And so it was. 20 teams, 220+ players, 5 weeks , 1160+ minutes of football. 88 goals scored. Capacity crowd every Monday and Thursday. Its hard to deny that this year's UWIFA's tournament has been successful to say the least and the moment we have all been waiting for is here.. THE FINAL !! Bragging rights for a whole year and the much coveted trophy are up for grabs
Borussia Dortmund v Ajax
The big clash. The main event. This one promises to be an evenly contested fixture and I cant even decide who will win this one. Both teams are unbeaten and only conceeded one goal between them. Ajax defeated LA Galaxy and Chelsea in the quarter finals and semi finals respectively to reach the final. Dortmund did the Manchester clean sweep by defeating City in the quarter finals and United in the semi's.
Ajax will be touted as favorites for this one but after their performance against Chelsea their weaknesses were exposed. After arguing amongst themselves their play broke down and almost paid for their mistakes and are some what lucky to have reached the finals. Dortmund however have kept composed throughout the competition and have rarely had a threat to deal with and this is in evidence to them not conceding a goal yet. Still, Dortmund have some weak links in their chain and even though Dean Bradshaw has rarely been tested tonight he will have some work to do.
Ajax have the quicker players and this can undo Dortmund. Rene Best will be leading the line tonight and his quick pace , close dribbling and equally close control can unsettle the always composed Dortmund back line. The midfield battle will be one to relish. Expect a physical and skillful display in the middle of the park today from both sides as they battle to victory. As both teams are a mixture of UWI FC's coaching staff and players every one will be familiar of each others playing strengths and weaknesses. This will make for one exciting fixture.
Really dont have a winner here but I can say it will be an exciting match ! Probably will go down to penalties but all I can say is good luck to both teams.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
UWIFA SEMI FINAL REVIEWS
N.B. Lost all of my notes on my phone so I cant give an in depth review of these matches as I would have liked.
Manchester United 0 - 2 Borussia Dortmund
Evenly contested match as first predicted with both teams moving the ball well on the wet surface and both having a fair number of shots at goal. Dash's first half heroics kept Dortmund at bay. The Manchester keeper's heroics continued into the second half but did not last long as Ricky opened the scoring for Dortmund.
Manchester searched for an equalizer and were undone by a Dortmund counter that resulted in a Man Utd own goal.
Ajax 1- 0 Chelsea
The match of the night as Chelsea almost made it to the final ahead of Ajax. Match was evenly contested with both teams riding their luck in the first half but Ajax seemed to lose the plot as tempers flared and they were arguing among themselves. Shavar Jones kept his side in the match with two point blank saves and was fortunate to see Justin Luke's drive clip the post. Tazieo Riley would however win it for Ajax as his deflected shot beat Hosea Boyce for Ajax to advance to the semi finals.
Manchester United 0 - 2 Borussia Dortmund
Evenly contested match as first predicted with both teams moving the ball well on the wet surface and both having a fair number of shots at goal. Dash's first half heroics kept Dortmund at bay. The Manchester keeper's heroics continued into the second half but did not last long as Ricky opened the scoring for Dortmund.
Manchester searched for an equalizer and were undone by a Dortmund counter that resulted in a Man Utd own goal.
Ajax 1- 0 Chelsea
The match of the night as Chelsea almost made it to the final ahead of Ajax. Match was evenly contested with both teams riding their luck in the first half but Ajax seemed to lose the plot as tempers flared and they were arguing among themselves. Shavar Jones kept his side in the match with two point blank saves and was fortunate to see Justin Luke's drive clip the post. Tazieo Riley would however win it for Ajax as his deflected shot beat Hosea Boyce for Ajax to advance to the semi finals.
Monday, 24 October 2011
UWIFA SEMI FINAL PREVIEWS MONDAY 24th OCTOBER 2011
Just two matches in tonight's action as the competition dwindles down. You in the back !! No need to cry, save your tears as tonight's match ups are sure to whet your appetite for football. Some short previews to tide you over.. See you tonight !!
Manchester United v Borussia Dortmund
This one is dubbed as "The clash of the Geriatrics" !! Ok im lying, but with both teams with an average age of 94 , keep the benjies one side as this one will get physical. Since both teams seen/heard their first match on Rediffusion (ok, my last old joke) they have the same style of slow patient passing. This will game will be played at the pace of a chess game as both minds try to unpick each other defence. Dortmund are yet to conceed a goal and after a resillient performance against City, United will have to do much better than their name sake did this weekend after their 6-1 thrashing (had to mention it).
Dortmund are yet to concede in the competition and United may blemish this record as they have a fairly decent attack. United would have to be wary of Dortmund though as they have scored in every game and the mix of youth and experience could catch them out speed wise. I'm expecting a physical midfield battle and slow concentrated play. The Red Devils may be caught out on the flanks as Dortmund have a tendency to play the ball wide.
I honestly dont know who I have to win this one but I think it would go all the way and the dreaded penalty shoot out would decide it
Ajax v Chelsea
After brushing their respective opposition aside in the quarter finals this should be an interesting and exciting match up. Chelsea were criticized in the group stages for their lack of goals and answered the critics by running rampant on Four-to ... sorry... Porto. Ajax were not starved for goals and the leading scorers are yet to score less than two in a game. More big performances are needed from Chelsea's Shaquille Layne, Tevyn Gill and che capitano Damien Small. The boys in blue are yet to win 2 games back to back. Ajax will probably need to step up another gear if they are to be beat the londoners as they are very solid in defence. As mentioned before, complacency can be their downfall if they do not take the opposition seriously.
Chelsea need to press their opponents fast and hope to catch their opponents on the counter. A strong attack and defensive display will be needed for Small and co. to advance towards the final and win "The Holy Grail". Ajax just need to continue their dominant performances that have seen them get this far to advance to the final.
I have Ajax for the win but Chelsea can provide the upset if they work hard.
SIDE BAR: Good Luck to everyone in their mid terms !!!
Manchester United v Borussia Dortmund
This one is dubbed as "The clash of the Geriatrics" !! Ok im lying, but with both teams with an average age of 94 , keep the benjies one side as this one will get physical. Since both teams seen/heard their first match on Rediffusion (ok, my last old joke) they have the same style of slow patient passing. This will game will be played at the pace of a chess game as both minds try to unpick each other defence. Dortmund are yet to conceed a goal and after a resillient performance against City, United will have to do much better than their name sake did this weekend after their 6-1 thrashing (had to mention it).
Dortmund are yet to concede in the competition and United may blemish this record as they have a fairly decent attack. United would have to be wary of Dortmund though as they have scored in every game and the mix of youth and experience could catch them out speed wise. I'm expecting a physical midfield battle and slow concentrated play. The Red Devils may be caught out on the flanks as Dortmund have a tendency to play the ball wide.
I honestly dont know who I have to win this one but I think it would go all the way and the dreaded penalty shoot out would decide it
Ajax v Chelsea
After brushing their respective opposition aside in the quarter finals this should be an interesting and exciting match up. Chelsea were criticized in the group stages for their lack of goals and answered the critics by running rampant on Four-to ... sorry... Porto. Ajax were not starved for goals and the leading scorers are yet to score less than two in a game. More big performances are needed from Chelsea's Shaquille Layne, Tevyn Gill and che capitano Damien Small. The boys in blue are yet to win 2 games back to back. Ajax will probably need to step up another gear if they are to be beat the londoners as they are very solid in defence. As mentioned before, complacency can be their downfall if they do not take the opposition seriously.
Chelsea need to press their opponents fast and hope to catch their opponents on the counter. A strong attack and defensive display will be needed for Small and co. to advance towards the final and win "The Holy Grail". Ajax just need to continue their dominant performances that have seen them get this far to advance to the final.
I have Ajax for the win but Chelsea can provide the upset if they work hard.
SIDE BAR: Good Luck to everyone in their mid terms !!!
UWIFA QUARTER FINAL REVIEWS THURSDAY 20th OCTOBER 2011
Barcelona (1) 1 - 1 (2) Manchester United
The first match of the night was a real nail biter. Barcelona, out in their new pink strip, where out to upset favourites Manchester United and take a place in the semi finals. The match started very tentatively with no team being able to take control of the game. Manchester United eventually settled first and could’ve been ahead after a Barca defensive mix up set Festus Drakes up with an easy chance. The Blaugrana defensive was nervy as they couldn’t find a way to deal with the threat of Mannchester but yet they rode their luck and held on. On a rare Barcelona attack Phillip LaFlouf made a delicious cross but no one at the back post to put them ahead. Man Utd kept piling on the pressure but just couldn’t find a way past the blaugrana. The match finished all square as the players went in at half time.
