Ahad, 30 Mac 2014

The Malaysian Insider :: Food

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The Malaysian Insider :: Food


Kraft challenged by ‘healthier’ macaroni and cheese brands

Posted: 30 Mar 2014 07:54 AM PDT

March 30, 2014

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese has been a favourite meal for generations of American children, but smaller brands made with more natural ingredients are starting to nibble at its market share, part of a trend that is biting into growth at large US food companies.

Zenobia Godschalk, an Atlanta mother of two young boys, stopped buying Kraft's "mac and cheese" after reading its complicated ingredient list. Now she buys Annie's organic version in bulk at Costco Wholesale Corp.

"I'm fully aware that it is not a health food," said Godschalk, of Annie's macaroni and cheese product. "But the ability to make it just a little bit better, and the colour that I can believe comes somewhat naturally is good."

Sales of macaroni and cheese are growing as busy Americans look for convenient and inexpensive meal options and older consumers indulge in the comfort foods of their youth.

Kraft Foods Group Inc still dominates the category, but the battle for the hearts and minds of American mac-and-cheese lovers may become a new front in a running war in the US$360 billion (RM1.17 trillion) US packaged food industry.

On one side stand established food companies like Kraft, which seem more focused on slashing costs than taking big risks on emerging trends.

The challengers are more nimble upstarts catering to rapidly evolving consumer tastes by offering products in the fast-growing "health and wellness" category.

"Even though individual companies by size are quite small, in aggregate they're more on trend with consumer demand and pose a threat to Big Food over time," said Consumer Edge Research analyst Robert Dickerson.

Nestle SA's Gerber baby food division and General Mills Inc's Yoplait yogurt business may each offer a cautionary tale for Kraft. Both led their respective categories, but their market shares tumbled in recent years.

In Gerber's case, it was the growing popularity of small organic baby-food brands. In Yoplait's, it was the arrival of Chobani Greek yogurt, which has more protein and a thick, creamy texture that struck a chord with consumers.

Kraft dominates the US market for packaged macaroni and cheese, but its share fell to 78% this month from 82% in March 2010, according to Consumer Edge data.

A key rival is Annie's Inc, whose natural and organic foods were once sold only at specialty retailers like Whole Foods Market Inc but are now available at Wal-Mart Stores Inc, Kroger Co and other mass-market grocers.

Catering to middle- and low-income consumers can transform brands from niche players to powerhouses.

Annie's macaroni and cheese share grew to 7% this month from 5% in March 2010, according to Consumer Edge.

WhiteWave Foods Co's Horizon brand, the top US organic dairy purveyor by sales, also is coming on strong.

Its new macaroni and cheese already is sold by natural and mainstream grocers. Analysts bet the big-box retailers, which stock Horizon's organic milk and cheeses, will soon follow.

Kraft, with net revenue of more than US$18 billion last year, has said its macaroni and cheese business generates more than US$500 million in annual sales. It also has an organic version, but distribution is limited.

Dollar sales for Kraft's macaroni and cheese last year rose more than 1%. But because the category grew at a faster rate than Kraft's sales growth, the company's share declined slightly, a spokesman said.

Kraft, which also sells Velveeta, Cheez Whiz and Jell-O, is tweaking some items with its more mainstream customers in mind, including adding whole grain and removing artificial colors from some macaroni and cheese products. It also took artificial preservatives out of its Kraft Singles processed cheese.

"Consumers (are) seeking more fresh, real foods that are made with simple ingredient lines, and we have to think that this is more than just a premium trend," Kraft chief executive Tony Vernon said at a recent industry conference in Boca Raton, Florida.

"We are democratising health and wellness, we are not marketing to the 1%."

Some experts estimate that health and wellness brands account for roughly 10% of overall packaged food sales.

Organics and Greek yogurt fall into the category, as well as gluten-free products for special dietary needs.

A recent survey from consultancy AlixPartners showed that so-called "superusers," defined as individuals who spend 40% or more of their budget in the health and wellness category, are most willing to pay a premium of 10% or more for locally-sourced or organic products.

Large packaged food companies, under pressure to change from parents and anti-obesity activists including first lady Michelle Obama, have made incremental moves into health and wellness.

