Quote of the Week: Alan Ball

This week's QOTW is random and has nothing to do with current football events, but it helps understand football, and what is needed to succeed.

"I'm not a believer in luck, but I do believe you need it"

-Alan Ball

Just a small quote to entertain you during this week of International action, expect a full wrap up on the qualifyers soon.

What do you think of this week's QOTW? Comment below!

Ferguson Receives Fine and Ban, and Cudicini Injured in Motorcycle Crash

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has received a two-match touchline ban for his comments about referee Alan Wiley's fitness. The Football Association handed the 67-year-old a four-game ban, with two of those suspended until the end of the 2010/11 season.Ferguson has also been fined £20,000 and warned about his future conduct.

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini has suffered "potentially life-changing injuries" in a motorbike accident in east London, police said. He has fractured his wrists and injured his pelvis but a spokesman for the north London club said they were still waiting for hospital test results.

Germany Goalkeeper Robert Enke Commits Suicide

A sad piece of news in the footballing world, Robert Enke, Hannover 96's goalkeeper and Germany's 1st choice candidate committed suicide on November 10th 2009. The 32 year old goalkeeper left a note for his family and then committed suicide by stepping in front of a train. His two year old daughter had died in 2006 because of a heart defect, and this seems to be what started his depression. After recently having a stomach infection which stopped his training, Enke's depression seemed to have returned, his wife told him, "football isn't everything". Dozens of fans left flowers and lit candles where Enke died and at Hannover 96’s stadium. The team cleared its Web site, leaving the words “We are mourning Robert Enke, 24 August 1977 - - 10 November 2009” on a black background.

Major European Leagues Wrap Up: Lyon-Marseille Ends with an Epic 5-5

In this weekend of European action France really cranked it up a notch, a 5-5 draw between Lyon and Marseille showed not only great attacking talent, but also defensive organisation. 

In England, Hull City get an important win over Stoke City with a late winner by Vennegoor of Hesselink, this win eases the pressure on Phil Brown, who was leading the sack race recently. Manchester City get another draw, this week against Burnley, who played an amazing match going two goals up in the 32nd minute, but a stunner by Sean Wright-Phillips, followed by Toure and Bellamy scoring put the score up to 3-2 for Manchester City, but a late goal by McDonald drew everything up at 3-3. Liverpool drew 2-2 with Birmingham City, Liverpool were saved thanks to a penalty taken by Steven Gerrard. Arsenal continue their great form by beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1 away two own goals set the tone for Wolves, and Arsenal demolished them. The "big one" this weekend was rather disappointing, a tactically efficient Manchester United against a powerful Chelsea finished up with a header by Terry, unmarked in the box, 1-0 the final score. Manchester United came with the right attitude, but Valencia was missing in action, and Giggs couldn't keep up with the pace of the game. Obertan had his debut, and he showed some promise, but it wasn't enough to convince everyone, Manchester United will hopefully get out of this Ronaldo hangover.

In Spain, Barcelona overcome Mallorca 4-2 thanks to a double by Pedro, set up wonderfully by Ibrahimovic, a sublime backheel to cut out the defense while holding off two Mallorca players gave Pedro the perfect chance to finish. The Madrid derby ended 3-2 for Real Madrid, an early goal by Kaka' followed by Marcelo and Higuain gave Real Madrid and early 3-0 lead, but when Sergio Ramos was sent off with a red card, Forlan and Aguero tried to take back the game, but it was too late, it ended 3-2 for Real Madrid. Sevilla beat Villareal 3-2, a brace by Fabiano and another goal by Kanoute sunk the aspirations of Villareal.

In Italy, Inter Milan take on Roma and end up with a 1-1 draw, a tired Inter team with a weakened Roma side provided a boring first half, but Inter stepped up the pace in the second-half, looking for the winner, but not finding one. AC Milan beat Lazio 2-1, Thiago Silva scored for both sides, a goal and followed by Pato's header, and in the second half an own goal by the brazilian defender. Sampdoria's good run ended with a 2-0 loss to Cagliari, two late goals by Conti and Matri let Cagliari defeat a weakened Sampdoria side. Atlanta lost 2-5 against Juventus, a good display by the neroazzurri was not enough to down the powerful display by the bianconeri.


What do you think about this week's action? Comment below!