1) Bayern Munich
2) FC Barcelona
3) PSG
4) Athletico Madrid
5) Real Madrid
6) Man City
7) Liverpool FC
8) AS Roma
9) Chelsea FC
10) Borussia Dortmund
Monday, March 31, 2014
Sunday, March 9, 2014
My personal 23 man USA World Cup 2014 Roster
GK- Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando
D- Demarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, Omar Gonzalez, Michael Orozco, Geoff Cameron, Brad Evans, Clarence Goodson
MF- Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Kyle Beckerman, Mix Diskerud, Graham Zusi, Fabian Johnson, Alejandro Bedoya
F- Landon Donovan, Chris Wondolowski, Clint Dempsey, Aron Johannson, Jozy Altidore, Eddie Johnson
D- Demarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, Omar Gonzalez, Michael Orozco, Geoff Cameron, Brad Evans, Clarence Goodson
MF- Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Kyle Beckerman, Mix Diskerud, Graham Zusi, Fabian Johnson, Alejandro Bedoya
F- Landon Donovan, Chris Wondolowski, Clint Dempsey, Aron Johannson, Jozy Altidore, Eddie Johnson
Saturday, March 8, 2014
50 Questions To Answer Going into Brazil 2014 1-5
It happens every four years. The World's Greatest Sporting Spectacle- The Fifa World Cup. What makes the World Cup so special is both it's rarity, only being once every four years, and the fact that it is the sole sporting event that the entire world cares about. With every World Cup Final, 31 nations will leave in tears, one will leave in triumph. Four years ago South Africa hosted the Cup, and Spain took home the title. This year, Brazil hosts for the first time since 1950, Spain looks to repeat, Neymar makes his debut, a Cristiano and Messi try again, and the US looks to stun. If that wasn't enough, Italy and France look for redemption, Holland tries again, Germany's a dark horse, and Russia looks to set the stage for 2018. With all that said, here are the 50 biggest questions for Brazil 2014.
1. Will Brazil be ready?
I don't even want to have to answer this because it's just so boring, but when thinking of 50 questions, this is the most important. You would think that for a country who has won the most World Cup's and who has a large part of their culture related to football, Brazil would have all the resources needed for a World Cup. But the answer to that misconception is- no country is ready for a World Cup. Brazil will use 12 venues for the World Cup, 6 of them being used. As of February, 4 of them aren't ready and neither are a couple of the ones that are being renovated. I'm not much of an expert on the economics of what goes into hosting a World Cup, but the process, and financial loss Brazil has gone through is lets just say rough.
2. Will Brazil win?
The obvious favorites in Vegas' opinion are Brazil, and I'm not so sure they're wrong after the performance they put on in the Confederations Cup last June. Lead by a fresh group of talent featuring the likes of Neymar, Oscar, and Marcelo, mixed in with an experienced back line, the Brazilians look to be able to feed off the home crowd and lift the trophy for the fifth time this summer.
3. Can Spain repeat?
If the question is can Spain repeat- the answer is of course. If the question is Will Spain repeat- answers may vary. There is no doubting the talent in Spain's roster, but will it click? So much of a World Cup is about the ability to blend. The World Cup isn't won by the team with the best players, it is won by the best team. We have already seen star Athletico striker Diego Costa struggle with La Roja in a friendly against Italy despite showing terrific form at the club level as of late. The matter of the fact is the international game is different than the club game. That combined with the harsh draw Spain received, there could be a little bit of trouble for La Roja this summer in Brazil.
4. Who's the dark horse?
Every one has said Belgium. We get it Kompany, Hazard, Mignolet, Lukaku, Vertonghen, etc. Yes, the Belgians are talented, but are they really a true dark horse. With talent like that you are a pure favorite, and should do well. For me, I have three dark horses who could surprise: 1) Greece, the Euro 2004 winners had to defeat Romania in a playoff to get to Brazil, but lucked out in their draw, and should be poised to escape the group and be a sleeper team in the elimination phase. 2) USA: talk about a team who gets hardly any respect. The soccer stereotype in the US shouldn't even exist any longer. The US dominated the Hex, and has improved immensely since South Africa. Let's get one thing straight: the US is what makes it the group of death. With Portugal, Germany, and Ghana, it's a tough group, with the US it's a group of death. 3) Russia: I could see Russia's World Cup going one of two ways. They could either bow out at the hands of another sleeper team in South Korea, or they could upset Belgium, and win the group. Let's remember, this team dominated a group in qualifying that had a very strong Portugal team.
5. How will England do?
The experts aren't expecting too much from the Lions this summer, but I have a differing opinion. I personally think that England has a shot to make a deep run in Brazil. Despite getting drawn into a difficult group, England's path through the elimination phase should be an easy one in the early going. Despite Gerrard growing older, there still is some fresh young talent in this squad. Ross Barkley, Adam Lallana, Raheem Sterling, maybe Luke Shaw, etc. Without question, 2018 looks bright, and I feel that with this squad, England has a chance to make 2014 pretty good to. Look, Italy is a great team. But Uruguay has struggled to qualify and outside of their brilliant strikers, there are some major question marks for them.
1. Will Brazil be ready?
I don't even want to have to answer this because it's just so boring, but when thinking of 50 questions, this is the most important. You would think that for a country who has won the most World Cup's and who has a large part of their culture related to football, Brazil would have all the resources needed for a World Cup. But the answer to that misconception is- no country is ready for a World Cup. Brazil will use 12 venues for the World Cup, 6 of them being used. As of February, 4 of them aren't ready and neither are a couple of the ones that are being renovated. I'm not much of an expert on the economics of what goes into hosting a World Cup, but the process, and financial loss Brazil has gone through is lets just say rough.
2. Will Brazil win?
The obvious favorites in Vegas' opinion are Brazil, and I'm not so sure they're wrong after the performance they put on in the Confederations Cup last June. Lead by a fresh group of talent featuring the likes of Neymar, Oscar, and Marcelo, mixed in with an experienced back line, the Brazilians look to be able to feed off the home crowd and lift the trophy for the fifth time this summer.
3. Can Spain repeat?
If the question is can Spain repeat- the answer is of course. If the question is Will Spain repeat- answers may vary. There is no doubting the talent in Spain's roster, but will it click? So much of a World Cup is about the ability to blend. The World Cup isn't won by the team with the best players, it is won by the best team. We have already seen star Athletico striker Diego Costa struggle with La Roja in a friendly against Italy despite showing terrific form at the club level as of late. The matter of the fact is the international game is different than the club game. That combined with the harsh draw Spain received, there could be a little bit of trouble for La Roja this summer in Brazil.
4. Who's the dark horse?
Every one has said Belgium. We get it Kompany, Hazard, Mignolet, Lukaku, Vertonghen, etc. Yes, the Belgians are talented, but are they really a true dark horse. With talent like that you are a pure favorite, and should do well. For me, I have three dark horses who could surprise: 1) Greece, the Euro 2004 winners had to defeat Romania in a playoff to get to Brazil, but lucked out in their draw, and should be poised to escape the group and be a sleeper team in the elimination phase. 2) USA: talk about a team who gets hardly any respect. The soccer stereotype in the US shouldn't even exist any longer. The US dominated the Hex, and has improved immensely since South Africa. Let's get one thing straight: the US is what makes it the group of death. With Portugal, Germany, and Ghana, it's a tough group, with the US it's a group of death. 3) Russia: I could see Russia's World Cup going one of two ways. They could either bow out at the hands of another sleeper team in South Korea, or they could upset Belgium, and win the group. Let's remember, this team dominated a group in qualifying that had a very strong Portugal team.
5. How will England do?
The experts aren't expecting too much from the Lions this summer, but I have a differing opinion. I personally think that England has a shot to make a deep run in Brazil. Despite getting drawn into a difficult group, England's path through the elimination phase should be an easy one in the early going. Despite Gerrard growing older, there still is some fresh young talent in this squad. Ross Barkley, Adam Lallana, Raheem Sterling, maybe Luke Shaw, etc. Without question, 2018 looks bright, and I feel that with this squad, England has a chance to make 2014 pretty good to. Look, Italy is a great team. But Uruguay has struggled to qualify and outside of their brilliant strikers, there are some major question marks for them.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Big Things From Bradley Jr.
