Champions League: Off We Go Again

Hardly a month has passed since Barcelona's triumph in Rome, and Europe's best are back at it again. Well, maybe not the "best." The revised format for Champions League qualifying has the continent's diminutive champions taking the field first. The first round kicked-off Tuesday with matches between the champions of Malta, Andorra, Montenegro and San Marino, allowing Europe's longest of long shots to enjoy a moment in the spotlight.

UEFA has always faced a delicate balancing act to ensure that the Champions League includes both "champions" and top teams such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Liverpool who do not win their leagues, but are clearly among the continent's best. This year 22 teams qualified automatically for the group stages, up from 16 in previous seasons. Champions of the the top 13 countries will automatically head to the group stages, three more than last season. This change is welcome news to the champions of Turkey, Ukraine and Belgium. The inclusion of six second-place teams remains the same, but now the top three third-place squads (Chelsea, Sevilla, AC Milan) do not have to navigate the qualifying rounds.

The qualifying path for the remaining 10 slots splits the field into champions and non-champions, guaranteeing five more domestic champions will join the Champions League proper. For the non-champions, they'll be facing one another for the five remaining slots, meaning the likes of Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina are more likely to be drawn together. Ultimately the Champions League group stages will be include 18 domestic champions and 14 non-champions.

UEFA's efforts to include more domestic champions adds some needed variety to the competition. Teams from England, Italy and Spain have comprised every finalist since the Porto-Monaco Final in 2004. While the latter stages of the tournament will likely remain dominated by teams from those nations, the outsiders now have a more manageable path to Madrid.

Transfer-Palooza

Each summer speculation around the European transfer market resembles the board game "Fact or Crap." There are an endless number of rumors, but those stories greatly outnumber the completed deals. Here's a look at some of the players and storylines central to this year's transfer gossip.

Carlos Tevez isn't exactly leaving Manchester United on good terms, taking some parting shots at Sir Alex Ferguson on his way out of Old Trafford. Oddly Tevez ruled out Liverpool as a destination because of their rivalry with ManU, but the Argentine now appears headed to crosstown Manchester City.

Inter Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovichas been the talk of a move out of Serie A, but Inter's asking price may be too high for potential suitors. In other Inter news, Brazilian fullback Maicon has been linked to a move to Chelsea.

Staying with Barcelona or heading to Manchester City are the two options for Samuel Eto'o. A two-year extension of Eto'o's current deal is the latest offer from the reigning European champs.

Xabi Alonso is the latest target of free-spending Real Madrid. Defender Alvaro Arbeloa could also make the Liverpool to Real leap.

Confederations Cup: Pain for Spain?

Spanish fans have no reason to panic following the team's third-place finish at the Confederations Cup. The reigning European champs were knocked off in the semis by a scrappy US squad and were less than impressive against South Africa in the third-place game, but one loss in 37 matches shouldn't impact their standing as favorites heading into next year's World Cup.

But from a strategical standpoint, the question should be asked: did the US write the book on how to beat Spain? The States' well-executed strategy of pushing the Spaniards to the flanks and forcing chip-ins by clogging up the middle will be replicated by future opponents.

So where does Spain go from here? Will the loss serve as a motivator or dent their confidence? From a confidence standpoint, a loss to the US was probably less damaging than if La Roja had fallen to Brazil in the Final. Spain knows on their best day they can beat teams like the US. A defeat against Brazil may have left them with more internal questions. We won't learn much from upcoming World Cup qualifiers; Spain are cruising against lesser foes. Next summer's World Cup will show if Spain and their opponents are ready to apply lessons learned in South Africa.

Confederations Cup: A Silver Lining for the States

There was something meaningful about the tears in Client Dempsey's eyes following the United States' 3-2 loss to Brazil in today's FIFA Confederations Cup Final. The US came to this tournament eyeing experience; both with the host venue for next year's World Cup and against some of the top opponents on the planet. But when the final was over, Dempsey's emotion reflected a team that wasn't satisfied with valuable lessons and moral victories. This was a squad that came agonizingly close to capturing a first-ever FIFA tournament and the fact that there were no smiles over second speaks to how far this US squad came over the past two weeks.

