The Liverpool Impersonator!

Guys, this is a must watch! Look how well he impersonate Rafa, Gerrard, Owen and even... Carragher! You thought it's impossible eh! Just have a look...



I thought the Gerrard one was pretty much spot on. Heh!

Three And Easy For England

The Return Of Michael Owen

Euro 2008 Qualifier

England 3 - 0 Russia

Scorers:
ENG - Owen (7min, 31min), Ferdinand (84min);

He was the teenage prodigy that set the stage ablaze almost a decade ago in France. Michael Owen came to the scene as an 18 year old striker that possesses killer instinct, pace and tenacity. The goal that he scored against Argentina epitomised everything about him.

But sadly, his career went pear shaped and soon, he found himself spending more time in the physio room than on the pitch itself. Years and years of toil against his problematic hamstring and knee injury stagnated his career.

But last night, we saw Michael Owen, probably back to his best, and helping England brush aside a lacklustre Russian side. Although they're a totally different preposition from Israel, the Three Lions still managed to dispatched them at ease and the scoreline didn't really flatter.

It was a crucial Euro 2008 qualifying game and even though they were missing out with some key players such as Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney, it was the return of the old hero that made the difference, giving them a boost in their bid to qualify.

While Guus Hiddink and his Russian team need to realise the danger to allow Owen given so much space round the penalty area and he duly punished them.

It took England only 7 minutes to break the Russian 'Iron Curtain' through a corner. Owen found himself with the ball, totally unmarked, before placing the ball in the far corner in off the post. It was predatory instinct at best while his finishing was a reminisce of the best of him.

The second goal came in the 31st minute as Russian's 3-5-2 tactic was severely exposed in this instance. Emile Heskey, earning his place in the starting XI after a decent performance against Israel over the weekends, made himself a nuisance just outside the Russian penalty area.

With his physical presence, the Russian defenders were struggling to keep track of him while at the same time, left Owen by himself again. Heskey headed the ball into the path of Owen and without second thoughts, he blasted a breathtaking half volley which was absolutely unstoppable.

Perhaps their time together at Liverpool in the early 2000 helped them looked like a match made in heaven. They understood each other well and Heskey, indeed, provided a perfect foil for Owen.

It rounded up a brilliant first half performance from England and the display was something I haven't seen for quite awhile from this English set up. There was good movement from players, understanding and team work while attacking at pace and intensity.

But England's flaws usually show when they take the lead and that is when they usually lose concentration and take their foot off the pedal. It was something that was seemingly brought down from the Sven regime and that you just got to wonder what the manager said to them in the half time team talk.

Russian started the second half all guns blazing and caught England on the back foot on a couple of occasions including one disputable penalty claim which I've seen them given. Paul Robinson was tested but never really trouble even though the Russian proudly proclaiming the England custodian as the weakest link.

But England put the game to bed in the 81st minute and it came from a highly unlikely source.

Gareth Barry's corner was cleared but Owen collected the loose ball and his pass found Rio Ferdinand who was lurking in the penalty area. Seemingly at a loss, he strode forward and blasted the ball towards the Russian goal.

Goalkeeper was unable to keep it out and it was all 3 points for England.

The win gave Steve McClaren some breathing space, finally, after intense pressure from the media to deliver. His gamble with Emile Heskey paid off as well, with the hulking striker linking up with Michael Owen well, bringing out the best of him.

But it is the day Michael Owen gave a shout to world football, saying 'I'm back'. His 40th goal for England means he moved into the hall of legendary England strikers and he is only the 4th. At the age of 27, without any more injury setbacks, he still has a long way to go and probably achieve something greater.

This could be the revival of Michael Owen. Interesting time ahead....

'I'll Carry Owen Back To Anfield'

Out of the mouth of Newcastle Chairman cum Pie Eater, FFS.... Oh Freddy Shepherd.



Right on the day he questioned Owen's loyalty and commitment to Newcastle. Okay, I guess they both deserves each other..

Everyone Loves Mickey

The poll has officially ended and the conclusion is...


Majority of you still wants to see Michael Owen don the red jersey once again despite his 'foolishness' and being misled. Well, that's a good thing of course, being forgiving and all. Liverpool fans are reknown for being a little touchy, nostalgic and emotional so I'm not at all surprised by the result.

Cheers and thank you for voting!

Would You Want Him Back?

Like if you have a chance to woo back your former love, would you?

Circumstance might be pretty similar to Robbie Fowler, who was ousted by the cynical Gerard Houllier. But remember, this is the player who perhaps, held the club to ransom.

Might not be true as we all know how screw up the board is sometimes and TWICE, they nearly let Gerrard go to Chelsea with their half hearted attitude to bid the captain's stay.

Anyway, his departure didn't really came as a shock even though there was the sacking of Houllier and the appointment of Rafa Benitez during that summer. Rafa is keen to keep him but the England striker doesn't want to commit and went to Real Madrid for 8million.

It was without a doubt a difficult period of time for him as he continues to score the goals but got overlooked as he's back in the packing order. With Raul and Ronaldo providing the necessary competition, he found it hard to get going and injuries aren't helping him.

And as he signaled his intention to leave Spain, clubs scrambled for his signature including the likes of Man United and Arsenal. Liverpool were also in the fray as it's hailed as a possible 'return of the prodigal son', just like Fowler.

But he chose to join Newcastle United instead, very well knowing that even though they're a well supported team, they've been mediocre at best over the years and underachieved a great deal.

Upon joining, he did provided useful goals and his goal scoring record speaks for itself. But the problem with him is still the niggling knee injury. His 'gone in 60 seconds' act during the World Cup was the last time he was seen on the field and is probably going to return in a month or so time.

Knowing very well that he COULD make a return to Liverpool in the summer, would you want him to? Newcastle will want to hold on to an asset even though the Rafa knows that he will have adequate resources to bring him back to Anfield.

The future is unpredictable as how Robbie Fowler returned to the club last season when he seemed to become the forgotten man. Prodigal son returning is a possibility and I would like to hear from you regarding this issue.

The poll is set up on the right, below the tag board. Please take a second to post your views!

England's Footballers In Their Youthful Days

Scholes...Beckham...Owen... You name it.



I'm in awe of that Michael Owen goal near the end of the clip. Wow.

When They Were Young

We're used to seeing adult men running about the field and also idolise some of them. But do you really know how they looked like when they're younger? Well, I found something!

From Metric-March:

THIERRY HENRY

MICHAEL OWEN




MICHAEL BALLACK




ZINEDINE ZIDANE

And the master used to have such thick growth of hair!

ROBIN VAN PERSIE

Looked like the very mischievous boy from the movie 'Babel'. You know, that one, peeped into the toilet then...never mind!

CESC FABREGAS

Cristiano Ronaldo's long lost brother.

WAYNE ROONEY

Even in his childhood days, he looked so angsty. Poor boy.

JOSE MOURINHO

Suave as ever, man.

KAKA

Dreamy...!

ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO




STEVEN GERRARD

Bless him in that NEverton shirt. He was once chubby as well!

FRANK LAMPARD

We told you he's fat. I told you he's fat. Now, that's quite a fact.

DAVID BECKHAM




FERNANDO MORIENTES

Don't look very much different. eh?

CRISTIANO RONALDO

Cesc Fabregas' long lost brother.

More of them HERE (Part One)

PART TWO