With 15 minutes to go and a place in the semi final at stake, Man Utd came back out with guns blazing. Dominating possession as they did in the first stringing together passes and making forays forward, something looked set to happen for the red devils. Barcelona would eventually take the lead as the opposition’s defence was caught out and a quick counter attack created a 4 v 1 situation and Kinte' Serrant (playing in goal in the first half) put Barcelona ahead. The staff team seemed to prove the critics that said they implode in the knock out stages right. Barcelona just had to hold out now and defend to defy the odds. Man United would however find the equaliser through a spectacular goal, Arise Sir Andre Lynch. Lynch picked up the ball in his half and walked into the Barcelona half unchallenged and let loose a cracking drive that left the keeper and defence shell shocked. Man United were back in it. The match would have an exciting end as both sides searched for the winner but to no avail. They would then go onto the dreaded penalty shoot out.
Man United would went on to win the penalty shoot out due to the heroics of their keeper ( simply known as “The Dash”) who saved Kenray Browne’s effort to send Barcelona crashing out of the tournament.
Manchester City 0 -2 Dortmund
In another David v Goliath battle Manchester City were out to upset the odds and continue on their remarkable run in the competition. Dortmund dominated from the off and an early 1 v 1 chance say Paul Murrell firing the ball into the side netting. The boys in blue were guilty of trying to turn defence into attack too fast and were losing possession easily in the process. Dortmund dominated the proceedings building the ball form the back and spraying their passes out wide, but they were not doing much in the attack and City’s defence stood strong. The resilient defence led by their captain, played with huge amounts of confidence and composure catching Dortmund players in possession and making rare forays forward. Dortmund’s pressure would however prove too much to handle but the impressive keeper Jelani saved his side as a fierce low shot was parried and pinged off the bar. Persistence paid off and a Dortmund corner caught City’s defence sleeping. Bostic’s low cross was dummied and finished off by Christian Renwick with an easy tap in.
City started the second half playing as they did in the opening 15 minutes. Christopher Alleyne, Stefano Periera and Jamal Clarke were linking in the attack as City searched for the equaliser. Dortmund thwarted all of these attacks and stood firm of any challenge. The match would however have a bad spot as tempers would flare between Clarke and Dortmund’s Henderson Forde over a rash challenge in the corner flag. Clarke would receive his marching orders for trying to fight, leaving his team in a lurch in an already difficult battle. Dortmund would dominate the rest of the match with chance after chance. Jelani Adams saved a spectaclur drive from Renwick and was saved by the cross bar from a shot by hendy. Dortmund would eventually make it 2 after a one touch passing move ended with Renwick finding Ryan Dates who put Manchester City out of their misery. Fair play to the city lads who should walk with their heads held high.
Ajax 4-0 LA Galaxy
Both teams would start the match missing key players. Ajax did not have Chad Bynoe and striker Omari Eastmond and LA Galaxy were without their solid defender Mikhael Dulal-Sealy. This game was all Ajax from the beginning to the end. The dutch would go ahead in the early after Rene Best skins an opponent and squared to Gregg Applewaithe who finished home. So quick was the dribble from Best that the defender hobbled off injured. Every time LA Galaxy were trying to kick start an attack the Ajax midfield and defence would intercept the play and turn it into a quick counter attack. Ajax had another chance to go ahead but Tazeio Riley would miss his easy one on one chance. The Dutch played a patient attack with precise passing and stretching out the opposition’s formation with wide passing eventually tiring them out. Tazieo would however make up for his indiscretions as Ajax literally walked in the second. A very easy game so far.
The second half would continue as the first as Ajax out muscled their weaker opposition with plaudits in the crowd declaring Caleb Morgan one of the defenders of the tournament. Square and Eto’o were trying very hard to work an attack for the galaxy but always found themselves surrounded by blue shirts. Best would power home the third as Renaldo Gilkes fierce cross across the goal mouth found him at the back post. LA Galaxy were done and dusted as it was evident on their exhausted faces and drenched shirts. Ajax started playing at walking pace keeping possession as it seemed they never moved out of first gear (or park ?) and they killed off the tie as Tito barrow scored the team’s fourth.
