One of the biggest football events is about to take place on the far side of the world. The 2012 UEFA European Football championship. The final tournament is played between 16 teams every four years (2 years between the world cups). Unlike many other big world-wide supporting events, the Euro's are tough to follow when you live in Australia. SBS is the free-to-air holder this year and they are treating us to 8 games out of 31. 4 of these are delayed coverage that airs over a day and a half after the game is played. 2 quarter finals, 1 semi final and the final are live. I could live with that as long as the other games were covered by foxtel. Unfortunately that is not that case. The Irish television network Setanta currently holds the rights for every game. So you have to pay an extra $50 to get the channel added to your foxtel packaged for a minimum of 2 months...so i did.
Now the event itself should provide us with the best football nation in Europe (please don't let it be Greece again!). This year's host nations are Poland and the Ukraine. The defending champions are the all conquering Spain, who also currently hold the world cup. Here is my rundown of the key players:
Greece - Samaras (Celtic striker, experienced campaigner)
Poland - Szczesny (Arsenal keeper), Brozek (another Celtic striker)
Russia - Arshavin (Arsenal striker), Pavlyuchenko (Tottenham striker), Pogrebnyak (Fulham striker) Zhirkov (Former Chelsea midfielder currently plying his trade back in his home country)
Czech Rep - Cech (Chelsea keeper, champions league winner), Rosicky (Arsenal midfielder), Milan Baros (Galatasary striker)
Germany - I could list the whole team here, but the key players IMO are Ozil and Khedira (midfielders in Real Madrid), Gomez (striker for Bayern München), Podolski (striker I believe is heading to Arsenal) and captain Lahm (Bayern München)
Netherlands - From what i saw this morning, Schneider (Bayern München midfielder), Van Persie (Arsenal striker) and Robben (Bayern München midfielder) will be their key players. Van Der Vaart (Tottenham midfielder) will provide able support
Portugal - One man, Christiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid midfielder/striker), they will also rely on Nani (Man U midfielder) and Pepe (Real Madrid defender)
Denmark - Bendtner (Arsenal Striker currently on loan to Sunderland) and Agger (Liverpool defender)
Italy - Captain Buffon (Juventus keeper), De Rossi (Roma midfielder), Pirlo (Juventus midfielder) and up and coming superstar Balotelli (Man City striker)
Spain - Again could almost list the entire team here. Great depth at the keeping position with Casillas (Real Madrid), Valdes (Barcelona) and Reina (Liverpool). Ramos (Real Madrid), Pique (Barca), Xavi, Ineista, Fabregas (all Barca), Silva (Man City), Mata and Torres (Chelsea)
Ireland - Given (Aston Villa keeper), Damian Duff (Fulham midfielder) and Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy striker)
Croatia - Look to Tottenham for their stars Corluka (midfielder/defender), Kranjcar (midfielder) and Modric (midfielder)
France - Clichy (Man City defender), Evra (Man U defender), Malouda (Chelsea midfielder), Nasri (Man City midfielder), Ribery (Bayern München midfielder) and Benzema up front (Real Madrid)
England - Tough to name players that aren't key in this team. Hart (Man City keeper), Terry (Chelsea captain and defender), Gerrard (Liverpool midfielder), Lampard (Chelsea midfielder), Rooney (Man U striker) and Carroll (Liverpool striker)
Sweden - Mellberg (Olympiacos defender), Ollson (Blackburn defender/midfielder), Larsson (Sunderland midfielder), Ibrahimovic (Milan striker)
Ukraine - Led by experienced striker Shevchenko (Dynamo Kyiv) and Tymoshchuk (Bayern München midfielder)
My tips will be a Spain v Germany final. I would expect to see England challenge along with the Dutch. Italy and France will be thereabouts. My roughies are Sweden and Ireland. I hope Germany can get up, but i would expect Spain to take out the title again.
Player of the Tournament to be Xavi
Golden boot to be Van Persie
"Niech rozpoczną się Igrzyska"
(let the games begin in Polish)
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Thirds football
Ok, lets talk local footy. The Mighty Yeronga Thirsty Thirds have just completed their first round of the season (played all of the other 4 teams once). What we can take from the season is this: Another top quality team has joined our competition replacing the outgoing young, fast and strong Bond University as well as the older other 'thirds' team Beenleigh. With one team coming in for two outgoing, we are now down to a 5 team competition. With a top 4 finals finish, the equation is simple. Don't finish last and you will play finals.
