Paraguay v Brazil, 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Carlos Dunga survives the Paraguayan scare, but....

In each game the pressure of performing well on the Selecao remains huge. The Brazilians fans are thirsty of a better show from their beloved team, but after the end of a match, their wish remains unfulfilled. And when Carlos Dunga was reappointed as the coach of Brazil National Football Team after the disastrous World Cup campaign two years ago, Brazil’s overall performance has been shoddy. Dunga’s start was sound, but that rosy feeling ebbed away gradually and at present, the Selecao triggers shock waves among the fans.

After a dismal show against Uruguay, Carlos Dunga received a lot of criticism regarding his team selection. But, Dunga is one of those rare species, who will not compromise with his ego and nonsensical ideas. Mediocrity is his name of the game and for which, he creates a Brazilian XI with some substandard strikers, defenders and midfielders. Each day he is destroying the spirit of Brazilian football, but he remains unfazed by the massive destruction he is doing to Brazilian football.

But one thing for sure, someone up there is quite happy with him as time and again, he’s escaping from the jaws of humiliation. He escaped from being humiliated against Uruguay and tonight, he survived the Paraguay scare.

With due respect to Ramon Diaz and his team, they are not the side of the late 90s and early 00s, who were a hard nut to crack. Currently, they are just the shadow of the past and it is always expected that, teams like Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay should overcome them without breaking enough sweat. But tonight, for a brief period Brazil found it tough against them and again, it was Dunga’s mind-boggling selection policy which made Brazil to suffer a lot.

Brazil were a lost soul in the first fifty minutes
 

Ramon Diaz’s men attacked from the first half. One could hardly trace Brazil in the midfield and forward position. Paraguayan midfield and forwards pressed hard and it seemed that Brazil was a lost soul and got afraid of the opposition. Renato Augusto was awful tonight, whereas, Luis Gustavo found it tough on the pitch to take command on the midfield. Ricardo Oliveira proved to be a big flop, Douglas Costa and Willian were not able to squeeze through the flanks. Meanwhile, Dani Alves and Felipe Luis continued to struggle while the two central defenders, Miranda and Gil, reminded everyone how valuable Thiago Silva is for Brazil. Alisson was the hero again for Brazil who weathered the early storm bravely. But how long can he protect Brazil if there is inadequate support from the Defence? Paraguay utilized Brazil’s fragility in defence and went 2-0 ahead. Brazil were stunned.

Paraguay decide to defend the lead

Paraguay decided not to score more, but defend the total and I think, that was a mistake. You can’t take things too reluctantly with still forty minutes of play remaining. They pushed back, thinking that this dispirited Brazil unit won’t be able to bounce back and being a follower of the Selecao, even I was not thinking of a Brazil come back as this Brazil team plays pragmatic football, which can never help them to come back and Dunga had not selected the ideal players to put chills down the spines of Paraguayan defense.

Brazil shift to fourth gear

2-0 down. The fans were frustrated. Brazil were at risk of going down to the eighth place in the South American World Cup Qualifying points table. The situation was muddy and something had to be done to bounce back. To my utter astonishment, Brazil decided to go for an all-out-attack. The midfield, defence and the lone striker all came forward to restore Brazil’s pride. Dunga made some crucial substitutions which injected a bit of life in this team.

Players like Hulk and Lucas Lima, were the keys in maintaining a balance between attack and anchoring the midfield. But above all, in true sense of term, Brazil exploited Paraguay’s pragmatic approach after the 50^th minute and didn’t give up fighting till the very end.

Ricardo Oliveira, the weakest link in this Brazil team, kept on wasting opportunities after opportunities, but was able to reduce the lead to 2-1 by scoring from a rebound with just ten minutes remaining. In the 90^th minute, it looked all over for Brazil, but they kept on attacking. At stoppage time, Dani Alves raced into the box, side-stepped his man and finished with his weaker left foot to save Brazil’s face.

Brazil look better when they attack

Brazil look better when they play attacking football. This is the fact which has made them the darling of world football. In the last forty minutes of tonight’s match, their attacking brand of football was a treat to watch. Suddenly, Willian and Douglas Costa rediscovered their mojo, Hulk was exhibiting his brute force by dishing out thunderous shots towards the Paraguayn goal post, the heroes of the past like Dani Alves and Felipe Luis, became centre forwards and Lucas Lima shielded the poor display of Renato Augusto smartly and motored the midfield well as soon as he was introduced in the 70^th minute. Brazil’s aggressive football in the last forty minutes should make Dunga realize which brand of football pays off better for Brazil.

Brazil’s central-defence was shocking,

I repeat, Brazil needs Thiago Silva. Despite, poor performance after performance, Miranda’s inclusion doesn’t make any sense and how qualified is he to lead Brazil remains a moot question. Had Brazil played against a better side tonight, they would have easily exploited the vacant areas in the defence while Brazil were in an attacking mode. Players like Miranda are a liability for a team like Brazil and to strengthen the defence, Thiago Silva and Marquinhos are a must in the team.

Carlos Dunga escaped the Paraguyan scare, but he should not continue as the coach of Brazil

Brazil snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat, but such things don’t happen everyday. Carlos Dunga’s pathetic team selection is proving costly for Brazil day by day. Neither he shuns his pragmatic approach nor does he select the right players and this has been a matter of irritation and headache for the fans. Just imagine, Phelippe Coutinho, Lucas Moura, Thiago Silva, Alex Sandro, Danilo, Casemiro, Lucas Lima etc playing in the same team alongside Neymar – they’ll be superb to watch. In the mean time, if you advise these players to curb their attacking instinct and hamper their freedom, they’ll struggle big time.

Attacking football is the brand which suits Brazil and Dunga is not the right man to unleash this brand of football.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar    

Germany v England, International Friendly, 2016 - England's spirited display on German soil

Wow, what a match it was! Amid the boring Twenty20 madness, the Germany v England clash had been like a fresh air to uplift the mood. Both Germany and England always have the habit of gifting the fans something special and they didn’t frustrate the fans who remained awake till 4 am.

