Here we are with pt.2 of JG’s transfer round up and its full of the big hitters. It’s L to W, taking in the likes of Liverpool, United, City and Spurs and the newcomer who loves being linked with the big names – Middlesbrough. Continue reading “JG’s Transfer Update Pt.2”
Game of the Day: Wales vs. Northern Ireland, Paris, 18:00
With third places teams qualifying to the knock out stages of the European Championships for the first time in this tournament, a curveball knock out tie was always going to be on the cards but I don’t think anyone saw Wales vs. Northern Ireland coming…
Wales, compared to England, made light work of Group B. The defeat to England aside, where Wales always did look to be on the back foot, the performances against Slovakia and particularly against Russia demonstrated that Wales are more than capable of dipping their toes in the deep end of Euro 2016. Continue reading “It’s the Battle of Paris for the Home Nations”
Group stage wide boys
Inverted wingers have been all the rage for a good few years now reason, but with Arjen Robben absent, Lionel Messi at Copa America and Ronaldo and Bale acting as central focal points for their respective teams, teams may need some genuine width against the mass defensive ranks that became a feature of the group stage. Continue reading “The Best of the Euros so far…”
Game of the Day: Poland vs. Northern Ireland, Nice, 17:00
The only place to start with this game is with the little bit of class that will be sprinkling the whole affair. Robert Lewandowski.
Not taking anything away from either the Poland squad or Michael O’Neill’s Northern Irish side, Robert Lewandowski is a mighty fine player. 13 goals in qualifying was more than any other in getting to France but my mind personally recalls his performance for Borussia Dortmund in the semi-final of the Champions League against Real Madrid. That drag back in the penalty area was cheeky but to dispatch his shot into the top corner afterwards meant the whole movement was as audacious as it was world class.
To have a player of that capability in your side is always a bonus, a true game changer, and for Polish manager Adam Nawalka, the relationship between Arkadiusz Milik and Robert Lewandowski is a major factor in the success of Poland’s campaign. Continue reading “Will Robert Lewandowski kick on from Qualifying?”
This winter has seen the return of two of the great sagas. Star Wars more re-emerged from exile curtesy of a Disney reboot. Han Solo was once more gallivanting around the universe with his furry friend in tow. The second, not quite so revered saga admittedly but oh so real, was that of Saido Berahino and another transfer window.
In that galaxy far, far away that is the Midlands, everything surrounding Berahino seems to be descending into something rather farcical. Last summer, Berahino had the world at his feet. His breakthrough season last year saw the young Englishman score 14 goals in the Premier League in a West Brom side that is hardly famed for notching some big numbers in the ‘GF’ column of the table under Tony Pulis. Interest was always going to be inevitable and it seemed Tottenham were in pole position to acquire Berahino’s services. Then it never happened. In fact, it turned all rather sour. West Brom accused Tottenham of operating unprofessional. Jeremy Peace seemed aggrieved with Daniel Levy’s negotiation tactics as much as he did the instalments the fee would arrive. £22million plus bonuses seemed a reasonable sum. West Brom refused to sell, refused Berahino’s transfer request and told Tottenham to go do one. Continue reading “Should Poch return for a fit Saido?”
