season, it looked all the more likely that the Reds would ease pass the Blues.

However, the match played out was a different story altogether. Although Liverpool started off well with a Torres goal just 6 minutes into the match, Chelsea settled down and looked the better team throughout the 90 minutes played. Chelsea's unlikely hero, Branislav Ivanovic, a Serbian defender, scored a brace from two corners and "The Drog" then put the icing on the cake as Liverpool wondered how on earth did they get hammered at Anfield.

Ivanovic scores his first Chelsea goal...

...and claims his second in similar style

Didier Drogba's excellent performance is rewarded with a goal

With the 3-1 away scoreline to take back to Stamford Bridge for the 2nd leg, Chelsea looked to have set a foot into the semi-finals and it would be a mountain of a task if Liverpool would want to advance to the next stage.

The likely opposition for the winners of this match-up will be mighty Barcelona who trashed the wanting Bayern Munich with a 4-0 half time and full time scoreline at home. so Chelsea versus Barcelona in the semis?

Lionel Messi and Barca destroys Bayern

(Photos courtesy of eufa.com)

Champions League football is back!!!

Okay, for all the football crazy freaks out there, Champions League football, the most prestigious club football competition is finally back and the last 16 knock out stages will be kicking off with some mouth watering ties!!!

Italian champions versus English champions

First of all, Italian giants and 3 consecutive Serie A winners Inter Milan who are under former Champions League winning manager Jose Mourinho go up against English and Champions League's holders Manchester United!!! Both are in great form and are currently leading in their domestic leagues as well. The important note here is that Jose Mourinho has only lost once in his 10 encounter in all competition with Sir Alex Ferguson during his stint with Porto and Chelsea.

Will the Red's Spaniard down the Spanish giants?

The next giant encouter will be 4 times winner Liverpool pitting their vits against 9 time Champions League winners and Spanish champions Real Madrid. Fernando Torres with a prolific scoring record has never scored against Real Madrid in the 5 years spell he had in Spain with Atletico Madrid in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, so will he finally end his barren goal drough this time around? or will Raul and top form Real Madrid throw Liverpool out of the Champions League?

Frank Lampard or Alesandro Del Piero?

One tie also not to be missed would be Chelsea who are desperate to win their first ever Champions League trophy after just losing narrowly in penalties to Manchester United in May's all english finals clash going up against a Juventus side who are finally back in the frame after missing out for two seasons. This tie would also mark the return of former Chelsea boss Claudio Raneiri who might want to get one over his former employees since his dismisal 5 years ago. He will be leading a Juve side full of experienced veterans namely Alesandro Del Piero who has been sensational in the group stages.

French champions will need to contain the the Barca bombardment

Also, don't forget the tie between 7 straight years French champions Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) and Spanish league leaders Barcelona who are currently dominating in all domestic competitions. Can favourites Barcelona break the hearts of the french or will Champions league underachievers Lyon finally break the duck and advance to the quarterfinal stages?

owwhhh... wait... have I forgotten to mention wonderkid Lionel Messi?

Other ties are:

Atletico Madrid vs Porto

Arsenal vs Roma
Villareal vs Panathinaikos
Sporting Lisbon vs Bayern Munich

So, the 4 matches was played yesterday and the biggest was Inter VS ManU. Fortunately I had time to watch the game with my assignment to be passed up in the afternoon :D and since ManU have been doing so well in their domestic league, I do hope they crash out of the Champions League >)

There will also be matches played to night and the big one would definitely be Chelsea VS Juventus. The game will be played at 4.00am Malaysian time and for those who have a good internet connection BUT does not have a television, you can head to Justin.tv to watch the match live.

That's all for now, have a great sporting day peeps!!!

Phil Scolari Sacked!!!

Just got a breaking news that Luiz Felipe Scolari, the now ex-Chelsea boss has been sacked. After the team's poor recent form and fading title ambitions, it was only a matter of time before Scolari faces the axe so this comes as to no surprise.

A statement released on Monday afternoon London time in Chelsea's official website said: "Luiz Felipe Scolari has been dismissed as manager of Chelsea with immediate effect."

The former world cup winning manager has looked lost in his management of the club and there are also reports that the players are not happy with his coaching routines which has also translated to the poor showing of his players on the field.

Scolari brought attacking football to Chelsea, however, there was no solidity and consistency within the team. The team never looked confidence and the winning mentality that was once instilled in Chelsea are now gone. The worst memories of Scolari's time in charge was the fact that Chelsea's home form was very poor and also not to forget he lost our very proud 86-game unbeaten home league record. Besides, Chelsea did not manage a win against the big-four this season and only managed to get 1 point out of the 5 matches played so far. Finally, he also bought in Deco which was one of the worst signings ever.

Here are some fact files of Scolari's time at Chelsea...

2008: August 17: Led Chelsea to a 4-0 win over Portsmouth in his first Premier League game in charge.

October 26: Suffered his first league defeat as Chelsea as Liverpool ended their 86-game unbeaten home league record with a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

November 12: Chelsea crashed out of the Carling Cup beaten on penalties by Championship side Burnley.

December 9: Chelsea only secured qualification for the Champions League knockout stages in the final game after beating CFR Cluj 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

2009: January 3: Could only manage a 1-1 draw with League One Southend in the FA Cup third round.

January 11: Crushed 3-0 by Manchester United at Old Trafford with Scolari's Chelsea future increasingly under the spotlight.

February 1: Saw his hopes of the title dented with a 2-0 defeat at Liverpool as Fernando Torres scored two late goals.

February 7: Fans protested against Scolari after the 0-0 home draw with Hull which saw Chelsea drop to fourth in the Premier League table behind Aston Villa.

February 9: Chelsea confirm Scolari has been dismissed.

Now who's next for Chelsea? The "special one" maybe?

Manchester United 3 - 0 Chelsea

Rooney scoring United's second goal

Just finished watching the match between Manchester United and Chelsea where the red devils came out tops by not only 1 or 2, but 3 goals margin. I would say this is a very disappointing display from Chelsea losing out to their closest rivals in the manner which they did. The opening half was pretty even but then the second half was a terrible display which saw Manchester United dominate the game. After going a goal down just before half time, the squad had no urgency, no passion, no fighting spirit and were outplayed by Man U. If thats not worst enough, next on the list will be table topping Liverpool at Anfield and I could only hope Chelsea raise their game.

Can Chelsea stop Liverpool and the dynamic duo of Torres and Gerrard?

Here is my take on the current squad and situation. First of all, the big problem lies with Phil Scolari, the current manager of Chelsea and the way he managers the team. His tactics are somewhat ineffective on the pitch which shows why Chelsea are doing poorly now. Secondly, his squad selection is also one to be criticized as he keeps playing the lackluster Deco. In fact, the season that began promisingly could turn into a disappointing one. With the form and the way the team is playing currently, I don't see any trophies being won come end of the season.

Luiz Felipe Scolari needs to rally the troops now

I think now is a great time for reinforcement in the squad as the January transfer window opens. Because of the aging squad, Chelsea needs young, fresh, hungry lads to push the team. A few winger and midfielder would do the trick. Besides, Chelsea needs to work harder on the pitch and not be a bunch of prima donnas playing beautiful football whereas they can't even get the results. Where is the winning mentality lads? where is the passion? Run! Get down, get rough!!! Work your socks off!!! damn!!! I just can't stand watching how Chelsea are playing now.

Will the season end in disappointment and tears again?

Finally, I hope the squad will improve or else please put the axe on Phil Scolari. May the "special one" please stand up? I sure hope Jose Mourinho will return to manage the club again someday and bring Chelsea back to its glory days.