Radio Playlist

Here is the playlist from my radio programme on Tipperary Mid West Radio which took place on 13/12/2014.

I Wanna Be Adored - The Stone Roses

Merry Christmas Everybody - Slade

I Fought The Law - The Clash

Eez-eh - Kasabian

A Design For Life - Manic Street Preachers

Blue Moon - Beck

Everyday Robots - Damon Albarn

Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana

The Faker - TY Segall

Do I Wanna Know? - Arctic Monkeys

This Charming Man - The Smiths

Turn It Up - Robert Plant

Yellow - Coldplay

Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve

Don't Go Away - Oasis

Handbags And Gladrags - Stereophonics

A Day In The Life - The Beatles

Sleep Like A Baby Tonight - U2

Dancing In The Dark - Bruce Springsteen

Is This It? - The Strokes

Hurt - Johnny Cash

Take Me To Church - Hozier

Creep - Radiohead

Fairytale Of New York - The Pogues

Going Underground - The Jam

Copyright Seamus Egan 2014.

Weekend Predictions

It's prediction time again for this weekend's 10 games in the Premier League. 3 points for the correct score and 1 point for the right result.

Saturday

Chelsea v West Brom  (2-1)

Everton v West Ham (1-0)

Leicester v Sunderland (1-1)

Manchester City v Swansea (3-1)

Newcastle v QPR (2-1)

Stoke v Burnley (1-0)

Arsenal v Manchester United (2-2)


Sunday

Crystal Palace v Liverpool (1-1)

Hull v Spurs (1-3)

Monday

Aston Villa v Southampton (1-1)

© Seamus Egan 2014

Weekend Predictions

There will be 10 more games in the Premier League this weekend. Here are my predictions. 3 points for the right score and 1 point for the correct result.

Follow me on twitter  @SeamusEgan5

Saturday

Newcastle United v Liverpool (2-2)

Arsenal v Burnley (2-1)

Chelsea v QPR (2-0)

Everton v Swansea (1-1)

Hull v Southampton (2-1)

Leicester v West Brom (3-2)

Stoke v West Ham (1-1)

Sunday

Manchester City v Manchester United (2-1)

Aston Villa v Spurs (0-0)

Monday

Crystal Palace v Sunderland (2-1)

© Seamus Egan 2014

Premier League Predictions

The Barclays Premier League returns this weekend after the international break. There will be 10 more games over the next 3 days. The following are my predictions. It is 3 points for the correct score and 1 point for the right result.

Saturday

Manchester City v Spurs (3-2)

Arsenal v Hull (2-1)

Burnley v West Ham (1-2)

Crystal Palace v Chelsea (1-1)

Everton v Aston Villa (3-1)

Newcastle United v Leicester City (2-1)

Southampton v Sunderland (2-2)

Sunday

QPR v Liverpool (0-1)

Stoke City v Swansea (2-1)

Monday

West Brom v Manchester United  (1-3)

© Seamus Egan 2014

 

Premier League Predictions

The Ryder Cup and All Ireland hurling final replay maybe taking place this weekend but life also goes on in England's Premier League. There will be 10 games over the next 3 days including 2 derby matches. Last week I only scored one point so surely I can't do any worse this weekend. Right? 3 points for a correct score and 1 point for the right result.


Saturday

Liverpool v Everton (2-1)

Chelsea v Aston Villa (2-1)

Crystal Palace v Leicester (1-1)

Hull v Manchester City (1-3)

Manchester United v West Ham (4-3)

Southampton v QPR (2-1)

Sunderland v Swansea (1-0)

Arsenal v Spurs (1-0)

Sunday

West Brom v Burnley (2-1) 

Monday

Stoke v Newcastle (3-1)

© Seamus Egan 2014

Premiership Predictions

There will be 10 more games in England's top division this weekend. Already there have been some big games this season. This Sunday there will be another one in Manchester between City and Chelsea. Both sides had disappointing results midweek in the Champions League against German clubs. Chelsea did the double over City in the league last season. Will Frank Lampard have the final say against his former club? 
We will know the answer at about 6.p.m on Sunday evening. Below are my predictions for this game and the other 9 contests which will take place over the next two days. 3 points for the correct score and 1 point for the right result.


Saturday

QPR v Stoke (1-2)

Aston Villa v Arsenal (0-0)

Burnley v Sunderland (1-1)

Newcastle v Hull (1-0)

Swansea v Southampton (1-0)

West Ham v Liverpool (1-3)

Sunday

Leicester v Manchester United (1-2)

Spurs v West Brom (1-0)

Everton v Crystal Palace (2-1)

Manchester City v Chelsea (2-1)

© Seamus Egan 2014

Premiership Predictions

The Premiership will return this weekend after the international break. The following are my predictions. Three points for correct score and one point for the right result.


Saturday

Arsenal v Manchester City (1-1)

Chelsea v Swansea (2-1)

Crystal Palace v Burnley (2-2)

Southampton v Newcastle (2-1)

Stoke City v Leicester City (3-1)

Sunderland v Spurs (1-1)

West Brom v Everton (0-1)

Liverpool v Aston Villa (3-2)


Sunday

Manchester United v QPR (3-1)

Monday

Hull City v West Ham United  (1-2)



© Seamus Egan 2014

Premiership Predictions

There will be 10 more games over the next 3 days including a meeting between last season's top 2 teams in the Premiership. Here are my predictions. 3 points for the correct score and 1 point for the right result.

Saturday

Aston Villa v Newcastle (1-1)

Chelsea v Leicester (3-1)

Crystal Palace v West Ham (0-0)

Southampton v West Brom (2-1)

Swansea v Burnley (3-2)

Everton v Arsenal (1-2)

Sunday

Hull v Stoke (0-1)

Spurs v QPR (2-1)

Sunderland v Manchester United (1-1)

Monday

Manchester City v Liverpool (2-1)

© Seamus Egan 2014

Premiership Predictions

The 2014/2015 Premiership season will begin tomorrow. Below are my predictions for this weekend's opening fixtures.

