New Football Thread - For the Limey contingent, Vince Lombardi is demonstrating above how real football is played.
Lotsa talk in the press about the race for 4th. Who do you think has the best schedule "run-in" to finish the season?
TOT - CITY - POOL - VILLA
Remember - City and Tottenham will play each other in Manc toward the end of the season - just not on the sked yet.
about 2 years ago
shroomer
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Villa.
Only 1 of the big 3 left, at City is a big one and Everton at home will be tricky, but nothing particularly strenuous otherwise.
That being said...
I think City pulls it off in the end.
Riera tears into Rafa in a radio interview
If you’re not a Liverpool supporter, feel free to giggle feverishly while reading this
The best part? For me, this:
In a final criticism of Benitez, Riera also claimed the Liverpool boss would not be in demand should Manuel Pellegrini vacate the Real Madrid job at the end of the season. Riera said: “At Madrid they ask you to win and play lovely football. We [Liverpool] are effective, sure, but we don’t play brilliant football.”
Riera
Hope he enjoys the rest of his short career at Anfield- the team suspended and transfer listed him prior to today’s match with Lille, per the Telegraph. The story also noted that apparently he was benched after smacking Dani Pacheco in the face during a training session a couple months back. It looks like he’s headed to Russia- they’re the only major European league whose transfer window is still open, and he has a Russian wife.
As for the events on the pitch, very pleased by the last two matches. Babel seems to be reclaiming his place in the side. Looking forward to Sunday!
"He's not coming back. That chick was like, the Pele of anal."
-- Sterling Archer
I might trade Fabregas for Messi
Maybe
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
Blanc
“We’ll have to see how the French clubs go in the quarter-finals,” he said. "It could well mean that French football has bridged some of the gap behind the big countries like Spain, England and even Italy.
And even Italy?
Well the match fixing scandal had to lower them down a peg
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
What I mean is
Italy has pretty clearly been passed by both England and Spain as far as the performance of their elite clubs in the Champions League. AC Milan did win it three years ago, but the late rounds have been dominated by England of late, and Barca has obviously been strong. It just seems odd that he placed them a level above the other two by the way he said it.
Also, if he’s speaking in a broader national sense (which obviously isn’t that appropriate, given his point, anyway), Spain has won a major competition more recently than Italy and has been in ascension as a national team, rather than in decline.
by Brett Perryman on Mar 18, 2010 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions
It could be a translation error...
…or Blanc could just be reminiscing back to his early playing days in the late 1980’s – 1990’s where Italian football boasted some of the best players in the history of the sport.
Speaking of translation
how is his English?
by Brett Perryman on Mar 18, 2010 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Bordeaux
Really nice to see a couple French clubs in the final eight- Ligue 1 has really grown on me after playing Lyon on Football Manager.
United, Arsenal, or Barca will probably still win the whole thing, but six different nations represented in the quarterfinals has to make the folks at UEFA happy.
"He's not coming back. That chick was like, the Pele of anal."
-- Sterling Archer
Ligue1
I love watching French footy. The amount of African players that the league attracts and all of the assorted abilities that this brings to the league is very appealing.
As a point above, I used to really like watching Italian footy back in the days of George Weah, Zvonomir Boban, Leonardo and even Ibrahim Ba. But nowadays the entire league is just not watchable. I don’t know if my constant exposure to English football is further spoiling me, or if the catenaccio style of play is just way too mind-numbing for my tastes.
Whatever the case, my top three leagues to watch are EPL, Bundesliga and Ligue1
What's the rumpus?
Serie A
Yeah, I can’t watch it either.
I see Bordeaux & Lyon got paired up in the CL quarterfinals- that should be a great tie, and either way, there’s going to be a French club in the semis. Hopefully one of them can knock off United and make it to the final.
Totally agree on the Africans in Ligue 1, though it’s got to be hell on that league come African Nations time.
"He's not coming back. That chick was like, the Pele of anal."
-- Sterling Archer
I hope they hang on, but wow
that is impressive to come back from a 3-1 hole.
by Brett Perryman on Mar 18, 2010 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions
That was an amazing game.
If you want a perfect example of the fall of Italian football…look at Juventus this year.
And
is away for the second leg, no less, and then a date with Inter if they somehow survive.
