Boner-ific. That is all.
My blog is about football and the great team of Chelsea F.C. I do love football, which Americans think is called soccer. Though I am said to be born in Texas, I believe that I was born in the wrong country. But that is beside the fact..I shall talk about any and everything under the sun concerning football. Comments are welcomed both good and bad.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Borussia Dortmund v. Real Madrid: Champions League
The second installment of what the media is calling Germany versus Spain with Bayern putting the hurt of Barcelona. Could Real pull off an upset in what happened in the group stages? My speculation was, no. Dortmund beat Real at home and drew them away. I was puzzled at how some people could stand there and tell me that since this is a semi final match, it was totally different. I didn't buy it. Even in the group stages you want to win every game. Especially these two teams. They were both in the same group and it was the toughest group. All four teams were very strong teams. Dortmund won the group and Real went second. Dortmund were unbeaten so far in the Champions League and I assumed that they were going for gold for two reasons; One, to show up Bayern. And two, to make it an all German final. Dortmund also are 20 points behind Bayern in the Bundesliga, which means that they have put all their effort into winning the Champions League. Behind the EPL, I think that the Bundesliga is second best and La Liga and Serie A can battle it out for third as far as the best leagues in the world. La Liga is top heavy and not strong overall.
First half...
I have never seen a team jump so fast on the opposition. If you are a fan of Barcelona you have to be a fan and should switch to watching Dortmund. They play a much more physical game and a much faster possession style and counter-attacking game. It is very similar to what Barca do with the high pressure to win the ball back but it is done at a much higher pace and much more physical. To me, it is the closest to a total team. And with that Robert Lewandowski took on the mantle to bring his team to the final. The first coming in the first half after about 8 minutes. Lewandowski latched onto a cross and steered it in from close range. Not sixty seconds later a great appeal for a penalty in the area for Dortmund was turned down and Real broke and if not for a terrible back pass that found its way to Ronaldo, Real would not be level going into the half. Halftime whistle and it is all tied up. 1-1 a piece.
Second half...
Dortmund come back out and do the same thing they have been doing all night long. Forcing turnovers and cutting off supply to the forwards as well as counter-attacking with tremendous speed and killer accuracy. Real looked lost on the field and couldn't get a hold on anything. Five minutes into the second half Lewandowski had two goals. A shot that was neatly turned then finished was a testament to his skill. The next coming only a few minutes later was a testament to his composure in front of goal. And his penalty spot kick rounded out the night. He apparently wanted to send a message that he is a machine that just scored a hat-trick in 17 minutes in a Champions League semi final match versus a powerhouse in Real Madrid. Something that has never been done before. 4-1 to Dortmund and they were still trying for more goals to completely humble Real. Even Mourinho didn't know how it went from 1-1 to 4-1.
If you want to follow along with the media, it is Germany 8 - Spain 1. At least Real Madrid got on the board. Next Tuesday and Wednesday hold the fate, but even while both Spanish teams play at home, can they overcome such huge deficits? They barely challenged the Germans and Barcelona didn't even score. I don't see it happening. But anything can happen in football. I still think that Dortmund will win it all though. I just don't see Bayern winning it this year. Yes, they won the Bundesliga by 20 points, but Dortmund just handed it to them so that they could focus on winning the Champions League. Bayern have the strength but I'm not sure they have the skill to keep up with Dortmund. 2-1 to Dortmund.
First half...
I have never seen a team jump so fast on the opposition. If you are a fan of Barcelona you have to be a fan and should switch to watching Dortmund. They play a much more physical game and a much faster possession style and counter-attacking game. It is very similar to what Barca do with the high pressure to win the ball back but it is done at a much higher pace and much more physical. To me, it is the closest to a total team. And with that Robert Lewandowski took on the mantle to bring his team to the final. The first coming in the first half after about 8 minutes. Lewandowski latched onto a cross and steered it in from close range. Not sixty seconds later a great appeal for a penalty in the area for Dortmund was turned down and Real broke and if not for a terrible back pass that found its way to Ronaldo, Real would not be level going into the half. Halftime whistle and it is all tied up. 1-1 a piece.
Second half...