Random Fact Of The Week : Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has got 9.6 million followers on Twitter.


Saturday

Manchester United v Swansea (2-0)

Leicester v Everton (2-1)

QPR v Hull (1-1)

Stoke v Aston Villa (3-1)

West Brom v Sunderland (1-2)

West Ham v Spurs (2-2)


Arsenal v Crystal Palace (3-0)

Sunday

Liverpool v Southampton (3-1)

Newcastle v Manchester City (1-2)

Monday

Burnley v Chelsea (0-1)

© Seamus Egan 2014

World Cup Final

Germany became the first European team to win the World Cup on South American soil after Mario Gotze's excellent extra time winner meant that they won football's ultimate prize for the first time in 24 years in Rio tonight.

Germany, who were dealt a blow shortly before kick off when they lost Sami Khedira through injury, had most of the play in the opening quarter hour but Argentina threatened on the counter attack on a couple of occasions.

The South American side managed to create the first chance in the 4^th minute. After a German free kick came back off the wall Lavezzi broke on the counter attack. He got away from Mats Hummels, who struggled all night, and his cross was diverted into the path of Gonzalo Higuain by Jerome Boateng. The Napoli striker shot across the face of goal from a narrow angle but couldn't find the target.

Higuain had an even better chance to put his team in front in the 21^st minute. His opportunity came from a German mistake. Toni Kroos headed back towards his own goal from deep inside his own half. However Higuain got in behind the German defence and was through on goal. He only had Manuel Neuer to beat, decided to take the strike on early but it was a poor effort which was wide of the post.

The Germans had their first shot in anger in the 37^th minute. Andre Schurrle who came on for the injured Kramer played a one two with Thomas Meuller after he got away from Pablo Zabaleta. After Schurrle received the ball back from his team mate the Chelsea player shot from the edge of the area but Sergio Romero read it well and parried it to safety.

Argentina had another chance a couple of minutes later. Garay played a long ball in behind the German defence. Lionel Messi got away from Mats Hummels but Neuer came out to narrow the angle and take the sting out of Messi's shot before Boateng cleared.

Shortly before the break Germany had their best chance of the half. Kroos took a corner from the right which picked out left back Benedikt Howedes six yards out. Howedes headed powerfully towards goal but his effort came back off the post and was then gathered by Sergio Romero.

Argentina and Lionel Messi had an excellent opportunity at the start of the second half. Lucas Biglia strode forward unchallenged from midfield. He played it to his captain who was unmarked. Once again an Argentine forward found himself one on one with Neuer although it was a slightly narrow angle. Messi shot across goal with his left foot but the ball just shaved the post.

Miroslav Klose had a half chance on the hour mark. German captain Philip Lahm got the better of Biglia on the right hand side. His cross picked out the World Cup's record goalscorer about eight yards out. Klose rose to get his header away but there wasn't enough power behind it to trouble Romero.

An excellent move by Germany nearly led to the first goal nine minutes from the end of normal time. Lahm's precise pass picked out Ozeil who got the better of Rogo down the left. The Arsenal man set up Toni Kroos, who arrived from midfield with a lovely pass. Kroos struck first time on his right foot but like most of the the efforts on goal up to this stage it was off target and wide.

Germany had another opportunity at the beginning of extra time. Both substitutes combined. Mario Gotze who came on in the 88^th minute got the better of Garay and played it back to Andre Schurrle eight yards out. Schurrle struck it first time on the half volley. It was on target but Sergio Ramero showed excellent reflexes to punch the shot away to safety.

Then in the 7^th minute another substitute had an excellent chance to put his side in front. This time Marcos Rogo's excellent cross field pass picked out Rodrigo Palacio who got in behind Hummels. Palacio controlled it on his chest but Manuel Neuer came off his line very quickly. This seemed to unsettle the Inter Milan striker who could only toe poke it over the bar.

Germany's two substitutes combined again seven minutes from time but this time the result was more significant. Andre Schurrle made an excellent run down the left hand side and despite the close attention of Javier Mascherano, he managed to cross left footed. Gotze who got away from Martin Demichelis and controlled it on the chest before finishing brilliantly on the volley with his left foot to finally beat Romero.

Messi had a couple of late efforts on goal. However his header and then his free kick in the last minute didn't come close to threatening Neuer's goal. Nicola Rizzoli blew the final whistle of the 2014 World Cup shortly afterwards. German captain Philip Lahm, who was outstanding for his side after he went to right back raised the trophy triumphantly.

Germany; Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm (c), Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Benedikt Howedes; Bastian Schweinsteiger, Christoph Kramer (Andre Schurrle 32); Thomas Meuller, Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozeil (Per Mertesacker 120); Miroslav Klose (Mario Gotze 88).

Booked; Bastian Schweinsteiger (29), Benedikt Howedes (33).

Argentina; Sergio Romero; Pablo Zabaleta, Ezequiel Garay, Martin Demichelis, Marcos Rogo; Enzo Perez (Fernando Gago 86), Javier Mascherano, Lucas Biglia, Ezequiel Lavezzi (Sergio Aguero 46); Lionel Messi (c); Gonzalo Higuain (Rodrigo Palacio 78).

Booked; Javier Mascherano (64), Sergio Aguero (65).

Referee; Nicola Rizzoli (Italy).

© Seamus Egan 2014

Brazil 1-7 Germany

Brazil lost heir first competitive game at home since 1975 when they were hammered 7-1 by a ruthless German side in the semi final of the World Cup in Belo Horizonte tonight. Two goals from Toni Kroos and Andre Schuerrle and one each from Thomas Meuller, Miroslav Kose and Sami Khedira mean that Germany qualified for the World Cup final for the first time since 2002.

After a slow start to the game Germany soon got into their stride and nearly took the lead in the 8^th minute when Sami Khedira's goalbound shot hit his team mate Thomas Meuller. However just a couple of minutes later they did go in front.

Toni Kroos took a corner from the right hand side which picked out his Bayern Munich club mate Meuller who was unmarked and he finished cooly from the edge of the six yard box to net his 5^th goal of this tournament and his 10^th World Cup Finals goal in total. Soon after Jocheim Low's side scored 4 goals in 7 minutes to end the game as a contest.

They managed to doubled their lead in the 23^rd minute when Miroslav Klose made history. Kroos played it into the area to Mueller whose touch found Klose. His first shot was saved by Julio Cesar but when the rebound came back to the Lazio striker he finished to the empty net to score his 16^th goal in the World Cup which means that he has now scored one more goal than Ronaldo and is the leading scorer in the history of this competition.

Remarkably just two minutes later it was 3-0. After Philip Lahm crossed from the right Thomas Mueller miskicked it in the direction of Toni Kroos who finished beautifully into the corner of the net on his left foot past Julio Cesar.

Germany got a fourth just a minute later. Kroos was involved again. He dispossessed Fernandinho deep inside his own half before Khedira played him in and the German midfielder finished calmly to the net to score his second of the night.

It was all too easy for Germany and Sami Khedira, who was outstanding in the first half got in on the scoring act on the half hour mark. Mats Hummels beat David Luiz, who was caught in no mans land in a challenge. Khedira controlled the ball, played a one two with his former Real Madrid team mate Mezuit Ozeil before finishing all too easily past the helpless Brazil goalkeeper to net his first goal of the tournament.

Brazil started the better of the two teams in the 2^nd half and managed to create a chance in the 50^th minute. Fred played in substitute Ramires on the right. The Chelsea midfielder's cross looked destined to find the unmarked Oscar who would have had an open goal to aim at but Manuel Neuer managed to dive full length to cut out the cross. Then in the space of a couple of minutes Neuer saved from both Oscar and Paulinho.

However it wasn't too long before there was to be more misery for the host nation. Midway through the second half Marcelo was caught out of position and captain Philip Lahm got forward from right back to play in substitute Andre Schuerrle who took it off the toe of Thomas Meuller before side footing it into the net to make it 6-0.

Schuerrle created more history for Germany in the 79^th minute. They became the first team to score 7 goals in a World Cup semi final when the Chelsea player finished brilliantly on the half volley with his left foot from a narrow angle.

Brazil did manage to score a late goal. Marcelo's ball over the top picked out Oscar who cut inside Jerome Boateng before finally beating Manuel Neuer to give the host nation the smallest bit of consolation.

Soon after the Mexican referee blew the final whistle on a night when Germany fully exposed the weaknesses and limitations of this Brazil side, particularly in the absence of Neymar and Thiago Silva. The result means that the Germans qualified for their 8^th World Cup final. They will play either Argentina or Holland in Rio on Sunday.

Brazil; Julio Cesar; Maicon, David Luiz (c), Dante, Marcelo; Luiz Gustavo, Fernandinho (Paulinho 46); Bernard, Oscar, Hulk (Ramires 46); Fred (Willian 70).

Booked; Dante (68).

Germany; Neuer; Lahm (c), Boateng, Hummels (Mertesacker 46), Howedes; Khedira (Julian Draxler 77), Schweinsteiger; Mueller, Kroos, Ozeil; Klose (Andre Schuerrle 58).

Referee; Marco Rodriguez (Mexico).

© Seamus Egan 2014.

Argentina 1-0 Switzerland

Argentina qualified for the quarter finals of the World Cup after beating Switzerland 1-0 thanks to a dramatic extra time winner form Angel Di Maria in Sao Paulo tonight in their last 16 encounter.

Argentina who once again did not look like potential winners started sowly and had to wait until the 25^th minute to create their first opportunity. Captain Lionel Messi's left footed free kick foot from the right hand side picked out Gonzalo Higuain but he couldn't keep his header down.

Switzerland created the best two chances of the first half. Two minutes after Higuain's miss the impressive Xherdan Shaqiri got in down the right and played it back to Xhaka whose shot was on target. However Sergio Romero managed to save it with his foot.

Otmar Hitzfeld's side had an even better chance in the 39^th minute. After breaking on the counter attack Shaqiri's brilliant crossfield ball played in Josip Drmic. The Nuremberg striker only had Sergio Romero to beat and he decided to try and chip the Argentina goalkeeper but his effort was tame and it was a comfortable take for Romero.

Five minutes into the second half Shaqiri was involved again. The Bayern Munich player got in down the left hand side and pulled it back for Drmic but the Swiss striker could not keep his effort down.

Lionel Messi created another opportunity for his team close to the hour mark. He strode forward and played it to Ezequiel Levezzi. Levezzi's quick pass picked out Rogo who broke forward from left back. His shot was on target but straight at Benaglio who pushed it away.

The South American side came even closer in the 62^nd minute. Marcos Rogo's excellent cross from the left picked out Higuain. The Napoli striker's header was going in but Bengalio denied him his first goal of the tournament by tipping it over the bar.

Substitute Rodrigo Palacio very nearly scored with his first touch in the 75^th minute. Messi was the creator again. The Argentina captain played in a beautiful ball from the left which picked out Palacio six yards out. The Inter Milan striker got his head to it but the ball flashed across the goal and went wide.

Switzerland could have won it in injury time. Inler's free kick kick from the right picked out centre back Fabian Schaer eight yards out. He got his head on it but the effort was too high and the Basel defender held his head in his hands because he knew that was a chance to win it for his country.

The game went to extratime and Argentina had the only chance of the first period. Lionel Messi's free kick was met by the head of Palacio. The ball looked destined to end up in the corner of the net but Diego Benaglio, who had an outstanding game stretched far enough to make the save.

At the start of the second period of extratime the Wolfsburg stopper pushed Angel Di Maria's stinging shot away for a corner.

