Category: Sport

The Life of Seve Ballesteros: Part 5 ‘Scapegoat and The Magic of The Ryder Cup’

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Moving away slightly from his individual accolades, this part of my Seve Bio looks at the powerful people in European golf that Ballesteros didn’t seem to get on well with and also his look back at the greatest competition the sport has to offer…

Part 5: ‘Scapegoat and The Magic of The Ryder Cup’

“If being a rebel means not accepting the authoritarian decisions, then I certainly am one.”

Seve during his golfing career wasn’t always calm. He very much disliked the hierarchy of the European Tour. Especially a man called Ken Schofield. Schofield was the chief executive of the Tour between 1975-2004. Seve felt Schofield singled him out. “I must have felt like a stone in Ken Schofield’s shoe. I swear he did everything he could to stop me from playing.” Schofield is an interesting character. He did do a lot for European golf. However there were many areas that needed approving. Seve knew this, and when he would ask for Schofield to look into these, he felt ignored.

Another figure Ballesteros had a damaging relationship with was the judge John Paramor. Whenever he could, it seemed Paramor would not allow Seve to play his game. He never was allowed to drop the ball if it was a pretty much impossible shot if Paramor was in charge of proceedings. He would often be given penalty strokes for slow play. One incident even saw Ballesteros lose his cool and get disqualified because Paramor insisted Seve had wrongly added his scorecard.

“The Ryder Cup is one of the world’s greatest sporting events.”

In 1979, Seve Ballesteros made his first appearance in the famous tournament. He lost his four-ball and single matches but won a point for Europe in the foursomes. They were crushed by the United States. Seve’s love for the tournament started here though, as he learnt a lot. He loved match play, which is what forms the Ryder Cup. He loved the ever-growing atmosphere by the spectators. He grew to love it so much that by the time the next one came around, he was left torn apart.

Schofield and co. excluded Ballesteros from the 1981 team for not playing enough that year. The effect of this is that Europe lost even heavier than they did in 1979. Seve was so hurt by the exclusion that he vowed to “Never take part in any Ryder Cups ever again.”

1983, and a man called Tony Jacklin is named Europe captain. He wants Seve in his side, but at first the Spaniard declines. After some advice from his brother, Ballesteros turned back on his word and returned to the Ryder Cup with huge optimism. Europe battled hard in Florida, but lost by half a point.

Then the tide turned in 1985. Europe, which had a stronger team that played in Florida and were made favourites to win. The two teams were tied on 6-6 going into the Saturday afternoon sessions. Europe won 3 of their 4 games to make it 9-7 heading into the singles on the Sunday. Seve drew his match. Earning half a point for Europe in the process. But Europe managed to hang on and for the first time since 1957, they had won the Ryder Cup.

“It was at that instant, when I saw the euphoria of the spectators and my colleague’s display of emotion, that I understood the real meaning of the Ryder Cup.”

1987 was to prove even better. Playing away on American soil, the European team was made up of golfers on top of their games. Seve thinks that the team of ’87 was the best one ever. It was here that his partnership with Jose María Olazábal worked it’s magic. With both Spaniards playing similar games, they were near enough impossible to beat. Europe went on to win 15-13. Seve won the decisive point in the singles, defeating Curtis Strange in a slightly heated contest. “Tony Jacklin, Nick Faldo and I were hugging on the edge of the green, crying. We were so excited!” The team of 1987 had made history.

The Americans seemed to be knocked astray after losing on home territory for the first time in 87’. But in 1989, when Europe looked odds on to win yet again, the Yankees thought back to draw the competition 14-14. Europe still retained the cup, but this was a warning for what would occur in 1991. ‘The War on the Shore’ in South Carolina. The Americans, who took to warlike tactics came back to win the Ryder Cup for the first time since 1983. According to Seve, they won the cup “by making Golf pay a high price as a sport.”

When it came to individual titles, the period of 1991-1994 proved a tough one. During which Ballesteros would go on a sour 26-month streak before winning a title. In 1993 he was winless, and fell in 42nd in the European rankings, he lowest rank since turning pro nearly twenty years previous. His win in the Benson and Hedges Invitational in 94’ kicked started his ascend towards the top once again, still proving to the world that the old Seve was still there.

