AHHH! I can't do it... I swore to myself I was going to leave it... let it be... not even poke my head in on the pub blog... but god be damned curiosity and bloody fucking cats!
As of late, for those of you who don't know. I did take a venture across the pond to watch Sheffield and the lovely now Ms.Sheffield (formerly WestBrom) tie the knot, jump the broom and release some doves. It was my first trip to Italy, in any way shape or form, and I have to admit it was pretty nice. It totally changed my perspective on the boot shaped nation.
Don't get me wrong though, as far as I'm concerned they are still a bunch of diving, whining, wind up merchants who compete with the Argies on how far they can bend the rules of the game. I mean seriously only an Argie could hit someone with a car and back up and tell them it was their fault for getting in the way. HI DIEGO!
So, the question on everyone's mind, probably not, what's the WC2010 looking like for LeChat? I'm figuring it's going to be something very interesting. I've been asked on two different continents and an island, my thoughts so far. I, of course, hmmm and haaa, and try and get out of those conversations rather quickly; with the exception of ACMilan who has a way of interviewing me like a Daily Mail reporter at a press event.
Summed up... I pegging a dark horse to ask some questions this year.
Hold on, that didn't come out right. Let's take a look at the groups.
A - South Africa, France, Uruguay, Mexico
First off.. I spelled Uruguay correctly the first time. To be honest, I don't see South Africa making it out of this stage. Secondly, I think, with a bit of luck Uruguay could and will make it hard for Mexico and France.
At the end of the day - Mexico and France, no clear favorite (Allez Les Bleus)
B - Argies, Nigeria, Korea, Greece
I think this is pretty much done. Two of these squads have a good history of succeeding on the international level. The other two, I'm sorry to say, have been lucky in their runs. The only thing that could really put a damper on it, would be a finding the kryptonite that works on the Argies.
At the end of the day - Argies followed by Greeks
C - England, Estados Unidos, Algeria, Slovenia
Both England and the US have had a few players go down like zeppelins. I think one of the dark horses could come out of this group. It's hard to pick which one though, while not necessarily a group of death as everyone likes to use that stupid term. It's hard to see the two English speaking squads both moving on for me.
At the end of the day - England and someone else
D - Germany, Australia, Ghana, Serbs
This is probably one of the tougher ones. Germany is missing a key player but they should be safe, to say the least. Ghana is also missing a key player. The Serbs put up a good fight during the run up to the cup but from what I understand, the wind may be gone from their sails. Australia is, well, a bit cute isn't it. *pinches Australia's cheeks*
At the end of the day - Germany and either Ghana or Serbs as a dark horse
E - Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Well with Van Der Sloot about to serve a sentence, oh wait, I mean Robben out of the Cup... well to be honest, it shouldn't have too much of a lasting effect. I have to say I'm pulling for Cameroon to do what they got to do, just so Eto'o can smile. He never smiles. Well maybe once he did.
At the end of the day - DUTCH and Cameroon
Coffee Break - Now why did I actually decide to do this, type all these things... I don't know.... By the way, does anyone know where to get a good espresso downtown. Caribou Coffee is horrendous and I don't want to go into Java Joes twice a day.
F - Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Do I really need to continue the exercise with this one? Honestly? It's all about who will come in second. Italy has the easiest draw since Simon picked up chalk and the pictures came to life. I see the cheaters burning bright for the group, the 16 and quarters but feel they will not make further than that. I wasn't really paying much attention to the other three in this training ground selection.
At the end of the day - Italia and reader's choice
G - Brasil, Other Korea, Cote d'Ivoire, Portugal
When I was a wee kitten, my mom had a thing for a certain man named Pele. I should ask my mom why she didn't just runaway and take me to Brasil. Damn her and being sensible. Of course I'd probably be running with the less than legal crowd if that did happen. Anyways, enough dreaming of beautiful Rio beaches, carnival and Ronaldhino, because none of those will be in South Africa. So I have a soft spot for Brasil, it's something that relates to my youth, as opposed to those who go to the local sports store and put on the colors because it's easily recognizable and acceptable in mainstream US of A. (le sigh) My second soft spot is Cote d'Ivoire. I think they will do well despite the loss of the Drogba. Portugal will be a non-threat as they do very poorly against their South American cousins and as long as Cote d'Ivoire don't allow them to play. The only thing I'm allowed to say about Other Korea is they will win, no matter the result. I only joke about these things. They will put up a good fight but don't have the passion or creativity to deal with the other three in their group.
At the end of the day - Brasil, Cote d'Ivoire or a surprise Portugal
H - Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile
I know Spain is tapped as the favorite by all the media. I think they've been in that position before... many times before. I love Spanish football, don't get me wrong but they do have this thing about choking towards the very end of the tournament. I don't know whether it's an internal thing, the longing for paella and gazpacho or something else. I think Honduras is a tough team who should do well. Switzerland and Chile could go either way, but Honduras is going to be my dark horse out of this group.
