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Not long to go now in the Premier League, so it’s a good chance to check out where the runners and riders are – who’s on their way up and who’s on their way down. Vocabulary support can be found for the words in bold at the foot of the post.

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Twelve games remain in the Premier League and it now looks as if it is a two-horse race between Chelsea and holders Manchester United for the title. The London side currently lead by two points but they have just been held to a draw by relegation-threatened Hull City and of course the allegations over their captain John Terry may undermine them further. United have suddenly hit form and with players returning after injury and Wayne Rooney in their side they will feel that they have the experience to win the title yet again. If they were to do so it would be their fourth in a row – a feat that has never been done before – it would also give the club a record 19th league title which would upset their Lancashire rivals Liverpool no end. What of Liverpool? Well, they currently lie in 5th place, 14 points behind the leaders but it is not the title they are challenging for but rather the much-coveted 4th spot, which would guarantee Champions League football next season. If the Reds were not to make it then the financial repercussions could be extremely damaging indeed, something which would not affect one of their rivals for that Champions League spot Manchester City.

Mega-rich City don’t need to be in the Champions League for the cash, they just want to be able to play with the big boys and be taken seriously next year. They lie in 6th place 1 point behind my team Tottenham who are in 4th with 42 points. This time last year Spurs were flirting with relegation so the turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable. Most fans still don’t think they can maintain their challenge but rather than worry about the chasing pack – including Aston Villa – it might be worth focusing on the third place currently filled by rivals Arsenal. Yes, they are 7 points clear but they have just received a thumping from Manchester United, face leaders Chelsea this weekend, are struggling in front of goal and have lost confidence in defence.

So, who is going to win it? I am going for Manchester United first, Chelsea second, Manchester City third and Tottenham to finish in the  top four. Now that would throw the cat amongst the pigeons!

It would indeed! But what about at the foot of the table? Which teams are struggling and in danger of the drop? It looks as the south-coast side, Portsmouth, FA Cup winners in 2008 but financial car crash this year, have already booked their place on next year’s Championship, the second division of English football, as they have been stuck at the bottom since , well, pretty much the start of the season. They have 15 points and only four wins and despite new owners, – their fourth this season – you could put your house on them being relegated. But they may be able to salvage something as they are in the 5th round of the FA Cup where they take on rivals Southampton.

But who will join them? Burnley sit 5 points above them in 19th and there are five teams within two points. Any kind of win in the remaining games is going to be like gold for Burnley, Hull, Wolves, Bolton, West Ham and Wigan. These look the likely candidates to fill the final two relegation spots. Two of those came up last year, Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers and my feeling is that Wolves will be going straight back down. While Burnley have been poor recently they have the faint hope that their form at Turf Moor may return to see them safe – they’ve only lost twice in 11 games.

That leaves one more team to join Pompey and Wolves. West Ham seem to have steadied the ship with new money and new players and Bolton have shown in their 3-3 draw against Manchester City and even the 4-2 loss against Arsenal that they have a side that should do enough. So Wigan or Hull. For me, it’s Hull City, who escaped relegation last season by the skin of their teeth. Phil Brown’s side are often hard to beat, but with no win in 10 they may find it hard to pick up enough points to save themselves. Portsmouth, Wolves and Hull to go down.

Vocabulary

a two-horse race: a competition between two teams, only these two teams are likely to win

thumping: thrashing, hammering, beating

feat: achievement, accomplishment, triumph

much coveted: prized, wanted a lot

flirting with relegation: being dangerously close to dropping down a division, being close to the bottom of the table

throw (put) the cat among the pigeons: cause a big upset/surprise, shock people, cause chaos

financial car crash: financial disaster, a team whose finances are in a terrible condition

salvage: save, rescue

put your house on: bet a lot of money, gamble a large sum of cash

faint: small, unlikely but possible

steady the ship: resolve problems, make things less chaotic, become more settled and relaxed

escape by the skin of your teeth: narrowly avoid something, be lucky to escape

On this week’s show we focus on the premier League in England. There are 12 games to go and it’s becoming clearer who are title contenders and who are looking at the drop. Remember you can also:

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On this week’s show we feature the Spanish League as it has reached the half way stage of the season so we thought it would be a good time to review what has been happening in La Liga and also to predict how it may all end come the end of the season. Remember you can also:

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On this week’s show Hans, our German correspondent talks about the runners and riders in the Bundesligaa. Remember you can also:

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On this week’s show Damian takes a look at one of the African sides that has made it to South Africa – Algeria. Remember you can also:

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Damon and Damian cast their eyes over the four groups in the African Cup of Nations and choose who they think will progress.

Listen to the report here

Transcript

Damian: This weekend sees the Africa Cup of Nations kicking off in Angola with the hosts, the Black Goats, taking on Mali in the capital Luanda. Despite European clubs’ complaining about losing many of their best players in the middle of the season, there is a real excitement building up about this tournament and not just because of the high quality of those players – think Drogba, Kanoute, Toure, Keita and Song for instance. This, of course, is also a World Cup year so those teams that have made it to South Africa will use this competition as an important warm-up while those who did not reach the World Cup will be determined to compensate for their setback. In this week’s main report we look at the participating teams and attempt to make sense of the four groups involved. Damon will be looking at groups C and D but first up I review Groups A and B.

The hosts in this continental championship always do well and many critics feel that this tradition will continue with Angola having a relatively easy group. True, Malawi are there to make up the numbers in only their first ever appearance at the African Cup of Nations but the hosts will have their work cut out to overcome World Cup qualifiers Algeria, as well as Mali, a team that boasts a midfield of Real Madrid’s Diarra, Barcelona’s Keita and Juventus’ Sissoko with Sevilla’s Freddie Kanoute up front. If they can get something from the opening match against the hosts I think they could be one of the dark horses and go all the way. Qualifiers then from Group A? Angola and Mali.

As for Group B it looks pretty clear cut for the two teams that have made the World Cup in South Africa, namely Ghana and the Ivory Coast. These two teams also share the disappointment of losing out in the semi-finals in 2008 when the competition took place in Ghana. The other two teams in the group are Burkina Faso who lost out to the Ivory Coast in this year’s World Cup qualifiers and Togo who hope that Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor brings his early season form to the tournament. I can’t see any shocks here however with Michael Essien’s Ghana and Didier Drogba’s Ivory Coast comfortably making it through to the knock-out stage – with the Ivorians possible winners of the overall crown come the end of the month.