Just as it looked as if the game was heading for a penalty shootout Lionel Messi was the creator for Argentina again. After Wilson Palacio won the ball back the Argentina captain got away from Schaer and drove at the heart of a tiring Switzerland defence. As usual the Barcelona player picked out the right ball. His pass to the right played in Angel Di Maria who seemed rejuvenated in extra time. The Real Madrid forward kept his cool and side footed into the net with his left foot.

However Switzerland weren't prepared to go down without a fight and should have equalized in the first minute of injury time. Shaqiri's cross from the left found substitute Bezrim Dezmaili six yards out. He had a free header and looked certian to score but somehow hit the post. The rebound came back hit Dezmaili and went wide.

After a late Shaqiri free hit the Argentina wall referee Jonas Eriksson blew the final whistle. Once again Lionel Messi was the main inspiration behind an Argentina victory at this World Cup. Alejandro Sabella's side will next play either Belgium or United States in the last 8 in Brasilia on Saturday.

Argentina; Romero; Zabaleta, Fernandez, Garay, Rogo (Jose Basanta 115); Gago (Lucas Biglia 106), Mascherano, Di Maria; Lavezzi (Rodrigo Palacio 74), Messi, Higuain.

Booked; Rogo (90), Angel Di Maria (120), Garay (120+3).

Switzerland; Benaglio; Lichsteiner, Djorou, Schaer, Rodriguez; Inler, Xhaka (Gelson Fernandes 66), Behrami, Shaqiri; Mehmedi (Belrim Dzemaili 113); Drmic (Haris Seferovic 82).

Booked; Xhaka (36), Fernandes (73),

Referee; Jonas Eriksson (Sweeden).

© Seamus Egan 2014

Cameroon 1-4 Brazil

Brazil will play Chile in the last 16 of the World Cup after beating Cameroon 4-1 in Brasilia tonight. The result means that Luiz Felipe Scolari's side won group A on another night when Neymar was the inspiration behind the victory.

The host nation started very brightly and nearly took the lead in the second minute. Neymar played it to his right to Hulk who pulled it back for Paulinho but his shot was cleared off the line by Allan Nyom.

Cameroon's first effort on goal arrived in the 9^th minute. Enon's deflected cross reached Vincent Aboubakar whose shot looked to be heading in but was blocked by Marcelo.

Brazil went in front in the 17^th minute. Luiz Gustavo won the ball back just inside the halfway line. The Wolfsburg midfielder's excellent cross picked out Neymar who was unmarked in the area and the golden boy of Brazilian football side footed into the corner of the net past Charles Itandje.

Cameroon equalized in the 26^th minute. Allan Nyom got the better of Dani Alves down the left hand side. His precise cross picked out Joel Matip unmarked at the back post. David Luiz was ball watching and Matip was there to put it into an empty net.

The five time winners went back in front in the 34^th minute. After Allan Nyom's clearance went straight to Marcelo the Real Madrid full back played it first time to Neymar. Brazil's number 10 advanced towards the edge of the area and his right foot shot sent Itandje the wrong way. It was his 4^th goal of the tournament and once again the home side were back in control of the group.

It was was almost like watching Brazil on the stroke of half time when the host nation should have increased their lead. Neymar and Oscar combined superbly down the left before Paulinho set up Hulk who looked certain to score but hesitated before his shot was deflected for a corner.

Fred finally got in on the scoring act four minutes into the second half. Substitute Fernandinho played it to his left to David Luiz. The defender who will play for Paris St-Germain next season crossed for Brazil's number 9 , who looked offside but he didn't hang around and headed it into the empty net.

Neymar was replaced by Willian with 20 minutes to go presumably with the second round in mind. Brazil showed that they can score without their star player in the 85^th minute. Cameroon gave the ball away deep in their own half. Oscar who had a quiet game played it into the path of Fernandinho and the Manchester City midfielder who impressed after coming on finished neatly into the far corner.

After four minutes of injury time Brazil's four goals were enough to win the the match and the group. The party will continue until the weekend at least for the host nation. They will be joined in the last 16 by Mexico after their 3-1 victory over Croatia means that they finish second in the group and will now play The Netherlands in Fortaleza on Sunday.

Cameroon; Charles Itandje; Allan Nyom, Nicholas Nkoulou, Henri Bedimo, Stephane Mbia, Joel Matip, Enoh Eyong, Laudry Nguemo, Benjamin Moukandjo (Edgar Salli 59), Vincent Aboubakar (Pierre Webo 72), Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting (Jean Mokun 81).

Booked; Enoh Eyong (11), Edgar Salli (75), Stephane Mbia (80),

Brazil; Julio Cesar; Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo, Paulinho (Fernandinho 46) Luiz Gustavo, Oscar, Hulk (Ramires 63), Fred, Neymar (Willian 72).

Referee; Jonas Eriksson (Sweeden).

© Seamus Egan 2014

Spain 0-2 Chile

Chile joined Holland in the last 16 of the World Cup after they beat Spain 2-0 in Rio tonight. The result also means that the defending champions are out of the competition. Goals from Eduardo Vargas and Charles Aranguiz gave Jorge Sampouli's side the points.

Chile who were all in white on the night started the better and they came close to scoring in the first minute. After Jordi Alba's deflection nearly went into his own net Gonzalo Jara headed the corner which followed just wide.

Spain created their first real chance on the quarter hour mark. After Chile gave the ball away in midfield, Diego Costa who had another poor game at the World Cup, advanced towards the opposition's penalty area. His shot across goal was gathered by Iniesta. The Barcelona player's cross eventually broke to Xabi Alonso who tried to place the ball int the net but Claudio Bravo got down sharply to save.

A fine team move led to the opening goal for Chile in the 20^th minute. After Alonso lost possession an excellent passing move involving four players ended with Alexis Sanchez passing to Charles Aranguiz whose cross picked out Eduardo Vargas. The Valencia striker controlled it on his left foot and finished with his right past Iker Casillas.

Diego Costa missed a great chance to level the scores in the 27^th minute. Andres Iniesta, who was among Spain's better players tonight, took a quick free kick. David Silva headed it into the path of Costa who could only scuff his shot into the side netting from 6 yards out.