The final 5 for me will be in this order:
Pine Rivers Swans - This new team who arrived from Div 3 North are a force to be reckoned with. They are the remaining members of the now defunct Strathpine team, who once won the senior div 1 comp that our Yeronga Seniors used to play against. The new brand of Swan player is big and fast. They love the dry conditions and will be hard to beat at home. Mike Salmon and Nate Boucher among their better players.
Jimboomba Redbacks - The reigning premiers finally have some competition from new boys Pine Rivers. They have been the dominant team of the past few years. The redbacks are an older team with good team structures built around a solid bunch of blokes who have played together for a long time. Their key player is Kim Watson. This bloke is probably the player of our division and is very hard to stop. Old stager 'Ringa' tends to be at the top of the goal kicking list most years. He has recently taken the coaching position and along with the Heppel brothers, Luke Valdes and Bear they form a formidable opposition. They should make the final this year, but might be a little behind Pine Rivers at this stage.
The Woodsmen - Playing out of the Sherwood ground, the Woodsmen have always been a tough team. They rarely have all their players available at the same time, but when they do they can rack up a high score. They are the most improved team this year and could challenge those two above. Their oldest player Mousy is their most skillful, but does tend to get injured. Their star at the moment is Tim Green, back from a spell on the sidelines with a broken arm.
Yeronga - I think we have what it takes to grab the decisive 4th spot. Our mixture of experience and youth is coming together well. This season is probably the newest team we have fielded in a few years. Some great ins and some tough outs (Jorgo, Doutta, BJ and even single game player PT). Skipper Vossy and VC Kieran are the heart and soul of the team. The latter missing a few games recently with a calf problem. Best players are hard to judge, but the form players for us at the moment are: Ben Freke - Tough as nails defender who reads the ball better than the opposition forwards. His run out of defence sets up a lot of our play. Josh P is a new addition with a lethal left foot. Josh is not typical thirds player and would be playing in the higher grades if it wasn't for work. Josh is a fitness machine and racks up huge possession counts. Russ is another key thirds player who has also suffered from injury lately. On his day can be one of the most damaging players in the competition. Russ has sublime skills and is tough to bring down when in possession. Others of note in the season new crop are; Josh H, Nate A, Jordy, Aidan and Bryan. Returning super stars Carlo, Jeremiah, Beefy and DJ Tribe have all been in good form. The next matchup between us and Collingwood Park will be a terrific contest.
Collingwood Park Power - The team we need to beat to make the finals. Like us this team is a combination of a few older players mixed with a lot of young blokes learning the game. Yeronga's last taste of finals came at the Power's expense. Their skipper Duey is the coach's son and their best player. He is tough, hard, fast and can tear apart the opposition. He is also a little hot tempered at times which i'm sure causes Collingwood Park some headaches. Livewire runner Jesse Koining can also be damaging on his day.
Well that's the wrap up. Apologies to those that don't like football, but I'm sure you wouldn't have read this far if you didn't.
The final 5 for me will be in this order:
Pine Rivers Swans - This new team who arrived from Div 3 North are a force to be reckoned with. They are the remaining members of the now defunct Strathpine team, who once won the senior div 1 comp that our Yeronga Seniors used to play against. The new brand of Swan player is big and fast. They love the dry conditions and will be hard to beat at home. Mike Salmon and Nate Boucher among their better players.
Jimboomba Redbacks - The reigning premiers finally have some competition from new boys Pine Rivers. They have been the dominant team of the past few years. The redbacks are an older team with good team structures built around a solid bunch of blokes who have played together for a long time. Their key player is Kim Watson. This bloke is probably the player of our division and is very hard to stop. Old stager 'Ringa' tends to be at the top of the goal kicking list most years. He has recently taken the coaching position and along with the Heppel brothers, Luke Valdes and Bear they form a formidable opposition. They should make the final this year, but might be a little behind Pine Rivers at this stage.
The Woodsmen - Playing out of the Sherwood ground, the Woodsmen have always been a tough team. They rarely have all their players available at the same time, but when they do they can rack up a high score. They are the most improved team this year and could challenge those two above. Their oldest player Mousy is their most skillful, but does tend to get injured. Their star at the moment is Tim Green, back from a spell on the sidelines with a broken arm.
Yeronga - I think we have what it takes to grab the decisive 4th spot. Our mixture of experience and youth is coming together well. This season is probably the newest team we have fielded in a few years. Some great ins and some tough outs (Jorgo, Doutta, BJ and even single game player PT). Skipper Vossy and VC Kieran are the heart and soul of the team. The latter missing a few games recently with a calf problem. Best players are hard to judge, but the form players for us at the moment are: Ben Freke - Tough as nails defender who reads the ball better than the opposition forwards. His run out of defence sets up a lot of our play. Josh P is a new addition with a lethal left foot. Josh is not typical thirds player and would be playing in the higher grades if it wasn't for work. Josh is a fitness machine and racks up huge possession counts. Russ is another key thirds player who has also suffered from injury lately. On his day can be one of the most damaging players in the competition. Russ has sublime skills and is tough to bring down when in possession. Others of note in the season new crop are; Josh H, Nate A, Jordy, Aidan and Bryan. Returning super stars Carlo, Jeremiah, Beefy and DJ Tribe have all been in good form. The next matchup between us and Collingwood Park will be a terrific contest.
Collingwood Park Power - The team we need to beat to make the finals. Like us this team is a combination of a few older players mixed with a lot of young blokes learning the game. Yeronga's last taste of finals came at the Power's expense. Their skipper Duey is the coach's son and their best player. He is tough, hard, fast and can tear apart the opposition. He is also a little hot tempered at times which i'm sure causes Collingwood Park some headaches. Livewire runner Jesse Koining can also be damaging on his day.
Well that's the wrap up. Apologies to those that don't like football, but I'm sure you wouldn't have read this far if you didn't.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Saturday
Well what a big day Saturday was. I won't go into detail about the Pies v Lions game as I don't remember much of it. But the parts i remember were fun. During the day we went down to the Piney for some beers and footy. We also got to meet the DT Talk website guys. These guys really know their stuff.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Hunger Games
To be honest, I'd never heard of the book until the movie came out. And i didn't really intend on seeing it. But i came across the book whilst scrolling though my kindle store and thought I would give it a go. The book is a great read and I'm already onto the second. Suzanne Collins is a terrific writer and also did the screenplay for the film. The film is also quite well done and sticks to much of the novel due in part to her writing and executive producing role. Jennifer Lawrence is spectacular as the protagonist and delivers a memorable performance. Woody Harrelson revels in his mentor role (possible because he gets to have hair) and old man Donald Sutherland plays the bad guy well. I look forward to the sequel. 4 stars.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Playoffs Part 2
For those waiting for the second part of this blog, sorry it took so long.
The West
Spurs v Utah (spurs 2-0)
Still hard to believe the jazz did so well this season without their past season superstars Deron Williams (nets) and Carlos Boozer (Bulls), but they surprised us all. Their current key player, NBA journeyman Al Jefferson has had a terrific season supported well by Devin Harris and some productive rookies. They are out of their depth in this round however as one of the championship favourites the San Antonia Spurs keep rolling along. Even when they rested their all stars Duncan, Ginobli and Parker at the end of the season, they still won. Aussie point guard Patty Mills who was getting around 3 minutes per game was seeing starts and did not disappoint. One game he produced 34 points and 12 assists!! So to summarise, the spurs run very deep and will take some stopping. I don't see the jazz getting anything in this series. Spurs 4-0
Thunder v Mavs (Thunder 3-0)
The defending premiers vs the youngest superstars in the league. The Mavs haven't had a great season. They started with a nightmare 0-7 start before their all star power forward Nowitski pulled them out of a hole. The loss of newly crowned defensive player of the year Tyson Chandler (Knicks) played a big part. The thunder however are flying behind scoring champion Kevin Durant and playmaker Russell Westbrook. Their speed and explosive attack coupled with the shot blocking ability of Ibaka makes them a formidable force. I think the mavs will get one back on their experience, but the series should end soon. Thunder 4-1
