All posts by h79snht.top

The supposition that the Oranje are a side ravaged by in-fighting and power struggles has gone somewhat quiet over the past few years. After a difficult and largely fruitless period under Van Basten, the current crop of Dutch players have calmly and efficiently gone about their business under former Feynoord coach van Marwijk, winning all 8 qualifying games emphatically and finding themselves ranked fourth in FIFA’s world rankings. With a relatively tame group consisting of Japan, Denmark and Cameroon, few would bet against this Dutch side, brimming with quality and a sense of togetherness, to go far in this summer’s World Cup.

Renowned for the productivity of their academy, it is Ajax whose graduates litter the team sheet yet again, with Van der Viel the latest prospect to be coveted by some of Europe’s super-clubs. The young right back has been in such good form this term, he has been mooted as a replacement for both Sagna and Maicon should their respective clubs sell them on. The centre-half pairing of Heitinga, who has enjoyed a solid first Premier League campaign and Mathijsen will feature in its fourth major tournament, giving the Dutch some continuity at the back, if not an abundance of quality.

In midfeld, the Netherlands are seemingly benefiting from Real Madrid’s summer clearout. Among the names cast aside in favour of so called Galacticos, Wesley Sneijder is one that stands out. The majestic playmaker who will ironically compete for the European Cup at the Bernabaeu next week has been Inter’s key man this season, boasting a vast passing range, superb vision and agility on a greater and more consistent level than that of his replacements Alonso and Kaka. Alongside Sneijder in midfield, another who will feature in the Champions League final, Bayern’s Van Bommel. The midfield general has reclaimed his place under father-in-law Van Marwijk, with the energetic De Jong tying up lose ends in the middle. Van der Vaart, a Real Madrid survivor, is also included, having replaced the likes of Guti, Kaka and Raul with class and distinction whenever called upon for Los Merengues…

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Read the full Holland World Cup Preview in which Holland’s firepower is discussed and it’s argued why they should be considered amongst the tournament favourites at http://topcam.wordpress.com/

Franz Beckenbauer has apologised for saying England were stupid to miss out on finishing top of Group C.

Beckenbauer, Germany's World Cup winning captain in 1974, has blamed a bad mood for his inflammatory comments which came after he learned that his country would be playing England in the last 16 in South Africa.

He told BBC Sport:"I apologise, because I like England and I like English football.

"Maybe it was a reaction because I was disappointed (with England's performances) and maybe I was in a bad mood.

"They have a great team and a great coach – Fabio Capello is one of the most experienced coaches – and after the first two games I was so disappointed.

"In other words, I apologise and I look forward to the game on Sunday. I think it's going to be a very interesting game.

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"For the fans, I hope for there will be excitement on Sunday – a draw, overtime, and then penalty kicks. And then, the Germans win. Sorry!"Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Newcastle United appear to have won the race to sign Dan Gosling who left Everton last week in controversial circumstances.

However, United boss Chris Hughton will not be able to unveil the £4million-rated 20-year-old for several weeks.

The deal is dependent on whether the Toffees appeal a Premier League decision to let him leave Goodison Park on a free transfer.

Gosling exploited a loophole in Premier League rules to leave Everton for nothing after the Toffees offered the player a new deal verbally, but did not put anything down in writing by the required date.

The Premier League ruled that Gosling was free to move on as Everton did not make a written contract offer.

The former Plymouth Argyle star was also chased by Bolton Wanderers, West Ham United and Sunderland after deciding to leave Merseyside.

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He scored six times in 18 starts and 19 substitute appearances for Everton since making his debut on Boxing Day 2008.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

You may love or loathe the transfer windows but it certainly has most football supporters fixated to the rumour mills on a daily basis. I don’t know many fans that don’t go straight to the BBC’s gossip column as a first port of call every morning, before they move on to SkySports.com. Most of what is written is complete tosh; however it doesn’t stop many buying into what they have read. I guess everyone just loves a rumour, despite how outlandish they might be.

