FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Euro '08 Wrap-up - Time for some final housecleaning before we close the books on a sterling Euro '08:

MVP/All Tournament Team - So, Xavi is the tourney's Most Valuable Player?  Pardon my skepticism, but I don't think so.  He played well, but he was subbed out in three of his five games (he was among many regulars that did not play in the game against Greece), and most importantly, the two times Spain was in trouble (against Sweden and Italy) he was sitting on the bench over the final 30 minutes and extra time!  For my money, Senna was easily the MVP.  He shut down the opponent's playmaker in each game with ruthless efficiency and was still able to get forward enough to be a threat on offense as well.  It was simply a clinic on how to play defensive mid-fielder.  Other candidates I would have considered were Puyol (he marshalled the best defense in the tournament) and Fabregas (he changed every game he was in, but being used as a substitute was a strike against him).  As for the team selected by UEFA's technical committee, I had some problems with those selections as well.  First, why on earth were Lahm and Bosingwa on the side?  Both were ok early on, but once they began to have to play defense, they were badly exposed.  Lahm was a defensive disaster in the games against Turkey and Spain, to the point that Loew had to remove him at the interval of the Final.  Bosingwa was merely a spectator against Germany as Podolski dominated him in Portugal's loss.  What is even more laughable is that these two were included at the expense of Sergio Ramos (how on earth did they exclude his well rounded display throughout the tourney?) and Bastian Schweinsteiger (who after his foolish red card v. Croatia may have been the German's best player).  I was also surprised by the exclusion of Turkey's Senturk, who made as many or more key plays than anyone else in the tournament.  I would have replaced Ballack with Senturk, primarily because while Senturk showed what leadership by example is all about with his never say die attitude, Ballack was once again maddingly inconsistant on a big stage (despite two brief moments of brilliance) and gave an awful performance in the final.

Player Updates - Jens Lehmann, you've just made a key gaffe that cost your side a title.  What are you going to do now?  What else, blame the referee!  Yes, that's really what he did, asserting that Italian official Rosetti was biased against the Germans and that he was arrogant in refusing to listen to German complaints.  He was especially irate about an alleged head butt by David Silva on Lukas Podolski (I saw the whole sequence in super slo-motion, and if anything Podolski initiated the incident).  I hardly think that Rosetti's performance justified that kind of bashing, nor does it really matter as Spain comprehensively outplayed a sluggish German side.  Frankly, at this point, it is time for Lehmann to just shut up and retire, because I (and I'm sure many others) are tired of listening to his whining and excuses. 

As expected, Deco has signed with Chelsea.  This was basically a foregone conclusion once Abramovich convinced Scolari to take over the reins.  Deco is Scolari's number 10, and there was little doubt player would follow manager.  Now we'll see whether any other players follow Scolari to England.

Nihat Kahveci, the galvanizing force in Turkey's improbable run to the semi-finals, will be out for up to four months with a thigh injury suffered in the quarterfinal against Croatia.  What was originally thought to be a strained quadricep muscle is in fact a tear that required surgury.  It appears now that he will miss the first 2 months of Villarreal's La Liga campaign.

American Transfer Speculation - Several American names are being prominently mentioned in European transfer speculation as the silly season begins today.  After his stellar season with Feyenoord, Michael Bradley is a fairly hot topic of conversation.  Though interest from the Bundesliga and Werder Bremen has been rumored, most eyes are focused on Everton, which has made little secret of their interest in the MF.  Other sides linked to Bradley include Fulham and Aston Villa.  Villa is also reprising it's efforts to acquire Chivas USA GK Brad Guzan.  Efforts by Villa to sign the big keeper in January failed when a work permit could not be obtained, but since then Guzan has received a number of additional caps, and he should be able to qualify for papers now.  Celtic is still lurking as well, but they simply can't afford to get in a bidding war with Villa.  Finally, the situations of Freddie Adu and Jozy Altidore are still up in the air.  Benfica officials seemed to sour on Adu toward the end of last season, and as a result his playing time suffered.  Now there are apparently loan discussions in order to get Adu on the pitch.  No firm word on where he might go as yet.  Altidore, on the other hand, now appears more likely to stay with Villarreal.  The original plan was to loan out the $10 million signing for seasoning, but the injury to Nihat Kahvaci has opened up a roster opportunity, and the youngster will apparently be given a chance to fill it.