Dortmund come back out and do the same thing they have been doing all night long. Forcing turnovers and cutting off supply to the forwards as well as counter-attacking with tremendous speed and killer accuracy. Real looked lost on the field and couldn't get a hold on anything. Five minutes into the second half Lewandowski had two goals. A shot that was neatly turned then finished was a testament to his skill. The next coming only a few minutes later was a testament to his composure in front of goal. And his penalty spot kick rounded out the night. He apparently wanted to send a message that he is a machine that just scored a hat-trick in 17 minutes in a Champions League semi final match versus a powerhouse in Real Madrid. Something that has never been done before. 4-1 to Dortmund and they were still trying for more goals to completely humble Real. Even Mourinho didn't know how it went from 1-1 to 4-1.
If you want to follow along with the media, it is Germany 8 - Spain 1. At least Real Madrid got on the board. Next Tuesday and Wednesday hold the fate, but even while both Spanish teams play at home, can they overcome such huge deficits? They barely challenged the Germans and Barcelona didn't even score. I don't see it happening. But anything can happen in football. I still think that Dortmund will win it all though. I just don't see Bayern winning it this year. Yes, they won the Bundesliga by 20 points, but Dortmund just handed it to them so that they could focus on winning the Champions League. Bayern have the strength but I'm not sure they have the skill to keep up with Dortmund. 2-1 to Dortmund.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Champions League Semi Final: Bayern Munich v. Barcelona
Two powerhouse clubs going at it in the semis. One has a stellar player with a great supporting cast while the other has several players with great skill. Which one will come out on top? Ze Germans or the tiki taka Spaniards.
First half...
Barca get off to a good start with possession as always but Bayern are defending well and a bit differently than I would have expected. Bayern are apparently and obviously conceding possession but marking Xavi and Iniesta so they can't get on the ball and dictate play. The commentators were all wondering about Messi, who may or may not be fit due to a hamstring injury. Time would tell. Barca are doing the usual passing around but with no purpose. I believe it is because their hands are tied by not having their two best passers of the ball, have the ball. Bayern are doing a wonderful job of that. They press only when certain key players have the ball and then Barca are forced backwards. Obviously, you can't score that way and Barca are content because they still have the ball. Bayern seem to understand the game a little more. Their passes are with conviction and attacks are direct and probing. No time is given to the Barca defense to survey what was happening. Bayern would be asking a lot of questions of this defense throughout the night. Could Barcelona answer? Several appeals by the home team could have gone their way and it could have started on its way to a rout, but it was going to take more effort than that. It took a while for the game to open up and Bayern were willing to run, but Barca weren't obliging and were beat by a corner. The height of Bayern could be a factor in this game. Muller opens the scoring by heading in from close range. All Barca can do is scream to the ref of a foul that was never there. Bayern up 1-0. Barcelona try to get a hold back on the game. It is almost as if they are asking themselves; How can we be down? We have all the possession and no goals and yet they aren't scared, how is this possible? They go in at the break with the home team up a goal.
Second half...
Could Barca get an away goal? Or will Bayern up the pressure? What is most strange to me is how Messi is still in the game even though he can't get on the ball. He has dropped back to just in front of his own back line to get a few touches on the ball. Even then he is hounded to give it up or his is surrounded and dispossessed. Great teamwork by Bayern to play team defense. But Bayern aren't just about playing defense. Another corner is Barcelona's undoing and they have a legit call for offsides, but Bayern have their legitimate appeal for two handlings in the area in the first half. Pick your poison. Gomez finds himself unmarked and puts Ze Germans up by two. "Barca surely have an answer", their fans must be saying. Eh, no, no they don't. Another spell of Barcelona possession comes to nothing but a swift counter by Bayern and another questionable blocking no call and Robben finds the back of the net to put the home side up by three. Nobody expected this. I myself thought the final score would be 3-1 to Bayern. So even I thought that Barca would have a goal. With about 25 minutes left and Messi still on the field it looks as if Barcelona have thrown in the towel and just don't want to concede another costly goal. They seem to be thinking of the return leg and how they will score four at home against a side that won't even give them one. Bayern, to their credit, knew that the game wasn't over and kept pushing Barca to the limit. They were thinking, "We've broken them three times already, why not again?" And break again they did. Countering a stretched Barcelona team never looked so easy and fluid. Bayern seemed to have free reign to attack wherever they wanted to. This time is was to the left. Alaba picked up the ball from Schweinsteiger and screamed down the left and into the oppositions' area and put a dangerous ball across the face of goal for Muller to tap home. Four nil to Ze Germans and it never looked in doubt. I correctly guessed how many goals would be scored I just gave Barca a goal in a game that they didn't show up to. It turned out to be a game of one team relying on one player to take off the pressure of the rest of them and he never showed up, while the other team had all eleven players playing one game, defending with passion and attacking with enthusiasm. One team deserved to win that game. One team did win that game.
