Lionel Messi Scoops Inaugural FIFA Ballon D'or

Amidst all the controversy surrounding Sepp Blatter and FIFA of late, it was put aside and Zurich held host to the Fifa World Player Gala of 2010. A glorious event in it's own right, it is one of the world's most prestigious footballing nights and as always, never disappoints. Tonight was the timely return of the Fifa World Player Gala, a year on from 2010 and we had a few new additions to add to the ever growing line-up.

For the first time in its history, the FIFA World Player Of The Year Award was being merged with France Football's prestigious Ballon D'or. They were to call it the FIFA Ballon D'or and that wasn't all. We had also been introduced to the Pusksas Award for the "most beautiful goal" as voted on FIFA.com.  We also saw yet another inaugural award for Coach Of The Year, for both male and female. And of course there was the return of the regular line-up of awards as well as awards to honor sportsman's outstanding contributuions to football.

Lionel Messi became the first ever player to win the newly established FIFA Ballon D'or and was in shock, to say the least of the Argentine. He beat off stiff competition from Spanish duo Xavi and Andres Iniesta and retained both awards he obtained from last year. Messi had an eventful 2010, and one of his best years yet as he led Barcelona to La Liga triumph, netting 34 in 30 games and established himself as one of the greats of football. Xavi and Iniesta were hoped upon to rob the Ballon D'or off Messi but even a World Cup winning goal couldn't do it for Iniesta as Messi once again showed how he ruled the footballing empire.

FIFA Ballon D'or - Lionel Messi

The FIFA/FIFPro World XI was chosen without too many inclusions or omissions and in all, was a fair reflection of the footballing year. The chosen XI was spectacularly supported by six Spanish players, a feat which tells you they dominated the footballing world in 2009. Wesley Sneijder made the team, and gave a heartwarming praise to former Inter coach Jose Mournho and it was a rare moment of vulnerability from the Portuguese mastermind.

FIFPRO World XI: Iker Casillas in goal; Maicon, Lúcio, Gerard Piqué and Carles Puyol in defence; Wesley Sneijder, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta in midfield; and Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Villa up front. 

In its first appearance, and lets be truthful, a long time coming, we were introduced to the Coach of The Year Award for both male and female. Up for the male award were World Cup winning coach Vincente Del Bosque, Barcelona title topper Pep Guardiola and treble holder Jose Mourinho. Each had a phenomenal year by their own standards but it was Jose Mourinho who scooped the award with a modest 35.92% of the votes. Del Bosque wasn't far behind at only 33.08% while Guardiola succumbed to bottom, with only 8.45% of the remaining votes.

For the women, it was current German coach, Silvia Ned who prevailed with 24.06% of the votes followed in hot pursuit by the German's U-20 boss Maren Meinert with 18.26% and USA manager Pia Sundhage came third with 11.68%

Coach Of The Year - Jose Mourinho (Inter Milan)

Coach Of The Year - Silvia Ned (Germany)

In another new award we saw Hamit Altintop receive the Puskas Award for "most beautiful goal" beating off the like of Lionel Messi, Samir Nasri and back heel sensation Matty Burrows. Altintops goal was of the highest technical quality as he executed a lethal volley off a corner to bring home the goods. His goal may be overshadowed by Lionel Messi's excellence but he will go down in history as the first winner of the award and hopefully many more.


Puskas Award - Hamit Altintop (Turkey vs Kazachstan)

2010 - A Year In Review Of Football

*As Featured On epltalk.com

As yet another fantastic year of football comes to an end, I took a look at what made this years highlight reel.

Match Of The Year

Tottenham 3-1 Inter Milan

What a bloody match. As debutant's of the world's finest European competition, Spurs were paired with last years champions Inter Milan and with the presence of German's Wolfsburg, they were unexpected to progress from the group. But, as we have come to learn since September, Spurs can take on anyone on their day and they defied the odds to top their group, only losing once in the process.

This match was the return fixture of that fateful night at the San Siro, with the presence of a certain Mr Bale earning credibility for Spurs when anything was looking unlikely. Bale was again phenomenal in this match at White Hart Lane, setting up two and starring in a rather marvelous performance to beat Inter Milan.

Player Of The Year

Florent Malouda

I was forced to think long and hard about this one. On one hand we had the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, Xavi etc. who perform superbly year in, year out. Then we have the players who have really come on as their own, and i decided to go with the latter, since the others have received huge amounts of praise over the years.