One thing that does amuse me about those who bite at the rumours is their sheer naivety and this belief that the club have a bottomless pit of money and cannot understand why player X Y and Z won’t be playing for their club next season. There is a lot to be said for a little bit of realism and general understanding of the complexity of club finances. Sometimes players have to be sacrificed in order to raise funds to strengthen elsewhere, or clubs have a restricted budget due to incompetent owners or the need to finance new stadia. Money doesn’t grow on trees and therefore clubs have to live within their means.

So what about your club this summer? No doubt you have been taken in by some of the rumours, poured cold water over some and I’m sure there is a long list of players that you will be happy to see the club cash in on during the coming weeks. The transfer window, with the exception of City, has been somewhat constipated up to this point, although I’m sure it won’t be long before the transfer storm starts to erupt.

Who would you like to see arrive at Goodison Park during the next five weeks, and equally who should be issued with their P45?

Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer

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Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has recently stated that he has nothing to prove at the Emirates.

The Guardian has quoted Almunia as insisting “I don’t need to convince anybody – I just do my job. I have a couple more years on my contract and that’s it, I’m an Arsenal player.”

Despite the Spanish ‘keeper’s confident, perhaps even nonchalant words many Arsenal fans would beg to differ from his opinion. Manuel Almunia has never convinced as Arsenal’s number one, and his words would be a whole lot more understandable had he done so during his career at Arsenal. It is precisely because Almunia has not convinced that Arsene Wenger is seeking another goalkeeper in the transfer window, with his primary target seemingly being that of Fulham’s veteran ‘keeper Mark Schwarzer. Although a deal has yet to be done, the signing of a goalkeeper, even if it is not Schwarzer seems to be highly likely this summer. If another ‘keeper is brought in either as an automatic first choice or to challenge for the number one jersey with Almunia, the Spaniard will need to do the opposite of what he has said in order to have a future at Arsenal.

The simple fact is that Manuel Almunia has never been a convincing goalkeeper for a club challenging for the very top honours. He is by no means a bad ‘keeper, but he seems to lack that extra quality that teams need in order to win the league. Having a top-class goalkeeper is crucial for any team with title aspirations. Arsenal’s last title winning custodian was Jens Lehmann, a player who despite being a rather eccentric individual was also capable of the brilliance required to win the games and salvage the draws that help win the league. No-one can argue that Manuel Almunia has not been given a fair chance at Arsenal, he has had ample opportunity to cement his position as first choice and convince the Gunners faithful that he has the ability to help drive the team to glory. Unfortunately for the Spaniard, he has never been able to achieve this. The problem for Arsenal in recent seasons is that neither has anyone else, Almunia’s main understudy Lukasz Fabianski has not impressed whilst Vito Mannone is still very young and inexperienced. Many Arsenal fans were calling for a new goalkeeper at the start of last season, if a new one is not signed this term and Arsenal go another season empty handed, then the discontent brought at Arsene Wenger’s feet will increase greatly.

It does seem likely however, that a new goalkeeper will be brought in this summer. If this is the case and Almunia remains at the club, it can only be of help to Arsenal. Manuel Almunia has not yet had a credible rival for the number one position in goal, however if a new ‘keeper is signed he and his rival will have to up their game in order to be the first name on the team sheet. Having two experienced goalkeepers vying for one position is a manager’s dream, and Almunia may yet step up to another level if his position in goal is seriously threatened. If a new goalkeeper is brought in this close season, Arsenal may not only have the top-class ‘keeper they have lacked but also created the competition that is crucial in ensuring players are fully committed and go out in every game desperate to impress.

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With the PL season nearly upon us, let’s see the WAGS that will be keeping the players on their toes. Click on image to VIEW gallery

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Distance, pace and power are all the ingredients needed to score a truly spectacular long-range effort and the Premier League has seen a fair few over the years. Below, for your viewing pleasure, are the top ten screamers in the history of the Premier League. Hold on to your hats.

