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The Reign of Cesare Begins

July 31, 2010 – 4:10 pm Richard ChambersComments (0)

The newly appointed Cesare Prandelli has captured the imagination of the Italian public with his first squad selection as manager of the national team. His provisional thirty-man squad has been hailed by both the media and fans alike, with the predicted selections of Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano seizing most of the headlines. The duo will infuse the Azzurri with the creative, unpredictable streak that was so sorely missed by the four-times world champions in South Africa. Both Balotelli and Cassano were persistently excluded from the national set-up by Marcello Lippi, with the 2006World Cup winning coach reluctant to select any potentially disruptive influences.

Also of note was the inclusion of the oriundi - South Americans of Italian ancestry who have since returned to their adopted homeland, the most famous recent example being the Argentine – Mauro Camoranesi. This time around there have been call-ups for Lazio midfielder Cristian Ledesma and Inter Milan’s Thiago Motta. This multi-cultural aspect to Prandelli’s squad bears at least some resemblance to that of Joachim Löw’s ‘neue Deutschland‘. The former Fiorentina manager himself nodded to that German policy, referring to his players as ‘nuovi Italiani’, the new Italians.

With so many new players amongst the thirty named in the squad, it is difficult to predict how this new Azzurri class will line-up against Côte d’Ivoire in Upton Park on August 10th. During his tenure at Fiorentina, Prandelli opted for a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-5-1 depending on the players available to him. Whichever tactic Prandelli chooses, Riccardo Montolivo is undoubtedly a central figure in his vision. A favourite of Prandelli in Florence, Montolivo has the talent to thrive in the ‘regista‘ playmaker role alongside the combative Daniele De Rossi in midfield or, alternatively, in a more advanced role where he can galvanise the attacking intent of Balotelli, Cassano et al. His fluency in the art of passing is almost unrivalled in the Italian set-up and Montolivo should serve as a suitable replacement for Andrea Pirlo should the Milanese talisman continue to struggle to find fitness and form.

Defensively, Italy enter the post-Cannavaro era with unprecedented uncertainty. The relocation of their former captain to the United Arab Emirates relieves Italy of something of an obligation to field a player who had long ceased to play at an impermeable, Ballon d’Or standard. His partner in South Africa, Giorgio Chiellini, was equally culpable for this summer’s failure but is likely to helm a defensive unit featuring his new Juventus colleague Leonardo Bonucci. Injuries to upcoming fullbacks such as Inter’s Davide Santon and Genoa’s Domenico Criscito will stifle Prandelli’s ambition to find a complete back-four at this early stage but presents Luca Antonini, Mattia Cassani, Christian Maggio and Cristian Zaccardo with the opportunity to impress their new coach.

The forwards, as is nearly always the case with the Azzurri, is where the most contentious decisions were made. The previously noted recalls for Balotelli and Cassano grants Italy with the chance to field a genuine successor to the likes of Baggio, Del Piero and Totti in the trequartista role just behind the lead striker. Napoli’s Fabio Quagliarella, perphaps Italy’s best performer at the World Cup, has been recalled and will prove to be invaluable to the new squad should he emulate his form of last season. Giuseppe Rossi, purportedly the target of Rafael Benitez’s Internazionale, is offered another chance to impress following his omission from the final squad for the World Cup.

For all of the new beginnings and second chances afforded to Prandelli’s team, the man himself constitutes a worry for many critics. There is no doubting Cesare’s amicability or strength of character, having overcome the personal tragedy of his wife’s death to lead Fiorentina to the Champions League. There is however, a nagging doubt about Cesare Prandelli’s stature. For all of his success in leading Fiorentina from bankruptcy to the Champions League, La Viola have failed to capture a trophy for the city of Florence nor have they managed to secure many favourable results against Serie A’s elite clubs.

Despite these minor suspicions there is little doubt that Prandelli is a skilled man-manager, who has created strong relationships with his players, including formerly problematic examples such as Adrian Mutu. The ‘Bresciano’ is a figure of worship in Florence with both fans and the media showering a degree of adulation on him normally reserved for deities. His status and resilience will be tested by the pressures of working for the FIGC. Italians are infamously fickle when it comes to the Azzurri but should Prandelli inspire even close to a similar level of devotion as he did at Fiorentina, then his reign will have been a success.