Malouda had not really established himself come 2009 and that was a big year for him. He proved to be a massive hit with the fans upon his arrival from Lyon. Last season he finished with a fine goal to assist ratio, netting 16 and assisting 14. Prior to January 2010 he had not been such a success, but hard work finally paid off when he helped Chelsea to a Premier League & FA Cup double, finally regaining what was rightfully theirs, following a tight campaign with arch rivals Manchester United.


Goal Of The Year


Matty Burrows - Glentoran

Irish football goes relatively unnoticed these years but one goal changed it all. In a match between Glentoran and Portmarnock, the home side continually pushed for an equaliser, and in the 92nd minute they scored what proved to be football's goal of the year. The extent of the goal was exquisite. A cross was delivered for Matt Burrows and with his back to goal, he - rather flimsily, attempted a back heel volley. Usually such an attempt would end up soaring high and wide but somehow he managed to perfect it and the video itself became a massive hit on youtube, racking up more than 4 million hits.

Messi & Co. eat your hearts out:







Moment Of 2010

Year Of The Pigeon

It inevitably summed up England's world cup campaign. In the dire match that was England vs Algeria, a pigeon seemed to have perched itself on top of the Algerian goal, as it sensed there it would be no sense of danger throughout the 90 minutes. England lacked any real venom going forward, and in truth never looked like scoring. When the final whistle went, Algeria celebrated like they had won the World Cup, holding on for a famous 0-0 draw against a country in decline.





Best Signing Of 2010

Rafael Van Der Vaart - Real Madrid to Tottenham

Virtually a last minute signing for Harry Redknapp, Van Der Vaart proved imperious from the off. He quickly established himself as a fan favourite with 6 goals in as many games. Unfortunately, injuries have prolonged his goalscoring record, for the time being and he returned to action on fine form, grabbing a double against a weak Aston Villa side taking his tally to 8 goals and 4 assists for this seasons campaign.


Worst Signing Of 2010


Joe Cole - Chelsea to Liverpool

Cole's career took a turn for the worst after Chelsea declined to extend his contract. He was snapped up by Liverpool, which was labelled as the "bargain buy" of the season but a red card against Arsenal on his Premier League debut for the Merseysiders didn't do his confidence a whole lot of good. As a result, Cole lost his place in the team, and he has resorted to taking up a spot on the bench, not what he had intended upon arriving at Anfield.


Worst Moment 2010


Mike Ashley Sacks Toon Manager Chris Hughton

Mike Ashley's decision to sack Chris Hughton sparked outrage amongst the world of football after Hughton had guided the Magpies to a solid tenth in the league. Football fans worldwide were shocked as he was the one who guided Newcastle to Championship glory, directly after they had gone down. This was news to Hughton who recalled being called into David Levy's (chairman) office along with goalkeeping coach  Paul Barron and was unexpectedly given the boot.

Ashley appointed Alan Pardrew as Hughton's successor and has had a mixed spell since taking over, beating Liverpool but also losing to Tottenham and Manchester City.


Best Moment 2010

Spain Win World Cup

It was delight for Vincente Del Bosque & Spain as they won their first ever World Cup this past June. They also broke a few more records in the process, being the only side to win the World Cup after losing their first match. They also posted the record by winning the World Cup with the least amount of goals, only managing 8 goals, with hitman David Villa netting 5.

Iniesta became a hero in the eyes of the Spaniards after he sent the fans into jubilation following his 116th minute winner. It was ecstasy for Spain and agony for Holland as they also, were competing for a first World Cup.

Any inclusions I may have left out please comment.

Birmingham & United Share The Spoils

It's that kind of season, isn't it? Just when things are going to plan, you're hit with the unexpected and it's suddenly too late too react. This was the case tonight for Manchester United as they shared the spoils in a, dare I say it, boring encounter prior to the latter stages of the game. The game typified United's season so far as their away form hasn't been the best, winning only 1 on the road so far this season. A stubborn Birmingham side proved tough to break down and when Dimitar Berbatov scored to bring his tally to 14 in the league, it was United who would seem to prevail. St. Andrew's has become a bit of a fortress for Birmingham with only 1 loss in 15 prior to this match and with this result, they now extend it to 16.

