FOOTY FAIR

Arjen Robben: No Longer a Symbol of Selfishness

2014-12-27T20:00:00.000-05:00

If you've ever played football even once in your life, be it at the professional level, for your school team, or simply with a bunch of friends in a parking lot I can almost guarantee that you've played with a selfish player.

A selfish player or a ball hog, is someone who tries to take on five players every time they have the ball and will only pass if they have absolutely no other option.

They likely wear bright neon pink boots and have an unhealthy whiff of arrogance about them.

For every great goal they score, there are at least six other times that they screw up a promising attack with their selfishness.

Arjen Robben, as gifted and talented as he undoubtedly has been, fell into this category up until about two seasons ago. Sure, he scored a few great goals from midfield and had the innate ability to ghost past defenders, but he had the frustrating habit of always cutting to the middle from the right and either taking on one player too many or blazing the ball over the top of the goal.

Frustration with him among some Bayern Munich supporters peaked after he missed a crucial penalty in the 2012 Champions League Final, that the club would lose on their own pitch to Chelsea.

The Dutch international has dramatically improved in the seasons following that traumatic defeat and after terrific performances for club and country is now considered to be among the best players in the world.

Redeeming himself with the winning goal in the 2013 Champions League Final, along with playing a big role in Bayern's domestic dominance, he also enjoyed a memorable World Cup in 2014 with the Netherlands as he helped his country to a berth in the Semi Final.

His improved performances, and his reduced selfishness, have not gone unnoticed with his teammates as Bayern captain Phillip Lahm said this week to Jutarni, "Robben has changed a lot, he's no longer a symbol of selfishness."

I will have to remember that line, "a symbol of selfishness", and perhaps roll that out to one or two ball hogs at my next indoor 5-a-side match.

Franck Ribery and the Bayern Munich Cook Book

2014-10-16T21:00:00.000-04:00

I know when I'm tucking into a delicious meal the last thing I want to think of is Franck Ribery.

Sure, the Bayern Munich and France winger is a supremely gifted player, but besides his frightening teeth and unusual appearance, he strikes me as someone who sweats a lot. The thought of Ribery sweat in my cream of broccoli soup turns my stomach a little if I'm being honest.

Anyhow, Ribery and several of his Bayern Munich teammates took time out this week to help launch an official cook book for the club that was written by German Chef Alfons Schuhbeck.

With clubs selling things like mugs, towels, branded credit cards, and pyjamas, I suppose it was only a matter of time before they realized that they could squeeze a little more revenue out of fans by allowing them the privilege of eating like their heroes,

At the time of writing I haven't been able to find any references to what actual recipes are in this particular tome, so I've taken the liberty of making up a few tasty possibilities.

Herb Roasted Lahm Chops
Baby Back Ribery's
Carbonara Penne served al Dante
Roasted Red Pepper & Götze Cheese Alfredo
Müller Rice® Chocolate Caramel Sauce

And that's about it... Plus I cheated on the last one, so hopefully the Müller company doesn't sue me.

Anyhow, this book will soon be available on the Bayern Munich club site and in other fine retailers.

Best Players Who Have Retired Internationally in 2014

2014-09-07T18:00:00.000-04:00

With the conclusion of the 2014 World Cup and the start of the Euro 2016 Qualifiers, there have been quite a few notable players that have called time on their international careers.

But how one feels about players deciding themselves that they no longer wish to play for their country is another matter entirely.

UEFA president Michel Platini was in the news this weekend following his outburst that retired French international Franck Ribery, "Cannot decide himself whether he plays for France", and "If (coach) Didier Deschamps picks him, he must come. That's the FIFA rule. If he doesn't come, he will be suspended for three Bayern Munich games."

Such a rule does exist, but is normally only enforced by international sides attempting to stop clubs from withdrawing players from national team call-ups for their own selfish reasons. Usually when a player retires from the national side there is an understanding between club and country that the player is in the final stages of his career and can no longer effectively give his all for both sides.

Whether or not Ribery faces any repercussions for his international retirement, or this is just another case of Platini talking out of his ass, remains to be seen.

In the meantime here is a list of notable players that called time on their national side careers this year.

Philipp Lahm, Germany

Despite being only 30 years old, the former German captain has already participated in three World Cups, and two European Championships and with Germany's victory in the 2014 World Cup he has opted to go out as a winner.

Miroslav Klose, Germany

With the 36 year old striker becoming the highest all time goal scorer at the World Cup with 16 goals and signing off with a World Cup win, Klose rather understandably ended his international career this summer.

Ashley Cole, England

One of the finest left backs of his generation and a long servant for the England national side, Cole's surprise exclusion from Roy Hodgson's 2014 World Cup squad caused the 33 year old to end his international career prior to the tournament.

Steven Gerrard, England

Although he didn't truly shine at international level as brightly as he has at times for Liverpool over his distinguished career, the 34 year old Gerrard never shirked his duties to the Three Lions and his presence on the pitch and in the dressing room will be missed.

Xavi, Spain

Watching the Spanish national side will simply not be the same with Xavi at the heart of midfield pulling the strings. The 34 year old leaves the international stage with two European Championship wins and a World Cup title as the most influential player for one of the greatest sides of all time.

David Villa, Spain

The 32 year old striker, who has been plagued with injuries in recent seasons, decided this summer to not only leave European football behind with his move to New York City FC, but also bring an end to a glittering international career that also saw him win two European Championships and a World Cup title.

Franck Ribery, France

Finally the aforementioned Ribery has decided at the age of 31, after missing the 2014 World Cup with a back injury that his time with Les Bleus has come to an end. That is unless Platini is able to force him back into action. Time will tell on that one.