League leaders drop points

Saturday's big match was a showpiece of marvellous, dramatic football. No it wasn't El Clásico, but Fiorentina v Internazionale. The fixture between the behemoths of Spanish football overshadowed this encounter which has had an equally profound effect on a title race. Inter, who once stood over ten points clear at the head of the Serie A table could now have their position overtaken by Roma, should Ranieri's side win tomorrow. 

Inter started brightly, with Wesley Sneijder's sharp effort testing Fiorentina goalkeeper Sebastien Frey. The reigning champions failed to capitalise on poor defending from the resulting corner as Diego Milito's thumping header beat Frey but was rejected by the post. Fiorentina took the lead shortly after. Gianluca Comotto delicately directing Montolivo's slid pass into the path of Brazilian Keirrison who justified his surprise selection with a fine finish. 

A combination of squandered chances and intercepted passes kept Inter only a goal down at the break. Inter needed a victory to secure their status as favourites for the Scudetto. Mourinho used the interval to introduce troubled starlet Mario Balotelli but the Italian international started slowly. His wayward passing and petulant attitude perhaps revelatory of the discontent he has felt as part of the Portuguese's side. 

Inter equalised on with little more than a quarter of an hour to go. Fiorentina's commitment to finding a second goal left them critically exposed to Maicon's counterattack. The fullback took advantage of a three on two to square the ball to Diego Milito who beat Frey from six yards. Inter took the lead just minutes later. In a near indentical move to the one that brought the score to 1-1, Mario Balotelli played the Maicon role producing a marvellous cross to Samuel Eto'o who volleyed in the goal that looked to have brought Inter closer to a fourth consecutive title. 

Fiorentina had been the better side side throughout and were rewarded for their often spectacular one-touch passing when they earned a corner following fine play from Jovetic. Julio Cesar came to punch the corner clear but failed to connect, allowing defender Per Koldrup to equalise and dramatically alter the title race. It was the latest in a string of mistakes by the Brazilian international, who has seen the fine form he has displayed for many years rescind while Inter's lead has been eroded by Milan and Roma. 

Their rivals from the Eternal City can now move two points clear of the champions with a victory over struggling Atalanta.

New Orleans Saints come marching in

New Orleans Saints come marching in

Five years on from the devastation that Hurricane Katrina caused to the Crescent City, Richard Chambers looks at the pride the New Orleans Saints have restored to their hometown

 

When he takes to the field in Miami on 7^th February with the task of ending the Saints’ 43-year wait for a Super Bowl, quarterback Drew Brees will carry the hopes of a city that is ready to celebrate. With the destitution inflicted upon the area still a recent memory, and with the continuing plight of the Lower Ninth Ward still a reality, the rise of Brees and his talented Saints team has rekindled the famous festive atmosphere in New Orleans.


The transformation of the New Orleans Saints has been remarkable. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina during late August 2005, the Saints were forced to fulfil their home fixtures in various locations while the Superdome served as the ‘shelter of last resort’ for 30,000 people. The torn roof of the Superdome became one of the enduring images of the suffering inflicted upon Louisiana during the hurricane, but the dome has now become a symbol of unity and hope in the embattled city.

The return of the Saints to the Superdome in the 2006 season was a source of considerable pride to the Gulf coast. The 30,000 beleaguered replaced with 70,000 fans displaying the same ‘vive’ that defines New Orleans as the home of jazz and Mardi Gras. The acquisition of coach Sean Payton, college superstar Reggie Bush and Drew Brees was to prove a significant milestone in the history of the team.
Brees, jettisoned by the San Diego Chargers, was forced to choose between a career in tropical Miami or the ravaged New Orleans. The quarterback made it a personal mission to restore pride to a city that has lost so much. The devastation he was met with did little to daunt his resolve.

“For me, I looked at that as an opportunity to be part of the rebuilding process,” he enthused at the time. “How many people get that opportunity in their life to be a part of something like that?” The charity work of his foundation and his unique talent on the field has not gone unnoticed by the faithful. His rapport with the fans and teammates is peerless in modern sport: hailed as a saviour both on and off the field by the city, it is little wonder that fans have gifted him the nickname ‘Breesus’.

