Countdown To The One ………………

Countdown To The One …………. !

It’s the one quadrennial event that when it happens at least one third of the world’s population will be watching the World Cup once it begins in South Africa this upcoming June. This will be the biggest sporting event on the African continent other than the ICC 20/20 Competition and the Rugby World Cup.

Big prize: FIFA President Sepp Blatter, left, with former South President Nelson Mandela, right, holding a replica of the the World Cup during a brief meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa . Associated Press/ Daily Mail _ Martin Bergmann ............

From the 11th June to 11th July the 32 nations that’ve qualified including the host nation of South Africa will begin their month long quest to become world soccer champions. And with the defending champions Italy will be looking to successfully defend their crown , won in 2006 , in Germany . The infamy of the tournament will be forever remembered for the unceremonious ending to the international career of French soccer star Zinedine Zidane . Though provoked into that infamous head butting incident seen around the world , that one event has a lingering and lasting impression upon the world of international soccer.

The infamous head butt during the 2006 World Cup final match between France and Italy . France’s Zindedine Zidane having head butted Italy’s Marco Materazzi was sent off by the referee during the game. The incident hampered France’s chances of winning the game. But it also tarnished not only the reputation of Zindeine Zidaine but also the game of soccer and the unsportsmanlike conduct of Italy and in particular of Materazzi. We would later fined out that the player had used a racial epithet directly aimed at the French player to incite his anger.

Building bridges: FIFA president Sepp Blatter (center) and the 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) visit Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. Getty Images/ Mehtoso Makulele`

It is hopes that the 2010 event will be played with the customary sportsmanlike conduct we’ve normally seen and can attribute at the international level. And one would also hope to see the fans reciprocate likewise with their behavior ! With the eyes of the world watching and countless millions more listening via the airwaves. A repeat of the events witnessed in that infamous final can ill afford to repeated in South Africa. And as passionate as we expect the fans to be in support of their national side. We do expect the players themselves to conduct themselves with a great deal of decorum but also to have a great deal of respect for the game and that of the host nation.

Other than the Summer Olympics , the World Cup is the biggest sporting event on the planet in terms of the mass participation, viewership on a global scale. Never-mind the billions of dollars that brings to the host country in terms of the economic impact. But you also have the financial benefits brought to the game as well as that of FIFA , as the game’s international governing body. And for the South African Government led by President Jacob Zuma this further gives his country the recognition that the country so richly deserves after the repressive regime of apartheid that in part was suborned by United States purely from an economical standpoint . The main instigator for bringing the World Cup to the country other than that of the country’s domestic soccer federation , was that of the country’s former President Nelson Mandela . Most definitely the country’s greatest statesman by far ! In working conjunction with the South African Soccer Federation the bid was lodged with FIFA to bring soccer’s showcase international event to the African continent for the very first time. FIFA President Joseph S (Sepp) Blatter had longed maintained that it would be his wish to see the World Cup staged on the African continent. But only after the tide of apartheid had been shaken off in not only South Africa but also in that of the neighboring country of Zimbabwe .

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Rooney (left) is seen here alongside English national soccer coach Fabio Capello. The two hope to be part of the of a triumphant English excursion and success on the African continent South Africa this summer at the 2010 FIFA World Cup to be held in South Africa. Daily Mirror UK/ Peter LaMott ............

Now that it has become a reality the only thing left is for the opening ceremony to take place then it all becomes a reality. The 32 competing teams will be placed into eight groups of four , with each division having two seeded teams. And that initial first round will be one round robin elimination within the division. From there the top two teams within each division will progress forward to the second stage of the competition.

The initial groupings are as listed below.

Group A
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France

Group B
Argentina
Nigeria
Korea DPR
Greece

Group C
England
USA
Algeria
Slovenia

Group D
Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana

Group E
Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon

Group F
Italy Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia

Group G
Brazil
Korea DPR
Cote d’Ivoire
Portugal

Group H
Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile

The prohibitive favorites coming into the event will no doubt be Brazil as they are a five time FIFA World Cup champions . Second on the list is Italy with four triumphs looking to equal the feat of the South American country Brazil for their part will be looking to raise the trophy for a sixth time. As to the other teams thought to be in with a chance. Well you can merely look down FIFA’s rankings and presumably take your pick . But at the same time don’t underestimate one or two of the teams that most already would seem to have written off as not having a chance to at least surprise one of the more dominant nations. We’ve seen this happen repeatedly in previous tournaments and it will no doubt continue to happen in the future.

Michael Ballack hugs Arne Frings during the German team's final celebration after their victory over Sweden 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup in Munich, Germany. UPI Photo/Norbert Rzepka ...

My own feelings as it regards my home country of England . With the loss of David Beckham and the uncertainty as it surrounds the Manchester United & England international striker, Wayne Rooney due to injuries. Their chances of at least making it to the quarter or semi-finals has greatly diminished , most definitely with the loss of Beckham ! The former England captain will not be a member of the team. The uncertainty as to whether or not Rooney will be match fit let alone a member of the England squad remains up in the air and something of a dilemma as it concerns national coach Fabio Capello .

As it is, Capello is under a great deal of pressure from the fans and press alike as to whom should be making the trip to South Africa, as part of the national squad. And it certainly won’t come as a surprise to anyone if there are one two shocks when the final names are announced. And with there being a June 1st deadline before he has to submit the names of his squad to the FA and FIFA. For Capello these are some onerous and thought provoking times. If he leaves off a fan favorite then there’s the thought he is snubbing that player for someone who the fans and pundits may not see as being worthy of the choice. However, if he takes an aging star merely as a need then he’s still going to be chastised one way or another. This job was never meant to be easy but at the same time , nor is winning the World Cup. And that’s something that the country hasn’t done since 1966 when the event was held in Britain and the finals played at Wembley Stadium . On that momentous occasion England defeated West Germany 4-2 in extra time , with English striker Geoff Hurst scoring a memorable “hat-trick” for the team . Since then , England’s travails in the tournament can be best described as being languid, if that. And it remains to be seen that as a seeded favorite whether or not Capello and the team will be able to justify the faith that oddsmakers’ have shown in them .

Brazil makes a shot at head by Adriano (7) with defense by Australia's Craig Moore (3) in World Cup soccer action in Munich, Germany on June 18, 2006. Brazil defeated Australia 2-0. UPI _ Arthur Thill ........

This is but the first piece in a set of “vignettes” that I’ll be doing concerning the upcoming FIFA World Cup. By all means chime in with a comment concerning your thoughts on the event. Be it proactive or not . Let me know what you think of the whole spectacle and whether or not you’ll be showing support for a team or teams as the case maybe. Thanks in advance and I look forward to reading and responding to your comments in kind.

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Argentine female soccer fan

Adriano (7) seen here playing for Brazil against Australia in a 2006 FIFA World Cup game played in Germany, the host nation .

