Fuck Sepp Blatter

FIFA president Sepp Blatter is still trying to find a way of curbing the Premier League's spending power. -ESPN

Are you serious? After my Spainard club Real Madrid spent 56 mil on Kaka and 80 mil on Cristiano Ronaldo, this bukake of hypocrisy is going to aim at Premier League spending? I've said it before: Sepp Blatter hates the EPL. You wonder why some people think Barca's win over Chelsea was rig so that there wouldn't be an all English Champions League final. But wait! Blatter has a reason why by qualifying his argument:

"There are big associations, like France, Germany and Spain where there is a by-law that the owners of the club must be at least 51% from the club," said Blatter. "They must be members of the club or partners from the same country. This does not exist in the Premier League and it is a problem we have to address." -ESPN

I just want to unload a punch on this guy's face. I'm getting a boner just thinking about it. Blatter is alright with Real Madrid because they are basically owned by THE COUNTRY. So spending more than anyone else is alright. But foreigners being in charge of businesses in other countries? FUCK THAT SHIT. THEY CAN'T SPEND AS MUCH MONEY AS A COUNTRY. So what if La Liga is a two team race every year. That is certainly better than a four team race soon to be five in EPL.

Maybe I have a problem with this because in America, foreign companies own American shit all the time. Or maybe I have a problem with it because Sepp Blatter is a fucking douche. Fuck Sepp Blatter. I remembered when Blatter did a hit and run and got his license suspended for a month because he took the license plate off his car after hurting some poor guy. That was the greatest month of my life.

You know, I think someone in the EPL, an owner or something, raped his dog or his tree. That is the only reason I can think of on why Blatter continues to pick on the EPL making hypocritical comments and trying to control how other countries do business. Waaaahh the French do thisssss waaaaahhh the Germans can't afford thaaat. THIS IS HOW CAPITALISM IN SPORTS WORKS. It's a global economy not the NBA where you have a draft for shitty teams and no one gets regulated. Socialism works for people because we care about people. No one cares that Nantes from Ligues 1 got regulated because they aren't as rich as Manchester United. No one fucking cares about KARLSRUHE from Bundesliga got regulated because they aren't owned by foreign rich people like Chelsea. Capitalism is perfect in sports. Shitty management? Fuck you, you're the Expos. Eat shit Sepp Fatter you hit and run piece of shit.

USA vs. Spain

This is what happened to Spain (wearing blue for some reason)



I was made aware of this from my new favorite show, Tosh.0. There is also a funny as hell Terrell Owens video where he apologies for his future actions. When I find it, I'll put it up unless Nicky P finds it first.

Biggest Win In US (Men's) Soccer History

Nobody saw this coming. Up until Sunday's improbable series of events (a 3-0 win over Egypt and a 3-0 loss by Italy to Brazil), the 2009 Confederations Cup had been an unmitigated disaster for the US. They opened the tournament getting rolled by both Brazil and Italy. They had about a less than 1% chance after that of getting into the semifinals on goal differential, but everything fell into place, and there they were.

Still, there really was no reason to be excited. The US had shown little in their 2 cracks at elite opposition, and their semifinal opponent, Spain, certainly fell into that category. Spain had won 15 matches in a row, and hadn't lost in 35 matches. David Villa, Cesc Fabregas, Xavi, Fernando Torres, all superstars on this Spanish juggernaut.

Then, in the 27th minute, 19 year old Jozy Altidore (who plays for La Liga's Villarreal) stunned the Spanish with a goal to put the US ahead 1-0. Spain could not answer, and midway thru the second half Clint Dempsey gave the US a 2-0 lead that lasted the rest of the match. Unbelievably, the US beat Spain 2-0. Not only that, they advance to the finals of the Confederations Cup, considered a World Cup preview.

In the finals, they'll probably get a rematch with Brazil, who should dispose of host South Africa. The US will again be heavy underdogs, but who knows, the real breakthru for US soccer may be yet to come, and may be in the form of a Confederations Cup championship.

