Sparky’s Column

A Spanish Inquisition

Spanish football is world renowned for its attacking prowess. Barcelona, Real Madrid and the national team all brush aside opponents with pace, power and clinical finishing, but the current darlings of world football are not however renowned for their defending. The coaching style is all movement and quick passing, and when that breaks down, the transition to a solid defensive unit is not always apparent. The Spanish influence of new coach Luis Milla at Al Jazira seems to reflect the countries football stereotype. The 4-4 draw Al Dhafra was pure Spanish football and left people scratching their heads at another performance from both ends of the football spectrum, with flowing attacks and a leaky defense. The team have now conceded 12 goals in Milla's first 5 games in charge. He promised a Spanish style when he arrived but maybe he should look across the Mediterranean at the Italians for his defensive influence. 

 

 

If you are of a certain vintage, and from the UK, then a Cup draw has a certain misty-eyed romance about it. It evokes images of oak lined rooms, sombre looking men from The FA and a velvet bag full of numbered balls. I can't imagine it being quite like this in the halls of the Pro League, but the anticipation and excitement of a Cup draw will always be the same. What transpired was a match-up between Al Shabab and Ajman followed by Al Wahda and Al Jazira. I always thought that the Etisalat Cup was a chance for the smaller teams to score a trophy from under the noses of the big boys. In the short history of the competition there have been not been any minnows raising the trophy, but with Ajman in the semi-finals then maybe this year could be the one. 

 

Looking at my performance in the Pro League Fantasy Football, it never was pretty reading but it has gone from bad to worse of late. I was sitting comfortably in the mid 600's but now I have plummeted to 985. I don't like to blame goalkeepers - as a former stopper myself - but the decision to include Al Jazira's gloveman is not looking the best. I only have 2 million in the bank and looking at what's on offer I think I can only afford a ball boy from Al Nasr. The only thing I have left to say is the rallying cry of all football failures, and it goes along the lines of  "Ah well, there's always next season..."