Estonian development against all the odds

Regular readers of my blog will by now know that I’m a bit of a romantic and a dreamer when it comes to football. For me, nothing beats a good underdog when it comes to football romanticism. 

As you might expect I’ve taken great joy from following the recent exploits of Estonia’s national team.

Estonia gained independence from the USSR in 1991 and has a population of just over 1.3 million people. The small Baltic state has never been famed for its football. Between 1946 and 1991 not a single Estonian was chosen to play for the Soviet Union national side. Between 1969 and 1982 Estonia was the only Soviet republic that didn’t have a club in the Soviet Union’s football league. In fact during Soviet occupation Estonians fell out of love completely with the beautiful game. Estonians claimed that the sport was a Russian past-time that was of very little relevance to ordinary ethnic Estonians. From the 70s onwards the sport was played almost exclusively by Russian immigrants. 

Post-independence, controversial efforts have been made to re-create a national identity. Politicians have constructed strict conditions for citizenship in an effort to strengthen Estonian culture and nationalism. Only those of Estonian blood have been granted automatic citizenship, meaning 30% of the country is ineligible for automatic citizenship. The descendants of Russian and Belorussian immigrants have been very vocal in their opposition of this law. In order to gain citizenship they must first learn fluent Estonian, and pass numerous history and culture exams. This has angered many Russian immigrants who had lived peacefully in Estonia for decades prior to independence. 

In football similar efforts have been made to re-invent the sport as Estonian. In matches fans sing traditional Estonian songs, and proudly fly the national flag. 

Though football has grown in popularity since independence, the national side has at times been a laughing stock. In 1997 the team failed to turn up for a home World Cup qualifier against Scotland, prompting the infamous Tartan Army song “One team in Tallinn.” 

Former Arsenal reserve keeper Mart Poom was voted the country’s best footballer of the last 50 years in 2003. With all due respect, this award highlights the low standard of players that Estonia has been producing since World War Two. In 2009 Estonia hit an all-time low as they fell to 138 in the FIFA World Rankings following a humiliating 7-0 defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Not once since 1991 had Estonia risen into the top 60 in the world..... until 2011!

They are now 58^th in the FIFA World Rankings following an incredible qualifying campaign for Euro 2012 that could still see them qualify for the tournament. Estonia won their final game of qualification, 2-1 against Northern Ireland in Belfast. The spirited victory at Windsor Park on Friday night put Estonia 2^nd in Group C, a point ahead of Serbia. Miraculously the Baltic minnows still have a decent chance of qualification going into the last game day of qualification.

Serbia need at least a draw away to Slovenia in order to take second place in the group. Estonia’s players will be spending Tuesday night sat at home, keeping a nervous eye on events in Ljubljana. Should Serbia lose against Slovenia it would mean Estonia finishing second in the group, and qualifying for the Euro 2012 play-offs.

This is already Estonia’s most successful qualification campaign ever, having amassed a total of 16 points. The only team Estonia failed to beat was group winners Italy, and the players will probably be kicking themselves after losing 2-0 away against the Faroe Islands in August.

Estonia’s rise has been remarkable considering its size, population, climate and sporting culture. It’s hard to say who’s responsible for Estonia’s great recent form.

Estonia’s manager, Tarmo Rüütli is in his second spell as the national team manager, following a short spell in charge from 1999 to 2000. After a difficult start, Rüütli has inspired the players, unified the dressing room, and instilled self-belief in the squad. Estonia don’t play particularly expansive football, but they’re tough to beat and the entire team works hard.

Two players have stood out during the qualification campaign.

The first is experienced captain Raio Piiroja. The Vitesse centre-back has 107 caps for his country, and he’s constantly put his body on the line during the qualification campaign. Piiroja had the game of his life against Slovenia in September. The defender was a leader throughout, and battled hard alongside Taavi Rãhn against Slovenia’s physical forwards. Piiroja has been a great captain during Estonia’s recent run.

