International Weekend: European Powerhouses Maintain Euro 2012 Charge

This weekend marked the returned to international football for Europe as the powerhouses maintained their dominance although with some difficulties. 

UEFA Champions League Wednesday: Semi-Final 2nd Leg @ Old Trafford

Will it be Manchester United again or a Schalke surprise?


Schalke 04 travel to Old Trafford where they will attempt to accomplish what Real Madrid failed to do yesterday, come back from a 2-0 deficit against Manchester United. Manchester United look to book a trip to Wembley where they would face the team that beat them 2 seasons ago in Rome. 

Four Years Later, Home-Base Rules Again...Ehh Sorta

Four years ago, we witnessed an Italian national side grind it's way through 7 matches and eventually claim it's 4th World Cup title. What was interesting about this special squad above everything else was that all 23 of their players were based at Italian clubs, a feat that no other national super power could emulate. The only other side who posted a squad comprised of domestic based players was Saudi Arabia. This interesting fact was touched upon by a few pundits and commentators as perhaps having a definite impact upon Italian success. Although the 23 did not all play at the same club, playing at home seemed to offer a better sense of understanding between the players and possibly better comradery.

4 Years Later, A Generation Comes To An End Another Begins

Zidane and Figo exchange jerseys signaling the end of a generation.

It was only 4 years ago that we were still watching veterans Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo suit up for Real Madrid. Chelsea was playing football the Ranieri style and Arsenal finished perfect. The so called minnows Monaco and FC Porto featured in the UEFA Champion's League final which ended in a 3 goal inspired win for Porto by big time new comer Deco. The "Special One" was born and we embarked on Euro 2004.