The quarter finals is here. Euros has never been this interesting. Spain vs Switzerland This is definitely an interesting match to watch. A lot of people wouldn't look past Spain but Switzerland just eliminated France, the tournament favourite, and they could've done that in 90 minutes if Ricardo Rodriguez scored from the penalty spot to make it 2 - 0. Switzerland are such a difficult prospect; they have the tall Seferovic who can capitalise on crosses; they have the fast…
@McKane in July 2021
As awesome as they are, I always have the feeling that the English national team is missing something. They do have a talented bunch, but I just can't shake off that feeling. If they meet Italy or Spain in the final England won't be my favourite.
So my account was labelled as spam and that means no tips for now. My withdrawal limit was set at $6. Right now I'm at $5.989. Is their a way that I can withdraw that $5.989?
Italy vs Spain And then they were four! The Euro2020 journey started with 24 teams on June 11. We are getting close to the end of a thoroughly entertaining tournament. About today's semi final between Italy and Spain, I am a little bit sceptical. Italy have been utterly efficient, dispatching teams while defending doggedly. For all the noise about Ciro Immobile's goal scoring exploits, it's the little guy, Insigne, who has given them the X-factor, the unpredictability and…
England played well tonight. It's just a pity that they won via a contentious penalty decision.
HT: Italy 0 - 1 England Italy with the possession, England with the lead. It's been a midfield battle so far with both goalkeepers making next to no save. The Azzurris will definitely take more risks in the second half.
As long as England continues to struggle to dominate matches against strong opposition I'll never take them serious. There is no way they're touching a Verratti-Jorginho midfield tonight. It's high time England started using creative, ball holding midfielders instead of the brute, tough tackling ones they always parade in midfield.
I really pity school teachers in England. Tomorrow is going to be a tough day for them as most kids will either not turn up or they'll come in looking grumpy and annoyed. I wish them strength to handle the fallout of this match.
It's Monday already, the start of a new working week. Be deliberate with your actions this week. Don't wait for time and chance to decide what you do. Take control of the week. May we all experience a wonderful and richly fulfilling week.
So, Euro 2020 is over. A football festival that delivered all round, engaging our interests, emotions, love, fear and diversity along with it. I learnt a couple more things about football during this tournament. 1. Sports is love. Eriksen's trauma showed us all that outside the rivalry, the intensity and the drive to win, one thing comes first - love for each other. I saw a couple of Finland players shed tears; I noticed the unison in the stand while Eriksen laid unconscious…
So, I noticed that I no longer see the messages of those I subscribed to on my wall. Is it a new upgrade or something is wrong with my account?
A woman walked right past me just now. She held on tightly to #200 note and was saying so many things in the form of prayers to it. Definitely, she's either taking it to a place of prayer or about to go give out the money as alms to someone. Praying onto a piece of paper (money) before dashing it out. Really? Do these things work? Some people have been doing this every year for 15 years and yet, they're still frolicking with poverty! OWN CONTENT
With preseason now in full swing it will be about transfer deals and rumours for now. Asides Messi verbally agreeing to a five year deal to stay at Barca, the one that interests me most is the impending transfer of Olivier Giroud to AC Milan. Giroud never ceases to amaze me. Just when you think it's over for him he finds a way to spring a nice surprise. He's not the modern, ball playing type of strikers dominating the football space right now but he has always proven himself…
The curious case of Jesse Lingard A very popular and interesting player, Lingard is reportedly a joyous person to be around. After struggling to make Solksjaer's team he went on loan to West Ham and delivered immensely, tallying 9 goals and 5 assists in just 16 appearances. Now back at Manchester he faces a dilemma: fight for a spot at Man Utd or go back to West Ham? The board members are split on a decision to hold or let him go. As for me I think I'll let him go. Lingard…
If their is one thing I have learnt from the ongoing European transfer market it is that for every problem their is a solution. Covid-19 struck the finance of most teams with it's effect getting more pronounced in this year's financial report. With Ceferin and his UEFA cohorts snooping around clubs with a big sledge hammer in hand in the form of Financial Fair Play Rules, clubs were boxed up in a very tight corner with little wiggle space. Despite this one serious…
Atimes, no amount of motivational talk motivates you. Everything looks bland and you hit a block. Those things that motivates you looks regular. Every method you try fails. When you find yourself in this position, stop everything you're trying so hard to do. Go out there and unwind, spend time with people who are also struggling. Visit the orphanage, correctional facilities or some place different to your usual scenery. Visit the hugely disadvantaged and the less privileged…
I'll start piecing my Fantasy Premier League team for the season together this afternoon. My strategy remains the same: 1) Three mid priced defenders who plays for the top teams with clean sheet and attacking potentials. Two rotating budget priced defenders with playing time. I'm not really a fan of the premium defenders, the Alexander Arnolds and Robertsons of this world. 2) Two premium midfielders, two mid priced midfielders and one diamond in the rough - a budget priced…
If Verstappen wins tomorrow it's going to be incredibly hard for Hamilton to win his 8th title this year.