The financial and emotional lift that a Super Bowl victory would bring to New Orleans is immeasurable. The economic benefit of hosting two major playoff games has been obvious in the French Quarter, where tourism revenue has seen a significant increase – a fact that Brees was quick to note immediately following his team’s dramatic victory over Minnesota, which took them to the season finale.
Swathes of revellers on Bourbon Street have chanted Brees’ name and the team’s unofficial anthem “Who Dat?”. Their joy at seeing their team capture the NFC Championship could only be surpassed by an unlikely victory over the Colts. But for Brees and his Saints, a Super Bowl ring would be a fitting reward for their endeavour.

 

 

WINTER OLYMPICS

Fionn McCool Runnings

Proceedings in the court and a tragic bereavement overshadowed the action taking place at the Vancouver games, writes Richard Chambers


 The Irish women’s bobsleigh team were last week cleared to enter the Winter Olympics despite an appeal lodged by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) as well as a further challenge by Brazil. The two-women team, compromising of Claire Bergin and pilot Aoife Hoey, will now participate in an expanded event at the Whistler Sliding Centre.


The initial dispute centred on Ireland’s qualification as the twentieth entrant ahead of Australia. The AOC contended that as the only representative of Oceania at the Vancouver Games, under the guidelines of the FIBT (the sport’s international governing body) they were entitled to be part of the women’s bobsleigh event. This argument was deemed justified by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), who approved of a 21-team competition including both the Irish and Australian crews.

This was not to be the end of the legal wrangling. Following the success of the AOC’s appeal, Brazilian Ice Sports Federation launched a petition, believing that Ireland’s participation at the women’s bobsleigh was invalid owing to Ireland’s late replacement of France in qualification.  In a decision released ahead of Friday’s opening ceremony the CAS rejected the plea of the Brazilians, allowing the event to commence as planned. The decision was praised by OCI Chief Executive Stephen Martin, adding that it had been a “difficult week, but now we can look forward to the Games commencing.”

For Hoey there was an added reason to be cheerful, as the Portarlington native was selected as the flag bearer for Friday’s spectacular opening ceremony. The 26-year old-was overjoyed with the honour. “It’s been a rough few days out here in Vancouver with all the legal action swirling around the bobsleigh team,” she said, “but this move has lifted our spirits in a big way.”

The opening ceremony of the Vancouver games itself was overshadowed by the tragic death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili. Despite the death of the 21-year-old, the ceremony carried on with the full participation of the Georgian contingent, who were greeted with an emotional standing ovation at the BC Place Stadium. The 2,500 athletes representing 82 nations at the Winter Olympics, as well as the thousands in attendance, united in a minute’s silence for Kumaritashvili.
The passing of the Georgian is the latest in a line of controversies surrounding the Vancouver Games. These incidents have included anti-globalisation demonstrations, arguments over practice times allotted to Canadian athletes, as well as the women’s bobsleigh quagmire.

The attention garnered is seen as a positive by Stephen Martin, a man who believes that all publicity is good publicity. “The profile of winter sports has certainly been to the fore over the last week or so”, he told the press at the CAS hearing, “and that has to be a good thing.” The Irish women’s crew is the first of its kind to participate at an Olympics. As the final team to qualify for the Games, Ireland may not be favoured to win medals, but the fact that they are in Vancouver at all is a fine achievement.

Way back when, Leinster v Scarlets - RDS, 20th February

Sexton the star as Leinster draw Scarlets’ blood

 

Leinster hung tough to claim a victory over the Scarlets at the RDS. The win propels the province to second in the Magners League table, and solidifies their challenge for a place in the playoffs. The Scarlets dominated possession and will feel aggrieved by the manner in which they succumbed to the hosts. The evening belonged to fly-half Jonathan Sexton, who contributed 22 points including a late try.
The victory was blemished by an injury to former UCD number eight Sean O’Brien – the Ireland international forced off in the opening minutes after suffering a fractured leg.  Stephen Keogh, who filled in capably, replaced him. The injury deepens the hole left in the back row following the departure of Rocky Elsom and a string of injuries and suspensions.
Sexton and his Scarlets counterpart Rhys Priestland exchanged penalties as the visitors started the brighter. The Scarlets set out to attack Leinster from deep, and were eager to let centres Regan King and Jon Davies instigate breaks.
A rare lapse in an impressive defensive display by Leinster allowed the Welsh region to recycle the ball quickly through King and the backrow before Wales hopeful Ken Owens finished the magnificent move. The sideline conversion attempt was put wide by a decidedly out of form Rhys Priestland to leave the hosts in the arrears by 8-3.
Nigel Davies’ outfit were unable to extend their lead as Priestland missed from inside his own half. The Scarlets’ pack then bludgeoned from close range off a lineout but were repelled by the stodgy home side.

