2010-2011 Soccer Thread

[Diehard]

Premier League kicks off tomorrow, La Liga and Serie A will start in a couple weeks.

Looking forward to Tottenham vs the revamped Man City, looks to be the most exciting match this week

[chu gar]

I can't wait for the season to start!!

[VEGASKING]

Premier League kicks off tomorrow, La Liga and Serie A will start in a couple weeks.

Looking forward to Tottenham vs the revamped Man City, looks to be the most exciting match this week


Arsenal at Anfield as well although Arsenal have quite a few first teamers out.

[Crazy_Ivan]

I can't wait for the season to start!!

I watched the Europa game the other day and although playing against clearly inferior opposition I really liked the way Liverpool played.

[Cross Traffic]

Espn chose a good one to open their Premier league coverage. Aston Villa vs West Ham United is on Fox Soccer channel at 7a (PDT)

[Diehard]

Joe Hart is the only reason Man City didn't get blown out of the water. He made some unbelievable saves in the first half.

[Diehard]

Not a good opener for Liverpool, Joe Cole getting red carded in his debut and Pepe Reina gifting Arsenal with an own goal. It might be a long season for them, especially if Mascherano leaves as it's been rumored.

Looking forward to watching ManU's season opener, curious to see how Hernandez fares in his Premier League debut.

[Cross Traffic]

Giggs gets in the game in the 71st minute and scores in the 85th...the 19 nd straight season he has scored a goal in the Premier League, and the 22nd straight season overall. Dude still has it!

[Diehard]

Bayern Munich making their season debut right now against Edin Dzeko and Wolfsburg, should be an easy W for the Reds

[KHenry14]

Giggs gets in the game in the 71st minute and scores in the 85th...the 19 nd straight season he has scored a goal in the Premier League, and the 22nd straight season overall. Dude still has it!


Giggs is on the record saying that he'd like to play in the MLS once his days with United are done...problem is, looks like his days with United will never end!

[Diehard]

With Real signing Ozil, it looks like van der Vaart is the odd man out and ManU is reportedly interested in obtaining his services. Reminds me of last year when Real let another Dutchman go (Arjen Robben), ManU was also interested but obviously Bayern ended up getting him. The Red Devils' midfield could really use him, with Giggs and Scholes getting old, Hargreaves never being healthy, and Anderson being banged up from that car crash. Plus they haven't had a high-profile signing since Cristiano Ronaldo's departure.

Also, the Bayern game was pretty exciting, didn't expect it to be so close. Ribery with an excellent cross to Schweinsteiger to win the game.

[chu gar]

Who here is also hoping Chelsea is just scoring all of their goals premature and will eventually run out?

[Crazy_Ivan]

Who here is also hoping Chelsea is just scoring all of their goals premature and will eventually run out?

They look really good right now, I mean Wigan dominated possesion but Chelsea were just incisive.

[Diehard]

Mascherano to Barca

Barcelona agree fee with Liverpool for Javier Mascherano - Transfers - ESPN Soccernet (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=818023&sec=transfers&cc=5901)

Guess we got our replacement for Yaya Toure, although I wouldn't have minded Busquets taking the defensive midfielder role full time. I guess this also means Ibrahimovic will be sold to cover the costs, since Barca's financial situation isn't the greatest right now, along with the fact that he and Guardiola can't get along.

[Crazy_Ivan]

Essentially 60 million is what Ibrahimovic cost Barcelona last year. No wonder they are in a financial mess.

[Pagliacci]

Essentially 60 million is what Ibrahimovic cost Barcelona last year. No wonder they are in a financial mess.


It was 60 Million PLUS Samuel Eto'o. Retarts. Barcelona IMO is going to struggle w/o Yaya Toure. Not to take anything away from Mascherano or Busquets, but I rememeber quite vividly how Real Madrid started to suck once they sold Makelele to Chelsea.

I love me some Pep Guardiola, but Chygrynsky was also another dumb move. Ditto the Martin Caceres and Alexander Hleb acquisitions.

[Diehard]

I'm really disappointed with the whole Ibrahimovic situation, A front 3 of Messi, Villa, and Zlatan would have been almost unstoppable.

[KHenry14]

Who here is also hoping Chelsea is just scoring all of their goals premature and will eventually run out?

If it doesn't, United, the Gunners and the Reds will get steamrolled by the end of the year!

[Crazy_Ivan]

I'm really disappointed with the whole Ibrahimovic situation, A front 3 of Messi, Villa, and Zlatan would have been almost unstoppable.

His scoring rate is excellent, even at Barcelona, the trouble is he becomes invisible in high profile games for both club and country. Some-times so invisible you don't even know he is on the pitch. For a big striker with a big reputation that can't happen.

[Pagliacci]

His scoring rate is excellent, even at Barcelona, the trouble is he becomes invisible in high profile games for both club and country. Some-times so invisible you don't even know he is on the pitch. For a big striker with a big reputation that can't happen.

http://crabfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/cristiano_ronaldo_shorts.JPG

LOLwut?

[Cross Traffic]

Wigan gets the upset win against Tottenham Hotspur...LOL

[chu gar]

Wigan gets the upset win against Tottenham Hotspur...LOL

Wigan is always good for a few good upsets a season

[Pagliacci]

Looks like Tottenham blew their wad on the Young Boys...



:drum:

[Pagliacci]

Ibrahimovic is officially official for AC Milan. What a cluster**** for him, Barcelona and especially Pep Guardiola.

I wonder if the truth comes out in the next few weeks.

[Diehard]

Barca getting a strong start to the season, was nice to see Villa get off the pitch. Can't wait to see Mascherano out there with the squad.

[chu gar]

Barca getting a strong start to the season, was nice to see Villa get off the pitch. Can't wait to see Mascherano out there with the squad.

He'll help you win, that's for sure.

[ucsdguy1]

Wigan gets the upset win against Tottenham Hotspur...LOL
pretty embarrassing. Crouch already looks worn out..

so...

Van der Vaart's move to Spurs from Madrid approved - Soccer - SI.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/soccer/09/01/vandervaart.spurs.ap/index.html)

[Diehard]

Van der Vaart's move to Spurs from Madrid approved - Soccer - SI.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/soccer/09/01/vandervaart.spurs.ap/index.html)

Wonder how that'll work out. They already have a lot of central attackers, I guess they'll have to live with either he or Modric playing at a position they're not used to.

[ucsdguy1]

Wonder how that'll work out. They already have a lot of central attackers, I guess they'll have to live with either he or Modric playing at a position they're not used to.

possibly. but one more at the position couldn't hurt with playing time and the # of games with CL and cups upcoming..

[VEGASKING]

He doesn't really fit in to a 4-4-2. Can Arry play anything else?

[ucsdguy1]

he might have to. while modric is more of that possession player in central midfield. Van der vaart seems to be more of an attacking midfielder that plays off strikers, no? There probably will be a bit of mixing and matching happening.

Reading a few articles, seems to be the opinion that $12 million was a very good price for him.

As long as he can do this, spurs fans will joyful:

YouTube - rafael van der vaart great goal against arsenal

[Diehard]

France lost again. ****ing pathetic, hard to believe they were the 2nd best team in the world 4 years ago. Granted they didn't have Ribery, Benzema, Govou, etc. but still there's no reason whatsoever they should have lost to a country like Belarus. The way things have been going I wouldn't be surprised if the don't qualify in 2014.

[Pagliacci]

France lost again. ****ing pathetic, hard to believe they were the 2nd best team in the world 4 years ago. Granted they didn't have Ribery, Benzema, Govou, etc. but still there's no reason whatsoever they should have lost to a country like Belarus. The way things have been going I wouldn't be surprised if the don't qualify in 2014.

They'll be fine, Laurent Blanc is a great coach. The U-21 also won the World Cup this past summer so their future is bright.

[Melfice]

I saw my first English Premier League game today. It was pretty good and fast paced too.

Everton vs Aston Villa. Aston won the match 1-0 but Everton sure had a lot of chances to tie the game tho. AV's defense was very good locking down the scoring. I will need to see when more of these English Premier games are on the TV.

The soccer thing is growing on me I think. I don't think I will be a hardcore fan, but watching the games so far have been fun indeed.

[Pagliacci]

Anybody catch Argentina destroy the world champs 4-1 yesterday? Apparently Pepe Reina sucked ASS.

[Diehard]

Anybody catch Argentina destroy the world champs 4-1 yesterday? Apparently Pepe Reina sucked ASS.

Yea, Reina's not having a good year, he had an own goal in Liverpool's debut and sucked in the friendly. Good thing he didn't have any caps in the World Cup.

[chu gar]

Reina also looks like he could lose a few pounds. Just sayin' Reina

[Diehard]

Barca dropping their first home game of the season, their offense looked out of sync for the duration, unable to break through Hercules' defense. Barca already feeling the effects of parting ways with Zlatan.

[Pagliacci]

Barca dropping their first home game of the season, their offense looked out of sync for the duration, unable to break through Hercules' defense. Barca already feeling the effects of parting ways with Zlatan.

I wouldn't agree with the parting ways with Ibra as being the reason they lost today. Hercules has a long history of upsetting Barca and to be honest Nelson Valdez is a class goal scorer. The two international fifa dates (including the long travel to Argentina) have really left the team off sync. But yeah, Barcelona played like crap, no real team effort and never in sync. Hercules defense was organized, physical, and the goalie played well enough, so I give them lots of credit.

I love Barcelona, but it's asinine to think they're going to win every game. La Liga needs more than just two teams.

[Pagliacci]

Speaking of Ibra, AC Milan is down 2-0 before half to a recently promoted Cesena. And yes, Ibra is starting...

[Crazy_Ivan]

Speaking of Ibra, AC Milan is down 2-0 before half to a recently promoted Cesena. And yes, Ibra is starting...

AC Milan are a completely un-balanced team and its tough to see how they intend to get any defending from the likes of Bihno, Dihno, Ibra or Pato.

[Melfice]

The LA Galaxy vs Columbus Crew was a good game I thought. LA is back on top as the best record in MLS, and I'm looking forward to this weekend's game against D.C. United :banashake:

[ucsdguy1]

The LA Galaxy vs Columbus Crew was a good game I thought. LA is back on top as the best record in MLS, and I'm looking forward to this weekend's game against D.C. United :banashake:
The return of Juninho was way better than that of sir david..

[Iron Duke]

Was so pumped for the Liverpool/Man U match up Sunday, only to see it's on FSC+. Talk about a buzzkill, now trying to figure out if it's worth paying the prorated rate for basically one day of the channel and then cancelling it. The way pool's been playing though, probably not worth it anyway.

[chu gar]

Was so pumped for the Liverpool/Man U match up Sunday, only to see it's on FSC+. Talk about a buzzkill, now trying to figure out if it's worth paying the prorated rate for basically one day of the channel and then cancelling it. The way pool's been playing though, probably not worth it anyway.