Like Kraft, they tend to rework existing products to be "better for you" by removing fat or sodium, or by adding fibre or vitamins.

They have also bought small but successful health and wellness brands that end up accounting for just a tiny slice of overall revenue.

Some food industry observers warn that there could be a limit to how long large companies can resist consumers' stepped-up demands for changes.

"The food industry is at a tipping point," said Stephen Hughes, chief executive of Boulder Brands Inc, which makes Smart Balance spread.

Boulder was a pioneer in removing artery-clogging trans-fats from its products and is taking out ingredients with genetically modified organisms.

The industry's big players won't start taking more risks until "the cost of not changing exceeds the cost of changing", Hughes said. – Reuters, March 30, 2014.

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The Malaysian Insider :: Sports

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The Malaysian Insider :: Sports


Italian World Cup ref in penalty confusion

Posted: 30 Mar 2014 09:11 AM PDT

March 31, 2014

Italian World Cup referee Nicola Rizzoli was involved in an extraordinary incident when he awarded a penalty and then changed his mind after five minutes of angry protests during second-placed AS Roma's 2-0 win at Sassuolo on Sunday.

Rizzoli asked Sassuolo forward Nicola Sansone, the player who suffered the alleged foul, what had happened before making his final decision, according to AS Roma players.

Rizzoli initially awarded Sassuolo a penalty when Sansone went down under a seemingly innocuous challenge by Roma defender Mehdi Benatia in the 36th minute of the Serie A match.

Both teams protested the decision, with Roma angry over the penalty and Sassuolo claiming that Benatia should have been sent off.

Sassuolo had put the ball on the spot and were preparing to take the kick when Rizzoli, after consulting his assistants, changed his mind and awarded a drop ball.

There were more protests at halftime as Sassuolo players surrounded Rizzoli to protest the decision.

Serie A uses the additional assistant referees system preferred by UEFA with extra match officials on each goal line.

"The referee didn't want to give the penalty, but the goal-line official told him it was a penalty," Benatia told Sky Sport Italia.

"He asked Sansone to tell him the truth, assuring that he would not get a yellow card (for diving). That made us angry, because you can't ask that sort of thing to a player whose team are battling relegation.

"Sansone said that he slipped, but that I had pulled his shirt and the referee decided not to give the penalty."

AS Roma coach Rudi Garcia praised the referee's handling of the incident.

"The referee did well as he was the one who had to make the final decision," the Frenchman told reporters.

"I think the goal line official told him it was a penalty, while Rizzoli asked the player to be honest. Honesty always pays off and I compliment the Sassuolo player."

Roma had taken the lead in the 16th minute with Mattia Destro's 10th goal of the season.

Sassuolo's Simone Missiroli was caught in possession by Radja Nainggolan and he then slipped the ball through for Destro to lift the ball over Gianluca Pegolo with a neat finish.

Roma's second came at the end of a leisurely second half when Sassuolo again lost possession in their own half and Brazilian Michel Bastos was sent clear to place his ball wide of Pergolo.

Roma's fourth successive win left then 11 points behind runaway leaders Juventus who were away to third-placed Napoli on Sunday evening.

Lazio, again playing in a half-empty Stadio Olimpico as fans continued to boycott the team in protest at president Claudio Lotito, beat Parma 3-2 with a stoppage time winner from Antonio Candreva after the visitors had twice come from behind.

Fourth placed Fiorentia drew 0-0 at Sampdoria, while, in two midtable battles, Luca Toni scored twice to help Verona thump Genoa 3-0, and Torino beat Cagliari 2-1. – Reuters, March 30, 2014.

Everton keep pressure on top four with victory at Fulham

Posted: 30 Mar 2014 08:29 AM PDT

March 30, 2014

Everton players celebrate after Fulham's goalkeeper David Stockdale (lying on ground) scored an own goal during their English Premier League soccer match at Craven Cottage in London. – Reuters pic, March 30, 2014.Everton players celebrate after Fulham's goalkeeper David Stockdale (lying on ground) scored an own goal during their English Premier League soccer match at Craven Cottage in London. – Reuters pic, March 30, 2014.Everton improved their outside chance of snatching a Champions League place next season by winning 3-1 away to bottom of the table Fulham on Sunday.

