Too Much

Dare I say it. There is just too much soccer on the calendar right now. Today FIFA made its draw for the 2008 Euros. Seriously, I believe this dilutes the game in Europe, all of which makes FIFA happy as it is constantly creating and re-creating tournaments to keep the game active year-round. But enough is enough. We are officially on the 'clock' with this years tournament and now we have to worry about 2008. Let the teams, countries, and staff focus on the monumental task of having a great 2006, and forget about 2008. And more importantly let us fans enjoy the moment.

The Euros are a great tournament but they pail in comparison to the World Cup. Always. They give hope to the never beens in European soccer and we all know there is no direct correlation between winning the Euros and going on to success two years after at the World Cup. Of course there is not, when you do not have to play Argentina and Brasil. We are now only 134 days away from the World Cup and I awoke this morning to realize how many similarities there are between the stock market and FIFA. Why would you bet against yourself and take the attention off the premier tournament in the World. If you liked a stock and bought it at €10, and its at €8, you buy it again, its called doubling-up. This is the logic on the street when it comes to stocks and its flawed. FIFA must think the same, constantly giving us more, for our ever-growing appetitte in the lulls. Like a buyer between market fluctuations, we are now between the Champions League and the World Cup, with really all that is keeping us interested is the latest FA debacle so I think FIFA believes now is the right time.

I know the cynics will say that the qualifications for the EUROS start this fall after the World Cup and that the host nation(s) should be rewarded, but come on, enough is enough. I am not a business guru like so many of our astute readers at Azzurri Dreams, but it does not make sense to put more product on the market at a time where all the attention should be geared towards the biggest sporting event in the world. Look at the African Cup of Nations being played in Egypt right now. It is not receiving nearly the attention it deserves because it is a scheduling nightmare and it detracts from domestic play. Lets face the possibilities that FIFA needs to re-prioritize itself, for once maybe putting someone first beside the media-craving Sepp Blatter. Restructure your schedule, make the African Cup happen after the domestic season's; seriously there is no alternative, and quash the argument that is too hot and watch the domestic leagues throughout Europe applaud you. Secondly, announce the draw for the EUROS after the World Cup, as to not diminish what we are about to witness. Seriously, how can England focus on planning its victory celebration if it now has to worry about beating the likes of Andorra, Israel, Estonia, and Macedonia. Even without the Swedish-Savant they should be alright. But I digress. Back to my point. Thirdly, diminish the games in Latin America qualification from 18 to 12. Seriously entire governments are toppled, new planets are discovered, and the cures for weird fungi are resolved during this arduous years long process. FIFA needs to simplify. Sometimes less is more. And the latest rumors making the rounds are:

Japp Stam wants to leave AC Milan. Milan are going after Palermo's Andrea Barzagli. Palermo want €10M for the player. If they do not get him, Milan will turn their attention to Inter Milan's Marco Matterazzi. I have nightmares picturing this man taking instructions in Germany from Marcello Lippi.

Manchester United in their never-ending search for mid-field help are after Johann Vogel who is always on the bench at AC Milan but still not giving up on landing Thomas Gravesen. This reeks of desperation.

AC Milan are also going after Dynamo Kiev's Goran Gavrancic. This one is for the women readers of Azzurri Dreams. David Beckham, watch out.


Azzurri Dreams