10. Michael Essien v Arsenal- 10.12.06

Michael Essien’s 84th minute unstoppable strike rescued a point for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge against Arsenal in 2006. Mathieu Flamini had given the visitors the lead just six minutes earlier before Frank Lampard rolled the ball back for Essien to smash an effort at amazing speed past befuddled German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann. Click below to watch the strike rightly named as Chelsea’s goal of the season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTKPdeWAeI8

9. Wayne Rooney v Newcastle United- 24.4.05

After falling behind to midfielder Darren Ambrose’s early strike, Manchester United had their work cut out to come from behind against a determined Newcastle side during the 2004/05 season. Wayne Rooney’s superb volley with the outside of his right-foot left the spectators inside Old Trafford stunned and triggered a superb fight back from the Red Devils. Wes Brown scored a late winner but Rooney’s strike was certainly fit to win any game of football.

8. Alan Shearer v Everton- 1.12.02

Alan Shearer’s goal at St. James’ Park in 2002 against ten-man Everton showed the striker at his sublime best. The No.9 displayed strength, power and technical brilliance to unleash an unsaveable volley from 22 yards past the despairing Richard Wright. Simply magnificent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOAyCHV2ql0

7. Erik Edman v Liverpool- 16.4.05

Swedish defender Erik Edman silenced Anfield in 2005 with a stupendous strike from 38-yards out, with his first Premier League goal for Tottenham Hotspur. It proved to be Edman’s last season with Spurs as he left for French side Rennes that summer, but he will always be fondly remembered in North London for this truly breathtaking goal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GdQJwGQbkY

6. Steven Gerrard v Aston Villa- 29.4.06

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has scored some magnificent efforts over the years. His last minute strike against West Ham in the FA Cup final to force extra-time was special. As was his spectacular late goal for The Reds against Olympiakos on their way to Champions League glory in 2004/05. Yet his best goal in the Premier League has to be in The Reds’ 3-1 over Aston Villa in 2006. You can check it out below, although it is also worth looking up his strikes against Middlesbrough in 2005 and Southampton in 2001.

Continue to Page 2 for the best of the best: The Top Five!

5. Matthew Taylor v Everton- 11.12.06

Matthew Taylor got Fratton Park rocking with a jaw-dropping looping volley from 45 yards out against Everton in 2006.  Taylor has a reputation for long-distance strikes and, for me, this was the pick of the bunch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjFGdRRlt90&feature=related

4. Robin van Persie v Charlton- 1.10.06

Dutch international Robin van Persie scored the goal of a life-time with a technically perfect wonder strike against hapless Charlton in 2006. Arsene Wenger described it as:

“Full pace, full power and technically perfect. It was quite unbelievable.”

Enjoy the strike below-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3HcdvHbtN4

3. Tony Yeboah v Liverpool- 22.08.95

Leeds cult hero Tony Yeboah secured a victory for The Whites over Liverpool with an astounding, thunderous volley from 25 yards which crashed in off the crossbar. A simply brilliant strike good enough to grace any best ever Premier League goals list. Enjoy the music with this one, not quite sure of the relevance however.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDx-KUGVGMk

2. Cristiano Ronaldo v Portsmouth- 30.1.08

Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo showed exactly why Real Madrid splashed out £80m for his services with a truly stunning free-kick in Manchester United’s 2008 win over Portsmouth. Ronaldo stepped up and lashed in a 30-yard free-kick with incredible power and pace. Sir Alex Ferguson declared after the game:

“That without doubt must be the best (I’ve seen in the Premier League). From that distance he is going to hit them. No keeper in the world would save that.

“The boy practises. It’s a delight to see, terrific.”

1. Thierry Henry v Manchester United- 1.10.00

I’m afraid I am going to have to disagree with Sir Alex Ferguson on this one. Thierry Henry’s majestic winning goal against Manchester United at Highbury in 2000 was simply incredible.