While the second half of the match was a cruel stomach punch to US players and fans, there is much to be proud of and excited about heading into 2010. Most encouraging was the play of Dempsey and Landon Donovan. The criticism both players have faced is the by-product of their great potential. In South Africa, that potential was fully realized; their goals today were the types of world-caliber strikes that have too often been missing from the US team. Tim Howard's play in the tournament, paired with the experience he gains playing in the Premier League, shows the States will have a top notch goaltender to call on next summer.

The expectations will be raised for next year's World Cup. So much depends on the draw and the opponents the USA will face, but as of today, a repeat of the 2002 run to the quarterfinals appears very doable. Perhaps there will be even more. The win over Spain and the near-miss against Brazil proves the US can beat anyone in the knockout stages of a tournament.

As the second-place US team took the podium, I was reminded of a Bill Murray line from Caddyshack: "Silver medals...on their chests. These men are...America's best." We should celebrate their achievements, but Dempsey's tears should remind us that greater prizes lay unclaimed.

Confederations Cup: American Glory

The United States soccer team has enjoyed very few days like today. There were the 2002 World Cup victories over Portugal and Mexico, the 1989 victory at Trinidad to send the States to its first World Cup in 40 years, and the 1950 1-0 stunner over England. We won't know the full impact of today's 2-0 upset of Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinals for a few years, but the win over FIFA's top-ranked team has a chance to surpass any past glory in terms of signifigance for the program.

Since their surprising run to the 2002 World Cup semifinals, the world has been waiting for the United States to establish itself as a consitent global contender. We are a long way from being ranked alongside Brazil, Italy and Germany, but there's a level just below those superpowers that the US seemed ready to join seven years ago. Today's result could be the first confirmation of our arrival.

Goal.com has a point-counterpoint on the significance of today's result. I'd argue that it's too soon to make that call, but Zac Lee Rigg makes a valid point- one result does not a build a program. He uses Greece's Euro winning squad of 2004 and Iraq's 2007 Asian Cup winners as evidence. The point is well-taken; this result will be diminished if the US doesn't use it has a springboard to a trip to the knockout round in 2010.

But let's worry about 2010 in 2010. Tonight is a time to savor a great result for the US. Showing poise defensively and taking full advantage of their limited offensive opportunities, Bob Bradley's men produced the greatest upset by an American sports team since the Miracle on Ice nearly three decades ago. Now the US has a date in the final on Sunday, likely against Brazil. Take another read of that last sentence. Let's hope you see similar lines many times in the years ahead.

Checking in on the Confederations Cup

Halfway through the Confederations Cup group stages we're getting a better sense of what to expect next summer, both on and off the field. Here's a look at some of the story lines.

Not much has changed for the US since 2006: The US appears no better or no worse than the team that went 0-2-1 at the 2006 World Cup. Team America can hang with the best in the world, but errors at critical moments are keeping them from breakthrough victories. Obviously being down a man was a fatal blow against Italy; the Azzurri had miles of open space in the second half when they scored three times. But what was far more frustrating from an American perspective were the early opportunities squandered by Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore, both of whom broke into the box only to fire harmless shots.

The Oceania Qualifying Group needs to be dissolved: When Australia left the OFC after the 2002 World Cup to join the Asian Football Confederation, New Zealand and a collection of small island nations were left behind. For 2010, the winner of the OFC qualifying will take on the fifth place team from Asia for a final spot in the World Cup. Based on New Zealand's performance this week, that fixture should be a cake walk for their Asian opponents. With 5-0 and 2-0 losses to their credit, clearly no purpose is served by having New Zealand in this tournament.

FIFA is sweating all those empty seats: Foreign visitors will turn out in greater numbers next summer, but for the Confederations Cup, FIFA blames poor marketing for the rows of empty seats. As the New York Times explains, the turnout underscores the economic and racial divisions within South Africa.

Those trumpets are going to drive you nuts next summer: Those who are attending the matches are buzzing like bees, the result of the non-stop blaring from plastic trumpets known as vuvuzelas. The collective sound resembles the inside of a hive and reporters such as Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl and USA Today's Beau Dure have railed against the cacophony.