The 2010 winners were made to pay for that miss as things went from bad to worse for Spain just before half time. After Xabi Alonso committed a foul about 25 yards from goal, Alexis Sanchez stepped up to take the free kick. His shot was only parried away by Casillas straight into the path of Charles Aranguiz. Aranguiz struck a perfect right foot shot into the corner of the net to put the Spainards on the brink of elimination.

Vicente Del Bosque's team had an excellent chance to get back into it early in the second half. Andres Iniesta picked out Diego Costa with a sublime through ball. The Athletico Madrid striker looked certain to score but Mauricio Isla deflected his effort away.

Sergio Busquets missed a sitter soon afterwards. After Chile failed to properly clear a free kick Diego Costa's bicycle kick found Busquets who somehow side footed wide from inside the six yard box.

Chile should have gone three nil up midway through the second half. Eduardo Vargas was involved again on the counter attack before the ball reached Mauricio Isla at the back post. However the Juventes defender could only put it over the bar from six yards out.

Spain who were all in red nearly pulled one back in the 80^th minute. Iniesta plyed it to substitute Santi Cazorla. Cazorla's shot from the edge of the area was heading to the corner of the net but was pushed away for a corner by the outstanding Bravo.

Iniesta and Carzola again were denied by fine saves from the Chile goalkeeper late on. Following six minutes of injury time Chile's victory guaranteed that along with Holland their six points from their first two group games guaranteed qualification for the last 16. Spain's defeat means that one of the pre tournament favourites will not be in contention to claim football's ultimate prize this year.

Spain; Iker Casillas; Cesar Azpilicueta, Sergio Ramos, Javi Martinez, Jordi Alba; Xabi Alonso (Koke 46), Sergio Busquets; Pedro (Santi Cazorla 76), David Silva, Andres Iniesta; Diego Costa (Fernando Torres 64).

Subs not used; Pepe Reina, David De Gea, Gerard Pique, Raul Albiol, Juanfran, Xavi, Cesc Fabregas, Juan Mata, David Villa.

Booked; Xabi Alonso (40).

Chile; Claudio Bravo; Mauricio Isla, Gary Medal, Gonzalo Jara, Eugenio Mara; Charles Aranguiz (Felipe Gutierrez 65), Marcelo Diaz, Francisco Silva, Arturo Vidal (Carlos Carmona 88); Alexis Sanchez, Eduardo Vargas (Jorge Valdivia 86).

Subs not used; Johnny Herrera, Cristopher Toselli, Jose Rojas, Jose Pedro Fuenzalida, Miiko Albornoz, Esteban Paredes, Jean Beausejour, Mauricio Pinilla, Fabian Orellana.

Booked; Arturo Vidal (26), Eugenio Mara (61).

© Seamus Egan 2014

France 3-0 Honduras

France went to the top of Group E after they beat Honduras 3-0 in both side's opening match of the 2014 World Cup at Porto Alegre tonight. Two goals from Karim Benzema, and an own goal from Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares guarenteed the French three points.

It wasn't until the 15^th minute that France created their first opportunity. Mathieu Valbuena who started brightly took a free kick on the right hand side. Jerry Bengston headed it clear but only as far as Blaise Matuidi whose shot was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Noel Valladares.

Les Bleus came close again in the 23^rd minute. Manchester United's Patrice Evra broke down the left and picked out Antoine Griezmann with a precise cross. Griezmann's goalbound effort came back off the crossbar.

The first half's major talking point occured in the 43^rd minute. Paul Pogba controlled the ball in the penalty area and went down under a challenge from Wilson Palacois. Referee Sandro Ricci awarded the penalty and gave the Stoke City player a second yellow card. Karim Benzema scored from the spot to give Didier Deschamp's side the lead.

France doubled their lead early in the second half. Yohan Cabaye picked out Karim Benzema with an excellent crossfield pass. Benzema hit it first time on the half volley from a narrow angle. The ball hit the post and came back off Vallarades. Despite the best efforts of the Honduras goalkeeper to keep it out goal line technology showed that the whole of the ball crossed the line.

It was almost three in the 64^th minute. Good posession and build up play ended with Evra picking out Blaise Matuidi. Matuidi struck first time from six yards out but he could only find the side netting.

Honduras managed to get their first and only shot on target midway through the second half. Oscar Boniek Garcia seized on a mistake from Antonio Mabuva. Boniek got his shot away but there wasn't enough power behind it to trouble Hugo Lloris.

Benzema got his second and France's third of the night 18 minutes from time. The ball broke to him on the right hand side of the area and he hit a powerful right foot shot which found it's way into the top of the net.

Benzema would have got had a hat trick but was denied by the Honduras goalkeeper from close range. The 1998 champions saw the game out comfortably and they will seldom have an easier game than this in World Cup football.

France; Hugo Lloris; Mathieu Debuchy, Raphael Varane, Mamadou Sakho, Patrice Evra; Blaise Matuidi, Paul Pogba (Moussa Sissoko 56), Mathieu Valbuena (Olivier Giroud 78), Yohan Cabaye (Antonio Mabuva 65); Antoine Griezmann, Karim Benzema.

Subs not used; Stephane Ruffier, Mickael Landreau, Lucas Digne, Barcary Sagna, Laurent Koscielny, Eliaquim Mangala, Morgan Schneiderlin, Loic Remy, Remy Cabella.

Booked; Patrice Evra (7), Paul Pogba (27), Yohan Cabaye (45+2).

Honduras; Noel Valladares, Brayan Beckeles, Victor Bernardez (Osman Chavez 46), Maynor Figueroa, Emilio Izaguirre; Andy Nagar (Jorge Claros 58), Wilson Palacois, Luis Garrido, Roger Espinoza; Jerry Bengston ( Oscar Boniek Garcia 46), Carlo Costly.

Subs not used; Donis Escober, Luis Lopez, Juan Carlos Garcia, Juan Pablo Montes, Edder Delgado, Mario Martinez, Marvin Chavez, Jerry Palacios, Rony Martinez.

