Greetings Kankas and Kankies.
Well at least one kanka has something positive to say this weekend !
ANKARAGUCU 1 Sakaryaspor 0
So, ANKARAGUCU delivered the goods, ie, 3 valuable points. However, I'm sure it must have been nail-biting stuff for the supporters.
0-0 with 15 minutes to go, and then............. Eski Kanka's new hero, Bebbe, grabbed the winner to settle the nerves.
Unfortunately, I was not able to be there, but according to the Foto Mac Newspaper it was pretty even in the 1st half. ANKARAGUCU stepped up a gear in the 2nd half (I wonder if Hikmet Bey had something to do with that ??!!) and produced the better footie and goal scoring opportunities.
Breathing space has been achieved, but......... it is not a time for complacency yet ! With 3 matches left it is still all to play for down at the bottom.
Sakaryaspor is definitely going down. The situation for the remainder looks like this -
Gencler 39 points
Ankaragucu 39
Bursa 39
Antalya 37
Rize 36
Denizli 36
Antep 36
Erciyes 33
Antalya play Galatasaray tonight, so we are looking to Gulay's boys to put the sword in !!
ANKARAGUCU travel to Antalya next week for what could be described as another `SIX POINTER` ! It is never EASY to win the tight compact Antalya Stadium, so another above average performance will be required to make sure of avoiding a nerve jangling end to the season.
Spare a thought for our `brother team`, Bursa. They have to play Trabzon, Galatasaray and Besiktas in their last 3 matches !!!
All the best from an upbeat Eski Kanka Jim
The Round Ball in Ankara! Dedicated to football lovers in Ankara (Except for those who follow Osmanlispor)
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Saturday, May 05, 2007
No Lig TV for us
I had a nostalgic sort of day today. I was stuck at work otherwise I would have got down to the 19 Mayis stadium to cheer on Ankaragucu. So I pulled out my little radio and tuned in to TRT Radio for their call of the day's matches.
I was on my own and decided to crack open a beer, never that difficult a decision, and the memories of my childhood came flooding back.
Those memories were of weekends playing around in the backyard with cousins while the women were stuck in the kitchen making salads and the men were standing around the BBQ drinking beers, listening to the rugby league and complaining about how the chairman of our beloved Balmain Tigers was an idiot.
Today all I had was the radio and beers. No BBQ and no wife making me a salad. But the nostalgia was definitely there.
Listening to football on the radio is an interesting experience, confusing but fun at the same time. The first thing that made it interesting was the fact that TRT had to cover five matches at the same time. This meant crossing from match to match to match. At most one match would get about one-and-a-half minutes coverage before off they went to another game. Then there was the fact that while I can understand Turkish pretty well, boy oh boy, these guys talk so bloody fast at times I hardly had a clue who was attacking.
As far as I can remember from the coverage of rugby league back in Sydney, when there were a few matches on at the same time they would give one match a few minutes coverage and then cross-over to the next match where quite often you would be told that a try or two had been scored.
Being football and not all that many goals scored in general they don't do it like that here. As soon as a goal is scored they cut someone off and head straight to the action. This wasn't all that difficult in the first half of today's matches, only two goals were scored in all five matches, but the second half had my head spinning.
This is all a very very long way for me to point out that Genclerbirligi lost their 234th match in a row today away to Konyaspor.
Konya 2 - Genclerbirligi 1
From the bits I picked up from the radio. Sandro again was up front in place of Okan Ozturk. Mehmet Cakir had a hard shot on goal in the 17th which came off the defence.
Blah, blah, blah about other matches.
Jesus makes a brilliant save.
Blah, blah, blah about other matches.
Cakir takes a free kick and whacks it into the post.
Half time and the commentator said it wasn't the fastest of matches. Most probably both sides were scared of a loss.
Second half and I understood even less of what was going on.
Another good save from Jesus... or was that by the Konya keeper?
Cakir takes a corner and Isaac Promise, this blog's favourite footballer in all of Anatolia, rises high at the far post to score. 0-1.
