Remembering the Godfather

Chinagliata: Remembering the Godfather

A New Stadium in Pittsburgh

http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/29/a-new-stadium-in-pittsburgh/

Finality

The final of any major contest, especially international sport events, helps us mark phases and stages of life.  Enjoy the final, rejoice with the champions or suffer the anguish of the vanquished. But then - just as suddenly - it is time to begin, again.

Tempting but false to say this Spanish side have come to embody an aesthetic in any ideal sense.  The idea of nationhood should not distort the trends and traditions woven together in their singular tapestry of tiki taka.

Catennaccio has locked out opposition attacks, while it has kept a country from playing in a way that better reflects its soil and sky.  Triumph today for the Azzurri would reveal a stylistic turn toward the flamboyent, proud with strength and audacity.

What we hope for from both today is the daring to attack.  Boredom is the enemy.

Diouf Falls but Plays On as Video Villain (and Hero)

Published 23 May 2012 on the New York Times Goal Blog:
http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/23/diouf-falls-but-plays-on-as-video-villain-and-hero/

Angel and Demons

Published 24 May 2012 on The Viper's Nest: http://www.thevipersnest.com/2012/05/angel-and-demons.html

Bulls v Goats: What's in a Brand?

Tonight's match at Red Bull Arena is interesting enough with the possibilities of club goalscoring record holder Juan Pablo Angel's homecoming visit and Thierry Henry's return to the lineup from his hamstring injury.  But any time these two teams meet the semiotic crises that continue to plague Major League Soccer come to the fore: arguably the two most poorly named teams in American sport compete with their Austrian and Mexican owner-operator groups asserting their presence via club(/franchise) branding.  The Energy Drink v the Oxymoron some might say.  Should NY have a second team?  Should LA? 

Light Blue Skies Ahead for Glasgow Rangers

Published 30 March 2012 on the NY Times Goal Blog:

http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/30/light-blue-skies-ahead-for-glasgow-rangers/