Article
Rooney And RVP – A Potential Lethal Partnership Together
The modern world of football has seen many lethal partnerships* at the front over past decade in English Premier League (EPL) with the likes of Dennis Bergkamp – Thierry Henry (Arsenal), Andy Cole – Peter Bardsley (Newcastle UTD), Michael Owen-Emile Heskey (yes, they scored 105 goals between them for Liverpool), Stan Collymore-Robbie Fowler (Liverpool), Andy Cole-Dwight Yorke (Manchester UTD), Cristiano Ronaldo-Wayne Rooney(Manchester UTD) & recently the plethora of strike options that Manchester CITY have recruited with Sergio Aguero-Carlos Tevez-Mario Balotelli. This year was no reason to feel different, because the football pundits and fans all over the world got a chance to debate on another possible & new strike force that has the potential of being as Lethal as the others have been over the years – Wayne Rooney & Robin Van Persie.
If we ask any person about what the essential qualities are of building such a consistent, lethal & immense partnerships in any game, the answer would be this – being selfless, having immense skills, understanding each other’s game well, working for the team’s cause. But football as a game has one more skill that is required to forge an effective strike force – that’s “being at the right place at the right time”. This natural instinct evades many football players that a consistent partnership has been hard to find especially in a league which is considered to be the world’s toughest & physically demanding league. So what are the skills that Rooney and RVP have that could be used to create another history for both Manchester UTD & EPL as a whole? Let us look at the individual skills first.
RVP:
Having been bought by Arsenal at 2004 as a long term replacement for Dennis Bergkamp, RVP was trained to being played as a Centre Forward from left midfielder by his former coach Arsene Wenger. This was just the versatility that coaches like Arsene Wenger (or) Sir Alex Ferguson require their main men to have to be touted as more than successful enough. Having started out as a left winger, RVP had immense dribbling skills during his initial years. His shooting technique is one of the most sought after in the world currently, especially when the ball falls on his left foot, there can’t be any stopping him from scoring. We have seen this 30 times over the course of the last season that his finishing from left foot was world class.
Vision in football is very important they say & this guy proved that in addition to having shooting & dribbling techniques, he had very good vision for setting up the goals. He provided 11 assists in 2008-09 season & scored as many as 20 goals for the season that won him the Arsenal player of the year. From last season, which would have been a disaster for Arsenal if not for RVP’s goals, we saw another side of him in the form of his team work & putting team in front. Many a time last season, we saw him operating & defending for the team when many strikers in the world wouldn’t do, especially when they are in such immaculate form. That showed us his down to earth personality putting team in front.
And no wonder Manchester UTD after a long struggle, got their main target of the season for as many reasons as possible – one is to get the goals from the finished & proven product at international level, two – to create a partnership that would on paper be the most looked forward with Wayne Rooney having scored around 60 goals between them last season for their respective clubs. If there’s anything to judge RVP at Manchester UTD now, then all the above qualities that I have mentioned that he possessed as being a gunner, is certainly evident from the first two months of the season – we have seen RVP being the major source of goals this season, which has prompted the Arsenal fans to call Manchester UTD now as a one man team. We have seen a thunderous header against Southampton that was world class vision & positioning, we have seen RVP defending & working for the team against Newcastle & setting up goals along the way as well. So vision, dribbling skills, shooting skills, working for the team is the essence & asset of RVP that any team can dream of having, If only he stays free of injuries.
Rooney:
Having joined Manchester UTD as a young 19 year old after a blistering & bright start to the career his career at Everton, Rooney was everyone’s choice from England to be the next star. He has indeed proved this at Manchester UTD & England that has won him the England Player of the year twice in 2008 and 2009. What are the skills does Rooney possess that is considered a boon to the team. Everyone remembers the famous curler that he scored against Arsenal as a 17year old that brought Arsenal’s unbeaten run to an end. He notched up a hat-trick & an assist on his debut to prove that his shooting skills were one of the best in the business. Rooney was one among a very few players who consistently notched up the double digit mark in the league over each of the five seasons from 2004-2009, proving that he’s indeed one of the best shooters of the game. Having been under the shadows of the great striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy until 2007 & further under the shadows of his best friend Cristiano Ronaldo, his goal scoring tally was never above the 25 goal mark per season until Cristiano Ronaldo decided to move to Real Madrid.
