Dare To Zlatan? Part I

Dare To Zlatan? Part I

He started his career in Sweden at Malmo FF in the late 1990’s before being signed by Ajax where he made a name for himself under the current manager of Southampton Ronald Koeman. He later signed with Juventus for a fee of 16 million, and gained fame in Serie A by benefiting from his strike partnership with David Trezequet. In 2006, Ibrahimovic signed for rivals Internazionale, where he won individual awards including Oscar del Calcio and the Swedish Guldbollen, and was named in the 2007 and 2009 UEFA Team of the Year, in addition to finishing as the league’s highest goal scorer in 2008-09 while winning three straight Scudetti. In the summer of 2009, he transferred to Barcelona however his time at Camp Nou was short-lived. He decided to move back to the Serie A with A.C. Milan the following season, in a deal which made him one of the highest paid footballers in the world and cost the Italian club 24 million. He signed with Paris Saint-Germain in the July of 2012. His style of play has been compared to the Dutch legend Marco Van Basten, Ibrahimovic is one of the best finishers in the game and is regarded to be one of the best footballers of his generation. His spectacular bicycle kick for Sweden against England won the 2013 FIFA Puskas Award for the goal of the year. In December 2013, Ibrahimovic was ranked by the The Guardian as the third-best player in the world. In December 2014, Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter named Ibrahimovic the second-greatest Swedish sports-person of all time.

Zlatan's Facts

Fact No. 1: At the age of 15, Ibrahimović was close to quitting his football career, in favour of working at the docks in Malmö, but his manager convinced him to continue playing.^[17] His idol was Brazilian star Ronaldo when he was growing up. Fact No. 2: Met Friend and Team-Mate Maxwell on First Day in Amsterdam, Ibrahimovic had already agreed to move to Ajax from Malmo, but it was on his very first day in Amsterdam that he would meet 19-year-old Maxwell, and the two have been friends ever since. Both players were born in 1981, both now are in their 30s, they have played together at Ajax, Inter Milan, Barcelona and now at Paris Saint-Germain.

[Tweet "Do Think There Will Be Anyone Like Zlatan? Ever?"]

 Fact No. 3: The story behind the perfect goal. Just after the players celebrate, the camera cuts to Ajax midfielder, Rafael van der Vaart, sitting in the crowd, and he doesn’t look entirely pleased to see the Swede score the magnificent goal. Four days earlier, the Netherlands took on Sweden and moments before Ibrahimovic assisted a team-mate score for his country, he planted his foot on van der Vaart’s ankle, injuring the Dutchman, and started a feud that has lasted ever since. That is why the former Spurs midfielder doesn’t look entirely pleased when Ibrahimovic scores.

 


 Fact No. 4: After joining Ajax from Malmo, Ibrahimovic didn’t enjoy the best of times in his first season. The then-Ajax coach, Co Adriaanse, didn’t play Ibra very often and the Swede struggled to find his feet in Amsterdam. In a 2013 interview with the BBC, the striker revealed that Southampton tried to take him on loan, and it was something that Ajax were interested in allowing. Fact No. 5: Zlatan Takes Embarrasment on the Chin. Looking a frustrated and isolated figure upfront, Ibrahimovic tried to chase down the Lille defence, looking to force a mistake and create something for his team. Then it happened, the forward came rushing in and Chedjou, with the slightest of touches, nudged the ball in between Zlatan’s legs. What is even more brilliant about that moment is Zlatan’s reaction. A beaming wide smile appears on his face, he knows he has been done, but there is complete respect for what Chedjou has accomplished. He dared to Zlatan, and he won, well sort of.

 

 Fact No. 6: Ibrahimović was born in Sweden to a Bosnian Muslim father and a Croatian Catholic mother, who both immigrated to Sweden. Fact No. 7: Ibrahimović is fluent in Swedish, Bosnian, English, Spanish and Italian. Fact No. 8: Ibrahimović is the only player to have scored for six different clubs in the Champions League. Fact No. 9: Ibrahimović received an honorary black belt in taekwondo; he attended classes at the Malmö Taekwondo club Enighet as a child. Fact No. 10: He won a La Liga championship with F.C. Barcelona in 2009–10 and a Serie A championship with A.C. Milan in 2010–11. Special Fact: He loves kicking his team-mates!

 

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Endangered Species: Grassroots Football

England, as a nation in the footballing world, may be on the up after a poor World Cup. However, bar the odd Euros win, you never hear about young English talent winning any continental competitions.

I think this starts right at the bottom.

Grassroots football.

Grassroots football is fading away more and more, and with less money being invested in the system where are the footballers of the future meant to come from?

Roughly, and I mean roughly, thirty-four million pounds is invested each year (twelve million from the FA and Premier League respectively and ten million from the government), but is that really enough? Once again, approximately, the Premier League makes around three billion pounds per year from the game we love. That is only around 0.4%.