I lost it for a bit at this point and the next time they crossed to our match Konyaspor had scored. I have no idea how. 1-1.
Getting towards the end of all five matches and things were going crazy. Then Mrs. Oz Kanka walked in with Little Oz Kanka and I missed the fact that Koya had scored in the last minute.
When I was a kid the Balmain Tigers rarely won and so my nostalgia today was complete.
Anyway, the situation is getting a bit scary.
We are in 10th position but just three points ahead of the Gaziantepspor who are in the relegation zone. Three more matches to go and surely just one win would be enough to keep us up. Is it?
I was on my own and decided to crack open a beer, never that difficult a decision, and the memories of my childhood came flooding back.
Those memories were of weekends playing around in the backyard with cousins while the women were stuck in the kitchen making salads and the men were standing around the BBQ drinking beers, listening to the rugby league and complaining about how the chairman of our beloved Balmain Tigers was an idiot.
Today all I had was the radio and beers. No BBQ and no wife making me a salad. But the nostalgia was definitely there.
Listening to football on the radio is an interesting experience, confusing but fun at the same time. The first thing that made it interesting was the fact that TRT had to cover five matches at the same time. This meant crossing from match to match to match. At most one match would get about one-and-a-half minutes coverage before off they went to another game. Then there was the fact that while I can understand Turkish pretty well, boy oh boy, these guys talk so bloody fast at times I hardly had a clue who was attacking.
As far as I can remember from the coverage of rugby league back in Sydney, when there were a few matches on at the same time they would give one match a few minutes coverage and then cross-over to the next match where quite often you would be told that a try or two had been scored.
Being football and not all that many goals scored in general they don't do it like that here. As soon as a goal is scored they cut someone off and head straight to the action. This wasn't all that difficult in the first half of today's matches, only two goals were scored in all five matches, but the second half had my head spinning.
This is all a very very long way for me to point out that Genclerbirligi lost their 234th match in a row today away to Konyaspor.
Konya 2 - Genclerbirligi 1
From the bits I picked up from the radio. Sandro again was up front in place of Okan Ozturk. Mehmet Cakir had a hard shot on goal in the 17th which came off the defence.
Blah, blah, blah about other matches.
Jesus makes a brilliant save.
Blah, blah, blah about other matches.
Cakir takes a free kick and whacks it into the post.
Half time and the commentator said it wasn't the fastest of matches. Most probably both sides were scared of a loss.
Second half and I understood even less of what was going on.
Another good save from Jesus... or was that by the Konya keeper?
Cakir takes a corner and Isaac Promise, this blog's favourite footballer in all of Anatolia, rises high at the far post to score. 0-1.
I lost it for a bit at this point and the next time they crossed to our match Konyaspor had scored. I have no idea how. 1-1.
Getting towards the end of all five matches and things were going crazy. Then Mrs. Oz Kanka walked in with Little Oz Kanka and I missed the fact that Koya had scored in the last minute.
When I was a kid the Balmain Tigers rarely won and so my nostalgia today was complete.
Anyway, the situation is getting a bit scary.
We are in 10th position but just three points ahead of the Gaziantepspor who are in the relegation zone. Three more matches to go and surely just one win would be enough to keep us up. Is it?
Friday, May 04, 2007
MORE STATISTICS TO CONTEMPLATE !
Greetings Kankas and Kankies.
Oz Kanka and Spine Kanka have spurred me into action with another set of statistics for you to ponder.
Having read Spine's ridiculous comments in `God speaks to Maniac Kanka` and Oz Kanka's remarks in `A Record Worth Trumpetting`, it is time to put a few matters into perspective.
As we all know, the present Super League was founded in 1959/1960 season with 2 points being awarded for a win. Later in 1987/1988 season it fell into line with other YooRo leagues and awarded 3 points for a win.
I am sure you will all be interested to know that from 1959/1960 season to 1994/1995 season Genclerbirligi have been relegated to the lower league on 10 occasions. During that period ANKARAGUCU have also been relegated, but only on 3 occasions.