The first half was lacklustre compared to United against Sunderland. Birmingham's well organised defence shielded United from building up any potential leads. Birmingham had the better of the early exchanges with Cameron Jerome going close. United started to build up possession and when Rooney dragged wide things were starting to look better for the Red Devils. Rooney was also involved in another typical United move as Berbatov fed Rooney who then shot rather tamely at former United keeper Ben Foster.

The best moment came on the 22nd minute mark as a Ryan Giggs cross was expertly dealt with by Ben Foster, tipping it on the post as United started to take control. Between then and the end of the half chances were limited and there wasn't much action with Birmingham defending resolutely.

The second half was far more livelier and in the 58th minute Manchester United took the lead. Ryan Giggs picked up the ball in midfield and passed it to Berbatov who quickly laid off to Darron Gibson who then travelled a metre or two before returning the favour to Berbatov, who beat Foster at his near post. Foster would have been disappointed to concede against his old club, especially in such a manner as he probably should have saved Berbatov's shot.

Two minutes later United were at it again and it was Berbatov who was again involved, shuffling the ball superbly and striking the frame as the post as the resilient Birmingham defence started to wobble.

Alex McLeish introduced former Arsenal ace Alexander Hleb on for Sebastian Larsonn as Birmingham searched desperately for an equaliser. But it was United who showed more promise, with Vidic forcing a smart save from Foster.

The last ten minutes were nervy for United as their defence hasn't been at their absolute best this campiagn and with the introduction of Nickola Zigic, Birmingham drew level.

A cross was delivered to the far post by Roger Johnson, handled by Zigic over to Lee Bowyer, who then slid in to draw level. It was no more than what the hosts deserved, from their imperious defencive duties.

Teams:

Manchester United: Edwin van Der Sar, Rafael, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Darron Gibson, Anderson, Carrick, Giggs, Rooney, Berbatov  Subs: Kuszczak, Gary Neville, Javier Hernandez, Frederico Macheda, Gabriel Obertan, Darren Fletcher, Jonny Evans

Birmingham: Ben Foster, Stephen Carr, Roger Johnson, Scott Dann, Liam Ridgewell, Sebastien Larsonn, Barry Ferguson, Craig Gardener, Lee Bowyer, Jean Beausjour, Cameron Jerome  Subs: Maik Taylor, Kevin Phillips, Matt Derbyshire, Keith Fahey, Nicolas Zigic, Alexandre Hleb, Martin Jiranek

Foster Reflects on Time at United

As Birmingham take on Manchester United later this evening, former United keeper Ben Foster shed light on his time at Old Trafford, before he eventually became restless & made the switch to the midlands.

Foster revealed that he was in fact grateful for his time at Manchester but he became frustrated at the lack of first team action he was receiving.

"Some of the times at United, I didn't enjoy. It's a very difficult football club from any other I've been at. It's very cut-throat. It's success at all costs. I love winning, I really do - anything I do, if I'm playing well at home with my missus, I want to win - but it got to a point where I didn't enjoy it.

What Foster says is true, however he did have a spell in 2007 where everything was going his own way. Loaned out to Watford to gain first team action Foster's display of dominance earned him an England call-up and a debut against Spain in February of 2007. He continued to impress and showed no sign of slowing down as he was rapidly evolving as quite a young talent amongst English football.

After that successful loan at Watford he returned to United in search of regaining a first team place but he once again lost out to United veteran Edwin van Der Sar. He started to become increasingly frustrated at the lack of first team action playing every once in a while, often in the 'dead rubbers'.

"I couldn't get my head around the fact you'd play once in a blue moon and then be expected to come back in and do it again. I couldn't deal with that.When I'm playing week in, week out, that's when you know you love what you are doing."

2009 was another big year for the Englishman as he was given a rare start by manager Sir Alex Ferguson in the Carling Cup final against Tottenham. He displayed an account of dominance as he was crowned man of the match for his penalty shoot-out save from hapless Jamie O'Hara with David Bentley squandering his opportunity, shooting wide giving United the Carling Cup.

In late 2009 United keeper Edwin van Der Sar became incapable of a place of a starting team due to hurting himself saving a pre-season penalty. Foster quickly became favourite at Old Trafford but various mistakes against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City cost him his place. When Van Der Sar returned Foster's chances of first team football once again diminished as he was once again forced to take a place on the bench.