Germany dominated from the word go

The Germans looked good on the pitch in the first half and dominated the midfield and forward position which kept England on the back foot. They could have drawn the first blood had a Mario Gomez goal not signaled offside, but that didn’t dent Germany’s momentum at all and they kept on creating chances. Sadly, their long range attempts were either wide or went over the bar. With the half-time whistle knocking at the doors, Toni Kroos provided a moment of magic with a brilliant left-footed thunder bolt and after the second-half, Mario Gomez made it 2-0 for Germany.

Eric Dyer was left wondering  how could he provide Toni Kroos so much space to fire home Germany’s first. While Nathaniel Clyne also left clueless  after Mario Gomez peeled off into his channel and headed home unmarked to double the lead.

England’s dramatic comeback

But football, like cricket has a touch of unpredictability. It’s hard to write off an opponent until and unless the final whistle being blown and for which you can’t be lackluster even when you are in a very good position. None knows this better than the Germans, who are habituated to bounce back from the most hopeless of situations. But, this time around, the German defence became lackluster and England exploited the loopholes brilliantly to bounce back.

In the 61^st minute Germany failed to clear the lines following a corner and Harry Kane pounced on it, changed direction and placed a shot in at the far post through the legs of Can and made it 2-1. Roy Hodgson introduced Jamie Vardy in the 71^st minute and altered the shape of the team. Vardy was greeted with cheer in Berlin and within four minutes, he made his presence felt as he flicked Clyne’s cross to beat Manuel Nuer to script a sensational goal. It was his first international goal for England and what a way to start his international career. Wayne Rooney has a serious contender here.

Still, the German defence was relaxing. In the 91^st minute, Andre Schurrle, was inexplicably left marking Eric Dier, who was able to get on the end of Henderson’s corner and head home the winning goal.

Spirited England

This young England team, whose new kit was the talk of the social media last night rather than their abilities and never-say-die spirit, shut up those critics who were not ready to invest faith in them. Yes, this team still has the chinks which needs to be ironed out, but I think, they can lift themselves up for the bigger challenges as they are not ready to give up so easily.

Germany should be careful

This game is an eye-opener for the Germans before the Euro 2016. It takes a lot of effort to win the World Cup, but it’s even tougher to maintain the world champion tag. They lost the game despite dominating the midfield and forward position due to defensive errors  which is quite unacceptable from the Germans who are known to have a solid defence.  

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Brazil v Uruguay, 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Brazil paid a heavy price for their own mistakes

The Maracana has observed many epic battles between Brazil and Uruguay and one of those encounters still hurts the Brazilian fans all over the world – the heartbreaking Maracanazo in 1950. Then there was that nail-biting Copa America Final in 1989 and the do-or-die qualification match in 1993. In those games, the Selecao didn’t let any heartbreaks to repeat. But those games were not easy ones. In world football, Uruguay are such a unit which can unnerve both Brazil and Argentina.

In the World Cup Qualification match of last night, Uruguay spoiled Brazil’s party again, but this time around, Brazil suffered for their own mistakes rather than Uruguay’s brilliant display.

Brazil’s brilliant start

Brazil’s start was rollicking. A long ball from Dani Alves was received by Willian, who beat Voates with pace and crossed from the right side where Digeo Costa stretched out a leg to put the ball at into the net. In the eighth minute Costa edged was very close to double the score as he out Fuclie with speed and skill, but his attempt was cut short for a corner. Brazil’s brilliant start gained further momentum when Neymar spotted Renato Augusto around the back of the Uruguayan defence. Neymar outsmarted Alvaro Pereira to pass the ball to Renato who dummied Muslera before hammering the ball into the roof of Uruguay’s net. Brazil 2 Uruguay 0. Brazil were in the wonderland.

Uruguay bounce back

Uruguay were at bay in the first 30 minutes, but it didn’t take them long enough to come back into the game. Pereira smartly beat Willian on the left to cross the ball to Sanchez, who nodded it back for Edilson Cavani who thundered the ball in the Brazilian net to make it 2-1. Gradually, Uruguay started to claw back into the game and as soon as the second half started, the talisman of La Celeste, Luis Suarez equalized to put Brazil on the back foot.

Fragile Brazilian defence

Brazil’s defence was at their worst last night. Neither Felipe Luis nor David Luiz exhibited enough effort to stop orchestration on Cavanni’s goal. While Cavani was about to shoot the ball, Luiz  stood like a cartoon rather attempting to stop the shot. Luiz was found wanting again when Suarez easily beat him to score the second goal. How foolish can a central defender be! David Luiz doesn’t deserve a place in the team. Meanwhile, after last night’s dismal performance, Miranda’s place in the team should be questioned.

Miranda had past his best long ago and doesn’t have the skill and stamina to weather the storm against the best strikers in the world. Against Uruguay, he was not only poor in guarding the defence, but he was found serving wrong passes which could have proved handy for Brazil.

Why Dunga doesn’t include Thiago Silva in the team remain a moot question. Thiago Silva is not only the best defender in the world, but is also blessed with leadership qualities. Neymar is still not mature enough to be the captain of the side and making him the captain of the side is nothing but adding more pressure on the young man.

Carlos Dunga might have personal problems with Thiago, but when it is the matter of betterment of the team, he should keep his ego aside. Brazil needs the best players in its defence and not some burn-out-soldiers.

Where is Marquinhos?

Moreover, when a team is blessed with players like Alex Sandro, Marcelo and Danilo, why would you select past-heroes like Dani Alves and Felipe Luis. Both Alves and Luis were easily outweighed by the Uruguayan wing and it would have been ideal, if they concentrated more on man-marking rather than advancing forward.

I don’t think, Brazil needs the service of them anymore. Dunga should concentrate on the young assets of Brazil.

Philippe Coutinho to play as a deep-central-midfielder?

Dunga summoned Philippe Coutinho to replace Fernandinho in the second half. I was shocked to discover that the Brazilian coach wants Coutinho to play as a deep lying central midfielder. Are you serious Mr. Dunga? Coutinho is a genuine number 10 material and you want him to play as a defensive midfielder? What would be the best word to describe your coaching method?

Willian had lost his vim as the second  half progressed and Coutinho should have come instead of him. Moreover, when you have players like Ganso, who’s a unique talent, how can you ignore his contributions? Then, there is a versatile player like Lucas Moura, who has been ignored repeatedly due to your mind-boggling team selection.

A disorganized midfield

Dunga is adopting a 4-1-4-1 system and it requires a defensive midfelder and two brilliant central midfielders who can control the possession and win the ball back. I am sorry to say, Luiz Gustavo is in his decaying stage no matter how much the critics try to justify his place in the team. Why doesn’t anyone talk about Lucas Lima? Then, why no one talks about Casemiro who has been performing brilliantly for Real Madrid. Casemiro has the ability to inject intensity and the cutting edge which Brazil badly needs in the central midfield.

Brazil need a genuine number 9 and not false number 9

False 9 is not the Brazilian way. Yes, it worked in 1970 as because someone like Pele was there, but Neymar has still not reached the ranks of either Pele, Romario or Ronaldo. It is just foolish enough to expect such a young player to everything. Neymar is fine on the left flank rather than playing the role of a striker and I don’t get the idea of 36-year old striker to score for Brazil. A number 9 should be blessed with versatility and pace. Can we expect such things from players like Ricardo Oliveira, Diego Tardelli, Jo or Fred?

Brazil have players like Gabriel Barbosa, Jonas, Gabriel Jesus and co, then, why the hell cash on substandard strikers?

Brazil need to regroup

Brazil’s next game is against Paraguay and on their own den, they are a dangerous opponent. If Carlos Dunga doesn’t shun his pragmatic and mind-boggling tactics, Brazil will find it tough against Paraguay.

I repeat, pragmatism is not the Brazilian way.

CBF must rethink about their faith in Dunga. Either Tite or Rogerio Micale should  be the coach of Brazil.

Dear CBF, please, think seriously.   

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Italy v Spain, International Friendly 2016 - Italy were impressive

Last night, Italy applied an experimental 3-4-3 system and it worked well for them. Their midfield looked commanding enough as they created enough chances for the players up front. Spain were not impressive at all and felt the absence of Sergio Busquets in the midfield heavily.

But being an Italian fan, I enjoyed Italy’s smoothness in passing and the versatility of players up front. It’s changing times in Italian football. They play with a three-man defence these days and only time will tell how this ploy works. I feel, the Azzurri defenders need to work more while tackling the set-pieces. The friendly encounter ended in a 1-1 draw, though I think, Aritz Adruiz was offside.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar  

Chile v Argentina, 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Argentina secure valuable points

If Chile were missing Arturo Vidal then Argentina were missing Javier Mascherano today. Chile took the lead within 11 minutes of the game, but in the 20th minute a moment magic from Angel Di Maria who provided a perfect finish from the left side of the box to leave Claudio Bravo stunned. Chile’s good start was well challenged as Argentina gathered momentum with the progression of time, though they didn't dominate they way their fans expect them to do.

Chile looked threatening enough, but the absence of Vidal in midfeild hinted the lack of a controller of the game. Alexis Sanchez struggled to control the game and push his men forward to utilize the fragility in the Argentine defence.

Lionel Messi was not having an easy time on the pitch, but when there was a need for a chickiness, Leo provided the one with a flick to Mercado to seal the match for Argentina. Even though in the second half’s final periods, the Albiceleste were found wanting, but they overcame the Chilean threat to secure valuable points. A valuable win for Argentina.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Oh, Johan Cryuff!

I'm deeply attached to the legendary footballers and cricketers. Whenever one retires or dies, I get very emotional. Especially, when someone like Socrates, Richie Benaud, Martin Crowe or Johan Cruyff leave this world, my life halts for a brief period. It remains stagnant.

These sportsmen not only gave us joy, but taught us so many things which I miss among the modern day cricketers and footballers. Some of them revolutionized the game while some conveyed the right words by writing articles or some of them described the beauty of the game from the commentary box.

How poorer cricket and football become after their departure only people like me can realize. A big vacuum has been created which can't be filled easily.

At the moment, I'm absolutely down because of the death of Ctyuff. After Pele, none had such a revolutionary impact on football like Cryuff. I'm very sad. You can't even realize my pain.

Rest in peace Johan Cruyff.

You've left me in tears.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

বাংলাদেশকে টেস্ট ক্রিকেটের উপর বেশী গুরুত্ব দিতে হবে

ক্রিকেট খেলাতে অনেক খুঁটিনাটি-সূক্ষ্ম বিষয় আছে। এই যেমন ব্যাটসম্যানের কয়েক সেকেন্ডের মুভমেন্ট বুঝে তাকে স্ট্যাম্পিং করা, কোন ব্যাটসম্যান প্রেশার ক্রিয়েট করলে তাকে কিভাবে প্রেশারে ফেলে আউট করতে হবে সেই ব্যাপারে ছক কষা, ব্যাটসম্যানের মুড বুঝে বোলারকে পপিং ক্রিজ ব্যাবহারের পরামর্শ দেওয়া, শেষ ওভারে ব্যাটিং করতে নামলে আমি কি হেলমেট পড়ব না পড়ব না, ব্যাটসম্যানের ইনিশিয়াল মুভমেন্ট কি ফ্রন্টফুট না ব্যাকফুট, বোলার কি ধরনের ট্রিক্সের খাটানোর প্ল্যান করছেন, ক্যালকুলেটেড রিক্স, আমি কি বিগ হিটের ওপর বেশী নির্ভরশীল হবো না বেশী,বেশী  স্ট্রাইক রোটেট করে সময়মত বিগ শট খেলব, ফিল্ডারকে অর্থোডক্স জায়গায় না বসিয়ে আনঅর্থোডক্স জায়গায় বসিয়ে একটি উইকেট তুলে নেওয়া কিংবা প্রেশার ক্রিয়েট করা, খেলা চলাকালীন সময়ে উইকেটের কোন লেন্থের ক্যারেকটার কিভাবে পরিবর্তন হচ্ছে ইত্যাদি আরও বিষয় থাকে।

