Linkpost due to finals

So, I got called out, and the last thing I want to do is disappoint my loyal, um, fan, so here we are. (In my defense, it's finals season here, and I've got my Ethics final tomorrow -- on my birthday! -- so I've been a little bit distracted.)

Here, a few things that have caught my eye:

• Four teams clinched their league titles this weekend. Yeah, but only one of those is a real league. I've never really understood people who try to claim that Holland or France (or hell, Scotland) are on the level of the traditional Big Four Leagues. They're not, and it makes you look goofy trying to claim they are.


• The draw for the Women's World Cup was announced. Unlike the men, the US women got a real Group of Death. I'll probably end up watching at least some of this -- once the Champions League ends, I don't have anything else to follow. Also, I've willingly watched MLS games, so this can only be a step up.


• First woman commentator on Match of the Day; sky fails to fall. I'd like to say that I don't see why this is a big deal, but it probably would be here, too. We'd just not be as open about it. Much like the Mike Newell thing.


• Effing Ronaldo won all the awards ever. Actually, I think this is deserved; he really came into his own this season, as annoying as it was. I just can't stand him and his smug little face. I realize that this is because I am a bitter Liverpool and England fan, but it doesn't change a damn thing. Ew.


• Oh, and also Liverpool secured a Champions League slot for next season. Well-done, boys. Now go beat Chelsea tomorrow and get to the final, and we'll forget all about what happened in the FA and Carling Cups. Deal?

The future of Italian football

Can the Italian leagues be saved? They have had a hell of a year, to be fair -- scandal, scandal, relegation, appeal, World Cup win, scandal, and now this whole situation with the riots at the games. I'm not sure that the entire league is irredeemable, but I do think they need to make some serious changes. I think resuming play the week after was way too soon. Even if you're not letting people into the most dangerous stadia, it doesn't seem like there's been any real attempt at meaningful reform. I know this is a problem in most European leagues -- hell, I'm a Liverpool fan, of course I know that. But it does seem difference in Italian culture, and it'll probably take a lot more than making a few quick changes to the stadia to make any real difference in things. I almost want to see the Italian clubs barred from Europe for this; it took a sanction like that to make the English FA get serious about changing that fan culture. I think that Italian football can be saved, but I'm not sure that the Italian FA is willing to make the changes necessary to do so. They already have declining attendance, but this could be the end of things unless there's some long-term changes made. Beyond, you know, only allowing in season ticket holders.