Wenn man morgens aus der Bude raus geht, dann ist das ja zur Zeit recht mild. Dabei hab ich mir noch vor einem Jahr ne tolle Lumberjacker-Mütze in New York gekofft. So eine wie Walter Mathau sie in dem Film “Ein verrücktes Paar” (1993) trägt. Steht mir super, sagen Freunde. Hähä. Gibt das dieses Jahr noch Winter? Wahrscheinlich, wenn das Gas im Januar auf dem teuersten Stand ist. Nieder mit der Gas-Mafia. Anders kann man diese Wegelagerei nicht nennen.

Heute morgen bin ich um 6:20 zu meiner Bushaltestelle, die es entsprechend dem Ruf meines Viertels kaputt ist. Es regnet immer durch, weil das Dach kaputt ist. Auf der anderen Seite wächst die Vegetation auf dem Dach. Sieht aus wie ein Unterstand im Dschungel Camp. Auf jeden Fall war heute morgen der “Wassermann” schon unterwegs. Wasssermann?! Der Typ steht immer als erstes bei unserem “Kiosk”. Kiosk ist übertrieben. Das ist mein amtierender Türke, der den Jungs ihr Bier verkofft. “Hier kein Alkohol-Verzehrer” steht da auf einem Schild. Außer dem Wassermann, so nennen wir ihn. Der steht schon ab 7 Uhr morgens da und trinkt immer Wasser aus der Flasche. Ich fahre morgens – der steht da. Ich komme abends von der Arbeit wieder – der steht da. Entweder hat der ne ätzende Alte, die ihn schon morgens aus dem Haus treibt oder er ist alleinstehend. Auf jeden Fall öffnete der Wassermann bei unserem Kioskbetreiber die Mülltonnentür und holte da eine Bild raus und ging nach Hause. Der wohnt da, wo der Schalke-Erwin als Fensterbild hängt. Ja, wir sind hier aufgeteilt in Schalke- und FC-Fans. Und mitten drin ich:  Pauli. Yuhu.

Als ich dann in meinem Stammsitz im Bus versank, guckte ich noch bei meinem Sahle-Bewohner auf der Siemensstraße rein. Der hat das Haus im letzten Block stadtauswärts. Das ist eine geballte Ansammlung von Lichterketten und Leuchtkörper in winterlichen Motiven. Der Hammer. Da rattert der Stromzähler.

Der neue Trend im Bus ist Bücher lesen. Finde ich persönlich sehr gut. Erkläre ich den Kindern immer “Lesen bedeutet Macht!”. Nicht auswendiglernen, sondern eigenständiges Lesen. Worte verstehen. Aber es gibt auch Leute, die eine Tageszeitung lesen und wenn ich keine habe, dann lese ich auch schon mal mit. Aber es gibt da Krate, die drehen die Zeitung weg, wenn die merken das ich mitlese. Frechheit. Das hab ich nicht verdient. Alte Spießer.

Am Busbahnhof gibt es nebem dem Neubau der Spardabank so ‘ne abgerissene Bude. Da sind die kleinsten Satellitenschüsseln dran, die ich je gesehen habe. Sehen aus wie Teflon-Pfannen. Dabei dachte ich dann an Teflon-Toni, Toni Blair, ex-Gelbacke von GB. Wieso heißt der so?

Nachdem ich dann am Bahnübergang Lessingstraße fast wieder durch den Bus gekugelt bin, hab ich meinen Weg ins Büro geschafft. Erster. Haha.

Übrigens ist die Batschkapp wieder in. Jede zweite Rentner-Krate trägt ne Batschi. Mein Kumpel DD nennt sie auch Flatschkapp. Das ist die Heinz Becker Gedächniskappe. Ich hab auch eine. Trag ich in New York. Hähä.

Auf der Rückfahrt sind wir selbstverständlich wieder am Bussteig D2 vorbei gerauscht und landetet bei D2 608. Wieder das übliche gewimmel zwischen Fahrgästen der 608 und 609 und den von der 610 und 611. Was ist so schwer?

Auf der Döner Meile am Bahnhof war wieder die Hölle los. Die Weihnachtslichter hängen und bald erstrahlt die Stadt wieder im Glanz. Hurra, Hurra, der Eiapunsch ist da.

So. Ich mach mich mal vom “Acker”. KISS und RATT spielen beim Graspop. Oh ja.

Cherio Love Rev. Danny

O dată se opune transversala, a doua oară un coechipier. Câteodată ne lipseşte norocul, altădată sângele rece, uneori inteligenţa. E aproape deprimant. (Schweinsteiger, după 0:0 cu FC Köln)

N-avem aia, aia şi aia. Ok. Dar de avut, avem ceva?

Only big games folks – you know the drill:

Football:

Arsenal 6-2 Blackburn - Not to be outdone by Liverpool and Tottenham’s high-scoring performances last weekend, the Gunners responded with a blowout of their own in which six different players appeared on the scoresheet. Thomas Vermaelen, Robin Van Persie, Andrei Arshavin, Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and Nick Bendtner all netted for the Londoners; while David Dunn and Steven N’Zonzi scored for the visitors – N’Zonzi giving his side an early lead in the 4th minute. An important win for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, and a result which puts them ahead of rivals Liverpool with a game in hand.

