2007 - My Favourites

* Most Disappointing Game: Copa America Final - July 15th


without question the 3-0 loss by Argentina to Brazil in the Copa America final was the year’s most heartbreaking. Despite being the class of the tournament AND fielding a full strength squad, Argentina were simply played off the pitch by a Brazil side that showed little of the brilliance of that country’s famed footballing history. It was the worst kind of loss imaginable; lousy defence, an own goal, and the disappearance of top players Riquelme, Messi and Tévez. All of Argentina would do well to sweep that disaster under the rug and focus on 2010, but like their early exit in last year’s World Cup, it was another reminder in which an Argentine squad loaded with world-class talent was unable to get it done when it really mattered. A distant second: As a Congolese fan I was appalled by their embarrassing ouster from the upcoming African Nation’s Cup by drawing at home with Libya. While I won’t take anything away from the team from Tripoli, The Leopards looked like 11 players who were playing together for the first time, and barely able to show any signs of life. A fitting way to end a forgettable year for the Leopards.

* Best Performances: Cristiano Ronaldo

Without a doubt the best player I saw all of last year was Ronaldo. Simply look at what he was able to accomplish with Manchester United and Portugal in 2007.His performance in the EPL makes me my clear choice as the world player of the year. Considering the he was booed in every Stadium he played in except for Old Tafford and Portugal for much of the year and his accomplishments are even more impressive.Under great stress that he endured shortly following his “hand” in the Rooney sending off at the World Cup. Ronaldo literally won the title for Man United in 2007 and 20 years from now we will all remember the 2007 trophy as Ronaldo’s title.

* Best Goal: Lionel Messi v Getafe April 18th

The best goal that I saw in 2007 had to be Messi’s goal against Getafe in the Copa del Rey. It’s hard not to pick that goal, considering the beauty of his run past the defenders and its comparisons to Maradona.

* Breakout Player - Juan Juan Román Riquelme
I’m going to have to sound like a skipping record and go with Riquelme. I think many people, including myself, felt that his loan back to Boca was a sign that he was washed up, but you can’t argue with the results.

* Next big player:
My pick will have to be Argentina U20 striker Sergio Agüero is my pick to be the star of tomorrow. I had the chance to see him play in Canada in july and I think that he was a man playing with boys and with that I think that he will be the player with the most impact in 2008