The clinical nature of Leinster came to the fore on the half hour. Eoin Reddan delivered quick balll before fan favourite Isa Nacewa finished in the corner with Sexton involved in the build-up. A perfect conversion by the fly-half gave Leinster a 10-8 lead as Leinster made their first meaningful incursions into Scarlets territory. Another penalty increased the advantage; referee Adam MacPherson keen to clamp down on infringements at the breakdown. Priestland replied with a penalty of his own as the first half ended as the visitors entered the break with a narrow 13-11 deficit.

They regained the lead soon after the restart, Priestland’s straightforward placekick coming after Leinster’s defensive exertions were undone by prop Stan Wright’s failure to roll away. However, another Sexton effort eliminated the Scarlet’s lead. The region was frustrated as they failed to convert their chances throughout the encounter. Winger Daniel Evans poorly executed to Regan King just metres from the goal line. His pass intercepted by the patient Fergus McFadden.
The Scarlets continued to press Leinster but lacked the incisiveness to cause any real threat. Fouls in the ruck plagued both sides as such a Scarlets transgression allowed Sexton to extend the lead by three.
Leinster pulled away from the Scarlets as they entered the final quarter of an hour. Shane Horgan continued his fine season with a break that set up another penalty, giving Leinster a two score advantage to the delight of the 14,000 in attendance.
The match effectively ceased as a contest on 70 minutes. Flanker Rob McCuskey knocking on with the line at his mercy after charging down Shaun Berne’s attempted clearance leaving coach Nigel Davies visibly frustrated.
Berne atoned for his concentration lapse moments later. His swift line break set prodigious talent Andrew Conway free, the winger contributing a notable cameo. Conway offloaded to man of the match Jonathan Sexton, who encapsulated a magnificent performance by touching down for a try. The final score of 27-14 probably flattered the home side but is testament to the strength of their defensive effort and the opportunism they demonstrated.
Speaking to The University Observer after the game, stand in captain Shane Jennings was full of praise for his outhalf. “Jonny kicked very well today and controlled the game well,” the flanker noted, adding “hopefully he can keep it up for us.”
With performances like this one, it will not be long before he can attempt the same for Ireland as well.

 

The article that damned United

New era of United generals

In the past they relied on a solid defence, but now a solid midfield trio provides Manchester United’s ammunition for Wayne Rooney, writes Richard Chambers


When the draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League was announced, there was almost immediate talk of a repeat of last season’s final with the juggernauts of Manchester United facing the immaculately graceful Barcelona. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will have been delighted by news that they will meet old rivals Bayern Munich before a potential duel with either of the French sides left in the competition, Lyon or Bordeaux.
Many spoke of a prospective duel between two of the world’s finest players, Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi. While it has seemed at times that United are driven solely by the irrepressible will and talent of their talisman, there is more to the Red Devils’ European ambitions than first appears.
Ferguson’s tactical approach to European football has developed comprehensively since he first conquered the continent in 1999. His traditional 4-4-2 replaced over time with a five-man midfield and a lone striker in an effort to combat the creative ‘carousel’, as he referred to the midfield of Barcelona and other European giants. The disappointing failures in Europe preceding 2008’s victory over Chelsea have forced him to humbly reconsider his approach.
Wayne Rooney – and before him, Cristiano Ronaldo – has been the central force of his side, but behind these marquee names the harrying influence of Darren Fletcher and Park Ji-Sung – and more recently the service provided by Antonio Valencia – are helping United to progress towards their goals of a fourth consecutive Premier League title and a fourth European Cup.
Fletcher, so sorely missed in last season’s final, was once billed as the new David Beckham in his early days at Old Trafford. He is now the combative midfielder that United have lacked since the departure of Roy Keane. The protestations of Arsène Wenger against Fletcher’s midfield aggression are as good an epithet as any that can be paid to Scotland’s captain.
Another international captain has an equally important role in United’s sojourns abroad. Korean Park Ji-Sung has often been criticised as a mere marketing ploy by Manchester United pandering to the lucrative fan base in the Far East, but he is far more valuable to Alex Ferguson than as a shirt salesman in Seoul. His role in the Champions League squad has been to frustrate and stifle threatening elements of the opposing midfield, regardless of position. His constant harrying of AC Milan’s Andrea Pirlo in the previous round is a fine example of why he has earned the nickname ‘Three-Lung Park’. It is likely that his manager will order him to ‘do a job’ on Bayern’s quick and imaginative wingers Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben in the upcoming tie.
The countless headed goals from Wayne Rooney can be attributed to hours of practice by the in form front man as well as the quality of the delivery by his teammates – none more prominent than Antonio Valencia. The Ecuadorian purchased as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo is a winger in the classical sense of the word. His attributes have reminded many of Andrei Kanchelskis, an archetypical winger for United in the early nineties. Following a slow start to his Old Trafford career, the former Wigan player has earned plaudits for his displays.
While no one can belittle the efforts of Wayne Rooney, these players offer the capability of United to challenge in Europe once again. United carry a reputation for attacking football, but the utilisation of Fletcher, Park and Valencia add a layer of responsibility prerequisite for success in the Champions League. Through this, progression to a third successive final – and perhaps more – should be a realistic goal.

