Sergio Busquets

I know i have mentioned this in a few posts before but just found a picture that i thought i should share.



The photo above is the unfortunate moment for Sergio Busquets when a camerman snapped a shot of him performing one of the worst acts of cheating in the last ten years. It ranks up there with Rivaldos 'face' grab in 2002.

Busquets had been caught by a stray hand from Thiago Motta. Yes it did make contact but it came with the sort of force that wouldnt disturb a column of smoke. However, Busquets did go down as if hit by Floyd Mayweather and then glanced up through his hands to see what action the referee was taking. Motta got the red card and Busquets was up.

Motta has since come out saying it proves Barca are cheats and that Busquet's actions are 'disgusting.' Yes it was wrong but Motta, don't act as if you are a saint. You cheated like anyone else on that field that night. Your centre backs grabbed, elbowed and ripped anything that came near them. Then, you may not have deserved to go for the slap to Busquet's face but you deserved to go for your childish actions afterwards. I hope its a warm night on the Champions League Final, because you won't be taking part. Deal with it.

As for Busquets, i am a big fan of you and have been as you have come up through the ranks. But don't start these sort of games. Don't get sucked into the play acting. Sort it out.....Sergio Busquets, it's Friday night, go to your room!

How's it all going to end?

We are nearly there. After all the twists and turns over the season we are two weekends away from knowing who will be lifting the famous trophy. How will it end? There are two scenarios....let me explain.

Ending 1 - Those backing Sir Alex Ferguson's men look away now.

It is 13:30 and Anfield is rocking to the sound of You'll never walk alone. Chelsea fans are in full voice. Neutrals up and down the country are pouring pints, settling down with friends and predicting first scorers. You have to love football.

The game kicks off and the Anfield crowd are in great voice until Chelsea strike. Didier Drogba, who has caused Liverpool countless nightmares over the years, is on hand to finish a loose ball in the six yard box. Chelsea fans rejoice, Liverpool fans go silent whilst United fans all over the world have their head in their hands. The game is played out with Chelsea in second gear and not really being threatened by a Liverpool attack that shows clear signs of tiredness after extra time against Athletico Madrid. The final whistle blows and Chelsea have cleared their last remaining tough hurdle (with all due respect to Wigan).
The attention turns to Sir Alex Ferguson and his charges. Rooney doesnt feature and neither doesnt Ferdinand. Sunderland pack the midfield and the end result is a draw. Three points is now the gap but due to the goal difference, it is impossible for United to regain their title. Chelsea go into their last home game in party mood. The title returns back to South West London!


Ending 2 - Those backing Carlo Ancelloti's men look away now.

It is 13:30 and Anfield is rocking to the sound of You'll never walk alone. Chelsea fans are in full voice. Neutrals up and down the country are pouring pints, settling down with friends and predicting first scorers. You have to love football.

The game kicks off and the Anfield crowd are in great voice. A nervy enocunter sees little goalmouth action in the first half. The second 45 starts in similar fashion until Steven Gerrard strikes. The man booed and jeered by United supporters ever since he became a first team regular at Liverpool strikes a killer blow in Chelsea's title hopes. The goal brings a Chelsea on slaught but Agger and Carragher banish the demons of Drogba and stand firm. The final whistle goes. Chelsea fans are silent, Liverpool fans sing the praises of their players who have played for nothing but pride whilst Untied fans thank the enemy for giving them a chance at glory.

45 minutes later and United kick off with Wayne Rooney leading the line. Their is a zip in their play, with Rooney being instrumental. Untied win the game with Darren Gibson and Dimitar Berbatov scoring. United lead the league by two points and after both themselves and Chelsea win on the final day, Sir Alex Ferguson becomes the first manager to win 4 Premiership titles in a row. The title returns to Sir Matt Busby Way!


So which one are you going with? In my honest opinion, whilst it won't exactly pan out like i say, scenario 1 will be the one that we read about on Monday morning. With home games left for each team on the last weekend of the league and against weak opposition (with all due respects again to Wigan and Stoke), this can be the only weekend that upsets the title. Whoever leads come Monday morning will be champions.

NBA -Where the unexpected happens?

The NBA playoffs started this year with the same air of formalitiy that it usually does. There were certain things we could predict, thigns that we expected to happen.