Meanwhile, United has a waltz to the final, with Bayern, then one of the French clubs.
by Brett Perryman on Mar 19, 2010 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Bayern are dangerous
Robben’s in top form.
This is a pretty kick-ass draw though, I have to admit. Seems set up for a re-match.
by LiamP on Mar 19, 2010 10:03 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Ahhh
I was hoping for Chamakh and Bordeux.
Should be fun to watch though.
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
Yeah
should be memorable at least. Hopefully Arsenal will be at close to full strength. I can’t even imagine taking on Barcelona with a backup central defender. Will also be interesting to see how Song holds up, and I hope their fullbacks get into better form by that time.
by Brett Perryman on Mar 19, 2010 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Especially one as immobile as Campbell.
I’d be more concerned about Clichy (whose form has disappeared) against Messi though.
Yeah, like I said, that's quite concerning
Clichy isn’t in very good form, either. At least he’s healthy, though. I don’t even want to think about Traore running around with no clue what to do about him. Wenger would probably prefer to run Silvestre out there or something, which is similarly frightening.
by Brett Perryman on Mar 19, 2010 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Gallas is already doubtful for the 1st leg
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
Agreed, I was hoping RVP could be ready by late March
but it looks like May at the earliest.
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
The Battle of Santiago
Saw this at the Guardian sports blog - wild, wild stuff -
1962 World Cup 1st round – Chile 2 – 0 Italy. Chile was recovering from an earthquake that had killed nearly 6,000 people, and didn’t have much money in the first place, so its countryfolk weren’t particularly disposed to tolerate the two Italian journalists who swanned into Santiago ahead of the World Cup finals, sifted through the wreckage, and sent home dispatches painting a picture of Chile’s capital as a poverty-stricken hole full of loose women. Antonio Ghiredelli and Corrado Pizzinelli insisted their reports had been distorted somewhere down the line, but the damage was done and all diplomatic bets were off. The pair skidaddled back home for their own safety – an Argentinian journalist mistaken for one of them was badly beaten in a bar – leaving the poor buggers in the Italian national team to deal with the consequences. Chile and Italy, of course, had been drawn in the same first-stage group.
Football Weekly podcast
I’m addicted to this twice-weekly podcast – but yesterday’s version was a really interesting listen. Lotsa CL talk, some ManU/Fergie admiration and a brief Landon Donovan convo at the very end about America’s baffling sporting socialism. If you got 40 mins to kill – rec’d – bonus: the lilting Scottish accent of Kevin McCarra.
Liverpool drew Benfica in the Europa League
That should be good
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
Angel Di Maria will tear them a new asshole.
They’ll probably still win though.
Yep
Benfica’s a good club, and not to be taken lightly.
The semi-final draw is very intriguing- if Liverpool get past Benfica, they’ll play either Valencia or Atletico Madrid, which are Rafa’s and Torres’ previous clubs, respectively.
"He's not coming back. That chick was like, the Pele of anal."
-- Sterling Archer
Archer
I’m digging that show. I don’t set many shows to record on schedule, but that is one of them.
What's the rumpus?
Yeah
Figured I’d give it a shot since the cast includes Jessica Walter, Aisha Tyler, and Chris Parnell, and I’ve absolutely loved it. It’s one of the few shows I have to keep rewinding because I’m laughing so hard over the jokes.
I especially dug the bit in episode 3 where Archer referred to Conway killing several enemy spies as a “Charles Whitman Sampler”- that was the name of my fantasy football (NFL) team a few years back.
"He's not coming back. That chick was like, the Pele of anal."
-- Sterling Archer
Hah
American rap star P-Diddy is considering using his vast wealth to buy struggling Championship club Crystal Palace because he likes the name, according to a report in The Sun this week.
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
Jesus
No Carlton Cole and no Scott Parker for West Ham.
Might as well give Arsenal the 3-0 and save everyone the time.
yeah
I watched until Denilson score his meh goal and promptly killed the stream.
I need to go find some babies to punt to get Tot’s late goal out of my craw.
