UEFA Champions League Finale: Fussball Come Home.

Fussball Come Home.

Germany invasion in Wembley. Yeah, maybe we expected that we can watch an all England Final.

This is irony, no English team in Final even in Semifinal of UCL 2012/2013. The reality are two Germans team in semifinal beating the overrated Spanish team and make a Der Klassiker final. A big hit for England FA (Football Association), because UEFA choose Wembley to celebrate the 150^th of FA.

Why German? Why not English teams? It would be unfair if we talk about national team. German created a young star player like Oezil, Gotze, Khedira, etc and England young player still busy with “how to get in the first team?”. And the national team of England never beat German since 1966. So what can you expect for UCL this season? All England final? Just say thanks to Chelsea who already give us a title in Europa League.

But, if you see this final. Munich and Dortmund will open your eyes about how to create (and use them, not sell them like Arsenal) the young star player who stole your attention to Bundesliga.

And this will be the 4^th all nation final. First we saw Real Madrid-Valencia (2000), AC Milan-Juventus (2003), Manchester United-Chelsea (2008). But, this final not means German invade the Europe, because Spain still the best one. Did you know? From 10 clubs who through to Semifinal in last 5 years, there are only five teams who have played in Semifinal more than once. Barcelona (5), Real Madrid (4), Chelsea and Munich (3), Manchester United (2).

Want it or not, we must appreciate the Germans to invaded Wembley, maybe one day if UCL Final in Wembley again, English team would be in Final. For now, football not coming home, but Fussball coming home.

Follow me on Twitter, @brucekent88

A Good Time to Retire For Paul Scholes.

The Ginger Prince back to retire again. Who knows that in season 2012/2013, there are many signs at the first until the last day. We did not realize that at the first time, God showed us a signs.

Robin van Persie choose the number 20 (and United won the 20th title in England), Lindegaard choose number 13 (and United won the 13th title of Premier League), and Kagawa choose number 26 (Fergie retired on his 26th years at United). Like a pattern of retirement who continued by Albert Morgan (the Kit-man of Manchester United) and the legendary Paul Scholes.

Scholes taught us that a football player not all about celebrity, money, paparazzi, red carpet, bad boy, or any negative think. He taught us about professionalism, loyalty, be humble person, and be a legend. Why Scholes choose this season to retire? Because he taught that the camera will not go to him if Ferguson retired and Rooney wants to transfer. A humble player.

On the last Fergie’s speech at Old Trafford last week, he said that we must respect for Scholes’s decision. Maybe, if Fergie did not mention that Scholes will retired, we didn’t know that there is a legend who will retired end of this season.

Scholes also said that this season was not a good season for him. His knee injury make him absent for four months and he can’t go back to his best perfomances after that. And with the EPL title this season, Scholes completed his journey in Manchester United with 10 titles, 98 yellow cards, 4 red cards, 498 matches, and 107 goals.

A reporter have asked Zidane about his feeling to be the best midfielder in the world. What Zidane said was ” The best midfielder? Ask Scholes!”

Benfica Fail to Conquer Europe Because of a Curse?

Since 1962, Benfica never ever back to win the European Major Cup. But, since that Porto already had seven international titles.

Many people thought that this is because of Bela Guttman’s curse. Who is Bela Guttman? He is the revolutionary coach of Benfica who already gave Benfica two European titles in a row for 1961 and 1962.

With his Midas hand, he created a legend for Benfica like José Águas, Mário Coluna, José Augusto, José Torres, António Simões, dan Eusébio. Guttman also end the domination of Real Madrid in Europe, but after that, everything was changed for Benfica. This is why Guttman curse Benfica.

After the successful year in Europe, Guttman asked to Benfica’s management to raise his salary, but the management refuse that and Guttman out from the club.

Then he said “Benfica won’t win the European Cup for 100 years ahead since now!”

Since that, Benfica never win the European Cup Major trophy even they already play in six final game. People said that every time Benfica play in a final European game, Eusebio always go to Guttman’s cemetery in Wina, Austria to pray for Guttman.

Now the Guttman’s curse is 51th years old. Can Benfica break his curse? Or they must wait 49 years more to win a title in Europe? But, something we sure know, Benfica failed to win over Chelsea, and they must wait again.

Guttman dead in 1981, 82th years old.

