Just an average Clasico!

Where do you start when trying to summarize El Clasiso?

Goals, controversial penalties, the usual Sergio Ramos red card, another Messi hat-trick, more broken records? It had it all.

Ronaldo and Ramos are already complaining about the refereeing, and I hope that doesn't become the focus of the debate, but you feel it may actually aid Real, who will now feel like everyone is against them and spur them on to the title. The decisions weren't horrible, they just happen at such speed, and the referee only gets one look. He could have done with some help from his assistants, but you have to applaud the fact he was brace enough to make the big decisions. Yes, we'd love him to be right every time, but calling for technology to intervene is stupid - and an argument that's not even worth having. Even with 10 replays, it's hard to know if Cristiano was fouled outside, if the foul continued inside, if it a red card etc. The beauty of the game is the human element - so enough of that discussion.

Messi is a beast, he's so cool under pressure. Ronaldo too is on another level - he didn't have his best game, but every time he gets on the ball the excitement level builds. Bale and Neymar on the other hand aren't at that level yet. The Welshman looked a little out of his depth. Angel Di Maria took the game to Barca in a way that Bale should be doing. If Karim Benzema could have converted more than 2 of the changes Di Maria made for him then Real would have been out of sight.

Neymar prefers a broken game I think. He preys on 1 on 1 match-ups and the ability to utilize the open spaces in behind. Barca play so slow that those opportunities don't always arise in the big games. Teams now let Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas try and pass them to death, knowing that they just need to contain Messi and they'll be ok (ok, no one can contain him, but they at least know the game plan!).

And so with Barca not really able to break Madrid down, it was left for one man to do it. Sergio Ramos. 19 red cards in La Liga, 180 yellows - impressive. But time and again he finds himself in positions he shouldn't be in. He's a fantastic player on some levels, but he commits reckless fouls and often finds himself as the last man. Foul there and quite often the red will follow. And he can't help himself. He just about nicked Neymar, but ultimately, he had no idea where the Brazilian was, and that's why he had to foul.

If Ramos stays on, Real win in my opinion. They were the better team, but Messi was the difference. Nothing phases him (apart from an Argentina shirt). The La Liga title is wide open again - and as much as we complain about Barca and Real meeting too often these days, there probably aren't two other teams in Europe that could have created the excitement of yesterday's game.

Leave the stepovers to Ronaldo

If he hadn't fallen over, Would have had to track him down and smash him anyway!

Does anyone love Ronaldo more than his Real Madrid teammates ?

It seems Alvaro Arbeloa seems to be pretty interested in grabbing a piece of Cristiano. Saying that, both Luka Modric and Karim Benzema weren't slow to bend down in front of him!

Can't blame them, he's the King of the World and Greatest of All-Time - according to the most recent Ballon D'Or, which tells the complete history of the game in one trophy.

The Ballon d'Or - does it matter?

Congrats to Ronaldo on winning the Ballon d'Or, but does it really matter?

How do you define who is the best player in the world? And isn't this the stuff that we all enjoy discussing in the bar, before a game, or usually when you're bored at work.

Ronaldo, Messi, Ribery, Rory Delap, Micheal Bradley - it all depends who you ask. Although I doubt anyone has ever answered Ribery!

Individual awards are never definitive as it's a team game, but Ronaldo deserves to be praised as one of the best of his generation. He's taken the game to a new level, and comparing him to Messi and (to some extent) Zlatan is always a fun discussion.

It's not a video game, you can like all the best players in the world - the trophy will cement Cristiano's place with the greats, but he didn't need an award for that.

Admit it, you love Cristiano, even while hating him

What more can be said about the Portugeezer?

He's the best player in the world at the moment - he took his country to the World Cup next summer, has broken all types of records, scores great goals, has a model as a girlfriend, an eight-pack, 42 nice cars, 16 homes and more money and talent than most of us will ever have.

He's so good, but he's also someone it can be hard to like. You can love his talent, looks and girlfriend, but Cristiano is someone that is hard to like. He comes across as arrogant, aloof and miserable - which is hard to understand with everything he has. The media intrusion must be hard to deal with every day, but smile a bit more - like you did when you scored the hat-trick last night.

People love him and hate him, but not many seem to like him.

And because of that, I'm posting this...

Benzema and Ronaldo celebrate qualification

This made me laugh this morning - because big cartoon heads have a way of doing that!

Even Mr. Mourinho got in on the act!

Zlatan or Ronaldo - and you can't have both

So the big game tomorrow in the European playoffs for the Brazil 2014 World Cup has to be Greece v Romania. Can't wait for that one!