Brazilian female soccer fan

FIFA Chairman Joseph (Sepp) Blatter seen here with former South African President Nelson Mandela. It was at the former President inducement along with the encouragement of the government that the lodged a bid to host the FIFA World Cup.

Michael Ballack (13) of Germany seen here playing in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in a game against Sweden. Germany would go on to defeat Sweden 2-0

Swedish female soccer fans

Picture gallery

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FIFA World rankings Click link to view in full FIFA World Rankings as of 04/20/2010.
1) Brazil
2) Spain
3) Portugal
4) Netherlands
5) Italy
6) Germany
7) Argentina
(8) England
9) Croatia
10) France
11) Russia
12) Greece

teams 13-49

NB See who’s favored to win by viewing the odds.

Information as supplied by thespread.com .

Spain 9-2
Brazil 5-1
England 11-2
Argentina 9-1
Italy 11-1
Germany & Netherlands 12-1
France 14-1
Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) 25-1

Click here to view rest of the field and their odds .

Alan Parkins aka tophatal ………………….

The Growth of Soccer in the U.S.

The Growth of Soccer in the United States

By Annette Lyndon

The 2010 South African FIFA World Cup is fast approaching.  Fans from all over the globe will be flocking to South Africa to watch their countries compete. Excitement is building as the opening match approaches (June 11^th). Football, or soccer (US), is the world’s sport, and mounting anticipation can only be expected. However a high level of enthusiasm is coming from an unlikely nation this year, the USA.

While sports are an integral part of American culture, soccer never really gained popularity as a primary spectator sport. For many years soccer was accepted as a popular team sport for youths and never caught on in the mainstream arena. But recently soccer has taken flight and is becoming more than recognized as part of the American sports lineup. Major League Soccer (MLS) was founded in 1993 and today has 16 major league teams. The sport has also attracted a large number of individuals from many backgrounds. Soccer teams and clubs are increasing in popularity in US inner cities. Role models, like Cobi Jones from the LA Galexy, have demonstrated minority involvement within the sport and are encouraging youths from different ethnicities to adopt playing it as well.  Soccer has also developed as an important sport for women. In the US, 35% of all soccer players are female, one of the highest percentages of women participants around the world. Soccer in America is helping to cross racial, as well as gender, lines.

While the United States has their own teams, fans are broadening their horizons and watching international play as well.  Many American soccer fans have begun to follow popular foreign teams like Spain’s Real Madrid and Britain’s Manchester United.  Yet, when the World Cup begins, you can be sure that the majority of the country will be supporting the USA.  As of March 31^st, the USA ranks 16^th out of the total 204 world teams who entered to take part in the games and qualified for the tournament. The USA is scheduled to play its first match against England on the 12^th of June.  An overwhelming number of American fans are traveling to South Africa to see the US play. It is reported that Americans stand second after South Africans as primary ticket holders for the tournament.

While American fans may have to fly overseas this year to attend the festivities, in the future they may not have to leave their own backyard. The United States is being considered as the host country for the 2018 World Cup.  Former President Clinton’s top counselor, Doug Band, has accepted an invitation to join the Board of Directors as a member of the USA Bid Committee in an attempt to bring the World Cup to the US in 2018 or 2022. Adding him to the committee should increase the chance that the U.S. has at winning the bid since Doug Band is known worldwide for his international philanthropic initiatives, thus improving the relationship the U.S. has with over 170 foreign countries. Ultimately, the hope is that the committee effort will continue to boost soccer enthusiasm in the US and bring the nation to the forefront as a serious contender for the bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.

No Good Can From It All …. When You Get Congress To Intervene In Sports With Regard To Labor Unrest …………..

No Good Can From It All …. When You Get Congress To Intervene In Sports With Regard To Labor Unrest …………..

Am I completely mistaken but isn’t the US Congress meant to intervene in labor disputes that are of national security or when it comes sensitive areas within the US economy ? Then why oh why is that we’re now seeing both sides of the NFL hierarchy under its Commissioner Roger Goodell, as well as the NFLPA (Union) convening with Congress up on Capitol Hill, in order to get them to mediate or at least in part be an arbitrator in their ongoing unrest with regard to the present ‘collective bargaining agreement ? Having Congress intervene in this is akin to witnessing the idiocy of the legislation passed with regard to the ‘stimulus bil’l. Which has so far cost the taxpayers $787 billion at last count. Never mind the fact that both GM and Chrysler had a piece of the ‘proverbial pie’. And the public in general has yet to see anything tangible from this all.

DeMaurice Smith, Executive Director of the NFLPA is itching for a confrontation with his counterpart, Roger Goodell. And with the owners having opted out of the present collective bargaining agreement. It will now create a chasm whereby the 2010-11 season will become one , that is an uncapped season. Now what this does around the NFL, may well give the suggestion that both sides do indeed know exactly what they’re doing. But it is becoming increasingly clear that this has nothing to do with the agreement itself but more to do with who maintains the balance of power within the NFL. It is more to do with who controls the purse strings as to the $ 8.7 billion a year industry that the NFL is said to to represent globally in terms of the NFL’s business interests. A tidy sum to say the very least and with the greed of both sides said to be unabated . I’m guessing that this could very well lead to one of those confrontations up there on Capitol Hill that will have more to do with posturing by not only the NFL hierarchy and the unions. But also from the legislators who are empaneled on the House Judiciary Committee and who are hearing from both sides on the issue. With the meetings likely to be carried by C-Span , it should make for some very interesting viewing.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The commissioner this week went to Capitol Hill to address members of the House Judiciary Committee who were empaneled to look into the increasing unrest between the NFL and the NFLPA (union). The two sides are looking to stave off an envisaged lockout. Moreover , the 2010-11 season will be an uncapped one because the NFL and their owners opted out of the 'collective bargaining agreement' that was in place. photo appears courtesy of ap/ Marc Gilbert ...................

Courtesy of The New York Times

Mara cites lack of progress in talks

By Judy Battista , The New York Times

The Giants co-owner John Mara said Tuesday he was resigned to an uncapped season in 2010 and thought the union and owners might be moving further apart in talks toward a new labor agreement.

Mara was one of the owners who took part in the 11th negotiating session with union leaders in Washington on Tuesday. He is the first owner to speak extensively since negotiations began.

An uncapped year would have no salary limits or floors for teams and would begin in March. It would also start the clock ticking toward a lockout starting in March 2011.

Mara said he still had hope that a lockout could be averted.

“I don’t think we’re making any progress,” Mara said in a telephone interview. “We made a proposal in early November. I don’t think we’ve received a meaningful counterproposal. The point that we try to make to them is that the costs and risks are much greater than they ever have been. Especially in this economy. I don’t think there has been enough of a recognition on their part of that concept.”

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NFL Players Association Executive Director, DeMaurice Smith, right and Baltimore Ravens Domonique Foxworth, left, walk into a meeting with House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr., D-Mich., on Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. photo appears courtesy of ap/ Alex Brandon ........

