Today marks the start of hopefully another glorious year in the history of football. 2011 produced some exhilarating football and great games to watch.
It also produced some more controversy with the less wholesome side of the game exposed.
Here are my hopes for football in 2012:
1) More incredible Premier League matches
Last year saw some of the most entertaining Premier League matches for a long time. Games such as Manchester United’s 8-2 victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford and Manchester City’s 6-1 victory over the champions on their home ground.
Then there was Arsenal’s 5-3 victory at Chelsea. There was also one of the best ever Premier League comebacks as Newcastle came back from three goals down to draw 4-4 with Arsenal at St James Park.
I just hope that the next year can bring such dramatic high scoring encounters. If last year is anything to go by then 2012 could be a really special year.
2) End to racism row
Last year showed the ugly side of football as well as the entertaining side, as John Terry and Luis Suarez were involved in racism allegations. Suarez faces an eight match ban and Terry’s case is still being investigated.
Racism has no place in the game and hopefully this year will be free from racism allegations and racism in general. English football has came a long way and for heavens sake we are in 2012 not 1812. It’s time players behaved in a civilised manner.
3) Spectacular European Championship
This year’s European Championship promises to be one of the best in recent years. The likes of Germany, Holland and Spain all have vibrant talented teams heading into the big tournament. The best players in Europe coming head to head should be something special.
The Euro’s haven’t always been the spectacle that they could have been in recent years but this tournament promises to be the best in along time.
4) A good England performance at the European Championships
England have been a major disappointment at most recent international tournaments. In the 2010 World Cup England were awful and this is their chance to make amends to the Three Lions fans.
England boss Fabio Capello’s reputation has been seriously damaged by his stint in charge. He needs his team to perform well at Euro 2012 to redeem some of his reputation. England are unlikely to win the tournament but a good performance at the European Championships will restore some faith in the England team.
5) A competitive La Liga title race
Even as a fan of Barcelona I really do like the fact that Real Madrid is giving Pep Guardiola’s side a run for their money in the Spanish top flight. I hope that Los Blancos can keep their good form up and really challenge this season.
6) A new striker for Everton
Sorry if this is slightly self-indulgent but it has to be done. Watching Everton playing without a goal scorer is like having a tooth pulled out without anaesthetic, painful. The Blues have a decent team but nobody to put the ball in the back of the net.
Everton boss David Moyes hasn’t got much money to spend this January, so he will probably have to bring in a front man on loan.
Goals
Last year saw the most goals ever scored in a Premier League calendar. It was definitely a year to remember in the English top flight. Can 2012 compete with its predecessor? Only time will tell but if it can then we are in for a brilliant year of football.
We would like to know your hopes for 2012?