2009-10 season marked the first full season where we would see Wayne Rooney operating as the main striker & that proved to be the most epic season for him as he scored 34 times in all competitions that won him the PFA Player of the year award. And when nothing works well in front of the goal for him, he uses his other talent in being the team man & working for the team by helping UTD out in the defense, tackling in mid-field to set up the goals with such vision for his team mates, which probably he has developed along the way having played with the legendary Paul Scholes. His free kicks are one of the best in the business as everyone who witnessed that 8-2 mauling of Arsenal last season would agree upon. His team work, his vision, his attitude in going and winning the ball back after losing the ball, his shooting abilities which was once again proved last season when he scored 35 times are some of the assets that any team would love to have.
When the season begun this season for Manchester UTD, everyone thought that it was the end of Rooney since Sir Alex decided to play their new man RVP as the lone striker by putting Rooney on the bench. And many a fan indeed believed this hypothesis when Rooney was badly gashed. But history always says a different story & this is what we had to witness as until now.
Rooney-RVP combination:
Everyone had to wait for almost 10 games into the season to find this strike partnership playing together. It was probably the desperateness & the reason that UTD were not performing up to the mark convinced Sir Alex to try these together playing for the same team – a footballing fan & indeed a Manchester UTD fan’s dream. The partnership was tried against a mere Romanian team called Cluj who indeed tested UTD out to the maximum. That is when this pair rose to the occasion. Rooney providing a world class pass from about 40 yards from the goal that was meted out superbly by the left foot of RVP & allowing it to roll it towards the goal. The pass was such one of a kind that even Xavi, Scholes would have been proud of Rooney’s pass. It was World class vision. The finish was immaculate & so delicate that the ability of the RVP to be at the right place at the right time was tested & he came out with flying colors.
Next match against Newcastle, the same duo started together allowing us to analyze what could be the beginning of a worthy & developing partnership. RVP & Rooney worked such hard for the team against a hapless Newcastle defense, tackled successfully in the midfield (yes RVP even got booked for a rare tackle), both were at the heart of UTD’s defense clearing away threatening balls, Rooney taking free kicks (which brought out a save from harper, that lead to UTD’s 2nd goal), RVP putting in brilliant corner(that got the lead for UTD), the vision of Rooney & RVP to set up goals for their team mates (RVP’s through pass to Kagawa against Spurs that got them the 2nd goal) & not to forget they still have the immense & deadly shooting ability to their armory which can be unloaded anytime.
They still haven’t played much together to being called & judged as successful yet. As seen from the past, there needs to be one among any duo who would be the striker to set up & work for the team while the other keeps scoring (like Owen-Heskey, Bergkamp-Henry, Rooney-Ronaldo .etc). In this case, it seems so Sir Alex is all but set to make Rooney versatile by giving RVP the role of a sole Striker thereby asking Rooney to once again begin his kind-of partnership he had while Ronaldo was there. But this duo looks set to work for each other as well as for the team, bringing about an air of excitement, spark & promise with the two matches they have played together. If what the current scenarios are showing out to us, the versatility of playing different positions by them both, their immaculate finishing & visionary powers, dribbling & free kick ability, left-right foot combination, their thumping headers & the most important quality that legendary footballers have inherited – having that sixth sense of being at the right place at the right time. These are some reasons that makes me think – that another lethal partnership is in the forming & they can indeed play together for Manchester UTD & that’s what the fans need as well.
(Note: * The article is written by considering partnerships that has lasted long, while there may still be many other partnerships that were lethal but just lasted for a season & faded away.)
Argentina will be aiming for a record-breaking 16th Copa America title when they take on Colombia
The Copa America 2024 is set for an electrifying conclusion as defending champions Argentina face off against Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday. This highly anticipated final marks the first-ever Copa America final meeting between these two footballing powerhouses. Argentina aim to secure a record-breaking 16th title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
Argentina’s road to the final has been marked by grit and determination. They navigated a nerve-wracking penalty shootout against Ecuador in the quarter-finals before securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Canada in the semi-finals. Julian Alvarez opened the scoring, followed by a historic goal from Lionel Messi, who now stands as the second-highest male goalscorer in international football with 109 goals.
Argentina’s unbeaten streak now extends to 10 matches, and they remain unbeaten in major tournament knockout games on American soil since the 1994 World Cup. It is no understatement that they go into the clash as favourites.
Colombia are no pushovers, however. They have been in exceptional form. Since their 1-0 loss to Argentina in World Cup qualifying in February 2022, they have embarked on a record-breaking unbeaten run of 28 matches.
Jefferson Lerma’s header gave Colombia the lead before Daniel Munoz’s red card put them at a numerical disadvantage against Uruguay. Despite this setback, Colombia’s resilience shone through as they held on to secure their place in the final. The victory over Uruguay was marred by a brawl involving Uruguayan players and Colombian supporters, but Colombia’s focus remained unwavering. This final represents a chance for Colombia to end a long wait since their first Copa America triumph in 2001.
Team News and Predicted XI
Argentina
For the final, Argentina face no injury or suspension issues. Head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to maintain an unchanged lineup. The defence will feature a solid back four with Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Nicolas Tagliafico, with Emiliano Martinez as the goalkeeper.
In the midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul are anticipated to keep their places, even though Giovani Lo Celso and Exequiel Palacios are pushing for a start. Angel Di Maria is poised for his international farewell on the right wing. Alexis Mac Allister, who has been impressive on the international stage, will play a crucial role, linking up with Messi from the midfield.
Lionel Messi, who overcame a leg injury to play the full match against Canada, will lead the attack alongside Julian Alvarez. Lautaro Martinez, the tournament’s top scorer, is expected to begin on the bench and should be brought on in the second half.
Predicted Playing XI (4-4-2): Emi. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lis. Martinez, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, E. Fernandez, De Paul, Di Maria; Messi, Alvarez
Colombia
With Daniel Munoz suspended, Santiago Arias is set to start at right-back, joining Davinson Sanchez, Carlos Cuesta, and Johan Mojica in a solid four-man backline. Camilo Vargas will likely be the goalkeeper.
In midfield, Jefferson Lerma and Richard Ríos are expected to form the double pivot, providing protection for the defence and allowing the attacking players to push forward.
Captain James Rodriguez, who has recorded a tournament-high six assists, will continue in the number 10 role. He will be supported by Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Fluminense’s Jhon Arias on the flanks.
Jhon Cordoba, who has contributed with two goals and two assists, is expected to lead the attack, with Jhon Duran and Rafael Santos Borre available as options.
Predicted Playing XI (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Santiago Arias, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica; Rios, Lerma; Jhon Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Cordoba
Key Stats
- Victory will see Argentina win their 16th Copa America title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s illustrious history.
- Colombia are unbeaten in their last 28 international games.
- Argentina have won 26 of their 43 meetings against Colombia in all competitions.
- A win for Colombia will see them win just their second Copa America title, their first since 2001.
Match Deciding Duel
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina) vs James Rodriguez (Colombia)
Argentina have been solid in defence and penetrating their backline has proven to be a challenge for most sides in the competition. Colombia have a rather dynamic attack but will depend on the veteran James Rodriguez to act as the playmaker.
With the likes of Luis Diaz able to make the most of opportunities, the onus will be on Enzo Fernandez to ensure Rodriguez does not have space to manoeuvre in. The duel between the two players could certainly set the tone for which way the cookie crumbles on the night.
Prediction
Argentina 2-1 Colombia
The clash is likely to be an entertaining one with the midfield battle expected to set the tone for the result. Argentina. however, have more strength in depth and the ability to bring a player of Lautaro Martinez’s calibre off the bench in the second half is akin to a cheat code. The Inter Milan star is expected to lead the defending champions to a close 2-1 win on the night.
Spain and England will face off for continental supremacy in the Euro 2024 final
As Euro 2024 reaches its climax, the football world braces for a thrilling final between Spain and England at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. This highly anticipated match will determine the champions of Europe, with Spain looking to add to their illustrious history and England aiming to lift the Henri Delaunay Trophy for the first time.
Spain, guided by Luis de la Fuente, entered the tournament somewhat under the radar but quickly established themselves as a formidable contender. They navigated the so-called ‘Group of Death’ with ease, securing nine points from three matches against Croatia, Italy, and Albania. Impressively, they emerged from the group stage without conceding a goal to an opposition player.
In the knockout stages, Spain demonstrated their resilience and quality. A stunning 4-1 comeback against Georgia in the last-16 and a tense extra-time victory over hosts Germany in the quarter-finals showcased their grit and talent. The semi-final against France was another test of their mettle, with young star Lamine Yamal lighting up the Allianz Arena and Dani Olmo sealing the win.
