More thoughts from akvbcfc.

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Irish in Need of Lady Luck
They toiled against one of Europe’s giants, and came close to gaining a remarkable result. However, the plaudits will mean absolutely nothing if the Irish spend the summer in Dublin, instead of South Africa.

The first leg of the World Cup play-off provided Republic of Ireland with the perfect chance to ‘get at ‘em’, hopefully earning a result to defend across the water on Wednesday night. Liam Lawrence came oh-so-close to raising the roof, before a Patrice Evra intervention prevented the Irish from opening the scoring. Just when it seemed that the Irish grit and determination would cancel out the French swagger and style, the French created a crucial chance. Anelka moved into space and fired home via a deflection off Sean St Ledger. Anelka bought a ticket for the lottery and ended up winning. Lucky boy.

Heading to France with a one-goal deficit to overcome would be an immense challenge for anyone, let alone a side considered to be one of the ‘lesser lights’ on the European circuit. Lady luck deserted them at home, and Giovanni Trapattoni will pray that she brings her whole family to the game in the Stade de France…

Bye-bye Burley
George Burley is the manager of the Scottish National Football team. Read that sentence one more time, because it may not be true for much longer.

A woefully inept performance against Wales resulted in a 3-0 loss, as pressure on Burley reached an all time high. The Scotland side have never been world beaters, but a 3-0 loss to a side who have only ever once qualified for the World Cup is a disgrace. Burley’s tactics seemed cataclysmic at times and the team were simply appalling. Scotland need a change…now. They are never going to be a team who will be beating the best European sides regularly, with the odd result against France aside, but the Scottish deserve better.

….By the time that this article was finished, Burley’s sacking had been announced on all major news outlets (i.e. Sky Sports News and NewsNow!). Scotland were ranked 14th in the world not so long ago, but the recent decline, leaving them in 46th has forced the hands of the SFA. Now the real job for the SFA is to replace Burley with a better manager who can take the side forward. Euro 2012 must now be their goal.

Banned! Oh, wait, nevermind…
Chelsea’s transfer ban has been lifted for the meantime, allowing the club to sign new players in January. What’s the point then? The club will get the ban shortened, while splashing the cash in January, severely reducing the effect of any ban.

Another FIFA ruling wasted. Another embarrassment.

By akvbcfc