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Weekend Couch Guide

(Apologies, but the ESPN website is "unsure" which matches they will be showing. Be sure to check ESPN Deportes throughout the weekend for a handful more to watch)

Saturday, November 20
7:30am Arsenal vs Tottenham (ESPN2)
9:30am Schalke 04 vs Werder Bremen (GolTV)
10:00am Manchester United vs Wigan (FSC)
10:00am Birmingham City vs Chelsea (FSC Plus)
12:00pm Roma vs Udinese (FSC Plus)
12:30pm Liverpool vs West Ham (FSC)
2:30pm AC Milan vs Fiorentina (FSC)
4:00pm Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao(GolTV)
4:00pm West Brom vs Stoke City - tape delay (FSC Plus)
5:00pm Bolton vs Newcastle United - tape delay (FSC)
6:00pm Blackpool vs Wolverhampton - tape delay (FSC Plus)

Sunday, November 21
6:30am Genoa vs Juventus (FSC Plus)
8:30am Blackburn vs Aston Villa (FSC Plus)
9:00am Chievo vs Inter Milan(FSC)
11:00am Stuttgart vs Cologne- tape delay (GolTV)
11:00am Fulham vs Manchester City (FSC)
1:00pm Sevilla vs Mallorca (GolTV)
2:30pm Napoli vs Bologna (FSC)
3:00pm Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid (GolTV)
3:00pm RC Lens vs Olympique Lyon (FSC Plus)

Five years ago today - a standing ovation for Ronaldinho in Madrid

On November 19, 2005, Frank Rijkaard took his Barcelona side to Madrid for another incarnation of El Clasico, which the visitors won 3-0. At the time, nobody would have guessed Rijkaard and his side would finish the season hoisting the La Liga and Champions League Trophy. Neither could anyone have foreseen the unprecedented events which transpired on the field.

A Samuel Eto'o goal 14 minutes into the match put the visitors ahead, but this night would belong to Ronaldinho. The first was a scintillating run down the left flank, leaving Sergio Ramos on his ass, and Iván Helguera and Iker Casillas helpless. For the second goal, he again made Ramos look pedestrian finishing ever so calmly to seal the win. Then the unthinkable - the Bernabéu rose to its feet to give the Brazilian, a Barcelona player, a standing ovation in one of the very few classy gestures in this extremely fierce rivalry.



Ronaldinho later capped off that season with the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

Worst goalkeeper in the world

No questions asked, this guy is the worst. Either he was drunk, or high, or had trouble seeing the ball during a evening match without lights.

I don't buy the excuses. Anything short of "this guy is embarrassingly bad" won't be accepted.

Ronaldo robbed of wonder goal

My personal feelings aside, you can't argue with the ability of this guy. Cristiano Ronaldo, in the midst of his country's utter shellacking of World Champion Spain, created one of the most jaw dropping "goals" you will ever see. The problem is, it didn't count.

After stopping short on Pique, flicking the ball behind him to his stronger right foot, Ronaldo then dragged the ball ever so slightly and chipped a flat footed Casillas. Unfortunately, his teammate thought it important to make sure the goal-bound ball really crossed the line with some gusto and headed it home. Nani flagged for offsides and the goal waved off.

After watching about fifty replays, and you should too, watch the drag before the chip. Usually Ronaldo adds twinkle toe accessories to his moves for the sake of pissing people off. However, the drag is what kept Puyol and an onrushing Xabi Alonso on edge for that split second to prevent them from blocking the shot. It also occurred to me that if Nani was the shooter, Ronaldo probably would have done the exact same thing by heading the ball into the net.

But hey, Portugal still won 4-0 and Captain Ronaldo didn't celebrate a single goal with his teammates. Why? Because he wasn't the one who scored them....duh.

Italian racism strikes yet again

Mario Balotelli always seems to find the headlines for the wrong reasons. Whether spats with the coaching staff or reckless play on the pitch, the 20 year old never seems to get the benefit of the doubt from anyone. Which is why his most recent comments are a bit baffling:

Until June I am certainly at Manchester City. I have a five-year contract and can’t say anything.

What do I think of Zlatan Ibrahimovic? Ah, Ibra and I would make a very strong pairing

They are not baffling because of the nature of his remarks - a lack of complete commitment to his current squad and always hinting at moving to other clubs. They are baffling because of what awaits him at home, and he is fully aware of it.

 

Yesterday's international friendly between Italy and Romania took place in Austria. Balotelli made a much anticipated start for his country, but any pre-match excitement was immediately squashed. Every time he touched the ball, whistles filled the stadium as Romanian supporters spewed racist chants and slogans at the Italian striker born of Ghanaian immigrants. However, this was not even the tip of the iceberg. 

FIFA unveils Puskas Award shortlist

FIFA has unveiled the 10 finalists for the 2010 Puskas Award for goal of the year.

Established only last year at the behest of FIFA President Sepp Blatter, the award is given to the best goal of the year scored by a man or woman. It is named for Ferenc Puskás, captain of the Hungarian national side in the 1950s and scorer of 84 goals in 85 international appearances at one point.

Ibrahimovic and his agent go too far - Barcelona block payments

There has been to decrease of pathetic, classless, insulting remarks from former Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his stupid, gluttonous agent Mino Raiola. To start with, the gangly Swede has used every breathe over the past few weeks and months to slander the Barcelona manager and his image.

He has repeatedly mocked Pep Guardiola calling him a "philosopher" - claiming he is no better than any other manager or player in the game - that he barely had anything to do with Barcelona's success. Just a few days ago, he told reporters that Guardiola thinks of himself as Ghandi. "He seems to think he invented Barcelona's style of play."

As if that wasn't enough, his agent joined the fray yesterday stating, "I think [Johan] Cruyff and Guardiola should go to a mental institution, shut their mouths, and play cards. They would be doing a great favor to Barcelona and the modern game."

Enough is enough. For all the bad blood and supposed bust-ups between manager and player, Ibra is long gone and has almost single-handedly carried AC Milan to the top of Serie A. Upon transferring to Milan, he and his agent made out like bandits with Barcelona's money. So why must they keep pestering and badgering?

There is no rational answer. And luckily, Barcelona Football Club have slammed their fists in response. In an official statement, the club defended their coach and, effective immediately, threw the book at Raiola:

Futbol Club Barcelona considers inadmissible the recent statements issued by Mino Raiola, which have attacked the honor and moral integrity of our manager, Pep Guardiola, and Mr. Johan Cruyff.

