SC1 Sports

Blasphemy! Pelé Questions Messi

When it comes to dishing out criticism, I’m right up there with the most controversial of sports fans. Show me the perfect player and I’ll point out the most dramatic flaw. My own blunt self-analyses have, in my biased opinion, improved my performances on and off the field and they have also given me a green light to suggest that it’s okay that I nit-pick at other sportspeople’s contributions – especially those lauded as the greatest talents of their generation (or even further back).

My critique habits had gotten so bad (well, I prefer ‘precise’) that even football’s very own golden boy Lionel Messi was not spared. In fact, I had actually been planning – for quite some time – to complete a blog outlining the weaknesses of the Argentine and undermine his apparent immunity to censure. However, after being advised by numerous friends (or any football fan for that matter) not to pursue the blog entitled ‘The Myth That is Messi’, I thought I should stall the idea. And, in hindsight, after watching Barca’s ace claim another treble – and helping out a little bit with 53 goals and 24 assists – I think my blushes (and reputation) have been well and truly saved. Besides, once I heard someone else steal my thunder, I thought the contrarian in me would appreciate a good argument.

And, just to uphold my outrageous nature, I thought I’d have a pop at Pelé for good measure. Because, speaking on Wednesday night after being asked about the magic that is Messi (I said it), the Brazilian defensively claimed, “Messi better than Pelé? To get there he needs to score more than 1283 goals” (But who’s counting, eh, Pelé?). And whilst I’ve accepted that Pelé was a decent footballer (heck, he was good), I think it was rather bold of him to play down the achievements of Lionel Messi and, at the same time, carelessly big-up his own record.

Spouting out those misleading facts of over a thousand goals with no regard for competitive fixtures, one of the greatest ever players sounded a bit childish and, if I’m honest, desperate. Plenty of people won’t like the criticism I’m aiming at Pelé, but when you’re trying to play down the current claimant to the former king’s throne, it seems more like a case of an old man sitting on a bar stool reliving glory days.

I also don’t want to misquote Pelé because he has obviously, in the past, spoken of what a terrific player Barcelona’s number 10 is, of course he has. And he has done that on more than one occasion. But setting the 2 times Ballon d’Or recipient unnecessary gauntlets to prove his greatness is harsh and unfair – and when you look at it, it is coming from someone who, as ridiculous as this sounds, is relatively unproven. The key word there is “relatively” and I don’t want anyone ignoring that!

When I say that Pelé is relatively unproven, I compare it to some of Lionel Andres Messi’s exploits. Obviously, Pelé has won 3 World Cups and it’s hard to argue with an athlete who has conquered the world consistently for 12 years. However, he is too quick and repetitive at pointing out that Messi is yet to really turn it on for his own country. Having failed to set the world alight in South Africa, the Argentine seemingly failed one of Pelé’s acid tests – one of his bench marks. Funny though, I didn’t notice too much of Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup, I didn’t see Wayne Rooney’s potential come through. Times have changed. Cup competitions are generally more difficult in this era because teams realise it is a knockout scenario and thus go out of their way to avoid defeat. Football has changed. Look back over those old footages and tell me how many untrained defenders are falling on their asses, how much space there is in behind. I don’t want to take too much away from Pelé - he is after all an undisputed legend. Similarly though, I don’t think it is right to write footballers off because they haven’t replicated what someone else accomplished 50 years before.

And to ignore what Messi has done for his club when being questioned whether he is one of the greatest is, likewise, out of order. I don’t need to get into stats like I usually would – it’s Lionel Messi! Besides, I don’t think I’d be able to tally the goals and assists that the adopted Catalan has recorded in friendly matches and dubious exhibitions which have, for some reason, always been considered when Pelé’s statistics are being compiled. What I would focus on more tentatively though is the fact that Messi has been lighting up the world from Europe for 6 years now; that he scored, this year, at the Emirates, the Bernabéu, and in the final of the Champions League all when his club needed the 23 year old veteran the most; that he has won, and starred in, 3 European Cups already, 6 domestic leagues and cups (in one of the best two leagues in the world) and taken home countless Player of the Year awards that have made me, someone who is actually slandering Pelé, withdraw my criticism of him. Meanwhile, Pelé spent his entire career concealing his talent within the Brazilian leagues and, oh of course, America.