The star quality has been supplied by attacking midfielder Konstantin Vassiljev. Vassiljev is of Russian origin, however he’s a firm favourite amongst Estonia’s nationalistic fans. The Amkar Perm player has been given a free role by coach, Rüütli, and he’s supplied goals (most notably a screamer from 30 yards against Northern Ireland on Friday). Vassiljev’s creative edge means Estonia are always dangerous, even when under pressure from the opposition. 

Realists would say that should Estonia qualify for the play-offs, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to beat any of the other teams involved. In all honesty Estonia would struggle massively in a play-off situation. They were fortunate to get a favourable draw for the qualifying group. Northern Ireland have been poor, Serbian fans have caused numerous problems for the team, Slovenia have been disappointing and the Faroes are minnows.

However Estonia can dream. They’ve got an entire country believing, and have done wonders for the development of football in one of the few countries in Europe where football is not the national sport. Should Estonia defy all the odds and qualify for the play-offs, it would be the story of the last two years.

Basel: showing Europe how it's done!

I awoke this morning to hear the relentless chatter of angry Manchester United fans, ranting and raving, angry that their team had managed no more than a 3-3 draw against Swiss Champions FC Basel.

This article is an attempt to enlighten these fans.

I believe each nation has a footballing culture. For example, the Brazilians are flamboyant and care-free, the Italians are defensively canny and the English are tough long-ball merchants. The Swiss have traditionally bored us all to death. I remember with very little fondness a turgid 0-0 draw in the last 16 stage of the 2006 FIFA World Cup between Switzerland and the Ukraine. Following 120 minutes of coma-inducing nothingness, Switzerland missed all three of their opening spot-kicks to exit the competition. This match typified Swiss football for me.

The Swiss have a distinctly average footballing history. Swiss teams have traditionally been very tight and compact, un-attractive and methodical in their approaches.

Yet one club has always broken the mould.

FC Basel, probably Switzerland’s biggest club, have always tried to buck the trend. Basel are a club renowned for playing open, entertaining football, which is why they’ve had a larger impact in Europe in recent years than compatriots such as FC Thun and Young Boys.

I visited Basel twice last year on a strictly touristic basis. The city is extremely bland. Aside from the tremendous wealth on show, there’s very little to see in this Helvetic centre. Indeed the only striking feature in this otherwise bland place was the football club.

Located on the outskirts of Basel is the Park St. Jakob. The exterior might look dated and drab but the stadium’s interior is a vibrant fan’s paradise. The stadium was built to generate a healthy atmosphere, with terracing at one end and colour in abundance.

It wasn’t only around the stadium that you found evidence of the city’s love of football. In the city centre numerous enterprises fly red and blue flags to emphasise their support of FC Basel. Wherever you look there are adverts and commercials, fronted by star players. It seems that in Basel the only way to get your business recognised is by getting a top local footballer to support it. As far as off-field activities are concerned Basel are outstanding, however these days they’re equally effective on the pitch.

FC Basel are one of Europe’s up and coming G14 suppliers. Their young, technically gifted side have already conquered Switzerland with ease. Now they’re ready for Europe.

I’m not suggesting that this team is going to be lifting any European trophies anytime soon. However they are out to make an impression on people with their stylish attacking football, and Manchester United were their first victims.

Basel have nurtured and educated some of Europe’s top young footballers.

Xherdan Shaqiri is without a doubt FC Basel’s star player. The midfielder was born in Kosovo (as were his team-mates, the equally promising Xhaka brothers), but moved to Switzerland to escape the conflicts in his homeland. Shaqiri is a gifted footballer, with a tremendous left foot.  His skill is indisputable and his reputation is increasing with every breathtaking performance. Aged just 19 he is probably Switzerland’s key player. FC Basel know they won’t be able to keep hold of the prodigy for long, as Shaqiri is already attracting attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Shaqiri is an incredible talent, however he didn’t feature against United on Tuesday night. This possibly emphasises FC Basel’s strength in depth. They have a whole host of promising youngsters, including Granit Xhaka Fabian Frei and goal-keeper Yann Sommer.