According to Skysports, Varane is close to agreeing personal terms with Man Utd. Even if he does, will Real Madrid be willing to let him go after losing Sergio Ramos to PSG? Is Eder Militao that good to the point that Madrid will let go of their central defensive partnership for over 5 years?
At some point Arsenal was the best team in the land, The Invincibles. That was a time when Man City was nothing but a mid-table team. Chelsea were just settling into the Roman era, Liverpool weren't doing excellently well in the league and Ferguson was recalibrating Man United to launch an assault on the EPL title yet again. That was a long time ago. Now Man City is the dominant force of English Football, Chelsea have won two UCL titles and 6 EPL titles since, Liverpool have…
Mercedes have always been vocal about allowing their drivers to race fairly and no team orders. If they want to win today they'll definitely need Bottas to follow some team orders else Max will win and that may be bygone to Lewis's chance this year and the constructors altogether. Their strategy already cost Lewis one race this year. Let's see if they can win him one with a smarter strategy.
The last time Verstappen DNF, Lewis Hamilton missed out on the point altogether despite running second with few laps to the end of that race. Let's see if he finishes this one.
Its been a while we had such an engaging start to a race. I have a feeling the drama is just getting started. Meanwhile, Horner is doing his best to make sure Lewis gets punished. Masi's body language suggests that's what is going to happen. Fingers crossed. Restart in some seconds.
Horner is blowing hot. Verstappen is lambasting Lewis's conduct and celebration as disgraceful. Lewis is calling out Verstappen for being too aggressive. Points between the two reduced to 8. All these makes up for a tantalising title fight. Title races are never interesting when competitors are sounding too nice and overly respectful. But when the gloves are out the anticipation is built and every race is always something to look forward to. 2021 title race is just getting…
Selecting players for my FPL team is becoming a really difficult task for me. It was a lot easier last season. My major problem area is in the attack. Most well performing players had a price increase; Harry Kane is priced at a mammoth £12.5. The bargain strikers of last season - Bamford, DC Lewin, Antonio, and Watkins - are no longer cheap. Their expensive prizes is already harming midfield recruitments. For now I've settled on Watkins and Antonio (both £7.5). I'm seriously…
The growing rumours about the possibility of Kieran Trippier joining Man United just won't go away. Yes, United wanted him once but it looks unreal to want another right back after recently splashing £50M to get one. That aside, I think Trippier will be an upgrade on Wan Bissaka. One phase of attack Man United enjoyed last season was the link up with Shaw. The few games Shaw didn't play there was a noticeable reduction in attacking creativity. If United have a right back as…
So, I'm about retiring to bed and I choose to check this place to read some interesting write ups. Then it struck me that while I'm about sleeping, some people are just waking, and some have been going about their day for some hours now. Variety is the spice of life and this life is never the same for us all. What is light to you may be darkness to another person. And after the night comes the day. So next time you find yourself in a dark place, remember that darkness will…
The transfer market has been bouncing with news of players' movement; Sancho to United, Tavares to Arsenal, Konate to Liverpool and so many others. One team that has been relatively quiet so far is Man City. Yes, they wanted Kane but they've not generated as much splash in the market as they used to. After claiming the EPL title on a canter last season and narrowly missing out on the coveted Champions League win are we to say Guardiola's squad is close to perfect bar a…