Victory put them four points behind fourth-placed Arsenal and four clear of Tottenham Hotspur, who faced a tough task away to Liverpool in the day's late game in the Premier League.

It took an unlucky own goal early in the second half to put Everton ahead before Iranian international Ashkan Dejagah equalised with a spectacular effort.

Two substitutes then combined for the second goal, Aiden McGeady sending Belgian international Kevin Mirallas through to score with 11 minutes left.

Steven Naismith completed the scoring to leave Fulham and their German manager Felix Magath deflated after his team had had the better of the first half's play.

Even a draw would have taken the London side off the bottom of the table, but their chances of avoiding relegation are looking thinner by the week.

It was a doubly disappointing afternoon too for England manager Roy Hodgson, formerly of Fulham and keen to see more of Everton's Ross Barkley. The young midfielder, who has played three times for the national team, did not appear for the second half because of injury.

His replacement, Scottish international Naismith, made the opening goal after 51 minutes with a shot that was being deflected wide until it struck goalkeeper David Stockdale and trickled over the line.

Although play flowed from end to end, Fulham made the better chances in an open first half. German international Lewis Holtby missed one early on and Kieran Richardson was then thwarted by Everton's goalkeeper Tim Howard, who saved with his feet.

Howard had to turn a header from Holtby over the bar and in the final minute of the half he held a headed attempt by Moussa Dembele, the 17 year-old forward signed from Paris Saint-Germain, who had a promising full debut.

Fulham might have been awarded a penalty for a handling offence by Sylvain Distin, not spotted by the officials.

Everton's best effort before the interval came from 20-year-old Gerard Deulofeu, who is on a season-long loan from Barcelona. Stockdale in Fulham's goal saved the shot with his feet.

The visitors improved in the second half and went ahead when Fulham failed to clear a corner. Naismith shot and a series of deflections, including a crucial one from goalkeeper Stockdale, resulted in the ball ending up in the net.

Fulham continued to press and scored a deserved equaliser in the 71st minute. Dejagah, who had come on for Richardson, cut inside from the left and hit a scorching shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Howard had to make two more fine saves to keep out former Everton defender John Heitinga and then Pajtim Kasami, but soon after Roberto Martinez sent on McGeady and the Irishman's fine pass put Mirallas through to restore the lead.

Stockdale made a good save from Naismith, but could not prevent him having the final word with Everton's third in the 87th minute, from a pass by Leighton Baines. – Reuters, March 30, 2014.

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The Malaysian Insider :: Features

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Cutting out TV may improve kids’ snacking habits, says study

Posted: 30 Mar 2014 05:23 AM PDT

March 30, 2014

A study finds that watching TV can lead to mindless snacking among children.A study finds that watching TV can lead to mindless snacking among children.A new study adds to the body of research linking TV-watching to increased consumption of junk food, finding that TV may have more of a negative effect on snacking than other screen time, such as playing video games.

One suspected culprit: tempting commercials for unhealthy snacks.

The study, presented at the American College of Cardiology's 63rd Annual Scientific Session, examined 1,003 middle school-aged kids from 24 middle schools in Southeast Michigan communities participating in Project Healthy Schools.

Questionnaires asked about type and frequency of screen time among other lifestyle habits, such as snacking and food and beverage choices. Blood pressure, cholesterol, height, weight and recovery period after exercise were also measured.

Students were subsequently divided into three groups: "low screen time", or less than 30 minutes per day, "high TV time," or two to six hours per day, and "high computer/video games," again for two to six hours each day. Physiologic markers and snacking habits were compared.

Researchers discovered kids who spent more time in front of a television or computer screen snacked more often, with such snacks of the unhealthy variety.

Children in the "high" computer and television categories ate about 3.5 snacks each day, or "one full snack more" than those in the "low" group.

It was also found children in the "high" television group were more likely than the computer/video game group to consume fatty foods such as chips and French fries.

Researchers believe children who spend a lot of time in front of the television opt for less-healthy snacks because they are constantly subjected to commercials promoting snacks high in salt, sugar and bad fats.

Unlike children playing video games or using the computer, these kids tend to have their hands free for "mindless snacking".