Damon: So let’s take a look at groups 3 and 4. First, group 3 which  has two teams of proven pedigree in this competition, Egypt with a record six titles, and Nigeria. The group is completed by Mozambique and Benin. Egypt of course are the holders and they qualified for the African Cup of Nations behind bitter rivals Algeria, the latter secured World Cup qualification with the play-off win, and it will be interesting to see whether or not they suffer any hangovers from that shock. Personally I doubt it and I think they will go through to the knock out round with Nigeria. The Super Eagles have a great record in the competition, last time out going out in the quarter finals was a huge shock. Their coach, Shuaibu Amodu is under enormous pressure to at least make the semi-finals, and they may just make it that far especially as they are not in the same side of the draw as Ghana and the Ivory Coast, two of the favourites for the title. Sorry Benin and Mozambique, but I can’t even see them as dark horses – unless that is Egypt do have a hangover from not qualifying for the World Cup.

In Group 4, I think, we’ll see more competition for the top two places. Cameroon, Tunisia, Gabon and Zambia make up this group. Cameroon, coached by Frenchman Paul Le Guen, beat Gabon twice leaving them in second place in their qualifying group, but Gabon will be confident that they will be able to grab one of the qualifying spots from their group. If they are to do that they will probably have to beat Tunisia, who finished one point behind Nigeria in their qualifying group. The Carthage Eagles have a new coach, Faouzi Benzarti, and will also feel that a top two place is theirs for the taking. The winners of the tournament in 2004 will be favourites to join Camaroon, but Gabon are the dark horses. Zambia? Well, since the tragic plane crash of 1993, which saw the Zambian team all killed on their way to a World Cup qualifying game in Senegal, they haven’t quite recovered their previous strength. Just qualifying was a success this time and I can’t see them troubling the other three.

So, here we go, second round will see Nigeria, winning their group,  take on Tunisia, and Egypt face group 4 winners Cameroon. Overall winners – Ghana. Overall dark horse – Tunisia.

Vocabulary

building up: getting larger, increasing

compensate (for): make up for, get something good out of a bad situation, counter a negative

critics: (in this report) experts,  commentators, journalists, pundits

to make up the numbers: In football, if you ‘make up the numbers’ you are not expected to do well, you are not a strong team

to get something: to get a result, either a draw or a win – don’t lose

proven pedigree: a history of good results, proof that the team is strong

hangover: a severe headache or other after effects caused by drinking, in this context it means the team may suffer in the competition because of the shock of not qualifying for the World Cup

to grab: to take, to snatch

(there/his/hers etc) for the taking: something that you can get if you are quick, something available for someone who wants it

On this week’s show Damian and Damon take a look at one of the biggest football competitions in the world – The African Cup of Nations. Remember you can also:

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On this week’s show Damian and Damon look back at some of their FA Cup memories – the highs and the lows of supporting Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool in the FA Cup. Remember you can also:

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Transcript
Liverpool have a good history in the FA Cup although, strangely they didn’t have much success during their Golden Age from the mid-seventies to the mid-eighties. For me, one of the best FA Cup moments was when Ian Rush’s second sealed a 3-1 win over Everton – a beautiful sweeping move which was started by Rush in his own half and finished in clinical style. The whole atmosphere of that game was great, too. Both sets of fans from Liverpool, a city going through a lot of problems in the 80s with Margaret Thatcher’s government in power, seemed to take the opportunity to make a statement for the city their teams both play in – obviously better for Liverpool who won, but still a great FA Cup afternoon.

But the best is the fantastic 2006 final against West Ham, when Liverpool again came from behind to seal a memorable victory with echoes of the Champions League win against AC Milan the year before. I watched it in an empty bar in Tokyo in the early hours of the morning with one other football fan – a West Ham supporter. We both went through the mill watching as each goal went in, 3-3, then extra time, then penalties. Fantastic drama, own goals, smashed volleys, flukes, last-gasp equalisers, cracking saves – it had it all at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff. One of the best FA Cup Finals ever.

Bad? Take your pick from the last few years – comfortably beaten by Arsenal 1-3 in 2007 in the third round – followed by a trouncing in the League Cup by the same side; out to Barnsley in 2008 after struggling throughout the competition; losing to cross-town rivals Everton in 2009. Fingers crossed this year in Liverpool’s tie against Reading!

Like Liverpool, Tottenham have a pretty impressive Cup tradition though they have not been in the final since 1991 when they beat Nottingham Forest in a real topsy-turvey battle that is best known for Paul Gascoigne’s tackle and subsequent serious injury but also featured a missed penalty, an own goal, extra time and a come from behind 2-1 win for us. Like Damon watching Liverpool in 2006 I also saw the game in a bar but not in Japan but rather in Spain alongside two former England captains, Terry Butcher and Mick Mills. A great day indeed. The following year saw one of my lowest moments in the Cup when local rivals Arsenal beat us in the semi-finals. They did so again in 2001 despite us going 1-0 up early on and since then Tottenham have not really come near getting to the final.

But perhaps my greatest FA Cup memory is the 1981 replay that saw Spurs beat Manchester City 3-2 with a wonder goal from Argentinian star Ricardo Villa. His mazy run and finish possibly ranking as the greatest ever winning cup final goal. How about this year? Well, it depends what our manager wants to do – we are currently in a Champions League position and he may want to rest senior players rather than risk injury and fatigue by playing them in the Cup. I hope not because the glory of the FA Cup is still important to all Spurs fans. This year we play Championship side Peterborough at home and hopefully a victory can be the start of another enjoyable cup run.

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Damon and Damian take a look back at the fortunes of their teams. The transcripts can be found below.

Damian

2009 for the most part has been a good year for Tottenham. This time last year we were languishing in 15th place in the Premier League having had the club’s worst start in its history and very much in a relegation dog fight. New manager Harry Rednapp had steadied the ship somewhat but there were still worries about the character of the team – particularly away from home as defeats at Wigan, Middlesbrough and Newcastle were to testify. Dumped out of the UEFA and FA Cups with weakened sides early on in the year, Spurs fans were worried that maybe Harry was somewhat out of his depth but he made some good signings, players that were big personalities both on and off the pitch. Back came Robbie Keane to captain the side, Jermaine Defoe to lead the attack and Wilson Palacios to bolster the midfield. In March, Spurs went to Wembley again, this time losing to Manchester United on penalties in the Carling Cup final. Tottenham finished 8th in the league which was almost perfect for Harry as he had lifted the club out of the drop zone but did not quite make it into the European places. No distractions then for the current season.