If you try to solve a problem with the same mindset that created it in the first place, you're bound to fail again. Yes, and it may be even more disastrous this time. To win in life you need to be one step ahead at all times in what you do. If you're operating on the same level with others in your competition, forget about winning the competition. To achieve more you need much more. Are you closing in on your goal for the day? OWN CONTENT
Last week the media was agog with the news of FIFA having a trial tournament in which some changes to the laws of the game was reportedly being considered. Yesterday, FIFA came out with a statement to categorically deny the claim. The statement goes thus: "FIFA would like to clarify the erroneous reports circulating in the media in recent days regarding FIFA’s alleged intention to trial experimental changes to the Laws of the Game at a youth tournament played in the…
So I missed out on a scholarship opportunity and I felt ready bad about it. For days I couldn't compose myself. I was lost in thoughts and blaming every living and non living object for the missed opportunity. My mind was messed up with blames and regrets. Next morning I switched my TV to watch a program and here was this man saying all sorts of uninteresting things. I listened in a bid to vent my frustration but then he said something that struck me. He said, missing an…
According to SkySports, Pogba doesn't want to renew his contract with Man United. Daily Mirror reported this morning that PSG are willing to buy him for £50M this summer with his contract expiring next summer. As much as I would love to see Pogba play for Man United this coming season, I think they should move him on if an offer north of £40M comes in. Yes, Pogba is a wonderful player but he's also a mixed baggage. His playing goes from the sublime to the ridiculous. I for…
Another night is here as the day draws close. In all you do always remember that time doesn't get wasted, you're the one who is getting wasted. Time is infinite; you are not infinite. Each moment you waste is an opportunity to make good memories.
The fact that Man United are yet to complete and announce the signature of Jadon Sancho is becoming increasingly frustrating for me. This isn't because of the fear that the deal will fall through, it's because I'm eagerly anticipating the price FPL will slap on him. Bruno Fernandes at £12 is expensive. Salah at £12.5 is even worse. Son is now £10. If Sancho gets a £10 valuation or less he'll be my plug for Man United attack.
Unravelling an undervalued player is one of the most important skills to succeed in FPL. Every season always has its undervalued player; getting them in before the inevitable price rise is even more important. I didn't watch a whole lot of Championship last season so I don't know how players from the promoted side will perform. But for now, my eyes are on Emi Buendia of Aston Villa. He was a capable performer for Norwich when he last graced the EPL. Now with a functioning…
I re-watched Man United's Europa League match against AC Milan yesterday and I just kept on asking myself why Man United are trying so hard to hold on to Pogba. Yes, Pogba is talented but he rarely takes control of midfield battles against strong opposition. I believe Pogba's problem at Man United stems from the fact that we expect him to contribute both offensively and defensively. The truth is Pogba is not disciplined enough to contribute defensively. That was why Mourinho…
At some point two seasons ago I was expecting to wake up to the news of Ole Gunnar Solksjaer getting sacked. He somehow escaped. Last season I couldn't hold it anymore; I joined the #OleOut gang on Twitter. Yet he pulled off another great escape. Today he signed another contract and I'm left asking myself if he's the man to lead United back to glory days. Moyes (the long termer) was tried but failed woefully. Van Gaal ( the master tactician) was tried for two years; he…
QPR 4 - 2 Man United Though I'm not the one to take preseason games seriously, conceding four goals against a struggling Championship side despite starting the match with at least 6 first team players is a NO for me.
