Football Club Rankings

If your looking for our popular World Football Club Rankings -

Check them out here: www.FootballClubRankings.com

January Football / Soccer Transfer Review

The January Transfer window certainly ended on a high tone. Liverpool and Chelsea splashed out a lot of cash, but was it money well spent? I guess we’ll have to find out.


Winners:

Manchester City – I think Edin Dzeko was the best player to move – A lot of money, but should mean they’ll finish in the top 4.

Inter Milan - Andrea Ranocchia, Yuto Nagatomo, Giampaolo Pazzini, Houssine Kharja – Milan acquired two defenders who will help in the Champions League, Pazzini should be a long term option, especially since it looks like Milto is aging fast. Kharja is will help them in Serie A and Coppa. Nagatomo could be the real head turner.

Chelsea – They received a non cup tied Torres and help in defense with Luiz, who could be a future foundation. However they spent way too much money, and this signals an all out push for trophies as their famous core is running out of years.

AC Milan - I think AC Milan as added enough able bodies to see with the Scudetto.

Undecided

Liverpool - If Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez can stay healthy, they should eventually cover their costs.

Manchester United – They must either be broke or think their set, we’ll see.

Real Madrid - Emmanuel Adebayor will he help, who knows.

Losers

Roma – We know their broke, but for a team fighting for a top 4 finish, and still in the Champion’s League, you would think they would have like to added some reinforcements.

Juventus - They're acting like a team with out a plan, it seems they don't one.

How to Improve the UEFA Champions League

The Group Stage of the 2010-11 UEFA Champions League has been dull to say the least. There is very little on the line in the final round. In most cases there are 2 good teams per group and two…..shall we say lesser quality teams. It’s impossible not to acknowledge the quality of play has improved across Europe over the last decade. However during that time, the big clubs have become even more powerful, and now a group of super elite teams is emerging. We have a couple quick and simple suggestions to improve the quality of the Group Stage and Champions League all together.

1. Europa League winner from the previous year is automatically entered into the group stage of the next Champions League – This helps the Europa League the most, but it also gives 3rd place group knock-outs something to strive for.
2. Give the 4th placed league in the UEFA coefficients system - Germany / Italy a fourth team. The fourth place teams from those leagues are way better then the champions of Latvia, Iceland, Moldova, etc.
3. Give the 7th league 3 places.
4. Give the top ranked league all 4 four Champion League places in the Group Stage.
5. Only give the 15th place country 1 CL place.

This system would give 1-4 (4 teams into the CL) 5-7 (3 teams into the CL)

Based on the current coefficients it would look like this.

#1 - England – 4 teams in Group Stage
#2,3,4 - Spain, Italy, Germany – 9 in Group Stage with the possibility of 12
#5,6 - France, Portugal – 4 in the Group Stage with the possibility of 6
#7 – Russia, one in the Group Stage with the possibility of 3
#8-#14 – The chance to have two club reach the Group Stage.

Right now you can argue there are only about 8 super elite teams with a chance to the win the Champions League. If you enter in more big clubs you, might be able to level the playing field between the big clubs and what we call the super elite clubs. The best thing for UEFA is not to have small clubs in the Champions League it’s would be to have 20 teams with a chance to win the Champions League. This also would be good for the big and mid level domestic leagues as well.

2010 European Soccer / Football Preview

The summer of 2010 was certainly a lot clammier than 2009, only Manchester City really splashed out the big bucks this year. However AC Milan’s last second move for Ibrahimovic has completely shaken up European Football and Javier Mascherano going to Barcelona completes their squad.

EPL

The EPL title is Chelsea’s to lose. They might not have improved much, but neither has United, Arsenal, or Liverpool. Chelsea is the most consistent team in the EPL and only a long Champions League run will hurt their chances for this title.

1. Chelsea - This could be their best shot ever at winning both the EPL and Champions League.
2. Arsenal – Picking Arsenal is always some what of a gamble, but each year they’re right in the hunt.
3. Manchester City – The only reason we didn’t pick them to win it, is because they have too many egos to gel in one season. Balotelli will go down as the greatest signing in history of football, and on paper hey have as much talent as anyone.
4. Man United – Things could get crazy if Man City is able to over take them. We just don’t have a good feeling about United this season.