"Please, please - it's only Liverpool."

Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool – For a match that was touted in the days leading up to it as all-important and due to be a spectacular showdown of two top-notch Premiership sides, neither Liverpool nor Chelsea were able to make an impact upon the early stages of the game. Both sides looked tentative and unwilling to leap headfirst into the match – the sides would remain even until the 60th minute, when a Nicolas Anelka strike put the blues ahead. The wind was more or less taken out of the Merseysiders’ sails at this point, though Fernando Torres, Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun did all they could to equalize (the latter missing a late sitter which should have brought his side level). However, the the Scousers’ fate was sealed by Florent Malouda on 91′, as Chelsea proved that all it takes to win in the English Premier League are French strikers and an Italian manager.

Manchester Utd 2-2 Sunderland – As usual when things go wrong at Old Trafford, the blame for Manchester United’s draw against  lowly Sunderland was all the fault of the match official – if we’re to believe Sir Alex Ferguson’s side of the story. Ferguson lashed out at referee Alan Wiley after the match, questioning his physical condition and claiming he did not add on enough stoppage time at the end of the second half. However, I think it is a bit ludicrous to blame United’s perhaps disappointing result on anyone but themselves. Goals from Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones (on either side of a classy volley from Dimitar Berbatov) had seen the Black Cats go ahead of the home side at Old Trafford, but the visitors’ luck began to turn when Kieran Richardson was sent off for poor sportsmanship in the 84th minute. Things went from bad to worse when, on 92′, Anton Ferdinand deflected Patrice Evra’s long-range effort into the back of his own net – earning a not-quite-deserved draw from a United who had looked hapless and disorganize all throughout the match. Who would’ve thought that the Black Cats could be so unlucky?

Fußball:

FC Köln 0-0 Bayern Münich – This match has been called the most boring game of the Bundesliga played yet this year – and not just by me. Die Roten played almost the exact same squad they utilized in their midweek draw against Juventus – the only change being for Arjen Robben, who picked up an injury in that Champions League match, thus forcing the hand of Louis van Gaal. The fans at the Allianz Arena were treated to a game riddled with fouls and choppy play – game broadcasts panned over the stands at halftime to find fans fast asleep. I am not exaggerating. While Bayern could barely get an attack started, the dull play was not entirely their fault – Köln seemed content to park the bus in front of their goal, not playing a single player upfield and holding the home side to a nil-nil draw. Dull stuff from Deutschland, I’m afraid.

Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 Nürnberg - Elsewhere in Der Vaterland, goals were scored, and in fact scored aplenty. Keverkusen hit hard and early, taking control of the match at the BayArena with a fantastic set piece goal from Toni Kroos on 2′, followed by a spot kick by Simon Rolfes on 28′ and a strike from Erin Derdiyok on 34′ to round out the first half. In the second half the home side eased up on the throttle a little, but not enough for Nürnberg to bounce back, and not enough to stop Stephan Riessling from scoring his league-leading 6th goal of the season. A win that sees Bayer seated atop the Bundesliga table, separated by goal difference from Northern side Hamburg SV.

Hamburg SV 3-1 Hertha Berlin – Speak of the devil – Hamburg also pulled off a win this weekend, defeating Hertha in their own house at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Hertha took an early lead thanks to an Arne Friedrich header in the 9th minute, but after an own goal from Claudiano Bezerra Da Silva equalized, Hamburg added two more of their own to go up 3-1 before the half. Neither side managed to add to that tally in the second half and so Hamburg comes away with a victory that (as mentioned) sees them second in the Bundesliga behind Bayer Leverkusen. David Jarolim and Ze Roberto netted for the away side.

Calcio:

"Gee Rob... my bad."

AS Roma 2-1 Napoli – Francesco Totti is trying to get Roberto Donadoni fired. Donadoni’s Napoli have had a miserable start to the season – a positive result at the Stadio Olimpico today might have gone towards convincing Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis that the manager was worth keeping around. Unfortunately for the ex-Azzurri boss, Roma came out strong, with Simone Perrotta and John-Arne Riise missing a pair of early chances that should have put i Lupi easily ahead of their struggling opposition. However, it would be Napoli who would ultimately strike first – after Roma keeper Julio Sergio was substituted for injury, his replacement Bogdan Lobont was beaten by Ezequiel Lavezzi’s low shot on 25′. However, Roma weren’t about to let their bright start be ruined, and equalized on 37′ with a ball that started at the feet of Mirko Vucinic, but was redirected by Perrotta and then (who else?) Francesco Totti into the back of the Napoli goal. Totti would strike again in the second half with a low shot from some distance against which Napoli keeper Morgan De Sanctis never stood a chance. Er Pupone’s brace was enough to see his side clear of the visitors and put Roberto Donadoni’s job in serious danger. Sorry Rob; nothing personal eh?

