Andrew Bates

electric newspaperman

June 28, 2012
by Andrew Bates
1 Comment

Science agrees: It was right to pick Ronaldo last in Euro semifinal shootout

The initial reaction from the punters was disbelief that Ronaldo didn’t get to kick in the shootout: slotted as the fifth taker, he was ruled out after poor Bruno Alves hit the crossbar. Shouldn’t they have tried to jiggle the lineup and get him in earlier? Continue reading

June 23, 2012
by Andrew Bates
2 Comments

How every Euro 2012 team must overcome themselves (and Germany)

If there has been a calling-card to this Euro tournament, it is varying levels of belief in a team’s ability to execute the attacking principles of football, specifically in the relationship between the midfield and the attack. Continue reading

June 15, 2010
by Andrew Bates
1 Comment

Your lady may want Benny Feilhaber: Dating site for cheaters pledges $1M if US wins WC

Women have been taking responsibility for their own amusement during the FIFA World Cup, according to “international extramarital dating site” Gleeden.com, so the dating site has decided to show their gratitude by putting up a cool $1m for the US … Continue reading

October 11, 2009
by Andrew Bates
5 Comments

Bad refs are bad refs, regardless of gender

A major storyline of last night’s game was the refereeing, which is unfortunate for a cup final. I listened to the game at work rather than watched it, so I can’t confirm for sure that all the complaints against decisions are legitimate, but let’s assume that the yellow for celebrating was ridiculous (Carding a player for running to the southside? You’ve never done that here before, Chenard), the one Montreal goal was kilometres offside, and at least half of the numerous foul appeals (pictured) were legitimate (I’ll not contest the red, as I haven’t heard too much uproar on that). In my eyes, that adds up to a poor performance. And I don’t think that has anything to do with the fact that she’s a woman. Continue reading