Barcelona's Broadway Performance

Barcelona and Real Madrid entered Wednesday night’s match with the hopes of gaining an early edge on their opponent in first leg of the Champions League final, but no one but Barcelona could have foreseen what was to come.

To the players: you can try and defend what you did, but you knew what you were doing, and you did it. You can’t defend yourself when an enormous population saw it. When you slow most of the fouls down where a Barcelona played would drop to the ground screaming like a 2 year old with their first cut, it magnifies the situation even more because there is nothing there except someone looking like a complete fool. If you can’t take a little physical play then go watch it from your couch because you don’t deserve to be there because they world doesn’t want to watch you look like a flower out on the pitch.

When Pepe “fouled” Alves in the 61’ all of the Barca players surrounded German referee, Wolfgang Stark, which ultimately led to the straight red card. Following Pepe’s red card, Mourinho was also dismissed from the match and I fully commend and support the comments made by Mourinho, regardless if they were sarcastic or not. If he hadn’t said anything, I would’ve actually been angered by that. One thing we can all expect from Mourinho is that he is going to defend his players and that’s something to respect. The man is going to speak his mind no matter the consequence because it is his belief to do so.

Everyone could definitely tell the immediate frustration that ensued following the straight booking. I'm surprised that there wasn't more of a melee following the sending off of Pepe. If I was Madrid, I would've done exactly what Adebayor did in the 83th minute by knocking down Busquetes. In other sports there are players who are out there just to send a message and Adebayor took that role. It is like he tried to demonstrate a real foul to Barcelona and by the end of the match I wanted to be that guy myself. I am probably not the only one who probably found themselves screaming at the TV and Barcelona to just get up.

What is even worse for Barcelona is the social networking sites that are constantly in use during the match, and anything that happens will instantly be talked about. There were more than just footballers commenting on the disgraceful display by Barcelona. When you add professional athletes of other sports saying how embarrassing something is, there is truly an epidemic on hand.

Yes, Messi had flurries of brilliance which is expected, but there are times I wanted a shot at Messi to just drop him on his hind-quarters and utter something rude at him. But don't get me wrong there were moments of great football, but when look back on the April 27^th match, what are you going to remember?

There’s just too much evidence of Barcelona’s diving and unnecessary theatrics. For many Americans who are trying to believe that football is a great sport, they were treated to even more reason why they already don’t like it. Frankly, it’s unfortunate and it’s embarrassing for the sport, especially when millions are going to be watching it. Everyone will see it and there’s nothing a Barcelona player can do now to hide it.

And it honestly, really doesn’t matter what teams were out there on the pitch. It doesn’t matter if you love the teams or could care less about them. It doesn’t matter what the stats read or who the favorite is. To watch that is not what sports is supposed to be about and I think Barcelona will take a step back in maybe a day, a week, after they win the Champions League final and hopefully, they understand exactly how pathetic they looked.

If they don’t, its good riddance to them and congratulations, but many spectators will remember this match for how Barcelona acted.

NCAA B-Ball Tournament 2011 (Mar 17-18)

Conclusion of Day 1: 11-5
Key wins: Richmond, Butler
Key loses: Louisville (Elite 8), St. Johns (Sweet 16), Michigan St.

Conclusion of Day 2: 14-2
Key wins: Marquette, George Mason, Florida St.
Key loses: Georgetown (Sweet 16)

Overall: 25-7

Breakdown by Region:
East Regional: 8-0
Southwest Regional: 6-2 (Louisville, Georgetown)
West Regional: 6-2 (Loses: Tennessee, Penn St.)
Southeast Regional: 5-3 (Loses: St. John's, Michigan St, Utah St.)

Down 3 Sweet 16
Down 1 Elite 8

Spain Recovers, Wins Group H

When the final whistle blew to conclude Friday night’s match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium between Spain and Chile, it brought with it much relief to both Spaniards and Chileans as they watched their country move on to the Round of 16. After dropping their first Group Stage match in a shocker to Switzerland just ten days ago, Spain was able to scramble back into the World Cup picture on the back of David Villa who has scored three goals in the final two group matches.

