World Cup 2018 Review: Best World Cup ever?

The FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 theme was "Expect The Unexpected." That is exactly what we got as viewers. From defending champions Germany being knocked out at the group stage. Another former champion Spain was eliminated by Russia in the round of 16. Who among you saw those results coming? If you did then you better try your luck at playing lottery because I never imagined that both Germany and Spain could have been knocked out so early in the competition. Brazil was another former champion to bite the dust. I believe that as long as Neymar is in the team they won't win the world cup. He is too theatrical and aims at conning officials and players even though he is blessed with an abundance of talent. They were dumped out in the quarterfinals by an emerging power in Belgium, who I have to admit I picked to win but had to settle for 3rd place, their best finish in 32 years at the World Cup We also witnessed the unexpected run of England into the semi-finals, lead by golden boot winner and captain Harry Kane, which surprised many of their supporters. Russia had a fairy tale run as well where many pundits didn't expect them to get out of the group stage yet alone the quarterfinals where they were just ousted by finalists Croatia via penalty shootout.What about arguably two of the greatest players of all time; Lionel Messi and Ronaldo led teams knocked at the round of 16 on the same day. The Argentina team was doomed from the start when head coach Jorge Sampaoli didn't know his best 11. That is inadequate preparation going into a World Cup, while Portugal came up against a well organized defensive outfit in Uruguay. Even after this World Cup there will be debates who is better.

The most controversial topic of the world cup is the use V.A.R.( Video Assistant Referee ). There were a lot more penalties given because of it. I am for it because too often in the past poor decisions has cost a lot of teams to lose games. This made players have to watch their physicality in the penalty box. For me there has been too much pulling and tugging of players' uniforms.

The World Cup has been the best I ever witnessed. It drama of late goals, penalty shootouts, shocking exits and shocking runs. Take a bow Russia! Qatar in 2022 have huge boots to fill. 

Manchester United 2017/18 Season Review

There were a lot of talking points in the just concluded 2017/18 season which included Manchester United fans are not happy about the style of play used by Manager. Jose Mourinho. They believe it is too slow, lethargic and uninspiring. Another critique by the fans is that Mourinho's lack of desire to develop the youth. Evidence of this is how Martial, Shaw and Rashford have struggled under him. In fact mant believe 2 of the 3 may be sold.

Here is my take. First of all Jose Mourinho has improved Manchester United when compared to Louis Van Gaal stint as manager. Mourinho has won 4, ok maybe 3 trophies as Community Shield doesn't really count in his 2 seasons as manager and when you compare last season to this season he has guided the club from 6th to 2nd in the league. In addition they have recorded 7 more wins, 9 less draws, scored 12 more points, scored 14 more goals. That is quite commendable. In terms of the league all I wanted was that Manchester United to compete for the league title. That wasn't accomplished because Manchester City dominated everybody. Winning the league by 19 points. In most seasons Manchester United would have competed for the league title, so maybe I am consoled by that but I am jealous of the brand of entertaining football that Manchester City and Liverpool play when compared to the boring, uninspiring style of play that Manchester United play. I really don't look forward to seeing Manchester United play. I fight through it because I have been a fan since 1998 and will support this great club till my last breath.

Everybody knows that developing and playing youth is a major part of the identity of Manchester United. Mourinho lacks these qualities. Throughout his career, he has always prefer proven older plays who don't need a lot of attention to get the best of them. This is a flaw in his manager style because not every player will respond to tough love, some respond better to an arm around their shoulder. Just look at Klopp & Pep. They are friends to their players. I don't think it is a coincidence that their teams did well this season. I am really concerned that Manchester United could sell Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw who not only need "an arm around their shoulder" but can developed into superstars unlike a player like Fellaini who is the opposite of a Manchester United player. It was beneath Mourinho and a disgrace to beg him to sign a new contract. Don't get his obsession with him. I didn't understand why he signed Alexis Sanchez to replace Anthony Martial who was having a good season. It is a waste of money. The sad thing is that Mourinho will sign older, proven players like Sanchez.

All these problems circulated among Manchester United I blame on the board. They have hired 3 pragmatic managers who play boring uninspiring football. I was all in on Mourinho coming to Manchester United because I knew he is a winner and an all-time great. Maybe I was naive to think that he would adapt to Manchester United. I have asked myself this question. What is more important? Winning trophies or Playing entertaining football? We were spoiled under Sir Alex. It was a tough question to answer but for me it has to be the style of play and I am of the firmed belief that a brand of exciting football will bring silverware. Sir Alex once said famously that as manager of Manchester United you have a duty to entertain. With that being said let me finish by saying Manchester United is bigger than any player and any manager. The fundamentals of this great club must be adhered to.