5 World Cup Stars Call it Quits in 2014

2014-08-10T21:00:00.001-04:00

Didier Drogba has announced this week that he is retiring from international play. He is the 5th World Cup star to call it quits on his international career, in 2014.

Let us take a moment to look at these five wonderful players and what they have given their countries over the years.

Steven Gerrard (England)

The Liverpool captain has been a main staple with the English national team for a better half of a decade. During that time he earned 114 caps and scored 21 goals. He has never managed to win any major trophy for his country but he helped them qualify for 3 Euro Cups and 4 World Cups. His first World Cup experience was in 2006 and he scored two goals, both during group stage, against Trinidad & Tobago and Sweden. He managed to be England’s top scorer in that tournament with his two goals. 2010 World Cup was the first time he was given direct captaincy of the national team, not because someone else was injured or unavailable. He had been captain before but not under these new circumstances. When he retired from international duty on the 21st of July 2014 his 114 caps put him in third most capped English player ever. He will go down in history as one of England greatest players, leaders and captains.

Philipp Lahm (Germany)

The Bayern Munich player represented his country for a decade, and in that time period he earned 113 caps and scored 5 goals. His first international tournament was the Euro 2004 in Portugal, where he played all 90 minutes of Germany’s group stage games. Then didn’t advance out of the group stage but his performances showed the world his talent and what was to come in years ahead. From that point on he became an integral part of the Germany national team, which unless due to injury or suspension would play nearly every game for his country. He reached his 100th cap on the 6th of September 2013 in a 3-0 win over Austria. The game was part of the qualification matches for the upcoming 2014 World Cup. The 2014 World Cup would be his last tournament with Germany, but considering that he and his country won the tournament, I believe it was his way to leave on top.

Xavi Hernandez (Spain)

Xavi has been representing Spain since 2000, in what can only be considered 14 glorious years. During that time frame he earned 133 caps and scored 13 goals, not to mention that he won 2 Euro Cups and 1 World Cup, and all in back to back to back years. His first major tournament was the 2002 World Cup, but his true value and importance in the Spanish national side wasn’t obvious to most observers until the Euro 2008, where he was voted player of the tournament and he helped Spain win their first major international trophy. He absolutely dominated that tournament and became a household name in world football. On August 5th 2014, following Spain’s early exit of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Xavi announced his retirement from international football. Spain lost one of its best players and the fans lost a true magician in the art of football.

David Villa (Spain)

David Villa represented Spain from 2005 to 2014, earning 97 caps and scoring 59 goals during that time period. His first major tournament was the 2006 World Cup, which saw him partner up with Fernando Torres in the attack of the team and earning both 3 goals each as they lead their team in scoring. The only tournament he would not play for Spain was the Euro 2012, after breaking his leg playing for Barcelona he wasn’t able to recuperate on time to be able to represent his country that summer. He won the Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, but would miss out on winning the Euro 2012, a small blemish in what is an incredible international career. He is currently the all-time leading scorer for his country, surpassing the enigmatic Raul on that list. It is an incredible mark for an incredible player.

Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)

Drogba announced yesterday that he would no longer be representing his country in international play. He represented Ivory Coast from 2002 to 2014, earning him 104 caps and he scored 65 goals during that time. His first World Cup was in 2006 in Germany, and up until this summer he was the main weapon in Ivory Coast’s arsenal when looking at scoring goals in the opposing net. He earned his 100th cap in a friendly with Bosnia and Herzegovina, scoring a penalty kick in a 2-1 loss. His limited play at the 2014 World Cup started to signal to him that perhaps his time was coming to an end, so his retirement news is not coming as a shock to anyone, having said that he is one of the most prolific goals scorers of his generation.

Philipp Lahm Retires from International Football

2014-07-19T18:00:00.000-04:00

There's nothing quite like going out on a high.

After helping Germany win their fourth World Championship, captain Philipp Lahm has retired from International Football with 113 Caps to his name. After defeating Argentina on Sunday in extra-time thanks to substitute Mario Götze’s extra-time goal, Lahm raised the World Cup overhead with his mind already made up that this would be his last act for his country.

Having made the decision to call time on his International career earlier in the season the Bayern Munich star, who also captains his club side, informed Germany boss Joachim Löw of this decision on Monday.

Plaudits from around the football world came flooding in today in celebration of a terrific career at International level, including glowing praise from FIFA President Sepp Blatter who called Lahm, "a model pro". German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, also weighed in by saying that, “I’d like to express my respect for what he achieved with the national team.”

Lahm, who will continue his club career at Munich, had actually started this recent World Cup in a defensive midfield role. But after Germany failed to really click into gear in the last two matches in the group stage, which encompassed a draw with Ghana and a narrow win over the United States, Löw reshuffled the side and move his captain back into his customary right back position. From there he, and his team, shone and surged through the knockout stages on their way to deserved World Cup title.

Deputing for Germany in 2004, Lahm also played at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, where Germany finished in third on both occasions. He succeeded Michael Ballack as captain in 2010 and at only 30 years old, has been the senior presence that helped lead this talented young side to victory in Brazil.

Although known for his great technique, calmness on the ball, and leadership, many of us will also remember him for his terrific goal against Costa Rica to open the 2006 World Cup. Cutting in off the left wing and curling a beauty inside the far post, it was a terrific start to the tournament from the resurgent German side.

One of the best attacking right backs in the modern era, Lahm has secured his place in German football history and has been an excellent role model for the team he leaves behind.