Wordless Wednesday

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Let's Hope

There are probably a million thoughts going through my mind today. The one that stands out is probably this:

Arsenal Vs Manchester United Champions League semifinal second leg match.

And this too:

Let's hope the tired mind and body of mine can make it at 3am in the morning when the game starts.


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Nice Throw In

To throw a football that would land into the penalty area from the last quarter sideline would be a rare feat even for a grown up football player - male or female.

Although not for a 17-years old Brazilian players named Leah Lynn Gabriela Forutne.

Be amazed!





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Resourceful Arsenal

I wasn't an Arsenal fan (in fact, I'm no die-hard fan of any particular football team). I didn't really fancy them during their "Invincible" era. I think I actually clapped when Rooney, who was then wearing the blue Everton shirt scored against them back then.

But, ever since they moved into Emirates Stadium, and start emphasizing on their youth system when they lack the financial resources to acquire expensive players (I think), I began to admire the football they're able to display with their limited resources.

Nowadays, due to work and family commitment, I don't get to watch many football matches. But if I do, it'll be matches that involve Arsenal. I can't help being captivated by the mesmerizing flow of their games.

So, there's no prize for guessing which team I'll support for next week Champions League semi-final match between Arsenal and Manchester United. And I hope for the sake of the hard work and creativity that they put into their football, they'll go on and win the Champions League too. And won't it be ironic, if they would beat, of all teams, Barcelona and Theirry Henry (although I'm also a fan of Theiry Henry) in a Champions League final and emerge as the winner.






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Shrewd!

Do you remember who predicted that when Liverpool was top of the table in English Premier League at the end of 2008, that the league leader then will falter and lose the title?

Back Then: In December 2008, after a 1-1- draw with Liverpool, Arsense Wenger said Liverpool was too scared to win the title.

Now: After an incredible 4-4 draw with Arsenal last night, Liverpool is top of the table again, but only on the same points as Manchester United, and having played two more games than their rival. Liverpool's chances of winning the English Premier League title? Not good.

But: This time round, Arsene Wenger is saying Liverpool can beat Manchester United to Premier League Crown.

So: Mind game ahead of the coming Arsenal-Manchester United Champions League semi-final match?

You betcha!


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Back Then ... And Now

I usually read newspaper that is already 2 to 3 months old.

Reading newspaper used to be a daily routine, before this evil combination of "Internet" and "Blogging" suck most of my times for other activities into its swirling black hole. Since then the pile of newspapers that awaits my loving caress has grown as high as my knee. I'll still flit on the headlines to update myself daily, I just don't dwell on it too long unless it's a major news break.

There is one good thing about this kind of newspaper reading habit though - I get to be reminded on how current events were started, what happened then and how they turn out over times.

So I'll start a series of posts under the category of "Back Then And Now" on events that I find interesting in comparing what happened back then and how it has evolved into their current status.

Let me start on the sport news.

Back in 22nd December of last year, a certain footballer in his 30's was reported as "embarrassing" his introduction to his new team during a match. Phrases like "the fans did not bother to turn up", "lukewarm applause", "turned up the music on the loudspeakers to drown out the near-deafening silence" were written to describe the scene of his entry. The end of a glittering football career? No.

Not when the football player is Mr David Beckham.






Back then: David is beck with a whimper

But being a great athlete that he is, he has proven over his careers in England national team and in Real Madrid that this is hardly the things that bother him. His never-say-die attitude has served him well. That's why he is the great player that has the admiration from the world over.

And now (or recently): Milan keen to extend Beck's loan period (and had since gotten it extended).

What a turnaround! But coming from David Beckham, that's hardly surprising.


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What Not To Do

It's a football match. Your team has just conceded a penalty. The penalty taker is staring at you looking for clue. He runs towards the ball. Unfortunately, you're the one standing on the goal line as the keeper. What to do?

You could think about last night dinner, or make plan for the hot date that's coming up tomorrow, or imagine how to celebrate when the penalty is saved, how heroic you would look after the heroic act, how your team mates will congratulate afterwards, how your girlfriend will reward you after this super save, etc, etc, etc.

But whatever you do, don't fart during the penalty kick. It'll earn you a yellow card.






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