The thing is, we will never know who is the greatest between Messi and Pelé – not without a Rocky-esque computer simulator at least. But even if Lionel doesn’t win a World Cup, even if he doesn’t score a thousand goals (notwithstanding 5-aside games), he should never be dismissed by someone who has partly ruined the debate because of his refusal to cross the Atlantic.

Team GB - Reunited?

Football was introduced as an Olympic sport for the 1908 games. In those games, Great Britain won and defended their title four years later in Stockholm. The 1972 games were the last in which a united Great Britain football team competed. London 2012 looks like it may be seeing a comeback from the home nations side, as long as the Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales FA’s agree. If they don’t, Team GB will consist of English players only.

The rules for the Olympic medal game are that it is an under-23 event, but each squad can name 3 over-age players. Argentina were the winners in Beijing 2008, and looking at their squad you can see why. They chose Juan Roman Riquelme, Javier Mascherano and Nicholas Burdisso as their overage players, and along with Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel DiMaria and Ever Banega, it’s no wonder they collected the gold. Nigeria were the surprise package as they finished with silver, and Brazil got the bronze, even with a squad led by Ronaldinho. After the nations recent rise to glory, it would be hard to look past Spain to put up another title challenge. Their team ethic is duplicated throughout each every age group, and the current under-21 team looks like notching the U21 European Championships. The work rate, one touch passing and ‘tiki-taka’ is impressive, but each team seems to have the real togetherness that other teams lack.

Gareth Bale made the point that in rugby, the British and Irish Lions form a close bond and create great atmosphere together and he would like to see that replicated by a GB team in the Olympic Games. He also says that Wales don’t look likely to compete against the best countries at the highest level, so it would be a good opportunity for Welsh players to take part. Former Scotland manager George Burley appears against the idea and thinks Scotland need to keep their identity. Maybe the nations worry FIFA will force them to continue to play together in future competitions. So if the Northern Irish, Welsh and Scottish refuse to allow their players to play, will the team still be a Great Britain team, or should it just be England?

At first thought, you would question whether any of the NI, Scotland and Wales players (except Bale) would get on ahead of England’s best, but I am sure there are places up for grabs, especially after England’s abysmal recent performances at the European U21 Championships. So from these three countries, who would be in contention?

Northern Ireland:

Corry Evans and Oliver Norwood from Man United are said to be top talents and anyone good enough to be at United is sure to be in with a shout. After all, Tom Cleverley starts for England U21’s. Shane Ferguson impressed me in his few appearances for Newcastle this season. He seems like an exciting prospect in the Gareth Bale mould and hopefully will appear more for them in the 2011/12 season.

Scotland:

James Forrest could be in with a shout after his first full season at Celtic, although it would be good to see him challenged at a decent level if Celtic can get back into Europe. Danny Wilson is already playing for the senior side and would be good enough to make the squad I’d say. Barry Bannan also looks a promising player at Aston Villa. Another new generation player similar to Jack Wilshere. Wales:

Gareth Bale obviously plays and is GB’s best player. Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere could form a deadly centre midfield partnership, and will get good practice together this season for Arsenal. I am a big fan of Ramsey, and I think he is a great long-term successor to Fabregas.

So what would my team be?

(4-3-3)

Frankie Fielding (place up for grabs)

Kieran Gibbs

Kyle Walker

Phil Jones

Chris Smalling

--

Jordan Henderson

Jack Wilshere

Aaron Ramsey

--

Gareth Bale

Daniel Sturridge

Andy Carroll

You may have noticed I have not included the three over-age players. I propose selecting one from NI, one from Wales and one from Scotland. Jonny Evans would be a good shout for the defense. Darren Fletcher would bring his workrate and steel to the midfield, and possibly Craig Bellamy. It wouldn’t be a surprise though if David Beckham is selected for it, especially after his role in winning the bid for London. It would also see a lot more publicity for the game. He has recently admitted he would love to take part and I’m not going to lie, Becks crossing the ball to big Andy Carroll sounds an appetizing prospect.

As long as Stuart Pearce is not at the helm, this Great Britain team could have a decent chance. Their three over-age players are important. I am sure club managers would be reluctant in seeing their players playing beyond another tough Premiership season, cough Arsene cough cough. With the team spirit that the British and Irish lions have shown, and a decent manager, with the crowd behind them that spreads over four nations, they would have the opportunity to make history.