“We should not have had to suffer so much in three games, but in the end we won the group. Suffering makes victory even sweeter,” David Villa commented to Monsters and Critics.

Spain’s 2-1 victory over Chile brought the two teams level at six points. The advantage over their Chilean counterpart was a +1 goal differential, which sets Spain atop Group H. By clinching the top spot in Group H, Spain avoids having to matchup against Brazil in the Round of 16. The matchup is one that many hope and expect to see later on at Soccer City in Johannesburg.
The victory has also given the Spanish a newly found confidence in their game.

Capdevilla told BBC Sports after the match, “We did something that was pretty difficult. We’re more united than ever. We have recovered mentally from Switzerland.”

Although chasing down Alonso’s long ball led to Spain’s first goal Friday, Torres’ play on the pitch has been sluggish since his arrival in South Africa. Torres hasn’t been able to produce many offensive opportunities himself and when he has, he hasn’t been able to capitalize on them. Fernando Torres’ fitness remains in question for Del Bosque as Spain moves forward in the tournament. Torres has yet to play a full 90 minutes in any of the three matches. They will need him to find his form if Spain hopes to continue deeper into the 2010 World Cup.

A positive sign for Spain came by the name of Andres Iniesta, who proved he is back to form since recovering from a right leg and thigh injury. He was able to net a goal in the 37th minute of play on a brilliant strike from the edge of the area. It was his first international goal since qualification on the 15th of October 2008 against Belgium.

With Spain moving forward, they hope they will continue to receive contributions at the front from David Villa and Iniesta, as well as continued solid play at the back, in the midfield, and in goal. All aspects were on tremendous display in the match against Honduras and that play was carried over into the match against Chile.

La Furia Roja will face Portugal in an Iberian Derby June 29 in Cape Town, South Africa. Portugal has many friendly and known faces on their 23-man roster, seven of which play in Spain’s La Liga including Captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Chile advances to Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg to meet a familiar face in Brazil June 28.

5 Reasons Spain Wins 2010 World Cup

For a country of just over 40.5 million people, Spain’s inhabitants are passionate about their national football team. Spaniards are fortunate enough to be able to watch all but three of the current 23 man World Cup roster play in Spain’s La Liga. The only exceptions are Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Cesc Fàbregas (Arsenal), and Pepe Reina (Liverpool). Spain has already flexed their muscles as number one in the FIFA World Rankings in July 2008 and is the first nation to hold such a title having never won a World Cup. Spain’s best finish remains a fourth place finish in the 1950 World Cup. If any year is more perfect to finally win a World Cup, this would be the year because a better one may never present itself. Coming into 2010, Spain is highly regarded as the favourite to win the 2010 World Cup and here are five top reasons why.

5. European Champions – Spain enters the 2010 World Cup already being crowned as the 2008 European Champions. They have proven themselves to be a powerhouse in the football world. To earn this title, Spain has already beaten World Cup contenders in the likes of Greece, Italy (2006 World Cup Champions), Russia, and Germany. Spain hopes to join West Germany in the group of winning the Euro Championship prior to the World Cup (Won Euro Championship 1972 and 1974 World Cup).

4. Experience – When you look at Spain’s roster, one thing it does not lack is experience. Many of Spain’s current starters have multiple, multiple appearances at the international level, which can be a huge advantage keeping composure in critical situations. Goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, has recorded 104 international appearances, 2nd only to Andoni Zubizarreta (126 appearances. Many players on the current roster were a part of the team that went 35 consecutive matches without losing. Spain’s players are no stranger to pressure or expectation, except this year, expectation is higher than ever. Expect Vicente del Bosque to get his players to handle the pressure and expectation with much ease.

3. In Group H, the only team that can beat Spain is themselves – Spain has dogged a bullet in its group drawing. Certainly Spain could have been matched up against other powerhouse countries, but instead will face Switzerland, Honduras, and Chile. With relative ease, Spain should finish the group stage atop Group H, winning all nine possible points. They only team Spain could potentially lose to are themselves, although they should not sleep on a potential upset by any team within their group. Spain ultimately needs to stay focused, as well as not become too comfortable with the fact they’ve drawn an easy group. Advancing from Group H, they could potentially face tough matchups against Portugal, Italy, or Argentina so Group H will provide Spain with the ability to work out final kinks, while showing the world they are the team to beat.