Spain’s journey to the final has not been without challenges, but their blend of experience and youthful exuberance has seen them through. They now stand on the brink of history, aiming to become the first European men’s team to win four major tournaments consecutively.
England’s Euro 2024 campaign has been a rollercoaster. Gareth Southgate’s men had a mixed group stage, winning only once against Serbia and drawing against Denmark and Slovenia. Their knockout phase has been a tale of resilience and drama, coming from behind in both the last-16 and quarter-finals.
A lacklustre win over Slovakia and a penalty shootout victory against Switzerland set the stage for a semi-final clash with the Netherlands. Despite early setbacks, including a goal from Dutch prodigy Xavi Simons, England produced their best performance of the tournament. A late winner from Ollie Watkins, following a perfect penalty from Harry Kane, propelled them to their second consecutive Euro final.
Southgate’s squad has shown incredible determination and character, setting new records along the way. Kane’s scoring feats and the team’s ability to perform under pressure have been pivotal to their success.
We take a look at how both sides could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.
Team News and Predicted XI
Spain
Spain’s bad-tempered quarter-final against Germany saw Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand fall foul of the referee, leading to their suspensions for the semi-final. Both players are now back at De la Fuente’s disposal, bringing much-needed fresh legs to the Roja XI. Carvajal will replace Jesus Navas, while Le Normand should push Nacho to the bench.
Spain are expected to maintain a 4-3-3 formation with Unai Simon in goal. Daniel Carvajal and Marc Cucurella should hold the flanks in defence, while Robin Le Normand and Aymeric Laporte should form the centre-back pairing. Rodri should form the midfield pivot, with Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz pushing forward.
Skipper Alvaro Morata should lead the line with the electric duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams providing support. Morata was initially a concern given his freak injury after the win against France. Thankfully for Spain, he trained normally and should lead them out.
Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri, Olmo; Yamal, Morata, Williams
England
England arrive in Berlin with a fully fit squad, including Luke Shaw, who has recovered from injury. Shaw’s performance against Switzerland and his effective stint in the semi-final suggests he may start, replacing Kieran Trippier at left-back.
Southgate is likely to stick with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Jordan Pickford will guard the goal, with a back three of John Stones, Harry Maguire, and Marc Guehi.
Shaw and Kyle Walker will operate as wing-backs, while Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham form the midfield pivot. Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka will support captain Harry Kane in attack. Southgate has enough game-changers on the bench and it remains to be seen if he will have the nerve to make bold calls or play the long game and roll the dice.
Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Key Stats
- A victory on the night will see Spain secure their fourth title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
- A win for England will see them triumph in the European Championships for the first time in their history.
- Spain and England have faced off 27 times in all competitions. La Roja have won 10 games while England have won 14. Three games ended in a draw.
- England have never lost to Spain in a UEFA European Championship clash before.
Match Deciding Duel
Lamine Yamal (Spain) vs Luke Shaw (Spain)
Lamal has been a critical difference-maker for Spain in this year’s tournament and will hope to end it on a high. Up against the recently returned Luke Shaw, he will aim to run rings against the English veteran.
Shaw’s ability to get caught out could provide Yamal the space he needs to run into and put the English backline into disarray. This should also subsequently free up Dani Olmo to make his trademarks into the box.
Prediction
Spain 1-1 England (Spain to Win on Penalties)
England will be keen to end their trophy drought and also go one better than last time around. While they have a strong squad with plenty of depth, Southgate’s inability to take calculated risks should play right into Spain’s hands. It remains unlikely that the trophy will go ‘home’ anytime soon.
Argentina and Canada will face off in the first semifinal of Copa America 2024, a repeat of the competition opener from Group A
Canada have a golden opportunity to make history as they face defending champions Argentina in the first semi-final of Copa America 2024 at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.
In a rematch of their tournament opener, Canada can become the second CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America final. Both sides advanced to the semi-finals via penalty shootouts, with Argentina defeating Ecuador and Canada overcoming Venezuela after 1-1 draws in regular time respectively.
Argentina’s path to the semi-finals has been fortified by their exceptional defence and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The victory over Ecuador secures their fifth consecutive appearance in the Copa America semi-finals. Historically, Argentina have been strong at this stage, progressing in seven of their last eight attempts, with the only setback being against Brazil in 2019.
A triumph on Tuesday would mark the first time Argentina reached the Copa America final as defending champions since 1959. Scaloni’s team has been defensively sound, conceding just once throughout the tournament. The Albiceleste are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions, allowing only three goals during this period.