#RaiseYourGame - Andy Murray (Wimbledon 2011)

Having featured in only 3 Major finals, playing just 9 sets in total, 24 year old Andy Murray has a lot of stepping up to do if he is to finally fulfill his potential and move back into the world top 3. However, after reaching the final and semi-final of the tennis season's last two Opens, and after clinching the most recent grass tournament, maybe the Scot agrees with the rest of the UK that it is high-time that he puts his gifted talent to use. Rafa Nadal took home his tenth major last month (just one year older than Murray). If Andy is to begin the long catching-up process in the next two weeks at Wimbledon, our message to him is simple: Raise your game (considerably).

 

Skinned & Lynched

Shame on me.

Just two days ago I spoke on our second podcast discussing why I couldn’t see anything other than an Armagh victory today at Clones. Our defence was weak; our key players were missing; Armagh had just too much in the tank for our relatively inexperienced outfit.

Shame on me.

I spoke volumes about this Armagh team. Charlie Vernon, Jamie Clarke, Steve McDonnell’s superlatives had bells hanging off them. What about the aptitude of Ciaran McKeever, Aaron Kernan, Andy Mallon? Need I go on?

Shame on me.

Because what I did briefly brush over, rather abruptly and disrespectfully in hindsight, was that Derry’s forward line had potential to hurt the Orchard county. And boy, did they wreck havoc today amongst the opposition backs in monstrous proportions.

Yes, the Oak Leafers still had a few problems in defence, as expected. Giving young and, for me, still unproven corner back Brian Óg McAlary the task of marking Jamie Clarke was particularly baffling. The Kilrea back works hard and no one can doubt his commitment to the cause. But, unfortunately, any time I have seen him, he has always proven too light, too loose and too rash to be playing in his county’s last line of defence. But I’ll give John Brennan a break this time – a nine point victory speaks for itself.

Besides, the selection policy of the boss, apart from that one glitch which was rectified with a first half substitution anyway, was undoubtedly on the money – so much so that odds-on favourites, Armagh, seemed less lucrative by the second. Throughout the week, we had heard speculation of a possible Kevin McGuckin return to the starting line up. I backed this idea but, again, said that I couldn’t see it happen because he hadn’t played all year. I had also spoken of my desire to see the inclusion of James Kielt back in Derry’s 15 – the reality of it too easily dismissed in our podcast. Thankfully, however, in John Brennan, Derry have a manager who has been there and done it. They have a leader who will not shirk the responsibility of making the big decisions. They have a winner. And by reinstating Ballinderry’s corner back ahead of former Allstar Kevin McCloy; by recalling James Kielt’s thunderous left foot ahead of O’Boyle, Brennan made some bold and uncompromising moves which demonstrated that he too believes that there is no substitute for quality – and moves which paid rich dividends in his debut year as county manager.

Admittedly, I shamefully underestimated a manager whose appointment I rejoiced for. I undervalued a man who has won senior championships with 5 different clubs. Admittedly, I got it wrong. But having spent the last 13 years arguing blindly with anyone who would listen that Derry had talented individuals equivalent to some of the top counties, maybe I was just finally broken. Maybe I had cracked. Maybe I had given up like the rest of Derry whose loss of faith was all-too-evident in the thousands upon thousands of empty seats at St. Tiernach’s Park. But the team hadn’t.

And what was to unfold before my own disbelieving eyes for 70 glorious minutes was nothing short of a massacre.

From the outset, I didn’t like Armagh’s approach. I think the 2002 All-Ireland champions like to think that they are ahead of the game. They are usually the most physically tough team in the country – strong and robust. They are always amongst the fittest. And their psychological preparation has reportedly been perfected long before other counties even copped on. But strolling out of the tunnel - their shoulders back, their heads high – towards their pre-match photograph, they looked lacklustre. I spoke with a native who explained that this was all part of a new psychological routine of confidence and identity building. They are to walk from the tunnel, as opposed to run, to portray an alpha-male conviction. That this was their territory (even it was Monaghan) and they, the jungle cats, ruled. If this was the notion they were going for, then I recommend that they part ways with their psychologist rapidly - because their attempts to relay domineering confidence got mixed up somewhere along with casual lethargy. And things never picked up from there in their final pre-match preparations as the orange jerseys engaged in some static stretching (bizarrely before exercise) and lots of chit-chat whilst their opposite numbers built progressively towards match intensity. There is a very, very fine line between confidence and cockiness and, to their detriment, Armagh went wandering too much today.

