So ends 2012... And what a year in the sphere of sport it has been! Undeniably the most dramatic Premiership conclusion ever, European Championships in Ukraine and Poland, and the London Games, to name just a few headline moments.
But
before I pick out a selection of highlights, culminating in an excuse
to attach a clip of Ashley Williams’ attempted murder of Robin van Persie, and/or endeavour to crowbar Stephan Feck's Olympic dive into a football blog; it
is customary at this time of year to first spare a brief thought for those
who have been less fortunate than yourself during 2012.
(Above: Stephan Feck-ed up dive. I've done it, and in record time! We can all go and read Football365 now - phew!)
In fact, I personally fall into this isolated collective for
which 2012 shall bruise like a punch from Claire Balding - my beloved club having
been on the receiving end of a certain, now infamous, footballing moment. I feel
it is essential that I remain impartial to prevent the alienation of sectors of
my audience; however I can reveal, that such is my support for this given club, that if you sliced me open, I would bleed red! no, I really would...
Rangers were liquidated in spring 2012 as the result of a declined CVA Proposal, and thus, the phoenix operation were demoted to the Scottish 3rd Division for the 2012/2013 season; as dictated by precedent. The Rangers faithful are now likely to endure their bitter old firm rivals Celtic, strolling to Scotland's premier trophies for the foreseeable future... whilst they endure arduous away ties at Elgin City and Annan Athletic (http://bobbycowsill.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/follow-follow-on-we-all-follow-team-12.html) Still, at least the 'Teddy Bears' are now marginally solvent! (unlike John Carew and Lee Hendrie, who were both made bankrupt in 2012)
A large portion of Lancastrians had a rather rough year too
- before hoards of burgundy chino and navy-blue gilet wearing home-counties folk pass eloquent
comment... no there was not a national flat-cap shortage! (And it’s rude to stereotype) There was
however, a notable shortage in silverware and points amassed: -
- Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers were relegated from England’s top flight... to the surprise of literally a hand full of... well Steve Kean maybe.
- Liverpool (part of historic Lancashire) swapped managers again following a flat 2011/2012 which culminated in FA Cup Final defeat.
- I won more at Paignton's penny arcade than Manchester United managed in the calendar year.
- Blackpool lost in the playoff final to a late Ricardo Vaz Te goal.
- and, Rochdale were relegated from League 1 after amassing a total of 8 wins in 46 games.
(the quality of this recording is absolutely no reflection of it's legitimacy)
Messi
Elsewhere, with a bitter-sweet undertone that conveniently ties my opening gambit to the core of the text in a fashion that is in no way contrived or tenuous... I am pleased to report that Gerd Muller has been given the all clear having choked on his bratwurst and sauerkraut at his vorort-einfamilienhaus in December. Reports surfacing from Germany suggest that the incident was the result of witnessing Lionel Messi surpass the 90 goal in a calendar year mark and hence obliterating Muller's 'untouchable' record of 86 goals, dating back to 1972.
Though Messi's tally is impressive, and will subsequently be printed in the next Association Football Almanac, it's worth noting that despite his free scoring, the pint-size Messi remains some way short of Godfrey Chitalu tally; or so the highly respected Zambian FA claim. The African based association have launched an official challenge to Messi's new record, claiming their man bagged 107 in the same year Muller notched 86 (1972)... an equally valid claim has been made by one of the bigger boys at my primary school, who comfortably netted in excess of 400 goals during the summer term (witnessed by both 'Shirts' and bitter rivals 'Skins'). For completeness, an even greater number of notches in a 12 month period was clocked up by Englishman William Roache (AKA Ken Barlow), though no official challenge is expected.
Ballon d'Or
Sticking with Messi, as the ball so irritatingly does, he was confirmed this week as the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or winner for an unprecedented fourth time; thus categorizing him as not just one of the all-time greats, but also as the undisputed arch-enemy of Cristiano Ronaldo... and Real Madrid.. and the Brazilian nation.. and of the ancient art of tackling.. and of goalkeepers (overprotected or otherwise).. and of football purists.. and obviously of scouts the length and breadth of Britain who still believe footballers should be over 15 stone and bearded by their 8th birthday.
The award, traditionally given to the 'best' player in Europe (the caveat being: if no stand-out candidate exists then the player who has least affiliation to the Premier League triumphs), was presented to Messi at the annual ceremony in Zurich last week. Whilst sporting a stylish dinner jacket formed from forgotten fashionista John Virgo's mislaid waist-coats, the Argentine took the opportunity to thank everyone who will help him win the award in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017... before he eventually fists the ball over the line in a World Cup quarter final, tests positive for Ephedrine, gains 5 stone, and winds up with $37 million in tax liabilities.
Ballon d'Or
Sticking with Messi, as the ball so irritatingly does, he was confirmed this week as the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or winner for an unprecedented fourth time; thus categorizing him as not just one of the all-time greats, but also as the undisputed arch-enemy of Cristiano Ronaldo... and Real Madrid.. and the Brazilian nation.. and of the ancient art of tackling.. and of goalkeepers (overprotected or otherwise).. and of football purists.. and obviously of scouts the length and breadth of Britain who still believe footballers should be over 15 stone and bearded by their 8th birthday.
