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Off Season News : June 24th 2009

Published by Ian John on June 24, 2009

Considering we are in the “quiet time” for football, certainly across most of Europe, it has actually been a relatively busy last couple of weeks.

The Confederations Cup started in South Africa and after a somewhat dramatic final set of group games we have our semi finalists. While Brazil’s 3-0 destruction of a wholly ineffectual Italian team was as comprehensive as it was damning of the state of the current World Champions, the performance of the competition so far has to be the sensational story of the United States team who after defeats to Brazil and Italy looked out of the competition unless they won their final game against Egypt and had a six goal deficit wiped out, with the aid of Brazil beating Italy. Incredibly this happened, Brazil’s first half rout of the Italians meaning the United States team ‘only’ needed three against Egypt and in true fairytale fashion, they only went and did it! Egypt’s capitulation, after a fine 1-0 victory over Italy in the previous game and a narrow 4-3 defeat to Brazil before that, was staggering and suggested that if they are the best the African continent can come up with for next summers World Cup finals, we are going to wait a good deal longer before an African nation finally lifts the Golden trophy. The reward for the United States is to face Spain who have, along with Brazil, been by far the best side in the competition. Brazil will take on the hosts South Africa in the second semi final and it would not surprise me if the bookmakers have stopped taking bets on the likelihood of a Spain v Brazil final. Purists of the game should indeed hope for that because both sides have been in outstanding attacking form of late and it would promise to be a sensational final and perhaps a sneak preview of what may occur around a year from now in the World Cup Final itself.

Although the Confederations Cup has been on, I have found myself more drawn to the European U21 championships. Here too we have reached the semi final stage of the competition and after the elimination of Spain, Belarus, Finland and Serbia, we are left with the prospect of England taking on the hosts Sweden in one semi final, while Italy will face Germany in the second. The competition has been excellent although I am staggered at the lack of quality coming through the ranks, especially in the midfield of the Italian team. Germany and Spain also showed nothing special, even the much heralded Bojan had an entirely forgettable tournament. The best team, I shudder to say it, have been England by a quite considerable margin. Despite being down to 10 men for most of the game, they defeated Finland 2-1 in the opener, scoring the winning goal when down to ten men. They then defeated a very lacklustre Spain 2-0 and had it been double that Spain could have had no complaints. With qualification certain, Stuart Pearce rested almost all his first teamers for the final group game against Germany and England U21 reserve side still managed a comfortable 1-1 draw and arguably should have won that game against a full strength German side. The semi final against Sweden will be tough however. On home turf, the Swedes will be much sterner opponents and in Groningen striker Marcus Berg, have the player of the tournament so far. England also have a dismal recent record against the Swedes at full level and with home support certain to be vocal and numerous, England will have to play extremely well in order to progress. The second semi final will see Italy and Germany, which on paper looks a more attractive game, but certainly on the evidence of what I have seen in the tournament so far, I think a single goal will be enough to secure the win and I am not entirely sure which team will secure it. I have a nagging feeling for Italy simply because in Acquafresca, they have a striker who seems capable of getting the goal they’d need.

Other than Berg, several England players and Giovinco of Italy, the only player to catch my eye has been Belarus’s unheralded midfielder Sergei Kislyak who has netted two goals and looked an excellent box to box midfielder, if a little lacking in physicality and stamina. It would not surprise me if his name becomes a little more familiar across Europe over the next few years. His opening goal for Belarus against Sweden was the best in the tournament so far by some way.

Back home in England it seems Manchester City have been the busiest of sides. Roque Santa Cruz has joined Gareth Barry officially at the club while it seems that Carlos Tevez is likely to agree a deal. More interesting is the news that Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o could arrive and his arrival would signal a mark of intent by manager Mark Hughes. A truly world class player whom City need a couple more of, if they are to break into the top four. Hughes has also been linked with a £15m move for Everton defender Joleon Lescott, and while Everton would resist selling, the perilous financial state of the club would mean manager David Moyes would need to give that serious consideration.

It’s a similar story across Stanley Park at Anfield where Rafa Benitez has clinched the signing of Glen Johnson and has said funds are available for one more signing before he has to sell. Benitez is hoping he can facilitate the sale of Andrei Voronin, Jermaine Pennant, Andrea Dossena and possibly also Alvaro Arbeloa to raise funds. However while deals for the four could be sorted, it is unlikely to raise the serious funds needed if Benitez is to make a serious move in the market for a world class striker. That cash can only come from the sale of a major asset and with Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard off limits, it seems Benitez has a decision to make with Barcelona and Real Madrid reportedly ready to make big offers for Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso.

Manchester United, in contrast, have money to burn at the moment. Sir Alex has been linked with almost every half decent, rumoured to be available, player under the sun in the past week or so but it seems finding a replacement for Ronaldo will prove difficult. Bayern Munich seem to be talking telephone numbers for Frank Ribery. One wonders if Sir Alex, or more likely the owners, would be more tempted to land the much cheaper Luis Valencia from Wigan and use the money to service the heft debt incurred by the takeover.

Lastly, England striker Michael Owen is in talks with Hull over a move there from Newcastle. How the mighty have fallen eh? Owen still has the talent to be a top striker. What he lacks is the fitness. Owen must realise that this season coming is make or break. Another year spent fighting injury and I’m afraid to say that Owen should call it quits. If he can stay injury free and regain his form, Hull City, and possibly England manager Fabio Capello, will be absolutely delighted.

Image Courtesy of **Antoon Foobar** at Flickr.com

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