The Rest – Liverpool will still be adapting to a new coach, don’t be surprised if this season is one to forget. Tottenham will be too busy with the Champions League. With Man City and Liverpool focusing heavily on the EPL title, there is little chance for any other teams to break the top four.

Serie A

Serie A might have the most competitive top 10 teams in any league in recent memory. So many teams will have a chance at the Champions League this campaign.

1. Inter Milan – They have an awful lot of talent, but you have to wonder if Milto and Sneijder can match what they did last season. Look for a lot more goals from Eto’o this year.
2. AC Milan – Everyone is down on them, but we expect the Ibra deal to be done, which will either totally change the team for the better or hurt it long term. If they can stay healthy, you have to like their chances with that offense.
3. Juventus – We’re not a fan of the 4-4-2 system. With the players they have it’s probably the wrong formation. With so many stars on one roster it could be a combustible situation in Turin. However they might have the best second string squad in the world.
4. Napoli – After a few years of build up Napoli finally has a Scudetto contending team.

The Rest – There are five other teams who could finish in the top 4. Starting with Roma, but they could be hurt by a decent Champions League run. Genoa has had the best transfer campaign in Serie A and is just about everyone’s darkhorse. Palermo will be in the mix to the end as it’s tough to go to Sicily and win. Florentina, without the European Leagues to worry about could be surprise contenders.

La Liga

This campaign could be more of the same as Real and Barc look miles ahead of the competition. Jose Mourinho has a simple mission, and that’s to win the league title and Champions League, and of course beat Barcelona at all costs. The real question for fans in Spain is if any other team will be able to step up and mount some type of challenge.

1. Real Madrid – Real have enough fire power to win the La Liga. However can the Special One handle so many stars?
2. Barcelona – The Mourinho mind games will cause them to slip up in league play.

Germany – It should be all Bayern again this year. However look for German teams to struggle a bit in European competitions. However Juventus Wolfsburg with Dezko and Diego could be a force.

France – Marseille will look to retain their title. Lyon will have a chance thanks to picking up Gourcuff.

Europa League

It might be the hardest trophy to win, and this year it will have some definite star power. We believe the winner should get an automatic bid into qualifying for the Champions League the following season. Juventus are the favorites, followed by Man City. Liverpool could shift their focus to this trophy especially if their Premier League chances look bleak. Also keep your eye on two up and coming Italian team, Napoli and Palermo.

Champions League

The most important annual trophy in the world of sports, is also one of the hardest to defend. However this year the bottom 16 teams aren’t that strong. We know this is the Championship of Europe, but they’re ton of teams with knock-out stage talent sitting on the sidelines. Maybe even magnified this year, there are only a handful of teams capable of winning this trophy. Starting at the top, I think you need to look at Chelsea, Inter Milan, Barcelona, and Real Madrid. However it probably will take Jose Mourinho two years to build the European contender he wants. Right now I’m not sure they have the defense to win this trophy, however with their attack they just might outscore everyone. In less the rest of La Liga can get it together and challenge Real or Barc, these teams have an advantage in the Champions League.

Inter will not go out easy, but they have a tough schedule with the World Championships and Serie A, not to mention a new coach. Chelsea have as good as chance as anyone, and they might have some extra focus this season.

If you start thinking about tier two teams, you have Bayern, Man U, Arsenal, AC Milan and look for Roma to be a surprise outfit. With the Champions League it always comes down to the draw in the knock out rounds, so we’ll find out.

Contenders – Chelsea, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid

Line 2 – Bayern, Arsenal, Man Untied, AC Milan, Roma, Marseille

It should be an entertaining season, and don’t forget to the check out our bi-weekly World Soccer / Football Club Rankings

Inter vs. Man City, Biggest Soccer game of 2010 in USA

You can argue Inter Milan vs. Manchester City is the most important soccer game to be played on US soil this year. Even thought it's just a preseason game. It certainly is the most interesting. First off, Inter Milan in defending Champions of Europe, this will be the first game for their new head coach Rafa Benitez. Man City has spend like a trillion dollars this summer on players. Which team will Mario Balotelli play for, I doubt he plays at all. The game will only be live on ESPN Deportes tomorrow (Saturday) at 8:00pm.