COWHERD OWNED AGAIN

To Oli Porter:

me: usa wins over spain
i called it

DAMN DID I CALL IT. I was listening to Colin Cowherd about how this caller said USA was close to being relevant in the world soccer stage to which Cowherd proceeded to rip this guy saying Brazil beat us 3-0 and it should have been 7-0. Obviously he wasn't watching this game because USA hit the post 3 times at the end of the game. So I sent This bitch an email after USA qualified when they beat Egypt 3-0:

USA advanced over the #4 team in the world, Italy. Since you're never wrong, let's wait for your next excuse...

Then today happened and the gamecast guy was like this in the beginning:

0' It really does seem unlikely that the US will be able to resist. Rather like France after they won the World Cup in 1998, Spain have gone on something of a tear, and look close to unstopabble, although they remain a little dodgy at the back - Pique is slow and Puyol a liability.

I'm like whatta bitch. But he started to see what I saw:

27' GOAL! SPAIN 0-1 USA

27' Well isn't that a turn up for the books. Well not really, as USA have made the clearer chances so far. Anyway, Dempsey fed it in to Ailtdore, who showed great strength to turn and fend off Xavi, before doing Casillas with his eyes, sending the ball to his right and in off the post, while the keeper went left, although he did manage a touch.

That's right, Colin. USA WITH THE CLEARER CHANCES ON THE #1 TEAM, 16-0 in the last 16, hottest team in the world right now. BUT IT DIDN'T STOP THERE:

74' GOAL! USA 2-0 SPAIN

74' Great play by Dempsey, hanging onto the ball until Donovan is ready to receive, Donovan's cross is decent, but Ramos, instead of belting it away, takes a touch. His touch is rubbish, and Dempsey is on hand to slide the ball in, with Casillas nowhere near, having dived to cut out the cross. Well well well.

WELL WELL WELL COLIN COWSUCK. WHAT HAPPENED MAN? USA WAS NOT EVEN CLOSE? AHAHAHHAH IDIOT. And while Cowherd isn't man enough to eat crow, this Gamecaster was:

88' I don't think I've eaten my words yet so I'll do so now - the US boys have made me look very silly.

SILLY INDEED. At least he admits it. But you know Cowherd will be like, THAT SHIT WAS LUCK, DAWG. ANYONE CAN WIN IN ANY GIVEN DAY LUCKILY. Oh yeah?

93' Well who predicted that one then? Still in the competition only by virtue of a 6-goal swing in the final group game, the US have thoroughly deserved their win tonight. They broke sharply, worked hard and were superb at the back. Coupled with a below-par show from Spain, that was more than enough to give them the win.

Eat fucking shit.

Stuff I Care About

Two short news items I care about:

1) Liverpool co-owner George Gillett has pulled off a deal in the United States, selling his stake in NHL side Montreal Canadiens for a £178m profit, that should help him to ease the Reds' financial worries. -The Guardian

Canadiens are probably the #1 or #2 franchise in the NHL (depends if you ask someone from Detroit). Upon a discussion with Liverpooler Oli Porter, at first, I didn't get why you would sell the #1 NHL franchise where people loved you to help pay the debts for a team you own where you can't even show up to a match without your own fans booing you and threatening your kids. Then I figured that if you're king of Liverpool in the #1 sport in the world, that's probably better than being king of a sport that is #15 in the USA.

2) ESPN has bought the rights to show 46 games in next season's English Premier League that were to have been shown by struggling broadcaster Setanta. -BBC News

This is hilarious to me for two reasons. First, ESPN buying soccer games shows their ratings for soccer games must have been awesome for Champions League or they must be looking at the money Fox Soccer Channel is raking in. What's awesome about ESPN picking up EPL games is that now I can watch games in HD instead of shit-D. Second, Setanta makes me pay $15, which is some bullshit because most of the time they show Scottish Premier League, which is so bad the Rangers and Celtic applied for EPL membership, or Setanta shows rugby, which is only fun when you're drunk. And I don't drink. With Setanta losing these games, I'm pretty much dropping these assholes. Dish Network better fucking pick up GolTV.