At the end of the day - Spain and Honduras
Final Whistle - I figure since World Cup has now become so cliched I might as well keep it up in the blog, no? Like I said, and probably have said once or twice, the final is going to be one of the big boys, either from Europe or South America, your choice and some one unexpected. I don't see my beloved Les Bleus making it to the final and I am hoping Domenech.. never mind I was told not to ever wish ill on someone, no matter how inept they are.
Like Eto'o said, "The question we have all the time is whether an African team is able to win the World Cup. But the real question is whether the world is ready for an African team to become champions." (guardian)
It would be nice to see Cameroon or Cote d'Ivoire take it to the final. It will finally prove that Africa, as a continent has finally, without a doubt arrived. It has to be done with style and substance though. I see both of these teams having it, on their better days.
Serbia, might just be another surprise. If they can get back up to pace, they should at least make the 8 and possibly the 4. It would also be nice to see someone like Algeria, or Uruguay make it out of the 16 as well but that's really stretching a wish.
Since, I can't keep from typing these damned things, expect some more.
Ciao!
LeChat
08 June 2010
10 May 2010
Fulham at home...
YES! I know... I WAS NOT AT THE PUB!
The half a dozen text messages I also received let me know as well. It was mother's day! And I for one am grateful for my mother, cause if it wasn't for her I don't know if I'd be as big of a supporter of the beautiful game as I am today.
So, that's where I was, spending Sunday with my mom, my aunt and bits and pieces of the extended family. I have to mention, constantly getting score updates on the phone while attending Sunday morning services shows my level of addiction, er... dedication.
At one point, my mother looks at me and asks if someone keeps calling me. I just shook my head and said, End of season, we need a draw. My mom just nods, knowingly. That's the beauty of it.
Remember, this is the same woman who one day randomly decided to tell me Beckham is crap and why she thought he was crap.
End of Season Reflection
So, looking back at the season, what do I glean out of it. To be honest, nothing spectacular or unknown from the beginning of the season. I am still the same person, for better or worst, with a few less Warrior of God moments in the last 9 months.
The club, well they still need a decent keeper, a better/more consistent defensive mid, and a sturdy back 4 with the left and rights being fully capable overlapping the wings. Is that too much to ask for?
I keep hearing names being bandied about like bikini tops during spring break in Florida. They exist but until you actually see it being pulled off, it's a whole lot of nothing and wishful thinking. In short, I don't really care right now.
WORLD CUP 2010
I'm totally not sure what to do. Someone suggested that I do a preview on the groups but that seems like it would be major work. I think I might just enjoy and not worry too much about the blog until EPL starts back up.
I am still flirting with the idea of keeping it up during the cup but it does take a lot of effort for no compensation. However I need to say, I do it for love of the sport, the club, the pub, just to write at times.
The PUB
There is a bunch I could say, but I won't say much at all. The rumours of the sound and HD are to be fully realised prior to the WC2010 matches. That does not give them much time, let's hope they can get it done and get it done right.
Sheffield and WestBrom are to be wed, shortly prior to the start of WC2010. I hope to be able to party on the beaches of Italy alongside of them for that. I know a few of the regular crew will be there, so that should be a good time.
I believe our good friend Bayern is taking a trip back to the Middle East. He will surely be missed but I wish him safe travels. I know it's not his intention to return to this area but it would be nice if he did. Good luck good friend.
LilBlondieGooner is taking a bit of time to finish her studies and is Go(ing) West.
Everyone should at least recognize the tune, from various chants, especially the One Nil to the Arsenal.
Last and most of important of all, the loss of a great supporter is still deeply heartfelt. I don't know what to say without being cliche about the whole thing. It is great that our pub even extended a spot for us to put up the framed kit with Pretzel's name across the back. There was truly only one Nick Dauner and I think he may have had a hand in Chelski winning the league.
It also makes me remember a few years ago, a good Gooner mate of mine who also fell ill and passed away a bit too soon. There are things like that which always tugs at your heart.
We have all been united by this one thing, as MiniMourinho would say, it has nothing to do with geography, race, religion or background but the very love of a single sport. I may have it slightly off but the sentiment is there.
Here's to a good FA Cup, next week... a good World Cup, starting in June... a decent season for Crystal Palace-Baltimore!
~LeChat
The half a dozen text messages I also received let me know as well. It was mother's day! And I for one am grateful for my mother, cause if it wasn't for her I don't know if I'd be as big of a supporter of the beautiful game as I am today.
So, that's where I was, spending Sunday with my mom, my aunt and bits and pieces of the extended family. I have to mention, constantly getting score updates on the phone while attending Sunday morning services shows my level of addiction, er... dedication.
At one point, my mother looks at me and asks if someone keeps calling me. I just shook my head and said, End of season, we need a draw. My mom just nods, knowingly. That's the beauty of it.
Remember, this is the same woman who one day randomly decided to tell me Beckham is crap and why she thought he was crap.
End of Season Reflection
So, looking back at the season, what do I glean out of it. To be honest, nothing spectacular or unknown from the beginning of the season. I am still the same person, for better or worst, with a few less Warrior of God moments in the last 9 months.
The club, well they still need a decent keeper, a better/more consistent defensive mid, and a sturdy back 4 with the left and rights being fully capable overlapping the wings. Is that too much to ask for?
I keep hearing names being bandied about like bikini tops during spring break in Florida. They exist but until you actually see it being pulled off, it's a whole lot of nothing and wishful thinking. In short, I don't really care right now.
WORLD CUP 2010
I'm totally not sure what to do. Someone suggested that I do a preview on the groups but that seems like it would be major work. I think I might just enjoy and not worry too much about the blog until EPL starts back up.
I am still flirting with the idea of keeping it up during the cup but it does take a lot of effort for no compensation. However I need to say, I do it for love of the sport, the club, the pub, just to write at times.
The PUB
There is a bunch I could say, but I won't say much at all. The rumours of the sound and HD are to be fully realised prior to the WC2010 matches. That does not give them much time, let's hope they can get it done and get it done right.
Sheffield and WestBrom are to be wed, shortly prior to the start of WC2010. I hope to be able to party on the beaches of Italy alongside of them for that. I know a few of the regular crew will be there, so that should be a good time.
I believe our good friend Bayern is taking a trip back to the Middle East. He will surely be missed but I wish him safe travels. I know it's not his intention to return to this area but it would be nice if he did. Good luck good friend.
LilBlondieGooner is taking a bit of time to finish her studies and is Go(ing) West.
Everyone should at least recognize the tune, from various chants, especially the One Nil to the Arsenal.
Last and most of important of all, the loss of a great supporter is still deeply heartfelt. I don't know what to say without being cliche about the whole thing. It is great that our pub even extended a spot for us to put up the framed kit with Pretzel's name across the back. There was truly only one Nick Dauner and I think he may have had a hand in Chelski winning the league.
It also makes me remember a few years ago, a good Gooner mate of mine who also fell ill and passed away a bit too soon. There are things like that which always tugs at your heart.
We have all been united by this one thing, as MiniMourinho would say, it has nothing to do with geography, race, religion or background but the very love of a single sport. I may have it slightly off but the sentiment is there.
Here's to a good FA Cup, next week... a good World Cup, starting in June... a decent season for Crystal Palace-Baltimore!
~LeChat
03 May 2010
Blackburn Away
Surprise, usually this is written the day after the game/weekend but since a certain person decided to try and wind me up a little bit on FB today before I got a chance to sit down and take a look at the scoreline. I'm going to perform a pre-emptive. Plus this week is going to be incredibly busy with work and other stuff.
Let's take a look at what my dear old MancScum supporting friend said.
My reply, which I won't quote, since it is my reply is that Arsenal and Arsene have been frighteningly consistent over the past couple of years. It's like a roller coaster ride pretending to be a bobsled. I know there are some who are like, I don't get it. That's perfectly acceptable as it makes sense in my head.
The coaster is on rails, has a definite maximum speed and braking mechanisms in place and nice little seat belts for the big hills... so everything is for the most part not going to get out of control or too scary. The ride is inspected constantly and if it breaks down, maintenance is a radio call away.
In Arsenal terms, we will be in the Champions League and finish in the top 4.
Bobsleds,on the other hand, lack these types of controls, so you never know what you are going to get. It might be a fun exhilarating ride but where is the bottom of the hill, who is on the brakes and what happens when it all goes pear shape? You're not calling bobsled maintenance; you're calling the medic or someone else in the worst case scenario.
In footballing terms, this would be probably most akin to Leeds quite a few seasons ago and maybe even Pompey currently. So, as an Arsenal supporter for way too many years, all I have to say is that this is the way it is currently.
If Arsene decides to leave, so be it. If Fabergas, Van Persie, Arshavin, Rosicky,or insert random player name here, decides to leave, so be it. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west and the Arsenal is still the greatest team the world has ever seen.
I did a double this time and the slightly more tame version of the above can be found at the Pub blog. I just did not feel like giving it all for two this week.
As I will continue, I am not bothered in one bit. I have seen players come and go more times than I can even remember. A once touted golden boy, fucks off to Istanbul the next year. The new Viera (number 2 or 3) breaks a leg and fucks off to god knows where and does fuck all sense. The die-hard Arsenal lad from youth, fucks off to Chelsea for a brand new cellphone with extensive vibrate settings.
I mean, throughout the late 80's and early 90's I could have sworn we were a farm club for Barcelona. It still feels that way at times, but we've won titles and have consistently been top 4 for quite some time.
I know the little devil voice in my head is like, I wish we'd finish 10th but still above Sp*rs, just so the nouveau supporters will fuck off as well. However, I can not always get what I wish for.
This has been a rather lackluster season. Someone pointed out to me in the pub, not sure what day or whom, that whenever the Arsenal were on the precipice of being on top of the league and in control of their destiny, they'd fuck it up.
What is my saying? Something like being able to work wonders in the box but still failing to score. In other words, this is where we stand, looks good but no finish.
In other parts of the league, there was the vain hope that Scousers would be able to do something worthwhile. The pub itself was packed, which was very nice. I was keeping a lower than usual profile, as I had already provoked the gods last weekend and started to press my luck on Friday while having pints with Sheffield.
Unfortunately, by the look of things, it appears Chelski will take the title. It would take a miracle of situations to change their fortune at this point. They've been having quite a tear at the league these last couple of weeks. I can admit this as I have resigned the Arsenal to third a few weeks ago.
My last bit of a scary situation. Scum are only 5 points behind us at the moment. A win would have made for a nice St. Totteringham Monday, but it's not going to be so. Another interesting bit is ManShitty is only a point behind the Scum and play them Mid-week. So here's hoping that Wrighty's son and team can pull one off this time and bury those fahkin prats.
~LeChat
Let's take a look at what my dear old MancScum supporting friend said.
Maybe Arsene really has checked out and is planning to go to Madrid next year. How else do you explain the collapse of The Arse like this?
My reply, which I won't quote, since it is my reply is that Arsenal and Arsene have been frighteningly consistent over the past couple of years. It's like a roller coaster ride pretending to be a bobsled. I know there are some who are like, I don't get it. That's perfectly acceptable as it makes sense in my head.
The coaster is on rails, has a definite maximum speed and braking mechanisms in place and nice little seat belts for the big hills... so everything is for the most part not going to get out of control or too scary. The ride is inspected constantly and if it breaks down, maintenance is a radio call away.
In Arsenal terms, we will be in the Champions League and finish in the top 4.
Bobsleds,on the other hand, lack these types of controls, so you never know what you are going to get. It might be a fun exhilarating ride but where is the bottom of the hill, who is on the brakes and what happens when it all goes pear shape? You're not calling bobsled maintenance; you're calling the medic or someone else in the worst case scenario.
In footballing terms, this would be probably most akin to Leeds quite a few seasons ago and maybe even Pompey currently. So, as an Arsenal supporter for way too many years, all I have to say is that this is the way it is currently.
If Arsene decides to leave, so be it. If Fabergas, Van Persie, Arshavin, Rosicky,or insert random player name here, decides to leave, so be it. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west and the Arsenal is still the greatest team the world has ever seen.
I did a double this time and the slightly more tame version of the above can be found at the Pub blog. I just did not feel like giving it all for two this week.
As I will continue, I am not bothered in one bit. I have seen players come and go more times than I can even remember. A once touted golden boy, fucks off to Istanbul the next year. The new Viera (number 2 or 3) breaks a leg and fucks off to god knows where and does fuck all sense. The die-hard Arsenal lad from youth, fucks off to Chelsea for a brand new cellphone with extensive vibrate settings.
I mean, throughout the late 80's and early 90's I could have sworn we were a farm club for Barcelona. It still feels that way at times, but we've won titles and have consistently been top 4 for quite some time.
I know the little devil voice in my head is like, I wish we'd finish 10th but still above Sp*rs, just so the nouveau supporters will fuck off as well. However, I can not always get what I wish for.
This has been a rather lackluster season. Someone pointed out to me in the pub, not sure what day or whom, that whenever the Arsenal were on the precipice of being on top of the league and in control of their destiny, they'd fuck it up.
What is my saying? Something like being able to work wonders in the box but still failing to score. In other words, this is where we stand, looks good but no finish.
In other parts of the league, there was the vain hope that Scousers would be able to do something worthwhile. The pub itself was packed, which was very nice. I was keeping a lower than usual profile, as I had already provoked the gods last weekend and started to press my luck on Friday while having pints with Sheffield.
Unfortunately, by the look of things, it appears Chelski will take the title. It would take a miracle of situations to change their fortune at this point. They've been having quite a tear at the league these last couple of weeks. I can admit this as I have resigned the Arsenal to third a few weeks ago.
My last bit of a scary situation. Scum are only 5 points behind us at the moment. A win would have made for a nice St. Totteringham Monday, but it's not going to be so. Another interesting bit is ManShitty is only a point behind the Scum and play them Mid-week. So here's hoping that Wrighty's son and team can pull one off this time and bury those fahkin prats.
~LeChat
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