Inter 2-1 Udinese – A last-gasp win for i Nerazzurri which, combined with other events to have transpired this weekend, sees Jose Mourinho’s men sitting atop the table for the first time this season. The game was played at a lightning pace straight from the outset, with Sulley Muntari and Simone Pepe spurning early chances. Dejan Stankovic gave the home side a lead on 22′ at the San Siro, only for the on-fire Antonio Di Natale to equalize not 5 minutes later. Both teams would have plenty of opportunities – though a combination of Sulley Muntari’s lack of aim and Samir Handanovic’s goaltending ability saved Udinese on several occasions. However, it would be Inter who would take home the full spoils, as Wesley Sneijder’s 93rd minute strike gave La Beneamata a late, late victory.

"Did I look worried?"

Palermo 2-0 Juventus – Many thanks to il Rosanero for keeping my claims of the Year of the Underdog alive. The Sicilian side absolutely dismantled Juventus, who have been flying high in Serie A of late, and shown them their first defeat of the season to prevent i Bianconeri from rising to the top of the table. It took a pair of first-half strikes in quick succession to slay La Vecchia Signora, who despite pouring on pressure lacked creativity in the final third of the pitch and were ultimately unable to prevent a defeat at the Stadio Renzo Barbera. Edinson Cavani and Fabio Simplicio were the heroes for the home side, with their goals on 37′ and 42′ respectively proving a hurdle too difficult for Juventus to overcome. All in all, a fantastic win for Palermo which sees them rise to a comfortable midtable standing – and which no doubt allowed Walter Zenga a breath of relief after a stuttering start to the season. An impressive and deserved win for the Sicilian side.

AC Milan 1-1 Atalanta - I have never seen a side so bereft of confidence or direction as the Milan squad which played in the first half of today’s match in Bergamo. Milan were constantly found on the back heel in what is becoming their typical fashion -Gennaro Gattuso charged around like a tank, the strikers had no service, and Andrea Pirlo looked like a shadow of his former self. L’Altri Nerazzurri, as I like to call them, were often the aggressors in the first half and star man Cristiano Doni looked like a legitimate threat to the Milan goal every time the ball was at his feet. In fact, it would be lowly Atalanta who would take the lead in the match, after Simone Tiribocchi buried a ball left for him (perhaps accidentally) by Doni. The goal was borne out of a gross defensive error, as Alessandro Nesta had left Tiribocchi completely unmarked, but nonetheless Atalanta was on top and deservedly so. However, Atalanta would be dealt a crushing blow on 38′, when Ivan Radovanovic was handed a second yellow card for laying hands on Alexandre Pato. For my own part, I had initially thought it was a straight red card, and was seriously questioning whether match-fixing was still alive and well in the Italian game. Ultimately, the card was harsh, but not to the extent that I’d imagined – though it certainly turned the match around and gave i Rossoneri the chance to go on the attack. After the halftime break, the momentum had decidedly been reversed, and it was AC Milan who were on the offensive. Atalanta did all they could to stay ahead in the game, but Ronaldinho’s volley on 83′ inevitably earned the visitors an equalizer. One more thing: Klaas Jan Huntelaar failed to make his mark in the first half, and was substituted early in the second. How is a young striker supposed to build up confidence when he is constantly substituted in what are essentially votes of no confidence from his coach? Just an example of poor man-management from Leonardo, and perhaps another example of why Milan needs to secure themselves a replacement for the disappointing Brazilian tactician.

Futbol:

Sevilla 2-1 Real Madrid – I feel vindicated by this result. I’ve been saying since the shiny new Real Madrid started tearing up La Liga (and Champions League) that when Los Blancos finally found themselves up against an opponent capable of mounting a serious defense, Manuel Pellegrini’s men would find themselves shut down and unable to account for it. Well, it appears that it is Sevilla who was that squad, as Real visited the Estadio Sánchez Pizjuán and suffered their first loss of the season. Madrid were unable to create chances and it was Sevilla who controlled tonight’s match. Jesus Navas gave the home side the lead on 32′, which would stand until Pepe equalized early in the second half. However, Renato would see that Sevilla took all three points from Los Galacticos with a goal on 66′. Perhaps the reason for this defeat can be traced back to the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, but for the successes of a team which cost hundreds of millions of euros to assemble to ride on the back of a singular player just reveals the shaky foundation upon which this new Galacticos era has been built.

Barcelona 1-0 Almeria – Oh, and Barcelona beat another relatively small team. Spanish youngster Pedro scored the only goal of the match at the Camp Nou.

Meciul de azi mi-a înecat corăbiile mai adânc decât oricare altul din ultimul an. N-am mai avut chef de nimic după ora 18:15. Aveam de făcut un drum în plus în seara asta, să-mi iau aparatul pentru a fotografia, mâine, în Piața Constituției, o pereche de mănuși care i-au aparținut lui Oli Kahn. La sfârșitul jalnicei reprezentații cu FC Köln am renunțat. Am luat-o încet spre casă, supărat. Am fost deturnat.

Am încercat să citesc ceva în metrou, dar mintea îmi stătea mai mult la meci. A trebuit să revin de câteva ori asupra unor pasaje din carte pentru a le pricepe cu adevărat. Gândurile îmi zburau mai degrabă la inutilele zbateri fizice ale lui Schweini decât la la frământările eroului din roman. Eram prezent acolo, nu aici. Mă simțeam bulversat.