Liverpool is going to win! Look at how Man U have been playing too? The whole game is going to stink, haha, but Pool is gonna win it!! :dancing_cube: :agree:

[VEGASKING]

Or you can just watch it for free ATDHE.Net - Watch Free Live Sports TV (http://atdhe.net/)


Phil Dowd 1
Arsenal 1


Was going to be the least deserved 3 points ever but sucks to lose them because of the referee. Terrible match all around for him.

[Iron Duke]

Look at how Man U have been playing too?

I try to avoid it when I can. ;)

Glad to see Fulham pick up another draw today, Dempsey with the tying goal. Eddie Johnson is a waste of bench space.

[Crazy_Ivan]

Or you can just watch it for free ATDHE.Net - Watch Free Live Sports TV (http://atdhe.net/)


Phil Dowd 1
Arsenal 1


Was going to be the least deserved 3 points ever but sucks to lose them because of the referee. Terrible match all around for him.

Arsene, is that you? Did Phil Dowd take that penalty that Arsenal missed?

Arsene if that is you did you not say this just over a year ago?


Inside the injury time the referee can decide that he will play for longer, that's why it's important that you give him the freedom to make that decision.

[VEGASKING]

Allowing play to go on past 4 minutes was just the final horrible decision in a long line of them in the match. He was terrible from start to finish.

[Crazy_Ivan]

Allowing play to go on past 4 minutes was just the final horrible decision in a long line of them in the match. He was terrible from start to finish.


Arsenal, especially Mr Wenger need to learn to take the rough with the smooth, nearly every fxxxing week he is bitching about refs.

Hull vs Arsenal last season, 2 mins of injury time announced and Arsenal score in the 90+5 mins.

Premier League | Live - Yahoo! Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/premier-league/2009-2010/arsenal-wolverhampton-wanderers-284997.html)

[VEGASKING]

That is incorrect. 5 minutes were added on.


Sky Sports | Football News | Match Commentary | Arsenal v Wolverhampton - 3rd April 2010 (http://www.skysports.com/football/match_commentary/0,19764,11065_3151494,00.html)


Heres what he had to say about this incident.

"It was outside the four minutes," Wenger said on ESPN. "I know the referee can give more than four, it's a minimum of four minutes. But in the four minutes nothing happened to justify the extension of the time. But I cannot do anything about that."


But again that was just one aspect of his bad match that you are focusing on.

[Crazy_Ivan]

What other aspects?

Arsenal got a lucky goal, the ref handed just as many yellows to Sunderland as he did to Arsenal, he awarded a penalty to Arsenal which they missed.

Sure Song's first yellow was soft, but he got away with one earlier in the match where Dowd could have easily booked him, his second card was a clear yellow, he was nutmegged and cynically prevented the player getting past him.

I love the football that Wenger has Arsenal playing, but they were defficient yesterday and Wenger screams wolf so often that people tune out when he has a legitimate gripe. I thought Sunderland gave a good account, better than Arsenal did anyway and they fully deserved a point. Ref's are getting way too scrutinised right now, last week Moyes went nutsos because the ref blew the whistle just as his team were about to shoot, had he allowed the game to conitinue and Everton had scored he would have had Ferguson going nutsos. They just can't win right now.

Wenger speaks of his players not being protected by the refs but since Wenger has taken over at Arsenal there are only two teams that have more red cards than Arsenal. If he want's a less physical more technical league he should have taken that job in Spain.

He bitched last year about teams playing a style of football that might be less pretty but more effective and he has no right to do so. Smaller teams who do not have the technical ability of Arsenal will turn to the long-ball more physical game to try and beat Arsenal, they aren't just going to roll over and let Arsenal win because they play the more aesthetically pleasing game. The trouble with Arsenal is they don't know how to win ugly like the other title contenders and it has cost them in the past.


Soccer is the only major sport in the world that has not embraced either video technology or ideas from other sports. One way to make this easier is to use the same system Rugby uses. When the ball is ruled dead the clock is stopped, when 90 mins is up a horn sounds and the game ends only when the ball is put out of play or the ball is ruled dead for another reason i.e. a foul or offsides. Put a game clock like that in Soccer and you would automatically cut out time wasting, gamesmanship and issues with extra time goals.

[Diehard]

ManU giving up a 2 goal lead once again today, but Berbatov's hat trick goal bailed them out. Was also nice to see Anderson on the pitch after that terrible car accident he was in earlier in the summer.

Really wanted to watch the other football but Barca's playing Atletico so I'm watching that instead. Messi opens the scoring at 12 mins after Villa hits the post.

[ucsdguy1]

I get resting some guys, but Crouch already looks like he's near death..

wolves would've seemed like a good game to rest him.

van der vaart = big thumbs up so far.

I don't really enjoy seeing Berbatov do well in red, but that 2nd goal was quite out there.

[Diehard]

Chelsea loses their first of the year, they couldn't capitalize on Man City's depleted defense. Would have been the headline of the day, but of course everyone's talking about Arsenal falling to West Brom. Wenger must be having a fit.

[ucsdguy1]

that spurs/twente match was definitely a weird one.

4-1? I'll take it.

[ucsdguy1]

from:

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/10/20/article-0-0BB27AA8000005DC-559_634x286.jpg

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/10/21/article-0-0BB272E2000005DC-750_306x423.jpg

to:

Wayne Rooney, Manchester United agree to 5-year contract - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/5713732/wayne-rooney-manchester-united-agree-5-year-contract)


these are the days of our lives...

[VEGASKING]

He gets his contract and the ankle he says wasn't hurt is now keeping him out another 3 weeks.

[Crazy_Ivan]

He gets his contract and the ankle he says wasn't hurt is now keeping him out another 3 weeks.

He was out of form at the end of last season, he had a very poor world cup(Where he actually managed to insult England fans.), he has had a poor start to this season and is injured ergo he has not been earning the massive ammounts of money he was getting prior to this contract.

So as of next week he will get even more money to sit on his butt injured. Sometimes i wonder why I like this sport.

[Pagliacci]

He was out of form at the end of last season, he had a very poor world cup(Where he actually managed to insult England fans.), he has had a poor start to this season and is injured ergo he has not been earning the massive ammounts of money he was getting prior to this contract.

So as of next week he will get even more money to sit on his butt injured. Sometimes i wonder why I like this sport.

Women watch trash tv, men watch football.

I hate myself for caring too. :frusty:

[Pagliacci]

Btw, West Ham sucks and Joey Barton looks like a mix between Elvis and Morrisey.

[empire]

I hope Rooney parties all night long.

So Stoke can get a point out of them tomorrow......

GO POTTERS :)

[chu gar]

I hope Liverpool scores a freaking goal, and wins a game

[ucsdguy1]

I hope Liverpool scores a freaking goal, and wins a game

the mere mention of leeds brought on fisticuffs...

[chu gar]

the mere mention of leeds brought on fisticuffs...

Thinking of Leeds and Liverpool makes me want to vomit.

[Crazy_Ivan]

Amazing how much better things went when Gerrard was dropped in to midfield and Ngog was put up front. Instantly Bolton's midfield had a new problem and Ngog helped create some space for Torres.

Signs in that 2nd half that Torres might be awaking from his slumber.

[Pagliacci]

Amazing how much better things went when Gerrard was dropped in to midfield and Ngog was put up front. Instantly Bolton's midfield had a new problem and Ngog helped create some space for Torres.

Signs in that 2nd half that Torres might be awaking from his slumber.

AC Milan v Real Madrid in an hour. I'm praying for a Milan win for many reasons...

[ucsdguy1]

gareth bale is a ****ing monster!

[Dawdler]

gareth bale is a ****ing monster!

COYS!!!:cheer:

[Iron Duke]

Please tell me I'm not the only one seeing this. Nando looks re-possessed, by himself.

[Crazy_Ivan]

The spark becomes a flame.

[chu gar]

Please tell me I'm not the only one seeing this. Nando looks re-possessed, by himself.

He is, and Liverpool beat Chelsea...that's going to erase the beginning of the year IMO for the players.

[ucsdguy1]

holy ****.

I'm getting married Dec. 18th. Being taken on a surprise bachelor party this weekend. All I was told is leave Thursday Nov 11th, return Monday Nov. 15th.

As they had to make sure I had a valid passport, I just found out the details.

Thursday Nov. 11th - Depart LAX 7:00 pm.
Friday - Land in London at 12:30. Sightsee for a few hours.
Saturday - Attend the almighty Tottenham vs. Blackburn at White Hart Lane
Sunday - Attend Chelsea v. Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.
Monday - Fly home 12 pm.

stoked!

[chu gar]

holy ****.

I'm getting married Dec. 18th. Being taken on a surprise bachelor party this weekend. All I was told is leave Thursday Nov 11th, return Monday Nov. 15th.

As they had to make sure I had a valid passport, I just found out the details.

Thursday Nov. 11th - Depart LAX 7:00 pm.
Friday - Land in London at 12:30. Sightsee for a few hours.
Saturday - Attend the almighty Tottenham vs. Blackburn at White Hart Lane
Sunday - Attend Chelsea v. Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.
Monday - Fly home 12 pm.

stoked!

Your friends are a billion times cooler than my friends. All I got was a couple of stupid strippers, and chewed out by my then fiance for going through with it. This should go down as greatest Bachelors party, ever!

[Crazy_Ivan]

holy ****.

I'm getting married Dec. 18th. Being taken on a surprise bachelor party this weekend. All I was told is leave Thursday Nov 11th, return Monday Nov. 15th.

As they had to make sure I had a valid passport, I just found out the details.

Thursday Nov. 11th - Depart LAX 7:00 pm.
Friday - Land in London at 12:30. Sightsee for a few hours.
Saturday - Attend the almighty Tottenham vs. Blackburn at White Hart Lane
Sunday - Attend Chelsea v. Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.
Monday - Fly home 12 pm.

stoked!

Phenomenal bud, enjoy it.

[Iron Duke]

****ing fail. A week removed from beating Chelsea and they go back to hoofing it up the pitch all game and hoping Torres can beat 4 defenders. If I never see Carragher make another cross again, I might just retain my sanity.

[chu gar]

****ing fail. A week removed from beating Chelsea and they go back to hoofing it up the pitch all game and hoping Torres can beat 4 defenders. If I never see Carragher make another cross again, I might just retain my sanity.

Exactly. This team still has the mindset of being on it in big games, then not being able to get it together when it counts. Had they played the last two games like they did against Chelsea, they would be back in the top four. This is typical Liverpool crap, and now I am convinced that Uncle Roy is not capable of leading this team. I like the guy, and think he is a great manager, but just not for this lot. Liverpool need a manager that will light a fire under their asses day in and out, and punish all who do not perform.

[Iron Duke]

Exactly. This team still has the mindset of being on it in big games, then not being able to get it together when it counts. Had they played the last two games like they did against Chelsea, they would be back in the top four. This is typical Liverpool crap, and now I am convinced that Uncle Roy is not capable of leading this team. I like the guy, and think he is a great manager, but just not for this lot. Liverpool need a manager that will light a fire under their asses day in and out, and punish all who do not perform.

