It’s hard to imagine iconic Juventus ever being run by anyone other than the Agnellis, one of Italy’s ultra blue-blooded clans whose industrial conglomerate has an economic bond, directly or indirectly, with just about every Italian. Or Berlusconi actually letting…
Tag: Perspective
Commentary, analysis, viewpoint on the captivating stories in the world of soccer.
Chelsea-Mourinho Reunion Off to a Rocky Start
If Chelsea’s setback at Everton over the week-end was not cause for alarm, the performance against Basel definitely revealed a problem – not the result as much as the uninspired, confused display of a Chelsea group that finished last season…
Champions’ League Reveals the Gap Between Elites and the Rest
Chelsea’s shock home defeat to Basel was the only real surprise of a first Champions’ League round in which the gap between the established elites of Europe and the rest of the contenders was apparent. Real Madrid’d rout of Galatasaray,…
Super Cup Win Steadies Real Madrid
Two defeats and a home draw in its first three official matches left Real Madrid visibly bitter and frustrated coming into the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup at the Bernabeu. Yet the Merengues showed no lack of confidence…
Boca Eliminated From Copa Sudamericana As War Erupts Among Its Barra Bravas
Boca’s problems continued to mount after being held to a scoreless draw by a 10-man Independiente last night in Buenos Aires. Already out of the Copa Libertadores and unimpressive at the start of the new domestic season, the result eliminated…
How Does Luka Modric Fit in Madrid?
Real Madrid spent about $42 million to bring the little Croatian to the Bernabeu, so a little bit of thought must have gone into this move. At the moment, it appears that Luka has a comfortable place between Cajellon and…
Tottenham Gets Some Moussa
Excellent signing for Spurs from a Fulham side that inexplicably failed to raise his 15 million pound buy-out clause. Moussa Dembele has been the subject of much admiration and speculation over the past few weeks. He played particularly well in…
Midnight Raid
Bayern Munich’s signing of Javi Martinez was a smart ploy, sure to have a profound impact. Bilbao should not be too upset; after all, the player activated his $50 million buy-out clause with German cash, something that both Man City…
At First Look, Capello Fits Well in Russia
Fabio Capello, known as a strict disciplinarian, is on the verge of being appointed new Russia manager following the Russians’ disappointing Euro 2012 campaign. The 66-year-old Italian, who quit as England boss in February, said he was happy to work…
Another Milan Rip-off. New Transfer Market Idiot: PSG
According to multiple reports, PSG is about to pay Berlusconi’s Milan 62 million euros for 30-year old Zlatan Ibrahimovic and 27-year old Thiago Silva in what constitutes a heist of laghable proportions. Paying 20 million euros for a declining star…
Spain Makes History, Easily Beating Exhausted Italy
Reigning European and World champion Spain made history by winning its third consecutive international tournament, an unprecedented feat that will be hard to match. Spain’s golden generation led by Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Ramos will probably have one more opportunity…
Balotelli Delivers All Mediterranean Final
The exciting Euro 2012 has greatly benefited from the economic crisis gripping the continent. Fans have enjoyed games between debtor and creditor countries as political competition rather than just sporting events. The culmination of political soccer was the Euro semifinal…
Ronaldo’s Costly Stardom Fixation
Portugal winger Nani has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo insisted on taking the last penalty in their Euro 2012 semi-final loss to Spain. Portugal went out of the tournament after a 4-2 loss to Spain in the shoot-out which bizarrely did…
Bravo Italia
The tournament’s largest viewing audience was treated to a dramatic match on Sunday, with Alessandro Diamanti scoring the decisive penalty kick to send Italy through with a 4-2 win in the shootout following a 0-0 tie with England. Italy will…
Spain – Portugal in Dynamic Euro Semi
Spain easily brushed aside a disappointing France team to set up a most intriguing encounter against Iberian neighbor and rival, Portugal, on Wednesday in Donetsk. The clash is particularly attractive not only for featuring many of the world’s best players…