For example, the Celtics would prevail. A given we expected more of a fight from Miami Heat and D-Wade. D-Wade put up some impressive number throughout the series but the Heat were too heavy a team for him to carry and the Celtics ran out convincing 4-1 series winners.

We then expected the Cavaliers to cruise through their series with the Bulls. They did so. We also expected them to look to Lebron more often than not. Boy did they do that too. Washington Post columnist and PTI anchor Tony Kornheiser has been saying for a while that the Cav's downfall could come from over relying on their star man. Im starting to see sense in his thinking. I mean over three games he put up 105 points! That's averaging 35 points a game! He can't continue like that. At the beginning of the playoffs i saw the Celtics and Cavs progressing to meet each other like they have. I also saw an easy Cav victory but now im not so sure. Being a Celtic's fan it may be hope over honesty. We shall see.

Now here's the thing. The playoffs have finally served up a shock. The Lakers have found it tough against the Oaklahoma City Thunder. I add that the series is not over and game six is to take place tonight in Oaklahoma but that is what is so shocking and unexpected. The series is still alive. People wrote off the Thunder before this. 'They won't win a game.' ' They may win one at home but that's it.' These were some of the things coming from sports blogs, columns and interviews around the world. But in Kevin Durrant (sure to be a huge star in Basketball) they have a weapon and in their home crowd they have a support that not only breeds confidence but also belief. If the Thunder can win Game 6 at home and create a wave of optimism then who knows. We could have the shock of all shocks in the first round. Kevin Garnett has said it before.....anything is possible.

The Translator Triumphs

So the final that no one expected, let alone many people wanting. We won't see Real Madrid's million dollar cast trying to prove that money can buy you happiness. We won't see any representatives of the big four from England, a big four who have dominated the latter stages of this competition for the last six years. And now we wont see Football's artists Barcelona grace the arena of their fiercest rivals. Like the Premier League this season, the Champions League has been just as surprising.
Here's the thing though, should we be surprised by last night's result from the Camp Nou? Clearly those of Catalan persuasion will say yes and those residing in the 'Inter' suburbs of Milan will whole heartedly disagree.

For me, there should be no surprise. This is Jose Mourinho, a man surrounded by superlatives. A man who craves attention but deserves every ray of spotlight that shines upon him. Beating Barcelona, with 11 mean and a 3-1 head start would have further fueled the hype. Doing it with ten men says it is time for us all to belief it.

Inter were marshaled superbly. in Lucio and Samuel they had the wiliest of veterans. Whilst watching the way they cheated their way through the game, you have to admire the way in which they do so. On the note of cheating, i am a big fan of Sergio Busquettes but sadly that is not acceptable. The sly look through the fingers to the referee is wrong and hopefully the media furore that will follow will embarrass him enough for him to eradicate it from his game.

Another note that angered me was the way in which Mourinho celebrated the evening's events. I am all for passion and heart on the sleeve stuff but maybe that was too much. I know he was acknowledging his own fans but do that once you have thanked Guardiola and once you have done the post match formalities. You have not won the trophy yet.

And i'll get my self out of here on this. Where was the Lionel Messi show that we craved? Inter hounded him, sometimes 3 players at his feet as soon as the ball arrived. He was shackled and only on two occasions did we see him threaten to make an impact on the game. It is all very well saying he was marked out of the game as that is football. It would seem like the most sensible thing for an opposing manager to do but the great players and those who want to be remembered as great, still find space for themselves. While Ronaldo has not been anywhere close to the level of the small Argentinean this season, he still managed to find that extra yard and make an impact on a game when hounded by the opposition when he was flying last season. However here's the thing, Messi's chance for greatness is not over, hell it has hasn't even begun. It starts in June and if he shines, nights like this will be completely forgotten.

White prejudice in NFL?

Interesting thoughts coming from the NFL and ESPN's PTI show. Anchors Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilborn discussed this week that teams were reluctant to draft white running backs. Kornheiser stated, "People become afraid of what is rare and unique. These teams look around and think 'there are no other white running backs, why should we have one.''

