As the NFL offseason wallows in the ugly business side of sport, real life competition continued across Europe as the world’s most exclusive club tournament wrapped up the first leg of the round of 16 competition on Wednesday. Highlights included manager Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan team defeating his former Chelsea squad in Italy by a 2-1 margin. First fixture surprises were provided by Portuguese side FC Porto’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal and Manchester United’s 3 valuable away goals at AC Milan. Man U had never scored at the San Siro in 4 matches, although 1 goal came off Darren Scholes’ laughable swing and miss.
Besides Man U, France’s Bordeux was the only other away side winner, setting themselves up for the next round if they can draw or win at home in the 2nd leg. Several remaining matches could be decided on the tournament’s intriguing ‘away goals’ tiebreaker rule, which entices and rewards the visiting side for aggressive play. All visitors with the exception of Spain’s Real Madrid scored an important road goal.
The return legs of the competition will be played on March 09-10 and 16-17. Adopt a team (not Chelsea, don’t be that guy) and catch a game, it’s not a bad way to spend the lunch hour, especially if you’re lucky enough to catch a visiting European hottie supporting her team.
(Sorry about the picture of the hot Italy fan, I couldn’t find a girl in club team’s gear. Post one in the comment section if you find a good one I won’t mind. – JO)
In a show of respect for Manchester United, David Beckham of AC Milan has made the pronouncement that he will not celebrate if he scores against his former club in their upcoming Champions League match. Becks took to the pitch 394 times for Man U before leaving for Madrid and LA. He is currently on loan from the Galaxy to AC Milan to keep fit for this summer’s World Cup. Too bad he didn’t have the same loyalty towards his wife Posh Spice while he was performing the old in-out with their nanny. Or maybe he just didn’t celebrate after the hookup.
Ontario (California) native Landon Donovan continues his assault on English futbol by contributing to his new club Everton’s impressive 2-1 victory over first place Chelsea on Wednesday. The win is Everton’s 4th in 6 tries since Donovan joined the club in an effort to keep fit for this summer’s World Cup tournament. Donovan assisted on one goal, was shown a yellow card for aggressive play and earned his team a penalty kick (although teammate Louis Saha missed the damn thing). Donovan’s success makes a permanent move to the Liverpool club all the more likely. And that English payday sure won’t hurt his chances with his current GF (pictured).
Here’s to hoping this English exposure helps Team America’s all time leading scorer in the big tournament this summer.
Chelsea defender John Terry has been relieved of captain duties for the English national team due to the minor locker room infraction of screwing teammate Wayne Bridge’s baby momma. Terry even managed to put one through the net that resulted in him accompanying the young lady to a outpatient medical procedure. In Terry’s defense, it’s rumored that Vanessa Perroncel has been linked to at least 5 Chelsea players. Now that’s how you back a club.
Terry will be replaced by Man U central back Rio Ferdinand, although it’s uncertain how much higher morale ground is gained. Ferdinand missed the Euro 2004 tourney during an 8 month suspension for skipping a drug test (what’s the penalty for a positive test?) He’s fresh off a 3 month injury hiatus and has played in only 4 of England’s last 12 matches.
Here’s hoping that it might be just enough distraction to lead to a draw (loss?) with Team America on June 12.
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Besides Man U, France’s Bordeux was the only other away side winner, setting themselves up for the next round if they can draw or win at home in the 2nd leg. Several remaining matches could be decided on the tournament’s intriguing ‘away goals’ tiebreaker rule, which entices and rewards the visiting side for aggressive play. All visitors with the exception of Spain’s Real Madrid scored an important road goal.