USA vs. Algeria, who will Advance?

It will be a wild day at the World Cup. Heading into the final group stage game, all four members of the USA’s group have a chance to advance. The USA vs. Algeria game will be played at the same time as England vs. Slovenia. The USA will advance with a win, but will only advance on a tie if England ties or loses. I fully expect England to win, so the US will have to win too. However Algeria needs a win to have a chance to advance, therefore they’ll be playing all out, which could help the USA’s counter attack. With a win the US could win the group, but really all that matters is making it to the round of 16. I don’t think Algeria should be taken lightly they play a style very similar to the US, and it could be a back and forth game.

USA Soccer has a Golden Opportunity

For the time in history, the USA will have more talent then two of their World Cup Group opponents. Their opportunity is now, starting today at 10:00 against Slovenia, and again on the 23rd against Algeria. If they can win both of these games, they’ll get an unprecedented amount of fanfare. Of course a win is not a given. The USA still lacks the midfield and defensive players, capable of holding possession and setting up attacks. They depend too much on the counter attack for their offense. This makes them both dangerous against the top teams and susceptible against weaker teams. With that said, if they finish their group with 2 wins, and tie vs. England, fan interest will be through the roof. The England game meant nothing, the key since the schedule came out was today’s game.

USA happy with tie vs. England

The US are happy with a 1-1 tie against England, however, everything still rests on them defeating Slovenia this Friday. It certainly wasn’t a good showcase game for the World Cup. The USA played an above average game but England played poorly and used the wrong tactics against the US. It was to the USA’s advantage they played England in opening game and not the third game. The English is theory would have been a little more crisp. I think the organization for the US was good and they were disruptive enough on defense. The offense is still a question mark and I hope they consider swapping a forward for a midfielder these next two games. With five midfielders I think they would be able to control the game better against a weaker opponent. People will tell you that the USA plays down to lesser opponents. This is because the USA are a north/south team. When they have to posses the ball in holding, they're not nearly as fluid as most nations. However based on what I saw this weekend the US should advance past the group stage. Now everyone is just waiting for Friday.

2010 World Cup South Africa Preview

It's hard to make any predictions about the 2010 World Cup. I can see a weakness in every squad. I think Spain, Brazil, England, France, Italy, Germany, Argentina, and Netherlands are by far the eight best teams. So much so that if those 8 nations bought another 23 man team, they'll still be favorites. However for the last 50 plus years, European teams win when playing in Europe, and South America teams win, when playing outside of Europe. Actually I don't think a European Team has won it, out side of Europe.

The thing about soccer is the margin of victory is so slim. Therefore it allows for many upsets. A clearly superior team might get 9 good opportunities in a game, while their less talented opponents might get 3. However add a bit of luck and what happens with those few chances determine a game. Also FIFA seems more likely to give out cards, and if you team goes down a man, the chance of victory goes with it.

The World Cup is in South Africa, so I’m not going to be surprised if an African nation reaches the semis. For years people have been saying this could be the year an African teams breaks though. However no one is showing too much faith in any of African nations in 2010. Those teams have greatly improved over the last 25 years, but many other countries have improved even more. I will not be surprised if there are a ton of upsets, or if controvesry rules the tournament. All through the past year I was thinking of picking England, because I thought they were due to win, but I think Brazil has best defense so I’m going with them.

I'm just excited to see all the teams play. Will Argentina's defense be good enough? Can Italy recapture their form. What crazy thing will happen in an England game. How will teams try to stop Spain? Who will be the sleeper team and player? It should make for some of the greatest sports theater ever seen.