কোন হাই ভোল্টেজ ম্যাচে উত্তেজনাকর মুহূর্তে এসব বিষয় গুলোর ব্যাপারে অভিজ্ঞ দল গুলোই কিন্তু স্নায়ু যুদ্ধে বেশীরভাগ ক্ষেত্রে জয়ী হয়। ৫০ ওভার কিংবা টি২০ ম্যাচ খেলে এসব বিষয় গুলোর উপর পুরোপুরি দক্ষতা অর্জন করা যায় না।  একমাত্র টেস্ট ক্রিকেটই একটি দল এবং অধিনায়ককে ক্রিকেটের এসব খুঁটিনাটি ব্যাপার গুলোকে ভালোভাবে বুঝতে শেখায়। পাঁচ দিনে, তিন সেশন খেলে একটি দল যা শেখে তার মূল্য অপরিসীম। এটার এফেক্ট বোঝা যায় ক্রাঞ্চ মোমেন্ট বড় দল গুলোর হেরে যাওয়া ম্যাচ জিতে যাওয়া দেখে। এই ক্ষেত্রে বলে রাখা ভালো, এই ছোট, ছোট বিষয় গুলোকে কাজে লাগিয়ে শ্বাসরুদ্ধকর ম্যাচ জেতার জন্য একটি দলের মধ্যে টেস্ট ক্রিকেট খেলার এবং এই খুঁটিনাটি বিষয় গুলো থেকে শেখার আগ্রহ থাকতে হবে। কিছু দল আছে যারা অনেক টেস্ট খেলার পরও চোক করতে থাকে কারন এরা ঐ ব্যাপার গুলো নিয়ে স্টাডি কম করে।       

বাংলাদেশ শ্বাসরুদ্ধকর মুহূর্তে ম্যাচ হেরে যাচ্ছে। এমন কি জিতে যাওয়া ম্যাচ ও হেরে যাচ্ছে। এর কারণটা কি? আমি মনে করি, আমাদের টেস্ট ক্রিকেট খেলতে নিরুৎসাহীতা এটার জন্য অনেকাংশে দায়ী।

আমি তো ভুলেই গেছি বাংলাদেশ শেষ কবে টেস্ট ম্যাচ খেলেছে। আমাদের ক্রিকেটারদের স্কিল আছে এবং ম্যাচ জেতার জন্য যে উদ্যমটা দরকার সেটিও আছে কিন্তু যখন ম্যাচ ডাউন দ্যা অয়্যারের দিকে যায়, আমরা হেরে যাচ্ছি। আমরা প্রেশার রিলিজ করে দিলে, প্রতিপক্ষের অধিনায়ক আমাদেরকে স্টাডি করে, সূক্ষ্ম বিষয় গুলোকে খুবই স্মার্টলি এক্সপ্লওয়েট করে উল্টো আমাদেরকেই ফাঁদে ফেলে দেয়। আমদের সূক্ষ্ম বিষয় গুলোর ব্যাপারে স্টাডি কম কারন আমাদের সব ফোকাস লিমিটেড-ওভার ভার্সনে যার জন্য এসব ব্যাপার গুলো নজরে আসছে না।  সর্বোপরি ধৈর্য ধারনের ব্যাপারটি টেস্ট ক্রিকেটই শেখায়।

বাংলাদেশ ক্রিকেটের দীর্ঘ সংগ্রামটা কিন্তু টেস্ট মর্যাদা পাওয়ার জন্য। সেরা টি২০ কিংবা ওয়ানডে ওয়ান্ডারস হবার জন্য নয়। বাংলাদেশে টেস্ট ক্রিকেটের চর্চা ভালোভাবে হলে খুঁটিনাটি বিষয় গুলো নিয়ে আরও স্টাডি হবে এবং আমরা শ্বাসরুদ্ধকর ম্যাচে আর হারব না। এমন কি হেরে যাওয়া ম্যাচ ও জিততে শিখব।     

ধন্যবাদ

ফয়সাল সিজার 

বুমরার বোলিং নিয়ে কিছু কথা

গতরাতে ভারতের ক্রিকেট লেখক যাকে আমি খুবই সম্মান করি, অভিষেক মুখার্জি, তাসকিনের বোলিং অ্যাকশন নিয়ে ক্রিকেট কান্ট্রিতে একটি আর্টিকেল ( Taskin Ahmed: Why his bowling action is illegal and ICC is right in banning him) লিখেন। সেই আর্টিকেলে উনি বিভিন্ন ছবি দিয়ে বুঝিয়ে দেন আইসিসি কেন তাসকিনের বোলিং অ্যাকশনকে অবৈধ ঘোষণা করেছেন। উনার যুক্তি অকাট্য। আমি উনার যুক্তি মেনে নিয়েছি কিন্তু পলাটা প্রশ্ন করেছিলাম এই বলে, যদি কারো বোলিং কে অবৈধ ঘোষণা করার নিয়ম এরকম হয় (যেটা আইসিসির নির্দেশাবলীতে রয়েছে) তাহলে বিশ্ব ক্রিকেটে কিছু বোলার আছেন যাদের বোলিং অ্যাকশনকে সয়ারসরি অবৈধ ঘোষণা না করলেও আইসিসির ল্যাব টেস্টে পাঠানো যেতে পারে।   অভিষেক দা এবং আমার কথোপকথন

আভিষেক দা আমাকে উদাহরণ দিতে বলেছিলেন এবং আমি বুমরার বোলিং অ্যাকশনের ব্যাপারে আমার সন্দেহ প্রকাশ করেছিলাম। আমি অভিষেক দাকে বুমরার বোলিং অ্যাকশনের কিছু স্ক্রিন শট দেই এবং ক্রিকেটসকার গ্রুপে আমাদের মধ্যে একটি একাডেমিক ডিসকাশন হয়। আমাদের ডিসকাশন ছিলো পুরো টেকনিক্যাল এবং লজিকাল। আমি আশা করেছিলাম আমাদের বাংলাদেশ থেকে আমি এবং তনয় দা ছাড়া অন্যরা কথা বলবেন। আফসোস, গতরাতে কেউ কিছুই বলেনি।      