I just don't think Roy knows what to do with a team of this talent level. He is having them play the same exact type of game that he had Fulham playing, very deep formation with a lone striker being the target man, and trying to grind out low scoring victories. Forcing Torres to run all over the place fighting for 50/50 balls like Bobby Zamora is just a waste, might as well put N'Gog or Babel out there. Gerrard is playing WAY, WAY too deep, as he was getting caught doing earlier in the season, leaving Kuyt and Torres even more on an island.

And for heaven's sake, this team has the slowest and most predictable offensive buildup in the premiership at times. Beat it around for a bit, slow outlet pass to the wing back who then dumps in a weak cross to the top of the box. Even when they could get the ball out to Kuyt or Maxi, it was done so slowly that the defense was back and set-up, giving them no running space or room. Johnson and Agger can't get back soon enough, because if this is really the offensive gameplan going forward, Carragher and Konchesky aren't up to it.

You are on the money regarding the attitude/preparation, a very flat first 45 followed by a barely adequate effort in the 2nd. This being in a very winnable game that could have put them right around the top 5, even after their pathetic start. I'm frakkin pissed right now.

[UnderPressure]

Messi scores twice against Villarreal. ****.

[chu gar]

Thursday Nov. 11th - Depart LAX 7:00 pm.
Friday - Land in London at 12:30. Sightsee for a few hours.
Saturday - Attend the almighty Tottenham vs. Blackburn at White Hart Lane
Sunday - Attend Chelsea v. Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.
Monday - Fly home 12 pm.

stoked!

Wow, are you ever stoked! That game today was amazing! Two from Bale, and a goal from Crouch...awesome, awesome game!! :groupwave

[Pagliacci]

The display of skill from Villareal and Barcelona today was amazing. The passing, the deft touches, the goals were all superb.

I know that a lot of you here love Liverpool, but that team is lacking an identity IMO. Steven Gerrard looks frustrated.

[chu gar]

I know that a lot of you here love Liverpool, but that team is lacking an identity IMO. Steven Gerrard looks frustrated.

Tell me about it. The team needs a major shake up, and fast!

[ucsdguy1]

Wow, are you ever stoked! That game today was amazing! Two from Bale, and a goal from Crouch...awesome, awesome game!! :groupwave
got back last night. amazing.

Managed to get in a tour of parliament and see a few sights before the game saturday.

White Hart Lane is a very old-school stadium feel to it. You can tell it's on the verge (in need) of being renovated, but has a great atmosphere to game day. A little harder to get to then other stadiums, but fun to be on a train with a thousand other fans.

In between chanting "you're spurs and you know you are" to paul robinson, chills upon chills hearing the whole stadium get in on "when the spurs go marching in". Bale is unreal. Had pavy actually buried the PK and a wide open toe flick, they could've scored more. But the "super, super pav" chants started back up once he buried one. Shaky in the back though, which will need improvement against arsenal saturday.

Stamford Bridge is a pretty nice stadium, in a much better area of town than tottenham. Enjoyed a few pints in a pub while watching arsenal/everton pre-game. I'll give credit to Chelsea's fans, they were incredibly loud. That is, until Sunderland put them to bed. Major upset and I was there to see it :) Sunderland fans were going insane. They only filled up about 3/4 of the visiting section allotment, but were loud as all hell. "Our shirts would look good on you" and "stand up if you hate chelsea" to the blues fans were quite funny.

Great, great trip.

bro-in-law and I at white hart lane
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QuBV6JVrbyU/TOHkLByFh7I/AAAAAAAACG8/Gk6jAQEUJcA/s512/London%20-%20Nov%2011-15%2C%202010%20035.jpg

Stamford bridge
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QuBV6JVrbyU/TOHkkQsaEZI/AAAAAAAACJM/K7Nx82t2qek/s640/London%20-%20Nov%2011-15%2C%202010%20077.jpg

[Crazy_Ivan]

Glad you had a pair of good games....

[chu gar]

Glad you had a pair of good games....

I'd say ;)

[Pagliacci]

Looks like Gerrard got hurt in that loss to France... France looks good, but mostly because Samir Nasri is a BEAST!

Portugal is beating Spain 1-0 at the half... Ronaldo is a being a whiny bitch as always.

EDIT: Portugal is wiping their ass with Spain. 3-0 with 15 min to play. The sad part is that Portugal are treating this like a friendly and Spain has almost their full line-up in.

[Crazy_Ivan]

On the balance I thought Liverpool should have got a point yesterday.

Hodgson has had some stick earlier this season and I think it was deserved, but yesterday he was let down badly. Again people have been questioning some of his buys but Meirelles is settling in and Konchesky gave Lennon way too much space but I still think on the whole he has been solid.

I think some writers are missing the big picture though. Kuyt and Maxi are not Bale and Lennon. Kuyt IMO is very over-rated, he works his butt off but just does not produce very much usefull, especially where Hodgson has him playing.

The big area this arm chair manager suggests needs most improvement is at left back. How Modric manages to speed past Glen Johnson is beyond me.

As ever Johnson is good comming forward but very iffy at the back. Gareth Bale has become a different player since being moved to the wing and not having the defensive worries to deal with. I would love to see Kelly move to the right back slot and let Johnson have a run at the wing ala Bale.

I am getting fed up with the Torres sullen look, will we see a smile on his face again? He has just lost something and it would be easy to blame Hodgson but lets be honest Torres is in a Rooney state of flux where his world cup effort was just poor and he has just not quite snapped out of it. Some of his touches are excellent but David Ngog is not quite Pavlyuchenko or Crouch or Robbie Keane.

Like I said Hodgson has a lot to answer for but last night his players let him down.

[chu gar]

On the balance I thought Liverpool should have got a point yesterday.

Hodgson has had some stick earlier this season and I think it was deserved, but yesterday he was let down badly. Again people have been questioning some of his buys but Meirelles is settling in and Konchesky gave Lennon way too much space but I still think on the whole he has been solid.

I think some writers are missing the big picture though. Kuyt and Maxi are not Bale and Lennon. Kuyt IMO is very over-rated, he works his butt off but just does not produce very much usefull, especially where Hodgson has him playing.

The big area this arm chair manager suggests needs most improvement is at left back. How Modric manages to speed past Glen Johnson is beyond me.

As ever Johnson is good comming forward but very iffy at the back. Gareth Bale has become a different player since being moved to the wing and not having the defensive worries to deal with. I would love to see Kelly move to the right back slot and let Johnson have a run at the wing ala Bale.

I am getting fed up with the Torres sullen look, will we see a smile on his face again? He has just lost something and it would be easy to blame Hodgson but lets be honest Torres is in a Rooney state of flux where his world cup effort was just poor and he has just not quite snapped out of it. Some of his touches are excellent but David Ngog is not quite Pavlyuchenko or Crouch or Robbie Keane.

Like I said Hodgson has a lot to answer for but last night his players let him down.

I wholeheartedly concur!

[ucsdguy1]

The big area this arm chair manager suggests needs most improvement is at left back. How Modric manages to speed past Glen Johnson is beyond me.

As ever Johnson is good comming forward but very iffy at the back. Gareth Bale has become a different player since being moved to the wing and not having the defensive worries to deal with. I would love to see Kelly move to the right back slot and let Johnson have a run at the wing ala Bale.


funny enough - there are rumors floating around that in January Harry wants to sell Lennon and possibly Krancjar to go after ashley young and possibly johnson. (Keane most likely gone too).

I don't see it and am still a Lennon supporter. (most of the time)

come on, modric's run was beautiful!!

Dafoe's PK however, was not...(I know, I thought the hand ball was on the line too)

How many passes did Palacios give away yesterday?

Nevertheless, I'll take the win :)

[Crazy_Ivan]

Modric is an excellent player, but he should not be able to out-pace Johnson. I understand what you are saying about Lennon, but his pace scares defenders and Konchesky really ought not to have given him that much space.

Ngog, brainless, especially after Fabregas did the same thing against Tottenham the week before.

[Diehard]

was so ****ing happy to see Barca humiliate Real Madrid earlier, also thought it was funny how all the Real players could do at the end was try and start **** since they couldn't do **** to stop Barca.

[Pagliacci]

was so ****ing happy to see Barca humiliate Real Madrid earlier, also thought it was funny how all the Real players could do at the end was try and start **** since they couldn't do **** to stop Barca.

The Barcelona model is just too deep. The investment in the style of play and their youth academy is something that is admired the world over. Real Madrid are constantly looking for the quick fix and are paying top dollar for the best mercenaries (Ronaldo, Benzema, Kaka & Mourinho, etc.) and it just doesn't work. These players, save for Iker Casillas, don't have the white of Real Madrid running in their blood like the blaugrana runs through Valdez, Puyol, Pique, Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Bojan, Messi, Pedro and obviously Guardiola. Barcelona put on a display of soccer virtue and class that Madrid just does not have the answer for.

[Crazy_Ivan]

What gives me most joy out of the Clasico was waiting to see if Marca(The Madrid paper) would take the logical or conspiracy route.

This should give some of you a chuckle.

http://fourfourtwo.com/blogs/laligaloca/archive/2010/12/01/moody-madrid-media-still-not-ready-to-move-on.aspx

[Cross Traffic]

Russia and Qatar get the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, further proof that FIFA is corrupt. Really? Qatar where its 105+ during the summer?

[ucsdguy1]

Russia and Qatar get the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, further proof that FIFA is corrupt. Really? Qatar where its 105+ during the summer?
I've heard 130+. But don't worry, at least they can air condition the stadiums!

Frankly, the US hosted in 1994 which is still a much shorter time since the last England hosted...

I hope Israel qualifies in 2022..

[Crazy_Ivan]

England paid for journalistic freedom, if you decided to poke your nose in to Fifa's corrupt affairs you will pay for it. England got two votes, I would love to know what Australia did to piss Fifa off by only getting one vote, although perhaps the vote is indicative of the cash inducements offered.

There is a story from Gavin Hamilton of World Soccer magazine that Blatter was Qatar's biggest cheerleader, why, because he was going to be challenged by a Qatar fifa member for the presidency vote next year and this will now stifle that.

As for Qatar, Fifa's own technical commitee branded it a high risk. Apart from the weather, there will be no beer, the chicks don't put out and you can get arrested for public displays of affection.

Happy days

[Pagliacci]

England paid for journalistic freedom, if you decided to poke your nose in to Fifa's corrupt affairs you will pay for it. England got two votes, I would love to know what Australia did to piss Fifa off by only getting one vote, although perhaps the vote is indicative of the cash inducements offered.

There is a story from Gavin Hamilton of World Soccer magazine that Blatter was Qatar's biggest cheerleader, why, because he was going to be challenged by a Qatar fifa member for the presidency vote next year and this will now stifle that.

As for Qatar, Fifa's own technical commitee branded it a high risk. Apart from the weather, there will be no beer, the chicks don't put out and you can get arrested for public displays of affection.

Happy days

Yeah, I'm passing on this one.

