This week’s football review section looks back at some of the big football stories from the past few days including the Asian Cup group stages, problems at AC Milan and the criticism of referees in England. To help with understanding you can find explanations of key vocabulary in bold below.This week’s football review: The Asian Cup, AC Milan and Referees
Good
The last of the 2015 Asian Cup group stage matches have just finished and what a wonderful tournament it has been so far. 24 matches and not one scoreless draw – indeed no draws at all – suggesting that teams are not playing safety first but are going for the win. Japan, Korea and hosts Australia still look the best bets to win the title but do not rule out Iran, Uzbekistan or possible dark horses China.
Bad
Serie A powerhouse AC Milan have not been having a good time of it recently and manager Filipo Inzaghi now finds his side down in 8th place in the Italian league standings. The past three games against Torino, Sassuolo and Atalanta have seen the Rossoneri only pick up one point and those two defeats have come at home at the San Siro. With only three Champions League paces up for grabs in Italy it looks increasingly as if the 7-times winners may not even be participating in next season’s competition.
Ugly
It has been an ugly week for referees in the Premier League as they have faced a barrage of criticism from the media after some of their performances at the weekend. Newcastle complained they should have had a penalty while Tottenham were dismayed to see a ‘goal’ ruled out for offside but rather than criticise the referees maybe we should be encouraging more respect for the man in the middle.
Vocabulary
scoreless draw: 0-0 draw; a game with no score
look the best bets: These teams look the strongest
rule out:A Discount; do not write them off
powerhouse: Traditionally strong side
league standings:A The league positions
Rossoneri:A The nickname of AC Milan
up for grabs:A Available
a barrage of criticism:A A lot of criticism
were dismayed: Very surprised
ruled out:A Disallowed (different from above)
the man in the middle:A The referee
