Vinicius Junior pays back Zidane’s faith

“He's 19 and we have to be patient with him. He must be ambitious. We have 25 players and when some of them are not in the squad it's because there are a lot of important players. All of those players should be playing more”:  Now this is what Zinedine Zidane said on Saturday, before omitting Vinicius for the match against Valladolid.

The Brazilian youngster arrived in Santiago Bernabeu with a lot of expectations. Whenever he had been given the opportunity, Vinicius impressed with his pace, agility and dribbling abilities, but in clubs like Real Madrid such things are not enough, but scoring goals and help in win matches matter more. But the Real Madrid coach Zidane is someone, who does not come to a conclusion so easily but wishes to invest more faith in his boys.

The next mission of Los Blancos was against Real Zaragoza in the Round of 16 of Copa del Ray. Zidane decided to give Vinicius another opportunity so that he could prove his worth.  In his first season in Spain, in three Copa games Vinicius managed two goals and four assists, but since then has only started in four out of 29 games played.

In Zidane’s rotation policy, Vinicius featured in last weekend's league game against Unionistas where he played full 90 minutes. The match against Zaragoza would be a stifling test for the young Brazilian. He needed a sparkling display to cement his place in the main XI.

Real Madrid won the match and advanced to the next round. Toni Kroos ran the show from the word go and the next player who impressed Zidane and Real Madrid officials alongside Raphael Varane and Lucas Vazquez was none but Vinicius Junior. He worked tirelessly throughout the match and apart from his usual pace and skill; his defensive prowess caught the attention of everyone. He completed 4 tackles and proved to be a continuous nuisance for Zaragoza full-back Delma. Now that shows, how determined the boy is to prove his worth.

Then he scored the third goal.

In the 71st minute, the 19-year old charged at Zaragoza’s defence before playing a tidy one-two with James Rodriguez, the Brazilian picked the ball back up in the box and effortlessly lobbed it over the keeper. It was a delicate finish and the one, which Vinicius needed to boost his confidence and payback Zidane’s faith.

Zidane was impressed and Vinicius has kept the hopes alive to receive another opportunity.   

Note: This article has been posted at Cricketsoccer as CSdesk on 30/01/2020 Vinicius Junior pays back Zidane’s faith

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Faisal Caesar

South Africa: A false dawn?

The fourth Test at Johannesburg was Vernon Philander’s last affair in white clothes. The mighty warrior from South Africa had been one of the most loved and adored cricketers across the country for more than a decade. He was a master both with the old and new ball – length ball, outswing, inswing, and late swing; all just came out one after another whenever the Proteas needed them. Most of the time, Big Vern came out as the ultimate winners despite the big boys like Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn around. He was the underrated legend among the legends in his team – but always more committed than some of the legends.  

Like all great cricketers, Philander wanted to finish his Test career on a winning note in front of his home crowd, but in the end, things did not go the way Big Vern wished for. Life is strange. Not all can have the privilege to taste such sweet moments. Big Vern might not have that slice of luck, but in the end, he would always be remembered as one of the best pace bowlers South Africa have ever produced.

Big Vern’s wish of a dream farewell could have been fulfilled if the South African batting line-up did not display a spineless effort with the bat. In the first Test, their batters and bowlers exhibited a lot of heart and hinted that a new sun of hope was rising above the Mountains of this Rainbow Nation. But suddenly, the victory seemed to be a false dawn. The Proteas unit gave us the impression that there are still of lot of hard work to be done to bring the train back on the right track.

Anrich Nortje remained the only bright spot amid a disastrous display. He bowled with extreme pace and always clocked around 140 km/hour throughout the four Tests.  Not only that, his ability to bowl in long-spells hinted he could exhibit the stamina when the chips are down. Moreover, his temperament with the bat also put some of the top-order batters in shame.  The intent to occupy the crease and solid defence against spin-bowling, only indicated that he is the future package, which South Africa would need.

But they would need more of them to bring back the golden days. The Test temperament is hugely missing. While England showed more patience with the bat under pressure, the South African batters melted easily – the tendency to execute false strokes at a higher rate totally undermined the whole unit. But as a matter of fact, South Africa have a very good if not the best batters around, who could have shined if they displayed a bit more intent – the intent to leave the ball and rotate the strike with composure. These are basics, which at times even the best tend to forget. The South African batters just need to work cash in and work on building up their patience.

Above all, the captain needs to lead from the front. The lean-patch of Faf du Plessis undermined the whole unit more. He seems to be losing his intent and thus, failed to deliver consistently. A third successive Test defeat is not what you expect from a legendary figure like Faf, but it happened, and surely, his time is coming to an end.    

In the end, England remain dominant in South Africa, while it was a series to forget for the Rainbow Nation. But this is not the end of the world. All seemed to be a false dawn, but better days might be around the corner. One needs to have patience and faith.  

Note: This article has been posted at Cricketsoccer as CSdesk on 28/01/2020 South Africa: A false dawn?  