So Sancho is priced at £9.5. It looks modest to me but the problem is the highest ranked FPL player last season, Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes is priced at £12.0. I would've loved to plump for Sancho ahead of Fernandes considering his modest price and his statistics but the early struggles of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, fellow Bundesliga alumni, is getting me worried. For now I have Fernandes in my draft.
Keep ya head up. Yes, we all do go through difficult issues in life that leaves us asking what else to do to make it right. We even go through situations that pushes us to ask about the legitimacy of the existence of God. When you find yourself in this situation, keep ya head up, it will pass. Trouble may last for a night but joy comes in the morning. Have a blessed Sunday.
Yes, motivational speakers are running around advising, teaching, coaching and saying so many sweet things. Listening to them is really good but how many problems have you solved listening to motivational speakers? Listen, you are the one with the problem. Only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches. The solution to your problem lies within you, not in some generalized solution written on the pages of a book. Sit down and tackle your problems. You are the one with the shoe;…
At some point Kalidou Koulibaly was the most in demand central defender in the world. He was so good that he was rated a lot higher than Van Dijk. He is now 30 years and has spent the best part of his career playing for Napoli despite having a talent worthy of a top class team. I wonder how some top players allow their talents to be tied to above average clubs for the best part of their career. Harry Kane is towing that path if he doesn't quit Spurs on time.
Looks like BCH and bitcoin have woken from their slumbers. Both have gained over 12% in the last 24 hours as bitcoin currently trades at $38,700 while BCH trades at $504. The long overdue rally is here; fasten your seatbelts folks.
Fabrizio Romano is one hell of a football journalist. That guy just has his ways of getting the most secret of transfer news to the open. I was sceptical of the Varane to United move until Romano said this afternoon that it's just a matter of hours or days. Now I believe United will be having a new defensive partnership for next season. I guess it's time for Eric Bailly to say bye bye to United because Solksjaer clearly loves Tuanzebe. Is Phil Jones still on Man United's…
Mondays are always frenetic. It's the start of a new working week and everyone is charged up and wanting to start the week with loads of energy and positivity. However, it can be draining. Many people struggle to keep up and have an all round wonderful week because of the exertions of Monday. So work smart, relax a lot when you get home and unwind. It's a marathon, not a sprint. You don't want to burn yourself out before the week gets super exciting. Do have a lovely week.
Immediately I saw Star's report that Liverpool are considering the possibility of signing Adama Traore for £30M, I couldn't help but say, no way! Why would any top club want to sign a player as confused and inconsistent as Traore? We've been expecting him to use his genetic superiority for some time now and he's continued to switch gears from the sublime to the ridiculous almost incredibly. This guy was highly rated at La Masia, was highly rated at 'Boro. We thought he's…
Success is a very long and tasking journey. It's a marathon and never a sprint. Just like marathons it has no short cut or quick fix. It involves lots of sacrifice and very tough days. Discipline, resilience and sacrifices are needed to ace a marathon. To be successful, arm yourself with these three. No success comes cheap. No success comes without sacrifice. OWN CONTENT
In the song, My Life by The Game and Lil' Wayne a verse struck a cord in me; it goes, "Dear Lord, you've done took so many of my people but I'm just wondering why you haven't take my life. Like what am I doing right?" Whenever I listen to that song I find myself asking for the life's ultimate formula. Some people do scary things and go unpunished while others do a few wrongs and get punished all the days of their life. Is their a formula to live this life unscathed? I really…
I'm here quietly humming Future's "Mask Off" in anticipation of what is going to happen at the Hungarian Grand Prix. No more niceties; no more humble gestures. I won't be missing a single bit of this year's title fight anymore.