BONUS 3) This season [in The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights] will not feature an elimination round as have the past few seasons. All competitors invited to Las Vegas for the show's taping will participate in the entire season.

Okay, so this isn't about football or soccer, but this matters to me. BONUS COVERAGE. The big deal about these heavyweights is a backyard brawler named Kimbo. If you don't know about Kimbo, look up one of his fights in YouTube where he just bombs on fat people busting their eyes open. It's pretty hilarious. This internet fame got him a show in MMA where he won two lucky ass fights and then got smoked by some no-name which led to the fall of EliteXC (who banked all their shit on marketing Kimbo). UFC President Dana White said that Kimbo was a joke and that the only way he would let Kimbo be in the UFC if he fought his way through The Ultimate Fighter. Well, Kimbo was like ALRIGHT and so Dana, the genius that he is, made Patrick N's news item #3. So jussssssssssssst in case Kimbo gets his ass kicked like he should, he'll still be in the show the whole season because he's the main ratings bitch. If Kimbo gets through, which is what Dana wants, he'll get his Kimbo vs. Brock Lesner. Epic shit.

Oh That Wacky Confederations Cup

- Egypt scored what for them is probably their greatest victory ever and Italy maybe its most embarrassing loss ever as the African champs beat the Azzuri 1-0. The games only goal was scored by the unfortunately named Mohammed Homos. Egypt and Italy both still have a chance now to advance to the semifinals of the tournament

- Meanwhile, this tournament has been a disaster for USA soccer. They followed up a 3-1 beating against Italy with a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Brazil. Felipe Melo, Robinho, and Maicon scored for the Brazilians.

- In Group A, Spain has already clinched a spot in the semis. The other spot is going to go to either host nation, South Africa, or to Iraq. South Africa will be in if they can get a point in their group finale against Spain, while Iraq needs a South Africa loss and a big win over New Zealand to advance.

Brandon Marshall Is Not Coming To the Bears

...And I'll tell you why. In order for Marshall to be a Chicago Bear and be reunited with Jay Cutler, the Broncos would have to trade him to the Bears. I'm here to tell you there is no way in hell the Broncos are going to do anything to put Jay Cutler in a position to succeed in Chicago and embarrass themselves more than they've already been in this whole situation. They'll let Marshall sit out the season and rot before they trade him to the Bears. He'll be traded to the Chicago Cubs for Milton Bradley before he is traded to the Bears.

- The Fort Worth Star Telegram has reported that the Cowboys have had a talk with Tony Romo regarding his conditioning, or lack thereof. The Cowboys have noticed a pattern where Romo starts the season on fire, then sucks donkey balls by the end of the year and the Cowboys either miss the playoffs or get there and go one and done. Their thinking is that if Romo spent more time doing squats and less time doing double camel spins with Jessica then he may be a little better in November and December than he's been.


- Here's my running tally of NFL players that are either on the record as or rumored as being unhappy with their contracts or other aspects of their current employment situation, if you're scoring at home:

Julius Peppers
Brandon Marshall
Owen Daniels
Anquan Boldin
Mike Vrabel
Vince Young
LaRon Landry
Joshua Cribbs
Vince Wilfork

Inter Sets Price For Ibrahimovic

- Teams interested in gunning for Serie A's leading scorer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, will have to be prepared to pony up 90M Euro if they want to pry the Swedish superstar away from Inter Milan. That transfer fee is just below the record fee paid to Manchester United last week for Cristiano Ronaldo.

- That record fee was payed by Real Madrid, who also shelled out close to that amount for Kaka just before signing Ronaldo. They aren't done. They are now going after Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery, who will command a fee upward of around what Real payed for Kaka. Ribery is not a goal scorer, but he has been called "the jewel of French football" by none other than Zinedine Zidane.

