dash dot dash

Christ Almighty. Having faced one of the most humiliating defeats of the last few years (the last was a 5-0 hammering by the Abramovichless Chelsea back in 2000), my worst fear has become a reality. In fact, both of them.

United fell behind extremely early yesterday after 4 minutes to a Gallas header which should have been dealt with ages before Gallas got to the ball. We dominated the first half up to that point, but typically failed to find the net. The consecuences of this was dire. Chelsea struck twice in the second half and twisting the knife, saw off Rooney injured in the 82nd minute after a 50-50 challenge with Ferreira. And when you see Rooney stay down after a challenge, you have to be worried. Sadly the post-match commentary which suggested that Ronney's injury wasnt bad as first thought were dashed by the news that Wayne has indeed broken his metatarsal (some bone in the foot). My worst footballing week has become a reality.

After the news that Scolari snubbed the England offer due to extreme incompetence by the FA's behalf and the usual suicide actions of the press (thanks boys), I had to endure the humiliation of a 3-0 defeat at S Bridge which could have dire implications to United's title challege next season. Of course the fears I had of Rooney being injured before the world cup had to become a reality. And if he does stay out for 6 weeks as first predicted, England will have to squeeze themselves through the group stages and hope boy wonder will recover in time. With England's world class substitute strikers on disposal (Peter "dazzling skills, quick feet and a Brazilian touch" Crouch, Darren Bent who played 1 game for England and f*cked up, and Jermain "Spur's sub" Defoe (I'd pick him to replace Rooney though) , I must say I can't wait to see the Trinidadians, Paraguayans and Swedes quake in their boots.

Infadels

I saw The Infadels yesterday on TV when my mind cast back to Melkweg 3 weeks earlier. Having wanted to watch London Calling (a 2 day mini festival in Amsterdam featuring the best British indie bands) and failing to do so as we ran out of tickets (quite predictable knowing my sense of urgency for these kinds of things) and had to settle for an audience with The Infadels at the Melkweg.

As it was my (our) first visit to Melkweg ( a celebrated rock venue in Amsterdam), we were excpecting something special. Yet not me nor my other companions knew anything about the band and I wish it stayed that way. I cannot even define their genre, some indie-dance thing I suppose. They certainly started that way with Talking Heads/Franz F dancabilly tracks albeit with much less musical excitement and an annoying lead singer to boot! Their songs were catchy...for 10 minutes..before the lack of variety and the cat calls took over. Well, at least I got to see Melweg!

The English FA

The decision of whose going to replace Sven-Goran as the next England manager is really driving me mental. But the whole escapade on whether the coach has to be English or not is really blown out of proportion. This is just as annoying as the Arsenal debate (where they often fail to field a single English player). It definitely reminds me of yobs (English, Indonesian, Dutch, you name it) who complain that "all the foreigners are taking all our jobs". Jesus H, surely if these players/coaches are worth their salt, they could compete with the talent coming from abroad. If you're good enough, you'll make the squad, if not, you dont. Its as simple as that.

With regards to Scolari, I definitely think he's the strongest candidate we have. McLaren would be my second option (only because he assisted Fergie and has the most European experience than the rest). But Scolari is my first option because he is definitely the best candidate and has the best CV. He won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 (an yes, he did actually improve them as Brazil almost didn't qualify for the tournament), took Portugal to the final of Euro 2004 and has had success as a club manager in his native land. The downside he has is his English which isn't perfect. But hey, isn't football a universal language anyway? And despite what the press say, his being South American I recon would add to England's style of play which hasn't changed since 1923.

Well thats Sunderland taken care of then?

Dear oh dear. Looks like this is the end of the road for this season. I dont see Chelski losing 3 more matches (the first being against Bolton, the second against United and hopefully a third against Blackburn and/or Newcastle). United are 6 points behind Chelski now (pre-chelsea kick off) and I cant seem to find the words to describe yesterday's match. Needing 1 goal badly, it just wasnt to be. Sunderland defended like their lives depended on it (quite true actually) and played like an Italian side destined for relegation. In fact, the more I write about this the more annoyed I become. There is still a glimmer of hope, and it has to start with Chelsea losing today.

A potentially Good Friday

It was barely 6 days ago that United played the Gooners at Old Trafford and displayed the best football United have played for the whole season. Rooney was instrumantal and his performances over the last 2 years have hopefully squenched my friend's perception that Rooney will end up as another Owen. He would have to keep up those standards and more if united are to overtake chelski in the premiership. However, even more important is Rooney's stance as a player that chelsea dont have. A semi God-like player (although not to the full Ronaldinho standards) but an unpredictable player sadly lacking in the English game.

As optimists go, I've had a feeling Chelski were catchable after they were toyed around by Barça in the Champions League and I think they havent felt the same since. Not only was that game the first time Chelsea have been made fools out of themselves (not to mention Jose's antics) but the public have turned against them and....wait for it....support United to overtake Chelsea in the Prem. Dont know if Jose and his rentboys can handle that, hope not.

Nevertheless this Friday is the start of the final putsch where we play Sunderland who are destined for relegation and Chelsea play Bolton the next day. As Fergie has pointed out, Chelski face a good hiding with a very technical and physical Bolton side. Coming from Gt. Manchester, I hope the Boltonians keep up their ambitions to finish in the UEFA cup zone and try and fold Chelski tomorrow. With Fergie concentrating all his mind games on Chelsea failing at Bolton, I hope United finish their part of the bargain today and wrap up the 3 points agains Pompey so I can start being nervous watching Chelsea's progress on soccernet.

updates from Rotterdam

Have been dying to write about my eventful 6 day vacation and how United have cut Chelsea's lead down to 7 points (from 18 points last month!!) but alas that will have to follow soon, got sh*t loads to do since coming back to my internship..do stand by for further information