It is an interesting point to make in a country where many of it's sports are beginning to see a soft racial divide. I say soft because it is not a hatred of someone else due to their skin colour. It is simply a lack of belief that they can get the job done as well as someone else, because of their colour. Either way it is racist and is wrong however no one is admitting it. The only reason it comes to people's attention is when they see the situation they are in. Take the NBA. There are fewer and fewer white players in the league. Look at the NFL and there are very few Black Quarterbacks. Now add white running backs to that and things could start to become interesting.

Airplanes Part 2

Big tune from B.O.B and Hayley Williams from Paramore plus a certain musician called Eminem. Enjoy.

Comet Collision

Comet collision causes incredible photo of the Sun.

Rivalry in Sport - Good to see some honesty

Good to see some honesty in sport in today's world. That is what we have from our American friends in the NBA. The Dallas Mavericks face the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA playoffs leading the series 1-0.

But what made me sit up and also brought a smile to my face was a quote from the Dallas Mavericks Owner, Mark Cuban.
When talking about the rivalry between the two teams he stated that he felt it was as acrimonious as it had ever been. And to quote the words he used following that, he said, "No i mean i hate the Spurs. I have a hard time being civil to (Spurs Owner) Peter Holt." Listen to that again...."i hate the Spurs." Strong words; that is agreed. No real reason to say them; that too is agreed but what many don't agree, well with me anyway, is that his comment has made the Playoff series between those two so much more. It has increased the intensity, increased the interest and increased the prize at stake. Abuse and violence rivalry in sport should not be tolerated, that is agreed worldwide. However this, this is great. When sport and winning becomes meaningful, it too becomes encaptivating. Did Cuban do it purposely to rally his team, who knows? But it certainly got me and many others taking an interest in a game that meant nothing at all.

Celtics Rip Heat whilst Kobe Provides Again

KG suspended, no worries, Glen 'Big Baby' Davis is ready to step in. And step in he did as the Celtics crushed the Heat at the TD GArden to go 2-0 up in the series. Ray Allen did it from deep, hitting multiple threes as the Celtics proved comfortable winners. How will they fair as the Heat turn it up a notch in Miami in a few days?

Highlights from the night

Big time players were also making notable contributions on the West side of America as Kobe Bryant pulled out the stops to give the LA Lakers a 2-0 lead over the Oaklahoma Thunder, as the Thunder threatened to level the series 1-1.

Highlights from the night

A Thousand Interests

They say "the key to life is to be interested in a thousand things well but in one thing profoundly."
But what if that one profound interest is made up of a thousand different things?

KG Banned

Kevin Garnett will serve a one game suspension for the Boston Celtics after elbowing Quentin Richardson during game one of the NBA Playoff series between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat.

How is it all going to end?

To steal a phrase our sports commentating friends state side say when confronted by something amazing, 'The Premier League title race back on? Well, what do you know?' It seems we are going to witness the greatest ending to a season in the Premier League's history. Where's your money now? Sadly for Paddy Power, their money has already changed hands, as they have already paid out their bets on Chelsea winning the title. Could it be a £500,000 mistake? (See here for full story)

It was a day that many said would determine the title race. United had the tough task of going to a high flying Man City in the most important Manchester derby of all time, whilst Chelsea played their game aginst derby rivals Tottneham. If United lost or drew and Chelsea won, surely that would be it.



For 91 minutes, that's how it looked like it would pan out. United were about to relinquish any hope of recording an historic 4th consecutive Premier Leage title until one of Sir Alex Ferguson's old guard, Paul Scholes, a man so instrumental in helping United acheive their success over the past 10 years, ghosted into the box and rose to head home Patrice Evra's cross. Again City were beaten in the last minute against United, again it was dramatic, again it gave United title hope.

All eyes then turned to White Hart Lane. How would Chelsea react to the news that United were supposedly 'back in it?' Not very well, it seemed. A penalty from Jermaine Defoe and a superb solo effort from Gareth Bale put Tottenham 2-0 up at the half. Two reckless challenges, the second standing out as clumsy, from John Terry meant he would have the watch the last 20 minutes from the dressing room. It capped a poor day for Terry who was poor throughout the game and has not been at top form in recent weeks. Fabio Capello take note; who was the best English centre half on the day?