My man of the match would be Arjen Robben. Not known for his defensive ability, he certainly showed it tonight as well as his scoring.
First half...
Barca get off to a good start with possession as always but Bayern are defending well and a bit differently than I would have expected. Bayern are apparently and obviously conceding possession but marking Xavi and Iniesta so they can't get on the ball and dictate play. The commentators were all wondering about Messi, who may or may not be fit due to a hamstring injury. Time would tell. Barca are doing the usual passing around but with no purpose. I believe it is because their hands are tied by not having their two best passers of the ball, have the ball. Bayern are doing a wonderful job of that. They press only when certain key players have the ball and then Barca are forced backwards. Obviously, you can't score that way and Barca are content because they still have the ball. Bayern seem to understand the game a little more. Their passes are with conviction and attacks are direct and probing. No time is given to the Barca defense to survey what was happening. Bayern would be asking a lot of questions of this defense throughout the night. Could Barcelona answer? Several appeals by the home team could have gone their way and it could have started on its way to a rout, but it was going to take more effort than that. It took a while for the game to open up and Bayern were willing to run, but Barca weren't obliging and were beat by a corner. The height of Bayern could be a factor in this game. Muller opens the scoring by heading in from close range. All Barca can do is scream to the ref of a foul that was never there. Bayern up 1-0. Barcelona try to get a hold back on the game. It is almost as if they are asking themselves; How can we be down? We have all the possession and no goals and yet they aren't scared, how is this possible? They go in at the break with the home team up a goal.
Second half...
Could Barca get an away goal? Or will Bayern up the pressure? What is most strange to me is how Messi is still in the game even though he can't get on the ball. He has dropped back to just in front of his own back line to get a few touches on the ball. Even then he is hounded to give it up or his is surrounded and dispossessed. Great teamwork by Bayern to play team defense. But Bayern aren't just about playing defense. Another corner is Barcelona's undoing and they have a legit call for offsides, but Bayern have their legitimate appeal for two handlings in the area in the first half. Pick your poison. Gomez finds himself unmarked and puts Ze Germans up by two. "Barca surely have an answer", their fans must be saying. Eh, no, no they don't. Another spell of Barcelona possession comes to nothing but a swift counter by Bayern and another questionable blocking no call and Robben finds the back of the net to put the home side up by three. Nobody expected this. I myself thought the final score would be 3-1 to Bayern. So even I thought that Barca would have a goal. With about 25 minutes left and Messi still on the field it looks as if Barcelona have thrown in the towel and just don't want to concede another costly goal. They seem to be thinking of the return leg and how they will score four at home against a side that won't even give them one. Bayern, to their credit, knew that the game wasn't over and kept pushing Barca to the limit. They were thinking, "We've broken them three times already, why not again?" And break again they did. Countering a stretched Barcelona team never looked so easy and fluid. Bayern seemed to have free reign to attack wherever they wanted to. This time is was to the left. Alaba picked up the ball from Schweinsteiger and screamed down the left and into the oppositions' area and put a dangerous ball across the face of goal for Muller to tap home. Four nil to Ze Germans and it never looked in doubt. I correctly guessed how many goals would be scored I just gave Barca a goal in a game that they didn't show up to. It turned out to be a game of one team relying on one player to take off the pressure of the rest of them and he never showed up, while the other team had all eleven players playing one game, defending with passion and attacking with enthusiasm. One team deserved to win that game. One team did win that game.