Then there's Portugal v Sweden. Cristiano against Zlatan. The two superstars have 48 goals between them this year, and 7 hat-tricks. With Lionel Messi injured, these two are the best two players in the game right now.

Zlatan has it all - the goals he scores are unbelievable, but his technique is phenomenal. He's such a character and has a personality that Brazil needs next summer.

Ronaldo is moody, elusive and more model than footballer. But what a footballer. He has everything, and has to be considered one of the greats of the game already - and he's only 28.

But we can't have both. Never team could win their group, although Sweden had a much tougher task after being paired with Germany. And the luck (or should we say bad luck) drew the two teams together. I wouldn't be bothered if Sweden or Portugal weren't there, but if Ronaldo and Zlatan aren't there, they will be missed.

France should beat Ukraine over two legs. They have quality at the back and in midfield, with Ukraine posing little threat in my opinion. Iceland are huge underdogs against Croatia, but they are the feel good story of European qualification. Greece and Romania is a game that doesn't excite me at all, which probably means it will be the best one. Neither team will do much in Brazil, but then I said that when Greece won the Euros in 2004!

I'm taking Sweden to win over the two legs, with Greece, Iceland and France joining them. Cristiano has it all already, and he'll sulk for a while, but then console himself with his model girlfriend, millions of dollars and addiction to sunbeds.

Are aging defenses key to El Clasico?

Messi and Ronaldo, Bale and Neymar, Isco and Iniesta.

We won’t be able to take our eyes of El Clasico tomorrow at 5pm, but as good as the attacking talent is, maybe it’s time to consider the decline of both teams defensively.

Sergio Ramos and Pepe could start for Real. I’ve made my feelings known on Pepe, but Sergio Ramos is just as much of a liability defensively. He makes rash choices, stands off Messi too far, then gets too close and fouls. Pepe just kicks people and complains. With Iker Casillas still sitting on the bench (he must have done something we haven’t heard about), Diego Lopez will continue in goal – I can’t work him out, but he seems very average to me.

But Barca have issues at the back too. Gerard Pique looks likely to miss out with a hamstring injury, with Mr. Universe Carlos Puyol coming in. He makes you feel good about how you look, but he’s been a beast in the past. However, he’s 35 and not been playing much – pair that with the ticking time bomb that is Javier Mascherano and there’s trouble.

So basically, there are a lot of goals due tomorrow. Both teams have amazing attacking players who we don’t need to discuss, and they are playing against two defenses* that really aren’t up to the top level of world football – it’s amazing to even consider that seeing as Mascherano is Argentina captain and Ramos and Puyol are World Cup winners. They have been great players, but Busquets, Isco, Alonso and Xavi can’t protect their back lines for much longer.

Luckily it's at the Nou Camp, otherwise I'd be predicting a last minute penalty for Real to win.


*defense/defence - it depends where you live!

There can only be one....or 4 of 8

FIFA posted the 4 games that will decide the final European qualifiers for next summer in Brazil.

With 9 places taken, the winners over two legs will take Europe's contingent up to 13.

According to the FIFA website...

Portugal - Sweden
Ukraine - France
Greece - Romania
Iceland - Croatia

Portugal (ranked 14), Greece (15), Croatia (18) and Ukraine (20) were the seeded teams while France(21), Sweden (25), Romania (29) and Iceland (46) were unseeded, based on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking of 17 October 2013.

The home-and-away play-off matches are due to be played on 15 November and 19 November respectively.

So, who do you fancy?

I'm taking Zlatan over Cristiano. Why? I don't know, I just think Zlatan knows it's probably his last World Cup, loves it when someone has an ego to match his, and would really enjoy sticking it to Sepp Blatter and FIFA. He knows they want/need Ronaldo at the World Cup. He's such an icon of the modern game and attracts so much interest. I'd like to see both teams go, but that's the beauty of it - it's like Highlander - there can only be 1....or 4 of 8, just doesn't sound as good!

France have the quality to beat Ukraine, but I worry about them. They are so inconsistent, but Didier Deschamps has got his team together a little and playing well. Ukraine are ok, but I don't see them winning away if they need to.

Greece against Romania is probably the lease exciting tie, but I fancy Greece, even with Gerogios Samaras in the team. 

And then there's Iceland. I don't think there's a neutral out there who doesn't want them to make their first big tournament - and it has nothing to do with Croatia. I'd like to see Eidur Gudjohnsen get there - mainly because he used to play for the national team with his Dad, and has great goal celebrations.   

Janujaz could be great, or another Macheda

Adnan Janujaz is a talent, sure. He scored two against Sunderland and won the game for Manchester United, but let's get some perspective, he's 18 and made one start.