Față de sezonul precedent, există câteva asemănări pe care le-aș caracteriza drept comice, dacă n-ar fi de-a dreptul îngrijorătoare. Anul trecut, pe vremea asta, aveam tot 12 puncte după 8 etape disputate. Linia de clasament? 3 victorii, 3 egaluri și 2 înfrângeri, și atunci, și acum! Golaveraj 16-13 cu Klinsmann și 12-8 cu Van Gaal. Un handicap de 5 puncte față de primul loc în toamna lui 2008, un handicap de 8 puncte în prezent!

S-a întors lumea cu fundu-n sus? E mai bun Klinsi decât Louis?

M-am trezit țipând ca un pițigoi castrat la uriașa, dar și singura!, mare ratare din meciul cu Köln (0:0). Cum de-a putut-o zbârci Olici de acolo, din centrul careului? Cum de-a putut rata de acolo și în special atunci, în minutul 89? De ce nu am reușit, timp de 93 de minute, să-l obligăm pe Mondragon să se întindă cât de cât, să facă un plonjon serios? De ce centrăm aiurea, capitol la care excelează Schweini? De ce jucăm așa de prost după ce am jucat așa de bine cu Juventus?

Habar nu am de ce. De ce îmi vine să scriu că ”Am pierdut campionatul”.

Contează c-am făcut-o.

Am un corp de zeu, dar am şi o burtă. (Louis van Gaal)

Ce merge mai bine la carnea de ţap? Berea la ţap, mai exact la vreo unşpe ţapi. Antrenorul nostru cel glumeţ are obiective clare pentru acest weekend. O victorie cu FC Köln, sâmbătă, asezonată cu ceva băuturică, a doua zi, când toată echipa va participa la Oktoberfest.

Numai să nu ne ia în coarne şi să ne strice cheful împieliţatul ăla de Podolski. Fără Robben şi Şeptar se anunţă un meci mai greu decât am fi dispuşi să credem. E momentul ideal pentru ca atacanţii noştri să regăsească traseele spre gol şi să ne scutească de alte deziluzii. Altfel, berea va fi mai amară decât de obicei.

Pronostic: FC Bayern – FC Köln 2:0 (Klose, Gomez)

En la temporada 1978/1979 debutaba uno de los muchos equipos ingleses que han dejado huella en esta competición: el Nottingham Forest. Por aquel entonces, no existía la fase de grupos. Los equipos comenzaban en los 1/16f. Su primer rival fue un experimentado Liverpool FC, que fue superado a domicilio (2-0) y no pasó del empate a cero en casa. Ahí se empezó a gestar una proeza.

A continuación, y tras haber ganado contra todo pronóstico la eliminatoria previa, el Nottingham Forest se enfrentó al AEK Atenas en 1/8f. Los griegos fueron sorprendidos tanto en Inglaterra, con un contundente 5-1, como en su casa, donde perdieron por 1-2.

Llegaron los 1/4f. y los ingleses tuvieron que enfrentarse al Grasshoppers (en español, “saltamontes”). El 4-1 de la ida a favor de los ingleses hizo útil el empate a un gol de la vuelta. El Nottingham Forest avanzaba a pasos agigantados.

Las semifinal fue, quizá, la ronda donde más sudó el conjunto inglés. En Inglaterra quedó 3-3 con el FC Köln (el Colonia alemán), pero en la vuelta se supo sacar tajada de tan complicada situación y se ganó por 0-1 para sorpresa de los presentes.

La final, jugada con el Malmö FF sueco, la ganaron por la mínima (1-0). De esta forma, el Nottingham Forest se convertía en ganador de la liga de campeones en el año en que debutó. Su rival ya había debutado en esta competición, pero nunca antes había alcanzado una final.

La siguiente edición (1979/80) también la gano, pero en la posterior fue eliminado en 1/16f. y, desde entonces, no ha vuelto a participar.

SANTA MONICA — It’s overcast and not even close to being sunny here, so instead of venturing out for a nice morning walk and hitting up the farmer’s market on the Third Street Promenade, I’ve decided to sample something called “soccer.”

I’ve heard good things.

I will also do a good old-fashioned mind dump right here while watching it.

Here’s what’s going down …

It’s opening day in the EPL (which doesn’t appear to feature the same sort of marketing muscle that greet opening days/nights/weeks/etc. here in the U.S. of A.), where Everton is hosting Arsenal on Fox Soccer Channel.

Over on GolTV, FC Köln (Cologne) is hosting VfL Wolfsburg in a colossal German Bundesliga tilt.

Wolfsburg, it should be noted, are the defending Bundesliga champions, and they celebrated that championship in the sort of fermented awesomeness that befits Germany … with copious amounts of beer.

9:36 a.m. PT: I recently added GolTV to my channel offerings. This was a wise choice, in my estimation. It gives me an opportunity to take in as much of the German Bundesliga action as time will allow.

Weird thing happened, too, when I called Time Warner to inquire about adding GolTV. I wound up saving money on my bill by adding channels. In hindsight, I should have tested my luck by attempting to add HBO, too, so I could enjoy the latest season of Hard Knocks: Training camp with the Cincinnati Bengals.

It should be noted that German national teamer Lukas Podolski is playing for FC Koln. Podolski is back in Koln after a not-exactly-productive four-season tenure with Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich.

Oh, by the way, it should be noted that I’m enjoying a cafe caramel from the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. The breakfast of champions right here. It’s very tasty.

9:39 a.m. PT: First sighting of the FC Koln mascot, which is a billygoat. Next time you run into a Cubs fan, ask them about billygoats. It will be a fun social experiment.

9:51 a.m. PT: Flip over to FSC, where it appears I have not missed a goal in the Arsenal-Everton game.

It was actually an email notice from the Ye Olde King’s Head in Santa Monica that helped inspire what you see here. You can go there and watch a lot of soccer while putting down a pint or two or eight. However, I decided that drinking Guinness at 9 in the morning wasn’t in my best interests today.

Everton features U.S. national teamer Tim Howard in goal. He has some skills at blocking shots. I’m hoping to see him stonewall some shots and make an Arsenal striker feel some degree of shame.

I will say this … it’s good to have the European soccer leagues back in action. You know, just in case I find myself up early in the morning and craving a little footy. Usually, I just wake up craving a little cafe caramel. Soccer is an added bonus today.

By the way, leave a comment in the box located at the bottom of this post. I will attempt to reply to all the comments, but I can’t make any guarantees. Sometimes it just gets a bit overwhelming. I’m sure that once this hits the Internets, that comment box is just going to blow up. If you do decide to make a comment, please make sure it’s awesome. Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff is made of true champion stuff, and only answers to pure awesomeness.

10:00 a.m. PT: There’s a dude playing for Everton who has a most righteous ‘fro. His name is Marouane Fellaini, check this dude out.

I can understand why Fellaini decided to grow out his hair in ‘fro-like fashion. When his hair is short, Fellaini resembles a certain character from the Saved by the Bell series. That, is a decidedly undesirable look.

10:02 a.m. PT: Arsenal somehow, magically is able to get a shot by Howard.

Denilson kicks a nasty Tim Lincecum-style curveball into the top corner, just outside the outstretched, diving reach of Howard. Can’t blame Howard for that. Blame the lousy defense for not marking Denilson, the Brazilian who has displayed some talent at this soccer thing.

10:12 a.m. PT: Great googily moogily! Arsenal nets another one against Howard and Everton. Can’t blame Howard for that one either, as Thomas Vermaelen headed in a goal on a brilliant set piece, the likes of which are very difficult to defend against if you’re a ‘keeper.

10:16 a.m. PT: This is turning into a disastrous day for Howard and Everton. William Gallas heads home a third goal on a Cesc Fabregas free kick. Arsenal looks absolutely awesome, like a force to be reckoned with this season, like an unstoppable freight train the likes of which the soccer world has never seen. We’re just 40 minutes into the new EPL season, but my knee-jerk reaction is that Arsenal appears to be the favorites (favourites?) to win the league title. You’d better watch out, Manchester United!

10:18 p.m. PT: Everton fans appear stunned. At least their team has a cool nickname, the Toffees, which rhymes with coffee. Speaking of which, time to take a sip of my cafe caramel. Mmm!

10:21 a.m. PT: OK, Arsenal is clearly in control, dominating, and making Everton feel a severe and humbling sense of shame. It’s halftime at Goodison Park, and now it’s time to flip over to GolTV. Doesn’t appear as if I’ve missed anything. Koln and Wolfsburg are scoreless at the half.

10:32 a.m. PT: The sun is trying its darnedest to come out here in soon-to-be-beautiful Santa Monica. It’s just marine layer. I have complete faith that this will be a most glorious day.

FSC just promoted tonight’s big Major League Soccer tilt, Houston Dynamo vs. Real Salt Lake. I, however, am far more interested in another MLS Western Conference showdown, Los Angeles Galaxy vs. the Seattle Sounders FC at the Home Depot Center. Considering attending this game to root on America’s Team, the Sounders. They need this one.

10:35 a.m. PT: The scoreless deadlock has finally ended as Koln has scored its first goal of the young Bunesliga season, and it has come against the defending league champions from Wolfsburg.

Total garbage goal, too. Nothing that will be shown on any sort of late-night highlights show, as Koln’s Fabrice Ehret took advantage of a complete communication breakdown in the Wolfsburg defensive line. That is not the play of a team of championship standard. Still, the local crowd is digging what has just transpired.

“… But it’s (Alexander) Maglund who is wearing the billygoat horns now,” the GolTV announcer says, obviously referring to the fact that Koln has a billygoat as a mascot. Ouch!

10:47 a.m. PT: It’s now 4-nil, Arsenal. This is an ugly start for Howard and Everton.

For those of you scoring at home, it was Fabregas — the Spanish international — who netted home goal No. 4. A replay of the goal reveals that Arsenal appears to be taking advantage of an Everton side that just wants this game to come to a merciful end. Unfortunately for the Toffees, there are still 40 painful minutes left of play at Goodison Park.

10:53 a.m. PT: Goodison Park is a nice effort on a name for a soccer grounds in England, but certainly not among the best. Here’s a sampling of some of the classics in the Premier League …

Craven Cottage, home of Fulham.