Xhaka is they younger brother of team-mate Toulant and there’s no disputing who’s the superior sibling in this relationship. Granit shined in the recent UEFA U-21 championships as he dictated play for Switzerland. The central-midfielder plays a similar game to that of Catalan superstars Xavi and Iniesta, and he could very well be playing alongside the World Cup winners in the next few years if rumours are to be believed.

Sommer is one of the best young goal-keepers in the world. Famed for his shot-stopping, he’s gained quite a billing as a game-saving goalie. His agility and athleticism is very impressive, however it’s his positioning and foresight that put him in a different class to other young keepers. Much like a young Petr Cech he sees shots coming a few seconds before they’re struck. This is a gift that will see him on many top clubs’ shopping lists.

Frei is a more traditional Swiss player. He’s a hard worker and a determined runner. He may not be as skilfull as Shaqiri, or as intelligent as Xhaka or as naturally gifted as Sommer, but he’s seen as a real prospect for Swiss football. His goal at Old Trafford demonstrated his greatest characteristics.

These players are unlikely to stay at FC Basel for long. Nevertheless the club can be extremely proud that they’ve blooded such fantastic youngsters. They’ve also sent a message to other ambitious teenagers across Europe that they don’t need to join the big clubs aged 16 in order to make it as footballers.

International Break Preview

With Europe’s major leagues only a week or two old, we’re left with the apparent inconvenience of an international break. So here I am to update you on the situation in each qualifying group, and what impact the next week of matches could have on the race to Poland and Ukraine.

GROUP A

It’s said that in Germany fans don’t get too excited about qualification because no European country finds qualification easier. The German’s superb qualification record for major championships has continued into their Euro 2012 campaign. Seven wins from seven means Joachim Löw’s side are all but qualified. Victory against Germanic neighbours Austria tonight would secure Germany’s place in the finals.

Elsewhere in the group there’s a three-way battle for second place between underachieving Belgium, well-drilled Turkey and outsiders Austria. With their game in hand Turkey are probably favourites, despite Belgium currently sitting in 2^nd place. Belgium have struggled to get the likes of Hazard, Lukaku, Fellaini etc. to bond effectively. Turkey on the other hand are tough and gritty, and at home they’re one of the toughest teams in Europe to beat.

Austria probably haven’t got the individuals to go the distance, and though Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are improving, and can cause teams problems at home, their impact on the group has been minimal, and certainly Azerbaijan will see the current standings as a disappointment.

GROUP B

It doesn’t get tighter than group B. The Republic of Ireland, Russia and Slovakia are all currently tied on 13 points. In what always promised to be a competitive group, nobody’s set the world alight. Tonight’s Rep. Ireland vs Slovakia match in Dublin could prove decisive come the end of the campaign. Don’t expect entertaining football, just an extremely tense, cautious approach from both sides as they work hard to avoid defeat. Tuesday’s Russia vs Rep. Ireland game at the imposing Luzhniki Stadium could be equally important as the teams at the top scrap for the essential points. This promises to go right down to the wire.

Armenia deserve a mention for their dogged style of play, which has earned the former Soviet republic 8 points. Macedonia will be disappointed that they aren’t higher than 5^th, and Andorra are unexpectedly bottom of group B with 0 points.

GROUP C

Italy seem set to qualify without any scares. The Italians are 5 points clear of second place Slovenia with a game in hand, and the Azzuri face Slovenia on Tuesday in a match that’s more important for the visitors than the group leaders. However the Italians, who are currently attempting to re-build after a disappointing World Cup in 2010, know that victory against their tiny neighbours would all but secure their passage through to the finals.