There’s no doubt in my mind that the NFL as well as the union are looking to usurp each others’ powers as much as they can. It’s not as if either side has the fan’s best interests at heart to begin with. Goodell for his part wants to prove to the fans and public in general that he’s a strong and very determined commissioner. His sometime autocratic rule has chafed the rationale of Smith and it has to be said that DeMaurice Smith does have some reason to feel aggrieved with many of Goodell’s findings and edicts , as of late. How this all will play out also, may well have to do with who wields the ‘biggest stick’ at the end of the day. Both sides no doubt have their lobbyists up there on Capitol Hill, who are hard at work trying to lay out the case for their client. As to why ‘both’ the NFL and NFLPA should see fit to have lobbyists working on their behalf in Washington , merely suggests that this has more to do with being seen to have the power to get legislation passed that is of benefit to each of the respective parties in question. And for the NFL this amounts to their anti-trust exemption status.

All of the posturing in the world won’t help change anything if neither side is willing to acquiesce to the others’ wishes . As to what Congress, in this case can do to ramp down the rhetoric between the two sides and force an agreement that is equitable for both parties remains to be seen. I’d certainly like to think that there are far more important domestic issues that need to be addressed , rather than seeing the House Judiciary Committee meet with two sides who are more self absorbed about their own PR images than they are about getting things done. And at the same I’d certainly like to think that DeMaurice Smith can be proactive in addressing the issue as to the conduct of his members. Especially in the case of their off the field behavior. For the NFL and in particular the owners , theirs now is a thankless task as they seemingly don’t viewed as being greedy . But yet with this lone move in the rescinding of an agreement that they’ve failed to honor. How must it look to the fans and general public to begin with ? Surely the owners and the Goodell’s office had to have foreseen that there would be an economic downturn of sorts ? Never mind how acute it has now become. It’s all about planning and getting your ducks all lined up in a row. Instead they’ve feasted on the largess of the fans and the public over the years while growing extremely wealthy from all of their business dealings and maneuvers. The average value of an NFL franchise has increased exponentially over the last decade. In fact it has increased in excess of 25 % over that period. Pardon me for saying this but if they’re now claiming poverty then there’s something indeed wrong with the business template under which the NFL now works .

In November of last year, I wrote an article entitled ‘Trust Me I’m A Doctor …………It’s Money For Nothing And The Chicks Are Free’ ! The piece in question, went on to suggest how I felt that many of the US owners who had made the foray into owning an English soccer club within the Premiership (EPL), were in fact no better than that of disgraced financiers Bernie Madoff and Allen Stanford. In each case it has led to the demise of their respective financial empires and the loss of untold billions of dollars for their prospective clients. Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison, while Stanford awaits trial through the US Federal Court System.

Malcolm Glazer far right seen here with sons Joel (left) and Bryan. The family's sporting business interests includes the ownership of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the English Premiership League's Manchester United. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Nugent .......

It has been well chronicled that the Glazer family having bought Premiership side Manchester United had hoped to carry on the same undoubted success the team has come to be known for over the past quarter of a century. Their unparalleled success with manager, Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm has made the team ‘the most glamorous and most valuable sports franchise in the world’ .

Initially the purchase was met with a great deal of skepticism and the fact that the family used very little money of their own in the purchase, should’ve been enough of an indication that they were being capricious and overwhelmingly disingenuous as to their overall intentions concerning the team. They leveraged the team buy borrowing against its assets in order to facilitate the purchase . The price at the time was in excess of $1.255 billion including fees. Four years on into the ownership by the family , ticket prices have risen in excess of 45% and the team is laden with a debt in excess of $1.11 billion . As to what that would suggest as to the business acumen of the family , is that they’re nowhere competent enough to be running a sports franchise. With Malcolm Glazer, as the patriarch now handing over the reins of running the club to his sons, Byran , Joel and Avram Glazer. It was felt their custodianship of the club would be in safe hands. At this juncture that doesn’t appear to be the case at all.

United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson seen here in a CNN interview discussing his famed managerial career. Ferguson is the most successful soccer coach in Premiership history. Prior to his ascending to the position as manager on Manchester United , he also assembled a successful resume’ as coach of Scottish Premier League team Aberdeen FC.

Courtesy of The Guardian UK

Manchester United’s sales pitch is far from a premium bond

The Glazer family’s attempt to raise money to pay off massive debts paints a bleak picture of Manchester United’s future

By David Conn , The Guardian

When navigating the thunderously depressing proposal by the Glazer family to load Manchester United with £500m of debt for the third time since their takeover in May 2005, it helps to imagine where United might be had the Glazers never turned up in the first place, to buy the glory, glory club with all their borrowed millions.

Before engaging with Sir Alex Ferguson’s remarkable contention that United’s finances, laden with borrowings over £700m and £67m interest payable last year, are “of no concern at all”, recall what the United board itself said at the time. When Malcolm Glazer and his six children – who, we now know, have borrowed £10m from United – launched their takeover bid, the board, which included the current chief executive David Gill, expressed vehement opposition to it.

Echoing the concerns of the well-informed United fans’ campaign, the board warned that the Glazers’ business plan was “aggressive”, and that the proposed structure for the club “still contains more leverage [debt] than the board would consider prudent and that as a consequence there is likely to be significant financial strain on the business.”

Despite that, the Glazers bought the club for £810m, a fortune pocketed greedily by enough shareholders in what was then Manchester United plc. The Glazers paid £270m themselves, borrowing the other £540m from banks and hedge funds. In the four years up to the latest accounts to 30 June 2009, United became liable to pay more than £325m in interest alone, yet the interest they have not paid, plus fees, has increased the debt the Glazers loaded on to United to £700m.

United, and Ferguson, now argue it is all fine, the club are not constrained by that debt mountain and the board was therefore wrong in its warning back then. Ferguson said last week that the windfall from the £81m sale of Cristiano Ronaldo is there for him to spend, but he does not want to because the market is overpriced. That assertion has been rather undone by the prospectus, which sets out the plan to transfer £70m cash from United to one of the Glazers’ holding companies, partly to pay off the hedge funds which charge swingeing 14.25% interest.

Now imagine how United might look without the Glazer debt. True, as a plc – the Stock Market listing which football executives now agree was a failed experiment, despite defending it zealously at the time – United paid dividends to shareholders. Yet even allowing for the increase in turnover, from £171m to the most recent £278m, the 2004 dividend was £7m, nothing like the mountain of interest, £42m to banks, £25m to hedge funds, with which the Glazers have burdened United.