Arsenal then felt that a victory over Wigan would give them a hope, albeit one slimmer than Victoria Beckham. 2-0 up with ten mintues to go and it seemed Arsene Wenger's men had forgotten about the pianful defeat earlier in the week to Tottenham. However during the last ten minutes, Wenger's men became boys. Wigan pulled one back, Fabianski then flapped at a cross allowing Bramble to make it 2-2 and Nzogbia sturck a long range winner beautiful enough to win any game. Arsenal are out of the hunt, Untied are back in it and it is still in Chelsea's hands. However only a fool would predict the winner now, sorry Paddy Power.

Arsenal Struck by Rose Thunderbolt

Is that the end for Arsenal? Has their title push finally run out of steam? Whilst i'm hesistant to write them off and out of the hunt for Premier League silverware after seeing them bounce back in the manner they did when the nation said the same thing after the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea, i feel this time there is just not enough time left.

They stand 6 points behind the leaders with only a handful of games to go and incredibly, the injuries continue to pile up. For Fabregas, Arshavin, Song and Gallas, add Vermaelen. The defender, who has possibly been the signing of the season in the Premier League, went down in the first half and looks set to be out for 2-3 weeks.

Arsene Wenger has described his Arsenal team as not being mature enough. "If you want to win the league then this is the kind of game you have to win." Here's the thing though, Arsenal started incredibly well. They had all the possesion and looked the most threatening but then came one of those moments you are just happy that you witnessed. Young Danny Rose, who has spent most of the season on loan at Peterborough, struck what must be goal of the season, if not the last two. 25 yards out and the ball dipping from the keeper's punch, Rose caressed the ball with such perfection and skill, it was difficult to see how it was his league debut. It was a strike that belied his years.

The strike rocked Arsenal and after Gareth Bale crept through an open defence to make it two, the outcome looked bleak for Arsene Wenger's side. Robin Van Persie made his long awaited return to the Arsenal first team as a 60th minute sub and single handedly changed the game. It highlighed two key points. It showed just how good he his and what Arsenal's season could have produced had he stayed fit. Secondly it highlighted the lack of threat that Bendtner poses. You could have been mistaken for thinking it was he who had been subbed for RVP.

A late goal meant an Arsenal charge but Tottenham never seemed in danger of throwing it all away. Ledley King and Michael Dawson were awesome. Two English centre backs playing in perfect harmony at club level. Take note Fabio.

To Tottenham's credit, it was hard to believe that this was the same team that were lablled as a 'shambles' in their FA Cup Semi Final loss to Portsmouth. It helped that it was their fiercest rivals Arsenal who came to town as it fueled the fire that the players needed. Harry Redknapp will be hoping that there is still enough coal on that fire as it only gets harder - Chelsea are next in town.

HD Slow Motion Surfing

Epic clip shot with HD Hero Camera of surfer riding a wave at Pipeline.

B.O.B - Nothin On You

Liking this....

Thought

They say the key to life is to be interested in a thousand things well but in one thing profoundly.

Klitschko Calls Out Haye

Mumford and Sons - Sigh No More

Mumford & Sons Sigh No More by osage95

Americans. You've Got To Love Them

Whilst on the subject of The Masters and America, i heard something yesterday that makes me love Americans and their attitude when it comes to sport. Phil Mickleson and Lee Westwood were on the first tee, ready for the final round of the final day. Westwood hit his tee shot to appreciative applause. Mickleson, the crowd's favourite, stepped up and for those who love technical sporting terms, spanked one right down the middle of the fairway. That wasn't the most magical moment. As he struck the ball, almost immediately a member of the crowd, who i assume was larger than life, screamed "You're an animal."

I mean what a statement. It was the second thing to be heard, second only to the sound of the driver hitting Mickleson's ball. Which makes you think, he must have planned to say that and that makes it even more pricelss.

Americans, you have got to love them

Mickleson Triumphs As Woods 'Fails' With Fourth

World number 2 Phil Mickleson sealed his third masters victory with a stunning performance on the last day of the Masters at Augusta. Mickleson produced some breathtaking strokes, including what is being called 'shot of the year' by some for his approach from behind a tree to land within 5 feet of the pin. Enjoy

After all the furore regarding Tiger's personal on goings and his return to the tournament which many predicted he would win, America got the family man for a winner it wanted, even if they won't admit it at first.