In the mean time Italy travel north to the remote Faroe Islands today. Belfast will tonight be the stage for a huge match between 3^rd placed Northern Ireland and Serbia who are only a point behind in 4^th. Both have a game in hand on Slovenia. The reverse fixture last season was played behind closed doors in Belgrade and Serbia won 2-1; expect a tough, fierce game at a loud Windsor Park tonight. The fight for second will certainly be exciting.

Estonia will be delighted with their 7 points, though it’s a big ask for them to challenge for 2^nd. The Faroe Islands’ 4 points have meant they’ve climbed the FIFA rankings substantially, and at home they can cause problems.

GROUP D

After a shock defeat against Belarus in Paris, France have recovered admirably; winning 4 and drawing 1. They lead the way in Group D and look favourites for promotion. Laurent Blanc’s young side have forgotten the World Cup catastrophe and are looking to secure qualification as soon as possible. Blanc’s team seem to have a good balance and a healthy attitude.

Belarus are only a point behind though they’ve played a game more than the French. The youngsters fancy their chances of taking Belarus to its first major championship since independence in 1991, though they have Bosnia & Herzegovina hot on their heels. The Bosnians have struggled to replicate the form that took them to a World Cup play-off in 2010, however Bosnian frontman Edin Dzeko is one of Europe’s form strikers. The two countries play each other in a tantalising double-header tonight and Tuesday night. These two matches could very well decide who goes to Poland and Ukraine, and who watches the tournament on TV.

Romaina are 4^th with 8 points and probably believe they still have a decent chance of qualifying after a 3-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina. 6 points from their next two matches against Luxembourg and France and they’re right back in the mix. Albania have done brilliantly to accumulate 8 points already, however tough upcoming fixtures mean it’s unlikely they’ll qualify. Luxembourg have followed the script and have an unimpressive 1 point from a possible 21.

GROUP E

Group E could be settled tonight. The Netherlands have had a brilliant campaign so far, winning all six of their opening matches. Bert van Marvijk has tweaked his World Cup finalists’ style to make them more Dutch. He’s kept his team’s solid spine, but has encouraged more attacking, beautiful football. It’s worked very well for the Oranje who seem set to qualify easily with matches against San Marino and then Finland.

Second place could be decided tonight. Hungary host Sweden with the young Magyars in 3^rd place, 3 points behind Sweden, who have a game in hand on the chasing pack. Victory is essential for Hungary, who are trying to qualify for their first major tournament since 1982. Sweden have been in great form so far, and will be full of confidence. This could be the match of the night in Europe.

Finland and Moldova have been average, and have never looked like competing for the top spots. We know by now what to expect from San Marino. 0 points and a goal-difference of -33 from 7 matches tells its own story.

GROUP F

The most easterly group in the competition has been very tight. All teams have been pretty evenly matched, and that’s reflected in the standings. Greece, Croatia and Israel  are all separated by just one point at the top, with Israel underdogs purely on the basis that they’ve played a game more than their rivals. Israel play Greece tonight in a match that could decide the home team’s fate, especially with Croatia playing Malta in a game the group leaders can’t possibly lose. Should Israel beat Greece tonight it doesn’t get easier as they face Croatia in Zagreb on Tuesday. Israel therefore have two massive matches in a row to save their campaign. It promises to be a very exciting week in Group F.

Elsewhere Georgia have gained an admirable 9 points so far, and will see this campaign as a useful stepping stone ahead of the World Cup qualifiers that start in 2012, especially seeing as the Caucus state have climbed the rankings impressively in the last few months.

Latvia have had yet another disappointing campaign; so far only mustering a meagre 4 points, which is still much better than Malta. The islanders have 0 points.

