Sparky’s Column

You Tube Sensations

Al Ain top of league, scoring for fun and now they are viral. The forth goal against Ajman was a work of art crafted from the hills of Al Ain. Between possession being retrieved and the ball hitting the back of the net there was nineteen passes exchanged with even the keeper getting in on the act. The total views at the time of writing are around 290 thousand and counting. If you look at the comments the two words that come up time and again are tika taka. It’s not the description of a mint but the Barcelona style of football, I don't think there is higher compliment. 

I mentioned the use of Prozone in the UAE a few columns back and it’s worth mentioning that Liam Weeks, Prozone Analyst at Al Ain has posted the goal online in Prozone format. It's a great insight into the wonder goal and gives you an idea on how Prozone works. Check it out here. 

 

Professional football is glamorous and exciting but the flipside at the top of the sport it is brutal. The lot of a foreign pro here is unrivalled in terms rewards and lifestyle. The only problem is when you lose form the transfer window looms large like a black hole. A player could only be at a club for five months before he is shipped on surplus to requirements. The four overseas players rule means there is no room for dead wood in the foreign legion. Achille Emana was shown the exit by Al Ahli but was lucky Al Wasl picked him up which in turn meant the end for Lucas Neil. The big Aussie still harbours ambitions of playing in the next World Cup but at the moment he is struggling to last more then a season at a club. I am sure he will get another team but the upheaval of moving his family again and starting over must not be appealing. 

This is one in our occasional series of “where are they now” featuring Alexandre Gallo. The former Al Ain coach has popped up again in his native Brazil as coach of the Under 20 side.  He is not the first man to work on these shores and then progress his way into his countries national set up. Roy Hodgson is the most famous example a former UAE coach now managing the English national team.