Of course the club was busy during the summer transfer window – we always are – but yet again good quality was brought in, Krancjar and Crouch coming from Portsmouth. Darren Bent was transferred to Sunderland while players deemed to be lacking in character, that word again, will be on their way soon – Bentley, Pavylunchenko and Hutton for example.

Currently the club lie in 5th place, two points behind the Champions League positions. They have had some notable victories already this season, 9-1 against a hapless Wigan side, good home wins against Man City and Liverpool and some very impressive attacking performances throughout. Defoe is scoring goals, Aaron Lennon is fulfilling promise, Gomes has calmed down in goal and we still have our best player to return in Luka Modric. However, they have been outclassed in three matches this season: Chelsea, Manchester United and loathe though I am to say it, Arsenal. There is still a long way to go but Tottenham have come a long way in 2009 and with strong character all around the club there is real optimism that this could be our year to make the breakthrough.

Damon

Well the second half of 2009 has been much much worse than the first. Liverpool are out of the Champions League, where much of their and Rafa Benitez’s reputation has been made, and they are slipping away from the all important top four spots in the League – currently they lie in eighth place. Last season they finished strongly, including a glorious purple patch which included thrashing Real Madrid, real aristocrats of European football, 4-0 over two legs, arch-rivals Manchester United 4-1 at Old Trafford, ensuring the double over them, and 5-0 against Aston Villa. Compare that with losing 2-0 to bottom club Portsmouth in their last game and losing seven games before Christmas – famously last season they only lost two and still finished second!

There is real pressure on Benitez and his players to turn things around. This was the season that they were meant to continue, if not build, on there second place finish and quarter-final finish in the Champions League. Oh how badly things have gone. Most people point to the fact that Xabi Alonso left for Real Madrid after becoming disenchanted with his manager, others talk about the injuries suffered by Torres and Gerrard amongst others that have meant there has been no fluency, a red beach ball scoring against us has played its bizarre part, but it does look as though Liverpool’s squad is just not good enough – particularly as big signings Glen Johnson at right back and Alberto Aquilani in midfield have not lived up to their price tags – the former because question marks still remain over his defensive strength, and the latter because, well, we haven’t seen him play yet. £20 million is a lot to spend on an injury prone player, especially when you don’t use him.

So, not good around the Fields of Anfield Road at the moment. But lets not despair, my highlights in 2009 have been the wins over Manchester United at Old Trafford and this season at Anfield – both games saw the Reds at their best as they absolutely terrorised Man United’s Nemanja Vidic who was also sent off in those games. Let’s just say I’ve seen those highlights a few times this year.

No matter how many times I remember those good times, it is very worrying to see the club struggling on the pitch, and in my opinion the main problem lies off it and in the board room, where Gillet and Hicks continue to bicker and load the club with debt. No new stadium means the future is uncertain, not good  for attracting high profile players. Liverpool fans have often been accused off living off past glories, I think people will have to get used to that continuing. Despite the defiance in the stands, there is little on or off the pitch at the moment.

Vocabulary

languish: fade, droop, be weak, deteriorate

steady the ship: make things safe, recover from a bad situation

out of (your) depth: too difficult, beyond your skills

bolster: strengthen, make stronger

notable: famous, important, worthy of taking note

loathe to: hate to, do not want to

slip away: weaken, fall away, lose position

purple patch: high point, time when everything is good

disenchanted: disappointed, disillusioned, fed up

price tag: cost, how much money was spent

struggle: find something difficult, have to give a lot of energy

the stands: the fans’ seats, the ground, the supporters’ position

On this week’s show Damian and Damon take a look back at 2009 and how their team’s – Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool did – the highs and the lows and a look forwards. Remember you can also:

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On this week’s show we feature this season’s FIFA Club World Cup that is taking place in the UAE this weekend. Remember you can also:

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On this week’s show we ask five fans what they think of their teams’ chances at the World Cup next year and to comment on their groups. Remember you can also:

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Leo Messi and the World Cup draw dominate this week’s show as we congratulate the Argentinian forward and look forward to the finals in South Africa next summer. You can also:

This week we continue our look at the qualifiers for next year’s World Cup. And this podcast is all about Slovakia, who have qualified for the first time in their history.

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The World Cup dominates this week’s show as we take a look back at the dramatic play-offs and we also have two England fans looking forward to the finals in South Africa next summer. You can also:

World cup play-offs take place this weekend and fans around the world will be crossing their fingers hoping for the result to go their way. On this week’s show we listen to an Irish fan give his opinion on what might happen when Ireland play France over two legs. You can also:

VS

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On this week’s show we take a look at Folk Football and discuss its influence on the Beautiful Game. In addition:

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On this week’s show we put the spotlight on Honduran football as we continue to take a look at the countries that will be competing in next year’s World Cup.

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On this week’s show we take a look at the world governing body of football FIFA

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The dust from the World Cup qualifiers has settled, and this week we have Part III in our series on the World Cup greats – the Russian, Lev Yashin.

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The final set of World Cup qualifiers takes place in Europe, South America and Africa this week and so on this week’s podcast we feature some of the major stars who might not make it to the finals in South Africa next June.

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• For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources page with:
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During the build up to the World Cup in South Africa, languagecaster will take a look at some of the countries taking part as well as taking a look back at some of the great players in World Cup history. This week we turn the spotlight on one of the less famous South American countries, Paraguay.

It’s also your last chance to sign up to our newsletter and have a chance of winning a Brazilian shirt!

• Read our football news review in the good, the bad and the ugly
• Check out a new football expression in English for Football
• Follow the weekly predictions battle between Damon and Damian in the Predictions competition
• For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources page with:
• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
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This week languagecaster.com takes a look at the Bundesliga with Hans our German football correspondent.

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• Follow the weekly predictions battle between Damon and Damian in the Predictions competition
• For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources page with:
• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts from previous podcasts
  

This week languagecaster.com takes a look at Serie A – who are the favourites, the dark horses, the newcomers? We also take a look at all the football news from the past week and look ahead to some of the big games this weekend.

• Read our football news review in the good, the bad and the ugly
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• Follow the weekly predictions battle between Damon and Damian in the Predictions competition
• For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources page with:
• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
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After the excitement of World Cup qualifiers we turn our attention this week to the Champions League group stage which kicks off next week.

