EUROPEAN CUP 2008
------------------------------

Wah. a bad time to be an England fan. Their hopes of making it for Euro 2008 do not lie in their hands. They need the results in the Israel-Russia and Macedonia-Croatia matches to go in their favour. Not a good situation to be in to be sure. And even if they do get the desired results, they still have it all to do against Croatia at Wembley. Croatia a tough team to be for anyone. With both Rooney and Owen out, and their 2 backline lynchpins, Ferdinand and Terry out, it is gonna be a clanger.

Scotland are 90 minutes away from history. They have had a better than expected qualifying campaign thus far, with the highlight being the 0-1 victory over France at Stade de France. With France's draw with Morocco yesterday,qualification is thrown wide open in Group B. It is even possible than Scotland could beat Italy tonight to qualify, and then Italy could use their game in hand to go through at the expense of France. I would like to see the Tartan Army at Euro 08. But would be a pity if either France and Italy were not there too.

Another intriguing match tonight is the Wales vs Rep. of Ireland match. Although both teams are virtually out of the equation, this match is more about bragging rights than qualification for Euro 2008. With all the EPL stars on display it should be a full-blooded match.

In the news
----------------------

-The Novena exorcism case is sure getting weird. Now there is talk of an adulterous affair between the defendant and her 'brother'. With all the drama and shenigans this trial sure takes some beating. I am not sure how the judge presiding keeps a straight face as all the soap opera theatrics unfold.

The S-League season comes to a close as Home United and SAFFC go head to head in one of the most nailbiting title races in years.And Tampines Rovers are not out of it yet as they have a game in hand and trail SAFFC by 5 points. After their stalemate in their match at the Bishan Stadium, it leaves SAFFC with a slight edge of a point advantage. But they face a daunting match against Gombak United next. So watch this space.

Singapore are in with a shout for the next round of the World Cup qualification. Holding a precious 2-0 lead from the first leg against Tajikistan, Singapore can even afford to lose by a one goal margin to advance. Then Singapore will be facing one of the Asian kingpins in the group stages. But Tajikistan is a tough place to go to with the adverse weather conditions, poor pitch and the less than ideal preparations leading up to this match. But this Singapore team is more organised and steely than many others. They are after all the champions of ASEAN..


As the Democrats and Republican presidential hopefuls lay in their parting shots as they close in on their party nominations. As it stands now Hillary Clinton looks likely to be the Democrat candidate, although I kinda favour Barack Obama myself. But his inexperience at this level may work against him in the end.On the Republican side of things Rudy Giuliani looks the likely candidate.

There is this big ASEAN meeting this week in the Lion city. And hopefully with Singapore as the head, we will actually get some things done this round. No more fence sitting and political posturing. ASEAN has proven to be largely ineffective and toothless in its dealings with errant members and found to be unable to find a consensus on most matters. With the signing of an ASEAN charter that will give the 10 member grouping some teeth, it remains to be seen how things will pan out. A litmus test of how ASEAN will deal with the bloody Myanmar crackdown and military regime.The world is watching.
Oh..and singapore, be prepared for checks and jams in and around the city centre. and remember,no protests, hor.

The state of emergency in Pakistan has tested all sides. The US has to handle this matter well.Pakistan is a useful ally in the region. So the US has refrained from outright censure of Gen. Musharraf and his methods. Benazir Bhutto is back in the fray as well,after her self-imposed exile. With deposed Nawaz Sharif in talks with Bhutto of some sort of coalition or co-operation, could be make-or-break time for all the parties involved.

Been watching the developments in the on-going Pedra Branca trial at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. For the record, I think Singapore has the stronger case, but that is just me. Both sides have agreed to abide whatever decision the ICJ gives. To finally bring to a close this long standing issue.










.
~DO LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS~