A fresh Season - soccer analysis for 2012-2013

A new season is here and teams are raring to go!

After an action packed summer, Euro 2012 and big transfer coups, lets look at what we can expect from the top* teams across Europe.

Premier:League:

Manchester United - 

Major Action - The RVP coup and the capture of Shinji Kagawa

Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney in a training session

Image courtesy: manutd.com

What to expect - RVP and Wazza at their peak are sure to be most lethal strike force in the world. Europe awaits an explosion this season!!!

Chelsea -

Major Action - Capture of Hazard, Marin and Oscar

Eden Hazard unveiled by Chelsea

Image courtesy: chelseafc.com

What to expect - A busy summer for the Blues promises a bright future for the team, albeit if Di Matteo can find the right mix of first team regulars.

Arsenal -

Major Action - Loss of RVP and the signing of Podolski, Giroud and Cazorla. Song may go too!

Arsenal trio-signings (clockwise from top) - Giroud, Podolski and Cazorla
Image courtesy:  Arsenal.com

What to expect - the loss of RVP will leave a big hole and only time will tell if the new recruits can make good for it! Not much can be expected though and Tottenham and Liverpool will look to take this chance to break into the top four.

Manchester City -

Major Action - None

Carlos Tevez
Image courtesy: mcfc.com

What to expect - City have had a quite summer after only signing Rodwell so far. Oh yes, Tevez is as good as a new signing too!

La Liga:

Real Madrid -

Major Action - Expected to sign Modric

Luka Modric
Image courtesy: Tottenhamhotspur.com

What to expect - The Spanish players in Real will hope to emulate their form for the national team. Murinho has a fantastic squad in place already and the signing of Modric will only make the team stronger. Serious contenders for the Champions League crown.

Barcelona -

Major Action - Departure of Pep Guardiola and capture of Jordi Alba. Song expected to sign too.

Jordi Alba

Image courtesy: fcbarcelona.com

What to expect - The departure of the talismanic coach may be a little too much for the team. Also the ageing (and replacement) of veterans Puyol and Xavi is another concern. The defense needs to be strengthened further. real may again be a big thorn.

Valencia -

Major Action - Loss of Jordi Alba and signing of Fernando Gago

Gago

Image courtesy:  Fernandogago.org

What to expect - The explosive full back was a crucial part of the team and will be difficult to replace. Otherwise a decent team. Should make it to the top four again.

Malga -

Major Action - Loss of Cazorla

What to expect - The financial problems of the team has created problems. Not much can be expected.

Bundesliga:

Borussia Dortmund -

Major Action - Loss of Shinji Kagawa and capture of Marco Reus

Maro Reus

Image courtesy:  bvb.de

What to expect - The team are a force in Germany but yet need to find their feet in Europe. Reus is a promising signing and should help Dortmund in their week area - Goal scoring in Europe. Should give Bayern a run for their money again.

Bayern Munich -

Major Action - Signing of Mandzukic. Expected signing of Martinez.

Javi Martinez

Image courtesy:  wikimedia.org

What to expect - Bayern need to find their feet again after enduring a trophyless season. With a very potent attack, Martinez should be a very good addition for the leaky Bayer defense, which was one of the primary causes of the trophyless season.

Borussia Mönchengladbach -

Major Action - Loss of Reus and signing of Luuk de Jong.

Javi Martinez
Image courtesy:  Mönchengladbach.com

What to expect - Consistency and perseverance help Gladbach last season. The loss of Reus though should be a bad blow.

Schalke 04 -

Major Action - Loss of Raul

What to expect - With the like of Huntelaar and youngsters like Holtby, Schalke have a decent team and should stand a respectable chance to secure a top four finish again.

Seria A:

Juventus -

Major Action - Capture of Lucio and Pogba

Paul Pogba
Image courtesy: Juventus.com

What to expect - Juventus were a force in Italy last season. With the weakening of AC Milan, they will hope to defend the League title. A sccessful Euro 2012 campaign will only boost the morale their of key players like Pirlo and Marchisio.

AC Milan -

Major Action - Loss of Thiago Silva and Ibrahimovic

What to expect - The loss of the duo leaves not a hole but a crater in the team. Looks like the team will endure a difficult season.

