The European leagues are already starting, some already have, and as always there is great debate among fans as to what country has the best league in the world? This is a very tough question because each league is unique and possess a certain style of play that makes it hard for an honest comparison. However, the Champions League is often used as a measure since it includes the winners of every league. For the last couple years the British teams have dominated and so the EPL has been regarded as the best league in Europe: Last year for instance there were 3 EPL teams vs 1 La Liga team in the semi-finals. Judging by the recent transfer window, it looks like the EPL will once again battle La Liga for the title. Barcelona is the last winner and is looking to improve its squad with players like Ibrahimovic and possibly the return of prodigal son Fabregas. Real Madrid on the other hand has embarked on a spending spree that has seen them splash nearly 300 million euros in fantastic players like Kaka and Ronaldo. The big four from England have lost some players, mainly to La Liga, but have added others and all look like will be in good shape; only Arsenal could see its spot lost, with Manchester City claiming it. In Italy Inter looks strong with the recent purchase of Etoo'o and maybe some Real players. Juventus has also improved their team roster with players like Diego and Felipe Melo, and AC Milan are in a restructuring phase. The Italians look strong but not like in previous years when they dominated. If they are to win they will have to avoid the big teams until the semi-finals unlike last year when they were all eliminated the British Armada. The other leagues have good teams but none that can compare to the ones already mentioned. Unless a big surprise occurs in this incoming season, the title will be once again battled between the Spanish and British super powers. Personally I would love to see Barcelona hold on to their title at the Bernabeu against its hated arch-rivals Real Madrid. Regardless of the winner, this competition will be a great appetizer before the World Cup.

In all its football history, Spain has always been a big disappointment in big tournaments such as the World Cup. They always arrive as one of the favorites, with great players, but when it is time to deliver, they always fail. Will this time be any different? I think the anwer is yes. Spain already demonstrated in the last Euro cup that this new generation of players has the mentality, the attitude, and the ambition to be protagonists and winners. Not only that, but they have a good coach, and a great system of play suited to their abilities. Lately Del Bosque has shied away from the tiqui-taca a little bit and that seems not to be helping them out much. In the last game against Macedonia they were down 2-0 in the first half but when the coach decided to play the style that has won them world acclaim and a Euro Cup, the team came back to win 3-2. I think that if they continue to play in that form and Andres Iniesta has an injury-free season Spain will be one of the favorites. Their defeat against the USA came at the right moment: It may have ended an undefeated 15 game streak but it helped them realize that they still can improve and that if they are serious about winning the World Cup they will need to elevate their game even more. Their aspirations also rest on Iniesta who I think is one of the best midfielders in the world. He has vision, an excellent passing ability, and can dribble like few. He has always been my favorite Barcelona player along with Messi and believe that Spain's chances of winning the Cup depend largely on him and his partner Xavi.

The Super Cup is fast approaching and Barcelona must win it if they want to start the season with the right foot. Barcelona already defeated Athletic Bilbao in the King's Cup final but they will surely want revenge. Barcelona has everything they need in order to secure the first trophy of the season but it would be a mistake to underestimate Athletic. They don't possess the firepower that Barcelona does but have a very good and talented team. Florentino and his "Galacticos" have usurped the headlines from Barcelona this summer with all the mega stars the Real president has brought to the Bernabeu so this will be a perfect opportunity to get them back without having to spend millions on top-rated footballers. If Barcelona loses the cup Madrid will seize the opportunity to put presure on them and that could cost them once the league begins. If they win however, it will confirm that they are still hungry for success and send a clear message to Kaka and Ronaldo that the La liga title and the spotlight will be Barca's once again.

A few weeks ago it seemed as though Mexico's chances to go to South Africa were slim at best. The general consensus was that only a miracle would rescue their aspirations to qualify for the next World Cup. And indeed the miracle happened and Mexico defeated its archrivals USA on Wednesday and now look in good shape to qualify for South Africa. The game itself was not great but was very intense and full of emotions. When Davies scored the first goal for the Americans it seemed as though Mexico was doomed but a great goal a minutes later saw them get back in the game. This was in my opinion the defining moment. The USA failed to capitalize on an early lead, just like in the game against Brazil in the Confederations cup, and Mexico kept calm, unlike in many numerous occassions, and continued playing its game knowing that the equaliser would come soon. In the second half it was obvious that the altitude and the atmoshphere were taking its toll. The USA players looked tired and in many occassions failed to get back the ball quickly and when they did they lost it: The Aztec stadium proved once again to be Mexico's best ally. The winning goal was scored by Miguel Sabbah when the game was close to finish alowing Coach Javier Aguirre to breathe a little bit easier and to lift the hopes of an entire country. Mexico now has to prepare its next game and keep the motivation and determination that they showed against the USA if they want a spot in South Africa. If they do they will have no problems to qualify.