Premier League Schedule Released

The Premier League released its 2009-10 schedule today. You can get a team-by-team schedule here and the week-by-week schedule here. The Premier League Web site also has a rundown of key matches for the upcoming season, including the "Big Four" meetings between Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.

What Will be on Setanta Sports?

Many industry observers were surprised earlier this year when Fox Soccer Channel not only held off ESPN's bid to swipe the US television rights to the English Premier League, but wrestled the Champions League away from the worldwide leader in sports. But ESPN may be ready to get back in the game as the financial difficulties at Setanta Sports could leave the broadcast rights to 46 EPL games up for grabs.

Setanta owes the EPL £30m this Friday, and if the broadcaster can't meet the deadline, its package of games will go back on the market. Setanta have been in discussions with potential buyers and while ESPN has denied interest in a full acquisition, they'd undoubtedly pounce at a package of games they were shut out of in the last round of bidding.

What a change in rights holders would mean to American audiences remains to be seen. Setanta is available on DirecTV, Dish Network and digital cable packages in select markets. Despite ESPN's massive domestic presence, they could choose to show their EPL package only to international audiences as they've done with other soccer properties. Don't expect ESPN to start airing Premier League matches in lieu of college football or college basketball.

Aside from the business implications, the world also awaits the fate of "the Special One" and his crew from Special1TV. The boldest prediction on Setanta's future can be found on Twitter, where the Mourinho-look alike told a fellow tweeter "Shut up...Setanta is for the staying."

Update: I received a message via Twitter Wednesday morning from "Setanta US" stating "Setanta US is going on with business as usual." I'm still hoping the Special One will tell me to shut up.

Confederations Cup Preview

With less than a year to go before the World Cup kicks off in South Africa, seven nations are joining the hosts for a sneak preview tournament, the FIFA Confederations Cup. The roster is highlighted by reigning World Champions Italy, top-ranked and European champs Spain and perennial power Brazil. In addition to watching how those powers stack up, the event will be a test for the well-scrutinized South African organizing committee. With the U.S., Egypt, Iraq and New Zealand joining the mix, the tournament should answer a number of questions.

How will Spain handle the role of favorites?: Having shed the label of a team that can't win the big game, Spain come into the Confederations Cup as the popular pick. While the group stage should be a breeze, winning the event will likely require topping Italy and Brazil. Victory in the final will install Spain as the top choice for next year.

What can we expect from South Africa?: This is a two-part question posed on and off the field. The expectation is that World Cup hosts should, at a minimum, advance past the group stage. That may be a tall order for the lightly-regarded South African side. They'll need to show progress here to make the knockout stages a realistic goal for 2010. Then there are the issues of tournament organization. Talk of a "Plan B" has cooled in recent months; a well-run tournament will silence some critics who feel the hosts aren't up to the task.

Are Italy and Brazil back?: Italy have hardly sparkled since celebrating a title in Berlin three years ago, but with several World Cup veterans in place, the Azzurri are still among the best in the world. After a disappointing World Cup in '06, Brazil are regaining their old form under manager and former captain Dunga. The meeting between these sides will be the highlight of the group stages.

Are the United States ready for the world?: Advancing from a group that includes Italy and Brazil is a tall order for any nation. Even a draw against either foe would show that the U.S. and their CONCACAF brethren are ready to contend next year. The U.S. needs to defeat Egypt in their final match, a decent opponent, but one that the States should be topping on a consistent basis.

England and the Burden of Expectation

With Wednesday's 6-0 win over Andorra, England move to within one win of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. Even though the Three Lions failed to advance to last year's Euros, the 7-0-0 start under Fabio Capello has been heralded as a preview of greater success next summer. And that's where the problems start for England.

Here's a quick rundown of major tournaments held outside of England where the national side has advanced to the Final.

And we're done. And yet at the slightest sign of progress, the natives act as if it's 1966 all over again. Here come the headlines and with it the high hopes of a title-starved nation. In previous tournaments, lofty expectations have been more of a burden than a catalyst for England. With each victory, more is expected of Fabio and his troops. With qualification all but assured, a stumble might benefit the greater cause.

USA World Cup Bid Gets Some Muscle

The United States is pulling out the big guns in an effort to land the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joining the American bid team. Here's Arnold's plea to the world, finished off by a groan-inducing Terminator reference. Your move, England.