T&T Commonwealth 2018 Performance

It was really a mixed bag in terms of performance at these Commonwealth Games. The highlights have to be Gold Medal winning performances by Jereem "The Dream" Richards in the Men 200 Metres Championship race in dramatic fashion because Zarnel Hughes of England was disqualified. Michelle Lee Ahye in the Women 100 Metres Championship race as well as Dylan Carter winning Silver in the Men 50 Metres Butterfly Championship race as well as breaking the national record in the 100 Metres Freestyle Final. Special mention has to be made for Shakeil Waithe for placing 7th in the Men Javelin Final in his 1st Global games. 

They were the positives coming out of these Commonwealth Games but there were disappointments which arrive in The Men 400 Metres, where the country was expected that at least Machel Cedenio and Lalonde Gordon advance to the final, maybe an outside chance for Renny Quow who is on his way out . Instead all 3 entrants failed to qualify in the final which in turn impacted the 4x400 Men Relay Team which failed to mount the podium. There were further disappointments in the Women 4x100 Metres Relay Final where it was expected that T&T would medal with Michelle Lee Ahye anchoring but Michelle Lee Ahye was a no show, which resulted Trinidad & Tobago finishing 4th. While the women were disappointing, it was small in comparison to their male counterparts who failed to pass their baton around which resulted in them not qualifying for the final. They didn't fear any better in the individual 100 metres where Keston Bledman, Emmanuel Callender and Johnatan Farinha failed to qualify for the final. It is time for Bledman and Callender to retire. They are in their late 30's and both have never medal at a global games before. I question if their is sufficient preparation for Trinidad & Tobago Relay Teams. Ato Boldon, former Olympian and World Championship Medalist has criticized the preparation of the teams. Hope the parties involve get their act together. Let us hope that this Commonwealth Games laid the foundation for more finals and medals for athletes representing Trinidad & Tobago.

Jose: My Way or The Highway

As I look ahead to today's crucial second leg round of 16 UEFA Champions League game against Sevilla, I want to ask the question if progress is being made? Manchester United are just 4 points off their total points they accumulated last season, with 8 games remaining, added to that they have drawn 10 less games, which was a major complaint among fans, including myself. Jose has also improved the performances of few players like Jesse Lingard who is having his best season with 13 goals in 37 appearances, which is the most he scored in a season, beating easily the 7 goals he mustered in 42 games in 2015/16 season. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have improved significantly, especially Smalling who was depended on when other centre backs were out with injuries. Anthony Martial is another player who has improved from last season for Manchester United with 11 goals and 10 assists in 38 games from 8 goals and 8 assists in 42 games. I can't forget about the revelation that Scott McTominay has been, entering into the 1st team from the reserves. The proof is there to see that progress is being made.

I have seen many fans criticize the playing style of Manchester United. They have said Jose doesn't play attacking football, he is too defensive and must adapt to the identity of Manchester United, which is to play attacking,entertaining football that the fans want. Many have gone to the extreme that they want him him to be fired because of this. Now I am not of the view that he needs to be removed as manager because Manchester United are getting the results that are needed for him to remain as manager. When I see Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspurs play entertaining, exciting football, I questioned why can't Manchester United play like them, especially the runaway leaders Manchester City who seems to score without much effort. I believe many fans think like this but once the team keep getting positive results we have to support the manager because I can't see him changing. Jose has a balanced approach to football; such approach has made him very successful. I myself have gotten used to games like Liverpool, where after scoring 2 goals his team dropped back and try to contain the opposition until the final whistle. We must all adapt to him. The question is, whether you prefer results over performance. I know there are some fans believe in the latter, but for me I want to see Manchester United to win the Premier league, UEFA Champions League. I am of the firm belief that can be achieved under Jose Mourinho, he is still the Special One.

   

T&T IAAF World Championships Review

T&T IAAF World Championships 2017 Review

By Christopher Olliverre

Expectations were lukewarm for this Trinidad and Tobago team for the 2017 I.A.A.F. World Championships. There was optimism that Keshorn Walcott in Javelin, Jereem Richards in the 200 metres, the men 4x400 relay team would be on the podium.

Walcott had a solid season, not great. He threw nowhere near his career best of 90.16 metres but he still had a very solid season best throw of 86.61 metres. He had to throw close to 90 metres to even compete with the 2 germans Thomas Rohler, the Olympic Champion and Johannes Vetter but he could only manage a 7^th place in the final, where he was hampered by a hip injury. So considering he was not fully fit and it was the first time he qualified for a World Championships Final, it was a solid performance.

Jereem Richards had a season best of 19.97 seconds, which made him the second fastest over 200 metres for Trinidad and Tobago. He didn’t have the race that he wanted but to capture bronze in his first individual senior global final was really impressive.

I saved the best for last. Let me say that going into these championships I was hopeful of a medal. I was optimistic that they could get Bronze, behind Jamaica and USA. When Jamaica failed to qualify I was hopeful of Silver now. Fred Kerley, the USA anchor leg runner had a season best of 43.70 seconds, which made him the 7^th fastest all time. When you compare that with T&T anchor leg runner, Lalonde Gordon season best of 45.01 seconds, USA has to be the overwhelming favorite. Team T&T refused to follow the status quo and bow down to USA and created one of the biggest upsets when Lalonde Gordon ran the race of his life to capture GOLD and inflict on USA their first defeat in 6 World Championships.

Trinidad and Tobago are proud of this historic achievement by these young brave men, who besides the obstacles overcame and won. A lesson we call can follow. I just hope now that the powers that be inject much needed funding into athletics.

Manchester United season review 2016/2017

Manchester United hired Jose Mourinho as their new manager, he didn't wast anytime in making 4 signings, these included the best signing of the season on a free transfer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored an impressive 28 goals in all competitions, another impressive signing was Eric Bailly, a player not known by Manchester United fans but quickly fit in with his strength and agility, he is a good prospect for but in the future as well. Not all the signings performed well. Henrikh Mkhitaryan struggled at first to adapt to English football and at best was inconsistent. I saved the best for last, Paul Pogba returning to Manchester United in a small sum of 89 million pounds. He played without luck at times, should have scored more but mostly his high transfer free weighed heavily on his broad shoulders. Manchester United finished the English Premier League in 6th place, a shocking 24 points and 31 goals behind champions Chelsea. Manchester United recorded 15 draws this season, the most by any team. If  they won 60% of their drawn games, they would have been champions. Manchester United just didn't score enough goals this season, that has been the theme of the season. Some of it has been bad luck, Paul Pogba hit the post 9 times this season but other instances it's just great chances that have been missed. It is an headache but it's a good one to have because at least they are creating chances to score every game . Under Van Gaal that chances created were few in number throughout his managerial stay at Manchester United. Hopefully Mourinho rectify this through coaching and acquisition of players in the summer transfer market who have an eye towards goal.

It was not all doom and gloom on the domestic front as Manchester United won the Community Shield and The EFL Cup and may I add were unlucky to be knocked out by Chelsea as they were undone by poor refereeing. The Community Shield is not the most prestigious trophy to win as it is widely considered part of pre-season but it's still a trophy that is not handed out but earned.

Let me get to the best part of the season and that is winning the Europa League for the first time, always great to make history but even better when Manchester United booked their place in next season's UEFA Champions League group stages. I consider this season a success; to win 3 out of 5 trophies and seal a UEFA Champions League spot would be more than the optimistic fan would have hoped for. Many pundits refused to call Manchester United's season a success. Manchester United are expected to win the league every season so I do understand when some say it's not been a successful season for them but when you compare the last 3 seasons, this season has to go done as a success. All Manchester United fans can enjoy this off-season as we are back in the UEFA Champions League and have the money to spend on top quality players but please don't listen to all the rumors that will linked them to every player in the world.                                  

World Sport: West Indies v Pakistan Review

I consider myself an avid West Indies cricket fan but even I was not expecting much from this young West Indian team competing against this Experienced Pakistani team.. At best was hoping that they don’t embarrass themselves. I was truly impressed by the fight shown by the Jason Holder’s team. There were standouts like Shannon Gabriel, who I was concerned, would not be healthy for the entire series, not only did he remain fit for the entirety of the series but he put in a man of the match performance. On the downside, he needs to work on this discipline in regards bowling fewer no-balls, he’s over-stepping the front crease by a big margin and need to think about the match situation. It is inexcusable the attacking shot he attempted given West Indies was trying to save the test match. We shouldn’t blame Shannon too much because West Indies’ cricketers have a problem of assessing match situations, they could only play one way. Something himself and his team mates must work on. Same can’t be said for Roston Chase who was the stand out player for West Indies, he assessed the situation everything he came out to bat and his hunger for runs and application was a joy to watch.

That was the good, here’s the bad; Vishal Singh looks at sea at test cricket, especially facing the Pakistan seamers’. Jason Holder needs to contribute more as a bowler if he’s picked as a bowler, he got better in the last two test matches, need to continue to improve. I really like these two youngsters; Shimron Hetmyer and  Alzarri Joseph who has a lot of promise and the selectors and coaching staff must keep faith in them. Shai Hope may not be young as the gentlemen that I mentioned above but I see a batsman with a lot quality and ability, needs to push on. I have to say the biggest disappointment has to be Kraigg Brathwaite who failed to score at least a half-century, which is not good enough for your one of your top batsmen. His fellow opening batsman Kieran Powell can be forgiven given he last played a test match before this series, 6 years ago but he really need to convert 30’s and 40’s into big scores. Shane Dowrich is another player who performed below his standards. He really needs to improve his glove work as well as become more consistent with the bat.

Overall it was a great performance by the team to draw the series when it was predicted by all the experts that it would be a white wash. Let’s hope all facets of the game is improved especially the fielding. I am not going to say West Indies is turning the corner but if anything we are having a peek.