Before the updates there used to be a guy who was like the in-house betting plug. He allows us to make predictions on a couple of markets by staking $0.1 worth of BCH. He deals majorly with the 1x2 market and the goals and correct score market. Matches are mostly from the EPL, La Liga and Serie A. For the 1x2 market, one gets x2 of the bet with a win and the correct score market gives x5 or so. Who knows this guy's moniker as I have no access to my old account? I'll love to…
Mental health issues is real. You can sound confident but yet very anxious within. You can turn up for work on a daily basis and appear fine yet harbour a serious suicidal thought within. You can look so good and yet feel so ugly and unwanted. Yes, you can dish out jokes and smoke a lot yet suffers a bout of depression. In all, take your time to heal fully. No one has ever been in your shoes. No one knows what you've been through. You decide when you are fully heal and ready…
Zouma is a well loved dude at Chelsea but its not surprising that he may be sacrificed to get Jules Kounde in. The defensive evolution in football is one that amazes me a lot. There was a time when the big, strong lads are automatically viewed as defenders even before introducing themselves. Those attributes still define so many defenders but football has changed a lot. Kurt Zouma is a man-mountain; a big, strong lad who puts his head into everything. Jules Kounde is a smart…
Pogba represents a sorry era when Man U were clueless both on and off the pitch. He's marketable, but he's way too problematic. The team has sacrificed immensely for him all in a bid to "unlock" him (I wonder if he is some expensive box). Fred was signed so as to unlock him; formations were altered so as to unlock him. Paul Pogba has been the singular, most important problem Man U has been nursing for some years now. Pogba and his agent frustrated Man U because Alexis…
Weekend officially starts tomorrow. The regularly long and tasking work days come to a grateful end. But the point is are you just working for the sake of the money or for the sake of development? Most people who only chased money while working their employer's dream seldom make it big. But most people who develop themselves while working someone else's dream always find their place of breakthrough in due time. Start developing yourself deliberately; it pays abundantly. Just…
Finally, the right decision has been made. Marcus Rashford played through pain all through the 20/21 season. It was easy to castigate him for his performances during the season but he showed resilience all through. The decision has now been made for him to have a shoulder surgery that will rule him out for 12 weeks. Get well soon, Marcus.
There is no middle ground to this life. Discipline yourself now or live the regrets later. Invest now or enjoy a romantic relationship with poverty later. Find God now or become the devil's toy later. Without discipline it is nearly impossible to be successful. If you're lucky enough to stumble upon success, indiscipline will take it all away from you. Have you ever wondered why so many lottery winners ended up broke? Check yourself now. Do have a lovely weekend.
Learn to meet and celebrate people, irrespective of their race or class. You just never know what they may become in the nearest future. This doesn't mean you have to mingle with everyone. You are not meant for everyone, and likewise everyone is not meant for you. Meet the necessary people; network intentionally. OWN CONTENT
Having watched Grealish for nearly six years now, I think its high time he got the big move his talent deserves. Grealish has been a delight to watch so far. His arrogant flair on the ball when he first broke into the first team made him interesting; his hair styles even more endearing. I expected him to move on after Villa's relegation but he stayed put to lead them back into the EPL. Back in EPL he was no longer the boy that relegated with Villa, he is now a man with…
People naturally drift towards the successful ones. Its the law of nature which you can't do anything about. So next time you feel overlooked for a much younger person, don't feel bad. Just know that the person has something you don't. Instead of feeling bitter work hard and become relevant, then watch as those who didn't notice you before will beg for your association. People naturally are endeared to the successful ones, even if their route to success is shady. So attain…
Like I once said, I'm not the type that read meanings to pre-season results. When Rangers scored a surprising 2-1 win against Real Madrid I was quick to dismiss it. Madrid used a couple of fringe players who are just returning from boisterous holidays. Well, Rangers just battered Livingston 3 - 0 to begin their title defense. With Ange Postecouglou and Celtic still finding their range after the Champions League elimination I don't see them toppling Rangers this season. If…
If Lewis Hamilton wins his 8th title this year the Silverstone clash will be revived. He has worked extremely hard to be where he is now. I hope that singular event won't be used to undermine his success. He is not the most perfect of individuals but nobody can deny him the acclaim of being the best driver of the last two decades.