The dutch dominance continued and Galaxy couldn’t wait for the whistle to blow as they were sent packing out of the competition.
Chelsea 4-0 Porto
The marquee match. The Main event. This was supposed to be the first match, but overwhelming emails and letter requests forced organizers to save the best for the last. Ok I’m lying, but this match up was talked about even before the groups were drawn and it didn’t fail to disappoint. Daniel Rowe started in goal for the blues as Hosea Boyce was a no show. Possession was traded between the sides and Porto would have the first chance but Kurtley Clarke would scoop it over. Shaquille Layne would prove to be a head ache as he was causing the Porto defence problems in the early. Porto won a free kick and Kyle Smith stepped up to lash a shot straight into the top corner but Rowe was equal to the challenge and tipped it over. Chelsea would take the lead as a Tevyn Gill won a free kick and hit a daisy cutter which beat the keeper far too easy. The defence, Porto’s sideline and bench were bewildered to concede such a soft goal. Porto would step up their game and search for the equaliser through Stefan Ward but he missed an easy chance. Chelsea were growing in confidence and Captain Damien Small was dictating the proceedings from deep by supplying his attack of Layne and Christopher Austin. Porto kept pressing but were guilty of trying to do too much as their tricks and flicks were not coming off and couldn’t seem to string passes together. Gill who was having a storming game was the victim of a few rash challenges winning free kick after free kick. Christopher Greenidge would find Austin with a pass through the flat porto defence and he would finish it to make it two, Porto didn’t know what hit them.
After a poor flat first half display Porto went in to regroup and found out what went wrong, Chelsea were 15 minutes away from a semi final spot. The second would continue as the first with Chelsea dominating possession and with Porto not being able to conjure up an attack. Another poor defensive error allowed Gill to find Layne who scored his side’s third. Porto still seemed to be recovering from the first half (or a heavy lunch) as the team were playing very flat. Chelsea would rub salt in the wounds of Porto as Small took over the goalkeeping post to give Rowe a run out. Some of Porto’s substitutes would gear down and leave early as Chelsea continued to pass rings around them. Rowe would kill off the tie indefinitely by powering home a drive that was “too hot to handle” as the keeper got a touch but it went into the back of the net.
Porto were sent packing after a disappointing display and Chelsea would progress to meet Ajax in the semis.
NB: If you find the reviews/previews on this blog too harsh DEAL WITH IT !! We’re all adults here. No need to want to fight or come to blows over a blog about a SEVEN A SIDE TOURNAMENT.
“Sensitive Thugs ya’ll all need hugs” – Jay-Z ‘Heart of the City’
Thursday, 20 October 2011
UWIFA QUARTER FINAL PREVIEWS THURSDAY 20th OCTOBER 2011
CUE THE MUSIC !!
CUT THE MUSIC !!
Wasup UWIFA fans ! Sorry for the lack of previews and reviews, but a cocktail of presentations, tests and no internet had me tied up. But we're back ! Its the quarter final stage and of the 20 teams playing, 8 are left standing and are just a few steps closer to glory. Enough of the chit chat let's get to the previews.
FC Porto v Chelsea
Group C winners FC Porto will take on controversial Group A runners-up Chelsea in the night's first match. Chelsea made their way to the quarters in controversial means as it looked like they would be on their way out with Bayern leading the deciding match one nil, but the second half was postponed due to crowd unrest. Reports say that the Munich players took a bribe, as they didn't turn out for the rescheduled match even though they were winning. So Chelsea qualified automatically. Reports also state that a Chelsea player caused the fight in the crowd after his team was down in the first half.
Here are two teams that can pass the ball and keep possession. Both teams also have organized defences but each have suffered from the occasional lapse. Damian Small and friend Rico Holder will be controlling their respective teams mid field and would be the focal point to transition defence to attack. Chelsea's attack have not lived up to its expectation as it seems they would rather pass and dribble before shooting usually losing their opportunity to score. FC Porto however have capitalized on most of their chances as they are the competition's second highest goal scorers.
This game will go down to the wire and if I have to chose a winner it would be FC Porto. Chelsea conceded most of their goals due to pushing their players too high up the field and this is something Porto can capitalize on.