Udinese -

Major Action - None

What to expect - Many hoped in Italy for Lazio to qualify for the Champions league due to their stupendous performances in Europe. Udinese should face similar heat Lazio this season too.

League 1:

PSG -

Major Action - Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, Lucas Moura and Marco Verrati

Thiago Silva and Ibrahimovic
Image courtesy: PSG

What to expect - Les Parisians have spent Big in the summer. Genuine contenders for the League title. Should expect to go some distance in the Champions League too.

Montpellier -

Major Action - Loss of star striker Giroud to Arsenal

What to expect - The League 1 Champions will look to emulate their impressive form of last season, but with the financial might of PSG, it would be difficult to defend the crown.

Lille -

Major Action - Loss of Eden Hazard and return of Joe Cole to Liverpool. Signed Kalou.

What to expect - Their wizard, French Player of the year and creator in chief has departed and that leaves a hole in the Lille that would be difficult to fill in. Lille still remain a club to be beaten and should finish in the top three.

Seems like there is lots of action in store, especially on the European stage in the Champions League.

Enjoy the new season!!!



*Top clubs here refers to only Champions League qualifying clubs, for simplicity sake.

Euro 2012 Final - Spain vs Italy- Olympic Stadium, Kyiv

Showdown Time!!!


La Furia Roja vs Azzurri

The general prediction of Germany and Spain reaching the Finals went for a huge toss when Italy stepped up on the big stage in the semi-finals.

Lets try to get a perspective of what the two teams have that gets them to this stage.

Olympic Stadium, Kyiv, Euro 2012 Poland & Ukraine - Final - Italy vs Spain

For Spain, supported by millions of fans across the globe, it's a rather straight forward answer - Attractive football / Attacking football.
But dig a little deeper and you'd find a completely different reason. The team have hardly played an attractive brand of football barring the exception of the group match versus Ireland. So if their trademark style did not get them here, then what did?

The answer to that has been common for most teams at Euro 2012 who have made it past the group stages. It is the team work. The combined effort of the team has seen Spain cover up its weaknesses. The most important being its defense, which definitely is not as strong as is midfield.

Another area of concern for Spain this time round has been the lack of firepower upfront. With a misfiring Torres and the absence of David Villa, Del Bosque found the right key in playing what has been termed as the "Flase 9", a tactic whereby Fabregas, an attacking midfielder, has been employed as the man upfront. Torres too made his impact when given the chance.

So all in all Spain have manged to sail through with a strong team effort and will need to do the same, if they nee to boost their chances of retaining the Trophy.

Key Players:
Captain: Iker Casillas
Defense: Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba

Midfield: Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, Cesc Fàbregas, Xabi Alonso, David Silva

Forward: Fernando Torres

Coach: Vicente del Bosque

To watch out for:

The form of Fabregas and David Silva will be crucial for Spain to make hay. They have been outstanding in this campaign but need to contribute now when it will matter the most. They would Vicente del Bosque's biggest hope.

Goalkeeper Captains to face off in the Finals

For Italy, the underdogs and a major surprise package, their strong teamwork and tactical approach has been the all important lesson for the teams that have not made it through.
Defeating Germany in the semi-final, touted by many to win the trophy, has been a major milestone in itself and only helped them regain their otherwise dwindling Big Boys status. 

Cesare Prandelli has shown super genius by employing his resources most optimally. Pirlo and Balotelli are the two perfect examples. The former touted to be too old to help Italy and the latter too young and ill tempered. But Prandelli has unlocked probably the best out of his boys and that has been the big difference.

Italy will try to stick to their set of rules in the Final too - A strong team ethic, a disciplined defense and a tactical approach to unlock the opponents weaknesses.
A win for Italy in the Final should come as a surprise!

Key Players:
Captain: Gianluigi Buffon
Defense: Giorgio Chiellini

Midfield: Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo

Forward: Mario Balotelli, Antonio Cassano

Coach: Cesare Prandelli

To watch out for:

The form of Andrea Pirlo and Mario Balotelli will be crucial for Italy to make hay. They have been outstanding for Italy in this campaign and have contributed when it mattered the most. They are Prandelli's biggest hope.

To Predict the outcome of the Final would be a long shot. The 1 - 1 Draw in the Group Stage should be enough reason for that.

We should take comfort in the fact - Spain's 'flair' and Italy's 'tactics'  will ensure that the match will be an interesting Final!

*All Photo Courtesy: Uefa.com

UEFA Euro 2012 - Poland and Ukraine

The biggest footballing event of the year 2012 is finally here!

Sixteen teams come to this showpiece event in Poland and Ukraine after fighting tough battles.
An analysis of the event, the teams and expectations is imperative!

A brief of the Euro 2012 -

The tournament features 16 nations, the last European Championship to do so (from Euro 2016 onward, there will be 24 finalists), and will be held between 8 June and 1 July 2012. Qualification was contested by 51 nations between August 2010 and November 2011 to join the two host nations in the final tournament.

For the Tournament Map - Go to Uefa.com

Analysis of the most talked about teams -
The event certainly has a few favorites and a few underdogs, just as all sporting events do. So here we'd try to analyze only the ones that are the most talked about.

Lets begin with the defending champions -
Spain

La Furia Roja Home Jersey - Euro 2012

Overview -
Spain are backed by millions worldwide after their World Cup victory in 2010. Fans like te team for its style of play, which in some way is similar to that of the Spanish club Barcelona. A flowing style of football with emphasis on attacking play.


Key Players -
The players that can turn games and help Spain retain the title: Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and David Silva.
Despite such star players, Spain's engine seems to have slowed down over time as other teams seem to have  figured out ways to block these key men and suppress the teams effervescent style. Spain need to find a counter strategy to overcome this situation, if they are to progress to the end.



Next, the runners up at World Cup 2010 -
Netherlands

Euro 2012 - Oranje Home Jersey

Overview -
A strong attacking line up make Holland one of the most fiercest opponents for any team. The team can boast of its attacking line up as probably the best in Europe at the moment. The team has lined up the youngest player in the tournament in Jetro Willems (of PSV), who only recently turned 18.


Key Players -
Robin Van Persie, enough said. That is the kind of sensational form the striker is in. Add to that the likes of Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael Van der Vaart and Klaas Jan Huntelaar, any team that faces them will need to make sure that they line up a strong defense if they wish to survive the firepower of the Dutch.




Germany

Euro 2012 -  Die Mannschaft Away Jersey

Overview -
Germany bring the youngest team in the tournament and yet they have magnificent class. In manager Joachim "Jogi" Löw Germany have a fantastic coach who with his brave decisions and a unassuming knack to pick out the right combinations has got Germany to an altogether different level. Germany's style of play is no less interesting than Spain's, all thanks to the spirited coach.


Key Players -
With stars like Philip Lahm, Thomas Mueller, Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose, Mario Gomez and Lukas Podolski Germany have a strong lineup. If only the team can shore up its defense, they can go all the way in this tournament.



Portugal

Euro 2012 - Selecção Home Jersey

Overview -
Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the Portuguese line up. Portugal have enough quality to compete at the highest level, but somehow have not managed to get the best out of the players and fight as a team. This tournament provides them a big opportunity to showcase their true strength. They start in the 'Group of Death' and will have the formidable task of competing with Netherlands and Germany to advance to the next stage.


Key Players -
The current best footballer in the world Crstiano Ronaldo along with Nani, Raul Meireles, Pepe and Fabio Coentrao make up a line up that can show enough fire power to yield dividends for the Portugal faithful. But for that they need to act collectively and use each star potential to the best.



France

Euro 2012 -  Les Bleus Home Jersey

Overview -
A one time formidable European powerhouse crumbled at World Cup 2010 in the group stage, thanks to an internal mutiny in the french camp. But things have changed post the World Cup debacle and the team has resurrected under new Coach Laurent Blanc. Walking into the final with an unbeaten run of 21 games would definitely give the team some confidence, but as the coah himself puts it "We are not favourites, Spain, Germany and Netherlands are".


Key Players -
The stars for the Blues are Karim Benzema, Franck Ribery, Samir Nasri, Yann M'vila, Patrice Evra and Hugo Lloris. In Benz and Ribery, France have one of the most potent attackers of the game. Add the quality of Nasri, M'vila, Evra and Lloris, the team can churn out results, but again, even they need to shore up their defences if they are to survive longer in the competition than the group stage.



Italy

Euro 2012 - Azurri Home Jersey

Overview -
World Champions of 2006 have since then lost the steam and now play with a minnows tag. Though the team have quite a few stars, they still remain to show enough determination and quality to come out of the under performers tag.