On 30 minutes Henry, with his back to goal, flicked the ball up on the edge of the area, swivelled, before unleashing a fierce volley from 20 yards past Fabien Barthez. You can see the moment of brilliance below-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbASd5CU3H8

Do you agree with this list? If you don’t, feel free to slate me in the comments section below. Alternatively you can read more of my blogs HERE or follow me on Twitter.

Top 15 career defining moments

Top ten Premier League summer transfers

Tottenham were looking to bolster their frontline this summer, unfortunately for the club they did not manage to bring one in this time around. Harry Redknapp will still be targeting one however, and the latest candidate to have caught his eye is a player that has been widely dubbed as ‘the new Adebayor’. His name is Peniel Mlapa, of Togolese birth, hence the comparison to Adebayor, but a German youth international, he plays for up and coming Bundesliga side, TSG Hoffenheim. Mlapa is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in German football, but who is exactly is this new Spurs target?

Peniel Mlapa is 19 years old and 6ft 4, and he is not exactly a beanpole either. Mlapa’s size and strength is his main attribute, and as he gets older this is an attribute that will only increase. IM Scouting describe Mlapa as also having great technical skills as well, stating,

“Far from lacking technique, Mlapa’s height does not restrict his game at all. He has a good touch and is a real threat in the box. His aerial ability is an obvious danger to defences, but Mlapa also possesses a very powerful shot particularly on his right foot.”

Although he has been compared to Emmanuel Adebayor, his mentality is reported as being far better, as Mlapa is a determined, grounded and dedicated professional, something you could not say is always applicable to his idol Adebayor. If Tottenham did sign Mlapa, they would be hoping he could make the same kind of impact that the almost unstoppable Didier Drogba has made.

Before signing for Hoffenheim, Peniel Mlapa played for German second tier side 1860 Munich, where he became a regular in the side, scoring a respectable 6 goals in 23 games. Mlapa’s good form for the club was rewarded when he won the German Young Player of the Year award, not an achievement to be sniffed at when one considers the amount of young talent that is around in Germany at the moment.

In the summer, Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim signed Mlapa, and he scored on his debut against in an 4-1 win over powerhouses Werder Bremen. Although it is early days, Mlapa seems to have made the step up a level nicely and at the age of just 19, there will be plenty more to come from the big striker.

Tottenham are apparently not the only Premier League club interested in Mlapa, Everton are also reportedly tracking him. Tottenham’s greater financial power and their greater success in recent years, should put them in the box seat however should both clubs interest result in tangible offers. Spurs already have four good strikers on their books however, and if the club are to push on you would imagine they would need a truly top class striker such as Luis Fabiano, rather than a still largely unproven youngster. If though Spurs were to let go of say Robbie Keane and Roman Pavlyuchenko, there would be two spaces available, and Mlapa could well be the ideal candidate to fill one of those spots.

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Peniel Mlapa has only just started his TSG Hoffenheim career, so any move this season is unlikely to come to fruition. Harry Redknapp will certainly be keeping tabs on the player though, and it will be interesting to see how he performs in his first season in the Bundesliga. If fulfills his potential, it might just be a signing Redknapp cannot resist making.

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Got your tickets for Tottenham’s trip to Upton Park this Saturday? Get yours here!

Boss Mick McCarthy has dismissed Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy's criticism of the way his Wolves side have played in the Premier League this season.

Murphy suggested that Wolves, Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers have been over-physical at times, and suggested that McCarthy and his fellow managers were winding their players up before they went out.

McCarthy responded by saying:"For him to pontificate like he has done, is completely wrong.

"It has not made me angry. It was a silly comment without a great deal of knowledge. It has created a huge furore and the media have had great mileage out of it.

"I don't think Danny has the info, information or experience to say something that would hurt me.

"It has not hurt me, it has made life harder for us, but if people push against us, you have to push back.

"We should not have to defend ourselves against a player who has got no knowledge of us.

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"We are bottom of the disciplinary league with 20 yellows and two reds but if you look at the last four years we've finished ninth, tenth, third and thirteenth.