2. Have stayed healthy – While other countries have seen key players go down to injuries such as Michael Ballack (Germany), Nani (Portugal), Rio Ferdinand (England), Arjen Robben (Netherlands) and Didier Drogba (France), among many more, Spain’s lineup has remained for the most part in-tact. Andrés Iniesta is the only question mark as to when he will be fully fit for competition, but will be ready to compete as soon as he is cleared, potentially in time for their first match against Switzerland on June 16. As long as Spain’s top players can stay healthy, they will continue to advance in the 2010 World Cup. Even if Spain does suffer unforeseeable injuries, their roster is so deep that they will be able to replace players without missing a stride.

1. Complete Roster – Spain brings to South Africa one of the most complete rosters a World Cup competition has seen. Topping Spain’s roster is Iker Casillas. He is highly considered to be one of the best keepers in the world. Casillas has great leadership qualities as Captain and has the ability to lead Spain to its first World Cup title as long as he performs in goal as he has during qualifying. Spain’s defense is almost impenetrable, allowing only five goals throughout all ten qualifying games. They will be a key part in Spain’s success in South Africa. The midfield revolves around Xavi Hernández, who is considered to be one of the top playmakers in the world. He will be a vital part in creating and running Spain’s offense alongside his La Liga teammate Andrés Iniesta. Spain’s offense is virtually unstoppable, scoring 28 goals in ten qualifying games en-route to South Africa. Forwards Fernando Torres and David Villa have combined to score 62 international goals. They also have many world class substitutes ready to take the pitch.

Spain’s area of concern: Spain is no stranger to winning, but they are to losing. Just last year, Spain witnessed their 35 consecutive match unbeaten streak ended by the United States in South Africa’s 2009 Confederations Cup, losing 0-2 (Altidore 27’ ; Dempsey 74’). Spain mustn’t get too comfortable with any lead or with the fact they drew a far easier group than England, the United States, Brazil, or Portugal. If Spain puts cruise control on, they could find themselves packing sooner than expected. They shouldn’t take any opponent too lightly, but they will go into all their matches as the favourite.

Spain’s Group Stage Schedule
6/16 – Spain 0 : Switzerland 1 (Fernandes 52')
6/21 – Spain 2 (Villa 17', 51') : Honduras 0
6/25 – Chile 1 (Millar 47') : Spain 2 (David Villa 24', Iniesta 37')

The Akron Hammer destined to the Windy City?

On May 13, 2010, the world felt a huge tremor shake the entire globe as the Cleveland Cavaliers fell to the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The world watched as LeBron James walked up the tunnel at TD Garden pulling off his Cavs jersey for possibly the last time. Immediately, the basketball world reacted by producing some of the most ridiculous scenarios as James enters free agency July 1st.

The James free agency has sent the basketball world into complete frenzy. Even Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban, is willing to sacrifice $100K to get his team’s name in the mix for the six-time All-Star. He’s not alone as Phoenix Suns president of basketball operations, Steve Kerr, took a $10K fine for comments he made regarding salary he’d offer James. Just as Sunny goes “Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs”, owners have gone “Loopy for LeBron.” On the other hand, he has given the world something else to talk salivate over aside from Brett Favre's ongoing “retiring, not retiring” soap opera.

LeBron James may be home in Cleveland, but the only thing he’ll be bringing home is dinner. There is no way that James will ever win an NBA Championship in Cleveland. Even surrounding “King James” with superstars and veterans like Shaq O’Neal, Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon, Mo Williams, and Antawn Jamison has led to utter disbelief within the organization, its fans and the league, as they’ve failed to win a championship in LeBron’s first seven years in the league. Like Billy Buckner and the ball going through his legs, or Donavan McNabb not winning a title in Philly, James winning a championship in Cleveland was just not meant to be. LeBron James can closely be considered the stock market of Cleveland. With his stay in Cleveland the past seven years he has brought life to the area surrounding Quicken Loans Arena.

