How the Priciest Rivalry Went Down: El Clasico

        “El Clasico.” The name itself emits quite an aura of prestige. It has within it a deeply rooted rivalry. El Clasico refers to any game between Real Madrid and Barcelona, the two biggest and most expensive clubs in Spain. With so much hype and excitement for the most recent game, which was played yesterday, October 25^th, it certainly lived up to its expectations. But then again, how could a match featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi not be mesmerizing? Let alone, the countless other stars on each team made it seem like an all-star match displaying the world’s best 22 players.  There is a reason this event was tagged as the “billion dollar game,” as both teams starting players amount to ridiculous expenses.

           

The Real Madrid and Barcelona attacking trios

            It didn’t take very long for the match to get into the swing of things at The Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid’s home stadium. Luis Suarez, who made his debut for Barcelona after being suspended 4 months for a notorious biting incident, made his impact immediately.  Attacking down the right flank, he lifted his head and sent a dazzling 30-yard ball that landed perfectly on Neymar’s feet. Neymar took the ball across the Madrid defense and stuck a low shot in the corner past Casillas to give Barcelona the lead in the 4^th minute, hushing the 70,000 plus Real Madrid fans. The Madrid defense seemed to be asleep, and center back Pepe gave Neymar way too much space. The chemistry between Suarez and Neymar was brilliant, as Suarez took note of Neymar’s backward movement and put a ball on a dime to Neymar. The controversy of Barcelona coach Luis Enrique starting Suarez seemed to pay off. However, Barcelona’s lead wouldn’t last forever.

            In the 35^th minute, Real Madrid defender Marcelo went on a surging run down the left-hand side, and whipped in a low cross in the box that struck the hand of Barcelona center back Gerard Pique. The referee awarded a penalty kick, and Ronaldo rose to the challenge, and slotted the ball past Barcelona keeper Claudio Bravo, who hadn’t conceded a goal in the past 7 league matches.  The half ended at 1-1, with Real Madrid looking to capitalize on their momentum.

Ronaldo taking a penalty kick

            The explosive attack of Real Madrid proved too much for Barcelona to handle. Just five minutes after the start of the second half, Real Madrid midfielder Tony Kroos curled in a corner that met the rising head of Pepe, who redeemed himself after his defensive mistake earlier in the game, and headed the ball into the net. 

            And then in the 60^th minute, Barcelona coach Enrique subbed off Xavi for Ivan Rakitić, the Croatian midfielder.  Rakitić’s first touch of the game was taking a corner kick, which was cleared by Real Madrid, who sparked a lightning quick counter attack. Madrid attacker Isco stole the ball off of Barcelona star Iniesta at halfway, and released the ball to the Real Madrid attackers who were charging up field. In a counter attack that was executed in textbook style, Karim Benzema finished off the elegant play by sliding a ball past Bravo to extend Madrid’s lead.

Karim Benzema finishing off a classic Real Madrid counter attack

Click to watch Real Madrid's amazing counter attack

            With Madrid leading 3 to 1, the game was opened up, as Barcelona had to commit numbers forward, leaving themselves vulnerable defensively. Although the score line remained at 3 to 1, Real Madrid continued to attack with a menace that was intriguing to watch. Barcelona did manage to control a majority of possession, however, it was Real Madrid who took the most shots and ultimately capitalized on the day.

            For the 500 million fans that watched the game world wide, I think it is safe to say that everyone enjoyed what they saw. Both teams played with a fluidity and skill level that made the performance seem like a work of art. The ridiculous ball control and the fast pace movement displayed was among the best in the world. And with that win, Real Madrid has inched up closer in the La Liga table, now just 1 point behind first place Barcelona. The next El Classico matchup between these two Spanish Giants is set for mid March. Whatever happens between now and then, it is probably safe to say that the game will be another one for the history books.

7th place? What must Manchester United do to Win the Premier League?

When Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down as manager for Manchester United in 2013, fans around the world couldn’t help but wonder what the future would hold. Ferguson’s 27 years as manager saw some of the brightest times at Manchester United, including multiple trophies and championships, financial prosperity, and world popularity. In essence, succeeding a manager who achieved so much success seemed to be no easy task—and that was proven, as Manchester United finished a mere 7^th place following Ferguson’s exit. David Moyes, who was Ferguson’s successor during the 13’/14’ season, was sacked as manger after an uninspiring 10 month stint that left Manchester United fans feeling somewhat in despair.  When current Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal took over the job for the Red Devils this past May, Manchester United fans felt a sense of relief, optimism and hope for the future. The former World Manager of the Year has experience under his belt at big clubs such as Barcelona and Bayern Munich—a resume which David Moyes lacked. However, Manchester United still sit in only 7^th place after winning only 2 of their first 6 games in the English Premier League. But Manchester United fans shouldn’t fret, as the squad has all of the utilities to be successful…well most of them.