This article is taken from the University Observer, Volume XVI, Issue 11, March 30th 2010.

Nouveau Renaissance for French Clubs?

The quarterfinal draw for the Champions League has drawn some familiar foes together. Last year’s victors FC Barcelona will face Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal in a repeat of the 2006 final. In another repeat of a past final beaten finalists Manchester United will play the side they completed their historic treble of 1999 over, Bayern München.

Most of the hype will surround these fixtures as well as that of the pragmatic Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan, who will face Russia’s “Army Men”, CSKA Moscow. One of the overlooked aspects of this draw was the pairing of two French sides, Olympique Lyonnais with Girondins de Bordeaux. This quarter final, between the true dominating force of French football of the past decade and pretenders to their crown will guarantee a French side in the semifinal of UEFA’s premier club competition for the first time.

Lyon, winners of seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles between 2001 and 2008 before Laurent Blanc’s Bordeaux usurped their supremacy last season. The loss of the title they so securely controlled for so long sparked comprehensive restructuring of their squad. Young French internationals were bought such as prodigious goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, while naive players with notions of international stardom Karim Benzema and Hatem Ben Arfa were sold to the nouvea-Galacticos at Real Madrid and Marseille??? respectively. 

This renaissance instigated by club president Aulas and manager Claude Puel has proven quite successful in Europe, where traditional powers Real Madrid and Liverpool have fallen victims of Les Gones. Aulas has been outspoken in his desire of a French conquest of the Champions League spearheaded by his Lyons. This season’s exploits will have certainly pleased him but their relative failure domestically has seen them unable to compete with their rivals in wine country.

Bordeaux, worthy winners of last season’s Ligue 1, have been almost as impressive this season. Laurent Blanc, manager since 2008/2007???, has created a side with wonderful attacking options and flair. Much like his idol Zinedine Zidane, starlet Yoann Gourcuff is the  creative influence of all Bordeaux. His grand creativity supplemented by an admirable workrate rare with players of similar role. The three years he spent as understudy to Kaká at AC Milan have not suppressed his confidence and his captivating performance against Sevilla in the Round of 16 second leg has led to the belief that he is close to his best following a recovery from a severe ankle injury. 

Blanc’s ability to harness the ingenuity of Gourcuff within the the framework of a very effective side has not gone unnoticed. Within the past year he has been linked with numerous positions including those at his old clubs and fellow quarterfinalists Inter Milan and Manchester United as well as that of the French national side should Raymond Domenech finally succumb to the pressure of an impatient public.

The quarterfinal between these teams could be seen as a renaissance of sorts for French domestic football, long in the shadows since Marseille were the last side to win the competition at the outset of the 1990s. While Bordeaux have proved superior to their counterparts in league, Lyons are well versed in Champions League football and this experience could see them triumph. 

With one of the two sides guaranteed to progress to a semi final encounter, most likely with Manchester United, there will be little thought of a final berth for either team. Nevertheless, it is encouraging to see that European football may be reverting to an environment where it is not just the top four sides of English football and Barcelona competing for the ultimate prize in club football.