These statements have been published by the Swedish daily newspaper "Expressen" and widely reported by numerous agencies and international media.

In this regard, the Legal Department is considering legal action against Mr. Mino Raiola, including criminal proceedings.Taking effect immediately, FC Barcelona has blocked all outstanding payments to Mr. Raiola as per his contractual agreement with the club.

I do wish they had mentioned Ibrahimovic in here, but on second thought, that would only bring the club down to his level. Everyone in their right mind knows that the stupidity coming from Ibra's mouth is exactly that. He's the one looking like an ass. Raiola is a different story altogether - a businessman and an agent. He deserves everything the club has threatened him with.

WAG Wednesday Part 13 - Dorien Rose

And what a lucky 13 this is.

Barcelona recently secured the services of PSV Eindhoven captain, and Dutch international winger, Ibrahim Afellay. The 24 year brings creativity, skill, depth to Barcelona's depleted squad, and oh yeh, his okay looking girlfriend Dorien Rose.

The 27 year old former Dutch Playmate of the Year will turn plenty of heads on the streets of Barcelona. She also bears a striking resemblance to Angelina Jolie. Unfortunately, Jolie ain't no WAG so there's no place for her here.

If Afellay's impact on the sqaud is as good as his girlfriend's looks, Barcelona will be licking their chops for years to come.

Sporting Gijon supporters let loose on CR7

Over the weekend, Real Madrid traveled to Gijon for an anger fueled match after Gijon's manager Manolo Prediado called Mourinho a "scoundrel." And while Mourinho enjoyed the confines of an enclosed box seat after receiving a two match suspension, his players faced the most vile of vitriol from the supporters who packed El Molinón all evening.

Needless to say, Cristiano Ronaldo is not one of their favorites.

If you need more, right this way.

Don't give up on La Liga just yet

 
Only eleven matches in and the gap is six. Villarreal, with a chance to choose contender or pretender, were put to the sword by an emphatic Barcelona. Cynics would look at the result of that match without a blink of an eye and promote La Liga as a two horse race here on out. However, such people would be incredibly dumb to do so.

Those who watched can tell you it was probably the most artistic and technically gifted match of any played this season in Europe, or the rest of the world. The visitors matched their hosts in every facet of the game - high defensive lines to push forward, neat and tidy possession, wing play and attacking fullbacks. What they lacked, though no fault of their own, was the world class brilliance of Messi and Villa whose goals may go down as the best of the season.

With that in mind, don't be fooled by the final 3-1 tally. Villarreal taught us more in a loss than you would expect. And if you look ahead to the next few weeks, yesterday's match was but a prelude to the true deciders as to whether this league will be a two or three horse race.

Must see matches on the weekend

All eyes turn to Italy this weekend in what is a top heavy fixture list of massive encounters. Quite simply, all of the top six clubs will face each other (including the Milan derby), not to mention the Sicilian derby on Sunday. Not to sell the other leagues short, but aside from Serie A, there is really only one other match of note and that is in Spain where a true test of contender/pretender faces Villarreal. Inasmuch as I obviously support Barcelona, I'm sick of the two horse race and all the flack La Liga receives. Spain needs a Villarreal win or draw, and to be honest it would not be all that bad in my mind.

But hey, that's why they play the game. Buckle up for a roller coaster Italian style weekend:

A Veterans Day Tribute

So I'm a day late, relax. I was clearly just looking for the perfect story to honor the veterans of war and now I've got it:  The Amputee World Cup

This year's tournament was held in Argentina, and for the second straight year, Uzbekistan took home the championship. However, it is the English squad which included a number of men who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. After war, bloodshed, and missing limbs, these men are still able and motivated to compete in a sport that they love. It is truly a heroic and touching tale of human sacrifice and the strength of the human heart.






(Video courtesy of The Guardian)

Weekend Couch Guide

Saturday, November 13
7:30am Aston Villa vs Manchester United (ESPN2)
9:45am Wolfsburg vs Schalke 04 (ESPN Deportes)
10:00am Manchester City vs Birmingham City (FSC)
10:00am Tottenham vs Blackburn (FSC Plus)
12:00pm Fiorentina vs Cesena (FSC Plus)
12:30pm Stoke City vs Liverpool (FSC)
2:00pm Atletico Madrid vs Osasuna (GolTV)
2:30pm Juventus vs Roma (FSC)
4:00pm West Ham vs Blackpool(FSC Plus)
4:00pm Barcelona vs Villarreal (ESPN Deportes)
5:00pm Newcastle United vs Fulham - tape delay (FSC)
8:30pm Mainz vs Hannover - tape delay (GolTV)
9:30pm Colorado Rapids vs San Jose Earthquakes - MLS Eastern Conference Final (FSC)

Sunday, November 14
6:30am Lazio vs Napoli (FSC Plus)
8:30am AZ Alkmaar vs Ajax (ESPN Deportes)
9:00am Everton vs Arsenal (FSC Plus)
9:00am Palermo vs Catania (FSC)
11:00am Mallorca vs Deportivo La Coruña (ESPN Deportes)
11:00am Chelsea vs Sunderland (FSC)
11:00am Zaragoza vs Sevilla(GolTV)
1:00pm Sporting Gijon vs Real Madrid (GolTV)
2:30pm Inter Milan vs AC Milan (FSC)
3:00pm Valencia vs Getafe (ESPN Deportes)
3:00pm Olympique Lyonnais v Nice (FSC Plus)

Man love at the Manchester Derby

 

I can barely find the words to describe this. It looks like Carlito is looking for a pot of gold up Rio's ass. Or simply a way in...

Here's a side view:

El Clásico to be contested on a MONDAY

 
Barcelona, Real Madrid, and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have agreed to move El Clásico to Monday, November 29th. On Sunday, the originally scheduled date of the match, Catalan elections are set to be held, and the local authorities had reservations about security for both occasions (and getting people to vote). 

On the one hand, I completely understand why Barcelona did not want the game staged on Sunday. Although it would kick off around 10pm local time at the Camp Nou and polls would be long closed, there is the issue of security. At the stadium itself and around the city, there will be plenty of Madrileños aka targets for violence and vitriol. Security forces will need to be at their fullest capacity. The problem is, 10pm is around the time when results could come in. And even if they came in earlier, there is the issue of celebrations and election parties where security would also be necessary. Frankly, it's a logistical nightmare and the RFEF could ill afford risking a lax in security for one of the most heated derbies on Earth.

Then we have the RFEF itself who were, in my opinion, too weak to assert any influence here. We all know every decision made in this sport revolves around money, and nothing more. Not the supporters, not attendance levels, not the squads (and in some cases not even security). Money and revenue only. So how could the Federation allow the biggest, and most anticipated game on the planet, to be played on a workday?! When ratings will drop. When interest will dwindle. Catalans would have complained (or at least the candidates would have) were the game held on Sunday. And I doubt many people would have argued with their reasoning to do so. But the RFEF needs to do what is in the best interest of their league - a league with the potential to be the most exciting in Europe. This is their grand spectacle to the world, and most won't be able to watch.

You could say that having it on a Monday makes it even more engaging. They will have their own Clásico day. That's just crap though. Spain missed an opportunity here to reach a record number of televisions in every corner of the world. I can't think of a bigger inconvenience in history than this.

WAG Wednesday Part 12 - Gina Lisa Lohfink

I know you are probably thinking from the name and photo that Gina Lisa must be a porn star name. Okay, so she may have released a sex tape in 2008 and featured in Playboy. HOWEVER, Lisa is a former contestant on Germany's Next Top Model and a notorious serial WAG.

Her current conquest is VfB Stuttgart's Ivorian left back Arthur Boka.

Lucky bastard:

WAG Wednesday Part 11 - Melissa Castagnoli

Mario Ballotelli made his Premier League debut over the weekend with two goals and a red card. The Italian kicked out at an opponent prompting his marching orders, and a three match suspension which unfortunately rules him out of today's enormous derby with Manchester United.

In his absence over the next few weeks, it seems only fitting to feature his wonderfully adorable girlfriend today, Melissa Castagnoli. The 19 year old former Miss Italy finalist was once brutally attacked by another girl jealous of her looks, resulting in a broken nose and some bruises.


Looks like she found the right guy to prevent that from happening again any time soon.

A beautiful and unblemished Ms. Castagnoli after the jump:

Why England won't win Euro 2012

Tactics, formations, players, subs, starters, weather, opponents. You can dissect them all and still not find the main reason England will not succeed at the European Championships in 2012.

All you need is this:

More goalie blunders

Nobody wants to be a goalkeeper these days. Ever since Robert Green set the position on a tormenting downward spiral during the World Cup into levels of pathetic ineptitude we have not seen in years, other keepers appear to be falling down with him. From those bozos in Morocco, to Heurelho Gomes against Manchester United, to any keeper Arsenal has fielded, the blunders in the net have reached every corner of the globe.

I figured it would be easiest to condense some of these events, as they appear to take place every weekend in mass numbers. First up is another keeper getting too excited, too early. After watching his opponent lash the ball off the crossbar, the goalkeeper peeled away thanking the heavens. Little did he know, as apparently the penalty kick taker and the referee did, the ball ricocheted straight up into the air and bounced into the back of the net. His reaction upon realizing his mistake is priceless.



In Moldova, Edgars Gauračs (number 11) showed off his wily and cunning abilities for FC Sheriff Tiraspol. After his teammate missed a PK and the rebound, Gauračs quietly tip-toed out of the net, waiting for the keeper to get rid of the ball. Now, the goalie could have punted the ball instead of dropping it on the ground. He also could have LOOKED OVER HIS SHOULDER to make sure there were no stragglers behind him. Smart goalkeepers with awareness make that a habit like breathing.

You can imagine what happens next, Gauračs steals the ball immediately and slots home the goal.

Scouse in the City - Kim Cattrall attends Liverpool match

Once a scouse, always a scouse. Kim Cattrall, better known as Samantha Jones having more than plenty of sex in the city, re-embraced her childhood roots by attending the Liverpool vs Chelsea match over the weekend at Anfield.

Liverpool captain Stevie Gerrard invited Cattrall as his guest to sit in his private box, just in front of the skipper's bodacious blonde wife, Alex Curran. And while Curran undoubtedly recognized the Sex in the City star, I can assure you the feeling wasn't mutual. I guess making the back pages for prancing around in Gucci handbags with your children dressed in Louis Vuitton outfits is not breaking news outside of England.

You're probably unaware of the fact that Cattrall was born in Liverpool and promptly relocated with her family to Canada at 3 months. However, she returned at the age of 11 when her grandmother became ill, until departing once again at the age of 16. The year of her departure saw Liverpool win the English First Division and UEFA Cup, a nice sending off for the aspiring actress.

Scheduled to perform in a production of Antony and Cleopatra in Liverpool's Playhouse theater, Cattrall could be seen belting out the club's anthem, "You'll Never Walk Alone" both before and after the match. And rightfully so, as her club defeated league leading Chelsea 2-0 off two splendid Fernando Torres goals.

More photos of Kim's afternoon after the jump:

It's raining tennis balls in Switzerland!

We've seen protests in Greece by disgruntled supporters who resorted to vandalism and destruction of their own team's pitch to have games suspended or re-scheduled. Classless and pathetic to say the least. We've also seen supporters in Italy protest lunch time kick-offs by bringing packed lunches to the matches.

It appears the Swiss also have a knack for the creative and non-violent approach. On Sunday, Swiss television wished to broadcast the final of the Swiss indoor tennis tournament in addition to the match between FC Basel and FC Luzern, the top two teams in Switzerland's Super League. So, they moved the football match to an earlier than expected 12:45pm kick-off, much to the dismay of Basel fans.

Their response? Litter the field with tennis balls!! Ultras behind the goal heaved countless tennis balls onto the field, suspending the game for a few minutes until they were cleared.

You see? Lighting things on fire and trashing cities is not the only way to advertise your disgust and discontent. Sometimes a little humor goes a long way, and at the end of the day the Basel supporters left with a 90 minute equalizer to retain their lead atop the table, and no more balls for their mid-week tennis games at the gym.

Schweinsteiger's topless female doppelgänger

Germany's Bild is running a doppelgänger campaign for a number of players and managers both in Germany and the rest of Europe. Of them all, the above takes first prize.

Bastian Schweinsteiger has never been cast in such embarrassing light, or at least not since he bleached his hair white to resemble Paul Bettany as Silas in The Da Vinci Code. Nor has Schweiny been one to flatter the cameras either (probably why he clings to his girlfriend at every opportunity).

I just hope that isn't a picture of his mother from her college years as a free-spirited topless sunbather surrounded by storm troopers in motorcycle boots (don't worry - she's actually a woman on a postcard in Ithaca, Greece and a creepy farmer with a handlebar mustache looking down on her.)

Click here and scroll down for the rest of the doppelgängers (FYI - the above picture isn't censored on the site).

Facebook has spoken: Puyol will play until 40

 
About a month ago, reports claimed that Carles Puyol had confided in a friend that he would play until 40 if a Facebook group for the cause attracted 250,000 followers. Well, it appears the power of Facebook has succeeded once again.

As of today, November 5th, the group named Carles Puyol: "If this gets 250,000 I will retire at 40", has surpassed the benchmark and currently boasts 251,082 followers. Carles has not released an official statement as of yet, but Barcelona, Spanish, and giant hair supporters around the globe will be thrilled with the opportunity to watch the Rock of Gibraltar compete for another EIGHT years.

Why not? The guy still plays at an extremely high level and his partnership with Pique has grown exponentially in a relatively short period of time. He does not appear to be slowing, nor has Guardiola ceased to put him at right back when needed. It's safe to assume that Facebook or not, Puyol probably anticipated playing a few more seasons as long as injuries did not get in the way (and he has been pretty healthy over the past few years).

I attribute his endurance to Malena Costa - his young brand new, super hot girlfriend.

Must see matches of the weekend

We've got a few derbies of note coming up. Midweek European hangovers will surely be in effect, taking the bite out of a number of clubs over the weekend (put ALL your money on Bolton to defeat Tottenham). Most people may see this weekend as simply a layover before the colossal tussle between Manchester United and Manchester City on Wednesday.

But don't sell it short! There is plenty of action you cannot miss over the next two days so let's get right into it starting with Liverpool and Chelsea.

Weekend Couch Guide

Saturday, November 6
8:30am Bolton vs Tottenham (ESPN2)
10:40am Borussia Monchengladbach vs. Bayern Munich - joined in progress (ESPN Deportes)
11:00am Manchester United vs Wolverhampton (FSC)
11:00am Fulham vs Aston Villa (FSC Plus)
1:00pm Sunderland vs Stoke City - tape delay (FSC)
1:00pm Bologna vs Lecce (FSC Plus)
3:00pm Real Sociedad vs Racing Santander (GolTV)
3:30pm Inter Milan vs Brescia (GolTV)
4:00pm Borussia Monchengladbach vs. Bayern Munich - tape delay (ESPN Deportes)
5:00pm Blackpool vs Everton - tape delay (FSC Plus)
10:00pm Real Salt Lake vs FC Dallas - Western Conference Semifinal Leg 2 (FSC)

Sunday, November 7
6:30am Fiorentina vs Chievo (FSC Plus)
8:30am Arsenal vs Newcastle United (FSC Plus)
8:30am FC Utrecht vs. PSV Eindhoven (ESPN Deportes)
9:00am Lazio vs Roma (FSC)
11:00am Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao (GolTV)
11:00am Liverpool vs Chelsea (FSC)
11:00am Levante vs. Deportivo La Coruña (ESPN Deportes)
12:30pm Cardiff City vs Swansea City- tape delay (FSC Plus)
1:00pm Getafe vs. Barcelona (ESPN Deportes)
1:00pm Stuttgart vs Werder Bremen - tape delay (GolTV)
2:30pm Palermo vs Genoa (FSC)
3:00pm Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid (GolTV)
3:00pm Paris Saint-Germain vs Marseille (FSC Plus)
5:00pm West Brom vs Manchester City- tape delay (FSC)
9:00pm Seattle Sounders FC vs. LA Galaxy - Western Conference Semifinal Leg 2 (ESPN)

Top 30 U-21 Players

A Portuguese football finance company has released its list of the top 30 players under 21 years of age, and their minimum/maximum value. Many of you may think these numbers are low, but you've simply been brainwashed by the inflated and astronomical transfers fees we've seen over the past two years. I give a lot of credit to this company who gave an honest estimate on these players' worth - especially for kids no older than 21.

There are also a number of surprising names missing from this list, but after looking it over, a majority of the players who made the list have been performing at a high level for some time on both the club and international level. So in some ways you can reduce the list of names not on this list if looking at those credentials only.

Either way, think what you will of it. Here's a quick breakdown followed by the list itself:

How many more screw ups before replay is introduced?

As Pippo Inzaghi started his run, I screamed at Gattuso to get rid of the ball and play him through. Whether he didn't see his teammate or simply thought the ball would never reach the Pippo is anyone's guess. Regardless, when he finally released the ball, I got up to go to the bathroom as he had missed the opportunity and Inzaghi was visibly two yards offsides. Next thing I know, the commentator is screaming "Goooool" on my television screen - Milan had taken the lead.

CR7 is a disgrace to this sport

"Who is the best player on the planet: Messi or Ronaldo?"

You can produce volumes upon volumes of text debating this very topic. It is a question of football philosophy and personal preference. I will not attempt to defend one man against the other here (although my response should be quite obvious to you). What I will do, however, is expose the degenerate and disgusting aspect of Cristiano Ronaldo's game which should make any proper football fan loathe him.

There are plenty of athletes throughout sports who are cancers - Terrell Owens and Albert Haynesworth in the NFL, Manny Ramirez in baseball, Sean Avery in hockey. They are all excellent talents and add a competitive advantage to whichever team they play for. What they have in common though, is that all (or at least 95%) of the headaches they cause are off the field or on the sideline. When they have a chance to prove their doubters wrong, they enter the fray and give their all.

Ronaldo falls into a different category, which makes him a pathetic human being. His ability is mesmerizing. I'll give him that. But to give up on plays - to CHEAT the game itself by feinting injury and collapsing like a heap of bricks from the slightest of contact is an issue that will forever cement him as the second best player in the world. I don't care what happens during halftime, or in the dugout, or at a night club. But when you step on that pitch, and 10 other guys are relying on you to be an honest player and make the best decisions for the team, you owe it to them to act in an upstanding manner.

He is an unprofessional primma donna who attracts more viewers than any player on the planet, and conversely plays into the very reason most people hate the sport.

Yellow cards are given for diving. Why not the above clip? The minute Ronaldo gets up and reveals he is unblemished in an attempt to deceive the referee, give him a card!! No medic, no stretcher, no blood, no magic spray, no limp. Nothing. He is trying to cheat the ref and the game. That is a card-able offense.

Say what you will about his shooting, and speed, and sexy looks, and stepovers (which get him nowhere 90% of the time). The bottom line is, he is a disgrace to football. Lifting a Balon d'Or and being nominated for the most prestigious awards year after year carries with it an expectation of professionalism. The poster boy of the sport, should act in a way that reflects the dignity of the sport.

He doesn't. And he should never earn your respect.

UCL Matchday 4 Day 2 Top Goals

They may not be the best goals you've ever seen, and there may not be very many, but they were tops for the day. Only three made the cut:

WAG Wednesday Part 10 - Abbey Clancy

One of my favorites, Abigail Rose "Abbey" Clancy is a luxurious lingerie model and quite the eye popper. She is currently carrying what I can only imagine is a gumby-like figure in her stomach as she and fiance Peter Crouch are expecting a child in March. Crouch is that gangly a-hole who cheated on Abbey a few months ago with some extremely ugly tramps. Forgetting for a moment that they were ugly, why on earth would he ever cheat on her?!?! Some guys would part with limbs just to get an hour with her in the bedroom (although that might be a littttle too extreme even for me).

But hey, this column is not meant to judge character flaws and commitment issues - just bodies. So as far as Abbey is concerned, she gets an A++.

Pep Guardiola and Stale Solbakken almost come to blows

I love my manager - one of the classiest and humble perfectionists on the planet, who always takes the high road and never gets mired in the childlike banter many managers employ. However last night, Guardiola's patience reached its breaking point as the Barcelona manager confronted FC Copengan's Stale Solbakken in a very heated exchange that almost got physical. Apparently, Guardiola was pissed at Solbakken for attempting to infringe on the Barcelona man's unflappable sense of style - shaved head and stubble, scarf, tapered coat, tie, and vest. It is a look that sends shivers down my spine every time I see Pep on the sideline. However, the Copenhagen man wears it with a little less class and sets an extremely bad example for that look...

Okay, I only wish that was the issue at hand. But in all seriousness, Solbakken had made a number of remarks before the match in reference to José Manuel Pinto, the Barcelona keeper suspended two matches by UEFA for unsportsmanlike conduct after he imitated the referee's whistle to stop a Copenhagen player from advancing on a break-away, who thought the ref blew for offsides and stopped playing. In an unprecedented scene in the career of one of the quieter managers, Pep stood up for his man.

(Details of the exchange and the video after the jump)

UCL Matchday 4 Day 1 Top Goals

 
Highlighting the best goals from Tuesday's Champions League action. Not too shabby.

Stop, drop, and roll

Over the years, we've witnessed some jaw dropping spectacles on the field. From goal celebrations, to pre-match rituals, to violent confrontations among players and/or fans, the sport has produced moments etched in history which leave every viewer wondering, "what the fuck just happened?!"

This video, for me, could very well be my top "wtf" moment (it's a close contest with toothbrush guy from the Chelsea match).

In a match televised around the world, Lisen battled Jihlava B in an epic Czech 3rd division tussle. Already up 3-0, the Lisen players decided to add a little fun to their romp. As one of the center-backs booted the ball in the air, someone on the sidelines screamed out "Kotoul," or "roll" at which point the entire team dropped into a forward roll.

Granted this was a 3rd division match, the stunt was actually somewhat humorous, and I would imagine most of the players are part time professionals. However, as an opponent, I would have pummeled every player on the Lisen squad - both on the field and in the dugout. There is a certain level of respect that this game warrants, and the Lisen players showed none. It's one thing to celebrate a goal while the game is stopped. But during the run of play?! They deserved a proper ass kicking.

U-S-A!! U-S-A!!

It was a great weekend to be an American playing football abroad. Marcus Hahnemann helped Wolves secure only their second victory of the season in a shocker against Manchester City. It should be noted that of City's 19 shots, only two were on goal - and one of those got past him. Either way, Hahnemann gets a victory no matter how many stops he made.

Now to Craven Cottage where the most in-form American can't stop scoring. Clint Dempsey netted a brace in Fulham's 2-0 over Wigan. He has now tallied four goals this season, and very much on pace to better his total of seven all of last season. I would imagine a number of Americans cringed at the sight of Dempsey's embrace with Carlos Salcido. The Mexican international frustrated Wigan all game, wreaking havoc down the left side and setting up Dempsey's first. For what it's worth, this pair could be extremely menacing for opponents going forward. Highlights of both goals right this way.

One of the continent's big matches took place in Belgium as league leaders Racing Genk hosted second place Anderlicht. And wouldn't you know, Sacha Kljestan opened the scoring for the visitors with a poacher's goal. Kljestan signed a four year deal with the Belgian champions and has scored twice in five appearances (the first came in his debut for the club). Sacha's goal here.

MORE goals from Maurice Edu, and luckily not for the other team. The Rangers man put the home side up 1-0 against Inverness Caledonian Thistle (arguably the best name of any team on the planet). Edu showed great composure rifling the ball on the volley past the goalkeeper. Perhaps the best of all the American goals this weekend.

And although it was midweek, we should give Jozy Altidore a shout-out. The big striker who has struggled to impress anywhere in the past year finally scored for Villarreal in a Copa del Rey match. Playing time has been sparse for Altidore with his New Jersey counterpart Giuseppe Rossi and Nilmar being the preferred strikers. Let's hope this goal is the start of something good for him.

And while we are on the subject of American goals, remember when Landon scored that winner in the World Cup? This montage never gets old.

Beach. Football. Women.

A nice little video to take you into the weekend. The title pretty much explains everything you need to know.

Happy Halloween to you all!





(Thanks to The Spoiler for the video)

Halloween hell - a torrent weekend of must see matches

WHAT. A. WEEKEND. AHEAD. Tricks and treats for everyone. After what was a rather boring weekend of football last week, the next two days are sure to be memorable in many respects: Two of the most famous and fiercely contested derbies in England. One of the most fiercely contested derby in Europe. Five - that's right - five top leagues will see #1 face #2. Pretenders will attempt to stake their claim as contenders.

Have I wet your appetite enough? Sit back and lick your chops as we preview the matches that will set this weekend alight.