The Life of Seve Ballesteros: Part 4 ‘The End of The Golden Years 1988-1991’

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Part four of my Seve Ballesteros piece looks at his final major victory, his private life, the thorns of his career, his mixed opinions of the public and press and a very heart warming story…

Part 4: ‘ The End of the Golden Years 1988-1991’

“My best round at the Open- perhaps even the best round of my career- wasn’t at St. Andrews in 1984. It was the round of 65 with which I finished to win once again at Royal Lytham 4 years later.”

1988, Seve was back at Royal Lytham where he nearly won the Open twelve years previous. He had been struggling for form for the past two years due to the death of his father.

But this tournament was going to bring him back to the heights of the game’s elite. Seve hit the round of 65 on the final day as he overcame a strong challenge by Nick Price to win his third Open Championship. This was his fifth major victory (three wins at the Open and two wins at the Masters) but unfortunately for Seve it was to be his last.

1988 was also a very special year for Ballesteros. In November, he married his childhood sweetheart Carmen Botín. The couple had been seeing each other for eight years before they tied the knot.

Ballesteros had his house in Padreña built from scratch. It was a big house with a huge garden. From one side of the house you could see Santander Bay. On the other side of the house, you could see the Real Club del Padreña.

Ballesteros went on to have three children. Javier, Manuel and Carmen.

“The sport of golf is everywhere. However, it is a very exclusive club at the highest level. It is very difficult to remain at the very top.”

 Everyone sportsman has their ‘bogey-team’ or their unluckiest venue. Seve was no exception. The US Open was the thorn of his career. In 1990 he was disqualified from the tournament for turning up late for his tee-off time. Every year pre and post 1990, Ballesteros struggled.

The US Open was the only major Seve had to qualify for as he was never invited to compete. This upset him mainly because the people who were invited were names rather than players who were on top of their game.

“I made a statement to the PGA asking for them to make their invitations more sensibly for the best golfers of the day.”

It wasn’t just the US Open either. The USPGA was another tournament that didn’t favour the Spaniard. He refused to compete after 1990 in the USPGA so he could rest up and prepare for the other majors.

“Journalists, or war correspondents, dub areas of conflict as ‘Comanche Territory’. For me, the ‘Comanche Territory’ of my world was the Royal Club Del Padreña.”

Seve and the golf club didn’t have the best of relationships. As the townsfolk of Padreña congratulated Seve for his achievements, and even set up supporters clubs for their idol. The golf club stayed away. Ballesteros believes it was because they “couldn’t handle the fact a caddie from their club became a golfing superstar.”

Ballesteros never won Spain’s version of Sports Personality, although he won many accolades abroad.

Ballesteros was also asked by the Spanish bidders to host the Olympics in Barcelona in 1992 if he could support them by wearing the Barcelona ’92 cap. Seve accepted, and when they won the games, he was never told thanks for his help. “A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country. I don’t believe in this saying, as I am among my own people.”

“I’d like to underline the importance of visual imagination, when you have to meet a challenge, face an uphill struggle or battle against illness. If you see yourself winning and winning comfortably, that in my opinion is the first step to victory.”

Ballesteros won many fans by his achievements on the golf course. One of those fans, whose name wasn’t revealed by Seve but referred to as Martín in his autobiography, was perhaps his biggest.

Martín was diagnosed with terminal leukaemia when he twelve years old. Ballesteros was asked to visit the boy in hospital, just so that he could meet his hero. When Ballesteros got there, they both instantly got on. They spoke about everything, their childhoods, Seve’s golfing career, everything expect the illness.

Ballesteros carried on visiting, telling detailed stories of his Masters win in 1980, and his triumph at St. Andrews in 1984.

After playing in a tournament in Japan, Seve visited the boy, bringing him caps from the tournament and miniature golf games. However, when he got there he was informed the boy was moved to a different room…

Martín was recovering. He was fighting his illness so hard it was beginning to give up. “His cheeks were rosier in colour, his fair hair had grown. His mother happily told me he was getting better, and stronger each day.”