Just got Song back from suspension too, Vermaelen out for 2 games will hurt
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
Google says that you're right
Softens the blow a little bit
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
I haven't watched today's game yet
but it looks like they bumped Song back to central defense in the second half? As important as he is and as big of a difference as there is between him and either Denilson or Diaby, him moving back there is about the only way I can imagine them winning at Birmingham. I guess it would be possible to just outscore them, but Birmingham has lost just twice at home and has only given up ten goals in fifteen home games. I that game and home against Wolverhampton were switched on the schedule. And I guess the silver lining is that Vermaelen will be well rested for the first quarterfinal leg.
by Brett Perryman on Mar 20, 2010 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions
I must say, I like the fact that
you are annoyed when something good happens to Arsenal. Seems like pretty much everyone looked at them like ‘well isn’t that cute’ whenever they would be on the upswing throughout most of the season.
by Brett Perryman on Mar 20, 2010 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Their remaining fixtures make them as good a bet as Chelsea or United as of right now, though we'll see what happens tomorrow
It’s not as fun cheering against Arsenal anymore because of their lack of recent success in the league and the absence of players you can truly hate. Back when the United/Arsenal rivalry was at it’s peak in the 90’s/00’s, it was easy as shit to wish evil upon Keown, Vieira, Sol, Petit, Cole, Pires etc. There’s no-one on your squad today that I feel that strongly about (aside from Sol, but he’s so old it doesn’t matter anymore).
There’s probably a small part of me that wants Arsenal to do well so the rivalry will have a bit of fire like the old days. I miss stuff like this.
If I were a fan of a rival club
I don’t think I’d like Eboue one bit. He’s had a semi-breakout season, sort of stopped diving, and is still just a role player, but he was pretty close to Adebayor for me on the ’don’t care for ‘em even though they’re on my team’ list the last few years.
by Brett Perryman on Mar 20, 2010 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Forgot about Eboue.
Although he often makes me laugh more than anything else.
Fourth looking less and less likely for Liverpool.
City just won and if Shroom was watching that, I assume he just let out a huge sigh of relief. Fulham should’ve scored and had another penalty after they pulled one back.
Your lyin' rag eyes deceive you.
Were never any handballs, son. Tricks of the light – never trust TV cameras. yep
Drogba's noggin
taking a beating today. Looks like just a miserable day, too.
by Brett Perryman on Mar 21, 2010 12:40 PM CDT reply actions
If only Liverpool weren't completely worthless
today would have been great.
by Brett Perryman on Mar 21, 2010 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Liverpool/United
I think Webb got the penalty call on Masch wrong, but I’m not going to pretend that cost Liverpool the match- United were definitely the better club today, and deserved their win.
Another invisible performance by our captain- like I said last week, I’m about ready to see someone else (Reina?) take the armband for a while.
"He's not coming back. That chick was like, the Pele of anal."
-- Sterling Archer
Penalty call was correct
Mascherano started tugging outside the box but continued inside it. FIFA rules dictate that when that happens, it’s a penalty.
If you think he dived, that’s debatable, but Mascherano clearly pulled him back in the area.
by LiamP on Mar 21, 2010 1:35 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Penalty call
No, I don’t think it was a dive- just thought the foul started outside the box, and should have been called then and there, instead of letting play continue.
Ultimately, though, Masch shouldn’t have put himself in that position to begin with.
"He's not coming back. That chick was like, the Pele of anal."
-- Sterling Archer
I thought it should have been a free kick also
but it was close enough that it could have gone either way.
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
Not a chance of that
Valencia was still in control of the ball. If he didn’t play advantage there it would be inexcusable.
Ultimately, Mascherano was fortunate just to stay on the pitch.
by LiamP on Mar 21, 2010 1:50 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Messi
Another hat-trick today. He’s lapped the field in terms of being the best player in the world this season.
Good f’ing luck Arsenal.
by LiamP on Mar 21, 2010 5:26 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
You're welcome.
Glad my Rovers could help you guys out, Liam and Brett.
And, is it unhealthy that I derive damned near as much joy in a Liverpoo loss as a Rovers’ win?
What's the rumpus?
This makes too much sense
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=760119&sec=europe&cc=5901
Though now Hicks may get jealous and lock him up.
Ahahaha
“Fabregas is not yet under contract at Inter, but he will be. Fabregas to Inter.”
I needed a good laugh.
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
The Italian media
has to be the winner for most joke soccer rumors/stories.
by Brett Perryman on Mar 23, 2010 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Does La Marca win the team award?
Who wins the individual?
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Mar 24, 2010 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Aston Villa is a draw machine
Today breathes a bit of life into Liverpool, and I suppose makes Spurs the clear favorite for the fourth spot right at the moment. I’ve had City in that spot all season, wavering for the first time today. Conversely for Liverpool, if they don’t play pretty well, Everton could put them into 8th. Who would have dreamt that?
No, but they have seven draws and just three wins
in the premier league in 2010. That’s actually just a bit below their point pace in the first half. Four of those seven draws are also scoreless, and three were against Spurs, Arsenal and West Ham, three clubs who actually like to play football.
by Brett Perryman on Mar 25, 2010 6:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Everton
Finishing above Liverpool is about all I have lefty to cheer for since my Rovers look cemented in the 11-13th area of the table.
Everton is playing pretty well, which is good to see. Arteta+Cahill is always a very formidable duo, just wish they’d be able to both stay healthy for a whole season.
What's the rumpus?
Interesting line-ups today.
No Arshavin and Song at CB for Arsenal at Birmingham. Drogba on the bench for Chelsea against Villa.
And of course Vermaelen is suspended
and Gallas is still out. Arshavin and Nasri are on the bench, though.
by Brett Perryman on Mar 27, 2010 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions
...and Birmingham now too.
United without Rooney and Ferdinand tonight…this may not turn out well.
Die from an aids infested taint Almunia
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
Nani
If you want to know why I think Rafa’s a complete disaster of a man manager, take a look at how Nani’s playing these days and compare it with the development path of Ryan Babel.
I know Babel is kind of a knucklehead, but
from afar it seems like Rafa has written the book on how to completely mishandle a good, young talent.
by Brett Perryman on Mar 27, 2010 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed.
I can’t figure out a good reason to not be able to turn Babel into at least as solid player on a Big4 club.
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Mar 29, 2010 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Babel
He seems to be a guy who needs his manager to pat him on the back and boost his confidence regularly, and that’s just not Rafa’s style.
The fact he does a lot of dumb things on the pitch doesn’t help, though he looked fairly good against Sunderland over the weekend, and Rafa’s been giving him more minutes of late.
I will agree that man management is not Benitez’ strength- he definitely prefers guys who can self-motivate- but he’s made Torres, Reina, Alonso, Gerrard, and Mascherano all into better players than they were before they arrived at Anfield, and that has to count for something.
"He's not coming back. That chick was like, the Pele of anal."
-- Sterling Archer
Just mind games
Latest reports are that he’s pain-free. He’ll start tomorrow.
by LiamP on Mar 29, 2010 9:49 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Those Germans
and their psychological warfare
by Brett Perryman on Mar 29, 2010 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Nevermind
As usual, I’m completely wrong. No Robben tonight.
by LiamP on Mar 30, 2010 12:55 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
or Gomez or Schweinsteiger
not sure why they’re even bothering to play this.
by Brett Perryman on Mar 30, 2010 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Seems like they aren't...
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Mar 30, 2010 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Mick McCarthy Rant - nsfw
audio link – only 48 secs – heh
[This is what I’ll sound like if Citeh loses to Wigan today.
Le sigh...
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Mar 30, 2010 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Horrible defending today
Neither Bordeaux nor Bayern Munich can deal with a cross at all. Lyon haven’t been great either.
by Brett Perryman on Mar 30, 2010 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions
...And we're fucked.
A loss isn’t the end of the world, a Rooney injury is.
by LiamP on Mar 30, 2010 3:37 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
It did look like he turned it pretty good
Have they done x-rays yet?
by Brett Perryman on Mar 30, 2010 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Won't know the results until tomorrow.
He’s out of the Chelsea match for sure.
If he’s out for any significant amount of time, United’s done.
Arsenal start an unfit Fabregas and Gallas
Seriously risky stuff from Arsene tonight.
by LiamP on Mar 31, 2010 1:19 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Wow
Arsenal are getting their shit pushed in. Barca should be 4-0 up at LEAST.
by LiamP on Mar 31, 2010 2:03 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm stunned
How the hell did they manage 2-2??? Unbelievable match.
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
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