Let's start with in the top leagues:

Weekend Couch Guide

Friday, October 29
2:30pm Bayern Munich vs Freiburg (GolTV)
2:30pm Genoa vs Inter Milan (FSC Plus)

Saturday, October 30
9:30am Wolfsburg vs Stuttgart (GolTV)
10:00am Blackburn vs Chelsea (ESPN2)
10:00am Arsenal vs West Ham (FSC)
10:00am Wolverhampton vs Manchester City (FSC Plus)
12:00pm Valencia vs Zaragoza (ESPN Deportes)
12:00pm Roma vs Lecce (FSC Plus)
12:30pm Manchester United vs Tottenham (FSC)
2:00pm Hercules vs Real Madrid (GolTV)
2:30pm AC Milan vs Juventus (FSC)
4:00pm Barcelona vs Sevilla (ESPN Deportes)
5:00pm FC Dallas vs Real Salt Lake - Western Conference Semifinal (FSC) 
6:00pm PSV Eindhoven vs FC Twente - tape delay (ESPN Deportes)
7:30pm Everton vs Stoke City - tape delay (FSC)
8:00pm Fulham vs Wigan - tape delay (FSC Plus)

Sunday, October 31
7:30am Palermo vs Lazio (FSC Plus)
9:30am Newcastle United vs Sunderland (FSC Plus)
10:00am Brescia vs Napoli (FSC)
11:30am Aston Villa vs Birmingham - tape delay (FSC Plus)
12:00pm Deportivo La Coruña vs Espanyol (ESPN Deportes)
12:00pm Bolton vs Liverpool (FSC)
12:00pm Sporting Gijon vs Villarreal (GolTV)
2:00pm Mainz vs. Borussia Dortmund - tape delay (ESPN Deportes)
2:00pm Atletico Madrid vs Almeria (GolTV)
3:30pm Catania vs Fiorentina (FSC)
4:00pm Montpellier vs Paris Saint-Germain (FSC Plus)
4:00pm Hoffenheim vs Hannover 96 (GolTV)

Most lucrative shirt sponsorships in Europe

UK based SPORT+MARKT has released its 12th annual European Football Jersey Report - evaluating and ranking the most lucrative shirt sponsorships in Europe for the current season. Not surprisingly, the Premier League regained first place over Germany while Spain, arguably the most indebted of the big leagues in Europe, sits in fifth. Such deals may not solve all your problems, but they serve as a vital source of revenue for certain clubs. These numbers should also come as a warning to certain leagues (ahem - Spain) that they may need to try a bit harder in order to garner enthusiasm and worldwide popularity, or face perilous economic decisions.

Top revenue generating leagues:

1. English Premier League- €128 million (€83.5 million last year)
2. German Bundesliga - €118.5 million (€108.6 million last year)
3. Italian Serie A - €65.9 million (the only league to record a revenue drop)
4. French Ligue 1 - €58.8 million
5. Spanish La Liga - €57.5 million (€48.6 million last year)


6. Dutch Eredivisie - €42 million

Top revenue generating clubs:

1. Manchester United and Aon - €23.6 million
2. Liverpool and Standard Chartered bank - €23.6 million
3. Real Madrid and Bwin - €23 million
4. Bayern Munich and Deutsche Telekom - €22 million
5. Chelsea and Samsung -  - €16.3 million

More food for thought:

- La Liga - why are you so dumb?! On the one hand, the Spanish currently sit atop the world and european football thrones so why the pressure to do more? However, their period of greatness will soon dissipate and reality will set in. Barcelona, the most popular team on the planet at the moment, is in serious debt and has never worn a sponsor until 2006. However, Barcelona pays UNICEF to the tune of €1.5 million a year. It is inexcusable for La Liga to sit in 5th position. 

- Lazio and Fiorentina, two of the bigger clubs in Italy, do not have sponsorship deals.

- Getafe is still sponsored by Burger King.

The curse of goalkeeping in North Africa

What is it with North African goalkeepers? Are they all really this dumb? Remember Khalid Askri of FAR Rabat? The keeper for the Moroccan club side celebrated stopping a penalty kick a bit too early, and then realized the ball rolled into the net behind him. A few weeks later, Askri tried dribbling away from a defender only to have the ball tackled directly into the net. He subsequently took himself out of the game in a fury.

Now, a new keeper wishes to top the list of bonehead plays.

Nadim Thabet, goalkeeper for Étoile Sportive du Sahel in Tunisia, decided on his own that the ball went over the end-line. Little did he know it was still in play, and upon retrieving a new ball from behind the net for a goal kick, he realized his blunder. Luckily, one of his defenders heroically defended the empty net and prevented Thabet from being tarred and feathered in the town square afterwards.

I think Arsene Wenger has found the right place to ship off every pathetic goalkeeper he's had since Lehmann.

WAG Wednesday Part 9 - Michela Quattrociocche

This adorable 21 year old was only recently granted permission to drink booze in the United States, although I'm sure Alberto Aquilani bought her plenty before that point. Luckily for Michela, Alberto has been loaned out to Juventus this season so she need not worry about spending the year in beautiful and picturesque Liverpool.

A Mediterranean climate and a Mediterranean diet for a tight Mediterranean body:

Platini claims goal-line technology will lead to "PlayStation football"

Michel Platini is an idiot. Plain and simple. His remarks regarding the use of goal-line are completely irrational inasmuch as they are rooted in a prehistoric mentality that football has been, and always should be decided by human error. Platini told the Scottish FA's website on a visit to Glasgow that should FIFA initiate the use of video replay, "then we will have PlayStation football."

Platini believes that two extra officials on the end line are more than enough to assist the referees. He continued:

"The referee has to be helped by the clubs, the fans, by players, by the media and also by the authorities – everyone has a responsibility. It is why we have added two assistants for Champions League games this season. It is a logical step with so many cameras that can pick up incidents: the more eyes there are to assist the referee, the better the chance of spotting those incidents."

Did anyone else not catch the bullshit here? The "logical step" with such advanced and extensive video capabilities is to add another referee?! If it is the duty of everyone to help the referees, shouldn't we allow video evidence to prevent their screw-ups, which sometimes lead to death threats and violent reprisals by fans?!

In Memorium - Paul the Octopus 2008-2010

Since Paul never had a chance to complete his will, please help determine what should be done with him by answering the question above.

Are or you're an asshole, you can start following Maradona on Twitter who supposedly wrote "I'm glad you're dead" in response to Paul's passing.

