It’s only a matter of time until the power vacuum kicks in following Arsene Wenger’s leave from Arsenal’s managerial spot, which he’s graced for over two decades. Along with this yet to be filled spot, we have an impressive roster of soccer coaches salivating for Arsenal’s boss position and as we all know to be true in the world of soccer: with great team comes great responsibility.
Mario Balotelli scored his 16th Ligue 1 goal of the season on Sunday in Nice’s 2-1 defeat to Marseille, but the 27-year-old Italian’s personal renaissance at the club may be at an end.
A remarkably contentious — almost hilariously so — El Clasico ended 2-2, a result that won’t particularly bother Real Madrid but one that sees Barcelona extend this season’s unbeaten league run to 35 matches. If you’re a Real Madrid fan, Barcelona got away with murder; if you’re a Barcelona fan, Real Madrid got special treatment. So just another El Clasico, really.
It’s never a proper El Clasico without a bit of blood and thunder (coupled with some extremely cringeworthy theatrics), but a brilliant opening 15 minutes has been followed by some pretty pathetic (but extremely entertaining) bickering from both sides, culminating in a straight red card to Sergi Roberto just before the halftime whistle.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise but El Clasico is lit. Barcelona began the match on the front foot with Lionel Messi getting on the ball in some dangerous areas for the champions-elect.
However, the opening goal was started and finished by Luis Suarez, the Uruguayan releasing Sergi Roberto on the wing before expertly finishing the Spanish full back’s immaculate cross in the 10th minute.
Roberto’s final ball was spectacular, but this is just brilliant forward play from Suarez.
News of Sir Alex Ferguson’s emergency surgery for a brain hemorrhage was met with sadness and support throughout the footballing community on Saturday as Ferguson’s former club, Manchester United, announced that the legendary manager had undergone a successful procedure and now required a period of recovery in intensive care.
What was in that water, Didier Drogba?
Phoenix Rising was playing LA Galaxy II in the USL on Friday night and the home side at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex did not get off to a strong start. The visitors scored three first-half goals and held a two-goal advantage heading into the break.
But then, deep into the second half, Didier Drogba stole a kid’s water bottle from the sideline and everything changed. Drogba immediately assisted a goal with a corner kick and seven minutes later put Phoenix ahead with a penalty kick as the Rising won 4-3.
Names of Brazilian soccer stars can be confusing. Because the Portuguese naming tradition uses four names, players are typically given nicknames or go by their first name. That’s why there are three Freds who have played abroad. But one name may sound immediately familiar and yet strangely alien at the same time — Ronaldão.