MY PREMONITION OF CHELSEA FC’S CROWNING GLORY

I was all pumped up a week before the UEFA Champions League finals. Despite the overwhelming odds favoring the home team Bayern Munich, I remain confident on the chances of Chelsea FC to pull off an upset. Consider the following circumstances surrounding the Blues in their biggest match in club’s history:

Suspension of four (4) key players in Captain John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Raul Meireles and Ramires; The finals match will be played in Allianz Stadium in Munich; and

The health status of defenders David Luiz and Gary Cahill.

It is clearly evident that the Roman Abramovich-owned club is going into the match with unbearable pressure. Interim Manager/Coach Roberto Di Matteo, despite leading Chelsea FC to the F.A. Cup diadem, knows he needs to deliver if he wants to have a shot to be the permanent gaffer at Stamford Bridge. The European title is the only missing crown in Chelsea FC’s jewelry box.

The finals match is set to be covered live by local cable sports channel Balls starting at unholy time of 2:30 a.m. (Manila time). I went to bed early on Saturday night with the hope of watching it on a time when the whole nation is fast asleep. It was truly a struggle to wake up but I forced myself knowing this is the match that I have waited for since the 2008 Moscow debacle. But unfortunately, as the kickoff starts, I fell asleep once again. Then I have a dream that the finals concluded via a penalty shootout after a 1-all and 120 minutes of action with Chelsea winning it all.

I immediately jumped off the bed only to realize that the time was only 3:30 a.m., so I turned on the TV again and catch the early part of the second half with both clubs yet to score a goal. My heart fell apart when Thomas Mueller scored on the 83rd minute to give Bayern Munich the lead. And with just seven minutes, I knew that it will be one big mountain to climb for Chelsea FC to win it. Chelsea FC forward Didier Drogba, who many pundits predict will not be back in Stamford Bridge next season due to his age, suddenly rose to the occasion and he scored an amazing goal via an incredible header on a corner kick in the 88th minute. The regulation which included a five-minute extra time ended with both teams tied at 1-all. And the match needs another 30 minutes of extension time to determine the winner.

Five minutes into extension, Drogba nearly turned from hero to goat when he committed a silly foul on Bayern Munich’s old reliable Arjen Robben inside the box. Once again, the Blues’ back is against the wall with Robben taking a penalty shot versus Chelsea FC’s veteran goalkeeper Peter Cech. But lo and behold, Cech saved the shot that could have given the home team a decisive edge. Finally after 30 minutes of action and the score-line remains the same, the match is going into the fateful penalty shootout.

Days before the finals, many players of Bayern Munich boast that German teams never loses a penalty shootout and besides, Chelsea FC lost the 2008 finals in Moscow to arch-rivals Manchester United via a heartbreaking penalty shootout. Who could ever forget John Terry’s fateful slip which missed the target and their chance to win Europe’s most prestigious football crown.

The Fat Lady seems to smile at Bayern Munich’s way when Juan Mata’s shot was saved by the proud German goalie Manuel Neuer. The host bungled their last two attempts and Drogba connected on the deciding shot giving Chelsea FC their first-ever European championship. The Blues defied all odds and Di Matteo calls it destiny and the way they won it was truly remarkable.

My dream had come into reality.

MAJOR UPSET MARKS BUNDESLIGA’S RETURN TO PHL TV

The Bundelisga (German Pro Division One League) made a grand return to Philippine TV via TV5’s AKTV on IBC13 with a big win by the visiting Borussia Monchengladbach over the star-studded and heavily favored FC Bayern Munich, 1-0. What made the coverage doubly interesting was the superb job of Filipino commentator Jason Webb in bringing the play-by-play of the season opening match. Bayern Munich, bolstered by the recent acquisition of big time players in Manuel Neuer and Jerome Boateng, dominated the action almost 70 percent of the match but Monchengladbach did not wasted chances in their very few opportunities, when Igor de Camargo scored on an incredible header in the 62nd minute off two Bayern defenders to shock the jampacked crowd at Allianz Stadium. Bayern tried desperately to save a point by playing more aggressively in the final 30 minutes but to no avail. Bundesliga was televised originally in the early 1980’s by government station PTV-4 and most recently by Solar Sports. But this is the very first time that Filipino commentators took charge in covering the game. Webb was joined by Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo in the local TV panel.

