Ballon d’Or : Messi or Ronaldo, Ribery frustrated

The French footballer, Ribery, has expressed his frustration over Ballon d’Or title that Messi and Ronaldo were only two players to have won the award for past seven years. As Manuel Neuer missed out the title for 2014, Ribery has casted doubt on Ballon d’Or title. But the reality is Messi and Ronaldo are better among the best. Those made them get nominated successively.

Gameplay of football has changed. Slow and steady classic form of football has transformed into pace and speed. One who runs with the ball to the penalty area gets the praise. That was the reason Messi and Ronaldo are famous for. Unlike other footballer, Messi and Ronaldo were gifted with great clubs at the start of the career. Both played among the best players and trained with best coaches at the early time of their career.

But for fans who scores for the club is the hero of the day. With Messi and Ronaldo no club would miss scoring the match of that day. Either they will be scoring or assist the team member to score the goal. But somehow they get to the record of cherished moment of the match. This is not happening with defenders and Goalkeepers. They are least attended when it comes to praising for the win. It had for any goalkeeper or central defender to provide spectacular assist as the Ballon d’Or winner. The first shot goal from a punt kick is almost rarity. This has cost Neuer his title for the year 2014.

The hard truth is the voting reflected the change of mindset in the game. All they forgot is the team work. The award truly reflects the amount of goals scored by the nominee. Not the clean sheets or time taken to concede a goal. This was echoed by Ribery. But the frustration has gone too far that Ribery has marked whether it would be worth to attend Ballon d’Or ceremony in future when Messi and Ronaldo get nominated. 

Ballon d'Or 2014

Congratulations Cristino Ronaldo! He lifted the Ballon d'Or, 2014. Ronaldo deserves it. He made great difference to his team. Slew of Goals and assists fetched Ballon d'Or for the year 2014. But the trend of awarding Ballon d'Or is quite puzzling. The forward and attacking midfielder find the bright spot when it comes to awarding awards in Association Football.

Football is all about team. No one can relinquish his position on the field. But how come a striker or attacker alone rise to prominence while other are less significant. The German Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer who has good shot at the Ballon d'Or missed it in voting. This has raised uneasy questions. Is football all about scoring? I guess not. It's all about how good the player plays from the position given by the club managers. Neuer was exemplary with his stunning goalkeeping skills. Yet the audience fail to recognize him except for the few.

People all remember who made the team win but not about who helped them making it in field. Especially the stronghold guardian who foils opposition attack. In Football stronghold guardians need team skills than the forwards who can even play lone-wolf at contingency. FIFA is not to be blamed for sidelining Neuer. But it's mentality of the audience. They remember only the player who scores for them who provide spectacular celebrations not the people who stood the test of pressure.

Badminton ace Padma Shri Saina Nehwal denied Padma Bhushan slashes Sports Ministry

Saina Nehwal hit the headlines again but not for winning any badminton title. This time furious Saina Nehwal slashed sports ministry for not recommending her name for Padma Bhushan title. In past, the news were just about who were award the award. Not this time. Saina Nehwal contended that despite her achievements, sport ministry has overlooked her.

"The badminton Association of India forwarded my application for Padma Bhushan to the sports ministry. I am now informed by ministry sources that they have not recommended my name to the home ministry panel.. They have picked Sushil instead. If it is a mere recommendation, why didn't the ministry choose both of us?"  - Saina Nehwal.

Also she bagged home numerous titles in the year 2014. She deserves the respect. But now it is demanded as the sports ministry overlooked her name for Padma Bhushan. The move made by the sport ministry were slashed out as prejudice.

Such kind of disappointment from the government end will hurt the sport industry in India. The industriousness of the sport people high depend up on how they are rewarded in the end. Even if it is not a monetary reward they need recognition that they have done something for the country. Lets hope this row will not affect Saina's morale and sports ministry learns when it comes to recognizing sports personals.

Final Match of the first Hero Indian Super League

Kerala Blasters FC Vs Atletico de Kolkata

Source:Hero Indian Super League Website

The high drama ended on Saturday night the moment the referee blown the final whistle. The starting line up was with a little surprise. Atletico de Kolkata resting Luis Garcia and Kerala Blasters Marquee player James presenting himself with the work of goal keeping. Both the teams employed a balanced approach towards the game. The formation of Atletico de Kolkata  seemed to be aimed at getting at least four players to lay siege at goal. On the other hand, Kerala Blasters fielded five players against Edel.