Inter vs. Bayern in Champions League Final

It will be Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich in Madrid for the European Cup. The match will be live Saturday at 2:30 on Fox Sports and should draw more viewers world wide than the Super Bowl. This tournament started 11 months with the top domestic clubs from across the Europe. Inter Milan has probably the best defensive squad I ever seen, and are universally favored; however anything can happen during one game. It also features the most talked about and powerful coach in the world, Jose Mourinho. This match wraps up the European club season with the major trophies going to:

English Premier League: Chelsea
Spain La Liga: Barcelona
Italy Serie A: Inter Milan
Germany Bundesliga: Bayern Munich
France Ligue 1: Marseille,
Europa League: Athletico Madrid

New World Soccer / Footbal Club Rankings

Our New World Soccer Club Rankings for 1-18-10 are out.

To Celebrate here is a little Samba courtesy of Ronaldinho from 4th ranked AC Milan

World Soccer Rankings - 10/1/09

We just posted the newest verison of the World Soccer Rankings. See if you're favorite club fooball team has made the cut.

2009-10 European Football Preview

The European Football (Soccer) Leagues are just starting their 09-10 campaigns. The group stages of the Champions League are scheduled to begin September 15th. This summer saw three of biggest stars in the world change teams, with Cristiano Ronaldo Kaka, and Ibrahimovic all joining new teams in Spain. It looks to be a very interesting and entertaining year across the continent. Here are the 2009-10 RizzoSports.com Football predictions.

Spain (La-Liga)

1. Real Madrid – The amount of money Real spent this summer was mind-boggling. They’re built with one objective in mind, and that is to over take Barcelona. Well some people are worried about them getting all these superstars to gel, we think they’ll be motivated to defeat Barcelona, and that will be enough for the Title.

2. Barcelona – Everyone will be gunning for them this season, but it’s hard to repeat, of course there is only one way to go from here. They’ll finish close to the top, and far ahead of #3.

3. Villarreal - Spain is seriously Madrid, Barcelona and that’s it. 10 teams could fight for the third and fourth spots, we'll guess and go with Villarreal.

4. Atletico Madrid – Will Aguero take a step forward or backwards – we’ll see.

England (Premier League)



1. Chelsea – The biggest news from Chelsea this summer is the arrival of coach Carlo Ancelotti. This team has a ton of veterans and they look hungry for the League Title. We think they have it wrapped up with games to spare.

2. Manchester City – That’s right City, not United. It’s a risky pick trust us, but City have the advantage of only focusing on the league title. Adebayor will be prove to be the signing of the summer in England.

3. Manchester United – The departure of Ronaldo will be too much to make up in just one year.

4. Arsenal – It seems like all the experts are picking Arsenal to be out of the top four and Liverpool to win the title. Well don’t trust them, in a dramatic finish, the Gunners are too much for Reds and take the fourth spot, again.

Italy (Serie A)

1. Juventus – It will be a title chase for the ages in Italy, but Juventus will emerge on top. Deigo will be the star man, and with a midfield that has the likes of Melo, Sissoko, Marchisio, and Camoranesi, who needs to worry about the defense. Last time I checked Buffon was still in goal, and look out for a monster year from Iaquinta.

2. Inter - One of the greatest runs in Serie A history will come to an end this season, which is funny because this might be the best Inter team yet.

3. Roma – Roma is not deep, but their first eleven awfully strong when healthy. If they stay healthy the can do great things, and finish third.

4. AC Milan – Milan will reinforce their squad in January with a couple of big transfers. They’ll hold off Napoli and Palermo for fourth.

Germany – The German League has been stellar recent in years, but they take a step back this year, as Schalke wins the title over defending champs Wolfsburg. While Bayern struggles through the season.

France – It’s Gourcuff and Bordeaux on top followed by PSG. Lyon takes a step backwards and all the French teams struggle in the Champions League.

Champions League – It’s so difficult to pick a winner, since the Champions League comes down to the draw, especially the first round of match play. I think there are only five teams who can win it.

- Real Madrid – All they have to do is live up to their potential. We still think the circus atmosphere around the team will be to much, and they won’t make it to the final.

- Juventus – Certainly the surprise pick, but Diego will prove he’s (brace yourself) every bit as good as Messi, and lead Juventus to the final.



- Barcelona – The Champions League has to be the hardest trophy to win back to back, and for that matter alone it’s tough to pick them of the the Trophy. However wouldn’t Barcelona vs. Inter be the dream final this year.

