American filmmaker Jeffery Plunket is making a documentary following American coach Bob Bradley as he coaches the Egyptian National Team. The documentary, called We The Pharaohs, is about the teams qualification for the 2014 World Cup, but also about the recent uprising and riots in the country. The Pharaohs haven't qualified for a World Cup in 20 years.
Link to original Grantland article:
http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/35645/we-the-pharaohs-a-new-doc-chronicling-bob-bradleys-time-in-egypy
Link to website:
http://wethepharaohs.com/
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Breaking down the "New Look" Chelsea
This summer Roberto Di Matteo has rebuilt Chelsea after the departure of key forward Didier Drogba. Indeed, that one man's departure has forced the Swiss to completely redesign the West London club. Of course, that one man was the main reason why Chelsea won the Champions League this year. But in any case, the team has been overhauled to play a new style, one that fits Eden Hazard and Juan Mata's skills.
The old Chelsea, the one of Didier Drogba and Nicholas Anelka and Michael Ballack, was a team that combined brutish strength with delicate finesse. The team had a strong aerial threat, and often scored on counters or of long balls. A perfect example of this is the 2012 FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Tottenham. The teams just gunned balls from one end of the pitch to the other, only to get the ball back when the opposition repeated the feat. The team capitalized on poor officiating and free kicks and lucky chances to thrash their London rivals 5-1. This is the team of old.
The new look Chelsea, on the other hand, is full of youth, energy and playmakers. Between Oscar, Hazard and Marko Marin, Roman Abrhamovich seems to want to buy every number 10 in the world. The youth also works against them; it's hard to see how any back line can consist of the aging Ashley Cole, the brash David Luiz, the injury prone Gary Cahill, and the not-a-right back Branislav Ivanovic. David Luiz shows this often, wanting to prove his should be playing at centre attacking mid not centre back. His dribbling runs outside the box need to stop for the good of all at Stamford Bridge. Despite this, the defense and offense seem to have cohesion in the attacking moves. Hazard and Mata seem to takes turns depending on what day it is as to who gets to play in the centre. And Fernando Torres. Fernando Torres. The 50 million pound man. This whole team is built around that one man. He is the reason why this Chelsea team will win or lose. Not to put any more pressure on you, El Nino.
The new look Chelsea, on the other hand, is full of youth, energy and playmakers. Between Oscar, Hazard and Marko Marin, Roman Abrhamovich seems to want to buy every number 10 in the world. The youth also works against them; it's hard to see how any back line can consist of the aging Ashley Cole, the brash David Luiz, the injury prone Gary Cahill, and the not-a-right back Branislav Ivanovic. David Luiz shows this often, wanting to prove his should be playing at centre attacking mid not centre back. His dribbling runs outside the box need to stop for the good of all at Stamford Bridge. Despite this, the defense and offense seem to have cohesion in the attacking moves. Hazard and Mata seem to takes turns depending on what day it is as to who gets to play in the centre. And Fernando Torres. Fernando Torres. The 50 million pound man. This whole team is built around that one man. He is the reason why this Chelsea team will win or lose. Not to put any more pressure on you, El Nino.
Premier League Review: Week 2
In Premiership action this week, Chelsea beat both Reading and Newcastle at home by a score of 4-2 and 2-0, Manchester City and Liverpool drew 2-2, and Manchester United faced a scared at home against Fulham.
Chelsea faced off against Reading on Wednesday. The game was a thriller, with the Blues having to make a second half comeback. Eden Hazard again drew a penalty, which Frank Lampard again powered past the keeper. Despite the early lead, the first half was all reading. A short, hard cross from Garath McCleary was headed into the goal by Pavel Pogrebynak from about 14 yards out. It was a real stunner, and Chelsea wasn't able to recover from it for a while. After John Terry cynically brought down Jobi McAnoff near the corner of the box, Danny Guthrie hit a free kick into Petr Cech's body, but the Blues keeper wasn't able to hold it and the ball went into the back of the net. After the break, despite dominating possession, the Blues just couldn't get the ball past Adam Federici. Finally, after Daniel Sturridge replaced John Obi Mikel, Gary Cahill of all people hit the ball from about 40 yards out to draw the Londoners to parity. Then came the most controversial moment of the season yet. Juan Mata set up Ashley Cole in the box, after which he hit a tight ball to a clearly offside Fernando Torres. Even Torres knew that he was offside, just barely tapping the ball into the back of the net, despite being two yards away. Although the Reading players didn't have their arms up to alert the linesman, that is no excuse; it's a straightforward call. Branislav Ivanovic scored off an open goal breakaway. Eden Hazard again connected with the Serbian for his second goal. Final score: Chelsea 4-2 Reading.
Manchester United was down early at home to Fulham after a Damien Duff goal. But RVP soon equalised and Shinji Kagawa and Rafael da Silva goals made it 3-1 before half. A Nemanja Vidic own goal in the 64th minute began a long period of Fulham threatning. The West Londoners never eventually did equalise, but Wayne Rooney suffered a gash on his right leg that will sideline him for a month.