Both the half of the game saw high action. But failed to break the stalemate. Slew of yellow cards and fouls further added fuel to the fire. James and Edel kept the score board nil until Rafique found the back of the net. While both the team were anticipated to play extra-time, their came a pass which turned to be the match winner. Edel who kept a strong last line defense against Kerala Blaster made a splendid save of the match against Michael Chopra.

The questions left unanswered were answered in the finals of the Hero Indian Super League. +Atlético de Kolkata clinched the title and will always be remembered in the history of Hero Indian Super League as first champions.

The Golden Boot award won by none other than the Elano Blumer. This was anticipated even prior to the Semi-finals kick-off in Hero Indian Super League. Beyond that, Elano Blumer donated the prize amount for the development of Indian football.

The Golden Glove won by the Jan Seda. He made FC Goa get into the semi-final of the Hero Indian Super League by maintaining a clean sheets at the crucial moments of the league matches.

To all the fans of the Hero Indian Super League, lets wait for next season to watch an exciting action. Let's football.

The Controversies in Hero Indian Super League

Tonight, India going to witness a grand final of the Hero Indian Super League where Atletico de Kolkata faces Kerala Blasters FC. We have left with 6 hours to kick-off the final match. Too much speculations about the winner. But to the shock and dismay too much controversies building up in the Hero Indian Super League.

With Ravshan Irmatov to officiate the final match, the veracity of decisions are being challenged prior to the match. The Controversy with Luis Garcia Goal which was disallowed against Kerala Blasters in the League table match and the poor decision on the hand ball still haunt Atletico de Kolkata who are in the finals of the Hero Indian Super League. To add to this injury, they will watch the same official officiating them against the Kerala Blasters. This kind of moves in Hero Indian Super League would raise suspicion over the officials. Discussion were started in social media with comments that ISL bosses want Sachin to lift the Trophy as first champions on this inaugural season of Hero Indian Super League. Even though, those are informal talk between fans of the clubs, it can't be brushed aside considering the gravity of event built-up in the Hero Indian Super League.

But these characteristics are not limited only to Hero Indian Super League. To err is human. But consecutive errors are unforgivable. Such controversies make fans lose zeal over the tournament. It all common when a referee fails to note a genuine fouls made. Since the flow and pace of the match might over shadow the foul. But excuses must be limited. Denial of legitimate goals will make bad jokes and sarcasm on the future.

Emergence of Kerala Blasters from nowhere to the finals is applauded. But that doesn't set right the controversies behind the decisions. We fans hope at least by next season of the Hero Indian Super League goal-line technology is not only placed but also working. For us, it is no surprise if Kerala Blaster lift the title this season. Yet, Atletico de Kolkata will be unrelenting to concede. Tonight, the air will be cleared at Navi Mumbai. 

Grand Finals of Hero Indian Super League

Atletico de Kolkata Vs. Kerala Blasters

Good day folks! We are at the end of the inaugural season of the Hero Indian Super League. The high drama to be ended with Atletico de Kolkata and Kerala Blasters clashing in the grand final match to be held in Mumbai tomorrow. It's premature to predict results of the match since the Hero Indian Super League has seen unexpected twists and turns. The expected top contenders who created huge buzz with bringing in top strikers and midfielders failed secure the top spot. Really loved to watch such an action sports. In the end, they all proved that a team is not less than others in this tournament.

From the league matches held between the two team in which both the team drew the first match between them and Kerala Blasters ended up winning against Atletico de Kolkata . But that was with an abysmal margin of one goal. We are not interested in the debated hand-ball for now.

For Luis Garcia's men, the task ahead is tough. Consistency in the performance is the need of the hour. The Semi-final between FC Goa and Atletico de Kolkata ended inconclusively with a goalless draw till 120th minute of the match. The Strong eleven men of Atletico de Kolkata could be kept away from goal if the Kerala Blaster maintain a good d-line which has high probability to break once concerted team effort is exerted by Atletico de Kolkata. Kerala Blasters were startled with conceding three goals against Chennaiyin FC. Had the Chennaiyin FC turned few chances into goals, it would have crashed out Kerala Blasters of the tournament. So, the team Kolkata might try hard to keep good tactics on field.

Atletico de Kolkata is well known for its rough defense play. Tight marking and covering spaces would make Kerala Blasters rethink their attack play. Atletico de Kolkata has displayed an unrelenting play when it comes to defense. No easy goals against Kolkata pals! But Kerala Blasters are turning good at converting few mistakes into an unforgiving goals as they did in Semi-finals against Chennaiyin FC. The question is how consistent will team Kolkata be in its defense against Kerala Blasters! The match against FC Goa, Atletico de Kolkatta suffered some deficiency in defense. For an instance, a cut-in by the winger, Romeo Fernandas, led to a shot against Kolkata but the shot saw the wrong side of the net. Complacency has no place in football. Nevertheless, no team is immune from any attack unless well coordinated defense is in play. Conversely, some believe attack is the best form of defense.