Players to watch
Chelsea: Damien Small, Christopher Austin and Daniel Rowe
FC Porto: Stefan Ward, Rajiv Worrell and Kyle Smith
Manchester United v Barcelona
Manchester United have lived up to expectations and dominated Group D with some impressive performances. Barcelona however rode their luck and finished runners-up in Group B after defeating Sao Paulo in the deciding fixture.
Manchester United should have an easy game if they play the same way they have been playing for the group stages with their patient build up and huge amounts of possession. The team will look to Clint Hurley and Festus Drakes to lead the attack as they have 2 goals a piece and have built up a good strike partnership. Barcelona will have to step up to the plate as they haven't been very impressive other than their amazing comeback win over Sao Paulo. In their last group game against Ajax they barely mustered up a fight against Ajax. Dafar and his troops should however put that behind them and go out to fight with a place in the semi finals as a reward.
Barcelona have it all to do against Manchester United and this calls for a strong defensive and attacking display. However it can be noted that staff teams usually lose the plot after the group stages and go crashing out of the competition. With that being said I still have Manchester United to take a place in the semis.
Players to watch:
Barcelona: Dafar Amour-Shillingford, Dannilo Hutchinson and Neal Hope
Manchester United: Clint Hurley, Festus Drakes and David Wood
Borrussia Dortmund v Manchester City
Dortmund are undefeated and have yet to conceded a goal to take hold of the "Group of death" Group A. Manchester City have proven the critics wrong with some shock wins and have emerged runners-up of Group C. After their shambolic opening performance against Porto many had written off the boys in blue but after going back to the drawing board, captain Tremaine Ishmael rallied the troops to some impressive showings.
One test they will be expected to fail however is their match up against the impressive Dortmund. With a potent attack and a stingy defence, Dortmund have steam rolled every team they played against with their slow precise passing. Christopher Renwick and Ricardo Goddard are controlling the play for the boys in yellow and can turn defence into attack with the blink of an eye. With a mixture of youth and experience, Borussia really should not have a hard time against the "footballers at heart" City. City should not play in fear against their prospective opponents. They should try to catch the opposition on the counter as they have much slower players. The defence should be kept organized and if that is breached, the impressive Jelani Adams should be ready to have a busy night at the office
I have Dortmund to advance into the semi final stage in what should be an easy game for them, but football plays on the day and the "minnows" City will be ready and raring and wont go down with out a fight.
Players to watch
Borussia Dortmund: Christopher Bostic, Dean Bradshaw and Ricardo Goddard
Manchester City: Stefano Pereira, Jamal Clarke and Tremaine Ishmael
Ajax v LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy are another surprise team in the quarter finals and they are also unbeaten with one win and 3 draws to qualify as runners-up in Group D. Ajax are also undefeated and lead the competitions scoring charts whilst only conceding once (Vamos Sao Paulo!) .
Galaxy will be looking to cause a major upset but the dutch powerhouses may be too much for them to handle. Despite only conceding once like Ajax they have only scored a mere 2 goals so capitalizing on their chances will be crucial. Ajax will seem to have this game won before the whistle is blown but as we know complacency can rear its ugly head and be very detrimental to a team's chances. Galaxy defenders would have the job of keeping Rene Best and Omari Eastmond quiet for the night as the two are in a personal race for most goals of the tournament. LA Galaxy should take up the catennacio style of Italiano defending and play for penalties.
Ajax should win this game comfortably but LA Galaxy would not go down without a fight
Players to watch:
LA Galaxy: Ramon Chandler, Kemar Trotman and Matthew Moore
Ajax: Omari Eastmond, Tazeio Riley and Tito Beckles
REMINDER TO ALL TEAMS !!
" At this stage of the compettition, only distributed team uniform shirts will be acceptable for play as well as strict enforcing of all other rules, shin pads, pants uniformity etc. " - Aundre Whartonc
CUT THE MUSIC !!
Wasup UWIFA fans ! Sorry for the lack of previews and reviews, but a cocktail of presentations, tests and no internet had me tied up. But we're back ! Its the quarter final stage and of the 20 teams playing, 8 are left standing and are just a few steps closer to glory. Enough of the chit chat let's get to the previews.