"The more we can change behaviour early on to promote healthy weight and dietary habits, the more likely we will be able to reduce adult-related problems including heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure," said study senior author Elizabeth Jackson. – AFP Relaxnews, March 30, 2014.

Connected watches, virtually absent but still creating buzz at Baselworld

Posted: 30 Mar 2014 04:00 AM PDT

March 30, 2014

A woman places watches in a display case at the exhibition stand of Swiss jewellery and watch company Jacob & Co at Baselworld fair. – Reuters pic, March 30, 2014.A woman places watches in a display case at the exhibition stand of Swiss jewellery and watch company Jacob & Co at Baselworld fair. – Reuters pic, March 30, 2014.Watches that connect to your smartphone or even a satellite to ensure perfect time, regardless of where you are in the world, or alert you if you leave your phone behind?

Although not on prominent display they were a hot topic of discussion this past week at Baselworld, the world's largest watch and jewellery fair.

The show in the northern Swiss city was yet again dominated by intricate mechanical watches, symbolising centuries of tradition, and jewel-covered timepieces showcasing the luxury and glamour that never seem to go out of fashion.

But there were a few new offerings for the tech-hungry crowd still waiting eagerly for their wristband to catch up with their phone or tablet.

Japan's Casio had two new high-tech models on display both set for release later this year.

Its new Bluetooth controlled Edifice watch connects to smartphones, allowing it to adjust to time changes as smoothly as the device in your back pocket, while its new G-Shock model can synchronise with precise time signals broadcasted by radio stations or satellites.

"We expect huge demand, because people nowadays look for this technology more and more, so we are very confident," said Harald Schroeder, head of marketing at Casio Europe.

He stressed the popularity of a range of brightly-coloured plastic G-Shock watches already available, which can control your smartphone's alarm and music functions, let you know when your phone is ringing in silent mode and vibrate if you leave your phone behind.

Several other Asian tech giants, including South Korean Samsung, Japan's Sony and China's Huawei, have also unveiled new connected timepieces in recent months.

Swiss watchmakers are following the developments closely, but appear reluctant to move down the same route, sticking instead to the tradition and skilled craftmanship that have won them customers for centuries.

"Technically, there are lots of things that are possible," pointed out Marc Hayek, who heads Swatch Group's luxury watch brands Breguet, Blancpain and Jaquet Droz.

"But it's not just because something is possible that the market will automatically be there," he said, insisting that a watch should not seek to simply emulate the functions already available in phones and other wireless devices.

'Don't see big market'

"If it's less comfortable to use... (and) if it's the same function, I think it will only mean disadvantages, and I really don't see a big market for that," he said, stressing that watchmakers should instead reflect on "useful" and "intelligent" new functions.

Stephane Linder, head of Tag Heuer, the top watch brand in French luxury group LVMH's stable, agreed, pointing out that a connected watch would necessarily be more difficult to use than existing devices.

"With a telephone, I have a large screen, but with a watch, it's tiny," he pointed out.

Linder insisted though on the need to keep a close eye on developments, pointing out that technology has the power to suddenly reshuffle the deck, as Apple did when it dethroned the reining mobile phone companies with its iPhone.

Watchmakers must remain ready to jump into the "smart watch" fray once they see the potential to bring true benefits to users.

If that happens "you will see developments in the luxury segment as well," he predicted.

Patek Philippe chief Thierry Stern said he was not worried by the smart watch hype.

"We saw the same thing when the iPhone was launched. People said it would spell the end of watches, but today watch sales are doing very well," he said.

Connected watches were not a threat to the market for prestige timepieces, he insisted, pointing out that such tech objects "generally are obsolete after a year, because there is always a new version available."

"These are not objects that you keep as a watch," he said.

In fact, Martijn van Willegen, a Dutch jeweller who each year places around 80% of his annual watch orders at Baselworld, said he saw watches moving in the opposite direction of the phone tech drive.

Fifteen years ago, people mainly wanted super precise quartz watches that you could simply replace if it stopped working, he said.

"Today, we're back to old school 16th and 17th century mechanics that really make your heart beat faster... I love that." – AFP, March 30, 2014.