GROUP G

Unsurprisingly England top the group. Surprisingly for some Montenegro are joint top. Kranjcar’s classy team play effective, high-energy, passing football with Mirko Vucinic the linchpin. The classy Roma man has been inspirational in qualifying, and they remain unbeaten in Group G going into a seemingly simple game against Wales tonight. England are growing in confidence slowly with many youngsters (particularly defenders) pushing to replace the old guard. England and Montenegro will finish in the top two places, and their final positions will probably be decided by their clash in Montenegro later in the campaign. England face Bulgaria tonight, before a British derby against Wales on Tuesday.

The other teams in the group will be very disappointed with their campaigns. Switzerland had a horrible start and have only won one game so far. Their focus switches to World Cup qualifying, and the future looks bright for the Swiss following their stunning performance in the UEFA under 21 Championship this summer. Bulgaria have yet again failed to develop, and the retirement of Dimitar Berbatov from international football makes life even harder for them.

Wales will be devastated with their worst start ever to a qualification campaign. 4 games, 0 wins for a team that includes Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey. This campaign can’t end soon enough for the Welsh.

GROUP H

Not quite as clean-cut as we thought it would be. I think that’s a fair way of explaining group H. With Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Cyprus and Iceland drawn together one presumed Portugal and Denmark would battle it out for 1^st and 2^nd, Cyprus and Iceland would fight to avoid the bottom spot, and Norway would be stuck in the middle. The way things currently stand Portugal, Denmark and Norway are separated by just goal-difference. All are stuck on 10 points having each won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1. This reflects the way Portugal have struggled in qualifying, much like they did in World Cup 2010 qualifying. Denmark have played well, following the same plan that got them to South Africa. But the real shock has been provided by Norway. The Scandinavians have famously never qualified for a major tournament, despite regularly producing players of reasonably high quality. Have they finally got it right? We’ll find out over the next week.

Tonight they face Iceland in a must-win game in Oslo. Then on Tuesday they cross the Skagerrak to play Denmark in what looks set to be a cracker. If Norway hold second place on Tuesday night I back them to hold onto it.

Cyprus and Iceland have failed to have much impact on the group. Iceland in particular will be ashamed of their one point. With the under 21s playing so well during the last two years it’s incredible that the national team has deteriorated so badly.

GROUP I

100% for Spain; they’ve won all five of their games so far. The good times don’t look like ending for Spain who look set to qualify with few problems. Spain will already be thinking about defending their title in Poland and Ukraine in Euro 2012.

The Czech Republic seem favourites to land second spot in what is a very poor group. They’re currently on 9 points, 5 ahead of Scotland, who’ve played one game less than the Czechs. Scotland need 6 points from their next two weeks to keep their dreams alive. However the Scots have only beaten Liechtenstein so far, and they face tricky games against the Czech Republic tomorrow and Lithuania on Tuesday.

Lithuania don’t look like threatening much following their defeat against Liechtenstein, but Liechtenstein’s three points represents a decent return for the principality.

MATCH TO WATCH : TONIGHT

Hungary vs Sweden – A win for Sweden seals second place. A win for Hungary and it’s all to play for. The football on show should be very aesthetically pleasing as well.

MATCH TO WATCH : TUESDAY

Denmark vs Norway – Many great matches scheduled for Tuesday night, but this could be very decisive. Expect Scandinavian fire.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Edin Dzeko – After a blistering start to the season at Manchester City he could be the key player in the Belarus – Bosnia double-header.

8-2 HIGHLIGHTS WENGER'S FOLLY

Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal; It’s a score-line that says it all.

In 2004 Arsenal were Premier League Champions after going the entire league season unbeaten, a feat that had only been achieved once before in English football history (And Preston’s 1889 team can’t seriously be compared to Arsenal’s class of 2004, because in 1889 the league schedule consisted of just 22 matches, compared to 36 today).

Fast-forward to 2011 and Arsenal’s new Emirates Stadium Trophy Cabinet is collecting dust. Since their penalty shoot-out victory in the 2005 FA Cup final Arsenal have failed to win a single trophy. This seems as incredible as Arsenal’s 2004 team were invincible. One must ask how a club that recently doubled their capacity by moving to a new stadium, breaks profit records year on year and has one of the best managers in the game, can suffer the slow decline that Arsenal have experienced since 2005?