WAG Wednesday Part 8 - Sarah Brandner

Here's another one of those head-scratchers. With all do respect to the abilities of Bastian Schweinsteiger who is a phenomenal player, the bleached hair and his overall gentlemanly look don't really flatter. And yet, he has dated the very sensual, blonde bombshell Sarah Brandner for some time.

She looks good in pictures with him. She looks good at World Cup matches. She looks even BETTER double fisting two beers at World Cup matches. I guess you could say, she's pretty good looking.

Barcelona arrives in style

About a month ago, I mind-numbingly outlined the issues surrounding Barcelona's predicament in traveling to Ceuta for today's Copa del Rey match. Ceuta, as you may or may not know, sits on the northern tip of Africa across the Straight of Gibralter. Well after a quick flight south, they chose the most flamboyant of means of transportation. Like kings, the team crossed the Straight in a helicopter and landed at their own little helipad.

Hey, when you're the best, you deserve the best.

Sociedad players celebrate in a car

Move over Stjarnan - there's a new sheriff in town taking goal celebrations to the next level. Real Sociedad, mired in relegation, took an easy three points off pathetic Deportivo la Coruna on Monday, and in the process produced a celebration to be remembered.

Already up 1-0, Antoine Griezmann headed home Sociedad's second and immediately ran to the meaningless running track behind the goal. Awaiting him was a car on display with doors ajar. Once the rest of the carpool arrived, everyone jumped in for a scene straight out of the Flinstones.

You must credit the creativity, as I'm sure these players are aware of the cars sitting back there every match. It would have been nice if he threw it into neutral and took the car for a nice 10 foot joy ride. Although from the looks of it, Griezmann is not the most relaxed behind the wheel.

Chinese cartoons of Liverpool

You gotta love the Chinese. Check out their cartoon rendition of Gillett and Hicks' takeover of Liverpool, its demise, and eventual sale.

Weekend Couch Guide

 
Friday, October 22
2:30pm Hamburg vs Bayern Munich (ESPN Deportes)

Saturday, October 23
7:30am Tottenham vs Everton (ESPN2)
9:30am Borussia Monchengladbach vs Werder Bremen (GolTV)
10:00am Chelsea vs Wolverhampton (FSC)
10:00am Sunderland vs Aston Villa (FSC Plus)
12:00pm Zaragoza vs Barcelona (GolTV)
12:30pm West Ham vs Newcastle (FSC)
2:00pm Real Madrid vs Racing Santander (ESPN Deportes)
2:30pm Fiorentina vs Bari (FSC)
4:00pm Valencia vs Mallorca (GolTV)
5:00pm West Brom vs Fulham - tape delay (FSC)
6:00pm Birmingham vs Blackpool - tape delay (FSC)

Sunday, October 24
6:30am Parma vs Roma (FSC Plus)
8:30am Stoke City vs Manchester United (FSC)
8:30am PSV Eindhoven vs Feyenoord (ESPN Deportes)
9:00am Bologna vs Juventus (FSC Plus)
11:00am Manchester City vs Arsenal (FSC)
11:00am Almeria vs Hercules (ESPN Deportes)
1:00pm Sevilla vs Athletic Bilbao(GolTV)
2:30pm Inter Milan vs Sampdoria (FSC)
3:00pm Lille vs Marseille (FSC Plus)
3:00pm Villarreal vs Atlético Madrid (ESPN Deportes)
5:00pm Liverpool vs Blackburn - tape delay (FSC)
5:00pm Bayer Leverkusen vs Mainz- tape delay (GolTV)

Rooney isn't making many friends

United fans were none too pleased to hear of their star striker's intention to leave the club, and made their opinions known last night.

UCL Matchday 3, Day 2 Top Goals

After Tuesday's display, one would think the bar was set a bit high for the best goals of the week. However, yesterday saw a bit more finesse and technique which, for the purists like myself, are just as impressive as thunderous volleys.

Not to mention one of the most impressive hat tricks you will ever see on this level:

Turkish Airlines unveils Manchester United in-flight entertainment

Flying Turkish Airlines just got MUCH cooler.

WAG Wednesday Part 7 - Malena Costa

We're kicking it Spanish WAG style today. Next up - Malena Costa, the charming and adorable girlfriend of one of the most unattractive men in the game today - Carles Puyol. Don't get me wrong, I love the guy for everything he has given to Barcelona. But you can't argue with the evidence: here, here, and here.

But who cares what I think? As they say, looks aren't everything. It's obviously about fame and fortune and sugar daddies, of which Puyol can boast all three characteristics.

Whatever you do Carles, don't let this chick get away:

Four players drugged by rival opponents

I've heard of fans sabotaging their own stadiums, or attacking team buses before and after the match. But this recent development trumps them all by a long shot. Sport Áncash faced off against Acosvinchos in the Peruvian Second Division in a crucial promotion match, and the visitors made sure their local rivals didn't gain an advantage to reach the top tier of Peruvian football. It appears that the kit-men dropped sleeping pills into a number of water bottles, causing four Acosvinchos players to collapse unconscious during the match. Sport Áncash went on to win 3-0 and secure promotion.

Upon further testing at the hospital, doctors confirmed the presence of a drug causing a neurological condition that decreases a person's level of consciousness (aka sleeping pills). Acosvinchos directors are demanding an investigation and the match forfeited in their favor.

Sport Áncash president Pepe Mallqui responded with his own interpretation that a big meal before the match caused the players to collapse:

"They ate barbecued chicken with spices and ended up taking indigestion tablets afterwards. I'm sure these four men fainted because of that and the physical effort they put in."

Just like Alberto Contador tested positive for performance enhancing drugs because of bad meat?

Give me a break. Blaming spicy chicken, a players' digestive track, and lack of fitness as a triumvirate triple conspiracy is one of the worst excuses I've ever heard. They should replay the match, but have both teams stuff their faces with a BBQ chicken buffet beforehand. You know, level the playing field a bit.

WAG Wednesday Part 6 - Zaira Nara

Zaira Nara is an Argentine model and the girlfriend of Atletico Madrid's Diego Forlan - a guy with 123 goals in his last 212 club appearances. A guy with at least 16 goals in each of the past four seasons. Needless to say he's got the goods, and deserves the goods that come with being a superstar.

In fact, the contract of their relationship requires him to score double digit goals each season or else she'll ditch him for a more prolific scorer. Don't you just hate high maintenance chicks?