World Cup 2010: Checking in on UEFA Qualifying

With the club season over, the summer attention turns to qualifying for next year's World Cup. With most nations just past the halfway mark, the race for Europe's 13 slots in South Africa 2010 is taking shape. Nine group winners qualify automatically, while the top eight runners-up will enter four two-legged playoffs for the remaining slots. Here's a look at how the groups stand.

Group 1: Portugal has been one of the biggest disappointments to date, with just one win in five matches. Portugal trails both Denmark and Hungary by seven points, although Portugal does have a game in-hand on the Hungarians. Sweden, with the fewest games played, is also in the mix. Portugal's September 5 trip to Denmark will be a key fixture.

Group 2: The weakest of the nine groups, Greece and Switzerland top the table, three points ahead of Latvia. The Greeks travel to Switzerland on September 5.

Group 3: Northern Ireland are one of the biggest surprises, topping the table with 13 points, but they've played two more matches than second-place Slovakia, which has 12. Poland (10 points in six matches) will also view for top honors. With only eight points through six matches, the favored Czech Republic has work to do.

Group 4: Germany appear in comfortable position with 16 points in six matches. Russia, with 12 points in five matches, should be able to hold off Finland (seven points, four matches played) for second.

Group 5: European champions Spain are perfect in six matches, the best mark of any of the 53 qualifiers. While Bosnia-Herzegovina trail by six points, they're positioned well to take second, four points ahead of Turkey.


Group 6: English fans are giddy over the 15 points in five matches earned by Fabio Capello's men. Croatia and Urkraine will battle for second, with the Croats hosting a June 6 meeting.

Group 7: Serbia are another surprise group leader, two points ahead of 2006 runners-up France. The Serbs are in good shape with two of their next three at home, including a September 9 visit by Les Blues.

Group 8: Despite a home draw to Ireland in their most recent match, Italy are poised to defend their 2006 title. The Irish have yet to lose in six matches, leading third-place by Bulgaria by five points.

Group 9: Holland join Spain and England as the only sides with unblemished marks, and they have more than double the points of second place Scotland (15-7).

Predicted group winners: Denmark, Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany, Spain, England, France, Italy, Holland
Predicted playoff qualifiers: Portugal, Greece, Poland, Russia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Ireland

Europe's Overlooked Managerial Star

Following Chelsea's FA Cup win over Everton, the New York Times asked if outgoing Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink is the best manager in the world. While his name, along with those of Jose Mourinho, Alex Fegruson and Carlo Ancelotti often dominate the headlines, Europe's most underrated manager plies his trade in Germany.

The surprising Bundesliga title captured by Wolfsburg this season is another mark on the impressive resume of Felix Magath. With three titles in five years, Magath now heads to Schalke, where he may be the coach that finally turns the perennial contenders into league champs. Magath previously captured league/cup doubles in his first two seasons with Bayern Munich (2005 and 2006), but in typically impatient Bayern fashion, he was fired after a slow start to his third campaign. In 2003 he lead Stuttgart to a second-place finish, their best mark in 11 years.

Is Magath the best in the world? Not quite. But he has earned his place among the discussion of Europe's elite managers. When Franz Beckenbauer recommends you for knighthood, you must be doing something impressive.

Counting Down the Best European Cup Finals

Wednesday's Champions League Final between Manchester United and Barcelona has the potential to be an all-time classic. All season long, ManU and Barca have stood out as the top two teams in Europe, so if you're not a fan of one of the two sides, you have to hope that Wednesday's meeting in Rome joins the list of great finals. Here's my take on the top 10 European Cup finals of all-time.

10) 1994: AC Milan 4, Barcelona 0: A meeting of the winners of three of the last five cups was noteworthy not for the match's close score line, but for the impressive manner in which AC Milan pounded the favored Catalans. Without star defenders Franco Baresi and Alessandro Costacurta, the Rossoneri scored four times within the first hour en route to their fifth title.

9) 2006: Barcelona 2, Arsenal 1: An early red card against goalkeeper Jens Lehmann left Arsenal down to 10 men, but the shorthanded Gunners shockingly took the lead on a 37th minute goal by Sol Campbell and gamely tried to preserve the advantage. But two goals by Barca in the final 15 minutes- a 76th minute equalizer by Samuel Eto'o and the winner from Juliano Belletti four minutes later- gave the Spaniards their second Cup.