- Man U may be spending some of that Ronaldo transfer kablingy on David Villa, who scored 28 goals for Valencia this past season. They'll have money left over in addition to that. Chelsea is also after him, so it will be interesting to see who gets him.

- The 2009 Confederations Cup is taking place beginning this week in South Africa. The tournament is kind of a practice run for the World Cup, and was last won by Brazil. The US is playing, and faced Italy today. They scored first a Landon Donovan PK, but then gave up 3 unanswered, including 2 by Giuseppe Rossi, who is from the picturesque Italian tourist haven known as New Jersey.

- Over in MLS, Chicago continues to stall and fell out of first place in the Eastern Conference with a 2-1 loss to DC United last weekend. United now leads the Fire by 1 point. Houston Dynamo vaulted into a first place tie with Chivas USA in the Western Conference, as they topped Dallas 3-1 behind two goals from newly acquired Cam Weaver.

- The 49ers QB race between Shaun Hill and Alex Smith has been deemed "too close to call". I'll bet. I can sum up the choice facing Mike Singletary thusly:

Spending Big in a World in Debt

New Real Madrid President Perez wasn't kidding when he promised to spend. With Barcelona winning everything the 2008-2009 year, as well as an embarrassing 6-0 beatdown on Real Madrid, RM is ready to spend $400 million on transfers to return to Galactico greatness. It is this policy that polarizes the team with soccer fans.

$94.05 million for Kaka
$131.2 million for Cristiano Ronaldo

My Barca friend at work walked up to me saying my Real Madrid team makes him sick. That anyone could spend that much money for a game, especially while the world is in debt, is sick.

And FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who shits on EPL teams all day rigging Champions League finals so there is no all EPL final and demanding that the EPL implement a transfer cap because EPL teams spend "outrageously," actually defends Real Madrid's spending:

"We are in a very sensitive market nowadays, because there is an economic crisis," he said. "But in football, if we are in a good market, it means that football is a good product, not just to buy or sell but a product that gives people what they want, which is emotions.

"This is the game of the people and they need stars. Okay, it is a lot of money, but he is performing." -ESPN

EPL teams like Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea need stars that were performing, why did you have a problem then but not when Real Madrid does it during global economic crisis? Yeaaaahhh bitch don't lie. But that's a point away from this article. The point is that Blatter had to defend the fact that Real Madrid is spending so much during global economic crisis. Manchester United, who has a debt of $1.07 billion, has owners having to reaffirm that the sale of C.Ronaldo was not debt related and that Fergie was free to spend:

"The idea Manchester United are motivated by a debt burden is just not true," added the spokesman. "It is not an issue.

"The fact is Cristiano Ronaldo decided, after six years, it was time to move on and the manager said okay.

"Sir Alex Ferguson is in total control of his squad. He is empowered to make whatever decisions he thinks are in the best interests of Manchester United. That continues to be the case." -ESPN

So again we revisit the point of this article: is it ethical to be spending while the world is in debt?

If your team is not in debt, you can borrow. If your team's financial big wigs thinks your team can recoup and make money from borrowing, you can borrow. If your team is using the country's banks because you are supported by the royal family, then you can borrow. If your team is $1 billion in debt or over, I would think it's safe to say that you shouldn't be spending on shit.

Don't be mad that other people have money and spend it. There's a debt because money isn't moving due to low confidence in paying back debt. That's why banks are being bitches about school loans here. My little brother is having a bitch of a time starting college. GOOD THING I FINISHED 10 YEARS AGO MUAHAHHAHAHAHA. Even further still, if you see someone spend, don't go spending what you don't have. You're not rich like your neighbor is. Accept it and move on.

So what am I saying? While Blatter can suck my ass for crying about EPL teams spending...

Liverpool in big debt, Manchester United in big debt, Chelsea in big debt (although the club is technically borrowing from their owner), Arsenal doing alright...