One area the Cavs do have an advantage is in resigning James; they can offer him more money than any other team. If he resigns with the Cavs he can sign a contract up to six years and for more than $120 million; whereas, any other team can only sign him for up to five years and $20-$25 million less. Only Cleveland knows just how important LBJ is to them. Without LeBron, the Cleveland Cavs would suffer greatly in all areas of promotion from jersey sales, to TV revenue, and most importantly season ticket sales.

If LeBron makes the move to join his ‘boi’ Jay-Z, also part owner of the New Jersey Nets, the only thing they may be building over the next few years is another city to call “The City of Brotherly Love.” Yes, new Russian owner Mikhail Prokhorov may have all the riches in the land, but going from the team with the best record last year (61-21), to the team with the worst record (12-70), would be one of the most mind-blowing decisions ever made in sports. If Prokhorov bought James a completely new team, it would make the Nets the Yankees of basketball. Currently, New Jersey is the farthest team away from ultimately being able to compete for a title. The Nets heavily waged their argument for James with the hopes of receiving the overall number one pick in the 2010 draft and drafting college star John Wall of Kentucky. The Nets, unfortunately, couldn’t win there either, as they will pick number three overall on June 24 at MSG. Still, maybe Prokhorov will throw James a bone and take him out for dinner aboard the Russian cruiser Avrora to sway his thoughts towards New Jersey.

His second option would be to make the move to play in on one of the world’s most famous stages at Madison Square Garden. The catch: the New York Knicks have been the butt of jokes for the last several years, boasting their own link on DailyComedy.com and being comedy bits on Sportscenter. Hmmmm, perfect, let’s turn “King James” into “Jester James”, it has a nice ring to it! Not! The Knicks are a far cry for being James’ next kingdom. Although, if LeBron James goes to the Kicks, they would more than likely release two players to open up cap space to have the ability to sign another superstar free agent such as Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, or Amare Stoudemire. The Knicks can only make a case in giving him a “global iconic” status, yet they find themselves in the LeBron conversation because of their ability to go to the free agent market to bring in another All-Star caliber player, and Mike D’Antoni’s connection to James’ as he served under head coach Mike Krzyzewski on the 2008 Redeem Team, which won gold in Beijing.

King James’ final option is to sign with the Chicago Bulls. Stop. Pause. Freeze. If James went to Chicago he would, without question, be in the shadow of Michael Jordan. Would James be willing to do so? That would be the biggest question he’d have to answer. He’s already honored Air Jordan by voluntarily changing his current number 23 to number 6, (his first son’s birthday, October 6th after the 2009-2010 season). If James wants to be considered one of the greatest to ever play the game, why not prove it in the city that He himself, Air Jordan did it in. Even Joakim Noah would have to put his dislike of Cleveland’s nightlife aside if LeBron entered the same locker room as him.

The Bulls have many pieces already in place that a superstar like James would love to see. To their credit they have Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Luol Dang, and Kirk Hinrich already making names in the league. To make a scenario even crazier, what if Phil Jackson returned to the Chicago Bulls to coach them again? According to ESPN reports, if Phil Jackson were to stay in LA, he would have to take a pay cut of almost seven million dollars. The Bulls have already made the offseason move to fire head coach Vinny Del Negro leaving the position vacant. Chris Broussard of ESPN makes a strong point that Jackson has already coached Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, why not add another legend to the list? He is the only coach to bring championships to these two players. If James went to Chicago, the next move would be to go pester Phil Jackson in returning to Chicago, and be willing to give him any sum of money to do so.

LeBron James has only two serious options. He finds his way to Chicago to live under the shadow of Michael Jordan or stays put in Cleveland and demands the pieces to create a NBA Championship team, beginning with his choice of head coach. Also the idea of being loyal to a team for an entire career runs into the minds of many who believe he needs to stay put. Legitimately, LeBron James will ultimately find himself wearing a number 6 on his new Chicago Bulls uniform. The fit is perfect, almost like the slipper on Cinderella’s foot. Commander in Chief, President Obama and former Illinois Senator agrees with the many who favor James to the Bulls. Obama has been quoted on ESPN Chicago by White House advisor David Axelrod saying, “[Obama] doesn’t want to tamper, but as a Chicago fan, the President thinks LeBron would look great in a Bulls uniform.”