[chu gar]

How bad does Australia have to feel? Beat by Qatar, a country the size of London. The soccer powerhouse, Qatar...The, as soon as the world cup is over, all of those empty stadiums will be used for what, Qatar? If Fifa ever wanted to show how corrupt they really are, picking Qatar was a huge red flag.

I can't believe freaking Qatar...

Also, really looking forward to all the racism during the Russian WC....what a ****ing joke.

[Crazy_Ivan]

How bad does Australia have to feel? Beat by Qatar, a country the size of London. The soccer powerhouse, Qatar...The, as soon as the world cup is over, all of those empty stadiums will be used for what, Qatar? If Fifa ever wanted to show how corrupt they really are, picking Qatar was a huge red flag.

I can't believe freaking Qatar...

Also, really looking forward to all the racism during the Russian WC....what a ****ing joke.


If you are gay, black, jewish or foreign you could be in trouble. To be fair I actually think Russia will put on a good world cup. I would not be bitching too much if either of the bids won fair and square.

Apparently the stadiums in Qatar will be dismanteled and given to poorer countries.

Some questions answered here.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9224946.stm

[Pagliacci]

Qatar apparently has too much money too spend.

[Pagliacci]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Samir Nasri is a BEAST!

[KHenry14]

Here's a great article on the corruption in FIFA...not that anyone would be surprised to hear that there is corruption...

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/533180-corruption-in-fifa-part-1-vote-rigging

[Crazy_Ivan]

If anyone is interested or does not know about this book, I highly recommend it.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Foul-Secret-Bribes-Rigging-Scandals/dp/0007208111

[ucsdguy1]

If anyone is interested or does not know about this book, I highly recommend it.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Foul-Secret-Bribes-Rigging-Scandals/dp/0007208111
interesting. I'm sure all that stuff would come as no surprise, but I might pick that up.

Setting dvr for tottenham/birmingham at 2:00, coming home to find inter/lazio = not cool

[Crazy_Ivan]

A very interesting and very frank discussion with a member of the Australian bidding team. He pulls very few punches. He also touches on the U.S. bid three quarters of the way in.


http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/video/362091/Peter-Hargitay-exclusive

[Crazy_Ivan]

So last seasons Champions League winning players aren't good enough for Benitez and he needs " 5 new players"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/9302348.stm

[chu gar]

So last seasons Champions League winning players aren't good enough for Benitez and he needs " 5 new players"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/9302348.stm

Well, yeah. He needs 5 new players who will do his bidding, and not question him. Also, it's good if they work real hard, and run all game, but have nothing to show for it. Benitez loves that!

[Pagliacci]

Benitez is lucky to have a job.

[Crazy_Ivan]

I often lament what has become of the game that I and millions of other people love. Today I read a blog by the BBC's Tim Vickery and I have to say I was very moved that at least in some part of the world there is still a man who wants to win fairly.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/timvickery/2010/12/just_as_a_flower_can.html

[Pagliacci]

Benitez is lucky to have a job.


Not anymore. :poster_oops:

[UnderPressure]

Chelsea are done.

[VEGASKING]

Been waiting for that performance against a big team for years. Of course all it's going to do is get hopes up and lead to more heartache. Such a shame they didn't get anything out of the United game. Neither team deserved 3 points.

[ucsdguy1]

I get back from a 9 day honeymoon in cancun to the news that beckham might go on loan to tottenham?

:fpalm:

[KHenry14]

I get back from a 9 day honeymoon in cancun to the news that beckham might go on loan to tottenham?

:fpalm:

The only reason for Spurs to do this is for the publicity, because Becks can't really help them too much. I mean, he's not going to take Lennon's place on the wing, but I guess they could go to five midfielders and hope David can find Crouch's head a few times. But I just don't see them doing that very much.

It just doesn't seem like a good fit to me.

[chu gar]

Howard Webb needs a new job. I am sure Manchester United has an opening after all the hard work he did for them today.

Also, I wonder if Berbatov will pull a Walcott in a few days time? Such a dive!!

[VEGASKING]

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/8958/howardwebb.jpg


Ryan Babel even posted it on Twitter. I'm sure he will be lighter in the wallet for it shortly.


http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/6005194/officials-investigate-liverpool-ryan-babel-twitter-post

[VEGASKING]

He did get hit with an improper conduct charge.

[ucsdguy1]

Lennon always goes to his right, Lennon always goes to his right. Defend his left!

Manageable draw for tottenham on the weekend. Pienaar had some good pace but had some crosses and shots on goal that were awful. I'm sticking it to needing a little time to gel with the team?

rumors Bale might need surgery. hoping that isn't true..

[UnderPressure]

Wayne Rooney only has 2 goals this season and only one of them was an open goal. LMAO.

[Diehard]

Chelsea acquires Torres

Liverpool, Chelsea set transfer fee for Fernando Torres - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/6077267/liverpool-chelsea-set-transfer-fee-fernando-torres)

[KHenry14]

Wayne Rooney only has 2 goals this season and only one of them was an open goal. LMAO.

Rooney just found his game tonight against Villa. :)

Villa really needed Michael Bradley to play tonight, he could have really helped them.

[chu gar]

Chelsea acquires Torres

Liverpool, Chelsea set transfer fee for Fernando Torres - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/6077267/liverpool-chelsea-set-transfer-fee-fernando-torres)

All they are going to acquire is Torres torn hamstring. :rimshot:

[Diehard]

Hell of a goal by Rooney to give ManU the win in the derby!

[chu gar]

Hell of a goal by Rooney to give ManU the win in the derby!

I hate Man U, and despise Rooney, but that was one hell of a goal

[Dawdler]

COYS!!!

Great win by Spurs today over Milan 1-0 and Gattuso is such a prick.

[ucsdguy1]

suck it Gattuso!

I want something very bad to happen to him. Too bad he misses next game (well not really), as I'd love to have seen the reaction he got from London.


great run from lennon, good finish from Crouch. Big, big win and away goal!

[Crazy_Ivan]

Gattuso was lucky, Joe Jordan is as tough as nails and would have xxxxxxx walloped him.

[chu gar]

I am still so damn pissed that Benitez let Crouch go. No way in hell he would have left with Dalglish in charge. I am stoked Crouch is doing well for Spurs, but damn it!!

[ucsdguy1]

YouTube - crudeli impazzito milan tottenham 0 1

[Crazy_Ivan]

Shaddup with shaddupa.......

[UnderPressure]

Villarreal eliminate Napoli from the Europa League. Are they the favorites to win it?

[chu gar]

Villarreal eliminate Napoli from the Europa League. Are they the favorites to win it?

Liverpool is gonna win it :dancingtomato: :bananallama:

[Crazy_Ivan]

It is deffinately a good opportunity for Liverpool, if they get Suarez and Caroll playing regularly they have IMO a squad that is equal to and better than most of the remaining teams. Villareal have a great team but have hit some patchy form of late.

[Pagliacci]

I hate to sound like a complete *******, but watching Liverpool play soccer yesterday was like going to the dentist.

Napoli played well enough to win, just couldn't finish, either way that was a great game.

My picks to win are actually one of the two remaining Portuguese teams. Benfica and Porto are really ****ing good teams. That new Porto coach is dubbed the new 'special one' for a reason and Benfica raped Stuttgart yesterday.

[Crazy_Ivan]

I hate to sound like a complete *******, but watching Liverpool play soccer yesterday was like going to the dentist.


I agree about the game but, no Gerrard, Skrtel, Johnson, Carragher, Maxi, Suarez and Caroll. I think they can do a lot better.

This brings me to my next rant, there is a chance of Euro success and Liverpool are resting nearly all their key players, it pxxxxs me off. What are they trying to achieve in the league? They will not get a top 4 slot so resting players to do well in the league and do what? Make the Europa league spot. FFS they are already in that, try your all to win that dumbasses..
Aston Villa spent how much trying to get in to Europe and then when they do, they rested nearly their whole team in the qualifying legs and got knocked out by a frigging Austrian team. It is almost like beating stoke, wolves et al has become more important than doing well in a cup competition.

[UnderPressure]

Man U are still Chelsea's bitches.

[Crazy_Ivan]

Well Villa did it again, 8 changes to their team to produce a sxxx performance and get knocked out of the FA cup. Granted they are 5 points above relegation but if this is what premier league teams like Villa aspire to, essentially keeping their necks out of relegation then I would be pxxxxd as a Villa fan. Randy Lerner who has now spent a lot of money on Villa should tell Houllier to get realistic and try and win something.

Seriously they have now rested players in the Uefa, League cup and FA cup and still they are only 12th.

[Pagliacci]

Well Villa did it again, 8 changes to their team to produce a sxxx performance and get knocked out of the FA cup. Granted they are 5 points above relegation but if this is what premier league teams like Villa aspire to, essentially keeping their necks out of relegation then I would be pxxxxd as a Villa fan. Randy Lerner who has now spent a lot of money on Villa should tell Houllier to get realistic and try and win something.

Seriously they have now rested players in the Uefa, League cup and FA cup and still they are only 12th.

It's an annoying dilemma for sure. Just like the fact that most leagues are dominated by the top 2-4 teams every year.

Not sure how to fix any of it at this point...

[Pagliacci]

Nani crying like a 5 year old was the highlight for me! :)

[VEGASKING]

http://gfx.aftonbladet-cdn.se/multimedia/dynamic/01407/13_1407439t.jpg

[Crazy_Ivan]

Can anyone imagine these pampered pooches playing Ice hockey?

[chu gar]

Can anyone imagine these pampered pooches playing Ice hockey?

No

[Pagliacci]

No one has chimed in on the Barsenal game??? Obviously I'm happy about the result, but Van Persie getting sent off was too much for Arsenal to handle.

Shaktar look scary good.

[Dawdler]

COYS!!!

and with the Arse crashing out yesterday its a good day to be a Spurs fan :drinks:

[Crazy_Ivan]

I want to like Arsenal, they do a lot of things right, they run a tight financial ship, they play pleasing football and have some great players. But there is a real problem with Wenger, he seems to refuse to believe he is deficient in certain areas, like a couple of defenders with some balls and a number one goalie rather than 3 back-ups. I know the young goalie looks very promising but would he be starting right now for United, Chelsea or even Man City?

There is a real fragility in that team, Wenger never replaced the heart of the team when he lost Winterburn, Adams, Dixon, Keown, Seamen and Viera, they all had balls, they were all leaders. Wenger is a typical stubborn Frenchie who just refuses to see what most people can see.

The other aspect is that Wenger continuously shifts the blame for losses on to match officials. Of course I don't know what goes on behind closed doors, but when the captain of the team comes out and blames the pitch and the opposing teams tactics for a loss then I believe the mantra that Wenger constantly spouts has seeped down to his captain and essentialy to his team. Fergie also blames the ref like against Chelsea but you lknow full well he kicks his players butts and it shows when his captain tweets and apology to fans and says it was not good enough.

Anyway well done Tottenham it has been fun watching them this year.

[ucsdguy1]

mother f***in William Gallas!


COYS

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2011/0309/soc_g_tottenham11_576.jpg

[UnderPressure]

Mother****ing Nilmar!