FC Porto v Chelsea
Group C winners FC Porto will take on controversial Group A runners-up Chelsea in the night's first match. Chelsea made their way to the quarters in controversial means as it looked like they would be on their way out with Bayern leading the deciding match one nil, but the second half was postponed due to crowd unrest. Reports say that the Munich players took a bribe, as they didn't turn out for the rescheduled match even though they were winning. So Chelsea qualified automatically. Reports also state that a Chelsea player caused the fight in the crowd after his team was down in the first half.
Here are two teams that can pass the ball and keep possession. Both teams also have organized defences but each have suffered from the occasional lapse. Damian Small and friend Rico Holder will be controlling their respective teams mid field and would be the focal point to transition defence to attack. Chelsea's attack have not lived up to its expectation as it seems they would rather pass and dribble before shooting usually losing their opportunity to score. FC Porto however have capitalized on most of their chances as they are the competition's second highest goal scorers.
This game will go down to the wire and if I have to chose a winner it would be FC Porto. Chelsea conceded most of their goals due to pushing their players too high up the field and this is something Porto can capitalize on.
Players to watch
Chelsea: Damien Small, Christopher Austin and Daniel Rowe
FC Porto: Stefan Ward, Rajiv Worrell and Kyle Smith
Manchester United v Barcelona
Manchester United have lived up to expectations and dominated Group D with some impressive performances. Barcelona however rode their luck and finished runners-up in Group B after defeating Sao Paulo in the deciding fixture.
Manchester United should have an easy game if they play the same way they have been playing for the group stages with their patient build up and huge amounts of possession. The team will look to Clint Hurley and Festus Drakes to lead the attack as they have 2 goals a piece and have built up a good strike partnership. Barcelona will have to step up to the plate as they haven't been very impressive other than their amazing comeback win over Sao Paulo. In their last group game against Ajax they barely mustered up a fight against Ajax. Dafar and his troops should however put that behind them and go out to fight with a place in the semi finals as a reward.
Barcelona have it all to do against Manchester United and this calls for a strong defensive and attacking display. However it can be noted that staff teams usually lose the plot after the group stages and go crashing out of the competition. With that being said I still have Manchester United to take a place in the semis.
Players to watch:
Barcelona: Dafar Amour-Shillingford, Dannilo Hutchinson and Neal Hope
Manchester United: Clint Hurley, Festus Drakes and David Wood
Borrussia Dortmund v Manchester City
Dortmund are undefeated and have yet to conceded a goal to take hold of the "Group of death" Group A. Manchester City have proven the critics wrong with some shock wins and have emerged runners-up of Group C. After their shambolic opening performance against Porto many had written off the boys in blue but after going back to the drawing board, captain Tremaine Ishmael rallied the troops to some impressive showings.
One test they will be expected to fail however is their match up against the impressive Dortmund. With a potent attack and a stingy defence, Dortmund have steam rolled every team they played against with their slow precise passing. Christopher Renwick and Ricardo Goddard are controlling the play for the boys in yellow and can turn defence into attack with the blink of an eye. With a mixture of youth and experience, Borussia really should not have a hard time against the "footballers at heart" City. City should not play in fear against their prospective opponents. They should try to catch the opposition on the counter as they have much slower players. The defence should be kept organized and if that is breached, the impressive Jelani Adams should be ready to have a busy night at the office
I have Dortmund to advance into the semi final stage in what should be an easy game for them, but football plays on the day and the "minnows" City will be ready and raring and wont go down with out a fight.
Players to watch
Borussia Dortmund: Christopher Bostic, Dean Bradshaw and Ricardo Goddard
Manchester City: Stefano Pereira, Jamal Clarke and Tremaine Ishmael
Ajax v LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy are another surprise team in the quarter finals and they are also unbeaten with one win and 3 draws to qualify as runners-up in Group D. Ajax are also undefeated and lead the competitions scoring charts whilst only conceding once (Vamos Sao Paulo!) .
Galaxy will be looking to cause a major upset but the dutch powerhouses may be too much for them to handle. Despite only conceding once like Ajax they have only scored a mere 2 goals so capitalizing on their chances will be crucial. Ajax will seem to have this game won before the whistle is blown but as we know complacency can rear its ugly head and be very detrimental to a team's chances. Galaxy defenders would have the job of keeping Rene Best and Omari Eastmond quiet for the night as the two are in a personal race for most goals of the tournament. LA Galaxy should take up the catennacio style of Italiano defending and play for penalties.