8) 1987: Porto 2, Bayern Munich 1: Just 12 minutes from time, a sublime back heel touch from Porto's Rabah Madjer erased Bayern's first half lead. Before the Germans could recover, Juary put home the winner two minutes later. It would not be the last time Bayern would be victimized by a pair of late goals.

7) 1967: Celtic 2, Inter Milan 1: Another match highlighted by a second-half rally, Celtic broke the 11-year cup dominance of Mediterranean sides, becoming the first British team to win the title. The Celtic roster, made up entirely of players from within 50 minutes of Glasgow, are still celebrated fondly as the "Lisbon Lions."

6) 1960: Real Madrid 7, Eintracht Frankfurt 3: While many consider this match the greatest final of all-time, the lopsided score keeps it from ranking higher on my list. This was, however, the Real Madrid dynasty at the peak of its power. Ferenc Puskas scored four times and Alfredo Di Stefano added a hat trick as Real captured their record fifth-straight title.

5) 1968: Manchester United 4, Benfica 1, a.e.t.: In front of a pro-ManU crowd at a packed Wembley Stadium, Manchester United found their second wind in extra time, scoring three times in a five-minute span to capture their first title. Bobby Charlton scored the Red Devils' first and last goals, while George Best put home the eventual game winner.

4) 1999: Manchester United 2, Bayern Munich 1: The ultimate late show saw Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer both score in stoppage time to give Manchester United the treble. The shock ending lead to one of the all-time great broadcasting quotes from Clive Tyldesle: "What must Lothar Matthäus be thinking? Well, with the greatest respect, who cares?"

3) 1962: Benfica 5, Real Madrid 3: A meeting of the first six cup winners was a back-and-forth affair. Real took first half leads of 2-0 and 3-2, with all three goals coming from Puskas. After Benfica tied the match early in the second half, Eusebio netted a pair of goals to give the Portugese squad back-to-back titles.

2) 1956: Real Madrid 4, Stade de Reims, 3: The first European Cup Final set a lofty standard for future matches. Real rallied from 2-0 and 3-2 deficits, with Marquitos scoring in the 79th minute to send the innaugural title to Madrid.

1) 2005: Liverpool 3, AC Milan 3 (Liverpool wins on PKs): The two games above were the only time a team had rallied from two goals. Never had a team recovered from a three-goal margin. That was the deficit staring Liverpool in the face at halftime of their final against AC Milan. But as fast as you can say Gerrard, Smicer, Alonso, the Reds leveled the match and hung on for PKs. Two years after sealing a shootout win against Juventus, Andrei Shevchenko saw his spot kick saved, giving Liverpool an improbable fifth title. The match was the highest-scoring European final in 33 years.

If you don't like my list, SI.com has its own take on the Top 10.

The Road to 2018 and 2022

World Soccer and SI.com have the latest take on the contenders for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosts. They share my opinion that England remains the heavy favorite for 2018. Suprisingly the article lists Mexico, not Australia, as the biggest obstacle to the United States bringing home the 2022 event.

Adios, Luis

Chicago is losing a solid soccer beat writer as the Tribune's Luis Arroyave is making the switch from covering soccer to covering the celebrity/nightlife scene. Luis always did a fine job of giving equal time to both the European game and the hometown team, the Chicago Fire, adding a good dose of humor to his Red Card blog.

As with most newspapers, layoffs are currently outpacing new hires at the Tribune, so no word yet on a designated repelacement. As America's third-largest media market, Chicago needs a skilled soccer writer at its flasghip newspaper. Let's hope they can find an equally talented replacement for Luis.

Euro 2012: No More Polish Jokes

As preparations continue for Euro 2012, Poland appears to have its house in order. Ukraine? Not so much. The New York Times has the latest from Eastern Europe in an update made all the more entertaining because of the fantastic intertwining of the news with a classic Seinfeld moment.