Final match of the Hero Indian Super League is the only answers for the question that go unanswered. Dynamism in this tournament has made every future match unpredictable. One thing will happen for sure irrespective of any predictions, both the team will spice up the game tomorrow night. Lets football!

Second-leg Semi-Finals of Hero Indian Super League: FCG V ATK

FC Goa Vs. Atletico de Kolkata

The second-leg of semi-finals in Hero Indian Super League between FC Goa and Atletico de Kolkata held in the home-town of FC Goa. The first-leg of semi-finals between them concluded with a goalless draw. The expectations were high on FC Goa as they did some fireworks in the first-leg semi-finals with good enough shots on target. Atletico de Kolkata rode on its team power and experience.

Both the teams were fierce contenders for the final berth to be held on Saturday night. FC Goa didn't fail to rock the night . They created numerous opportunities but the ball denied FC Goa with a goal. Andre Santos who not only made numerous shot fly over the goal post but even the penalty kick followed the same pattern. Santos free-kick disappointed the home crowd. The set-piece at which FC Goa were strong at crumbled once Santos over shot them. Romeo found the wrong side of the net at a scoring opportunity. Mandar cut-in on occasion added pressure to the Kolkata defenders. But it was finally Atletico de Kolkata were into the finals against Kerala Blasters in the inaugural season of the Hero Indian Super League. FC Goa lost composure of the game. Might be due to the pressure either from home crowd or to a 'must score' situation.  The other side is Kolkata kept pressure upon the forwards of FC Goa. Anyhow, they yielded to Kolkata.

Atletico de Kolkata did great. It appeared as if they have been training the team for the penalty kicks. The power and the balance exhibited by the players were authentic.  But lucky team, saw few penalty kicks played by FC Goa wide of the goal post. 

One beautiful thing about the penalty kick held yesterday is that no goals were saved by the goalkeepers of either teams. To be precise, FC Goa missed shots during penalty kicks which let Kolkata into the finals in this Hero Indian Super League. And for the finals Best of luck Kolkata. FC Goa live for another day.

Post Second-Leg Semi-Finals of Hero Indian Super League, CFC Vs. KB

Chennaiyin FC Vs. Kerala Blasters

The pre-match analysis turned to be true that Marco Materazzi boys rocked yesterday night. Marina Arena roared like thunders when the CFC scored 3 amazing goals that shook Kerala Blasters. Despite the unfortunate goal from Kerala Blasters' Pearson in 117th minute, the game was amazing.  One goal difference kept CFC out of finals in Hero Indian Super League but won millions of heart. No other team might rock in Hero Indian Super League as did by the Chennaiyin FC.

Materazzi revamped the entire attack. Mendy attained new dimension in the team, took some attack over his shoulders. The cross by Mendy was exemplary. Unfortunate CFC, missed few scoring chances. But it all happen in a football. After all, life is all about unexpected surprises and disappointments.

This first season might be considered as good start for Chennaiyin FC. Even though they lost, they won, not the game but millions of hearts. The high spirit even during the last minutes of the game made the entire fans proud. Fans expect the same momentum in the next season of the Hero Indian Super League.

And for the defense, Silvestre interrupted crosses from Kerala Blasters. The tight marking of forwards kept the Kerala Blasters at bay. Hats-off to the d-line. For a team which was less spoken about, they rocked.

The Latest development in Chennaiyin FC is in process of finalizing deal with Inter Milan, erstwhile Marco Materazzi team, to train it youth team with a huge investment of Rs. 2 Crores. A step ahead to breed young talent with great affinity towards the club. Sooner or later, we will watch some new young talent rock the Marina Arena.

Lets wait for the deal to materialize. Lets football...

Second-Leg Semi Finals - Hero Indian Super League

FC Goa Vs. Atletico de Kolkatta

The first-leg semi-final match between FC Goa(FCG) and Atletico de Kolkata(ATK) ended in a goalless draw. But it will be premature to conclude anything at this point. While FCG has a sluggish start in the season. Later, the Zico boys rebound from nowhere to get semi-final berth in the Hero Indian Super League. For ATK, football is a religion. It is a usual for the Kolkata football fans to conduct special ceremonies for their favorite team win. Nevertheless, both team were from the places where Indian football was groomed.