Turf Moor, home of Burnley FC.

Stadium of Light, home of Sunderland.

White Hart Lane, home of Tottenham Hotspur.

Craven Cottage is my personal favorite. You can discuss your personal favorites in the comment box located at the bottom of this insightful soccer blog post.

10:59 a.m. PT: Edin Dzeko nails home the equalizer for Wolfsburg. And then there was almost a fight in the nets, as Dzeko tried to snag the ball away from the hands of FC Koln ‘keeper Faryd Mondragon. I’m going to throw this out there … it’s probably not a good idea to mess with goalkeepers. They are typically the biggest players on the pitch in soccer games.

11:01 a.m. PT: Wolfsburg nets another one, this one apparently came on the most embarrassing of plays in all of sports, the own goal. The local fans are stunned. Pierre Wome headed the ball past an unsuspecting Mondragon and into his own net on an apparent attempt to clear it. Shame can be seen on his face. Poor fella.

11:07 a.m. PT: Flip over to FSC expecting to see that Arsenal has scored another goal … and they have. It’s now 5-nil, Gunners. This is just plain silly.

11:12 a.m. PT: Cafe caramel from the Coffee Bean is offically cashed. I will say that it was the best purchase of the day so far.

11:13 a.m. PT: Wolfsburg has shown its championship form, scoring goal No. 3 and likely hammering home victory. Obafemi Martins put away this all-important tally, as Wolfsburg is just a few minutes away from a second triumph in as many matches.

11:16 a.m. PT: Over on FSC, it’s still 5-nil Arsenal. Announcer informs the audience that Arsenal’s biggest-ever win over Everton was a 7-nil thrashing administered in May of 2005. The Gunners, it should be noted, were EPL champions that season. Everton weren’t exactly slouches, finishing third in the EPL that year.

11:21 a.m. PT: Wolfsburg’s victory over FC Koln is complete … 3-1 final from RheinEnergieStadion. Podolski is still scoreless this season, but we reckon he’ll net plenty of goals this season for his new side.

Wolfsburg, meanwhile, looks the part of a defending champion hungry to repeat its title feat.

11:25 a.m. PT: Apparently, Arsenal is mindful of its all-time crushing of Everton in 2005, having made the score 6-nil at Goodison Park. Howard hasn’t seen a meltdown like this since the U.S. gave up a two-goal lead in the second half to lose to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final in June.

Plenty of goods seats available at the moment at Goodison Park, where the locals likely have headed back to the pub to wash their sorrows away with pints and more pints of beer.

11:28 p.m. PT: Everton shows some pride, as Louis Saha nets a goal.

“No more than a consolation prize,” the announcer says.

11:30 a.m. PT: It’s finally over at Goodison Park, where Arsenal walks away 6-1 victors in an impressive showing of brute football force.

It’s time to pick up my car from its oil change. Thank you for reading about the beautiful game here at Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff. Hope you enjoyed the ride.

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Giovani Becali: “Dorin Goian merge la Palermo”

Fostul agent de jucători, Giovani Becali, acum doar colaborator al fratelui său Victor, a dezvăluit astăzi că stelistul Dorin Goian s-a transferat la Palermo, echipa antrenată de Walter Zenga.

“Mâine dimineaţa Dorin Goian va merge la Palermo pentru vizita medicală. El semnează pe patru ani cu ei şi Steaua va primi două milioane. Nu mai pot apărea probleme de genul celor cu TVA-ul”, a afirmat Becali la gsp tv.

Fost tehnician la Steaua, Walter Zenga a cerut conducerii clubului să transfere un fundaş central, iar în urmă cu câteva zile s-a negociat pentru transferul lui Radu Ştefan de la Lazio Roma, însă mutarea a eşuat. Astfel, italienii s-au reorientat sper Dorin Goian, jucător pe care tehnicianul l-a pregătit atunci când a fost la Steaua.

Pe vremea când antrena Catania, Zenga l-a transferat pe Nicolae Dică, tot de la Steaua, însă a decis să renunţe la serviciile lui după numai câteva luni.

Dorin Goian a venit la Steaua în sezonul 2004-2005 de la gruparea FCM Bacău, iar de atunci a strâns aproximativ 150 de meciuri pentru roş-albaştri în toate competiţiile. El a câştigat două titluri de campion cu Steaua, a ajuns în semifinalele Cupei UEFA şi a participat de 3 ori consecutiv în grupele Ligii Campionilor.

Gigi Becali: “Tănase va semna cu Steaua un contract pe cinci ani!

“Acum mă îndrept spre penitenciar, dar m-am înţeles deja cu Andrei Penescu pentru Tănase. În maşina cu care mergem la penitenciar va fi şi jucătorul cu mine, vom merge împreună să stăm de vorbă cu Cornel Penescu. Jucătorul este al Stelei şi va semna un contract valabil pe 5 ani. El va avea un salariu de 120.000 de euro şi nu i-am dat niciun ban la semnătură. Joi voi veni cu el la Bucureşti şi va fi prezentat joi sau vineri în mod oficial. Am dat 1.800.000 de euro pe 50% din drepturile asupra jucătorului”, a spus Gigi Becali, în exclusivitate pentru Newsin.