The award, traditionally given to the 'best' player in Europe (the caveat being: if no stand-out candidate exists then the player who has least affiliation to the Premier League triumphs), was presented to Messi at the annual ceremony in Zurich last week. Whilst sporting a stylish dinner jacket formed from forgotten fashionista John Virgo's mislaid waist-coats, the Argentine took the opportunity to thank everyone who will help him win the award in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017... before he eventually fists the ball over the line in a World Cup quarter final, tests positive for Ephedrine, gains 5 stone, and winds up with $37 million in tax liabilities. FIFPro World team of the Year
As an entree to the individual award, FIFA also announced their 2012 World Team of the Year; or La Liga Team of the Year as it transpired: -
5 Real Madrid players (inc Casillas who is not shown), 5 Barcelona, and Falcao of Atletico Madrid the final selection. You will note the total absence of players based in any non-Spanish league structure, despite strong showings from a number of non-La Liga outfits during the calendar year:-
- Borussia Dortmund - German Champions, DFB-Pokal winners, and 2012/2013 Champions League Group D winners (beating Real Madrid, Ajax and Manchester City on the way). Hummels, Reus, Gotze, and Lewandowski all huge contributors.
- Chelsea - 2011/2012 Champions League Winners. I've seen more aesthetically pleasing dogs mess, but the Blues were effective and defended superbly at times. In addition, they put pay to Barcelona's hopes in the semi-finals. Cole, Cech, and Ivanovic crucial members of Chelsea's resolute defense.
- Bayern Munich - the beaten 2011/2012 Champions League finalists, who knocked out Real Madrid en route. Schweinsteiger, Lahm, Gomez et al key to Bayern's numerous near misses in 2012.
- Manchester City - woeful in Europe but Premier League Champions nonetheless. Aguero, David Silva, Hart, and Yaya Toure some of the league's stand out performers.
- Juventus - Serie A champions, and Coppa Italia winners. Marshalled by Buffon and Pirlo.
- Van Persie - though not technically a club, he is however a one man team! RVP steered Arsenal to a cherished 4th place in the league in 2011/2012 contributing 30 Premier League goals along the way; before moving to Manchester United where he has been directly involved in... well everything (see http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/premier-league-united-mid-table-without-van-persie-113317544.html).
- Bradford City - the Bantams beat an Aston Villa side who drew with Swansea; Swansea in turn drew with Manchester United; who comfortably beat Champions League winners Chelsea... take what you like from this, but statistics clearly point to Bradford being the best team in Europe... so why no acknowledgement in the snappily titled FIFPro team of the year?
You will note that a contingent of players mentioned above also had good showings for their respective national teams at the European Championships this year; traditionally a platform on which such accolades are chosen - Pirlo, Reus, Hummels, Lahm, Buffon, and even cAshley Cole performing admirably at the summer tournament..
Conversely, Pique and Ramos have had fairly average years at club level but were part of the European Championship winning Spain XI (http://bobbycowsill.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/football-round-up-19612.html)... undeniably a fantastic side, but I doubt an amalgamation of the best defensive individuals.
To add to the mystery, Lahm and Hummels were also overlooked in favour of Dani Alves and Marcelo, two players who made no mark at the International level during the calendar year, and whose respective club outfits were beaten by those of the German pair.
Bearing in mind the above, it is no surprise that FIFA's selection has been met with derision from certain sections of the media... especially in Britain and Germany - And I have great empathy with the German argument. I do however have my doubts about the British claims... The achievements of Chelsea in the Champions League were truly epic, but sadly not reflective of Chelsea's/England's current standing in global football. As I demonstrated earlier, one win over Barcelona doesn't make Chelsea the best team in the world; otherwise Bradford City have a claim - and I imagine only Dean Windass honestly believes the Bantams are "by far the greatest team, the world has ever seen".
Lacklustre Champions League displays by Chelsea this season support the damning prognosis. In fact, poor performances have been something of an endemic amongst all England's participants, and will doubtless contribute to the absence of their employees from the FIFPro World XI. Of the 24 games played by the Premiership's 4 elite clubs, only 10 wins have been mustered up (4 of which came from unconvincing Manchester United wins over glorified pub teams)! In contrast, the 'Euro-disco' fraternity from the Bundesliga managed 11 wins from just 3 competing entities... the results: - Bayern, Dortmund and Schalke topped their respective groups; whereas the Chelsea and Manchester City owners were left to console themselves with poxy super-yachts, and villas in the south of France...
Conversely, Pique and Ramos have had fairly average years at club level but were part of the European Championship winning Spain XI (http://bobbycowsill.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/football-round-up-19612.html)... undeniably a fantastic side, but I doubt an amalgamation of the best defensive individuals.
To add to the mystery, Lahm and Hummels were also overlooked in favour of Dani Alves and Marcelo, two players who made no mark at the International level during the calendar year, and whose respective club outfits were beaten by those of the German pair.