My man of the match would be Arjen Robben. Not known for his defensive ability, he certainly showed it tonight as well as his scoring.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
The Horrors of Patriotism
The State... is the most flagrant, the most cynical, and the most complete negation of humanity. It shatters the universal solidarity of all men on the earth, and brings some of them into association only for the purpose of destroying, conquering, and enslaving all the rest. It protects its own citizens only; it recognises human rights, humanity, civilisation within its own confines alone. Since it recognises no rights outside itself, it logically arrogates to itself the right to exercise the most ferocious inhumanity toward all foreign populations, which it can plunder, exterminate, or enslave at will. If it does show itself generous and humane toward them, it is never through a sense of duty, for it has no duties except to itself in the first place, and then to those of its members who have freely formed it, who freely continue to constitute it or even, as always happens in the long run, those who have become its subjects. As there is no international law in existence, and as it could never exist in a meaningful and realistic way without undermining to its foundations the very principle of the absolute sovereignty of the State, the State can have no duties toward foreign populations. Hence, if it treats a conquered people in a humane fashion, if it plunders or exterminates it halfway only, if it does not reduce it to the lowest degree of slavery, this may be a political act inspired by prudence, or even by pure magnanimity, but it is never done from a sense of duty, for the State has an absolute right to dispose of a conquered people at will.
This flagrant negation of humanity which constitutes the very essence of the State is, from the standpoint of the State, its supreme duty and its greatest virtue. It bears the name patriotism, and it constitutes the entire transcendent morality of the State. We call it transcendent morality because it usually goes beyond the level of human morality and justice, either of the community or of the private individual, and by that same token often finds itself in contradiction with these. Thus, to offend, to oppress, to despoil, to plunder, to assassinate or enslave one's fellowman is ordinarily regarded as a crime. In public life, on the other hand, from the standpoint of patriotism, when these things are done for the greater glory of the State, for the preservation or the extension of its power, it is all transformed into duty and virtue. And this virtue, this duty, are obligatory for each patriotic citizen; everyone is supposed to exercise them not against foreigners only but against one's own fellow citizens, members or subjects of the State like himself, whenever the welfare of the State demands it.
This explains why, since the birth of the State, the world of politics has always been and continues to be the stage for unlimited rascality and brigandage, brigandage and rascality which, by the way, are held in high esteem, since they are sanctified by patriotism, by the transcendent morality and the supreme interest of the State. This explains why the entire history of ancient and modern states is merely a series of revolting crimes; why kings and ministers, past and present, of all times and all countries — statesmen, diplomats, bureaucrats, and warriors — if judged from the standpoint of simple morality and human justice, have a hundred, a thousand times over earned their sentence to hard labour or to the gallows. There is no horror, no cruelty, sacrilege, or perjury, no imposture, no infamous transaction, no cynical robbery, no bold plunder or shabby betrayal that has not been or is not daily being perpetrated by the representatives of the states, under no other pretext than those elastic words, so convenient and yet so terrible: "for reasons of state."
- Bakunin
If you want to know more about Mikhail Alexandrovich Bakunin <----Click his name to read a quick biography.
Basically, Bakunin is saying that the State was only created to ensure the rights of those that lived in it. It doesn't care about the 'unalienable rights' of any people living outside the State. So, let me break it down further. We live in a country that says it is all about peace and prosperity and the pursuit of happiness, but only for its own citizens. Is that why so many people want to live here? Is it because they understand that we will 'help' our own citizens but if their own government say or do something we don't like we will infringe on their own rights? Do we not know that we are all human and regardless of what country or religion you are, you still have the right to live and live freely without persecution from anyone?