The answer’s pretty simple. Since 2005 we’ve been told that Arsenal are building a squad of multi-national youngsters who will one day dominate world football with a joie de vivre and an entertaining style of football. Whenever the North Londoners lost big players like Vieira, Cole, Adebayor or even Arsenal’s greatest ever player, Thierry Henry, fans remained positive because they shared a vision of a bright future for the club. However things have changed.

It’s become apparent that most of Arsenal’s promising youngsters haven’t developed into players capable of winning titles. Strikers like Carlos Vela and Nicklas Bendtner have failed to fulfil their potentials. Midfielder s like Abou Diaby, Alex Song and Henri Landsbury are all good players however they’ll never replace a great player like Patrick Vieira. Arsenal’s young defenders have never looked up to the required standard, and the club’s perennial search for a replacement for David Seaman has only just come to an end with young Polish goal-keeper Wojciech Szczęsny impressing despite being unprotected by a lightweight defence.

 

The failure of many young players to make the grade isn’t a new phenomenon at Arsenal. Remember the hype behind starlets such as Francis Jeffers (now a free agent after being released by Motherwell), Jérémie Aliadière (Lorient), Phillipe Senderos (struggling for gametime at Fulham), Denílson (back in Brazil with São Paolo) and Justin Hoyte (Middlesboro) to name but a few. What’s changed this summer is that the Gunners’ best youngsters have become disenchanted, and have left.

 

Gael Clichy, Cesc Fabregas and now Samir Nasri; three of Arsenal’s best players in recent seasons have all left for the greener grass on the other side, with Clichy and Nasri moving North to Manchester City, and Fabregas returning to his spiritual home in Barcelona.

 

What a blow this has been for the fans, the club and the other players. However Wenger’s comments following his team’s capitulation against United suggest that he’s in more pain than anybody. For years he’s dreamed of nurturing a team from clueless teenagers to world-beaters. With the loss of Clichy, Fabregas and Nasri, all players developed by Wenger, his dream looks in tatters. It seems his best players no longer share his vision for the future.

 

Wenger claimed he was “embarrassed” and “humiliated” by his team’s performance against a Manchester United team that were better than Arsenal in every department.

 

Comments like these are seldom uttered by Wenger against his own players. The Alsatian has been regularly ridiculed since his arrival at Highbury in 1997 for his catchphrase “I didn’t see it” which he has frequently used to protect his players from criticism and blame.

 

It now seems for a change that Arsène Wenger sees everything. Yet the two-time double winning manager can have few complaints that his once great team has dissolved into an un-organised shambles for it is largely his fault.

 

Wenger got greedy. The Frenchman wanted to prove to Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs that money isn’t everything and that it’s possible to nurture a team from nothing to winners without spending ludicrous amounts of cash. Wenger’s ego trip has cost Arsenal dearly.

 

Wenger has obviously never admitted to the above, but everybody in football is aware of Wenger’s desire to teach the rich kids a lesson. A quick look at this summer’s events supports my belief. Wenger was promised money to spend this summer, as he has been for several summers. Lille front-man Gervinho has to date been his only big-name signing, and the inconsistent Ivorian can hardly be called a big-name compared to Manchester City and Chelsea’s signings this summer. Wenger also bought Carl Jenkinson from League 1 Charlton, where the defender hardly looked Premier League quality, and young Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from League 1 runners-up Southampton where the speedy teenager wasn’t even one of the Saints’ best players.

 

It’s as if Wenger has deliberately chosen to shoot himself in the foot. The thrashing at Old Trafford should act as a stern warning that if Arsenal are to continue replacing brilliance with mediocrity, they can expect to continue slipping further behind the real title-challengers in the Premier League. Maybe when the Gunners miss out on the Champions League the club will be forced to change their approach.