একজন বোলারের বোলিং অ্যাকশনকে কখন সন্দেহ করা হয়? আইসিসির নির্দেশনাকে খণ্ডন করলে দেখা যায়ঃ ১। বল ডিলেভারি করার সময় বোলিং arm কাঁধ বরাবর আসার পর (কাঁধকে ক্রশ করার পর নয় কিন্তু)  যদি কুনই বেঁকে যায় এবং ২। ডেলিভারি পয়েন্টতে যদি কুনই সোজা থাকে তাহলে ঠিক তখনই একজন বোলার বোলিং অ্যাকশনকে সন্দেহের দৃষ্টিতে দেখা হয়।

খালি চোখে কখনই তাসকিনের বোলিং-এ এই সূক্ষ্ম ব্যাপারটি ধরা পড়বে না। একজন সুদক্ষ কোচ এবং আম্পায়রের চোখে এটি ধরা পড়বে কারন উনারা এটা নিয়ে অনেক চর্চা করেন।

গত সপ্তাহে আমাদের দেশের কোচরা বলেছিলেন উনারা অনেক আগে থেকেই তাসকিনের বোলিং অ্যাকশনে কিছু সমস্যা ধরতে পেরেছিলেন কিন্তু আমার প্রশ্নটা হলো, উনারা তখন জাতীয় এবং বোলিং কোচকে কিছু বলেননি কেন? এই প্রশ্নের উত্তরটা কেউ যদি জানেন তাহলে আমাকে বলবেন। আমাদের জাতীয় এবং বোলিং কোচকে যদি সমালোচনা করা হয় তাহলে উনারা কি সমালোচনার বাইরে থাকবেন?

এই নিয়ম অনুযায়ী আমি মেনেই নিলাম তাসকিনের বোলিং অ্যাকশন অবৈধ এবং এশিয়া কাপে পাকিস্তানের সাথে ম্যাচেও তাসকিনের এই সমস্যাটা গতরাতে আমার চোখে এসেছে। হ্যাঁ, গতরাতে কারন আমি এশিয়াকাপ ফলো করিনি এবং অনেকক্ষণ বসে, বসে স্লো-মো মোড ক্রিয়েট করার পর ওটা চোখে এসেছে। তাও সহজে চোখে ধরা পড়ে না। ব্যাটার বোলিং arm খুবই ফাস্ট। ব্যাপারতা খুবই সূক্ষ্ম। এত সহজে চোখে ধরা দিবে না। তাসকিনের ব্যাপারে আমি এতটা আতি-আত্মবিশ্বাসী ছিলাম যে ওর কোন ভুল মেনেই নিতে পারছিলাম না। কিন্তু যুক্তি তো আবেগ মানে না।    

আইসিসির ম্যাচ রেফারী কিংবা আমাদের বিশেষজ্ঞগন আগে থেকেই কেন স্ক্যানারের আন্ডারে আনেননি কিংবা ওকে ওর ভুল গুলো শুধরাতে সাহায্য করেননি ? একটি মাল্টি ন্যাশনাল টুর্নামেন্ট চলার মাঝাখানে কোন বোলারকে নিষিদ্ধ হওয়াটা মেনে নেওয়া কষ্টকর।      

 যাই হোক, আইসিসির  চাকিং-এর নিয়ম অনুযায়ী বুমরার বোলিং অ্যাকশন কিন্তু সন্দেহের উর্ধ্বে নয়। আমার নেওয়া স্ক্রিন শটে দেখা যাচ্ছে, যে কাঁধ বরাবর বুমরার বোলিং arm সোজা থাকে এবং কুনই না বাঁকলেও ডিলেভারি পয়েন্টে কিন্তু কুনই সোজা থাকে যেটা বোলিং অ্যাকশনকে সন্দেহের রাডারের মধ্যে নিয়ে আসে।  তাহলে বুমরাকে কেন ল্যাব টেস্ট দিতে হবে না? মানলাম ব্যাপারটা ফিফটি-ফিফটি কিন্তু টেস্ট দিতে সমস্যা তো নেই?     

একারনেই আমি Random টেস্টের পক্ষে। আই সি সির জন্য এই কাজটি কঠিন হবে না কারন তাদের অর্থকড়ি ভালোই আছে। এবং টেস্ট সেন্টার শুধু দুই-একটি জায়গায় নয়, আরও কয়েক জায়গায় স্থাপন করলে ভালো হয়। Random টেস্ট করলে Conspiracy Theory নামক ব্যাপারটি আর থাকবে না।

ধন্যবাদ

ফয়সাল সিজার 

Random বোলিং টেস্ট করতে সমস্যা কোথায়?

কোন সিরিজ কিংবা টুর্নামেন্টে অংশগ্রহণকারী সকল বোলারদের Random বোলিং টেস্ট করানো হলে এসব ষড়যন্ত্র তত্ত্ব উৎপাত বন্ধ হবে এবং সেই সাথে মন থেকে সন্দেহের ভূত পালিয়ে যাবে। সব স্পোর্টসম্যানদের Random ডোপিং টেস্ট করানো সম্ভব হলে সব বোলারদের Random বোলিং টেস্ট কেন নয়? আমার মনে হয় না এই কাজটি আইসিসির জন্য খুব কঠিন হবে।

ধন্যবাদ

ফয়সাল সিজার 

Real Madrid v Sevilla, La Liga 20015-16 - Zidane should not ignore Casemiro

Over the years, Real Madrid’s problem has been in the midfield. Yes, there are players like Toni Kroos, Luca Mordic, Isco and James Rodriguez, but doubts remained over Isco and Rodrguez’s inconsistency. Madrid lacked the balance and Mordic alone couldn’t provide the balance and of course, Kroos is not the ideal man as a deep midfielder.  The Los Blancos needed to utilize the players in the right way.

 In comes Casemiro, a favorite player of the ex-coach Rafa Benitez, but left in the cold by the current coach Zinadine Zidane. Casemiro didn’t give up, but proved his worth in the match against Las Palmas and last night, he was brilliant in that midfield region.