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This week is World Cup qualifying week, so we continue our feature which takes a look at some of the great World Cup players through the ages. Second in the series is Argentinian sensation, Maradona who is also in action this week as his country’s coach in a crunch game against arch-rivals Brazil.

• Read our football news review in the good, the bad and the ugly
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___________________________________________

La Liga kicks off this weekend and on this week’s show we ask whether the Spanish League is now better than the Premier League.

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_________________________________________

On this week’s show we start a feature which takes a look at some of the great World Cup players through the ages. Of course next year is the 2010 World Cup, so we hope you’ll enjoy our look at some of the best players to grace any football field. To start we look at Pelé.

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__________________________________________________________________________

The Premier League season kicks off this weekend which means that languagecaster’s football podcast is back. On this week’s first show of the season we hear from an Arsenal fan on his team’s prospects for the year.

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__________________________________________________________________________

The final podcast of the 2008-2009 season. Damon and Damian take a look back at the good, the bad and the ugly moments of another great footballing year. The next languagecaster.com season starts in August 2009 and it should be a great one with the World Cup in 2010. Subscribe to our Newsletter in the sidebar to keep up with what’s happening.

Transcript

Damian’s Good

Well, it was good for German side Wolfsburg who won their first ever Bundesliga title, while in Brazil, it was great for Sao Paolo who in February retained the Brazilian league title but the big news there was that soon afterwards it was announced that former Brazil number 9 Ronaldo would be joining Corinthians after another long injury lay-off and he has proved to be a huge success – we may even see him in his fourth World Cup next year. Great comeback for him but for my best of the season, I am going for one of Ronaldo’s former clubs, Barcelona who have just completed an amazing season by winning the ‘triplete’, the treble of the King’s Cup, the League title and the club’s third Champions League crown. Not bad for a team that has been described as having a shaky keeper, a weak defence, a midfield that is not physically imposing enough and a forward line that has two players with no hunger for the game or the club, as well as a striker that cannot score goals with his head or against English teams. We wondered in week 13 if this side could emulate the Cruyff Dream Team of the early 1990s. Well, they have more than done so. Barca we salute you.

Damian’s Bad

Well, it was pretty bad for football in the north-east of England as Middlesbrough and more surprisingly, Newcastle were both relegated to the second tier of English football. Newcastle saw three or four (we are not sure) different managers during the season and this win at all costs scenario represents my worst of the season: a real sense of short-termism. In week 27 we featured the managerial merry-go-round which saw West Ham, Tottenham, Sunderland, Portsmouth, Blackburn and Chelsea all lose managers in England, while high-profile managers such as Klinnsmann at Bayern, Schuster at Real Madrid and Claudio Ranieri at Juventus all being given their marching orders.

Damian’s Ugly

Didier Drogba’s post-match rant at the Norwegian referee in the Champions League was ugly – though let’s be frank, it was also pretty funny. On a more serious note there continues to be lots of fan trouble in Argentina but perhaps the worst of the season for me is the continuation of racism in the game. Despite groups such as Kick it Out in the UK – which we featured in week 12 Inter’s striker (and Italian national) Balotelli, Portsmouth’s Sol Campbell and Emile Heskey all suffered – among many others – racist chants and aggression. Ignorance is still rife in the game. Ugly indeed.

Vocabulary

retained: kept, held on to injury lay-off: a long period out of the game with injury a shaky keeper: a weak goalkeeper, a keeper that makes mistakes imposing: strong, dominating, threatening emulate: copy, imitate act in a similar way (often because of respect) short-termism: planning only for a short time in the future, not making long term lans, often panicking (to be given) marching orders: to be sacked, to be fired, to lose your job rant: complain loudly, shout,talk wildly with no control rife: common

On this week’s show we look back at the Champions League final, look forward to the FA Cup final and ask some fans what they really thought of their teams’ performances this season.

In addition we:

• Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Introduce a new football expression in English for Football
• And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition

For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with:

• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

Transcript

The football season in Europe is almost over and so on this week’s main report for languagecaster we have three fans talking about how their teams performed during the season just gone by. First up Damon interviews Liverpool fan, Tim which is followed by an interview with Chelsea supporter Simon and finally Ill be talking about the topsy-turvey season that my team Tottenham have just had.

Two points from the first eight games of the season saw Tottenham’s worst start to a league campaign in almost a century. This came despite the fact that many had tipped them to do well, but yet again the club imploded and we failed to turn expectation into reality.

The acrimonious departure of Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United and Robbie Keane’s shock move to Liverpool meant that we were short of striking options at the start of the season, which meant that a lot of pressure was placed on the new players to perform well. Unfortunately, one of those high-profile signings, David Bentley from Blackburn, proved to be a huge disappointment despite a wonder-goal against Arsenal early in the season.

Manager Juande Ramos was sacked in October without recording a win and in his place came Harry Rednapp from Portsmouth to a sceptical but desperate set of fans. Despite some poor away performances around the turn of the year, he generally did well, helping the club to move away from the relegation zone and reaching the Carling Cup final, losing only on penalties to Manchester United. He also strengthened the side by bringing back Jermaine Defoe and Robbie Keane but perhaps his most important signing was Wilson Palacios from Wigan – the type of player that Spurs have been crying out for for years and one who allowed Croatian midfielder, Luka Modric to finally start showing what he can do. Modric only scored once for the club – the winner against Chelsea in our best performance of the season – but his ability, skill, technique and bravery were there for all to see – our player of the season without a doubt. Harry wants to build the team around him next season and there are hopes and rumours that yet again we might be the team to challenge the ‘big four’ next year. But as Spurs fans know more than most, it’s the hope that kills us…

The leagues around Europe are reaching their climaxes and on this week’s show languagecaster takes a look at how three of the big leagues were decided. We also…

• Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Introduce a new football expression in English for Football
• And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition

For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with:

• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts
• Vocabulary lists

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

Transcript

Three of the big European league titles were decided last week as Inter Milan won in Italy, Barcelona in Spain and Manchester United in England. All three teams won before the season actually finished, suggesting it was relatively easy, however, they didn’t completely get it their own way.

Here’s a look back at how these three teams became champions of their respective domestic leagues.

