With all of the European leagues done and dusted ( congratulations to Barcelona, AC Milan, Dortmund, Lille and, with a heavy heart, Manchester United ) most ardent football fans often turn their attention to South America.

The Brazilian and Argentinian leagues have produced some truly great footballing exports and for a region rich in quality, the stories and anecdotes that arise also deserve recognition.

In Colombia earlier this year a group of fans brought their murdered friend, in his coffin, to a league game. Aside from being a great send off and an emotional gesture, I would love to know just how they managed to get past security with a full sized coffin! In the UK, some supporters have been denied bringing flags and signs in. Nevermind a deceased friend.

The main story coming out of South America at the moment is the relegation of River Plate. The Buenos Aires based club is one of Argentinas most successful and had been in the top flight for 110 years.

The relegation play-off with Belgrano began away from home and River Plate found themselves on the end of a 2-0 defeat.

The second leg began well for River who saw Belgrano have a goal ruled out for offside and then put themselves 1-0 up. This meant a second goal would ensure River Plates survival. It was not to be, Belgrano equalized and in another cruel twist, River were awarded a penalty. Pavone stepped up and hit his shot straight at the keeper.

Women's world cup

So the women's world cup has started, it's in germany this year. To be fully honest I thought the whole thing was going to be quite boring, you know as you do when you think bait close-minded and think that football is a men's sport, but after 2 screamers on the first two days it quickly becomes apparent that women's football is really quite interesting to watch. The first goal I was referring to was Canada's free kick against Germany to get a consolation goal late in the second half which David Beckham in his prime couldn't have bend better, it hit the side netting for Christ sake! the second goal I was referring to was Mexico's equalizer against England which was spanked from about 30-35 meters out and was shot with such power and precision that it really makes you wonder why they don't get more awareness. I guess good old Sepp was right when he said that they should dress more like their beach volleyball counterparts, but then again we can't all be as politically correct can we. The whole event begs one question though, what app does the FIFA use to know when each players ovulation occurs to know exactly when to hold the tournament, on second thought though, that could make for a very interesting tournament if those calculations should be off... Sepp get back in here!

Monday morning funnies

Its the off season so there isn't really much happening in the trendy game of football, well the women's world cup has just started so that might be getting some posts on the blog once Luke decides to wake up from Hibernation but until then let me start off your shitty week with my two favorite videos so far this Monday morning.

The first one is the new Wii advert featuring the Redknapp family,personal favorite is when big man Harry questions who inked him like any of us do when we play Mario cart with the mates and his missus, not pictured is when Harry's pimp hand comes out when he finds out twas precisely that missus that inked him that later on proclaims "I love beating you.. chuckle" I didn't know they had Wii's in the kitchen, apologies for that, it's still early here in Melbourne



Next is a clip from the English U-21 teams training ground which shows you that no matter how shit your morning is, it can't be as bad as that guys. Not only did he get smacked in the face, but the damn ball didn't even go in!, great jump by the goalie though, too bad he missed the ball and did absolutely nothing, but I guess he can join a great line of English keepers there.

Oh Arsenal, when will you Focus

Sure it's good to see them all having a little fun, but a) using chopsticks won't win you titles, b) not all Asian countries use chopsticks, so depending on where the Asian tour is going, it's a little racist. c) Take off the damn gloves, it'll be easier... That said the Ad is pretty good, except that his face seems to be see through (Or am I the only one that can see the net through him)

A few Leaked Jerseys for next season

And of course it wouldn't be a blog if I wouldn't have my random ramblings going on where I say what I like and dislike about the shirts.

1. Werder Bremens New Kit

For some reason Nike always loves to experiment with Bremens jersey and while it isn't the most traditional shirt, I have to admit its not bad looking, especially as a tight fit shirt this is definitely futuristic.

2. Germany

True Germans will know that the only acceptable color for the away kit in Germany is green, and so it brings me great joy to see that they are going back to the green. the Home jersey is fairly ordinary, except the 3 stripes on the front with the German colors on them, simple and elegant. The away kit is where its at, green (already a plus) and then check out the details on the neck, with the 1972 and 2012 reminding us that we won it in Belgium in 1972 and that 2012 will hopefully bring the same fortune.

3.Real Madrid

It seems that after a season of a great shirt design, Madrid has gone back into their popped collar and nothing new routine, however the copper/golden stripes don't really do it for me, I mean yes it looks classy, but there is no wow factor on this Jersey is there, its the same boring old Real Madrid jersey, which then again isn't that bad seeing as way too many clubs break from tradition.

4.Schalke

I know they already had it this season, but I just don't understand why anyone would want to make Schalke's third kit red, it just does not make sense, it would almost be like a yellow third kit for Schalke so they can look like their bitter rivals Dortmund and actually win something (too soon)? Schalke's traditional colors are royal blue and I guess the white for the away kit is the obvious choice, but for goodness sake, there has to be a better color than red (Bayern Munich's color, who they aren't too fond of).

Alright that is it for now, there will be a few more to come in the next few days, stay tuned

My opinion on Chicharito has changed

While he still looks like a chihuahua or a rodent of sorts, due to the fact that his eyes are just way to close to each other, this interview has changed my opinion on the man quite a bit. While I for some reason thought that the kid seems somewhat arrogant, the interview portraits quite the opposite. It seems Chicha (which means little pea btw, in case you cared) is quite a humble fella who wants to do anything in his power to be successful with united. When asked about comparing himself with Messi, he calls himself a "simple footballer" begs the question if "simple footballers" like us are worth their paycheck but that of course is a whole new topic. But for now I take my hat off to the man, definitely rose up in my books, and might be a beer buddy soon.

here is the original interview:

[W]hen he was asked if he aspired to the status of the Argentinian double Ballon d'Or winner, Hernandez was quick to play down his achievements.

"No. I am a player of this great team," he said.

"What obsesses me is sweating this shirt to death, and I will never stop running.

"I don't aspire to be like Messi. I'm just a simple footballer."

"I'm not obsessed with goals. The goals are the result of the work of the whole team. The forwards only have the good fortune to score them. In a team like ours, even Edwin (van der Sar) can claim the goals."

Rooneys kid not intrested in scoring for United

so a couple of days ago we saw Ivanovic's son score at Stamford bridge, Rooney thought he'd give his son the same chance, placed the ball on the line (Speak about believing in your kid) but Kai simply walked next to it, so during all the title celebrations, some United fans may have felt chills after seeing what the next generation holds. Enjoy: