2010/2011 Premier League Countdown: West Ham United

The Hammers barely survived in the premiership last season with a 17th placed finish that resulted in the termination of Italian inexperienced manager Zola after one season. The management quickly made a smart decision in replacing Zola with ex-Chelsea and ex-Portsmouth manager Avarm Grant. Avarm Grant has done a brilliant job in his one season with Chelsea and even did a respectable job with severely struggling Pompey last season when he led them to F.A. Cup Final as he took over the team midway through the season. Grant immediately made four key signings to upgrade the squad: French impressive striker Piquionne joining from Portsmouth, German international MF Hitzlsperger, fellow country man DF Ben Haim and Mexican internal winger Barrera. Now the key for the team will be to keep their trio English international FW Carlton Cole, CB Upson and DMF Scott Parker. The bad news for the team is GK Robert Green will has to face fans booing from all other 19 teams after his unforgiven shocking school-boy goalkeeping error vs USA in South Africa.

Strongest starting line-up: <4-3-1-2>

Green

Faubert Ben-Haim Upson Ilunga

Behrami Parker Hitzlsperger

Noble

Cole Piquionne

Prediction: Mid-table

2010/2011 Premier League countdown: The new promoters

Blackpool FC

Making their debut to Premier League since its establishment and joining English football top division since 1971, Blackpool will not go straight down to Division 1 after only one season without a fight. On paper, Blackpool FC has the worst talents and depth among all teams in Premiership. However, manager Holloway has proved to be one of the country top managers and will lead his troop to fight hard for every game. Blackpool won the promoting battle through play-offs after finishing 6th in Division 1 last season. History does indicate promotion teams to premiership through hard fought play-offs tend to surprise and manage to stay in top flight at least for 1 season. Yet, skimming through their squad, when the most well-known players include their captain, ex-Wimbledon veteran attacker Jason Euell and a few Welsh and Scottish fringe internationals, I start to worry if their obvious weak squad quality is capable of getting more than 20 points in total, let alone succeeding in staying in premiership beyond one season.

Prediction: Relegation

West Bromwich Albion

A team belongs to somwhere between the Premier League and Division 1. There is never a team promoting to the premiership for so many times, rarely survive in premiership beyond one season and then went straight back to premiership after relegation. This time around, their manager is ex-Chelsea and former Italian international Roberto Di Matteo. Yet, there isn't one Italian player in their squad. Their basic squad remains the same comparing to two season ago in their relegation season in premiership, including team captain and ex-Liverpool England GK Scott Carson and a few local and Czech based talent. Like Blackpool, their squad is not quite reaching the premiership level. If they aim to survive this season, they sure must get in a few new faces as their same squad proved to be vulnerable and incapable in staying in top flight 2 season ago.

Prediction: Relegation

Newcaslte United

One of the highest supporting teams in the country due to their football style "playing football in the right way: pass-and-move, keep the ball on the ground instead of mindless high cross, eye-catching attack and avoid physical play and hard foul to minimum". Newcastle's relegation to Division 1 two seasons ago hurt many fans. However, it only takes one season for Newcastle to win the Championship Division due to their obvious superior squad talents. After a hard lesson two years ago, Newcastle understands the importance of "playing for the result" and should now be a more balanced team to fight for survival. Comparing to two seasons ago, the major squad re-inforcement inludes the signing of veteran English CB Sol Campbell who could provides experience, leadership and stability at the backand English veteran AMF Kevin Nolan, who is the MVP in Division 1 last season. However, the x-factor determine whether the team can merely be a relegation surivor or a middle-table team are the three highly-rated future England internationals: CB Steven Taylor, CMF Dan Gosling as well as FW Andy Carroll. Andy Carroll is only 21 and has been the top scorer for Newcastle last season and an established scorer for England under 21 team. At 6'4', he is the future England hope especially England is now lacking of a natural CF. Will he be the next Alan Shearer or Dean Ashton?

Strongest line-up: <4-4-1-1>

Harper

Ryan-Taylor Steven-Taylor Campbell Enrique

Gutierrez Smith Guthrie Lovenkrands

Nolan

Carroll

Prediction: Survival - Midtable

LFC 2010/2011 season new signing #3: no.22 Danny Wilson

At 18, Danny Wilson is definitely a signing for the future. However, the Scottish League Last Season Youth Player of the Year has shown maturiy beyond his age in his debut season with Rangers, surprisingly starting more games than anyone expected and eventually displayed his great potential even in the Champion League stage.

Wilson is a left footed central back who had good passing ability. Wilson is eager to get into the 1st team for Liverpool in the coming season, as he even told Roy Hodgson to start him as left back. Wilson costs an inital fees of 2.5M, but the fee could rise depends on his performance. Wilson's signing could also help the team to meet the home grown based player quota.

In my opinion, Wilson's signing is a positive sign for Liverpool. In the past few seasons, Benitez has spend too much money on young foreign defenders mostly from South America and Spain. While South American and Spainsh defenders generally has better ball control, they tend to struggle with English physical long-ball game with their lack of physical built and height. Getting a Scottish player developing under British physical football background should be more suitable and efficient for Liverpool in the domestic league.

He may not be the new Alan Hansen as some may fancy, Wilson could be the future star for LFC's new defensive force that also includes Skrtel,Agger and Martin Kelly. Generally speaking, I would be satisfied if Wilson can be our answer for Johnny Evans of Man.Utd. However, for now, Wilson may not get as many as he wishes as the team already has 4 veteran CB ahead of his in rotation.

LFC 2010/2011 season new signing #2: no.14 Milan Jovanovic

Milan Jovanovic could also prove to be one of the great bargains of the season. A free agent signed by Benitez before his termination, Milan will come as a replacement for the departing Riera for the left midfield spot. Liverpool currently doesn't have any natural left wing as Ryan Babel is never a winger. Although Kuyt or Maxi can both be man-shift LW, both are right-footed and playing on the left side never brings out the best of their games.

Milan has been a star in Belgium league and has won player of the season before. He can play as a left wing or as a supporting striker. He is skillful and has good speed. He can definitely score goals as he was Serbia team top scorer in World Cup 2010 qualifier. He has also scored that all-important goal to beat Germany 1-0 in South Africa. However, at 29, Milan doesn't have much time to adapt to the speed and physical demand of the premiership. Milan has never experienced top quality league and playing in premiership should be a good opportunity to prove his true quality.

While Milan may not be a naturl winger, he should be able to score and make intelligent passing and attacking movement. The new No.14 is expected to be a starting player on the LMF role, sharing with Joe Cole depeneds on Joe's assigned roles in different games.

LFC 2010/2011 season new signing #1: no.10 Joe Cole

Joe Cole is the type of player LFC has been lacking for a long time. A skillful attacker who possesses flair, dribbling ability and penetration skills and can play anywhere across the attacking midfield line: right wing, left wing, central attacking midfiled as well as supporting striker behind the central forward. What make him even more valuable is that he is an English, helping the team to meet Premiership newly introduced home grown player requirement. LFC had a similar type of player in Benayoun, who ironically making opposite direction to Chelsea. However, Joe Cole is 2 years younger and is superior in his overall talent. Joe Cole could prove to be signing of the season since he is coming for free as a free agent if he can stay injury free. Most importantly, the arrival of Joe Cole has helped Gerrard and Torres making their decision to stay with the club as Joe's acquisition is a great indication LFC is still as ambitious as ever!

At 28, Joe Cole is still in prime of his career. If he came few seasons ago, Joe Cole may not be as mature and efficient, because Joe Cole has never established as a team-player not until Mourinho installed the importance of team-work into his game during his first 2 seasons with Chelsea. When Joe started his early football career as a hot prospect with West Ham, Joe Cole would always prefer to dribble past players than making assists to teammates. Now, Joe Cole has become a very unselfish player and prefers to assist teammates through simple but efficient passes rather than chasing for personal glory making unnecessary fancy moves.

Will Joe Cole be the missing piece for Torres and Gerrard to challenge for the premiership title? Here's hoping the trio all stay injury-free for the upcoming 2010/2011 season!

BPL 2010/2011 season TV broadcast change in Vancouver: early assumption

Saturdays 7:45am ET (or 8:45am ET): TSN2

Saturdays 10am ET (or 11am ET): Setanta Sports Canada (1st pick), Rogers Sportsnet (2nd pick), Setanta Sports Canada (the rest via tape-delay)

Saturdays 12:30pm ET (or 1:30pm ET): Setanta Sports Canada

Sundays before 10am ET (usually at 8:30am ET): Setanta Sports Canada

Sundays 11am ET or 12noon ET (game of the week): Rogers Sportsnet

Mondays 3pm ET (or 4pm ET): TSN2

Midweek: Setanta Sports Canada

comment: I guess I need to get both Setanta and TSN2... This is really stupid. 3 TV channels split broadcasting right for one football league! Since I am a die-hard Liverpool fans, I really have no choice. At least, getting TSN2 is more worthwhile than the stupid Score channel.

Gol TV will still show La Liga and German League
TLN and the Score will show Italian League

2010/2011 European Football Season Special: Did Benitez make the right decision in joining Inter Milan?

Absolutely a bad choice, Rafa! As a Liverpool fan, I am overjoyed the overrated so-called tactician master has left my beloved club. Making a switch to last season Treble Winner Inter Milan (Champion League, League, League Cup) seems to be an upgrade for Rafa, but it is more like an escape root for him! Rafa has failed in Liverpool despite his early unexpected success in winning Champion League with Liverpool in 2005. Rafa is actually a stubborn dictator who loves to dominate everyone in the club. He insists on zone defense + lone striker formation in all kind of situation, force players to play out of their natural positions to fit his system, start off unnecessary argument with opposing managers and blame his failure on lack of funds while wasted so much $ on poor quality players. Now starting his new life with Inter Milan, he has the luxury to take on a quality team developed by the real quality manager Mourinho. With Cesar, Lucio, Maicon, Sneijder, Etoo and Milito in Inter, Beneitez has no more excuses for failure. As Inter has achieved Treble last season, Rafa will be considered a failure if he failed to match the Treble success. Why Inter chose Rafa? The reality is no one wants a job with credit eventually given back to Mourinho and failure/pressure all will be given to the new manager. People think Benitez is an intelligent man. After 6 years of watching Benitez, I know that Rafa is just a foolish and overrated manager!

South Africa World Cup 2010: My Summary

1. There were never that many upsets/surprises in my eyes

I was shocked when the media kept saying no one could have expected “Spain vs Holland” in the final….. What was so surprising for a pre-tournament no.1-2 favorite compete with pre-tournament no.4-5 favorite in the FINAL?

French and Italian disaster was well anticipated before the tournament. I expected French to head home early due to their incompetent coach Domenech, who should have been sacked right after Euro 2008. Italian Lippi was too stubborn in relying on the same aging/over-the-hill backbone of Germany World Cup 4 years ago. I didn’t expect them to get eliminated from the group, but long expected them fail to win the group above Paraguay. I also thought they would have trouble against Slovakia due to Czech football traditionally counter Italian football efficiently, but I never expected the Blue went home after the group stage and even finished last in their group!

The loss suffered by both England and Argentina to Germany was never an upset to me. What surprised me was the score-line of 1-4 and 0-4. (obviously, these big score-line could have been avoided if Capello and Maradona were smart enough to play more defensively) In fact, I predicted Germany having the ability to be a semi-finalist before the tournament as there were talented youngsters like Muller and Ozeil both playing impressively in the previous football season. German now developed better pass-and-move football; whereas, in the past they relied on physical strength, patient and boring build-up- crossing from both flanks and having a tall center forward heading the ball in the box. Argentina had 5 star forwards (but you can only field 3 at most at a time anyway!), but had no defensive players and good midfield to support the front-line. Maradona was a terrible coach whom I even suspected if he ever obtained a coaching license anyway! England lacked the depth and quality to win the tournament, but what disappointed me the most was Capello’s poor tactical choice as he failed to play Gerrard in his natural central position, kept starting Heskey (international scoring record 1 goal per around 7 game at best!) instead of Crouch (international scoring record 1 goal per 2 game!) and insisted on 4-4-2 even when facing 4-5-1 in the do-or-die encounter against Germany. Fatigue and Fitness were also big factors in English slow and lack of aggressiveness, thanks to the overload, crazily demanding and aggressive nature of English Premier League! This is not an excuse for England losing to German for sure, but this explained well why English players can only run at 30% of their normal pace in this World Cup comparing to those lightening quick English league games. Whatsoever, Germany always beat England in major tournaments in recent eras not entirely attributed to greater technical ability but more due to superior mentality, so German victory was never a surprise to me.

Holland beating Brazil cannot be described as a shocking upset. Since the appointment of Van Marwijk as Dutch head-coach, Holland only lost once and hasn’t been losing a match in 2 years before this World Cup. Dutch was definitely an “in-form” team entering into this World Cup. There was no doubt Dutch possess some quality players who can beat most top teams in any given day. With Brazilian defensive coach Dunga refusing to bring along more flair and creative attacking players into the squad, this negative Brazilian team relied too much on Kaka and Fabiano and did not have sufficient quality attacking options from the bench to turn things around. Before the match, I obviously believed Brazil had the better chance, but Holland beating Brazil eventually was never a shocking upset in my eyes.

It’s never a surprise to have a surprising team making the semi. In 1986, there was Belgium. In 1994, there were Bulgaria and Sweden. In 1998, there was Croatia. In 2002, there were South Korea and Turkey. Only 1990 and 2006 did not have at least one surprising team making the semi. This time, it was the impressive Uruguay making the semi. Before the tournament, if I were to choose a dark-horse to make the semi, I would have chosen either a South American team or an African team. At the end, it was either Uruguay or Ghana making the semi. It wasn’t too much of a surprise in reality. Of course, who can predict England not finishing as group leader and advanced through the root involving Ghana, USA and Uruguay. But then, I never anticipated easy contest for England facing USA anyway. Credit should go to Uruguay for their impressive performance. I predicted them to finish top of group A, but never expected them to go beyond quarter final. Suarez’s performance never surprised me, but it’s hard to believe Forlan ending up as Best Player of the Tournament despite being a two-time European league Golden Boot. Sure Forlan was well-deserved with great goals, unselfish assists, free-kicks and corner kicks, playing as a FW or AMF.

The eventual and well-deserved champion Spain winning the World Cup is never a surprise for sure! Spain was the top odd along with Brazil set by football betting companies. Spain even won European Championship 2 years ago. On paper/Players-to-Players, Spain has the deepest and most talented squad among all 32 participants. There are world-class players in every position from goalkeeper to forward. If Torres and Fabregas were affected by injury, the winning process could have been even much easier for Spain! How often could the top pre-tournament favorite and the European Champion successfully winning the World Cup?

May be the most surprising results were both Korea Republic and Japan advancing from their group. Who can predict Japanese can play with so much energy; whereas n the past, they could easily run out of gas as early as 70th minute of 2nd half.

Other than that, I see no surprise in this World Cup 2010!

2) English Premiership Factors

Players hoping to perform to their potential should not stay in English league before the World Cup year! With the overload fixture (English league may be the only Euro league in the world that doesn’t even have WINTER break!) and mindless aggressive/physical nature (English referees allow so much more hard tackles comparing to other leagues), the English league can hurt and left player running out of stem. Also, the English league is playing at amazing pace that is must faster than more technical basis league like Spanish La Liga and Italian Serie A. Evidence? Premiership major players like Torres (Spain/Liverpool), Rooney (England/Manchester United), Drogba (Ivory Coast/Chelsea), Essien (Ghana/Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (England/Manchester United), Ballack (Germany/Chelsea), Fabregas (Spain/Arsenal), Barry (England/Manchester City), Anelka (France/Chelsea) were all either absent from the World Cup or played poorly in South Africa due to fitness and injury problem.

3) The tactical trend: 5 midfield formation

The winning trend suggests that there seems to be only one formation that can be adopted to compete for the title with success: 4-2-3-1/4-5-1 formation involving 5 midfielders and a lone striker. In modern day football, there is a common belief that winning the midfield battle could indicate gaining a cutting edge over the opponent and is a decisive factor between winning and losing. Spain, Holland, Germany and Uruguay all played with 5 men midfield with major success. England and Argentina both refused to play 5 midfielders and subsequently punished hard by the Germans. There were not many teams not playing 5 men midfield in this year World Cup. In general, 5 men midfield includes a defensive midfield for tackling and defensive purpose (Sergio Busquets/De Jong/Khedira), a central midfield for linking up defense and midfield with ball distribution responsibility (Alonso/Van Bommel/Schweinstegier), an attacking midfield with playmaking ability playing just behind the lone striker (Xavi/ Sneijder /Ozeil) as well as 2 wingers providing the width/penetration and stretching defense in attack (Iniesta/Robben/Mueller). I wonder if 5-men midfield formation will still be the main-stream 4 years later in Brazil?

4) Why European team finally winning in non-European soil?

3 of 4 semi-finalists this year are European countries. What was the reason? In the past, playing in Mexico, USA, Argentina, Japan/Korea during June/July was a real torture for European teams which favors cooler European weather. Since June/July was winter time for South Africa, the weather in South Africa was relatively more comfortable for the Europeans. This explains why more European power-house can perform at their normal standard this year.

5) Will African teams fail forever?

With 2010 World Cup being held in Africa, only 1 team out of 6 African participants made it pass the group stage. While Algeria and South Africa were expected to be limited talent-wise, both Cameroon and Nigeria had taken steps backward. Ivory Coast was drawn in a tough group, but they never developed a tactical style to efficiently display full potential of their talented squad. Ghana was the sole African army to make African proud. What was the difference between Ghana comparing to Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Cameroon? Ivory Coast possessed even superior individual talents comparing to Ghana, but Ghana coach has adopted the most suitable tactics to utilize full-potential of African players- Defense + Counter attack. Despite their amazing natural athleticism and power, African players never have the discipline and team-organization and are porned to careless defensive error due to lack of focus/concentration by nature. Therefore, a defensive oriented tactics is the logical tactics to reduce defensive errors and help keeping the team focus. Defense + Counter attack would provide more attacking space for African players to use their speed in attack. Short, slow pass and over-dribble tactics never could work efficiently for African players. Their key strength is power and speed- perfectly aligns with counter attack tactics. I believe Ghana coach deserved great credit for his tactical intelligence. A good manager always adopts system that fits well with players’ strength. Only bad manager restricts players and force his player to fit his favorite system. If African team aims for higher achievement in future World Cup, there is no other more suitable tactics for them than defense + counter attack.

6) My team of tournament: 3-4-3

Casillas (Spa)

Ramos (Spa) Puyol (Spa) Pique (Spa)

Robben (Hol) Schweinstegier (Ger) Sneijder (Hol) Iniesta (Spa)

Mueller (Ger) Forlan (Uru) Villa (Spa)

Honorable mention: Honda (Jap AMF)

20 years of LFC experience....

Although I am a huge Three Lion fans and root for them every 2 year (European Championship and World Cup), I am a even bigger fan for Liverpool F.C.

I have been a loyal LFC supporter even if they have failed to win the league title since 1989 when I first became a football fan.

The following is a brief recap of Liverpool football club during the last 20 years:

1990s 1st half

After legend player-manager Dalglish leaving the team in early 1990s, Liverpool had gone through a painful transitional period when senior stars entered into twilight of their career while local youngsters needed time to mature. Although the likes of Souness and Evans had proved to be poor quality managers, local youngsters such as Mcmanaman, Redknapp, "God" Fowler, Owen and Carragher gradually came through the rank. Despite quickly taken over by Manchester United and Arsenal as the elite team of England, Liverpool carried on playing their traditional fascinating pass-and-move football admired by worldwide football fans while majority of English football clubs focused on long-ball, physical style of football. Liverpool remained as one of the most powerful teams in attack, but the team was lacking of physical presence, the defense was weak and the fitness and endurance of players were always in question with long-term injury suffered by major youngsters such as Owen and Fowler. Other than FA Cup in 1992 and Coca Cola League Cup trophy in 1995, LFC had won nothing during the transitional period. Since the establishment of English premier league in 1992, Manchester United and Arsenal had dominated the league. Most LFC fans, including myself, were tired of losing 3-4 and 2-3.

1990s 2nd half to 2000s 1st half

As result and trophy became the priority over exciting but losing football, the hiring of French manager Houllier was not a bad choice. Houllier completely changed the club football style from pass-and-move football to hard tackling, defensive and direct counter-attack football. Although Houllier had made some terrible signings and never succeed in acquiring skillful wingers and creative playmakers, Houllier had significantly improved the physical strength and defensive solidity of the team with the acquisition of Hyypia, Henchoz, Riise, Hamann, Babbel and McAllister. In 2000/2001, Houllier had led the team to win famous TREBLE- UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup along with Charity Shield and European Super Cup in the following season. However, the defensive + counter attack approach can only function effectively in Cup competition, Houllier’s negative approach and lack of creativity never led the team to success in the league. After achieving 2nd in league in 2001/2002 season, the signing of Senegal over-rated duo Diouf and Diao along with the failure to keep Anelka leads to a poor 2002/2003 season. Despite the overall impression of Houllier in many fans’ eyes are negative boring football and a league failure, Houllier’s defensive tactics has helped the team to frustrate strong attacking team like Manchester United and his guidance of club academic precious product “complete footballer” Steven Gerrard should not go unnoticed.

2000s 2nd half

In place of Houllier, Liverpool has signed Spanish red-hot “tactical master” Rafa Benitez, who was famous for leading Valencia win over Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga along with success in winning UEFA Cup. Benitez’s first season was never better than his perceedor Houllier, as he still was a rookie manager in English football. However, he has surprised everyone including himself for taking no time in winning the Champion League in first season with the club. Other than giving up traitor Owen to Real Madrid and club faithful Danny Murphy, Benitez relied largely on Houllier’s previous signings other than his own major successful signings- Spanish duo Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia. The 4-5-1 formation adopted by Benitez along with his knowledge in European football led to Liverpool shocking triumph in 2005 Champion League. The 3 goal come-back winning final over AC Milan will live in Liverpool’s fans memory forever. In the following season, Liverpool won the FA Cup in the famous “Gerrard Final” in victory over West Ham United.

Yet, the unexpected early success has ironically led to negative impact on Benitez as he became arrogant and over-confident. He gradually sold most players in the 2005 Champion League winning squad. Despite making some successful signings such as Torres, Reina, Mascherano and Kuyt, Benitez has made countless mistakes in transfer market. He had spend a lot in team youth build-up but has seen no major successful youth products come through the rank. His tactical approach was also questionable as he once adopted brainless rotation system in which in-form players was benched for no reason despite providing good performance in the previous game. Benitez continued to rely on zone defense that never work effectively in English league, especially when defending corner kicks. He fired any players and staffs who opposed to his idea. He brought a team of his own staffs and dream of ruling the whole football club. Benitez also involved in many unnecessary verbal battles with Ferguson and Mourinho when most of the time Benitez foolishly fell into psychological traps of his superior rivals. Benitez over-emphasized on hard-working and disciplined players such as Kuyt but rarely trusted flair players such as Benayoun. Benitez was never a player coach, as he forced his players to fit his system even if assigning players out of their natural positions. Once Benitez found a formation that he felt working well, he blindly trusted the formation can be invincible forever and that opposing coach will never find weakness to counter for his tactics as if he found no reason for adopting a different tactics in some situations. Although 2008/2009 season seen Benitez almost led the team to their first title, his insisting on 4-4-1-1 with Gerrard just play off lone striker Torres in free-role with the main focus of other 9 teammates being passing the ball to the dynamic duo in all kind of situation was too straight-forward. 4-4-1-1 was used in all home and away games. Eventually, the team got too many draws and lost the title race. Benitez’s over-reliance on Gerrard and Torres haunted the team title chance as injury to either star virtually means point loss as if Benitez never good enough in designing a plan B.

