View From The Shelf

With the seven days likely to be some of the most newsworthy of the year in footballing circles due to the end of the European transfer window, and the start-up of the remaining major leagues from the continent, I thought it would be a good time to take a look at what’s make the headlines on this bank holiday Monday.

International

We have new and retaining Olympic champions in the shape of Argentina, after their 1-0 defeat of Nigeria on Saturday. Brazil claimed the bronze medal after 3-0 win over surprise package Belgium on Friday.

Messi and Co were hot favourites for the title thanks to his inclusion and those of Javier Mascherano (who became the first man to win two gold medals) and captain Juan Roman Riquelme. Conversely, Brazilian coach Dunga went into the tournament with much pressure on his shoulders with the nation keen to claim the only international silverware that it has never won it its proud history. The inclusion of a half-fit and ineffective Ronaldinho was seemingly forced upon him by the FA, but as a side they still underperformed. Two sendings off in the South American semi showed an unusually frustrated and aggressive edge to a group of players struggling to live up to expectations back home.

Everton’s Victor Anichebe spoke highly of Nigeria’s home-grown coach and his achievements in African football. The hope now is that the continent will have more faith in home-reared managers rather than relying on European imports keen to earn a good salary without investing any passion into the job… ala Berti Vogts. The focus now turns to London in 2012 but questions remain over the sports inclusion in the games at all. Maybe the landmark “Messi ruling” before the tournament will neuter all future competitions pointless. Regardless of if the players themselves like it or not.

England

I didn’t get to see either of Sunday’s games but the scariest story I woke up to (in the trivial world of football anyway) was the injury to Man City defender Micah Richards after a clash of heads with Tal Beh Haim. City went on to win the game 3-0 with Daniel Sturridge, who looks a top prospect, opening the scoring. If you have high blood pressure then don’t read the next link but ‘Executive Chairman’ Garry Cook gave a series of horrifyingly self-serving interviews to all the broadsheets at the weekend with his views on the future of football. Here he is talking to the Guardian.

Deco continues to impress everyone although by all accounts Wigan were unlucky not to get something from the 1-0 loss to Chelsea.

Spurs are in disarray with Berbatov refusing the play as the club went down at home to Sunderland, to repeat last season’s terrible start. I was present at White Hart Lane and can take very few positives from the game but shall refrain from going into detail as I’ll be here all day. Check the Spurs form on xtratime (left) for more in-depth analysis. At least Arsenal lost.

Italy / Portugal / Spain

Jose Mourinho wasted no time in picking up his first silverware in Italy when Inter Milan claimed the Supercoppa on penalties after a 2-2 draw against Roma. Italy is also following the example set by Ebbsfleet United by offering fans the chance to part-own a football club and have a say in its running.

The Portugese league kicked off with last season’s champions Porto starting with a home win. Sporting Lisbon, who beat Porto in the Supercup, also got off to a winning start with a 3-1 home win while Benfica were held 1-1 by a newly-promoted side.

Real Madrid won the Spanish season opener with a remarkable 4-2 (and 6-5 on aggregate) win over Valencia despite having two men sent off. With nine men on the pitch, they rallied to score three goals in the last thirteen minutes to cap an unbelievable comeback. Ruben De La red will be a name to keep an eye on this year – hopefully his progress is not held back too much by the embarassment of riches Madrid have in midfield. In Barcelona, Juan Laporta retained control of the club after just surviving a vote on confidence at the general meeting.

Scotland

Celtic sit top of the league ahead of Rangers and Kilmarnock on goal difference, with all sides having seven points after three games. Maybe Killy will be this season’s Hearts (who have six points) and push the Old Firm slightly. I doubt it too.

Germany

A few posts ago I talked about Hoffenheim (search function at the top) and their incredibly story. Well, they continued the adventure by claiming their second win of the season and moving clear at the top of the league. Klinsmann is yet to record a league win with Bayern but they fought back from 1-0 down with ten men to get a draw at Dortmund. It beats throwing away two goal leads I guess. My German team of choice Hamburg won 2-1 to remain undefeated under Martin Jol, and sources in Brazil say we may be close to signing two players.  Alex Silva (if I’m thinking of the right player) should replace Kompany who impressed on debut for Man City yesterday.

France

Lyon and Marsielle are already one and two in ligue 1. Expect that to be a pretty familiar theme. Auxerre lost 1-0 at home to Nice. Bordeaux, who have a number of players that I like, beat Nantes 2-0 to move third. Exciting prospect Henri Saivet made an appearance from the substitutes bench late in proceedings.