Europe's Champions League Semifinal Predictions
By Jeff Hares
Last Friday, The Semifinal Round of the Champions League was set:
1) German Powerhouse Bayern Munich vs. Spain’s most talented team Barcelona.
2) Newfound German Power Borussia Dortmund vs. Spain’s #2 Real Madrid.
I will be breaking down each matchup by Offense, Midfield, Defense, and Goalkeeper, and choosing a winner. Remember, this is all in my opinion. Here are my predictions:
BAYERN MUNICH VS. BARCELONA
Bayern Munich were so close to becoming Champions League winners last year, but were upset by English side Chelsea in a Penalty Shootout. This year, they’ll be the most hungry team out there, hoping to redeem themselves after their disappointing loss. Unfortunately, they have the ultimate power Barcelona in their way. Bayern Munich is a well-rounded team, though. Here’s my breakdown:
Goalkeeper: Bayern Munich wins. Manuel Neuer, One of the best, if not the best, has recently become an amazing goalie. He seems to be in great form in almost every game, and makes some fantastic saves. Valdes, Barcelona’s goalie, almost cost Barcelona the game against PSG. He had an easy save to make, but flubbed it and let the game become a tie. He’s lucky his offense is always able to score.
Defense: I would have to say Barcelona wins. Bayern does have Lahm, a speedy and skilled left back, but Barcelona’s left back, Jordi Alba is just as skilled. Barcelona has better center backs, with Pique and Mascherano. Bayern has Boateng, and that’s about it. And Right Back, Dani Alves beats Rafinha easily. Barcelona has the stronger defense in general.
Midfield: This is a hard one. I’m thinking about this as I’m typing! Barcelona plays 3 mids, and Bayern plays 2, but 3 attacking mids. I think Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets are all good, and really know how to control Barcelona’s game. Bayern though, has Schweinsteiger and David Alaba, with Kroos, Muller, and Robben as attacking mids. I think Bayern wins. Not because Bayern has more people to occupy the space, but because the people they do have are extremely skilled. I think Barcelona’s midfield is fantastic as well, but not as good as Bayern’s.
Offense: Last, but not least, the most exciting part of the game. THE GOALS!! I’m sure anyone would agree, even Bayern fans or Real Madrid lovers, Barcelona has the better offense. Messi may not play though, as he is injured. He most likely will play, but you never know! Alexis Sanchez, Cristian Tello, Pedro are all great players, and can perform without Messi to help them. Mario Mandzukic and Mario Gomez are also good, but Barcelona plays with wingers, and spread the ball around so everyone gets a chance on the ball.
My Final Choice???
BARCELONA MOVES ON TO THE FINALS
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
BORUSSIA DORTMUND VS. REAL MADRID
Borussia and Madrid is a great match-up. I don’t really have anything to say though, so let’s get right into it!
Goalkeeper: I never even heard of Borussia goalie Weidenfeller until now, honestly. Apparently he’s good! But Real Madrid’s goalie is better. Casillas has been around for a long time, and still has his skills from when he was in his prime. Real Madrid wins.
Defense: Borussia has Subotic, Hummels, and two other players I don’t know. Real Madrid wins, because Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, and Varane/Coentrao are extremely hard workers, and fast too. I think Madrid has the better D.
Midfield: Borussia’s Gotze, Gundogan, Blaszczykowski... something like that, and Sahin are all really good. All talented, and probably work together well. I think they have a strong midfield. Now Real Madrid has Khedira, Ozil, Di Maria, and Xabi Alonso is really strong too. This one I would have to say is a TIE.
Offense: Finally, my final choice is to be made. Madrid has Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema. Most people would say they win right there, but you can’t forget Borussia’s Marco Reus and Robert Lewandowski. I think this is a tie. Reus is young and amazingly good. Benzema is getting old. Ronaldo beats Lewandowski, but Reus and Lewandowski beat Ronaldo anyday. I say TIE.
FINAL CHOICE: This could go either way. I’d rather see Barcelona vs. Borussia, but Barcelona vs. Real Madrid is the classic of all classics. And to put the biggest final game in Europe between these two? Spectacular. Probably would be the most watched game in history. Oh, how I can’t wait.
By the way, the games are next week! Well, game 1 is. I don't know when game 2 games are played. Tune in though, should be the best CL in a long time.
Last Friday, The Semifinal Round of the Champions League was set:
1) German Powerhouse Bayern Munich vs. Spain’s most talented team Barcelona.
2) Newfound German Power Borussia Dortmund vs. Spain’s #2 Real Madrid.
I will be breaking down each matchup by Offense, Midfield, Defense, and Goalkeeper, and choosing a winner. Remember, this is all in my opinion. Here are my predictions:
BAYERN MUNICH VS. BARCELONA
Bayern Munich were so close to becoming Champions League winners last year, but were upset by English side Chelsea in a Penalty Shootout. This year, they’ll be the most hungry team out there, hoping to redeem themselves after their disappointing loss. Unfortunately, they have the ultimate power Barcelona in their way. Bayern Munich is a well-rounded team, though. Here’s my breakdown:
Goalkeeper: Bayern Munich wins. Manuel Neuer, One of the best, if not the best, has recently become an amazing goalie. He seems to be in great form in almost every game, and makes some fantastic saves. Valdes, Barcelona’s goalie, almost cost Barcelona the game against PSG. He had an easy save to make, but flubbed it and let the game become a tie. He’s lucky his offense is always able to score.