FOOTBALL TREAT FOR FILIPINO FANS

Filipino football diehards will be in for a huge 2011-12 football season on TV as the fast emerging sports network TV5’s AKTV on IBC 13 will bring in big number of matches from the English Premier League (EPL) and Bundesliga (German Pro League) beginning August 8. This will be in addition to the regular broadcast of EPL matches on ESPN StarSports and the UEFA Champions League on Balls Channel. Kicking off the Bundesliga coverage on AKTV will be the match between popular club Bayern Munich and Borussia Modchengladbach on August 8 at 9 pm. EPL opens on AKTV with the Liverpool vs. Sunderland match on August 14 also at 9 pm. A total of 13 matches will be covered by AKTV for the month of August. Herewith is AKTV on IBC 13’s complete schedule of matches for the month of August, according to Espiya Sports Network:

August 8: 9PM-11PM Bayern Munich vs Borussia Modchengladbach

August 14: 9PM-11PM Liverpool vs Sunderland

August 15: 8PM-10PM VfB Stuttgart vs FC Schalke 04

August 16: 8PM-10 PM Newcastle United vs Arsenal

August 17: 7PM-9PM Wolfsburg vs FC Bayern Munich

August 21: 9Pm-11PM Arsenal vs Liverpool

August 22: 8PM-10PM Borussia Modchengladbach vs VfB Stuttgart

August 23: 8PM-10PM Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur

August 24: 7PM-9PM FC Bayern Munich vs Hamburger SV

August 28: 9PM-11PM Chelsea vs Norwich City

August 29 6PM-8PM Kaiserslautern vs FC Bayern Munich

August 30: 6PM-8PM Bayer 04 Leverkeusen vs Borussia Dortmund

(same day) 8PM-10PM Manchester United vs Arsenal

CHELSEA BIDS FOR DROGBA’S FUTURE REPLACEMENT LUKAKU

Don’t look now but Chelsea FC is preparing for the future. With ace forward Didier Drogba now 33 years old, the Blues are setting their sights on his possible future replacement in 18 year-old Belgian wonder boy Romelu Lukaku of Anderlecht. Lukaku is said to be valued at £20 million. Lukaku spent his early years of football with Rupel Boom and Lierse before hooking up with Anderlecht in 2006. In 2009, Lukaku made his debut with the senior club of Anderlecht and has since appeared in 71 matches so far with 31 career goals. He also suited up for the Belgian U-21 squad in 2008 scoring two goals in five caps. Lukaku later saw action for the Belgian senior team in 2010 with two goals in nine matches so far. Lukaku has long been on the wish list of the Stamford Bridge outfit, according to ESPN-Star Sports.

“Chelsea have reportedly made a bid for Anderlecht striker and long-time target Romelu Lukaku. The Blues have long been leading the chase for the 18-year-old, who is valued at around £20million by his club.”

BIG-TIME FOOTBALL ON PHL TV

As the whole nation keenly awaits the Philippine Azkals-Kuwait 2014 FIFA-World Cup second round qualifier matches on July 23 and 28, big-time international football fills up our appetite for the beautiful game as Solar Sports brings to Philippine TV the Asian Tour of English Premier League (EPL) powerhouse Chelsea FC and the US tour of one of La Liga’s most popular teams, the famed Real Madrid led by the great Cristiano Ronaldo, from July 17 to 28, 2011. Real Madrid opens up its American campaign against the Los Angeles Galaxy at 10:00 am live on July 17. Real Madrid will then play the top Mexican squad Chivas de Guadalajara, and another Major League Soccer (MLS) club in Philadelphia FC. Chelsea on the other hand, will have an interesting schedule as they play our Southeast Asian neighbors, the Malaysian and Thailand national teams live on primetime. Herewith is the complete Solar Sports TV schedule of the matches:

