la liga

Drop the Dead Donkey

Look no further than the list of comments on the BBC Blog Entry by Phil McNulty on the exclusion of Michael Owen from the England squad. At more than 375 comments you can’t disagree it is a contentious issue. But while many complain he is short of form and lacking match fitness, he is still given a good runout at Newcastle United. Despite the injuries at St. James’ Park, there is some backup that might have been used in his place: and despite the fact he is not fit and low on form (apparently) he beats defenders to the ball and scores goals.

Some also point to Capello’s seemingly infallible record in club competition. Yet many forget he dropped Beckham and was ready to sell him off; before accepting his mistake and brought him back in time to win the La Liga title for Real Madrid. He isn’t immune to error, despite his glittering honours.

But enough of England. The transfer window closed just over an hour ago. It was a little disappointing for Newcastle supporters, getting one player on loan and obtaining another being given the number 19 shirt: it does not bode well (19 was formerly Titus Bramble’s shirt). We were told to expect another three or four good quality signings. I guess we shall establish in due course whether in fact they match the quality Keegan promised. However, Xisco and Ignacio Gonzalez are new faces and I expect they will be given a warm reception by the supporters, as ever.

The news of the day rather belongs to Manchester City though. Changing hands again — but this time to a hugely wealthy consortium — and immediately splashing out on Robinho and fleetingly showing interest in big names such as Berbatov, Villa and Gomez rather stole both Manchester United’s and Chelsea’s thunders. The latter had a rather sheepish and subdued day while the former got their man in Berbatov. Rather good we got Man Utd out of the way!

...with no replies just yet.

For The Love Of The Game

I was watching Sevilla v Getafe: the first La Liga game of the season shown on Sky Sports this season (Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid was not shown due to contractual disputes). This was just the first farce of the night – the referee made his first sending off just 22 minutes into the game, and Getafe were down to nine men before half time. But it was on the half hour mark of this game that one image will remain vivid in my mind.

Antonio Puerta, a Sevilla defender was casually running back to his own goal when he slowly made to the crowd. This didn’t seem unusual at first, until a team-mate frantically beckoned others towards the now stricken Puerta. Between himself and the nearby goalkeeper, they quickly made to grab his tongue whilst the team doctor ran onto the pitch. Quite a crowd amassed as thousands of helpless fans looked on, myself included.

Puerta regained consciousness and walked off the pitch flanked by medical staff and he was helped to the dressing room, where it emerged he collapsed again. His club later confirmed he had suffered a heart attack. From there he remained in a critical condition in the local hospital until earlier today when sadly he died.

He was only 22 years of age, but had achieved a lot in his short time: he had won the UEFA Cup twice with Sevilla, and also won the UEFA Super Cup.

...with no replies just yet.