The Scandinavian derby drama

What a spectacular drama! And no, I’m not talking about the mess at the end – I’m talking about the game which preceded it…

For 88 minutes this was some of the most energetically entertaining and interesting football these two countries have managed for a long while, played at a pace which made even me, an observer fully aware how it would end, breathless. On the night I had made a guest appearance in my former job, standing behind the bar in a busy pub and thus reduced to watching the reaction of the Swedes around me rather than getting a chance to see anything on the screen. Sweden, it had been thought ahead of the game, was the underdog and the crowd went from happy to happier to euphoric – and then to subdued to nervous and finally erupted in excited disbelief. Throughout the remainder of the evening I was puzzled by small little acts of solidarity with our neighbours, like the man who came up with a sad face and said “I want a Danish beer”. He was given a Carlsberg and drank a toast. Yes, we really want to beat the Danes – but we want to do it by playing the better football.

The game kicked off and saw Denmark with a few near chances inside the first minutes as a pattern emerged – full pace football from end to end, Denmark with the quicker breaks and more elegant passing, Sweden with the harder pressure and sharper chance taking. As well as defensive slip-ups and heroics on both sides. Gravgaard’s feeble attempt at a defensive header fell to the feet of Johan Elmander who saw his chance, controlled the ball and took a clean and confident finish past Sörensen on six minutes. Dream start for Elmander, undoubtedly the best Swede on the field, who continued to pose a threat. By the time Sweden got a free kick, 21 minutes into the game, both goalkeepers had been forced into plenty of action and play had been distributed evenly on the entire pitch – still with the Swedes looking that bit sharper. Centre-half Petter Hansson took the free kick, from 34 metres, and cannoned a shot (which took a small deflection off Jacobsen) into goal. Manager Lagerbäck sported a priceless smile as he saw the defender score his first Sweden goal. There was nothing of the underdog left when, a few minutes later, Christian Wilhelmsson (also in truly impressive form) ran around Kristiansen and passed a ball to Elmander which the striker back-heeled past Sorensen. 3-0 and cruising, Wilhelmsson and Elmander looking like they could pull anything off.

Denmark continuously tried to explore Sweden’s weaker left side and were eventually rewarded – a Gravgaard pass landed in the middle and Daniel Agger took a shot straight through the legs of a host of Swedes. His shot took a deflection off the post and found the back of the net; Isaksson was chanceless. Denmark manager Olsen saw a chance to turn the game around and made the first of three key substitutions, which eventually turned the game somewhat – Kristiansen, unable to deal with Wilhelmsson, made way for Andreasen and Jacobsen moved to left-back. The game continued at full speed, even when Allbäck fell down injured; the Danes proceeded with their attack and aggression mounted as Elmander decided to break their stride with a tough tackle. His booking means he will be suspended for the next game. A few more chances for either side, most notably a shot from Ljungberg into the arms of Sörensen, concluded the final minutes of the first half.

The second half started exactly where the first had left off, and saw the introduction of rising star Nicklas Bendtner. Despite a bright opening and a good chance early on for the youngster, the next goal fell to skipper Tomasson, who took full advantage of the hole left in the Sweden defence when Mellberg slipped. The introduction of Gronkjaer allowed the Danes to push further up and put more strain on the already hard working Swedish midfielders, who needed, and received, defensive help from the strikers. Elmander continued to be everywhere at one until he was replaced by Rosenberg with 15 minutes to go. Finally, the Danes equalised, with a shot from Andreasen after a corner, and the final 10 minutes were all about Denmark – Isaksson had 5 saves to make. How anyone was still standing, let alone still running at full speed, at this stage is a mystery.

And so we reach the end, Rosenberg falls and remains down in the penalty area. The referees conferred and replays confirmed that he had been heavily punched in the stomach by Poulsen. Herbert Fandel had time to show a red card and point to the spot before receiving a blow himself – from a man who had run onto the pitch and was wrestled away by Gravgaard. The German referee immediately stopped the game, the players left, two more “supporters” came on – security was confirmed to be substandard and the game was abandoned. The Danish supporters stared in disbelief at the screen which read “Sweden win 0-3”.