The list of Benfica’s final game:

2012-13 Europa League: Benfica 1-2 v Chelsea

1989-90 UEFA Champions League: Benfica 0-1 v AC Milan

1987-88 UEFA Champions League: Benfica 5-6 (pen) v PSV Eindhoven

1982-83 UEFA Cup : Benfica 1-2 v Anderlecht

1967-68 UEFA Champions League: Benfica 1-4 v Manchester United

1964-65 UEFA Champions League: Benfica 0-1 v Internazionale Milano

1962-63 UEFA Champions League: Benfica 1-2 v AC Milan

Copa Del Rey Final! Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Betting tips

Copa Del Rey Final!
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid (AH: 0:1)

The only chance for Real Madrid and Mourinho to win the title this season. After a heartbreaking season in UCL and La Liga, Copa Del Rey become the sacred thing to have.
Same like Real Madrid, the Atletico have a same mission. If maybe this title can make Falcao stay at club next season, they will do it.

Los Blancos will play without Marcelo and Varane, but Atletico can put a full team in this final match.
The good stat for Real Madrid is they have won their last 10 matches against Atletico in all competitions.

With a big odds for Atletico, this match gonna be tight enough, but not enough to let Real Madrid lose from this game. We predict 2-1 or others tight score for this game.

Frank Lampard Signs New Contract

The Legend is staying for one more year

Finally, Chelsea has given Frank Lampard a new contract and it will keep Chelsea's all time leading goal scorer until 2014. It will be a very good news for Chelsea fans who has been worried for so long when they heared the rumour that Lampard wont be given a new contract on the past months

Ron Gourlay, Chelsea FC Chief Executive, said: 'Frank has been an important player for Chelsea Football Club for a long time and has played a significant part in the club's success. 'We have been talking to him since the end of last year and our discussions have been entirely positive throughout. We are delighted we are now announcing an extension to his contract which will keep him at the club until 2014.'

Lampard shows his pleasure from his statement after he signs a new deal,  'I'm absolutely delighted. Everybody knows I always maintained the dream was to stay at Chelsea. We've been talking for ages and even though it went on for quite a period it was always amicable. 'I want to thank Mr Abramovich for everything he's done in making the dream a reality. I love this club, the staff, the players and especially the supporters, who have treated me fantastically since the day I arrived'.

Well done Frank!! You can score more goals and make some new records again for The Blues!!

Benfica 1-2 Chelsea

Champions of Europe (Again)!!!

Chelsea made another history again by becoming the first team in history to hold both the EL and CL trophies at the same time. Winning The Europa League last night also made The Blues join Juventus, Ajax and Bayern Muenchen who have won all UEFA major trophy. The Blues become the 1st English team and the 4th European team who won The Champions League, The Europa League and UEFA Winners Cup.

This result is so dissapointed for Benfica because they played really good and have a better ball possesion with 53:47. After a goalless draw in the first half, each teams played more attacking on the second half. Fernando Torres opened the goal on 59th minutes. The Spaniard was played through by Mata and then managed to shrug off Luisao before rounding Artur and slotting the ball over the line from a tight angle. It's a superb goal from the Spaniard. On 68th minutes,  Benfica are level! Cardozo thumps his penalty past Cech after the Portuguese side were awarded a spot-kick for Azpilicueta's handball. this final game looked as if it would continue into the extra time. But Ivanovic's header from Juan Mata's corner kick at the loss time decided the title goes to the London side.

Here is the highlights of the match and the celebrations!! Enjoy!!

Benfica vs Chelsea Betting tips

EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL!!

Benfica vs Chelsea (AH: 1/4:0)

This is the only chance for Chelsea to get the trophy. Just win or nothing! This game could be the battle between Torres vs Cardozo. Different tournament make Torres like a predator, hescored 5 goals in Europa League this season, only left 1 goal from Cardozo.

The bad news for Chelsea is Eden Hazard can't join the team for final, Terry is also doubtful. But Benfica only lost Maxi Pereira because of suspended.

We predict Chelsea could win the game in 90 mins (normal time). What about you? Share here your prediction.

End of Era..And The New Beginning of Moyes.

When Barcelona was eliminated by Bayern Munich in Champions League, people all over the world said this is the end of Barca’s era. But, in England now, the greatest manager just ended his era in Manchester United after 26 years, sir Alex Ferguson retired. And David Moyes will take over his job as the hardest job in the world.