A Playoff for Europe

The beauty of the European domestic season is the simplicity of the schedule. You play everyone in your league twice- once at home and once on the road. There is no fairer way to determine a champion. Many of my uniformed American friends are shocked to learn there are no playoffs in European soccer. Especially in the NBA and NHL (and increasingly so in MLB and NFL), the regular season is merely a precursor to the real season- the playoffs. So the thought of a sport without playoffs is difficult for American fans to comprehend.

I would never suggest that the European leagues change their formats, but let's imagine what domestic league playoffs might look like in the top four leagues. We'll take eight teams, playing a two-game aggregate for the quarters and semis, followed by a one-game championship at a neutral site. Based on the current standings in England, Germany, Italy and Spain, your match-ups would look like this:

England
(1) Manchester United vs. (8) Tottenham
(2) Liverpool vs. (7) Fulham
(3) Chelsea vs. (6) Everton
(4) Arsenal vs. (5) Aston Villa
-The separation at the top of this year's Premier League is quite significant, so you're looking at a three-team fight. ManU cruises to the final and awaits the winner of another Liverpool-Chelsea battle.

Germany
(1) Wolfsburg vs. (8) Hoffenehim
(2) Bayern Munich vs. (7) Schalke
(3) Hertha Berlin vs. (6) Hamburg
(4) Stuttgart vs. (5) Borussia Dortmund
-Only 12 points separate the eight Bundlesliga playoff qualifiers, so this tournament is anything goes. Bayern Munich would be the favorites, but their form in 2009 has been anything but consistent.

Italy
(1) Inter Milan vs. (8) Udinese
(2) AC Milan vs. (7) Palermo
(3) Juventus vs. (6) AS Roma
(4) Fiorentina vs. (5) Genoa
-The Champions League has not been kind to Inter in recent years, so this format may not be for them. With three trips to the European Final since 2003, however, it is a better fit for their crosstown rivals.

Spain
(1) Barcelona vs. (8) Málaga
(2) Real Madrid vs. (7) Deportivo La Coruña
(3) Sevilla vs. (6) Villarreal
(4) Valencia vs. (5) Atlético Madrid
-Given the 15-point gap between second and third place in La Liga, anything outside of a Barcelona-Real final would be a shock.

Now That's an Away Kit

Recently I ripped on Chelsea's goofy new away kits. Liverpool debuted theirs this week and the results are much better. As the owner of this year's gray kit, I'm dissapointed it had such a short shelf life, although it will forever be linked with the 4-1 thrashing at Old Trafford.

One last thought- Pepe Reina has really let himself go.

Champions League: Chelsea Dagger

The last thing you want to read in the lead of any post-match recap is the name of the referee. The more prominent his name, the more controversial his performance. Such was the case with last night's Barcelona-Chelsea Champions League semifinal. While it should be remembered for two phenomenal strikes from Michael Essien and Andres Iniesta, the efforts of hack Norwegian official Tom Henning Ovrebo will forever be linked with this match.

There were plenty of bad calls to go around. Chelsea were obviously vocal in defeat (technically a draw), but had Barcelona fallen short, they would have had plenty to gripe about as well. The 66th minute red card to Barca's Eric Abidal was a highly questionable one, but no call (or lack there of) was more egregious than the missed hand ball against Barcelona's Gerard Pique. Pique's post-match comments were essentially, "Yeah, my bad. Oh well."

Barcelona's scenes of stoppage time joy were quickly overshadowed by Chelsea's post-match ugliness. You don't want to say Chelsea have only themselves to blame- they had every reason to dispute the poor officiating- but they could have settled the matter far earlier by converting any of numerous scoring chances after they lead 1-0, or by showing more offensive effort in the first leg at the Nou Camp. I don't put much stock in Chelsea's cries of a UEFA conspiracy to avoid another All-English Final, but there has to be some explanation as as to why such a poor official oversaw such a high profile game.


Nearly every game story included one of several frightening photos of Didier Drogba's post game fit. Rumors have long surrounded a possible Drogba departure from Stamford Bridge, but such negotiations will be trickier with Drogba likely facing a lengthy UEFA ban.

The end game did provide for comical fodder on YouTube, with Michael Ballack's hysterics set to the tune of the always enjoyable "Yakety Sax." If you can't lose with dignity, at least leave us laughing.