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With the team now ‘hemorrhaging red ink’ all over its balance sheet , it has to be said that the Glazers have been completely inept in their running of the team. On the field they still continue to have success but there mere thought that they’re now being brought to brink of bankruptcy is enough to send shivers down the spine of entire Premiership (EPL). Never mind the fact that the family’s other sporting interest, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is now undergoing a change in its persona as well as in terms of its executive and coaching structure. First time GM, Mark Dominik and coach Raheem Morris have been thrust into the deep end . With the firing of their predecessors Bruce Allen and Jon Gruden. The team underwent a less than stellar season in the NFL, posting a 3-13 record in the NFC South. And with the front office being reluctant to spend money in attracting talent to the team . It is understandable why the franchise is now in such a dire predicament. They aren’t in the slightest bit interested in being a serious contender within the NFL and both Morris and Dominik are merely paying lip service with their inane comments to begin with. They’re fully aware as to the financial dilemma and maelstrom that the organization is now in. The Glazers will do whatever they can to ‘pay the piper’ in order to try and stave off financial bankruptcy. They have been far too secretive as to their financial dealings and their present situation.

Raheem Morris (second from the right) is seen here alongside Edward and Brian Glazer (center) with Joel Glazer far right. Left is Buccaneers' GM, Mark Dominik . photo appears courtesy of Getty Images / Paul Mason .....................

The latest ploy by the Glazers initiated by Malcolm’s sons, is have a bond issue, in order to pay off some of the mounting debt and accruing interest that’s owed to their creditors. But herein lies the rub, the family is asking that United players participate in the exercise in order to show good faith, to try to elicit fans, as well as members of the public and public institutions into entering the endeavor. If they can’t be trusted to keep the club in a healthy financial state then why should it be incumbent on the players to participate in this maneuver ? If anything Bryan, Joel and Avram are looking to save their own asses as they to try not to embarrass the family any further with the sheer ineptitude shown by them when it comes to their financial dealings and business acumen, as it not only relates to the soccer club but also to their NFL franchise.

It is hoped that the NFL hierarchy as well its board of governors are keeping a watchful eye on the Glazer family and their dealing with both sport’s franchises within their custodianship . If one should fail then there’s no reason to believe why the other can’t be placed in a similar predicament.

In order to read ‘Trust Me I’m A Doctor ……It’s Money For Nothing And The Chicks Are Free’ ….click here.

The always delectable Vida Guerra . More than willing to aspire to meeting a man's many needs and then some !

Let’s Get Real My Sporting Observations ………..

Well the Indianapolis Colts squeaked out another win to remain unbeaten within the NFL. In defeating their AFC South divisional rivals the Jacksonville Jaguars, they’ve essentially sewn up their division and garnered home-field advantage throughout the playoffs in the AFC. What better way for Colts’ coach, Jim Caldwell to have such success in his first season as the team’s coach.

Jacksonville, Fl, 17th December 2009. Reggie Wayne (#87) of the Indianapolis Colts runs for yards after the catch against Reggie Nelson (#25) of the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on December 17, 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Sam Greenwood .......

In defeating the Jaguars 35-31 , the Colts now are still on the cusp of making history in the NFL. They alongside the New Orleans Saints remain as the only unbeaten teams in the league. The Saints have the daunting task of taking on a Dallas Cowboys’ team that as of late are beginning to live up the hype of the team who just somehow loves to ‘swoon’ in December. Eeking out a victory in the month of December for the Cowboys is like a drunk trying to find resolve from only taking sip from a whiskey bottle when they’re actually enrolled in AA. You know that no good can actually come of it. And for Wade Phillips and his team of under achieving prima-donnas. Well, let’s just say that they’re deserving of their fate at present !

Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder, right, adjusts his microphone at a news conference to introduce the new Redskins General Manager Bruce Allen, left, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, in Ashburn, Va. The Washington Redskins overhauled their front office Thursday morning, hiring Bruce Allen as general manager after the resignation of Vinny Cerrato. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Manuel Balce Ceneta .......

So now I’m suppose to believe that with the resignation of Vinny Cerrato as the GM of the Washington Redskins that Daniel Snyder’s hiring of Bruce Allen as Cerratto’s replacement , things will all of a sudden will become immeasurably better for the Redskins ? Never mind the fact that Snyder has already started the interview process for the replacement of the embattled coach, Jim Zorn. And there we have Sherm Lewis basically treading on eggshells while he’s been given the job of overseeing the team in the absence of anything creative coming from the mind of Jim Zorn. It looks as if a well deserving person such as Lewis will never be given the chance to show that he’s got what it takes to be a coach in the NFL. Well at least, not on a full-time basis, that is. He can’t do any worse than the likes of Steve Spagnuolo, Raheem Morris or Tom Cable for that matter. Now comes word that former Broncos’ coach Mike Shanahan has visited twice privately, to discuss the impending vacant coach’s position with Daniel Snyder.

And the Redskins’ owner seems somewhat reticent to ‘play his cards’ as of yet and let the fans and general public know what his final decision may well. More money to be thrown at a problem that was originally his in the making, to begin with. But guys we’re simply discussing the Washington Redskins here. Their revolving door policy with the regard to the hiring of NFL coaches has certainly got to be admired and laughed at , all in the same gesture.

Bernard Hopkins seen here taking on middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik in a catch-weight contest that originally took place in October ,2008. Hopkins would win the bout decisively inflicting Pavlik with his one and only professional loss in the ring.

They call him ‘The Ghost’ but middleweight boxing champion, Kelly Pavlik (35-1-0, 31 KO’s) has been about as much of champion, as Paris Hilton could be considered to be a possible candidate as a Rhodes’ scholar. Pavlik for his part having defeated Jermain Taylor to win the title and then having successfully defended it against the former champion. He then thought it appropriate to take on another former champion of the division, in , Bernard Hopkins. Let’s just say that was a mismatch of gigantic proportions from the very moment that the fight was announced. The ‘schooling’ that Pavlik took at the hands of Hopkins should have been enough to suggest to the champion that it’s best to stick with what you know, rather than thinking that you know more than you actually do.

Courtesy of Associated Press and Yahoo Sports

Middleweight champ Pavlik ready for the ring

By Dave Skretta , AP Sports Writer

New York (AP)—Everything seemed to be lining up perfectly for the blue-collar kid from Youngstown. He had battered Jermain Taylor, beaten him again in an immediate rematch, and had turned his attention to cleaning out the middleweight division.

The only thing Kelly Pavlik’s cleaned out this year has been his left hand. Twice.

His year has been about as bumpy as the worn-out roads around Jack Loew’s South Side Boxing Club, where the scrawny 160-pound titleholder has been preparing for his return to the ring on Saturday night against unheralded contender Miguel Espino.

Pavlik began 2009 with an uninspiring defense against a mandatory challenger, then had two fights canceled, before rumors began circulating about why he hadn’t been fighting.

The answer, it turned out, was a staph infection on the knuckle of his hand.

