Weekend Watch: Yo, Everton

By: Bob | January 12th, 2007

All around the world men are throwing on shorts and strapping on cleats so that they can chase after a ball for 90 minutes. How could something so simple be so beautiful? Think about that a bit while you check out the footie action this weekend and while you keep an eye on these matches.

Saturday

CD Nacional de Madeira vs. Braga – If the season ended today the fourth place Arsenalists from Braga would get one of the UEFA Cup qualifying spots from Portugal. Alas, the season does not end today and they’d like a result against a CD Nacional de Madeira side that is right on their tails.

Marquense vs. Petapa – It is a new day and a new season as these two teams officially kick off the Clasura in Liga Nacional de Guatemala. Marquense is riding high after finishing second in the 2006 Apertura tournament. Petapa’s entry in Wikipedia could use some work.

Cambridge Utd vs. Stafford Rangers – Historians disagree when Stafford Rangers were founded. Some say the club was formed in 1876, others say it was 1891 and still others say the club was founded by a bible class in 1877. All of this is a nice distraction as one tries to forget that the Staffmen are currently languishing in 17th place in the Nationwide Conference in England.

Inter Milan vs. Torino – Inter can write their name in the history books by winning a Serie A record 12th consecutive game if they come out on top against Torino.

Sunday

Everton vs. Reading – He’s beaten Mr. T, he helped to bring down the communists and he has witnessed Pele’s acting skills in person, but perhaps the greatest adversary Sylvester Stallone will ever face is watching Everton play for 90 minutes. Today is the day when Sly hangs at Goodison Park.

Real Madrid vs. Real Zaragoza – Do you suppose FC Dallas, the Columbus Crew and the Chicago Fire will all have scouts on hand to watch David Beckham sit on the bench?

Willem II Tilburg vs. NAC Breda – Who is this William II character and why does he have a Dutch team named after him. Wonder no more. The club is named after Dutch king Willem II (1840-1849), who, as Prince of Orange and commander of the Dutch army, had his military headquarters in Tilburg during the Belgian uprising of 1830. Might be a good club to support if the Belgians ever rise up again.

Panama vs. Armenia – Bitter rivals Panama and Armenia square off in an international friendly that will probably be very unfriendly because these two countries hate each other more than life itself. Just kidding.

Alajuelense vs. Liberia – The lads from Liberia must have to travel a long way to play in Costa Rica’s Clasura tournament. What’s that you say? Liberia is a city in Costa Rica? Nevermind…