Cristian Tănase de la FC Argeş a fost ofertat şi de FC Koln, care oferea în jur de două milioane de euro pentru mijlocaş, dar pentru el au mai existat şi alte oferte, inclusiv cea de la Steaua.

Iniţial, patronul Stelei, Gigi Becali, a precizat că este dispus să ofere un milion de euro pentru 50% din drepturile federative ale jucătorului sau un milion şi jumătate pentru un transfer definitiv. Finanţatorul a precizat că nu era dispus să ofere o sumă de bani atât de mare pentru un jucător român, dar este convins că Tănase este un fotbalist de mare perspectivă.

Persönlich gefilmt von unserem Chefreporter Günni.

24.07. Testspiel im RheinEnergieStadion, 20.45 Uhr
1. FC Köln – irgend so eine zusammengekaufte Söldner-Truppe aus Bayern?

Für uns beginnt damit die Saison. Ab 18:00 0,2 l Kölsch nur Ein (Ene, Uno, Un, One, yī, واحِد ) € (Euronen).

Übertragung natürlich auf der Großleinwand. Ab 20:15.

Achtung! Der Wirt bedient selbst!!!! Ggf. also auch selbst gute Laune mitbringen.

Reisefieber, Fernweh nach der Heimat
Rückenwind und trotzdem steh’ ich still
leere Taschen, Blicke voll Erwartung
schweifen über Gleise ohne Ziel

Die Lichter meiner Stadt seh’ ich schon am Horizont
und ich weiß ich werd’ heut Nacht nach Hause kommen
Der Wind ist kühl, doch auch das bringt mich nicht um
Jetzt weiß ich wie’s sich anfühlt
Nach Hause kommen
Songtext: 5vor12

Der gutgelaunte Wirt und sein zu kurz geratener Gehilfe bereiten die Party vor.

Ansonsten geht die Saison so weiter …

24.07. Testspiel im RheinEnergieStadion, 20.45 Uhr
1. FC Köln – irgend so eine Gurken-Truppe aus Bayern?

Für uns beginnt damit die Saison. Ab 18:00 0,2 l Kölsch nur Ein (Ene, Uno, Un, One, yī, واحِد ) € (Euronen).

Übertragung natürlich auf der Großleinwand.

Achtung! Der Wirt bedient selbst!!!! Ggf. also auch selbst gute Laune mitbringen.

Ansonsten geht die Saison so weiter …

Robert Enke (Foto: Hannover 96)

Die Bundesligasaison 2008/09 ist beendet. Zeit für Kultkeeper, Bilanz zu ziehen. Wie haben sich die Bundesligatorhüter aus der Affäre gezogen? Wer war Sieger, wer wurde zum Verlierer, wer gar zum Absteiger? Nachfolgend die große Rückrundenbilanz 2008/2009:

Prädikat “Überragend”
Keiner

Prädikat “Sehr Gut”
Robert Enke (Hannover 96)
Trotz schwerer Verletzung meldete sich Robert Enke in der Rückrunde eindrucksvoll zurück. Hinter einer wackligen Abwehr war er der einzig beständige Faktor. Zudem eroberte er sich durch gute Leistungen den vorläufigen Nummer-1-Status in der Nationalmannschaft zurück.

Prädikat ” Gut”
1. Diego Benaglio (VfL Wolfsburg)
Der Schweizer Nationaltorhüter schien schon auf dem absteigenden Ast. Diego Benaglio patzte so regelmäßig, dass er sogar seinen Platz an Ersatzmann André Lenz zu verlieren drohte. Doch in der entscheidenden Meisterschaftsphase avancierte Benaglio wieder zum wichtigen Rückhalt.

2. Dennis Eilhoff (DSC Arminia Bielefeld)
Bielefeld ist abgestiegen, was aber nicht an Dennis Eilhoff lag. Der Mann mit den (zu) kurzen Ärmeln rettete durch seine Paraden viele Punkte. Eilhoff lässt in der Strafraumbeherrschung aber häufig zu wünschen übrig.

3. Gerhard Tremmel (FC Energie Cottbus)
Tremmel hat sich als Führungsfigur und Rückhalt in Cottbus etabliert und in der Rückrunde nur gegen den 1.FC Köln entscheidend gepatzt. Der Münchner zeigte viele gute Paraden, ließ sich aber manchmal von Freistößen überraschen.

4. Jaroslav Drobny (Hertha BSC Berlin)
Insgeamt bestätigte der Tscheche seine hervorragenden Leistungen. Drobny besaß seinen entscheidenen Anteil am Berliner Höhenflug und war besonders beim 3-1-Sieg gegen den FC Bayern München schier unüberwindlich; dennoch nicht fehlerfrei.

5. Tim Wiese (SV Werder Bremen)
Der umstrittene Werder-Keeper verfügt über eine blendende Reaktion auf der Linie und erwies sich mit drei gehaltenen Elfmetern im DFB-Pokal-Halbfinale gegen den Hamburger SV als Matchwinner. Dennoch irrt Wiese immer noch zu häufig orientierungslos durch seinen Strafraum und kassiert dadurch vermeidbare Treffer.