 

Previous Manager David Moyes, who was fired after 10 months in charge

Clearly, some things at Manchester United needed to change. And that’s just what happened. Van Gaal spent a whopping $248 million during United’s last transfer window, which resulted in superstars Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Ander Herrera, Daley Blind, Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo joining the club. With the immense talent that these players possess along with the quality of players already on the team such as Rooney, Van Persie and Carrick, its evident Manchester United have the skill necessary to challenge for the Premier League Title. But if skill was everything, the winner could be decided on paper. There are a variety of other important details required to succeed, not just in soccer, but in all sports. And Manchester United must solve their troubles in order to make a run for the Title.

New signing Angel Di Maria and manager Louis van Gaal

Arguably the most blatantly obvious dilemma Manchester United faces is their lack of stability and quality in their central defense. United spent almost a quarter billion dollars during the previous transfer window, yet did not acquire a single central defender—a position which needs to be filled. An assertive and dominant center back is essential for any winning team. At the heart of the defense, center backs thwart opposing attacks, maintain the team’s composure and solidity, assert commands and instructions, and serve as the team’s backbone. Although Manchester united has scored 11 goals in their first 6 games, they’ve conceded 9 goals. That’s a 1.22 goals scored to conceded ratio, which ranks meekly compared with league leaders Chelsea, whose ratio is 2.7. I’m no mathematician, but there is a significant difference in these ratios, especially so early on in the season. Securing a supreme center back should be the number 1 priority for Van Gaal during the next transfer window this January.

Another question that seems to have arisen is Manchester United’s leadership. Wayne Rooney, the current captain, contains all of the qualities a team would want in their captain. He is a tireless worker, a warrior in the air, fierce in tackles, a versatile goal scorer and prolific team player. He’s been at United for a decade. He’s experienced ups and downs. He’s shown his loyalty. He plays with his heart on his sleeve. But, there’s one thing that he must control if he will lead United to success. His temper. Rooney has become somewhat notorious for his short temper, which isn’t an invalid classification, as he has earned 109 yellow cards and 6 red cards in his career. This past weekend, Wayne Rooney received a red card after blatantly kicking an opposing player, making no attempt for the ball. Not only did his red card jeopardize United’s lead, Rooney is now unavailable for the next 3 matches, which includes a match against the in form and league leading Chelsea. So, is Rooney the right man in charge?

Wayne Rooney receiving a red card after hacking Stewart Downing

I believe he is.  Not only was this his first red card in over 5 years (proving his maturity), he admitted his mistake. “I knew at the time that I misjudged it. It is a red card and I don’t think it will benefit anyone to appeal against the decision,” announced the striker. The burning desire to win that exists within Rooney is what makes him the fantastic player he is. It drives him to work harder than anyone and makes his will to win exceed anyone. As long as he utilizes his impulse to win in a positive manner, and doesn’t let his temper supersede, there is not a better player, teammate and fighter who is more fit to lead than Wayne Rooney.

The manager is confident. The skill and quality in the players is present. The leadership is powerful. With maybe one or two central defenders, there is no doubt that Manchester United has what it takes to make a run for the Premier League trophy. Don’t count them off just yet; it is Manchester United after all.

The Growth of MLS and the Influx of Stars

      On July 21^st, 2007, nineteen cameras were focused on one of the world’s most iconic athletes, superstars and role models as he made his professional debut for the Los Angeles Galaxy. That man is David Beckham.  This hype, of course, was well deserved. Although many Americans may not have been soccer fans back when Beckham ventured to the United States, a five year $250 million dollar deal is going to turn heads and draw speculation no matter what the subject is.  Beckham left renowned Spanish soccer giants Real Madrid for the Los Angeles Galaxy in the summer of 2007, and the rest is history.

       Looking back, over the past 7 years, the influence of Beckham’s move to America and playing for a Major League Soccer (MLS) team can be widely debated. However, in terms of gaining fan popularity, the notable increase in other European players coming to the US and the expanding number of professional teams in the MLS, it is safe to say Beckham’s impact on the growth of the sport in the U.S. has been prodigious. In 2012, an ESPN poll determined that soccer was America's second-most popular sport for those aged 12-24, with the NFL listed as most popular. And on May 7^th 2014, an ESPN poll showed that MLS equaled popularity with Major League Baseball among kids. For a league that hasn’t even had its 20^th season yet, MLS is making serious strides. And there is no evidence of this growth slowing anytime soon.

      

       Recently, MLS announced the establishment of its 20^th team, New York City FC, that is expected to begin playing in the 2015 season. The team’s first signing, 32 year old Spanish striker David Villa, has won a World Cup and a European Cup with Spain. And if that initial signing wasn’t enough to kick start NYFC on the right path, the signing of Frank Lampard, a prominent English Footballer who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, surely will bring excitement, hype and popularity to US soccer fans. An additional team being added to MLS is one thing, but to have two world class stars with immense experience playing at the highest level, such as Villa and Lampard, be among the club’s first few signings proves that the league’s talent pool is continuing to expand and is clear evidence that the game itself is flourishing here in the States.