“It’s been crazy, the hand, we have worked through that and it’s in the past. The problem with the hand was just time-consuming,” Pavlik said earlier this week. “At the end of the day, we had two major surgeries within two months of each other.”
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The most desired fight out there that all of the fans would want to see and they ought to demand that it take place. It would be for Pavlik to face off against whom many believe to be the number one contender and perhaps the best middleweight in the division, in, Paul Williams (38-1,27 KO’s). Williams for his part hasn’t ducked a challenge and has given the best of himself whenever he’s had to face an opponent. This’d be the one match-up that I for one, would be willing to pay to see. But instead we’ll be forced to see Pavlik defend his title in a meaningless PPV event against a nondescript challenger, Miguel Angel Espino (20-2-1,9 KO’s) , in Pavlik’s hometown of Youngstown, Ohio at the Chevrolet Center, this upcoming Saturday. Don’t hold unto your hats, as this fight might be about as eventful as having your prostate checked. And as we guys know, about the only person who seems to be enjoying themselves at the time, is the medical professional who happens to be conducting the exam. How was it for you ? LOL, LOL,LOL !!! Need I say anymore on the matter ?

Paul Williams (right) seen here taking on Sergio Martinez in a middleweight bout held at the Atlantic City Boardwalk Complex, Atlantic City , New Jersey. Williams would defeat his opponent with a unanimous points decision. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Will Hart ..................

Courtesy of HBO.com

Williams wins hard fought decision against Martinez

By Chuck Johnson

The result was an action-packed, nonstop-punching thriller at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall as Williams survived a valiant upset bid by Sergio Martinez to win a 12-round majority decision.

Showing why they’re considered two of the world’s best junior middleweights, Williams and Martinez moved up a few pounds to meet in the middleweight non-title bout, and it didn’t take long before they started connecting.

Both fighters scored knockdowns in the first round to set the tone for an ebb-and-flow donnybrook that ended with judge Julie Lederman calling the fight even 114-114 while judges Lynne Carter 115-113 and Pierre Benoist 119-110 both gave the nod to Williams.

“It was a good fight, a war,” said Williams, who spent most of the bout nursing a profusely-bleeding cut over his left eye that was opened by a combination of punches and an apparent head butt.

“This fight wasn’t easy, but I wasn’t trying to box him,” Williams said. “I wanted to make it a war.”

Williams (38-1, 28 KOs) landed a left to the temple that dropped Martinez in the first round, but the 6-foot-1 slugger from Aiken, S.C. found himself on the seat of his pants moments later when Martinez unloaded a hard right to the jaw.
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Williams seen here boxing as a welterweight taking on Carlos Quintana in the second of their two much heralded fights. In this selection you’ll see the devastating punching power of Williams. The fight took place at the Mohegan Sun Casino , Uncasville, Connecticut on the 7th June 2008. With the win Williams recaptured the WBO welterweight title.

Williams knows ultimately that sooner or later Pavlik has to fight him as the champion can’t carry on avoiding the number one contender for his belt. The problem is that with Pavlik’s propensity to either hurt himself in a bout or more often than not an foreseen medical comes to light during his training regimen . In all likelihood , all the fans might ever get to see, is Pavlik in a nondescript bout , while Williams is laying waste to the rest of the middleweight division.

They say things tend to come in three’s and what with the untimely deaths of NFL’s players Chris Henry and Steve McNair to apparent acts of violence . I think it’s time to keep a watchful eye on the police blotters up and down the country where there NFL franchises situated. You think I’m kidding ? Who could’ve foreseen the untimely deaths of both Henry and McNair ? Well , off course the ‘man upstairs’ would know but other than that , who else ?

OK, so there’s no real need to heap praise on the US national soccer squad. We know they’ve made it to next year’s World Cup in South Africa. But in all honesty it’d take a monumental disaster of catastrophic proportions for the team to even make it to the quarter or semi-finals of the competition. As good as the team has been , they’ve also had that tendency to slip back into the depths of mediocrity.

Well now comes word that perhaps the team’s best player ,Landon Donovan, is looking to breach out once again and make his way into Europe and acclimatize himself with the rigors of soccer. What the MLS simply just wasn’t good enough for his overrated but yet underachieving talent ?

Courtesy of Yahoo Sports

Donovan join Everton on loan from L A Galaxy

LIVERPOOL, England (AP)—United States forward Landon Donovan will join Everton on a short-term loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The Premier League club, which announced the deal Friday, is hoping the American’s pace, experience and scoring record will help the team climb away from relegation trouble.

Donovan has to get a work permit to complete the loan, which will run from January until mid-March. It will finish in time for the 27-year-old player to return to the MLS for the Galaxy’s opening match on March 27.

“It’s all done now,” Everton manager David Moyes said. “Landon will join us at the start of January. He will come in and add pace. He’s a good finisher.”

The deal was announced two days after Donovan signed a new four-year contract with the Galaxy. He will team up with Tim Howard, the first choice goalkeeper for the United States who is in his fourth season with Everton since moving from Manchester United.

“Hopefully he is the first of two or three we want to bring in January,” said Moyes, whose team is 15th in the standings, one point above the relegation zone. “We need to strengthen our squad to make sure we are not in a situation like we have at the moment with so many injuries.

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L A Galaxy coach, Bruce Arena and Landon Donovan talks about his ambitions and aspirations with the Galaxy and his impending loan to the English Premiership club , Everton.

Landon Donovan may well be a considerable talent but in no way is he this country’s best player ! That undoubted privilege would have to go to the team’s goalkeeper, Tim Howard. Who if anything , he’s been the only bona-fide world class star that this country has or produced in the sport over the past two decades. Howard who now plays in the English Premier League (EPL) with Everton, has been an outstanding player throughout much of professional career. And he’s won at the highest levels in terms of domestic soccer. And his form for both his club side and country has been nothing short of exemplary .

A montage of Howard’s early years from a youth, on and upwards.

Howard has been a model of consistency at every level of the sport that he’s played. And it is understandable why he’s such a desired talent across the globe. There are but a handful of goalkeepers on the planet with his unique and innate talent. But yet year in and year out all the pundits here seem to talk about is the modest talent of the L A Galaxy’s, Landon Donovan. I suppose now having to share center stage with teammate, David Beckham , does have its privileges after all ?

With a loan deal now in the works , Donovan will be joining his national teammate as a member of Everton’s premiership roster. And with Howard viewed as the backbone of Everton’s defense, it’ll be very interesting to see what Landon Donovan will be able to contribute to the aspirations of the team. He’s been a noted striker within the MLS. Where he has been very prodigious and productive. But playing in the MLS and playing in the EPL are two entirely different things. It’s like making a comparison between varsity football and the NFL.

Though this isn’t first foray into playing soccer on the European continent at the domestic level. It will however provide Donovan with the experience he seeks and ramp up his competitive edge as a player. If he’s to prove himself the player that many believe he can be at the international level. Then he’ll have to prove once and for all that he can play in one the most competitive domestic soccer leagues in the world and acquit himself amiably . If not then US’s hopes at the 2010 World Cup mightn’t be as bright as many are hoping it will be.

So once and for all , let’s get real here ! These are the topics, what are your thoughts on each ?

NB: This piece was first posted by me within the following site http://theoraclesays.wordpress.com under the original title of ‘Let’s Get Real …..My Sporting Observations ….