I guess I can make an exception for her based on the following:

UCL Matchday 3, Day 1 Top Goals

If you're seeking delicate footwork, finesse, or sleek interplay, look elsewhere. The best of yesterday's goals had a common theme - violence and power. Thunderous volleys from set pieces. Thunderous volleys from the field of play. And the poor goalies left helpless in their wake.

Video evidence after the jump:

Kick to the nuts gets 4 match suspension

Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Juan Arango has been suspended four matches after kicking Hoffenheim's Sejad Salihović over the weekend. A deserved straight red and an even more deserved suspension.

But just watch Salihović. The kick doesn't even hurt him!! After impact, he remains on his feet unharmed until falling like a sack of bricks a few seconds later. Arango knows it too.

So either Salihović wore a chastity belt or he's got no balls. Pretty pathetic either way.

Fat Ronaldo returns with a BANG

Fat Ronaldo, sidelined with an injury and incessant trips to McDonalds, held a press conference yesterday to announce his intentions of returning to the field for Corinthians this weekend.

At the conclusion of his remarks, Ronaldo lit a smoke bomb on stage with a little shit-smirk on his face. He later explained, "It was given to me by a comedian. I play poorly, and then disappear into the mist."

Well that sure is promising for Corinthians fans. The guy is already making his own jokes about how bad he'll be when he returns to the field! Unfortunately for Ronaldo, he may need a little bit more than smoke to make his plump frame disappear. Something more along the lines of fruits and vegetables might do...

Matches you can't miss this weekend

Club football is finally back!!  After a rather dreadful international break which would have been even worse had the Liverpool saga not entertained us, clubs finally return to the trenches for battle. There are two monster affairs taking place this weekend which you surely cannot miss. We begin, of course, with the biggest monster of them all on Merseyside.

EVERTON VS LIVERPOOL (Sunday, 8:30am Fox Soccer Plus)
Could the gods have set this up any better for us? As Liverpool trudge along with the sale of the club to NESV, which should go through today, they must now prepare themselves for their most bitter of rivals across Stanley Park. Throw out the record books this Sunday - previous head-to-head encounters mean nothing. Performances this season mean nothing since both teams stink. Who would have thought this match would be a relegation 6 pointer? Liverpool sit in the drop zone while Everton, who are even on points but enjoy a better goal differential, lie one spot ahead of their rivals in 16th. It's safe to say Everton are much better than their record would tell you, since they begin every season terribly. Liverpool on the other hand are as bad as their record shows. Most of their transfer acquisitions over the summer have been duds and Torres cannot remain healthy. And after all the anti-American vitriol spewed from the mouths of Liverpool supporters, they finally got their wish and now must turn all their attention to the field. Unfortunately, new owners won't bring them out of this relegation fight any time soon. Prediction: 2-1 Everton

BARCELONA VS VALENCIA (Sunday, 12:00pm ESPN Deportes)
The league leaders are coming to town...and it's not Barcelona. Yup, Valencia have defied every preseason prediction after losing the spine of their club, and sit top of the table with an unblemished away record to boast. Meanwhile, things are not very rosy in the Camp Nou. Xavi is expected to miss this match while David Villa is trying to stay healthy ahead the reunion with his old club. Their home form has been dreadful to say the least, 1-1-1. While many people would say this is one of those games where Barcelona is prime for the taking, I would have to completely disagree. We have seen all too often over the past few years in any competition that when Barcelona need to win, they produce the kind of performance that squashes any doubt of who is the best team on the planet. Sunday will be one of those days (or at least it needs to be!) Prediction: 2-0 Barcelona


MAINZ VS HAMBURG (Saturday, 9:30am)
The hosts and surprising league leaders go for history tomorrow. A win would be eight in eight, a new record for the Bundesliga. Aside from that, Mainz are a very entertaining side to watch and have one of the most lively and energetic managers of any club in Europe.

AC MILAN VS CHIEVO (Saturday, 12:00pm Fox Soccer Plus) 
An interesting match as 4th place Milan host 5th place Chievo. With the superstars peppering the Milan roster, any match of theirs is must see theater. But they have yet to look convincing since the arrivals of Ibrahimovic and Robinho. This will be a great litmus test for how good Milan truly are.


SCHALKE VS STUTTGART (Saturday, 9:30am)
A battle of the losers for teams that finished 2nd and 6th respectively last season. They now occupy the very bottom of the Bundesliga table. Let's just hope one, if not both of these teams can turn it around.

Weekend Couch Guide

Friday, October 15
2:00pm Cologne vs Dortmund (GolTV)

Saturday, October 16
9:30am Bayern Munich vs Hannover (GolTV)
10:00am Arsenal vs Birmingham (FSC)
10:00am Fulham vs Tottenham (FSC+)
10:00am Manchester United vs West Brom (ESPN2)
12:00pm AC Milan vs Chievo (FSC+)
12:00pm Atletico Madrid vs Getafe (GolTV)
12:30pm Aston Villa vs Chelsea (FSC)
2:00pm Barcelona vs Valencia (ESPN Deportes)
2:30pm Roma vs Genoa (FSC)
3:50pm Malaga vs Real Madrid (GolTV)
4:00pm Wolverhampton vs West Ham (FSC+)
8:30pm Newcastle vs Wigan - tape delay (FSC)

Sunday, October 17
2:00am Gold Coast United vs Adelaide United (FSC)
6:30am Cagliari vs Inter Milan (FSC+)
8:30am Everton vs Liverpool (FSC+)
8:30am Willem II vs PSV Eindhoven (ESPN Deportes)
9:00am Juventus vs Lecce (FSC)
11:00am Blackpool vs Manchester City (FSC)
11:00am Deportivo La Coruña vs Osasuna (ESPN Deportes)
11:30am Hoffenheim vs Borussia Monchenglasbach (GolTV)
1:00pm Athletic Bilbao vs Real Zaragoza (ESPN Deportes)
2:30pm Bari vs Lazio (FSC)
3:00pm Sporting Gijon vs Sevilla (GolTV)
3:00pm Lyon vs Lille (FSC+)

Chile's 33 miners finally taste freedom - so who do they all support?

Unless you're an idiot living in a dark hole, you probably heard the miraculous news out of Chile as all 33 miners were finally brought to the surface after two months and nine days underground. Well, now that they are healthy and free, it's back to the pub on weekends to watch their clubs compete in the Chilean Primera División. Who do they all support? I thought you'd never ask.