- Inter – Last we picked them to win it, and they didn’t but if their defense can stay healthily, they might just finally win this thing.

- Chesela – They are probably the safest bet to win it. A veteran squad should finally hoist the trophy they've been aiming for for years.

World Football Challange Schedule

This week the World Football Challenge will be in full swing through out the US. Here is the TV schedule for the remaining matches.


Tuesday, July 21
Chelsea FC vs. FC Internazionale Milano at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Cal.
11 p.m. EST on ESPN2

Wednesday, July 22
AC Milan vs. Club America at the Georgia Dome Atlanta, Ga
7 p.m. EST on ESPN2

Friday, July 24
AC Milan vs. Chelsea FC at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Md.
8 p.m. EST on ESPN

Sunday, July 26
AC Milan vs. FC Internazionale Milano at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
5 p.m. EST on ESPN2

Sunday, July 26
Chelsea FC vs. Club America at Dallas Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas
7 p.m. EST on ESPN2

I'm going to the game in Baltimore, I'm curious to see if there will be more Milan fans or Chelsea fans. Does anyone have an idea?

US Men's National Team seek Title Win against Brazil.

The US Men’s National Soccer Team is in Saturday’s Confederations Cup Final against Brazil. While most people view the Confederations Cup as nothing more than an eight team exhibition tournament, a win would be the most marketable achievement in history of Men’s National Team. Win or lose against Brazil, the team will obviously be better prepared for next summer’s World Cup Finals. However success this summer doesn’t mean the US will be a contender next year. If the US does qualify for the World Cup Finals, they’ll be up against 32 teams not eight. While the US has finally developed a team capable of knocking off a top side, they have yet to prove they can do it consistently.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Sensational Goal

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's amazing back heel goal to win the Capocannoniere (Serie A Scoring Title) on the final day of the season.

FC Barcelona Champions of Europe 2009

Barcelona were crowned European Champions Yesterday, as they defeated Manchester United 2-0. Barcelona impressively won all three trophies they played for this season, the Champions League, and the Spainish Copa del Rey and La Liga title.

Carlo Ancelotti's Auto-Biography Advice

Carlo Ancelotti's new Auto-biography had the following to say, when discusing why Zlatan Ibrahimovic choose to join Inter instead on AC Milan in 2006. I thought it was a good line.

"Haste does not pay dividends, but Massimo Moratti does"

Philadelphia Union: Philadelphia MLS Team

The new 2010 Philadelphia MLS team will be called the Union.



I'm not sure what deal is with a snake, but anyway. They're currently building a $100+ million dollar stadium in Chester Pa. A large portion of the money is coming from the state and local governments. There are currently 14 teams in the MLS, with three on the way, as Portland and Vancouver will join after Philly. After these three teams join there will 10 teams in the west and 8 in the east. The big question is who will be next, presumably two cities from the east. Miami and Monteral look like the current favorties, but another city could emerge. The other interesing thing is that FIFA mandates relegation once a league reaches 20 teams, so I'm not sure how this will be handled by then.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds Head Coach Gene Klien to be on RSW.

I wanted to get the news out early that Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ head coach Gene Klein will be my guest Tuesday night. Anyone who plays or is involved with soccer should be interested. Besides being the coach Gene is also the General Manager and I believe a partial owner of the team. There are a lot of angles to discuss, and it will be very intriguing to everyone. So not only will we be talking about on the field stuff, we’ll look at aspects of running a team, and player acquisition.

2009 Pittsburgh Riverhounds Home Schedule.

Saturday May 2nd REAL MARYLAND 7:05pm
Saturday May 16th HARRISBURG 7:05pm
Thursday June 11th BERMUDA 7:05pm
Sunday June 14th RICHMOND 7:05pm
Friday June 26th RICHMOND 7:05pm
Friday July 24th WESTERN MASS 7:05pm
Sunday July 26th WESTERN MASS 7:05pm
Saturday August 1st WILMINGTON 7:05pm
Saturday August 8th CHARLOTTE 7:05pm
Saturday August 15th CRYSTAL PALACE 7:05pm

If you live outside of Armstrong County you watch the show live online at 7:30 at www.familylifetv.com.