There Are Rules And Then Are Rules That Are Meant To Be Obeyed So Why Break Them ?

There are rules and then there are rules, that are meant to be obeyed. And in no way should a team be able to obfuscate the responsibility of upholding those rules. Even when it’s not to your liking. And in light of this one has to ask what it is that Chelsea FC of the English Premiership League (EPL) , thought it was doing by luring away a young player from his team , causing him to break his contract ?

Chelsea FC and members of its first team and reserves on the roster. picture appears courtesy of premierleague.com/clubs/chelsea fc @ copyrighted material All rights reserved ..................

To some this may not seem to be an important issue. But it goes to the integrity of the game. And how one goes about conducting themselves in an orderly business fashion. A contract, is a contract , be it oral , implied or written. As was the case , herein.

Galel Kakuta of Chelsea FC . The young player was signed originally from the French first division club Lens in 2008. But it has now been alleged that he was lured away by the Premiership club Chelsea , whilst still under contract with the French club side. An infraction of not only UEFA rules but aslo that of FIFA and that of the Premiership as well. picture appears courtesy of premierleague.com/teams/club/chelsea -fc @ copyrighted material All rights reserved ......................

And while this is not the first time that FIFA , the governing body for world soccer , has come down harshly on a club in this regard. It does send a serious message. That actions such as Chelsea’s will not be condoned or go unpunished. And though the team has the right of recourse, to lodge an appeal with the Court Of Arbitration For Sports (CAS). It’s hard to imagine that the team’ll have a case as to the veracity of its argument.

Russian billionaire oil tycoon Roman Abramovich the owner of Premier League team Chelsea FC. He's seen here with his companion fashion model Daria Zhukova at a UEFA game in 2007. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Matthias Zoening .........................

And it’s unlilkely that the club’s owner, Roman Abramovich , would knowingly let his executives and management act in such a way. But there’s cause for concern if , in-fact the owner and anyone within the team’s management hierarchy willingly allowed this to happen. It’s also somewhat surprising that FIFA in this respect only imposed a ban and a small financial penalty. One would’ve thought that a much stiffer financial penalty ought to have been incurred by the team. In this case they’ve been ordered to pay the French team, Lens , a sum of $1.2 million , with an additional sum of $186,000 to be paid to the team in terms of financial expenditure in providing training for Gael Kukuta , the player at the center of the uproar.

Courtesy of Yahoo Sports and AP:

FIFA gives Chelsea 1-year transfer ban

Zurich-(AP) Chelsea was banned from signing any new players for a year because it encouraged a teenager to break his contract with a French team and sign with the English soccer power.

The sport’s governing body Thursday barred Chelsea from taking part in the next two transfer windows-January 2010 and the next offseason. The next time the Premier League team would be able sign a new player-nationally or internationally would be January 2011 .

Chelsea called the penalty “without precedent” and “totally disproportionate” and said it would appeal to the Court for Arbitration of Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The French club Lens had complained that Chelsea lured 18-year old Gael Kakuta to break his contract with the club and join the English team in 2008.

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And whilst the feeling may well be that Chelsea’s actions aren’t egregious. One first has to look at the message this now sends across the game. Especially in light of the smaller clubs involved in the game and their very own existence .

What are your thoughts on the matter ? I look forward to reading your comments with a great deal of interest.

Dear Ol’ Blighty I Can Still Hear You Callin’ And I Yearn For My Football And Then Some !

I’m not afraid to say it, but as an expat Brit now living in the United States . I still long for a game of football , that’s soccer for the uninitiated amongst you. As you, Yanks, like to call it. Well I know you’ve all suddenly started to either praise or vacillate over the success of the US men’s soccer team. But until they’ve really proven themselves at the international level. Then whatever interest that’s said to be shown as to the MLS will be only marginal at best.

Michael Owens shows his delight after scoring his first goal for United in the team's 5-0 triumph over Wigan Athletic. The striker was bought by the team from Newcastle United to provide the goal scoring offense alongside teammate Wayne Rooney. picture appears courtesy of premierleague.com copyrighted material @ All rights reserved ..................

We’ve seen what the David Beckham foray into the soccer market here has done. It’s been about as welcoming as being told by the wife that she’d like for you to accompany her shopping on a Sunday afternoon to buy a present for your mother-in-law . The initial interest bordered on being theatrical as to its very presence. But given the lack of success by the L A Galaxy and the heightened expectations that’ve failed to surface. It’s all died down, the game for all sense has settled down and found its only little niche amongst a loyal band of followers.

Wayne Rooney makes it on point. The player scored his 100th goal for the team infront of a raucous crowd on Utd's way to an emphatic 5-0 defeat of Wigan Athletic. picture appears courtesy of reuters.uk/photo/ Phillip Allison .........................

In stark contrast south of the border and across the Atlantic Ocean. The support for the game, borders on being almost a religious bent, as to the loyalty shown by the fans. And nowhere is this more evident than within the English Premier League (EPL). In terms of the brand and the notoriety of the teams involved. It may well be the most successful and competitive soccer league in the world. And with ESPN now carrying their games. It has to be said that the game will now reach a much larger audience than already anticipated. Not that the league didn’t reach a large enough audience internationally to begin with. Games are televised on each of the continents and many teams have a large cadre of international supporters.

Dimitar Berbatov scores United's second goal of the game. picture appears courtesy of reuters.uk/photo/Phillip Allison .......................

And perhaps the most famous team of them all, in Manchester United , can basically underscore the wealth and presence known. United or ‘The Red Devils’ as they’ve come to be known , are essentially the New York Yankees of the Premier League. Albeit that the ownership, the Glazer family , has laden the team with a great deal of debt. At last count that figure was said to upwards of $1.15 billion .

Aaron Hughes (left) of Fulham and Ashley Cole(right) of Chelsea battle for the ball as Bobby Zamora of Fulham and Cole's teammate John Terry looks on. Chelsea would triumph over their south London neighbors 2-0 in the Premiership League match. picture appears courtesy of reuters.uk/photo/ Bill Watson ...................

The team continues to have unprecedented success with their chief architect of it all , being none other than their manager , Sir Alex Ferguson. He has now become the most successful manager in the Premiership and he’s sought after around the world as a guest speaker in terms of undoubted coaching talent and soccer knowledge. The Red Devils’ vociferous and loyal fans support them to the nth degree . So much so , that when they travel , be it domestically or abroad. They travel in throngs ,by the thousands.

Where Is The Love ?

You’ve two small children playing in a sand-box when all of a sudden a small eruption is created and the two though trying to be amiable to one another. For all sense and purpose, they actually do not like each other at all. What’s a parent to do ? Much less the adult that has to the two young kids within their custody ?

Hostile Galaxy fans make their feelings known towards the player David Beckham who's featured in picture. This was all part of an onslaught and crescendo in evidence during a midseason friendly that took place between the Los Angeles Galaxy and A C Milan at the Home Depot Center in Carson , California ,. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Gabriel Bouys ..........................

