Finally, yesterday India has won against Bangladesh. Even though it was not a very convincing win, there was enough to rejoice about. I could see some good points in yesterday's match.
1. Almost all players got into twenties. This was a big change from the world cup. In world cup, our great blue tigers drew up ducks and eggs. And some did that in both matches that would have counted for India. But this time, they had all starts. It is sad that they all threw away those starts, but nevertheless, something is better than nothing.
2. Dhoni is back in runs: Even though the wicket keeper has not been upto the mark in worldcup, and his shot selection has been very poor, yesterday, to have scored 91 runs, he must be back in his usual form. There are two important things to notice here:
i) He stood out there for long. and ii) Even after injury, he did not choose to retire hurt. Neither did he threw away his wicket.
These are signals of a batsman's maturity, and I am happy that he is coming of age.
3. Sreesanth and Dinesh Karthick are back: I think this is worth rejoicing. I feel that these two, along with Dhoni, and possibly VRV Singh and RP Singh, may well become the back bone of the Indian side, and it is good to see that one of the Chappell prodogies is peforming as he had predicted.
The match actually was won by the people whom Chappell had supported or about whom he had predicted to have a good career.
Let us see what turn the second one dayer takes.
There is good news for Indian sport on the hockey front also! They are into semis of Azlan Shah Hockey tournament, defeating Argentina! It was a big achievement for a team that has found it tough to even reach the knock out stages of any major tournament in the last 4/5 years.
This week has gone well for Indian sports. I hope this spirit continues. I'd like to bitch about the apathy of the government in promoting sports, but I'd save that for another day, for another post. (Sparing you for now ;-) )
Hare Krishna.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Liverpool Vs. Milan
Soon the UEFA champions league will draw to an end on 23rd of this month. With it will come to end one hell of a time for football fans across the world. What a tale it has been, and what twists it has shown us. Lyon playes beautifully in league, only to be ousted by Roma, which eventually was brushed aside by ManU, which was simply outclassed by Milan. Inter lost to Valencia, the spanish charmer, which turn was chucked out by Chelsea, which was outclassed by Liverpool, yet again (more about it later!).
Milan has showed time and again that they are still a force to reckon with on the CL.
What I feel worth noticing here is that English football is good. However, a major feature of english football is a lot of physical play. Moreover, english football maybe good, but it is still to match the standards of Italian football (Two years ago, I would have said the same thing about germal football, but alas, I cant do that anymore). In defence, they are years behind Italian football.
Football is not only a sport, but the kind of football that teams play, also shows the culture of the countries. Just by looking at the teams, one can tell that English people are very physical and aggressive people. At the same time, spanish are easy-going, entertaining and people who would love food, wine and music. Italians, on the other hand, come out to be shy and defensive, yet firm people. French seem mild-mannered and talented people with a lot of flair. Same with portugese. Germans, on the other hand, are very methodical, disciplined and highly organized.
Going by above mentioned criteria, Liverpool has lesser flair than Milan. I feel that it is true. So, would that mean that Milan are a better favorites than Liverpool?
Possibly not. Personally, I would be supporting Milan. However, I feel that Liverpool has a better chance. Why? Because of two people: Rafael Benitez and Steven Gerrard.
Rafael Benitez has time and again proved that even though he may not be an expert in English Premier League, but when it comes to UEFA CL, he has the goods. Ever since he has taken over from Gerard Houllier, Liverpool has become 'that big team' from 'the small team that may make it big'. Someone said about him: "Not only was he a brilliant coach but he is a very sharp, savvy businessman. He knows what he wants and how to get it."
Gerrard... what do I say! I leave it to you. :) .
One the other side are Ancelotti and Kaka. The tactical subtleness of Ancelotti and overwhelming talent of Kaka has undone Bayern and ManU already.
Personally, I like both teams. I love Milan and Liverpool are a team whom I consider as the side best organized (in Europe at least).
What may eventually make the difference is the experience of Steven Gerrard over Kaka. But as I said, 'may'. You never know about Maldini, Inzaghi, Nesta and Gattuso either. The stars that Milan carries have been baptized as 'UEFA Men' since long. And Liverpool would also be out to prove that 2005 was not a fluke.
It is going to very interesting and I am as excited as ever!
Hare Krishna.
Milan has showed time and again that they are still a force to reckon with on the CL.
What I feel worth noticing here is that English football is good. However, a major feature of english football is a lot of physical play. Moreover, english football maybe good, but it is still to match the standards of Italian football (Two years ago, I would have said the same thing about germal football, but alas, I cant do that anymore). In defence, they are years behind Italian football.
Football is not only a sport, but the kind of football that teams play, also shows the culture of the countries. Just by looking at the teams, one can tell that English people are very physical and aggressive people. At the same time, spanish are easy-going, entertaining and people who would love food, wine and music. Italians, on the other hand, come out to be shy and defensive, yet firm people. French seem mild-mannered and talented people with a lot of flair. Same with portugese. Germans, on the other hand, are very methodical, disciplined and highly organized.
Going by above mentioned criteria, Liverpool has lesser flair than Milan. I feel that it is true. So, would that mean that Milan are a better favorites than Liverpool?
Possibly not. Personally, I would be supporting Milan. However, I feel that Liverpool has a better chance. Why? Because of two people: Rafael Benitez and Steven Gerrard.
Rafael Benitez has time and again proved that even though he may not be an expert in English Premier League, but when it comes to UEFA CL, he has the goods. Ever since he has taken over from Gerard Houllier, Liverpool has become 'that big team' from 'the small team that may make it big'. Someone said about him: "Not only was he a brilliant coach but he is a very sharp, savvy businessman. He knows what he wants and how to get it."
Gerrard... what do I say! I leave it to you. :) .
One the other side are Ancelotti and Kaka. The tactical subtleness of Ancelotti and overwhelming talent of Kaka has undone Bayern and ManU already.
Personally, I like both teams. I love Milan and Liverpool are a team whom I consider as the side best organized (in Europe at least).
What may eventually make the difference is the experience of Steven Gerrard over Kaka. But as I said, 'may'. You never know about Maldini, Inzaghi, Nesta and Gattuso either. The stars that Milan carries have been baptized as 'UEFA Men' since long. And Liverpool would also be out to prove that 2005 was not a fluke.
It is going to very interesting and I am as excited as ever!
Hare Krishna.
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