"I have never sent teams to do that (be dirty). My teams always try and play football, but we can't stop being competitive. I would like to improve the discipline record and we are trying to do it."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Clive Tyldesley came out in defence of all things Beeb in his blog last week. In response to the criticism of the punditry and technology that accompanies the highlights on Match of the Day, he said that if the games are outdone, then there is something lacking in the sport itself. He may have a point, but it almost smacks of trying to be bad on purpose. Speaking of bad, Alan Shearer also got a mention.

The most famous forehead in in British football, managed to confuse David Villa and David Silva, which annoyed a lot of people. I personally believe that it was more a slip of the tongue than anything, and didn’t irk me in the way he recently managed to dismiss Hatem Ben Arfa after his impressive debut against Everton:

“No one really knows a great deal of him.”

I’m sorry Alan? What? No one, or you? Because you have done no research for your job, which is supposed to be offering nuggets of expert analysis that can only come from a career entrenched in the game, to enlighten us, the meagre armchair viewers and Sunday League players across the land. If only. Anybody who follows the Premier League and its goings on will have heard Ben Arfa’s name banded about to a whole host of clubs last summer; Newcastle, Everton, Spurs…We are talking about a French international who had previously been signed by Marseille for €11m, and was France’s young player of the year in 2008. Any basic internet search would have provided Shearer with that information, and undoubtedly a whole lot more.

When Birmingham wore their away kit this season, Shearer enlightened us with what goes on in that head (maybe all those headed goals really did take their toll?):

“It’s weird seeing Birmingham wear red, isn’t it?

No its not. When there is a clash of colours between two team competing against each other, the away side will wear their away kit. This phenomenon stretches even further than Birmingham, and even beyond football. In fact, virtually every team sport where coloured kits are worn, clubs will have at least two sets. Sometimes more. When Alan was still playing, and being partnered by Sir Les, that god awful maroon and navy hooped thing with the grandpa collar, well that was an away kit. Is that sort of comment really what we are expected to put up with?

I watch MOTD for the same reason that everyone else does, to see the highlights. If I can receive some sort of actual analysis, then I see it as a bonus. The programme is too dumbed down; ‘he’s good’ or ‘that was bad’ is neither analysis or a real opinion. Alan Shearer simply runs a commentary after the highlights have been aired, re-running us through whatever is on screen. When Alan Hansen tore into Theo Walcott after his Blackpool hat-trick, it split opinion, but at least it was an opinion in the first place.

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Shearer has seemingly stumbled into his current role. It started out as an England opinion just after he had retired from international football when the MOTD team were covering England’s qualifying, and gradually got more and more time in the studio as his playing time diminished. Shearer is not getting a bad press, he’s getting a deserved reaction to the banal drivel that spills out of his mouth, devoid of any effort or substance.

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Tottenham can make giant strides in their attempts to make the knock out stages of the Champions League against Inter Milan this Tuesday. Harry has a good record against Rafa Benitez and Tottenham fans will be hoping that it is one that will continue in midweek.

This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag of Spurs blogs which has included…Tottenham’s transfer escape, Harry pulls out a £1.5m rabbit and Redknapp highlights a worrying reality.

Plus we have taken a look at the best Tottenham stories on the Web this week.

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Featured Articles of the Week

Are these worst Tottenham Kits of our time?

Tottenham’s Lucky Transfer Escape

Other Tottenham Blogs

WAG War: Tottenham do battle at Old Trafford…it could get messy!

Looking to succeed where Dos Santos and Vela have failed?

Who is to blame; the player, Tottenham or his agent?

Has Harry pulled a £1.5m rabbit out of the hat?

Tottenham set for disappointment as Real Madrid rule out move

Rumour Has It…

A January Transfer Priority for Redknapp and Levy

Hutton v Corluka

Tottenham and Man United’s transfer steals

Harry Redknapp highlights a worrying reality

Have Tottenham found the man to dethrone the King?

Why West Ham and Tottenham should share the Olympic Stadium

Click on PAGE 2 to see the BEST SPURS ARTICLES  around the Web this week

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