So throughout the existence of the Super League Genclerbirligi amassed a points total of 699 points.
ANKARAGUCU, on the other hand, have amassed 1,009 points.
So, I ask the question. Does that tell us something ?????
Look forward to any comments. However, only sensible ones will be accepted !!!
All the best from The Stats Man, Eski Kanka Jim
Oz Kanka and Spine Kanka have spurred me into action with another set of statistics for you to ponder.
Having read Spine's ridiculous comments in `God speaks to Maniac Kanka` and Oz Kanka's remarks in `A Record Worth Trumpetting`, it is time to put a few matters into perspective.
As we all know, the present Super League was founded in 1959/1960 season with 2 points being awarded for a win. Later in 1987/1988 season it fell into line with other YooRo leagues and awarded 3 points for a win.
I am sure you will all be interested to know that from 1959/1960 season to 1994/1995 season Genclerbirligi have been relegated to the lower league on 10 occasions. During that period ANKARAGUCU have also been relegated, but only on 3 occasions.
So throughout the existence of the Super League Genclerbirligi amassed a points total of 699 points.
ANKARAGUCU, on the other hand, have amassed 1,009 points.
So, I ask the question. Does that tell us something ?????
Look forward to any comments. However, only sensible ones will be accepted !!!
All the best from The Stats Man, Eski Kanka Jim
FC Stiefel fall to Ankaragucu
Dear Kankas,
Yesterday the team of the German (and Austrian) Embassy, FC Stiefel, played a game against Ankaragücü.
The Gücü team was nominated by Hikmet Karaman and was built completely by ex-Süperlig players from different teams.
Their technic and the brilliant young goalie made the difference between our teams and at the end we finshed with a respectable loss 2-6. We exchanged flags, sports items and with lots of Efes after the game we had the possibility to talk with the perfect German-speaking Hikmet and his teammates.
We had a lot of fun and agreed to play once more very soon.
All the best,
Lanky Kanka Jörg
Yesterday the team of the German (and Austrian) Embassy, FC Stiefel, played a game against Ankaragücü.
The Gücü team was nominated by Hikmet Karaman and was built completely by ex-Süperlig players from different teams.
Their technic and the brilliant young goalie made the difference between our teams and at the end we finshed with a respectable loss 2-6. We exchanged flags, sports items and with lots of Efes after the game we had the possibility to talk with the perfect German-speaking Hikmet and his teammates.
We had a lot of fun and agreed to play once more very soon.
All the best,
Lanky Kanka Jörg
Thursday, May 03, 2007
A RECORD WORTH TRUMPETTING ABOUT ???
Greetings Kankas and Kankies.
You may recall earlier in the season some ironic comments flashing back and forward between Gulay, Oz Kanka and I concerning which team was going to create a record for most draws this season.
I am now becoming more sure day by day that the Sports Team of Hurriyet actually do read our Blog !! Today it was a discussion point in the newspaper.
So far this season, with 30 league matches played, Melih Gokcek Spor (Ankaraspor for the uninformed !!) has amassed a total of 16 draws. With only 4 matches left they could well beat the League record - they need only 3 more draws to do it !
So which team holds the record then I can hear you asking ??
Trumpet fanfare...... de de de de .............. roll of drums........... brrrrr brrrrr brrrrrr (like the sound effects ??) -
It is .............. ANKARAGUCU !!! Back in season 1982/1983 (in another lifetime) they amassed an amazing 18 drawn matches.
Now then, is that a record worth trumpetting about ?? Impressive isn't it ???!!
All the best from the record seeker, Eski Kanka Jim
You may recall earlier in the season some ironic comments flashing back and forward between Gulay, Oz Kanka and I concerning which team was going to create a record for most draws this season.
I am now becoming more sure day by day that the Sports Team of Hurriyet actually do read our Blog !! Today it was a discussion point in the newspaper.