Booked; Wilson Palacois (27), Boniek Garcia (53).

Sent off; Wilson Palacois (43).

© Seamus Egan 2014

England 1-2 Italy

Italy beat England by 2 goals to 1 in their opening match in group D of the World Cup in Manaus tonight. Goals from Claudio Marchisio and Mario Balotelli gave Cesare Prandelli's side victory.

Roy Hodgson's team started brightly and very nearly took the lead in the 4th minute. Liverpool's Raheem Sterling gathered possession in the Italian half. He went around the former Liverpool player Gabriel Paletta. Sterling shot from about 25 yards out. It was an excellent effort which hit the side netting. Soon after his Liverpool teammate Jordon Henderson was denied by a fine save from Salvatore Sirgiu in the Italian goal.

A long range shot from Antonio Candreva in the 19th minute caused Joe Hart some problems. The England goalkeeper could only parry Candreva's effort but there was no Italian nearby to take advantage of the rebound.

England came close again in the 24th minute. Glen Johnson found Danny Wellbeck down the right hand side. Wellbeck got round Paletta and looked to play in Daniel Sturridge but Andrea Barzagli made an excellent intervention to prevent an almost certain goal.

Italy took the lead somewhat against the run of play in the 35th minute. They worked a short corner on the right hand side. The ball found its' way to Andrea Pirlo who dummied it. Claudio Marchisio picked up possession and his right foot shot from about 25 yards out went into the corner of the net.

However England deservedly got back on level terms just a couple of minutes later. Raheem Sterling played a wonderful ball down the left hand side to release Wayne Rooney. Rooney's brilliant cross picked out Daniel Sturridge who finished expertly on the half volley from 6 yards out.

Italy nearly went back in front just before half time. Andrea Pirlo picked out Mario Balotelli. Hart came out to narrow the angle. However the AC Milan striker managed to chip the ball over his former Manchester City teammate. It was going in but Phil Jagielka got back to head it off the line.

Sirgiu was busy again early in the second half. He dived low to his left to deny Sturridge who struck from outside the area. That save looked even more important shortly afterwards. The impressive Candreva cut inside Leighton Baines  and crossed left footed from the right hand side. He picked out Mario Balotelli at the back post and Balotelli got away from Gary Cahill to head the Italians back in front.

Italy defended for the majority of the match thereafter and Wayne Rooney missed a terrific chance to equalize in the 62nd minute. Leighton Baines played a pass in behind the Italian defence and picked out Rooney. The England striker controlled it and shot from about 8 yards out but put it wide.

Midway through the second half Chillieni foulded Sturridge about 25 yards from goal.  Baines took the resultant free kick. It beat the wall but Sirigu dived low to his left to push it away for a corner.

England had another chance from a dead ball 6 minutes before the end of normal time after Daniele De Rossi fouled Adam Lallana close to the edge of the area. Steven Gerrard took the set piece but it was too high.

Italy captain Pirlo nearly wrapped it up in injury time. He struck a beautiful free kick from well outside the area which beat the wall swerved and beat Hart but came back off the crossbar.

Italy went on to win the game and are now second in the group behind Costa Rica on goal difference. It was a brave performance from England who came close to getting a result but just fell short. Pirlo was excellent once again for Italy.


England; Hart, Johnson, Jagielka, Cahill, Baines; Gerrard (c), Henderson (Wilshire 73), Wellbeck (Barkley 61), Sterling, Rooney; Sturridge (Lallana 79). 


Italy; Sirigu; Darmian,  Barzagli, Paletta, Chiellini;  De Rossi, Pirlo (c); Candreva (Poarolo 79)  Veratti (Thiago Motta 57), Marchisio; Balotelli (Immobile 73).

© Seamus Egan 2014

The Greates Show On Planet Earth.

The greatest show on earth will begin tomorrow. The first game of the 2014 Fifa World Cup between the host nation Brazil and Croatia will kick off at 9.p.m Irish time in Sao Paulo. Over the next month, 64 games will be played to decide who will claim football's greatest prize.  The Final will take place on Sunday July 13th at 8.pm Irish time in Rio. I believe that the World Cup is the best sporting event on the planet. So obviously I am really looking forward to the next month and watching as much football as possible. I will also be providing reports on some of the games throughout the competition.

For the purposes of this blog I sought the views and opinions of some other football fans regarding the World Cup. 14 people in total answered 3 questions. Thanks to everybody who contributed. 

1: Who do you think will win the World Cup?

4 people went for defending champions Spain. The same number tipped two time winners Argentina to triumph again. 4 people also fancy hosts Brazil to emerge victorious for the first time since 2002. 2 people think that Germany will be champions this year.
The history books tell us that no team since Brazil in 1962 have defended the title, while the last host nation to win it were France in 1998. 

2: Who do you believe will be top scorer?

Argentina's Lionel Messi was top choice here with 5 individuals opting for the Barcelona player. 3 people believe that another South American player, Luis Suarez of Uruguay will top the scoring charts in Brazil. Messi's team mate Sergio Aguero and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo have been tipped by 2 people to score most goals during the tournament.  Fred and Neymar from the host nation were also tipped to finish as leading goalscorer.

3: How far will England go in the Tournament?

7 people believe that England will reach the quarter finals, while the other 7 do not think that England will get out of their group. In the last 4 World Cups that they have played in England have reached the 2nd round twice and the quarter finals twice.

All these questions and more will be answered over the next month. Good luck to all of the 32 teams taking part. Enjoy the football.

© Seamus Egan 2014.

Shamrock Rovers 1-1 Limerick

Two missed penalties, a red card and a late late goal all contributed to a dramatic night at the Tallaght Stadium where Shamrock Rovers and Limerick drew 1-1 in the Airtricity Premier Division on Friday.

Following a slow start, the first real chance of the game didn't arrive until the 12^th minute. After Limerick failed to properly clear a Shamrock Rovers free kick, the ball broke to Kieran Marty Waters on the left of the area. The former Bray winger shot across the face of goal but his effort shaved the post and went wide.

Just two minutes later Limerick went in front from a set piece. Shane Tracy delivered from the left hand side and Rory Gaffney was there to guide his header into the corner of the net much to the delight of manager Stuart Taylor who didn't hesitate to show his joy.

Rovers came close to getting back on level terms shortly afterwards. Waters was fouled on the edge of the area. He played a clever free kick to Gary McCabe. McCabe's effort looked destined for the corner of the net but Barry Ryan, who had an eventful night, dived low to his right and made a fine save.

The home team continued to have most of the possession as the half went on but struggled to create any clear cut opportunities. The visitors, who wore all yellow, were resolute in defence of their lead.

Indeed it was Gaffney who nearly added a second in the 37^th minute. Ryan Brennan gave the ball away inside his own half. The red haired Limerick striker gathered possession and went around a couple of Shamrock Rovers players. He then hit a fine strike from about 25 yards out which went just wide.

Trevor Croly's team were presented with a chance to equalize at the start of the second half. Left back Robbie Williams fouled Gary McCabe on the edge of the area. McCabe, who didn’t have one of his better nights in a Hoops jersey, took the resultant free kick but it was a disappointing strike which went over the top.

There was drama in the 63^rd minute. Referee Rob Rodgers awarded a penalty to Shamrock Rovers and then booked Samuel Oji. Gary McCabe stepped up to take the spot kick. He hesitated before hitting it to the right of Ryan. However the Limerick goalkeeper dived the correct way and made the save.

The Hoops dominated most of the play as the game went on but Limerick who were constantly urged on and encouraged by their manager, in contrast to his opposite number who remained subdued for much of the match, continued to give little away.

Jason McGuinness who was a threat from set pieces throughout the match did come close in the 83^th minute to an equalizer. Sean O'Connor's corner from the left was met by the head of the Rovers centre half but his effort went wide.

Limerick who were also backed by constant support from their travelling fans  throughout, continued to get men behind the ball to very good effect as the game drew towards its' conclusion.

It looked as if they were going to emerge victorious until deep into injury time. From a Rovers corner goalkeeper Barry Ryan fouled Karl Sheppard. Referee Rob Rodgers gave the home side their second penalty of the night. He also gave Ryan his second yellow card.

Limerick had used all of their substitutions so Keith Tracy went in goal. Substitute Sean O'Connor took the penalty. Tracy saved but Jason McGuinness headed the rebound into the net much to the relief of the home fans.

After six minutes plus of injury time Rodgers blew the final whistle to end the contest. It was a match which was not high on quality but there was plenty of drama in it to keep everybody present on the edge of their seats until the end.

Shamrock Rovers: Barry Murphy: Simon Madden, Robert Cornwall, Jason McGuinness, Luke Byrne: Gary McCabe, Ryan Brennan, Shane Robinson (c), Robert Bayly (Karl Sheppard 58), Kieran Marty Waters (Sean O'Connor 77): Ciaran Kilduff.

Subs not used: Craig Hyland, Sean Heaney, David O'Connor, Evan Osam.

Booked: Shane Roinson (84), Jason McGuinness (90+2).

Limerick: Barry Ryan: Shaun Kelly, Samuel Oji, Stephen Folan, Robbie Williams: Prince Agyemang (Danny Galbraith 71), Shane Duggan (c), James McGrath (Darragh Rainsford 79), Jason Hughes, Shane Tracy: Rory Gaffney (Ross Mann 90).

Subs not used: Shane Cusack, Tony Whitehead, Colm Murphy, Patrick Nzuzi.

Booked: Prince Agyemang (29), Samuel Oji (63), Barry Ryan (90).

Sent off: Barry Ryan (90+4).

Referee: Rob Rodgers.

© Seamus Egan 2014

on Friday night.

Premiership Predictions

There will be 10 more games in the very competitive English Premier League over the next 3 days. Here are my predictions. 3 points for the correct score and 1 point for the right result.



Saturday

Southampton v Everton (1-1)

Fulham v Hull (2-1)

Stoke v Spurs (2-1)

Swansea v Aston Villa (1-2)

West Brom v West Ham (3-2)

Manchester United v Norwich City (1-1)

Sunday

Sunderland v Cardiff (2-0)

Liverpool v Chelsea (2-1)

Crystal Palace v Manchester City (0-1)

Monday
 
Arsenal v Newcastle (4-1)

© Seamus Egan 2014

Radio Playlist

Here is the playlist from my programme on Tipperary Mid-West Radio which took place on Saturday 5th April 2014.

Just Can't Get Enough - Depeche Mode

Flick Of The Finger - Beady Eye

Finetime - Cast

Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine - The Killers

Becoming A Jackal - The Villagers

The Rocker - Thin Lizzy

The Right Right Thing - Johnny Marr

Irish Blood, English Heart - Morrissey

Help - The Beatles

Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac

Hey Hey My My - Neil Young

Massive Nights - The Hold Steady

Colours - Frank And Walters

Walking In The Winter - The Coral

You Know You're Right - Nirvana

Come As You Are - Nirvana

Fools Gold - The Stone Roses

Beetlebum - Blur

Connection - Elastica

Florida - Luke Temple

Karma Chameleon - Culture Club

White Riot - The Clash

In The City - The Jam

To Be Someone - Noel Gallagher

Talking Backwards - Real Estate

One - U2

Song 2 - Blur

© Seamus Egan 2014

Premiership Predictions

There will be 10 vital games in The Premiership this weekend. Here are my predictions. It is 3 points for the correct score and 1 point for the right result.

Saturday

Spurs v Fulham (2-1)

Aston Villa v Southampton (1-0)

Cardiff v Stoke (0-0)

Newcastle v Swansea (2-1)

West Ham v Crystal Palace (2-1)

Chelsea v Sunderland (1-0)

Sunday

Norwich v Liverpool (1-3)

Hull v Arsenal (2-4)

Everton v Manchester United (1-1)

Monday

Manchester City v West Brom (3-2)




© Seamus Egan 2014.