Key Players -
Mario Balotelli, Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini, and Gianluigi Buffon, the stars of the Azzurri need to perform at their top levels to keep any hopes afloat.







England

Euro 2012 - Three Lions Home Jersery

Overview -
The perennial underachievers. Each time an international competition begins, the English media and the Three Lions' faithful claim that this would be their time. But the atmosphere is a little different these time. The expectations are subdued and it would not be difficult to agree that they are not the favourites by any chance to comete for the trophy. Yet many still call them the 'dark horse' for this event. Only time will tell.


Key Players -
Wayne Rooney (suspended for the first two games), Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Jhon Terry, Ashley Cole and Joe Hart are top players. Even though England remain a little exposed in their defense, especially due to their injury woes, the old guard of the Three Lions, particularly Gerrard and Lampard need to shoulder huge responsibility and support courageous youngsters like Young, Welbeck and Oxlade Chamberlain to fire the team ahead. A disciplined defensive display and willingness by team members to put their act together can definitely see them go some distance in this tournament.



Though only a few teams have been analysed above, it should be noted that the other teams have fought hard to reach this final showpiece, and hence should not be underestimated. The likes of Greece have shown in the past what they can achieve.
Thus the tournament sure is going to keep the football/soccer lovers throughout the world hooked for the next nearly one month and ensure tremendous entertainment.


To take a long shot at the outcome of the event, I personally feel that though Spain are touted to retain the title, Germany and Netherlands will make it to the Finals of the tournament. Why so?
Read on...

Germany and Netherlands will face stiff competition in the Group of Death, but both should mange to overcome it given the kind of attacking football they play. Beyond that one of them will face more competition as one of them probably might have to face Spain in the semifinals. But yet, the attacking firepower at both team's disposal and the tactical brilliance that they posses should ensure that they beat the favourites, and do so in some style.
In the Final, Germany will have an edge given their flair, the coach's charisma and a superior defense over the Dutch. But yet, the outcome of the Final would be too much to predict and a Dutch win should not come as a surprise. Nonetheless, the mind says - Germany should prevail!

UEFA Champions League Final 2012 - Munich - Bayern vs Chelsea

The eagerly awaited Champions League Final is finally here!

Bayern		20.45		Chelsea
Referee: Pedro Proença (POR) – Stadium: Fußball Arena München, Munich (GER)

Image courtesy: uefa.com

An unexpected showdown between two magnificent teams, who have faced serious contenders on their Road to Munich, is set to light up Europe on Saturday, 18th May.

The two teams have overcome many European heavyweights on their Road to Munich, as seen below, to reach this showpiece event in Munich.

ROAD TO THE FINAL

Image Courtesy: Uefa.com

The Bavarians are favoured to lift the coveted trophy and have odds in their favour after an analysis of history and an analysis of the form of the two teams in the current season.

The Londoners have never lifted the European Cup and their qualification to the next season's Champions League also hangs by the sword of the outcome of the showpiece event after they failed to secure a top four finish in the English Premier League.

ANALYSIS OF THE TEAMS

CHELSEA

• 
• 

• UEFA Champions League

  

  No titles won

UEFA Champions League form guide

• W
• D
• L
• W
• L
• W
• W
• W
• W
• D

Recent campaigns
Season	Stage	P	W	D	L
2010/11	Quarter-finals	10	6	1	3
2009/10	Round of 16	8	4	2	2
2008/09	Semi-finals	12	5	6	1
2007/08	Final	13	6	6	1
2006/07	Semi-finals	12	7	3	2

BAYERN

• 
• 

• UEFA Champions League

  

  Titles

  4

UEFA Champions League form guide

• D
• W
• W
• L
• L
• W
• W
• W
• W
• L

Recent campaigns
Season	Stage	P	W	D	L
2010/11	Round of 16	8	6	0	2
2009/10	Final	13	7	1	5
2008/09	Quarter-finals	10	6	3	1
2006/07	Quarter-finals	10	4	4	2
2005/06	Round of 16	8	4	2	2

Image Courtesy: Uefa.com

But, this analysis should not make us conclude that Chelsea hold no chance. After all, no one expected them to beat Barcelona too in the Semi Finals. Also, Bayern will enter the game with the setback of the defeat to Dortmund in the DFB Pokal last weekend fresh in their minds.