I for one was disappointed that Woods didnt win. Regardless of what happened, the man 'is' golf. You can tell when a sportman/women 'becomes' the sport they devote their lives to. It is when the average member of the public who would not usually care, starts to take an interest. Had Woods not played this year's tournament, the viewing figures would have been considerably lower.

Here's the thing though.....why is he still getting it in the neck? Still people complain about his 'attitude.' Why can the man not complain about his performance and his disappointment in hitting bad shots? That is what he is. That is what makes him a cut above the rest. He doesnt make mistakes, well doesn't expect to. In his mind he should hit the perfect stroke each time. So those who say he should have more respect to his sport and his fellow competitors, go to your room. Tiger, keep doing you. Expect to be the best a question why your are not perfect when something goes wrong. Do whatever you want to do, just keep playing golf as you are the only thing that gives me and thousands of others out there a genuine interest.

The Incredible Journey - Portsmouth

Has there ever been a script more magical than this? Take Portsmouth, a club who go from winning the FA Cup one season to no hopers. The manager who brought Cup glory, Harry Redknapp, leaves for a bigger club in Tottenham Hotspur, taking the best players with him. With little money and their star names having jumped ship for wider fame and glory, results start to tumble in the wrong direction and Pompey find themselves sitting bottom of the league. Couple that with a lack of investment and Portsmouth manager Avram Grant would be forgiven for taking a line from Al Pacino in Any Given Sunday, "We're in hell right now gentleman."

Buyers promise to come in and rescue the club but after deeper and more thorough review they realise not even their millions, or in some case billions, can save the club. They enter administration and become the first Premiership club ever to do so, aswell as receiving a nine point deduction. Relegation is now a dangerous and realistic possibility.

Player's wages are not paid and a large number of the club's off field staff are made redundent to clear funds for more imporatant matters. On loan players being paid from parent clubs have to pitch in and pay those players who aren't receiving their wages.

Then on a saturday afternoon in May, the club receive the news that no football fan wants to ever hear about his beloved side. Portsmouth are confirmed to be relgated. It is the end of the road. No longer will they eat at English football's top table. On that same day they have the FA Cup Semi Final, with onlookers saying they have no chance. Yet they prevail, with a shock 2-0 victory deep into extra time. It should be noted that victory came over the former manager Harry Redknapp. It should also be noted that the final deciding goal was scored by Kevin Prince Boateng, released by Tottenham to pave the way for some of Portsmouth's bigger names to head to White Hart Lane. It should be noted that the impossible dream is still alive.

It is said that Avram Grant will be writing a book about Portsmouth's incredible season. He may want to wait one more month as the Fa Cup Final against his old club Chelsea, from whom he was fired for failing to bring European glory, may just provide us with one of the best script endings in sports history.

Robben Stunner Leaves United Shell Shocked

Sir Alex Ferguson has always said his team like to do it the hard way but sadly for all Man United fans, this was a task too tough to overcome. After overturning the first leg deficit quite comfortably by taking a 3-0 leade after 40 minutes, it looked like the tie had been sealed.

Then a piece of naivity from a young defender and United were down to ten men. The perssure then hit them wave after wave and it took something special, truly special to break the padlock. Robben's volley from the edge of the box was a goal worthy of winnign any game regardless of whether it was deserved or not.

With 11 vs 11, this was no contest. Bayern were blown off the park. Rafael had been selected at right back and the reprecussions couldnt have been more contrasting. He was man of the match in the first half. He schakled Ribery to the point where the Frenchman almost didnt want the ball anymore. Then came the second half however and Ribery gave it another go and got inside the full back. 40 yards from goal and running onto his weaker foot. Experienced defenders will tell you there is no danger there. For all the talent for defending and attakcing he has in abundance, Rafael lacks experience and it showed. He tugged him back, the second yellow came out and the game was done for the young Brazilian. Sadly so too for United.

Ferguson now has his eyes set firmly on the league but once again, they will have to do it the hard way. This challenge is achievable however as history tells us, although it seems likely to require 5 wins from 5. Chelsea still have two tough fixtures in Liverpool and Tottenham away. As Sir Alea has said before, it's squeaky bum time.