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The Malaysian Insider :: Bahasa

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The Malaysian Insider :: Bahasa


Anak perempuan ketua pramugara masih menaruh harapan

Posted: 30 Mar 2014 03:19 AM PDT

March 30, 2014

Gambar Maira Elizabeth bersama bapanya Andrew Nari yang dikongsi di laman Twitter.Gambar Maira Elizabeth bersama bapanya Andrew Nari yang dikongsi di laman Twitter.Maira Elizabeth, anak perempuan ketua pramugara Andrew Nari yang berada dalam pesawat MH370, masih menaruh harapan walaupun langsung tiada perkhabaran mengenai pesawat Malaysia Airlines (MAS) itu berada.

Gadis berusia 18 tahun itu, apabila menjawab mesej daripada peminat dalam laman twitternya @MairaElizxbeth_ berkata: "saya sihat, kami tidak apa-apa.", "Saya okay" , "Saya baik, terima kasih".

"Saya okay. Saya percaya mereka dalam keadaan baik. Jadi, saya okay," kata Maira dalam laman Twitternya hari ini, masuk hari ke-23 operasi pencarian bagi menjejaki pesawat Boeing 777-200ER itu yang hilang pada 8 Mac ketika dalam penerbangan dari Kuala Lumpur ke Beijing.

Maira sentiasa mengemaskini laman Twitter mengenai bapanya sejak pesawat itu berlepas dari Lapangan Terbangsa Antarabangsa KL pada 8 Mac.

Beliau mewujudkan akaun Twitter baru semalam selepas akaun lamanya, @Gorgxous_ digantung. Beliau mempunyai lebih 2,000 peminat sekarang.

Daripada laman Twitternya, Maira menunjukkan sikap lebih positif terhadap tragedi itu. "I orang biasa je la. Makin kita membesar, makin kita mempelajari erti kehidupan"

"Saya mempunyai kelapangan sekarang. Sebab itu saya boleh menjawab mesej daripada setiap peminat," kata Maira dalam laman Twitternya.

Maira yang baru menduduki peperiksaan SPM bercadang untuk mengikuti kursus bahasa Inggeris sebelum mengejar cita-citanya untuk menjadi pensyarah dan pramugari.

Bagaimanapun, Maira berkata beliau belum mengambil slip keputusan SPM kerana "saya menaruh harapan bapa saya akan pulang ketika itu".

Maira juga mengucapkan terima kasih kepada peminatnya atas sokongan dan galakan mereka sambil meminta mereka mendoakan bagi 239 penumpang dan anak kapal dalam Penerbangan MH370.

Isnin lepas, Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Naijb Razak mengumumkan bahawa Penerbangan MH370 "telah berakhir di selatan Lautan Hindi". – Bernama, 30 Mac, 2014.

Najib bersama pelumba F1 bertafakur seminit tanda hormat kepada penumpang MH370

Posted: 30 Mar 2014 02:14 AM PDT

March 30, 2014

Pelumbaan F1 hari ini bermula selepas tafakur seminit sebagai tanda hormat kepada penumpang dan kru MH370. – Gambar Reuters.Pelumbaan F1 hari ini bermula selepas tafakur seminit sebagai tanda hormat kepada penumpang dan kru MH370. – Gambar Reuters.Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Razak bersama 22 pelumba Grand Prix Formula One Malaysia Petronas 2014 bertafakur seminit bagi memberi penghormatan kepada penumpang dan anak kapal pesawat Malaysia Airlines (MAS) MH370 di Litar Sepang hari ini.

Pasukan Formula One turut menampalkan pelekat #remembering MH370, #prayforMH370 dan #doauntukMH370 pada topi keledar masing-masing sebagai tanda penghormatan kepada 239 penumpang dan anak kapal MH370.

Penonton yang hadir juga turut bertafakur serta bersama-sama menyanyikan lagu "Negaraku" sebelum perlumbaan bermula pada 4 petang ini.

Turut hadir menyaksikan perlumbaan itu ialah Menteri Belia dan Sukan Khairy Jamaluddin, bekas Perdana Menteri Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad dan Pengerusi Litar Antarabangsa Sepang (SIC) Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir. – Bernama, 30 Mac, 2014.

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The Malaysian Insider :: Opinion

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The Malaysian Insider :: Opinion


El Clasico and critics’ curious comments

Posted: 29 Mar 2014 05:36 PM PDT

March 30, 2014

As a player, Shebby Singh won everything there was to win in Malaysia football, and represented the country on the international stage.