MLS News - There's a lot going on in MLS right now, so let's dive right in.

Wolff Back in KC - Josh Wolff, who left Kansas City in 2006 to play for 1860 Munich in the German Bundesliga, is returning to the Wiz on a free transfer.  Wolff was not offered a new contract in Germany after tallying 2 goals in 34 games over 1 1/3 seasons.  Citing his family's interest in returning to the USA, he re-ups to KC on a 4-year deal I (financial terms were not disclosed).  Clearly Curt Onalfo is hoping Wolff and his tradmark speed will add some punch to KC's toothless attack.

Red Bull Sign Rojas; Reyna Done? - The New York Red Bull announced the signing of Venezuelan MF and national team captain Jorge Rojas from club side Maracaibo on a free transfer (the financially troubled side couldn't pay Rojas, so he agreed to relinquish the money he was owed in return for his outright release).  Rojas has been a mainstay of the Venezuelan national team for nearly a decade, scoring 2 goals in 84 appearances.  He was named captain in 2005, and has held that title ever since.  His contract is for 2 years with 2 option years (no financial terms were disclosed).  As he is more of an organizer and playmaker rather than a scorer, one must wonder if he is being brought in to replace the oft-injured Claudio Reyna, who recently angered Red Bulls management and fans by playing in a charity match while being listed as injured. 

Noonan Acquistion Blocked by MLS - An attempt by the Columbus Crew to obtain former New England forward Pat Noonan from Aalesunds of Norway was blocked by MLS, which said the transfer fee required by the Norweigien side was too high.  The fee is reported to have been between $200,000US and $250,000US.  MLS has had a long-standing policy of not spending money on transfer fees, and they appear to have reinforced that with this decision.  Noonan is said to be unhappy with a lack of playing time, and is looking for another side, be it in MLS or elsewhere.

Galaxy After Defender - Reports from LA and other media sources have confirmed that Carlos Ruiz is definately on the trading block, with Chivas USA and San Jose tipped as possible destinations.  It appears that LA needs to move Ruiz in order to free up salary cap space and a roster slot to acquire Argentinian defender Eduardo Dominguez, currently out of contract with Huracan in the Argentine First division.  Regarded as a solid presence with good aerial skills but a bit slow afoot, he would be a major upgrade for the Galaxy's league worst defense.  Both Chivas and the 'Quakes could use a proven scorer like Ruiz, though at what cost is to be determined.  After conceeding 4 goals on Sunday (and they were lucky it wasn't worse), if I were Lalas I would trade Ruiz for a bag of chips and a six-pack of soda just for the opportunity to get backline help for my squad.

DC United Roster News - United signed MF Craig Thompson to a developmental contract today, ending a several week trial that had him playing as a guest with DC's reserve team.  Thompson's rights were held by Houston, so DC sent them a 4th round supplemental pick to acquire the rights.  He has played pretty well with the reserves, but the position has become a real problem with Quaranta set to miss 3 weeks or so with a strained hamstring and the uncertainty over the health of Ben Olsen's ankle.  It is possible he may make his debut Tuesday against Rochester.  GK Jose Carvallo's contract was downgraded from roster to trial over the weekend, making his stay with United even more tenuous.  Basically, he is playing month to month on non-guaranteed basis, and can be waived at any time.  The move also reduces any salary cap ramifications if he is let go.  It appears that it's not a question of if, but when Carvallo is released, though it likely would not be until DC has signed a creditable alternative.

US Open Cup v. Rochester - United opens US Open Cup play Tuesday night when they meet the Rochester Ragin' Rhinos at the Soccerplex in Gaithersburg, Md.  The word is that DC officials are placing a much greater emphasis on this tournament in 2008, as the winner gets an automatic berth in the Superliga in 2009.  It is thought that they will field a stronger line-up than the all-reserve side that was upset last year in their opener.  Several players, including Quaranta (pulled hamstring) and Moreno (abdominal strain) will be out, while Olsen (ankle) and Mediate (concussion) will be game time decisions.  The winner gets either the Chicago Fire or the Cleveland USLII side that play Wednesday.

That's it for now.  Have a good day.