It's Prediction Time (Weekend of 25th Mar)
Yes, the weekend is here again. Again I see tough games, so for those who likes to play a lot of matches, exercise cautious.Yesterday, I was eyeing the Chelsea vs Man City game but after looking at the possible start list, I think probably should not play this game. Doesn't look like a smart pick on Man City. Main reason is because there is no Andy Cole and thus the front line will be much weaker. This will give Chelsea less trouble at the back and more confidence to attack. But I won't pick Chelsea also because....Drogba cannot make it lah. Crespo is a much better option but I still think Mourinho will pick Drogba.After a few look and study, I think the Villa vs Fulham game is a good bet. Fulham is on a high after beating Chelsea and Villa on the other hand was hammered by Everton last week. Villa doesn't have to fire power up front and should not be too tough for the "not-so-good" Fulham defence. On the other hand, I expect Fulham's forward to give Villa lots of problem and probably score a goal or two and win the game. With Fulham taking the handicap, this is definitely a very good bet.Next game, Portsmouth vs Arsenal. Arsenal is definitely back at their best. With their current starting eleven in very good form and injured players like Van Persie and Reyes back, they now look even more lethal. Given that Portsmouth has registered two consecutive wins, a lost to Arsenal will not be seen a bad result. The only concern with this pick is that Arsenal needs to give 3/4 to Portsmouth. I am just not 100% sure if Arsenal can win more than one, one goal should not be a problem.Ok, let's talk tomorrow. Good Luck to all.
Soccer Simulation Game Part II. Do they love or hate CD pirates?
Soccer simulation game has basically now become another form of media. Just like radio, television, Internet. Comparing to radio and television, which is one-to-many, simulation game is basically one-to-one (usually you play alone). The radio and Internet is free while television is at an affordable price range. This cannot be say for game software, with one CD costing close to a hundred Sin, so how can the simulation game developer increase its reach, especially to the emerging Asian markets like China, where the average income level is much lower? One unorthodox strategy - pirated CD channel.
In the mature markets like Europe and Japan, sales of the original copies of the software will have already given the developers a very handsome profit.
In business point of view, mass volume is the King. Whichever channel that allows you to make the most sales is your most important asset. In this case, the pirated CDs, with a huge reach to the China and rest of Asia market could be the biggest "sales" channel for the developers.
The question is, since the developers doesn't make anything from the pirated CDs, so how can pirated CDs be consider a sales channel for them?
As mentioned in Part I, while playing the game, we get to know a lot of good players not heard of in the real world. Also, we will have more admiration for clubs that constantly perform better than the one we manage. This utimately created an awareness for the players and the clubs in the real world. With the better awareness, thus better marketing and sales of merchandises for the club and player.
It will of course not be surprise for clubs to approach these game developers to award their players and clubs with better inbuild ratings and abilities. While possible but not necessary true, teams like, for example Manchester United who wants to expand their fan base in China will definitely be very willing to "buy" the top team slot in the game.
This then indirectly make the pirated CD a sales channel for the game developer.......no?
A Short Chat with Rio Ferdinand (I am a good guy)
Recently, Rio Ferdinand was criticised by Jack Charlton who believes that he will be a liability for England in the World Cup. Jack thinks that Rio will be the weakest link and he should not be in England's first eleven. So, what has Rio has to say about this?
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CrazyGuru : Hello, Rio....is that you?
R.Ferdinand : Yes...yes...who is that?
CG : It is me, CG.
RF : Oh I see. Good to hear from you.
CG : Me too. How are things? I heard that Jack Charlton thinks that you are the weakest link in the England squad.
RF : That stupid old man. What does he know? He should spend more time with the senior citizens and play some chess instead of talking to the press.
CG : So, you think Erikkson may get affected?
RF : No way man. I am the best centre back in England you know. John Terry is good but I am of a higher class. You know how much Manchester United paid for me? $30mil, you know.
CG : Right.
RF : You know how much is $30mil? Does he know how much is $30mil? With no protection from the hair, I think his brain is suffering from the effect of the direct sunlight. He cannot think properly. Poor chap. I am going to buy him some sun blocks and a nice straw hat, with a pink ribbon on it. Then, I will get my brothers to knock some sense into him.
CG : Oh....is it too tough for an old man to take?
RF : I think so but no choice right. If he can't think properly, I have to help him. My heart really aches to see him go on like that. At this stage, I am still willing to help but if his condition gets worse and he says more things that is not pleasing to my ears, then not me, but my "brothers" may get really unhappy and very, very nasty.
CG : So, this is all for the good for Jack.
RF : Of course, it is all for him. You know, I don't say things about him. Like he has no hair or he is successful because of his brother, right? I am a nice guy you know, so I am not sure why people want to say things about me. Not just him. Roy Keane also, Sven Eriksson also. I have got my PRs to draw up a PR project call "The Good Innocent Ferdinand Campaign".
CG : So, what is it all about?
RF : Present a good image at public places. So, some of the things I need to do. Shake hands with all the oppositions after game, wear spectacles instead of sunglasses, wear shirts and pants instead of torn jeans, be spotted in library and orphan home instead of pubs and bars, appear with only one and same girl always.
CG : Sounds good. But is a torture for you right?
RF : Ya but it is ok lah, my PRs will arrange more private parties for me. You know, those that you can go wild and nobody will know about it.
CG : Oh.....you lucky boy.
RF : Ha..ha.....ok, got to go. Talk later. Bye.
CG : Bye.
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"A short chat" is a fictional conversation that came to CrazyGuru's mind while daydreaming.