[ucsdguy1]

COYS!!!

and with the Arse crashing out yesterday its a good day to be a Spurs fan :drinks:
now arsenal might go ahead and win the premier league..

[Crazy_Ivan]

A survey done today asked whether Spurs fans would rather the team made the semis of the champions league or finish in the top four of the league. The majority were for the top 4 in the league, not sure what to make of that.

What do the local spurs fans on here think?

[Dawdler]

A survey done today asked whether Spurs fans would rather the team made the semis of the champions league or finish in the top four of the league. The majority were for the top 4 in the league, not sure what to make of that.

What do the local spurs fans on here think?

I'd pick top 4 in league, champions league is all or nothing, and I'd rather have another run at the CL and not a bitter disappointment of crashing out in the semis without another chance of CL football for awhile

[Dawdler]

now arsenal might go ahead and win the premier league..

yeah now since all the distractions of winning 4 cups this year is gone now they can really concentrate on the PL :lol:

[Dawdler]

I want to like Arsenal, they do a lot of things right, they run a tight financial ship, they play pleasing football and have some great players. But there is a real problem with Wenger, he seems to refuse to believe he is deficient in certain areas, like a couple of defenders with some balls and a number one goalie rather than 3 back-ups. I know the young goalie looks very promising but would he be starting right now for United, Chelsea or even Man City?

There is a real fragility in that team, Wenger never replaced the heart of the team when he lost Winterburn, Adams, Dixon, Keown, Seamen and Viera, they all had balls, they were all leaders. Wenger is a typical stubborn Frenchie who just refuses to see what most people can see.

The other aspect is that Wenger continuously shifts the blame for losses on to match officials. Of course I don't know what goes on behind closed doors, but when the captain of the team comes out and blames the pitch and the opposing teams tactics for a loss then I believe the mantra that Wenger constantly spouts has seeped down to his captain and essentialy to his team. Fergie also blames the ref like against Chelsea but you lknow full well he kicks his players butts and it shows when his captain tweets and apology to fans and says it was not good enough.

Anyway well done Tottenham it has been fun watching them this year.

spot on assessment, I remember watching those guys and Bergkamp and thinking them unstoppable and them owning Spurs for years.

I think the Arse won in those days in spite of Wenger and seeing pieces of crap like Nasri follow his lead only shows how far they have fallen

[ucsdguy1]

Agree with Dawdler. The run is magical. But top 4 and ensure getting back into the champions league is probably a high point among spurs fans.

For now, keep it going!

[chu gar]

HA HA! Suck it Fergie!!

Football365 | All The News | Football News | FIVE-GAME BAN FOR FERGUSON (http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_6817057,00.html)

http://www.smiteahippie.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/simpsons_nelson_haha2.jpg

[Pagliacci]

HA HA! Suck it Fergie!!

Football365 | All The News | Football News | FIVE-GAME BAN FOR FERGUSON (http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_6817057,00.html)

http://www.smiteahippie.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/simpsons_nelson_haha2.jpg

Good, now he can retire and you guys can take Mourinho back to the Premier League. Guy is an asshat of epic proportions.

[Pagliacci]

Frickin' Liverpool are putting me to sleep (again).

[chu gar]

Frickin' Liverpool are putting me to sleep (again).

Well, this time it cost them the Europa League, and any chance at silverware.

[KHenry14]

Jermane Defoe owes his Spurs teammates big time for all those blown chances he made today. Sheesh

[Dawdler]

Crouch is a poofer

and I'm shocked that Schalke hung 5 on Inter, Chelsea/ManU should be quite a match

[chu gar]

Crouch is a poofer

and I'm shocked that Schalke hung 5 on Inter, Chelsea/ManU should be quite a match

I'll take Crouch back to Liverpool, if you're okay with that (like I have any say on that) :Tongue_anim:

[Melfice]

Crouch is a poofer

and I'm shocked that Schalke hung 5 on Inter, Chelsea/ManU should be quite a match

I was watching the recaps and it was a pretty action packed game with scoring lol Those goals were pretty epic I thought

[ucsdguy1]

the **** crouch!

That whole experience sure did suck.

[Crazy_Ivan]

I thought there were two key Tottenham players yesterday, Lennon, who gives the opposing team another worry and therefore takes some of the attention off Bale, and Crouch who was actually the player Madrid most talked about. Jose must have rubbed his hands when both were gone from the game within 15 mins. A bit sad to see the swashbuckling team from London get a beat down like that.

[UnderPressure]

Chelsea lost. Dodgers lost. Hopefully the Kings can salvage one for me.

[Dawdler]

Barca and ManU advance in the CL and tomorrow they should be joined by RM and Schalke

[Melfice]

I watched both games and loved how ManU answered right back after Chelsea scored a goal lol. Good games and good times indeed.

[chu gar]

I secretly want Man U to do well, so Liverpool fans (I am a very dedicated Liverpool fan BTW) can shut up about being the greatest team ever, and start playing like it. 20 years is too long, and I think losing the league wins title will hopefully light a fire under their asses, and work to pass Man U, because lets not kid ourselves, Man U is going to win their 19th title this year, and maybe even treble again. This will make them, not Liverpool, the top English team. Hopefully that will take some of the pressure off Liverpool, and they can go back to playing like Liverpool should, and win a few that I can witness! In the 80's I was young, and had no idea they played soccer past the AYSO level.

[UnderPressure]

I watched both games and loved how ManU answered right back after Chelsea scored a goal lol. Good games and good times indeed.

As soon as Ji-Sung Park scored for United, I immediately said to myself, "I'm not watching the Kings, am I?"

[Dawdler]

I enjoyed the thrashing that Liverpool gave Citieh on Monday, the fourth spot is still up for grabs

[Melfice]

As soon as Ji-Sung Park scored for United, I immediately said to myself, "I'm not watching the Kings, am I?"

haha I said the same thing too :ele3:

[chu gar]

I enjoyed the thrashing that Liverpool gave Citieh on Monday, the fourth spot is still up for grabs

Me too! That left footed shot from Carroll was so awesome!

[Pagliacci]

Another Classico today. Not as pumped as I usually am since the league is within Barcelonas grasp. The real dirty gets down on Wednesday. The first team to win a trophy will have a major boost going into Champions league semifinals.

[ucsdguy1]

I was seriously out of breath after watching tottenham/arsenal yesterday..

[Crazy_Ivan]

I hate Real with a passion so imagine my intense shadenfreude when Real beat Barca last night only to drop the tropy and have it crushed by the victory bus.

Any one else who hates Real, enjoy. Oh and it was dropped by arguably the biggest douche on Reals team.

YouTube - Sergio Ramos Dropped Copa Del Rey Trophy undrer Bus

[AntiClimacus]

I hate Real with a passion so imagine my intense shadenfreude when Real beat Barca last night only to drop the tropy and have it crushed by the victory bus.

Any one else who hates Real, enjoy. Oh and it was dropped by arguably the biggest douche on Reals team.

YouTube - Sergio Ramos Dropped Copa Del Rey Trophy undrer Bus (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=329C1ZZff10)

At least they have a trophy to celebrate with! Wrecked or not, it's theirs!!!!!


HALA MADRID!!!!!!!

[Pagliacci]

At least they have a trophy to celebrate with! Wrecked or not, it's theirs!!!!!


HALA MADRID!!!!!!!

It's been what? 3 years??? Good thing you guys have spent over 200 million dollars and finally won something.

Gotta love a team that plays with 3 defensive midfielders... Congrats.

[ucsdguy1]

Real Madrid release "proof" of Barcelona's Dani Alves dive - ESPN Soccernet (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/912900/real-madrid-release-?cc=5901)

liked Rio Ferdinand's quotes:



"This diving is a joke/embarrassing. When Pedro watches that do you think he'll think, 'What was I doing!?' Rugby players must laugh at football."

Also, aimed at Alves, Ferdinand tweeted: "If you ever see me go off on a stretcher then run back on to play, I give everyone on here the green light to hit me with a two-footed tackle."

[Crazy_Ivan]

I like Rio Ferdinands attitude to diving , he was the first person over at Fabio telling him off when he tried to get a player booked.

As for Real, granted Barcas diving is bad but Real cheat in a different way and BOTH should be ashamed.

[Pagliacci]

I like Rio Ferdinands attitude to diving , he was the first person over at Fabio telling him off when he tried to get a player booked.

As for Real, granted Barcas diving is bad but Real cheat in a different way and BOTH should be ashamed.

Alves and Busquets are really the only 2 Barca players who do it on a consistent basis but I totally agree. Madrid is just downright dirty and they too have their own set of divers. Unfortunately Madrid have a hard time showing their diving skills while they're chasing the Barcelona players all over the pitch.

The refs need to nip it in the bud ASAP. There's absolutely NO CONSISTENCY in the sport.

[ucsdguy1]

one of my ultimate pet peeves is the surrounding of the referee after fouls, close calls etc.

Seemed to be a ton of it in that game

[Pagliacci]

one of my ultimate pet peeves is the surrounding of the referee after fouls, close calls etc.

Seemed to be a ton of it in that game

I think everyone would agree with you. Only captains should be able to talk it up with the refs, like in hockey.

[Pagliacci]

So Moudrid got left with 10 men again... Di Maria was diving and arguing with the refs (again) and get this, the ref gave them 7 minutes of extra time. SEVEN ****ING MINUTES OF EXTRA TIME. They still lost 2-3 to Zaragoza who are fighting off relegation.

What will Mou say now???

[Pagliacci]

Heh, Barcelona just lost to Real Sociedad. Lazy and uninspired play... Too many damn classicos.

[Crazy_Ivan]

one of my ultimate pet peeves is the surrounding of the referee after fouls, close calls etc.

Seemed to be a ton of it in that game

There are a few rules in rugby I would like to have implemented in Soccer.

1. The Captain and only the Captain can ask for clarification of a decision any argument sees the the foul moved 10 yards back and keeps going 10 yards back as long as people are arguing with the ref until they reach the penalty box in which case a penalty is given.

2. The use of video technology, every major sport uses it but rugby and hockey are a good example of how the flow of a game is not interupted due to replays. Peoples job hinge on big decisions, how much might two big decisions cost Tottenham after yesterdays game?

3. The thing I really love in Rugby that I want used in Soccer is the game clock. In Rugby the game clock stops during major breaks like injuries etc. When the clock does hit 80 mins(The length of a rugby match) the game only ends when the ball goes dead i.e. it is kicked out etc. This would cut out the pxxxing about with injury feigning and time wasting as well as cutting out the contentious issue of the ref giving too much injury time.

The issue with Spanish football is they don't view cheating in the way we do, there is a popular programme in the U.K. called Revista La Liga which is presented by a well known Spanish journalist, when the English host asked about a particular dive and feigning of injury the Spanish journalist said "In Spain they don't see that as cheating, it is actually viewed as a badge of honour, a view that we got one over our opponent."

On Wednesday one of the English commentators said word for word with regards to the feigning and diving. "I am glad we don't see this back home."