Benitez loves players blindly obey to his order such as Mascherano, Lucas and Kuyt. In 2007/2008 season, the engine room for the team- Xabi Alonso provoked Benitez just because he needed to absent for one game due to pregnancy of his wife, Benitez threatened Alonso for selling him. Ahead of 2009/2010 season, Alonso refused to stay in the team and left for Real Madrid. Benitez failed to sign a replacement as 20M signing Aqualini was never the answer and is more of an attacking midfield in truth. Benitez has insisting on starting both Mascherano and Lucas whole season in the central midfield with neither possessing the ability to control and distribute the ball from defensive half to attacking half. In addition, Benitez insisting on starting lone striker in all kind of situation has scared off top quality striker as they know they will be Torres’ substitution forever. Crouch and Robbie Keane were strikers that could provide depth and attacking dimension, but their departure must be blamed to the stubborn Benitez. When Torres expectedly struggled with injury, it was no surprise the team failed in both domestic leagues and European Cups. The 7th league finish in 2009/2010 season was actually not a bad result as this poor result has pushed the board to finally fire Benitez, who has never willing to give up his own ego for the good of the team.

Current- 2010 & beyond....

Firing Benitez can never completely solve the team problem. Every die-hard LFC fan in the world awaits the news of new owners buying the team from the hands of the two disgusting Americans. Here hoping that new manager Roy Hodgson can successfully display the potential of the team, persuade Gerrard and Torres to remain in the team and lead the team back to the right track.

Whatever happens to the team which includes the possible departure of Gerrard and/or Torres, I agree with Carragher comment about not a single player is more important than the team. Here hoping a successful 2010/2011 season for LFC.

Introduction III

I went to Japan with two friends to watch two live games for 2002 Japan/Korea World Cup. I was satisfied with watching England vs Nigeria (group game) and England vs Denmark (quarter-final) This was also the first time I watch a live football game in person! The two Asian hosts made history with Japan making past the group stage first time in their history while Korea even became the first Asian country to make the semi-final eliminating Italy and Spain in the process. Japanese fans, wearing their proud national team jeresy of Nakata and Inamoto, were enthusiastic and crazy while I was in Japan. Crazy local fans were full of joy and "high-five" with fellow fans on the busy and crowded streets. The football stores in Japan was like a Football Supermarket! I really hope one day I can go back to Japan to those crazy football stores. While the focus for England was Beckham's hair-style, English was efficient and actually provide the toughest test for Brazil in their journey to crown. This was a tournament of shocking upset with pre-tournament favorites France and Argentina both gone home early. Italy and Spain eliminated by the Koreans. Kahn's Germany was very lucky advancing to the final meeting with weak opponents in the process, eventually punished hard by 3R (Ronaldo,Ronaldinho and Rivaldo) in the final.

Germany 2006 World Cup was great for European fans with majority of main European force performed well after their horrible experience in 2002. My team England lost to Portugal, but again in penalty shoot-out! In my opinion, Eriksson was not a terrible coach. At least, he made the Three Lions focus on defense. Gerrard and Lampard never can play well together. The so-called golden generation midfield Gerrard-Lampard-Beckham-Cole never work very well. It's sad to see Rooney affected by injury and run out of steam in the 2006 WC after making his mark in international scene in Euro 2004. Despite their luckluster start in group stage, France was the deserved winner in reality. France eliminated Spain, Brazil and Portugal on their way to final. Host Germany played some exciting attacking football; yet, their defense remains as a weakness. Italy had a deep squad and a balanced team led by experienced coach Lippi. However, they were a lucky team as they should have been eliminated by Australia as early as 2nd round as a referee mistake award them a penalty near close of the game. Italian CB Materazzi was a total disgrace for provoking superstar Zidance for his send-off. I was very disappointed with the result, as I have never been an Italian fan but have had huge respect for Zidance, despite never been a fan of France.

Introduction part II

USA World Cup 1994 was a disaster for me as an England fan, because England didn't even make the World Cup! I was not as big a fan of Argentina compared to 1990, although I still supported Batistuta and Maradona. I bascially did not have a supporting team. I really hate Roberto Baggio and wanted him to lose. Italy was a very lucky team in 1994, although Baresi and Maldini were two top class defenders. Brazil was never my favorite team, but I preferred them to win. Eventually, I am satisfied with a well-organized defensive Brazil team led by two sensational scorers Romario and Bebeto won the tournament with over-rated Roberto Baggio deservedly lost in the final. Other joyful moment was surprising team Bulgaria eliminated Germany. Another surprising team was Sweden which advanced to the semi-final. Romania supertar Hagi was my personal pick of sensational player of the tournament. This is the 1st time World Cup got some exposure in the North America, where televised football match was rare. It's especially tough on a massive football fan like myself living in Canada where hockey is the one-and-only sports in the country.