I love to be right, don't get me wrong, but I also like to be proved wrong.

In a month, season, 3 years, show me this article and say "Hey, Janujaz proved to be better than you thought." I'd be happy to say I was wrong and that he's fantastic to watch, wins games and is proven at the top level.

Right now he's played 3 games for United's first team - one of which was the Charity Shield.

Just because David Moyes' team have struggled so far and are searching for some inspiration with Robin van Persie not firing just yet, putting all the pressure on a young kid who won reserve team player of the year last season isn't right.

People are talking about his residency and nationality already as if he's going to win the World Cup every time he plays in it. There's talk of a $50,000/week contract so he doesn't 'do a Pogba' and head off somewhere else.

But wasn't Ravel Morrison 'the best United youngster since Paul Scholes'? I know people said these things about young kids, and Paul Pogba and Morrison could still go on to be greats of the game, but even now, they're just youngsters finding their way. And didn't we hear the same about Federico Macheda a couple of years ago? Seems he wasn't enough of a 'wonderkid' to get a deal at QPR, Sampdoria or Stuttgart. Maybe his loan at Doncaster will work out. 

All of them have played far more than Janujaz. None is are stars yet.

Everytime a young player comes on the scene he's hyped as the 'next Ronaldo, Messi or Pele'. It's not a fair comparison and puts far too much pressure on. Let these players make a name for themselves with their ability, not the media hype.

Because he could be the next Luke Chadwick - but that doesn't make for as good reading.

Not to accuse referees, but this needs to stop

Aston Villa are denied a penalty when Vertonghen dragged Helenius down by his shorts, then Real Madrid are awarded a spot kick in the 97th minute when it looks like Elche may hold them to a 1-1 draw.

Two decisions that changed football matches, points, participation in cups and ultimately, money and success.

Spurs probably would have beaten Villa anyway, but Real Madrid couldn't beat newly promoted Elche, who had been out of the top flight for 24 years.

It was no surprise that Pepe 'won' the penalty, as he's used to getting his own way, or kicking out until he does. Losing to him would have been a loss of face, so it was either a red card, or cheating to win.

But there are plenty of players that cheat (Ashley Young is back in the spotlight), but we need stronger referees.

Just because Manchester United, Real Madrid etc. are expected to beat the smaller teams, referees can't have different sets of rules for different teams/players.

We deserve consistency, honesty and professionalism. There is more than money and success on the line. There is integrity. There is no doubt that Real Madrid win is tainted. And while they will still finish in the top 2, Elche could get relegated by a point and have to wait another 24 years to play in La Liga.

Let's pay the referees more, make them (and the cheats) more accountable, and make it an even playing field.

Cristiano ends the debate over who's better

It's not because he got a hat-trick and Lionel Messi matched him the very next night, it's because he's had enough of the comparisons and is taking the ball home so no one can play anymore!

Either that or he had a few too many kebabs in turkey last night. Either way, he's still not as heavy as the 'proper' Ronaldo.

Anyway, Theo Walcott just scored a volley for Arsenal, so he must be in the top 3 now.

Bale may not move after Ronaldo tantrum

The Gareth Bale to Real Madrid saga doesn't show any signs of ending soon.

Surely Spurs should just take the money and then sign whoever Liverpool are about to hold talks with. Or wait until Arsene Wenger is finally ready to splash the cash and then swoop in with a late bid.

But there may be another issue as to why Bale hasn't signed yet (even though we all know he will once the money is sorted out) - Cristiano Ronaldo.

Apparently he's not happy about sharing the spotlight, isn't about to share hair product and can't believe anyone could possibly be worth more than him. Don't cry Cristiano, it's not like Real Madrid are bringing Mourinho back.

Monaco's gain is La Liga's loss

So, here we go...

La Liga is about to kick-off, and no doubt there will be some thrills and spills this weekend, but you'll have to look to Ligue Un for finishing of this quality - doubt Messi, Neymar or Ronaldo has this in their locker!

Pelotas' look ahead to Wednesday tilts

Tio Pelotas provides a small glimpse of what's to come on a fun FIFA friendly day

So it's friendly-match day. Some of us don't care because they're just that---friendlies--while others do because it's more football in the middle of August. With summer winding down here in the States, school about to start and, oh yeah, World Cup qualifiers, major European campaigns and MLS playoffs nearing, let's look at some of the matches on tap for tomorrow:

South Korea-Peru (5am) - South Korea went to the World Cup semifinals in 2002; Peru went to the World Cup in 1982. This has 0-0 written all over it.

Chile-Iraq (noon) - Iraq is rebuilding and will face the wrath of Chile's attack. Chile reportedly will play Iran in its next friendly. No word or confirmation if North Korea is on tap as well.