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Faisal Caesar 

The Real Madrid of Zinedine Zidane go on top

In Barcelona, they wish for so-called substance – tiki-taka, fluid and beautiful football even if you don’t win, just play to win hearts. It sounds more like a bloody joker, whose ambitions are less. If he could put a smile on the faces of people without giving them the ultimate joy, then his work is done. We actually witness such jokers in the streets – a total fluff from inside when the return is zero.

Someone like Zinedine Zidane, the manager of Real Madrid, can demand the ideal combination of everything – he can ensure fluidity, compactness and both of them, according to the demand of the situation.  Zidane knows very well what Real Madrid and her fans wish for – the ultimate joy – the joy of winning big titles on big stages and not lose like a joker when the stakes are higher.

After a rough start since his return to Santiago Bernabeu, Zidane has instilled faith and confidence among Los Blancos and gradually, the best club in the world has started impress. Zidane does not care about the comfort of an individual club-legend, who always fails to handle pressure, nor does he bother to alter his tactics even at the cost of star players. The Real Madrid of Zidane is about playing for the team rather than creating a team on the basis of just one player.

On Sunday, the boys of Zidane tightened the screw on Barcelona after defeating Real Valladolid and went top of the points table. Real Madrid was all about composure last night rather than Cryuff school of football. One cannot say that Real were impressive, but at times they looked dull. Still, they are grinding the results.  And winning matters in football. Certainly, winning hearts are for jokers. It is not the target of a champion. And that is where Real Madrid is the best – they focus on winning. Entertainment is for the kids.

Quique Setien is planning to inject the fluid football at Camp Nou - at the potential risk of jeopardizing the team’s prospects in the three main competitions this season, while Real Madrid are emphasizing on winning – even if Real have to be dull and defensive, it does not matter much.

The night at Jose Zorilla was cold and chilling. Playing your natural game would never be that easy. Both teams’ progress had been scratchy. Real had the last laugh as they know how to achieve such.

Zidane opted for a 5-man midfield with Nacho filling in for the suspended Dani Carvajal. Rodrygo Goes started on the wide areas with Karim Benzema alone at the top. The first-half had been less eventful until Casemiro headed the visitors ahead. But VAR ruled that goal out.

In the second-half, Rodrygo started to shine – consistently cut into the box on the counter, which kept Valladolid back at bay. An Isco free-kick threatened the Valladolid keeper, while a Benzema header missed narrowly. Without a doubt, Benzema was well aided by his partner – Rodrygo.

Real controlled the play at midfield – Casemiro was tough to overcome as usual and allowed Luka Modric and Toni Kroos to break the lines and ensure authority. But the match was all about keeping things tight, which was not enough to fetch full points. Zidane shifted to 4-3-3 when Isco was substituted for Lucas Vazquez. Compactness was overtaken by more movements at the center of the park.

Vazquez won a corner and with twelve minutes remaining, Nacho Fernandez scored from a header. Then it was all about securing the goal rather than getting adventurous. VAR’s stickler rules on offside ruled out a Valladolid equalizer at stoppage time before that Mendy had to stop Sergi Guardiola to overcome a sure goal.

It was a close-shave, but no damage was done.  

 Zidane praised his defence after Valladolid failed to register a shot on target but said more creativity is required to ensure struggling opponents are beaten more convincingly.

For us, nothing changes," Zidane said. "We are happy with the victory, the work done having fought until the end, but nothing changes. There are 17 games left and we will continue fighting until the end.

"I don't want to talk about being champions because there is still a lot left to play. It changes nothing to be leaders, they are three important points but nothing more.

"There are a lot of league games left and it will be difficult for all teams, including us."

Real bagged full points and are now at the top. But still, they are not secure enough. Zidane wishes to improve more.

Note:This article has been posted at Cricketsoccer as CSdesk on 27/01/2020 The Real Madrid of Zinedine Zidane go on top 

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Faisal Caesar  

The New Barcelona taste defeat

The journey of Quique Setien as the manager of Barcelona started off with two victories. It sounds nice but those watched the matches against Grenada in La Liga and Ibiza in Copa del Ray, would be worried about the future of their favourite team.

Barcelona needed a goal by Lionel Messi to get past Granada 1-0 in Setien’s debut on Jan. 19. A double by Antoine Griezmann, including the second goal in stoppage time, saved their faces against the third-tier side Ibiza in the Copa del Rey with a 2-1 win on Wednesday.

The New Barcelona, as many fans started to say after the departure of Ernesto Valverde, looked pale and lack of steam throughout those matches and against Valencia, the fear came to reality – On Saturday Barcelona was completely outplayed at Valencia, which was content to let Barcelona have the ball and then wait to pounce on the break. Valencia won 2-0 despite also missing a penalty and hitting the post.

The defeat at Mestalla underlined the lack of synchronicity between Barcelona and Setien. Tactically, they were a lost soul, while in terms of temperament, the team of Lionel Messi and friends, could hardly match their opponents, who continued to press despite missed opportunities.