Prädikat “Befriedigend”
1. Roman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund)
Eine solide Rückrunde ohne zu überragen. Das Thema Nationalmannschaft dürfte gegessen sein.

2. Manuel Neuer (FC Schalke 04)
Zu häufig noch schwankt Neuer zwischen Welt- und Kreisklasse. Tolle Paraden wechseln sich mit anfängerhaften Fehlern ab. Nach seinem überzeugenden Nationalmannschaftsdebüt gegen die Arabischen Emirate ist Neuer dennoch ein “neuer” Kandidat für die WM 2010.

3. Logan Bailly (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
Mit dem exzentrischen Belgier im Tor schaffte Gladbach den Klassenerhalt. Der reaktionsschnelle Bailly trug dazu sein Scherflein bei und strahlte besonders in den letzten Spielen die nötige Ruhe aus. Dennoch kassierte er, wie zuvor sein Kontrahent Christopher Heimeroth, einige vermeidbare Gegentore. Bei seinem hochgelobten Spiel gegen Werder Bremen hatte Bailly mehrfach Glück, dass er angeschossen wurde.

4. Jens Lehmann (VfB Stuttgart)
Nach wie vor eine Reizfigur, die aber besonders durch sein Charisma positiv auf die Vorderleute wirkt. Ausstrahlung und Erfahrung sind bei Jens Lehmann allerdings mittlerweile herausragender als sein Reaktionsvermögen.

5. René Adler (Bayer 04 Leverkusen)
Der Absteiger der Saison. René Adler hatte nach Robert Enkes Verletzung und seinem gelungenen Nationalelfdebüt alle Trümpfe in der Hand. Doch der so hochgelobte Überflieger konnte nur einmal, beim 2-1-Sieg bei Schalke 04, an seine herausragenden Leistumgen anknüpfen. Viel häufiger waren Patzer, Stellungsfehler und Irrflüge.

6. Faryd Mondragon (1.FC Köln)
Der kolumbianische Ex-Nationaltorwart konnte sich im Gegensatz zur Hinrunde steigern und erwies sich als solider Vertreter seines Fachs.

Prädikat “Ausreichend”
1. Timo Hidebrand (TSG Hoffenheim)
Timo Hildebrand startete katastrophal und konnte sich dann gegen Ende der Hinrunde deutlich steigern.

2. Frank Rost (Hamburger SV)
Der früher so zuverlässige Modelleisenbahnfan Frank Rost patzte so häufig wie nie zuvor.

3. Hans-Jörg Butt (FC Bayern München)
Durch Rensings Schwächen feierte der eigentlich schon abgeschriebene Hans-Jörg Butt ein unerwartetes Comeback. Butt hielt bei Bayern ähnlich wie bei Bayer Leverkusen. Gelegentlichen Glanztagen folgen immer wieder regelmäßige Patzer.

4. Markus Pröll (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Das positivste für Pröll in der Rückrunde: endlich blieb er mal ein paar Spiele hintereinander verletzungsfrei.

5. Oka Nikolov (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Der hessische Dauerbrenner ist das personifizierte Mittelmaß und kam eigentlich nur durch Verletzungen Prölls erneut zum Einsatz.

Prädikat “Mangelhaft”
1. Daniel Haas (TSG Hoffenheim)
Immerhin stieg der einstige TSG-Stammtorhüter Daniel Haas in dieser Saison wieder von der Nummer 3 zur Nummer 2 auf. Hätte durch Hildebrands Verletzungen sogar Chancen auf mehr gehabt, leistetet sich aber in der Rückrunde immer wieder krasse Aussetzer.

2. Daniel Fernandes (VfL Bochum)
Der Portugiese ist das große Torwartwunder der Saison. Es ist nämlich absolut verwunderlich, warum der Fliegenfänger trotz zahlreicher Patzer und Pannen 31 Saisonspiele absolvieren durfte.

3. Michael Rensing (FC Bayern München)
Die Enttäuschung des Jahres, der sogar gegen den eher durchschnittlichen Butt seinen Stammplatz verlor.

Prädikat “Ungenügend”
Keiner

Nicht bewertet aufgrund zu weniger Spiele: Phillip Heerwagen (VfL Bochum), Christian Vander (SV Werder Bremen), André Lenz (VfL Wolfsburg), Thomas Kessler (1. FC Köln). Mathias Schober (FC Schalke 04), Ramazan Özcan (TSG Hoffenheim), Jan Zimmermann (Eintracht Frankfurt), Florian Fromlowitz (Hannover 96)

What you missed while trying to find a place to stay…

• Fenerbahçe sacked Luis Aragones yesterday; the Turkish club is presumably irked about their fourth place finish. FC Köln’s Christoph Daum is expected to replace Aragones; Daum previously managed Fenerbahçe in 2003, and will be the fourteenth “new” manager in the last ten years.
• Setanta’s not commenting on why they missed a routine £3 million payment to the Scottish Premier League yesterday.
• Both Arsenal and Real Madrid are interested in “not for sale” Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.
• Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique were both called up to the Confederations Cup squad in spite of Barcelona’s concerns over their lingering injuries.