Some critics argued that Xabi Alonso and Luka Modric dominated the midfield in the first half of El Clasico – Real Madrid v Barcelona – last weekend, but I beg to differ.

Though chasing shadows all evening (namely that of Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Busquets), the X-factor for Real Madrid in their strong first half showing was Angel Di Maria.

The two Real Madrid midfielders and their centrebacks were too square all evening, constantly allowing Lionel Messi the space to drop back and pick up the ball between the lines.

The first goal for Barcelona as early as the seventh minute came courtesy of Messi doing exactly that, ghosting into the hole between the defence and midfield. Then, with a brilliant through ball past a backpedalling Dani Carvajal, he allowed Andres Iniesta to fire home with aplomb.

Di Maria made the difference for the home side after that, contributing to two quick goals scored by Karim Benzema halfway through the first half.

Some critics argued that if Javier Mascherano was taller, he would have been able to nod Di Maria's stunning cross away from danger. But why was there not a single word about Xavi failing to track Di Maria's movement from a central position to the left side as the rotation demanded.

If the sky was not blue, it surely is of another colour.

Munich Machine

In Germany, former Barca gaffer Pep Guardiola has clinched his first Bundesliga title as Bayern Munich wrapped up the championship stroll (calling it a "race" wouldn't be appropriate given the sheer dominance of the Munich Machine) with an incredible seven matches to spare.

Jupp Hencykes, who orchestrated Bayern's record-breaking run last season, won the league with "only" six matches remaining.

The UEFA Champions League awaits and a quarterfinal clash with David Moyes' Manchester United.

Not 24 hours after the 3-0 victory over Olympiakos at Old Trafford, some took the opportunity to anoint David Moyes as the chosen one (…once again) and a solid away win against West Ham United – including a Wayne Rooney goal-of-the-season – only hyped this recent run of results further.

The Red Devils were duly taken down a peg or 10 when Manchester City visited and gave them an absolute hiding in terms of quality with a comprehensive 3-0 at Old Trafford. Moyes' post-match comments were truly shocking – to say that the Manchester City of today is the standard his team needs to try and aspire themselves to should have gotten him the sack instantly.

No, David, you should aspire to be like your predecessor Alex Ferguson's Manchester United – the Manchester United that won the treble, the Manchester United that demanded respect and won matches before their opponents even set foot on the hallowed turf that is Old Trafford.

Yes, Manuel Pellegrini's side is playing brilliant football, but to even consider praising the Sky Blues in public is unheard of. Well, at least during Ferguson's reign.

It indeed is a new era for Manchester United, one that aspires to be great while playing football that leaves much to be desired.

System v individuals

An interesting study can be taken to compare Brendan Rogers' success at Liverpool, in contrast with Moyes' underwhelming reign so far at Manchester United.

Brendan Rogers has come in and built a system to which the footballers at his disposal are made to play a certain way.

It worked at Swansea City (and with a much smaller budget/pool of quality) and is exponentially improving at Anfield, playing a fluid attacking game relying on speed of thought and action.

On the other hand, Moyes' current "philosophy" (if you can call it that) relies heavily on individual brilliance instead of a settled tactical system.

We have seen him go from a conventional 4-4-2 to "death by 81 crosses" and recently, an ill-fated 4-3-3 utilising attacking midfielders in out-and-out wide positions.

Earlier this season, it was Rooney's freekicks and never-say-die attitude which pushed them across the line. Then came Robin Van Persie's usual incisiveness in front of goal.

But more recently, if the media circus is to be believed, it was the performance of a 40-year-old midfielder by the name of Ryan Giggs who inspired Manchester United into the next round of the Champions League.

None of these results came from a consistent tactical system, only individual brilliance pulled them through.

As we all know, league titles are not won by individuals, they are won by individuals working together in a system which suits their strengths and minimises their weaknesses.

What Moyes has attempted to do this season is akin to the tactics many unambitious teams fighting for mid-table mediocrity follow: stay solid, work very hard and, hopefully, one player pulls something out of the hat and snatches three points. – March 30, 2014.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.