Then in May 2010 a glorious chance for first team football came knocking for Foster. Birmingham City were in need of a replacement keeper following Joe Hart's return to home club Manchester City. City paid United a then bargain £4 million and Foster couldn't have been more happy. He is now playing in a regular role for the Midlands side and recently starred in a magnificent performance for Birmingham, making a string of superb saves when they miraculously managed to beat champions Chelsea 1-0.

"I get such a buzz from knowing I'm going to be playing every week. You see players who are playing one week but might be rested the next. I like to know what I'm doing, to feel I'm an important part of the team, that feeling that you're needed in the team, so you rise to that as well."

Chelsea Continue Their Dismal Form As Arsenal Prove Title Credentials

I always love when these games are upon us. Chelsea who went into this game on the back of 5 winless games, were looking to redeem themselves against an Arsenal side who have failed to beat Chelsea in their last 5 attempts. It had all the ingredients for an epic match and the result was unforeseen, to say the least.

Speaking midweek, Arsenal Wenger spoke of how the fear factor takes over when they play against top sides like Chelsea. It was what captain Fabregas had said and Wenger had repeated it to emphasise how important this match was for the gunners. A win would bolster Arsenal title credentials and would catapult them up to 2nd and leave them just 2 points behind bitter rivals Manchester United. A win for Chelsea would see their slump come to an end (it was inevitable anyway) and take them above the gunners, leaving them level on points with Manchester City.

The pressure was on both teams to perform as Manchester City & Manchester United set the pace yesterday with 3-1 and 2-0 wins respectively. The result was for once unpredictable, as an Arsenal team of youngsters finally looked like men and delivered a performance worthy of a mention from Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola.

Match report:

Chelsea continued their dismal run of form with a resounding 3-1 defeat to London rivals Arsenal extending their winless run to a record 6 games and it is their worst run in form for over 10 years.

The Gunners had started the brighter of the two and almost took the lead if only Van Persie had connected with a diagonal ball. The Gunners nearly suffered from some slack defending courtesy of Laurent Koscielny who hasn't endured the best of times in London. Drogba was given the ball, dribbled past Koscielny and was 1-1 with Johan Djourou when he uncharacteristically dragged it wide. Chelsea looked virtually non existent as Arsenal started to take control and dominate. Chances were few ans far between at the Emirates with Arsenal by far the stronger of the two. Neither keepers were really tested early on but in the 20th minute Nasri warmed Cech's hands with a rasping drive from 20 yards. Fabregas & Nasri continued to control the match and Chelsea continued to defend superbly.

We had to wait until the 41st minute to see the next bit of notable action and Nasri was once again involved. Nasri received the ball somewhat 25 yards out and attempted a deft chip but Petr Cech was equal to his efforts.

The deadlock was broken on the stroke of half time as Arsenal took a vital lead. Wilshere passed into the box, in the midst of three Arsenal players, Cesc Fabregas was fouled, Mark Clattenburg played advantage and Alexander Song slotted home. It was a deserved lead for the gunners after their domination had finally paid off.

The second half was more or less the same as Chelsea decided to introduce Ramires to shake things up a bit.

Captain 'Fab'tastic

Chelsea's title aspirations were then dealt an ultimate blow after they conceded a second just 5 minutes into the 2nd half. Robin Van Persie was caught in possession and Essien's tackle fed the ball to Theo Walcott who then fed captain Cesc Fabregas. And it was 3-0 just 2 minutes later when Frenchman Florent Malouda was dispossessed and Fabregas fed Walcott for his 6th goal in 9 games this season.

Another goal came in the 57th minute but it favoured Chelsea this time round. A Drogba free kick was headed in by centre-back Branislav Ivanovic. Set pieces have always been Arsenal's Achilles heel and that's the reason why they've been linked to the likes of Shay Given & Mark Shwarzer.

Despite continuous pressure from the champions, Arsenal held out and broke their duck, finally winning against Chelsea which they had failed to do in their last 5. It was tough work for Arsene Wenger's team as they survived a late surge from Chelsea to win 3-1.

This leaves the future undecided for under fire Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti after a winless streak in the Premier League that dates back to Ray Wilkins' departure. Despite continuous assurement that Ancelotti's job is not under threat, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Chelsea football club.