July 17 10:00 - 12:00nn LA Galaxy Vs. Real Madrid Live
July 17 10:00 - 12:00pm LA Galaxy Vs. Real Madrid Replay
July 21 10:00 - 12:00nn Chivas de Guadalajara Vs. Real Madrid Live
July 21 09:45 - 11:45pm Chelsea FC Vs. Malaysian League Live
July 22 08:00 - 10:00am Chivas de Guadalajara Vs. Real Madrid Replay
July 22 10:00 - 12:00nn Chelsea FC Vs. Malaysian League Replay
July 24 09:00 - 11:00am Philadelphia FC Vs. Real Madrid Live
July 24 07:00 - 09:00pm Chelsea FC Vs. Thailand All Star Via Satellite
July 27 02:00 - 04:00pm Philadelphia FC Vs. Real Madrid Replay
July 28 02:00 - 04:00pm Chelsea FC Vs. Thailand All Star Replay

CHELSEA FC ASIA TOUR 2011

Three years ago, Chelsea FC played the Malaysian national football team before a jampacked of 60,000 partisan crowd at the Shah Alam Stadium. Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole scored a goal in each half as the Blues blanked Malaysia, 2-0. On July 21, all roads lead to Bukit Jalil National Stadium as the Stamford Bridge outfit, to be led by newly-appointed manager Andre Villas-Boas, will play the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup champions Malaysia once again. The match is part of Chelsea’s 2011 Asia Tour. John Terry and company will also visit Thailand on July 24 to play the Thai national squad and will end their tour on July 27 and 30 with matches against Hong Kong national champions Kitchee. Villas-Boas says the coming Asian trip will be important to the club as it will help them connect more with their fans in the Far East, according to Chelsea’s official website.

“Going back to Asia is important for us. It shortens the distance with the Asian public who are following us from a big distance. It is important for them to feel we have respect for them and we are able to feel their heat. I am sure they will give us tremendous support for the games we will have over there.”

CARLOS TEVEZ WANTS OUT OF MANCHESTER CITY

Argentine striker Carlos Tevez has requested the Manchester City for a release. He cited family matters as the reason in leaving the EPL club and return to his home country. Tevez has been with Manchester City for the last two seasons. He has scored 43 goals in 65 total appearances for the Citizens. He previously saw action for West Ham United (2006-07) and Manchester United (2007-2009). The 27 year-old, Buenos Aires native is also a regular member of the Argentine national football (senior) squad and has contributed 13 goals in 59 caps. Tevez says it has been very difficult for himself to be apart from his family especially his two daughters in Argentina, according to EPL Talk.

“I hope that the people understand the difficult circumstances I have been living under the past 12 months, in regards to my family. Living without my children in Manchester has been incredibly challenging for me. Everything I do, I do for my daughters, Katie and Florencia. I need to be closer to them and to spend more time with them. I need them to be happy because my life is about them now. I need to be in a place where they can adapt.”

WILL DROGBA LEAVE CHELSEA FOR MARSEILLE?

At 33 years old, Chelsea FC striker Didier Drogba now ponders on his future on where to end his illustrious career. Drogba has been with the Roman Abramovich-owned club since 2004 and to date, the well-built front-liner from Ivory Coast remains a regular fixture for Chelsea. In his seven years with the Stamford Bridge outfit, Drogba has scored 95 goals in 202 total appearances with the Blues. Reports have it that two clubs are in hot pursuit of Drogba namely, Galatasaray S.K. of Turkey and Marseille of France. Drogba had played for Marseille during the 2003-04 season, in which he scored 19 goals in 35 outings. Marseille President Vincent Labrune did not hide the fact that they are after the services of their former top player, according to EPL Talk.

“The question would be whether in terms of salary – not a transfer fee – Marseille have the means to pay Didier Drogba for four years and the answer is ‘yes’. Though only if we had some departures [from the squad].”

ASHLEY COLE THINKS CHELSEA WILL SCORE DOUBLE NEXT SEASON

For Chelsea FC left-back Ashley Cole, the pain still lingers on for the Blues for failing to retain the Premiership title and another heartbreaking exit from the UEFA Champions League. But with most of their regulars such as Cole, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Peter Cech, Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Fernando Torres, Nicolas Anelka and Alex set to return once more for the Stamford Bridge outfit, things look brightly for newly-appointed Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas and his charges. Cole says the team is now setting their sights towards winning back the English Premier League title and finally bagging the Champs League crown, according to ESPN Star website.

“I don't think we're becoming detached from United.   I went to the Champions League final and thought United could win. The way Barca played was unbelievable, like a machine, and you can see why people think they're unbeatable. We should have beaten them in the semis two years ago when we had three penalties turned down.