Every young player needs time in the Big Leagues before they're ready to go. The same can be said for Red Sox left fielder, Jackie Bradley Jr. The rookie has loads of talent on both field and at the plate, but has only a .143 batting average, through the first week. Bradley Jr, is one of the kind of players, who right now is sitting in the eight spot in the lineup, but could work his way up to as high as lead off, if all goes right. In my mind, however the ceiling for Bradley Jr. would be the five spot, to help out a righty dominated line-up. The reason I don't see Bradley Jr. Getting any higher, is due to the fact that with Ellsbury leading off, it's hard to see two of your lefties hitting early in a righty dominated line-up.
Down The Stretch:
If I haven't already stated it, I think Bradley Jr. is going to be HUGE for this Red Sox team in the upcoming years. With a great glove, and potentially productive at the plate, he is going to really help this team for years to come.
Photo Reference:http://www.wcvb.com/news/sports/Rookie-outfielder-Bradley-Jr-makes-Red-Sox-roster/-/9848968/19538172/-/v48cfn/-/index.html
Down The Stretch:
If I haven't already stated it, I think Bradley Jr. is going to be HUGE for this Red Sox team in the upcoming years. With a great glove, and potentially productive at the plate, he is going to really help this team for years to come.
Photo Reference:http://www.wcvb.com/news/sports/Rookie-outfielder-Bradley-Jr-makes-Red-Sox-roster/-/9848968/19538172/-/v48cfn/-/index.html
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Playoff Hunt
As the playoffs draw near for the NBA, only two teams have to compete for one spot (Yes I am saying that Houston, and Golden State are in). These two are the Los Angeles Lakers are Utah Jazz. If I told you that these two teams were the teams vying for a spot in the playoffs, in October, you'd call me crazy, and say that the Lakers are stacked, and then give me the whole spiel about how The Lakers have Nash, Kobe, Pau, and Howard. But, sometimes, too many good things is bad, especially in the NBA. The thing about the NBA is that you can have two players, and still win it all. Look at the 2010 Lakers for instance, or the 2009 Magic that were right there in the Finals. But the thing is, The Lakers have four, not even including World Peace or Jamison who can hold their own, players who are within the Top 40 in The NBA Today. Meanwhile, as predicted, The Jazz have struggled to hold onto their spot in the playoffs, but have won their last two, putting them a half game up on The Lake Show. It's a two way hunt for the eight seed, who wants it more?
Stay tuned for more on the Lakers playoff hunt
Photo Reference: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1501917-utah-jazz-vs-la-lakers-postgame-grades-and-analysis-for-la
Stay tuned for more on the Lakers playoff hunt
Photo Reference: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1501917-utah-jazz-vs-la-lakers-postgame-grades-and-analysis-for-la
Red Sox Shortstop
If the Boston Red Sox have had one common plague over the past decade or so, it has been a shortstop. Over the past few seasons, it has been a shortstop carousel in Boston, but this season, they have two valid choices. Stephen Drew is a veteran player, who can be big at the plate, especially in run scoring opportunities. José Iglesias on the other hand is more of a great fielder, but through six games, he has put up very impressive numbers. Drew's constant contact, can help the Sox, but I think that Drew is the shortstop for a few years in Boston. That is until Bogaerts is ready.
Quick Look- National Championship
The Louisville Cardinals are back on top of the College Hoops world, and their dancing like its 1986. The Card Crew was without question the nations best team down the stretch, and after a long, upset crazy season, Louisville finally emerged late, as the team to beat. In the end, the Cardinals were, undoubtedly the best team in the
Photo Reference: nation.http://blogs.wsj.com/dailyfix/2013/04/08/live-blog-ncaa-mens-basketball-finals-louisville-vs-michigan/
Photo Reference: nation.http://blogs.wsj.com/dailyfix/2013/04/08/live-blog-ncaa-mens-basketball-finals-louisville-vs-michigan/
Monday, April 8, 2013
NCAA Championship Preview
Tonight is it. One more game, one last chance to steal the spotlight. Does it get any better? Trey Burke, Peyton Siva; Tim Hardaway Jr., Russ Smith; Glenn Robinson, Luke Hancock... The list goes on. Tonight, one coach, Belien, or Pitino will cut down the nets of the college basketball season, the same nets that we saw thousands of shots sink through, hundreds of dunks thrown through, buzzer-beater galore, and plenty of gut wrenching upsets. So where does this season stand all-time? It depends what you want to see. Do you want an even playing field, or do you want a giant who every wants to upset. In my mind, this season isn't a season with no outstanding teams, it's a season with too many great teams. Now for my prediction- drumroll please……… I think that it will be one of those games that comes down to the finish. Now, in my bracket I took Louisville to win it all, but in my other bracket I took Michigan... My pick The Wolverines with the upset.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Bubble Update: Baylor
As the tourney draws near, we begin to look at the NCAA's infamous bubble teams. One of the annoying cases this year is the Baylor Bears. On paper, the Bears are a great team, but you can't go and lose to Texas. Pierre Jackson may be the best player in the Big 12, but this team just cannot click. If you want to make the tournament, you NEED to beat Texas. Texas isn't a bad team either, it's just you need to beat any team in that circumstance. This makes Saturday's showdown with Kansas a must-win.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Confederations Cup Italy
It is still a means away, but its never to early to start talking World Cup Soccer. For those people who don't know, the year prior to the World Cup holds a " practice run" for the worlds greatest sporting spectacle. The event features the winner of each continent, the host country, and the defending World Cup champion. This years event will feature Spain, Italy, Nigeria, Tahiti, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, and Uruguay. The favorites going in are once again going to be Spain, but there are some challenges starting with fellow UEFA foe Italy.
The streets of Italy aren't like anything that you've ever seen. Rather than looming skyscrapers, and highways, they are small, villages. There are shore lines, houses built on cliffs, it is a beautiful place. It is a country filled with rich pageantry and tradition, and doesn't lack history. It is also perhaps the most fascinating country on the planet. With land forms ranging from fields to hills, luscious green forest to rocky shore lines, Italy has it all when it comes to nature. But what bonds a small country, just a little north of 60 million people, is there love of a common game. That game is soccer. And what the Italians have going for them in this years Cup, and World Cup both, is that they have a variety. As the Italians look ahead to the World Cup, and its predecessor, they will hand over the reign from Pirlo to Balotelli. The question now, is can the twenty two year old lead this team to victory?
Lol
The streets of Italy aren't like anything that you've ever seen. Rather than looming skyscrapers, and highways, they are small, villages. There are shore lines, houses built on cliffs, it is a beautiful place. It is a country filled with rich pageantry and tradition, and doesn't lack history. It is also perhaps the most fascinating country on the planet. With land forms ranging from fields to hills, luscious green forest to rocky shore lines, Italy has it all when it comes to nature. But what bonds a small country, just a little north of 60 million people, is there love of a common game. That game is soccer. And what the Italians have going for them in this years Cup, and World Cup both, is that they have a variety. As the Italians look ahead to the World Cup, and its predecessor, they will hand over the reign from Pirlo to Balotelli. The question now, is can the twenty two year old lead this team to victory?
Lol
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Duke tops Miami
A more appropriate title probably would've been the Ryan Kelly show, but we'll keep it as is. The 6-11' Power Forward, made his return on the big stage after missing 14 straight games. Kelly went 10 for 14 from the field, with 7 out of nine of them coming from downtown. After today's display, it is obvious, that the Blue Devils are a better team with Kelly on the floor. After a back and forth start, Miami had a 22-16 lead, behind Shane Larkins. Larkins posted 25 points in a losing effort. Miami held a 36-34 lead at the half, but in the second half things got going for Duke. Behind the Cameron Crazies, Duke went up 75-65 with under two to play. But it didn't go without a Miami answer, after a number of Duke missed free throws, and Miami aggressiveness, It was a three point game, when the Canes got two decent look from three. After rimming out on both, the Blue Devils walked away with a W, that kept them in contention for an ACC Title.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
MLB 30 Faces: AL East
Boston Red sox: Dustin Pedroia. The Sox are going to have their hands full at the plate this season, but luckily they have a great fielder, and hitter in number 15.