Casemiro injected balance within the team with his intensity and discipline. Casemiro has the ability to win the ball back and is adept in both creation and destruction. On the right flank his ability burst into life ensures more pace in Madrid’s game and gradually he is showing the signs of becoming the Real Madrid’s midfield leader. Zidane should not ignore this Brazilian’s ability as a defensive midfielder. I think, Carlos Dunga will also give this boy the opportunity as well. I just hope so.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar  

FC Barcelona v Villarreal, La Liga 2015-16 - Villarreal halts Barcelona's winning run

Barcelona looks invincible as because they have three of the most versatile players at the top, but if an opposition exhibits enough determination, even the best side in the world can be found wanting. Without a doubt, I was heavily impressed with Villarreal’s display yesterday. They had been impressive throughout the 90 minutes and even had the opportunity to win the match. They have a player named Denis Suraez who ran throughout the pitch with pace and astonishing energy and it was his shot that led to a tap-in for Cedric Bokambu to score the first goal for Villarreal.

Barcelona’s drop points at Villarreal will not matter for them as they are well set to win this year’s La Liga, but if I am not wrong, loopholes have started to get noticed in this Barcelona side. They are vulnerable against counterattacks and there is fragility at the back.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

হুজুগে না মেতে আইসিসির বক্তব্যের জন্য অপেক্ষা করা উচিৎ

হুজুগে না মেতে এবং পাগলের মতো পোস্ট শেয়ার না করে ধৈর্য ধরে আইসিসির বক্তব্যের জন্য অপেক্ষা করা উচিৎ। তাসকিনের বোলিং অ্যাকশন ব্যানের ব্যাপারে বিসিবি আপিল করে খুব দৃঢ় একটি পদক্ষেপ নিয়েছে এবং সেজন্য নাজমুল হাসান পাপনকে ধন্যবাদ জানাচ্ছি। হি ইজ দ্যা বস!

বিসিবি তাসকিনের ব্যাপারে আইসিসির রিপোর্টের বিরুদ্ধে কিছু পাল্টা যুক্তি দিয়ে তাঁর বোলিংয়ের নিষেধাজ্ঞা যত দ্রুত সম্ভব স্থগিতের আবেদন করেছে। নাজমুল হাসানের মতে, “কিছু যুক্তি দিয়ে আমরা দাবি করেছি নিষেধাজ্ঞাটা স্থগিত করা হোক। এটা প্রত্যাহার করতে পারে একমাত্র আইসিসি। নিষেধাজ্ঞা তারা দিয়েছে, প্রত্যাহার করতে হলেও তাদেরই করতে হবে”।

আইসিসির বক্তব্য অনেক গুরুত্বপূর্ণ। আমরা নিজেরা, নিজেরা ধারনা করে কিছু বললে কিংবা একটি পোস্ট দিলেই হবে না এবং শুধু এক পক্ষের কথা মাথায় রেখে মাথা নষ্ট করলে কোন লাভ হবে না। আমাদেরকে অন্য পক্ষের যুক্তি ও শুনতে হবে। সবচেয়ে ভালো হতো আইসিসির পুরো রিপোর্ট পড়তে পারলে তাহলে অনেক কিছুর ব্যাখ্যা পাওয়া যেত। আমি ষড়যন্ত্র তত্ত্ব কিংবা কিছু ধারনাকে পুঁজি করে, সেটা নিয়ে চিন্তা করে নিজের মাথা নষ্ট করতে ইচ্ছুক না বরং যুক্তি এবং ডকুমেন্টসের ওপর বেশী বিশ্বাসী।    

ক্রিকেট সম্পর্কে যার ভালো নলেজ আছে এবং যিনি বিসিবি ও আইসিসির সূক্ষ্ম জিনিস গুলোর ব্যাপারে ক্লিয়ার ধারনা রাখেন আমি শুধুমাত্র তার কথাকেই গুরুত্ব দিবো। যারা এই হুজুগ কাজে লাগিয়ে তারকা হবার চেষ্টা করছেন তাদের কথায় নয়।  প্লিজ দয়া করে কোন হুজুগে পোস্টের রেফারেন্স আমাকে দিবেন না কিংবা ইনবক্স করবেন না। আমি আবেগি কিংবা হুজুগে পোস্টে বিরক্ত হই।  আপনি আমার কাছে কোন আবেগের কথা শুনতে পারবেন না।

ধন্যবাদ

ফয়সাল সিজার 

শরীরের রক্ত পানি হয়ে বের না হলে সৃষ্টিকর্তার মন তুষ্ট হবে না

মিরাকেল ব্যাপারটা যে কি সেটির স্বাদ আজ পর্যন্ত পাইনি। জীবনে কিছু পেতে হলে আমাকে নিজের রক্ত পানি করতে হবে এটা বুঝি। মাঝেমধ্যে কিছু মিরাকেলের দরকার পড়ে। একটু মিরাকেলের স্বাদ পেতে ও ইচ্ছা করে। কিন্তু যাদের জীবনের ছকটা লাঙ্গল চালানো কৃষকের মতো তাদের মিরাকলের আশা করতে নেই কারন এদের শরীরে রক্ত থাকাটা অপরাধ। ওটা পানি হয়ে বের না হলে সৃষ্টিকর্তার মন তুষ্ট হবে না।

ধন্যবাদ

ফয়সাল সিজার 

Manchester United v Liverpool, UEFA Europa League 2015-16 - Philippe Coutinho gifted a magical moment

How good was Philippe Coutinho’s goal last night? In one word, it was magical. In a high voltage game, when your team is under pressure, you need a moment of magic to come back into the track in style. Coutinho, the Brazilian boy, did just that for Liverpool when the chips were down.

Coutinho received the ball on the left side, not so further high up the Manchester United half, and then used his low centre of gravity to completely wrong foot Guillermo Varela before rounding him up to drive at the goalkeeper. David de Gea rushed into lessen the space between him and Coutinho, but the Brazilian chipped the ball over a stunned De Gea as if he was playing beach futbol in Sao Paolo – simply eye-catching stuff.