Chelsea stayed at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to beat Newcastle 2-0. Fernando Torres drew a penalty in the 22nd minute, and Eden Hazard put it away for his first goal of the season. Then, late in the second half, Hazard supplied Fernando Torres with a pass that the Spainard put away into the top corner. The game ended that way, 2-0.
Many people are now calling Eden Hazard the most influential player this year has seen yet. It is not undeserved; he has had a hand in 7 of Chelsea's 8 goals, drawing 2 penalties, 4 assists and a goal. Perhaps the 32 million pounds were worth it, eh?
Chelsea faced off against Reading on Wednesday. The game was a thriller, with the Blues having to make a second half comeback. Eden Hazard again drew a penalty, which Frank Lampard again powered past the keeper. Despite the early lead, the first half was all reading. A short, hard cross from Garath McCleary was headed into the goal by Pavel Pogrebynak from about 14 yards out. It was a real stunner, and Chelsea wasn't able to recover from it for a while. After John Terry cynically brought down Jobi McAnoff near the corner of the box, Danny Guthrie hit a free kick into Petr Cech's body, but the Blues keeper wasn't able to hold it and the ball went into the back of the net. After the break, despite dominating possession, the Blues just couldn't get the ball past Adam Federici. Finally, after Daniel Sturridge replaced John Obi Mikel, Gary Cahill of all people hit the ball from about 40 yards out to draw the Londoners to parity. Then came the most controversial moment of the season yet. Juan Mata set up Ashley Cole in the box, after which he hit a tight ball to a clearly offside Fernando Torres. Even Torres knew that he was offside, just barely tapping the ball into the back of the net, despite being two yards away. Although the Reading players didn't have their arms up to alert the linesman, that is no excuse; it's a straightforward call. Branislav Ivanovic scored off an open goal breakaway. Eden Hazard again connected with the Serbian for his second goal. Final score: Chelsea 4-2 Reading.
Manchester United was down early at home to Fulham after a Damien Duff goal. But RVP soon equalised and Shinji Kagawa and Rafael da Silva goals made it 3-1 before half. A Nemanja Vidic own goal in the 64th minute began a long period of Fulham threatning. The West Londoners never eventually did equalise, but Wayne Rooney suffered a gash on his right leg that will sideline him for a month.
Chelsea stayed at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to beat Newcastle 2-0. Fernando Torres drew a penalty in the 22nd minute, and Eden Hazard put it away for his first goal of the season. Then, late in the second half, Hazard supplied Fernando Torres with a pass that the Spainard put away into the top corner. The game ended that way, 2-0.
Many people are now calling Eden Hazard the most influential player this year has seen yet. It is not undeserved; he has had a hand in 7 of Chelsea's 8 goals, drawing 2 penalties, 4 assists and a goal. Perhaps the 32 million pounds were worth it, eh?
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
BPL Season Preview: Top 6
The Barclay's Premier League season is set to start in just over a week and a half. I'll tell you my top six, why and even some teams to watch.
Top 6: Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Liverpool.
1.) Manchester City
The Citizens captured the League title last year, and look poised to do so again. Sergio Aguero led the team with 24 goals, while David Silva contributed a team high 15 assists. City's attack should be as sharp as ever, perhaps even sharper with David Silva returning from getting a gold medal with Spain at Euro 2012. Vincent Kompany and Joe Hart will be keys for Man City in defense and goal. Also key for City will be how well they play on the road; all five of their losses came away from the Ethiad last season. If Carlos Tevez also wants to play for the Citizens, they should have no trouble retaining the title.
Final record and place: 31-4-3, (wins, draws, losses) 97 points, 1st place.
2.) Chelsea
The Blues finished sixth in the league last year, despite winning the Champions League and FA Cup. New signing Eden Hazard will be key to the Londoners attack this year. Also joining him are midfielders Marko Marin, Oscar and Hazard's younger brother Thorgan. With Didier Drogba leaving for China, it would seem that Daniel Sturridge, who co-lead the team in goals, scoring 11, last term, would be a first choice. However, club officials have assured the streaky and inconsistent Fernando Torres the starting role, leaving both Sturridge and Belgian Romelu Lukaku in the air. Frank Lampard will anchor the midfield, while John Terry, who hopes to avoid a possible ban from the FA, will hope to keep his most likely defense partners in David Luiz and Gary Cahill under control. Cesar Azpilicueta and Victor Moses are also rumored to be joining the Blues. Chelsea should be the main threat to Manchester City's title defense.
Final record and place: 28-6-4, 90 points, 2nd place.
3.) Manchester United
The Red Devils experienced true heartbreak on the final day of the season, watching helplessly as City engineered a incredible stoppage time comeback. United has now signed Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund to bolster their midfield. They also have a plethora of scoring options in forwards Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Dimitir Berbatov and Danny Welbeck, and also midfielders Nani and Ashley Young. The Red Devils hope for defenders Nemanja Vidic and Johnny Evans to be back for the start of the season, but willl probably have to rely on aging Rio Ferdinand and Chris Smalling.