To Ballesteros’ delight, Martín fully recovered. He is playing golf and has fully qualified to become a lawyer. This was a young man that until Seve died, was like another son to him…

The Life of Seve Ballesteros: Part 3 ‘Joy and Despair’

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This next part of my Ballesteros tribute goes through to the mid eighties, when Seve experienced the biggest highs and also the biggest lows of his life…

Part 3: ‘Joy and Despair 1980-1987’

“This was the happiest moment of my sporting career. My moment of glory. My most fantastic shot. So much so that the picture of me gesturing in triumph is now the logo for my companies.”

Following the first Open and Masters wins of his career, Seve was full of confidence. His swing was good, every shot he undertook landed perfectly just as planned. Seve went on to win the Masters again in 1983. But it was 1984 that brings him the best memories.

The Open, held at the legendary St. Andrews Golf Club. Seve Ballesteros was two three shots down on the leaders heading into the final round. The press conference the night before allowed the Spaniard to show off his confidence of coming out as Champion. “I’ll see you tomorrow” he said as he left.

Tom Watson was leader overnight, and it seemed to be a two horse race for the Claret Jug. Similarly to the Ballesteros first Open victory five years previously, the lead was interchanging between the pair.

Then came hole 17. The famous Road Hole. Seve described it as the “most challenging par 4 in the world.” This is what separated the best from the rest. Seve managed to smash the ball onto the green, leaving him to two putt for a birdie.

Tom Watson however played it safe and after a comfortable drive, he fluffed up the second shot with a 2-iron. Ballesteros two shots clear. Seve scored par on the eighteenth meaning Watson needed an eagle to take it to a playoff. He didn’t manage it.

Ballesteros had once again won the Open Championship, and it felt better then ever. He still praises the shot on the 17th as the ‘golden ticket’ to the Claret Jug.

“My father’s illness had drastically curtailed my preparations for the Masters in 1986. Caring for him was my brother and I’s priority.”

Seve and his father had a very close relationship. They travelled around together to far away places. One trip Seve recalled very well was a trip to Ohio, USA. The golfer treated his father to a limousine to take across the state.

Ballesteros’ father was in attendance to see his boy win the Masters in 1983. Something that Seve always cherished.

Then things started to take a turn for the worst in 1985. Seve’s father was diagnosed with lung cancer. On New Year’s Eve 1985 Seve took his father home after receiving treatment in Houston, Texas. With no way of getting to Santander from Madrid, Seve went all out to get his ill father home. It was the last time the pair travelled together.

On March 4th 1986, Seve’s father passed away.

Seve was determined to win the Masters in dedication to his deceased father. “1986 will forever be in my mind. The Masters that year will always link with the death of my father.”

Seve began the tournament well. Scoring two-under par overall going into the weekend. A par on day three put him a stroke behind before the final round. After getting himself in a commanding position, things started to go catastrophically wrong.

The 13th hole was one Ballesteros was keen to eagle and extend his lead at the top of the leader board. But he misjudged the putt. Seve failed to score higher then a par in the remaining holes. Jack Nicklaus beat him.

With so much determination to win, and little practise, Seve made silly, amateurish mistakes. Jack Nicklaus admitted some shots were reminiscent of a “golfer that hasn’t played in a while.”

For Seve, all he felt was grief. “The hardest blow wasn’t that I didn’t become Masters champion, but that I couldn’t dedicate a victory to my father as I pledged.” For Seve, this was the worst feeling he had felt since becoming a professional golfer.

“Sometimes when I look back to 1986 and the Masters. I can’t stop myself crying silent tears.”

The following year, Ballesteros, now coming to terms with the one-year anniversary of his father’s death, was back at Augusta.

Despite feeling more prepared then 12 months ago, the Spaniard suffered yet another big, hard hitting defeat in the play-off with Larry Mize and Greg Norman.

The tenth hole staged the play-off. Ballesteros, Norman and Mize all hit good, solid tee shots. Norman and Mize found the green with their second shots, both only three to four yards from the pin. Seve on the other hand, put too much backspin on his shot, and his ball ended up nine yards back, too far to sink for a birdie.

For Ballesteros, things in golfing terms had hit a low point for the first time since turning pro. But one moment in 1986 he will never forget.

“Walking up the fairway on the 18th, the crowd stood and applauded as a mark of respect. I waved back. I was very appreciative. I will never forget that walk. Never.”

The MLS: League Growing in Stature or Exile For Past Greats?

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So, good old Frank Lampard is the latest to move across to the states as he signs for New York City FC. The sister club to Manchester City. But will NYCFC be able to dominate their domestic league as much as City have over the past few years (2 league titles in 3 seasons)? It all depends on transfers, squad morale and ultimately results.

Having to wait until 2015 for their debut season in the MLS, New York are currently building a team they believe can challenge to go all the way in the big apples’ maiden campaign. However, it’s more big name signings rather than players in their prime.

Don’t get me wrong. David Villa and Frank Lampard are quality players. But they are well beyond their best. Villa was the main man at Valencia and in his early Barcelona days before the terrible leg break in 2011. He didn’t have the hugest impact at Atletico Madrid last season and hopes for a fresh start in NYC. If he can be as prolific as before his injury, New York will do well next season.

Frank Lampard has been Chelsea’s best player of the past 10 years. He constantly hit 20 goals a season and became Chelsea’s all time leading goal scorer last season with a couple of strikes at Aston Villa. In the past few seasons though he has been restricted to fewer appearances at Stamford Bridge then he would of like. Lampard is 36 years of age and is nearing the finishing line of a glorious and successful career, a MLS title with NYC will top it all off.

Compared to sister club city, they don’t spend big and don’t buy the big name stars of today. Manchester City have splashed out on Aguero, Yaya Toure and Jesus Navas in the past few years. They have had successful managers like Roberto Mancini and current boss Manuel Pellegrini. NYC have a rather unknown boss.

Away from Manchester City and New York, another big name will be playing in the MLS next season. Kaka has joined Orlando, again another star who has gone past his prime years. He was player of the year in 2007 when he helped AC Milan win the Champions League, which earned him a big summer switch to Real Madrid in 2009. Similar to Villa, serious knee injuries made his career at the Bernabeu a tough time, and when he rejoined Milan, he failed to make a similar impact to his first stint in Italy.

I guess what I’m trying to get to here is that the MLS is growing and becoming much more recognisable. However, the stars which will embrace the states over the next year or so are older, and much more experienced. Henry, Defoe, Donavan, Kaka, Villa and Lampard have all had their prime years behind them and although they are good players, better players are still playing in the much better leagues on the planet. The Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A and the Eredivisie are all leagues that compared to the MLS have more quality, and it may still be a few years before the MLS can be considered one of the best leagues in the world.

Is This Nibali’s Time? Tour De France Week One Review

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I have to be honest. If you asked me about Cycling- the conversation would be short. I haven’t really been a big fan of the sport and haven’t paid much attention to it in the past. But this years Tour De France has had me hooked from Stage 1. Today is the first rest day of the competition and I have decided to write about how I feel the first week and bit of the tour has gone.

The competition started in a sunny Yorkshire. The streets were packed for the first two days as the peleton cycled through cities such as Leeds and Sheffield. The powerful German Marcel Kittel took two of the opening three stages, predominantly due to his sheer power and sprint speed. He took the first stage and third stage driving down the Mall ahead of sprint competitors such as Peter Sagan.

British hopes have in a way been squandered by the tour. Mark Cavendish crashed out at Stage One with a fractured shoulder. Chris Froome abandoned on stage 5 of the competition after a few falls. Sir Bradley Wiggins never broke into a very strong Team Sky and is henceforth not participating.

For Team Sky, Australian Ritchie Porte has become the main man with the aid of Geraint Thomas. He is currently second in the general classification and has made a steady job behind the handlebar after a tough week for the Sky Team.

The stage which had me grimacing was stage 5. Wet, windy and cobbles to deal with made it every cyclist’s nightmare of a stage. With crashes here, there and everywhere it was a chance for people to gain time on rivals, and also lose them.

The king of the mountains competition (poke-a-dot jersey) has been intriguing as the Tour hit the mountainous region near Besincon. The jersey switched hands three times in the past three days. Tony Martin had the jersey going into yesterdays’ stage however Spaniard J.Rodriguez is in the lead with a huge gap between him and his nearest challenger.

Alberto Contador was the favourite for the Tour de France this year, however yesterday marked the end of his campaign for the yellow jersey. A fall during stage 10 left him with a fractured kneecap and ruled him out of the tour, following Chris Froomes’ footsteps during stage 5.