[ucsdguy1]

how much might two big decisions cost Tottenham after yesterdays game?

While I agree - Gomes should've NEVER put them in that position to begin with. And Chelsea just looked completely the stronger team in the 2nd half.

But damn that hurts

[Pagliacci]

Thank god that **** is over. Playing 4 games in 18 days with your arch rivals is a little much.

I think Real Madrid should change their crest to a wrecking ball...

[Crazy_Ivan]

Ramon Calderon gets it.

BBC Sport - Football - Jose Mourinho comments harmful to Real - Ramon Calderon (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/9474830.stm)


Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon says the club has been damaged by Jose Mourinho's behaviour during the European semi-finals with Barcelona.





But Calderon has blasted the behaviour of Real's players and manager.

"Big clubs should not blame the referee for their mistakes or their defeats," said Calderon.

"We invested ?400m in the last two years to be a very important and strong team so if you lose you cannot blame injuries, bad luck, referees or nothing. If you lose you have to congratulate the rival and that is all.




In case anyone missed it Real players blamed the ref, yet again. They were xxxxxng lucky that they were not down to 10 men early on, the ref did his damndest to give Real a break.

[kba4life2]

3. The thing I really love in Rugby that I want used in Soccer is the game clock. In Rugby the game clock stops during major breaks like injuries etc. When the clock does hit 80 mins(The length of a rugby match) the game only ends when the ball goes dead i.e. it is kicked out etc. This would cut out the pxxxing about with injury feigning and time wasting as well as cutting out the contentious issue of the ref giving too much injury time.

"

This, this and this. The sport becomes exponentially better (and gains a ton more credibility in the U.S.) if this were implemented...or had just been a rule from the advent of the game. The stoppage time/time wasting aspect is truly pathetic

[Pagliacci]

My picks to win are actually one of the two remaining Portuguese teams. Benfica and Porto are really ****ing good teams. That new Porto coach is dubbed the new 'special one' for a reason and Benfica raped Stuttgart yesterday.

Braga narrowly beat Benfica today to go through to the final. I was pretty spot on with my prediction I say. If Aimar wasn't suspended I believe Benfica would indeed have gone through.

It's Porto's to lose IMO.

[ucsdguy1]

UEFA bans Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho for 5 Champions League matches - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/6492387/uefa-bans-real-madrid-coach-jose-mourinho-5-champions-league-matches)

[Crazy_Ivan]

90 seconds that encapsulate what Gomes is all about?

[ucsdguy1]

90 seconds that encapsulate what Gomes is all about?
just about

[Diehard]

I really can't wait for the 28th, Barca vs. ManU should be a classic.

[empire]

Potters beat the Gunners 3 - 1..

Hope they can do the same over Manchester City next week for the FA Cup....


GO POTTERS

[Dawdler]

Coys!!!!

[ucsdguy1]

Coys!!!!
that was unexpected. but i'll take it

[Pagliacci]

West Ham should have fired Avram Grant before 2010 ended. They have only themselves to blame.

[Dawdler]

West Ham should have fired Avram Grant before 2010 ended. They have only themselves to blame.

and now it looks like the Hammers are interested in Martin O'Neil, I hope he's smart enough to stay away from that mess

[Pagliacci]

and now it looks like the Hammers are interested in Martin O'Neil, I hope he's smart enough to stay away from that mess

I think he is. For a team with some respectability (key word: some), West Ham really play like they have no clue about football, and I really want to like them.

[Pagliacci]

Anyone else think Chelsea is stupid for letting Ancelotti go??? Who could they possibly hire that has won leagues in both England and Italy and has also won a Champions League???

The soccer world is ****ing crazy.

[VEGASKING]

If Hiddink is coming back it's a good move. Anyone else maybe not so much.



Sucks Blackpool went down instead of Wolves, Wigan or Blackburn. Hopefuly at least one of the promoted sides play attacking football to make up for their loss.

[ucsdguy1]

Sucks Blackpool went down instead of Wolves, Wigan or Blackburn. Hopefuly at least one of the promoted sides play attacking football to make up for their loss.
Between their owners and Neil Warnock, Queens Park Rangers should be some fun in London.

[Crazy_Ivan]

Abramovich is a xxxx, teams don't win every season that is a fact, so to get rid of a guy who got them the double last season is terrible. But what makes it even more cretinous was that Abramovich got his hatchet man to do it minutes after the end of the match.

How does any owner expect a manager to work under the conditions that Abramovichh has placed on his team.

1. Ricardo Carvalho, Michael Ballack, Juliano Belletti leave and were not adequately replaced at the start of the season.

2. They fire Ray Wilkins as Ancelottis assistant and replace him with somebody Ancelotti did not want.

3. Abramovich plays fantasy football and buys players he likes and then expects the manager to shoe horn them in to the team.

And despite all this Ancelotti still had them in 2nd place.

I hate Chelsea and Abramovich as much as I hate Real and Perez.

[Pagliacci]

Abramovich is a xxxx, teams don't win every season that is a fact, so to get rid of a guy who got them the double last season is terrible. But what makes it even more cretinous was that Abramovich got his hatchet man to do it minutes after the end of the match.

How does any owner expect a manager to work under the conditions that Abramovichh has placed on his team.

1. Ricardo Carvalho, Michael Ballack, Juliano Belletti leave and were not adequately replaced at the start of the season.

2. They fire Ray Wilkins as Ancelottis assistant and replace him with somebody Ancelotti did not want.

3. Abramovich plays fantasy football and buys players he likes and then expects the manager to shoe horn them in to the team.

And despite all this Ancelotti still had them in 2nd place.

I hate Chelsea and Abramovich as much as I hate Real and Perez.

Are you sure you're not my long lost brother???

[Pagliacci]

Kun Ag?ero better not go to Madrid. That team is MAD!!!

[ASUcruz]

Jesus, just realized how long it's been since I've been on these boards...

[Diehard]

Was really happy to see Barca win the UEFA Title. As good as ManU is they were completely outclassed for almost the entire game. Wonder who we're going to target this offseason.

[gokor84]

Messi and Xavi combo was killing the Manchester's defense

[ASUcruz]

If Hiddink is coming back it's a good move. Anyone else maybe not so much.




Hiddink is overrated as a manager in my book. His teams play an attractive style so he gets high marks but what has he really achieved at the club level? He won a European Cup a long long time ago with PSV and recently had a nice spell with them in the early 2000s. Getting them to the Semis of the Champions League is probably his biggest achievement as a club manager but at the top levels he has really done nothing. He had a nice little run with Chelsea when he took over but winning at PSV and for a few weeks with Chelsea is far different than the long grind of a season. Especially with a Chelsea team that is transition with a lot of it's core getting older plus having to integrate players like Torres.

I think Hiddink is an excellent tactician and a pretty good man manager evidenced by his success with the Dutch/Korean/Australian national teams but there's a big difference between preparing for a three week tournament and a season in the toughest league in soccer while juggling multiple cup competitions.

I would be interested to see how he handles managing a big club like Chelsea from day one. Like I said he has good qualities but he is overrated in that he has never really proven anything at the major club level yet.

[ASUcruz]

Sucks Blackpool went down instead of Wolves, Wigan or Blackburn. Hopefuly at least one of the promoted sides play attacking football to make up for their loss.

Blackpool were very cavalier and would have liked them to stay up but their defense was so atrocious. Wigan play the game the right way so I'm fine with them staying up. Of all the teams in the relegation battle I think Birmingham deserved to go down since they were so bad down the stretch.

[ASUcruz]

Was really happy to see Barca win the UEFA Title. As good as ManU is they were completely outclassed for almost the entire game. Wonder who we're going to target this offseason.

All in all a very impressive season for Man United considering the entire year pundits kept mentioning how this was not a "great" Man United side and it didn't compare to past seasons. I don't think any team in the world would have beat Barcelona on Saturday.

Sir Alex went on record saying he expects to sign three players this summer while Gill said that it would be a busy summer.

David De Gea has supposedly already been bought to be the successor to Van Der Saar although Athletico deny this as they struggle to keep their squad together.

And the buzz in the papers and twitterverse is that the Ashley Young signing is imminent. United have also been linked with French youngsters Raphael Varane although I hope that would not be counted as one of three summer signings since he is more of a long term/developmental player.

I think United will push hard for a center mid, both Sneijder and Modric have been linked with a move to Old Trafford but I think Sneijder will prove to be too expensive not just in transfer fees but his salary is pretty damn high and Spurs aren't too keen on selling Modric. It will have to come down to either player forcing a move especially in Modric's case.

Ideally a proper destroyer CM will have to be bought. Hargreaves was supposed to be the answer but unfortunately his body did not cooperate. The Barca game highlighted United's lack of a true ball winner and although they were able to win the league without an Ince/Keane/Hargreaves type player not having one hurt in the final as well as the Man City/Arsenal/Liverpool games.

Jack Rodwell has been linked with a move but his price tag is high and he has never really proven himself a consistent force. It would be interesting to see how he develops under the guidance of Sir Alex but it seems like a steep price to pay for a player who hasn't proven a whole lot.

[ASUcruz]

Paul Scholes retires | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1392652/Paul-Scholes-retires.html)

Another one of the class of '92 to retire. Scholes is/was absolute class will be weird not seeing him play next year.

[ASUcruz]

Could mean nothing but this is ominous

Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/SkySportsPeteO/status/75523454039896064)

[ucsdguy1]

Could mean nothing but this is ominous

Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/SkySportsPeteO/status/75523454039896064)

http://www.nooooooooooooooo.com/vader.jpg

[Crazy_Ivan]

Paul Scholes retires | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1392652/Paul-Scholes-retires.html)

Another one of the class of '92 to retire. Scholes is/was absolute class will be weird not seeing him play next year.

A class act and a gentleman of football, English football needs more of his ilk. I had to laugh at this quote on the BBC. It is proto-typical of what Scholes was all about.


A huge contingent of Argentine journalists gathered at the front of the room and pushed one of their number to press Scholes with the question: "Who is your favourite footballer of all time?"

As they waited for what they expected as the inevitable coronation of their own icon and World Cup winner, Diego Maradona, Scholes shot back without hesitation: "Frankie Bunn." Cue utter bemusement.

With an irritated glance that questioned how they could not have heard of Bunn's stirring deeds, Scholes added: "Scored six goals in a League Cup tie for Oldham against Scarborough once, you know."

[Pagliacci]

Aguero, Forlan and De Gea leaving pretty much show how Atletico Madrid have no real identity. It's a shame really the way Forlan was treated at the end by Quique Sanchez Flores, a coach I'm not real fond of anyway.

As much as I hate to say it, but Real Madrid have enough talent stashed to field two incredible teams. Where the **** they get the money for this I don't know. Barcelona are going to have it rougher next year after that final performance. The crosshairs are dead on from ALL of their opponents.

It's going to be one crazy summer.

[Diehard]

wonder if Berbatov is gonna stay at Manchester, sounds like he was pretty pissed about not being on the bench for the final. Plus with Alex using Hernandez and Rooney as his primary strikers there may not be a place for him.