 

Weekend Predictions

This weekend the biggest game of the season so far will take place at Anfield between league leaders Liverpool and League Cup winners Manchester City. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers plans to "unleash" the power of the home supporters on City, while Manuel Pellegrini does not believe that victory for either side will decide the destination of the title. Three points for either team will not guarantee victory in the league but will put them in pole position. Chelsea, who are still very much in contention will play Swansea later on Sunday afternoon.

There will also be a crucial match at the bottom of the table between Norwich, who sacked Chris Hughton earlier this week, and Fulham who gave themselves some hope of staying up with victory at Villa Park last Saturday. I don't understand why Norwich decided to sack Hughton with five games to go and  replace him with Neil Adams, somebody who has never managed at this level. Time will tell if proves to be the correct call by the Canaries board.

I will also predict the scores of the two FA Cup semi finals while I am at it. It is 3 points for the correct score and 1 point for the right result. The predictions for the FA Cup matches are for 90 minutes.

Saturday

Premier League

Crystal Palace v Aston Villa (2-1)

Fulham v Norwich (2-2)

Southampton v Cardiff (2-1)

Stoke v Newcastle (2-0)

Sunderland v Everton (1-1)

West Brom v Spurs (1-1)

FA Cup

Wigan v Arsenal (1-2)

Sunday

Premier League

Liverpool v Manchester City (2-2)

Swansea v Chelsea (1-2)

FA Cup

Hull v Sheffield United (3-1)

© Seamus Egan 2014

Premiership Predictions

Here are this weekend's 10 predictions for the Premier League in England. 3 points for the right score and 1 point for the right result.

Saturday

Manchester United v Aston Villa (2-1)

Crystal Palace v Chelsea (1-2)

Southampton v Newcastle (1-0)

Stoke v Hull (2-1)

Swansea v Norwich (1-1)

West Brom v Cardiff (2-1)

Arsenal v Manchester City (1-2)

Sunday 

Fulham v Everton (1-1)

Liverpool v Spurs  (3-1)

Monday

Sunderland v West Ham (1-0)

© Seamus Egan 2014

Bohemians 1-3 Shamrock Rovers

Shamrock Rovers continued their unbeaten start to the 2014 SSE Airtricity League season with a 3-1 win against bitter rivals Bohemians at Dalymount Park on Friday night. Gary McCabe, Ronan Finn and Kieran Marty Waters got the goals for the Hoops.

There was little to choose between the teams in the opening 45 minutes. However after a tense opening to the game the visitors were presented with a golden opportunity to take the lead on the quarter hour mark. Gary McCabe cut in from the right hand side. As he advanced towards goal Jack Memery brought him down in the area. Referee Padraigh Sutton pointed to the spot. McCabe stepped up to take the kick and sent it into the net past Dean Delany.

Bohs did have the ball in the net on the half hour mark through striker Dinny Corcoran but the goal was ruled out for offside. Just a minute later Rovers threatened to score a second. McCabe found Simon Madden in space on the right. Madden's cross was met by Ciaran Kilduff but he could only head it wide.

The Gypsies created their best chance of the half in the 34^th minute. After Steven Beattie made his way into the Shamrock Rovers penalty area, the ball broke to Paddy Kavanagh. His effort was blocked by Conor Kenna but the rebound fell to Kevin Devaney whose shot hit the crossbar and went over.

Ronan Finn tested Delany early in the second half when he hit a fine long range effort which the Bohemians goalkeeper struggled to parry away.

Bohs substitute Jason Byrne almost made an immediate impact after he came on for Kevin Devaney. Beattie's pass put Byrne through on goal. His first shot was saved by Barry Murphy. The rebound fell to the home side's number 10 but this time Conor Kenna was there to clear it off the line.

Owen Heary's side did manage to get back on level terms in the 65^th minute. Corcoran played it to his right to Derek Pender who raced forward from right back. Pender's dangerous cross was met by Rovers captain Kenna who could only put the ball into his own net.

However Trevor Croly's team retook the lead in the 74^th minute. This time it was Rover's right back Simon Madden who got forward to good effect. He cross from the right was headed back across  goal by Ciaran Kilduff to the onrushing Ronan Finn who was there to head it into the net from close range.

Just three minutes later it was 3-1. The outstanding Madden got the better of Memery down the right hand side. The former Derry player's cross picked out substitute Kieran Marty Waters who like Finn before him headed home from close range.

McCabe almost added a fourth in the 88^th minute. After the visitors broke on the counter attack Jason McGuinness found his teammate who cut in from the left and curled a right foot shot which just shaved the post.

The Hoops ran out comfortable winners in the end. Their victory means that they have 7 points from their first three league games, while Bohemians first defeat of the season means that they will remain on 4.

Bohemians: Dean Delany; Derek Pender, Roberto Lopes, Aidan Price, Jack Memery (Karl Moore 78); Steven Beattie, Craig Walsh (Stephen Traynor 75), Kevin Devaney (Jason Byrne 56), Ryan McEvoy, Paddy Kavanagh; Dinny Corcoran.

Subs not used: Daniel Byrne, Keith Buckley, Philip McCabe, Lee Murphy.

Booked; Paddy Kavanagh (23), Ryan McEvoy (44), Jason Byrne (66), Craig Walsh (72).

Shamrock Rovers; Barry Murphy; Simon Madden, Jason McGuinness, Conor Kenna, Luke Byrne;  Ryan Brennan (Robert Bayly 78), Shane Robinson: Gary McCabe, Ronan Finn, Sean O'Connor (Kieran Marty Waterts 75); Ciaran Kilduff.

Subs not used; Rob Cornwall, Karl Sheppard, Eamon Zayed, Dean Kelly, Craig Hyland.

Booked; Ronan Finn (54).

© Seamus Egan 2014