(Another thought: Whoever decided not to deploy a sweeper in front of Eoin "Skinner" Bradley and his deadly allies today - not just from the beginning, but as the game wore on and the damaged worsened - needs to take a long hard, look at themselves. Brilliant, the media now say that they didn't witness "puke football", but to leave 40 and 50 yards of space in front of Bradley and Lynch for 70 minutes is catastrophically naive)

The most pleasing aspect of my home team’s first championship semi final victory in 11 years was that after all those arguments I have had down through the years, all those times where I’ve seen baffled faces gaze back at me, after all those friends that I have lost, I finally gained some reassurance that I wasn’t crazy. Of course we have some of the most talented footballers in Ireland being produced up north. Of course our club championship is, in fact, one of the most competitive in the country. Of course the Bradley brothers, Mark Lynch, Muldoon, McGuckin and all those other relative legends down through the last decade are as good as I say. Because, today, a Derry team minus Paddy Bradley, without the services of Gerard and Joe O’Kane, without Fergal Doherty, Patsy Bradley, Johnny Bradley, Paul Cartin, and Colin Devlin, with so many question marks at the back and in midfield, went to Clones and beat the 2008 champions by almost double figures in a semi final fixture – and, for that, my faith has been restored in the ability of those willing to trudge to Owenbeg on dreary midweek nights.

My one saving grace prior to Sunday was that I did, at least, remark of the strength in our forward line and I said, “a puncher always has a chance”. Okay, I didn’t consider that we had cast-iron, heavyweight punchers capable of delivering killer blows whenever they fancied. I didn’t even deem goalkeeper, Danny Devlin, worthy of a starting spot yet he went on to produce two outstanding saves – one of which was a game-saver which prevented Armagh from closing the gap to one point and, incidentally, we went straight up and opened the lead to 7. (I think we’re running out of egg for my face) And I didn’t show enough belief in our midfield pairing who provided the remarkably efficient platform from which we launched our attacks and kept the ball away from our sometimes shaky defence. Michael Friel stepped up abundantly as the opposition 8 and 9 failed to cope with his physicality in the centre and he, along with Charlie Kielt at centre back, hoovered up and dispensed of breaking balls like they were going out of fashion. Joe Diver was Joe Diver. Hungry, explosive, energetic – a complete nuisance.

And, for once, I am proud to say that the forward line were like… well, they were like Derry players. Quick, slick, direct, devoid of any respect for their trailing defenders, and oh so deadly. Brennan yet again answered my prayers by pulling Muldoon from the full forward line to the midfield and the most naturally gifted footballer in Balinderry was absolutely delicious. Pass after pass, left foot to right foot, Enda Muldoon was, for me, Derry’s man of the match through which the entire team prospered from his evergreen heartbeat. Of course, having the luxury of picking out Mark Lynch, who won every single ball without fail, and Eoin Bradley, who once again scored a ridiculous return of 1-05 (yet not that big a deal is ever made of it is there? Because he is a Bradley after all), Muldoon was a hunter in an open forest of defenceless deer. Lynch and Bradley demonstrated everything there is to showcase for a modern day forward. The pair were out in front at will (out in front of 3 or 4 different markers, each), they twisted and turned as they pleased, they ran when they wanted, they scored off either foot and, along with Conleth Gilligan who roamed devastatingly in and out of the full forward line, produced 3 goals that a would-be sports writer has run out of superlatives and synonyms to do them justice.

Call me over-the-top, call me premature, call me a dreamer. But the beauty of today was that an apparently under-strength Derry side, a supposedly inexperienced manager, a declining fan base, went to Clones and reminded themselves and everyone around them that there is still greatness at either side of the Glenshane pass. They restored the mass faith in the underdog story but, in doing so, restored a sense that this county is not an underdog at all… not by any stretch.

Randy Lerner Meets With Stuart Pearce

SC1Sports uncover footage that Aston Villa held eleventh hour talks with Stuart Pearce regarding their recently vacant managerial position. Villa chairman, Randy Lerner, seemingly spoke with the England under 21 boss immediately prior to their approach for Alex McLeish.

 

 

On Your Marks...