Defense: I would have to say Barcelona wins. Bayern does have Lahm, a speedy and skilled left back, but Barcelona’s left back, Jordi Alba is just as skilled. Barcelona has better center backs, with Pique and Mascherano. Bayern has Boateng, and that’s about it. And Right Back, Dani Alves beats Rafinha easily. Barcelona has the stronger defense in general.
Midfield: This is a hard one. I’m thinking about this as I’m typing! Barcelona plays 3 mids, and Bayern plays 2, but 3 attacking mids. I think Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets are all good, and really know how to control Barcelona’s game. Bayern though, has Schweinsteiger and David Alaba, with Kroos, Muller, and Robben as attacking mids. I think Bayern wins. Not because Bayern has more people to occupy the space, but because the people they do have are extremely skilled. I think Barcelona’s midfield is fantastic as well, but not as good as Bayern’s.
Offense: Last, but not least, the most exciting part of the game. THE GOALS!! I’m sure anyone would agree, even Bayern fans or Real Madrid lovers, Barcelona has the better offense. Messi may not play though, as he is injured. He most likely will play, but you never know! Alexis Sanchez, Cristian Tello, Pedro are all great players, and can perform without Messi to help them. Mario Mandzukic and Mario Gomez are also good, but Barcelona plays with wingers, and spread the ball around so everyone gets a chance on the ball.
My Final Choice???
BARCELONA MOVES ON TO THE FINALS
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
BORUSSIA DORTMUND VS. REAL MADRID
Borussia and Madrid is a great match-up. I don’t really have anything to say though, so let’s get right into it!
Goalkeeper: I never even heard of Borussia goalie Weidenfeller until now, honestly. Apparently he’s good! But Real Madrid’s goalie is better. Casillas has been around for a long time, and still has his skills from when he was in his prime. Real Madrid wins.
Defense: Borussia has Subotic, Hummels, and two other players I don’t know. Real Madrid wins, because Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, and Varane/Coentrao are extremely hard workers, and fast too. I think Madrid has the better D.
Midfield: Borussia’s Gotze, Gundogan, Blaszczykowski... something like that, and Sahin are all really good. All talented, and probably work together well. I think they have a strong midfield. Now Real Madrid has Khedira, Ozil, Di Maria, and Xabi Alonso is really strong too. This one I would have to say is a TIE.
Offense: Finally, my final choice is to be made. Madrid has Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema. Most people would say they win right there, but you can’t forget Borussia’s Marco Reus and Robert Lewandowski. I think this is a tie. Reus is young and amazingly good. Benzema is getting old. Ronaldo beats Lewandowski, but Reus and Lewandowski beat Ronaldo anyday. I say TIE.
FINAL CHOICE: This could go either way. I’d rather see Barcelona vs. Borussia, but Barcelona vs. Real Madrid is the classic of all classics. And to put the biggest final game in Europe between these two? Spectacular. Probably would be the most watched game in history. Oh, how I can’t wait.
By the way, the games are next week! Well, game 1 is. I don't know when game 2 games are played. Tune in though, should be the best CL in a long time.
***Congratulations to Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry for breaking an NBA record for most 3-pointers in a single season! Way to represent our Bay Area!***
MUST WATCH: FANS UNITE IN FIRST PROFESSIONAL SPORTS GAME FOLLOWING MARATHON BOMBING
On Wednesday, April 17, 2013, Boston held its first major sporting event since the Boston Marathon Bombing. Watch this video of fans of the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres sing the Star Spangled Banner in unison.
Three Gruesome Sports Injuries (WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT!)
by William T.
During Spring Break, many Americans watching the NCAA basketball tournaments caught a glimpse of a horrifying injury. On March 31st, Louisville Cardinals guard Kevin ware broke his leg during a fall. His teammates and coach were visibly shaken by the injury. Fortunately, the Cardinals went on to win the NCAA championship and Kevin Ware is expected to recover and continue playing.
Kevin's injury serves as a reminder of the risks and injuries of playing sports. In this article, we will explore three sports injuries that occurred in professional American sports.
Kevin's injury serves as a reminder of the risks and injuries of playing sports. In this article, we will explore three sports injuries that occurred in professional American sports.
Owen Schmitt
This Seattle Seahawks player hit his head with his own helmet during pregame ceremonies (against the Jacksonville Jaguars) and (unsurprisingly) started bleeding.
Joe Theismann
Football is a very physical sport. In 2011, there were 4,500 injuries in the NFL. There is a lot of controversy over player concussions and making helmets safer. However, the injury I'm selecting as the NFL's most gruesome isn't a head injury. It is an injury similar to that suffered by Kevin Ware.
On November 18, 1895, Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann had his NFL career ended when he was sacked by two Giants linebackers, leading to two fractures of the leg. This injury was voted as the NFL's Most Shocking Moment. Interestingly, Theismann contacted Kevin Ware following Kevin's leg injury.