Lakers v Nuggets (Lakers 2-0)
The Lakers for some reason were dreadful on the road this year. They could not get it together. Their three all stars in Bryant, Gasol and Bynumm should be able to crush most teams but they seemed to be missing something. Enter Ramon Sessions. This quick little guard focused the laker offence and gave them another scoring option. They have stormed into championship contention and if Kobe can stay healthy, they are a big chance. The nuggets have had an up and down season. But have maintained good pressure on the top teams. Lawson has had a breakout year while former Knick Gullinari played well in spurts. They don't have enough this time however and the lakers will progress, probably after dropping a road game. Lakers 4-1
Grizzlies v Clippers (1-1)
Well after a pretty boring conference competition wise. We now look at this interesting little match up. The grizzlies have a vibrant little lineup that has surprised teams. Former high draft pick Mike Conley is having a great season and should be 2-0 by now after blowing a playoff record 27 point lead late in the 4th quarter in game one...wow. They regained their composure to level the series, but will regret that first game at home. The clippers are the entertainers of the NBA. Blake Griffin is a human highlight film. And with Chris Paul throwing the lobs and draining bombs from downtown, they are never out of any game. A close series this one, i say the Clippers in 7. LA 4-3
Well that's it. My beloved Knicks are now 0-3 and now own the biggest playoff losing streak in NBA history. That's bad...but at least i dont' follow the bobcats...I'm looking at you Michael Jordan...peace out
The West
Spurs v Utah (spurs 2-0)
Still hard to believe the jazz did so well this season without their past season superstars Deron Williams (nets) and Carlos Boozer (Bulls), but they surprised us all. Their current key player, NBA journeyman Al Jefferson has had a terrific season supported well by Devin Harris and some productive rookies. They are out of their depth in this round however as one of the championship favourites the San Antonia Spurs keep rolling along. Even when they rested their all stars Duncan, Ginobli and Parker at the end of the season, they still won. Aussie point guard Patty Mills who was getting around 3 minutes per game was seeing starts and did not disappoint. One game he produced 34 points and 12 assists!! So to summarise, the spurs run very deep and will take some stopping. I don't see the jazz getting anything in this series. Spurs 4-0
Thunder v Mavs (Thunder 3-0)
The defending premiers vs the youngest superstars in the league. The Mavs haven't had a great season. They started with a nightmare 0-7 start before their all star power forward Nowitski pulled them out of a hole. The loss of newly crowned defensive player of the year Tyson Chandler (Knicks) played a big part. The thunder however are flying behind scoring champion Kevin Durant and playmaker Russell Westbrook. Their speed and explosive attack coupled with the shot blocking ability of Ibaka makes them a formidable force. I think the mavs will get one back on their experience, but the series should end soon. Thunder 4-1
Lakers v Nuggets (Lakers 2-0)
The Lakers for some reason were dreadful on the road this year. They could not get it together. Their three all stars in Bryant, Gasol and Bynumm should be able to crush most teams but they seemed to be missing something. Enter Ramon Sessions. This quick little guard focused the laker offence and gave them another scoring option. They have stormed into championship contention and if Kobe can stay healthy, they are a big chance. The nuggets have had an up and down season. But have maintained good pressure on the top teams. Lawson has had a breakout year while former Knick Gullinari played well in spurts. They don't have enough this time however and the lakers will progress, probably after dropping a road game. Lakers 4-1
Grizzlies v Clippers (1-1)
Well after a pretty boring conference competition wise. We now look at this interesting little match up. The grizzlies have a vibrant little lineup that has surprised teams. Former high draft pick Mike Conley is having a great season and should be 2-0 by now after blowing a playoff record 27 point lead late in the 4th quarter in game one...wow. They regained their composure to level the series, but will regret that first game at home. The clippers are the entertainers of the NBA. Blake Griffin is a human highlight film. And with Chris Paul throwing the lobs and draining bombs from downtown, they are never out of any game. A close series this one, i say the Clippers in 7. LA 4-3
Well that's it. My beloved Knicks are now 0-3 and now own the biggest playoff losing streak in NBA history. That's bad...but at least i dont' follow the bobcats...I'm looking at you Michael Jordan...peace out
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Playoffs part 1
The shortened NBA season is over, now time for the players to perform on the big stage. The NBA playoffs.
Bulls v 76ers (Bulls 1-0)
The 76ers are the surprise packet of the NBA at the moment. The lack of stars in a well rounded team scraped into the 8th seed up against the top side in the east. Their franchise player Andre Iguodala has had an interrupted season and is getting good support from elder statesman Elton Brand and scoring punch from point guard Holiday and 6th man Lou Williams. The bulls are strong, but have just lost reigning MVP, Derrick Rose with a torn ACL. They are one up in the series and I still think they run a bit deep to get over Philly in 6 games.
Heat v Knicks (Heat 2-0)
The big three vs the new three. King Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh will be striving to prove they are championship contenders after losing last years final series to the Mavs. While the Knicks are still learning to combine all stars Carmello Anthony and Amare Stoudemire with new sensation Jeremy Lin. Unfortunately this spate of knee injuries in the NBA have cut down Lin and unless they can progress past the first round, you wont see him again this season. The heat are all class and will be too much for my boys. The heat in 4 games and Lebron to come away with the league MVP...but will he finally get a championship ring to go with it?
Pacers v Magic (1-1)
The most improved team up against a Magic team that limped into the playoffs and now without their superstar Dwight Howard. Another round probably ruined by a season ending injury. The magic will struggle to put points on the board without him. The pacers are another depth team with a solid starting 5. Their hopes of advancing will hinge on Granger, Hibbert and Paul George. While Dave West is having a great end to the season and will push the magic in a tight series. I see this going to 7 with the pacers winning with a slightly larger firepower.
Celtics v Hawks (Hawks 1-0)
The celtics came into the playoffs with good form. The old big three of Pierce, Garnett and Allen has almost been overshadowed by the form of their new superstar Rajon Rondo. The hawks team has built solidly over the past couple of seasons and are very tough to beat at home. This made harder by the celtics dropping their opening home game. They will now have to win in Atlanta to push the series. The suspension to Rondo for chest bumping a referee not helping things. Another close series and I think Pierce and the boys will come back and win in 7.
Part 2 we will look to the west, stay tuned.
Bulls v 76ers (Bulls 1-0)
The 76ers are the surprise packet of the NBA at the moment. The lack of stars in a well rounded team scraped into the 8th seed up against the top side in the east. Their franchise player Andre Iguodala has had an interrupted season and is getting good support from elder statesman Elton Brand and scoring punch from point guard Holiday and 6th man Lou Williams. The bulls are strong, but have just lost reigning MVP, Derrick Rose with a torn ACL. They are one up in the series and I still think they run a bit deep to get over Philly in 6 games.
Heat v Knicks (Heat 2-0)
The big three vs the new three. King Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh will be striving to prove they are championship contenders after losing last years final series to the Mavs. While the Knicks are still learning to combine all stars Carmello Anthony and Amare Stoudemire with new sensation Jeremy Lin. Unfortunately this spate of knee injuries in the NBA have cut down Lin and unless they can progress past the first round, you wont see him again this season. The heat are all class and will be too much for my boys. The heat in 4 games and Lebron to come away with the league MVP...but will he finally get a championship ring to go with it?
Pacers v Magic (1-1)
The most improved team up against a Magic team that limped into the playoffs and now without their superstar Dwight Howard. Another round probably ruined by a season ending injury. The magic will struggle to put points on the board without him. The pacers are another depth team with a solid starting 5. Their hopes of advancing will hinge on Granger, Hibbert and Paul George. While Dave West is having a great end to the season and will push the magic in a tight series. I see this going to 7 with the pacers winning with a slightly larger firepower.
Celtics v Hawks (Hawks 1-0)
The celtics came into the playoffs with good form. The old big three of Pierce, Garnett and Allen has almost been overshadowed by the form of their new superstar Rajon Rondo. The hawks team has built solidly over the past couple of seasons and are very tough to beat at home. This made harder by the celtics dropping their opening home game. They will now have to win in Atlanta to push the series. The suspension to Rondo for chest bumping a referee not helping things. Another close series and I think Pierce and the boys will come back and win in 7.
Part 2 we will look to the west, stay tuned.
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