That leaves the door wide open for our current leader, Vicenzo Nibali. The champion of Italy has held the yellow jersey for 8 days of racing out of ten and looks good to keep hold of the yellow jersey until the tour hits Paris. The Italian won stages 2 and 10 in his pursuit of a second tour victory this year.

Tripped Over The First Hurdle: Why Are England Out Of The World Cup?

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So England are out of the World Cup; eliminated from the Group Stages for the first time since 1958. Questions have been instantly raised about the team and the management but to be honest, England haven’t played poorly. But if England played decently, then why are they out? I hear you ask. Well, here is how I see it.

Roy Hodgson is trying to cement young players into the team, players such as Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain, as well as mixing it with the experience of Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney. He is planning for the future and I think it has been the correct decision by the FA to back Roy Hodgson for the Euro 2016 campaign. But to plan for the future, you need to experiment. I think that’s what Roy has used the World Cup for. The back five (Hart, Johnson, Cahill, Jageilka and Baines) will most likely feature in France in two years time. However the forward six may be different. Gerrard’s future is in doubt, Lampard will be too old. Players like Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana will arguably hit the prime years of their careers, making it difficult for Hodgson to find the balance in the team. Perhaps the players picked weren’t ready for the World Cup, and more experienced players who have retired should have been called up or persuaded to play. Players such as John Terry and Ashley Cole, who have been there and done it. Baines struggled against the Italians and perhaps the Chelsea pairing of Terry and Cole may have been much more solid.

The team formation was one that has been questioned. The 4-2-3-1 formation seemed to not suit the players. Two holding midfield players seemed to make the team look deeper. The uncertainty of where to play Wayne Rooney was also another huge factor. This was the press and public pressure constantly asking for Rooney to play here or there and it to me, made the whole team a little annoyed. Wayne Rooney is a world class player that should play behind the striker. He gets into the box and is more dynamic and a much bigger game changer in the number 10 role.

Tactically, I would have had two pivotal instructions I would have given to the players. Number one; don’t give Andrea Pirlo any space to play his game. Make sure he only passes sideways and backwards. Number two; don’t allow Luis Suarez any space to shoot. These weren’t followed in the two games and we got punished. Andrea Pirlo and Luis Suarez beat us. They are two of the world’s greatest players and to give them the time and space we did, we had it coming.

So we may be out of the World Cup early, but good things come to those who wait, and I predict a much more successful Euro 2016 in France.

Sangakkara Helps Sri Lanka to Draw First Test Against England At Lords

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Kumar Sangakkara proved that even at his age, he is one of the best test batsmen in the world. He was calm, steady and played well timed shots in two innings of pure class in Sri Lanka’s first test against England at Lord’s. Sangakkara hit 208 runs in his two innings including a 147 in the first of those innings. It’s arguable that without his experienced batting, his team may have struggled to come away with the draw.

Take nothing away from Sri Lanka; other team members played pivotal roles in securing the draw. Angelo Mathews hit a century in his first innings. Both Herath and Eranga bowled extremely well to stop an England onslaught in the three lions second innings. Ultimately, they deserved a draw for the hard effort the team made.

For England, it was a positive sign of what’s to come for this relatively new and young fresh team. Robson, Ali and Jordan made steady starts in their test debuts. Robson perhaps had the weakest game out of the three new boys, only scoring one in his first innings for England and only making thirteen in his second. Ali and Jordan hit vital runs when they were required to bat and Jordan also got some big wickets.

Joe Root, who has been moved about countless times in the batting order looked like he was a number 5 when he scored his first double century for England- a joy to watch. He looked calm and collective and steadied the ship for an England team that had lost wickets early. Prior, Bell, Plunkett, Ali and Broad helped the team to a huge 575-9d, the first time they scored over 400 runs since their tour of New Zealand last year.

The second innings proved trickier. As England tried to cement a score that set them up for the win, Sri Lanka made it difficult for the batsman. At one point the score was 102-5 and England looked like they may have blown their chances at securing a 1-0 test series lead. But Gary Ballance hit an unbeaten century to calm the nerves in the home dressing room.

For me the draw was a fair result. On a flat pitch, both teams found it easy to score high at the start of the test match. As the pitch wore, players like Herath and Ali became more important in their teams quest for victory. Everyone who watched the final few overs yesterday will have enjoyed some excellent drama, with England requiring two wickets in the final over. Broad managed to get one with his first delivery, although Herath had his glove off the bat, meaning according to the laws of the game he wasn’t out. Had England of got the final wicket, Herath may have found himself in the shadows of the Sri Lankan dressing room. England thought they had got victory when Broad’s fifth delivery of the final over smacked the pad of Eranga, but the review showed an inside edge on the bat, and celebrations ceased in a matter of moments.

I for one am looking forward to Headingly, the second test should prove to be a lot more entertaining. The pitch I’m guessing will not be as flat as at Lords, making it harder to score as many runs. I hope we see an England win, otherwise it will have been a Sri Lankan dominated summer, and with India to come in July/August, a test series win would be perfect preparation.

Brazil v Croatia: World Cup 2014 Day One Preview

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So, here we are. Four years on from South Africa the greatest sporting tournament in the world returns to our screens as the World Cup takes centre stage. After being revealed that Brazil, the adopted home of Football, were to stage the competition seven years ago, a lot of finance has gone into constructing or redeveloping twelve iconic stadiums and new transportation systems such as Airports and roads. This has had its fair share of controversy in the past few years with public strikes, protests and workers losing their lives for this magnificent event to take place. As the football edges ever closer, the excitement in the air of the world has only risen. Brazilians are hoping to bring the samba party to football and they are sure to put on a spectacular show which kicks off this evening at 9:00pm when the hosts Brazil take on Croatia in their Group A match.

So what do I think about Brazil’s chances? Well they will certainly have a lot of pressure put on them for three reasons. Firstly, they are hosting the competition. They will want to impress and stay in their home World Cup for as long as possible. Secondly, the fans no, the whole country will be expecting a performance by the Samba Boys. They very much are used to seeing Brazil winning the World Cup as they have won it the most times (5 in total). Finally, the last time the World Cup was held in Brazil in 1950, the hosts lost agonisingly to Uruguay in the final, causing public unrest. The players and fans will want to make that right by avenging that defeat with triumph this time around.

This Brazil team isn’t the greatest Brazil team of all time. For me, looking back at videos I would have to say the team of 1970 were the best. I remember that one goal, where Pele, the best player to ever grace the game, slid the ball through for Captain Carlos Alberto to fire the ball into the far corner. That for me is the best goal I have ever seen, scored by the best team. This team for me is followed by the 1978 team that played in Argentina. Socrates, Zico and co. They had skill, flair and were just a joy to watch. They however lost to Italy. A game Zico recalls as the day “Football died.” Now, I think this class of 2014 Brazil are very reminiscent of the one of France 98, and Korea of 2002. They may not have the brilliance of Ronaldo or the skill of Ronaldinho. But they have arguably the best centre back in the world in Thiago Silva and a young forward who has the country resting on his shoulders, Neymar. If Neymar and the others perform to their highest ability, I can see them making the final. However, I predict more heartbreak for Brazilians as I can’t see past Argentina lifting the trophy.

Brazil’s coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari, has called it “Our World Cup” and that “Brazil’s time is now.” He believes that Brazil have what it takes to win the competition in their native country. Tonight, they play in Sao Paulo, in a stadium not properly tested by approved by FIFA. They take on Croatia. A European country that only seven years ago knocked England out of Euro 2008 qualifying.

Croatia are managed by Nico Kovac, a young coach who wants to implement his own attacking philosophy on the team. He took charge of the national side just before the play off with Iceland. In those playoff games, they were far from convincing. However, reading Kovac’s interview in The Guardian this morning, Croatians should be optimistic about their new coach and what he attends to do with how they play the game. Kovac sounds technical, saying he “believes in science.” He believes that technology should be used to help a player improve their weakened parts of their game. He sets his players individual training regimes to work on. He has stated he will not “park the bus” tonight and that they will go into the game with an attacking mentality and try and be the party poopers.

So, what’s going to be the outcome of tonight? Personally, I expect a cagey opening quarter of the game. Brazil will feel the pressure of the fans and country watching. Croatia will start positively, but will fade as the game goes on. I think gaps will appear in the Croatian back line and Brazil will get a couple of goals, maybe Neymar will introduce himself on the world stage with a man of the match performance. Croatia without Mandzuckic is like Portugal without Ronaldo or England without Rooney. So I’m going to go 2-0 to Brazil. And when that final whistle goes, the World Cup will have definitely begun.