My summer is almost over, soon the new school year will start and with it a new season of soccer. The transfer summer has been very active and emotional but nothing beats the actual game, the goals, the fans chanting and yelling to support their favorite team, etc. Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of enjoying a fabulous game, Barcelona vs. Galaxy: A true appetizer before the start of La liga.
La liga is my favorite European league but like many people I'm quite disappointed that the economic crisis and poor management will see many teams struggle to keep up with Barcelona and Real Madrid. Over the entire summer Real have bought many of the best players from each league; Ronaldo, Benzema, Alonso, Albiol, Kaka etc. Meanwhile the other teams have added some players but none that could compare to the names previously mentioned.
Barcelona is still the team to beat and in my opinion will retain the domestic title with Real coming in second. As a Barça fan this thought is quite satifying but nothing would be more glorious and historic that winning the Champions against Real at the Bernabeu: That would truly be mesmerizing and euphoric. For the sake of La liga I hope the other teams can reinforce their squads and maintain good form throughout the season and advance to at least the semi-finals in the Champions, where they will most likely encounter British teams. I personally enjoy the EPL but prefer Spanish teams to win simply because I'm a big fan of the tiki-taka and Andres Iniesta. I can hardly wait for the new season but I suppose I should also be getting ready for school. Well that can wait a little. Visca Barça!!!!

This was a great weekend to watch football (soccer). On this side of the world we had the Mexican league’s final between Toluca and Cruz Azul. Toluca had previously won the away game 2-0 and had a comfortable lead. Cruz Azul needed to win by 2 goals to force the game into overtime and 3 to win the trophy. Across the Atlantic, Spain’s 2 biggest club and archrivals Real Madrid and Barcelona were playing the classic at the Nou Camp. Real Madrid was coming from a couple defeats and Barcelona from a minor loss in the Champions League due to the coach fielding mostly youngsters and substitutes. The first time however, was massacring pretty much every team they encountered. I watched both games while studying for my upcoming finals, for a soccer fan it would have been a sacrilege to miss these two games. So armed with my books and my laptop I set about on Saturday to enjoy the games and learn as much as I could before I forgot it all.

Cruz Azul forces the overtime but once again it walks away empty-handed
Sunday morning was the decisive day for these two teams. The first segment of the final had been played on Thursday with Toluca beating Cruz Azul 2-0. Cruz Azul played inconsistently throughout the regular season but in the liguilla they got their game together and dispatched all their opponents leaving the impression that this was their year after failing to lift the trophy last season when they lost to Santos. The first half of the game ended 0-0. Toluca maintained its lead and dominance while Cruz Azul was struggling to generate clear scoring opportunities and keep possession of the ball.
For the second half it was all or nothing, the entire season rested on 45 minutes. Despite the odds, they managed to score twice and with that they kept their aspirations alive. It was an intense game but no more goals would come.
It was time for the penalties. Some say it’s all about luck but I agree with those that say it’s about technique. Both teams scored the 5 penalties, something that doesn’t happen that often, and it was time for sudden death. Whoever misses goes home; there are no more second chances. By this time I had my money with Toluca. After seeing how in one penalty the ball hit the horizontal post and then bounced back in after hitting the goalie’s back, I knew that Toluca would take the glory. This is exactly what happened, Cristante stopped the penalty by Vela and with that the game was over. Toluca won the championship and Cruz Azul for the second time in a row walked away with nothing but the satisfaction of making it this far but with the regret of not being first.

Barcelona sinks Real even more and proves it’s the best team in Europe right now
Can anyone beat the Catalans? Apparently not. Real Madrid desperately needed to win in order to keep its title aspirations alive and keep a spot in next year’s Champions League. Barcelona on the other hand wanted some revenge for last year’s defeat to the merengues and to assert themselves as the number one team in Europe and possibly the world. The game started with Barcelona keeping possession of the ball and some good opportunities to score. It was clear that Madrid were more interested in avoiding a massacre than in attacking. Barcelona looked a bit anxious but always stronger than its rival. In the second half, Casillas stopped a penalty to Etoo. Up to that point no one had scored and it seemed as though Madrid were going to walk away undefeated but then Etoo scored along with Messi in the last 10 minutes of the game to seal a clear victory of 2-0. Barcelona is the absolute leader with 12 points of difference with respect to Real. Real moved down to the 6th position right below their other main rivals, Atlético Madrid. For Barcelona the league seems closer than ever, only a tragedy would derail them and deny them the trophy. Now they need to keep the excellent form and level of play they have been displaying and prove they are the best in the Champions League.


Cruz Azul first goal


Cruz Azul Second Goal


Penalties


Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Highlights