Prior to 2007, less than 100 European players had been playing in the MLS. Since 2007, the year Beckham arrived in the US, over 160 European players have made the move to MLS. Also, over 100 different nationalities have been represented in the MLS, proving its diversity, which is essential to attracting talent from all over the world and a key to the league’s long term success. 

       The talent that the US national team displayed at the 2014 World Cup and the excitement the team generated seemed to signal to the world that the US is not far off from becoming a dominant force in world soccer. The influx of talent and stardom to the MLS as well as the growing popularity of the sport reveal the positive direction in which American soccer is headed. With all of this progress made in a league only in its 19^th season, one can only imagine the heightened quality of the league in another 19 years. And with a world class soccer league in the United States, the perfect platform would be set for America to truly be a contender to win the World Cup! 

A World Cup to be Remembered: Yet the Most Important Issue Lacks Proper Attention

The 2014 World Cup will go down in history as one of the greatest World Cup tournaments ever, for so many different reasons. The tournament displayed everything: attacking soccer at its finest with an average of 2.7 goals per game, Suarez biting his Italian opponent Giorgio Chiellini, the dazzling skills of Neymar and Messi, James Rodriguez proving his worth as a rising star. Upsets. Yellow cards. PKs. Controversial calls. It was all there, and will be talked about for years to come. Except there was one issue that appeared to receive a little bit of attention, but was quickly washed away in the ensuing excitement of the tournament: concussions and proper medical attention.

From the beginning of the Cup this issue was brought to light. During Uruguay’s group stage match against England, Alvaro Pereira was knocked unconscious, clearly suffering a concussion. Yet, as the medical team was assessing him, he shooed them away, as the need to finish the game and fulfill his “warrior” status for his team weighed superior to his health. What player is not going to try and fight to stay on the pitch and play for his country on the biggest stage in world soccer? That’s exactly the problem. The player should not be the one to give the jurisdiction that they are healthy enough to continue playing.  Adrenaline, pressure, nerves and the excitement that a player experiences in the heat of a match contribute to their ability and desire to play through anything, as if they are invincible.

Taylor Twellman, former U.S soccer star whose career was cut short after suffering a serious concussion, was one of many who conveyed the importance of concussion protocol. A prominent analyst and commentator of the tournament, Twellman voiced his opinion on the matter loudly and clearly via television and social media, even tweeting at FIFA president Sepp Blatter,  “Hey ‪@SeppBlatter let me know when you want to address head injuries in our game. Pereira should've been taken off. Has to stop. ‪#URUvsENG” The controversy ensued following the game, with writers, analysts and fans alike discussing the matter and the need for change. Yet, the issue seemed to dwindle down as the tournament progressed, despite the multiple head injuries endured from the group stages to the final.

And on came the World Cup Final, where Germany faced Argentina in a thrilling match that wasn’t settled until extra time, where Mario GÖtze displayed a piece of magic, trapping a ball from André Schürrle on his chest and volleying the ball past Romero into the side netting. Brilliant. And no doubt, the goal dubbed all of the headlines following the game. However, two serious incidents occurred during the game, which continued to be neglected. Concussions.

In the 17th minute, German midfielder Christoph Kramer suffered a heavy blow to the face in a collision with Argentina defender Ezequiel Garay. It was evident to anyone watching that he appeared disoriented and concussed. His medical staff addressed him, yet he continued to play for 14 minutes before being subbed off in the 31^st minute, clearly unable to continue. Gonzalo Higuain also received a serious knock to the head on a collision with German goalie Manuel Neuer, yet received no attention. (video of Higuain can be viewed here) http://thebiglead.com/2014/07/13/gonzalo-higuain-was-leveled-by-manuel-neuer-during-world-cup-final/

The scare of suffering concussions and secondary concussions is not properly addressed by FIFA and continues to present a hazard to players at all levels. The professionals at the World Cup are the role models of millions of young soccer players, who act and base their performance off of their favorite players. So what is a young boy going to do when he gets a concussion in the finals of his local tournament? Pereira played on after getting hit. Kramer played on for a little as well after being knocked in the head. Of course, the boy will probably play on, or at least try to. The ripple effect of the players at the highest professional levels has a serious impact on the youth and rest of the world. For concussion protocol to be effective, it must start at the professional level and be followed in every league and every nation. And for those who protest that this is an unwanted change to soccer and isn’t “traditional”, look at the changes being made in modern soccer. We now have goal line technology, so why not have concussion protocol?

FIFA must take a step in order to alleviate this issue and promote player health and safety as the number one priority. Whether it is a 2-minute test given to a player on the field after suffering a head injury, a temporary substitution or cognitive computer test, something must be done. In a world as technologically advanced as we live in today, there is no excuse why the causes, effects and symptoms of concussions are not properly addressed.