Whereas the ATK which had a huge buzz from the start of the league matches, no surprise, they played well. The Luis Garcia and Fikru combo did some magic on field. Fikru was a speeding bullet to dodge past the last defender to score goals. Luis Garcia was kingpin of the team attack. A target man who could lead the team to the goal post in no time. And for the defense, ATK is well known for the rough-up play against other teams. Constant marking and pressure has spoiled may attack against the ATK. Subhasish Roy Chowdhury, the Stronghold Guardian of the ATK, stand as a tall wall against any shot at target. But in the First leg Fikru was rested. The gaffer is planning on him! The team is good at making rival defender run from pillar to post. The One touch passing and switching sides of the play create numerous opportunities.

The Strength of the team is with long balls as long as  Fikru is good at catching up with them. The solid defense line and close player support at crucial time pressurizes the opposition.

While, at present, none can under estimate the FC Goa. Zico proved him to be the man of words. He assured the team will rebound to top after the consecutive defeats at start of the Hero Indian Super League. Now the team is one of the strongest contender of the title in first Hero Indian Super League. The indigenous talent Romeo emerged as real hero to win hearts among the crowd who scored the 100th goal of the Hero Indian Super League.  Romeo Fernandas is state-of-the-art indigenous footballer in the Hero Indian Super League.  His incisive runs, talent to create huge space for the attack made him an outstanding player of the tournament. To add further, the André Santos deadly strikes add teeth to the FCG. Miroslav Slepička, made a good contribution towards the team victory in the last phase of league matches. Especially, the conversion of loose ball into goal which was splendid. Slepička keeps up the form them he will be unbeatable goal-machine of the Hero Indian Super League.

The strength of FCG is set-pieces. Defenders are good at converting the chances to goal. Fast and pacey attacks. But in the First-leg of the semi-finals in Hero Indian Super League, FCG would have scored four goal but for the lack of composure from the strikers.

The odds favor FCG looking at the recent attack and defense they showed up in the game. But that doesn't conclude. ATK might cast its spell in any match minutes.

Let's wait for another hot football feast. Lets football.

Second-leg Semi-Final - Hero Indian Super League, CFC VS KB

Chennaiyin FC vs Kerala Blasters

The first leg of the Hero Indian Super League semi-finals between Chennaiyin FC Vs. Kerala Blasters in which Kerala Blasters took a clean 3-0 lead against Chennaiyin FC. Today, the second leg to held in Chennaiyin FC Home town. Speculations are that Chennaiyin FC will never lose before its Home crowd. Hope, it will be forever. As for as the first leg of the Hero Indian Super Legue semi-finals between these two team, Kerala Blaster stood tall. It coverted every mistake into an unforgiving goals against the Strong Chennaiyin FC. Too much space in defence, weak marking of players has cost Chennaiyin FC in First leg of the Semi-finals. Special thanks for Sushanth Mathew of Kerala Blasters for the spectacular third goal of the match. No goal keeper will find it easy to stop such a curler. But this is not the end. It's football! Unexpected things happen. Chennaiyin FC still has some fair chance to rebound in the second leg while Kerala Blaster could  still contain its rivals with some pressure on their attack. Either way is possible.

Chennaiyin FC has got legends in their ranks when it comes to defense. But the problem which was evident in the first-leg of the semi-finals in the Hero Indian Super league was lack of co-ordination in defense. Man-marking and covering seems too weak. Each of the defenders, Nesta, Suarez, Mendy, Silverstre stood tall individually. This wouldn't be enough. A well-planned defense line should stop the Sachin's men from scoring goals further. Come on people, with Marco Materazzi as head coach this is a walk in the park for Chennaiyin FC(CFC). But this didn't work out for no reason! Best thing for the CFC is forget the past and move on with good plan in the second-leg. Despite the few mistakes, Mendy stood tall at times with his early crosses, trying to create good oppourtunites.

With the attack, indigenous products Jeje and Balwant Singh did well in the league table matches. But against Kerala Blasters in the first-leg, they found their foot weak. Jeje could have scored but for his shot power and Balwant Singh could have added some attack to keep pressure on the Blasters. Mendoza out of the equations this duo combo must create opportunities for the team. The strength as well as the weakness of the CFC attack is dependence on a single play-maker either Elano or Pelissari. Marking these play makers reduces the scoring chances of CFC. But Mendy has explored other possibilities in the first-leg match with his early-crosses. Hope, other players follow suit with unpredictable passeses to break open the opposition defense. Further, the attack needs variations with dummy runner, overlap to break ice in the opposition defense.

With unrelenting head-coach Materazzi, CFC might rebound in the second-leg semi-final match of the Hero Indian Super League. Let's Football!