Barcelona won their 19th Spanish title without even having to kick a ball as their nearest rivals Real Madrid lost for the third time in a row giving the Catalan side an unassailable lead. This was their first La Liga in three years and was thoroughly merited by a team that was universally regarded as the best in Spain from the word go. Actually, that’s not quite true as Barca began the season in poor form losing to Numancia in the first game under new manager and former midfield maestro, Pep Guardiola. Little did we know at the time that that would be one of only two small blips to their season that has seen them lose only 4 times. They moved top of the table in week 7 and have stayed there since and that’s despite an unbelievable 17 wins from 18 matches from second place Real Madrid, with at one stage a suggestion that they might catch Barcelona. However, the Catalan side inflicted a 6-2 thrashing on Madrid and that was that.

Barca have scored more goals than anyone else in Spain – 104 – with Henry, Messi and Eto’o accounting for 71 of those goals. They have also conceded fewer than any other team and have a goal difference of + 71. They have also played with a style that has left many wondering if this team is even better than the Dream Team of Cruyff. It certainly plays in a similar manner and of course, there may still be more to come as Guardiola’s team play manchester United in the Champions League final next week which could lead to an unprecedented treble for them.

Talking of trebles, Inter Milan had won the previous three Italian titles before this season started and with a new manager in the charismatic Jose Mourinho in charge it seemed there would be little doubt which side would be lifting the Scudetto title at the end of this season. And so it proved to be as the Nerazzurri won their 17th Italian championship with three games remaining.

They went top early in the season and like Barcelona they have been there since, thanks in part to their wonderful defensive consistency but also due to the poor performances of their rivals. Juventus, AC Milan and Roma were never in the title race and all three clubs will look to new faces – managerial and playing staff – next season.

Inter will also have fresh faces next year but one player who is staying is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Swedish striker, who yet again is the club’s top scorer, this time with 22 goals and with the talented Mario Balotelli alongside him Inter’s fans will be hoping for their fifth title next season along with a Champions League victory – their first in forty years.

Like Inter Milan, Manchester United also retained their title, in fact, they won the English Premier League for the third year in a row to give them a total of 18 domestic league titles. This number puts them alongside Liverpool as the two most successful teams in English football history.

Though they won the league with one game to spare, the title race was a close-run affair as their huge rivals Liverpool led for much of the early part of the season. Too many home draws for them and an amazingly consistent run of clean sheets for United after Christmas, meant that Ferguson’s men moved top in January and remained there till the end. Like Inter, much of their success has been built on sound defence rather than all-out-attack but it could also be argued that they have two of the best forwards in the Premier League in Wayne Rooney and 18-goal Cristiano Ronaldo.

They are already favourites to win the title again next year such is the strength in depth of the squad but of course, before all that, they have to defend their Champions League title against Barcelona next week.

While the season in Europe is coming to a close, things in South America are just beginning to hot up, so languagecaster takes a look at the biggest cup competition south of the equator.

In addition we:

• Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Introduce a new football expression in English for Football
• And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition

For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with:

• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts
• Vocabulary lists

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

Transcript

The most important club competition in South America is of course the Copa Libertadores and this year is a particularly important one as it is the 50th edition of this prestigious tournament.

Teams from the 10 South American countries that make up CONMEBOL were joined this year by sides from Mexico making a total of 38 teams at the start of the competition way back in January. Since then, the tournament has lost some big names including Argentina’s River Plate and Lanús, as well as last season’s winners, LDU Quito from Ecuador. Two other teams to fall by the wayside were Guadalajara and San Luis, both from Mexico, but neither of which were beaten on the pitch. Instead, due to the outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus in that country, both teams withdrew at the start of the knockout stage. This caused quite a lot of uncertainty and a huge fixture-pile up ensued. This meant  that some clubs are already through to the last 8, and others have played one leg of the first knock-out stage. Two teams, Boca Jrs and Uruguay’s Defensor, have yet to play their last 16 match.

So far, we do know that Brazil already has 3 teams in the quarter-finals with Cruzeiro hoping to make it four if they beat Universidad de Chile this week. Guadalajara’s withdrawal allowed São Paulo to get through and Palmeiras made it in dramatic style after beating compatriots, Sport Recife, on penalties. Argentina should have two teams in the last 8 with Boca Jrs favourites to beat Uruguay’s Defensor and Estudiantes already 3-0 up from the first leg away from home against minnows from Paraguay Libertad. That leaves Nacional from Uruguay, who benefited from the flu outbreak, to make it and surprise package Caracas from Venezuela: though neither side is expected to make it through to the semis. Nacional play Palmeiras, while fellow Brazilians Grêmio play the Venezuelan side.

So who is going win it this year? The Brazilian contingent looks strong, but while Boca are still there the Argentinians always have a chance such is their experience and tradition in the Copa Libertadores. Boca to beat Estudiantes in the semi-final but then to lose out to São Paulo in the final. There, you heard it first on languagecaster.com.

There are only four games left in the Bundesliga and still five teams can win the title. This week’s podcast focuses on the final run-in to an action-packed season in Germany and looks at the battles at the top and the bottom of the league.

In addition we:

• Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Introduce a new football expression in English for Football
• And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition

For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with:

• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts
• Vocabulary lists

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

Transcript

Hans: Yes, another very interesting season in the Bundesliga is coming to a close. And at the top of the table, no less than five teams are still in the running for the title.

Right at the top is Wolfsburg. Most people haven’t heard of Wolfsburg but they’ve been in the press this week, very strangely because their coach Felix Magath, former international player, has decided to quit the club. That’s right. Quit the club four days before the end of the season whilst they’re at the top – three points clear of second which happens to be the mighty Bayern Munich.

Apart from Bayern fans, I would imagine nobody in Germany wants them to win. So behind them are Berlin, Stuttgart and Hamburg and either of these three can still sneak up, they are currently playing very well with tough games to go for all teams. So, who is going to win the Bundesliga, Nicholas?
N: I think Berlin is going to win.
H: Berlin? What a good choice! Well, I hope Wolfsburg win but I would love Berlin to win as well.

Now we are going to look at the bottom of the table and there the same number five, five teams are still in line for the drop. Please remember in the Bundesliga a new system kicked in this year. The bottom two drop automatically but third last goes into a play-off with the third best team from the 2nd Bundesliga. As usual, it’s the same old teams down there: Karlsruhe and Borussia Moenchengladbach occupying the bottom two spots but just above them, Bielefeld, Cottbus and Bochum are also in danger of the drop. So, Nicholas, who do you think will get relegated this season?
N: I think Cottbus will go down.
H: Cottbus? Yes, and they’ve been down before. Thank you Nicholas.

As already mentioned, managers are moving at a strange time in the season. Magath’s move to Schalke has taken everyone by surprise but Klinnsmann’s move away from Bayern Munich hasn’t surprised too many people. in Stuttgart, Markus Babbel has just signed a long-term contract, he’s a new young manager and some listeners might remember him from his playing day.

So, to wrap up the Bundesliga according to my son N, the team to win will be Hertha Berlin, going down will be Karlsruhe, Borussia Moenchengladbach and joined by Energie Cottbus. And now Nicholas, which is the best team in Germany?
N: Freiburg.
H: Freiburg. It happens to be my home team – a quick plug – and they are sitting top of the 2nd Bundesliga. See you next season with the big boys. Auf wiedersehen, aus der Bundesliga…

This week, Barcelona visit their great rivals Real Madrid in La Liga’s El Clasico. Madrid are only four points behind the previously unstoppable Barcelona and would love to get closer. On this week’s show we look at the rivalry between these two famous clubs.

In addition we:

• Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Introduce a new football expression in English for Football
• And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition

For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with:

• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts
• Vocabulary lists

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

Transcript

This weekend sees one of the biggest matches in world football when Real Madrid and FC Barcelona play at Madrid’s Santiago Bernebeu Stadium. The fact that there are only four points separating the two sides adds spice to the game as the title is very much up for grabs but with such a huge amount of history, tradition, passion and rivalry  between the two sides it would not really matter if they were playing a pre-season friendly. Madrid and Barcelona simply don’t do meaningless games.

Since the early 2000s, the game has become known as El Clásico -  but before that it was simply called ‘El derbi’, the derby of Spain. However, the game is unlike any other derby when local fans hope for bragging rights when their team wins, instead this has national pride at stake and not just because these two sides are the most popular around the country. It’s much deeper than that. Barcelona’s supporters see their team as representatives of the Catalan region – the club motto is ‘mes que un club’ – more than a club, while Madrid fans on the other hand, view their side as Spain’s team.

The first league match was in 1929 with Real Madrid winning away in Barcelona 2-1 though a few months later Barcelona did the same and the rivalry was up and running. Since then, the two sides have met 157 times with Real having won 68 and Barca 59. There have been 30 draws, the last of which was a wonderful 3-3 occasion in Barcelona in 2007.

To emphasise the animosity that exists between the two clubs look no further than their transfer policies. Though some players have played for both clubs (normally from overseas) very few have directly made the crossover. Luis Enrique became a cult figure in Barcelona after his defection from Madrid in 1996. Going the other way in 1994 was Michael Laudrup who won titles in Madrid after being discarded by Barcelona – a huge mistake by the Blaugrana. But perhaps the biggest transfer story was the one involving Luis Figo in 2000. His move from Barcelona to Real Madrid left the Catalan fans feeling betrayed and every time Figo returned to play at the Camp Nou he received a hostile reception including famously a pig’s head thrown at him in the Champions League semi-final of 2001. Figo of course had the last laugh as his side went on to win that season’s Champions League title – the club’s ninth.

Barcelona have also won Europe’s major tournament but only on two occasions – the last being in 2006. They have 18 domestic titles which would be an excellent record in any other country but when your major rival has won La Liga 31 times it means that Barcelona still have some way to go in being top dogs in Spain.  Beating Madrid this week would be a good start.

There are only five games to play in the Premier League and no doubt there will be more twists and turns at this exciting stage of the season and so on this week’s show we take a look at the Premier League title race.

In addition we:

• Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Introduce a new football expression in English for Football
• And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition

For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with:

• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts
• Vocabulary lists

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

Transcript
With only five games remaining in the English Premier League, tension is high as three clubs are still in with a shout of winning the title. On this week’s main report we hear the opinions of a Manchester United fan on the final run in that will decide which team will become the 2009 English champions.

Damian: So Brendan, it’s been an important week in the Premier League for the clubs at the
top of the top of the table, hasn’t it?
Brendan: That’s right Damian all of the ‘big four’ in the Premier League were in action.
Chelsea drew with Everton, Manchester United beat Portsmouth but I suppose the standout
game was the game between Liverpool and Arsenal, which ended 4-4. Liverpool really
needed to win that game because going in to the series of matches they were one point
behind Man United and played a game more so it effectively means, with the United result,
that they now lead by three points over their nearest rivals and have a game in hand.
Damian: Yes, you’ve mentioned some of the impact that these results will have on the final
destination of the title, for example do you think Chelsea are out of the running?
Brendan: Well, Guus Hiddink the manager of Chelsea, the newly appointed manager who
also, of course, manages the Russian national team, he has conceded the title. He thinks
now that they trail Manchester United by six points and have played a game more … that
that is too much of a mountain to climb. So, he says they will focus on the Champions
League and the FA Cup.
Damian: OK, how about Liverpool, what do you think about their chances?
Brendan: Liverpool are still in the title race. Alex Ferguson himself said that although
Manchester United are now in a better position than they were on Monday he has been in
the game for too long to, at this stage, say that the title has definitely going to Old Trafford.
They are … there are gonna’ be lots of games to come, there are still five games to go and
anything can happen, one defeat for Man United and a victory for Liverpool and the title race
will be blown wide open yet again.
Damian: So Brendan, who will be holding the Premier League trophy at the end of May?
Brendan: Well, as a Man United, obviously, fan I am hoping that we can win the title at the
end of May. It’s all about consistency at this stage of the season and trying to eke out results
and because we have the experience of players like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, who’ve
won the title many times, and also a manager who’s won the title many times I’m hopeful
that that experience will get us over the finishing line, although it will be close.

This week, the FA Cup semi finals is our main piece and we look at why all four teams are in it to win it.

In addition we:

• Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Introduce a new football expression in English for Football
• And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition

For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with:

• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts
• Vocabulary lists

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

Transcript

This weekend the FA Cup semi-finals dominate the footballing scene in England, but a look at the four contenders seems to suggest that the romance has gone out of this competition. The four teams in the semis are all in the top six in the Premier League: Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton. And in the last 10 years, only one team from outside the ‘Big Four’ have won the trophy and that was last year when Portsmouth overcame Championship side Cardiff. While we shouldn’t belittle the achievement of portsmouth in winning, and Cardiff in reaching, the finals in 2008, it did seem as though the teams contending for the Champions League or the Premier League title didn’t care too much about the FA Cup. This year is very different. All four teams have reason to take these semis very seriously indeed.

Let’s start with Everton. The team from Merseyside have had to overcome some tough draws to get here – beating Liverpool, Aston Villa and Middlesboro in the last three rounds. They are still in the hunt for a Champions League spot, but that seems a bit unrealistic with Arsenal flying at the moment. Winning the FA Cup could be just what they need for all the progress they have made under their manager David Moyes. They face Manchester United and there is no love lost between the two sets of fans either, with the rivalry between the cities of Liverpool and Manchester.

Manchester United of course are still chasing the quintuple. They have the Carling Cup and the Club World Cup already in the trophy cabinet and they are top of the league and through to the semi finals of the Champions League. It would be quite extraordinary if they could win all five. Also, they have been a little unconvincing recently and a loss in the semis might have a knock on effect for their push for the Premier League title. Despite the fixture pile up, they are in it to win it and have home advantage against Everton.

Chelsea are also through to the Champions League final and are not far off the top of the Premier League, four points. Could they trump United with a treble? They won nothing last year and will be desperate to have something to show their fans at the end of the season. They are away at Arsenal and if they can go all the way they will have a quintuple of their own – five FA Cup wins.

Arsenal are in a similar situation to Chelsea – they are in the Champions League semis – but there is less pressure on them as realistically the Premier League title is beyond them. They would go equal top of all time FA Cup winners with Man United if the win the semis and then lift the trophy in May on 11 times.

The FA Cup semis and final will definitely be crackers!

This week, the Champions league quarter final first legs were played and languagecaster takes a look at what happened.

In addition we:

• Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Introduce a new football expression in English for Football
• And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition

For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with:

• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts
• Vocabulary lists

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

Transcript

Damian: Only a month ago many here in England were tipping Manchester United to win an unprecedented quintuple – five trophies in one season – but in recent weeks the Red Devils have started to wobble. This dip in form continued on Tuesday night as they were held to a 2-2 home draw by Portuguese champions FC Porto. To say that Manchester United did not play well is a little unfair on the team from the north of Portugal as they were well organised, passed the ball better than the home team and were always looking to attack. They deserved their last-minute equaliser from Mariano Gonzalez which left United manager Alex Ferguson admitting that it would be a difficult job to qualify for the semi finals. However, only a fool would write off United and I still think they can win away in Portugal next week.

Damon: Right, let’s get the views from a German fan on Bayern Munich’s performance against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter final first leg. This is what Hans had to say.

Hans: Dear oh dear, what a terrible performance by Bayern Munich they really are in a slump at the moment and their defeat in Barcelona 4-0 proves that. But it’s not like it was a surprise. Last weekend, losing 5-1 away to Wolsburg in the Bundesliga had the writing on the wall. And in Munich, there are a lot of people pointing fingers at coaches, management and so on. So Barcelona full credit, excellent victory. But I don’t think things will change in the second leg. It looks like Barcelona have this one wrapped up, and whilst they may lose it doesn’t matter. The 4 goal victory is enough, and I think that barcelona will go on to win the Champions League. I have to say that because they were pretty impressive last night.

Damon: Thanks Hans. Now that game of course featured the Spanish giants Barcelona – now surely favourites to win the whole thing, but another Spanish team was also in action when Villarreal hosted English side Arsenal. This game ended 1-1, and while Arsenal will be happy to take an away goal into the second leg, this tie is by no means over. Arsenal were also struck by injuries to Gallas and Almunia the keeper. Gallas’ injury looks set to keep him out for the rest of the season, too. But I think Adebayor’s fantastic equaliser will be crucial. Villarreal failed to make the most of the 12th man effect – their ground can be an intimidating place to go. I think they will not play with the same confidence and passion in London and will be knocked out by Arsenal. As for the final, I think it’ll be Barcelona vs Porto.

Damian: Liverpool’s Champions League dream lies in tatters after the Reds were beaten 1-3 by Chelsea on Wednesday night. Despite taking an early lead with a classy finish from Torres the home side had no answer to Chelsea’s power, passing ability and attacking play. Manager Guus Hiddink has definitely made his mark on the side and when Chelsea play like this you wonder if any team can stop them. Unless there is a dramatic turn around in the second leg matches a semi-final with Barcelona awaits which should turn out to be a cracker.

On this week’s show we focus on the World Cup qualifying matches that took place in Europe over the past few days.

In addition we:

• Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Introduce a new football expression in English for Football
• And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition

For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with:

• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts
• Vocabulary lists

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

Transcript

We are passing the half-way stage in the European section of the World Cup qualifiers with the groups starting to take shape. Most of the favoured teams have positioned themselves at or near the top of the group though one or two surprise teams may be making their way to South Africa in 2010.

Remember, the 53 teams are fighting for 13 places making this footballing region the most competitive. Each of the nine group winners automatically qualify, while the eight best runners up will play off to decide the remaining four teams. That means a team may come second in their group and still not qualify. Asia or CONCACAF it most definitely isn’t!

Group 1 may see a huge shock as Portugal lie in 3rd place seven points behind the leaders Denmark. Amazingly for a side filled with attacking prowess, Portugal have drawn their last three matches nil – nil including this weekend against Sweden. The Swedes are also struggling in fourth place but do have a game in hand over the Portuguese but it is increasingly looking like top stars such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo may not be going to South Africa.

Group 2 is turning into a two-horse race between leaders Greece and second place Switzerland. The Greeks took 4 points from Israel this week and look odds-on favourites to make the finals.

Group 3 is a much tighter affair with any one of five teams still in with a chance of at least a play-off spot. Northern Ireland may be top after their two home victories this week but second place Slovakia must fancy their chances after beating local rivals the Czech Republic away and seeing Poland and Slovenia drop points in Belfast.

Group 4 is a much clearer affair with Germany leading the group on 16 points, which is four more than their nearest rivals Russia though they do have a game in hand and Germany still have to play in Moscow.

Group 5 seems to be wrapped up with European champions Spain beating Turkey home and away this week. That result and the shock double victory for Bosnia over Belgium means that Spain lead Bosnia by six points and are almost certain to make it to South Africa.

Group 6 sees another team with a 100% record so far – England beat Ukraine at Wembley to stay five points ahead of Croatia and though they started the last European Championship qualifying campaign in similar circumstances this England team under Capello looks assured of its place in the finals in 2010.

Group 7 is a rather strange affair with all of the top teams taking points off each other. However, Serbia and France had a good week with the Serbs winning away in Romania and France beating Lithuania home and away. Two points separate them at the top with a crunch game in Belgrade to come that will decide the group winner.