Coutinho gave us another brilliant moment to remember when he managed to get the ball off Marouane Fellaini as Manchester United tried to break forward. He went on to dribble past three Manchester United defenders in a row before choosing to pass rather than dribble past the fourth. I hope Carlos Dunga had witnessed this.

Manchester United built the pressure well and their lead should have given them more momentum as in my opinion, the Liverpool midfield was not well organized last night. But sadly, they kept on losing their grip from the game after taking the lead and the spaces created by the defence was noticeable. When Coutinho ran at pace from the left flank, if anyone remembers, there was no adequate support at the other end to weather the storm. Even though, when a moment of sheer genius crops up, one can’t do little to stop such moments. Sadly, Louis van Gaal’s season has ended in a disgraceful manner. The fighting spirit was largely missing.

Liverpool needs to sort out their midfield. Had there been no Coutinho magic, things might have been different last night.  

I want them to reap a rich harvest in the Europa League.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Bayern Munich v Juventus, UEFA Champions League 2015-16 - It was a memorable match

As Bangladesh continue to debate on why they didn’t the Tigers receive enough support in Eden Gardens against Pakistan yesterday rather than discussing cricketing matters, somewhere in Allianz Arena, Munich, Bayern Munich and Juventus gifted me one of the finest battles to relish. Can a football match be as breathtaking as last night’s never-jangling encounter? Boy, when these Italian clubs play their traditional football, the contest automatically becomes a simmering one. Football is beautiful. Football is the best.

Pep Guardiola’s thoughts and tactics were outclassed by Allegri. In the first hour of play, I could hardly notice Bayern to make their mark in the game. Juventus’ man-to-man marking stranglehold Bayern in the midfield, they ran themselves into the ground and forced mistakes from Bayern. Bayern dominated in terms of possessions, but they don’t matter if you fail to orchestrate an attack.

Meanwhile, Juventus created better chances and utilized them well to take a 2-0 lead and I guess, they should not have left Bayern half-dead as such teams know how to bounce back. Alvaro Morata and Cuadrado should have struck gold on the gilt-edged chances they got. Moreover, I think, Moarata’s goal in the 22^nd minute was wrongly called offside. Lady luck wished for an epic match. Bayern came back and it turned out to be a memorable night for me.

Robert Lewandowski scored in the 73^rd minute and kept Bayern’s chances alive and when Thomas Muller scored in the 90^th minute, I was left thinking  the reason behind buying big names by spending so many dollars. Big teams and big stars know how to utilize the right moments even when they are cornered. They know how to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Allegri made a mistake by taking off Morata and Cuadrado while Pep called on Alcantara Thiago and Kingsley Coman – two crucial substitutions changed the course of the game. The absence of Morata and Cuadrado left Juve on the backfoot. Pep’s substitution took Bayern into the quarterfinals. At times, such small moves matter so much.

I was satisfied with Juventus. Despite the injury problems, they put up a brave show. The presence of Chellini, Mrchsio and Dyabala could have proved best for Juventus.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

World Twenty20 2016 - Kane Williamson's captaincy was fantastic!

Tanoy Dutta dada forced me to watch tonight’s match by saying that how good my prediction was about Kane Williamson’s captaincy a few years back. Perhaps in 2014 or 15 I told him that if Brendon McCullum retires, New Zealand will have no problem at all as because Kane is aggressive, innovative and great thinker of the game like Baz

Kane Williamson is a complete package. Tonight, even though it was a Twenty20 match, Kane Williamson’s captaincy was street-smart and his ability to read the crucial moments of the game and then, capitalizing those moments at will via smart fielding setting and bowling changes had been brilliant. And he was the catalyst behind motivating his men to give their 100% on the field. Kane should be the man of the match tonight.  

Then there was Ish Sodhi. In 2013, while he was touring India with the New Zealand A side, I think, I predicted that this boy should be preserved as he has the eagerness to learn and hungry for success. His legspinners looked vicious tonight and, boy, didn’t he bore fruit for his team.

I know, our Bangladeshi fans and so called experts will be busy in trolling India, but sadly, they will not highlight Kane Williamson’s astute captaincy. Since 2010, I have seen saying again and again, Kane is born to achieve greatness.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

এটা কি আন্তর্জাতিক ক্রিকেট না পাড়ার ক্রিকেট?

৪, ৫, ৭ কিংবা ১৫ ওভারের ম্যাচকে কি আন্তর্জাতিক ক্রিকেট বলা যায়? নাকি স্কুলে পড়ার সময় শুক্রাবাদের অলিগলিতে বিকেলবেলা আমরা চার-পাঁচজন মিলে যেই ক্রিকেট খেলাতাম সেটাকেই এখন আন্তর্জাতিক ক্রিকেট বলে চালিয়ে দেওয়া হচ্ছে? আন্তর্জাতিক ক্রিকেট এবং পাড়ার ক্রিকেট কি একই ব্যাপার? পাড়ার ক্রিকেটে আন্তর্জাতিক মানের ক্রিকেটারদেরকে কি মানায়? ক্রিকেট খেলাটা কি এতটাই সহজ?

উনারা টাকার জন্য যেভাবে পাড়ার ক্রিকেটকে জোর করে আন্তর্জাতিক ক্রিকেট বলে চালিয়ে দেবার চেষ্টা করছেন তাতে উনাদেরকে এক্সপার্ট না বলে বিশেষ-অজ্ঞ বলতে ইচ্ছে করছে। আসলে উনারা সেটাই।

বর্তমানে, আমার কাছে ক্রিকেটের বিশ্বায়ন ব্যাপারটি ফালতু মনে হচ্ছে। টি২০ নামক জোক দিয়ে ক্রিকেটের বিশ্বায়ন সম্ভব না। জিম্বাবুয়ে এবং বাংলাদেশ টেস্ট খেলার মর্যাদা পেয়েছে, এটাই ক্রিকেটের বিশ্বায়ন। ক্রিকেট খেলাটি তখনই সার্থক যখন একটি দেশ টেস্ট খেলার সক্ষমতা অর্জন করে। জোর করে কিছু দেশকে, যারা জীবনে টেস্ট খেলতে ও পারবে না, তাদেরকে বিশ্বায়নের মিথ্যা মোড়কে মুড়িয়ে, পাড়ার ক্রিকেটে ধাতস্থ করে ক্রিকেটের কোন জাতীয় বিশ্বায়ন হচ্ছে এটা আমি ঠিক বুঝতে পারছি না। এসব টি২০ এবং হাতেগনা কিছু ৫০ ওভারের ম্যাচ খেলে আফগানিস্থান কিংবা আয়ারল্যান্ডের তেমন কোন উন্নতি হবে না, হচ্ছে ও না। ঐ জায়েন্ট-কিলার ট্যাগ নিয়ে সারাটা জীবন পাড় করে দিতে হবে।।       

ধন্যবাদ 

ফয়সাল সিজার 

Real Madrid v Roma, UEFA Champions League 2015-16 - Real Madrid won, but...

Real Madrid are in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, but in my opinion, Real’s performance was not satisfactory last night. If they wish to win this year’s Champions League then, I think, they need to improve a lot. I shall like to say, it was not Roma’s night rather than Real Madrid’s brilliant display. Real just were able to weather the storm well in the first hour of play. That’s all.

I loved the way Roma pressed high up the pitch, put Real on the back foot and created brilliant chances, but sadly, they could not utilize any of them. Had Roma went ahead earlier, it would have been tough for Real to come back. Real should be thankful to Keylor Navas who kept the scores level until Real scored the first goal. Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez struck gold, but the absence of that cutting edge could not satisfy me.   

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Martin Crowe - A beauty that will never fade

Elegance matters in sports and in cricket. It is a must for the romanticists, especially for the willow-wielders. Batsmanship is not all about hitting the ball madly; there has to be a touch of grace and beauty in that craft. Otherwise, it doesn’t remain a craft anymore, but transforms into a tool which gives joy only to the devil. And a devil doesn’t know the importance of elegance.      

In the 80s and 90s, elegance mattered. There was that 22-yard wicket to essay epics, there were those boundaries to relish the charm of those epics, there were those vociferous crowd to back the champions and there were those champions in those days as well to give the fans unforgettable moments and world of joy. But, one factor made the 80s and 90s, one of the most unique eras of cricket – elegance.

Cricketers in those days, always had that delicate touch. They were blessed with a certain inner peace. Their hearts were more passionate and the love for the game was immense. They had the ability to enrich this game and be thankful of what they received from the game.

They were graceful and worshipped the God of beauty. They were not only the ultimate champions of the game, but in terms of courage and intelligence, there exists hardly any cricketer in the modern era to hold a candle near to them. Elegance only radiates if there is sublime courage and intelligence within.  

Sir Richard Hadlee was the household name in New Zealand in the 80s. The charismatic allrounder gifted New Zealand so many memorable wins that it took him to a different level.

From his rhythmic run-up to perfect action to lethal leg cutters and nagging and incisiveness to astonishing wicket-taking abilities to effective batsmanship lower down the order made Sir Hadlee the choice of New Zealand’s 80s generation. His impact and elegance was so massive that the contributions of a Jeremy Coney, Ewen Chatfield, John Wright, Ken Rutherford, Ian Smith and Martin Crowe used to get overshadowed.

Gradually, the batsman from Auckland named Martin Crowe started to make his presence felt in the team. Apart from his run-making consistency, Martin’s elegance and bravery earned praise from the fans and critics all around the world.

The tracks were not placid like today, the pace-bowlers in those days didn’t bowl only to check runs, the boundaries were not short, there was no free-hit and powerplay and of course, there were bowlers like Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Joel garner, Malcolm Marshall, Imran Khan, Kapil Dev, Ian Botham, Dennis Lillee and Bob Willis to put shiver down the spine.

Martin faced the barrage of short-pitch stuffs on docile wickets and flayed strokes of highpedigre with utmost bravery. He was a technically gifted batsman and sound both on the front and back foot. He had the hunger for long innings and he never occupied the crease, but dominated the 22-yard with authority. His back lift was not high, but despite this, he was found astute against the most ferocious pace-bowling attacks during his time.

Then there was that power he used to generate while scripting boundaries. How could he send the ball to the boundary with such a brutal force from barely a flex of the wrists always left me and my father stunned. You have to be extremely gifted to do such and Martin was a gifted batsman.

Above all, his drives through the offside boundary either on the back or front foot, will always remain etched in my memory. All of a sudden, he would pivot on the back foot, raise his bat slightly high, get his head and body in perfect position and then, allowed the ball to come into the middle part of the wood late and with the slightest use of the wrists, he would send a that back-of-a-length delivery to the point  and backward point boundary.

He would watch the ball rocketing towards the boundary with his traditional direct gaze. Simply gorgeous stuff! Martin’s execution of such strokes was a treat for the photographers and the true lovers of the game – a lot of elegance was poured in just one stroke. The whole phenomenon used to happen within a whisker of a second and the effect of such executions within such a miniscule second, is huge – they allow the flowers to bloom in the hearts of every cricket romanticist.

Elegance is an ideal blend of good taste and dash of darings. When the mind is not cluttered and always supports exactness and lets the heart to echo about beauty and a never-ending romance with the world and humanity, the body dishes out perfectly and that’s what elegance is.

Simplicity and a harmonious mind are the keys to achieving elegance. Elegance can’t be achieved by spending money, but it has to be earned. Martin earned it and it was possible only because he possessed a simple heart and he loved this game very much.

Cancer is a traitor. It is not only frustrating medical science and the doctors, but the human-being across the world as well. It gives a patient immense pain and sufferings and then gradually, gifts them death. Martin has lost the battle against cancer.

It’s not easy for a cricket fan, who has grown up watching Martin play, to accept his sad demise. But, I can proudly say one thing, I am privileged to watch Martin Crowe bat. He has given me the sort of joy which the modern day ball-basher can’t give. As Giorgio Armani said, “Elegance is not about being noticed, it’s about being remembered”.

I am sure, Martin will please the Gods as well with his graceful batting display in the heavens.

Rest in peace.

Note: This article has been published in Sportskeeda on 03/03/2016 Martin Crowe - A beauty that will never fade

Thank You

Faisal Caesar