Only Arsenal should spend, but they're doing it right by sticking with the youth they have on the "cheap." Chill with the spending for a year. Just a year. Then next year buy off all of Arsenal's players. HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHA

It's Official...Ronaldo to Madrid

- So it's official now, Man U has accepted an 80M pound offer from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo.

- And Real Madrid is not done yet. No no no. David Villa, who had 26 goals in La Liga for Valencia this past season, looks very likely to be headed there too. Valencia turned down Chelsea's transfer offer for Villa, and a Chelsea official said that it's because Villa wants to go to Real Madrid. This team is going to be something to watch this coming season.


- In World Cup qualifying, Argentina was upset 2-0 at Ecuador yesterday. Argentina now sits 4th out of 4 automatic qualifying spots in the CONMEBOL group, with Ecuador just 2 points behind. They are in a little bit of danger of not qualifying. Not a lot of danger. Just a little.

- Vikings coach Brad Childress continues to show he's an even bigger douche than Brett Favre, when he denied on a radio show that he set a deadline for Favre to make up his mind on whether he wants to come to Vikings. He didn't stop there though, he pulled Favre's old lady into it, saying, about where the rumor of a deadline came from, "Maybe by Deanna (Favre) or somebody like that, but certainly not from me. Not even -- not even close. (I) don't know where that dropped out of the sky from."

Galacticos 2.0....Madrid Now Eyes Ronaldo

- Now that they've got Kaka in their pockets (bwaahahaha), Real Madrid's next target is Manchester United dreamboat Cristiano Ronaldo. This would make two summers in a row that Real had a public dalliance with getting Ronaldo, but we'll see, maybe this time it really happens.

- The Mort had reported that Vikings coach Brad Childress set a deadline of this very week for Brett Favre to decide whether or not he wanted to be the Vikings quarterback this season. Oh that is rich. Like Brett Favre is thinking "Oh dear heavens I better hurry up and make up my mind..or else Brad Childress will rescind the Vikings open door offer and saddle up with Sage Rosenfels for this season!!" Puhleez. The Vikings look really, really pathetic in all this.

- And on the Sociopath Beat, Jerry Jones is giggling and putting his pinky to his lip when reporters ask him if the Cowboys maybe have an interest in bringing Pacman Jones back for some reason, and the Jets are interested in bringing in Plaxico Burress.

Kaka To Real Madrid, America Better Than Honduras

- It looked like disaster was at hand when the US fell behind Honduras 1-0 early in Saturday's WC Qualifying Match at Soldier Field in Chicago, but for the first time in 24 years the US was able to come from behind in a World Cup qualifier to win, and beat Honduras 2-1 on Carlos Bocanegra's header in the second half. The US remains in second place in the CONCACAF qualifying group and is on track to head to South Africa next summer.

- Mexico, meanwhile, is in a lot of trouble. They remain in 5th place and out of the qualifying money following a 2-1 loss at El Salvador. Their next 2 matches, however, are at home in Mexico City, so it would still be a huge shock if they fail to qualify.

- It is expected to be announced today that AC Milan star Kaka is going to be announced as a member of Real Madrid today, with a 57 million pound transfer fee going to Milan. This would be the largest transfer fee ever paid, topping the 47 million pounds Real Madrid paid Juventus for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.

- MLS' Eastern Conference is tightening up as first place Chicago continues to stumble. They fell 1-0 to Houston this weekend, and now lead second place DC United by just 2 points.

- So how did Chad O'Chocinco prepare for his stellar 540 yard 2008 campaign, "I'm not even going to lie to you, I'm going to say it. Last year, the offseason, I didn't lift one weight, I didn't run one route, I didn't exercise. I didn't do nothing because my focus was on getting out of a situation I didn't want to be in. I'm not going to lie." On the one hand, the man is a douche that you need the Hubbel telescope to accurately calculate the proportions of, on the other hand, much like the father of our country George Washington, he cannot tell a lie apparently.