1996 was a year of great moment for all English fan. After the shocking failure of qualifying for 1994 World Cup, England had played the best foootball since 1990 in Euro 2006 on home soil! Gazza,Macmanaman, Anderton, Shearer and Sheringham have played some great attacking football with confidence and class! Unfortunately, England once again lost to an unimpressive but disciplined German team in semi-final through penalty shoot-out again! German eventually beat an impressive Czech in the final. When will Three-Lions fan witness such an excellent performance from their national team again?

1998 France World Cup got me more excited, because my team England was involved. Moreover, Liverpool super youngster Michael Owen made his name in the tournament with a famous solo-goal against Argentina. England was sure not stood with a chance under poor coaching of Hoddle. France was a deserved winner with their display of rock-solid defense and counter attack led by superstar Zidane. Ronaldo's Brazil was impressive throughout the torunament until the final when they lost to France 0-3. Many stupid fans were saying there was no way Brazil could have lost to France 0-3 in the final and suspected that Brazilian players received money before the match and intentionally lost big to the host. I felt sorry for those stupid fans knowing nothing about football. To me, French style and tactics counter Brazilian attacking tactics perfectly. A 5-men midfield formation of 4-3-2-1 proved to be "arch heel" for the attacking Brazil which found it extremely hard to break through the defensive + counter-attack of France. Croatia and Holland have played neat stuff in the tournament. Who can forget the great goal from Dutch Bergkamp vs Argentina and the brillance of Croatian striker Suker?

Introduction part I

I am a soccer (football) fan living in Vancouver, Canada. I started watching football when I was 8 years old in Hong Kong. The 1st World Cup witnessed was World Cup 1986. Back then, I knew nothing about football. I recalled how Argentina God Maradona dominated team with super-human one-man-show display. However, I was never a fan of any particular team. How much have football evolved from a game relying on a few attacking stars back then to today's team-oriented and defensive football in which teams with great team-work and efficient tactics far superior to teams relying on individual superstars without much attention to team-work and tactics.

I started to be a serious fan around 1989 when Liverpool played in a FA Cup match when John Barnes scored a sensational free-kick. Ian Rush, John Barnes and Peter Beardsley were my heros. I have been a Liverpool fan since those glory era for LFC; sadly, that was the last time they won the league until now, 2010.

The 1st World Cup I really got crazy about was Italy World Cup 1990. I was a supporter for both Argentina and England. I also cheered for the host Italy, because I was a fan of Italian Serie A Sampdoria striking partners Vialli and Mancini. However, since Robert Baggio and Schillaci were subsequently the preferred options up-front while Vialli and Mancini were gradually pushed out of the national team, I started to dislike Italy until now! England won over fans worldwide with their impressive display with Gazza, Lineker and Platt all had excellent performance. They were unluckily lost to the eventual champion West Germany in penalty shoot-out. West Germany also beat my 2nd favorite team Argentina in the final. Admittedly, Argentina was extremely fortunate to advance to the final, I still cheered for Maradona, Canniggia and Goycoecha. One key reason why I supported such an ugly-playing team was too many people criticize them and want them to lose! I still remember the crying scene of both Gazza and Maradona. I started to hate Germany and Italy since 1990. West Germany was a worthy winner in 1990. They have the most balanced team with very good players in every position and have never produced such a powerful German team ever since. 1990 was such a colorful World Cup. The Colombia crazy GK Huiguita who loves to take on dribbling challenge against opposing striker during important macthes and Cameroon old-man Roger Milla are players that live in football fans' memory forever.

I am an enthusiastic football fan. I am a very emotional fan too. After my team eliminated from a major tournament or lost the title hope, I can be very depressed for quite a while. I can be a massive fan of England and Liverpool. At the same time, I can hate Manchester United, Italy and Germany just as much. I am a bias fan, but I can't imagine if I can be a serious fan without at least a team to root for and teams that I want them to get hammered!

I start this blog because I want to share my love of the game with every die-hard football fan worldwide.