So it is with the non-sensical feuding that’s now allegedly taking place with perhaps the two most recognizable names on the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team. In one corner you have fledlgling superstar Landon Donovan and in the other you’ve got the over-hyped world soccer star David Beckham.

To my mind the Galaxy were sold a bill of goods when they chose to take their player within their fold. I can purely understand that it was done from a business standpoint to create a buzz for the game of soccer within the greater Los Angeles are and in particular amongs the Latino and Caribbean populace. That being said that experiment has become about as the McCain, Palin ticket ,that the Republicans deemed would be successful in garnering the party a further four more years in the White House. Well that ticket sank from the get-go,faster than a German U-boat that’d come under attack from the Allied Forces. And the same can be said about the apparent goodwill that was initially in place when Beckham came onboard with the L A Galaxy.

If ever there was a time for the player (David Beckham #23) to appease the fans in L A . Then now'd be the time for him to prove them wrong and that he can deal with adversity on various differing fronts. picture appears courtesy of afp / getty images/ Gabriel Rouys .............................

What initally looked like a PR dream has now become a complete nightmare of unimaginable proportions for not only the Galaxy’s hierarchy . But also for the Beckham, as well as the game’s sanctioning body for domestic league competition, Major League Soccer (MLS). And tje situation certainly hasn’t been helped by the team’s apparent lack of success on the field. Albeit that the initial large crowds that first greeted Beckham are no longer to be seen at the team’s home venue of the Home Depot Center in Carson, California. They’ve now become something of a rarity with regard to a large sell-out audience. And in terms of a the local or even national tv audience. It barely raises a blip on the Nielsen ratings nationally or even within the team’s own home market.

Ronaldinho of AC Milan is seen heree shielding the bal from the L A Galaxy's Landon Donovan in a mid-season friendly game staged at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Kevork Djansezian ...................

And it would appear that Landon Donovan’s critical review and assessment of his teammate though being his personal view. It’s apparent that those said view aren’t just shared by the player alone but also the fans of the L A Galaxy. Donovan’s comments though not disparaging were critical of Beckham as a teammate , a leader , someone who was also lacking in character but above all something of a narcissist. A great many words that succinctly describe a player who in many respects is no longer the highly skilled player he once was.

Ronaldinho (80) and Beckham (#23) Serie' A teammates share a brief congratulatory moment during the firendly game played between the L A Galaxy and A C Milan at the Home Depot Center in Carson , California. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Kevork Djansezian ................

And the situation may have been further exacerbated with the reluctance of the player to initially return to the team after his stint with the top Italian soccer club A C Milan . The tussle between the two clubs left everyone with the distinct feeling that Beckham no longer wanted to return to play competitive soccer in the United States. Much less honor the multi-million dollar contract that he’d signed with the MLS team. Whilst Beckham tries to exude that illusion of team camaraderie , it is clear that in terms of the word team as long as the ‘Beckham brand ‘ is front and center there for everyone to see . The word ‘team’ doesn’t at all srtictly apply to him. He may well exude that in the public and media interviews that he conducts. But then on appearance it is merely being done to legitmize the Beckham brand and to gain the public’s empathy.

Ronaldinho of A C Milan is double teamed by the Galaxy's Landon Donovan (center ) and A J DeLaGarza during the first half of the game played between the two teams. The game would end up in a 2-2 tie at the end of 90 minutes of regulation play. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Kevork Djansezian ................

And though the L A Galaxy fared reasonably well without the player while he was in Europe plying his trade. The fact of the matter can’t have been lost on the owners of the Galaxy in not having Beckham as their primary sales and marketing tool. It has led to a sizeable loss in revenues, as well as support for the team within its own market. And the team’s standing within the MLS Western Conference has been proving to be something of a disappointment. The team sits in fourth place entrenched behind the Houston Dynamo in first place, followed by the Seattle Sounders and Chivas USA.

Though the season hasn’t been a complete loss for the team . It is extremely hard to envisage how they will be able to make concerted effort to right an already unstable ship , in terms of their already tenuous situation. With Beckham now seemingly back into the fold . There’s no clear way to guage and assess how his teammates might feel. Albeit that Donovan , himself , has tried to recant some of the statements that’ll be part of an upcoming book about Beckham’s first season experiences with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Beckham is substituted in the second half of the mid season friendly played against Italy's A C Milan at the Home Depot Center in Carson , California. It was very much a partisan crowd in attendance for the game. And many of those fans in attendance showed their disdain for David Beckham throughout much of the game. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Kevork Djansezian ...................

The expose’ will give the public an inside look at Beckham and his teammates and explain his initial foray into the MLS market with the team. It will be seering in its analysis and is said to not pull any punches in the areas that matter most concerning the player and his teammates. If Landon Donovan’s initial statements are indeed anything to to by. Then this will indeed will be warranted in terms of a good read. But then again one might find the same type of tawdry details in any type of steamy romantic novel or even perhaps in a tabloid magazine. As it’s been often been said ‘…… any type of publicity be it good, bad or indifferent is still publicity worth having’. Otherwise how else are they going to get to know you , warts and all ?

As to the Galaxy’s postseason ambitions. They may well now rest with the possible momentum that the team can maintain over the remainder of the regular season. If they’re indeed then able to attain a postseason berth for the playoffs. Failure to do so and there will be a great deal of recriminations and allegations made as to what went wrong . And very much the reasons why. And n o doubt there’ll be fingers directly pointed at David Beckham , merely because of the player’s lack of effort and the very fact of his reluctancy to play and also to honor his original contract with the club.

Well That Was The Weekend That Was

The death of Michael Jackson notwithstanding . It’d appear the sport’s world carried on in its usual customary way. Jackson’s death became headline news around the world . As is befitting that of a once powerful entertainment icon.

Myself on the other hand, I wasn’t overly concerned with his death. Because despite his many manifestations and the fact that the so called long awaited CD never amounted to much. His death if anything is a god-send to us all. Unfortunately however , we’ll now have to deal with the endless speculation as to the cause of his death. And until the coroner’s office carries out the autopsy , we’ll never really know the true cause of death.

Melanie Oudin (right) of the US shakes hands with Serbia's Jelena Jankovic , having just defeated the Serbian in three sets to make it into the fourth round of the women's singles tournament at Wimbledon. As Sunday was a rest day , play resumes bright and early on Monday morning. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Martha Hutchinson ..............

As Wimbledon proceeds into its second week. We’ve seen the rise of another American female teen sensation in the guise of seventeen year old Melanie Oudin, who defeated the sixth seed and former world #1 Jelana Jankovic 6-7(8-10),7-5,6-2, to make her way into the fourth round at Wimbledon in the women’s singles tournament. For Oudin this is her moment in the sportlight on the sport’s greatest stage. And anything garnered now from hereonin can only be considered a bonus for the young teen.