Westbrook Undergoes Surgery

- Brian Westbrook is getting his annual injury out of the way early this year, real early, as in even before training camp opens. As I write this a doctor is poking and prodding and shaving and cleaning his injured ankle. The recovery from the surgery will cause him to miss all of training camp and the preseason at least, meaning it's going to be very interesting at your upcoming fantasy draft where he gets taken, as his health is very uncertain right now.

- We've heard the Kaka to either Real Madrid or Chelsea rumors, now Milan's other team may also be losing its superstar. Scudetto winners Internazionale may be selling their leading scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic to La Liga and UEFA champs Barcelona. Ibrahimovice led all of Serie A in goals this past season.

- TO is saying that twice this offseason he approached Cowboys owner Jerry Jones about rumors he was going to be released, and twice Jones told him that he wasn't going to be released. Then he got released. Owens said regarding that, "If you don't have a man's word, and it doesn't stand for anything, there's really nothing left and there's not a whole lot of trust." Ouch. Jerry's gonna need more botox after that zinging.

Costa Rica Conquers America

- The US national team continued its long and storied tradition of tasking ass whompings whenever it goes to Costa Rica, falling to 0-7-1 in World Cup qualifiers in the land of internet gambling and med schools for people who can't get into American med school, as the Ticos easily won 3-1.

Costa Rica is now in first place in the CONCACAF qualifying group, with the US in second. The US plays again this weekend at home against Honduras, who is in third place. The match is big because you have to figure that Mexico, who is in 4th, will get their shit together eventually and qualify, so with 3 automatic World Cup spots out of this group, you're probably looking at Costa Rica, Mexico, and either the US or Honduras, and if the US does not qualify for the World Cup because Honduras beats them out, I think it's time to just give up.

- Chelsea is in the running to sign Kaka, or not according to AC Milan's club president. Milan says that Kaka will either be back with Milan this fall or with Real Madrid, but the wide perception is that Chelsea is also in the running.

- Former Colts coach and new NBC football analyst Tony Dungy replaces Fran Tarkenton as my hero by coming out with this quote yesterday regarding Jay Cutler:

"We'll see about his maturity level. That's what I would question. And some of the things that happened leading to him leaving Denver ... that would concern me as a head coach. He can make all of the throws, but quarterbacking is much more than just making throws."

Thank you, Dungy, for reaffirming my faith in my own sanity. I felt like I was on crazy pills for a while there

Real Madrid to Go Kaka?

- Eurosport is reporting that AC Milan has denied that they are in talks to sell Kaka to Real Madrid. Kaka has scored 31 goals over the last 2 seasons for Milan. You'll remember this past January there was a whole thing where he was almost sold to Manchester City, but he said he "wanted to grow old" at Milan, which led to Milan fans professing their love for him outside the window of his home. For real.

- The Cowboys released linebacker Greg Ellis yesterday. Ellis had 8 sacks last year and 12 1/2 sacks in 2007. You have to figure he can still help somebody.

- Jags coach Jack Del Rio had this doozy of a quote regarding DT John Henderson's shoulder injury. 'John's got a shoulder (injury) that back when I played and even prior to that, I don't think anybody would've missed a snap for it. I think it's a minor bruise of sorts and I would think that Lombardi is probably rolling over right now." Lombardi is probably also rolling over that you went to the press with this like a littler girl instead of just taking care of this in-house, Jack.

- Manchester City has let it be known they are after Man United midfielder Carlos Tevez. Tevez had 14 goals in 07-08, but sunk to just 5 this past season, and started just half of Man U's Premier League matches.

- Sunderland has hired away Wigan coach Steve Bruce to be their new boss.

- France wore jerseys with Braille names on the back in their Friendly against Nigeria yesterday.
It was Louis Braille's 200th birthday. He's one old, blind MF'er.

Real Has New Coach, St. Louis? Rams Interested In Vick?