Colombia-Serbia (2pm) - Radamel Falcao is rich, good-looking, scored on his Ligue 1 debut over the weekend, just became a dad and his side is close to a World Cup ticket, its first in more than 15 years. Now he's the most interesting man in the world.

Bosnia-USA (2:30pm) - Clint Dempsey is big news in the US but won't be in Bosnia for this friendly. No problem. Maybe. OK, crap, 'merica may be in trouble. Bosnia is a scary side, ranked 13th in the world, has a goal differential of plus-20 in their qualifying group after six matches without a defeat. 

Italy-Argentina (2:45pm) - So who does avid footy fan Pope Francis root for in this one? (I know, I know, the whole world used that one today.)

Switzerland-Brazil (2:45pm) - Neymar avoided a press conference, just hours ahead of the match, leaving the band of journalists fuming. But poor Neymar was still reeling after being profiled at a local boutique when told a handbag he wanted to look at was too expensive for him.

England-Scotland (3pm) - For the good of this historic rivalry match, please invite Gazza. Oh, and Wayne Rooney too.

Belgium-France (3pm) - Yes, England is not involved here but between these two sides, there's around 20 Premier League players. 20.

Portugal-Netherlands (3:30pm) - Of course all eyes will be on Ronaldo and Robin van Persie but the true supporters will be on the lookout to see whose gonads Pepe will stomp on.

Ecuador-Spain (4pm) - Both sides will honor the late Christian Benitez, who died last month at 27. The match will take place in Guayaquil, Ecuador, home of Barcelona SC, 6000 miles away from the Nou Camp, home of FC Barcelona.

Mexico-Ivory Coast (9pm) - No Chicharito but we do have Drogba, Gervinho, Salomon Kalou and Yaya Toure here in Giants Stadium (not calling it MetLife) in the beautiful outskirts of northern New Jersey. Mexico manager Chepo de la Torre will be seeking out help from state troopers if results don't go his way because you can bet there will be a sea of angry Mexican supporters.

Love or Hate him?

Ok, so Real Madrid beat Chelsea in a huge tournament last night, something that indicated exactly how the season is going to finish (put your bets on the LA Galaxy beating Juventus every time they meet this year).

But one genuine thing that did occur was another fantastic free-kick from Cristiano. And then a celebration to prove what a bell-end he is - look that word up in Urban Dictionary if you're unsure!

So there's this...

Followed by this...

Couldn't we have one without the other? Or do they go hand-in-hand?

Tricks of the trade

Whatever you think of Cristiano, there is no denying his talent. His days of awful dives, 48 stepovers and crashing supercars seem to be behind him. He's still a bit of a baby, but do love to watch him take someone on.

Cristiano Ronaldo Throws First Pitch

I wonder if Yasiel Puig could slide tackle (or if Cristiano could)

Real Madrid star shows off his throwing arm

Ok, so that's not him above, but couldn't resist. Sure the pretty boy uses more make-up, hair product and bronzer than Carly-Rae (whoever she is) anyway.

Should Spurs sell Gareth Bale?

They should take the money and run, in my opinion

No-one is bigger than the team

Ok, people who know the Geezer will tell you I’m not a huge Spurs fan, not even a little bit of one in all honesty. And as much as I’d love them to sell their best player to make them worse, I also think it makes sense.

Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo would be amazing for Real Madrid, and in that weak Spanish league they would probably both score 40+ a season. It’s not the best test of Bale’s talents, but he would get to compete in the Champions League every year, for the La Liga title, and not have to go to places like Stoke and Hull and get kicked every week. (They have dirty players in Spain too, but everything seems more glamorous than working class English towns!).

And for Spurs, take the $150 million or whatever stupid money is being offered. Rebuild the stadium, and most importantly, the team. Other clubs will no doubt overcharge you knowing how much money you have, but get in a handful of top quality players for $25 million each. Get a proper striker or two, a creative midfielder and a centre-back.

Football all over the world needs to remember (especially the players), that no one player is bigger than the club. I’m looking at Rooney, Falcao, Ibrahimovich, even Ronaldo at Manchester United. As fans we never think they’ll be replaced, but they always are. Different stars emerge, and we move on – and it gives us another player to shout at when they come back and score against our teams!

I'm not Cristiano's biggest fan, but this is pushing it

Real Madrid striker Ronaldo breaks 11 year-old's wrist

Sensational headlines attract more viewers!

You're sat behind the goal, you're 11, and probably don't have a career as a goalkeeper. Sorry, but no sympathy for the kid. He got a signed shirt, his picture in the paper and probably will milk it for years. Check out the story and video here.