A result which reflected the game as a whole would have been the 3-3 it looked to end with. A dramatic Swedish win could have been effected by the awarded penalty (Poulsen really should be thoroughly ashamed of himself) and put the game in the history books. But nobody wanted this great game to be abandoned because of bad security and bad breaches of said bad security. Just bad. UEFA have yet to confirm the outcome, of course, but it looks set to be awarding the win to Sweden. And I will just remember this game for the 88 minutes of marvellously entertaining football – skill, speed, tactical manoeuvring, passion and glorious mistakes.

Denmark
Sörensen, Jacobsen, Gravgaard, Agger, Kristiansen (Andreasen 35), Rommedahl, Jensen (Grönkjaer 62), Kahlenberg (Bendtner 46), Poulsen, Jörgensen, Tomasson.
Goals: Agger, 33; Tomasson 61; Andreasen 75

Sweden
Isaksson, Alexandersson, Mellberg, Hansson, Nilsson, Wilhelmsson, Linderoth, Svensson, Ljungberg, Allbäck (Bakircioglü 80), Elmander (Rosenberg 74).
Goals: Elmander, 6, Hansson 21, Elmander 26.

Attendance: 42083
Referee: Herbert Fandel

England efforts

Whenever I watch an England game these days, especially if I haven’t written anything before reading the paper, I feel more like analysing what other people are writing, and how, rather than the game itself. When it comes to Premiership games I usually feel as though I have watched the same game as the reporters (not always, but usually), when it comes to England – not so much. Firstly it seems as though everyone had their eyes on Beckham, intent on scrutinising his contribution and hail it either as the knight (yes, it may happen, headlines already going mad) in shining armour, saving his country – or an utter failure to add to the manager’s many shortcomings. As good old David played well it seems we are going with the former option.

I, of course, was mainly interested in seeing how Ledley got on, and hence had a completely different focus. What I saw of the game was a pretty decent but rather uninspired and somewhat defensive performance which left the strikers a bit alone – and the goal coming from a Beckham set piece. Have we seen this before somewhere? Joe Cole for all his stylish moves didn’t contribute much substance and could have come off sooner – Downing brought more action in. I would have preferred Crouch to Smith, probably for the full 90. Steven Gerrard was a one-man midfield, it has to be said, but I would still like to see him play with a strong holding midfielder (not Frank Lampard) – as it was he had too much defending to do. Jamie Carragher is a waste a right-back, through no fault of his own. He just isn’t one. Shorey did well on his England debut. And Beckham did play very competent football, not just with the set pieces. John Terry was great as, I think, was Ledley. I felt that the two of them played well with each other, covering the ground well and cleaning up nicely. Ledley made the odd (three?) mistake, but was a joy to watch. It can only get better against Estonia, a game which he should certainly (?) be selected to start in. Jermaine Jenas came on for Beckham for the final minutes and had little opportunity to make an impact, but Robbo was on fine form and made some nice saves when he wasn’t reduced to just watching the game – which was most of the time. I look forward to new matches and developments - and for the first time in a few months, so it would seem, do fans and manager...

Wednesday waffle

There is something rotten in the England national team. And I’m not just talking of the manager’s tactics. It seems as though players get injured to a sinister degree as soon as they come to play in camp England… Conspiracy theory, anyone?

Aaron’s knee isn’t new, of course, and if Ledley’s foot starts being an issue again nobody will be hugely surprised. But they’ve actually managed to injure our normally indestructible Michael Dawson! 58 games in the season, only came off once when he was hit on the head, and has taken more knocks than most – all without injury or complaint. Yet one miserable training session with England and he’s out. Dear, oh, dear.

Alnwick, Huddlestone and Routledge are in the U-21 side, should we worry? Perhaps “Psycho”, ironically, is more careful with his players.

Kevin McCarra, my favourite football journalist, seems to share my feeling about Ledley being an option in a holding role; I will take that as a sign that I am neither utterly delusional nor simply biased.

The Championship play-off final I saw a little of, but not, alas, enough to actually comment. As we all know Derby got the final spot and it will be interesting to see how they do next season. Or perhaps how they do in the transfer market before next season… Sunderland and Birmingham I would back to do quite well.

The “we don’t have enough actual news so we will just fill the papers with transfer talk”-situation is already starting to do my head in (even if the daily, mandatory, Mourinho and Beckham stories remain firmly in place and serve to retain a feeling of comfort and normality) but amidst silly speculation it seems as though Martin is trying to send signals of stability. We have signed a young, talented left-back, like we said we would. And new contracts have been offered to key players, Keane, Dawson, Lennon… as well as assurances that new recruits like Berbatov and Zokora have signed long contracts. More will happen, but not a tremendous amount. Our Egyptian contingent looks set to be reduced severely. I hope we can keep Defoe. And I do hope we don’t sign Nigel Reo-Coker.