Crusades by the Christians is equal to bringing democracy to other countries which is equal to terrorism. Terrorism is the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion. To go further, it is a systematic use of violence to create a general climate of fear in a population and thereby to bring about a particular political objective. It has been used throughout history by political organizations of both the left and the right, by nationalist and ethnic groups, and by revolutionaries. Although usually thought of as a means of destabilizing or overthrowing existing political institutions, terror also has been employed by governments against their own people to suppress dissent; examples include the reigns of certain Roman emperors, the French Revolution (see Reign of Terror), Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union under Stalin, and Argentina during the “dirty war” of the 1970s. It has been used the world over and countless times. We act as if it has only started on 9/11. Look at our so called news, they only want to report the wrongs that others are doing to us and propagate that we need to stick closer together and shun the 'outsiders'. We are all human. Fear is not real. It is a choice. Fear comes about by the thoughts that you create in your mind. It is a choice to be fearful. Danger is very real, but fear is not. Why, then, do so many people fear certain religions? They may be dangerous in what they teach, but I see no reason to be fearful. And if you want to say that Islam is the root of all evil, then you shouldn't mind me saying the same about Christianity either. In fact, you should be in agreement. Islam and Christianity aren't so different. Both teach that they are the supreme religion and you should believe in each one body, mind and soul. Look at the crusades. Both sides fought for their beliefs for hundreds of years and killed millions of people in the name of their god. And it has continued on to this very day. It is called by a different name now. It isn't done in the name of religion, it is done in the name of the State. "What can't we all just get along?" Well, it is simple really, we can't get along because in the US we are taught to uphold only ourselves and downcast others, especially others from a different country who don't believe the same thing we believe. If we don't see it that way we are dubbed traitors, anarchists and insurgents. My question then is; Why can't we treat EVERYONE as a human being and not force anyone to think a certain way or act in a certain way? We need to turn away from the State and be ALL inclusive, not just State inclusive.
I'm sorry that this is not football related. But I had to get this off my chest.
This flagrant negation of humanity which constitutes the very essence of the State is, from the standpoint of the State, its supreme duty and its greatest virtue. It bears the name patriotism, and it constitutes the entire transcendent morality of the State. We call it transcendent morality because it usually goes beyond the level of human morality and justice, either of the community or of the private individual, and by that same token often finds itself in contradiction with these. Thus, to offend, to oppress, to despoil, to plunder, to assassinate or enslave one's fellowman is ordinarily regarded as a crime. In public life, on the other hand, from the standpoint of patriotism, when these things are done for the greater glory of the State, for the preservation or the extension of its power, it is all transformed into duty and virtue. And this virtue, this duty, are obligatory for each patriotic citizen; everyone is supposed to exercise them not against foreigners only but against one's own fellow citizens, members or subjects of the State like himself, whenever the welfare of the State demands it.
This explains why, since the birth of the State, the world of politics has always been and continues to be the stage for unlimited rascality and brigandage, brigandage and rascality which, by the way, are held in high esteem, since they are sanctified by patriotism, by the transcendent morality and the supreme interest of the State. This explains why the entire history of ancient and modern states is merely a series of revolting crimes; why kings and ministers, past and present, of all times and all countries — statesmen, diplomats, bureaucrats, and warriors — if judged from the standpoint of simple morality and human justice, have a hundred, a thousand times over earned their sentence to hard labour or to the gallows. There is no horror, no cruelty, sacrilege, or perjury, no imposture, no infamous transaction, no cynical robbery, no bold plunder or shabby betrayal that has not been or is not daily being perpetrated by the representatives of the states, under no other pretext than those elastic words, so convenient and yet so terrible: "for reasons of state."
- Bakunin
If you want to know more about Mikhail Alexandrovich Bakunin <----Click his name to read a quick biography.
Basically, Bakunin is saying that the State was only created to ensure the rights of those that lived in it. It doesn't care about the 'unalienable rights' of any people living outside the State. So, let me break it down further. We live in a country that says it is all about peace and prosperity and the pursuit of happiness, but only for its own citizens. Is that why so many people want to live here? Is it because they understand that we will 'help' our own citizens but if their own government say or do something we don't like we will infringe on their own rights? Do we not know that we are all human and regardless of what country or religion you are, you still have the right to live and live freely without persecution from anyone?