Hence, in this season of surprises, it would be futile to predict the outcome and any prediction would only amount to mere speculation.



Analysis of the Team Strengths:

BAYERN MUNCHEN:
The team's strength lies in their lethal attacking line up.


Mario Gomez, the lethal striker, is in top form this season, finishing as the second top scorer in the Bundesliga and is also currently the second top scorer in the Champions League this season scoring 12 times (behind only Messi - 14 goals).


Frank Ribery is currently one of the best wingmen and offensive midfielders in Europe. Finishing as the best goal provider in the Bundesliga this season, he has, in the past, ripped teams like Manchester United apart single handedly. Also his partnership with Robben, often dubbed as Robbery, is one of the most dangerous offensive midfield partnerships in Europe presently.


Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos are the other offensive midfielders who need to be stopped and who can kill games at their own will when they hit top form.


Manuel Neuer has been in fine form in the Champions league and played an important part in the semi-final versus Madrid stopping two penalties.

Image Courtesy: Uefa.com

CHELSEA:
The team has formidable attacking options comparable to that of Bayern but only when the attackers find their top form, which has been wavering and sorely missed at important times over the season.


Didier Drogba, the big Ivorian, was once feared by teams across Europe, but age seems to have taken a stride out of him. He nonetheless is still the man to watch out, and is still relied upon by Chelsea as the Big Game man, which he proves time and again as he did in the first leg of this season's Champions League semi-final, scoring the crucial sole goal of the match.


Juan Mata is the key provider for Chelsea and also one of the top goal providers in EPL this season. Bayern will need to keep tabs on the diminutive attacker, who has been a real asset for Chelsea when he is in top form.


Frank Lampard, one of the many old guards of the ageing Chelsea squad, is another key attacker for the team who can, with his experience and guile, change the course of games. We should only hope he doesn't miss fire any spot kick opportunity, as has been the case many a times over the season!


Petr Cech, another old guard, has found his form after a torrid first half through the season, just like many of his teammates. He will have to shoulder huge responsibility to keep his team in the fray, given that the attacking machine guns of Bavaria will leave no opportunity to fire bullets at him. The Cup is the perfect gift he can gift himself for his Birthday on Sunday.


Fernando Torres has recently found decent form and if given an opportunity at the Big stage, will be eager to prove his mettle and show the world what he can Still do. Not to mention, Del Bosque would be the first one to take note of his performance.

Image Courtesy: Uefa.com

Players Suspended:


Bayern Munich - Holger Badstuber, David Alba, Luiz Gustavo
Chelsea - John Terry, Ramieres, Brainslav Ivanovic, Raul Merieles



Stakes Involved for the two Teams:


FC Bayern München will break new ground on Saturday when they take on Chelsea FC at their Fußball Arena München home as it is the first time a team has contested a UEFA Champions League final in their own stadium and only the fourth time – and the first in 28 years – it has happened in European Cup history.
Philip Lahm sumps up the mood aptly, "You need an international title if you want to become a golden generation."
After failing to secure any silverware this season, losing both the League and the League Cup to Borussia Dortmund, the Bavarians will have extra motivation to secure this coveted trophy.


Chelsea may have secured a piece of silverware in the FA Cup this season but have missed out on the opportunity to secure Champions League football next season. After finishing a dismal sixth in the Premier League the only way they can now break into the Champions League next season is by - Winning the Cup this season.

Image Courtesy: Uefa.com

Managers:


Jupp Hynckes of Bayern Munich has built a solid team. It will be a big personal achievement for him to win he Champions League with Bayern Munich as he will become only the fourth Manager in the European Cup history to win the trophy with two different teams after winning it with Real Madrid in 1998 (the others being Ernst Happel, Ottmar Hitzfeld and Jose Mourinho).


Roberto Di Matteo of Chelsea has turned the season around for the team after taking over from Andre Villas Boas in mid season. It is rumored that even winning the fist ever European Cup for Chelsea, may not guarantee him a permanent job at Chelsea as the club owner Roman Abramovich may seek to get in a more decorated manager to lead Chelsea next season.


Winning the Champions League is a dream for every player and team.
Both teams have enough motivation, strength and ability to claim the top European prize. Lets start cheering for our personal favourites!