Superlatives run dry as Messi scores four

There was a brief moment last night that summed up how we all, as football fans felt. Once the final whistle had gone, the camera followed man of the match Lionel Messi around the pitch as he congratulated his team mates on securing their place in the Champions League semi final. Back in the gantry, Sky Sports anchor Richard Keys had the job of filling the airwaves until the Spanish television director decided enough was enough and to cease the on field filming. This is Key's job, his livelihood. He has done this 1000 times and will do it 1000 more. However for the first time, he couldnt do what for years has become second nature to him. He ran out of cliches, ran out of adjectives and ran out of superlatives. He was lost for words. We all were.

In sportsman's careers, there always seems to be a defining moment. A coathanger performance that you can hook all the evidence on when proving how good they really were. With Jonny Wilkinson, it was that night and that kick in Sydney. For Roger Federer it will be the 15th Grand Slam at Wimbledon while for Steven Gerrard it will be that thunderous half volley against Olympiakos in the Champions League to ensure they progressed to the next round. Now add Lionel Messi and last night's 4 goal haul to that list.

Here's the thing...we knew he was good. We knew he was the best player in the world at the present moment but no-one knew, in fact, no-one believed that he or any player could put in a performance like that. It was a performance that is hard to write about because words don't it justice. After Arsenal took a surpising lead, Messi responded within two minutes. A stunning strike from out of nothing. His second came from breathaking build up play while his third was so audacious that even after they showed the reply, you still didnt believe he would do it. It took three replays to make me a believer. Then as the fourth went in those in the Nou Camp and the millions watching world wide went into a frenzy. We were witnessing one of 'those' moments. Some will be able to say they were there while some will only be able to say they watched it. If you are not either of those, get busy and find a way to watch it as it is very possible that something like that will never happen again.

Dynamo - Magician

This kid is class!

One Hell Of An Ending - Duke National Champions

It was close to being the perfect fairytale ending. In fact it was a matter of an inch or so. The thickness of a basketball rim was all that got in the way of a story that would make a great Hollywood sports film.

The underdog defying critics and beating the 'big boys' on the way to the final. Then in the dying seconds of the Chapionship game, a shuddering blind side screen from star player Matt Howard set up teammate George Hayward just inside half court with space to shoot. We were moments away from the greatest ending in sports history. As he rose up off his left foot and let go with incredible accuracy, the Television angle said it was going in. It had to go in. America held it's breath. A nation hoped. Sadly reality intervined. Glass, rim and out. The dream was over


But here's the thing, there is still a great story here. Not only a story of a team earning respect, as Butler showed that they belogned in these Finals but of a coach that can now be described as 'great.' 11 Regional Championships and now four NCAA Tournament Championships added to the Gold medal he won at the 2008 Olympics has finally given him the 'great' tag that many had been tempted to use but wanted a little bit more convincing. Well now you have it. Coach K has acheived greatness, greatness that turned out to only be a rim away.

See the action at ESPN

Chelsea March On To Title While Spurs Slip Up In Race For Fourth

What started as a bad week for Manchester United ended in Similar fashion as strikes from Joe Cole and Didier Drogba made sure Chelsea left Old Trafford with all three points and number one spot in the Barclays Premier League. The title is now theirs to lose. While no run in is easy, Ancelotti's men have the easier upcoming fixtures when compared to United and Arsenal. However only a fool would expect a season that has had so many twists and turns and unbelievable stories to end smoothly. Watch this space but for now it is advantage Ancelotti.

Meanwhile a few places below the title dog fight, there was another twist in the race for the coveted fourth place. Man City brushed aside a Burnley side whose performance matched that of the weather conditions....wet. Spurs have been going well of late but that run came to an end in Sunderland. You can't afford to give away three penalties, even if the taker is Darren Bent. As he showed, he will at least score one of those! Here's the thing though, you need to be fair to Bent, his scoring tally has been impressive. Even more impressive when you think how limited some of his teamates assisting abilities are. Some of those boys couldnt cross a road. Fabio, if you are reading this (you should be), take him to South Africa.

Soccer Saturday - Top Stuff

It's Saturday. You dont need to go into work. You have no chores to do, no bores to endure. You have all the time in the world. Football fans know there is only one place to go.....Sky Sport's Soccer Saturday.

Why not when every now and then you get a bit of classic Kamara action.