At half-time,   Barcelona had mustered just one shot on target - from Messi, who sent his shot straight into Domenech's hands. Barca tried hard to pull themselves up in the second, but when you are not sure about the tactics of your coach, then the ship does not sail smoothly. Then, there were a lot of talks about the style of new coach – fluid football. But in reality, it was nowhere there. Even if someone tries to follow the so-called Cryuff school of football, it just can’t cut a satisfactory figure without a strong backline.

Barcelona dominated in possession, but did it give anything in return? Absolutely not. Barcelona’s lack of spine in defence cost them dearly and also, they missed the services of Luis Suarez for sure, whose contributions have always been overshadowed by the media-hype of individual glorification. After the departure of Neymar, if any player in the team, who consistently tried hard to put things in order at Camp Nou then it is none but Suarez. His invisible leadership can’ be judged easily by numbers or anything else.

It is too early to get annoyed with the new manager, but it is always hard to control the sentiments of fans. Setien needs a definite plan and that would be not to entertain with so-called fluid football, but instill compactness, which is Barcelona’s must-need right now.  

Note: This article has been posted at Cricketsoccer as CSdesk on 26/01/2020 The New Barcelona taste defeat

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Faisal Caesar  

Gabriel Martinelli is making his presence felt in Premier League

On September 8, 2018, at the age of 17, the boy from Sao Paolo, Gabriel Martinelli scored his first ever senior goal against Taboão da Serra for the year’s Copa Paulista. He was promoted to the senior side for the Compenato Paulista he following year and smashed six goals to become the club’s top scorer.  Martinelli started his career in 2010, playing for Corinthians' futsal team. After making the breakthrough in football fields, he moved to Ituano in 2015, having subsequent trials at Manchester United and Barcelona.

The scouts of top European clubs were tracking him because of his eye for goal, brilliance in the air and the ability to create individual moments, when the chips are down. In the end, Martinelli a long term contract with Premier League club Arsenal on July 2, 2019. He scored a goal on his non-competitive debut, in a 3–0 pre-season victory against the Colorado Rapids.

Martinelli made his Premier League debut on 11 August 2019 against Newcastle United, coming on in the 84th minute as a substitute for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

On 24 September, Martinelli scored a brace on his first competitive start for the club in a 5–0 victory over Championship side Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup. Martinelli opened and closed the scoring. He made his second start for Arsenal in a 4–0 home win over Standard Liege in the UEFA Europa League, in which he scored another brace.  Martinelli also created his first assist of the season by setting up Arsenal's fourth goal, which was scored by Dani Ceballos.  Martinelli kept up his goal-scoring form, netting the equalizer in a 3–2 home win over Vitória Guimarães, with yet another header.

In the League Cup’s fourth round, Martinelli registered yet another brace in a thrilling 5–5 draw with Liverpool. Martinelli also scored his penalty in the penalty shootout, which Arsenal eventually lost. As a result, Martinelli became the highest-scoring teenager for a top-five European league club, netting 7 goals in 7 appearances in all competitions. He also became the first player to score 4 times in his first four starts since Ian Wright.  Martinelli's performance received praise from Liverpool manager Jürgen Jurgen Klopp, who labeled him 'talent of the century'.

When someone like Klopp praises you then certainly, you need to think how special Martinelli could be. Klopp would be delighted to witness Martinelli’s performance against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last night.

How about that equalizer in the 63rd minute?

The Blues were leading by 1-0 and the Gunners needed a charismatic moment to come back into the game. Martinelli picked the ball from outside the penalty area of Arsenal and started off a solo-run to unleash the memories of Diego Maradona, Said Al Owairan and Roberto Baggio solo-goals. The defenders of Blues were outclassed one after another and the last man, who was beaten had been one of the best defensive midfielders in world – N’golo Kante. Martinelli kept on running until he beat Kepa and leveled the score.

In the end, a 10-men Arsenal held on to a draw against Chelsea, but Martinelli is the talk of the town. The teenager hit double figure for the season – the first teenager since the French talent Nicolas Anelka.

The Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had been in all praise for the Brazilian kid.

“He’s an 18-year-old kid with all the enthusiasm but as well, he’s so brave to make decisions, to threaten the opponent every time”.

“The fact he hasn’t played 90 minutes for a while – since his injury – but is still in the way he went about every single action is impressive.”

Even his teammate, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang took to Twitter to praise Martinelli, while Ian Wright referenced his movement, sharpness and ability in the box.

An 80-yard magical run ended in style!

It was a mind-blowing goal, which redefined greatness. The forecast of an upcoming talent, which looks bright for Gunners and Brazil. For a long time, Brazil are searching for such a center-forward, who could be versatile in creating opportunities and scoring goals – most importantly, gifting moments of individual brilliance, which Brazil are in ned right now. 

Note: This article has been posted at Cricketsoccer as CSdesk on 22/01/2020 Gabriel Martinelli is making his presence felt in Premier League

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Faisal Caesar