Welcoming Wales

It is an inevitable side effect of the media frenzy surrounding football transfers that by the time one is actually confirmed by club and player it is already old news. But now young Welsh superstar Gareth Bale has actually signed for Spurs. I had some reservations about this, of a rather general nature, regarding players becoming huge stars and being transferred for astronomical fees at too young an age. Moving to a new city, dealing with a tougher division – and doing it with the pressure of such a price tag hanging over your head... Then again, some people mature earlier than others and Gareth, soon 18, may well be ready for the move, one which all involved parties assure us he has thought through. When it comes to his ability consensus appears to be that he is absolutely brilliant and already fairly consistent in said brilliance. My first hand experience of his talent is limited to having watched one Southampton game and one Wales game all season, both of which his team lost – but he was very good in both. And his free kick goal against Derby, available on YouTube, was remarkable. So, I will keep my reservations for now - I’m sure he will be a wonderful addition to our young and developing side and can only wish him the best of luck with the challenges that lie ahead.

Gareth Bale (Image from www.tottenhamhotspur.com)

The King Rules

Yes, the England B-team managed to beat Albania with a margin and the press has decided to be favourable about the effort. Or maybe they just didn’t watch it. All eyes on Beckham, it would seem. (And the games that matter.) B-team or not, they played pretty well and some players took the opportunity to shine in their England shirt. Some, unfortunately, not for very long – Aaron had to come off injured after a mere nine minutes and his injury, ironically, is suggested to have been a factor in David Beckham’s recall. He provided Michael Owen with at least one lovely cross before coming off, but Owen missed finishing it off. Even if Owen didn’t score any of England’s three goals, he played well and inspired a nation by his mere presence. Stewart Downing (who scored two goals) and David Bentley (who ran the show on his flank) were both very good and have, alongside the Spurs players, been included in the England squad. Jermaine Jenas elegantly patrolled the field and filled in for the at times erratic Phil Neville, while it was a pleasure to see Ledley and Michael in the middle of defence. Jermain Defoe did well with his minutes, coming on in his far too familiar role as a late-ish substitute.

With Aaron injured and competition for the other spots heavy, I don’t think we will see any of the lads (apart from Robbo, of course) start the next couple of games – unless, that is, McClaren decides to revamp his midfield and solve the eternal Lampard-Gerrard issue. Because, and I don’t think this is just my Spurs bias, Ledley was brilliant when he was pushed forward to a holding midfielder role. Steven Taylor came on for Gareth Barry to partner Michael in defence (an interesting England pair for the future), but barely had a thing to do. Ledley just ruled, gathered up balls everywhere and cleverly directed them to where they should be. It was stunning, especially for those of us who know and love him as player, of course, but perhaps even good old Steve has been given food for thought. Who needs Hargreaves (who is injured anyway) and Carrick, basically? I, for one, would love to see it at least tried out against tougher opposition (Brazil): Ledley and an attacking Gerrard in the middle with, say Beckham and Joe Cole on right and left respectively. Crouch and Owen (or Defoe?) up front. Flawless plan, surely?

Full England squad: Goalkeepers: Paul Robinson (Tottenham), Scott Carson (Liverpool), Robert Green (West Ham). Defenders: Phil Neville (Everton), Rio Ferdinand (Man United), John Terry (Chelsea), Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Wes Brown (Man United), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Michael Dawson (Tottenham), Ledley King (Tottenham), Nicky Shorey (Reading). Midfielders: David Beckham (Real Madrid), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), David Bentley (Blackburn), Michael Carrick (Man United), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Kieron Dyer (Newcastle). Forwards: Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Michael Owen (Newcastle), Alan Smith (Man United), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham)

And finally, special mention also to Besart Berisha, of my German club Hamburg, who was brilliant for his country and scored their goal - fully capitalising on the one time Ledley missed a trsdemark tackle...

England B
Carson, Neville (Jagielka 46), Dawson, King, Shorey (Lescott 73), Bentley (Defoe 72), Jenas, Barry
(Taylor 64), Lennon (Downing 10), Owen, Smith (Dyer 64).
Subs Not Used: Green, Nugent.
Goals: Smith 34, Downing 37, 58.