Fergie and Manchester United was something that cannot be separated. United is Fergie and Fergie is United. Beside all of his lack which always shown, we must admit that Fergie is the best manager in England or in the world is the last two decades. He found new young players, took care of them, created them as a new stars. He got many kind of titles and still not forget to give a little controversy for mass media all over the world. Perfect!

That’s the end of an era. Hashtags #thankyousiralex in Twitter run as fast as Usain Bolt and fulfill all over timeline in the world, more than Obama when he won the President election. Many mass media make a tribute for Fergie and not forget to give a question: Who will replace him in Old Trafford?

United did not let the world waiting too long, just needed one day to announce their new manager. Get a six years contract, from Scotland, ex Everton manager, his name is David Moyes and Fergie chose him.

What we can say about Moyes? 10 years without any single title in Everton, just a black horse for the big four in EPL, never won the European Competition, even failed every time Everton played in Europa League. It will be a really new era for Manchester United.

So, what’s the special point of Moyes? He can develop young players, he can develop the team with minimum budget. Everton is the real sample, Everton really don’t have much money like Liverpool, sometimes they can’t buy a single player. Imagine, if Everton was handled by a wrong guy, this team could be end in Championship Division not EPL.

Not when this team was handled by Moyes. He knew that Everton have no money. He chose to create player instead of buying players. Moyes was well known as a manager who can make his team fight until the end, like a character of United.

Outside there, many people think that this is a genius way to starts a new era, and many people think this is a blunder, many of them think this is a betting.

They must remember, 26 years ago, there was a Scottish in Manchester United, started a new era after Matt Busby, and we all know the story.

Will  history repeat itself?

In Moyes, We Bet.

Fergie, Bobby Charlton and Manchester United board have already selected David Moyes as the new manager of Manchester United. Many famous names had been mentioned to replaced Fergie in Old Trafford, starting with Mourinho, Klopp,  Jupp Heynckes, but why Moyes?

Mourinho already proved that he can win many trophy instantly in every club he managed. But, we might be forget that Mou is not good to produce a young star player. Then we must choose Jurger Klopp who already proved with his young stars players in Borussia Dortmund, but once again Dortmund said no for this gossip. What about Heynckes? Ah, even after this he will have no job, but United still no need him.

What Fergie and United’s management board think was how to build a team with  young players and combine them with star players even when United.. let say, they have no money. That’s why Manchester United choose David Moyes.

Fellaini, Tim Cahill, Lescott, Wayne Rooney, Mikel Arteta, and many others players that Moyes has created are still great until now. Everton only had 800.000 budget pound almost in every season, but they can still stand up to Liverpool in Premier League leaderboard. Just for your information, Liverpool have a 50.000.000 Pounds to buy players every season.

Remember! Fergie loves to bet. He bets for a horse race, he bets to rotate a team, he best to buy some “non-famous” players, and now we see Fergie bet again for his successor. In Moyes, we bet.

Do you trust  Fergie’s instinct?

AC Milan vs Roma Betting Tips

Serie A: AC Milan vs Roma (AH: 0:3/4)

AC Milan have won 10 of their last 11 home matches in Serie A.
AC Milan have scored at least 2 goals in their last 3 matches against Roma in all competitions.
AC Milan need to secure a victory at the San Siro in order to secure third place and a spot in the Champions League next season.

The new Batistuta, Osvaldo will be supported by Totti and Lamela from the off, with Destro on the bench.
Roma are still aiming to secure a spot in the Europa League, but also have the Coppa Italia final against Lazio to prepare for.

This game could be the last big match in Serie A this season. We think the goal will be many but tight. Draw is a fair result for both.

Wolfsburg vs Dortmund Betting Tips

Bundesliga: Wolfsburg vs Dortmund (AH: 1/2:0)

Dortmund will use this match as a stretch to play the big game versus Bayern Munich in UCL's Final at end of May.
Gotze still injured, means Gundogan will play as a second striker. With Reus back to the team, Klopp have an option to play the best formation.

And Wolfsburg still have a hope to join the Europa League, they can pray lets Hamburg slipped.
Remember, Wolfsburg are undefeated in their last 8 matches in the Bundesliga.

This gonna be a tight match. But Dortmund who have more completed team can beat down Wolfsburg. Still have a good power to win more than ONE goal.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Hannover betting tips

Bundesliga: Bayer Leverkusen vs Hannover (AH: 0:1 1/2)


Give a honour for Manuel Friedrich who could get a chance from the start in his last home game for Leverkusen.
The great stats for Leverkusen is they have kept a clean sheet in their last 5 home matches against Hannover in all competitions.
And They are undefeated in 17 of their last 19 home matches in the Bundesliga.