Final record and place: 28-4-6, 88 points, 3rd place.
4.) Arsenal
Despite Robin van Persie announcing he will leave at the end of his contract this year, I believe Arsene Wenger has some magic left in him. Wenger has signed Lukas Podolski from Cologne. Podolski has scored 44 goals in 101 apperances for Germany. The French wizard hopes he can replicate that type of scoring.
5.) Tottenham
Spurs have been chasing Wenger's Arsenal for years, and they look set to finish behind again. Gylif Sigurdsson and Jan Vertoghan are new signing by new coach Andre Villas-Boas. Can AVB avoid a repeat of his miserable time at Chelsea? Perhaps not.
6.) Liverpool
Brendan Rogers has been hired to replace the loved but now sacked Kenny Daglish. Rogers tried to secure Sigurdsson, who had been on loan at Swansea when he was coaching there. He failed, but has successful insured a longer contract for Luis Suarez and brought in striker Fabio Borini to replace the departed Dirk Kuyt. Liverpool still have a way to go though, before they challenge for their first premier league title.
Teams to watch:
Newcastle punched far above their weight last year, and Alan Pardew will be trying to keep that going. Swansea have replaced Brendan Rogers with Danish legend Michael Laudrup. The Swans will hope to keep their Barcelona "Tiki-Taka" style going.
Top 6: Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Liverpool.
1.) Manchester City
The Citizens captured the League title last year, and look poised to do so again. Sergio Aguero led the team with 24 goals, while David Silva contributed a team high 15 assists. City's attack should be as sharp as ever, perhaps even sharper with David Silva returning from getting a gold medal with Spain at Euro 2012. Vincent Kompany and Joe Hart will be keys for Man City in defense and goal. Also key for City will be how well they play on the road; all five of their losses came away from the Ethiad last season. If Carlos Tevez also wants to play for the Citizens, they should have no trouble retaining the title.
Final record and place: 31-4-3, (wins, draws, losses) 97 points, 1st place.
2.) Chelsea
The Blues finished sixth in the league last year, despite winning the Champions League and FA Cup. New signing Eden Hazard will be key to the Londoners attack this year. Also joining him are midfielders Marko Marin, Oscar and Hazard's younger brother Thorgan. With Didier Drogba leaving for China, it would seem that Daniel Sturridge, who co-lead the team in goals, scoring 11, last term, would be a first choice. However, club officials have assured the streaky and inconsistent Fernando Torres the starting role, leaving both Sturridge and Belgian Romelu Lukaku in the air. Frank Lampard will anchor the midfield, while John Terry, who hopes to avoid a possible ban from the FA, will hope to keep his most likely defense partners in David Luiz and Gary Cahill under control. Cesar Azpilicueta and Victor Moses are also rumored to be joining the Blues. Chelsea should be the main threat to Manchester City's title defense.
Final record and place: 28-6-4, 90 points, 2nd place.
3.) Manchester United
The Red Devils experienced true heartbreak on the final day of the season, watching helplessly as City engineered a incredible stoppage time comeback. United has now signed Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund to bolster their midfield. They also have a plethora of scoring options in forwards Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Dimitir Berbatov and Danny Welbeck, and also midfielders Nani and Ashley Young. The Red Devils hope for defenders Nemanja Vidic and Johnny Evans to be back for the start of the season, but willl probably have to rely on aging Rio Ferdinand and Chris Smalling.
Final record and place: 28-4-6, 88 points, 3rd place.
4.) Arsenal
Despite Robin van Persie announcing he will leave at the end of his contract this year, I believe Arsene Wenger has some magic left in him. Wenger has signed Lukas Podolski from Cologne. Podolski has scored 44 goals in 101 apperances for Germany. The French wizard hopes he can replicate that type of scoring.
5.) Tottenham
Spurs have been chasing Wenger's Arsenal for years, and they look set to finish behind again. Gylif Sigurdsson and Jan Vertoghan are new signing by new coach Andre Villas-Boas. Can AVB avoid a repeat of his miserable time at Chelsea? Perhaps not.
6.) Liverpool
Brendan Rogers has been hired to replace the loved but now sacked Kenny Daglish. Rogers tried to secure Sigurdsson, who had been on loan at Swansea when he was coaching there. He failed, but has successful insured a longer contract for Luis Suarez and brought in striker Fabio Borini to replace the departed Dirk Kuyt. Liverpool still have a way to go though, before they challenge for their first premier league title.
Teams to watch:
Newcastle punched far above their weight last year, and Alan Pardew will be trying to keep that going. Swansea have replaced Brendan Rogers with Danish legend Michael Laudrup. The Swans will hope to keep their Barcelona "Tiki-Taka" style going.
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