Bearing in mind the above, it is no surprise that FIFA's selection has been met with derision from certain sections of the media... especially in Britain and Germany - And I have great empathy with the German argument. I do however have my doubts about the British claims... The achievements of Chelsea in the Champions League were truly epic, but sadly not reflective of Chelsea's/England's current standing in global football. As I demonstrated earlier, one win over Barcelona doesn't make Chelsea the best team in the world; otherwise Bradford City have a claim - and I imagine only Dean Windass honestly believes the Bantams are "by far the greatest team, the world has ever seen".
Lacklustre Champions League displays by Chelsea this season support the damning prognosis. In fact, poor performances have been something of an endemic amongst all England's participants, and will doubtless contribute to the absence of their employees from the FIFPro World XI. Of the 24 games played by the Premiership's 4 elite clubs, only 10 wins have been mustered up (4 of which came from unconvincing Manchester United wins over glorified pub teams)! In contrast, the 'Euro-disco' fraternity from the Bundesliga managed 11 wins from just 3 competing entities... the results: - Bayern, Dortmund and Schalke topped their respective groups; whereas the Chelsea and Manchester City owners were left to console themselves with poxy super-yachts, and villas in the south of France...
FIFA Club World Cup
Whilst Manchester City's passports retired to the 'man drawer' to accompany the multitude of batteries that may or may not have any remaining power, Chelsea did at least get a shot at redemption in the form of the FIFA Club World Cup - A tournament that pits the winners from each football federation's premier club championship against one another.
Given that the Asian Football Confederation were given two representatives, Oceania entered Auckland City (a collection of the country's failed Fly-Halves), and that the African outfit were always likely to struggle in the absence of their trusty witch doctor; it was no surprise that Chelsea were the most fancied to prevail. Sadly though, or joyously, depending on your persuasion, Chelsea suffered shock defeat to Corinthians in the final... and thus Benitez, and Chelsea as a whole, missed their shot at redemption.
Justice
And finally, as promised, THE controversial football related issues of 2012. As aforementioned, Robin Van Persie was nearly killed by a cold, calculated act of violence from Swansea centre-half Ashley Williams during December's Premier League clash at the (not generic in any way, fully enclosed, 2005 concrete built on a former brown-field site) Liberty Stadium; I attach a video of the incident for your analysis. *disclaimer: - due to the gratuitous levels of violence contained within the footage below, you may wish to purchase popcorn.
Needless to say Sir Alex was typically reserved in his post-match analysis, "[it was] absolutely deliberate. The whistle's gone, the game has stopped and he's done that a foot from the player. He could have killed the lad - it's a disgraceful act and he should be banned for a long, long time" - good to see he's mellowing with age.
As it transpired, Ashley Williams was allowed to continue free of charge, in a miscarriage of justice the likes of which happen literally all the time.
I hope therefore you will join me in what I expect will be the largest quest for justice football has ever seen...
There is obviously a rather opposing member of the Proboscidea family in the room produced by the above text; that of course being the 'Justice for 96 Campaign'. Though sombre, and not at all in-keeping with my usual pointless commentary on football, I could not end an article on 2012 without mentioning Hillsborough. After years of campaigning and heartache, Liverpool fans finally had their names cleared when, on the 12th September 2012, the Hillsborough Independent Panel concluded "that no Liverpool fans were responsible in any way for the Hillsborough disaster". The findings have subsequently led to numerous apologies from prominent members of government, as well as the resignation of the Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police. Investigations are ongoing and political fallout is expected to be far reaching. Keep abreast with developments by following:-
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/jan/02/hillsborough-disaster-inquiry-challenge-policeJustice
And finally, as promised, THE controversial football related issues of 2012. As aforementioned, Robin Van Persie was nearly killed by a cold, calculated act of violence from Swansea centre-half Ashley Williams during December's Premier League clash at the (not generic in any way, fully enclosed, 2005 concrete built on a former brown-field site) Liberty Stadium; I attach a video of the incident for your analysis. *disclaimer: - due to the gratuitous levels of violence contained within the footage below, you may wish to purchase popcorn.
Needless to say Sir Alex was typically reserved in his post-match analysis, "[it was] absolutely deliberate. The whistle's gone, the game has stopped and he's done that a foot from the player. He could have killed the lad - it's a disgraceful act and he should be banned for a long, long time" - good to see he's mellowing with age.
As it transpired, Ashley Williams was allowed to continue free of charge, in a miscarriage of justice the likes of which happen literally all the time.
I hope therefore you will join me in what I expect will be the largest quest for justice football has ever seen...
There is obviously a rather opposing member of the Proboscidea family in the room produced by the above text; that of course being the 'Justice for 96 Campaign'. Though sombre, and not at all in-keeping with my usual pointless commentary on football, I could not end an article on 2012 without mentioning Hillsborough. After years of campaigning and heartache, Liverpool fans finally had their names cleared when, on the 12th September 2012, the Hillsborough Independent Panel concluded "that no Liverpool fans were responsible in any way for the Hillsborough disaster". The findings have subsequently led to numerous apologies from prominent members of government, as well as the resignation of the Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police. Investigations are ongoing and political fallout is expected to be far reaching. Keep abreast with developments by following:-
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