El Clasico and critics’ curious comments

Posted: 29 Mar 2014 05:36 PM PDT

March 30, 2014

As a player, Shebby Singh won everything there was to win in Malaysia football, and represented the country on the international stage.

Some critics argued that Xabi Alonso and Luka Modric dominated the midfield in the first half of El Clasico – Real Madrid v Barcelona – last weekend, but I beg to differ.

Though chasing shadows all evening (namely that of Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Busquets), the X-factor for Real Madrid in their strong first half showing was Angel Di Maria.

The two Real Madrid midfielders and their centrebacks were too square all evening, constantly allowing Lionel Messi the space to drop back and pick up the ball between the lines.

The first goal for Barcelona as early as the seventh minute came courtesy of Messi doing exactly that, ghosting into the hole between the defence and midfield. Then, with a brilliant through ball past a backpedalling Dani Carvajal, he allowed Andres Iniesta to fire home with aplomb.

Di Maria made the difference for the home side after that, contributing to two quick goals scored by Karim Benzema halfway through the first half.

Some critics argued that if Javier Mascherano was taller, he would have been able to nod Di Maria's stunning cross away from danger. But why was there not a single word about Xavi failing to track Di Maria's movement from a central position to the left side as the rotation demanded.

If the sky was not blue, it surely is of another colour.

Munich Machine

In Germany, former Barca gaffer Pep Guardiola has clinched his first Bundesliga title as Bayern Munich wrapped up the championship stroll (calling it a "race" wouldn't be appropriate given the sheer dominance of the Munich Machine) with an incredible seven matches to spare.

Jupp Hencykes, who orchestrated Bayern's record-breaking run last season, won the league with "only" six matches remaining.

The UEFA Champions League awaits and a quarterfinal clash with David Moyes' Manchester United.

Not 24 hours after the 3-0 victory over Olympiakos at Old Trafford, some took the opportunity to anoint David Moyes as the chosen one (…once again) and a solid away win against West Ham United – including a Wayne Rooney goal-of-the-season – only hyped this recent run of results further.

The Red Devils were duly taken down a peg or 10 when Manchester City visited and gave them an absolute hiding in terms of quality with a comprehensive 3-0 at Old Trafford. Moyes' post-match comments were truly shocking – to say that the Manchester City of today is the standard his team needs to try and aspire themselves to should have gotten him the sack instantly.

No, David, you should aspire to be like your predecessor Alex Ferguson's Manchester United – the Manchester United that won the treble, the Manchester United that demanded respect and won matches before their opponents even set foot on the hallowed turf that is Old Trafford.

Yes, Manuel Pellegrini's side is playing brilliant football, but to even consider praising the Sky Blues in public is unheard of. Well, at least during Ferguson's reign.

It indeed is a new era for Manchester United, one that aspires to be great while playing football that leaves much to be desired.

System v individuals

An interesting study can be taken to compare Brendan Rogers' success at Liverpool, in contrast with Moyes' underwhelming reign so far at Manchester United.

Brendan Rogers has come in and built a system to which the footballers at his disposal are made to play a certain way.

It worked at Swansea City (and with a much smaller budget/pool of quality) and is exponentially improving at Anfield, playing a fluid attacking game relying on speed of thought and action.

On the other hand, Moyes' current "philosophy" (if you can call it that) relies heavily on individual brilliance instead of a settled tactical system.

We have seen him go from a conventional 4-4-2 to "death by 81 crosses" and recently, an ill-fated 4-3-3 utilising attacking midfielders in out-and-out wide positions.

Earlier this season, it was Rooney's freekicks and never-say-die attitude which pushed them across the line. Then came Robin Van Persie's usual incisiveness in front of goal.

But more recently, if the media circus is to be believed, it was the performance of a 40-year-old midfielder by the name of Ryan Giggs who inspired Manchester United into the next round of the Champions League.

None of these results came from a consistent tactical system, only individual brilliance pulled them through.

As we all know, league titles are not won by individuals, they are won by individuals working together in a system which suits their strengths and minimises their weaknesses.

What Moyes has attempted to do this season is akin to the tactics many unambitious teams fighting for mid-table mediocrity follow: stay solid, work very hard and, hopefully, one player pulls something out of the hat and snatches three points. – March 30, 2014.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.

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