0.4%!

If the Premier League truly wanted to improve the game they could give grassroots 0.8%, just 0.4%% more. and that would give them an extra twelve million to play with.

So, let's say the Premier League offered that extra tiny percentage to the grassroots development schemes. New training facilities, equipment, school teaching and the list goes on, could be added to the infrastructure of the beautiful game in England at lower levels. Give a child a football and he will play, it's that simple.

Read the full article...

Are England Going Forwards or Backwards?

The future of England, in my opinion anyway

Many pundits and fans alike believe that it is a never ending downwards spiral for England after their early World Cup exit and poor form coming into the European Qualifiers. However, I myself see it quite differently.

With young guns such as Ross Barkley (Everton), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), and a few more experienced players such as Wayne Rooney (Man United) and Joe Hart (Man City). England look like in two to three years time that the nation itself could be very successful in world football.

Modern football nowadays, in my opinion anyway, pace is key. No pace, no game. Players such as Sterling and The Ox, provide pace in a vast quantity, there are not many players who could keep up with the Three Lion's wingers.

The downfall of England is there defence, Cahill needs to pick up form, and his centre-back partner could change every week due to the fact, no one has really impressed playing there since John Terry retired a long time ago.

Moans and groans are always heard about the English midfield. Barkley, Wilshire and Henderson are all more than capable of slotting into that central midfield role, with maybe 2/3 being good to very good quality in that position. The trio are all still quite young also, with many years ahead of them.

Maybe, just maybe, it's Hodgson. Well more than maybe.

The formation that could be the Three Lion's saving grace

He is tactically not good enough, he still hasn't found his winning formula after a long while in charge. I personally believe that a 4-3-2-1 would suit England perfectly, with Rooney and Sterling slotting in behind a striker such as Sturridge. However, no tactics could ever cover the fact that we still need to magically find a new centre-back.

How long this will take, no one knows...

Mind The Gap - What Gap?

Much has been made of the apparent failure of many of the big teams and success of the so-called smaller teams at this summer's world cup. However, when you look closer, the failure is more accurately defined as European failure as opposed to big team failure. Yes, both Brazil and Argentina have at times struggled, with Brazil failing to beat Mexico and Argentina struggling to beat Iran. They appear to have been caught out by the pace and organisation of their opposition's defending.

 In contrast, the European team's struggles have gone beyond struggling to win. In many cases they have jumped all the way to struggling, and often failing, to avoid defeat. It is easy to complain and roll out the usual clichéd responses to world cup disappointment, but should the performance of European teams at this World Cup be a shock to anybody other than those who do not understand football.

 European teams had always failed to win the trophy outside of Europe until four years ago, and have never won in South America, (just as the process is true in reverse). However, they still managed to compete well, providing semi-finalists and finalists on numerous occasions. The lack of international teams at a competitive level outside of Europe and South America allowed this to happen. The sheer number of European teams competing ensured some level of success.

The last time the competition was held in South America, Argentina 1978, 10 of the 16 competing nations were European (62.5%) and 3 were South American (18.75%) with one each from Asia, Africa and CONCACAF (6.25%). Those three teams combined only managed to take one point from games against European or South American opposition (Iran v Scotland). They were there to make up the numbers and give credibility to the competition being a World cup.

That was then. This is now.

Read More >>

Meet The New Boss, Same As The Old Boss?

What did Woy do wight?

Thank god for Joe Hart! This is the first time in a long time that England go into a tournament having one of the best keepers in the world between the sticks.

The Terry - Ferdinand saga as overshadowed matters, personally I'd like the 2 of them to go 12 rounds in a ring with each other, but on footballing grounds Terry was the better choice, I've not seen the lad have a bad game for England, although his off the field antics need to change!

Gerrard as captain, with Scott Parker looking like he may not make the Euro's, going with Gerrard could prove to be a masterstroke, this could be Gerrard's last major tournament so lets hope he finds that 'club form' and lead England to the land of hope and glory.

More........

Futsal in England

Futsal is one of the fastest growing sports in England so RBB thought we would check it out. When we heard that the England national side were playing against Switzerland in Hereford we thought this was as good a time as any... but hold on, what is Futsal?

Well according to the fountain of knowledge that is Wikipedia it is an indoor game played with five players on each side, over two twenty minute halves, with a smaller heavier ball and hockey sized goals at the end of a basket ball sized pitch. In other words it’s the closest thing to indoor football going. There is no annoying head high rule, any player can go anywhere and there is no wall along the pitch perimeter to turn the beautiful game into pinball like normal 5-a-side. For those of you hack merchants thinking this game sounds fun it requires a high level of technical skill and tactics play a large role in team set-up. Also there is no running time down in Futsal as the clock stops every time the ball leaves the playing area. Right - got all that? 