Soccer Simulation Game Part 1 : Guess how powerful they have become
If you have played soccer simulation games like Championship Manager or FA Manager, you will be more familiar, compare to those who don't, with a lot of players that you don't previously notice.
A couple of years ago, when you saw Wayne Rooney scored that wonder goal against Arsenal, you will probably have told the guy sitting next to you that you already know he is going to be this good. He is one of your star player in your CM team.
So, beside been able to(sort of) tell the future, what else have you learned from the game? It tells you who are the emerging youngster, the good players you have missed out and who are the indispensible ones. It creates an awareness for these players. Football fans will watch out for them during games, be more interested in news related to them, increasing the player's overall marketing value. It is definitely a new form of marketing, and definitely a technically superior one because the player has "proven" their ability - in the simulation game environment though. Clubs can look forward to better transfer value of the player and also higher sale of products endorsed by that player.Soccer simulation game developers has definitely become very powerful.
Chelsea lost to Fulham shows they're afterall mortals
Fulham’s win over Chelsea on Sunday showed that Chelsea is not unbeatable. The truth is, before the Fulham match, you could start to see “cracks” appearing in the Chelsea’s setup. I put the blame on Mourinho’s confidence. He doesn’t seem to be as confident as he used to.
Look at the Champion’s League matches against Barcelona, his strategy even involved roughing up the pitch, which doesn’t sound smart at all. Next, his bust up with West Brom’s boss, Bryan Robson after Arjen Robben was sent off for a dangerous tackle. Mourinho was clearly worried about whether his team can keep the lead. The relief in his face after Joe Cole scored the winning goal was clearly evident. He also seem to trust his team lesser, especially after his players allowed a very normal Middlesborough to put 3 goals against them and basically have no reply at all, losing 3-nil eventually.
Finally, Mourinho’s recent declaration that he is not the “Special One”. Why oh why? When he has always been telling everybody he is special and implying that he is the best in the business. Is it a sign that he is losing it or a realisation that he is at best, considered one of the best manager not a class above the rest.
I dare to make two bold predictions; Chelsea will only win the league this season with 7 or less points over the 2nd position team(Now they are 12pts in front of Man U) and they will not be win the league next season.
A Short Chat with Graeme Souness (I can be the England Manager)
It has been a while since I last spoke to a football celebrity. So, I thought since the weekend matches were over, can give one of them a call. Who knows, before I can decide who to call, someone called me. And he is no other than Mr. Graeme Souness. Souness has have no success in club management but he has express interests in the England job. So what makes him think he is suitable for the England job? Let’s see.
G.Souness : Hello Guru.
CrazyGuru : Hello Souness, I am surprise to receive your call.
G.S : I will be too but I really need to talk to someone.
CG : Oh….ok. Hope I can be of help.
G.S : You see. We all know that the England manager post will be vacant after the World Cup, so I was thinking since I am no longer the manager at Newcastle, the England job sounds interesting.
CG : Oh, I didn’t know that you will be interested.
G.S : Oh ya. I really want that job badly. I fit the criteria. I am a Brit and ......and…...ya, you know, I have also brought success to the clubs I managed. Oh, most important of all, my sincerity.
CG : Oh….ok. But….ur…..your record has not been that good, you know.
G.S : My luck was not that good then. Come on, you know right. With all those injuries to my players, it is difficult to win games. But I am really sincere, I will do anything, anything…..ok, you want to know how sincere I am?
CG : Ur..….ok.
G.S : Ok, I will bark like a dog now. {Barking sound} How is it? Can you hear it? Ya? Can you feel it? My sincerity.
CG : Oh….ah…..ya(embarrass)
G.S : You don’t sound convinced. Ok, here is more…...{more barking and howling sound}. Wait….hear this {panting sound} I am wagging my tail, can you hear it? You feel it? Ya?
CG : Oh….I can feel it! Ya, I can.
G.S : Good. But I think it will take more than that to convince the FA. So, I have added more tricks. Ok, hear this. (Souness shouting) “Throw it now”. AH…..Yes I got it.
CG : What was that?
G.S : I did the flying catch of the freebie with my mouth. You think it is a good trick to express my sincerity?
CG : Ya….I think so.
G.S : I hope I can do a two meter leap by the time I meet them. Also, what do you think of a pissing by the tree act? And also a record breaking, 1,000 set of humping motion in a minute. I got a really good spinal cord, you know.
CG : Sounds good.
G.S : (Excited) You think so? I feel more confident now. Ok, I have to go back to my intensive training. Bye.
CG : All the best in your interview. Bye.
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"A short chat" is a fictional conversation that came to CrazyGuru's mind while daydreaming.
Weekend Game(19th Mar 06) continues
I thought it was a lucky win for Tottenham last night. The first half was very even and probably Birmingham should have score but again with a striker like Heskey.......(sign)......what more to say, just ask the Liverpool fans. If Birmingham has lead in the first half, I think they would have won the game as they will have the psychology advantage.
In the end, it was the team that took their chance that won.
Ok, let's see tonight. Yesterday, I say take Liverpool against Newcastle. Today, I am sticking to the same prediction. That Solano said in the paper that he will make Liverpool regret for not signing him. From what I see, I think Liverpool will beat Newcastle and let Solano know that he is not good enough for Liverpool.
The main thing that points to a Liverpool win is that the Newcastle defence is really bad. They will not be able to cope with Crouch for high ball and they doesn't close down the strikers quick enough.
So, still a Liverpool win tonight.