On November 18, 1895, Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann had his NFL career ended when he was sacked by two Giants linebackers, leading to two fractures of the leg. This injury was voted as the NFL's Most Shocking Moment. Interestingly, Theismann contacted Kevin Ware following Kevin's leg injury.
Clint Malarchuk
Like the NFL, concussions are a major concern in the NHL. There are so many ways to get hurt in the NHL, but this injury is very bizzare and near-fatal.
On March 22, 1989, during a Buffalo Sabres home game against the St. Louis Blues, two players crashed into Sabres goaltender Clint Malarchuk. Afterwards, Malarchuk began spewing blood due to his jugular vein being severed by a skate. People watching the game were sickened. 11 fans fainted, 2 had heart attacks, and several players vomited on the ice. Fortunately, his life was saved by the team's trainer and 300 stitches. Oddly, the town of Buffalo would see another player's neck get cut. That player survived as well.
On March 22, 1989, during a Buffalo Sabres home game against the St. Louis Blues, two players crashed into Sabres goaltender Clint Malarchuk. Afterwards, Malarchuk began spewing blood due to his jugular vein being severed by a skate. People watching the game were sickened. 11 fans fainted, 2 had heart attacks, and several players vomited on the ice. Fortunately, his life was saved by the team's trainer and 300 stitches. Oddly, the town of Buffalo would see another player's neck get cut. That player survived as well.
Carlos Valdes
Philadelphia Union defender Carlos Valdes tries to hit the ball following a corner kick, but ends up nailing the head of another player. There isn't a real picture of the incident, but there is a video below if you would like to watch the injury.
Video Links!
- Theismann Injury - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHCXNt4P8Xg
- Malarchuk Injury - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR-wA4SmbO4
- Milwuakee Bucks player breaks arm doing a dunk - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0XJ3uRpwQo
- Schmitt head gash - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuqyyEVGFUo
- Valdes Injury - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Dv6U3prC1I
NHL End of Season Predictions
by William T.
The lockout-shortened 48-game NHL season is slowly coming to an end! Here are some of my predictions for the end of the regular season. I will check back on my predictions at the end of the season and see how many predictions were correct.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Pacific Division (Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, Dallas Stars, Phoenix Coyotes, San Jose Sharks)
Central Division (Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets)
Northwest Division (Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche)
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Northeast Division (Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators)
Atlantic Division (New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils)
Southeast Division (Washington Capitals, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, Winnipeg Jets)
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Pacific Division (Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, Dallas Stars, Phoenix Coyotes, San Jose Sharks)
- The Ducks will be the regular season Pacific Division champions.
- Phoenix and Dallas will not make the playoffs.
- The Sharks will either be in the 6th, 7th, or 8th seed of the playoffs.
- LA Kings goalie Jonathan Quick will not be in the top 10 for save percentage.
Central Division (Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets)
- The Blue Jackets will finish no lower than 11th place in the Western Conference.
- The Blackhawks will be the Central Division champions.
- Nashville goaltender Pekka Rinne will have the highest save percentage this season.
Northwest Division (Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche)
- Minnesota will win the Northwest Division.
- Minnesota will extend their winning streak to eight games before losing to the Los Angeles Kings.
- Colorado and Calgary will have no chance of making the playoffs, while Edmonton will make a late push but fail to reach the playoffs.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Northeast Division (Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators)
- Montreal will win the Northeast Division.
- Buffalo and Ottawa will not make the playoffs.
Atlantic Division (New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils)
- Penguins win the Atlantic Division and capture the President's Trophy.
- Penguins' winning streak ends during home and home series against the Rangers.
- Rangers goalie Lundqvist will be among the top 5 for highest save percentage.
Southeast Division (Washington Capitals, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, Winnipeg Jets)
- Florida will fire its head coach by the end of the regular season.
- Only one team from this division will make it to the playoffs.
- Steven Stamkos from the Lightning will score the most goals this season.
- Either Winnipeg or Washington will be the Southeast Division Champions.
San Jose Earthquakes Season Starting!
By Jeff Hares
Alas! The Earthquakes season is starting up again! The wait was horribly long, but it has paid off. This year should be good. The Earthquakes acquired some new players, to freshen up and add depth to the roster. Star player Chris Wondolowski has stayed with the team, and this time wants to break the single season goal record of 27 goals, which he tied last year, along with winning the cup. San Jose’s draftee’s have signed contracts with the team. Well, most of them. Defense was a must need for the team, and their two newly acquired players have deepened the defensive skill. Last year was the best year the Earthquakes had in awhile , but it had a bittersweet ending. This year the Quakes are back with some unfinished business, and look to finish the job. It has been 10 whole years since their last MLS Cup win. This Sunday, March 3rd, is the first game, and it’s home! Let’s go SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES! Here is the link to the Earthquakes site, where you can find just about anything Earthquakes related.
www.sjearthquakes.com
www.sjearthquakes.com
Make it Six: Sharks Winless Streak Continues
Written by William Teav on 2/12/13