- Real Madrid's new coach is Villarreal boss Manuel Pelligrini. Real will pay compensation to the Yellow Submarine in the form of 4 million Euro. Pelligrini succeeds interim coach Bernd Schuster, who took over in December and led Real on a run where they picked up 52 of a possible 54 points. They still somehow finished 9 points behind La Liga champs Barcelona.

- There's rumors floating around that the Rams are up for sale and that sale could result in the team leaving St. Louis, with the obvious #1 possible destination for them being back to LA. On top of that, the National Football Post reported the other day that the Rams are interested in Michael Vick, who is of course, now out of jail and having some fun with the Bop Gun. Soooo....when the Earth gets sucked into a black hole in 2012 it may mean the end of not just the world but the LA Rams experiment of playing Michael Vick at wide receiver.

- Vince Young told a Nashville TV station that if he doesn't win back the starting QB job for the Titans that "It's time for me to make a career change for myself." I'm going to suggest zookeeper.

- If anyone cares, now that former Milan boss Ancelotti is at Chelsea, the latest David Beckham rumor has him going there too. Me, I don't care.

- Far more relevant is Soccer.com's rumor that Barca is bandying about a deal that would send Champions League Final hero Samuel Eto'o to Lyon for 21 year old French striker Karim Benzema, who has 37 goals in the last 2 Ligue 1 campaigns. Eto'o had 30 goals in La Liga for Barca this year, and is seven years older than Benzema.

Chelsea Wins FA Cup, Pumas Win Clausura

A few big championships decided this weekend...

- First, at Wembley Stadium, Chelsea came back from a very early 1-0 deficit to send their interim coach Guus Hiddink back to Russia in style with a 2-1 victory in the FA Cup final. Didier Drogba answered former Man U forward Luis Saha's first minute goal to equalise, and Frank Lampard scored in the 72nd minute to give Chelsea the victory.

It's Chelsea's second FA Cup in 3 years.

Here's a list of recent FA Cup winners, just because.

2009 Chelsea
2008 Portsmouth
2007 Chelsea
2006 Liverpool
2005 Arsenal
2004 Manchester United
2003 Arsenal
2002 Arsenal
2001 Liverpool
2000 Chelsea
1999 Manchester United

So the Big 4 kinda dominates this thing too.

Hiddink will be replaced by former AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti, who won 2 Champions League titles there, in 2003 and 2007.




- UNAM Pumas are the champions of Mexico's Clausura season (Mexico has 2 seasons, a spring season and a fall season) thanks to a 2-2 draw at Pachuca in the second leg of their final. Pumas won the first leg 1-0, and Pachuca led 2-1 at the end of regulation of this match. They don't use the away goals rule in Mexico, as it may cause the spread of swine flu, so they went to extra time, when a soft goal thru the hands of Miguel Calero led to doom for Pachuca.

- Bordeaux are the champions of France's Ligue 1, clinching with a 1-0 win at Caen. That breaks a run of 8 straight Ligue 1 titles for Olympique Lyonnais. They had an eight-peat going.

- Finally, in MLS, the Chicago Fire suffered their first loss of the season this weekend, a 3-0 stinkeroo at home against FC Dallas, who was 1-6-3 (American notation, draws last) coming into the match. They remain comfortably atop the Eastern Conference of MLS though, with a 5 point lead over Kansas City, DC United, and Toronto. Chivas USA leads Houston by 6 points in the West, they had the weekend off after dropping a 3-2 home decision at home against the Fire in an entertaining battle of conference leaders.

And finally, I found this quote on Soccernet.com's really good "Fifth Official" column:

"Noel Gallagher will be a happy man having opined in the build up to 'Doom Sunday': "I hope Newcastle go down. There's no better sight than seeing fat topless Geordies crying.""

I don't know what a Geordie is, but I imagine they look something like Cub Bleacher Bums. In which case I know exactly how Noel feels.