Cable Forum - View Single Post

Niles Crane · 23-05-2009, 23:50

European football doesn't get much mention here, which is a pity.

I've been paying a lot of interest in continental football this season, France and Germany especially and i'm really glad i have. I can honestly say, apart from the Top 4 in England, the general quality, competitiveness and entertainment of the teams in these 2 leagues is superior.

Today, VfL Wolfsburg were crowned German champions for the first time in their 54 year history. In fact it's the first title of any kind, they've ever won. 2 years ago they barely escaped relegation and they're the first team to have 2 goalscorers with over 20 goals each (Grafite 28 in 25 matches, Edin Džeko 26 from 32). Results this season include 5-1 over Bayern Munich and today's title clinching 5-1 win over Werder Bremen.

Just watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO9_YRwYEQc

Then there's the story of Hoffenheim. A team from a town of 3000, never before in the top flight, topping the league at the Winter break. Had their top goalscorer (Vedad Ibisevic, 18 in 17) not been injured for the whole 2nd half of the season, they'd likely have still been challenging for the title, but eventually they finished 7th, which is still an amazing achievement.
As for France, next weekend Lyon's domination will officially come to an end with either Marseille or Bordeaux crowned champions. Either Boardeaux's first title for 10 years or Marseille's for 17.
Netherlands - AZ Alkmaar's first league championship in 28 years, Steve McClaren's FC Twente 2nd, Ajax and PSV 3rd and 4th, thus failed to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Russia - FC Rubin's first ever league championship.
Turkey - Besiktas currently top with 2 games to go, Sivasspor and Trabzonspor close behind, Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe in 4th/5th, the latter have failed to qualify for next season's Champions League and Galatasaray only have a very slim chance.

The tide has clearly turned in many of the big European leagues and "small" clubs can not only compete, but overtake the far richer, historically dominate and successful clubs.

Could such occurrences happen in England, Scotland et al any time soon? Unfortunately, i seriously doubt it and i say that as a "Big 4" Arsenal fan.

23-05-2009, 23:50	#1823
Niles Crane Inactive Join Date: Jun 2003 Age: 40 Posts: 1,025	Re: Football : Season 08/09 European football doesn't get much mention here, which is a pity. I've been paying a lot of interest in continental football this season, France and Germany especially and i'm really glad i have. I can honestly say, apart from the Top 4 in England, the general quality, competitiveness and entertainment of the teams in these 2 leagues is superior. Today, VfL Wolfsburg were crowned German champions for the first time in their 54 year history. In fact it's the first title of any kind, they've ever won. 2 years ago they barely escaped relegation and they're the first team to have 2 goalscorers with over 20 goals each (Grafite 28 in 25 matches, Edin Džeko 26 from 32). Results this season include 5-1 over Bayern Munich and today's title clinching 5-1 win over Werder Bremen. Just watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO9_YRwYEQc Then there's the story of Hoffenheim. A team from a town of 3000, never before in the top flight, topping the league at the Winter break. Had their top goalscorer (Vedad Ibisevic, 18 in 17) not been injured for the whole 2nd half of the season, they'd likely have still been challenging for the title, but eventually they finished 7th, which is still an amazing achievement. As for France, next weekend Lyon's domination will officially come to an end with either Marseille or Bordeaux crowned champions. Either Boardeaux's first title for 10 years or Marseille's for 17. Netherlands - AZ Alkmaar's first league championship in 28 years, Steve McClaren's FC Twente 2nd, Ajax and PSV 3rd and 4th, thus failed to qualify for the Champions League next season. Russia - FC Rubin's first ever league championship. Turkey - Besiktas currently top with 2 games to go, Sivasspor and Trabzonspor close behind, Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe in 4th/5th, the latter have failed to qualify for next season's Champions League and Galatasaray only have a very slim chance. The tide has clearly turned in many of the big European leagues and "small" clubs can not only compete, but overtake the far richer, historically dominate and successful clubs. Could such occurrences happen in England, Scotland et al any time soon? Unfortunately, i seriously doubt it and i say that as a "Big 4" Arsenal fan.