So far this season, with 30 league matches played, Melih Gokcek Spor (Ankaraspor for the uninformed !!) has amassed a total of 16 draws. With only 4 matches left they could well beat the League record - they need only 3 more draws to do it !
So which team holds the record then I can hear you asking ??
Trumpet fanfare...... de de de de .............. roll of drums........... brrrrr brrrrr brrrrrr (like the sound effects ??) -
It is .............. ANKARAGUCU !!! Back in season 1982/1983 (in another lifetime) they amassed an amazing 18 drawn matches.
Now then, is that a record worth trumpetting about ?? Impressive isn't it ???!!
All the best from the record seeker, Eski Kanka Jim
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
A MILESTONE
Greetings Kankas and Kankies.
This is a milestone in The Round Ball in Ankara.
This is the 500th Post on this Blog in One and a Half Years of existence.
As it is the brainchild of Oz Kanka, I would like to congratulate him, on behalf of all the Kankas, Kankies and Vistors to the Blog for his sterling efforts and his leadership as our Chief Journalist.
Well done Oz, and here's to the next 500 posts and the 500 to follow !
Keep the posts and comments coming and, as always, be controversial and forthright !
Long live footie in Ankara ......... and elsewhere !
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
This is a milestone in The Round Ball in Ankara.
This is the 500th Post on this Blog in One and a Half Years of existence.
As it is the brainchild of Oz Kanka, I would like to congratulate him, on behalf of all the Kankas, Kankies and Vistors to the Blog for his sterling efforts and his leadership as our Chief Journalist.
Well done Oz, and here's to the next 500 posts and the 500 to follow !
Keep the posts and comments coming and, as always, be controversial and forthright !
Long live footie in Ankara ......... and elsewhere !
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Hibs 3-3 Rangers
This match came on the back of a cup semi final defeat to Dunfermline and would normally have fallen into an 'end of season' category. The only thing that sparked a bit more interest was that Hibs again decided to field a number of up and coming stars.
All the kids played well but Ross Chisholm in the centre of midfield was outstanding. Three times Hibs took the lead only to be pegged back by a strong Rangers team. On another day Hibs would surely have won as Andy McNeil the Hibs keeper let in two very soft goals.
Fletcher opened the scoring for Hibs finishing of a nice move by shooting low past the keeper from 12 yards. Charlie Adam then equalised for Rangers when his cross went stright into the net. McCann then restored Hibs lead with a 25 yarder into the top corner right on the stroke of halftime. Rangers then equalised again through Hutton who finished of a superb move calmly chipping McNeil. Whitticker blasted another unstopable shot to send Hibs 3-2 up befoer McNeil left too much room at his near post and Charlie Adam obliged with his free kick.
Adam had one more free kick at the end when the ref red carded Boozy for a last man foul, personally I did not think it was a foul but then I am completely biased.
I must admit to not being keen on going down to Easter Road before the game but I am glad I went now. Six goals, plenty of chances, loads of bookings and a red card what more could you ask for?
All the kids played well but Ross Chisholm in the centre of midfield was outstanding. Three times Hibs took the lead only to be pegged back by a strong Rangers team. On another day Hibs would surely have won as Andy McNeil the Hibs keeper let in two very soft goals.
Fletcher opened the scoring for Hibs finishing of a nice move by shooting low past the keeper from 12 yards. Charlie Adam then equalised for Rangers when his cross went stright into the net. McCann then restored Hibs lead with a 25 yarder into the top corner right on the stroke of halftime. Rangers then equalised again through Hutton who finished of a superb move calmly chipping McNeil. Whitticker blasted another unstopable shot to send Hibs 3-2 up befoer McNeil left too much room at his near post and Charlie Adam obliged with his free kick.
Adam had one more free kick at the end when the ref red carded Boozy for a last man foul, personally I did not think it was a foul but then I am completely biased.
I must admit to not being keen on going down to Easter Road before the game but I am glad I went now. Six goals, plenty of chances, loads of bookings and a red card what more could you ask for?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)