The game has long been established throughout the world with professional leagues - the likes of Barcelona have their own team - World and European championships, and professional players moving around the globe to ply their trade. If you're wondering if anyone actually takes this as seriously as we're suggesting then have a look at Falcao plying his trade for Brazil and you will be left in no uncertainty at the level of ability, athleticism, and professionalism required at the top of Futsal.


Read more at www.resultsbasedbusiness.co.uk 

International Friendly, England vs Holland Preview:

The EPL takes a break this midweek, so Internationals move into the spotlight once again:

Tomorrow's interesting international match-up is between England who won every match they played last year against the 2010 WC runners-up, Netherlands who have bags of talent all over the pitch.

England's strikeforce:
Fraizer Campbell - 1 goal this season
Daniel Sturridge - 9 goals this season
Danny Welbeck - 6 goals this season
*Darren Bent has pulled out due to a torn ACL, out for the rest of the season*
(Who have all scored 16 goals in the EPL this season together)

England Analysis:
Joe Hart is the best keeper in the EPL, Nuff said.... Consistency is the key for him...!

Theo Walcott is on a burst of fire after scoring twice in the 5-2 Arsenal win against Tottenham, but can he deliver for England?

Theo Walcott: Burst of fire recently!

New Chelsea centre-back Gary Cahill has to impress in the heart of defence or The Three Lions will get ripped apart..

Full-back Micah Richards has to be patient and have the temper to deal with wingers VDV, Robben and Snejider...


Holland's strikeforce:
Robin Van Persie - 29 goals this season

In-form striker Robin Van Persie has scored 29 goals so far this season. Can he get anymore tomorrow against England?

Dirk Kuyt - 6 goals this season
Luuk De Jong - 26 goals this season
Klaas Jan Huntelaar - 33 goals this season (in all competitions)

Holland will win, surely?
Their midfield is dangerous with VDV, Robben and Sneijder all in the 24 man squad....
Two in-form goalkeepers from the EPL in the names of Newcastle keeper Tim Krul and Swansea stopper Michel Vorm.
England beat Spain in a 1-0 win in November, but tomorrow will they perform?
Who will be acting manager Stuart Pearce's captain?

FACT: England have only won 5 out of their last 18 meetings against Holland....
FACT: Stuart Pearce will take charge of his first match against The Dutch, How will he do??

Capello Departs England, Jingoism Rejoices

On Wednesday February 8th Fabio Capello resigned from his role as manager of the England national team after a discussion with the FA's powers that be. Many in this great land took almost limitless joy in this news, for finally the man that had overseen the World Cup exit to Germany would lead the proud 3 Lions no more.

RBB on the other hand took a deep breath, put its head in its hands and braced itself for the barrage of jingoistic bullshit that inevitably ensued. And like a train in Japan, the ridiculous claims, lies and accusations of a man whose reputation throughout the rest of world football is impeccable, arrived bang on time.

Capello has been roundly derided as the walking disaster. A curious summary of a man that oversaw 2 successful qualification campaigns, with the latest ending in an undefeated campaign that saw England end up sitting comfortably at the top of their group by a clear 6 points. Throw in the simple fact that his record shows him to have the highest win percentage of all England managers, a staggering 67%. Take a moment, read that again and think about the actuality of the situation; the best manager England has ever had, has been hounded out of his role with his reputation damaged despite winning 28 out of 42 games, with only 6 defeats to his name. Staggering.


Article continued at www.resultsbasedbusiness.co.uk

The Rise & Fall of Paul William Robinson

England's number one, so went the not most complicated of chants. Spurs history of 'keepers has been a slightly chequered one...Read more......

Euro 2012 Draw

The draw has now taken place for the Euro 2012 finals. The 16 finalists were drawn into four groups of four. For the draw the teams were split into four pots with one team from each pot going into each group. The pots were:

Pot 1: Spain, Netherlands, Poland and Ukraine

Pot 2: England, Germany, Italy and Russia

Pot 3: Croatia, Greece, Portugal and Sweden

Pot 4: Czech Republic, Denmark, France and Republic of Ireland

The draw was....

Group A (Warsaw, Wroclaw - Poland)

Poland
Greece
Russia
Czech Republic

Group B (Kharkiv, Lviv - Ukraine)

Netherlands
Denmark
Germany
Portugal

Group C (Poznan, Gdansk - Poland)

Spain
Italy
Republic of Ireland
Croatia

Group D (Kiev, Donetsk - Ukraine)

Ukraine
Sweden
France
England

The tournament will begin with Poland v Greece at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland, on 8th June and will end on July 1st at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine.

For reaction to the draw from bloggers, don't forget to check out our Recent Member Blog Posts page.

Ode to a bygone era: Part one

Ode to a bygone era is a new 5 part series on Attempting Thought that looks at the beautiful game before 1902.

Part one focuses on the transition from an amateur based game to the professional one that we know today.