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Steve Clarke Sails The West Brom Ship Along Modest And Stringent Waters – The Next Economist?
One of the more surprising rumours to emanate from this weekend’s round of Premier League football was the rumour linking AS Monaco to West Bromwich Albion’sco. The French principality club had used £50 million of owner Dmitriy Rybovlev’s oil-money to sign Radamel Falcao in the summer, but have now allegedly turned their attentions to the rather cheaper option of Berahino, the nationalised immigrant from Burundi who earns a paltry £850 a week on his current deal at the Hawthornes.
Berahino had just scored his second league goal of a season for a West Brom side who sit eleventh in the Premier League table after arresting a slow start to the season with a run of just one defeat in seven games. It is Berahino who best epitomises the respectable, unsung job Steve Clarke continues to do in the West-Midlands, building a progressive, well-equipped side on a modest budget. Finishing eighth in his first season in charge after spending just £4 million in the summer, Clarke was given a bigger wallet this year by chairman Jeremy Peace, spending £12 million on the likes of Victor Anichebe and Stephane Sessegnon.
There was a fear that the absence of Romelu Lukaku, who chose Everton as his preferred loan destination for this season after scoring 17 goals for the Baggies last season, would have a destabilising effect, but Clarke has found a gem in Berahino. After coming to England to seek asylum from war-torn Burundi, the striker joined Pheonix United before moving to West Brom’s Centre of Excellence aged 12. Signing his first professional contract in the summer of 2011, he is now on the verge of an England call-up after his blistering form which has seen him score 6 goals in 9 games, including a League Cup hat-trick against Newport. Furthermore, his impressive goal-scoring rate has translated to his time with the England under-21s, managing four from his first three caps with Gareth Southgate’s team.
His rise has been noticed by Roy Hodgson, familiar with Berahino after his time as a manager at the Hawthornes, and now looks set to hand him his first senior call-up as England prepare to take on Germany and Chile in World Cup warm-up friendlies. All this while Clarke is urging caution
“My own personal opinion is that he is not quite ready for full international football. It is not for me to tell Roy how to do his job, but that is my personal opinion” he said, “People are trying to push him too far too quickly. Give the boy time to grow and develop.”
His latest goal against Crystal Palace, a clinical finish after controlling a cross from Sessegnon, suggests he is doing just that, very quickly. Much to the satisfaction and the annoyance of Clarke of course, who will surely have to hand Berahino a much improved wage in order to fend off the growing interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton.
James Morrison, the creative Scotsman who occupies West Brom’s right spot, has been particularly glowing in the commendation of his young team-mate, saying his form is a result of an improved attitude.
“He was a bit big-time really,” said Morrison. But he has realised that and since then has never looked back and been a model professional. He has worked extremely hard, come back in pre-season and lost a lot of weight and looks fit”
Also significant about Berahino’s strike against Palace was not only that it came as a substitute, similar to the goal he scored against Manchester United at Old Trafford, but for the identity of the man he came on for. Billy Jones’s pulled muscle meant that for the first time this season, Clarke’s back-line of Jones, Gareth McAuley, Jonas Olsson and Liam Ridgwell was disbanded.
Steve Clarke
Only 5 sides have conceded less than the 10 they have shipped and if they had not met Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge in such dazzling form when they traveled to Anfield, it would have been a more impressive tally. Settled continuity has been the theme behind their solid start, as well as the fine protection offered to them by the midfield duo of Claudio Yacob and Youssuf Mulumbu.
Yacob, one of last year’s top signings after arriving on a free transfer from Racing Avellaneda, has continued his excellent form, boasting a 90% pass success rate as well as averaging a healthy 3.6 tackles per game, 36 in total. He is the best at the club in both statistics with Mulumbu alongside him registering 21 tackles and 35 interceptions so far. It is a solid, settled partnership, they have been separated for just 2 of their opening 10 games, snappy in the tackle and tenacious, a fiercely competitive spine that has been assembled on just £175,000, the fee West Brom paid Paris St Germain for the services of Mulumbu back in 2009.
They have all provided the stable foundations to allow the attacking quality of the excellent Sessegnon and Berahino to thrive, as well as that of Morgan Amalfitano, the 28 year old loanee from Marseille, who has been a revelation with 2 goals, 2 assists and created 16 chances so far. Only 10 goals have been scored, spread out between just 6 scorers, though in the likes of Shane Long, Nicolas Anelka,Victor Anichebe, Scott Sinclair operating as back-up to Sessegnon, Berahino and Amalfitano, Clarke can be assured that he has enough strength in depth to suggest that the dearth of goals won’t be a problem for too long. The games with Manchester United and Arsenal saw them register 12 shots on goal in both, 4 points the reward for impressive attacking freedom and fearless confidence.
The win at United, a display of calculated counter-attacking, reaped their first victory at Old Trafford in 35 years. There assured display was indication of the shift in mentality at the club, from perennial yo-yo club (a tag fitting with their “Boing Boing” adage) to consolidated Premier League outfit, they are now looking upwards under an ambitious Clarke.
His work on constructing a deeply talented squad which soundly mixes top-flight experience with the raw potential of the young, all on a wage bill that stood at just £48.3 million as recently as February, has been astute and commendable. Due a fair amount of credit for that has been Peace, the chairman who has not only run the club eminently, but also attracted the likes of Anelka and Diego Lugano to the club while strictly maintaining a wage bill that runs at a 75% proportion to their turnover. Peace has only had to sack one manager, Roberto Di Matteo, since the Italian directed them to the Premier League two years ago, Hodgson’ departing the club to take the job of England coach. The FA’s appointment of Dan Ashworth to the post of Head of Elite Development after 8 years with the Baggies is reflective of the brilliant job done behind the scenes which is now beginning to bear fruit in the likes of Berahino.
Many will hold disappointment at the lack of home-grown talent being nurtured at West Brom’s academy in recent years, though it will be hoped that the emergence of Berahino, plus the £3 million a-year investment pledge after the £2.5 million renovation work at their Great Barr training ground was handed category one status in the FA’s Elite Player Performance Plan, will be a significant boost for the club’s progression. Clarke and Peace will be optimistic that it will change the fortunes of a facility that lost 16 year-old Isiah Brown and attracted interest from the bigger sharks of Arsenal and Liverpool in 14 year old Yan Dhanda. The latter saw the chairman so incensed that he threatened to scrap the club’s youth system.
Those currently receiving coaching at the site in Halfords Lane will be inspired by Berahino’s climb to the top that started off against the odds, bringing to the assurance of many that a breakthrough into a Premier League side should not be an unreachable dream. With Clarke running the club with sound judgement underneath the discerning ownership of Peace, there will be plenty of incentive for the next generation of players. For now though, things are looking very bright for West Brom.
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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