By Chris Wright
Daniel van Buyten's 'Major Ball Blow-Out' wasn't actually quite as painful as it sounds, but
the Argentinian centre-half gave the ball such a thunderous leathering from a set piece that he
tore the fabric of the universe Adidas Torfabrik and the match ball's insides swiftly became it's
'outsides' during Bayern's 3-0 win over FC Köln last night.
Outside of the fact that everyone hates him, Manuel Neuer's life is pretty good. The best young
keeper in the land, Germany's keeper, Bayern's form, getting to take naps while Mario Gomez scores
like it's going out of style down the other end, etc. With such talent in front of him on both
fronts, it's possible he spends his time back in net brushing up on his trivia.
Dominating the premier league so far, two Manchester teams haven't really set the lights up in
Europe as until match day two, both teams yet to taste victories.
This midweek, Manchester City was beaten by superior Bayern Munich, while Manchester United
scraps a draw against surprising Swiss outfit, FC Basel in an extremely thrilling game which saw
Sir Alex Ferguson's team blowing away a two goals lead in the first half.
It will be raining stars at the Allianz Arena this evening as the visiting Manchester City have
unleashed a strong starting XI against the powerful Bundesliga leaders, FC Bayern Munchen.
The back line of the Bavarian side includes former City defender Jerome Boateng while the front
line of the Premier League's joint leaders includes Edin Dzeko, who rose to prominence with his
sublime performances as a Wolfsburg player.
STARTERSFor one of the 1st times ever MLS is complying with FIFA international dates and only 2 games will
be played this weekend, one of them a make up game. We are getting there.
dN
Michael Bradley has completed his transfer to Chievo in Italy from Gladbach in Germany.
A review of the rosters for the USA's opponents in the upcoming friendlies against Costa Rica and
Belgium reveals a lot of talent as well as some very familiar faces.
For the USA's first friendly against Costa Rica since 1995, interim head coach Ronald Gonzalez has
chosen four players from MLS, handing Portland Timbers defender Rodney Wallace his first call-up.
GK: Thibaut Courtois (Atletico de Madrid), Jean-Francois Gillet (Bologna), Simon Mignolet
(Sunderland) DEF: Toby Alderweireld (Ajax), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), Nicholas Lombaerts
(Zenit), Denis Odoi (Anderlecht), Daniel Van Buyten (Bayern Munich), Jelle Van Damme (Standard
Liege), Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal), Jan Vertonghen (Ajax) MID: Moussa Dembele (Fulham), Marouane
Fellaini (Everton), Eden Hazard (Lille), David Hubert (Genk), Dries Mertens (PSV Eindhoven), Vadis
Odjidja-Ofoe (Club Brugge), Timmy Simons (Nurnberg), Jelle Vossen (Genk), Axel Witsel (Benfica)
FOR: Igor de.
St.Pauli vs Bayern Munich 2011 7 May 2011- German Bundesliga Final score:- St. Pauli vs Bayern
Munich 1-8 ( Marcel Eger/ Mario Gomez*3, Arjen Robben*2, Daniel van Buyten, Franck Ribery*2) Bottom
placed side St.Pauli are thrashed 8-1 by FC Bayern in the Bundesliga. Three goals for Mario Gomez,
two for Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery [.
This is definitely worth your time. Simon Kuiper looks at the ages at which footballers are
likely to be at their best, when they start their peak, when they fall away.
Looking at the few elite outfield players who are 33 and over, you'll find one predictor of
longevity. These men tend to have spent their summers resting, not playing in international
tournaments like the World Cup.
