The Ron Bacardi Crown Jewel of Monaco Tournament
Here are the Previews
Sat 8th September, 2001
Monaco v PSG @ the Mestella, Spain
Monaco vs PSG should be a great match featuring some of the best players from France. These two clubs have always battled it out for the right to be the best in France. PSG has been hot in the transfer market bringing in such classy and proven elder statesmen such as Michelangelo Rampulla, Dmytro Mykhailenko, Carlos Aguilera, and Fernando Hierro(injured) to fuse with some great young talent on club. They should be very formidable. Monaco are brimming with confidence from their Championship season in Division 2. They are out to make a statement to the other big clubs. Monaco fields one of the stringiest defences throughout the game, accompanied with all world LM Mihalovic, sold CM Gaspar and Bingle, and hot ST in Trezeguet, Nosa and the new addition of Kluivert. Jean Lorean is the hot young French Keeper stopping the opposition. I have to give Monaco a slight edge. Las Vegas odds have it 3-2 Monaco Favored.
Bologna v Sparta Praha @ Old Trafford, England
Division 2 Bologna have a dramatically altered roster since the last manager left. Bologna possess a ST tandem that is amongst the best in the game. Bologna has great players at each position. The one weakness might be the GK who is coming off a subpar season. Luckily Bolonga is facing Sparta Praha who lack any real firepower. With the coming sale of Calhoun, I think we will see Vieri and Suker netting some goals. Sparta Praha is coming in without their best player from last season. GK Michel Calhoun. That was a shocker. In comes the young rookie Manuel Schoppel to take over. Praha is peppered with good players at all the postions, but no real scoring threat. Las Vegas Odds have it 3-1 Bologna favored.
Milan v Inter @ the Bernabau Stadium, Spain
Milan vs Inter is a derby Match from Hell. Milan suffered a mediocre season by Milan standards and are loaded at all positions. Milan is a solid veteran team that doesn't seem to dominate as one would expect. Their ST power is truely awesome, that might exploit a weakened Inter DF that is in the midst of reloading. I know the Inter manager who took over has been very active in the transfer market. Inter come into this match with high hopes of salvaging a miserable season. Fresh of spending 102mil pounds for 3 great players, Inter is looking to make some serious noise. They brought in Calhoun GK, Leroy RM, and Jancker ST. If all goes well for Inter I can see them taking this match, but that would require a Milan slip-up, which might not happen. Las Vegas Odds 3-2 Milan Favored
Parma v Juventus @ Anfield Stadium, England
Division 2 Runner Up Juventus get to bring the heat to a Parma club which narrowly escaped relegation by 1 pt. The new Juventus manager replaced the former "shady" manager of Juve and has them focused like never before. Juve made some incredible late season additions to a strong club. Parma has a load of talent, and the new manager is assured to bring success to Parma. Unfortunately they will be with our top ST, RM and CD. That will hurt. Juventus look almost assured to make it to the Quarterfinals, unless Buffon can stop the offensive onslaught Juventus bring to every match. Las Vegas Odds 4-1 Juventus Favored
Bayern Munich v Bayer Leverkusen @ Giuseppe Meazza o San Siro, Italy
Bayern Munich are fresh off of winning the Cryuff Cup and the Beckenbauer Tournament. Bayern has been the ultimate tournament team this season. They will come into this match fired up to claim a possible 3rd piece of hardware. Munich has better than average talent, but they seem to be invincible in tournaments. Bayer Leverkusen are trying to save a season that left it with nothing to be happy about, except maybe not being relegated. Leverkusen have a great defence and a solid midfield. They just need some help up front. On paper it appears to be an evenly matched game. Due to Munich's invicibility in tournaments, they are heavy favorites to win this match. Las Vegas Odds 9-1 Munich Favored
Tottenham v Arsenal @ Olympiastadion, Germany
Arsenal have been the class of the world for 2 years running now. No one looks able to knock them off their perch....at least in Division play. Arsenal have by far one of the most talented and deepest clubs in the net. Arsenal have gone far in all tournaments this season, so this hated rivalry will sure bring the best (or worst) out of both clubs and fans. Tottenham are going back down to division 3 after a horrendus Division 1 campaign. Tottenham might have a chance if Arsenal plays their reserves. Then again you never know. Las Vegas Odds 7-1 Arsenal Favored
Real v Barcelona @ stade Louis II, France
The battle for Spanish Supremecey. Real and Barca come into this match on even terms. This match can easily go either way. Hilaro GK hasn't had his best season, but Real have "the weapon" in Raul. Barca look to counter with a heralded MF and great ST force. Barca also has experienced Baia in the goal with a stifling def. This is arguably the toughest first round match-up Las Vegas Odds EVEN
Leeds v Kosice @ Parkstadion, Germany
This match involes Leeds United 1 of the only Division 3 teams allowed into the tourney. Leeds is coming off a frustrating season of mid-table mediocrity. The new manager looks to bring it all together this upcoming season with a push for Div 1 action through promotion. Leeds no doubt have a club talented enough to play in Div 1. Kosice was last seasons div 3 winners, and stormed Div 1. Kosice gave Arsenal a good push during most of the season. My hat is off to Kosice on a fine job. I think this will be a tough match as Kosice want to prove their mettle and Leeds want to make and impact. Las Vegas Odds 3-1 Kosice Favored