August 13^th sees the start of a brand new Barclays Premier League season. New teams, new signings, new managers, new kits, new heroes, new villains. It promises to be an exciting one with Northern Irishman Brendan Rodgers’ Swansea side entering the league as the first ever Welsh side in the Premiership. Alex McLeish has a mountain to climb as new manager of Aston Villa, where he will have to first of all win over basically every single fan. Martin Jol has a point to prove at Fulham after his unfair dismissal at Spurs. Can Man City take another step forward and mount a serious title challenge? (Hopefully not)

Since the fixtures for the forthcoming season were released on Friday, all the talk was about each team getting off to a good start. It’s about building momentum early, getting some confidence and gaining some consistency in the performance. On the other hand, they say it’s a marathon and not a sprint. It’s a very long season with twists an turns.

I decided to take a look at how important the first six games of a Premiership season can be for the eventual champions in the last 10 seasons. Firstly I looked at the form in the six games and the point total taken from those games:  
It appears in the 3 seasons Chelsea won the league, they started their season with a bang. Twice they took maximum points, with the other season they drew two and won the rest. Even though Man United have won the league in 4 of the last 5 seasons, they haven’t exactly set the world alight from the start. So two different examples of how a start can be vital for momentum, but consistency is also vital.

And looking at how many points these teams ended up with:  
In the seasons Chelsea won the league, they followed up their magnificent starts with colossal points totals of 86, 91 and 95. Man United won the league on numerous occasions with lesser total, but maybe this shows how in a tight season where teams are beating each other, they have remained the most consistent. United remain the masters of 1-0 victories, especially when they don’t appear to be at their best. Arsenal set the bar extremely high with their ‘Invincibles’ team at the start of the millennium, and when Mourinho took over the helm at Chelsea, he knocked them off their perch.

So consistency plays a massive part of the Premiership season. Getting off to a good start is important for confidence, but it’s a very long season, and Man United have shown even if there are some early knocks, bouncing back to #RaiseYourGame can lead to success.

Bring It Home Rory

Last year, Kenny McDowell became the proudest father in the world after his boy, Graeme (@Graeme_McDowell), won the US Open in Pebble Beach. “You’re something, kid!” he said.

Northern Ireland is on the edge of welcoming home another national hero, as Rory McIlroy has stormed into a magnificent lead at this years US Open in Maryland. In fact, the whole world finds itself repeating the ecstatic words of Mr. McDowell from that momentous occasion, except this time it is directed towards the boy wonder, Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory).

After Day 2 at Maryland, McIlroy finished with a score of 66, leaving him -11. He had a lead of 7 shots on his rivals as he finished another immaculate performance (bar the double bogey on the last hole). He has also found himself trending on Twitter for the past 48 hours, and now with 336k followers.

He has certainly had his doubters after his nightmare in Augusta, where he crumbled and lost the plot, but this time round, he is assured, composed, confident and appears extremely competent. His eagle shot from 113 yards must surely go down as shot of the tournament.

In May this year, US President Barack Obama visited Dublin and said, “Never Has A Country So Small Inspired So Much In Another”. Northern Ireland could well be seeing their second US Open champ is as many years, with their last victory coming from Fred Daly won it all the way back in 1947.

With two enormous days to go for the 22 year old, we all hope Rory can raise his game and see off the challenges that lie ahead.

#BringItHome Rory...#BringItHome!

Podcast - GAA Special June 2011

SC1Sports - GAA Special

This podcast features a preview for the Ulster Championship semi-final between Derry and Armagh. We talk tactics, lineups and training methods leading up to a big game in the Irish sport of Gaelic Football.

Podcast - June 2011

SC1Sports-June

In this podcast, the first in the SC1 series, we cover the recent footballing news, from the managerial merry-go-round to the form of the England International team, and also the summer transfer window. Would Tony Pulis and Andy Carroll see the downfall of F.C. Barcelona?!

#RaiseYourGame - Rory McIlroy (14th June 2011)

Each week SC1 Sports will bring you a video of what we believe is sporting excellence. #RaiseYourGame will display an athlete, or team, who has stepped up to the plate and delivered the goods when they needed it most.

This week Rory McIlroy has to #RaiseYourGame for the US Open in Maryland if he wants to re-establish his reputation after his Augusta Masters nightmare.

#RaiseYourGame - Rory McIlroy (June 14th 2011) from SC1 Sports on Vimeo.