Crusades by the Christians is equal to bringing democracy to other countries which is equal to terrorism. Terrorism is the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion. To go further, it is a systematic use of violence to create a general climate of fear in a population and thereby to bring about a particular political objective. It has been used throughout history by political organizations of both the left and the right, by nationalist and ethnic groups, and by revolutionaries. Although usually thought of as a means of destabilizing or overthrowing existing political institutions, terror also has been employed by governments against their own people to suppress dissent; examples include the reigns of certain Roman emperors, the French Revolution (see Reign of Terror), Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union under Stalin, and Argentina during the “dirty war” of the 1970s. It has been used the world over and countless times. We act as if it has only started on 9/11. Look at our so called news, they only want to report the wrongs that others are doing to us and propagate that we need to stick closer together and shun the 'outsiders'. We are all human. Fear is not real. It is a choice. Fear comes about by the thoughts that you create in your mind. It is a choice to be fearful. Danger is very real, but fear is not. Why, then, do so many people fear certain religions? They may be dangerous in what they teach, but I see no reason to be fearful. And if you want to say that Islam is the root of all evil, then you shouldn't mind me saying the same about Christianity either. In fact, you should be in agreement. Islam and Christianity aren't so different. Both teach that they are the supreme religion and you should believe in each one body, mind and soul. Look at the crusades. Both sides fought for their beliefs for hundreds of years and killed millions of people in the name of their god. And it has continued on to this very day. It is called by a different name now. It isn't done in the name of religion, it is done in the name of the State. "What can't we all just get along?" Well, it is simple really, we can't get along because in the US we are taught to uphold only ourselves and downcast others, especially others from a different country who don't believe the same thing we believe. If we don't see it that way we are dubbed traitors, anarchists and insurgents. My question then is; Why can't we treat EVERYONE as a human being and not force anyone to think a certain way or act in a certain way? We need to turn away from the State and be ALL inclusive, not just State inclusive.
I'm sorry that this is not football related. But I had to get this off my chest.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Smiles
How can I better care for her?
How can I be a greater man for her?
Even if we are so far away I still can see her smile.
She is the one I am thinking about daily.
I do not feel at home here.
I want to be closer to her.
I want time to flow towards her.
I want to feel her smile against mine.
My mind is racing with ideas.
I will not be content until we are together again.
I will need all the patience I can gather.
I will wait for her.
How can I be a greater man for her?
Even if we are so far away I still can see her smile.
She is the one I am thinking about daily.
I do not feel at home here.
I want to be closer to her.
I want time to flow towards her.
I want to feel her smile against mine.
My mind is racing with ideas.
I will not be content until we are together again.
I will need all the patience I can gather.
I will wait for her.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
My philosophy on Football Part 1
Why did I capitalize "Football"? That is because it is a respectable sport in my mind. But that is beside the point.
My philosophy on football is very simple, and yet very complex at the same time. To me it is simple. Explaining it is not so simple. Coaching it is even harder. It is repetition that will get my point across. Communication is vital. Letting your teammates know what their options are. Letting your teammates know what their options are even though you may not be getting the ball. Letting your teammates know what their options are so everybody can win the game. It is possible to call for the ball to be at your feet all match long and not be annoying. It is called passing and moving. Also known as, letting the ball do the work. If you are constantly open to receive the ball and willing to put in the effort to get the ball at every opportunity anywhere on the pitch, then you will go far in this game. All the while doing this you have to uplift the good plays and cheer on your teammates during the course of the match. You should want to see them succeed during play, because if they succeed then you succeed. It feeds off one another. Communication is key. Some people think that having a silent understanding is how you play the game. Wrong. Go and watch any high level match in Europe and you will hear the players communicating with each other to; Ensure possession of the ball, make the right pass, switch the field of play, defend properly, and score goals.
My philosophy on football is very simple, and yet very complex at the same time. To me it is simple. Explaining it is not so simple. Coaching it is even harder. It is repetition that will get my point across. Communication is vital. Letting your teammates know what their options are. Letting your teammates know what their options are even though you may not be getting the ball. Letting your teammates know what their options are so everybody can win the game. It is possible to call for the ball to be at your feet all match long and not be annoying. It is called passing and moving. Also known as, letting the ball do the work. If you are constantly open to receive the ball and willing to put in the effort to get the ball at every opportunity anywhere on the pitch, then you will go far in this game. All the while doing this you have to uplift the good plays and cheer on your teammates during the course of the match. You should want to see them succeed during play, because if they succeed then you succeed. It feeds off one another. Communication is key. Some people think that having a silent understanding is how you play the game. Wrong. Go and watch any high level match in Europe and you will hear the players communicating with each other to; Ensure possession of the ball, make the right pass, switch the field of play, defend properly, and score goals.