Is there anything going on in the football close season in Europe? A quick scan of the FIFA and UEFA websites reveals very little. One tournament I must draw attention to is the women's U19 Euros, which start tonight in Belarus. Competing nations are England, France, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and hosts Belarus.
Some nations in the rest of the world are still playing football though. In Brazil, Atletico Mineiro was able to take over top spot after a 3-0 win against a weakened Cruzeiro in the derby match. All change in the Eastern Conference of the American Major League as well with Chicago Fire going top on goal difference after a 0-0 draw against Columbus Crew. Toronto FC went second after 3-1 at San Jose Earthquakes. In the Western Conference, Houston Dynamo stay top despite losing to new team Seattle Sounders, who moved into second spot. In Japan, the Kashima Antlers seem to be defending their title after winning 2-0 at home to Omiya Ardija. Their lead at the top is eight points ahead of 2006 winners Urawa Red Diamonds. Nacional of Uruguay is one match away from their 31st title after a 2-1 victory against Defensor Sporting. Their opponents must win on Wednesday to force a third match. In my neck of the woods in Scandinavia the season's only half way, football being a summer sport here. In Finland, HJK Helsinki went top after an emphatic 3-0 victory against bottom placed Kuopio PS. Second placed FC Haka Valkeakoski could join them on 30 points tonight if they win against third placed Turku PS. Over in Norway, Rosenborg are 4 points clear at the top of the Tippeligaen with one match in hand and over the border in Sweden, a big match tonight will see AIK from Stockholm entertain leaders IFK Göteborg. A win for AIK would put them back in contention while Göteborg would go 4 points clear at the top if they win after second placed Elfsborg went down 3-2 at Helsingborg yesterday.
There is no such thing as a close season for the global sport of football.
All the best.