On the other hand, Canada has shown remarkable resilience since their initial loss to Argentina. Jesse Marsch’s squad has conceded just once in their last three games. They are the third CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America semi-finals in their debut appearance, following Honduras and Mexico. They are also the first from the region to advance this far since the USA in 2016.
This semi-final marks Canada’s fifth appearance in the final four of a continental tournament this century. They have progressed beyond this stage twice, in the 2023 Nations League and the 2000 Gold Cup. Canada aims to emulate Mexico’s 2001 Copa America run, where Mexico reached the final before losing to Colombia.
Argentina’s defensive stability and tactical discipline under Scaloni will be pivotal, also giving their world-class frontline a base to build upon. Canada, under Marsch, has transformed into a more disciplined and resilient team. Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies will be crucial in breaking down Argentina’s defence. SoccerSouls takes a closer look at this clash.
Team News and Predicted XI
Argentina
Lionel Messi was not at his best against Ecuador and will be keen to make amends for the penalty miss in the shootout. he missed the final group game with a hamstring injury but now appears to be back to full fitness.
Lionel Scaloni is likely to retain his flexible 4-3-3 formation with Emiliano Martínez in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Marcos Acuna.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes should perform the role of the pivot in the centre, giving Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister and the dynamic Rodrigo De Paul the freedom to push forward. Lionel Messi is expected to don the playmaker’s role with Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez leading the line. Angel Di Maria will offer Argentina another option off the bench should they need to shift gears.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Emi. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Acuna; Mac Allister, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez
Canada
Inter Milan Tajon Buchanan remains a major doubt for Canada after he suffered a broken tibia during training just days before their match against Venezuela. This injury puts his participation in doubt not just for the semi-final clash against Argentina but also for the remainder of the tournament.
Jesse Marsch has an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from for the clash and is expected to set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Maxime Crépeau in goal. The shot-stopper should be protected by the back four of Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, and Alphonso Davies.
Stephen Eustáquio and Jonathan Osorio should form the double pivot, freeing up Jonathan David to act as the playmaker. Cyle Larin should start up front, with Richie Laryea and Jacob Shaffelburg providing support out wide.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Osorio, Eustaquio; Laryea, David, Shaffelburg; Larin
Key Stats
- Argentina have never conceded a goal against Canada.
- Argentina have not lost a major tournament match on U.S. soil since a 3-2 defeat to Romania in the 1994 World Cup’s round of 16.
- A win on the night will see Canmada make it to their first-ever Copa America final at the first time of asking.
- Argentina have not made it to the final of the competition as defending champions since 1959.
Match Deciding Duel
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina) vs Derek Cornelius (Canada)
Lautaro Martinez is the top scorer in the tournament this season and has made it a habit of scoring late goals for Argentina. This augurs well for a side that is defensively compact, giving them a second wind to settle the game as the opposition gets tired. Derek Cornelius will have his hands full all night but will know that he cannot slack off for even a second with Martinez on the prowl.
Argentina’s ability to score late coupled with Canada’s vulnerabilities in the second half of the game makes for a thrilling finale in the final 30 minutes of the first semifinal. While Argentina do have several threats and matchwinners in their lineup, Martinez’s clinical touch has given them the edge this summer. He will certainly be aiming to make a difference once again on Tuesday.
Transfer Watch
Jonathan David
The LOSC Lille attacker is Canada’s trump card going forward and is expected to leave the Ligue 1 giants this summer. David is a pacy player whose ability to get into space and clinical ability in the box helps make a difference. While several clubs are keeping tabs on him, a solid showing against the defending FIFA World Cup holders will only help boost his profile among potential suitors.
David will be up against the meanest defence in the competition on the night. The duo of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez aren’t just formidable defenders but their ‘take no prisoners’ approach will certainly add a physical element to the duel. David is unlikely to come up against a meaner backline in the competition and how well he handles this challenge could determine his stock this summer.
Prediction
Argentina 2-0 Canada
Both teams will be familiar with each other having felt each other out on the opening day. The stakes are much higher this time round and Canada will be hoping for a monumental upset. Argentina were handed a late scare against Ecuador and that perhaps will ensure they don’t take Tuesday’s game for granted. The game should be a hard-fought one with Argentina’s match winners making the difference in the second half of the game.
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