Island Bay United AFC

Kia Ora readers and welcome back to Shark Park for today's Champs Sports Capital Premier game between La Bella Italia IBUAFC Shark Attack and the might of Marist who we suspect may be glad to get away from Kilbirnie Park for a week or two. Greetings and I extend a warm welcome to Brian and the Marist squad for today’s fixture. Welcome back also to Jordan 'fluffy' Morris.

Whilst we all know the infamy of the Wakefield Park bobble, the same bobble exacerbated horribly by the wind and rain at times, Kilbirnie Park at the moment rivals ours for difficulty come this time of year. Oh yes folks it can be a tough afternoon’s work in the office out there some days I tell you.

Well, last Saturday on the way to my game versus Seatoun, we passed Kilbirnie Park where I witnessed a bobble reminiscent of a Shane Warne wrong-un, and the player air swiped it, masterfully, it was almost class, almost. Laugh out loud I did. Let's hope Wakefield Park holds up well for today's clash, in what should be an attacking and entertaining game.

Time is pressing, so we progress to more significant events at hand. These events are the matches of Euro 2008, where 16 European heavy, middle and lightweight nations battle it out for the most coveted international footballing trophy after the World Cup.

The calibre of some of the play so far has been remarkable, I am glowing in praise. This said, not all teams mind you have been up to the task, France and the Czech Republic spring to mind; still, the overall quality is very good.

The players are super fit and fast, very skilful and well organised by a whose who of European Football coaching talent. At the time of writing, the following teams are about to clash in the quarter finals: Portugal vs. Germany, Croatia vs. Turkey, Netherlands vs. Russia or Sweden and Spain vs. Italy.

My hunch is that there could be one or two games where the goals flow. The goals-per-game ratio is up there, especially in recent major tournaments which is a good sign heading into playoff time!

Some of the goals been crackers, several Dutch, Turkish and Michael Ballacks recent free-kick strike for the Germans are examples of wonder goals. There have been some strikes that would make JB as proud as a liver-puddlian, Ryan DP roar like a rowdy rhino, Stu H fall asleep in the toilets, Lee W to laugh like a Hyena, leave Gravity Gaeta gushing, Sir Paul Muollo melting like a marsh-mellow, Russell 'uffin luvin iiitttt and the ginger ninja to drink......... a can of Fanta.

And goals are what make the game of football cool. Combine the goal action with skill, flair, hard work and passion, sit back on the couch with a bag of popcorn, and enjoy the show folks.

I have noticed several goals scored from just outside the penalty area by a late runner into the box, often given that yard of space by the forwards crashing through for what normally is a cross into the near post or 2nd six-yard box. Usually this goal is a quality strike, spectacular even.

This play has also seen some scrappy ball also fall into the six yard box for tap in goals with shins, knees, the sole of the foot and more used to score many goals this tournament!

The Dutch are understandably current odds on favourite, however I feel the criticism of Germany is somewhat un-warranted and I feel they will test the Portuguese more than some think they will. The striker Cruz who misses too many chances could have easily had 5 goals in the loss to Croatia were he not to choke like Greg Norman or a possum in the headlights. Possums make great Shark bait apparently, might try it in the summer actually.....

The goalkeepers have been sound for the most, with several making a name for themselves, or enhancing their Mana, such as Gigi Buffon in his penalty save to keep the eye-talian contingent in Island Bay forever hopeful of a repeat recent tournament win. However I feel Peter Cech would rather forget his Euro 2008 experience, the Czech's got mated, the Swiss ran out of army knives when Frei walked off crying in the first game, the French were sticks, not able to hop into the next round.

The ball used this tournament dead set deviates. Look at the Van Persie and Robben goals, Ballack free kick, Ibra-him-mo-vember-itch of Sweden too saw the ball move literally up and down in flight. No chance for the 'keepers here sorry, alas not even Plowright could save these shots dear readers.

Well, unless Plow used his G.I. Joe haircuts' aerodynamically shaped wind parting features to accelerate his diving flight path when making a save to one of these Euro 2008 shots, he has no show.

I nearly forgot... the G.I Joe hair-fro look combined with his go-go-gadget elongated neck and arm powers (similar to roadrunner Steelo's go-go-gadget arms and legs) should allow him to stretch that inch or two more, and give him a sporting chance of getting near the ball.

Several injuries have blighted area's of the Euro's, with wingers in particular suffering in this department. Ryan Babel of the Nether-region-lands was ruled out pre tourney, and Arjen Robben has a few niggles. One of my favourite players, Christian Wilhelmsson of Sweden is out. This is bad, I want Sweden to go through, Sweden play good footy and have super hot yellow clad female fans. I have however Russia in the office sweepstake, so by the time you read this I will win either way, this game for me is a winner!

I predict the Dutch, Portuguese or Spanish supporters to be the happiest in a few weeks time. Good luck to all teams playing this weekend, cheers to all the IBUAFC volunteers for your efforts, this week is Volunteer week. May the net bulge frequently for your team this weekend, Shark Attack!!!

GUNEZ

Labels: june