Serbia's Victor Troicki makes an athletic attempt dive to keep the ball in play and alive in the game against Britain's Andy Murray. Murray would go on to win the match in straight sets 6-2,6-3,6-4 , and make his way into the fourth round at Wimbledon. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Carl De Souza ..............

And as usual the expected names one’s accustomed to seeing have made it into the second week at Wimbledon. There’ve been one or two surprises and small upsets. But nothing as such that would indeed send a seismic shift across the sport.

Now if anything is we’re liable to see the men separated from the boys. And the girls separated from the women. As those who can legitimately lay claim to the title will now begin to make their presence felt over the ensuing rounds.

Joey Logano speaks with the convened press after his historic win of the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, NH,. Also in pictue is Tony Stewart and his crew chief Greg Zippadelli . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Marcus Goodridge ...............

And the fans of NASCAR saw history being made when Joey Logano all of nineteen years of age became the sport’s youngest driver to win a Sprint Cup event. Logano won the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 in a rain shortened race at Loudon, New Hampshire.

Though the race wasn’t without its moments . It can be said that with the inclement weather did put somewhat of a damper on a race that many may well have been looking forward to.

Kyle Busch (18) driver of the Interstate Batteries Toyota pits during the NASCAR Sprint Cup series race the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 from the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, NH. picture appears courtesy of getty images/NASCAR / Jerry Markland ..................

For Dale Earnhardt Jr this proved to be something of a respite albeit that he finished outside the top ten with a thirteenth place finish. As to his postseason ambitions of making it to the Chase. His chances seem to be diminishing by the race . And for team boss Rick Hendrick whilst he’s still got implicit faith in Dale Jr, one has to question how much longer that this can really go on. As clearly with each passing moment you can clearly see that a great mistake was made in the letting go of Kyle Busch from the team to incorporate Earnardt within Hendrick Motorsports’ midst. Albeit that Earnhardt Jr may well be deemed of greater value in terms of the corporate brand imaging , popularity and the money that no doubt follows him in endorsements. But the facts are there for all to see ….nothing beats winning. And that’s something that Busch has become accustomed to doing since his departure from Hendricks Motorsports. His successor on the other hand has yet to win a Sprint Cup race for his team.

In baseball the AL East is very much the division we’d all believed it would be . The New York Yankees (43-32) are finding ways to win . Even though they’re having to play catchup with the Boston Red Sox (46-29) who lead their fierce and determined rivals by a mere three games. And slowly making up ground are last season’s winners of the AL pennant and the division the Tampa Bay Rays(42-35).

Yankees' closer Mariano Rivera comes to the mound in the eighth inning of the Subway Series game against the New York Mets played at Citi FIeld in Flushing , New York City, New York. Rivera would go on to record the 500th regular season save of his long and illustrious career in the Yankees' 4-2 triumph of the New York Mets. picture appears courtesy of getty images/Jim McIsaac .............

Such is the rivalry now being created between the trio that the drama as it unfolds warrants close scrutiny by the most knowledgeable of all fans. For if anything we’re liable to see the winner of the division become the prohibitive favorite to win the World Series outright.

Rivera is congratulated by Yankees' third base and bench coach Tony Pena after he nothces the Yankees' 4-2 triumph over the Mets at Citi Field , Flushing , New York,. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Jim McIsaac ...............

Of the three teams at present it may well be the Rays and the Red Sox who are playing the best at present. And rthat’d be based on the record of their last ten games respectively. With the Rays going (7-3) to a decidedly more (6-4) by the Red Sox. The Yankees have matched the Rays in that respect but when measured against who’ve they’ve been playing as of late in the moribund Subway Series against a woefully inept New York Mets’ team. You can understand my reasoning for not being too overly impressed with those particular results.

The Yankees have swept their crosstown neighbors in the season series and along the way their legendary closer Mariano Rivera was able to notch up his 500th regular season save in Major League Baseall. Quite an achievement for a player who’s well respected by his peers as well the fans across the game of baseball.

And whilst much of this is going on within the game. Nothing much has really changed by way of the way with which the game’s hierarchy still creates the facade that it’s on the right path as far as its steroid abuse program is concerned. While Manny Ramirez sits out his apparent 50 game suspension he’s still able to participate in games . Albeit that it’s at the minor league level. And as asinine as it appears there’s nothing at all the league can do about it. But then again these are the rules that we’re led to believe that the game has to abide by ? So when is a suspension not a suspension within the realms of Major League Baseball ? That’s something I for one feel that inquiring minds would really like to know.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter presents Brazil's captain Lucio (3) with the Confederations' Cup trophy after the Brazilian team's 3-2 ttriumph over the United States men's soccer team in the finals of the competition played in South Africa. picture appears courtesy of bongarts/ getty images/ Cristof Koepsel .................

Alas, the heartfelt story and dream that has yet to be fulfilled came to an abrupt end. The US men’s soccer team failed when they were asked to try and achieve the impossible. Having pulled off the upset victory over Spain the semi-finals of FIFA’s Confed Cup. The fell to the might of Brazil in a spirited display by the US team.

Clint Dempsey (8) , Charlie Davies (9) center and teammate Sacha Kjelstan of the US team are somewhat despondent after the team's 3-2 loss to Brazil in the Final of FIFA's Confederation Cup tournament held in South Africa. The country will also be the venue for next year's World Cup. picture appears courtesy of bongarts / getty images Cristof Koepsel ....................

The victory might’ve been never been doubt had they been able to hang on to the 2-0 lead they built up in the first half of the game. With millions watching at home and tens of thousands watching in the stands showing support for both teams. It has to be said that we may well have been seeing the beginnings of something new in terms of real support for the men’s national squad. Finally they’re gaining some recognition from the fans and not being merely thought of as an afterthought or side show.

Luis Fabiano (9) of Brazil scores the game tying goal in the finals of FIFA's Confederations Cup game played against the US team at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg , South Africa . picture appears bongarts / getty images/ Cristof Koepsel ..................

Were the US men’s team triumphant over their South American counterparts instead of succumbing to a heartfelt 3-2 loss . Then there might be still some room for thought . And the chance that this team is capable and on the right track of pursuing a legitimate thought that they could be considered a contender for next year’s World Cup.

The game’s showcase event will make a return to South Africa where the World Cup will be staged. However, the team ought to be commended for the spirited fight that they put up against Brazil at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg in front of a sold out crowd.

As to what can be contemplated here at home. Well one can only hope that the support that was forthcoming and shown for the team can be maintained. If only to give the team the full support needed as they pursue their quest of garnering a berth for next year’s World Cup to be held in South Africa. And in order to do that the team will have to become more resolute , poised but above all maintain a level of consistency that has been lacking in their game . And which has led to their demise more often that we care to acknowledge. If anything that has been the thing that has really let the US men’s national team down over the years.

So this was the weekend that was. Well it was most definitely as such as far as the sporting highlights were concerned. Was there anything that you felt as such was worthy of acknowledging as far as the sporting weekend was concerned ?