Ajax should win this game comfortably but LA Galaxy would not go down without a fight
Players to watch:
LA Galaxy: Ramon Chandler, Kemar Trotman and Matthew Moore
Ajax: Omari Eastmond, Tazeio Riley and Tito Beckles
REMINDER TO ALL TEAMS !!
" At this stage of the compettition, only distributed team uniform shirts will be acceptable for play as well as strict enforcing of all other rules, shin pads, pants uniformity etc. " - Aundre Whartonc
UWIFA QUARTER FINAL PREVIEWS THURSDAY 20th OCTOBER 2011
CUE THE MUSIC !!
CUT THE MUSIC !!
Wasup UWIFA fans ! Sorry for the lack of previews and reviews, but a cocktail of presentations, tests and no internet had me tied up. But we're back ! Its the quarter final stage and of the 20 teams playing, 8 are left standing and are just a few steps closer to glory. Enough of the chit chat let's get to the previews.
FC Porto v Chelsea
Group C winners FC Porto will take on controversial Group A runners-up Chelsea in the night's first match. Chelsea made their way to the quarters in controversial means as it looked like they would be on their way out with Bayern leading the deciding match one nil, but the second half was postponed due to crowd unrest. Reports say that the Munich players took a bribe, as they didn't turn out for the rescheduled match even though they were winning. So Chelsea qualified automatically. Reports also state that a Chelsea player caused the fight in the crowd after his team was down in the first half.
Here are two teams that can pass the ball and keep possession. Both teams also have organized defences but each have suffered from the occasional lapse. Damian Small and friend Rico Holder will be controlling their respective teams mid field and would be the focal point to transition defence to attack. Chelsea's attack have not lived up to its expectation as it seems they would rather pass and dribble before shooting usually losing their opportunity to score. FC Porto however have capitalized on most of their chances as they are the competition's second highest goal scorers.
This game will go down to the wire and if I have to chose a winner it would be FC Porto. Chelsea conceded most of their goals due to pushing their players too high up the field and this is something Porto can capitalize on.
Players to watch
Chelsea: Damien Small, Christopher Austin and Daniel Rowe
FC Porto: Stefan Ward, Rajiv Worrell and Kyle Smith
Manchester United v Barcelona
Manchester United have lived up to expectations and dominated Group D with some impressive performances. Barcelona however rode their luck and finished runners-up in Group B after defeating Sao Paulo in the deciding fixture.
Manchester United should have an easy game if they play the same way they have been playing for the group stages with their patient build up and huge amounts of possession. The team will look to Clint Hurley and Festus Drakes to lead the attack as they have 2 goals a piece and have built up a good strike partnership. Barcelona will have to step up to the plate as they haven't been very impressive other than their amazing comeback win over Sao Paulo. In their last group game against Ajax they barely mustered up a fight against Ajax. Dafar and his troops should however put that behind them and go out to fight with a place in the semi finals as a reward.
Barcelona have it all to do against Manchester United and this calls for a strong defensive and attacking display. However it can be noted that staff teams usually lose the plot after the group stages and go crashing out of the competition. With that being said I still have Manchester United to take a place in the semis.
Players to watch:
Barcelona: Dafar Amour-Shillingford, Dannilo Hutchinson and Neal Hope
Manchester United: Clint Hurley, Festus Drakes and David Wood
Borrussia Dortmund v Manchester City
Dortmund are undefeated and have yet to conceded a goal to take hold of the "Group of death" Group A. Manchester City have proven the critics wrong with some shock wins and have emerged runners-up of Group C. After their shambolic opening performance against Porto many had written off the boys in blue but after going back to the drawing board, captain Tremaine Ishmael rallied the troops to some impressive showings.
One test they will be expected to fail however is their match up against the impressive Dortmund. With a potent attack and a stingy defence, Dortmund have steam rolled every team they played against with their slow precise passing. Christopher Renwick and Ricardo Goddard are controlling the play for the boys in yellow and can turn defence into attack with the blink of an eye. With a mixture of youth and experience, Borussia really should not have a hard time against the "footballers at heart" City. City should not play in fear against their prospective opponents. They should try to catch the opposition on the counter as they have much slower players. The defence should be kept organized and if that is breached, the impressive Jelani Adams should be ready to have a busy night at the office
I have Dortmund to advance into the semi final stage in what should be an easy game for them, but football plays on the day and the "minnows" City will be ready and raring and wont go down with out a fight.
