World Cup and European leagues

[Hoosier Titan]

Well, Gillette, Hicks, and company seem to have sacked Rafa Benitez.  I'd like to believe it's not true, but it's now on the BBC.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/8719210.stm

How much sense does it make, when money is short, to pay £16 million in severance pay to a manager who seems bound for Inter Milan--the European Champions?  He's good enough for Inter but not good enough for Liverpool?  And they waited until the outspoken players--Reina, Carragher, Torres, and Gerrard--were all off at the World Cup. 

This seems an obvious ploy to get rid of a manager who made waves.   Bad times at Anfield Road, and getting worse fast.

I'm gutted.

You're going so Brit on us, we won't understand a word you say by the time you return to the colonies!

Oi, mate!  I weren't half gobsmacked by the news last night, and I weren't at all chuffed that them Yanks sent our Rafa to the knackerman! 

Translation available upon request. 

It appears that they offered him £3 million to go quietly.  I don't know what's on the horizon.  Frankly, I don't know why anyone of comparable stature would want the job right now.  Some have talked about Hughes or Hiddink, but I think they're dreaming.  Moyes is a great manager, but I think that would be a non-starter for a number of reasons (color them red and blue).  People seem divided over what this will mean for keeping Torres and Gerrard, above all.  Mascherano might have been gone anyway.  I'm of the opinion that they might all decide it's going to take too long to get sorted and go elsewhere, which is why I am unhappy.  This was a horrible year, but there has been steady progress under Benitez every other year. 

The problem is Gillette and Hicks, who have dumped debt from their other "investment" sports franchises onto Liverpool's back.  Now they say they want to sell, their price is vastly overinflated, and Rafa takes the fall.

The most insightful observer of Liverpool I've found is Paul Tomkins.  He writes occasional pieces for the Liverpool FC site and has his own website, tomkinstimes.com.  Be warned, though, it's not non-partisan!

Thanks for letting me vent!

[Hoosier Titan]

I assume that everyone has heard that Altidore has a mild ankle sprain?  Looks like he should be ready for South Africa, but probably not for the friendly against Australia.  BBC News has just reported that Rio Ferdinand has gone to hospital with a knee injury.

Here's a free article from the Tomkins site I mentioned before.  Alan Hansen was a legendary center (I didn't type "centre, Mr. Ypsi!) back for Liverpool in the glory years of the 80s and is an ever-present commentator.  At the beginning of this season he picked Liverpool to WIN the EPL.  Now he says that Benitez is leaving the club weaker than he found it.  Go figure....

http://tomkinstimes.com/2010/06/please-mr-hansen-check-your-facts/

Finally, a little levity from the Onion.  Haven't we all felt like this?

http://www.theonion.com/articles/nations-soccer-fan-becoming-insufferable,17553/

[ScotsFan]

I assume that everyone has heard that Altidore has a mild ankle sprain?  Looks like he should be ready for South Africa, but probably not for the friendly against Australia.  BBC News has just reported that Rio Ferdinand has gone to hospital with a knee injury.

I'm glad the severity of Jozy's sprain isn't too serious.  I think not having him for their final tune-up vs. the Aussies won't be such a bad thing.  It'll give Bradley one last look at what Buddle and Gomez can bring to the table and also give Findley another look up front as well. 

And Rio Ferdinand was injured???  Hearing news of another Ferdinand injury is beginning to be like hearing news of grass being green...   

[sac]

Confirmed Ferdinand out.........also Droghba is out with a broken arm.

[ScotsFan]

Confirmed Ferdinand out.........also Droghba is out with a broken arm.

So much for the Ivory Coast as Cup contenders...

[sac]

Confirmed Ferdinand out.........also Droghba is out with a broken arm.

So much for the Ivory Coast as Cup contenders...

Now they say Droghba could still play, but I find that doubtful since he had surgery just today.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Confirmed Ferdinand out.........also Droghba is out with a broken arm.

So much for the Ivory Coast as Cup contenders...

Now they say Droghba could still play, but I find that doubtful since he had surgery just today.

Probably correct, but unless you are the keeper, who needs an arm?!

I do feel bad for Drogba and the Ivory Coast.

[Hoosier Titan]

Today's crop of injuries includes John Obi Mikel (Nigeria), Michael Essien (Ghana), and Arjen Robben (Holland).  Will there be anyone left in a week?

http://ca.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idCATRE6542UW20100605

[sac]

Woody Harrelson scores the winning PK in a charity game..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxdkyk8-Jm4&feature=player_embedded

not exactly a thunderbolt

[Hoosier Titan]

Woody Harrelson scores the winning PK in a charity game..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxdkyk8-Jm4&feature=player_embedded

not exactly a thunderbolt

Hey, what do you expect from a guy who took up the game at the age of 40?

We saw the game, which was actually a lot of fun.  England had Sheringham and Shearer, while the Rest of the World had Zidane, Larssen, and Giggs.  A celebrity boxer actually scored during open play.  The stars were the celebrity keepers, Patrick Kielty and Jamie Theakston, who did very well indeed in the second half.  The real players didn't take part in the shootout, and the keepers were better than the shooters.  Gordon Ramsay, the foul-mouthed chef, is actually a decent defender, as is Mike Myers. 

[ChicagoHopeNut]

Confirmed Ferdinand out.........also Droghba is out with a broken arm.

So much for the Ivory Coast as Cup contenders...

Now they say Droghba could still play, but I find that doubtful since he had surgery just today.

Probably correct, but unless you are the keeper, who needs an arm?!

I do feel bad for Drogba and the Ivory Coast.

The reports today are Drogba has rejoined the team in Switzerland and will travel to South Africa with the team.  Drogba can be replaced on the roster up until next Monday. My guess is if they have any hope Drogba could play even the third group game that he stays on the roster.

[Hoosier Titan]

Inter Milan confirm Rafa Benitez will be their new manager:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8724605.stm

Good news for Rafa, and good news for Inter. 

[sac]

Nani is out for Portugal

[ECSUalum]

Confirmed Ferdinand out.........also Droghba is out with a broken arm.

So much for the Ivory Coast as Cup contenders...

Now they say Droghba could still play, but I find that doubtful since he had surgery just today.

Probably correct, but unless you are the keeper, who needs an arm?!

I do feel bad for Drogba and the Ivory Coast.

Thierry Henry

[sac]

Onyewu and  Altidore can reportedly go 90 vs England.   This is good news.