Manuas: The Amazonian Destination for England v Italy

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With only ten days to go until England take to the pitch to play Italy in their first World Cup Group fixture, I thought it be good to research Manuas, a place of high altitude in northern Brazil. This is the place where England begin their quest for world glory. But what’s there to visit, what’s the stadium like, and finally why is it going to be so difficult to play football there?

Manuas is located in the amazon rainforest, with transportation to the state apical only available via boat or plane. The culture  of Manuas, like much of urban Brazil, is centred around native tribes. There are many things to visit in Manuas, including the  Amazonas Opera House and the CIGs Zoo. For travelling fans, there are things to keep you entertained before the football.

The Arena Amazonia is a newly built stadium for the 2014 Fifa World Cup. The stadium has a capacity of 44,000 and has caused Manaus to be refurbished with a new airport for the fans and safety regulations implimented in the northern state. The stadium has a modern design and looks stunning in my opinion.

Roy Hodgson, the England manager, has critisised Manuas being a location for a football match due to the unplayable humidity the amazon conditions convey, and Hodgson believes European teams will struggle to cope with the extreme heat. England were then drawn into Group D alongside Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica and have to play Italy in Manuas on June 14, karma? Fate? All we know is that the footballing gods seemed to have picked up Hodgsons comments and condemned him and his team for it.

England’s training base is in Rio, around 5 hours away from Manuas and that means a long journey for the three lions to get up to the amazon. It is going to be difficult. Italy are a good team with a steady defence and powerful forward attack, and England will need to be on top game to defeat their European rivals. I don’t know how Italy have prepared for Manuas, but the conditions are definitely going to play a huge factor in the result in 10 days time.

Barca’s Week from “Hell”!

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It has been a tough week. Not just for FC Barcelona, but for all who love football. The world lost itself a young, talented coach in Tito Vilanova on Friday to throat cancer, followed by a racist remark made to full back Dani Alves at the weekend against Villarreal. Yesterday was the funeral of Vilanova at Barcelona cathedral, attended by the current Barcelona squad, past Barcelona presidents and representatives of other clubs including Espanyol and Real Madrid.

Vilanova’s death sent shockwaves through my body. He was a man who I admired as a coach. He impressed me with his tactical decisions- helping Barcelona win La Liga last season with a record tally of 100 points. Tito wasn’t recognised as well as a player as he spent most of his career in Spain’s second division but he became well known as Assistant Manager to Pep Guardiola at Barcelona.

Tito took over from Guardiola in 2012 and in his single season at the Nou Camp he took the team to the league title and the semi finals of the Champions League. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2011 and has fought a tough battle for the past 3 years. Tito had to take time out managing Barca as he flew to the USA for treatment for the cancer. Tito resigned as Barcelona coach last summer and has spent the final few months of his life with his family in Barcelona.

Tito leaves behind his wife and two children including his son Adria, who currently plays for the Barcelona academy.

The players reacted to the death of their friend and former coach with a 3-2 win at Villarreal- a victory that was dedicated to Vilanova. However the victory was spoiled by an idiot in the Villarreal stands.

Dani Alves went over to take a corner, but as he prepared a fan threw a banana at him because of his colour. It was one of the most disgraceful things I have seen watching football. For a game trying to push racism out of the game, this was a sign that in Spain and other countries, this is going to be a long time before that objective is to happen.

Alves’ response however was one of true admiration for any footballer who suffers racial abuse. Alves calmly picked up the banana, peeled it, and ate a bit before giving the rest to a ball boy and continuing the game. That takes guts. Personally, I don’t think I would have continued playing. The reaction from football fans has been phenomenal for the Brazilian. Players such as Sergio Aguero have shown their admiration for Dani by posting a picture of him eating a banana on his twitter page.

Barcelona have had to suffer with both racism and mourn for a former coach. This isn’t easy to do and the football club has acted superbly with the incidents that have occurred. I hope happier times come to the Catalan side soon.

RIP Tito Vilanova 1969-2014