“I still believe if we'd won at Old Trafford a couple of weeks before the end of last season, we would have won the league. Personally, I'd rather win the league every year than the Champions League.”

TOP EPL CLUBS TO INVADE ASIA ANEW

Asian football fans will be in for a big treat as Malaysia and Hong Kong will host the EPL Asian Tour 2011, respectively. First stop will be Kuala Lumpur. EPL powerhouse clubs Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea will play the Malaysian national squad on July 13, 16 and 21, respectively. All games will be played at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium. The tour shifts to Hong Kong as top flight teams Chelsea, Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers along with Hong Kong First Division winners Kitchee will dispute the 2011 Barclay Asia Trophy on July 27 and 30. All matches will be played at the Hong Kong Stadium. Chelsea is gunning for its second Asia Trophy following its victory in the inaugural tourney in 2003. Bolton won it all in 2005, while Portsmouth took the title in 2007. In 2009, the finals was played in Beijing, China. The Tottenham Hotspur defeated Hull City, 3-0 in the title match. Liverpool star Steven Gerrard says he is always excited to play before all the fanatical fans in Asia, according to Malaysia-Kini.

“Whenever we go to Asia, the fans are always amazing. The supporters over there are fanatical about Liverpool and it’s great that we can give so many of them a chance to come and watch the team play.”

WILL TORRES FIND HIS MARK WITH CHELSEA?

His £40 million transfer last January 27 was the biggest transaction in the English Premier League this past season. Too much hype clouded the transfer of Spanish striker Fernando Torres from his original EPL club Liverpool to the Roman Abramovich-owned Chelsea FC. But not a few were disappointed on Torres initial campaign with the Blues as he finished the season with only a goal to show in 14 games with the Stamford Bridge outfit. His lone goal was scored during Chelsea’s 3-0 annihilation of West Ham United last April 23. He ended the season with a total of ten goals as the other nine were scored during his stint with Liverpool for the first 23 outings. Torres has career club total of 173 goals in 409 appearances with Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and Chelsea. In international play, Torres accounted for 26 goals in 29 total appearances with the powerful Spanish national team. Torres, 27, needs to assert himself in the Chelsea rotation and his teammates and coaching staff can help him or else, he will go down in Chelsea’s history as the biggest bust ever, according to Chelsea Daft.

“Chelsea need to wake up to Torres, Carlo Ancelotti needs to wake up to him and the players need to start playing to Torres's strengths because if we don't it the biggest waste of a player and of a talent at our club ever.”

BARCA-MANCHESTER UNITED REMATCH SET

The much-awaited rematch of UEFA Champions League winners FC Barcelona and losing finalists Manchester United will take place 3,663 miles away from the Wembley Stadium as both clubs meet in Landover, Maryland, during the World Football Challenge 2011 on July 30. Barca, featuring the sensational Lionel Messi, demolished Sir Alex Ferguson’s boys, 3-1 in the Champions League finals at Wembley last May 28. Messi, David Villa and Pedro accounted for Barca’s three winning goals against the lone goal of Red Devils striker Wayne Rooney. This is the second edition of the World Football Challenge following the inaugurals in 2009 where Chelsea, AC Milan and Inter Milan participated. Selected MLS clubs led by the New England Revolution are also expected to join this year’s competitions.

FC BARCELONA: MOST DOMINANT EURO CLUB IN 2011

FC Barcelona’s masterpiece of a win over Manchester United, 3-1, in the recently-concluded UEFA Champions League at Wembley Stadium in London, capped a brilliant 2010-11 season for the Catalans. Josep (Pep) Guardiola has done a wonderful job as manager/coach of the Barcelona squad, whose all-time leading scorer in team history is a Filipino named Paulino Alacantra, after winning a triple crown in 2011. Aside from the Champions League diadem, Barcelona had also won this year’s Spanish League title (their 21^st league championship) and the club’s ninth Spanish Super Cup title, respectively. The Camp Nou outfit is expected to continue their reign next season with regulars Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and David Villa leading the charge. Guardiola says it will be another challenge next season for FC Barcelona, according to Football Fan Talk.

“The challenge is still on me. I will continue my career with Barcelona next year, and lets see what will happen later.”