Players to watch
Borussia Dortmund: Christopher Bostic, Dean Bradshaw and Ricardo Goddard
Manchester City: Stefano Pereira, Jamal Clarke and Tremaine Ishmael
CUT THE MUSIC !!
Wasup UWIFA fans ! Sorry for the lack of previews and reviews, but a cocktail of presentations, tests and no internet had me tied up. But we're back ! Its the quarter final stage and of the 20 teams playing, 8 are left standing and are just a few steps closer to glory. Enough of the chit chat let's get to the previews.
FC Porto v Chelsea
Group C winners FC Porto will take on controversial Group A runners-up Chelsea in the night's first match. Chelsea made their way to the quarters in controversial means as it looked like they would be on their way out with Bayern leading the deciding match one nil, but the second half was postponed due to crowd unrest. Reports say that the Munich players took a bribe, as they didn't turn out for the rescheduled match even though they were winning. So Chelsea qualified automatically. Reports also state that a Chelsea player caused the fight in the crowd after his team was down in the first half.
Here are two teams that can pass the ball and keep possession. Both teams also have organized defences but each have suffered from the occasional lapse. Damian Small and friend Rico Holder will be controlling their respective teams mid field and would be the focal point to transition defence to attack. Chelsea's attack have not lived up to its expectation as it seems they would rather pass and dribble before shooting usually losing their opportunity to score. FC Porto however have capitalized on most of their chances as they are the competition's second highest goal scorers.
This game will go down to the wire and if I have to chose a winner it would be FC Porto. Chelsea conceded most of their goals due to pushing their players too high up the field and this is something Porto can capitalize on.
Players to watch
Chelsea: Damien Small, Christopher Austin and Daniel Rowe
FC Porto: Stefan Ward, Rajiv Worrell and Kyle Smith
Manchester United v Barcelona
Manchester United have lived up to expectations and dominated Group D with some impressive performances. Barcelona however rode their luck and finished runners-up in Group B after defeating Sao Paulo in the deciding fixture.
Manchester United should have an easy game if they play the same way they have been playing for the group stages with their patient build up and huge amounts of possession. The team will look to Clint Hurley and Festus Drakes to lead the attack as they have 2 goals a piece and have built up a good strike partnership. Barcelona will have to step up to the plate as they haven't been very impressive other than their amazing comeback win over Sao Paulo. In their last group game against Ajax they barely mustered up a fight against Ajax. Dafar and his troops should however put that behind them and go out to fight with a place in the semi finals as a reward.
Barcelona have it all to do against Manchester United and this calls for a strong defensive and attacking display. However it can be noted that staff teams usually lose the plot after the group stages and go crashing out of the competition. With that being said I still have Manchester United to take a place in the semis.
Players to watch:
Barcelona: Dafar Amour-Shillingford, Dannilo Hutchinson and Neal Hope
Manchester United: Clint Hurley, Festus Drakes and David Wood
Borrussia Dortmund v Manchester City
Dortmund are undefeated and have yet to conceded a goal to take hold of the "Group of death" Group A. Manchester City have proven the critics wrong with some shock wins and have emerged runners-up of Group C. After their shambolic opening performance against Porto many had written off the boys in blue but after going back to the drawing board, captain Tremaine Ishmael rallied the troops to some impressive showings.
One test they will be expected to fail however is their match up against the impressive Dortmund. With a potent attack and a stingy defence, Dortmund have steam rolled every team they played against with their slow precise passing. Christopher Renwick and Ricardo Goddard are controlling the play for the boys in yellow and can turn defence into attack with the blink of an eye. With a mixture of youth and experience, Borussia really should not have a hard time against the "footballers at heart" City. City should not play in fear against their prospective opponents. They should try to catch the opposition on the counter as they have much slower players. The defence should be kept organized and if that is breached, the impressive Jelani Adams should be ready to have a busy night at the office
I have Dortmund to advance into the semi final stage in what should be an easy game for them, but football plays on the day and the "minnows" City will be ready and raring and wont go down with out a fight.
Players to watch
Borussia Dortmund: Christopher Bostic, Dean Bradshaw and Ricardo Goddard
Manchester City: Stefano Pereira, Jamal Clarke and Tremaine Ishmael
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)