Albania
Beqaj (Hidi 78), Vangeli, Dede, Rrustemi, Haxhi (Ahmataj 79), Bulku, Skela (Hyka 75), Duro (Vrapi 65), Berisha, Muka (Murati 46), Bushi (Sinani 72).
Subs Not Used: Xhafa.
Goals: Berisha 44.

Attendance: 22,500
Referee: Andrea De Marco (Italy)

The B-Team

The team for England's friendly with Albania tomorrow was confirmed today and comprises four of our lads, notably King and Dawson as the central defensive partnership. It's only a friendly, it's only against Albania and it is, just as friendlies probably should be, only a big training session - but it is still a bit interesting. I may have mentioned it before, but it seems that in a time when the general consensus is that the England team never manages to perform anywhere near the perceived glory of the potential sum of its parts, that superstars like Lampard and Gerrard cancel each other out and that the problem lies embedded somewhere in a complex pattern of managerial feebleness and unrealistic expectations coupled with underachievement, it is interesting to see a different England side. Perhaps all the biggest stars at the same time don't make the best team...?

Full team: Carson, P Neville, Shorey, King, Dawson, Lennon, Jenas, Bentley, Barry, Owen, Smith.

Champions League Final - A question of belonging

It was a good game, in the end: neither the thrilling repeat of the stunning action from two years ago, nor the dull cancelling each other out that some feared. Just a good game of football and a fairly worthy final. Except, it has to be said, the winners were lucky to be in the competition at all and even slightly lucky to win it. Rafa Benitez, by common consent in charge of a stronger team this time than in 2005, was, ironically, slower in responding as the need for change became apparent. While Milan played well and sparkled in moments of brilliance, Liverpool actually ran most of the show – and perhaps that served to obscure the fact that they were unable to conjure up that final cutting edge and score when in the box. The idea to play wide, and thus bypass Milan’s strong but narrow midfield, was good: Pennant won the battle on his side and severely reduced Seedorf’s contribution by running the ball at goal, Zenden (and later Kewell) less effective on the opposite side. However, neither player managed to get their crosses quite right and gave Kuyt and Gerrard little to work with. On the opposite side Mascherano was giving Kaka problems, but a surge from the Brazilian, stopped by a foul by Alonso, at least yielded the decisive free kick. Pirlo’s kick would have been saved by Reina had it not been for a deflection off Inzaghi’s elbow. Hardly a classic goal, potentially even handball, but Inzaghi celebrated as if the world had just witnessed the second coming of Maradona. By the time Benitez made a decisive change, letting Mascherano give way for Peter Crouch and allowing Gerrard to step back towards the middle, it mainly played into the hands of Milan. Crouch had had little time to make an impact before Kaka utilised the opening left by Mascherano and fed a nice ball to Inzaghi, who showed that he may have been born offside, but when he does manage to stay onside he can score nice goals. A few minutes later Liverpool got a goal back: a Pennant corner flicked on by Agger to Kuyt, who headed it in. The last minutes saw a frantic team struggling to turn the evening into a repeat of Istanbul after all, but the goal remained of the consolatory variety. At least Dirk’s father, ill with cancer, got to see his son score in a Champions League final – my thoughts to them both.

Now there really is only one question left to be solved. Of course, rules in Italy may be different, and Berlusconi tends to view rules as optional guidelines anyway. But, having learnt from the West Ham situation that ownership of players is a problematic issue, in terms of conflicts of interest and third-party agreements - what are we to make of Kaka’s statement, made on a shirt worn under his team shirt, that he ‘belongs to Jesus’…?

AC Milan
Dida, Oddo, Nesta, Maldini, Jankulovski (Kaladze 79), Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini, Seedorf (Favalli 90), Kaka, Inzaghi (Gilardino 88).
Subs Not Used: Kalac, Cafu, Serginho, Brocchi.
Booked: Gattuso, Jankulovski.
Goals: Inzaghi 45, 82.

Liverpool
Reina, Finnan (Arbeloa 88), Carragher, Agger, Riise, Pennant, Alonso, Mascherano (Crouch 78), Zenden (Kewell 59), Gerrard, Kuyt.
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Hyypia, Gonzalez, Bellamy.
Booked: Mascherano, Carragher.
Goals: Kuyt 89.

Attendance: 74,000
Referee: Herbert Fandel (Germany)