Toronto Bluejays: José Bautista. The Jays may actually be the favorite to win the AL East this season, and Bautista is a prime reason for it. Let the 27 homers in 92 games speak for themselves.
New York Yankees: Curtis Granderson. The Yankees Center fielder can certainly do big things, both with his glove, and with his bat, but can he keep it up this season?
Baltimore Orioles: Adam Jones. The Orioles All- Star center fielder is going to make some highlight reels this season. His contact, and power, and speed, create an all around terrific player in Adam Jones
Tampa Bay Rays: David Price. I knew coming into this, a few pitchers would be named, but it isn't ideal as one out of every five games you'll get this guy. However, a guy like David Price, is the kind of strategist, who also has the skill set to fire strikes.
Toronto Bluejays: José Bautista. The Jays may actually be the favorite to win the AL East this season, and Bautista is a prime reason for it. Let the 27 homers in 92 games speak for themselves.
New York Yankees: Curtis Granderson. The Yankees Center fielder can certainly do big things, both with his glove, and with his bat, but can he keep it up this season?
Baltimore Orioles: Adam Jones. The Orioles All- Star center fielder is going to make some highlight reels this season. His contact, and power, and speed, create an all around terrific player in Adam Jones
Tampa Bay Rays: David Price. I knew coming into this, a few pitchers would be named, but it isn't ideal as one out of every five games you'll get this guy. However, a guy like David Price, is the kind of strategist, who also has the skill set to fire strikes.
Michigan vs. Ohio State
In late night, overtime battle, between two top ten teams, it was a fight to the end between these two Big Ten powerhouses. Probably the biggest matchup in this one was Trey Burke vs. Aaron Craft. These two definitely lived up to the hype, but the two larger performances were definitely Tim Hardaway Jr. and Deshaun Thomas, cashing in for 23 and 17 respectively. The game was tied after 40 minutes, after Deshaun Thomas hit a three, to force the OT. With 7.9 seconds left, Ohio State was forced to foul, forcing Michigan to the line, after hitting the front but missing the back end of the two, it was a 76-74 game. Aaron Craft received the ball, rushing it up the court. Craft was met by Glenn Robinson at about the three point line, Craft made his way around Robinson, when he was met by Trey Burke, Craft had a step of Burke, and went up with a lay up. The lay up missed rim, and the buzzer sounded. Craft lay on the ground waiting for a foul. And I think he deserved one. There was definitely some contact, thought the slapping of Craft's, wrists. But honestly, Michigan deserved this win, and I tell you, after last night, I think Ohio State will be a 3 seed and Michigan a one seed. With that said, I think either of these teams ( plus Indiana and MSU) can make a final four run.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Welcome to Sports Blog
Hey guys,
Basically, this is a blog designed to chat about all things sporting related. Though, I am no Mike and Mike, or Sportscenter, I do know my stuff about sports, and my goal is to write about what YOU want to read. I'm talking about college basketball bubble watches, NFL recaps, and analysis, some baseball small talk, NBA, some NHL, NASCAR, college football, and of course international soccer. Each night, I will update this page, anywhere from 9 pm or later. So lets get this page up and running.
Basically, this is a blog designed to chat about all things sporting related. Though, I am no Mike and Mike, or Sportscenter, I do know my stuff about sports, and my goal is to write about what YOU want to read. I'm talking about college basketball bubble watches, NFL recaps, and analysis, some baseball small talk, NBA, some NHL, NASCAR, college football, and of course international soccer. Each night, I will update this page, anywhere from 9 pm or later. So lets get this page up and running.
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