Hannover must win this game (with many goals) to keep their chance to go to Europa League.

Hard game for Hannover, because Leverkusen have a good record every time they meet. Leverkusen will win the with minimum 2 goals.

Battle of Wizard: Juan Mata vs Gareth Bale.

Chelsea will host Tottenham Hotspurs in a London Derby tomorrow, the title of the game is London Derby, but the content is battle for Champions League ticket. The game between The Blues vs The Spurs and the battle of their Wizard, Juan Mata vs Gareth Bale.

Juan Mata:

Juan Mata is a great player who can control the game and open the space to create a chance. He is a master of passing like Spanish people usual. Mata already produced 12 assist in Premier League this season, the highest. And had 10 goals from 32 games. Defensive player of Spurs must be mark him tightly and of course prevent not make a fault 20 meters from the net, Mata is good enough to execute a freekick. If Benitez put Mata behind the striker or as a right attacking midfield, he will be more dangerous. At that attacking midfield center (AMC) position Mata produced 8 goals and 11 assist in all competition, and in attacking midfield right (AMR) position, Mata produced 6 goals and 7 assist in all competition. That’s why Spurs’s defence must be careful with The Spanish Wizard.

Gareth Bale:

Speed, powerful shot are his weapon. When he played, he remembered us with Cristiano Ronaldo but without tricky dribbling. Bale already transformed from the left back until the attacking left winger. Already produced 20 goals and 4 assist in Premier League this season make PFA awarded him with a PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of The Year. Same with Mata, Bale become more dangerous if AVB put him on AMC or AML position because of he left footed.

And here we give a statistic perfomances of Juan Mata and Gareth Bale in season 2012/2013:

Who will be the winner between Spanish Wizard vs Welsh Wizard?

Manchester City Lost in Two Months From Manchester United

Manchester City down in two months.

Ya, Manchester United already sealed the EPL title. But, did you know that The Red Devils only needed two months to kick Manchester City from the Race?

First matchday in EPL was a bad day for Manchester Red, they lost 1-0 at Goodison Park, and of course people feel doubt with Manchester United which has campaign to grab the title from Manchester City. The problem is, Manchester United always like that every season. But this season they showed us that they can get the first position in 10^th week.

Although, United drop to 2^nd position because lost in Norwich’s home and City crushed Aston Villa by 5-0. But that is the last time Manchester City stay on top. Because the next week Manchester United won after Reading with a tight score 1-0. Meanwhile City draw at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s home.

December become the differentiator between the Manchester Duo. As usual Santa Claus back for the Red Devils. They played six times, won five and only one draw ahead Swansea plus the party at Etihad Stadium. Poor The Citizens, because in this month, they lost from Sunderland and draw with Everton at home.

February became a last story for Manchester Blue, they only had one won, one lost and a draw from three games. And Manchester United won all the game. Plus a lost from Goodison Park for Manchester City, the points gap became 15.

The rest story was Manchester City had no more power and passion to chaseUnited who has more passion to seal the title.

For all Manchester United fans, please wait for the trophy at Old Trafford.

Barcelona vs Bayern Munich Betting Tips

Semifinal UCL 2nd Leg:
Barcelona vs Bayern Munich (AH: 0:3/4) (AGG: 0:4)

So, this is the end of Spanish club? Okay, the mission is very impossible for El Barca, but there is a hope. Maybe referee, if you know what i mean.

Actually, back to betting tips. With Messi in doubtful condition and Puyol still injured, Barca will get another difficult match like on 1st leg. The key is first goal. Who ever scores first, the match will be easier for them. We predict Barca could win the game, but not enough to go to final in Wembley.

Jose Mourinho returns to Chelsea??

Jose Mourinho gives hints to come back to Chelsea

Jose Mourinho makes the headlines for the media with his post-match press conference. After his team, Real Madrid was out from Champions League, he spoke openly to media about his future. He will make an announcement at the end of the Spanish La Liga season but last night he gave strong indication that he will be back to his former club, Chelsea FC.

Here is the video

In this interview above it's clear that it's England that he want to go next season. He speaks of the fans and media loving him. Then, the most important part of all, he talked of being loved by "some clubs" and makes a point of saying "Especially one" which is as obvious as he could make it without naming Chelsea. 

What do you think people? Could he back to The Blues?