Group 8 is a much more open affair with the three top teams all unbeaten so far. Italy lead by two from Ireland and then Bulgaria are in third a further five points behind though they have a game in hand. On paper it should be Italy but they will not fancy a trip to Dublin in the autumn if they are still only two points ahead.

Group 9 is all but sorted as the Netherlands have comfortably won all five of their matches to sit atop the table eight points ahead of Scotland in second place. In fact, this group is so weak I am tipping that only the winners will make it through.

The next set of games in the European section take place in June by when the picture of which teams will represent Europe in South Africa 2010 will be much clearer.

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]]> http://languagecaster.com/2009/04/02/podcast-34-world-cup-qualifiers-europe/feed/ 0 15:18 On this week's show we focus on the World Cup qualifying matches that took place in Europe over the past few days. In addition we: Review the ... On this week's show we focus on the World Cup qualifying matches that took place in Europe over the past few days. In addition we: Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly Introduce a new football expression in English for Football And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with: Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases) Worksheets and transcripts Vocabulary lists Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon Transcript We are passing the half-way stage in the European section of the World Cup qualifiers with the groups starting to take shape. Most of the favoured teams have positioned themselves at or near the top of the group though one or two surprise teams may be making their way to South Africa in 2010. Remember, the 53 teams are fighting for 13 places making this footballing region the most competitive. Each of the nine group winners automatically qualify, while the eight best runners up will play off to decide the remaining four teams. That means a team may come second in their group and still not qualify. Asia or CONCACAF it most definitely isn't! Group 1 may see a huge shock as Portugal lie in 3rd place seven points behind the leaders Denmark. Amazingly for a side filled with attacking prowess, Portugal have drawn their last three matches nil - nil including this weekend against Sweden. The Swedes are also struggling in fourth place but do have a game in hand over the Portuguese but it is increasingly looking like top stars such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo may not be going to South Africa. Group 2 is turning into a two-horse race between leaders Greece and second place Switzerland. The Greeks took 4 points from Israel this week and look odds-on favourites to make the finals. Group 3 is a much tighter affair with any one of five teams still in with a chance of at least a play-off spot. Northern Ireland may be top after their two home victories this week but second place Slovakia must fancy their chances after beating local rivals the Czech Republic away and seeing Poland and Slovenia drop points in Belfast. Group 4 is a much clearer affair with Germany leading the group on 16 points, which is four more than their nearest rivals Russia though they do have a game in hand and Germany still have to play in Moscow. Group 5 seems to be wrapped up with European champions Spain beating Turkey home and away this week. That result and the shock double victory for Bosnia over Belgium means that Spain lead Bosnia by six points and are almost certain to make it to South Africa. Group 6 sees another team with a 100% record so far - England beat Ukraine at Wembley to stay five points ahead of Croatia and though they started the last European Championship qualifying campaign in similar circumstances this England team under Capello looks assured of its place in the finals in 2010. Group 7 is a rather strange affair with all of the top teams taking points off each other. However, Serbia and France had a good week with the Serbs winning away in Romania and France beating Lithuania home and away. Two points separate them at the top with a crunch game in Belgrade to come that will decide the group winner. Group 8 is a much more open affair with the three top teams all unbeaten so far. Italy lead by two from Ireland and then Bulgaria are in third a further five points behind though they have a game in hand. On paper it should be Italy but they will not fancy a trip to Dublin in the autumn if they are still only two points ahead. Group 9 is all but sorted as the Netherlands have comfortably won all five of their matches to sit atop the table eight points ahead of Scotland in second place. In fact, this group is so weak I am tipping that only the winners will make i Podcast,,Posts languagecaster.com no No http://languagecaster.com/2009/03/27/podcast-33-the-world-cup-qualifiers-asia/ http://languagecaster.com/2009/03/27/podcast-33-the-world-cup-qualifiers-asia/#comments Fri, 27 Mar 2009 03:48:04 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=3428 The World Cup Asian qualifiers are nearing their end and on this week’s pod languagecaster takes a look at who is in the driving seat for places in South Africa next year. In addition we: Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly Introduce a new football expression in English for Football And continue the [...]]]>

The World Cup Asian qualifiers are nearing their end and on this week’s pod languagecaster takes a look at who is in the driving seat for places in South Africa next year.

In addition we:

• Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Introduce a new football expression in English for Football
• And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition

For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with:

• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts
• Vocabulary lists

Transcript

World Cup qualifiers are taking place around the world, and Asia is of course no different. 43 nations started the qualifying race last year but they have been reduced to 10 teams in what is now the fourth round of qualifying. It’s no surprise that the five top seeds in Asia, Australia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Iran are in that ten. They are joined by teams from the second tier: Bahrain, Qatar, Uzbekistan, North Korea and United Arab Emirates.

The ten teams are now in two groups. The top two in each group automatically qualify, while the two third place teams must play each other home and away in October to decide who will play the representative from Oceania, New Zealand, again home and away in November.

So who are the front runners at the half way stage? The two Koreas top group B, with Iran comfortably in third. If Iran beat Saudi Arabia at home, their rivals for third spot, they will move into second place as North Korea’s visit to their southern cousins will mean either both teams or one team will drop points. It should be an exciting finish to group B. A draw between the Koreas and a win by Saudi Arabia will really put the cat among the pigeons. The UAE already look out of it with only one point from four games. My tips: South Korea and Iran to qualify automatically with North Korea going through to the play off.

In group A, it’s Australia who are on top of the pile. This is the first time they have taken part in the Asian qualifiers: previously they were part of Oceania. They have three wins and one draw. Their draw came against their biggest threat in the group Japan. Actually, there is quite a rivalry is building up between these two. Australia will be confident of qualifying in top spot as Japan has to play away in Oz before the group is decided. Japan is in second and also look comfortable. They will all but sew up qualification with a win against Bahrain this Saturday in Yokohama. That means the real fight is between Bahrain and Qatar for the third spot. They meet in a crucial game in Bahrain next week. Look for Australia and Japan to qualify with Bahrain sneaking into third and taking on North Korea in the qualifiers.

In 2002, the World Cup came to Asia being hosted by South Korea and Japan. South Korea progressed to the semi-finals, a best for an Asian team, and Japan also made it to the second round. Despite that bright spot, don’t look for an Asian team to set the competition in 2010 South Africa alight.