[VEGASKING]

He's as good as gone. He's in the last year of his contract so the price is way down. Supposedly Newcastle had a 7.5m bid accepted for him. Could go back to Spurs as part of a Modric deal. Michael Owen got another 1 year deal. Plus they have Diouf, Macheda and Welbeck coming back.

[ASUcruz]

http://www.nooooooooooooooo.com/vader.jpg

Harry is playing hardball but he faces a tumultuous off-season. It will be interesting to see how he deals with having to fight off bids for Bale and Modric while at the same time improving his squad without the guaranteed Champions League revenue.

Seems like Harry clearly wants another striker and the Scott Parker rumors continue to swirl. I hope he finds away because Tottenham are definitely a fun team to watch and Redknapp deserves a chance to build his squad but it will be difficult if the board wants to cash in on certain players.

[ASUcruz]

wonder if Berbatov is gonna stay at Manchester, sounds like he was pretty pissed about not being on the bench for the final. Plus with Alex using Hernandez and Rooney as his primary strikers there may not be a place for him.

Berbatov has told certain media outlets that he wants to stay at Manchester United. Basically it is up to the boss on whether or not he wants him in the squad. As Vegas mentions Berbatov has a year left on his contract and he is 30 years old. Obviously United won't come close to recouping the the price they paid for him but this is definitely the last chance for United to get some value for him.

Regarding whether or not he has a place, I think he Berbatov still has a role for this team. Chicharito and Rooney are the first choice strikeforce but United aren't going to play 4-4-2 every game. Also with as many games as United play and Ferguson's fondness for rotating the squad there are plenty of games to go around. Finally there are certain matchups that favor Berbatov over Hernandez. Hernandez is obviously at his best when the pace of a game is played at a high speed and he can play off the last defender to latch onto through balls and balls over the top or when United play a team they can counter against.

Against teams where more build up is required and United dominate possession Berbatov is the better option. His link up play is better and he is a lot more creative with his touches, runs, and passes. Finally I do think Berbatov is more adept at making other players better. When Nani was in such a rich form earlier this year he and Berbatov were linking up really well.

The knock on Berbatov is he doesn't score in the big games. While that may be unfair I think it is valuable to have someone who will punish the weaker sides of the EPL. United miss Ronaldo for various reasons but chief among them is he was so ruthless against the mid/bottom table clubs. While Berbatov obviously is not as prolific as Ronaldo was/is he did score 21 goals last year with a number of them being crucial.

[ASUcruz]

Michael Owen got another 1 year deal. Plus they have Diouf, Macheda and Welbeck coming back.

Owen is back but I don't think he'll every be anything more than a bit player for United. In other words I don't think his body will hold up if he has to play in an extended number of games. At this point in his career I think he's limited to being the sub you throw on when you need goal and/or a player/spot starter. As a United fan I'm far more confident with having to star Berbatov for an extended run if Rooney or Hernandez get hurt or suffer a lose in form.

Out of the guys on loan only Welbeck impressed. Macheda had a very disappointing time in Italy(he didn't even score in Seria A) and Diouf doesn't seem to be Manchester United quality. I think Diout will be on his way out and the same could be said of Macheda.

Welbeck is also somewhat versatile in that he can play as a wide man in a front 3.

If I had to bet I do think Berbatov will be sold this summer as Ferguson seems to be less enamored by him but I hope he stays. As I said in the post above I think he still has a very big role to play for United. Since he didn't even make the bench against Barca it is easy to forget that he was a big reason why United won their 19th title.

[ASUcruz]

As much as I hate to say it, but Real Madrid have enough talent stashed to field two incredible teams. Where the **** they get the money for this I don't know. Barcelona are going to have it rougher next year after that final performance. The crosshairs are dead on from ALL of their opponents.

It's going to be one crazy summer.

No matter who is in charge it seems like it is always Real's goal to have two first team internationals at every position. I don't think Barca will have it "rougher" this year since they already have the target on their back. I suspect they'll reload and I'm sure they will be fine. I expect them to finally bring Cesc in the fold and it sounds like a move for Giuseppi Rossi is imminent. I'm not sure how he would fit it, most likely as another option for Villa who despite his goal in the final was not in very good form down the stretch. It also appears that if they want to pony up for Alexis Sanchez he is theirs to lose.

[ASUcruz]

A class act and a gentleman of football, English football needs more of his ilk. I had to laugh at this quote on the BBC. It is proto-typical of what Scholes was all about.

Read that quote from the BBC and thought it was hilarious and summed him up nicely. Another tidbit I read was after making announcing his intentions to retire he went on a vacation with his family. So it is extremely likely Scholes never saw or read any of the glowing tributes about him that came out the next day.

[ASUcruz]

Big news of the day was Gerard Houllier and Aston Villa parting company. I thought it was a peculiar hiring at the time since Houllier was out of the game for a few years. Since O'Neill left right before the season started maybe Villa didn't have much of a choice and Houllier never did for that matter.

Hot name for the Villa job is Mark Hughes.

Mark Hughes' Fulham contract expires | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393302/Mark-Hughes-Fulham-contract-expires.html)

Makes sense for Hughes, he did a nice job with Fulham but Villa are a bigger club. He'll have some work to do though with Young likely on his way out and Downing potentially leaving as well. At least he will have Bent leading the line.

[ASUcruz]

Other hot rumor is this one. Jordan Henderson possibly going to Liverpool

Liverpool lead ?13m chase for Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393252/Liverpool-lead-13m-chase-Sunderland-midfielder-Jordan-Henderson.html)

Henderson like many Sunderlan players had an injury plagued year but I was impressed every time I watched him play. Really good vision and a good passer. Nice dribbling skills when 1 on 1. He has a bright future, will take a lot for Sunderland to sell him.

[ASUcruz]

Well the twitterverse is saying Hughes as resigned from Fulham. Move to Aston Villa is appears to be imminent.

[ASUcruz]

Hopefully he gets to play more

Report: Aston Villa opens up negotiations for Borussia Monchengladbach and United States international midfielder Michael Bradley - Goal.com (http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1679/us-national-team/2011/05/30/2509748/report-aston-villa-opens-up-negotiations-for-borussia)

[KHenry14]

Disgraceful performance for the USMNT against Spain today. Sure, they are the world champs, but come on, they just stood around watching, especially in the first half. Landon's presence might have helped a bit, and playing Bradley and Deuce in the first half, but just OUTCLASSED.

BTW, since the world cup the USMNT has a losing record. One wonders if the players are tuning BB out. The next couple of weeks will say a lot about that.

[Pagliacci]

Disgraceful performance for the USMNT against Spain today. Sure, they are the world champs, but come on, they just stood around watching, especially in the first half. Landon's presence might have helped a bit, and playing Bradley and Deuce in the first half, but just OUTCLASSED.

BTW, since the world cup the USMNT has a losing record. One wonders if the players are tuning BB out. The next couple of weeks will say a lot about that.

The US played a bunch of inexperienced players against a powerhouse. It could have been 7-0 by the end of it. But hey, it's a friendly match and I'm sure a lot of those players are going to learn from it.

From a personal standpoint, Spain's midfield duo of David Silva and Cazorla was amazing to watch. Xabi Alonso and Busquets were also stellar. This is a team that was also missing Xavi, Fabregas, and Juan Mata. Spain is ****ing stacked at midfield and they are so well coached. I honestly don't see them dropping off the map anytime soon, although Fernando Torres is still two steps behind.

All in all I expect Mexico to win the Gold Cup again. Bob Bradley needs to be replaced by my boy Jurgen Klinnsman.

[kba4life2]

Disgraceful performance for the USMNT against Spain today. Sure, they are the world champs, but come on, they just stood around watching, especially in the first half. Landon's presence might have helped a bit, and playing Bradley and Deuce in the first half, but just OUTCLASSED.

BTW, since the world cup the USMNT has a losing record. One wonders if the players are tuning BB out. The next couple of weeks will say a lot about that.

To be fair most of those friendlies have been against top notch competition. Scheduling this game a few days before the start of the gold cup was a recipe for disaster, total cash grab by the USSF. At least Bradley looked halfway decent when he came on, hopefully he'll shake off the rust and have a good tournament

[ucsdguy1]

Bradley isn't going anywhere. Not unless the US loses 7-0 in each of its next three Gold Cup matches, and even then USSF seems to be fine with him through at least the next world cup.

Not a fun game to watch. And Mexico just beat the $%& out of El Salvador

[Pagliacci]

Bradley isn't going anywhere. Not unless the US loses 7-0 in each of its next three Gold Cup matches, and even then USSF seems to be fine with him through at least the next world cup.

Not a fun game to watch. And Mexico just beat the $%& out of El Salvador

The USMNT reminds me of the Kings... :facepalm:

[KHenry14]

I guess I just am really pissed off at the first half performance by guys who should have done a LOT better. This wasn't a bunch of MLS subs going up aginst Spain, it was motsly guys from th EPL and Europe who have a fair amount of experience who just ball watched to a big butt kicking. Jones and Edu were horrible, and both of them know better.

[VEGASKING]

Martin Jol the new Fulham manager.

[Crazy_Ivan]

Martin Jol the new Fulham manager.

A great replacement, in fact Fulham just got the better manager imo, but I guess time will tell.

[ASUcruz]

Amazing how pricey young English talent is

Manchester United sign Phil Jones from Blackburn for ?16m | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2000925/Manchester-United-sign-Phil-Jones-Blackburn-16m.html)

Jordan Henderson snapped up by Liverpool in ?16m deal | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2000637/Jordan-Henderson-snapped-Liverpool-16m-deal.html)

[ASUcruz]

Not sure if both those deals are final but I suspect they will be in the coming days.

[Pagliacci]

Anyone see Brazil's final roster for Copa America?

Fred ousts Nilmar in Brazil Copa America squad - ESPN Soccernet (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/926717/fred-ousts-nilmar-in-brazil-copa-america-squad?cc=5901)

Not really impressed with anybody they have in the midfield. Maybe it's Chile's year...

[ASUcruz]

Anyone see Brazil's final roster for Copa America?

Fred ousts Nilmar in Brazil Copa America squad - ESPN Soccernet (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/926717/fred-ousts-nilmar-in-brazil-copa-america-squad?cc=5901)

Not really impressed with anybody they have in the midfield. Maybe it's Chile's year...

Still an imposing Brazil team for me. Ramires and Lucas fit the Brazillian template of having two holding players in the middle of the park and both players are in good form. Ramires should have been playing more for Chelsea, I was impressed by his workrate and energy when he played. There's enough creativity up front with Robinho and Neymar up front. Ganso has the "next big thing" label as well would like to see him play especially since he has club chemistry with Neymar.

[VEGASKING]

Ganso is coming off another injury after the ACL tear. He should be back for the Copa Libertadores final next week after the last month out.

[Pagliacci]

Still an imposing Brazil team for me. Ramires and Lucas fit the Brazillian template of having two holding players in the middle of the park and both players are in good form. Ramires should have been playing more for Chelsea, I was impressed by his workrate and energy when he played. There's enough creativity up front with Robinho and Neymar up front. Ganso has the "next big thing" label as well would like to see him play especially since he has club chemistry with Neymar.

I thought Ramires was a wing? Goes to show how little I've watched of the EPL these past 2 years. Obviously they are still a strong team, but who is going to setup the forwards other than Elano?

[Crazy_Ivan]

I thought Ramires was a wing? Goes to show how little I've watched of the EPL these past 2 years. Obviously they are still a strong team, but who is going to setup the forwards other than Elano?

I am dubious about that midfield and still can not get my head around the fact that Brazil have a better defense than midfield. Ganso has the prospects of being a great player but after that it looks like a midfield made up of holding midfielders.

Lucas, Sandro and Ramires all had solid seasons in the EPL but this Brazilian team has a few unknown factors up front and in midfield for me.

The creativity is a bit awol there, the results seem to indicate that too. The last 5 games they have only scored 3 goals and only conceded 2 goals, hardly samba football.

I think if Argentina had managed to get their act together they would be my automatic choice for the trophy.

[ASUcruz]

I thought Ramires was a wing? Goes to show how little I've watched of the EPL these past 2 years. Obviously they are still a strong team, but who is going to setup the forwards other than Elano?

Ramires typical position is in the midfield 3 of a 4-3-3. When Ancelotti played a 4-4-2 he did play on the right hand side of the diamond but was very narrow. He is most definitely a holding player.

Brazil don't really play with a classic 10 anymore. I'm guessing Neymar and Robinho will play more withdrawn with Pato playing off the last might. Plus like always Brazil have great attacking fullbacks to provide width to provide balls for their attacking players. If they do want to go with a classic 10 Ganso can play that role.

[ASUcruz]

I am dubious about that midfield and still can not get my head around the fact that Brazil have a better defense than midfield. Ganso has the prospects of being a great player but after that it looks like a midfield made up of holding midfielders.



Brazil don't really play with a classic 10 anymore in the mold of Zico anymore. If they do play Ganso and only two holding players it would be a deviation of what they have done in the recent past. Last time they won the World Cup they played a midfield duo of Kleberson and Gilberto Silva. With three attacking players in Ronaldihno, Ronaldo, and Rivaldo. Obviously they could probably get away with that because the three Rs were all world class players/attacking talents but that seems to be the formula Brazil have decided to go with.

Last World Cup was something similar, with Kaka, Robinho, and Luis Fabiano being the only true attacking players and no "creative" midfielder so to speak. Kaka played the deepest of the 3 with Alves used as basically midfielder/winger with Maicon and Bastos overlapping. I think Alves was wasted but that's for another argument. Clearly though Brazil's MO has been to use at least 2 holding players in the middle of the park sometimes three. With overlapping players providing service and two withdrawn forwards providing service to a lone forward.

If Brazil play with their typical two withdrawn forwards and striker (Robinho, Neymar, and Pato respectivley) and Ganso behind them that would be a return to a more cavalier team if you look at their recent tournament starting 11s.

They also have Lucas of San Paolo and Jadson who are very much attacking MFs rather than holding players.


Lucas, Sandro and Ramires all had solid seasons in the EPL but this Brazilian team has a few unknown factors up front and in midfield for me.

Well Pato and Robinho are proven at the European level. While Robinho is pretty inconsistent he has show the ability to play at the highest level. Neymar is an unknown but the talent is clear this could be his breakout tournament.


I think if Argentina had managed to get their act together they would be my automatic choice for the trophy

Argentina should be the favorite, they are hosting the tourney and have the best player in the world. Unfortunately internal factors and off the field stuff always seem to hamper this team which has a ton of talent. They have potentially an awesome attacking force but their defense does leave a lot to be desired.

[Crazy_Ivan]

Argentina have the defense, what they have lacked for some-time is the coach to make the whole team work.

Zabaleta Burdisso Garay Zanetti

That is defense good enough to win a tournament, not as good or as experienced as Brazil but still good enough.

In the midfield and up front they put Brazil to shame with the wealth and depth of talent, but as you say internal factors as well as some questionable choices in the coaching department have left them an un-known factor.


With regards to Brazil of course they could put it together and have a great tournament but some key players like Robihno need to really step up and lead the team. It honestly is (imo) the best chance for one of the smaller nations to step up and take a win.



Oh it is good to have you back ASU Cruz.

[Pagliacci]

With regards to Brazil of course they could put it together and have a great tournament but some key players like Robihno need to really step up and lead the team. It honestly is (imo) the best chance for one of the smaller nations to step up and take a win.



I'm picking Chile if Argentina continues to be an enigma.

[ASUcruz]

Argentina have the defense, what they have lacked for some-time is the coach to make the whole team work.

Zabaleta Burdisso Garay Zanetti

That is defense good enough to win a tournament, not as good or as experienced as Brazil but still good enough.



I agree it is good enough to win a tournament but only because Argentina have so much firepower. I think Zanetti is past it and is really only around for his leadership skills. If he is first choice I think he will continue to get exposed. Garay doesn't play for Madrid so he is unproven at best although talented. I think Burdisso is a good player but not in the upper echelon of center halves. Overall they lack depth and out wide could be exposed by pace. Luckily for them Argentina will likely dominate possession, at least 60% in their favor in most games. Also they will likely have two strong holding players in front of them in Mascherano and Cambiasso a well as Banega.


In the midfield and up front they put Brazil to shame with the wealth and depth of talent, but as you say internal factors as well as some questionable choices in the coaching department have left them an un-known factor.

Agreed, as I said above Argentina have loads of firepower but the trick is finding the right combination of players who will play well. While they have more proven high end talent (specifically more proven in Europe) than Brazil's attacking players, Brazil's players always seem to have better chemistry and they play roles that are familar to them.

Argentina have many question marks. Messi has just had his best season playing as a false 9 center forward. But in the modern era Argentina favors playing with classic center forward. So do they play Messi in the false 9 role or let Higuain/Milito play as the classic CF. Tevez was named into the squad and after a lot of controversy will surely be named to the squad. But he is a hard player to accommodate. He needs to play as a striker but he roams so much it is almost detrimental to the team.

Then you have Aguero coming off a great season, Do they play Messi as their "10" or does Pastore fit the role? They have a ton of talent but how does it all fit together.


With regards to Brazil of course they could put it together and have a great tournament but some key players like Robihno need to really step up and lead the team. It honestly is (imo) the best chance for one of the smaller nations to step up and take a win.

Robinho always plays much better in a Brazil shirt than for his club. That factor cannot be overlooked. For whatever reason I have always felt that there are a number of Brazillians who play much better for their national team than club team. Maybe it is style or familiarity with their countrymen. But Robinho definitley fits this bill (a counter-example would be Kaka far better for club than country). So I think Robinho will have a good tournament he always plays well for Brazil. For me the guy that needs to step up is Neymar he can make this breakout tournament and show that the 40 million+ price tag on him is legitimate. To a lesser extent Ganso has to be effective but like Vegas mentions he is coming off an injury.

While Brazil have less "European" proven talent up front the skill is there. Neymar, Ganso, Jadson, Lucas(San Paulo) all obviously have skill maybe it is just not known. I do think that maybe less is more for Brazil in that they have attacking players who compliment each other and know their roles. While Argentina have a ton of talent who don't seem to be able to play together and their roles overlap.

If it were me I would build my team around Messi (duh). They can't replicate Barca because that style takes years of chemistry and they don't have anyone to play the Alves, Busqutes, and Inesta/Xavi role but they can come close. I would play a front three of Aguero-Messi-Di Maria.

It seems crazy to have Tevez on the bench but I think this front three is more flexible and interchangeable while Tevez would only want to play through the middle. I would also ditch the idea of playing with the classic CF ala Batistuta/Crepso especially since Higuain is coming off of injury and Milito didn't have a good season. Then go with Pastore as my #10 playmaker with Banega and Mascherano/Cambiasso holding behind him. The only problem is this 4-3-3 would get rather narrow since Argentina doesn't have great overlapping fullbacks.

[Crazy_Ivan]

On a different note, it is a bit disapointing that a team like Barcelona can win the league and champions league and still make a hefty loss. This is something that is being repeated in quite a few Premier League teams, even Arsenal who it could be said are very fiscally prudent over the last few seasons have made a loss this year.

[Crazy_Ivan]

Interested to hear some thoughts on the current Arsenal situation. There are reports of Clichy, Nasri and Bendtner wanting out, losing Clichy might not be that bad although Gael Clichy is currently the only player on the Arsenal squad to have a winners medal with Arsenal. Liverpool are reported to have made an offer for him. I have some questions for my fellow LGK brethren.

1) Is Arsene Wenger entering the last chance saloon? IMO if he does not win anything next season he is gone, whether he leaves himself or is fired. I am not even sure the Carling Cup would suffice, another aspect to take in is what if he gets drawn in the pre-lims of the CL and draws say Bayern and they get knocked out?

2) Is the fact that Arsenal have consistently lost some of their most effective players, and that they willingly wanted to leave(Adebayor, Flamini, Toure, Henry, Cole) a reflection on Wenger, or his footballing policy?

3) Has Arsene become another Louis van Gaal who places too much trust in younger players to the detriment of the team?

Losing Bendnter will hurt the most after all he is going to be the(Self proclaimed) best striker in the world.

[Pagliacci]

Interested to hear some thoughts on the current Arsenal situation. There are reports of Clichy, Nasri and Bendtner wanting out, losing Clichy might not be that bad although Gael Clichy is currently the only player on the Arsenal squad to have a winners medal with Arsenal. Liverpool are reported to have made an offer for him. I have some questions for my fellow LGK brethren.

1) Is Arsene Wenger entering the last chance saloon? IMO if he does not win anything next season he is gone, whether he leaves himself or is fired. I am not even sure the Carling Cup would suffice, another aspect to take in is what if he gets drawn in the pre-lims of the CL and draws say Bayern and they get knocked out?

2) Is the fact that Arsenal have consistently lost some of their most effective players, and that they willingly wanted to leave(Adebayor, Flamini, Toure, Henry, Cole) a reflection on Wenger, or his footballing policy?

3) Has Arsene become another Louis van Gaal who places too much trust in younger players to the detriment of the team?

Losing Bendnter will hurt the most after all he is going to be the(Self proclaimed) best striker in the world.

1) I think he gets one more crack from the board to assemble a winning project. One year though and otherwise he's tossed.

2) I think they leave because of the $$$$. Chelsea and other clubs can pay higher salaries from what I can gather. I think Henry left to play with Ronaldinho and win a UCL, which he did.

3) Louis Van Gaal is way overrated in my book. His squads are usually filled with talent, but he loses control of the squad after 2-3 seasons. Arsene I think is a good coach, but he's put his trust in the wrong players. Van Persie and Fabregas are great, but unreliable as far as health is concerned. In all honesty they need a gritty, tough defensive midfielder and a solid central back. They are a little soft...


That's all I got for now.